Welcome to the book blitz for CARRY ME HOME, a stand-alone young adult contemporary romance/thriller, by bestselling author, Jessica Therrien. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
CARRY ME HOME by Jessica Therrien
About the Book Title: CARRY ME HOME Author: Jessica Therrien Publisher: Acorn Publishing Release Date: September 26, 2017 Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance/Thriller Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble
Synopsis “A riveting page-turner… Jessica Therrien broke my heart into a million pieces — and then put it back together again. This book will haunt and uplift readers long after they turn the last page.” -KAT ROSS, best-selling author of The Midnight Sea
CARRY ME HOME is a fictional novel inspired by the true story of a teenage girl’s involvement in several Mexican gangs in San Jose and Los Angeles. The members of her crew call her, Guera, Spanish for “white girl” and it doesn’t take long for her to get lost in their world of guns and drugs.
* * *
Lucy and Ruth are country girls from a broken home. When they move to the city with their mother, leaving behind their family ranch and dead-beat father, Lucy unravels.
They run to their grandparents’ place, a trailer park mobile home in the barrio of San Jose. Lucy’s barrio friends have changed since her last visit. They’ve joined a gang called VC. They teach her to fight, to shank, to beat a person unconscious and play with guns. When things get too heavy, and lives are at stake, the three girls head for LA seeking a better life.
But trouble always follows Lucy. She befriends the wrong people, members of another gang, and every bad choice she makes drags the family into her dangerous world.
Told from three points of view, the story follows Lucy down the rabbit hole, along with her mother and sister as they sacrifice dreams and happiness, friendships and futures. Love is waiting for all of them in LA, but pursuing a life without Lucy could mean losing her forever.
Ultimately it’s their bond with each other that holds them together, in a true test of love, loss and survival..
—————————————————————————-
Excerpt #2 “You ready for this, Guera?” he asks.
It’s a test, Guera. Only thing I can say is you’re allowed to fight back. Take ‘em out with everything you got.
I’d heard of people being jumped into a gang before, maybe it was Rosa who told me about it. As the girls start to descend from their spots around the room, slowly closing in like encircling wolves, I know what’s about to happen.
The realization takes hold in my chest, a quick plunge of the heart into an icy lake of fear. I back away slowly out of instinct, ready to run, but there’s nowhere to go. The sound of their skittering feet is the first thing I hear before they come at me. Me against all of them. Me against Rose Tattoo and Cigarette Twins. Me against the jealous novias. Ten sets of eyes glinting with the thrill of a fight. I flinch and turn my back to avoid the fists, but they’re all around me. One of them catches me by the shoulders, holding me in place as the other girls hit the back of my skull. My head flies forward, chin to chest.
At first I don’t know whether to swing or cover. I reach up to protect myself, but there are too many points of contact. The rush of adrenaline is intense. It blocks the pain, but there is a fiery need in me to get away. I try and kick or punch, feeling one or two connect, but the girls are everywhere. An elbow slams against my temple. My head splits and my ears ring. I go down.
Every infinite minute of being the enemy feels like it’ll never end.
Someone’s shoe stomps my thigh. Others strike my ribs. I heave and gag until I can’t breathe. But that kind of terror turns me into a resilient kind of crazy. The kind of rabid-mad that is born of desperation. I scrape and flail until I’m on my feet, pulling hair and swinging my fists, making contact with whatever I can. I don’t realize I’m screaming until Toño calls them to a stop.
It ceases the moment the girls hear his voice, and I’m left there shaking and crazed, my breath dragging in and out of my lungs in a feverish effort to return to its normal rhythm. I pant and cry, as softly as I can, but it’s hard to deny my body the relief of all-out sobbing. My head hurts. My brain smashes against my skull with the pulse of too much pressure. I taste blood in my mouth, though no one has touched my face. Now that it’s over, the pain of it all rushes to the surface and makes me want to vomit. I feel like I could die.
Why am I here? Why am I doing this?
“She’s in,” Toño says, and the cheers of the group shock my senses and make me tense up.
They all rush me, and at first I’m terrified it’s about to start again, but instead they hug me and pat me on the shoulder all at once. Each hand on my back or squeeze around the shoulders rocks me with pain, but they’re so happy. Their laughter and cheering is contagious, it flows into me, filling me with a strange sense of pride and belonging. I can’t help my smile when I see their encouraging faces. I even start to laugh.
—————————————————————————-
Author Jessica Therrien
About the Author Jessica Therrien is the author of the young adult paranormal fiction series Children of the Gods. Book one in the series, Oppression, became a Barnes & Noble best-seller shortly after its release.
Aside from her Children of the Gods series, Jessica’s work can also be found in a published collection of flash fiction stories called Campaigner Challenges 2011. Out of over 350 submissions her story, The Soulless, won first place for people’s choice and fourth place in the judging round of Rachael Harrie’s Writing Campaign Challenge. Her story, Saved, is also available as part of the anthology.
Jessica spent most of her life in the small town of Chilcoot, California, high up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In this town of nearly 100 residents, with no street lights or grocery stores, there was little to do but find ways to be creative. Her mother, the local English teacher, inspired her to do all things artistic, and ultimately instilled in her a love for language.
In 2003, Jessica attended California State University Long Beach where her passion for language found her studying Chinese, and in 2005 she moved to Taiwan to study abroad. From 2005 to 2006 Jessica was fully immersed in the Chinese language as she attended National Taiwan University, and in 2008 she graduated from San Diego State University magna cum laude.
Jessica currently lives in Irvine with her husband and two sons. She is working on an adult novel and a children’s picture book..
Month9Books and author J. Keller Ford are unveiling the cover to RAGE OF THE DRAGON KING, the second book in the young adult historical fantasy series, Chronicles of Fallhollow, releasing October 24, 2017. See below for the cover, information on the book, and pre-order links.
RAGE OF THE DRAGON KING (Chronicles of Fallhollow #2) by J. Keller Ford
About the Book Title: RAGE OF THE DRAGON KING Series: Chronicles of Fallhollow #2 Author: J. Keller Ford Publisher: Month9Books Release Date: September 26, 2017
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Links: Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon CA
Synopsis David and Charlotte paid their dues. They traveled to another realm, battled the Dragon King, recovered the all important magic key to the mage tunnels, and found the heir to the throne of Hirth, as promised. Now it’s time to go home. There’s just one problem: the powerful crystals needed to activate the tunnels have been stolen…and David’s parents have mysteriously disappeared along with them. Guess who’s not going home to Havendale anytime soon.
Eric Hamden, squire extraordinaire, survived the poisonous knick of a shadowmorth’s blade, rescued the king of Hirth from the bowels of the dragon’s lair, and confronted a heartbreaking betrayal that nearly got him killed. Still reeling from the news, Eric sets his sights on a daring rescue only to wind up in a prison of his own with David and Charlotte at his side. But rescues come in strange ways, and before they know it, the three end up in David’s hometown of Havendale…and Eric gets a quick schooling in Modern Life 101. He’d rather fight a dragon.
With secrets, lies and betrayals meeting them at every turn, David, Charlotte and Eric soon discover that Havendale isn’t the sanctuary they’d hoped for. Even their best-laid plans can’t prepare them for the danger that stalks them. This time, no amount of magic or prayers can save them. War has been declared, and in the final battle, someone must make the ultimate sacrifice. Let the battle begin..
—————————————————————————-
Author J. Keller Ford
About the Author (Jenny) Keller Ford is a scribbler of speculative fiction and YA tales. As an Army brat, she traveled the world and wandered the halls of some of Germany’s most extraordinary castles in hopes of finding snarky dragons, chivalrous knights, and wondrous magic to permeate her imagination. What she found remains etched in her topsy-turvy mind and oozes out in sweeping tales of courage, sacrifice, honor and everlasting love.
When not torturing her keyboard or trying to silence the voices in her head, Jenny spends time collecting seashells, bowling, screaming on roller coasters and traveling. She is a mom to four magnificent and noble offspring and currently lives in paradise on the west coast of Florida with a menagerie of royal pets, and her own quirky knight who was brave enough to marry her.
