Excerpt Reveal - JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS by Lauren Blakely

When she’s fake dating the hockey star, but he was never faking it…

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes the next standalone hockey rom com in her brand new Hockey Ever After series, JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS! This spicy, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, only one bed in a room, opposites attract hockey romance releases June 3rd in all formats, and will be free to read in Kindle Unlimited. Check out the excerpt below, and one-click your copy today!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustPlayingAMZ

✦ Audible ➜ Sign up for an alert! Sign up for an alert!

https://www.subscribepage.com/LaurenAudio

“I don’t want to be your plus-one, sweetheart. I want your ex, and everyone else, to think I’m your real date.”

She’s quiet for a long beat. Eyes flickering. Brow furrowing. “You do?”

That might sound f*&k-all pushy, so I amend it. “Fake date.”

She tilts her head, a small, curious smile forming. “You’re saying you want to fake date me for all the wedding events?”

This makes perfect sense to me. A plus-one can be anyone—a friend, a rando, some guy who lives across the country and happens to be in town. But a date? That signals something important.

“What I’m saying is a plus-one is a cop-out. But being your new guy? That says your ex is a dumbass for losing you, and you’re moving the hell on like the f*&king goddess you are.”

Maybe I’ve said too much with goddess, but the way her smile spreads is divine.

“Looks like you just got yourself a fake date then, mister.”

I inch closer, tuck my thumb under her chin, like I did the night I walked her to her door. Her breath catches. I slide my thumb gently along her jaw. “See you soon.”

About JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS (Coming 6/3/2026):

Ever hear the story about the dating coach who got dumped on the hockey arena’s jumbotron?

Everyone did. But I lived it. Including the moment when Lake Axelrod, the team’s broody, tattooed right winger, swooped in on skates to rescue me from public humiliation.

Even more surprising? When the famously grumpy (and ridiculously sexy) hockey star insists on being my fake boyfriend for my sister’s high-profile wedding.

It’s the perfect plan. His family stops pressuring him to settle down, and I’ll get the ultimate revenge, since my ex is the best man. Bonus – I might even salvage my professional reputation.

We need rules though.

To pull this off, everyone from his teammates to my boss has to believe we’re a real couple.

That means swoony touches and knee-weakening kisses are required.

When it ends, we walk away.

But the intensity in Lake’s eyes after every post-game kiss makes me wonder if he’s pretending. With each whispered secret, the line between fake and real bends. Until it shatters one night in a hotel room.

Soon, he isn’t just playing the protective boyfriend—he’s the only one who truly sees me.

If I’m not careful, I’m going to break the most important rule of all: don’t fall for your fake date.

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustPlayingAMZ

✦ Audible ➜ Sign up for an alert! Sign up for an alert!

https://www.subscribepage.com/LaurenAudio

A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Her books have been featured in US Weekly and People. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.

Website: laurenblakely.com

NL Signup: http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenblakelybooks

13th Annual Mental Health Awareness Book Fundraiser

  

May 2025 marks the 13th year that an extraordinary group of authors is coming together in memory of Keith Milano to support mental health awareness and suicide prevention. 

These generous authors will donate a portion of their book sales throughout the month of May to the Keith Milano Memorial Fund at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). 

Together, we can make a meaningful impact.

Here’s how you can help awareness and funds:

📗 Purchase one, or more of the incredible books listed below. Every purchase makes a difference, whether it’s digital, print, or audio. We encourage you to #1Click4Charity and support these talented authors giving back for a cause that matters. 

🎁 Gift a book to a friend! If you’ve already enjoyed one of these stories, consider sharing it with someone who might love it too.

📸 Share the awareness. Spread the word by reposting the graphic below or any custom images shared by participating authors. Visibility matters. 

💬 Engage on social media. In today’s digital world, comments are currency so if you see posts supporting this initiative, take a moment to like, comment, and share. Every interaction helps amplify our message. 

💰 Make a tax-deductible donation directly to the Keith Milano Memorial Fund at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Thank you for standing with us to honor Keith’s legacy and support those impacted by mental illness. 

Together, we are turning pages into purpose.

