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!

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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.

All Our Tomorrows by Catherine Bybee

From New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee comes the story of a reluctant billionaire who takes on his father’s empire, its dark secrets, and a fiery assistant he can’t get out of his head.

When Chase Stone’s estranged father dies, leaving his multibillion-dollar business to his children, no one is more surprised than Chase. Growing up outside of the high-stakes world filled with human vultures, Chase and his sister, Alex, are less than enthusiastic about stepping into their father’s shoes. That is until they learn of a half-brother they didn’t know existed and must find to share their inheritance with.

Piper Maddox was the elder Mr. Stone’s übercapable assistant—abruptly fired two weeks before his death. She knows everything about Stone Enterprises and the man who built it. But Piper has no desire to work for another member of the Stone family. Even one as down-to-earth as Chase.

Desperately needing financial security, Piper agrees to return so long as kissing up to Chase and accepting unwanted advances are not part of her job description. A promise that becomes a serious hurdle for both of them. Piper and Chase scramble to find the third Stone sibling before the media does, sharing secrets along the way. Secrets that can bring them together or tear them irrevocably apart.

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

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

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Meg Sylvan
~ Also Available with KindleUnlimited ~

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I am a big Catherine Bybee fan, so it was an easy decision to read this latest book of hers – and the good news is that there will be more goodness to come in this series. Inevitably, there is some world building which happens here, but it is really organic and layers are revealed as we learn more about the family dynamics.

I enjoy work romances, but in this case the fact that Piper had been harassed by Chase's father in the office makes the chemistry between them even more complicated to address. We find ourselves completely understanding both their concerns and yet enjoying the draw!

The inevitable imbalance which can arise with a billionaire-employee setup is cleverly averted because Chase's background is nothing exceptional, and his shock at his father's actions on death are real. I greatly enjoyed the work that they had to do to bring the 'family' back together, as well as the navigating around boards etc.

Plenty of plot, plenty of passion, and plenty of future storylines laid down, this was a great read – roll on The Heirs 2!

 

 

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author CATHERINE BYBEE has written thirty-eight books that have collectively sold more than ten million copies and have been translated into more than twenty languages. Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in the hope of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full time and has penned the Not Quite series, the Weekday Brides series, the Most Likely To series, and the First Wives series.

Connect with Catherine Bybee!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Catherine Bybee's Chatty Cathy's

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of All Our Tomorrows (The Heirs #1) by Catherine Bybee to read and review.

The Wake-Up Call by Beth O'Leary

Two hotel receptionists—and arch-rivals—find a collection of old wedding rings and compete to return them to their owners, discovering their own love story along the way.

It’s the busiest season of the year, and Forest Manor Hotel is quite literally falling apart. So when Izzy and Lucas are given the same shift on the hotel’s front desk, they have no choice but to put their differences aside and see it through.

The hotel won't stay afloat beyond Christmas without some sort of miracle. But when Izzy returns a guest’s lost wedding ring, the reward convinces management that this might be the way to fix everything. With four rings still sitting in the lost & found, the race is on for Izzy and Lucas to save their beloved hotel—and their jobs.

As their bitter rivalry turns into something much more complicated, Izzy and Lucas begin to wonder if there's more at stake here than the hotel's future. Can the two of them make it through the season with their hearts intact?

 

 

Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
Berkley (PRH)

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆
3.5 stars

Having worked in a hotel myself, I was sure that I would enjoy a romance based in an independent hotel – and it certainly did bring back some amusing memories of how crazy the hospitality business can be.

As Izzy and Lucas compete with each other to be the more invaluable, both needing their jobs for different reasons, we get to meet the regular guests, deal with some serious maintenance issues, and get ready for what might be the last Christmas at the resort.

If you like the idea of understanding some of the behind the scenes escapades at a hotel, and the competitiveness of the two leads in trying to save the hotel, you will enjoy this fun story. It is a nice easy read with low angst and some really amusing as well as moving moments.

 

 

 

BETH O’LEARY is a Sunday Times bestselling author whose novels have been translated into more than thirty languages. Her debut, The Flatshare, sold over half a million copies and changed her life completely. Her second novel, The Switch, has been optioned for film by Amblin Partners, Steven Spielberg’s production company. Beth writes her books in the English countryside with a very badly behaved golden retriever for company. If she’s not at her desk, you’ll usually find her curled up somewhere with a book, a cup of tea, and several woolly jumpers (whatever the weather).

