Welcome to the prerelease blitz for MALICE, a stand-alone young scifi/paranormal thriller romance, byNew York Times bestselling author, Pintip Dunn, releasing February 5, 2019. See below for the cover, information on the book, pre-order links, and an exclusive excerpt.
Synopsis
What I know: a boy in my class will one day wipe out two-thirds of the population with a virus.
What I don’t know: who he is.
In a race against the clock, I not only have to figure out his identity, but I’ll have to outwit a voice from the future telling me to kill him. Because I’m starting to realize no one is telling the truth. But how can I play chess with someone who already knows the outcome of my every move? Someone so filled with malice they’ve lost all hope in humanity? Well, I’ll just have to find a way—because now they’ve drawn a target on the only boy I’ve ever loved.
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Excerpt A streak of electricity zaps through my head.
My eyes pop open. What was that? I swear I felt my brain short-circuiting.
Cautiously, I glance around. A couple of my classmates are biting into fat, foil-wrapped burritos, and a girl with a feather tattoo is stretched on the lawn, using her girlfriend’s stomach as a pillow. A group of guys throw a basketball around on the court,
Not a single person looks at me. Clearly, no puff of smoke billows around my head.
Okay, then. I was probably just imagining it. Lack of sleep and too much fatigue from carving all those veggies. That combo’s enough to make anybody hallucinate.
Giving my head a firm shake, I start walking—
Zapppp.
My breath hitches.
The synapses inside my brain sizzle, as though they’re being held over an open fire. I grab my temples between my hands, but it doesn’t help. The pain intensifies, as though my brain is slowly being brought to a boil.
My vision blurs, and I lurch behind a tree, dropping to my knees. A muffled voice rumbles. I don’t pay attention. I have more pressing concerns, like keeping the brain inside my skull. The voice rumbles louder. FLAMING MONKEYS. Can’t you see a girl is dying here? Go. Away.
“Maybe I would if you would listen a moment,” the Voice snaps, much more clearly this time.
What? Disoriented, I look up. But there’s no one around other than a butterfly flitting by my head.
“I’m in here,” the Voice says, as though I’m a wayward two-year-old. “In your head.”
The pain dials back a notch, but my stomach is still swirling with nausea. A voice…in my head? No way. I’m hallucinating. I’ve got to be. The chicken tasted worse than normal—maybe I have food poisoning. Any second now, I’m going to vomit or pass out. Probably both.
“Focus,” the Voice barks. She sounds feminine, but I can’t tell if she’s young or old. “Do you want this pain to stop?”
The flames roar back, burning even hotter. This is the worst food poisoning ever. I’m never cooking again. “Yes!” I moan. “I’ll do anything. Just make it stop.”
The pain shuts off like a door being slammed, and I collapse against the tree trunk, panting.
“Good. I’ll go away, once and for all. You won’t have to deal with this pain anymore. You just have to do one thing for me.” She pauses, as though gathering her thoughts. “Tell Bandit that you love him.”
“Huh?” The electricity must’ve fried my hearing. “Who?”
“Bandit,” the Voice bites out. “You know. The Thai boy playing basketball across the field?”
Pushing myself off the tree, I peer around the trunk. Across the courtyard, a guy with electric-blue hair raises his hands to shoot the ball, and his shirt rides up, revealing nicely defined muscles.
“You’ve g-got to be kidding,” I sputter. “I don’t even know him! I’m not going to profess my love to some random guy.”
The Voice sighs. “Yes, actually. You are.”
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Author Pintip Dunn
About the Author Pintip Dunn is a New York Times bestselling author of young adult fiction. She graduated from Harvard University, magna cum laude, with an A.B., and received her J.D. at Yale Law School.
Pintip’s novel FORGET TOMORROW won the 2016 RWA RITA® for Best First Book, and SEIZE TODAY won the 2018 RITA for Best Young Adult Romance. Her books have been translated into four languages, and they have been nominated for the following awards: the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire; the Japanese Sakura Medal; the MASL Truman Award; the Tome Society It list; and the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her other titles include REMEMBER YESTERDAY, THE DARKEST LIE, GIRL ON THE VERGE, and the upcoming STAR-CROSSED and
Welcome to the blog tour for THE SINFUL SCOT, the third book in the adult historical romance series, Saints & Scoundrels, by Ruby Award winning author, Maddison Michaels. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
THE SINFUL SCOT (Saints & Scoundrels Series #3) by Maddison Michaels
Synopsis Constance Campbell, the Duchess of Kilmaine, once believed that all she needed in life was a duke. But everything unraveled when she realized her perfect husband was a perfect monster. Now broken beyond repair, she hides her misery behind a perfect Society mask…even from her childhood friend, Alec. Dr. Alec McGuinness reluctantly finds himself back in Scotland, and checking up on the only woman to ever get under his skin, Connie. After she spurned him many years ago, he knows his humble life as a doctor could never be enough for her. But when the Duke of Kilmaine is murdered in cold blood, with Connie sleeping right next to him in bed, Alec knows he must protect Connie at all costs from those who would frame her for the duke’s murder. Now on the run, Connie feels a freedom she only ever dreamed about before, and an unexpected attraction to the man who is keeping her safe. But even if they can win her freedom and clear her name, could she ever open her heart up to someone again?,
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Excerpt #3 “Oh my goodness. Are you jealous?” She’d always been scared when Duncan had been jealous, but with Alec, the thought thrilled her, especially because she knew he would never hurt her. And it also meant he cared, even if it was only a little bit.
