Publication Day Spotlight with an extract: Scotsman in the Stacks by Alana Oxford

Scotsman in the Stacks byAlana Oxford

Paige wants two things: to land a full time librarian job and find the man of her dreams. On the cusp of thirty, she finds herself suddenly single and working part-time in a Michigan library. A handsome patron with a delicious accent appears at the reference desk, inadvertently sparking an idea that might help her land the promotion she so desperately needs. But that's not the only thing he sparks.

James is in town from Glasgow, Scotland, on a summer artist residency. Luckily, the trip got him away from the pressure he feels to take over his uncle's river tour business. He only wanted to clear his head and make his art in peace, but he wasn't counting on finding an attractive librarian to fill his days.

With only eight weeks before James goes home to Scotland, Paige knows she should protect her heart. After all, she already wasted years with her commitmentphobe ex. But the more she gets to know James, the less she can stick to her plan to just be friends. Is she just wasting her time again, or can they bridge the ocean between them to find a happily ever after of their own?

  Excerpt 3

Fifteen minutes before the program was supposed to begin, she was arranging napkins on the snack table when she heard Yolanda go into librarian mode.

“Well hello. Are you here for the book discussion?”

“Aye. Am I too early?”

Paige quit fiddling with napkins and turned to face the door.

James was actually standing there, holding his copy of the book in one hand. Or was it just an apparition? No, it was definitely him. In the delectable flesh. Was it possible his eyes were even bluer than when they’d met? This time, he was wearing a forest green short sleeved button up shirt and snug black jeans. The shirt accentuated the red in his auburn hair, which was just as full and beautiful as before. She bet James never had a bad hair day.

She hadn’t seen him again since they’d met and he might actually look even cuter than she remembered. Relief and excitement flooded her in equal measure that he’d really come back to see her. That is, that he’d come for the program. The fact that she’d picked out a cute sundress in seafoam green with her cutest white lacy cardigan and gold strappy sandals was simply because the weather was so nice. Definitely not for his benefit. Even though she couldn’t be imagining that his gaze traveled quickly up and down her body, culminating in a shy smile.

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Alana Oxford is a Michigan author of romcoms, sweet romance, and humorous women's fiction. She wants her stories to bring sunshine and smiles to her readers. She enjoys improv comedy, moody music, everything book related, and has an ongoing love affair with the United Kingdom.

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New Publication Spotlight & Review: The Only Exception by Claire Huston

The Only Exception (Love in the Comptons 2)

Lucinda Green knows something is missing from her life. But what? Her catering business is enjoying modest success and she loves her cosy house, even if she does have to share it with her irritating ex-fiancé.

Whatever’s making her unsettled and edgy, Lucinda’s certain that a lack of romance isn’t the problem. How could it be when she doesn’t believe in true love?

But Lucinda’s beliefs are shaken by a series of electric encounters with Alex Fraser, a newly-notorious actor who gradually proves himself to be infuriatingly funny and smart, as well as handsome.

Not that any of that matters. Because Lucinda doesn’t believe in all that ‘The One’ nonsense. That’s the rule.

But doesn’t every rule have an exception?

This uplifting grumpy-meets-sunshine romance is perfect for fans of Katie Fforde, Phillipa Ashley and Milly Johnson.

An entertaining and wonderfully written novel about reevaluating life, taking chances, and finding love. This is the second book in The Comptons series and can be read as a stand-alone.

Life is complicated for chef, Lucinda Green. She runs her own catering business while still sharing and living in the house she bought with her ex-fiance, Chris. When she finds herself helping out an old lady who collapses, she is not impressed by a male stranger who assists her. Yet, she can’t deny there is some sort of connection between them… it is something she can’t stop thinking about…

Alex Fraser, a forty-three-year-old actor flits from one job to another. He’s a well-known face on the screen but has yet to “star” in anything. When he helps a woman deal with a medical incident, he’s unimpressed by her attitude but can’t deny there is some kind of electrically charged attraction between them. They part ways but not long later, fate steps in and throws them together again...

I always enjoy a slow-burn romance, so really appreciated how the author manages to keep the attraction sizzling between the protagonists. Neither are looking for love, as both are dealing with the consequences of other people's actions. “It’s complicated” applies to them both as individuals, so it’s satisfying how they somehow manage to keep crossing each other's paths…

The secondary characters add comedic charm and hilarity to the narrative. For those who have read Art and Soul, it’s lovely to catch up with Becky, as she does what she does best, as a fixer. Putting all these elements together creates another satisfying tale with a warm and fuzzy outcome. It’s a story which stays with you long after the last page has been read.

Therefore, for those who are unfamiliar with Ms. Huston, I highly recommend both The Comptons novels. You won’t be disappointed.

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel’s Random Resources***

getbook.at/TheOnlyException

Claire Huston lives in Warwickshire with her husband and two children. She writes uplifting modern love stories about characters who are meant for each other but sometimes need a little help to realise it.

A keen amateur baker, she enjoys making cakes, biscuits and brownies almost as much as eating them. You can find recipes for over a hundred sweet treats at clairehuston.co.uk. This is also where she talks about and reviews books.

 https://linktr.ee/clairehuston_author