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Thursday, April 29, 2021

YOU SPIN ME RELEASE BLITZ

 

 

We are so excited to announce the release of Karen Grey's YOU SPIN ME!

You Spin Me is book three in Karen's Rom-Com series, Boston Classics!

YOU SPIN ME IS OUT NOW!

Make sure to get your copy today!

     

GoodReads ~ Amazon ~ Books2Read ~ BookBub ~ Signed Paperbacks/Audio

  SYNOPSIS:

Some scars go further than skin deep…

1988 doesn’t end well for Jessica Abraham. In just one week she turns thirty, loses her day job, and loses the role of Ophelia to a younger actress. Rallying, she goes after a part at a theater outside of the city, but the director’s plan to hide her beauty behind hair, makeup, and wardrobe from Cosmo’s “Don't” column shakes her confidence to the core. For the first time in her acting career, she won’t be able to rely on her carefully managed physical charms. Only her craft will count. On a snowy night early in January 1989, a woman calls into DJ Callihan Alonso’s alt-rock radio show at the end of her commute. He asks her to call back the next night, and the next, just so he'll know she’s home safe. There's something about her voice that has him wanting more, but the longer they talk, the closer she gets. Compromising each and every wall he's built around his heart. If two lonely people fall in love over late-night phone calls, will meeting face-to-face make them, or break them?

In this heart-rending but happy-ending retro rom-com, it may be the end of a decade,

but it’s the beginning of a love story.

 

 

And don't forget to meet the other couples of Boston Classics:

Book 1

GoodReads ~ Amazon ~ Books2Read

Book 1.5: Signed, Sealed, & Delivered

Book 2

GoodReads ~ Amazon ~ Books2Read

Book 2.5: Like It's 1999

 

Meet Karen Grey:

  KAREN GREY is the pen name for award-winning narrator Karen White. A stage, screen and radio drama actor in Boston, New York and Los Angeles in the late 20th century, she started recording books in 1999. Now back in her home state of North Carolina, she shares a home with her family and (probably) too many pets, where she continues to narrate audiobooks as well as make up stories. The first three books in her Boston Classics series of retro romcoms released in 2020, with more to come in 2021. What I'm Looking For, #1 in the series is the winner of AudioFile Magazine's Earphones Award, the NJ Romance Writers' Put Your Heart in a Book contest and Hearts Through History’s Romance Through the Ages contest in the Modern History category.  

Connect with the Author:

Website ~ Amazon ~ FaceBook ~ Instgram ~ Twitter ~

BookBub ~ GoodReads ~ Facebook Group

 

And don't forget to join Karen Grey's Newsletter for all the most up-to-date info!

 

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE MURDER (HANNAH SWENSEN #27)


Spring has sprung in Lake Eden, Minnesota, but Hannah Swensen doesn’t have time to stop and smell the roses—not with hot cross buns to make, treats to bake, and a sister to exonerate!


Hannah’s up to her ears with Easter orders rushing in at The Cookie Jar, plus a festive meal to prepare for a dinner party at her mother’s penthouse. But everything comes crashing to a halt when Hannah receives a panicked call from her sister Andrea—Mayor Richard Bascomb has been murdered . . . and Andrea is the prime suspect.


Even with his reputation for being a bully, Mayor Bascomb—or “Ricky Ticky,” as Hannah’s mother likes to call him—had been unusually testy in the days leading up to his death, leaving Hannah to wonder if he knew he was in danger. Meanwhile, folks with a motive for mayoral murder are popping up in Lake Eden. Was it a beleaguered colleague? A political rival? A jealous wife? Or a scorned mistress?


As orders pile up at The Cookie Jar—and children line up for Easter egg hunts—Hannah must spring into investigation mode and identify the real killer . . . before another murder happens!


Features Over a Dozen Cookie and Dessert Recipes from The Cookie Jar!


Release Date: February 23, 2021

Kensington Publishing Corporation

Hannah Swensen #27

Cozy Mystery

Review copy provided by publisher


Liza's Review:


Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder is the newest release in the Hannah Swensen series from Joanne Fluke. I know with each new installment in the series I'm going to get a mystery and lots of new recipes, and in the 27th book in the series, readers are given 31 new recipes to drool over, along with the mystery of who killed Mayor Richard Bascomb.


