Title: Peyton & Noah ( A Beaumont Wedding)
Author: Heidi Mclaughlin
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Sports Romance
Release Date: December 18, 2018
Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.
Everyone dreams of meeting their soulmate. The person who completes them. For Peyton and Noah, they grew up together, falling in love along the way. Wedding bells are ringing. And the couple who almost wasn’t, Is going to be. Peyton and Noah invite you into their life. To spend some time with their family. As they prepare to walk down the aisle.
By the time we stop at the third bridal store, or maybe it’s the fourth, could be fifth because I’ve lost count, I realize why couples elope. The stress of having everything right, everything perfect, is almost too much to handle. The words I’ve heard today are it’s too frilly, not enough lace, the back looks odd, you look frumpy, is enough to make me want to throw my hands up and say forget it. Maybe it’s the champagne talking and being unreasonable in my head. With each store, comes a plate of hors d’oeuvres from restaurants looking to land a contract from me, and champagne from the best vineyards, wanting to supply our reception with their bottles. Because of my dad and who I’m marrying, the A-list treatment is real and all I want to do is pick a wedding dress with my mom and sister and decide on bridesmaids’ gowns that don’t look like they belong in an 80’s prom magazine. Most of all, I just want to marry Noah, in front of our family and friends, in a simple ceremony.
I’m surrounded by mirrors, and my reflection tells me that I’m tired and have had way too much champagne. I want to eat, gorge myself on carbs and ice cream until my stomach revolts. I want everything unhealthy and not listed on the approved list that my uncle Xander gave me. He means well and is only giving me what I wanted when I asked him to help get me into shape for my wedding.
My body jerks to the left or right, depending on which way the saleswoman is pulling the gown I’m trying on. It’s not my favorite, but my mom fawned over it as soon as she saw it on the hanger. In fact, she’s loved just about every dress she’s picked out, as well as some of Elle’s choices. Each one I show her, brings her to tears. I guess this is a mom thing to do, to cry at the sight of their daughters dressed in wedding gowns. I texted Noah and warned him I plan to be the same way when we have a daughter going through this. He replied, telling me how much he loves the idea that we’re going to have children.
I have yet to find the one. Not man, because I found him many years ago, but dress. In my mind, it exists. It’s out there, sitting on some rack, being passed by, waiting for me to try it on. I know I could have had a bespoke gown, designed, and made to my own specifications, if I were to delay my wedding for a few more months. I’m not sure a dress is worth it. My parents are going to spend hundreds, if not thousands, on a dress that I’ll wear for a few hours, send off to dry-cleaning and have stored in a box. It seems frivolous and a waste of someone’s time.
Elle enters the dressing area and crinkles her nose. She gets it. At least, she pretends to. “Do you like it?”
I stare at her through the mirrors, not answering. I don’t need to. It’s a twin thing, she knows how I’m feeling.
“Mom means well. She’s excited.”
“I can’t wait for it to be your turn,” I tell her. “When will Ben propose?”
Elle shrugs, playing my question off. Her relationship with Ben is similar to the one I share with Noah. Lifelong loves with the difference being Elle didn’t realize she was in love with Ben until it was almost too late. Her stubbornness almost blew her chance at happiness but thankfully Ben was determined to win her love.
“What? Don’t you talk about marriage?”
“Not really,” she says. “We’re both so busy. Ben has a really good job, plus he’s helping me launch my career. We’re both sort of focusing on work right now.”
“You want him to ask you. I can tell.”
Elle waves me off. “The commitment would be nice.”
“So ask him. I would’ve had Noah not. I wasn’t going to let him go.”
The saleswoman makes one final tug before she dismisses me to go see my mom. Elle helps me off the large platform and holds the curtains open for me. Mom stands, covers her mouth, and proudly proclaims this is the best one yet.
“Mom, you say that each time,” Elle points out. “How are we supposed to help Peyton choose?”
Mom wipes at the tears falling. “I can’t help it, I just…” she looks from me to Elle, and then down at the floor. “I’m emotional is all.”
She doesn’t have to finish her sentence. I already know she was going to say something like “never thought she’d see this day.” She’s not the only one to think that. Sometimes, I have nightmares about the wedding, about Noah and I. Me sitting in church, watching him marry someone else. I’m there out of obligation because our families have been friends for forever. In this dream, his bride finds me crying in the bathroom, telling me that everything will be okay. She has no idea who I am or that I’m madly in love with her new husband. She just sees a weeping woman in the restroom who needs comfort. When my dreams do show my wedding to Noah, it’s perfect because it’s him and I standing there, professing our love for one another.
