Best Wrong Thing by Colette Davison Release Blitz

How can something that feels so right be wrong?

What do you do when your dad tells you he’s married the woman he had an affair with? Go out and get drunk.

At least, that’s my plan until the cute guy behind the bar chats me up. One thing leads to another, and we end up in bed together, only for me to discover he’s the last person on earth I should be fooling around with.

The problem? I can’t keep away, even though I know I should.

The more time I spend with Archer, the deeper I fall for him.

But when everyone around us will judge us for being together, can I be brave enough to admit he’s the best wrong thing to ever happen to me?

Best Wrong Thing is a one-night-stand-to-lovers forbidden romance, with an age-gap relationship, a strained holiday, and parents behaving badly.

 

 

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Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

“I guess your sorrows aren’t that bad,” Archer says once the rush dies.

“Why?”

He nods at my beer, which is three-quarters full. I’m doing a piss-poor job of getting drunk. “You haven’t drowned them yet.”

“Maybe I’m debating other ways to forget my woes.” Shut up.

He rests his forearms on the counter. “Oh?”

I shake my head. “Forget I said anything.”

“What if I don’t want to forget you said anything?”

Is he flirting with me? Am I flirting with him?

“What if I want to help cheer you up?”

Oh, fuck. I lean forward. “How would you do that?”

He chuckles. “You tell me. Have a think and let me know. I need to serve a customer.” He walks backwards towards the waiting customer, gives me a wink, and turns to give the woman his undivided attention.

I fan myself. Would he be flirting with me if he cared I’m older than him?

As he serves customers with an easy smile and brisk conversation, I trace shapes in the condensation on the glass. I’m no longer interested in drinking myself into oblivion. Besides, by this point, my beer is probably so warm it’s unpalatable.

“And here we are again.” He grabs a cloth and wipes the spotless counter.

I smile. “I haven’t moved. You’re the one who keeps coming and going.”

“Right? Work is such a bore.”

“You don’t enjoy it.”

“Oh, I love it. I get to meet lots of interesting people. Sometimes I even get to meet handsome men.”

My pulse spikes.

He walks his fingers over the bar and taps it beside my resting hand. “You were going to think of ways I could help cheer you up tonight. Have you come up with anything?”

“We could get out of here when you finish work.” I’m really doing this. I’m hitting on a barman. And why not? He can always say no.

“For sex?”

His question is so casual my brain stutters.

“It’s a good distraction.” He grazes his fingers over mine.

“You want to have sex with me?” Smooth, Jacob. Smooth. It’s been a while since I’ve chatted up anyone. Hook-up apps get rid of the need for it.

His smile pops dimples in his cheeks. “Definitely.”

I undo the top button of my shirt. “Aren’t I—?”

“What?”

“Too old?”

He laughs. “How old are you?”

I open my mouth.

He holds his hand up, palm facing me. “Let me guess. Thirty-two?”

“Close.”

“Higher or lower?”

“Higher.”

“Not much higher. Thirty-four.”

I point my finger at the ceiling.

“Thirty-five?” He raises his brows.

“Yes.”

“That’s a good age. Thirty-five is mature and experienced. Men get better with age.”

My pulse races. “Like red wine?”

He hums. “Exactly like red wine.”

I tug my collar away from my neck. Has it got hot in here?

“I get off in an hour.”

“So early?”

“I’ve been on shift since midday when the bar opened. Do me a favour.”

“What?”

“Don’t finish your drinks. I don’t sleep with drunk guys.”

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆
This book was full of dirty talk and steamy times. But it also had heart and dealt with things we all might go through. Our parents getting divorced after 40 years because one spouse cheated. That's hard, even on adult children. We see this with Jacob and his parents. His dad was banging his co-worker, and his mom walked in on it. Finding out his dad secretly wed the gal was a tough pill to swallow.

What starts out as a crappy night soon gets better. Meeting Archer the hot bartender and then going home with him instead of a hangover is even better. Archer and Jacob together are amazeballs. Archer has a mouth on him, so dirty! Things went so good Archer asked Jacob to stay, which he did even though he was worried about their age difference. Well, if Jacob only knew that was the least of his worries.

