Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Lexi Blake - At Your Service cover reveal

New York Time bestselling author Lexi Blake brings us the cover for AT YOUR SERVICE, the next book in the Masters and Mercenaries: Topped series releasing on November 14th!

     

Juliana O’Neil’s promising future was burned away in the heat of battle. She had been an officer with a bright future in the military, but now she is struggling to survive. Her husband gone and her career in shambles, she finds a job at Top as a hostess and tries to put together the pieces of her life. The last thing she needs is any kind of male attention, but she can’t help but be amused at her neighbor and coworker’s lothario antics. Not that she would have anything to do with him, at least not for more than one night. Javier Leones doesn’t understand monogamy. No woman could ever be enough for his endless libido, but he has to admit Juliana has his attention. For reasons he doesn’t fully understand, he can’t seem to get the gorgeous redhead with the sad eyes out of his head. After one scorching night together, he realizes he’ll never be able to get her out of his system. But with his reputation, he fears she’ll never see him as more than a one-night stand. When their passions collide, these new lovers will be forced to confront Juliana’s past and come to terms with Javier’s present. Will they find their way or will this reservation be canceled at the last minute?  

Click to pre-order!

Amazon | iBooks | Google Play | Barnes & Noble

Smashwords and Kobo: Coming Soon!

             
NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Heidi McLaughlin - Sexcation review

Title: Sexcation
Author: Heidi McLaughlin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 24, 2017
He’s British.
She’s American. 
They meet on vacation. 
And agree to fake name each other. 
One is lying about everything. 
The other is telling the truth. 
They’re about to embark on a sexcation.
But what happens when it’s over?



"Heidi McLaughlin does it again with this delightfully sexy read. Sexcation lines its chapters with rich character development, sex that doesn't have you skipping pages, witty banter/plot and belly laughs for days. These characters have jumped from the story and straight into my heart. 5 sweet yet sinful stars!" - K.Pinson, Author of Between the Raindrops

"With a sexy, British-accented hero & a tropical setting that had me longing for the beach, Sexcation is the perfect fictional getaway." - USA Today Best Selling Author, Cindi Madsen

"A sexy vacation romance perfect for your next summer read!" - Sarah Robinson, Best Selling Author of NUDES

"A book that kept a smile on face the whole time. I fell in love from the first word and couldn't stop reading till the end." - Natasha Madison, Best Selling Author

"The sexy as sin vacation we all dream about! Heidi McLaughlin does it again with Sexcation, a steamy read turned epic romance that will leave you rooting for that happy ending. Five sizzling stars!" - Best Selling Author, Amy Briggs


My Review

I LOVED this story. I was quickly consumed by Jade and Jackson! I truly did not want to put this book down.  They were complete strangers but 1000% attracted to each other and their chemistry was off the charts! This book is sexy, sweet, fun and all around awesome!

"And now that man is standing in the shared balcony space as I am, and for the life of me, I can't take my eyes off him."

And so it begins ... these two people are single, on vacation, so why not spend all their time together?! What started out as a way to avoid triplets, Tuffy, Buffy and Muffy, ended up being a vacation they would never forget. They are pulled toward each other and it was absolutely delicious. Jade thinks Jackson wouldn't be attracted to her in her normal life. Being in an exotic location brings out her creativity and starts the pretending. However, Jackson is truly attracted to her (vacation or not) and treats her like a queen. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other (as much as they would allow the truth to come out) however, they couldn't fake what activities they enjoyed doing or things they liked eating. It may have started out as fake, but emotions can't be ignored. I don't want to say too much to give this story away, as I believe it's better to be read without too much knowledge of what's to come. I enjoyed the twists and turns this story took and how things overlapped. This book brought all the feels and left me with a book hangover. Be prepared for Jackson to become your newest book boyfriend! Hurry! Run, go grab this AMAZING book today! 