“Dammit! You want the truth? Then, hell yes I am.”
The admission sent an arrow of warmth to her heart. To hear he was jealous not because of memories of Elise but instead because of Connie’s own interactions with Iain was such a relief. “I’m glad.”
“That’s all you can say? You’re glad?” He dragged a hand through his hair. “I wanted to rip my brother’s throat out for daring to look at you like he was. I have never, ever had such impulses before. Even when I caught him kissing Elise, I didn’t think of wanting to pummel him, instead I was just coldly furious. But it’s different with you. You seem to bring out my primal instinct, and it scares the hell out of me.”
“There is no need to be scared. I know you would never act on those impulses. You heal people, Alec, not hurt them.” She leaned over and grabbed the collar of his jacket, slowly pulling his head down toward her own. “I’m glad you were jealous, because it means you care.”
“This is a very bad idea,” he gruffly whispered as his mouth lowered ever closer to hers.
“Shh,” she hushed him. Before her lips pressed against his.
A feeling of sublime delight coursed through her at the touch of his lips. She’d been wanting to kiss him again ever since their first time.
Initially, she could tell he was battling his inner demons, but his resistance crumbled in a second when his hands grabbed her skirts from behind and pulled her tightly against him.
She groaned as she felt the hard length of him pressing against her belly. Reaching her hands up farther over his shoulders, she pushed herself even closer toward him, her breasts now firmly against his chest.
It was he who groaned this time before his lips began to gently devour hers. Softly at first, they teased her mouth open, and then his tongue began caressing her own, and Connie thought she would combust.
The kiss deepened, both demanding more of each other.
Her heart was racing, and all she wanted him to do then was cart her off to the nearest bedroom.
The sound of someone’s throat clearing gradually penetrated her awareness.
With a start, Alec and she pulled apart.
Malcolm was standing just down the hallway, a grin splitting his face from ear to ear. “I do hate to interrupt, but I’d come to see if you wished to go down to the celebrations. Though I see you’ve begun them early.”
Connie didn’t know whether to laugh or feel mortified. Perhaps a combination of both.
“God damn it, Malcolm, you have the world’s worst timing,” Alec cursed.
In reply, the grin on Malcolm’s face grew only wider. “Come on, then, you two. Let’s get a move on.”
Glancing over to Alec, she was comforted to see he was breathing as hard as she was, and there was a hunger in his eyes that he couldn’t disguise. It filled her with confidence. Clearly, their kiss had affected him as much as it had her. And she was going to use that knowledge.
About the Author Indoctrinated into a world of dashing rogues and feisty heroines when she was a teenager, Maddison Michaels is a bestselling, award-winning Australian romance author, who loves to write sexy history with a dash of mystery! Her debut novel, THE DEVILISH DUKE, won the 2019 RWA Australia Historical Romance Book of the year. Maddison lives in Sydney with her gorgeous hubby and daughter, and always starts her day with a cup (or two) of liquid gold… coffee (just quietly, she’s addicted to the stuff)!
Welcome to the release week blitz for SEDUCED BY SNOWFALL, the third book in the adult contemporary romance series, Lost Harbor, Alaska, by USA Today bestselling author, Jennifer Bernard. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
SEDUCED BY SNOWFALL (Lost Harbor, Alaska Series #3) by Jennifer Bernard
Synopsis Dr. Bethany Morrison is used to being the responsible one. The serious doctor everyone relies on. She isn’t used to needing a rescue–especially from a sexy, lighthearted firefighter like Nate Prudhoe. And yet ever since she moved to Lost Harbor, Alaska, he’s been there for her. Is it any wonder she turns to him in her most embarrassing moment—when she needs a fake boyfriend?
Nate’s more than aware that Bethany doesn’t take him seriously. And that’s fine; relationships, a family of his own…those things aren’t for him. Not when he knows how painful the loss of a loved one can be. But when he discovers a mysterious injured runaway hiding out in the firehouse, it’s his turn to ask the lovely doctor for help.
As winter closes in, the line between fake and forever keeps disappearing. How could Nate know that every moment spent with Bethany would chip away at the shield around his heart? How could Bethany guess that Nate’s brand of laid-back fun was exactly what she needed? It may take more than a snowstorm to make them see it’s okay to want it all…and to grab it before it disappears forever.
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Excerpt Nate could still remember the call that had come in around ten o’clock that night. The dispatcher had been taking a cigarette break, so Nate had been the lucky one to field the call.
“This is going to sound ridiculous, but I just moved in and a squirrel came into my house and I was trying to chase it outside and then there was a moose and, well, long story short but I locked myself out, and I haven’t made duplicate keys yet so I don’t have a way to get inside.”
