Spotlight~Only Want You by Shane Morgan 😊😊

Release date: March 15th 2019

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2TnoDv2

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Synopsis:
Evelyn Harris.
Twenty-eight-year-old assistant project manager.

Has a great life.

Loving (nosy) family. 

Supportive best friends.

The problem? Her love life is going nowhere. After a few failed relationships, laughable blind dates, and online dating fiascos, Evelyn is about ready to give up on love and commit entirely to her career.

Things change when she meets James.

James Westbrook.

Thirty-two.

Wants to be taken seriously as an architect.
But a scam involving a former friend has rocked his reputation, both professionally and personally. Plus, he’s avoided commitment after a broken engagement two years ago.

When the opportunity to work again finally comes around, James feels grateful. He puts an end to occasional hookups and focuses on rebuilding his career.

He never anticipated meeting Evelyn.

These two were on the verge of saying ‘screw it’ to love. But with so much spark between them, fate becomes harder to fight the more time they spend together at work.

Will James and Evelyn give this office romance a chance or will fear destroy their possible happiness together?

About the Author

Shane Morgan is the author of several novels, including Unresisting, Impossibly Love, Finding Julian, and The Right Song. She lives in Rhode Island with her husband. Aside from writing, Shane enjoys listening to music, watching movies, and traveling.

instagram.com/shanemwrites

facebook.com/authorshanemorgan

twitter.com/itchingforbooks

www.shanemorganwrites.com

~EXCERPT~

Evelyn finished her wine and set the empty glass next to her laptop. “Thanks for inviting me over. Surprisingly, I feel more relaxed here than I do at the office.”

Then stay.

“Glad you’re comfortable.”

Our eyes remained linked for a while, until I lowered mine to her full lips, swallowing hard as the memory of kissing them rushed me.

I blinked the vision away, wanting to respect Evelyn’s wishes and her job.

“More wine?” I offered, standing.

She shuddered a tad and looked at her empty glass. “No, um, I should get going.”

“Oh. All right.”

Please stay.

Evelyn closed her laptop, packing it away into her bag. I brought the empty glasses into the kitchen.

She stood as I walked back to the desk. “Thank you for dinner and for a different space to work.”

“You’re welcome.”

I could see apprehension within her fluttering eyes. She was more nervous than ever.

Evelyn gnawed at her bottom lip as her eyes slowly glanced over me. Then she squeezed them shut as if fighting back her emotions. I was tempted to step closer.

It’s okay. You don’t have to fight.

“I should go,” she said again, opening her eyes.

Please don’t leave, my mind shouted.

“Okay,” I said instead and walked her to the door.

She lifted her hand to open it, hesitated, but then opened it at last.

What was going on inside that head of hers?

Was she as conflicted as I was?

“See you tomorrow,” she said softly, barely meeting my gaze before she stepped out of my apartment.

“See you.”

Evelyn shut the door behind her.

A sigh of regret gushed from my lips. Seconds later, I turned to go shower, but urgent knocking made me halt in my steps. I spun around and quickly opened the door.

My brows shot up. “Evelyn?”

Review: Stranded with the Navy Seal by Susan Cliff

Series: Team Twelve #1
Release date: November 1st 2017
Publisher: Harlequin
Purchase: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:

For one navy SEAL, danger and passion are brewing in paradise 

Working on a cruise ship was supposed to be the perfect distraction for chef Cady Crenshaw. Instead, it made her the perfect target. Abducted and thrown overboard into foreign waters, she has only one shot at survival…and it comes at the hands of an irresistible ally. 

Navy SEAL Logan Starke's protective instincts were locked and loaded the moment he met Cady at the ship's bar. When a violent struggle to take down her captors leaves Logan and Cady stranded on a deserted island, he leaps into rescue mode. But the hot sand and the even hotter attraction between them can't be denied…and temptation could be the deadliest threat yet.

*Publisher approved request via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this one, from start to finish. It felt like I was reading a modern-day version of the Blue Lagoon, but with a lot more flavor and heat. And the main characters are way more interesting than the movie stars. I loved Cady's knowledge as a chef and all she offered to the story, not only with food but her cautious personality is something I can relate to and I liked how fierce and unafraid she was of speaking her mind. 

Logan's military background made him intriguing. He had experienced so much in war and his strength and protectiveness were admirable, even though sometimes it made me cringe along with Cady when he would dive into danger. 

I wouldn't say the story was suspenseful or action-packed through and through, but there were some thrilling moments, not only involving dangerous people, but the main characters' time on the island had its share of crazy. And their moments of vulnerability were both entertaining and frustrating.

Overall, great premise, wonderful writing that's fluid and fast. Both characters got on my nerves in little ways, but they still made me laugh and sympathize with them too. And I'm happy that by the end of the story they just let it all go and trust in each other. Another thing I have to mention is the setting. It was described subtly but nicely. It was as if I could smell the salty air, taste the seafood, and bathe in the waterfall along with them. It's just a good story that will certainly warm up your cold nights. I'm looking forward to learning about Logan's comrades as the series progresses. 

About the Author
Susan Cliff is a longtime romance reader, part-time writer and full-time California girl. She loves to daydream about exciting adventures in faraway places. Her Team Twelve series features strong Navy SEAL heroes falling for unique women.

www.susancliff.com | twitter.com/SusanCliffSC

CAN'T WAIT TO READ: Let's Talk About Love by Claire Kann

Release date: January 23rd 2018
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Pre-order: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Alice is secretly asexual, and that’s the least important thing about her.

She’s a college student, has a great job, amazing friends, and is fine being single—nope, that’s a lie. Alice wants rom com-grade romance: feels, cuddling, kissing, and swoons galore—as long as it doesn't lead to having sex.