I laugh and find myself tempted by her hand, which sits on the metal table. After our impromptu snogging session, Jade put on a nice little sundress which has my imagination running wild and some strappy sandals. Her toes are painted a turquoise blue. I found it a little weird at first; normally I see reds or pinks on toes, but rarely a blue colour. I quite like it. I like it a lot. In fact, I’ve yet to find something about this woman I don’t like. 
“And yet, you didn’t. I came over and kissed you. You could’ve punched me, kicked me in the nuts, or groped me. I’m grateful you let me kiss you the way I did.”
She blushes again. “Why did you? I’m sure there are other, more beautiful women at the resort that would’ve been happy to oblige you.”
“But then I wouldn’t be here with my pretend wife, trying to get to know more about her.”
Her eyes don’t waver from mine as she takes a sip of her cocktail. “Do you really want to get to know me?”
“The fake you, yes. I don’t want to get cornered by one of the triplets and not know my facts.”
“Are they in fact, triplets?”
I shake my head. “I haven’t got a bloody clue, to be honest with you. Fake tits all look the same at the end of the day.”
Her mouth falls open into a sexy little O and images of other ways I can make that happen pop straight into mind. “I named them Muffy, Tuffy, and Buffy. The names seemed fitting,” she says with a shrug. 
I crack the fuck up. “Then that is what we’ll call them until they leave.”
“Do you know when that is? Or what room they’re in?”
I lean over the table and pick her hand up. “They leave after us, and no, I don’t, thank goodness. I don’t care either. I made you a promise and I always keep my promises.” I bring her hand to my lips and let them linger against her skin until a passer-by makes a comment about us being in love. 
Not love, lust though, and I couldn’t be happier that I chose her to be my distraction this week. When I finally let go of her hand, she picks up her drink and finishes it. 
“Want another one?” I ask, already standing by the time she nods. I lean down and kiss the top of her head, inhaling the scent of her shampoo. The smell of grapefruit assaults my senses, making my heart race. I groan as I walk into the restaurant. I could’ve easily waited for the waitress to come back to us, but I needed to step away from Jade for a minute. She’s fucking deadly with her innocent façade and I have a strong reason to believe I’m going to fall victim to her and love every minute of it. 
When I walk out, there’s a bloke talking to her as if it’s an everyday occurrence. I have never been jealous of any man until now. The pure rage I feel, watching him talk to my pretend wife almost takes over my body, yet I find the will to let it go. Who am I to stand in the way of her potential hook-ups?





Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.
When she's isn't writing one of the many stories planned for release, you'll find her sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games.
Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, will be in theaters on October 27, 2017, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe.



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Harper Sloan Announcement : Corp Security Kindle World Launch

  It's not secret that the Corps Security and Hope Town crew are close to my heart. Not only did they begin it all, but they've continued to steal my soul since book 1. Because of this, I couldn't be more excited that some of my favorite authors in the world have joined in to give them a new and exciting breath. With them and these new stories, we get to jump back in with some of our favorite cast and crew. You never really know what you'll get, but one things certain, you'll be within the world we all know and love while enjoying a little sexiness from their own worlds. It's got me so excited, I can't handle it! I hope you all enjoy this next step with the new Kindle Worlds branch; Corps Security in Hope Town COMING SEPTEMBER 26! Love, Harper

  JB Salsbury – Fighting For Honor New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author JB Salsbury brings her Fighting series to Harper Sloan’s Hope Town in this Kindle Worlds exclusive, Fighting for Honor. UFL fighter Caleb hasn’t been to Hope Town since he was eighteen. His next big fight takes place in Atlanta and the serene lakefront home from his childhood is the perfect place to train without distractions. Until he stumbles downstairs to find a woman in his house. He’s met her before, and he’s never forgotten. Honor was raised by her grandfather, Crazy Colonel Cartwright. Ostracized at a young age she was an outcast. Combined with her awkward personality and she became the local bully’s favorite plaything. Honor and Caleb come face-to-face and feelings from fourteen years ago come rushing back—not all of them good. She prefers to remain unknown, but she’s seen in public with the world’s most talked about fighter and thrust into a national spotlight that catches the attention of her childhood tormentors. And they aren’t finished with her yet.