The night turns to crap again and Jacob leaves and Archer has no idea why. We all find out why and then we see the two of them try to get through things. It's tough when these two are so drawn towards each other. Jacob is always worried about what others think of him, especially his dad, who has always been hard on him.

Things slowly get better. There is a lot of secrecy, and we all know that can't last forever. Jacob's friend from his younger years tries to talk some sense into him. A random guy tries to give Archer advice. But it finally takes someone hitting on Archer in front of Jacob for him to pull his head out of his butt and take a stand. It happens very late in the book, which made me mad. This could have been a five star for me, but waiting soooo long into the book just made me want to scream. I do love how things went down with Jacob's dad. He was a total douche. Jacob and Archer got their happily ever after and we also see both of their moms finally happy too.

 

 

COLETTE DAVISON’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.

Connect with Colette Davison!

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Facebook Group: Colette Davison's Cosy Corner

 

 

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Hotshot by Lane Hayes Instagram Tour

The rookie superstar, the desperate cowboy, and a naughty proposition…

DENNY

The press calls me this year’s hot shot, the rookie who scores at will and conjures plays out of thin air. Truth is… I’m a PR nightmare. Seriously. Ask my agent.

My anxiety is off the charts. I can’t talk to the media without breaking into a cold sweat, but once I get through the season, I can regroup at home. Life is simpler in Vermont.

Well, not anymore. There’s a new cowboy in town. Literally, a cowboy. At least, Hank looks like one—he owns a horse, wears a hat, and did I mention he’s hot?

And get this… he has a proposition for me.

HANK

Proposition is a strong word. I prefer to call this a mutually beneficial arrangement. See, I could use Denny’s help with a family business venture, and though I was planning to offer cash, the jock has a sexier idea.

Not gonna lie, I’m interested.

This could be a fun distraction while I’m stuck in Elmwood. Nice enough place, however, the locals are wary of an outsider taking over the neighboring mill. Long story short… they don’t trust me. But they love their hometown hockey hero.

I get it.

I’ve never met anyone like Denny—skittish in street clothes and a feral beast with cunning instincts on the ice. He’s fascinating, sexy, smart, and—

Whoa! I’m not falling for the hotshot rookie. No way, no how, no chance…

Too late.

Hotshot is an M/M bisexual, age-gap, small town romance featuring a hotshot rookie, a sexy cowboy, and a proposition that changes everything.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of The Elmwood Stories!
For book one, You, Again, click HERE.
For book two, Next Season, click HERE.
For book three, Holiday Crush, click HERE.
For book four, Thin Ice, click HERE.

 

 

Book 5
Buy Links

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Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

“Let’s get this over with. What did you want?”

“Ouch. I can’t remember the last time anyone was happy to see me,” he groused without heat. “Except Steve the contractor. He likes me okay, but he’s being paid well. Our employees do well too, but sadly, they don’t like me at all.”

“I can’t help you with that. Sorry.”

Hank sipped his beer and shrugged. “Yes, you can. I’m extorting you, remember?”

“Oh… yeah.” I chuckled.

And fuck, I didn’t want to be amused. I didn’t want to like Hank at all, but it was hard not to appreciate his self-deprecating honesty. He emanated “nice guy” vibes with the right amount of edge. No wonder drunk me had gotten flirty with him. Fortunately, sober me knew he was more than I could handle.

Which was fine since Hank wasn’t interested anyway. He wanted my alleged star power, not me.

So why was I grinning like an idiot?

Fuck, I had a bad feeling my eyes were twinkling too. I had to rein that shit in, stat.

“So… let’s make a deal,” he said, thankfully unaware of my inner detour. “I need an Elmwood buddy. My dad gave me the all-clear to make my offer sexy, so… what’ll it be?”

I bugged my eyes out. “Sexy?”

“Yeah, something interesting. If it’s money, name your price. Tell me what you want in exchange for your time.”

You.

The word tripped to the tip of my tongue. I bit it back and swallowed it, clearing my throat to be sure it was gone.