I really enjoyed Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder. Hannah Swensen is at her sleuthing best with the help of Norman and Andrea. I will say I didn't like Hannah's new inner voice battle, and I felt like Andrea seemed to be weaker than she ever has been before in other books. Both honestly distracted me from the story a good bit. I really do hope these character changes were a one-time thing, as it was so at odds with the characters from past books.


I honestly wasn't that surprised by someone killing Mayor Bascomb. The man had cheated on his wife for years, and wasn't really a very nice person. Even with Andrea being the main suspect, Hannah knows her sister can help her once again solve a murder in their hometown of Lake Eden. The fact that Andrea's husband is the sheriff and couldn't have anything to do with the investigation, and for once Mike seemed to want Hannah's help, was actually refreshing for me. I liked they planned to share what they each learned this time to save Andrea, rather than work against each other. As Hannah is still dealing with so much from the loss of Ross, I almost wonder if Mike and even Norman aren't being extra cautious with her right now, and I have to say overall I liked, but really hope Hannah is back to the strong woman she has always been in the past soon.


Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder was heavier on food and recipes than on mystery, but the mystery was part of the story for sure. I figured it out pretty early in the book, but like the path Hannah, Mike, and their friends took to find the killer. This is a cozy mystery book, so yes, the story overall is light, and that is part of the reason I keep coming back book after book. I love the community that exist in each cozy mystery series, and the Hannah Swensen books are no different. While I did have some reservations with some of the character changes in this book, it was still a good story overall and I look forward to my next visit to Lake Eden.



Rating: 4 Stars (B-)


Tuesday, April 27, 2021

CHRISTMAS CUPCAKE MURDER (HANNAH SWENSEN #26)


As December turns Lake Eden into the North Pole, the heat is on in Hannah Swensen’s kitchen to honor two Christmas promises: baking irresistible holiday cupcakes and preventing murder!


While Hannah speeds through a lengthy holiday checklist, drama in town grows like Santa’s waistline on Christmas Eve. Her sister Andrea wants to stave off the blues by helping out at The Cookie Jar, Michele’s love life is becoming complicated, Lisa needs Hannah’s advice, and Delores has a Christmas secret she’s not willing to share. But nothing dampens the holiday mood more than the chilling mystery surrounding the man found near death in an abandoned storefront two doors down from Hannah’s bakery . . .


The befuddled John Doe can’t recall a thing about himself—except for his unusual knowledge of restoring antique furniture. With a smattering of clues and barely enough time to frost Christmas cookies, Hannah must solve a deadly puzzle that could leave her dashing through the snow for her life! 


Release Date: September 29, 2020

Kensington Publishing

Hannah Swensen Series #26

Cozy Mystery

Review copy provided by publisher


Liza's Review:


Christmas Cupcake Murder was another fun cozy mystery in the Hannah Swensen series. As this story is set in the past, each of the favorite characters are in different places in the lives. I honestly enjoy getting to go back in time in Lake Eden to learn more about each of the characters.


Joanne Fluke gives her readers their annual Christmas mystery with Christmas Cupcake Murder. Generally, the Christmas mystery is a shorter story than her full-length books that come out in late winter/early spring. Christmas Cupcake Murder is definitely filled with lots of yummy recipes, but the mystery was much lighter than usual. I enjoy getting to spend time with so many of my favorite characters, but will say I felt like the timeline didn't quite fit based upon previous books. While it wasn't my favorite book in the series by far, I did enjoy the book overall. 


The Hannah Swensen books were some of the first cozy mysteries I found and fell in love with when they were first published, and I still enjoy the books with each new release. While I didn't feel that Christmas Cupcake Murder was the strongest book in the series, I look forward to where Ms. Fluke takes her readers with future books.



Rating: 3 Stars (B-)


Monday, April 26, 2021

THE GRIFTER COVER REVEAL PART 1

 

🔥🔥YOU PICK THE COVER!🔥🔥

AND YOU, THE READER, GET TO PICK THE COVER!


Vote Here to select the cover!

WINNING SELECTION REVEALED NEXT WEEK! 


Release Date: October 19

Pre-Order Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR List!


Meet Kimberly Kincaid

Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet and hot and edgy romantic suspense. 

When she’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. 


Kimberly is a USA Today best-selling author and a 2016 and 2015 RWA RITA® finalist and 2014 Bookseller’s Best nominee who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love.


Kimberly resides in Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.

