Before we get to today’s new releases, including gems by Karin Kallmaker, Anna Stone, Kat Jackson, Nicole Pyland, and many others, we have some announcements.
IHL SAPPHIC READING CHALLENGE
It’s week 13 of IHL’s Sapphic Reading Challenge. You can click here for reading suggestions for stories with Cute Animals / Pets / Wild Animals. 9 of the books featured on the page are on sale.
Remember, you can join the I Heart Lesfic Facebook reader group. Every Monday we will announce the category for the week, and every Wednesday you will have the opportunity to post what book you are reading and be entered into the monthly drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card. (For those who are not on Facebook and still want to enter, remember you can email your reading selection to tbm@iheartlesfic.com).
Second, we have created a Goodreads group where readers can discuss books, swap recommendations, and generally have a good time.
VOTE FOR FAVORITE AGE GAP
We asked readers to nominate their all-time favorite sapphic age gap romances. Find out who made the cut and cast your vote. Voting ends on April 15th and the top three winners will be announced in the April 19th newsletter.
FREE BOOKS
by Rachel Lacey
Available in Kindle Unlimited
When a Manhattan businesswoman and a reclusive French artist are stranded together on a deserted island, opposites attract…and sparks fly. But with love on the horizon, will they survive to claim their happy ending?
Deal ends on April 5th.
by T.B. Markinson
Available in Kindle Unlimited
What happens when a prickly cat lady runs into the new dog owner next door?
When Francesca and Cooper decide to become balcony friends, and Prin’s twin sister takes on the role of enthusiastic matchmaker, Brit and Prin decide to give each other a second chance. All they need is one date to see if there might be something more between them.
But somehow everything keeps going hilariously and disastrously wrong.
Deal ends on April 8th.
NEW RELEASES
Here are this week’s new ebook and audio releases and announcements.
Please click on this link for how to submit books (ebook and audio) for the newsletter. IHL will not include books unless they receive an email from either the author or publisher.
Happy reading and listening,
TB & Miranda
ROMANCE
by TB Markinson & Miranda MacLeod
Available in Kindle Unlimited
Could something you can’t remember be the best decision of your life?
Maisie Sullivan is a hard-working marketing assistant from Milwaukee who wants nothing more than to earn a promotion and finally finish her college degree. But when she’s swept off her feet by a charming cowgirl while on a business trip to Las Vegas, she decides there’s no harm in having a little fun.
Drew Campbell is a no-nonsense Wyoming rancher with a talent for horse training. Her only goal in traveling to Las Vegas for a riding competition is to win enough money to pay off her family’s debts. But when a beautiful stranger catches her eye and then some, she figures she might as well let loose for a night on the town.
What takes place after that, neither can recall. But months after parting ways, when both their fortunes have fallen, they discover what happened in Vegas has followed them home. A quickie divorce will solve the problem, but each woman has something the other needs, and neither will budge until she gets her way.
They just want to get on with their lives, but will they end up falling in love with their wives?
If you enjoy a smoking hot clash between a city girl and a ranch girl with a one night to forever romance, don’t miss the latest collaboration of Miranda MacLeod and TB Markinson.
2022 IHL Reading Challenge Categories: One Night to Forever; Cute Animal; Forced Proximity; Girl Next Door; Toaster Oven; Grumpy / Sunshine
by Claire Highton-Stevenson
Available in Kindle Unlimited
Everyone has someone who’s Kryptonite, right?
When Connie Drake met Jenny McGregor, it felt as though the universe had conspired to bring them together; that fate was somehow stepping in to finally create the perfect partnership Connie had always wanted. Because Jenny ticked every one of Connie’s boxes.
Falling head over heels in love, however, didn’t quite go to plan.
Jenny’s fears for the future, and her past experiences, have left her unable to sustain a long-term relationship, and much to Connie’s distress, Jenny leaves.
Heartbroken, and encouraged by her best pals, Debs and Ashley, Connie decides that she needs to move on. Moping around isn’t helping. What she needs is to get away from it all; take some time out and relax, and the perfect opportunity comes along in the form of a Luxury Shipwrecked holiday adventure. Ten glorious nights basking in the Bahama sunshine, completely alone, is the perfect Jenny antidote.
Or does the Universe have one more trick up its sleeve?
2022 IHL Reading Challenge Category: Second Chance
by Char Dafoe
Italian immigrant, Carmen Astrella, has lived half her life in her adopted Canadian country, alone. Running her successful rehabilitation centre for dogs and having her faithful Doberman companion, Lupo, by her side, the unfathomable thought of a loving, committed relationship with someone was a foreign idea to Carmen. At the age of 45 and a dominant in the kinkier side of sex, contractual relationships were all Carmen ever needed to fulfill her desires. That feeling implodes after Carmen’s submissive of one year abruptly leaves her, leaving Carmen to reassess her life, asking herself where her heart truly lies and what it wants.