The woman had sounded out of breath and rattled—not unusual for calls to the firehouse.
“I’ll be right there. Where are you located?”
She rattled off the address, which was within walking distance. But instead of walking, he hopped in one of the department vehicles. He didn’t want to freak out a newcomer by showing up without something official-looking.
When he arrived at the house, which he recognized as a rental often leased by hospital staff, he didn’t see anyone waiting for him. Had she found a way inside? An open window or something?
“Hello, I’m from the fire department,” he called. “Anyone here?”
Then the alders rustled and someone jumped into view. A woman with wet hair and a towel wrapped around her body picked her way barefoot across the grass. She shivered in the late August night air. In one hand she held a plunger and in the other a cell phone.
“Hi. This is extremely embarrassing, but I happened to be in the shower when the squirrel came in and…”
He held up his hand. “No explanation needed.” His gaze strayed to the toilet plunger. “Although that…”
“I was in the bathroom, it was the only thing on hand.” She waved it at him. “It worked on the squirrel.”
He glanced at her other hand. “And you just happened to have your cell phone with you?”
“That’s the only lucky part. While I was chasing the squirrel, I saw a moose right outside the window.” She gestured toward the bushes along one side of her house. “I’ve been wanting to get a good moose photo ever since I got here, so I grabbed my phone. The plunger is in case he attacked me.”
“Word of advice, never try to fight a moose with a plunger,” he said gravely.
Even with just the light from the front porch, he could see her flush. “Yes, I…can you just…maybe just get my door open?”
He showed her the tool he’d brought, which might or might not work on the front door. “I may have to pry open a window if this doesn’t work. Do you want to sit in the car while I work on it? Heater’s going.”
“That’s okay. I’ve never been in a police car before.”
“It’s not technically a police car, it just looks like one. I’m a firefighter. One of only three staff firefighters in town. Mostly we’re a volunteer department.”
She gestured with the plunger again. “Can you just…”
“Of course.” He strode to the door and inserted the pick. “I can tell you’re new around here because a lot of people in Lost Harbor don’t even lock their doors. Some don’t even have locks to start with.”
“That’s crazy. I could never live like that.” She shivered again.
“Are you sure you don’t want to wait in the car? I promise not to arrest you unless you use that plunger inappropriately.”
She finally let go of the plunger and propped it against the front steps. “I’m a doctor.”
“Okay.” He wasn’t sure why she felt compelled to mention that.
“I got straight A’s all the way through college. I don’t usually make boneheaded mistakes like locking myself out of my house.”
“Well, pobody’s nerfect.”
“Excuse me?”
“Things happen. Don’t beat yourself up about it.”
“That advice sounds good, but is it really? That’s how I got through med school, by beating myself up.”
“Suit yourself, then.” He wiggled the pick in the lock. “Hey, I left my jacket in the backseat if you want to grab that.”
She padded across the lawn to the car and used one hand to hold her towel together while she opened the door with the other. When she returned, she wore his navy blue Lost Harbor Fire Department jacket over the towel, which made for an interesting—and surprisingly sexy—look.
He ignored that fact and focused on the lock.
“Where’s the squirrel? In the house or out?” he asked as he felt the tumblers give way.
“I’m not actually sure,” she admitted. “I thought I chased him out, but it was all a blur.”
“Understandable. All right, you might want to step back.”
She didn’t budge. “Why?”
He shrugged and opened the door.
A ball of fur streaked between her legs. She shrieked and lost her balance. He reached out to grab her before she hit the ground, and her towel fell away. Luckily, she still wore his jacket, which covered her all the way to her upper thighs.
Windmilling her arms in the air, she crashed into him and the next thing he knew, he was tumbling backwards. She was falling too, and by instinct, he grabbed her so he’d land first, with her on top.
Which was how he found himself sprawled on the grass with a naked stranger on top of him.
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Trailer
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Author Jennifer Bernard
About the Author Jennifer Bernard is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. Her books have been called “an irresistible reading experience” full of “quick wit and sizzling love scenes.” A graduate of Harvard and former news promo producer, she left big city life for true love in Alaska, where she now lives with her husband and stepdaughters. She still hasn’t adjusted to the cold, so most often she can be found cuddling with her laptop and a cup of tea. Sign up for her newsletter for book news and fun exclusives.
Welcome to the book blitz for LINCOLN, the second book in the young adult fantasy/romance series, Angelbound Lincoln, by Christina Bauer. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway. For a limited time, you can pick up the ebook for just $3.99.
LINCOLN (Angelbound Lincoln # 2) by Christina Bauer
Synopsis ***Experience the events of Angelbound from Prince Lincoln’s point of view…And then enjoy an all-new part of his story!***
When it comes to fighting demons, Prince Lincoln is the greatest warrior in the history of his people, the thrax. Now Lincoln faces his hardest fight yet…and it’s not on a traditional battlefield.
Lincoln is falling in love. And the girl is part demon.
