Tag: #ContemporaryRomance

Posted in Book Tours

The Morning Glory Christmas Series

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Three cowboys.

Three Christmases.

One small town where love always finds a home.


The Cowboy’s Christmas Blessing

Morning Glory Christmas Book 1

by Shirleen Davies

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Small-Town Western Romance



🎄A heartfelt cowboy Christmas romance about second chances, small-town healing, and the power of love.🎄

 

He left her behind once. This Christmas, will love bring him home for good?

 

After six long years, two military deployments, and a grueling recovery from an IED blast, Zachary Caldwell is finally home in Morning Glory, Wyoming, and the Flying D Ranch. He never thought he’d see the snow-covered streets of his hometown again… or the woman whose heart he broke with nothing more than a phone call.

 

Julia Grant has spent years rebuilding her life. She finds comfort in her job as a nurse at Mercy Clinic, the cozy routines of the Morning Glory Inn, and the stability of her small town. But when Zach walks through her door just weeks before Christmas, old memories and deeper feelings come rushing back.

 

She once dreamed of a future with him. Marriage. Family. A love that stays.

But dreams don’t always survive war, distance, and silence.

 

As Zach confronts the truth about his past, including the reason his parents abandoned him, Julia must decide if she’s willing to risk her heart a second time. Can she believe in him again when he’s still learning how to believe in himself?

 

Set against a backdrop of twinkling lights, blizzards, and heartwarming holiday traditions, The Cowboy’s Christmas Blessing is a clean, wholesome contemporary western romance about healing, forgiveness, and finding your way back to the one who never left your heart.

 

Amazon * Universal Link * Bookbub * Goodreads

 

The Cowboy’s Christmas Gift

Morning Glory Christmas Book 2


🎄A heartfelt later in life cowboy Christmas romance about second chances, small-town healing, and the power of love.🎄

Clean and wholesome contemporary western romance.

The Snowstorm Was Just the Beginning

Victoria Palmer hadn’t expected to spend Christmas in a town so small it barely made her GPS. But after a painful divorce and the betrayal of a husband now living with someone half her age, her twin sons insisted she escape the glitz of Beverly Hills for the snowy calm of Morning Glory, Wyoming. One snowstorm, two missed turns, and a very arrogant cowboy later, Victoria settles herself at the Morning Glory Inn—cold, flustered, and anything but merry.

Gabe Dupree never expected a spoiled city woman to march into his family’s inn, insult his hospitality, and throw his quiet December into disarray. A widower devoted to his daughter and his ranch, Gabe made peace with solitude years ago. But Victoria’s arrival brings disruption—and a spark he never thought he’d feel again.

As snow blankets the Wyoming landscape and the town gears up for its Christmas festivities, Victoria and Gabe are forced into each other’s paths more often than either prefers. Between tense encounters and accidental heart-to-hearts, they begin to uncover the hurt and longing hidden beneath their defenses.

Sometimes love doesn’t come wrapped in ribbons. Sometimes, it rides in on a snowstorm.

Neither are in Morning Glory looking for love, but sometimes the best gifts come when you least expect them—wrapped not in ribbons, but in second chances.

The Cowboy’s Christmas Gift is Book 2 in the Morning Glory Christmas series—a sweet, later in life, contemporary western romance full of holiday charm, second chances, and heartfelt family moments. Perfect for readers who love small-town Christmas romance, slow-burn love stories, and strong, swoon-worthy cowboys. Guaranteed HEA.

 

Amazon * Universal Link * Bookbub * Goodreads



The Cowboy’s Christmas Surprise

Morning Glory Christmas Book 3



Clean and wholesome contemporary western romance.

🎄A heartfelt cowboy Christmas romance about small-town healing and the power of love.🎄

Snowstorms, Secrets… and an Unexpected Family Christmas

Ethan Webster thought he had everything figured out—thriving career in Denver, a sleek loft, and weekends on the ski slopes. But one phone call from Italy changes everything. His sister and brother-in-law are gone, and their three young children need him now more than ever. Leaving the city behind, Ethan returns to Morning Glory, Wyoming—a snowy, small-town haven tucked into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Back in the hometown he never thought he’d live in again, Ethan leans on the one person he’s always trusted. Makayla Dupree. A dedicated veterinarian and lifelong friend, Makayla once taught him to ride horses and stood up for him when no one else would. This Christmas, she’s standing by him once again… this time to support him through his grief.

As the town sparkles with Christmas lights and the scent of pine fills the air, Ethan finds comfort in Makayla’s quiet strength, and sees her in a way he never did before. Their bond has always been strong, but grief, responsibility, and the magic of the season spark something deeper. Something that looks a lot like love.