Sweet, submissive Cassandra Harte has been living her life on autopilot. Always following the rules with a polite smile. At the age of 40, Cass assumes she knows what she wants – a mellow life with someone safe to come home to. When her world gets rocked after discovering her girlfriend’s adultery, Cass suddenly questions her calm and quiet life. Rocketing from neutral to top speed, Cass’s existence flips upside down and she seeks out something to take the edge off. Carmen Astrella, the fiery Italian dominant is just the elixir for the sweet submissive.
Come follow two very different women as they sort through their lives that were once thought to be concrete, and into the arms and beds of others before realizing they were meant to be together all along.
A light BDSM erotica with twists and turns that reaches deep into the psyche’s minds when it comes to powerplay of dominance and sex that inevitably succumbs to the power of love.
2022 IHL Reading Challenge Categories: BDSM; Toaster Oven; Cute Animal
by Amanda Kabak
Charlie Williamson is a life-long jock who’s butch enough to cause plenty of raised eyebrows in gym locker rooms. Since flaming out of college on a wave of drugs, alcohol, and depression, she’s worked the same easy, low-stress job at RRiotWear—a women’s fitness clothing startup in Chicago. Then with a promotion on the horizon, Charlie’s boss ropes her into leading a beginner’s marathon group in the RRiotWear facilities.
Elizabeth McIntyre runs a boutique tech company. Since graduating from MIT, she’s made herself into the face of women in technology. She has a beautiful apartment she never sees, a string of ex-girlfriends, and a propensity for panic attacks. When her doctor confirms what her best friend has been saying for years—that Elizabeth needs to slow down and make some radical life changes—she signs up for RRiotWear’s marathon program.
Despite everything that points to a not-so-perfect fit, the attraction between Charlie and Elizabeth grows week after week, and mile after mile. But with secrets lingering between them, they might find their relationship stumbles before it can even get to the starting line.
2022 IHL Reading Challenge Categories: Mental Illness; Sports
by Kat Jackson
After some unexpected life detours, Callie Lewes is determined to complete her PhD program and figure out what to do with the rest of her life. Her laser focus is finely tuned and she’s ready for total immersion in literature, subpar student essays, and all the joys that come with being a graduate teaching assistant. She has no time for, or interest in, anything else. Especially not dating.
Even if Callie were to entertain the idea of dating, she’s certain it would be with someone vibrant, open, and close to her own age. Definitely not someone like Dr. Kate Jory, a new member of Pennbrook College’s English department. Kate is both intimidating and a closed book. And the age difference between them is not small. But Kate is also brilliant and fascinating, and Callie is drawn to her in ways she’d never imagined possible.
Not that Kate notices. Or does she? Callie can’t tell. Even though they develop an engaging and flirtatious friendship, Callie struggles to work up the courage to put herself directly in Kate’s romantic path—wary of the type of fire she suspects their sparks could ignite.
2022 IHL Reading Challenge Category: Age Gap
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
by Karin Kallmaker
Shunned by her family, a girl is sent west on a one-way stage ticket. Penniless, she takes up the only profession open to her. Years later she encounters the cowboy she can love, and her first taste of pleasure – and happiness.
Cowboys, however, are born to wander, and their kisses are as brief as the lives of young women without family or means. Accepting that her days will be numbered too few, Darlin’ clings to her scribblings for escape. Until she recognizes her own truth and a chance for love in the longing gaze of a townswoman.
Two determined women in a hostile world save themselves — and each other — in a lyric, sensual love story as only Karin Kallmaker can tell.
2022 IHL Reading Challenge Categories: Historical Fiction; Historical Romance; Hot & Steamy
EROTICA
Cruisin’ with My Best Friend’s MILF
Submissive MILF: Book 4
by Riley Rose
Available in Kindle Unlimited
Alex Masters is going on a cruise! With her new girlfriend Melody, who just happens to be her daughter’s best friend and just happens to love making Alex submit in super-kinky ways!
But on the ship where no one knows who they are, they an be openly together and enjoy all the wonderful cruise amenities. And maybe work in a bunch of crazy hot sex on the deck, in their cabin, and on every island they visit.
The ocean isn’t the only thing getting super-wet on this vacation!
Find out if Alex and Mel take their relationship to the next level in Book 4 of the Submissive MILF series!
