Author Lily Velez are unveiling the cover to THE CONNELLY BOYS, the first book in her young adult urban fantasy series, Celtic Witches, releasing September 13, 2018. See below for the cover, information on the book, a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR, and details on her giveaway.
THE CONNELLY BOYS (Celtic Witches #1) by Lily Velez
About the Book Title: THE CONNELLY BOYS Series: Celtic Witches #1 Author: Lily Velez Release Date: September 13, 2018 Genre: Young Adult Urban Fantasy Links:Goodreads
Synopsis The Connelly boys are practically royalty at St. Andrew’s Prep. Popular, wealthy, and devastatingly beautiful, the four brothers have long cast a spell over their classmates and over the sleepy seaport town of Rosalyn Bay, Ireland.
There’s only one problem: they’re also cursed.
…Or so the rumors say.
Seventeen-year-old newcomer Scarlet Monroe has never been one for rumors, but when she inadvertently banishes a demon while trying to help eldest brother Jack Connelly, the most breathtaking of the boys and the one to whom she feels inexplicably drawn, she quickly discovers there may be more to the local superstitions and folklore than she originally thought.
Before long, she’s pulled into a dark and mysterious world filled with ancient magic, powerful spells, kidnapped souls, and deadly enemies. But none of it compares to discovering the truth of who she really is…or what she’ll have to become to defeat a rising evil older than humankind itself before she loses everyone she loves—that is, of course, if she can survive the world of the Connellys long enough.
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Don’t miss this first installment in the new dark fantasy series by Lily Velez, which features Irish folklore, Celtic mythology, mystery and light romance, and an engrossing world of witches and magic that will keep you reading long into the night!
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Author Lily Velez
About The Author LilyVelez has been writing stories since she was six years old. Not much has changed since then. She still prefers the written word and her overactive imagination over the ‘real world’ (though to be fair, her stories no longer feature talking dinosaurs). A graduate of Rollins College and a Florida native, when she’s not reading or writing, she spends most of her days wrangling up her pit bulls Noah and Luna, planning exciting travel adventures, and nursing her addiction to cheese. All this when she isn’t participating in the extreme sport known as napping.
Today is release day for THE PROTECTOR, the fourth book in the adult contemporary romantic suspense series, Games People Play, by HelenKay Dimon. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
THE PROTECTOR (Games People Play #4) by HelenKay Dimon
Synopsis Salvation, Pennsylvania. The commune located in the small town was advertised as a modern Utopia: a place to live, share, and learn with other like-minded young people. Cate Pendleton’s sister was one of them. Now she’s dead—and Cate won’t rest until she finds out who killed her. Stonewalled at every turn, she approaches a DC Fixer for help and ends up with Damon Knox, a mysterious man with a secretive past. But Cate soon discovers that she not only needs Damon, she wants him, which isn’t good—for the attraction brewing between them will only lead to complications that can turn into danger . . .
Damon has tried to erase the hellish memories and the evil that happened in Salvation ever since he left a long time ago. Still, he can’t turn his back on Cate. As Damon works with Cate to uncover her sister’s killer, he finds himself drawn to her more and more. But how will she feel about him when she learns about his connection to the place?
Joining forces to uncover the truth, they must stay one step ahead of a cunning killer who’s bent on not being exposed..
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Excerpt Cate Pendleton dumped her grocery bags on the kitchen counter and glanced around the living room area of her small one-bedroom condo. Flattened pillows. Magazines spread across the coffee table. A blanket in a ball on the floor from where it slipped off her last night while she watched television. The remote stuffed between cushions.
Everything was exactly where she left it when she took off on her store run an hour ago. But something struck her as off. She felt it rather than saw it. A violation of her scared space. A lingering menace. The sensation of unknown hands skimming over her things. A shiver skated through her at the thought.
With her keys sticking between her fingers like a weapon, she walked around the condo, peeking in the closet and looking inside the bedroom. The journey ended back here she started. She approached the couch nice and slow. She listened for footsteps, but the only sound came from the hiss of her clunky, usually-malfunctioning icemaker.
She leaned toward the cushions, just a bit, and sniffed. There it was. Aftershave. Faint, but present. Since a man hadn’t been in the condo for weeks the smell was out of place. And this was not the first time this had happened. She came home two days ago to the same scent. A mix of musk and orange. The last time it happened in the evening. This time in the morning.
On that first day, she found her patio door unlocked. Living in a city, she didn’t take her personal safety for granted. Being two floors up, tucked behind rows of government buildings and a few blocks back from the National Air and Space Museum in downtown Washington, D.C., she kept her guard up. The neighborhood served as home to many congressional staffers. Traffic, both human and the car variety, moved in a steady beat. But she knew better than to assume everything was fine. She locked her doors. All of them and all the time, but someone got in.
A punch of awareness moved though her as she brushed her fingertips over the arm of the chair. The idea of someone snooping through her stuff, standing in her space, made her gag. Last time nothing was stolen, so she skipped calling the police with that fear. Wrote the whole thing off as faulty memory. She knew something strange had happened, but she blocked it and pretended otherwise. But this was different. From the first whiff of that cologne, the trembling started deep down in her stomach, spun up to her head and would not stop.
She forced her mind to focus. Someone kept getting in without leave much of a trail. They didn’t stick around, and for that she was grateful. Nothing stolen. Not obviously, anyway.
Her sister. That’s what this had to be about. Cate thought back to the last six weeks and all the ground she’d covered. She poked around, asked uncomfortable questions and clearly upset someone. She got too close, which was exactly her plan. Maybe she uncovered some piece of information she hadn’t realized yet. But she would.
If someone broke in thinking they’d figure out her strategy or grab every lead she’d collected, they miscalculated. No way would she make it that easy for anyone to destroy her work or derail her.
After the first time this happened, she called the police but that led nowhere. A second call likely would end the same way. They would ignore her, write her off as the crazy one with the dead sister. Add to that her complaint wouldn’t pinpoint any clear evidence. This was about a sense of a presence, of being spooked, and she would become the new lunchtime story for the officers.
But she knew. He had been there. He or she. The person knew how to get in and was playing with her. The next time she might come home too soon.
Despite her worries and the downsides, she picked up the phone and dialed the one person who might be able to help her, the mysterious D.C. fixer. The guy no one ever saw who went by one name – Wren.
About the Author HelenKay Dimon spent the years before becoming a romance author as a…divorce attorney. Not the usual transition, she knows. Good news is she now writes full time and is much happier. She has sold over forty novels and novellas to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Kensington, Harlequin, Penguin Random House, Riptide and Carina Press. Her nationally bestselling and award-winning books have been showcased in numerous venues and her books have twice been named “Red-Hot Reads” and excerpted in Cosmopolitan magazine. She is on the Board of Directors of the Romance Writers of America and teaches fiction writing at UC San Diego and MiraCosta College. You can learn more at her website: www.HelenKaydimon.com.
Award-winning author, Jenna Sutton, is re-releasing her adult contemporary sports romance series, Riley O’Brien & Co., with new covers and a new lower price. See below for the all-newcovers, information on the books, and buy links.
ALL THE RIGHT PLACES ( Riley O’Brien & Co. #1) by Jenna Sutton
About Book 1
Title: ALL THE RIGHT PLACES Series: Riley O’Brien & Co. #1
Author: Jenna Sutton Publisher: Berkley Release Date: June 2, 2015 Genre: Adult Contemporary Sports Romance Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo
Synopsis Amelia Winger is a small-town girl with big dreams of becoming a successful designer. So when she gets a gig designing accessories for denim empire Riley O’Brien & Co., it’s a dream come true. Amelia can handle the demanding job, but she isn’t quite prepared for sexy CEO Quinn O’Brien. She’s doing her best to keep things professional, but the attraction sparking between them makes it personal. And so does the secret project she’s working on behind his back…
Quinn’s not interested in the new accessories, but he is interested in the woman designing them. Amelia is smart, sexy, and talented, and he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her since they met. Mixing business and pleasure isn’t wise, but that doesn’t stop him from coming up with excuses to spend time with her. He thinks he understands the risk he’s taking when he gets involved with Amelia. But he doesn’t know he’s risking a lot more than his heart.