“Peyton, do you like the dress?” My mother asks.
I look down and trace the intricate beadwork. A seamstress or tailor spent a long time putting this together and it will be the right dress for a bride that isn’t me. “It’s pretty, but I think it’s too busy for what I had in mind.”
Mom smiles. “We have a handful of other stores to try.”
“Actually, there’s a vintage shop not far from here. I’d like to look in there.”
Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers. Originally, from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot. When she's isn't writing one of the many stories planned for release, you'll find her sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games. Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Roth, in theaters January 19, 2018. To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com
Michelle's Review
Peyton & Noah by Heidi McLaughlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars On the happy tears!!! I absolutely love Noah and Peyton. This novella is a great addition to what is one of my favorite series and to get their wedding now at the holidays was a real treat. This is sweet, cute and a very touching story. These two are totally made for each other and their story will definitely being a smile to your face. View all my reviews
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Title: Christmas With You
Authors: Heidi McLaughlin, LP Dover, Cindi Madsen, RJ Prescott & Amy Briggs
Genre: Holiday Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 20, 2018
Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.
Bestselling authors Heidi McLaughlin, L.P. Dover, Cindi Madsen, R.J. Prescott, and Amy Briggs invite you to celebrate Christmas in Friendship, Massachusetts, where small-town values mean that everyone gets into the holiday spirit and lends a helping hand. When an unlikely newcomer decides to join in and play matchmaker, five couples—each a complete love story by each of our five authors—get their happily ever afters during the happiest time of the year. And these authors share what the season truly means to them.
Read an Excerpt from Heidi McLaughlin's Story
The mid-afternoon holiday shoppers walk by the large picture window of my office. The blowing snow, which piles up on the window ledge like a quintessential painting from Norman Rockwell, gives the town of Friendship a classic New England feel.
Like most storefronts in town, the Bank & Trust building has large picture windows that look out onto the town square. Sighing, I stare out the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Gwen coming out of a store, parking her car, or even walking down the street. I haven’t seen her since I moved out.
The blotter on my desk, with its sporadic notes and dates, piques my attention. Leaning forward, I push a small pile of papers out of the way so I can read what today says. Meet divorce lawyer.
Instant melancholy sets in as I frown at the calendar and what my life has become. A divorce is the last thing I want, but I haven’t done a very good job of showing Gwen that she and our daughter Ruby were important. Are important.
My sports coat hangs on the back of my chair. I grab it, slip my arms into it, and take my long winter coat off the rack. A quick glance at the clock shows me I’m about out of time and need to leave now if I’m going to make my appointment.
It seems colder than when I was outside earlier, and I find myself pulling my coat closer and pushing my hands deep into its pockets. Despite the coat’s thickness, it does nothing to take the bite out of the air or keep the wind from stinging my cheeks.
I cross the street and head up the granite stairs leading to my attorney’s office. The heat inside the building is stifling, and my frozen fingers work to undo my coat. Taking the staircase two steps at a time, the old wood creaks under my weight.
The law office is small but has an odd homey feel. I hang my wool coat and give a slight nod to the receptionist. She smiles, sort of. It’s more like a half smile-half grimace. Living in a small town, everyone knows your business.
“Mr. Sutton, please come in.” Terence Sims has been an attorney longer than I’ve been alive. My parents used him for a few legal transactions, and it only made sense I seek out his help as well. “Have you given much thought to how you want to respond to Gwen’s proposal?” he asks. He swivels in his chair to look at me over the rim of his glasses.
“Honestly, I haven’t looked at it.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t want this divorce.”
Terence leans back, and his fingers form a steeple. “Divorce is hard, especially when one party is blindsided. Do me a favor. Talk to Gwen. See if you can work something out that benefits the both of you.”
He has given me an idea. I’ll talk to Gwen, but it won’t be regarding a settlement. I’m going to do what I should’ve done all along, be the husband and father I’m supposed to be.
I’m going to get my family back.
Meet the Authors by Visting them at one of their online sitesHeidi McLauglinL.P. DoverCindi MadsenR.J. PrescottAmy Briggs
Title: Chasing My Forever
Author: Heidi McLaughlin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: October 9, 2018
Cover Designer: Sarah Hansen Okay Creations.
Photography: Mae I Design
Models: Alex Denning & Cherry Albrecht
Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.
Music is his passion. It’s in his blood. Yet, Quinn James isn’t sure if stardom is right for him. His family wants him to join a band, and follow in his father’s footsteps but fear holds him back. He can’t explain it, and when he tries, no one understands what he’s afraid of or why he’s content playing coffee shop gigs where no one knows him.