  Felicia Lynn: How To Breathe I can’t go back to the man I was any more than I can forget the memories locked inside me. Few men qualified for the mission and even fewer were willing to accept the required life sentence. Counting the days, good and bad, I exist as the world keeps spinning. There’s a price to pay for a life with a greater purpose, but the healing of time is a damn liar. I’m supposed to be a dead man, and the silence couldn’t be more deafening. Even though I could never look back, I thought I’d taken enough out of that life to carry me forward. The success of the mission was meant to give the tragedy of my life meaning, but I’ve been stuck in this wreckage of my past . . . until now. One look into her eyes disarms me. These walls I’ve built shouldn’t break on their own, but they crumble whenever she’s near. I’ve spent years waiting for a reason to breathe again, and now that I have her within reach, I’m not sure I can keep her. Is it possible to find both the missing piece of my soul and the remedy to my healing in one set of bright green eyes?    

  JM Walker: For You Brogan Tapp tries to be strong. Guilt and fear that the man she loves will fall within himself and not know how to find his way out, haunts her. Coby Porter vows not to let the demons in his mind take over. He plans a trip to save his relationship, once and for all. Hope Town, Georgia is the saving grace for their love, before the nightmares consume them both.    

   SR Watson – Deliverance
Bleu Loren
  My life has never been my own. I've always been a rule follower—the obedient girl who always did what she was told. I played the part given to me and got engaged to the man my parents set me up with. He was supposed to be my Prince Charming. He promised me a happily ever after, only he delivered a nightmare instead. Now I'm on the run. No money. No plan. Just freedom. How ironic is it that my desperate escape lands me in a place called Hope Town? I lost hope a long time ago.
Beau Rivers Lair
I'm a manwhore. It's a known fact and exactly how I like it. I make my own rules and live without expectations. Returning to Hope Town to help the woman who raised me with her restaurant meant my past was here to greet me, but I refuse to allow the mirage of possibilities to engulf me a second time around. I don't believe in love or fairy-tale endings. There's lust, and there's screwing. I don't have time for anyone or anything outside of these two principles. There is no hope for me. Accept it or not ... you've been warned!    

  Somethin’ Bad by Cat Mason Tequila can make a woman do somethin’ stupid. Somethin’ bad… After celebrating my birthday with my best friends turns into the most embarrassing night of my life, the last thing I expected was to see him walk into my bakery. The sexy smile on his face lets me know that he has no intention of letting me off the hook either. He doesn’t want an apology or an explanation. He wants me. The way Matt Hudson crashes into my life and bosses me around as if he has known me all my life is frustrating. What’s even worse is the power he has to bring me to my knees with the flash of one his panty-melting smiles. He steals my control without even trying. Makes me want. Makes me need. Even when my life begins to unravel right before my eyes, there is a part of me hoping that the man my friends have dubbed Hunk P.D. may be something good to come out of all my heartache.  

 

   

The entire Corps Security series is together for a limited time box set. Years after the Marines brought them together, the men of Corps Security are together again. These six novels follow their lives as they take a chance at love. Can love truly conquer all? From broken souls to broken hearts, they all will find out if they'll get their second chance at happily ever afters and that love really is worth fighting for.

 **Warning** These books are intended for a mature reading audience and aren't suitable for younger readers. There are some mild scenes of abuse that happen outside of the relationship of the H/h in some of the books.

  AMAZON | iBooks      

harper1Harper is a NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL and USA TODAY bestselling author residing in Georgia with her husband and three daughters. She has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books, hibachi, tattoos and Game of Thrones. When she isn't writing you can almost always find her with a book in hand.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

1,001 Dark Nights Bundle Eleven review

   

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Eleven, brought to you by 1001 Dark Nights. Introducing Discovery Authors Meghan March and Jessica Scott, the Bundle contains 6 novellas, including novellas from New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Kristen Proby, Elisabeth Naughton, Laura Kaye, and Donna Grant! Grab your copy of this incredible bundle today!