Published works include The Passing of Millie Hudson, a paranormal short story that can be found in READING GLASSES. IN THE SHADOW OF THE DRAGON KING is her debut novel and the first installment in the Chronicles of Fallhollow Trilogy. Book 2 in the series is slated for Fall 2016..
Welcome to the book blitz for THE CHOSEN KNIGHTS, the first book in the young adult fantasy series, The Angel Knights, by Mary Ting. See below for information the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
THE CHOSEN KNIGHTS (The Angel Knights #1) by Mary Ting
About the Book – FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME Title: THE CHOSEN KNIGHTS Series: The Angel Knights #1 Author: Mary Ting Release Date: March 19, 2016 Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Synopsis When teens go missing in Hawaii, a group of demon-hunters—half human and half angel—disguised as high school students, must leave Crossroads, the place where they reside. In a race against time, they uncover the mystery connecting the missing teens, which dates back to the era of the Knights Templar. However, when they discover one of the Templars passed down a book containing all the secrets and codes to finding a particular treasure, they soon realize this forbidden treasure needs to be found before Cyrus, the lord of the possessor demons, acquires it—a treasure which been safeguarded and hidden from him.
There is only one problem: the pages containing the clues leading to the treasure is missing. When the first page is found, Cyrus threatens to kill more descendants of the Knights Templar if it is not given to him by Friday the thirteenth. In the midst of threats and discovery, the demon-hunting angels find they are not alone when supernatural beings begin to reveal themselves. Can they put their differences aside and work together to solve the Knights Templars’ cipher? As they astral travel to the past, they witness a lot more than they have bargained for. And some things are better left unseen.
HIGHLY recommend to read prequel first–The Angel Knights
SOME BOOKS AREN’T MEANT TO BE OPENED
***City of Bones meets The Da Vinci Code. Urban fantasy lover’s dream! Demons, vampires, angels, witches, and fallen angels all set to the back drop of high school in Hawaii, and astral travel to the past to Knights Templar era.
*** SILVER AWARD WINNER 2016–YA FANTASY–READERS’ FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARD***
A page turning mystery with a supernatural twist that entertains to the last page! ~InD’tale Magazine
—————————————————————————-
—————————————————————————-
Excerpt Eli willed his sword away. It disappeared behind his back, just the way I would have done it. “You know nothing. Nothing about me is human. I won’t be a part of something that could kill any one of you.”
“How could it kill us if—?” Then I had a thought, recalling the first time I’d seen him in the cafeteria. I had no evidence but it was worth the shot. “You can astral travel, can’t you? You’ve done it before, when you first saw me in the cafeteria. You can travel in the present too. That’s why you took off.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. Do you even know what that is?” His jaw clenched.
I knew he was lying. “Out-of-body experience.” I followed behind him when he started walking away.
“You have no idea of the consequences when you travel. Astral travel.”
“Then let it be my consequence.”
Eli whipped around. His face was just a breath away from mine. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Then show me.”
Eli pierced his eyes into mine. His heart drummed a mile a minute. “You want to feel pain, Lucia? You want to know what happens to people when they astral travel?”
“I-I—” I didn’t know what to say. I certainly didn’t expect him to say the things he did.
Eli extended his arm to me. “Take my hand.”
“No.”
“Take my hand, Lucia.” His tone was stern.
I shook my head.
“Last warning.”
“Last warning for—ELI.” I screamed. My stomach dropped, along with my body. Eli’s arms embraced me as we plunged through multiple layers of clouds with my back facing down. Hair whipped my face and the force of gravity made me dizzy.
“You didn’t heed my warning, Lucia,” Eli grumbled.
“So you’re trying to kill me?” The normal reaction for someone in this situation would be to fight back, but my instincts told me I wasn’t in danger. “What are you doing?” The clouds got smaller as we plummeted faster by the second. I began to have second thoughts. Wanting to believe so badly I could get through to him, I’d let it possibly cost my life.
He ignored my plea. Looking squarely in my eyes as air rushed against us, he said nonchalantly, “Get ready to die.”
—————————————————————————-
—————————————————————————-
Author Mary Ting
About the Author International Bestselling, Award Winning, Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.
Author Missy De Graff is unveiling the cover to THE ROGUE’S FATE, an adult urban fantasy, releasing in the fall of 2017. See below for the cover, information on the book, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
THE ROGUE’S FATE by Missy De Graff
About the Book Title: THE ROGUE’S FATE Author: Missy De Graff Release Date: Fall 2017 Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy Links:Goodreads
Synopsis If your life hung in the balance, would you choose to make your own destiny or leave your life to fate?
Lucinda Raven is being hunted by her ex-lover, a controlling rogue Alpha, who is determined to perform the sacred mating ritual that will bind them together forever. Knowing nothing will keep him from carrying out his ruthless plan, Lucinda is on the run and seeks refuge in the territory of an old friend.
Caidan Moone, cursed Alpha of the Blood Moone Pack, has a tortured history that haunts him daily. He sees the arrival of this beautiful and alluring nomad as a chance at redemption from his prior failures and invites her to stay, despite the danger it brings to the entire pack.
As Caidan and Lucinda grow closer, her two worlds collide and Lucinda must face the events of her dark past in order to save the future. Will Caidan be able to protect her without sacrificing his pack? Or will she end up bearing the mark of her psychotic ex?
.
—————————————————————————-
Author Missy De Graff
About the Author Missy has always been an avid reader and lover of all things that go bump in the night, but it wasn’t until 2009 that she was inspired by a friend and coworker to begin putting pen to paper. She began weaving together worlds of romance and intrigue, mixed with paranormal elements, suspenseful storylines, and addicting characters.
In 2014 she discovered the wonderful world of Wattpad and that is when her writing took on a new meaning. She first posted fanfiction for the outstanding community of Wattpad to read. And after a welcoming response, she began sharing her own work to include short stories, flash fiction, and contest entries. You can also find Missy on Radish Fiction under the name @Dream_Craziness, where she posts a New Adult Fantasy story with Paranormal elements, as well as on Inkitt. Be sure to stop by and say hi, she loves hearing from her readers.
Missy reside in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, she is a bohemian by nature & a Gemini by birth.
Welcome to the book blitz for HARD DRIFTER, the third book in the adult romantic suspense series, Notus Motorcycle Club, by Debra Kayn. See below for information the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
HARD DRIFTER (Notus Motorcycle Club #3) by Debra Kayn
She has three rules: No marriage. No children. No promise.
He’s going to love her.
Thad Bowers, Vice President of Notus Motorcycle Club, searches for missing persons when he’s not punching the clock at Port Loaders. He goes out of his way to hold those he loves close since his sister was kidnapped and murdered twenty-four years ago, and he lost his MC brother in the aftermath. So, when the mysterious woman who has tempted him one too many times needs his help, he’s not walking away. No matter how many rules she throws at him.
As a 911 dispatcher, Lena Hollis deals with emergencies from a safe distance. She enjoys a quiet, private life, with the occasional non-committal date thrown in for excitement. But, her simple life grows complicated when Tigres, a local gang, puts a mark on her back and her recent date hauls her to his house for her protection. A home that includes parents, bikers, and a huge social circle. Everything she doesn’t want in her life.
Lena brings new meaning to being the black sheep of the family. Thad’s going to do everything within his power to show her what it feels like to give and receive love. To hell with the rules…
—————————————————————————-
Excerpt He put his phone on the nightstand. “It’s after midnight. Get some sleep.”
“Bathroom?” she asked.
He pointed, and she left the room. Stripping off his Notus jacket, he took off his boots, his clothes, his boxers, and dropped into bed. Wayne wanted all Notus members on the road at six o’clock in the morning. He needed to get some sleep if he was going to ride.
Lena returned to the room. Her footsteps stopped at the door because he’d shut off the light.
He rested his forearm on his forehead and kept his eyes closed. “Walk straight in. You’ll feel the bed. You’ll be sleeping on the far side, nearer the wall.”
“Like this isn’t awkward, Thad.” Her voice came louder the closer she got to the bed. “Do you expect me to fall on your dick now that you’ve made up your mind…and only because you think you can help me with that gang that wants to hurt me? If none of this would’ve happened, you wouldn’t have agreed to have a relationship based on sex with me. Remember, you were the one who turned me down and then left me.”