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COMING APART AT THE SEAMS ( Riley O’Brien & Co. #2) by Jenna Sutton
About Book 2
Title: COMING APART AT THE SEAMS Series: Riley O’Brien & Co. #2
Author: Jenna Sutton Publisher: Berkley Release Date: December 1, 2015 Genre: Adult Contemporary Sports Romance Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo
Synopsis From the author of All the Right Places, a sweet and sexy romance about finding the right words and the perfect fit…
Love can take some time to break in…
Teagan O’Brien, heiress to the Riley O’Brien & Co. denim empire, is anything but a spoiled rich girl. She’s worked hard to secure her place in the family business and can hold her own, in and out of the office. Only one man has ever been able to get under her skin—sexy football star Nick Priest. Years ago they crossed the line from friends to lovers, but he left her heartbroken. Since then, she’s been determined to keep him at arm’s length—no matter how tempting he looks in his jeans…
Nick has fortune, fame, and looks that make most women hot and bothered. But he doesn’t have the woman he really wants. He knows he screwed up when he walked away from Teagan, and now that he has a second chance, he’ll do whatever it takes to win her over—no matter how tongue-tied he gets..
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HANGING BY A THREAD ( Riley O’Brien & Co. #3) by Jenna Sutton
About Book 3
Title: HANGING BY A THREAD Series: Riley O’Brien & Co. #3
Author: Jenna Sutton Publisher: Berkley Release Date: June 7, 2016 Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo
Synopsis Third in the “sweet and sumptuous”* romance series from the author of Coming Apart at the Seams…
Thirty-year-old Bebe Banerjee is desperate to get rid of two things: her fiancé and her virginity. Escaping her arranged marriage might be impossible, but she refuses to give her firsts to an entitled jerk who lives on another continent. Instead, she devises a plan that guarantees another man will get her momentous firsts. But she never imagined that man would be Cal O’Brien, the gorgeous heir to the Riley O’Brien & Co. denim empire…
Although Cal has always been fascinated by Bebe’s brilliant mind and beautiful eyes, he’s never pursued her. She can’t stand the sight of him, and every time they’re in the same room, they end up trading insults. Yet when he finds out about Bebe’s bold plan, he makes his move, unaware of her upcoming nuptials. He promises to make her firsts unforgettable, but he doesn’t know how hard it will be to forget her when their arrangement ends.
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FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS ( Riley O’Brien & Co. #2) by Jenna Sutton
About the Novella
Title: FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS Series: Riley O’Brien & Co.
Author: Jenna Sutton Publisher: Berkley Release Date: March 14, 2017 Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo
Synopsis Get to know the men and women of Riley O’Brien & Co., the nation’s oldest designer and manufacturer of blue jeans. This trio of sexy, steamy novellas will make you unraveled and wish you were unzipped…
THE PERFECT FIT
After a devastating IED attack ended Zeke May’s Army career, he found the perfect civilian job with denim empire Riley O’Brien & Co. Now he needs to find the perfect roommate.
Fresh out of veterinary school, Margo Lange is excited to join one of the best animal clinics in San Francisco. But she can’t afford to live in the city alone. Fortunately, Zeke’s place is the perfect price for her budget.
How long will it take for Zeke and Margo to realize they’re the perfect fit for each other?
A KICK IN THE PANTS
Jake Lilliard has always been a gambling man. Now he’s ready to take the biggest risk of all: acting on his feelings for Kyla Andrews. As a trainee in his department at Riley O’Brien & Co., she’s off limits. But the countdown until she moves on to another job has begun…
Kyla doesn’t take risks with her job or her heart, and she doesn’t want to be a cliché – the foolish woman who falls for her sexy boss. Yet, Jake is everything she wants, and it’s impossible to resist him.
Will their gamble pay off or will Jake’s past ruin any hope of a future with Kyla?
WILL NEVER FADE
For Phoebe Werner, the management trainee program at Riley O’Brien & Co. represents a new beginning. She never expects to run into Garrett Gale again. The handsome hotelier is the only man she wants… and a reminder of what she can never have.
Years ago, Garrett enjoyed one memorable night with Phoebe before she disappeared without a word. He tried to forget her, but fate has brought her back into his life and his bed.
With Phoebe’s fears threatening to ruin their chance at happiness, can Garrett convince her that their feelings for each other will never fade?
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Author Jenna Sutton
About the Author Jenna Sutton is a former award-winning journalist who traded fact for fiction when she began writing novels. Surprisingly, the research she conducted for her articles provided a lot of inspiration for her books. She’s the author of the Riley O’Brien & Co. romances and the new Trinity Distillery series. Although Jenna calls Texas home, more often than not, she’s somewhere else. Her love’s job takes him all over the country, and she tags along, just like a groupie follows her favorite band.
You can find out more about Jenna and her work on her website http://www.jennasutton.com. Sign up for her newsletter at http://bit.ly/1K8MaCH to access the latest news and monthly contests.
Welcome to the book blitz for PARALUCIDITY, the second book in the young adult fantasy romance series, The Memortality Saga, by Stephen H. Provost. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on his giveaway.
PARALUCIDITY (The Memortality Saga #2) by Stephen H. Provost
About Book 1 Title: PARALUCIDITY Series: The Memortality Saga #2 Author: Stephen H. Provost Release Date: July 15, 2018 Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Romance Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble
Synopsis
Somebody wanted Minerva Rus dead. They succeeded. But Minerva isn’t letting a little thing like death stop her.
After the dangerous adventure that killed her in Memortality, Minerva Rus has reconciled herself to being dead. She and her also-dead boyfriend Raven share an amazing gift that allows them to bring the dead back to life―including each other. Now that Jules, their most dangerous enemy, has been banished from reality and trapped inside her own mind, Minerva and Raven plan on enjoying the eternity of their unnatural lives.
But immortality isn’t safe. Minerva and Raven’s life-giving powers mysteriously fade, forcing them to take refuge in The Between, a shadowy realm of memories that lies between life and death. What’s more, their old adversary Jules is on the loose, partnered with a resurrected Nazi scientist planning a monstrous experiment that will change the destiny of the human race. And now it’s up to a 21-year-old dead girl to save the world―again.
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Excerpt Maybe Raven shouldn’t have been so confident. Sure, he could get them back to his parents’ home in the Between. No problem. What could go wrong?
Distraction was one thing that could go wrong—very wrong, as it turned out. As he focused his memory on his parents, he was reminded of a story his mother had read to him when he was young. His parents didn’t just read him normal bedtime stories; they read him detailed biographies, historical accounts, ancient myths. The goal wasn’t merely to entertain or send him off to sleep: They were ways to exercise his memory. His parents knew about his gift, and they needed it to stay alive, but they had also wanted him to know as much as he could about the world. “You’ll have an entire library inside your head!” his mother had once told him.
It had seemed like a good idea at the time. And it had been. But now it had caused his mind to wander at precisely the wrong time. His parents had once read him a series of stories that seemed, in the present moment, to have diverted him from his intended destination to … here.
Just like the first time he’d entered the Between, he found himself in a forest. But unlike the first visit, when the forest seemed to shift and shudder, this one seemed very much like a real place. The ground felt firm, the sky blocked the sun with a shield of gray clouds, and beside him stood an enormous oak tree spreading in all directions.
“Okay, what just happened?” Mineva asked.
Raven shook his head as he looked around, trying to get his bearings. “I’m not quite sure, Min.”
“Where are we?”
Raven didn’t answer because where he thought they were didn’t seem possible.
“I don’t know, exactly,” he said. “How are you feeling?”
“Better,” Minerva said. “You were right. I think coming here might have allowed us to save some of our strength.”
There was a rustling in the underbrush off to their right. Raven looked over in time to see a brown hare scurrying away. The hare appeared to have been startled by a rapid, rhythmic tapping from high up in a nearby birch: the sound of a woodpecker announcing its territory. A nuthatch in a nearby rowan tree abandoned its perch, as did a jay, which began chasing it for sport.
A moment later, there was another rustling nearby, and Raven realized it might not have been the woodpecker that had spooked the hare and the other birds. This rustling seemed farther away, but grew louder as something trampled on fallen leaves. The sound seemed to rip through the thick woods.
Raven and Minerva instinctively took a few steps backward, sheltering under the massive oak As they did, a twelve-point royal stag burst through a thicket off to their right, bounding past them in a rush of hooves and antlers. Raven found his back hugging the tree as he watched the animal fly past, turning his eyes again toward the place where it had emerged as he heard the sound of branches breaking. Something, or someone, was in pursuit.
An instant later, a small man wearing a dirty green cloak over a brown shirt emerged from the thicket. The horse he rode, an unremarkable light brown steed of average size, hadn’t been prepared for the sight of Minerva and Raven just a few steps off its intended course. It reared and nearly threw the man from its back, breaking off the chase. It danced nervously in a circle, backing away from the two strangers.