2022 IHL Reading Challenge Categories: Age Gap; Hot & Steamy; BDSM; Erotic Romance
THRILLER / MYSTERY
by Rebecca K. Jones
While Assistant District Attorney Mack Wilson’s days are devoted to arguing sex crime cases in the courtroom, her evenings are troubled by a series of disturbing incidents in her neighborhood.
As the media madness swirls around her trial, evidence that an unknown stalker is watching her just a little too closely begins to mount. Mack finds herself seeking help from the one person she never thought she would—ex-girlfriend Anna Lapin.
When Mack is caught in a deadly situation, the only thing that might save the confident prosecutor is her brilliant analytical mind, her instinct for self-preservation and the uncanny instincts of the woman she once loved.
2022 IHL Reading Challenge Category: Thriller
by Verónica Gutiérrez
Former LAPD cop-turned private investigator Yolanda Ávila blames herself for her mother’s death. If she’d only followed her cop instincts instead of the juju—her random prophetic dreams—the perpetrator would have been off the streets and her mother would still be alive. The only salve against her guilt is Yolanda’s vow to reject that juju crap, and to solve cases using only good solid detective work.
But when her godson is kidnapped and his parents are suspected of murder, Yolanda finds herself caught between what she feels and what she knows. And with the escalation of the case comes the escalation of her dreams. Until she can no longer ignore their importance.
If she wants to overcome the guilt and deal with her pent-up grief, Yolanda must confront the juju and learn to trust its place in her life. If she doesn’t, she risks losing yet another loved one. And she can’t possibly let that happen.
2022 IHL Reading Challenge Category: Mystery
HORROR
Crimson Tears: Book One
by Vaela Denarr and Micah Iannandrea
Lesbian vampire on a revenge quest, distracted by a slow burn romance.
One person’s gift is another’s curse. And sometimes the dark hides very real monsters. This is certainly the case for Ryann Ly, professional kickboxer, MMA athlete, and freshly Turned vampire. When the people who abducted, faked her death, and cursed her to burn in the sun attempt to enlist her into their ranks, Ryann decides she has absolutely no time for any of their nonsense. Even if she has to kill them to get some peace and quiet.
It’s only fair. They killed her first.
She just wants to get her life in order and navigate this strange new reality she finds herself trapped in. But vampire turf wars, monsters in the dark, and people hunting Ryann for mysterious reasons make that very difficult. Luckily, she’s not alone. Helping her along is a soft werewolf dad, a polyamorous couple of badasses, a vampire with PTSD and a dry sense of humour, a childhood friend, and Rachel, a human girl that Ryann thinks is very cute.
Will Ryann defeat the darkness that haunts her, and the things within? Will she be able to avenge the injustice done to her, or will she become another monster, destined to be slain? Will she find out why people keep declaring her dead?
And will she ever figure out why her found family keeps calling her and Rachel girlfriends?
Trigger warning for somewhat graphic violence, mentions of homophobia, and mentions of self harm.
2022 IHL Reading Challenge Categories: POC Character; Slow Burn; Loss / Grieving; Sweet Romance; Paranormal Romance; Vampire
PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Safe Haven: Book 2
by C. A. Hall
Available in Kindle Unlimited
As alpha, it’s up to Jack to keep her pack safe from anything that poses a threat. This includes humans, rogue wolves, and shifters who’d rather see her dead. But when Piper, a raven from Jack’s past, walks back into Jack’s life, she’ll have to make a choice.
Should she continue her role as alpha or open herself up to a mate?
In Jack’s mind, it’s either one or the other, and after twenty years, she’s having a hard time letting go of both.
2022 IHL Reading Challenge Categories: Paranormal Romance; Second Chance; Friends to Lovers
YOUNG ADULT
by Amy DeMeritt
Available in Kindle Unlimited
Seventeen-year-old Dylan Ryder has been in foster care since she was an infant, and every minute, day, and year has been a trial of survival. Especially, after being placed under the care of Harley and Francis Carlton, a couple with no children of their own and who treat Dylan more like a servant and a punching bag than a child.
For over seven years, their abuses and threats forced Dylan to remain silent. But when Dylan ends up in the hospital, her new caseworker grows suspicious of the Carltons. Dylan wants to confide in Whitney and tell her everything. She wants to be set free. But the failures and negligence of her previous caseworkers make it hard to trust anyone.
But the Carltons aren’t the only threats in Dylan’s life. Forbidden to have friends, and a lack of nice clothes that fit, Dylan is the number-one “untouchable” at school, as deemed by the school’s bully. But one particular run-in with Tracy doesn’t sit well with one of the girls from her inner circle and things at school are about to change.