Between a fated dance at the Ryder mansion…a life-changing walk through a hedgerow maze…and a massive battle with none other than the King of Hell…Lincoln realizes that he wants to share his life with Myla Lewis, the part-demon girl who has captured his heart. However, an evil thrax noble—the powerful Earl of Acca—is prepared to do anything to stop Lincoln and Myla from having a future.
But Lincoln won’t give up on his Myla. Ever.
To fight Aldred, Lincoln works to create a different kind of marriage—an Alliance of the lesser thrax houses against Acca. Sadly, just as Lincoln starts to makes some progress, the nobles who’ve joined his Alliance begin to vanish. Is Aldred behind the disappearances, or is someone else vying for power? When Lincoln discovers the truth, it upends his entire world, threatening his future with Myla in ways no one could ever have imagined.
“I absolutely love Christina Bauer’s style, full of action, intense scenes, and characters that will test one’s imaginations to the max!” – Tome Tender Book Blog
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Excerpt Meeting Myla An hour later, I stand in an ornate ballroom at the Ryder mansion.
In a tux.
And my world has stopped spinning. Or perhaps it’s simply whirling too fast. At this point, it’s hard to know.
Myla Lewis is here.
Father steps up beside me. “How was the chat with Silvinio, my son?”
“Not too productive. He volunteered that he’s no longer gambling.” I leave out the tidbits about the Tithe and Aldred, since Father thinks those two can do no wrong.
“Is he gambling the demon fighting circuit again?” asks Father.
“Most likely.”
Father then launches into a recap on the latest winners and losers on the circuit. At least, I think that’s what he’s talking about. It’s hard to pay attention.
Myla is crossing the room.
And she’s heading in my direction.
At some point, Father stops talking. Myla pauses a few yards away. Her back is toward me, but even so, I’m a hunter. There’s no missing the slightest twitch in her ears. No one else stands near Myla. Only me and my father.
Myla must be listening to us.
My thoughts race. What did Walker say before? Myla might find me intriguing, and Walker didn’t want Myla to turn heartsick. And now, she seems to be paying attention. This is bad. True, I could be imagining her interest. But even if it’s one chance on a thousand that I could hurt her, I simply can’t risk it. Having Myla in my life will cause her nothing but pain, one way or another.
That leaves only one thing to do. Follow Walker’s instructions. His words echo through my mind.
If you ever encounter Miss Lewis, you should play the haughty thrax. Look down on her demonic side. She’ll hate it—and you—forever.
As Father walks off, I keep my gaze locked in Myla’s outline. She still seems alert, but isn’t fidgeting or clenching her fists. A wave of relief moves through me. Maybe I was imagining the connection between us. Every hunter makes mistakes.
Clang. Myla knocks over a can onto the floor.
Now I could leave, but my feet move toward Myla on their own. “Are you alright, Miss?”
She turns to face me and I could cheer for joy. Up close, she’s lovelier than I imagined. Life and light glitters in her brown eyes. My arms ache to envelop her. She smells of cinnamon and sunshine.
“I’m fine,” she says simply. “I dropped an empty can, that’s all.”
We pause. Lines of energy and interest flow between us, connecting our hearts. No, no, no. This isn’t supposed to happen. And it means I should definitely leave.
About the Author
Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers.
Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press.
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby..
Welcome to the blog tour for THE LAST ATLANTIAN, a stand-alone young adult urban fantasy/mythology, by Mikki Noble. See below for information the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
THE LAST ATLANTIAN by Mikki Noble
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: THE LAST ATLANTIAN Author: Mikki Noble Release Date: December 13, 2019 Genre: Young Adult Urban Fantasy/Mythology Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Synopsis Spencer did not plan to work on her birthday. She didn’t plan a lot of things, but they happened anyway. Like, when she touched a guy and he turned into a gold statue, or when some stranger appeared to tell her she was in danger. She didn’t plan to see her life forever changed by one simple act, and it still happened anyway.
What Spencer doesn’t know is why. Why is all this happening to her? Why does she have the power to turn people into gold all of a sudden. Who is she really?
And why is this cute guy calling her the last Atlantian?
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Excerpt #1 Steamy fog sprayed from the espresso machine as Spencer slammed the lever all the way down. She shouldn’t have had to work, today of all days. But the universe obviously hated her and it was punishing her.
That was the only explanation.
“Stop moping,” her best friend Cia said, shoving a tray of mugs beside the gurgling coffee machine. “Your boyfriend’s here.”
Spencer groaned and rolled her eyes. She tried not to be angry with her friend but refused to look at her. It was all right to be upset, but not good to show it. Although, technically her shift hadn’t even started yet, but Cia’s cute friend just had to have a latte and couldn’t wait, so Cia let him in, without asking Spencer first.
This left just enough time for him to show up and squeeze his skinny frame through the doors, according to Cia. Spencer would bet that Cia held the door open and even waved him over.
“Not my boyfriend,” Spencer told her through gritted teeth.
“But does he know that?” Cia asked, smirking in that annoying way she did. One side of her mouth turned up and her brown eyes went dark, almost black.
Spencer looked around the machine to see she was right. Josh, she thought his name was, stood at the counter taking off his gloves, eyes finding hers instantly. A smile lit up his face, although his cheeks had a slight color from the cooler December air. Spencer only nodded and went back to finishing up the latte order.
