Flirting With Fifty

It’s a pleasure to tell you about New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jane Porter’s dazzling and sexy later-in-life romance, FLIRTING WITH FIFTY (Berkley Mass Market Paperback Original; On Sale May 24, 2022).

FLIRTING WITH FIFTY is about a woman who leaps out of her comfort zone and takes a chance on love; perfect for fans of Jennifer Weiner, Jill Shalvis, and Lexi Blake.

Chicago Tribune writes, “Porter writes with genuine warmth and quiet grace about the everyday problems all women face.”

FLIRTING WITH FIFTY

by Jane Porter

Berkley Mass Market Paperback Original

May 24, 2022

Romance - Later In Life

Paige Newsom is finally at a place in her life where she’s comfortable. She loves her job as a college professor in Southern California, lives close enough to her mother to visit her regularly, and has three daughters who are flourishing in their own careers. Paige has no plans to upend her life again after her divorce eight years ago, but she’s about to embark on a new adventure: co-teaching a course that includes a three-week international field study.

          Paige can think of a dozen reasons why she shouldn’t go, one being a dazzling Australian biologist who will be teaching alongside her. Professor Jack King is charismatic, a world traveler, and more like Indiana Jones than Indiana Jones, all of which unsettles Paige, who prides herself on being immune to any man’s charms. She isn’t looking for love, and it turns out, neither is he. But as the two co-professors lead the rigorous program together, first on campus, then in beautiful Tanzania, their biggest challenge will be working closely together while resisting the undeniable chemistry they feel when they’re with each other.

Meet the Author – Jane Porter

Photo @ Courtney Lindberg

Jane Porter, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 70 romances, holds an MA in Writing from the University of San Francisco and has been a finalist for the prestigious RITA award six times, winning in 2014 for Take Me, Cowboy.

In 2008, Jane’s popular novel, Flirting With Forty, was made into a Lifetime movie starring Heather Locklear, and in 2021 two of her novels were turned into holiday movies for the new GAC Family channel.

Jane lives in sunny California with her surfer husband, three sons, and three dogs.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Taking on a new adventure can be a challenge at any age. Do you think good things can happen when we least expect them?

My Summer Darling Revealed

Today I’m delighted to be a part of the cover reveal for author May Cobb’s new juicy page turner rooted in complicated female friendships— MY SUMMER DARLINGS (Berkley Hardcover; on sale May 17, 2022).

Publisher: ‎ Berkley (May 17, 2022)

Language: ‎ English

Hardcover: ‎ 368 pages

ISBN-10: ‎ 0593101162

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0593101162

In MY SUMMER DARLINGS, the lives of three women are shaken to the core when a charming new neighbor moves to town.

Jen Hansen, Kittie Spears, and Cynthia Nichols have been friends since childhood. They are now approaching forty and their lives have changed, but their insular East Texas town has not. They stay sane by drinking wine in the afternoons, dishing about other women in the neighborhood, and bonding over the heartache of their own encroaching middle age and raising ungrateful teens.

Then Will Harding moves into one of the neighborhood’s grandest homes. Mysterious and charming, he seems like the answer to each woman’s prayers. He’s a source of fascination for Jen, Kittie, and Cynthia, but none of them are ready for the way Will disrupts their lives. For single Jen, he’s a unicorn she’s desperate to catch. For Kittie, he’s a conquest to prove to herself she’s still desirable. And for Cynthia, Will might be worth risking everything she has for a new life with him.

Backstabbing, obsession, and secrets warp their lives, threatening their friendships and families. When Will abruptly ghosts all three women, they each scramble to find out why. Is there someone else? Has he been leading them on this whole time? Or, is it something far more sinister than any of them could have ever imagined?

Three lifelong friends plus a dangerous, sexy new stranger in town add up to a scorching summer of manipulation, obsession, and murder, from the acclaimed author of The Hunting Wives.                

Meet the Author – May Cobb

May Cobb earned her MA in literature from San Francisco State University, and her essays and interviews have appeared in the Washington Post, the Rumpus, Edible Austin, and Austin Monthly. Her previous novel is The Hunting Wives.

A Texas native, she lives in Austin, Texas, with her family.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Doesn’t this sound like a fascinating story that will keep you guessing until the very end?

Sunday at the Sunflower Inn

It is always a delight to share the news of a new release by author Jodi Thomas. Today the fourth installment in her Honey Creek series, SUNDAY AT THE SUNFLOWER INN, is released.