Her hand bumped into his covered feet, and then the mattress dipped and jostled as she climbed from the foot of the bed to the top and slid under the blankets.
Lena stilled. He tried to relax having her in bed, but his cock had hardened at the first sign of the bed moving. Ignoring his problem, he went through the information Gomez handed him, and Lena added on to. Tigres weren’t a group to fuck with on their turf. He’d worked with them in the past when searching for missing persons. Their word meant nothing unless they received something in return. He only had to figure out what Notus had that Tigres would want.
Lena sighed. “You’re an asshole,” she whispered.
“An asshole that’s going to take care of you.” He rolled away from her to his side.
He rather have her mad at him and alive than find out she’d been hurt and killed.
—————————————————————————-
—————————————————————————-
Author Debra Kayn
About the Author Debra Kayn is published by Grand Central Publishing, Simon & Schuster Publishing, Carina Press – Harlequin Enterprises Limited, and repped by agent, Stephany Evans of FinePrint Literary Management. She has well over forty contemporary novels available worldwide where heroes and heroines come from the most unlikely characters.
She lives with her family in the Bitterroot Mountains of beautiful Northern Idaho where she enjoys the outdoors, the four seasons, and small-town living.
Author Bill Alive is unveiling the cover to MURDER FEELS AWFUL, the first book in his new adult mystery series, Embath Detective, releasing October 10, 2017. See below for the cover, information on the book, and pre-order links.
MURDER FEELS AWFUL (Empath Detective #1) by Bill Alive
About the Book Title: MURDER FEELS AWFUL Series: Empath Detective #1 Author: Bill Alive Release Date: October 10, 2017 Genre: New Adult Mystery Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Synopsi He can feel people’s emotions. And murderers feelawful.
Mark Falcon can “vibe” other people’s emotions … and they’re usually super painful. So he hides out in rural Virginia, making websites for clients he never has to meet. It’s a not-terrible life, sort of … until he vibes the final panic of a woman’s murder.
The last thing hermit Mark wants to do is go out and investigate, vibing which suspect is seething with secret hate. Even with me along, his trusty new sidekick/housemate. (I’m so cheerful that I double as an emotional air freshener.)
But Mark has no choice. He has to act, because our local cop detective is convinced that there’s no killer and the woman killed herself. Unfortunately, our cop’s also got the overall presence of a Viking goddess, and the last thing she wants is some delusional “psychic” website guy playing amateur sleuth. (Not to mention hitting on her.)
With the cops threatening jail, small-town secrets threatening Mark’s sanity, and a crazy-gorgeous doctor suspect threatening my heart, time’s running out for Mark and I to catch the killer…
Before the killer catches us.
MurderFeelsAwful is the very first Empath Detective novel, a new cozy mystery series that totally really happened, but is officially fiction. If you like Janet Evanovich, M. C. Beaton, Deb Baker, and long lists of famous author names, you’ll love this new series that has it all — amateur detectives you’ll love, zany small-town characters, sparkling wit, and a cold-blooded killer you’ll never even suspect. .
Today is release day for HEARTS UNLEASHED, a stand-alone adult contemporary romance, by Paris Wynters. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt and teaser, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis After an IED ends his military career, Major John Rathborne struggles to re-adjust to civilian life. Haunted by the death of his brother-in-arms, John’s determined to find his canine partner, Koda, now retired and re-homed. The last place he expects to find her is on a ranch in Absarokee, Montana, where he lands a foreman job and a chance at a new start.
Unfortunately, ranch manager Katie Locke just wants the new guy gone. She can’t shake the trauma from the night she was attacked, and God knows she doesn’t need some stranger invading her safe haven. She can’t ignore John’s brooding presence, and even her dog shares an uncanny bond with him. But when her father suffers a heart attack, Katie has no option but to put her differences with John aside to save the future of Three Keys Ranch.
As they slowly find a common bond and their attraction heats up, both realize they must heal from their past wounds if they want to explore a relationship. But John hasn’t told Katie about certain parts of his past—including that he and Koda had been partners in Afghanistan. Then he learns someone is out to destroy the ranch, and Katie is in their crosshairs. Has John opened his heart too late?
—————————————————————————–
Excerpt After their last mission, he and Koda had been unceremoniously dumped from the military. He’d wanted to adopt her, but by the time he’d taken care of the red tape surrounding his return to civilian life, she was gone, assigned to a civilian family.
He undid his belt, leaning back in the driver’s seat as a wave of exhaustion hit him. He’d been holding out for this day ever since he’d left the hospital. Ever since Fort Bragg messed up and adopted Koda out to a civilian family. Handlers always have first rights. Unable to trace her adoptive family through his military ties, he hadn’t given up. He’d turned to social media in an attempt to find his indispensable K9 partner. John closed his eyes, picturing the image he’d plugged into Facebook of him and Koda together. She lolled on the roof of a Humvee, tongue hanging to the side of her mouth as if she was grinning. He leaned up against the vehicle right next to her—the same vehicle that was destroyed by a cheaply made Improvised Explosive Device just a few weeks later.
He knew his chances were slim. His therapy sessions over the last three months revolved around his ability to handle never finding her. And after nine months of searching, he’d come close to losing hope. Until today.
Shutting his eyes, he replayed the moment when she bounded up to him, and he knew—knew she hadn’t forgotten him any more than he could forget her. He felt her rough tongue scrape his cheek and laughed.
I finally found her.
But he could still lose her. He winced, remembering that the Lockes were her legal owners now. And while Mitch was a nice guy—maybe even a little too nice—his daughter was another story altogether.
His mouth soured. Katie might look delicate, but her sidelong glances had been sharp as nails. She’d sized him up pretty quickly. He could make no mistakes around her—not if he wanted to be near Koda. It was clear from her outburst that his former partner was much more to her than a ranch dog. There was no way she’d give Koda up without a fight. Hell, she’d probably even fire him to keep him away from the dog.
He shifted in his seat. He needed this job. Thinking of Katie brought up a spark of annoyance. Her possessiveness irritated him, even if she didn’t know Koda was far more than just a dog to him. He could not see her taking the news that Koda was his canine partner well at all—hell, she’d barely tolerated him standing in their barn. Still, I know Koda’s safe and happy—and working at the ranch, I’ll see her every day. It was enough—for now.
Like hail on a glass pane, the drumming of his fingers was as relentless as it was loud, trying to still his mind. Each thump on the dashboard echoed the tumultuous thudding of his heartbeat. He couldn’t shake off her words—or her soft, inviting lips.
—————————————————————————–
—————————————————————————–
Author Paris Wynters
About the Author I’m a hopeless romantic and a lover of all things coffee, canine, and exercise. When I’m not writing, I’m at the hockey rink cheering on my son, playing HALO on Xbox, or breaking a sweat in the gym. live in New York with my family and my two lovable and psychotic working dogs. I also run numerous 5k races in the New York area that raise funds to support the military/veteran community.
Today is release day for SAVAGE, the first book in the young adult fantasy series, Dragonrider Legacy, by Nicole Conway. See below for information on the book, buy links, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis Savage begins the Dragonrider Legacy series, a thrilling companion to the international bestselling Dragonrider Chronicles.
Never send a hero to do a monster’s job.
Forty years have passed since Jaevid Broadfeather brought peace to Maldobar and Luntharda. But that fragile truce will be tested as darkness gathers on the horizon. The vicious armies of the Tibran Empire have crossed the far seas and are threatening to destroy Maldobar completely. Not even the dragonriders can match the Tibran war machines. And after an attempt to awaken Jaevid from his divine sleep fails, the fate of Maldobar is looking grim.
Reigh has never known what it means to be a normal human. Raised amongst the gray elves in the wild jungle of Luntharda, he’s tried everything to fit in. But the dark power within him is bursting at the seams—refusing to be silenced. And while his adoptive father, Kiran, insists this power must be kept secret, Reigh knows he’s running out of time.
As Maldobar burns, the world is desperate for a new hero. Destiny has called, and one boy will rise to answer.
—————————————————————————-
Author Nicole Conway
About the Author New York Times bestselling author Cassia Leo loves her coffee, chocolate, and margaritas with salt. When she’s not writing, she spends way too much time re-watching Game of Thrones and Sex and the City. When she’s not binge watching, she’s usually enjoying the Oregon rain with a hot cup of coffee and a book.