“I just… want to make sure that whatever I blabbed while I was wasted off my ass stays between us.”

“Yeah, but I’ll do that for free. You can trust me.”

“I don’t know you,” I retorted.

“True,” he conceded, sipping his beer. “But you don’t really have a choice. I can’t prove that I won’t sell you out. It’s a trust thing. Let’s talk about the sexy angle, ’cause I need an Elmwood buddy like yesterday.”

“I can’t believe I’m asking this, but… what does an Elmwood buddy do?”

“He shows the new guy the ropes.” Hank leaned in. “Introduce me, give me tips on who’s who and what to avoid. I suck in Elmwood and I need a champion, a liaison… a friend. That can be you.”

I huffed in amusement, feeling strangely at ease. He was charming as fuck and I was not immune. “How can you suck in Elmwood? Everyone is cool there.”

He slumped on his stool. “I don’t know, but I’m even worse in Wood Hollow. I don’t get it. People in Denver like me just fine. Even you like me.”

“No, I like your hat.” I reached for his water and winked.

I fucking winked.

Me.

That was me flirting. Ugh. Bad, Denny. Bad.

I felt surprisingly relaxed with him. Like I had last weekend when I’d spilled my guts and… other things. The point was, I could talk to him without feeling immediately depleted, and that alone was a minor miracle.

Hank kicked my shin playfully. “Nah, you like me. You did last weekend, anyway.”

“I was drunk, and I’m still mortified. Go easy on me.” I took a swig of water as if I were knocking back whisky.

“I’ll try, but… you shook your dick at me, then fell buck-ass naked in my bed, so c’mon.”

My eyes had to be saucer-sized. “I shook my dick at you?”

He inclined his chin and winked in a touché move that made my cock swell against my zipper.

“A week later, I’m still thinking about it,” Hank drawled.

Whoa. Was he serious?

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fifth book in the series, and I would definitely recommend that you read them in order, as it will make much more sense of the set up in Elmwood – and why Hank is so unpopular, and why Denny is a local hero!

Hank is helping out his sick father by working at their newly purchased wood mill in the next town over to Elmwood. He has a challenge to improve the popularity of the Cunninghams and reassure the locals that they are not a huge and impersonal corporation about to destroy their town. His secret weapon is a friendship with Denny, local NHL rookie hero, assuming he can persuade Denny to engage.

This plan turns out to be a good one, when the two of them find a strong attraction and a hockey player who is interested in exploring his options as a bisexual man, and Hank could definitely help!

I really enjoyed the growth of their friendship as well as their burgeoning attraction and experimentation. It is fun watching what we can clearly see is the start of a meaningful relationship, even if they are slower on the uptake. Grams, of course, is seeing it all and there to support Denny when things get complicated.

It was great fun to see the couples from previous installments and to enjoy quite a lot of hockey action too!


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Hotshot is the fifth book in The Elmwood Stories series. It can be read as a standalone without issue.

Denny has a lot of baggage from his childhood. He suffers from anxiety and can't talk to the press at all. He's the rookie hotshot who has a promising career, but his anxiety may be his downfall. He's also very deep in the closet. He comes back to Elmwood as often as he can. It’s where he can relax the most. One night he drinks too much at the bar and accidentally ends up in the hotel room of the sexy cowboy, who is new in town. Nothing happened but Denny really wanted it to.

Hank is only in Elmwood for a short time. He has his own life and horse therapy business to get back to. He'll stay in Elmwood long enough to get his father’s mill up and running while his dad is recovering. The idea is to meet the town's hockey hero and have him do a commercial for the mill, letting the town know if their hero accepts them, they should too. But meeting a drunk Denny doesn't go the way Hank thought it would. When he proposes the commercial to Denny, Denny instantly says no, but after seeing sides of the man he doesn't think many people have, he thinks maybe they can help each other. Hank brings his horses to Elmwood to use as therapy to help Denny with his anxiety and to use as a cover story why they are spending so much time together. Denny can help Hank be better liked in the community and Hank can show Denny what being with a man is like.