“Wearg rounsey!” the man said under his breath in a voice that, even in just those two words, they could tell was thickly accented. He dismounted hurriedly and stomped to the place where his hat had landed in the dirt. “Wearg haet!”
The man seemed scarcely to be paying attention to them. Raven took Minerva’s hand and started inching toward the other side of the tree. If they could get clear of his field of vision, they could perhaps go unnoticed. He obviously had a temper, and there was no use antagonizing him.
“What language is that?” Minerva asked, leaning in to whisper in Raven’s ear.
“English, I think. He said something that sounded like ‘hat,’ and ‘rounsey’ … I think that’s a kind of horse.”
The man walked up to the horse, which had calmed and stood minding its own business. He swatted at its hindquarters with the cap. The horse, taking offense, whinnied loudly and ran off.
Minerva continued her conversation with Raven mind to mind. Better not to draw any more attention than necessary. That’s not like any English I’ve ever heard. What does “wearg” mean?
Probably dammit, or maybe something worse.
“Incer! Astende!”
The man had turned and was staring straight at them, pointing with a drawn sword. He approached in a measured stride that was as ominous as it was methodical.
Minerva looked at Raven.
I have no idea. Either he wants us to stand where we are, or he thinks we’re astounding. Maybe both?
“No comprendo,” Minerva ventured.
That won’t work. He’s not speaking Spanish.
Well, it’s the only other language I know any words in. You got a better idea?
Raven had to admit he didn’t. What was bothering him was the fact that he’d obviously taken them someplace in the Between where he didn’t know the language. That meant this place somehow existed independently, at least to some degree. It was more a destination than a creation, which meant he had less control than he would have if they had landed in his own memory.
The man stopped a few paces away, looking them up and down. The anger seemed to have drained from his face as recognition dawned.
“By the beads of the blessed Mary, thou art one of those!”
Now he’s speaking like Shakespeare, Minerva offered.
Maybe he’s bilingual?
“I’d attempt no escape, were I thou. Anon, mine own men hast encircled this clearing.”
“We mean no harm,” Raven said, putting his hands down and opening his palms in front of him. “I don’t even know how we got here.”
“You got here by remembering, lad.” Now his language was closer to modern English, but still with the same thick accent. He stroked his scruffy chin. “I’d say … southwest side of the New World, about the nineteen-hundred and eightieth year of our lord.”
“Close,” Minerva said. “L.A. area, 2016.”
He put his cap back on without bothering to dust it. It was plain from his body odor that he’d gone without bathing for days. Or weeks.
“Can’t get ’em all right,” he shrugged. “The gifted and revived come here from all times. We try to make sense of their tongues when they land, and we do a fair job of it. Those of us who are gifted pick them up quickly enough.”
So, he’s gifted, Minerva commented.
Guess so. Looks like there are more of us than we thought.
The man turned and put two fingers to his lips, letting go a shrill whistle. Almost at once, three men emerged from the undergrowth. Two of them were shorter than Raven and Minerva, barely five and a half feet, but the third was a bear of a man who looked a full foot taller and significantly bigger around than either of his companions.
The man they’d been talking to, who appeared to be their leader, stepped toward Raven. “I believe introductions are in order,” he said, extending his hand to grip Raven’s. “I’ll begin with myself. Roger is the name, and these are my lands.” He made a sweeping gesture with his hand.
“Roger,” said Raven, more than a hint of skepticism in his voice. “I would have sworn your name would be …”
Minerva finished the sentence for him: “Robin Hood?”
About the Author Stephen H. Provost is a veteran editor, reporter and columnists with more than 30 years of experience at daily newspapers in California. He’s currently the managing editor of The Cambrian on the Central Coast, as well as a columnist and assistant city editor for The Tribune in San Luis Obispo.
As an author, he has written historical nonfiction (“Fresno Growing Up” and “Highway 99: The History of California’s Main Street”), novels (“Memortality” and “Identity Break”), while also exploring the realms of mythology, fable and ancient history.
Welcome to the blog tour for BEGIN WITH YOU, the first book in the adult contemporary romance duet, Chaotic Love, by award-winning, international bestselling author, Claudia Burgoa. See below for information on the book, buy links, and an exclusive excerpt.
BEGIN WITH YOU (Chaotic Love Duet #1) by Claudia Burgoa
Synopsis From the outside, Abby’s life looks like a fairytale.
Loving family, wealthy lifestyle, education at a prestigious university. The truth? She’s barely managing to survive. Few know the nightmare she lived before she was adopted. And no one knows the secret agony that still haunts her nightmares.
With a degree from Berkeley, she could have gone anywhere, but she’s back in Colorado. Not for a fresh start—fresh starts are only an illusion—but for Wes Ahern. Her protector, who throws around words like “therapy” and “talk to me.” Her brother in every way but blood. The one man she wishes could be so much more.
Maybe, just this once, she can stop running from her demons.
But does she dare let Wes see inside the darkest closets of her pain…or will love be the biggest mistake of her life?
An inspirational and emotional contemporary romance Begin with You is a heartbreaking tale of fresh starts and old wounds. This jarring and dark novel will leave readers at the edge of their seats. This is part one of a duet, thus containing a cliffhanger that leads into the next installment. It contains references to childhood trauma, kidnapping, and PTSD..
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Excerpt I take a deep breath before knocking on Abby’s door. Mom’s words continue to ring in my head.
Make her fall in love with you.
“Hey,” she opens the door slightly, staring at the rose I’m holding.
“Are you on your way out?” She switches her gaze from the flower to my face several times. “I thought you texted me inviting me to dinner.”
“Dinner is ready,” I announce, grabbing her hand and kissing it.
“What’s going on, Wes?” She eyes me suspiciously.
I hand her the rose and pull out the blindfold I have in my pocket. “Do you trust me?”
She nods and closes her eyes.
“Hold onto my hand and walk with me,” I whisper in her ear, kissing the back of it.
She shudders and sighs. I’ve got no idea how to gauge her reaction. I should’ve started with something simpler—a simple date, like a movie and some pizza. We walk toward my place, and I direct her as we go up the stairs and out onto the terrace.
“This is exciting. It reminds me of the last time you took me bungee jumping,” she says with a laugh. “I feel like we’re back in China and Sterling is begging for his mommy.”
“He’s such a baby,” I say as I take off the blindfold, kissing her bare shoulder.
“This is so much better than Macau.” Abby smiles at the table but then frowns and looks at me. “But as lovely as it is, I’d prefer to eat in the kitchen.”
“Why?”
“Maybe you don’t see it, Wes, but this—” she points at the table. “—is a romantic gesture. A dinner for someone you’re dating. Not for—”
“Not for a woman who I’m hoping will give me a chance to show her that I like her more than as a friend?”
Her eyes open wide, her lips part, and I’m almost sure she’s holding her breath.
“Look, maybe this is too straight forward, but constantly keeping in how I truly feel about you is hard. Too hard. Every night I go to bed wishing that I was with you.” I bare my soul.
“You do?” she whispers, her brown eyes shining.
I caress her cheek, and she closes her eyes, breathing deeply. She opens her eyes and stares at me for a few beats. Then she moves her mouth, but only a soft whimper comes out.
“What are you thinking?” I press my thumb over her creased forehead.
She’s unsure about something. My words? My feelings? What can I say or do to convince her that I’m serious—that I want more with her.
Only her.
“I mean every word that I just said, Abby.” I cup her face with my hands lowering my head.
“Wes,” she says with a sigh, her arms encircling my waist.
“Shh,” I murmur, covering her mouth with mine.
A spike of electrified excitement rushes through my body the moment her mouth opens for me. I stroke her tongue, discovering her mouth, tasting her for the first time. I drink from her, sucking the shaky moans coming from her throat. She shivers as I press her closer to my body.
“God, you taste like an angel,” I mumble against her sweet mouth.
I nip at her lip, sliding my hands down her back.
“Is this real?” She finally finds her voice.
“Why wouldn’t it be?”
“It seems too easy, Ahern. I come back, and you sweep me off my feet proclaiming that you want more.”
“Well, it was time to own up to my feelings,” I confess giving her a quick peck. “Ready to eat, my lady?”
I release her and pull out one of the chairs for her. As she sits down, I catch her hesitation. Did I imagine the intensity of our kiss?
“What’s going on?”