Today is release day for THE HEIRESS, a stand-alone new adult romantic suspense novel, by New York Times bestselling author Cassia Leo. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis A new heartfelt and suspenseful stand-alone novel from New York Times bestselling author Cassia Leo.
How much is love worth?
Twenty-two-year-old Kristin and her single mom have always struggled to make ends meet. When her mother’s body begins to deteriorate after many backbreaking years of working as a housekeeper, Kristin must say farewell to her college dreams and hello to a full-time job waitressing. She doesn’t really mind. After all, giving up on her dreams will be her penance for that one horrible night.
Her luck begins to turn when she meets Daniel Meyers. Daniel is sexy and funny, but most importantly, he wants to get to know the real Kristin. It doesn’t hurt that he’s also extremely wealthy and intent on protecting her. Kristin feels safe with him. She wants to open up to him, to share the details of the awful night that changed her life. But she can’t shake the feeling that Daniel may be keeping a dark secret of his own…
—————————————————————————-
Excerpt #2 “I wish I were more observant.”
He turned to face me again, his eyebrows scrunched up in confusion. “How so?”
“I wish I could…” I swallowed hard as I reconsidered my words. “Nothing. I guess I just have a hard time reading people…sometimes.”
“Like me?” He smiled at my raised eyebrows. “I’m not that mysterious,” he said, rounding the island until he was next to me. “I want the same things you want.” He held his hand out for me to take, then he began leading me toward the glass doors overlooking the patio. “I want comfort and security. I want to feel needed…and I want to need someone.”
My heart raced as we stepped out into the brick-paved backyard garden. “It’s dangerous to need someone,” I replied, breathless as he led me to some stairs leading up to a courtyard on a higher level.
The courtyard was well lit with pathway lights and spotlights illuminating a few trees, which lined the back wall of the garden. We sat on a concrete bench in the center of the courtyard, a chill racing through me as he laced his fingers through mine.
“We’ve all been hurt, Kristin,” he said, his eyes focused on some distant memory.
“Who hurt you?” I asked, my voice a bit shaky.
He blinked and turned to me to refocus his attention. “Another time,” he replied with a smile that barely curled the corners of his mouth. “I promise.”
I nodded, gladly accepting this answer because it allowed me to postpone my own dark truth.
—————————————————————————-
—————————————————————————-
Trailer
—————————————————————————-
Author Cassia Leo
About the Author New York Times bestselling author Cassia Leo loves her coffee, chocolate, and margaritas with salt. When she’s not writing, she spends way too much time re-watching Game of Thrones and Sex and the City. When she’s not binge watching, she’s usually enjoying the Oregon rain with a hot cup of coffee and a book.
Changing Tides Publishing and author Jodi Gallegos are unveiling the cover to A SHINE THAT DEFIES THE DARK, an adult period romance, releasing December 5, 2017. See below for the cover, information on the book, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
A SHINE THAT DEFIES THE DARK by Jodi Gallegos
About the Book Title: A SHINE THAT DEFIES THE DARK Author: Jodi Gallegos Publisher: Changing Tides Publishing Release Date: December 5, 2017 Genre: Adult Period Romance Links:Goodreads
Synopsis Gripping, romantic, and evocative of its time— A Shine that Defies the Dark is a spellbinding story of one woman who will stop at nothing to survive during a tumultuous time in American history.
After a six-year exile, Ophelia Breaux and her mother are overjoyed to return to the Louisiana bayou. But it seems the ghosts of the epic feud that drove them away still haunt Plaquemines Parish, and with the Great Depression sweeping the nation, the two soon find they can’t make ends meet.
Seeing no other option, Ophelia’s mother takes the drastic step of sharing her bed with the town judge in exchange for a reduced rent. The judge has had a life-long obsession with Momma, and Ophelia is desperate to end this arrangement and get her away from him.
When Remy Granger shows up, Ophelia knows it could mean more trouble—and that’s the last thing they need. Handsome and dangerous, he’s the first boy she ever kissed, and a member of the most notorious family in southern Louisiana—but he’s also got an opportunity for fast money in rumrunning. Ophelia goes all in, and it turns out she may have a knack for the business. But she’s going to have to run even faster if she wants to save Momma… dodging the cops, rival gangs, and her traitorous heart at every turn..
—————————————————————————-
Author Jodi Gallegos
About the Author Jodi is a YA writer, black belt, registered nurse and case manager for a busy home health agency. She lives with her husband, three sons and an evolving herd of undisciplined animals in Colorado. She has a well-earned fear of bears, but tolerates the Teddy and Gummy variety. She has been obsessed with books, both reading and writing them, for most of her life and prefers the written word to having actual conversations. The most current projected completion date of her To Be Read book collection is May 17, 2176.
Entangled Select and author Mary Hughes are revealing a chapter from NIGHT’S CARESS, the first book in the adult paranormal romance series, The Ancients. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis When artist Brie Lark left her vampire ex and her straitjacket of a hometown to breathe free in New York City, she promised herself two things: she’d never go back to Meiers Corner, and no more vampires. The last thing she expected—or wanted—was to be sent back home on an assignment. But her boss at the FBI needs her undercover on a murder case, working with a black-haired, black-eyed giant god of a man who’s her idea of perfection, except for one thing—he’s a vampire.
FBI Special Agent Seb Rikare is an ancient vampire hardened by loss. He’s cut all emotions to protect himself and leads a deliberately steady, almost sterile life. The brash young woman forced to pose as his lover irritates him, with her jangling bracelets and colorful hair. But as much as she irritates him, he finds himself drawn to her lively spirit and he’s tempted to make fantasy a reality.
..
—————————————————————————-
Author Mary Hughes
About the Author Who am I? A lover of stories that crackle with action and emotion. A mother, a flutist, a binge-TV-watcher of NCIS, Sherlock, and Agents of SHIELD.
I write steamy, wickedly funny romance including the Pull of the Moon series of witch/shifter love and the Biting Love series where sexy, gritty vampires meet small town mayhem. My martial arts background means the action is real.
Most of all, I’m a believer in grand passion, a forever kind of love.
Welcome to the book blitz for MAD LOVE, the first book in the new adult contemporary romance series, Guns & Ink, by Shana Vanterpool. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
MAD LOVE (Guns & Ink #1) by Shana Vanterpool
About MAD LOVE Title: MAD LOVE Series: Guns & Ink #1 Author: Shana Vanterpool Publisher: Swoon Romance Release Date: September 25, 2017
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Synopsis She was a disruption he never wanted.
He was everything she distrusted.
Klayton Caldwell owns a tattoo shop in Denver, Colorado, and has seen just about everything and met just about every kind of person. And they all have one thing in common. Ink.
He isn’t complicated. What you see is what you get. Sex? Always. Relationships? Never. Pleasantries? He doesn’t do that either. Those who can’t handle his mouth get inked elsewhere. Klayton holds everyone at a distance, even his friends. He doesn’t do “close.”
Until Madison ends up in his tattoo parlor, broken, afraid and alone. There’s something about her, and almost immediately, Klayton’s guard drops. Now, everything he knows about himself changes as his life begins to unravel.
Twenty-year-old Madison Hart’s future was taken from her the moment she was abducted from her college campus and held captive by a sicko. After escaping, she flees, running into a stranger. A stranger who shares a similar past. Someone who might be able to help her heal. If she’ll let him.
Madi comes into Klayton’s life like a storm. She’s beautiful. Pitiful. Dangerous. Her pain runs deep enough that she may never be able to talk about what she’s experienced. Her refusal to talk takes a level of patience Klayton’s not sure he has.
He must navigate her broken pieces by changing everything he is. Who he’s been all these years won’t work anymore. But Madi fights him, she fights herself. She fights the madness.
She refuses to talk. He can’t control his mouth. She doesn’t want to be touched. He can’t help himself. They don’t want love. Inside this storm, is a love so mad it might destroy them both.
—————————————————————————-
Excerpt Life had a way of expunging your expectations.
But it also had a way of rebuilding them.
