Never Date the Minister (Whatever It Takes, #3)

Never Date the Minister (Whatever It Takes, #3) By Julia Kent
Publication date: September 10 2024
Buy Link: Amazon
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
Summary:

Accidental poisonings. Unexpected tidal waves. Jealous stepsisters. Brides caught cheating in the coatroom at the reception.

Just a typical day at work, when you’re a wedding protector.

And Nessa Martini, the newest and youngest member on staff, is doing her best to fix it all.

Starting with her own chaotic life.

A one-night stand with a hot bodybuilding social media influencer who turns out to be a minister is not Nessa’s idea of personal growth, no matter how much she enjoyed it.

She’s trying so hard to be mature, grounded, responsible, and to get ahead in her career working for Wedding Protectors, Inc., where they guarantee your perfect day – whatever it takes.

But when she ghosts on Mr. Perfect after one night of pleasure and he turns out not only to be the TikTok sensation known as “God’s Gift,” but is also the minister at the wedding she’s assigned to for work, all of Nessa’s careful plans go out the window.

She can’t date a man of the cloth.

Or can she?

Matt Draper knows he’s a study in contrasts. A bodybuilder who makes sweaty, shirtless weightlifting videos for millions of followers – and a minister? He didn’t pick the nickname “God’s Gift,” but he’s stuck with it now.

And he’s stuck on gorgeous Instagram influencer Nessa, too.

It may have been only one night, but it was a phenomenal night, and Matt wants more. Way more. When coincidence works in his favor and they meet at a wedding rehearsal, he takes his chance. She’s slow to warm, and so mysterious, yet social media perfect.

Too perfect.

For a guy who is all about depth and connection, can he break through her surface and find more?

Welcome to the Whatever It Takes series, where every book is a complete HEA and a standalone within the same world, with one couple per book:

Every bride needs something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue –

But you know what brides don’t need?

Complications.

Welcome to Wedding Protectors, Inc. Have a spritzer or a latte or some lovely Zen tea and sink into a comfortable chair in our sunlit offices as we listen to your wedding problem – and form the perfect solution to every possible contingency.

We plan for everything.

Except our own love lives.

But that’s not your problem.

Book 1: Never Plan a Billionaire’s Wedding
Book 2: Never Fall for the Bride’s Father
Book 3: Never Date the Minister

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EXCERPT:

“Truffle,” Nessa murmured, rousing a bit but not opening her eyes. “Good boy.”

Her family’s chocolate brown standard poodle was snuggled against her back, breathing steadily in her ear, one paw resting on her hip. She should probably get up and get ready for school, but she was so warm and cozy under the covers…

In the Midst of Shadows

In the Midst of Shadows By Nicola Italia
Buy Link: Amazon
Genres: Adult, Historical, Mystery
Summary:

In the Victorian era, a cheap and popular form of entertainment has entranced the population often known by the name; penny dreadful. Costing a penny, readers purchased the stories and entered the fantastic world of superhuman men and damsels in distress.

The stories have been popular for over fifty years and Lavinia Howard is a young woman who dreams of being such a writer. Having recently lost her father, she turns to a family friend who puts her in touch with Jasper Courtenay, owner of Courtenay Publishing.

Writing under the pen name G. R. Howard, Lavinia creates a character who becomes a huge success as her penny dreadful stories are the most popular ever printed. Her character is brash and obnoxious and has no respect for authority as he solves London murders and the working classes adore him!

But strange things begin to happen as the stories Lavinia writes start to come true. Two very similar deaths mirror those she writes about, and Detective Chief Inspector Harrison Bryce is assigned to investigate. Inspector Bryce soon discovers that Lavinia has become so popular that she has also made enemies along with her legion of fans.

He realizes that everyone surrounding Lavinia has a motive to have committed the crimes. He must work fast to determine who wants to harm her as he suspects Lavinia may be the next target on the killer’s list.

 

Also on audio – The Belle of London

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EXCERPT:

Casimir Kimberly strode resolutely past the throng of people gathered in the alley who were trying to catch a glimpse of the body of the woman lying at the foot of the wooden stairs. His black woolen overcoat reached to his knees and he could feel the material swirl about his legs as he walked. Casimir was not a man given to fanciful dress or cologne as some dandies and French men were known to be, but damn did he love his coat.

He made eye contact with a policeman keeping the crowd under control and the man immediately motioned for Casimir to make his way through the circle of people. Casimir glanced over his shoulder and saw that Ralphie was behind him but lagging. The man was always falling behind.

The Celestial Contract

The Celestial Contract By Elizabeth Boyer, W.B. Dineen
Publication date: August 14, 2024
Buy Link: Amazon
Genres: Metaphysical and Visionary Fiction
Summary:

Thousands of years ago, Earth was hijacked by a self-appointed group of puppet masters. Their objective? To keep humanity from remembering why we have incarnated onto our planet—to keep us ignorant of the contract we signed with God before we came.