Sunday at the Sunflower Inn

By Jodi Thomas

Series: A Honey Creek Novel, Book 4

Publisher: ‎ Zebra (April 26, 2022)

Language: ‎ English

Paperback: ‎ 320 pages

ISBN-10: ‎ 1420151371

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1420151374

I couldn’t agree more with this description from Amazon, “A slice of Americana delivered with her characteristic warmth, endearing characters, and authentic Texan flair, the fourth Honey Creek novel by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jodi Thomas brings a sense of nostalgia to the town as some its older residents set out on a quest to realize dreams they long ago gave up on. Soon it seems the idea of chasing second chances is contagious as the rest of Honey Creek joins their journey…”

          Jessica Ann McKenzie — “Jam” to everyone in Honey Creek — has fulfilled her dream of owning the best restaurant for miles around. Serving candlelit dinners to every couple in town on Valentine’s Day is a reminder of another dream, one she’s just about given up on. Until, that very night, Sergeant Tucson Smith clambers out of the muddy river and onto her land, bringing the promise of something they’ve both been searching for.
          When McCoy Mason crashes on Interstate 45, he doesn’t just bust up his Mustang, his leg, and his relationship. He also loses his prospects of a job and apartment in Houston. Honey Creek, home to his estranged grandfather, offers a temporary respite, a place to recover before moving on again. After all, what permanent use could a town so picture-perfect have for a man like him?
          At sixty-seven, Charles H. Winston III lives by order and routine. One of his most cherished rituals is a regular lunch date with three lovely ladies at the Honey Creek Café, including the very proper Miss Lilly Lambert. But it’s not too late to surprise the whole town—or himself—by seizing a chance for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. And there’s no better season than spring, when the warm breeze blowing in from the Brazos River brings fresh hope and second chances to those who need them most . . .
 
"[Jodi Thomas] captures the charm of a small Texas town as its residents discover love...Thomas illuminates the ways ordinary lives can be transformed by the simple kindness of others."— Publishers Weekly

Doesn’t this sound like the perfect summer read? You can’t help but enjoy a story that has such lovable characters.

Now for those of you who aren’t familiar with Jodi, here’s a bit of background on her.

With millions of books in print, Jodi Thomas is both a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 50 novels and countless short story collections. Her stories travel through the past and present days of Texas and draw readers from around the world.

In July 2006, Jodi was the 11th writer to be inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. With five RITA’s to her credit, along with National Readers’ Choice Awards and Booksellers’ Best Awards, Thomas has proven her skill as a master storyteller.

Honored in 2002 as a Distinguished Alumni by Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, Thomas also served as Writer in Residence at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas.

When not working on a novel or inspiring students to pursue a writing career, Thomas enjoys traveling, renovating a historic home, and “checking on” two grown sons and four grandchildren.

For more information on Jodi and her writing, visit her website at www.jodithomas.com

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you enjoy books where you get more than one “main” character to fall in love with?

The Reluctant Bride (+ Giveaway)

 

The Reluctant Bride
By Monica Murphy
Published by: Dangerous Press
Publication date: April 19th, 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Everyone’s for sale, including me. One moment I’m the forgotten daughter of one of the most wealthy families in the country, and the next I’m the blushing bride in an arranged marriage. My fate is sealed in my wedded union with a complete stranger.

In public, Perry Constantine is the life of the party. Easygoing. Adored. In private, he’s brooding. Dark. Angry. But so am I. It’s a contest of wills to see who will break in the bedroom first, and while I try to remain strong, I find myself craving the very man I swore to hate.

My husband.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iBooks / Google Play

—

EXCERPT:

“Good morning,” I say as I take a step back from my mother’s embrace. Can’t linger too long or Winny will say something snide and rude.

He doesn’t say a word beyond a nod of acknowledgement at my arrival. His expression is stern, yet impassive. I never know what he’s thinking, and it’s disconcerting. I’ve learned from that though, and do my damnedest to wear the same expression when I’m dealing with Halcyon business for Win.

Or when I’m trying to get out of a sticky situation with a woman. That happens more often than I care to admit.

“Have a seat, darling,” Mother says, indicating the chair on the other side of Winston. I do as she says, settling into the leather chair that’s more comfortable than the one I sit in at my desk every damn day. “How was your weekend?”

I can’t tell her it was full of debauchery that included too much alcohol and too many women, but I avoid the paparazzi at the more popular clubs to keep it under wraps.

Instead I smile at her and say, “It was fine.”

Winston snorts. I’m sure he knows what I was up to. Wonder if he misses it. If I had his hot wife to come home to every evening, I wouldn’t miss that lifestyle at all.

“That’s nice.” Mother smiles, revealing straight white teeth that nearly blind me. Looks like someone just visited the dentist. “I hear you’ve been given new projects at Halcyon.”