I met a hero the day I walked into Klayton’s tattoo shop, broken and terrified. My heart was tattered, and my mental state was a plain of rubble in my skull. He wasn’t your typical hero. But atypical was exactly what I needed. I needed strength to combat my weaknesses. I needed love to fight my terror. And I needed someone to look at me like I was whole, when I feared I never would be again.
I sometimes wished we could have a do-over. That I could walk into his tattoo shop smiling, clean, and glowing. But that would only erase the brutal, beautiful truth of us. I didn’t walk into his tattoo shop smiling, I wasn’t clean, and I was severely damaged.
But Klayton loved me anyway. Even when I was empty, even when I was broken.
Even when I was mad.
—————————————————————————-
Author Shana Vanterpool
About the Author When I walk into a book store I feel at home. When I smell the pages of a brand new book things make sense. When I read I am who I always wanted to be. I read to escape and I write so others can as well. My family, my actress dog Bella, coffee, and a steamy love story are a few of my most precious things.
Welcome to the blog tour for SUPERHERO SYNDROME, the first book in the new adult scifi/urban fantasy/superhero series, Solstice Survivors, by Caryn Larrinaga. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
SUPERHERO SYNDROME (Solstice Survivors #1) by Caryn Larrinaga
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited! Title: SUPERHERO SYNDROME Series: Solstice Survivors #1 Author: Caryn Larrinaga Publisher: Twisted Tree Press Genre: New Adult Science Fiction/Urban Fantasy/Superhero Release Date: September 12, 2017 Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Synopsis Tess McBray was dying. The Solstice Syndrome had no cure, and she resigned herself to an early grave. But just when she gave up on survival, all her symptoms mysteriously disappeared.
All but one symptom, anyway. Something is wrong with Tess’s hands. They absorb any material they touch, and her skin turns to wood, or steel, or concrete. It doesn’t take this comic-book obsessed 21-year-old long to figure out what’s going on: somehow, she’s developed super powers. And she’s not the only one; across the country, people are coming forward and sharing their gifts with the world. In her own city, where the police are battling a human trafficking operation, a masked vigilante called The Fox is saving lives and stopping criminals.
Tess doesn’t know where she fits into this new, super-powered world. But when people around her start disappearing, she can’t just sit on the sidelines. Teaming up with The Fox might be the only way to rid her city of evil and save the people she loves most.
.
—————————————————————————-
Excerpt #2 And there was his face again, laughing at me from the empty white canvas of my living room wall. I clenched my fists and winced. They were too tender for that—so tender I didn’t dare unclench them. But I wished they weren’t. I wished I could go back to Bethany’s house and drag Bruce out through the back door, then beat his face in. I’d give him more than the bruises he’d given my sister, but that was only fair. This wasn’t something he’d started doing yesterday. He had years of abuse to pay for.
Years you weren’t even around for.
“Dammit!” As the word burst from my mouth, my left hand shot out and collided with the wall beside me. Plaster exploded around my arm, and my fist sailed clear through the wall until I sagged limply in the corner with my arm in a hole.
Startled, I yanked my arm back and stared at the mess I’d made. My landlord was going to kill me. I hadn’t just dented the plaster—I’d punched clean through the wall and could see my empty bedroom on the other side.
I raised my left hand up to my face. My fingers were still curled into a tight fist, but other than that, my skin didn’t look the way I expected. It was no longer red. It still looked like it’d been torn up a bit, but in the blue light from the sign outside, it looked even unhealthier than usual. It looked… gray. Like the little bits of broken plaster all over my floor.
“What the…” I murmured, bringing both of my hands closer to my face.
They stung like a rug burn, but beneath the pain, there was something else—a warmth, almost like I was hovering my hands over an invisible fire. It was such a strange feeling. I focused on it, trying to figure out where it was coming from, and tried to open my fists. I wanted to rub my palms together to see if that would intensify the warmth.
My fingers wouldn’t budge.
My two fists rubbed against one another, knuckles to knuckles. But I felt nothing. And instead of the soft, dry sound of skin rubbing against skin, I heard a rough scraping like two stones grinding into each other.
Frowning, I pulled my hands apart. I stood and bumped on the light switch with my fist, sure it was a trick of the light, but the bright yellow glow only made the truth clearer.
My hands were covered in hard, dry plaster.
I’ll admit it. I screamed.
—————————————————————————-
Author Caryn Larrinaga
About the Author Caryn Larrinaga is a Basque-American mystery, horror, and urban fantasy writer living in Utah with her husband and cats. Her debut novel Donn’s Hill (March 2017, Immortal Works Press) garnered rave reviews from fans of the cozy mystery and paranormal genres, and her new urban fantasy Superhero Syndrome (September 2017, Twisted Tree Press) will be out this fall. Watching scary movies through split fingers terrified Caryn as a child, and those nightmares inspire her to write now. She lives in a 90-year-old house with a colorful history, and the creaking walls and narrow hallways send her running (never walking) up the stairs from her basement. Exploring her fears through writing makes Caryn feel a little less foolish for wanting a buddy to accompany her into the tool shed.
When her fingers aren’t glued to her laptop keyboard, Caryn also enjoys binge-watching Netflix with her husband, reading, playing video games, and filling up her phone’s flash memory with pictures of her cats. She loves music and plays the bass guitar. Caryn is an active member of the League of Utah Writers and the Utah Chapter of the Horror Writers Association.
Welcome to the blog tour for HIS HAND-ME-DOWN COUNTESS, the first book in the adult historical romance series, Lustful Lords, by Sorcha Mowbray. See below for information on the book, buy links, and an exclusive excerpt.
Synopsis His brother’s untimely death leaves him with an Earldom and a fiancée. Too bad he wants neither of them…
Theodora Lawton has no need of a husband. As an independent woman, she wants to own property, make investments and be the master of her destiny. Unfortunately, her father signed her life away in a marriage contract to the future Earl of Stonemere. But then the cad upped and died, leaving her fate in the hands of his brother, one of the renowned Lustful Lords.
Achilles Denton, the Earl of Stonemere, is far more prepared to be a soldier than a peer. Deeply scarred by his last tour of duty, he knows he will never be a proper, upstanding pillar of the empire. Balanced on the edge of madness, he finds respite by keeping a tight rein on his life, both in and out of the bedroom. His brother’s death has left him with responsibilities he never wanted and isn’t prepared to handle in the respectable manner expected of a peer.
Further complicating his new life is an unwanted fiancée who comes with his equally unwanted title. Saddled with a hand-me-down countess, he soon discovers the woman is a force unto herself. As he grapples with the burden of his new responsibilities, he discovers someone wants him dead. The question is, can he stay alive long enough to figure out who’s trying to kill him while he tries to tame his headstrong wife?
—————————————————————————-
Excerpt #1 London, May 1860
Stone heard the butler intone his name and title loudly enough for all of London to hear, let alone the population of the Devonses’ ballroom. Had anyone suggested three years ago he would bear the family title, Earl of Stonemere, never mind be contemplating his future nuptials, he would certainly have laughed. True, he never actually laughed anymore, but he certainly would have found such a claim incredulous.
It was no longer an amusing matter.
Having survived the receiving line, he eased through the crowded ballroom. Every few feet, he stopped to speak with one acquaintance or another. Not so long ago, these same people would have been running for the hills and hiding their daughters. But fate, a fickle mistress to say the least, had other plans.
Moving with a quickness born of desperation, he barely acknowledged the next three men as the heat from the crowd paired with the stench of perfumes and body odor to choke him. After his service in India, crowded entertainments such as a ball had grown difficult to endure. The press of bodies and the loud murmur of conversation punctuated by the occasional shrill laugh smothered him, too similar to the roar of battle and the cries of the dying.
Moving past a swarm of silk skirts, he spotted a dark, hidden alcove, an oasis from the overwhelming onslaught, both real and imagined. If he could shut it down quickly enough, he wouldn’t embarrass himself. If he failed, all of London would learn just how broken he was.
He was an earl. Not a soldier. Never again a soldier.
Once the cool darkness enveloped him, he opened his mouth and drew a breath. His pounding pulse eased as the vise around his chest released and his damp skin dried. After another quarter hour spent tucked away, he believed he could manage the crowd long enough to find his betrothed.
As any good officer would, he had a strategy. Find her, claim his dances, and then await each one either on the balcony or on the dance floor, if required. Even the cardrooms at these soirees bordered on disabling.