But navigating newfound feelings and unexpected responsibilities isn’t easy. With the children still mourning, and Ethan unsure about his future, will the season of miracles bring them together—or pull them apart?

The Cowboy’s Christmas Surprise is a clean and wholesome Christmas romance filled with heartfelt family moments, small-town charm, slow-burning love, and the promise of a surprise love. Perfect for fans of cowboy heroes, emotional reunions, and uplifting holiday reads. It is book three in the Morning Glory Christmas series and features a guaranteed happy ending.

 

Amazon * Universal Link * Bookbub * Goodreads

 


Shirleen Davies believes love stories are best served with a dash of grit, a few stumbles, and a whole lot of heart.

She writes contemporary and historical romance about everyday folks who don’t always get it right the first time, but keep trying anyway. Raised near the sunny coast of Southern California, Shirleen spent her childhood bouncing between the beach and her grandparents’ farm, where she learned that nothing beats the smell of fresh hay or the quiet wisdom of a rocking chair on a porch.

Armed with degrees from San Diego State University and the University of Maryland (plus an unofficial PhD in people-watching and life experience), she crafts emotionally rich stories filled with flawed, stubborn, hopeful characters who discover love where they least expect it.

When she’s not writing about cowboys, deputies, or the women strong enough to tame them, Shirleen enjoys life in a picturesque northern Arizona town with her husband. She’s the proud mom of two grown sons, still believes in happy endings, and is convinced that redemption is just one good story away.

Subscribe to Shirleen’s newsletter here: https://geni.us/signupSDnwslttr

 

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 


Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $20 giveaway!


Enter The Morning Glory Christmas Series Giveaway


Posted in Book Tours

The Icing on the Cake

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

The Icing on the Cake
Grace Worthington
(Love in Maple Falls)
Publication date: September 24th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports

Rule : Never fall for a hockey player. So why does my dating coach—who also happens to play hockey—make me want to break every rule I’ve set?

Neesha
It starts with one conversation with a stranger…and suddenly, everything changes.
He won’t tell me what he does for a living, and maybe that should be a red flag. But after the hardest year of my life, my new neighbor feels like a lifeline—calm, capable, and always there when I need him.

When he offers to be my dating coach, I tell myself it’s harmless. That he just wants to help.
But behind that cinnamon roll smile, he’s hiding something—and I’m starting to fall for him anyway.
I told myself we were just friends.
So why am I dreaming about kissing the one man I swore I’d never fall for?

Lucian
Keeping my hockey identity secret was supposed to be temporary—just long enough to figure out my next move with the girl next door.
There’s just one problem: she’s sworn off hockey players for good.
She asked me to help her fall for someone else and be her dating coach.
But I’m the one falling now.
And when she finds out who I really am, I might lose the only woman who’s ever made me want something more than the game.
I stopped pretending it was a fake date a long time ago.
But when our fun leads to feelings? That’s the icing on the cake.

Tropes in The Icing on the Cake

  • Cinnamon roll hero
  • Secret identity
  • Neighbor romance
  • Stars Hollow/Gilmore Girls vibe
  • Cupcake baker heroine
  • Handy hero who fixes things
  • Forced proximity
  • Practice dating / fake dating

The Icing on the Cake is a slow-burn, secret-identity hockey romance featuring a cinnamon roll hero who falls hard for the sweet cupcake baker next door.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“You need practice dating. I could help.” He shrugs. “No pressure. No commitment. Just proving it’s possible to have a good time with a friend.”

A friend—someone safe and harmless to my heart.

I stare at him. “You’re joking, right?”

“I wouldn’t joke about this. We could even go to a public place together if that makes you feel safer.”

Most guys would be focused on convincing me they’re fun or interesting, but Lucian’s defense is that he’s trustworthy.

And that’s my issue.

“Think about it,” he begins, not pressuring me at all. “You already know where I live. And with me, what you see is what you get—even when I’m sweaty and covered in sawdust—so there’s nowhere to go but up.”

I can’t tell him that seeing him sweaty and covered in sawdust was actually incredibly attractive.

I blink, stunned that he’s actually serious about this proposal. “Does this mean you’re my dating coach?”

“If you want me to be,” he says, studying my face. “Though I have to ask what exactly you think you need to practice—because from where I’m standing, you seem to have the basics covered.”

I let out a nervous laugh. “Are you kidding? I can barely string two coherent sentences together. Case in point: ‘Hi-ho’ was my greeting to you. No one wants to date the Seven Dwarfs.”