I loved watching Denny and Hank's relationship grow. Their chemistry was explosive but the way they spent time together on the horses getting to really know each other on a deeper level was so addictive about this couple. I hope there is more to this series. I loved this little hockey town!


Angie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fifth book in the series. I have only read book four, which I really liked. This book was just as good. You could read it as a standalone, but we met Denny in book four when he was younger.

Denny is one of the many famous local hockey players. Hank's father bought the mill a few towns over. Elmwood is this little town that just seems amazing, and those townspeople will have your back and support you like crazy. Hank and Denny meet when Denny is drunk as can be. Hank offers Denny a proposition he hopefully won't refuse. Denny accepts and we get to see not only Denny testing out his bi side, but we see a friendship between him and Hank.

Elmwood residents aren't fond of Hank, but Denny introduces him to people and Hank charms them and they slowly begin to like him. We see characters from previous books and, of course, Denny's grams is there as sassy as ever. Love that woman.

Things, of course, get hot and heavy and go further than Denny and Hank expected and probably wanted. Watching their love build and grow and all the bumps along the was great. I cried when things looked bleak but soon my tears dried up and everything fell into place and our men get their happily ever after. Highly recommend this book.

 

 

 

LANE HAYES lives in sunny Southern California with her amazing husband, who thankfully doesn’t mind cooking, and their fabulous fox red Labrador, George, who’s pure mischief. Both provide oodles of inspiration for the low-angst, humorous books Lane loves to write.

She’s been telling stories about sexy, funny, sometimes geeky and quirky men who find love for a dozen years now and loving every minute. In her previous life, she sat at a desk and dealt with numbers, so yes… romance is much more satisfying!

Lane loves tea, travel, and chocolate… in any order. Add a book and she’s set!

Connect with Lane Hayes!

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Facebook Group: Lane's Lovers

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Hotshot (The Elmwood Stories #5) by Lane Hayes to read and review.

Excerpt Reveal – Friction by Kindle Alexander

BEAU BROOKS

The guy of my dreams sweeps me off my feet and over my handlebars, quite literally. But our budding relationship takes a turn when my troubled past resurfaces, shattering any hope for a future. Now, I feel like a hollowed-out version of myself. Memories of piercing blue eyes and sweeping blond hair are all that remain to get me through a day.

I know I have to make peace with my past to move forward into my future. But am I strong enough?

DASH RICHMOND

I’m the tenth child of affluent older parents, confident, and privileged. But the future they see for me isn’t how I want to live my life. A chance encounter with a guy my polar opposite changes my path indefinitely, leading me to the life I’ve always wanted.

When he’s ripped away from me, I vow to wait for his return. Now I’m stuck in limbo, unwilling to give up on him.

Can the friction of life destroy what they shared or is your first true love like gravity—an unending universal law?

The Gravity series is an unforgettable whirlwind romance chronicling the love of two men over three decades. Friction heats up the scene with passionate alpha males who navigate the often-rocky road to love. Love’s rarely easy, but when it’s true, it’s a battle worth fighting for.

 

 

RELEASES SEPTEMBER 17, 2024
Book 1
Buy Links

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~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

“What’s your deal, Dasham?” Chae asked. Her tone gave away her dawning speculation.

Of course, I knew what Chae implied, but I had a lot to consider before I spoke my truth.

“My name means the number ten. I’m my parents’ tenth child. I’m also smart,” I answered absently and grinned down at my Sperry shoes. “I skipped a grade in elementary school and I’m on track to graduate high school a semester early with my associate degree.” I lifted my head enough to wink at Chae, trying to hide my smile. “I’m also sporty. I played Lacrosse for my school’s team but stopped because I’m graduating a semester early.”

I shifted my gaze to stare at the silhouette of Beau. My breath shuttered again at the nice-looking view.

“You know I work for his grandmother?” Chae asked, garnering all my attention. My head whipped her direction. Screw hiding because my dad’s resort rested on my shoulders. Chae had the answers I needed.

“Tell me?” I whispered.