He reached for the drapes to his hideaway, but hesitated as two women tittered in the immediate vicinity.
“Why, Gladys, I heard his name announced earlier. I’m certain Matilda invited Stonemere despite all the gossip.”
“I simply cannot imagine what she was thinking,” the one called Gladys said.
“Can’t you? Having one of the Lustful Lords in attendance at your ball? I daresay everyone who is anyone will wish to be able to say they were here. It’s all so deliciously scandalous and yet possible now the unmitigated rake is off the market.” Gladys’s friend sighed with a bit more drama than anyone in their right mind or otherwise would deem necessary.
“Well, one should hope that man can contain himself what with all these poor young virgins parading around. It would serve Matilda right if he debauched each and every one of them while here under her auspices.”
“Oh, do be sensible, Gladys. He could perhaps ruin four or five in one night, but all of them?”
Past ready to find his fiancée and escape his hidey-hole, he stepped out next to the ladies in question, turned to them, and bowed over each of their hands. The shock on their faces far outweighed any notion of good manners on his part. “Why, ladies, you both give me far more credit than I deserve. Even in my heyday of debauchery, I could only service three ladies in a single evening.”
As the two ladies sputtered, he departed their corner. The temptation to turn and wink at the gossipers won out, which caused another round of tittering and sputtering from behind him. Of course, he was well aware of what proper Society called himself and his friends. But the Marquess of Flintshire, Earl of Brougham, Baron Lincolnshire, and Viscount Wolfington—as well as himself—held little regard for polite society. Each of them had learned the hard way that they had no place amongst their peers.
—————————————————————————-
—————————————————————————-
About the Author Sorcha Mowbray is a mild mannered office worker by day…okay, so she is actually a mouthy, opinionated, take charge kind of gal who bosses everyone around; but she definitely works in an office. At night she writes romance so hot she sets the sheets on fire! Just ask her slightly singed husband.
She is a longtime lover of historical romance, having grown up reading Johanna Lindsey and Judith McNaught. Then she discovered Thea Devine and Susan Johnson. Holy cow! Heroes and heroines could do THAT? From there, things devolved into trying her hand at writing a little smexy. Needless to say, she liked it and she hopes you do too!
Welcome to the book blitz for BEYOND THE MIST, the second book in the adult time-travelling romance series, Lake Lanier Mysteries, by Casi McLean. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
BEYOND THE MIST (Lake Lanier Mysteries #2) by Casi McLean
About the Book Title: BEYOND THE MIST () by Series: Lake Lanier Mysteries #2 Author: Casi McLean Genre: Adult Time-Travelling Romance Release Date: September 15, 2017 Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Synopsis Piper Taylor concedes she’ll never fall in love, until a treacherous storm spirals her into the arms of the handsome Nick Cramer. Unrelenting remorse over a past relationship haunts Nick, but he can’t deny the mysterious connection and hot desire Piper evokes.
The allure of a secret portal hidden beneath Atlanta’s Lake Lanier tempts him into seizing the opportunity to change his mistakes. But his time slip triggers consequences beyond his wildest dreams.
Can Piper avoid the international espionage and terrorism of 2001 New York, find Nick, and bring him home before he alters the fabric of time, or will the lovers drift forever Beyond The Mist?
.
.
.
.
.
—————————————————————————-
Excerpt #2 Darkness consumed him, a cyclone spinning, twisting Nick as he ripped through an endless void. His lungs burned for oxygen. He could hold his breath no longer, and relinquished his resolve, but he felt no pain. Instead, a sense of serenity encircled him as if he were floating, weightless, breathless, helpless on a cloud of warm air…then the abyss abruptly imploded. Pierced by a brilliant violet-blue light that shattered into a kaleidoscope of color, the tempest hurtled him, whirling, snaking boundlessly until he finally burst through the surface, gasping for air.
He filled his lungs to capacity, breathed in and out several times before opening his eyes to assimilate the greenish blur surrounding him. Instinctively dog-paddling to stay afloat, he stared at a rustic old wooden bench situated atop a ridge above until his head stopped swimming. He had survived the tumult that ripped his body through Lord knows what and challenged him physically and emotionally to the limits few men could endure. And for what, to end up exactly where he started?
“Noooooo.” His blood-curdling moan cut through the silence.
He slapped his hand across the water, scooping a splash that flew around him. There was nothing more he could do. He tried. He risked his life to set things right, to offset the tragic event that had haunted him for eleven years, but he always knew the chance equated to that of a snowball in hell.
—————————————————————————-
—————————————————————————-
Author Casi McLean
About the Author Award winning author, Casi McLean, pens novels to stir the soul with romance, suspense, and a sprinkle of magic. Her writing crosses genres from ethereal, captivating shorts with eerie twist endings to believable time slips, mystical plots, and sensual romantic suspense, like Beneath The Lake, WINNER: 2016 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence for BEST Romantic Suspense. WATCH THE TRAILER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwOqm8DUUfA
Casi’s powerful memoir, Wingless Butterfly: Healing The Broken Child Within, shares an inspirational message of courage, tenacity, and hope, and displays her unique ability to excel in nonfiction and self-help as well as fiction. Known for enchanting stories with magical description, McLean entices readers in nonfiction as well with fascinating hooks to hold them captive in storylines they can’t put down.
Her romance entwines strong, believable heroines with delicious hot heroes to tempt the deepest desires then fans the flames, sweeping readers into their innermost romantic fantasies. Ms. McLean weaves exceptional romantic mystery with suspenseful settings and lovable characters you’ll devour. You’ll see, hear, and feel the magical eeriness of one fateful night. You’ll swear her time travel could happen, be mystified by her other worldly images, and feel heat of romantic suspense, but most of all you’ll want more..
Welcome to the book blitz for CHRISTMAS AT THE LAKE, the second book in the adult contemporary romance series, Great Escapes, by Charlotte Blake. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
CHRISTMAS AT THE LAKE (Great Escapes #2) by Charlotte Blake
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited! Title: CHRISTMAS AT THE LAKE Series: Great Escapes #2 Author: Charlotte Blake Genre: Adult Contemporary Holiday Romance Release Date: September 10, 2017 Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Synopsis Sometimes love gets forgotten …
Hugely successful Lexi Stuart is used to guys pursuing her, but for all the wrong reasons. Sure, she’s beautiful and rich, but the men in her life never seem to want anything more serious than just sex. It’s a stark reality she’s become used to.
As a code writer in Silicon Vally, Adam Hunt doesn’t have to worry about money. And as a heartthrob in general, he doesn’t need to worry about attracting women, either. But when he meets Lexi during a Christmas holiday in Lake Tahoe, he’s floored that she won’t give him the time of day after one wild night together.
Now, this sports bum is about to take Lexi on the ride of her life. All she needs to do is hang on!
18+
NOTE: This STAND-ALONE romance contains very steamy love scenes. All of the books in the Great Escapes series can be read in any order.
—————————————————————————-
Excerpt Sweeping views of the lake and the surrounding land were better than all of the other views she’d seen put together. Several chairs were situated by the windows with small drink tables between each pair. Two pool tables dominated the inner space, but that wasn’t all. There were three dart boards, and, she was delighted to see, two machines of skee ball.
“Oh, I love skee ball!” Lexi said, walking up to to one of the games. “How do I get the balls to come down?”
“Over here at the bar is a basket full of coins you can use to release them.”
She immediately went to the basket and grabbed a handful.
“I’ve never been very good at it,” she said, putting one of the coins into the slot.
Six wooden balls descended into the holder, and she was immediately distracted from both the tour and Adam. She took her first shot, ten points. Her second, ten points.
“I told you,” she said.
But on her next one, it went so far awry of her intended direction it landed in one of the fifty point cups.
“Ha! Look at that!” She smiled triumphantly.
Adam clapped appreciatively.
“I think we’ve seen all we need to for now, Mary. The lady seems to have found her activity for the morning.”
Mary laughed. “Well, if you two need anything else, don’t hesitate to come down to the office. There’s a fully stocked bar over there in the corner. Help yourselves.”
“Thank you for the tour, Mary. This place is wonderful.” Lexi still had her eyes on the machine.