   

About 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Eleven:

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Kristen Proby, Elisabeth Naughton, Laura Kaye, Donna Grant, and introducing Meghan March and Jessica Scott.

Six Dark Tales. Six Sensual Stories. Six Page Turners.

EASY FOR KEEPS: A Boudreaux Novella by Kristen Proby Adam Spencer loves women. He’s comfortable with his lifestyle and sees no reason to change it. Sarah Cox has just moved to New Orleans, having accepted a position as a social worker. It’s a demanding, sometimes dangerous job, but Sarah can handle just about anything that comes at her, even the attentions of one sexy Adam Spencer. But the more time she spends with the enchanting man, the more he begins to sway her into believing in forever.
UNCHAINED: An Eternal Guardians Novella by Elisabeth Naughton For thousands of years, Prometheus’s only certainty was his daily torture at Zeus’s hand. Now, unchained by the Eternal Guardians, he spends his days in solitude, trying to forget the past. He’s vowed no allegiance in the war between mortal and immortal, but when a beautiful maiden seeks him out and begs for his help, he’s once again powerless to say no. Soon, Prometheus is drawn into the very conflict he swore to avoid.
HARD TO SERVE: A Hard Ink Novella by Laura Kaye When Internal Affairs investigates Detective Kyler Vance as part of the new police commissioner’s bid to oust corruption, everything is on the line. Mia Breslin’s career is golden. Now if only she could find a man to dominate her nights and set her body—and her heart—on fire. When a scorching scene with a hard-bodied, brooding Dom at Blasphemy promises just that, Mia is lured to serve Kyler again and again.
DRAGON FEVER: A Dark Kings Novella by Donna Grant Rachel Marek intends to expose the truth about dragons to the world – and her target is within sight. Nothing matters but getting the truth, especially not the ruggedly handsome, roguishly thrilling Highlander who oozes danger and charm. Asher is more than just a man. He’s a Dragon King – a being who has roamed this planet since the beginning of time. With everything on the line, Asher must choose to trust an enemy in the form of an all too alluring woman whose tenacity and passion captivate him.
BENEATH THESE SHADOWS by Meghan March The only permanent thing in my life is the ink I put on my clients. I drift from city to city, in and out of beds, from one tattoo shop to the next. Every time I start to put down roots, I rip them up. Until New Orleans. Until her. She’s everything I’m not. Full of fire and life. An innocent where I’m a sinner. I want to consume her. Protect her. Keep her. But first, I have to escape from beneath these shadows.
BEFORE I FALL: A Falling Novel by Jessica Scott Beth Lamont knows too much about the harsh realities of life. She’ll do whatever it takes to take care of her father, even if that means tutoring a guy like Noah. Noah Warren doesn’t know how to be a student. All he knows is war. But he’s going to college now to fulfill a promise and he doesn’t break his promises. Except he doesn’t count on his tutor being drop dead gorgeous.  

Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.

 

Experience the 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Eleven Here…

     

Grab your copy today!