Connect with Kimberly Kincaid

Website | NewsletterFacebook | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | Instagram | Twitter | BookBub


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Friday, April 23, 2021

FAUX PAWS: THE DOGMOTHERS #8


At a personal and career crossroads he never expected, Navy nuclear engineer Theo Santorini faces the fact that his once charmed existence isn’t so charmed anymore. Then, on a cross country trip, he saves a desperate and abused dog, hoping he can turn around both their lives. When he arrives at Waterford Farm in North Carolina with his rescue, Clementine, Theo’s matchmaking grandmother and her best friend immediately launch a plan to help both man and dog. Theo doesn’t hate their idea of getting an assist from a beautiful, enigmatic “pet psychic” while he figures out his next move. But the woman’s preposterous claims that she can read an animal’s mind seriously test an engineer who lives for logic and flees from feelings.


After bolting from the church when she learned the groom waiting at the altar had cheated on her, Ayla Hollis can now add “runaway bride” to her short resume. But this perennial people-pleaser has broken free from her stifling upbringing and is finally ready to begin a new life. She’ll start by openly admitting to the world that she has a gift that might seem bizarre to some, but she can help animals, and in a town that loves dogs, that makes her a local hero. Her first “patient” is an emotionally damaged stray dog held in the strong arms of a handsome, but skeptical, owner. Ayla soon finds it can be much easier to understand an animal’s feelings than those of a man who refuses to believe her abilities are real.


As Theo and Ayla work together to help Clementine heal, they can’t deny one thing is real: their sizzling chemistry that quickly grows to feelings of forever. But before the Dogmothers can claim another successful match, Ayla’s psychic skills thrust her into a perilous spotlight that threatens everything. With their love on the line and a dog’s life in the balance, Ayla’s gift could save them all…but only if Theo will finally risk his heart and believe.


Many of the covers of The Dogmothers were all photographed at Alaqua Animal Refuge in Florida using rescue dogs from the shelter, and "local heroes" as models. A portion of book sales is donated to that amazing organization! 


Release Date: April 23, 2021

South Street Publishing

The Dogmothers #8

Contemporary Romance

Review copy provided by publisher


Liza's Review:


Roxanne St. Claire has given her readers an absolutely amazing and emotionally satisfying story with Faux Paws, the next installment in her wonderful Dogmothers series. Just when I think the last book in a series will be my favorite, I read the newest release, and it becomes my new favorite Roxanne St. Claire book.  I'm going to be honest right now and say have tissues ready as you read this story, and be ready to savor each and every moment of this story. 


Faux Paws centers around Theo Santorini, Ayla Hollis, and the most precious rescue dog Clementine, with a healthy dose of Gramma Finnie and Yiayia using the matchmaking skills they seem to improve upon with each new installment. I loved that both Theo and Ayla ended up in Bitter Bark, NC when they were each at a crossroads in their life and of course Clementine is just the rescue dog to bring them together. 


I adored both Theo and Ayla from the moment they each appeared on the page. While my heart broke a little for each of them coming out of relationships where their respective exes has cheated on them, I also felt like it made them each more receptive to the instant attraction they felt for one another. Ayla is absolutely one of my favorite characters ever written by Ms. St. Claire. She has had enough of trying to be what others want her to be and is ready to spread her wings and be completely true to herself. I loved that coming to Bitter Bark seemed to give her the courage to stand up for herself and her talent for being about to communicate with animals. Seriously, could there be a cooler talent than knowing what you pet is feeling at any given moment?!?!


Theo is a nuclear engineer, so he is an extremely analytical thinker. The fact that he is insanely attracted to Ayla, yet doesn't believe in her talent even after seeing her work over and over again with pet owners and their pets, hurt me so much for Ayla.  Even when she has all the right answers about Clementine and her fears, Theo keeps looking for a logical answer for how Ayla knows so much about not only Clementine, but the other animals as well.  Honestly as much as I adored Theo, I kind of wanted to smack him in the back of the head to help him see the truth right in front of his eyes. 


Theo's and Ayla's path to happily ever after had many twists and turns along the way, but it only made me love their story more.  I loved every moment of the roller coaster ride Roxanne St. Claire took her readers on in Faux Paws. I love with each new installment, I get to spend time with new characters and dogs to love, as well as all the family I've fallen in love with over the course of the Dogfather/Dogmothers books. While I myself have read all the books in the series in order, I feel like readers who love funny, sweet, and sexy contemporary romances, can pick up any book in the series and become hooked. Faux Paws was the perfect story that gave me all the feels as I read it the first time, and I know it is a story I will read over and over again. 