📚 💚 Participating Books 📚 💚

13th Annual Mental Health Awareness Book Fundraiser May 2025
Author	Book (hyperlinked to Amazon)
AL Jackson	From Here to Eternity
Alison G Bailey	Evie Interrupted
Aly Stiles	Undertow
Carly Phillips	Just One More Affair
Farrah Rochon	Bemused
Ginger Scott	Home Game
Ginger Scott	The Tomboy and The Captain
Ginger Scott	This is Falling
Jennifer Probst	Yearn
K Bromberg	Hard To Handle
Kelly Jamieson	Light 'em Up
Lawrence Sprung	Financial Planning Made Personal
Leylah Attar	The Paper Swan
Melanie Harlow	After We Fall
Natasha Madison	Meant for Her
Nicole Edwards	Chase: Primal Instincts
Nicole Edwards	Capture: Primal Instincts
Nicole Edwards	Claim: Primal Instincts
Nicole Edwards	Rule: Primal Instincts
Piper Rayne	The Problem with Second Chances
Sawyer Bennett	North: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel
Sierra Simone	A Lesson in Thorns
Willow Winters	All He’ll Ever Be

   

Keith Milano Memorial Fund

140 Adams Ave, Suite B-12 Hauppauge, NY 11788

Watch to learn more about the Milano Sprung Family’s mission

Connect with the Keith Milano Memorial Fund on Social:

💰 If you want to support the cause, you can make a Direct Donation

💚 If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources 💚

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Cope Notes, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Information about the Keith Milano Memorial Fund: 

The Keith Milano Memorial Fund was established to help raise awareness about the devastating and deadly disease that is mental illness. Keith’s spirit and laughter are kept alive through our efforts to increase awareness about mental illness and to raise money for education and imperative research. Keith often struggled with society’s perception of mental illness. Our hope is that by having the strength to say that Keith was “Bipolar” we can strip away the stigma and help others to be more open about their disease. 

Watch to learn more about the Milano Sprung Family’s mission 

The Keith Milano Memorial Fund benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). At the end of the event, participating authors pay AFSP directly. 

AFSP is the only national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research and education, and to reaching out to people with mood disorders and those affected by suicide. AFSP is a fully accredited 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization incorporated in the state of Delaware with primary offices in New York City. Federal tax ID # is 13-3393329. 

💚 If read all the way to the bottom of this post, please know we are beyond grateful for the support

AudioBook Release - HIGH INTENSITY by Freya Barker

 

 

Title: High Intensity (High Mountain Trackers HMT 2G, #2) 

Author: Freya Barker 

Genre: Romantic Suspense 

Release Date: February 2, 2025 

Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC. 

Dog trainer and handler, Jillian Lederman, is moving with her pack to Libby, Montana, a place where she has made friends and hopes to find a fresh start. It’s time. For years, she’s just been keeping her wounds fresh by staying in Missoula—where there were regular reminders of all she’s lost—while the rest of the world has continued to move forward.

Perhaps the new house, the beautiful mountains, and a certain pair of clear, blue eyes hold the promise of new beginnings.

Since changing careers years ago, former FBI agent Lucas Wolff has found a much better work-life balance as a member of High Mountain Trackers. Still able to serve his community, he has also been carving out a comfortable existence for himself and is not looking to make any changes to it anytime soon. Not even for a particular bold and ballsy redhead he’s been trying to avoid.

That turns out to be an impossible feat when a plane crash during a blizzard sets both of them on the trail of a young girl, all alone in the mountains. But it soon becomes evident they are not the only ones looking, and staying safe means sticking close together.

Excerpt Reveal - REBEL by D.M. Earl

 

Title: Rebel (Devil Handmaiden's MC: Timber Ghost, Montana Chapter, #8) 

Author: D.M. Earl 

Genre: Romantic Suspense MC Romance 

Release Date: February 20, 2025

Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

One sergeant in arms. One sexy doctor. And the rebellion begins...

Running the Handmaiden's Fitness and Holistic Center gives Mya "Rebel" Mikowloski all she needs. As the Sergeant in Arms, Rebel revels in watching her sisters fall for their soulmates. Seeing them happy and fulfilled is all she really wants. And when her best friend goes into labor, keeping her and the baby safe is her utmost priority. 

OB/GYN Atlas Gianopoulos will do anything to keep his patients safe. Their health and care are paramount. His focus is unwavering. But when he encounters the feisty and gorgeous Rebel, the doctor is ready to break all the rules. However, Rebel has no intention of succumbing to the cocky, sexy physician and single dad. Suddenly, Atlas changes directions and will stop at nothing to win the spitfire's heart. As Rebel keeps him at bay, Atlas turns on the charm. With their chemistry igniting, there's nothing holding them back.

Until.... 

Rebel's past comes back with a vengeance. 

Can the irresistible doctor find a way to protect her before the rebel goes into battle alone?

Excerpt Reveal - WILDCAT by D.M. Earl

 

Title: Wildcat (Devil Handmaiden's MC: Timber Ghost, Montana Chapter, #7) 

Author: D.M. Earl 

Genre: Romantic Suspense MC Romance 

Release Date: August 22, 2024 

Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

When the wildcat is unleashed, nobody is safe.