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CAN | Amazon AU

       
My Review

Ahhhh! I loved these reads!  I love the variety in the stories and reading favorite authors and discovering new ones. So, (hanging head in shame) I've purchased Kristen Proby's books and follow her on social media, but this was the first book of hers I've actually had a chance to read. And whew boy! I LOVED it! I was quickly sucked into Adam and Sarah's world and devoured this read. I'm looking forward to hitting my TBR list where her books currently live for me!
Unchained wouldn't have been a book that I would have reached for on my own, but I actually really enjoyed it and got lost in Prometheus’s world.  He was smitten by Circe and he was willing to risk everything for her.  It was a sweet story and also a power struggle between gods.  It was interesting and held my attention.
Hard to Serve was a reread for me, as I love everything Laura Kaye! I enjoyed getting to see Kyler Vance again.  He's seriously sexy and this story is HOT HOT HOT! This story is sweet, sassy, sexy, maddening and ALL THE FEELS! The world of Blasphemy is a great one to get lost in! This book sets up the series nicely and it's just so good!
Dragon Fever was verrrrry interesting and I want more from Donna Grant! I loved this story and was completely sucked into the world of bourbon and dragons. Rachel is thrown into a world she never expected, but she also never expected a man like Asher. I thoroughly enjoyed their story and didn't want it to end.
Beneath These Shadows was also a reread for me. I love Megan March's alpha males! Bishop is so hot and Eden knocks him off his feet! He has gotten to the point that he is immune to the woman who come into his shop, but there's something about her that lures him in.  He finds himself rescuing her and helping her find her way in her new city.  Eden is on the run from something even she is unsure of.  I love the way Megan's writing pulls you into the characters' lives and keeps you guessing. The romance is in the forefront and the things you don't see coming keep the readers on their toes, waiting to see what's next! I love the relationship between Eden and Bishop and watching her friendship with the women in Bish's life also grow.  Hang on to your seats, it's a bumpy ride!
This was the first Jessica Scott book I had ever read and I really enjoyed it.  I was completely sucked into Beth and Noah's story.  It was heartbreaking, sad but Beth was resilient. She had been given a shitty hand and was making the most of it.  Noah came along when she wasn't looking for it and she didn't know how to depend on anyone to help her.  And he was there by her side. I wasn't sure how things would pan out but I was definitely captivated by them and really enjoyed this read!
These were a great set of stories and if you like variety, I highly recommend them!

About the 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Eleven Authors-

Kristen Proby was born and raised in a small resort town in her beloved Montana. In her mid-twenties, she decided to stretch her wings and move to the Pacific Northwest, where she made her home for more than a dozen years. During that time, Kristen wrote many romance novels and joined organizations such as RWA and other small writing groups. She spent countless hours in workshops, and more mornings than she can count up before the dawn so she could write before going to work. She submitted many manuscripts to agents and editors alike, but was always told no. In the summer of 2012, the self-publishing scene was new and thriving, and Kristen had one goal: to publish just one book. It was something she longed to cross off of her bucket list. Not only did she publish one book, she’s since published close to thirty titles, many of which have hit the USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists. She continues to self publish, best known for her With Me In Seattle and Boudreaux series, and is also proud to work with William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins, with the Fusion Series. Kristen and her husband, John, make their home in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana with their two pugs and two cats.

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Elisabeth Naughton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. From Elisabeth: “I was never one of those people who knew they wanted to be an author at the age of six. I didn’t have imaginary friends. I didn’t write stories in my journal or entertain my relatives by firelight after Thanksgiving dinner. For the most part, I was just a normal, everyday kid. I liked to read, but I wasn’t exceptional at it. And when my teachers complimented me on my writing abilities, I brushed them off. I did, however, always have a penchant for the unique and absurd. And as my mother told me all throughout my childhood, I should have been an actress—I was a drama queen before my time. “Years ago, my husband bought me Scarlett: The Sequel to Gone With The Wind. If you ever saw the book, you know it’s a long one. I sat and read that thing from cover to cover, and dreamed of one day being a writer. But I didn’t actually try my hand at writing until years later when I quit my teaching job to stay home with my kids. And my husband? After that week of reading where I neglected him and everything else until I finished Scarlett, he vowed never to buy me another book again. Little did he know I’d one day end up sitting at a keyboard all day drafting my own stories. “My writing journey has not been easy. I didn’t just sit down one day, decide I was going to write a book and voila! sell my very first attempt. As most authors will probably agree, the path to publication is filled with hours of work, pulling all-nighters I thought I’d given up in college, sacrifices, rejections, but a love I discovered along the way I just can’t live without. Instead of a big, thick book to read by lamplight (I do read much smaller ones when I get the chance), I’ve traded in my reading obsession for a laptop. And I’ve never been happier. “I’m one of the lucky ones. I have a wonderful family and fabulous husband who put up with my writing—and obsessive personality—even when life is chaotic. More than once my kids have been late to swimming or baseball because I needed just five more minutes to finish a scene. Their support and encouragement mean the world to me. I also have amazing friends and a support network I couldn’t survive without. So to all of you out there who have encouraged me along the way, sent me emails and fan letters, phone calls and congratulations, I just want to say, thank you. You make this whole writing gig that much more enjoyable. I truly wouldn’t be here without you.”