Rating: 5 Stars (A+)


BUY LINKS

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

JUST ONE NIGHT: THE KINGSTON FAMILY #1


She’s the woman he can’t live without.


The one he can’t risk screwing up their relationship by sleeping with her.


Linc Kingston doesn’t accept anything less than perfection. Not in his billion-dollar business or in his personal life. He has it all. Except one thing. His personal assistant and best friend in his bed, moaning his name. No matter how much Linc wants her, she’s completely off-limits.


Jordan Greene grew up the daughter of the housekeeper at the Kingston estate, where she met and bonded with Linc at a young age, despite their economic differences. But no matter how close they are now or how much their attraction simmers beneath the surface, they’re still from two different worlds. Besides, Jordan isn’t about to risk losing her best friend for one sensual night.


Jordan might be the only woman who can handle Linc and his domineering, bossy attitude, but beneath that gruff exterior is a vulnerable man who, despite his wealth, has had a less-than-charmed life. And when Linc’s father dies, she’s there for him—unwavering in her friendship.


Until one night of passion and a positive pregnancy test changes everything.


Release Date: April 20, 2021

CP Publishing

The Kingston Family #1

Contemporary Romance

Review copy provided by publisher


Liza's Review:


Just One Night is the first book in the Kingston Family series from Carly Phillips. I loved this book from the very first page so much so, I've read it several times already.


Linc Kingston and Jordan Greene have been best friends their entire lives. Jordan's mom worked for Linc's family when they were growing up and Linc and Jordan were always together. Once Jordan graduated from college, it seemed completely natural for her to come to work with Linc as his personal assistant, and because of the way Linc's father had cheated on his mother repeatedly with his secretaries, Linc has placed Jordan in the do not touch zone, even if he is insanely attracted to her. Jordan's mother has told her over and over again she and Linc can never be more than friends, as they come for such different backgrounds. Jordan is equally as attracted to Linc as he is to her, yet never plans to act on said attraction. Everything changes when Linc discovers he has a half-sister he never knew about and needs to go to Florida to meet her, and needs his best friend with him.


First of all, I absolutely loved the friendship between Linc and Jordan. Yes, they had smoking hot chemistry, but they each were firm in their belief to never do anything to mess up their friendship. I also loved that despite the differences in their financial backgrounds, Linc never looks at Jordan any differently than any other friend. So much so, that when he met his new sister Aurora, Jordan had to explain how different it was for someone who had little to no money to feel intimidated by his wealth. I felt like he was pretty naive with his outlook, and loved he was shocked when both Jordan and his sister Chloe had to explain things to him.  I will say Linc had very strong protective instincts when it came to the people he loved, and I loved they were there from the beginning with both is new sister and Jordan. Linc and Jordan's relationship gave me all the feels! OMG they had such a great friendship, but when they took it to the next level, the sparks between them could light up a room. 


The best friends to lovers troupe is one of my favorites, and add in a surprise baby, and I am absolutely giddy. I'm not really sure why both troupes are like catnip to me, but they always bring me such joy. Carly Phillips absolutely knocked it out of the park with Just One Night. It was full of friendship, family, humor, a bit of drama, and so much romance I adored every single moment. Jordan and Linc are two of my favorite characters ever from Ms. Phillips. Just One Night was a killer opening book to this new series! I can't wait to see where Ms. Phillps takes us with each new installment in the Kingston Family series.


Rating: 5 Stars (A+)




Buy Links:

Kindle: https://amzn.to/36kNCnm

Nook: http://bit.ly/2NzFE31

Apple: http://apple.co/3psAOTb

Kobo: http://bit.ly/3t8i4us

Google Play: http://bit.ly/3ciOywj

Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/3clMEei

AUDIO - Connor Crais and Mckenzie Cartwright!

Audible: https://smarturl.it/OneNightAudible

Amazon Audio: https://smarturl.it/OneNightAmzAudio

 

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

JUST ONE NIGHT RELEASE BLITZ

 

Release Date: April 20

She’s the woman he can’t live without.

The one he can’t risk screwing up their relationship by sleeping with her.

Linc Kingston doesn’t accept anything less than perfection. Not in his billion-dollar business or in his personal life. He has it all. Except one thing. His personal assistant and best friend in his bed, moaning his name. No matter how much Linc wants her, she’s completely off-limits.

Jordan Greene grew up the daughter of the housekeeper at the Kingston estate, where she met and bonded with Linc at a young age, despite their economic differences. But no matter how close they are now or how much their attraction simmers beneath the surface, they’re still from two different worlds. Besides, Jordan isn’t about to risk losing her best friend for one sensual night.