Connect with Beth O’Leary!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of The Wake-Up Call by Beth O'Leary to read and review.

Crazy, Wicked Love by Melissa Foster Release Blitz

Scorching heat, laugh-out-loud humor, and swoon-worthy moments abound in this sexy new standalone romance by New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melissa Foster.

What happens when the player gets played?

Sidney Carver has a big problem, and he goes by the name of Dwayne “Gunner” Wicked: six-plus feet of muscular, motorcycle-riding, animal-loving deliciousness. Gunner is her boss, roommate, and best friend. They’ve seen each other through life-altering injuries and unimaginable losses, and they work side by side at Wicked Animal Rescue, fulfilling their passion to save animals. Unfortunately, Gunner is also the man Sidney is in love with, and he's the ultimate player. As her former military comrade, Gunner sees her as his buddy—just one of the guys. Sidney is at her wit’s end, ready to risk the friendship and job she adores for a chance at forever love with the man she can’t live without. Like any good marine, she comes up with a mission. Enter Operation Get My Guy.

Gunner loves his life. He has a family he adores, a brotherhood that always has his back, and a host of willing women to warm his bed. As the owner of Wicked Animal Rescue, he saves lives and works with his best friend, Sid, the coolest woman on the planet. When Sid concocts a crazy plan to win his cousin’s heart, Gunner reluctantly agrees to be her wingman and comes up with a plan of his own.

Practices heat up as roommates become teammates. Let the wicked fun begin…

No cheating. No cliffhangers. Guaranteed to melt panties and leave readers hopelessly in love with the sinfully delicious Wickeds.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside series!
For book one, A Little Bit Wicked, click HERE.
For book two, The Wicked Aftermath, click HERE.

 

 

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
I have been waiting for Gunner's story and I was not disappointed. This story is filled with laughter, heartache, and some pain, but in the end, he gets his happily ever after.

I am a diehard Melissa Foster fan and as with all of her stories, you can read this one as a standalone or as part of the series; even though they are all connected, you will not be lost.

I loved how this story brought the military and animal rescue together. It is what brought Gunner and Sidney together, they served together and when they got out of the service, they were best friends and she came along to work at the rescue.

This is one of those stories that you do not want to miss, you will be happy when you finish and sad that you waited so long to read it. So grab it, a drink, blanket, sit for a while, and enjoy all that is Gunner in Crazy, Wicked Love.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in this series, but as any Melissa Foster fan will know, all her books link together and so you will be able to catch up with friends from other linked books too. I was so looking forward to Gunner getting his happily ever after, after his brother Tank finally fell in love last time around. After the death of their sister, both had sworn off love, as it hurt too much, but slowly they are finding relief in love, rather than pain.

Gunner and Sidney met in the Marines and have been super close ever since. They work together and live together, but have never had a romantic relationship. Sidney is deeply in love with him, but he seemingly has no clue and leads the life of a player under the same roof. Determined to sort the situation out one way or the other, Sidney decides to try and make him see her as a woman.

To pretty much everyone else, they are two people clearly in a committed relationship already and destined to be together, it is really just the two of them preventing themselves moving from friendship to intimacy.

We have a fun time with all of the Wicked clan and their friends in Bayside. I also really enjoyed the side stories of the dogs in their rescue centre, and the collection of pets that they have around the house – Twinkle's adventures are really funny.

I love that we get both sides of the story, and have to acknowledge that Gunner's not realising how he is hurting Sidney by not seeing her as a possible partner is not through lack of interest, but more due to her absolute importance as his best friend. Once he wakes up to the reality, he proves to be just as competent as his brothers and father at being all in – thank goodness! The route may not be smooth, but he makes up for it for sure.

Another really lovely and unputdownable story and be prepared for a few teary moments towards the end – particularly if you have read Tank and Leah's story. Beautiful!

 

 

 

MELISSA FOSTER is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Connect with Melissa Foster

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  TikTok  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Crazy, Wicked Love (The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside #3) by Melissa Foster to read and review.