“His name is Beau Brooks. He’s hot, obviously. Maybe he’d be interested in you because he’s not interested in any of us,” Chae teased, flipping her long dark hair over her shoulder and glancing back to the small circle I’d been sitting with.

“Not for a lack of tryin’,” Jessica added.

Hope built fast.

“His grandparents live here. He comes here every June and July but had to go back home in August for football practice. His dad’s a football coach and a massive jerk. He’s really mean. Nobody likes him.”

“Yeah, but he and his mom moved here permanently about a week ago,” Jessica said.

“You know exactly how long ago they moved here,” Ginny teased, calling Jessica out. “I bet you’re hidin’ in his bushes at night.”

“He quit football. Somethin’ happened. I don’t know what,” Chae explained.

“Everybody here hopes Josh can talk him into playin’ again. He’s supposed to be really, really good. I believe he’s a tight end or maybe a receiver. He makes lots of touchdowns but also blocks, so whatever position that is,” Ginny said, and glanced over at me for verification.

I only shrugged. How did I know?

“Josh is my brother. I overheard him and my dad talking about it. They live for football. I don’t,” Ginny said.

My gaze turned laser beam focused, willing Beau to look at me.

I understood my overwhelming attraction was my limbic system bolting like a speeding bullet causing my body’s extreme physical response. But when he did finally look my way, breath slowly left my lungs. After a moment’s stare, I decided there was no question that he was looking at me. Words like fate and destiny shouted from every fiber of my being.

This was the most significant moment of my life.

If souls were real, mine did loops around Beau’s, trying to rope us together.

 

 

Bestselling author KINDLE ALEXANDER is an innovative writer, and a genre-crosser who writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and erotica in both the male/male and male/female genres. It's always a surprise to see what's coming next!

For the full bio, visit Kindle’s website.

Connect with Kindle Alexander!

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Facebook Group: Kindle's Krew

 

 

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The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves

As New York Times bestseller Ann Cleeves's beloved Vera series explodes in popularity in print and on TV, this stunning eleventh book explores the web of secrets surrounding a young man's death.

The man’s body is found in the early morning light by a local dog walker in the park outside Rosebank, a home for troubled teens in the coastal village of Longwater. The victim is Josh, a staff member, who was due to work the previous night but never showed up.

DI Vera Stanhope is called out to investigate the death, with her only clue being the disappearance of one of the home’s residents, fourteen-year-old Chloe Spence. Vera can’t bring herself to believe that a teenager is responsible for the murder, but even she can’t dismiss the possibility.

Vera, Joe and new team member Rosie Bell, are soon embroiled in the case, and when a second connected body is found near the Three Dark Wives monument in the wilds of the Northumberland countryside, superstition and folklore begin to collide with fact. Vera knows she has to find Chloe to get to the truth, and the dark secrets in their community that may be far more dangerous than she could have ever believed possible.

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Vera Stanhope series!
For book nine, The Darkest Evening, click HERE.
For book #10, The Rising Tide, click HERE.

 

 

Book 11
Buy Links

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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Hardcover (US)  ~  Minotaur Books (Macmillan)

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Janine Birkett

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the eleventh book in the series, and they are always such fabulous reads! I really should have done the things I had to do today before I started reading... but no! It was a very satisfying read!

Vera is still mourning the loss of Holly (wow, I am still reeling over that event too!), and we know from her inner voice that she wants to try much harder with her new team member, Rosie. I will leave it to you to decide if she manages it, but she definitely tries!

This story was really well plotted, with some hints here and there, some misdirections, and although a wide cast of characters, they were all brought to life brilliantly. From the two lads that had a secret den, the manager of the hotel, and the two workers in the children's home, little touches just make them so real to the reader. I find that Ann Cleeves draws us in so well to the detail that makes people real. She also gives us Vera's inner voice in a way which makes it an essential part of the book – when generally I am not a fan – and knowing what Vera is thinking is often so moving, as she is not the most outwardly warm person, yet she cares to the depth of her soul. This is probably why she is such a favourite book friend of mine!

Delicious Sunday treat – thank you, Ann Cleeves, for another excellent installment.