Jordan might be the only woman who can handle Linc and his domineering, bossy attitude, but beneath that gruff exterior is a vulnerable man who, despite his wealth, has had a less-than-charmed life. And when Linc’s father dies, she’s there for him—unwavering in her friendship.

Until one night of passion and a positive pregnancy test changes everything.


Grab Your Copy Here:
Kindle | Apple | Nook | Kobo | Google Play | Amazon Print | Audible | Amazon Audio


Meet Carly Phillips


NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips gives her readers Alphalicious heroes to swoon for and romance to set your heart on fire. 

She married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her three crazy dogs: two wheaten terriers and a mutant Havanese, who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram. 

The author of 50 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters who put up with having a mom as a full time writer. 

Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as a romance club pick and was the first romance on a nationally televised bookclub. 

Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. 

Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter (below) and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.

Connect with Carly Phillips


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Friday, April 16, 2021

THE BILLIONAIRE'S BIG GAME: THE MIAMI VICES #1


A billionaire bachelor up for auction. A single mom trying to avoid him. The last thing he wants is a commitment… but that happens to be the only thing she wants.


Noah Vice: When my mom signs me up for another one of her ridiculous fundraisers, I don’t think much of it. Until, that is, the drop dead gorgeous girl who ghosted me six months ago is announced as my highest bidder. Now’s my chance to finally get to know Zoe…and figure out exactly what she’s hiding. But when I meet her adorable, four-year old secret, I know this isn’t a game I should play.


Zoe Taylor: The last thing on earth I need right now is a casual fling with a hot billionaire. With a four-year old daughter and classroom full of eighth graders, there’s only one kind of relationship I’m looking for…a lifelong partner. But now, because of my meddlesome grandmother, I’m stuck with Noah for five unforgettable dates. He’s not marriage material, but I can’t resist a little fun. The only problem is… I might not beat him at his own game.




The Miami Vices:


As colorful, vibrant, and sexy as the city they call home, the billionaire Vice brothers have secrets, temptations, and never met a risk they wouldn’t take…all in the name of love. This sizzling new rom com series will have you laughing, swooning, and looking for the next book. When you’re in Miami… everyone deserves a Vice.


Release Date: April 16, 2021

Palm Island Publishing

The Miami Vices #1

Contemporary Romance

Review copy provided by publisher


Liza's Review:


Breezie Bennett once again delivers with a book I couldn't put down in The Billionaire's Big Game. I adored Noah and Zoe from the moment they each appeared on the page! Serious sparks from the moment they met each other, and it only got better from there.


Noah Vice is one of the billionaire Miami Vices, and is pretty much all work and no play since his family bought the South Florida Riders football team, as Noah has been put in charge of everything. Noah has no desire to be in a relationship, and doesn't really have time for one. Zoe Taylor is a middle school teacher and single mom who is only willing to date someone who is as ready as she is for a relationship, as in marriage. I loved they first met when Noah was taking time for himself and Zoe and her friends were out for a GNO. They had an instant connection, and fabulous chemistry from the very first moment. However, as they both wanted different things in life, it would take a bachelor auction and Zoe's hilarious grandmother to set the wheels in motion for romance.


Zoe and Noah gave me all the feels from the very beginning of this story. As they were in different places in their lives when they first met, it was so much fun to watch their friendship blossom into romance the more time they spent together. I loved Zoe and Noah had chemistry from the beginning, yet Noah respected Zoe's friends only dictate when they first started spending time together. Once Zoe's daughter Ava hit the page, I totally and completely fell in love with this little family. There was so much love and humor, I seriously couldn't stop reading! I promise for lovers of super sexy romances, you won't be disappointed, as Zoe and Noah have lots of sexy times....smoking hot sexy times!


I've loved Breezie Bennett's book from the moment I read her very first story. She gives her readers emotional and beautiful romance in each new story. Ms. Bennett also weaves in humor so well in each of her stories, I sometimes find myself crying from laughing so hard. I love when an author tugs at so many of my emotions, and Breezie Bennett does so in each and every story. I adored every single moment of The Billionaire's Big Game and am already counting down to the next book in the series!