After her last relationship ends with soul-crushing parting words from her ex, Alice swears off relationships for good. Stick a fork in her, she’s done. Everyone Alice tries to date is so sure love and sex have to go together, and there doesn’t seem to be any way to convince them otherwise.

But when Alice experiences instant attraction for the first time with her coworker Takumi, she doesn’t know what to do. If Alice tells him the truth, it can only end in heartache. But there’s something about Takumi that makes him worth the risk…

About the Author

Claire Kann hails from the glorious Bay Area where the weather is regrettably not nearly as temperate as it used to be. She has a BA in English/creative writing from Sonoma State University, and works for a nonprofit that you may have heard of where she daydreams like she's paid to do it. Let’s Talk About Love is her debut novel.
facebook.com/kannclaire

Behind the Pages #28: Tracey Livesay: From Law to Contemporary Romance and Marathons

I came across Tracey Livesay's books on Goodreads and immediately wanted to interview the author. In spite of her busy schedule, she agreed. And I'm elated that Tracey is the next author to be featured in IFB's Behind the Pages. Check out her wonderful answers below, and enter the giveaway to win a copy of her latest release, Love On My Mind.

Hey, Tracey! Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from?

Hi Shane-

Thank you for the invitation to be on Itching for Books! 

Part of my childhood was spent in a small town in Virginia, Farmville. It’s usually known for having two colleges, Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College and, back in the 90s, a rapper named the Lady of Rage. Now, when I say Farmville, most people think of the Facebook game!

You're a former criminal defense attorney. What inspired you to become a writer and how was the transition from law into the world of fiction?

I’ve been writing stories since I was a little girl. After I read my first romance novel at 11, I was hooked, but I hadn’t connected that writing was something I could do to make a living. I was expected to go to college, graduate school and get a professional job making money, which I did. I got married, had kids and made the decision to stay home with them, and through it all, my love of romance and writing stayed with me. When my youngest son started full day kindergarten, I talked to my husband and said I could go back to work as an attorney, but I’d like to try and get published writing romance. He was totally supportive and I’ve been able to do what I love.

Does your experience as an attorney influence your writing/stories?

It does, but not in the obvious way, like writing stories about the law. Law school really does train you how to think critically and I approach story-telling in that manner. I think about the story I want to tell, mend any possible plot holes and make sure I hit all the beats so I’ve earned my ending. It also affects my writing process. I’m a total plotter. I do a lot of work on my character and stories before I start typing the first word.

Tell us about your debut, The Tycoon's Socialite Bride.

It’s a modern day marriage of convenience, which can be tricky to pull off. My hero, Marcus is on a quest to avenge his mother when he crosses paths with my heroine, Pamela. The story focuses on how Marcus learns to let go of the past and embrace love in the present.

What can readers expect from the rest of your In Love with a Tycoon series? How many books will there be in the series?

Pretending With the Playboy is the second book in the series and its Carter’s (Marcus’s best friend and attorney) story. It’s a mixture of the playboy trope, fake engagement and second chance at love. The heroine, Lauren, had a major crush on Carter when they were younger, but it never went anywhere. When Carter’s aunt is taken ill, he rushes to her side and is faced with a grown-up Lauren and familial responsibilities he’d tried to outrun. Carter is very wicked and very sexy.

A third book was planned for the series, but it’s been put on hold. Maybe next year.

How does your latest release, Love On My Mind differ from your previous?

Superficially, it’s longer, which is big for me. I’ve been known to write short. LOL But more importantly, it’s extremely personal. It was born of thoughts about my oldest son, who has Asperger’s and a love letter that my husband wrote me when we were dating in law school. 

What are your feelings on the state of diversity in books?

We’ve made some inroads, but there’s still a ways to go. Look, romances are romances. They feature a central love story and a happily ever after. There may be tropes you like, marriage of convenience, sister’s best friend, enemies to lovers, which affect your decision to read a book, but the demographic of the hero or heroine shouldn’t be a negative factor in that decision. It’s going to take a concerted effort by people in the industry to make diverse books more available. It would also help to have more diverse people making acquisition and marketing/promo decisions.

In what ways have you evolved as a writer since your debut?

I’m ready to take more chances with my stories. In the beginning, I was trying so hard to get traditionally published that I didn’t want to rock any boats. I wanted to write a good story, obviously, but I played it a little safe. I’m learning to trust my voice and choose to pursue ideas that may be out of the box.

When not writing, something you do for fun or to unwind after finishing a book:

Recently, I feel like all I do is write! LOL When I tear myself away from the computer, I try to get out and go for a run. I’ve run 5ks, 10ks, and several half marathons. I’m training for my first full marathon this fall. My other passion is designer handbags. I like to look at blogs, read up on the latest designs, etc. My daughter always says anytime we go into a store together, the first thing I do is head toward the handbag department!

What's next for you?

The next book in my series for Avon, Along Came Love, comes out in October and I’m in the middle of writing the third book in the series, out next year.

Thank you for taking the time, Tracey. Any tips for aspiring writers?

First, finishing a book is a tremendous feat. Be proud of it. There are lots of people who start a book, very few follow through. Second, remember this is a business. Make sure you learn all parts of the industry, not just the parts about writing. The romance of finally achieving your dream of being published can be alluring and you can forget that the goal is to sell books. And that’s plural. Books. Keep writing.

~~~

More About the Author

Tracey Livesay wrote her first romance novel at the age of eleven, called "The Healing Power of Love.” With a detour through college and law school--where she met her husband on the very first day--she’s finally achieved her dream of being a published author. She lives in Virginia with said husband and three kids. For info on her upcoming releases or to chat about TV, movies and/or purses you can check out:

www.traceylivesay.com | facebook.com/TraceyLivesayAuthor | twitter.com/tlivesay

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