“You’re quite welcome. I’ll leave you to it.”
Adam walked up next to Lexi, swiping one of the coins she had placed on the edge of the machine.
“Now this I’m good at.” He aimed his ball expertly and immediately sunk one into the fifty point cup.
Lexi was not deterred. She didn’t care about winning this game. It was simply fun for her. She made a mental note to have one of the machines installed in her apartment when she got back home.
“So,” Adam said, finishing up his game. “I think our minds were supposed to be on pool.”
“I know. Just a few more balls.” She was in heaven, completely distracted from everything else she’d had on her mind.
Adam walked over to set up the pool balls. “Just a few.”
But she didn’t stop. Finally he walked up behind her and whispered in her ear.
“You said you’d play me at pool, remember?”
The feeling of his lips brushing against her ear made her breath catch. She leaned down, bowling the last ball, then she turned. They stared at each other for a few moments. Then he moved in for a kiss.
It was forward of him, a risk.
But his lips were soft, delicate. He put one hand on the small of her back and drew her body toward him. The feeling of his body up against hers made her giddy. Usually, the men she was with stripped her down right away, not caring about the tease.
But this Adam … he knew how to do things. She was suddenly thrilled, filled with anticipation.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“For what, exactly?” she purred.
“For pool.” His words were quiet, suggestive.
“Are you sure that’s all you want to do?”
“For now.” He separated himself from her, walked over to the pool table, and grabbed her a cue and a piece of blue chalk.
She slumped as he walked away.
Whoa.
She couldn’t remember feeling the way she did now. She wanted him to take her upstairs, that was for sure. But her finely honed veneer was starting to crack a little. She was so used to being in charge. But he seemed to be leading this little game of theirs.
Just once, she reminded herself. Maybe twice.
Or maybe the whole trip.
Her family didn’t need to know, though she imagined they might figure it out. Her older brother, Andrew, and his wife, Amanda, had been hounding her for years about her need to find someone to settle down with. But why? So she could pop out a couple of kids? That wasn’t a life she wanted. Her work was too intense, too busy to be able to raise a child. Maybe when she was older, when there was no time left and she had made her fortune large enough to really sustain her for the rest of her life, then she could look for a man to hang onto and have children with. Or not; she could just do it on her own.
It was how she’d done everything since her mother had left her all that money. She was guarded, and trusted few. And that was fine with her. Her mother had been the same way, only with a dash of never-good-enough to hold over Lexi’s head.
It made it hard to leave work, even for the holidays. Even though her mother had passed years ago, she still felt the same pressure to perform. The same pressure to be the best at everything. No room for error. It was an expectation that both helped her rise and held her down. There was no winning. Not even now.
“I’ll let you break,” he said, wrenching her out of her thoughts. “Since you’re so terrible at this game, I feel it’ll be more fair to let you have the first shot.”
She smirked and walked over, taking the cue he’d offered and hanging it back up on the wall. She chose a shorter one more suited to her and rubbed some of the chalk onto the tip.
“You set the balls up wrong.” She leaned over the table, getting ready to take the first shot.
“I thought I just needed to keep the white one out.”
“That’ll be fine. I’ll beat you either way.”
But it didn’t work out that way. She was definitely talented at pool, but he was a perfect match to her skills. At the end of the first game, only three balls remained, two of hers and the eight ball. It was his turn and he sunk it without any trouble at all.
“You know, I’m starting to feel like maybe we should be making bets,” he said.
“No, I’m not betting you anything, you filthy liar.” She was laughing, but part of her was angry with herself for having given up the game so easily. “Best out of three.”
“You’re on. But not before a little taste.”
He walked up to her, leaning her gently against the table, and unloaded one of those kisses again. She tried hard not to gasp this time, but she couldn’t help it. She was tempted to toss the cue away and head upstairs. Her body was getting warmer and warmer every time he touched her. And in a way she wasn’t used to.
But there would be time for that later. It was only ten in the morning, and the snow was still coming down outside. She’d have at least two nights alone at the lodge with him. Hopefully.
So she picked up her cue and started searching through the pockets for the sunken balls, rolling them onto the table.
“Let me show you the right way to set the balls,” she said.
“I know the right way. I was just playing you. Are you sure you want to play again?” He walked up behind her and put his hands on her waist.
Oh, boy.
She turned.
“We have all day for that,” she insisted as his mouth traveled to her earlobe, giving it a little bite. “Now hands off so I can show you how this is really done.”
But she had barely cracked the balls when he was on her again. It was getting harder and harder for her to resist him. She felt sure that she’d be up in his bedroom by noon.
—————————————————————————-
Author Charlotte Blake
About the Author I am happy to call the San Francisco Bay Area home, where I lives with my husband, two kids, one dog and three cats. I started writing at an early age, but have only been writing novels for the past five years. I love the idea of love conquering all, and that is what drove me to begin the Great Escapes series, where the reader follows couples meeting up in exotic locations around the world. In this series, each book is a stand-alone, and each can be read in any order.
But readers, be forewarned, there is a healthy amount of steam in these books!
Thank you for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy Great Escapes!
Welcome to the book blitz for RUNNING WITH WOLVES, a stand-alone young adult historical adventure, by Summer Lane. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive Q&A with the author, and details on her giveaway.
RUNNING WITH WOLVES by Summer Lane
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: RUNNING WITH WOLVES Author: Summer Lane Release Date: September 22, 2017 Genre: Young Adult Historical Adventure/Romance Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble
Synopsis Alaska, 1898
“They always come back,” she whispers. “Always.”
He spilled their blood. Now, she’s out for revenge.
Jenna Renee is a woman wronged. When her adoptive parents are brutally murdered by an outlaw named Conroy Parker and his gang of thugs, they take everything from her: her family, her happiness, and her money.
Determined to bring Conroy and his boys to justice, she hires a gruff but dangerous gun-slinging United States Marshal, Jeremiah Black, to help her hunt Conroy down.
But there is more to Alaska than meets the eye.
The cold touch of the arctic winter is dangerous, and the corruption of Conroy Parker and his comrades runs deep. The tundra is unforgiving, and so are the wolves. Nothing is as it seems.
If the wilderness doesn’t kill Jenna, the pack will. Revenge comes with a price, and so does love. There will be no mercy….only the hunt.
A romantic adventure from #1 bestselling author Summer Lane, set amidst the gritty and awe-inspiring setting of Alaska during the last great Gold Rush.
—————————————————————————-
Author Q&A
This is your first historical fiction. How different was the writing process, as opposed to the past 17 novels you’ve written – which have all been post-apocalyptic? A historical novel is more strictly attached to the time period in which it takes place. The way people talk, dress, act, and even eat are different than how we do all of those things modernly. I had to do a lot of research, of course. I have been slowly working on this book for roughly 2 years, when the idea originally occurred to me. I have read so many books about Alaska…toward the end of the writing process, I was devouring whole college textbooks and double fact-checking everything I had until I was entirely sure my eyes were going to fall out of my head.
With my apocalyptic books, the research is tactically-oriented, if that makes sense. With Wolves, I had to make sure the slang and vernacular was correct and that the history was right on target. I took a few artistic liberties with the story, as all writers do, but everything is based in fact. Everything.
Where did the idea for Running with Wolves come from? I have always loved animals. I have always loved dogs. I first was enraptured by the idea of setting a story in Alaska when I was a little girl, after watching the animated film Balto for the first time. The concept for this particular novel sprung up about 2 years ago. It took me a long time to cultivate the plot to a point where I liked it enough to go ahead and write the book. I have always wanted to write a western-style novel, and that’s what Wolves is. A western novel set in the snow, with adventure and romance.
Where does the story actually take place? I have constructed a fictional tale within the boundaries of the boomtowns and mining camps that existed in 1898. The main character, Jenna Renee, lives outside of a town called Dyea. I used prominent and famous historical hotspots, such as the Chilkoot Pass and Dawson City, in the book, too.
Can we look forward to some romance, in addition to adventure? Yes! One of the central themes of the novel is the romance story between Jenna Renee and the rather callous but handsome United States Marshal Jeremiah Black. I love Jeremiah’s character – he’s got a lot of surprises up his sleeve, and I think readers will love him as much as Jenna does.