Rating: 5 Stars (A)

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

BLOG TOUR: SUMMERTIME GUESTS


SUMMERTIME GUESTS

Author: Wendy Francis

ISBN: 9781525895982

Publication Date: April 6, 2021

Publisher: Graydon House Books


Book Summary:

Sip cocktails in the lounge, bask in the summer sun by the pool, and experience the drama of the rich and famous firsthand in Wendy Francis’s newest novel, SUMMERTIME GUESTS (Graydon House; April 6, 2021; $16.99 USD). With its rich history and famous guests, The Seafarer is no stranger to drama. But the bustle at the social hotspot reaches new heights one weekend in mid-June when a woman falls tragically to her death from the tenth floor, unwittingly intertwining her life with the lives of the hotels’ guests and staff.

Claire O’Dell, reeling from the loss of her husband and possibly her job, has gone to The Seafarer for a little vacation…and to reconnect with a long-lost-love.  Jean-Paul, the hotel’s manager, is struggling to keep his marriage and new family afloat. Bride-to-be Riley is at the hotel to plan her wedding with her fiancé ... or, she’s at the hotel with her fiancé while her mother-in-law tells them how to plan their wedding. Jason, whose romantic getaway with his girlfriend has not exactly gone the way he'd hoped and instead has him facing questions about his past that he can't bring himself to answer.

As their truths and secrets come to light, the lives of these four will collide in tragic, beautiful ways none of them could have expected that will teach them about the love they deserve and the strength they possess to change their lives for the better.


Buy Links: 

Harlequin 

Barnes & Noble

Amazon

Books-A-Million

Powell’s





Excerpt:


Friday June 11th, 2021


ONE



It wasn’t as if Riley could have anticipated what would happen later that day. None of them could. Because when you’re at a tasting for your wedding reception at one of Boston’s ritziest hotels, trying to decide between crab cakes or lobster quiches, no one thinks of anything bad happening. Or at least, this is what Riley tells herself later. Why she—and no one else there—could possibly be to blame.

At the moment, though, Riley is sitting at a table by the window, half-listening to her future mother-in-law while she sips gazpacho the color of marigolds. Something about wanting to know if the outdoor terrace can be transformed into a dance floor, assuming the weather cooperates. If Riley were asked to gauge her interest in planning her own wedding, she would characterize it as mild at best. Her only requirement being that she and Tom marry in July—and that the flowers are pale pink peonies from Smart Stems, the shop where she has worked for the past three years.

It was Tom who’d suggested the Seaport District for their reception, Boston’s new up-and-coming neighborhood, and Riley had happily agreed. It’s an easy spot for guests to travel to, and the setting is over-the-top gorgeous with views of both the city and the water. Not to mention the promise of fresh seafood—an almost impossible request if they were to wed in Riley’s hometown of Lansing, Michigan, where everything remains hopelessly landlocked.

But she hadn’t counted on Tom’s mother wanting to be so, well, involved. Maybe it’s the fact that Riley’s own mother passed away a few short years ago, and so Marilyn feels compelled to step up and fill her mother’s shoes. A retired schoolteacher, her mother-in-law-to-be still tackles each new day with the necessary energy for a classroom of boisterous second-graders, a gusto which she now seems to be funneling into her son’s nuptials. At first, Riley was grateful, but while she sits listening to the hotel’s wedding coordinator drone on about the Seafarer’s rich history, she’s beginning to feel as though she has stepped into one of those horrible, never-ending lines at Disney for a ride she doesn’t particularly want to go on.

Riley is well aware that the Seafarer is one of the most coveted venues for weddings, especially in light of its recent renovations. It’s no secret that New England’s most glamorous, its most fashionable clamor to stay here and that the Seafarer’s well-appointed rooms are typically booked months in advance. She should be grateful that they’re even considering it as an option. Rumor has it that everyone from Winston Churchill to Taylor Swift has been a guest (as the saying goes, if you want to appear in the society pages of the Boston Globe, then spend a few hours at the Seafarer’s exclusive summer cocktail hour from four to six). As for out-of-towners hoping to take in the full scene that Boston can be—with its attendant snobbishness and goodwill and weird accents wrapped into one—the Seafarer, Riley understands, puts you in the heart of it.

Not that she has anything against tradition, but if it were up to her alone, she would probably choose a smaller, more modest setting, a wedding with no more than fifty guests. There’d be a justice of the peace and rows of white chairs lining the harbor, the wind whipping her veil in front of her face. Naturally, she’d want a reception afterward, but Riley counts herself as the type of girl who’d be equally content with trays of fish tacos and margaritas under a tent as with oysters on the half shell served in a tony hotel restaurant.