Eleanora Boone wants to live her life, not the one her very southern parents planned for her, which is why she chose a college thousands of miles away. Now she’s faced with returning home or doing something that would defy her family. When an opportunity to visit Los Angeles falls in her lap, she uses it to become someone different.
California is everything Eleanora thought it would be, and even more so when she meets Quinn, the shy, reserved and brooding musician who’s the complete opposite of the guys she’s used to back home.
For the first time, Quinn’s smitten. The new, mysterious waitress has him wrapped around her finger, and he finds that he is finally able to open up and trust someone outside of his family circle.
But living a different life comes with its risks, and for Eleanora, that risk is a secret that has the power to destroy both of them.
I pull Elle’s ponytail as I pass her. She says something about music, band, and gigs. I should be interested, but I’m not. I still haven’t signed a representation deal with her, which is causing a bit of a family rift. My parents and Elle don’t understand why, probably because I haven’t told them what’s holding me back. Believe it or not, I’m content doing my coffee shop gigs. There’s no pressure to perform, I don’t have to go to rehearsals and if I want to jam, I call my dad and ask him when the band will be together next. This simple life is perfect for me.
Ben’s player is dead by the time I get back into the living room. “Didn’t take you long.”
“Picked the wrong village to pilfer.” He takes the bottle from me and twists the top off.
“I hate that.” I start the game, drawing the bad ass female avatar.
“Quinny,” Elle calls out. I ignore her. This nickname thing has started recently and can end anytime soon. I continue to play, even when she sits down between Ben and I. “Quinny,” she sings my name and starts pulling on my ear.
Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers. Originally, from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot. When she's isn't writing one of the many stories planned for release, you'll find her sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games. Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Roth, in theaters January 19, 2018. To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com
Title: Holding Onto Forever
Series: The Beaumont Series - Next Generation #1
Author: Heidi McLaughlin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: October 12, 2017 The road for Noah Westbury has been carved out for him, long before he knew who his father was. Making sure he worked hard to deserve the opportunities provided to him, Noah is exactly where he dreamed of being - starting QB for Portland Pioneers. Together with a Victoria Secret's model girlfriend by his side, life couldn't get much better. Except for the fact that standing in his path is Peyton Powell-James, his life-long friend and the one woman he can never have.
Peyton Powell-James always knew her future would be in football and dreams of having a successful sports journalism career once she graduates college. After being given an assignment to cover a professional game from the sidelines, Peyton believes that everything is going to plan, until one fateful night changes her life.
Harsh reality sets in for Noah and Peyton. One could lose everything, while the other one struggles to keep the families together.
“It was PERFECTION!” - Embrace the Romance 5 Stars “HOLDING ONTO FOREVER just became my new favorite Heidi McLaughlin read to date!!” - Amber Boyd 5 Stars “This story will leave you breathless page after page.” - Amy 5 Stars “One of the best books I have read.” - Nancy Metsch 5 Stars
Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.
When she's isn't writing one of the many stories planned for release, you'll find her sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games.
Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, will be in theaters on October 27, 2017, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe.
Title: Play Room (A Society X Novel)
Authors: L.P. Dover & Heidi McLaughlin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 4, 2017
Blurb
The rules of Society X are simple . . . break them and you're out.
Rule #1 - No names It doesn't matter if you want to know, it's forbidden. Rule #2 - No exchanging numbers It doesn't matter if you want to call, it's forbidden. Rule #3 - Everything is to remain strictly anonymous. It doesn't matter if you want to tell, it's forbidden. Whatever your desire. Whatever your fetish. The Play Room is the place to go. For Alexandria Miller, itâs a chance to express herself, to embrace her hidden passions. For Kai Robicheau, being in the club brings out who he truly is. What happens in the Play Room will have you aching for more . . .
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Excerpt
âHello?â
âAlexandria, this is Jared from Society X. How are you?â
I gasp and look around, hoping like hell the woman beside me couldnât hear. âYes, hi. Iâm doing good. You?â Grabbing my bottle of water, I hurry off the stair climber to a vacant corner across the room.
âCanât complain. Iâm calling because I have a proposition you might be interested in. You put in your application that youâre open to anything. Is that correct?â
My cheeks burn like fire. âYeah, I guess so. What exactly is this proposition?â
He clears his throat. âI have a client who has particular tastes, or fetishes if you prefer. His partner canât make it tonight, and I need to fill that spot.â
Swallowing hard, my heart races. Iâm nervous just hearing him talk about it. âWhat will I have to do?â
âYou, absolutely nothing. All youâll have to do is lie there on your stomach while your partner massages your backside.â
âYou mean my back?â I ask.