The powers-that-be have created and perpetrated falsehoods, distractions, and illusions, so we no longer have any idea what life on Earth is supposed to be—what reality truly is. We struggle with the most basic principles of living, unaware the game has changed.

An evolution is coming that will alter the landscape of civilization forever. If we want to evolve, we need to wake up now, and honor our covenant with the Divine. The alternative is being cast into eternal darkness.

The Celestial Contract is a harrowing story of what is happening in our world today. It explains who we are, why we’re here, and why we have lost all control over our lives.

“The information in this book blew my mind! I’ve searched for answers to philosophical questions about why we (humans) are on Earth, and what our purpose is … I’m both surprised and delighted by the answers. I want another book stat!”
– USA Today Bestselling author, Diana Orgain

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EXCERPT:

My life’s journey has encompassed many challenges. Challenges that have underscored the knowledge that there is a bigger landscape of existence than what is seen on the surface—we’re born into families, we go to school to learn, then we get jobs, get married, have kids, and the cycle keeps repeating ad nauseam.

While I had accomplished the seemingly expected tasks, my life still seemed devoid of purpose. I was left with the following questions: Why am I doing this? What is it all about? Who is in charge and where can I register my complaint that I am not fulfilled? I want more.

Growing up in the Catholic Church, going exclusively to Catholic schools, I didn’t learn any of the information I was seeking. I was essentially told, “This is the way it is. Don’t ask questions. Just accept your instructions and live within the confines of them.” While some of what I was taught rang true, I instinctively knew it wasn’t the full story.

One Weekend in Barcelona

One Weekend in Barcelona By Christi Barth
Publication date: September 13, 2024
Buy Link: Amazon
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
Summary:

Hudson Locke’s world shattered when the band he started with his best friends fell apart. Sure, he’s super successful now, subbing as a drummer for huge acts, but he wants one of his own. One he can build. A place where he can belong. But he’s only got one shot–and one weekend in Barcelona to test out potential bandmates.

Zora Rosenthal can’t fail. Not again, anyway. She’s been in 3 bands that crashed and burned. This weekend is her last chance to join one that will actually succeed. It’s vital that she impress Hudson with her incredible talent on guitar–and prove that she’s easy to get along with, also.

The problem starts when Hudson and Zora get along too well. It’d be beyond stupid to even think about getting involved.

Or kissing each other.

Or admitting all the things they want to do to each other…

On top of that, the third potential member is horrible. Will their band actually form before it falls apart? Will either one back out because of their…connection and how badly that could go once they start working together? Or will this one weekend send Hudson and Zora down a new path–together?

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EXCERPT:

“There’s a level playing field between us. We’re almost, maybe, partners, remember?”

Hudson thumbed a droplet of water off the bottom of her lip. The light touch tore through her like a lightning bolt. “I remember everything that’s happened since I walked into our suite yesterday. Everything about you.”

The air was charged. No, the individual molecules of oxygen were charged. The kiss—the one she had so stupidly initiated—had changed everything. Unlocked the professional barriers. Zora was certain that the naked want for him was obvious on her face.

She interlaced fingers with him. “We shouldn’t.”

Whiskey and Warfare (The Team Huntress Flights, #1)

Whiskey and Warfare (The Team Huntress Flights, #1) By E.M. Hamill
Publication date: September 15, 2024
Buy Link: Amazon
Genres: Adult, Science Fiction

Summary:

Running on caffeine and spite with nothing left to prove.

Maryn Alessi retired from mercenary service after her last assignment went horribly sideways and settled down on a quiet planet with the love of her life. Unexpectedly widowed, Maryn must fulfill a promise to return her mate’s ashes to zer home planet for funeral rites, but a brutal civil war has destabilized space travel.

Former Artemis Corps sisters-in-arms and their sassy ship, the Golden Girl, are up to the task, counting on luck and their rather sketchy cargo business to get Maryn passage through the contested star lanes. 

But when the crew of the Girl rescues survivors of a ruthless war crime, Maryn and her ride-or-die friends must take up their old profession to save the lives of innocents from a genocidal dictator.

WHISKEY AND WARFARE is the first of The Team Huntress Flights.

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EXCERPT:

“We’re in position.” Scylla’s voice came over the headset. She squinted at the display as the external floodlights played over twisted metal. The ramp began to descend, letting the void in. A cold sweat broke out over Maryn’s skin at the sight of interminable space.

I’m inside, not out there, she reminded herself. She tried to train her attention on the heads-up instead, but her eyes refused to focus. “Girl, adjust the holo projector for plus three distance and magnification.”

“Setting display for granny glasses,” the ship responded.