“I can’t reveal everyone,” the coordinator is saying in hushed tones, “but it’s no secret that some of Boston’s greatest legends have celebrated their nuptials with us.” Riley shoots Tom a sideways glance, as if to say Is she for real? but her fiancé’s chin rests firmly in his hand, his attention rapt. He’s eating up every word.

“Well, Gillian, it’s all very impressive,” Tom’s mother says, slipping her reading glasses back into her pocketbook after a review of the menu. Her hair is pulled back in a severe ponytail, her lips coated in her trademark color, fuchsia. “It’s no wonder Boston’s finest flock here for their special occasions. The view alone is to die for.” She gestures toward the expanse of crystalline water out the window, the romantic outline of the city’s financial district in the distance. “Kids, wouldn’t it be something to come back here every year to toast your anniversary?”

Marilyn shoots Riley a wink, as if the two of them are in cahoots to convince Tom that this is the spot, meant to be. There’s no need to point out that she and Tom could never afford such a venue. They already discussed it over dinner the other night when Marilyn revealed that she’d gone ahead and booked an appointment for a tasting at the Seafarer on Friday and how she hoped Riley wouldn’t mind. “I don’t want you to worry about money, dear,” she instructed. “Tom’s dad and I would be honored to host. Tom is our only child after all.”

And Riley had breathed a tiny sigh of relief while swallowing her pride. Not because she wants an extravagant wedding but because it means that she and Tom can now channel the nest egg they’ve been building toward a mortgage on a new home instead of toward an elaborate one-day celebration. It’s a much more sensible use of their money, and Riley, having grown up poor verging on destitute, is nothing if not sensible.

Can she really imagine herself celebrating her marriage here, though? Tom keeps missing her not-so-thinly veiled comments about the food on the menu, which leans toward the bite-size variety that he hates (precisely because it never fills him up), but he has said nothing. Maybe he’s just being polite. Riley quickly scans the room for other future newlyweds, but most of today’s diners appear to be here for business lunches—buttoned-up men in suits and women in sharp blazers with silk shifts underneath. A few couples, perhaps away for a romantic long weekend, and a group of older women sharing a bottle of wine, sit wedged into the corners. It’s a lovely space, but is it too lovely?

She shifts in her seat and tries to picture her dad here, wearing his familiar old sports coat that’s nearly worn through at the elbows, his khaki pants and penny loafers, pretending to feel comfortable when he wouldn’t know which fork to reach for, which glass to use.

When Marilyn turns toward to her and says, “Don’t you agree, Riley?” Riley feels her cheeks flushing because she hasn’t been paying attention. She has no idea what her future mother-in-law is referring to.

“I’m sorry. What was the question again?” She’s slightly annoyed that Tom can’t—or won’t—decide on a few things himself or at the very least rein his mother in. Especially because they talked about this very thing—not letting Marilyn take over the tasting—last night! They’re discussing the appetizers, apparently, and all Riley knows is that she doesn’t want crudités. If there’s one rule she’s abiding by, it’s that her wedding menu will include only those foods that she can pronounce.

It seems there should be a box on a list that they can check for the Standard Reception—something not overtly cheap but not insanely expensive, either. Tom squeezes her knee beneath the table, though it’s unclear if it’s meant as encouragement or as a reprimand for her not giving this conversation one hundred percent. What Riley really wants to know is this: How can she avoid attending any more tastings with Marilyn? Should she just agree to the Seafarer right now and be done with it?

“Mom was wondering,” Tom says in complete seriousness, “if you thought it would be better to have cold and hot hors d’oeuvres or just cold since the wedding will be in July?”

“Oh, right.” Riley pretends to consider her options. “Good point. It’s bound to be hot, so I wonder—”

But somewhere between the words so and wonder, a loud whistle of air followed by a deafening blast socks through the room like a fist, sending Riley to grab the table and Tom to reach for her hand. Marilyn’s fork drops from her elongated fingers, clattering onto her plate, and the room seems to shake for a brief moment. There are shouts followed by an eerie hush while the dining room settles back into itself. Riley watches the other diners who begin to mumble to each other across their tables, asking if they’re okay and spinning in their seats to better determine the source of the blast. The woman at the adjacent table hovers on the edge of her chair, as if considering diving underneath the table.

When Riley glances over at Gillian, she looks equally alarmed and as surprised as the rest of them, which means this isn’t some kind of bizarre emergency testing by the hotel. Whatever they heard was real. Significant. Riley’s eyes slide toward Tom, then Marilyn, whose face has turned a shade as pale as milk, then back to Tom.