He tilts his head, considering this. “I don’t know. Snow White seemed pretty happy with them. And for the record, your ‘Hi-ho’ was actually kind of cute.”

“Well, I feel like I’ve forgotten how to make conversation that doesn’t revolve around cupcake orders,” I admit. “Besides, you probably have women lining up to go out with you.”

“Not really,” he says quietly, before looking back at me. “You want to know what dating a good man looks like? I could show you.”

My pulse skips a beat. “Show me how?”

“Well, we’re alone. We’ve got time now.” He pauses. “What if I gave you a quick demonstration, just so you know what to expect?”

Something flutters in my stomach. “A demonstration?”

“Just the basics. How a guy should treat you, what good conversation feels like, how to read the signals. Think of it as a preview of coming attractions.”

This is definitely not what my friends had in mind when they said to flirt with Lucian.

Or maybe it is.

“Okay,” I say before I think better of it. “Show me.”

He catches my gaze while my heart dives off a cliff.

“If this were a date,” he says, “the first thing I’d do is make sure you felt comfortable. That starts with eye contact.”

His gaze remains on mine, never wavering. “Most people are afraid to really look at someone, but eye contact is everything. It shows you’re present, that you’re interested in the person, not just waiting for your turn to talk.”

I find myself caught in his impossibly blue eyes, my heart beating wildly in my chest.

“Then, if the moment feels right…” He reaches toward me, his fingers brushing mine. “Small touches. Like this.”

I almost can’t breathe as he gently takes one of my hands.

“Most people rush through moments like these,” he says, his voice low. “But the small touches matter. They tell you everything.”

“Like what?”

“Like whether someone’s patient or impulsive.” His thumb starts stroking slowly over my skin. “Or whether they’re paying attention to how you respond.”

I swallow hard, failing to hide that I’m totally entranced by this.

“What else?” I ask, not even caring if this is real or not. I’m here to practice—to master the art of whatever this is between us.

He moves closer still. “Proximity,” he murmurs. “Letting someone into your space. Reading their response. And not moving away.”

He’s closer than ever now, and for one wild moment, I see him differently—not like someone I’m practicing with, but someone I’d actually want this to be real with.

“And then?” I ask, my voice barely audible.

His eyes graze down my face for just a second. The corner of his mouth quirks up. “And then…you always leave them wanting more.”

Author Bio:

Grace Worthington eats, breathes, and geeks out over sweet romcoms. So it’s no surprise that she believes that laughter and love are a cure-all for pretty much everything in life. After a short stint working in musical theatre (where she was often cast in comedic roles), she instills her books with witty banter, lovable characters, and a story that moves your heart and soul. Her inspiration includes quaint towns by the beach, romantic comedy movies from the ’80s & ’90s, and the crazy shenanigans of her family. Snag a free sweet romcom at graceworthington.com

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram


GIVEAWAY!

The Icing on the Cake Blitz

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Posted in Book Tours

Thanksgiving Overrules #CoverReveal

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Author Libby Kay has baked up another Pinegrove FD Romance!

Check out the yummy cover reveal!


Thanksgiving Overruled

A Pinegrove FD Novel Book 3

by Libby Kay

Genre: Contemporary Small-Town Firefighter Sapphic Romance



Everyone wants to hear those three little words during the holidays…

Where’s the casserole?!

Winnie Kerr wants to utter another three-word phrase to her girlfriend, but Thanksgiving has other plans. After spending far too much time on work, this legal eagle decides an impromptu road trip to visit her sister is the perfect time to tell her girlfriend she loves her. What could go wrong during a few days away from work, right?

Mari Balogh has a problem, she’s madly in love with her girlfriend and cannot get those three little words off her tongue. After being burned before from her unsupportive family and a string of bad breakups, this paralegal is guarded. She happily agrees on a road trip to Pinegrove, eager for the space to profess her affections. How hard can it be, right?

From a little trespassing and a kitchen nightmare to a surly cat and a series of misunderstandings, the road to I love you is rife with hiccups. Can these two find their way to happily ever after? Or will their relationship go up in a puff of sweet potato casserole scented smoke?

But Pinegrove has proven that love is never overruled!

Return to small-town Pinegrove, Georgia, the romantic setting of Libby Kay’s endearing novels, When Sparks Fly and Old Flames, as well as the 2026 novel about another of the hunky firemen in town. Don’t miss any of the action or romance!