“I don’t know … it’s this feeling of dread thumping along with my heart.” She shrugs. “I guess I’ve never dated before. There’s this uneasiness inside my stomach, like something is whispering: ‘enjoy this because it might be the last time you smile.’ ”
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Author Claudia Burgoa
About the Author Claudia is an award-winning, international bestselling author. She lives in Colorado working for a small IT company, managing her household filled with three confused dogs, two daughters wrought with fandoms and a son who thinks he’s the boss of the house. And a wonderful husband who shares her love for all things geek. To survive she works continually to find purpose for the voices flitting through her head, plus she consumes high quantities of chocolate to keep the last threads of sanity intact.
Welcome to the preorder blitz for FOREVER LOVE, the first book in the new adult contemporary romance series, Forever, by J. Lum, releasing August 2, 2018. See below for information on the book, preorder links, an exclusive teaser, and details on picking up the SUMMER LOVE, a novella prequel, for free.
Synopsis To appreciate the sun, you have to withstand the storm.
Free-spirited, poetic Casey Loughlin has had her fair share of rain, and she always manages to see the silver lining. During her teenage years, when she met Toby Cardona, she learned everything she ever needed to learn about love and loss—all in one year.
When Toby lost Casey, everything changed for him. The once caring and endearing boy, with dreams and hopes of his own, became the cold, broken, money-hungry man he swore he’d never be. Now, with Casey back in his life, it’s up to her to show Toby that the second time around, love can still hurt, but it’s worth every painful prick. Will Toby weather the storm, and embrace a second chance, with the woman he’s always loved?
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FOREVER LOVE (Forever Series #1) by J. Lum (Full Cover)
Synopsis TOBY Spending the entire summer with my father wasn’t in my plans. I hated him. I was angry and resentful, and it made me feel out of control.
Until I met her.
Casey is carefree. She lives life to the fullest, without regrets, and to a guy like me, she was hope. We only had the summer, and I knew better than to get wrapped up with her, but I couldn’t help it.
And now? Now, I don’t know how to let her go. CASEY I’d never been in love. At fifteen, my life was filled with books and family expectations. Love was not something I had time for.
And then, he saved me.
Toby is a boy from California, so you would think he’d be easygoing, but he isn’t. He’s the definition of self-control; everything has to be “just so.”
But when we’re together, living each day with reckless abandon, I realize that life is so much more than fairytales within the pages.
I’m pretty sure he’s my soulmate. But what good can possibly come from falling so hard when you’re this young? How can this ever work?
A promise. That’s all we have to hold on to. One. Simple. Promise.
***This novel contains adult/mature young adult situations. It is only suitable for ages 17+ due to language and sexual situations.
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Author J. Lum
About the Author Lum resides in the Northern Virginia area. While she calls Virginia home, she is constantly on the go. She’s got a constant case of #Wanderlust; most of the time, you can find her traveling around the world to see her book besties, or checking off her bucket list places. Her second home away from home is Hawaii, where her family is from. The love for the ocean runs through her veins. She also has a love of pugs, unicorns, and anything chocolate. She and coffee have been having a love affair for many years. And, if you don’t find her wandering around the world, she’s more than likely hanging with her pug, Lani.
Today is release day for HAYDEN , the second book in the new adult contemporary romance/romantic suspense series, Four Sons, by J.D. Hollyfield. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, and details on their giveaway.
HAYDEN (Four Sons #2) by J.D. Hollyfield
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: HAYDEN Series: Four Sons #2 Authors: J.D. Hollyfield Release Date: July 27, 2018 Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Synopsis I am a hothead, a wild card, and a son to a murdered man.
I crave things I can’t have and don’t want the things I can. Now I’m left to pick up the pieces—stitch our family back together with a damaged thread. This isn’t the life I envisioned. And to make matters worse, the women in our lives are testing the strength of our brotherhood.
My name is Hayden Pearson. I am the eldest—a protective, but vindictive son. People may think I’m too young to fill our father’s shoes, but it won’t stop me from proving them all wrong.
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First came the Four Fathers. Now it’s time for the Four Sons. Nixon by Ker Dukey Hayden by J.D. Hollyfield Brock by Dani René Camden by K Webster
**This series should be read in order to understand the plot.**.
About the Author J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer by day and superhero by night. When she’s not cooking, event planning, or spending time with her family, she’s relaxing with her nose stuck in a book. With her love for romance, and her head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own stories to life. Living in the Midwest, she’s currently at work on blowing the minds of readers, with the additions of her new books and series, along with her charm, humor and HEA’s.
J.D. Hollyfield dapples in all genres, from romantic comedy, contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, fantasy and erotica! Want to know more! Follow her on all platforms!
Sidecar Press and author Alexa Padgett are revealing a teaser from A PILGRIMAGE TO DEATH, the first book in the adult mystery/thriller series, Reverend Cici Gurule Mysteries, releasing August 14, 2018. See below for information on the book, pre-order links, an exclusive teaser, and details on her giveaway.
A PILGRIMAGE TO DEATH by Alexa Padgett
About the Book Title: A PILGRIMAGE TO DEATH Series: Reverend Cici Gurule Mysteries #1 Author: Alexa Padgett Publisher: Sidecar Press Release Date: August 14, 2018 Genre: Adult Mystery/Thriller Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo
Synopsis They murdered her sister. They threatened her church. But their day of reckoning will cost her everything…
When Cici Gurule finds the dead body of a parishioner in the nearby Santa Fe National Forest, she’s horrified to realize the victim bears the same stab wounds that ended her twin sister’s life one year earlier.
Now, as a freewheeling, progressive reverend who’ll stop at nothing to protect her flock, she’ll need to join forces with her detective friend and loyal pair of Great Pyrenees to hunt down the killer before she’s forced to officiate another funeral.
Soon, however, Cici discovers her sister was on the trail of a deep-rooted criminal operation, and her death was no random act of violence. With the criminals out for Cici’s blood, she needs to catch the wolf by the tail…before it goes in for the kill.
Fans of Gillian Flynn, Paula Hawkins, and Stacy Claflin will love Alexa’s Padgett’s new edge-of-your-seat novel! Scroll up and click to start this fast-paced, high-octane mystery thriller!
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Author Alexa Padgett
About The Author With a degree in international marketing and a varied career path that includes content management for a web firm, marketing direction for a high-profile sports agency, and a two-year stint with a renowned literary agency, award-winning author Alexa Padgett has returned to her first love: writing fiction.
Alexa spent a good part of her youth traveling. From Budapest to Belize, Calgary to Coober Pedy, she soaked in the myriad smells, sounds, and feels of these gorgeous places, wishing she could live in them all—at least for a while. And she does in her books.
She lives in New Mexico with her husband, children, and Great Pyrenees pup, Ash. When not writing, schlepping, or volunteering, she can be found in her tiny kitchen, channeling her inner Barefoot Contessa..
Welcome to the preorder blitz for IT’S NOT OVER, the first book in the adult contemporary romance series, Paths to Love, by Grahame Claire, releasing August 3, 2018. See below for information on the book, preorder links, an exclusive teaser, and details on her giveaway.
IT’S NOT OVER (Paths To Love #1) by Grahame Claire
Synopsis Daniel I have two lives. One with the woman who owns me. The other tied to a past I can’t escape.
For eight years, I kept them separate, knowing one day their collision was inevitable. That day has come. She’ll have to accept it.
It’s over.
Vivian He has two lives. A beautiful one with me. Another shrouded in ugly secrets. It didn’t matter, until now.
I don’t know why he’s destroyed us, but fighting for him will be the battle of my life.
It’s not over.
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Author Grahame Claire
About the Author A writer. A blogger. United by our love of stories and all things romance. There was definitely some insta-love. Hello? Books involved. A little courting. A lot of writing. The result…Grahame Claire. Soulmates. Unashamed of our multiple book boyfriends. Especially the ones that rooted in our heads and wouldn’t leave us alone. Don’t worry. We’ll share. Pleased to meet you.
Today is release day for MOORE THAN A FEELING, a companion novel to the adult contemporary romance series, Needing Moore, by USA Today bestselling author, Julie A. Richman, releasing July 27, 2018. See below for information on the book, buy links, and an exclusive excerpt.
MOORE THAN A FEELING (Needing Moore) by Julie A. Richman
About the Book
Title: MOORE THAN A FEELING Series: Needing Moore
Author: Julie A. Richman Release Date: July 27, 2018 Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | iBooks
Synopsis “Holly and Aiden broke up? Seriously? No way. Not those two.”