Josh was kind of cute, light eyes, strong chin. Although he had to be in his mid-twenties and he was just a touch creepy. He was in here every day and he stared when he thought she wasn’t looking. He would sip at his coffee and she’d feel his grey eyes on her. And he’d always be toying with this pretty blue pendant he wore on a black rope around his neck. Spencer only caught a glimpse of it one time, because he kept it hidden under his shirt or in his hand most of the time, but it was pretty. Some pitchfork looking thing.
“She will be right with you, Jeremy. She’s just finishing up an order.”
Jeremy, that was his name. Right. She never remembered his name.
Yeah, an order that I shouldn’t have to make for another… Spencer’s eyes went to the little clock on the wall in the back. Half an hour.
Spencer just wished that this guy would let someone else serve him, but no. If she was on shift, he would wait for her.
Why did she have to work today? At least, no one told him it was her birthday today. For some reason, she didn’t want him to know.
As luck would have it, the next words Cia uttered were, “She’s grumpy because she had to work on her birthday.” Spencer noticed that Cia leaned in close to him and pretended to whisper, even though Spencer heard her quite clearly.
Mainly because there were four people in the shop and only one person actually working.
“On her birthday? That’s too bad.” Jeremy smiled from ear to ear, running his thin fingers through his thick, black hair.
Yeah, and I thought I was lucky enough to have the day off school today. Then Cia’s parents had to call and shatter that hope.
Spencer decided she might as well get this part of her day over with so she could celebrate her day, tossed a lid on the latte, called out for Cia’s friend and then made her way over to Jeremy.
She offered him a smile, but it was robotic at best. Normally, she dismissed Jeremy’s actions as a bored guy with nothing better to do, but today, she didn’t feel like dealing with him. She just wanted to go out and hang out with her friends, do fun stuff. After all, she was seventeen today. But when her parents wouldn’t help her get a car, she decided that she’d get the thing herself. Fast forward to today, and she was stuck working.
“Hi, what can I get for you?” she asked, finger hovering over the computer screen, taking in the scent of his cologne. It wasn’t terrible, but it was too much, too powerful. It almost made her gag.
“No polite chitchat today?” he questioned, still smirking.
Spencer shuffled uncomfortably. The way he was looking at her made her insides crawl. Couldn’t her best friend in the whole world see how uncomfortable this guy made her? “Bad day. Would you like the usual?”
“Plain black. Straight cup of joe.”
“Anything else?”
His smile faltered a bit, but he still aimed his grey eyes at her and he was leaning over the counter so he could be closer to her. Seriously, Cia should see something is wrong here. Thanks for nothing, Cia. “I don’t suppose you’d give me your number.”
A loud bang from behind Spencer made her jump. Cia called out, “Sorry.”
Spencer used the opportunity to sneak away and grab Jeremy/Josh’s coffee order. On the off chance that he’d forget what he asked and she’d be home free by the time she slinked back over to the counter to bring him his coffee.
Spencer poured, noticing her hand was shaking. Normally she didn’t let it get to her but today seemed different. She couldn’t say why, but he seemed to crawl deeper under her skin today. She shivered and prayed it was almost time to open the shop. With people impatiently waiting on their caffeine fix, she didn’t have time to talk to him and Spencer liked it that way.
She stalled as long as she could. When Cia came out from the back with a stack of to-go cups, Spencer turned and gave the guy his coffee. He held out a twenty and she took it silently, hoping they didn’t have to talk anymore.
But then Cia went back to the back of the shop.
Spencer gave the guy a strained smile as she reached over to give him his change. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer to him. “You should give me your number, Spencer. We’ve been dancing in circles for too long,” he whispered.
Spencer’s heartrate changed, sped up. She felt herself begin to sweat and shallow breaths were the only ones to reach her lungs. He was so close she could see his pupils dilate.
She tried to jerk her arm free, but he refused to let go.
“Just give me your number, Spencer. No need to play shy.”
Spencer shook her head and grabbed his hand to remove it.
It all happened so quickly, she could have blinked and missed the entire moment. Josh… or Jeremy… or whatever his name was, stood before her, a six-foot solid gold statue. The grey eyes that had just dilated in need for her and creeped her out, were now cold, metal and unseeing. A gasp slipped from her throat. She wanted to scream or cry. She wasn’t sure which.
The hand gripping her arm hurt and that’s where she decided to focus. It took her a few tries to twist her wrist from his grasp, but as soon as she shook loose and jumped back, Cia came back to the front of the shop.
She squealed and dropped the handful of coffee bags she’d been holding. “What the heck happened here? I run to the back for supplies and suddenly there’s a gold statue at the counter.” She stared at the statue, not looking over and seeing the terror on her best friend’s face.
Spencer couldn’t speak. She couldn’t open her mouth to form words. Her brain wouldn’t even form any words. If it was, it wasn’t relaying the message to her mouth.