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Laura Kaye is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in contemporary and erotic romance and romantic suspense, including the Blasphemy, Hard Ink, and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. Laura also writes historical fiction as the NYT bestselling author, Laura Kamoie. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.      

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Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae. She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.    

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Jessica Scott is the USA Today bestselling author of novels set in the heart of America's Army. She is an active duty army officer, a veteran of the Iraq war, is the mother of two daughters, far too many animals, and wife to a retired NCO. She has written for the New York Times At War blog, War on the Rocks, PBS Point of View Women and War and has been featured in Esquire Magazine as an American of the Year in 2012. She has compiled two nonfiction projects about her time in Iraq and the return home. She has recently completed a PhD in sociology from Duke University and also holds a a Master’s Degree in Sociology from Duke University, a Masters Degree in Telecom Management from University of Maryland University College, BA in Cultural Studies from State University of New York and an Associates Degree from Central Texas College. She's been featured as one of Esquire Magazine's Americans of the Year for 2012. Learn More at http://www.jessicascott.net

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    A USA Today bestselling author of over fifteen novels, Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She’s also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she’s ever had.      

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Saturday, August 26, 2017

Kayti McGee - That Thing You Do review

"Kayti McGee reigns queen of romantic comedy!”
—Julie Johnson
"McGee charms readers...endearing...touching."
—Publishers Weekly





That Thing You Do
By Kayti McGee
Kayti McGee is already known for her romantic comedy novels that sparkle with wit and charm. Readers are drawn to her sassy heroines and laugh out loud plotlines. In her newest, THAT THING YOU DO (August 29, 2017; St. Martin’s Paperbacks) three friends make a pact in high school that states that none of the girls will marry unless each one agrees with the match. Years later, Greta and her two BFFs test the extent of this pact with Jon, the hottest new DJ who just happened to be at
her sister’s wedding.

Greta is always the bridesmaid - and that's fine with her. She has no desire to date after a bad relationship left her reeling. Her friends aren't having that, though, and after yet another wedding, she finds herself being set up with the DJ. Deciding to save herself the trouble of an inevitable breakup, Greta orchestrates a series of fake dates designed to trick her friends into thinking she's putting herself out there. But Jon has plans of his own, and she never counted on the sparks that fly between
them. Can a girl who doesn't believe in love find it in the least likely place of all?

With the heart and sass of a Susan Elizabeth Phillips novel and the humor and sexiness of bestseller Alice Clayton, THAT THING YOU DO has all the elements of a great romantic comedy including plenty of wedding mischief, just in time for wedding season!

About the Author
Kayti McGee is a Kansas City native who now calls Colorado home. When she isn't writing, she's making up recipes to go with her favorite books.

THAT THING YOU DO
By Kayti McGee
Published by St. Martin’s Paperbacks
**On Sale August 29, 2017**
Mass Market Paperback | $7.99
ISBN: 9781250086501| Ebook ISBN: 9781250086518

For more information or to set up an interview with the author, contact:
Brittani Hilles at brittani.hilles@stmartins.com or 646-307-5558