Dumped. No, not only dumped. Blindsided and dumped.
I thought that Aiden McManus was my forever, my soulmate. That was until he told me he was still in love with his ex. I didn’t want to believe him. So, I convinced myself that our break-up was because of his upcoming deployment, and not because he didn’t love me. Believing that, helped me get through those first months.
But after a while, I realized I just might be lying to myself. And it was time to move on…
So, I moved on. Or tried to move on, anyway. But that didn’t work out so well for me, either. And it practically got me disowned from my family. After that, I finally started to get my life back together, I had everything back under control…Or so I thought.
Until I found out Aiden was back
And now he’s everywhere I turn, Still pushing me away, telling me he doesn’t want me. But every time he calls me Angel or reaches out to touch my cheek,I know what he’s not admitting to himself – He still loves me.
And I’m going to prove it to him.
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Excerpt “Busted,” he whispered in her ear, coming up from behind, just as Holly sent a text to Mia saying, Anything?
Sticking her phone into the back pocket of her worn jeans shorts, Holly smiled at Jenna’s very handsome older brother, Pierce. Man buns were not usually her thing, and pulling one off was reserved for seriously hot men, but this guy totally rocked it. With a casual, laid-back vibe, a few days’ scruff, a very colorful full-sleeve of ink on his left arm, and hazel eyes that leaned more toward green than brown, rimmed in enviably long, dark lashes, this man was hard not to notice.
Holly immediately felt eyes on them — from everywhere. The glare of all the other single women at the party felt like an undertow of bitchy female energy, making Holly feel more alone than she already did. Alone in a crowd was not an alien feeling to her, though it would probably surprise most people. It generally took Holly a long time to find her crowd, and it typically wasn’t what people might expect her to gravitate toward.
“It’s a party. You gotta mingle.” His accent was thick New York. He took a swig of his beer. “Or I could just keep you to myself,” he flirted.
Feeling self-conscious, she changed the subject to neutral ground. “This is my first time in Carroll Gardens. I’ve been in Brooklyn a bunch of times, mostly in the Heights. We have a close family friend there, but I’ve never walked this far down. I love all these brownstones, and the outdoor space your sister has is amazing. Do you live nearby?” She was rambling, and she wasn’t sure if it was because she was so uncomfortable or because he was so good-looking.
Jenna’s ground-level-floor-thru apartment had exclusive use of the small rectangular yard, which held enough space for a grill and fifteen guests. At the very back of the yard she had a plastic blow-up kiddie pool filled with water. Holly wondered if, as the afternoon heat and humidity climbed, the party-goers would be stepping in to cool themselves off.
Taking a swig from his beer bottle, Pierce shared, “Not too far. I’m in the Slope. No private backyard, but I’m not too far from Prospect Park.”
“That must be nice.” Trying hard to stay in the moment, Holly searched her brain for something to say to this handsome, seemingly nice guy, and her mind just blanked out.
“So, let me ask you a question,” he began, filling in the silence. “My sister tells me you’re not involved with anyone. How is that possible?”
Holly smiled, Pierce had obviously been inquiring about her. New Yorkers were so direct. That had initially taken some getting used to, but it was actually refreshing, and moved things from superficial to real at warp speed, and that was something she liked. “Bad break-up. Still recuperating.”
“Is he fucking nuts?” Pierce took another swig.
Watching his throat muscles and Adam’s apple in motion was oddly erotic. Maybe it’s the sheen of sweat covering them, Holly thought, followed immediately by the memory of Aiden’s salty skin waking the taste buds on her tongue.
“I’ll volunteer to be your transition guy,” offered Pierce with a smile.
“Thanks. Appreciate the offer, but you’re a little late to the party.” Holly laughed.
“Well, he’s not here, what happened to that guy?” Pierce was persistent.
Reaching out and taking the beer from his hands, Holly took a swig. “I think we’re going to need some Jack for that story.”
“You, I like.” He laughed. “I don’t think my sister’s got any, but there’s a liquor store up on Court Street, we can take a walk up there and get a bottle.”
“Let’s do it.” Holly wanted to get away from the stare of female eyes that were taking on an increasingly hostile glare, especially those of a brunette who was going to regret her dark microbladed eyebrows when, in a few years, she looked back at pictures of herself.
As they walked down Second Place, Holly asked, “So, what’s with you and the lady in the revealing pink halter.”
Pierce started to laugh and began to cough. “Holly, that ain’t no lady.”
“No? Now I’m intrigued. I’ll bet you have a lot better stories than I have.”
“I don’t know how she got an invite today. She’s my version of a stalker.”
“Did you deserve it?”
He thought for a moment. “Yeah, probably.”
“Drive-by?”
“Yeah, I couldn’t pull out fast enough.”
Holly’s eyes widened, as she looked at him, the front of her sandal catching on the uneven sidewalk. Reaching out and catching her shoulder, Pierce steadied her.
“Oh shit, that didn’t come out the way I wanted it to.”
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Author Julie A. Richman
About the Author USA TODAY Bestselling author Julie A. Richman is a native New Yorker living deep in the heart of Texas, home to great music, BBQ, and awesome Tex-Mex. An award-winning nature photographer plagued with insatiable wanderlust, Julie spent many years scratching the travel itch while helping non-profit organizations and corporations with their marketing and advertising programs.
Currently, Julie has published Searching for Moore, Moore to Lose, Moore than Forever, Bad Son Rising, Needing Moore:The Complete Series, Henry’s End, Slave to Love, The Do-Over and Love on the Edge of Time. She has works included in Pink Shades of Words 2014 & 2015, Tempting Fate Boxed Set, Intense Boxed Set, Intense 2 Boxed Set and the Cocktales Anthology.
Today is release day for BEGIN WITH YOU, the first book in the adult contemporary romance duet, Chaotic Love, by award-winning, international bestselling author, Claudia Burgoa. See below for information on the book and buy links. You can currently pick up the ebook for just .99 cents until July 27.
BEGIN WITH YOU (Chaotic Love Duet #1) by Claudia Burgoa
Synopsis From the outside, Abby’s life looks like a fairytale.
Loving family, wealthy lifestyle, education at a prestigious university. The truth? She’s barely managing to survive. Few know the nightmare she lived before she was adopted. And no one knows the secret agony that still haunts her nightmares.
With a degree from Berkeley, she could have gone anywhere, but she’s back in Colorado. Not for a fresh start—fresh starts are only an illusion—but for Wes Ahern. Her protector, who throws around words like “therapy” and “talk to me.” Her brother in every way but blood. The one man she wishes could be so much more.
Maybe, just this once, she can stop running from her demons.
But does she dare let Wes see inside the darkest closets of her pain…or will love be the biggest mistake of her life?
An inspirational and emotional contemporary romance Begin with You is a heartbreaking tale of fresh starts and old wounds. This jarring and dark novel will leave readers at the edge of their seats. This is part one of a duet, thus containing a cliffhanger that leads into the next installment. It contains references to childhood trauma, kidnapping, and PTSD..
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Author Claudia Burgoa
About the Author Claudia is an award-winning, international bestselling author. She lives in Colorado working for a small IT company, managing her household filled with three confused dogs, two daughters wrought with fandoms and a son who thinks he’s the boss of the house. And a wonderful husband who shares her love for all things geek. To survive she works continually to find purpose for the voices flitting through her head, plus she consumes high quantities of chocolate to keep the last threads of sanity intact.
Today is release day for BREAK, a stand-alone new adult contemporary second-chance romance, by New York Times bestselling author Cassia Leo. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her Instagram giveaway.
BREAK by Cassia Leo
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: BREAK Author: Cassia Leo Release Date: July 26, 2018
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Synopsis From the New York Times bestselling author of the Shattered Hearts Series comes a sweet and sexy stand-alone rock star romance.
He broke up with her in front of millions. Now, he’ll break all the rules to get her back.
For most of my life, Ben Hayes was the gorgeous bad boy musician next door. My brother’s heart throb best friend.
Then, he was my boyfriend for six of the happiest years of my life. Until he dumped me on social media in front of millions of people, officially cementing his role as my worst enemy.
Three years later, Ben returns to our small beach town with an ego the size of California, a drinking problem, a movie deal that’s about to fall through, and a secret that only he and his dying father know.
I’m not the same pathetic girl I was when he broke my heart. I’m stronger now. I won’t let him break me again.
But it’s hard to resist those ocean-blue eyes, that sculpted, tattooed body, that smooth voice, that enormous… Well, you get the picture.