Finally, Cia turned to Spencer and must have noticed the horror on her face. She took a step closer, kicking at one of the coffee bags. Spencer watched it slide along the tile until it hit the baseboard and bounce less than a centimeter. She backed away from Cia, for her own good. It was too risky and Spencer didn’t want to be touched. She didn’t understand what had happened and there was no way she’d risk hurting her best friend.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
Spencer shook her head and shrugged. “I… I-I think I did that to him.” Spencer pointed, but she couldn’t quite look at the guy… the statue. “He… grabbed me and… I don’t know.”
“Him?” Cia’s eyes went from the statue to her friend and back. “Is that… That’s Jeremy?” She squinted at the statue and then it seemed like she was finally starting to understand. “He grabbed you?”
Spencer nodded, unable to continue speaking. Tears filled her eyes, causing her vision to blur.
“Good thing we haven’t opened yet,” Cia muttered. “Hey, do you think maybe we could melt him down and sell him?”
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Author Mikki Noble
About the Author As far back as she can remember, Mikki was creating characters and stories in her head. It wasn’t until fate brushed the tip of its wings over her eyes that she began to see that writing was what she was born to do. She loves animals, reading, everything supernatural related, and enjoys spending her free time on social media whenever she can.
Today is release day for BISHOP’S ENDGAME,the third and final book in the adult romantic suspense series, Endgame Trilogy, by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Katie Reus. See below for information on the book, buy links, and an exclusive teaser.
BISHOP’S ENDGAME (Endgame Trilogy #3) by Katie Reus
Synopsis Read the final book in the Endgame trilogy where blood is thick, but passion is thicker…
He kidnapped a princess to exact revenge.
Set up for a crime he didn’t commit, Ellis Bishop takes the law into his own hands to exact justice and clear his name. Unfortunately, that means he has to kidnap a crime boss’s daughter—a perfect mafia princess, set to become queen of a dirty empire. What he didn’t count on was falling for his mortal enemy’s daughter.
He wasn’t supposed to fall for her.
Arianna hates the man who kidnapped her, but soon she realizes that things aren’t what they seem. Ellis was framed by her stepfather and is trying to clear his name. If she helps him, it means betraying her family. But how can she turn her back on him when he’s innocent… when her stepfather turns out to be a monster she never really knew at all?
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Author Katie Reus
About the Author Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.
However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.
Welcome to the book blitz for NIGHTBLOOD ACADEMY, a stand-alone adult urban fantasy romance, by Allison West. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway. For a limited time, you can pick up the eBook for just $0.99.
NIGHTBLOOD ACADEMY by Allison West
About the Book – Read for free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: NIGHTBLOOD ACADEMY Author: Allison West Publisher: Blushing Books Publications Release Date: January 27, 2020 Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy Romance Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT
Synopsis I’m the missing girl who left school with a stranger, the story you’re warned about as a child. Was I kidnapped? Or did I go willingly?
I didn’t listen. I never listen. And now, I’m stuck in another universe, protecting my best friend, worried about my sick sister back home, and forced to face the academy bully, who happens to be hot and single. He should be off-limits, but I can’t stop myself from falling for him, hard.
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Excerpt #5 Willow glared at Hudson. “Truth or dare.” She smirked.
Hudson sat there a moment. “Truth,” he said reluctantly.
Willow nodded. “Do you secretly hope that Lil won’t be able to return home?” Hudson didn’t respond.
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Author Allison West
About the Author AllisonWest is a #1 International Best-Selling Author in Erotica, BDSM, Romantic Erotica, Sci-Fi, Victorian, and Historical Erotica. She also writes young adult novels under the name Ruth Silver.
AllisonWest has been inventing worlds and writing stories for years. Her favorite novels are those that leave a lasting impression, long after the final page is read. You can find more about Allison on Facebook, Twitter, and her blog “Spanking Author.” http://spankingauthor.com
Today is release day for THE SINFUL SCOT, the third book in the adult historical romance series, Saints & Scoundrels, by Ruby Award winning author, Maddison Michaels. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
THE SINFUL SCOT (Saints & Scoundrels Series #3) by Maddison Michaels
Synopsis Constance Campbell, the Duchess of Kilmaine, once believed that all she needed in life was a duke. But everything unraveled when she realized her perfect husband was a perfect monster. Now broken beyond repair, she hides her misery behind a perfect Society mask…even from her childhood friend, Alec. Dr. Alec McGuinness reluctantly finds himself back in Scotland, and checking up on the only woman to ever get under his skin, Connie. After she spurned him many years ago, he knows his humble life as a doctor could never be enough for her. But when the Duke of Kilmaine is murdered in cold blood, with Connie sleeping right next to him in bed, Alec knows he must protect Connie at all costs from those who would frame her for the duke’s murder. Now on the run, Connie feels a freedom she only ever dreamed about before, and an unexpected attraction to the man who is keeping her safe. But even if they can win her freedom and clear her name, could she ever open her heart up to someone again?,
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Excerpt Taking a deep breath, she turned around, only to be caught in Alec’s penetrating gaze. She’d forgotten how handsome he was. A strange combination of rugged athleticism mixed with the air of a scholar. But there was also a steadiness to him, a gentle strength, that Connie felt drawn to. This was a man who would have no need to take out his anger on anyone weaker than he. She’d never met a more honorable or honest man.