“What on earth was that?” Marilyn gasps, her voice an octave too high, her fingers fluttering to her necklace. It’s a silver chain studded with azure stones, the kind of jewelry that Riley has come to associate with women of a certain age.

“I’m not sure.” Gillian’s voice cracks. “It almost sounded like some kind of explosion, didn’t it?” And then, as if remembering her wedding-coordinator cap, she rushes to reassure them. “But I’m sure it’s nothing like that. Maybe a blown transformer?

But both Riley and Tom exchange glances because no matter how ill-versed they are in loud noises, that definitely was not a transformer. It wasn’t so much a popping sound as a crash, she thinks. Did the massive chandelier in the lobby fall? Did it come from the kitchen? Construction work outside maybe? It’s hard to tell.

“Not to be overly dramatic, but it almost felt like an earthquake,” Riley says. “The table actually shook, I think.” And although she understands that the curiosity sparked inside her is somehow inappropriate, she wants an explanation. “Whatever it was,” she says, lowering her voice, “it sounded awfully close.”

“Yes, very close,” Marilyn agrees, still fiddling with her necklace.

And that’s when the screams begin. Not from the kitchen at the back of the restaurant, not from the lobby, but from outside, just beyond the elegant bay windows peering out onto the terrace that fronts the water, the ocean seemingly close enough to dip a hand into. Riley’s glance swivels toward the small crowd that’s beginning to form outside near the firepit and hot tub.

“If you’ll excuse me?” Gillian says, as if emerging from a fog, and rises awkwardly to her feet before heading toward the row of windows.

Riley’s gaze follows her, and suddenly, she, too, feels compelled to get up, as if an invisible string tugs her toward the window. She hurries forward and angles around Gillian for a better view. But when she does, she immediately regrets her decision. Because it’s not a collapsed scaffolding or an awning or even construction work that has caused the sudden shaking, the loud blast.

But a woman, lying facedown on the terrace, several yards beyond the window.

The body lies completely still, the woman’s legs scissored like a rag doll’s, her left leg angled upward awkwardly. A curtain of muddy blond hair shields her face from view. Riley watches while a few bystanders move hesitantly toward the woman, as if afraid of startling her, until someone kneels down and grasps her wrist, presumably to check for a pulse. A man in blue running shorts and a Red Sox T-shirt yells for someone to call 9-1-1.

To Riley, it looks as if the woman was perhaps reaching for a glass that slipped from her hand, her arms still outstretched above her head. Her body is long, lean, even elegant. Riley holds her breath, waiting, and feels Gillian stiffen beside her when a youngish man, nicely tanned and formally dressed, parts the crowd and gently encourages everyone to take a few steps back. He assures them that an ambulance is on the way and speaks with an authority that suggests his importance.

“That’s Jean-Paul, our manager,” Gillian says quietly as they watch him crouch down next to the woman and brush her hair away from her face.

Just then, a young man in the crowd throws his hand to his mouth and rushes off, and Riley stands on her tiptoes for a better view. And that’s when she sees it, too—the wild splash of bright red she hadn’t noticed earlier that lies at the far edge of the woman’s hair. And in that awful moment, Riley—and everyone else watching—understands. An image of a woman in her yellow summer dress, cartwheeling through the air from somewhere up high, perhaps her hotel balcony, spirals through her mind.

“Oh, my God.” It hits her all at once, a hollow pit forming in her stomach.

“Jesus,” says Tom, who has come up beside her to rest a hand on her shoulder. “She’s not moving.”

“No.”

It’s obvious to them both, but somehow still needs to be said, as if by acknowledging it aloud, the woman might hear their words through the open window, might somehow will herself to move an inch, if only to give them a sign—a flutter of a hand, the shifting of a foot—that she’s going to be all right.

But her body remains completely, horribly still.



Excerpted from Summertime Guests by Wendy Francis, Copyright © 2021 by Wendy Francis

Published by Graydon House Books



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Wendy Francis is a former book editor and the author of the novels The Summer Sail, The Summer of Good Intentions, Three Good Things, and Best Behavior. Her essays have appeared in Good Housekeeping, The Washington Post, Yahoo Parenting, The Huffington Post, and WBUR's Cognoscenti. A proud stepmom of two grown-up children, she lives outside Boston with her husband and eleven-year-old son.