Manager of the Wooden Spirits Bar and Grill, Frankie Camano, a former cop, is struggling to heal from a tragic past. The women of the Devil's Handmaidens MC have been Frankie's saving grace in a world of pain and disappointment. Known as "Wildcat," Frankie uses her strength and tenacity to overcome the demons that haunt her.

Leaving Malcom, a doctor and the love of her life, after they both faced horrific events, was the hardest thing she's ever done. But when her past comes barreling back. Frankie knows that the Handmaidens and Malcom are the people she can trust. She refuses to let anyone hurt her--or her loved ones ever again. Will Frankie's fear of the past force her back into hiding, or will she finally release the WILDCAT on the enemies who threaten to destroy her?

Excerpt Reveal - RAVEN by D.M. Earl

 

Title: Raven (Devil Handmaiden's MC: Timber Ghost, Montana Chapter, #6) 

Author: D.M. Earl 

Genre: Romantic Suspense MC Romance 

Release Date: April 18, 2024 

Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

A second chance may hurt worse the next time around...

Funny and vibrant Brenna "Raven" O'Brien has experienced her fair share of pain and loneliness. She's always used humor to hide her true feelings of rejection and loss. Always the jokester, Brenna brings joy to those around her.  Being needed in IT for the Devil's Handmaidens gives her purpose and a sense of belonging.  After being betrayed by the only man she's ever loved, Raven guards her heart from pain at all cost.

But when she comes face to face with the man who destroyed her, everything changes...

Ash Sterling has loved Raven his entire life.  He'd do anything to repair the broken shards of her heart. But Raven's pain runs deep, and her pride won't be crushed again. However, when her sister comes back into her life, and the Handmaiden's realize more danger and darkness loom, Raven knows that Ash is the one man who can help her seek the justice her family needs. When boundaries blur and passion ignites, will the pain of the past subside for both of them to find a future together?  

SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT from Ilsa Madden-Mills

 

"One of the most beloved romances of 2020"--Southern Living

SURPRISE! The Amazon Charts Bestseller Dear Ava from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is now available with a gorgeous alternate paperback cover!

Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills delivers a gripping, enemies-to-lovers, secret admirer, high school romance.

The rich and popular Sharks rule at prestigious, ivy-covered Camden Prep. Once upon a time, I wanted to be part of their world--until they destroyed me.

The last thing I expected was an anonymous love letter from one of them.

Please. I hate every one of those rich jerks for what they did to me. The question is, which Shark is my secret admirer?

Knox, the scarred quarterback.
Dane, his twin brother.
Or Chance, the ex who dumped me. . .

Dear Ava,
Your eyes are the color of the Caribbean Sea.
Wait. That's stupid.
What I really mean is, you look at me and I feel something REAL.

It's been ten months since you were here, but I can't forget you.
I've missed seeing you walk down the hall.
I've missed you cheering at my football games.
I've missed the smell of your hair.

And then everything fell apart the night of the kegger.

Don't hate me because I'm a Shark.
I just want to make you mine.
Still.

Audiobook Spotlight - PASS SERIES/SNAPSHOT SERIES by Freya Barker

 

PASS SERIES

Hit&Run (PASS Series, #1) by Freya Barker 

Genre: Romantic Suspense 

Narrated by: Tanya Eby, Patrick Zeller

AMAZON | iBOOKS | AUDIBLE | KOBO

Blurb:

Returning home to Grand Junction would not have been Rosie Perkins’ first choice, but with her mother no longer able to take care of herself, it’s the only one she has. As is working the night shift at a local hotel to bring in a much-needed income.
Rosie juggles to keep all the pieces of her life together and has no room to add anything more. One morning after a long shift, when she witnesses a hotel guest crash into a dumpster, her careful control starts to unravel.

Security specialist, Jake Hutchinson, has his hands full protecting the arrogant lead actor of a movie being filmed in town. Since the production company and crew arrived at the hotel, the entitled star has been nothing but trouble.
The only thing that can improve his mood is the occasional nightly glimpse of the redheaded housekeeper.

Until he finds himself trapped between desire and duty.

Teaser Reveal - USED by Kate Dunbar

 

This is all of me. The good, the bad, the used, and the broken…

Heartbreakingly beautiful and completely engrossing, A young woman's life takes a disturbing and utterly fascinating turn as the past she's put behind comes back to haunt her.  USED is packed full of twists, turns, and a gripping romance sure to leave readers emotionally spent and asking for more.