She cringed with the thought of how badly she’d once treated him. Often ignoring him at assemblies and the like, simply because he hadn’t fawned over her like the other men had.
She’d been a fool.
“Sophie sent you, then?” was all Connie could think to say. She must sound like an imbecile.
“She asked me to check on you.” He paused, staring steadily at her. “So how are you, Lady Connie?”
He was still calling her by her maiden title, and there was something so familiar about him doing so, it reminded her of a time long ago. A time she wished she could escape back to.
Unable to withstand his close scrutiny, she strode over to the hearth and closed her eyes for a second, fighting the urge to cry again. She’d thought her tears from earlier were well and truly dried up.
It would be so easy to tell Alec what had been happening. He would believe her. Probably try to save her, too. But what could he do, when up against the powerful Duke of Kilmaine, whose word was law in these parts? And though she knew Alec could defend himself in a fight, Duncan never fought fairly. Her husband had enough servants and guards around the estate to ensure that Alec would be outnumbered.
No. She couldn’t risk getting him hurt. She’d never forgive herself if he did.
Filling her lungs with a hearty breath, she turned back to face him, and once again, she plastered a serene smile on her face. “Everything is fine. Absolutely fine, in fact.”
But Alec didn’t smile back. Instead he frowned. “Don’t lie to me, Connie.” He strode across to her, until she found herself staring at the crisp white cravat covering his neck.
She gasped softly as his hand gently tilted her chin upward, until her eyes met his. Warring with the frisson of fear from having a man touch her was a giddy sensation fluttering in her stomach. She couldn’t remember the last time anyone had touched her with such tenderness. If ever, actually.
“What’s going on? And I’ll have the truth this time, please.” Alec’s voice was firm, but she could hear the concern in it. It had been so long since she’d felt that anyone cared.
“As I said before, everything is fine, Doctor McGuiness.” She carefully reached up and very deliberately pushed his hand away from under her chin. “And you take too many liberties touching me and calling me by my first name. I am a duchess now. Or have you forgotten?” Perhaps if she sounded condescending, as she’d often done in the past with him, he’d believe her, and go.
“Aye. I’m well aware of that fact.” He stepped back and bowed stiffly. “Forgive me, your grace.”
There was contempt in his voice, and Connie felt her heart sink. He would forever remember her as being a coldhearted shrew, she was sure of that. And though a part of her hated knowing he would, at least he’d be safe. “You can tell Sophie that all is well.” She was glad her voice sounded steady, when inside she felt like she was shattering into tiny pieces. “Now if you will excuse me, I have duties to attend to.” She inclined her head at him before sweeping past him toward the door.
She extended her hand toward the doorknob when, from behind her, Alec reached over her shoulder and pressed his palm against the wood. Preventing her from opening it and leaving.
“You’re not going anywhere, duchess. At least not until you tell me what the devil is going on.”
About the Author Indoctrinated into a world of dashing rogues and feisty heroines when she was a teenager, Maddison Michaels is a bestselling, award-winning Australian romance author, who loves to write sexy history with a dash of mystery! Her debut novel, THE DEVILISH DUKE, won the 2019 RWA Australia Historical Romance Book of the year. Maddison lives in Sydney with her gorgeous hubby and daughter, and always starts her day with a cup (or two) of liquid gold… coffee (just quietly, she’s addicted to the stuff)!
Welcome to the release blitz for MAKING YOU MINE, the fifth book in the adult contemporary romance series, The Bradens and Montgomerys (Pleasant Hill – Oak Falls), by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Melissa Foster. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
MAKING YOU MINE (The Bradens and Montgomerys #5) by Melissa Foster
Synopsis Discover the magic of New York Times bestseller Melissa Foster’s writing and see why millions of readers have fallen in love with the fiercely loyal and sassily sexy characters in the Love in Bloom big-family romance collection. Love in Bloom novels are written to stand alone or may be enjoyed as part of the larger series, so dive right into this fun, sexy romance featuring Graham Braden’s business partner, Knox Bentley!
In MAKING YOU MINE… Knox Bentley never liked the pomp and circumstance that came with being wealthy. He’d distanced himself from his pretentious family and their fortune as a young adult and found his own path to success. But even with the world at his fingertips, he realizes something is missing, and after a long stay overseas, he finally knows exactly what it is. His no-strings-attached hookups with Aubrey Stewart, an exquisite and stubbornly independent blonde, are no longer enough for him. They connect on every level, but Aubrey is a fierce businesswoman with a new movie channel on the horizon and no time for much else. She is the deal he can’t close, the precious jewel even his billions can’t buy. Now that he’s back in the States, he’s determined to show her that what they have goes beyond the bedroom and finally make her his.
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Love in Bloom novels feature alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They’re flawed, funny, passionate, and relatable to readers who enjoy contemporary romance and women’s fiction. For avid readers of the Love in Bloom series, you may have met sexy and hilarious Knox Bentley, Graham Braden’s business partner, in Trails of Love, and Aubrey Stewart, one of the badass billionaire founders of the Ladies Who Write (LWW), in Anything for Love.