 

 

ANN CLEEVES is the multi-million copy bestselling author behind two hit television series—the BBC’s Shetland, starring Douglas Henshall, and ITV’s Vera, starring Academy Award Nominee Brenda Blethyn—both of which are watched and loved in the US. Her brand new Two Rivers series launched in September 2019, with The Long Call.

Shetland is available in the US on Netflix, Amazon Video, Britbox, and PBS, and Vera is available on Hulu, Amazon Video, BritBox, and PBS.

The first Shetland novel, Raven Black, won the CWA Gold Dagger for best crime novel, and Ann was awarded the CWA Diamond Dagger in 2017. She lives in the UK.

Connect with Ann Cleeves!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of The Dark Wives (Vera Stanhope #11) by Ann Cleeves to read and review.

Mercury Rising by Kristian Parker Blog Tour

The son of a famous movie star, Mercury Morrison is used to all eyes being on him. So of course he’s grown up to be one of London’s premier influencers, with followers across the globe.

But when Mercury finds himself on the wrong side of the law after a run-in with a paranoid concept artist at the Tate Modern, it all comes crashing down. The worst bit is, he’s innocent! Advised to plead guilty, he dutifully arrives for his first day of community service at a youth project in South London… and walks slap-bang into his new boss, the handsome Nick Campbell.

The attraction between them is instant and electric. Romance may be on the cards but this summer is going to shake Mercury’s whole view on life to its foundations. Can Mercury take the huge leap of faith needed to make his dreams come true, and, if he dares, will Nick be there to catch him?

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Queens Crescent series!
For book two, Pole Position, click HERE.
For book four, Public Affair, click HERE.
For book five, Let It Breathe, click HERE.
For book six, Warm Hearts, click HERE.

 

 

Book 7
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Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

As the woman checked her list, the man stared up. “Are you the dickhead who thinks my art is shit?”

Mercury took a step away. “I don’t think I said that. I presume you’re Grim.”

“Fucking right I am.”

He appeared fit to burst.

“I haven’t even seen it yet,” Mercury said. “Calm yourself.”

“Fucking rich kids. You think you’re so superior, don’t you?”

Mercury burst into laughter. It echoed around the room, causing people to stare.

“Take a look around you, Grim. This is the Tate Modern, for fuck’s sake. Everyone is rich.”

The clipboard woman ushered them in.

“What a dick,” Mercury said.

“Let’s do a quick circuit and go,” Lotty replied. “He must be constantly checking his own name on insta. You only just posted it, for goodness’ sake.”

Mercury shrugged. “Imagine being so touchy you’re vanity scrolling instead of enjoying the big moment. Weird.”

They approached the first canvas. It was brilliant white with a thin blue line down the centre.

“This is called Orgasm,” Mercury said.

He and Lotty stared.

“I don’t get it,” Lotty said immediately.

An impossibly chic woman in Chanel glided past. She glanced at them. “Is there any food?”

“I think so,” Lotty replied.

“Might as well make the trip worthwhile.”

She left them to it. In fact, the tunnel of focus had become one of emptiness. Most people had aborted mission.

“I’m following her,” Lotty said. “That crowd will strip the buffet in minutes. You coming?”

Mercury shook his head. “I’ll catch you up. I want to get a few shots.”

Lotty grinned. “Play nice.”

“Always.”

He wandered farther into the tunnel. Each canvas was a variation on a theme, brilliant white with a different coloured line daubed down the centre.

Love

War

Net Zero

Mercury snapped away.

Who the fuck is going to buy these?

His mother had an art collection to rival a minor royal’s, meaning Mercury had grown up around true talent. Somehow he didn’t think Madeline and her cronies would be scrambling to buy this utter crap anytime soon.

At the end hung Poverty. This time a brown line bisected the white.

“I hope that’s paint,” Mercury muttered to himself.

Perhaps it was time to check out the food. It was evident the “art” wouldn’t get any better.

He turned to see the hulking figure of Grim standing between him and the exit. Alarmingly, it appeared they were the only ones in the tunnel. And Grim certainly had his focus on Mercury.