Every time he makes me laugh or swoon, my defenses fracture. The walls around my heart are crumbling fast. And Ben’s wrecking ball of a secret is about to deliver the final blow.
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Excerpt
Chapter 3
I’m about to turn around and head back to the Uber, when Charley stands up from the chair and begins making her way toward the entrance. It’s like watching an angel coming at me, but from the stony expression on her face, I can’t decide if she looks more like a guardian angel or an angel of death. Either way, she’s gorgeous: tall and slender, with hips that would make a grown man cry; her dark hair cascades over her shoulders in luscious waves; round, hazel eyes and full lips framed by soft cheekbones and a perfect oval face.
She always complained about the tiny bump on her nose, or that her top lip wasn’t as full as her bottom lip. I used to tell her that complaining about those things is like looking at a gorgeous sunset and complaining that the sun is too bright.
Michelle glares at Charley and says something that looks like, “What are you doing?”
Charley says something to her that I can’t make out, but Michelle shakes her head adamantly. Charley glares at her, then says something that looks like, “Do it.”
Michelle rolls her eyes and they both continue toward me as Michelle pulls a ring of keys out of her apron. My heart soars as I realize Charley is forcing her friend to open the door. Maybe she’s not as angry with me as I anticipated.
The whole time Michelle is unlocking the door, I keep my gaze focused on Charley, willing her to look at me and give me some kind of smile or nod or something to let me know I’m right. But her eyes are trained on Michelle’s hands. Finally, the door pushes out toward me and Charley emerges with an expression on her face I’ve never seen before. I can’t explain it any other way except a stone-cold lack of emotion.
“Charley, I just want to talk to you. Just give me five minutes.”
Her expression doesn’t change. “I don’t want to talk to you, Ben. You should leave before Mason gets here.”
“It’s probably better that he’s here. I owe him an apology, too,” I say, taking a step toward her.
Michelle steps sideways, half her body shielding Charley now. “That’s close enough.”
Charley puts her hand on Michelle’s arm. “You can go inside. I can handle this.”
“Are you sure?”
Charley nods and we both watch in silence as Michelle shoots me one last burning glare before she heads back inside. “Look, Ben, I’m sure you’ve probably made up some kind of excuse that justifies what you did to me. But there’s nothing you could say that will make me understand or forgive what you did. So, once again, I’m asking you to leave. I really don’t want to see what Mason will do to you when he gets here.”
The cool expression on her face and the even tone in her voice chills my blood. What have I done to her?
“You know damn well Mason’s never been able to take me.”
“He’s been rage-lifting,” she replies coolly, using the phrase I made up for when I would take my aggression out at the gym. “I don’t want him to get in trouble with the cops when he kicks your ass.”
I suppress my laughter, so I don’t further piss her off. “Baby, I’m not here to get in fights or make excuses. And—”
“Don’t call me baby.”
I pause for a moment and take a deep breath. “Look, I don’t expect you to forgive me. Not tonight, anyway.”
She clenches her jaw and lets out a puff of laughter through her nose. “You really are just as cocky as always if you think I’d ever forgive you.”
I close my eyes for a second to collect myself as anger roars inside me. “You…have no fucking idea why I did what I did.”
“I don’t care why you did it!” she shouts, her stony expression crumbling. “You broke us! I don’t want to see you ever again. Go back to L.A., Ben.”
I step forward and grab her elbows. “This isn’t over, Char.”
“Don’t touch me!” she yells, wrestling her arms from my grip.
I’m close enough to smell her now, that sugared-strawberry scent I remember so fucking well it makes my arms ache to hold her. “You have no fucking idea how sorry I am.”
“Are you drunk? I can smell alcohol.”
I blink at her question, standing my ground as I see the headlights of a car approaching.
She glances toward the lights and her eyes widen with panic. “Go home, Ben. Please. As much as I hate you, I don’t want to see you hurt.”
I shake my head. “It’s too late for that.”
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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.
Welcome to the blog tour for BLIND LOVE, the fifth book in the adult contemporary romance series, Cowboys & Angels, by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Kelly Elliott. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, and an exclusive excerpt.
BLIND LOVE (Cowboys and Angels #5) by Kelly Elliott
Synopsis Harley and I had our whole lives planned out, until her plans changed, and those plans didn’t include me.
After years spent trying to get the love of my life out of my head and repair my too-damaged heart, I thought I was finally moving on…but life sure has a funny way of letting you know when those best-laid plans are about to be turned upside down.
My entire world was rocked when Harley unexpectedly moved back to Oak Springs. Every miserable moment I’d spent trying to get over her and every hour I’d wasted trying to erase her from my life came back to haunt me the minute she walked into my office, fear in her eyes, and asked me for help. Would I…or better yet, could I walk away from her this time after all that she had put me through?
What I really needed to know is would I be able to forge ahead with the future I had so meticulously planned—one that didn’t include Harley—or will her return finally open my eyes to a future full of endless possibilities?
Blind Love is book five in the Cowboys and Angels series.
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Excerpt The knock on my office door had me looking at my watch. Shit. It was seven.
“Come in.”
The door opened, and Cord walked in. “What in the hell are you still doing here this late?”
I shrugged. “I guess if I was being honest with myself, hiding.”
He sat down in one of the chairs facing my desk. “From?”
“Hell, I don’t know. Everyone.”
He nodded. “You want to talk about it?”
I dropped my pen onto the desk and scrubbed my hands down my face while leaning back in my chair.
“Fuck, Cord. I’m twisted up inside. I’m really trying to give this thing with Mallory a go.”
“What’s keeping you from doing that? Her kid?”
“No, hell no. I love little Laney. She’s precious, and I honestly hardly ever see her. Mallory is pretty strict about that. I’ll go over to pick them up for dinner or a movie, but I rarely hang out at their house. Mallory says she doesn’t want to confuse Laney.”
Cord lifted his brows. “Really? I would think Mallory would want you to get to know each other better.”
“Yeah, who knows. Maybe it’s for the best anyway.”
“So, what has you holding back?”
I stared at him. He already knew the answer. The five-foot-two, gorgeous brunette with the sun-kissed skin, and crystal-clear eyes that sparkled like emeralds was the reason I was so fucked up.
“I think you already know.”
He smiled. “Harley?”
I pointed to him. “Right, as usual.”
Pulling in a deep breath, Cord said, “She is looking damn hot. I heard Todd Schneider has been asking her out.”
My brows pulled together. “Steed’s old high school buddy?”
He nodded.
“How do you know this?”
“Corina told me.”
My jaw dropped. “She told you, but not me?”
Tossing his head back, he let out a roar of laughter. “Dude, why in the hell would she tell you?”
“I don’t know. Maybe because she’s my best friend, and she knows I dated Harley.”
“She also knows, like everyone else in town, that you’re now dating Mallory.”
“Still, she should have told me.”
“Why? Would it have made a difference to what is happening between you and Mallory?”
“To know that Harley is dating? No.”
I was getting better at telling myself that lie. Each night I laid in bed and thought about that fucking letter she wrote me. I had torn it up without even reading it. I had regretted it the moment I put it in the shredder.
“She said she had Milo in for a check-up, and Todd was in there with his new puppy. She overheard him asking Harley to dinner.”
I swallowed hard. “And Harley said no?”
He gave me a look that said I was pathetic. “Harley said no.”
Letting out the breath I hadn’t even known I was holding, I leaned back in my chair.
Cord stared at me. “Tripp, are you over her? Are you really able to say you can move on with another woman?”
“If you had asked me that before Harley came back I would have said probably. Maybe.”
“That shouldn’t make a difference, Tripp. What does her being back in town have to do with it?”
I let out a gruff laugh. “For starters, when I see her a flood of memories come rushing back. If Mallory is with me I can’t focus because I’m afraid she’ll catch me stealing glances at Harley, or she’ll ask me if I still have feelings for her.”
“Do you?”
“Yes. No. Yes.”
With a lift of his brow, Cord gave me an incredulous look. “Which one is it?”
About the Author Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings.
Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Without You, and Unconditional Love, to name just a few.
Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012.
Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two pups. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is down to earth and very in touch with her readers, both on social media and at signings.
To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.
Author Stephanie St. Klaire is currently offering her adult romantic suspense series, Brother’s Keeper, on Kindle Unlimited for a limited time! Here’s your chance to read all three books in this sexy, gripping series. See below for information on the books and links to Kindle.