My Review

I enjoy Kayti's books so when I had the chance to review her newest release I jumped on it! I enjoyed how these girls' friendships had lasted through the years and they were still thick as thieves. Amy, Summer and Greta knew their families and knew the history they had with the opposite sex. While they were also looking out for each other, Amy and Summer took it upon themselves to push Greta into going out with Jon.  While she was attracted to him, she also didn't want to date. So she agreed to fake dating him.  
Greta is still figuring herself out and figuring out what she really wants to do in life. She loves being a nanny for Mina, but she knows it can't last forever, too.  While they're fake dating, real emotions get involved for Greta and Jon.  He has to walk on eggshells around her because of her views on relationships. I was cheering her on and hoped he would help her see that he truly adored her and wanted to be with her.  Kayti brings the reader on the ups and down in Greta's life. There was something that I absolutely didn't see coming and I felt for all involved (I really don't want to give it away to you). I enjoyed this read and was held captive by Greta and Jon, even though there were times where I wanted to knock her upside the head! Get with the program, Greta!  But I found myself laughing at the things she did to fake date and I loved how Jon was with her.  Jon and her friends were her support when she needed it. This was an all-around good read and I recommend it! 


Prologue

Greta was fifteen when she made the first pact, hud- dled under the old gazebo with Amy and Summer. Old enough to be considering the future, and making plans accordingly. Young enough to never seriously consider the ramifications of sticking to them. Even if some passing stranger had warned her what a hassle she was setting herself up for, she would have ignored it. They were all secure in themselves, in their foresight—and certainly knew better than to trust anyone over thirty, anyway.
The Sweetheart Dance had not gone well for the three of them, and so they had retreated to the sanctu- ary behind Greta’s house. Summer had pulled a stolen wine cooler out of her sequin-encrusted bag and was passing warm, sticky sips around. Amy’s earlier sobs had quieted to hiccups, hardly audible over the cool February rain.
 “We could egg Tommy’s house if you wanted,” Greta offered, but the drizzle and their lethargy over- ruled it.
“Don’t even say that guy’s name.” That from Summer, who was visibly pleased to find the attention was finally off of her lack of date for the evening’s event—again.
“How could he do this to me? We’re in love!” Amy wiped fresh tears with the hem of her pink dress. They comforted her as best they could, the rest of them hav- ing yet to suffer their first teenage heartbreak. Greta suspected that Amy was enjoying her newfound world- liness, just the tiniest bit. But dumped in front of the whole school? The sheer humiliation her friend had endured made Greta shudder.
“It wasn’t Tommy’s idea, you know that.” Greta took another swig of the sugary drink. It was their favorite flavor, margarita. Years later, when they tasted real margaritas for the first time, they made another pact— never to speak of their wine cooler days.
“He shouldn’t have gone along with it, even if it was entirely Lindsey’s plan. He doesn’t care about either one of you. He just thought he had a better chance of getting past second base with her. Tommy is a grade- A asshole.” Summer had grabbed the bottle then and handed it to Amy, having recalled that women in Victo- rian novels often required a bracing drink of ladylike booze after a shock. Amy took the bottle gratefully.
“It didn’t matter what he thought he was getting out of it. Asking Amy to Sweetheart and then showing up with Lindsey instead was a heartless move. He’s heartless,” Greta repeated, fairly pleased with her assessment.
“He isn’t heartless, though! You should see some of the notes he writes me.” Amy fumbled in her clutch for a tissue. And one of the notes. She kept her favor- ites with her at all times.
The girls assured her that they had seen all of the notes, repeatedly, and that they had long suspected he was copying down lines from his mother’s romance novels. She was not inclined to believe it. It seemed that she was already making her plans to win Tommy back, and punish Lindsey in the process.
“It’s better to have loved and lost, though, isn’t it?” Summer had retrieved a second wine cooler and was feeling rather poetic. “At least you’ve been kissed.”
“Oh, I haven’t lost him. We are going to get back together, after a long and groveling apology. On my sweet sixteen, he’ll give me a promise ring. After be- ing crowned king and queen of prom, I’ll give him my virginity in a bed of rose petals. He’ll propose during Christmas break of our senior year at Golden Gate and we’re getting married before we start law school. We are going to get married!” Amy’s face was all but glowing by the time she’d recounted the familiar plans. She hadn’t gotten around to telling Tommy about them yet, but she wouldn’t have to. He would just know what to do, she’d reassured her friends.