“What are you going to do?” Mercury asked. “Beat me up because I said something nasty?”

“You’ve made everyone think I’m a right twat,” Grim said, approaching Mercury, who involuntarily took another step away.

“I’ve done nothing of the sort. If you hadn’t pounced literally seconds after I posted it, you wouldn’t have looked so ridiculous.”

Grim clenched and unclenched his fists.

For a split second, Mercury feared he was going to be murdered in the Tate Modern.

Typical of my luck that they’d find my body next to some really terrible art.

People were standing close to the tunnel entrance and evidently unaware or unconcerned that Mercury was trapped.

“How about I give you a glowing review on my channel?” Mercury asked.

“You think I give a fuck what stuck-up wankers like you have to say?”

Mercury raised an eyebrow. “Well, something’s got you riled up.”

“I’ll show you riled up, you posh twat.”

In a split second, Grim grabbed the half-drunk glass of red from Mercury’s hand and threw the contents at Poverty.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Mercury yelped.

Grim dropped the glass at Mercury’s feet. Suddenly his leering face transformed into one of devastation. He backed away, his hands up.

“You… you made it clear you didn’t like my art. You didn’t have to ruin it.”

“Wait—”

It was pointless. Grim had reached the entrance to the tunnel. Mercury chased after him. When he got to the exit, a group of people huddled around Grim.

“What’s the matter?” a particularly snide art critic asked.

“That man,” Grim roared, pointing at Mercury. “He’s destroyed my work!”

Suddenly, all eyes were on Mercury.

“I’m calling the police,” someone with a name badge said.

“The police?” Mercury cried. His legs wobbled as he clutched the side of the stupid tunnel of focus.

What am I going to do?

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars of absolute goodness!

This is the seventh book in the series, and really, I love them all!

We are treated to Mercury's story this time – but Mrs. Wimpole and the Professor also make an appearance, as do some of our earlier couples... I will say no more!

Mercury finds himself accused of a crime he did not commit, but in order to reduce the embarrassment to his famous actress mum, he pleads guilty and ends up with community service. And this is where he meets the most delicious, Nick Campbell.

Whilst their chemistry is sizzling, their lives could not be further apart, so there are more than a few stumbling blocks for these two men to overcome in their journey to a happily ever after. I really enjoyed how we got to know the youngsters who spent time at the Bodhi house, and that Mercury recognised just how much privilege he had experienced.

Nick may have overreacted to someone's cruel statements, but it forced Mercury to think very seriously about who he really wanted to be. He woke up the wider possibilities for his life and knew that Nick should be a part of his future.

Another great story from Queen's Crescent; thank you, Kristian Parker!

 

 

 

I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.

I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.

Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.

Connect with Kristian Parker!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Kristian Parker's World

 

 

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Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Mercury Rising (Queens Crescent #7) by Kristian Parker to read and review.

The Substitute by Kristen Proby Release Blitz

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes a new age-gap, workplace romance set in her beloved Single in Seattle series!

Derek Langley can’t keep an assistant to save his life. He’s grumpy, demanding, and sometimes mean, which mirrors his reputation in court. Derek doesn’t have time to coddle an employee, so when the temp agency informs him their next placement will be the last, he knows he’s doomed.

Maya Sterling is excited to move to Seattle. She wants to be closer to her siblings and her new friends, and a position with a temp agency fits the bill for her new life in the city. She doesn’t plan on walking in and finding a sexy British grouch for a boss, but his gruff nature doesn’t really bother her. In fact, she’s attracted to his rough-around-the-edges nature.

They quickly realize the attraction is mutual and steam up the office. But Maya’s position with Derek is temporary, and she knows she must maintain a professional distance to preserve her sanity.

Will they be able to resist each other? Or does fate have other plans?

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Single in Seattle series!
For book one, The Secret, click HERE.
For book two, The Scandal, click HERE.
For book three, The Score, click HERE.
For book four, The Setup, click HERE.
For book five, The Stand-In, click HERE.

 

 

Book 5.5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)

 

 

“So, why does Gray think your boss is a jerk?” Liv asks me as we walk into the department store.