DECLAN (Brother’s Keeper I) by Stephanie St. Klaire
About Book I Title: DECLAN Series: Brother’s Keeper II Author: Stephanie St. Klaire Release Date: August 24, 2017 Genre: Adult Mystery/Romantic Suspense Link: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Synopsis The only thing that can taint money, privilege, and endless access to the finer things in life is murder. Lydia exchanges her life of luxury for a life on the run when she discovers her real estate tycoon husband is nothing more than a cold-blooded killer with endless resources. The only person who can keep her alive is the last person she wants to trust.
Declan O’Reilly was on his way to retiring from a life undercover when his final case took a potentially fatal turn. Blowing his cover to protect the only reason he stayed on the case to begin with becomes a challenge when money and power corrupt the very agency he was sworn to trust. Going off the grid, where nobody can find them, he learns his desire to protect Lydia is more than just a job.
He risks it all to protect the one thing he thought he could never have. She fights to discover what she’s really made of only to find its what he saw in her all along. Not once, but twice, fate offers a maniacal twist that can tear them apart, as much as it can drive them together while trying to outrun the extensive reach of a diabolical criminal.
Sometimes you have to break rules to protect what you love. Can Declan’s own Brother’s Keeper Security help them find their way, or does it just put more lives on the line while the unlikely couple fights for forever. .
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LIAM (Brother’s Keeper II) by Stephanie St. Klaire
About Book II Title: LIAM Series: Brother’s Keeper II Author: Stephanie St. Klaire Release Date: February 26, 2018 Genre: Adult Mystery/Romantic Suspense Link: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Synopsis Running blind, and hiding in plain sight may be your only option, when your villain isn’t just behind you but all around you. When a past Felicity Nichols thought was dead and buried threatens everyone she loves, that’s exactly what she encounters. There’s nowhere to run, nowhere to hide because her villain can follow her anywhere.
Liam O’Reilly is as loyal and protective as they come. When Felicity falls victim to a cyber stalker who wants something she has, he will stop at nothing to protect her and his family from the danger threatening them at every turn. Technology may make life easier for some, but it’s the smoking gun that can end it all for others.
Power, and money will never be enough – it will only get you so far. The power struggle threatens to turn deadly when Liam meets his match, behind the computer screen, in a race of wills against time.
Can Liam overcome his own past, or will it cost him another broken heart and shattered soul. Can Felicity be the light in his darkness and reveal that love is the most dangerous weapon of all?
Will Liam and Brother’s Keeper Security be able to bring a faceless predator to justice? Or, will Liam lose more than just a second chance at love? One thing is certain… sometimes you have to break the rules to protect what you love..
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LUKE (Brother’s Keeper #3) by Stephanie St. Klaire
Synopsis Luke O’Reilly has seen it all, done it all, and lived through it all. When a career ending injury forces him to retire from the military, he struggles to adapt. Luke was born to be a soldier, not conform to the nine-to-five mediocrity of everyday life. He needs to protect and serve like he needs his next breath.
Angry, with a bitter taste of civilian life, he finds himself searching for purpose in dangerous operatives through the family business that is Brother’s Keeper Security. Working alongside his brothers, protecting them and those they love, gives him satisfaction. But he still wants more – needs more – and struggles to find it. That is, until the one thing he didn’t think he was searching for, lands on his doorstep. Literally.
Daisy King lives life on her own terms, just the way she likes it. A free spirit, until she finds herself in the protective clutches of Brother’s Keeper, one frustrating brother in particular. As the key witness to a high-profile murder, the stakes turn dangerous and take an unpredictable twist leaving her once simple life an existence she’ll never reclaim.
In a true tug of war between good and evil, Luke fights to overcome his past, to protect his future. Can Luke and Daisy save each other and find a happily ever after? Or, does murder and mayhem prevail, robbing Daisy of her freedom and sentencing Luke to a life alone?
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Author Stephanie St. Klaire
About the Author Stephanie St. Klaire debuted in 2016, launching her writing career with Rescued, the first book in the widely popular, five book series known as McKenzie Ridge. Stephanie is a Pacific Northwest native currently living in Oregon with her husband, five children, and two ferocious lap dogs.
As a writer, Stephanie brings realistic circumstances to the pages, and fills them with real emotion, reactions, and outcomes. Her characters are passionate, have bold personalities, and full of life. She writes happily ever after’s, with plenty of twists, turns, drama, and of course, steamy romance.
Stephanie has always been a story teller, with the gift of “gab”, and a life-long goal to be a writer. Unfortunate circumstances with her health, finally afforded her the time to do so. Irony at its best, she began writing her first novel at an adverse time, to escape her circumstance and explore the stories in her imagination for relief. She is happy to share those stories with her readers, and bring a little fun, entertainment, and of course smexy characters to the pages.
Follow Stephanie St. Klaire on Social media to learn more about her, and to keep up with her work.
Harlequin and New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Maisey Yates, is revealing a teaser from GOOD TIME COWBOY, the third book in her adult contemporary western romance series, Gold Valley, releasing August 21, 2018. See below for information on the book, pre-order links, and an exclusive teaser.
Synopsis In Gold Valley, Oregon, forbidden desire just might turn into the love of a lifetime…
When Lindy Parker lost her cheating husband, she gained a vineyard. She’ll do anything for Grassroots Winery, including teaming up with the hottest devil she knows, rancher Wyatt Dodge. Wyatt is her ex’s friend and has an ego as big as the bulls he rides. But in spite of that, disciplined Lindy has always wanted him…
Lightning struck Wyatt Dodge the first time he saw Lindy Parker. But there were two problems with that: she was married to his friend, and Wyatt doesn’t do strings. But now Lindy is free, and the two of them can finally explore the heat that’s burned between them for so long. But can Lindy make this good time cowboy decide on forever?.
About the Author New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit.
In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
New York Times bestselling author, Laura Kaye, is revealing the cover to FIGHTING THE FIRE, the second stand-alone book in her adult contemporary military romance series, Warrior Fight Club, releasing October 16, 2018. See below for information on the book and series and preorder links.
FIGHTING THE FIRE (Warrior Fight Club #3) by Laura Kaye
Synopsis The more they fight, the more desire consumes them…
There’s only one thing firefighter Sean Riddick doesn’t like about Warrior Fight Club, and that’s Daniela England, the sexiest, snarkiest, most irritating woman he’s ever known. But MMA training keeps the Navy vet grounded, so Sean’s not about to give it up, no matter how many times he goes toe to toe with Dani—or how bad he wants to take her to the mats.
A former Army nurse and the widow of a fallen soldier, Dani is done with the military and with military men. Fight club is the only thing that eases her nightmares, which means she has to put up with Riddick. He might be sex on a stick, but he’s infuriating and everything she’s vowed to avoid.
But when an accident throws Sean and Dani together, all that fight bursts into a night of red-hot passion. Now they’re addicted to the heat and must decide if the one person they’ve most resisted might be exactly what they’ve both been looking for.
About the Author Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in contemporary romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and monster puppy, Schuyler, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.
Author Karen Renee is unveiling the cover to INCITING A RIOT, the second book in her adult contemporary romance/romantic suspense series, Riot MC, releasing August 7, 2018. See below for the cover, information on the book, pre-order links, and an exclusive excerpt.
Synopsis Cary “Vamp” Sullivan earned his Riot MC patch and shoved Lorraine Francis Ingram out of his life six years ago by cheating on her. He’s regretted it ever since because he knew she was a top-notch woman. After mentioning his regrets to his brother, Cal, Vamp suddenly finds himself faced with an opportunity to win Lorraine back. When he runs into her unexpectedly and finds out she has been beaten at the hands of a man, Vamp and his Riot MC Brothers are determined to protect her. Vamp is determined to get her back in his life, and he knows it’s going to be an uphill battle.
Lorraine insists that if any Riot MC Brother is going to protect her, it cannot be Vamp. She gets no promises from the Riot MC, and she finds herself with Vamp at her doorstep. She’s determined there will be no second chances, but her resolve is weakened because Vamp isn’t playing fair, he’s fighting…fighting to win her over.
Once she and Vamp are reunited again, they realize there is a very real threat to them both. Lorraine and Vamp are put to the test to rekindle their long lost love and stay alive.
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Excerpt I started to speak, but Vamp got there before me. “There is no ‘someone else’ to follow you to your office. I’m takin’ care of this shit.”
That statement threw me off my impending rant. “Excuse me?” I asked reflexively.