USED, a brand new standalone romantic suspense from debut author Kate Dunbar, will be releasing on March 8, 2021 on all retailers! Don’t miss the fantastic teaser below, and pre-order your copy today!

“USED was amazing. Like seriously amazing. I can't remember the last time I hated to put a book down so I could go to sleep and then immediately pick it up to finish it the next morning. And yet, here we are and that's what I did.” ~ Samantha Chase, New York Times Bestselling Author

“Rarely have I read a book so vividly described, so rich with emotion, that I felt like I lived it. USED is the kind of book that engages your heart and takes you on a journey that leaves you hopeful and empowered by the end.” ~ Erika Kelly, Award Winning Author of the Rock Star Romance Series

Photography by K Keeton Designs
Cover Design by Uplifting Author Services

Model: Cameo Hopper

At the age of seventeen, after a decade of lies, hurt, and severe abuse by her brother Lucas, Sabra Valentine is able to breathe.

Lucas is behind bars thanks in large part to Sabra's quick thinking and self-preservation-even if that's one more secret she has to keep.

Now, seven years later, life is moving forward, and Sabra is starting to heal, live, and love again with her friends and Trevor Collins by her side. He's tall, dark, and sexy, and he doesn't fall for Sabra's games. The future is finally looking bright-until one phone call shatters everything.

Used is a romantic suspense with domestic thriller elements. Please be aware that there are topics that may be triggers for some readers, and this work is meant for mature readers.

Author Spotlight - 3 SUSPENSE/THRILLERS by Tracie Podger

Three standalone suspense/thrillers by Tracie Podger All **LIVE** now

Gabriel

 

There are some f**ked up people in the world, unfortunately, the worst kind ended up destroying my life.

My wife had been murdered and I made it my mission to find out why and by whom.

But when the ‘why’ and the ‘whom’ invaded my small town, my house, my life, and turned it upside down, it brought more death and devastation.

When you don’t know your enemy it’s hard to know who to trust. I had the greatest religion on earth on one side and a mad man on the other. I was stuck in the middle.

My name is Gabriel. I had a perfect life, a perfect wife, and now I am fighting for justice.

A dark, epic thriller for readers over the age of 18.

Available Free with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: books2read.com/u/bMYM5b

7TH ANNUAL KEITH MILANO FUNDRAISER

Presents : 7th Annual Keith Milano Memorial Fund

Welcome the 7th Annual Mental Health Awareness Month Book Fundraiser benefiting the Keith Milano Memorial Fund at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. 

For the 7th year, an amazing group of authors have generously agreed to donate a portion of their May sales to the Keith Milano Memorial Fund.

Here is how you can help raise money and awareness for mental health:

You can purchase a book from the amazing books listed below! We hope you will #1click4charity a number of these amazing books! Please note that although below are Amazon Kindle links, the portion of sales is from any platform: digital, print and audio.

Share the image below or any of the custom photos the participating authors share on social media to raise awareness and to show your support.

Make a tax-deductible donation directly to the Keith Milano Memorial Fund at AFSP.

Thank you in advance for your support as we work to bring mental illness out of the darkness.

Author Spotlight - T-RO-U-B-L-E: TEXAS HEAT by Sable Hunter

T-R-O-U-B-L-E: Texas Heat

Trouble comes calling on Kyler Landon. He falls hard and fast for his beautiful, mysterious neighbor after she saves him from a rattlesnake attack. The sexual tension mounts between them with each sensual encounter, but he soon realizes that Cooper has been hurt and is leery of men. So he sets out to teach her that a real man can be gentle, loving, and sexy as hell.

Trouble seems to follow Cooper, and Ky makes it his mission to protect her from her past. Kyler would move heaven and earth to keep her in his bed and in his life.

GOODREADS

Spotlight - TEXAS MAVERICK by Sable Hunter & Ryan O'Leary

Texas Maverick (Texas Heroes)

by Sable Hunter & Ryan O'Leary

https://amzn.to/2DrUYWL

Maverick Cross is a Texas hero, not the flashy kind, he's a war veteran who served his country overseas and now serves it at home as an Austin firefighter. To look at him, and women love to look, he's a ripped athlete who takes care of himself and has it all together.

Only his next door neighbor knows the truth; Maverick suffers from PTSD.

Everly Winterfell is almost invisible, blending into the crowd is fine by her. She's a hero too, not the kind who wears a cape, but the kind who isn't afraid to dig for the truth and expose it for all to see. Everly's alter ego is Eve Winters, an award winning journalist who doesn't seek the limelight, she's content with writing stories that change people's lives without drawing any attention to herself.