He clears his throat again. âNo, your ass.â
I donât know what comes over me, but I burst out laughing. âYouâre joking, right?â
âNo, Iâm not.â
I hush up quickly. âI honestly didnât know that was a thing. Itâs an interesting concept.â
âIs it something youâd be interested in? You donât have to be naked. Your upper body will be covered by a curtain so you can wear a shirt. However, below your waist, youâll need to wear a thong.â
Keeping a straight face and not laughing is going to be the hardest part of the whole thing. How can someone get off by rubbing someoneâs ass? âSure, put me down. What time do I need to be there?â I say it before even really thinking it through.
âEight oâclock. Iâll see you then,â Jared says.
âAll right.â
We hang up, and I head straight for the gym door. Thereâs no way I can keep something like that a secret from my friends. Once outside, I call Dani.
âWhatâs up, girl?â
I rush to my car and hop inside. âYou will not believe the phone call I just got.â
âWhatâs going on?â
I havenât told her about being a member of Society X yet. âI kind of became a member of Society X.â
âHoly shit,â she squeals. âSeriously? Why didnât you tell me at work today?â
Sighing, I pull out of the parking lot for home. âHonestly, I didnât think Iâd get a request so fast. My contact called me and said he had a proposition for me. And get this, itâs for the play room. The guy wants to massage my ass.â
Daniâs cackle is so loud I have to hold the phone away from my ear. âThatâs priceless. Please tell me you said yes.â
I groan. âUnfortunately. What if I burst out laughing while this dudeâs squeezing my butt cheeks?â
Daniâs laughing so hard Iâm surprised she can even breathe. âI donât know what to say. This is too funny. What kind of freak gets off on someoneâs ass?â
âObviously, the man Iâm about to give my ass to.â Iâm starting to think I made a mistake accepting the proposition. At least, Iâll have a good story to tell later. âWish me luck.â
âGood luck, chickee. I want all the details.â
On the way home, I glance at myself in the mirror. What the hell am I doing?
Also Available
L.P. Dover
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she began her literary journey she worked in periodontics, enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.
She loves to write, but she also loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes and white water rafting, and has a passion for singing. Her two youngest fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime, usually Christmas carols.
Dover has written countless novels, including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, the Gloves Off series, the Armed & Dangerous series, the Royal Shifters series, the Society X series, the Circle of Justice series, and her standalone novel Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense, but if she got to choose a setting in which to live, it would be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.
Heidi McLaughlin
Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot. When she's isn't writing one of the many stories planned for release, you'll find her sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games. Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, will be in theaters on October 27, 2017, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe. Are you ready for Society X? **STANDALONE NOVEL by New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors, Heidi McLaughlin & L.P. Dover.** Now Available! Amazon US:http://amzn.to/2aZbosR Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2aSUlJY iBooks: http://apple.co/2ax03N2 Nook: http://bit.ly/2boI252 Kobo: http://bit.ly/2boI252 Blurb Viewing Room Rules: The rules of Society X are simple . . . break them and you're out. Rule #1 - No names It doesn't matter if you want to know, it's forbidden. Rule #2 - No exchanging numbers It doesn't matter if you want to call, it's forbidden. Rule #3 - Everything is to remain strictly anonymous. It doesn't matter if you want to tell, it's forbidden. Whatever your desire. Whatever your fantasy. The Viewing Room will make it happen. For Kennedy Vaughn, it’s an escape. For Hunter Miles, entering the Viewing Room means he’s been selected. What you witness in the viewing room will have you asking for more . . . Haven’t read this series yet, Now is your chance to grab Dark Room (Book One)! Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2aSxQVR Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2aY5Od9 iBooks: http://apple.co/2bybJnz Nook: http://bit.ly/2bbWUpg Kobo: http://bit.ly/2bybKI8 Meet the Authors L.P. Dover L.P. Dover, is a southern belle residing in North Carolina along with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she even began her literary journey she worked in Periodontics enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries. Not only does she love to write, but she loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes, white water rafting, and you can’t forget the passion for singing. Her two number one fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime and those songs usually consist of Christmas carols. Aside from being a wife and mother, L.P. Dover has written countless novels including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, the Gloves Off series, the Armed & Dangerous series, the Royal Shifters series, and her standalone novel, Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read is romantic suspense and she also loves writing it. However, if she had to choose a setting to live in it would have to be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae. New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author International Bestselling author You can find her here: Amazon Facebook Twitter Pinterest Website -- Heidi McLaughlin
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot. When she isn't writing one of the many stories planned for release, you'll find her sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, is currently in production to be a major motion picture. NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | |
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