“Marriage isn’t all it’s cracked up to be,” Greta re- minded them. During the moment they were silent, considering, they could hear her father yelling from the house, even over the pitter-pat of raindrops.
“But if you marry the right one, the one you’re meant to be with, it’s like heaven.” Greta had long since stopped rolling her eyes at Summer’s old-fashioned view of the world. She’d learn soon enough, so to tell her so in advance would have been mean. Amy agreed with Summer, of course.
“How do you even know, though? Like, doesn’t everyone think they are marrying the right one? Other- wise why would you say yes?” Greta asked. They pondered, the truth of her words settling over them like the fog they had grown so accustomed to in the Bay.
It was Amy who had the answer. She had all the answers to everything, as she loved to remind them.
“The people who know you best. They know better than you do, most of the time.” She set down the dregs of her bottle and clasped their hands. The picture was suddenly clear. Just like her friends knew her best. Her friends, who had been gently encouraging a break-up for the past whole entire month. “I’m not going to marry Tommy, am I? Because even though I’m com- pletely love-struck, you guys know it’s a bad idea to get back together with him. You tell me this stuff, even though I don’t want to hear it.” Resilience was another one of her self-described best qualities. The deep love she had felt for Tommy just moments before was al- ready starting to fade into a distant memory.
“That’s what sisters are for,” Summer reminded them. Despite no actual blood relationship, they had considered themselves sisters since meeting in Mrs. Fischer’s second grade class. That was one thing that never changed. It’s why they kept their promise, de- spite each of them cursing it at one time or another.
“My dad didn’t used to be like this. He used to be happy, when we were little. You really think my mom’s friends knew things would end up this way, with him throwing things and screaming and her too stupid to leave before he hits her?” Greta could feel her face set- ting so she didn’t tear up.
“I think he probably talked her out of having friends besides him a long time ago, G. Otherwise, yes, they’d be here now.” Even Summer understood the gravity of this conversation long enough to stop Austenizing. “My mom married the wrong guy too, obviously. By the time he walked out on us, he’d driven her friends off years before. Now the only friends she has are the guys she goes out with every freaking night of the week.”
“Statistically, arranged marriages are some of the most successful. If you take lust out of the equation, the people who know you best recommending a part- ner that suits you best is a pretty smart way to go.” Amy always used statistics, even though she knew her friends thought she made half of them up. She did, but they were one hundred percent too lazy to fact-check her, and that stat was real.
“That’s not very romantic, though.” Summer, of course. “What about love?”
“But I love you guys, and we aren’t romantic. Some- times just getting to know someone intimately leads to love,” Greta said, eyes cast down so no one would see her admit she still believed in love in any form, after watching her father burn things down so often.
“Seriously look at us, you guys. I got dumped in front of the whole school. Summer couldn’t find a date up to her standards, because Summer has never once found a date to be up to her standards. Greta, you’ve been going to every event we’ve been invited to since we were seven—with Michael.”
“What’s wrong with Michael?” she asked. Amy re- minded her that he was her first cousin, and certainly gay even if they lived in a state that condoned such relationships. Greta shrugged. It was a fair point.
“Honestly, I don’t think I would ever marry anyone you guys didn’t one hundred percent approve of.” Summer met the girls’ eyes in turn. Amy, and then Greta had agreed with her, and felt secure in the decision. It was so obvious then. They were so lucky to have each other. They would never find anyone who understood them like they understood each other.
And so it came to pass that they found themselves huddling around a half bottle of cheap alcohol, spit- ting into it to make their pact both binding and dis- gusting. There, in rain-bedraggled semi-formal dresses in a backyard reading nook, they linked their pinkies and drank that hideous drink and swore the pact they would all end up regretting but never could quite take back. Because even when they thought they them- selves should be exempt, they were never really willing to give up veto power for their beloved best friends. So this is what they swore:
“We, the Sisterhood of the Valentine’s Day Gazebo, do solemnly swear that we’ll never get married with- out the agreement of all of us.” And as they giggled, newly pleased with themselves and passing the drink around, Greta’s dad was leaving forever.