While Dylan goes through the motions, just trying to survive and keep her grades up in school, Whitney devises a plot to try to learn the truth and improve Dylan’s circumstances, something her previous caseworkers never tried to do. And that difference doesn’t go unnoticed by the Carltons, and Dylan will be the one to pay.
Dylan survives the Carltons, but only just.
But Dylan will heal. She’ll learn that it’s always worth fighting for the next day. She’ll gain a family and friends. And the future has never looked brighter.
Trigger Warning: This book deals with subjects that may be difficult for some people, including physical and verbal abuse of a minor, bullying, starvation, brief discussions on sexual assault of a minor, depression, and discussions on suicide.
2022 IHL Reading Challenge Category: Young Adult
NEW AUDIOBOOKS
by Anna Stone
narrated by Lexy Rebe
A headstrong bodyguard. An heiress who expects to be treated like a queen. A dangerously hot combination.
Bodyguard Carmen Torres is a professional. She gets the job done, she doesn’t get attached to her clients, and she does not mix business with pleasure. When she gets a job as personal bodyguard to domineering heiress Amber Pryce, she has no intention of breaking those rules, no matter how enticing she finds her client. But Amber has other ideas.
As the sole heir to the Pryce family fortune, Amber is accustomed to being treated like royalty. Anything she wants, she takes. That includes Carmen, the stubborn bodyguard Amber hired to protect her from a mysterious stalker. Amber is determined to have Carmen bow to her. And even though Carmen won’t allow herself to admit it, she craves the sweet surrender that Amber commands.
Engaged in a fiery game of seduction, tensions heat up between the two women. But with an unhinged stalker on Amber’s trail, the stakes keep rising, putting both women’s lives at risk, along with their hearts.
Don’t miss the fourth book in the sizzling-hot Mistress series. Each book in the series can be listened to alone.
2022 IHL Reading Challenge Categories: POC Character; Erotic Romance; Romantic Suspense; Ladies in Uniform
by Nicole Pyland
Celebrities Series: Book 3
narrated by Melissa Moran
Maddox Delaney wasn’t all that famous; she was well-known by association. Surrounded by her famous, coupled-off friends, Maddox had thought she had her chance at love. And when that didn’t work out, she wondered if she’d ever get another try. So, while a New Year’s Eve Party hosted by some of her closest friends isn’t really her idea of fun, it might just be what she needs to mend her broken heart.
Avery Simpson wasn’t quite sure how she had ended up at this party. She would much rather be working on her app instead of hanging out by herself at a New Year’s Eve party, hosted by none other than Peyton Gloss and Dani Wilder. When she’s ended up tagging along with her eccentric brother anyway, Avery feels out of place, and she’s definitely not planning on kissing anyone at midnight. That is, until she meets Maddox.
As the party unfolds, Maddox and Avery not only keep running into each other; they are finding excuses to. What happens when the clock strikes midnight? One night. One party. One midnight tradition. This is the story of how two women meet and decide to take a chance on something they’d never thought they’d have.
2022 IHL Reading Challenge Categories: Celebrity; Neurodiverse Character; One Night to Forever
by Rita Potter
narrated by Heidi Bindhammer
Even when it seems hopeless, there can always be a better tomorrow.
Jill Bishop has one goal in life – to survive. Jill is trapped in an abusive marriage, while raising two young girls. Her husband has isolated her from the world and filled her days with fear. The last thing on her mind is love, but she sure could use a friend.
Alex McCoy is enjoying a comfortable life, with great friends and a prosperous business. She has given up on love, after picking the wrong woman one too many times. Little does she know, a simple act of kindness might change her life forever.
When Alex lends a helping hand to Jill at the local grocery store, they are surprised by their immediate connection and an unlikely friendship develops. As their friendship deepens, so too do their fears.
In order to protect herself and the girls, Jill can’t let her husband know about her friendship with Alex, and Alex can’t discover what goes on behind closed doors. What would Alex do if she finds out the truth? At the same time, Alex must fight her attraction and be the friend she suspects Jill needs. Besides, Alex knows what every lesbian knows – don’t fall for a straight woman, especially one that’s married…but will her heart listen?
2022 IHL Reading Challenge Categories: Slow Burn; Toaster Oven
JAE’S SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO
LESFIC BOOK CLUB
BUY US A COFFEE
Running IHL takes the three of us many hours every single week. Also, the costs add up. Last year we setup a Buy Us a Coffee page, which allows people to help cover the expenses. When we first announced the page, we were blown away by the response. Not only were people willing to pitch in, but all of the kind notes and encouragement brought more than a few tears to TB’s eyes. If you’d like to support us, click here. Every cup helps immensely! If you’d like to learn more about TB’s initial response to the outpouring of support, click here.
Have a wonderful day!
Miranda & TB
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