“I don’t think he’s a jerk, but I’ve only known him for a week.”

Sidney scowls at me. “Why would Gray think that, then?”

“I guess Derek has a reputation for being hard to work for.” I shrug and hold up a navy-blue dress, but Stella takes it out of my hands and puts it back on the rack.

“That’s for someone in their sixties,” she informs me, shaking her head.

“Thanks. Anyway, I admit Derek can be abrupt and short, but he doesn’t bother me. At least not so far.”

I glance over at Liv, who’s watching me.

“What?”

“I’m telling you, you like him,” she says, narrowing her eyes.

“Look—”

“He doesn’t just not bother you. You’re hot for him.”

“Is he attractive?” Sidney asks, reaching for her phone. “Hell, I’ll google him. What’s his name?”

“Derek Langley,” I reply and bite my lip. This is fun. And a little nerve-racking. “He’s British. So, he does have a sexy accent.”

“Oh,” Sid says, turning the phone so the others can see. “Yeah, he’s fucking attractive.”

“Hot,” Stella agrees. “Dang, Maya, you should go for it. Wait, is he married?”

“He doesn’t wear a ring.” I consider that, tapping my finger on my chin. “Of course, not everyone does. I don’t think he’s married.”

“I can’t find any evidence of a wife,” Sidney says, tapping on her phone some more. “Unless it’s recent.”

“He’s my boss,” I reply, shaking my head. “Sure, there’s some chemistry there, but I work for him. I don’t think that’s ethical.”

I’ve caught him looking at my lips several times, and when we stand close together, he shoves his hands in his pockets as if he’s restraining himself to keep from touching me.

But maybe that’s all just in my head.

“You said yourself it’s only a thirty-day assignment,” Liv says, waving me off. “I say take those thirty days and have fun with them.”

“We’re going straight to the lingerie department,” Stella decides.

“You guys.” I laugh but don’t stop them from pulling me to the intimates section, where they choose lots of lacy, silky, beautiful things for me to try. “What if I’m being silly, and he wants no part in anything sexy with me?”

“Number one, he’d be stupid,” Sid says. “And number two, if he’s not interested, someone else will be.”

“You have a point. Okay, let’s do this.”

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is book 5.5 in the Single in Seattle series, and also another 1001 Dark Nights in the series; it is fun to get these short novellas to give us a quick fix between longer reads – and this is one is fun and frenetic.

The unexpected chemistry between the grumpy, rude lawyer, Derek, and the calm, unfazed Maya burns the pages. Of course things will not run smoothy because he is not really able to process what is happening to his very nature now that he has met her – and Maya is so wonderfully unflappable, and so in tune with her own needs, that we are treated to a whirlwind of a romance.

It is great to catch up with previous couples, two of which, of course, involve Maya's siblings, and the epilogue is really delicious and funny!


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

This is a super quick, cute story about Derek and Maya.

Maya is coming home after spending some time in Europe and once she realizes that no matter what her parents say, they want her to move to Seattle and follow her heart; she goes to Seattle. Maya is still figuring out what she truly wants from her life, so she goes through a temp agency to find a job.

Derek is known for being a grump. He has a difficult time keeping help because of his brusque demeanor and sometimes downright mean words. He knows it's something he should work on, but he just can't seem to find the time.

When Maya walks into Derek's office, there is instant chemistry. These two have to figure out how to work together while keeping each other at a pleasant friendship distance. Despite their attraction, both know that mixing business and pleasure can lead to disasters.

Will Maya thaw Derek's icy demeanor or will she throw in the towel and find another way? This is a super quick read that will have you smiling.

 

 

 

KRISTEN PROBY is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over seventy published titles. She debuted in 2012, captivating fans with spicy contemporary romance about families and friends with plenty of swoony love. She also writes paranormal romance and suggests you keep the lights on while reading them.

When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.

Connect with Kristen Proby!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Proby's Peeps

 

 

For more information about the 1,001 Dark Nights releases, follow them at:

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Substitute (Single in Seattle #5.5) by Kristen Proby to read and review.