What are your upcoming projects? Well, I have a non-fiction novel coming up in the next several months: Prolific: Writing a Hit Novel. I’m also releasing the first installment of the anticipated Resurrection Series in January 2018. Resurrection will continue the adventures, fights, and romances of Commander Cassidy Hart from the hit Collapse Series.
—————————————————————————-
Author Summer Lane
About the Author Summer Lane is the #1 bestselling author of 18 novels, including the smash-hit Collapse Series. She owns Writing Belle Publishing. Lane is also an experienced journalist and creative writing teacher. Writing Belle is her online magazine, where she has interviewed and featured hundreds of writers from around the globe.
Look for her upcoming books, Prolific: Writing a Hit Novel, and Resurrection: Shadows of Omega, the hotly anticipated continuation of Cassidy Hart’s post-apocalyptic adventures.
Summer lives in the Central Valley of California with her husband, Scott, and their German Shepherd, Kona.
Welcome to the book blitz for BETWEEN YOU AND ME, a stand-alone adult contemporary romance, by Lynn Turner. See below for information on the book, buy links, a couple of teasers, a deleted scene, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis Love at first sight strikes Seattle Scientist Finnegan Kane at the worst possible moment, paralyzing him as he’s pitching his cutting-edge idea to powerful New York venture capitalist Emanuela Monroe…
Finn survived the crash that killed his parents when he was sixteen. Twenty years later, his smart devices are about to redefine what it means to be disabled.
Emanuela makes dreams come true for a living, but still longs to fulfill her own. Despite Finn’s stunning secret, she thinks his idea might be worth the risk…and he’s determined to show her that he is, too.
.
.
.
—————————————————————————-
—————————————————————————-
Deleted Scene #1 Christmas Eve
Finn removed the large gift box he’d hidden in Emanuela’s closet and set it on the bed in front of her. He sat at its edge, his obvious anticipation of her opening it almost as great as hers. “Happy Christmas Eve, Emmi.”
She smiled and, at his nod, lifted the lid. “Whoa.”
She reached in, carefully lifting the model house from the box. It was alabaster in color, and the detailing was incredible. She recognized the floor-to-ceiling windows at the south end and gasped, turning it to admire the familiar wrap-around deck. There were grooves indicating the planks of wood the deck was made from, and exterior lighting just like the ones on the house Finn rented in Penn Cove. She fingered the tiny fibers that made up the rigid parts of the house.
Her eyes narrowed. “You printed this?”
He nodded again. She giggled at his body language. He was as still as a log, his ears perky, eyes bright–If he’d had a tail, it would have wagged.
“Finn?”
“Take the roof off. Have a look inside.”
She lifted the ends of the roof and it came completely off. Inside was a perfect replica of the interior, each room complete with removable furnishings and detail equally as stunning as the outside—like the natural granite of the free-standing fireplace in the living space and the logged walls of the bedrooms. Perfect—except there seemed to be extra space.
She frowned. “I don’t remember that being there.”
He grinned, crinkles appearing at the corners of his eyes. “That’s because it isn’t there yet. Turn it again, but this time go slow.”
Her head jerked to the side, but she did as instructed, turning the model until the front of the house faced her again. There, just out front, was a tiny signpost that read “Sold.”
She yelped. “Oh my God! When? I thought he wasn’t selling?” Her voice grew higher and squeakier with each question.
He shrugged. “I made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.”
“Finn!” She smacked him impatiently.
He laughed, lifting his shoulder against her assault. “My offer was more than fair—well above market value. I could tell he wanted to keep it, but after I told him it held sentimental value for me—and that he could buy a house almost anywhere with what I was offering—I convinced him to sell.”
She could have cried. She loved that house, but was resigned to living somewhere else, convincing herself that anywhere with Finn would be home. Maybe it was selfish, but she’d been heartbroken at the prospect of someone else living there, getting to watch the sunrise—their sunrise—every morning.
She pointed to the extra space again, her voice barely above a whisper. “And this?”
“A bigger office, a den, a pool—whatever you want, Emmi.”
She slid the model to the side, enough to clear the space between them, and beckoned him to her with her finger. “I’m so happy,” she whispered against his lips.
“That’s all I want.”
—————————————————————————-
—————————————————————————-
Author Lynn Turner
About the Author Lynn Turner inherited her writing gene from her mother, who created fantastic tales about witches, invisible worlds and talking animals, and read them to her children at night. Lynn isn’t as great with the voices as her mother, but Rome wasn’t built in a day.
She discovered romance far too young, when a mission to find a young adult fantasy title led her to historical romance. She spent hours skimming those sumptuous pages, drinking in the vivid descriptions of settings and clothes, feisty heroines and looming lords, and poetic language. (She may or may not have enjoyed the PG-13 bits too, tucking a new title beneath her pillow at night).
She enjoys character-driven narratives most, and anything that transports her someplace else. Passionate about food and travel, she features healthy doses of both in the stories she crafts. Above all, she is dedicated to writing inclusive stories that explore what it means to be imperfectly human.
When she isn’t writing, she’s traveling, dreaming of traveling, or watching old Samantha Brown travelogue videos and wishing she had her job. She and her husband share their home in California with their two extraordinary children, and hope to add a little furry one to the family very soon..
New York Times bestselling author, Emma Hart, is unveiling the cover to MISS FIX-IT, a stand alone adult contemporary romance, releasing October 31, 2017. See below for the cover, information on the book, and pre-order links.
Synopsis One handywoman. One single dad. One set of twins. And the wall isn’t the only thing being drilled…
I learned the hard way that being a handywoman isn’t easy. The questions, the stares—the assumption I’m the proud owner of a cock and balls. Not that it matters. I’ve proven over and over that I’m ready for anything the judgmental asses throw at me.
Except the hot, single dad of twins who just moved to town.
Brantley Cooper gets the shock of his life when I show up on his doorstep to fix up his kids’ new rooms. His son is confused why ‘the pretty lady has a drill,’ and his daughter has a new obsession—me.
On paper, my job is easy. Go in, do their bedrooms, and leave.
In theory, I’m spending eight hours a day with a guarded, sexy as hell guy, and I’m staying for dinner more often than I’m eating it alone, on my couch, with Friends re-runs.
I shouldn’t be staying for dinner. I shouldn’t be helping him out with the twins. I shouldn’t be falling in love with tiny toes and dimpled cheeks.
And I most definitely should not be kissing my client.
Oops…
—————————————————————————
MISS FIX IT by Emma Hart (Full Cover)
—————————————————————————
—————————————————————————
About the Author By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling new adult author, Emma Hart, dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to two beautiful little monsters. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of whatever she fancies – usually wine – and writes books.
Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.
She likes to be busy – unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.
Author Shannyn Schroeder is unveiling the cover to MEETING HIS MATCH, a stand-alone adult contemporary romance, releasing October 12, 2017. See below for the cover, information on the book, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
MEETING HIS MATCH by Shannyn Schroeder
About the Book
Title: MEETING HIS MATCH Author: Shannyn Schroeder Release Date: October 12, 2017 Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance Links: Goodreads
Synopsis Malcolm “Mac” Sterling has one goal: take over the family matchmaking business. His final obstacle? Host his family’s new dating show and prove he can help each contestant find true love. One catch. Mac’s meddling mother has approved a co-host, a so-called expert who seems impervious to his charms. Now he could lose everything, because if his co-host proves she’s the better matchmaker, he can say goodbye to his legacy.
Natalie “Gem” Hale never intended for her alter ego as an online dating expert to get her the opportunity of a lifetime—or for that opportunity to come with a co-host who’s as infuriating as he is tempting. But she didn’t get this far by backing down from a challenge. All she has to do is keep her secret identity a secret.
Except as sparks fly and the competition heats up, Mac realizes his co-host is hiding something. He’s just got to figure out what.
.
.
——————————————————————
Author Shannyn Schroeder
About the Author Shannyn Schroeder is the author of the O’Leary series, contemporary romances centered around a large Irish-American family in Chicago and the Hot & Nerdy series about 3 nerdy friends finding love. Her new series (For Your Love) will release this summer with the first title Under Your Skin. When she’s not wrangling her three kids or writing, she watches a ton of TV and loves to bake cookies. .