Nothing much escapes Everly, she has a talent for seeing beneath the surface, reading people for who they really are. From her vantage point in Apartment #701, she has learned that the occupant in #702 is lonely. He has a habit of pushing people away before they can get too close, especially women. Maverick can offer a woman great sex, Everly can vouch for that fact. The walls are thin between #701 and #702 and many nights she has lain there wishing she was on the receiving end of his attention. He's intrigued by his odd little neighbor, who seems to want to be his wingman and he has no idea that her ulterior motive is to be his friend. After some negotiations, they strike a deal - she'll find him women who know the score, who won't expect more than he can give, and in return he'll see if he can advise her on how to attract a man for herself. To facilitate their odd arrangement, they install a chalkboard on the narrow wall separating their front doors, leaving messages about their shared adventures.

The more time they spend together, the less important finding dates for the other becomes. Everly and Maverick discover they share a chemistry that’s off the charts, they can’t keep their hands off one another. There’s only one problem – Maverick has no idea Everly is his secret obsession, Eve Winters. Sometimes what we need is right in front of our face. Sometimes what we’re looking for is right next door...

**CONTENT WARNING: This book contains adult language and sexual situations. It is intended for ages 18+ ONLY**

Series Spotlight - UNSPOKEN LOVE SERIES by H.P. Davenport

Unspoken Love Series

by H.P Davenport

GOODREADS

*UNSPOKEN WORDS *

Camryn Townsend and Jamieson Banks have been the best of friends forever. Every important memory includes the other. From learning to play catch and first kisses, high school dances and college acceptances, they've always been there for one another. Without realizing it, the love they've always felt for one another evolves into something more. But when Camryn moves across country, they leave the words that could risk their lifelong friendship unspoken.

Life goes on, and years go by before work brings Camryn back home. Opportunity smiles on them and both realize this may be their only chance. A chance for two friends to make new memories, and risk what they've always had to discover a love beyond their imaginations. To have everything their heart desires. But when the unthinkable happens, it threatens to shatter the delicate new connections Jamie and Camryn have made.

When two lifelong friends are put to the test, can they come out on the other side as lifelong partners … or will those words forever remain unspoken?

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1T9PjWZ
Amazon CA: http://tinyurl.com/jqtewhk
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/jsxjfft
Paperback - http://amzn.to/1NTW3ZN

Series Spotlight - THE KILLER SERIES by Brynne Asher

The Killer Series

by Brynne Asher

GOODREADS

Vines

Amazon link - https://amzn.to/2KEQkX4
GR Link - https://bit.ly/2OfPWjO

Blurb:
In the Virginia countryside outside of Washington, DC, Addy Wentworth was on a mission to make a new life for herself. When the opportunity arose, she settled in horse and wine country. Experiencing more than her fair share of tragedy and loss, she had plans for her future, one where failure wasn’t an option. And not just because people and cows were counting on her. She’d poured everything she had into her struggling vineyard, because once she’s in, she’s all in.

After giving himself wholly to the job for ten years, Crew Vega was done. He’d fulfilled his commitment, done his duty, gone above and beyond to settle the score. And the score was high. All he had to do was train his replacements and he’d be out for good.

He had a plan, one that didn’t include getting involved with his new neighbor, a woman who not only kept cows for pets, but treasured her employees as family, and understood him better than anyone ever had before. But when he learned a high level CIA target being investigated for treason was keeping tabs on her?

No, he never planned on that.

And like everything Crew Vega did in life, when he goes in, he’s all in.

Warning: I’m a devout member of the mama club and don’t want to get kicked out by angry mamas. If you aren’t eighteen, turn around, go drink your milk and eat your veggies, it’s good for your bones. And go to bed early, you’re still growing, your body needs sleep. And don’t text and drive. And be nice, sit with the kid who sits alone at lunch. And read a PG-13 book, it’s good for your brain. And go tell your mama you love her. Chop-chop, run along now. I’ll see you back when you’re eligible to vote. 

Spotlight Tour - KYLER by C.A Harms

Title: Kyler
Author: C.A. Harms
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Published: March 6, 2018
Page Count: 177 Pages
Publisher: Limitless Publishing, LLC

He was off-limits. Forbidden. I wasn’t supposed to fall in love with him... Kyler was my boyfriend’s best friend. I never looked at him as anything more than a friend too, but that all changed when Beau deceived me. One unexpected night, one moment of truth, and that imaginary line between friendship and lovers was crossed. Secrets were shared. Desires fulfilled. There’s no going back now. Our lives were changed forever…