“Ain’t speakin’ Swahili, baby. I’m taking care of this shit. All of it. You may not have kissed me back like you used to do, but I could feel you holdin’ back on me. You want this. You think about me. I fucked up. I’m sorry about that. I need to earn your respect again. I’m gonna do everything I fuckin’ can to get that respect back. Once that’s done, I’m gonna convince you to give us a second chance. We owe that to each other. I fucked up, but don’t add to my fuck-up by turnin’ a cold shoulder on all that we once were, and all that we could have in the future.”
I closed my eyes in a long blink. It was an attempt at stalling and keeping my cool. Opening my eyes, I said, “One kiss does not mean anything. How about I take care of my own shit?”
Vamp moved closer to me, so there were only four inches separating us. “I am taking care of it. It’s not your shit to take care of any more, baby. This asshole is gonna learn not to fuck with you or any other woman. Your hot water heater is going to get upgraded and upgraded today. Now, you gonna be stuck in that stuffy-ass headquarters building all day or what?”
I wanted to argue with him. I wanted to throw down my best attitude and put him in his place, but I knew that would only result in him taking my mouth again. I may not have kissed him back, but he was right. I was holding back, and my hold was no more than a thin thread. He wants a second chance! That silly wayward thought made a spark of hope flare inside me. I couldn’t let that spark catch fire, though. I knew about him and I had to protect myself from his brand of heartbreak.
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Author Karen Renee
About the Author Karen Renee is the author of Unforeseen Riot and Inciting a Riot. She has wanted to be a writer since she was eight years old, but it’s taken the last twenty plus years for her to amass enough courage and overall life experience to bring that dream to life. Some of those life experiences came from the wonderful world of advertising, banking, and local television media research. She is a proud wife and mother, and a Jacksonville native. When she’s not at the soccer field or cooking, you can find her at her local library, the grocery store, in her car jamming out to some tunes, or hibernating while she writers and/or reads books.
Amazon bestselling author, Lacey Black, is unveiling the cover to MY KINDA FOREVER, the sixth book in her adult contemporary romance series, Summer Sisters, releasing August 28, 2018. See below for the cover, information on the book, and pre-order links.
MY KINDA FOREVER (Summer Sisters #6) by Lacey Black
Synopsis Alone. Everything changed for Meghan Summer that fateful February night. All she had, all she saw in her future, was stripped away in the blink of an eye. Even though she finds herself surrounded by her growing family, at the end of the day, there’s nothing but a gaping hole where her heart once beat. Or so she thinks…
Her. Nick Adams shouldn’t want her. First off, she’s his employee and friend, but more importantly, she’s grieving the loss of her fiancé. Even now, more than two years later, which is why it’s important he be there for Meghan as her confidante, without checking out her stellar ass. However, his heart is pulling him toward her…
Together. How do you move past the hurt and pain to forge a new normal? Can Nick and Meghan make a go of their connection? What happens when their newfound love is put to the ultimate test as another is brought in the mix: a ghost.
*Though part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone. It is intended for those 18 and over due to graphic language, descriptive sex, and the world’s most inappropriate grandparents.
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About the Author Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading, writing, and shopping. She carries her e-reader with her everywhere she goes so she never misses an opportunity to read a few pages. Always looking for a happily ever after, Lacey is passionate about contemporary romance novels and enjoys it further when you mix in a little suspense. She resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband, two children, and a chocolate lab. Lacey loves watching NASCAR races, shooting guns, and should only consume one mixed drink because she’s a lightweight.
Lacey’s debut novel, Trust Me, was released in August 2014 and has been an Amazon Bestseller twice for Free e-books, as well as #1 for Contemporary Romance. All of the Rivers Edge books have been bestsellers in the Romance and Contemporary Romance categories.
Welcome to the book blitz for VEILED WATERS, the fifth book in the young adult paranormal romance series, Unfortunate Blood, by H.G. Lynch. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
VEILED WATERS (Unfortunate Blood #5) by H.G. Lynch
About Book 1 Title: VEILED WATERS Series: Unfortunate Blood #5 Author: H.G. Lynch Release Date: July 24, 2018 Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Synopsis
They’ve faced ghosts, fought witches, and escaped the clutches of a lunatic cult…but this may be their most difficult enemy yet.
The new girl. One girl with the power to take Reid’s eye away from Ember, the power to break friendships, the power to destroy relationships.
And to top it off? Something is drowning students in the local lake.
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Excerpt #2 It felt like an eternity he swam with Ember’s limp body trailing behind him, before the black waters finally gave way to grey and then cobalt and then pale blue-silver as the surface came into view, coloring the water above him with the dying daylight. Then, at last, he breached the surface. Air hit him like a slap in the face and he shivered automatically, taking a gasping breath that he didn’t need. His eyes were blurry and stinging, his muscles cramping, but he hauled Ember to the shore and Hiro was waiting to grab her other arm and help him pull her out. Throwing himself onto the lake bank, Reid rolled Ember over and pressed his fingers to her neck for a pulse, barely daring to hope she was still alive. Vicious claws raked at his heart inside his chest, tearing him apart. For a terrifyingly long, horrendous moment he thought she had no pulse. But then he felt it, faint and unhealthily slow, just the lightest of beats against his cold fingertips. It was all he needed.
He turned her over carefully, gently, and folded his hands over her back and pressed down once, twice, three times, four, five, six. He had to get her to breathe, dammit! Hiro was hovering by her head, kneeling with his hands on her temples. His mouth was moving, forming incomprehensible words so fast that even Reid couldn’t make them out. They may have been in another language, possibly Japanese or just some secret Kitsune language. A yellow glow was passing from the Kitsune boy’s fingers into Ember’s temples, lighting up her skin like there was a candle burning inside her skull. Still, her lips were a dark shade of blue, edged with indigo. Her skin was so pale he could see all the dark veins running through her, on her jaw and her wrists and her throat.
Some way away, Sherry was sprawled on the grass but Ricky was with her now, holding her head up as he pressed his wrist to her mouth, feeding her blood. Brandon and Perry were running through the trees behind him, Cris was a shadow chasing them. Overhead, the clouds were so dark they were almost black and there was a fierce wind he hadn’t noticed before. He only noticed it now because Ember’s tangled hair fluttered onto her face, dancing over her closed eyes and catching in her lashes.
He kept pressing on her back, trying to force her lungs to expel the water, but he could hear her heart pumping laboriously in her chest, each beat painfully slow like her heart was encased in sludge. Eventually, Hiro sat back, his face twisted with a kind of vulnerable agony that Reid hadn’t imagined the Kitsune boy capable of. His odd amber eyes stayed on Ember face, suspiciously bright. At some point, he’d taken one of Ember’s hands and now held it in both of his against his chest, whispering something over and over into her fingers, rocking back and forth just slightly. Reid didn’t realize he was crying until Ricky put a hand on his shaking shoulder. He’d thought the salt in his mouth and the water on his face was from the lake. Now he noticed his shoulders were shaking and his hands were trembling, but he had to keep going. She wasn’t dead. Her heart was still beating…or so he thought…he paused for a moment, listening hard, but there was no beating now. Her heart had stopped. She…she was dead..
About the Author H.G. Lynch is a Paranormal Romance author from Scotland. She is an avid reader, and cat-lover. She spends most of her days writing, while wrestling her cat off her laptop. She loves horse-riding, Star Trek, and snow.
Today is release day for BLIND LOVE, the fifth book in the adult contemporary romance series, Cowboys & Angels, by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Kelly Elliott. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, and a couple of teasers.
BLIND LOVE (Cowboys and Angels #5) by Kelly Elliott
Synopsis Harley and I had our whole lives planned out, until her plans changed, and those plans didn’t include me.
After years spent trying to get the love of my life out of my head and repair my too-damaged heart, I thought I was finally moving on…but life sure has a funny way of letting you know when those best-laid plans are about to be turned upside down.
My entire world was rocked when Harley unexpectedly moved back to Oak Springs. Every miserable moment I’d spent trying to get over her and every hour I’d wasted trying to erase her from my life came back to haunt me the minute she walked into my office, fear in her eyes, and asked me for help. Would I…or better yet, could I walk away from her this time after all that she had put me through?
What I really needed to know is would I be able to forge ahead with the future I had so meticulously planned—one that didn’t include Harley—or will her return finally open my eyes to a future full of endless possibilities?
Blind Love is book five in the Cowboys and Angels series.
About the Author Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings.
Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Without You, and Unconditional Love, to name just a few.
Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012.
Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two pups. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is down to earth and very in touch with her readers, both on social media and at signings.
To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.