I chance a look at Winston but he’s not paying attention to us. Too busy tapping away on his phone.

“I have.” I try to tamp down my excitement before my brother calls me out for behaving like a hyperactive puppy. “I’m handling all the angry calls that come into the office.”

Mother frowns. “Angry calls?”

I nod. “We piss off a lot of people in this city. There’s a lot of damage control going on. And not always of the—violent variety.”

The knowing look on her face is obvious. She’s just as ruthless as Winston. Swear to God that’s where he got it from, not Dad. Clearing his throat, Winston sits up straight, resting his arms on top of the table.

“Enough with the pleasantries. Let’s get down to business.”

“Winston,” Mother murmurs.

I frown at the both of them. “What exactly is this business we’re discussing this early in the morning anyway?”

Mother clears her throat as well, glancing over at Winston before she turns her attention on me. “It has to do with…you.”

I frown. “What about me?”

“Perry, darling. You’re not getting any younger.” Her expression is dour, as if she’s discussing something that displeases her. “It’s time for you to settle down.”

I snort. So does Winston.

“I’m only twenty-four,” I remind her. “Winston didn’t marry until he was forty.”

“Thirty-nine,” he corrects.

“Whatever,” I say to him, returning my attention to our mother. “There’s no one I want to settle down with anyway, so I can’t.”

“Ah, but you can.” Her smile is serene. “I’ve found someone for you, Perry. And you’re going to absolutely adore her.”

Wait a minute.

Back the fuck up

Meet the Author: Monica Murphy

New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.

I also write contemporary romance as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter / Bookbub

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Don't you think arranged marriages make for intriguing stories?

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CassaDark – Mystery in Space

I'm delighted today to welcome author, fellow blogger, friend and Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh to Thoughts in Progress to talk about his latest release, CassaDark.

Welcome, Alex. What are your thoughts on “Mystery in Space.”

When most people want to wrap themselves in a mystery, they reach for a book in the mystery or thriller. But that’s not the only genre capable of boasting a mystery or two. Multiple mysteries reside in my latest science fiction book, CassaDark. The hero, Bassan, encounters many unknowns.

Let me highlight some!

The first revolves around a man Bassan meets on Procura Space Station. He’s a Kintal like Bassan, but who is Zendar really? Is he telling the truth when he claims the people on his planet are dying? What does he really want and can he be trusted?

Once Bassan reaches Zendar’s planet, Ugar, the mystery continues. In the settlement of Jaree, he wonders–where are all the dying people? Zendar had shown him visions of hundreds ill. Where are they?

Then Bassan begins to question the true motivation of the leaders of Jaree. Why do they really need him? What secrets are they hiding? Bassan’s unique connection to ancient Kintal technology–does that come into play?

I could keep going, but I don’t want to reveal too many of the mysteries! Suffice to say, there are many unknown layers and not all of them truthful.

So, if you fancy a bit of mystery in space, please check out CassaDark.

Alex, thanks for sharing this. CassaDark is a great combination of mystery and science. 

CassaDark

By Alex J. Cavanaugh

“Cavanaugh returns to the world of his Cassa Series…for a fourth inventive space opera.” – Publisher’s Weekly

His world is unraveling…

Bassan’s father is stepping down from command. His best friend almost dies when Bassan freezes. Now, he’s being sent across the galaxy to speak at an important conference. Despite saving the eleven races years ago, he’s paralyzed by doubt. Could things get any worse?

Once there, new acquaintance Zendar convinces Bassan to visit his planet for a humanitarian mission. Bassan’s special connection to ancient technology is the key to saving Zendar’s people. One problem though—it’s a prisoner planet.

On Ugar, he discovers things aren’t so straightforward. As each truth reveals itself, the situation grows more desperate. If he can’t find the right answers, he might die along with Zendar’s people. Can Bassan summon the courage to be a hero again?

Print - 9781939844842

EBook – 9781939844859

Science Fiction – Adventure/Space Opera/Space Exploration

Links:

iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1574189874

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0982FL3SH

Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940164947033

Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/cassadark

Scribed – https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844859&language=0

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58461762-cassadark

Now for those of you who aren’t familiar with Alex, here’s a bit of background on him.

Meet the Author: Alex J. Cavanaugh

Alex J. Cavanaugh works in web design and graphics, and he plays guitar in a Christian band. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games.

Online he is known as Ninja Captain Alex and he’s the founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.

You can connect with Alex on the following sites:
http://alexjcavanaugh.com 

https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/

https://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh

Thanks everyone for stopping by today during Alex’s visit. Do you like the combination of mystery and science? Doesn't that cover just draw you in as you wonder where the adventure will take you?