 

**Releases Oct 28 – PreOrder Now!**

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads



When Sparks Fly

A Pinegrove FD Novel Book 1

**Only .99cents for a limited time!**

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

 

Old Flames

A Pinegrove FD Novel Book 2

**Releases Oct 7th – PreOrder Now!**

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

 


Libby Kay lives in the city in the heart of the Midwest with her husband. When she’s not writing, Libby loves reading romance novels of any kind. Stories of people falling in love nourish her soul. Contemporary or Regency, sweet or hot, as long as there is a happily ever after—she’s in love!

When not surrounded by books, Libby can be found baking in her kitchen, binging true crime shows, or on the road with her husband, traveling as far as their bank account will allow.

Libby cohosts the Romance Roundup podcast with Liz Donatelli where they recommend romance books and interview authors, influencers, and publishers. Check it out for your weekly dose of romance!

 

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 


Follow the reveal HERE for special content and a $10 giveaway!


Thanksgiving Overruled Cover Reveal


Posted in Book Tours

The Black Aces MC

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

She’s trouble.

I like a bit of trouble. 


The Black Aces MC

by S Courtney

Genre: Contemporary MC Romance



CUPID
I’ve lost everyone I’ve ever loved
My first love put the last nail in the coffin
I’ll never express that emotion again

Then I minced words with the wrong waitress
I thought she would scurry off, but she stood her ground, cursed me out, and demanded I thank her!

She’s the firecracker trying to spark that emotion I burned, cursed, and buried deep within me.
She’s trouble.
I like a bit of trouble.

 

Amazon * Apple * Bookbub * Goodreads

 



S Courtney is a romance author whose motto is “Love Worth Dying For” There’s always a little (lot) of bloodshed for the happily ever after/for now. Her love of writing began in middle school after hours writing until bedtime letting her imagination run wild.

With that imagination she has created her paranormal series, the Bound Series with strong but caring Alphas and independent women with big ambitions and a little magic! And a look inside the tough job of reaping souls to the Underworld in Sandman.

She also tapped into the dark world of motorcycle clubs and the secret life of an mercenary with a curiosity.

She looks forward to writing into other tropes, such as even darker romance, mafia, and sweet almost insta-love.

 

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 



Follow the tour HERE for special content and a  $20 giveaway!


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Posted in Book Tours

Guardian of Misty Mountain: An Ex-Military/Shy Heroine Romance

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

I came back to my hometown of Misty Mountain, Colorado five years ago with a scar on my face and a head full of excruciating memories. My time in the Marines tossed me around, chewed me up, and tried to swallow me whole.

I moved further and further up the mountain until I damn near reached the top. Now, I stand guard, watching over the people with minimal interaction. Public spaces make my skin crawl. Crowds cause blinding migraines and panic attacks. It’s best for everyone that I keep my distance. Until one fateful trip into town.

A flash of dark reddish-brown hair catches my eye while I’m out on a rare supply run in Misty Mountain. I can’t explain it, but I need to be closer to her. Almost without my permission, my feet move forward, following the woman’s sweet scent and even sweeter curves.

Who is she? Why is she so jumpy? What secrets lie just beneath her golden eyes and soft freckles? How long has she been here, waiting for me to come to senses and scoop her up?

I don’t intend to waste any more time. Whatever it takes, I’ll make her mine.

***

What to expect from a Cameron Hart book: Curvy heroines, protective alphas, lots of heat, and plenty of sweet. No cheating, safe, guaranteed HEA!

***
The small Colorado town of Misty Mountain appears to be a peaceful, perfect haven. Beneath the surface, however, it’s brimming with secrets, love, and undeniable chemistry. Get ready for steamy encounters at the rustic Hollow Tree Inn, forbidden rendezvous under Whispering Falls, strangers with dark histories, and locals with unspoken desires. In Misty Mountain, love isn’t just complicated—it’s downright explosive. Join 12 of your favorite contemporary romance authors for this steamy mountain man series!

MafiaWife
3.0 out of 5 stars Her guardian mountain man
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2025
She has recently moved to town, and works at the little bookstore. He is back home on the mountain after serving in the Marines. He came home, a little scarred and a little damaged and spent most of his time alone. When in town on one of his supply runs, he sees her he can’t help but talk to her before he fleas back to his solitude. But she is intrigued and decides to take him a care package. They have both been hurt by the past, but recognize in each other, the possibility of a future. This is a short story format. It is a very quick read with a great extended epilogue. If you are looking for a quick and satisfying bite of romance, this is a great selection. You get a damaged hero, who is still rocking a hot mountain man body, a sweet, curvy FMC, tenderness, some steamy spice, and I feel good happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.