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Excerpt Aubrey opened the gift box slowly, surprised to find a black and gold lipstick container.
“Oh my gosh.” Presley snagged the gift and inspected it. “Yup. Tom Ford’s Original Sin. You’ve got yourself a classy dirty boy.”
“Give me that.” Aubrey grabbed the lipstick and set it on the desk. She lifted another note from the box and read it. “‘Because putting on lipstick usually leads to taking these off.’”She shot a look at her friends. “This ought to be good.” She whipped off the lid, and her body tingled at the sight of a black lace thong and matching bra nestled within the tissue paper.
“Wow. Those are gorgeous,” Libby said. “May I?”
Aubrey shrugged and held out the box for Libby to feel the material.
“That’s Agent Provocateur,” Presley said as she admired the lingerie. “It’s made with French lace. Gorgeous. The man has—”
“Invaded my personal space and my privacy.” Aubrey snapped the lid back on the box, trying to ignore her racy thoughts of Knox tearing them off her.
“And I’m about to invade it even more.”
They all spun around at the sound of Knox’s deep, sexy voice. There he stood, six-plus feet of gorgeousness, clad in a black leather jacket, jeans, and black boots that probably cost more than Aubrey’s desk. A charming smile lifted his lips as he said, “Hello, ladies.”
About the Author Melissa writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Readers adore Melissa’s fun, flirty, and sinfully sexy, award-winning big-family romance collection, LOVE IN BLOOM featuring the Snow Sisters, Bradens, Remingtons, Ryders, Seaside Summer, Harborside Nights, Wild Boys and Bad Boys After Dark, and the Montgomerys. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented– perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex and relatable issues.
Melissa also writes sweet and clean romance under the pen name Addison Cole.
Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.
Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on social media or her personal website.
Synopsis A princess fleeing an arranged marriage teams up with a snarky commoner to foil a rebel plot in B. R. Myers’ Rogue Princess, a gender-swapped sci-fi YA retelling of Cinderella.
Princess Delia knows her duty: She must choose a prince to marry in order to secure an alliance and save her failing planet. Yet she secretly dreams of true love, and feels there must be a better way. Determined to chart her own course, she steals a spaceship to avoid the marriage, only to discover a handsome stowaway.
All Aidan wanted was to “borrow” a few palace trinkets to help him get off the planet. Okay, so maybe escaping on a royal ship wasn’t the smartest plan, but he never expected to be kidnapped by a runaway princess!
Sparks fly as this headstrong princess and clever thief battle wits, but everything changes when they inadvertently uncover a rebel conspiracy that could destroy their planet forever.
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My Review This futuristic, sci-fi, reverse Cinderella retelling is pure gold. B.R. Myers weaves a tale with fascinating characters, stunning world building, and a story that tugs at your heart and makes you care. Princess Delia is due to inherit the crown, but first she must a choose a prince to marry. And love plays no part in that decision. She must choose a mate from a neighboring planet with the resources her planet needs in order to survive. It’s purely a business transaction, and one she feels ill-prepared to make. Because although she’s been raised from the moment of birth to assume the throne and lead her people, no one has prepared her to be anyone’s wife. Aidan is a scavenger, taking what he can from the wealthy inhabitants of the palace to buy his way off the planet, a place that doesn’t hold much for a boy with no status. He lives with his stepfather and two stepbrothers who treat him as nothing more than their servant. When Aidan sees his chance to steal a ship and get off the planet for good, his plans are thwarted when the princess uses the same ship to attempt something similar. Sparks fly as these two, with their own secrets securely intact, must rely on one another to uncover a plot to bring down the monarchy.
Plot The plot centers on discovering who is out to kill the queen and usurp power so they can be stopped, but there are strong subplots that involve the undeniable attraction between Aidan and Delia all while Delia is supposed to be choosing a prince to marry so she can save her planet. Everything is woven expertly together. The secrets both are carrying provide page-turning moments and the right amount of interpersonal conflict while the external conflict drives the main pulse-pounding plot. A clandestine rebellion, pirates, and amazing tech create a world rife with both danger and excitement.
Characters Myers has created amazing, intense, likable characters. While Delia, as our main character and all of her conflicting goals and emotions, is intense and moody, her younger sister, Shania, steals the show. Shania is bubbly and effervescent, and finds the whole mating game romantic as she attempts to help her sister find the most swoon-worthy husband. Aidan is the yin to Delia’s yang as a jaded commoner with a sharp tongue and wit to offset her doom and gloom.
What I Loved About ROGUE PRINCESS 1. Shania. She’s so sweet, optimistic, and everything Delia needs.
2. Delia. Her sense of honor, despite everything she wants, makes her someone you can’t help rooting for.
3. Tech. Everything from wind-up homing birds to flying gliders makes this a world of both romance and futuristic elegance, with a healthy steampunk vibe.
4. World Building. The author creates vivid scenes, rich with sights, colors, sounds, and smells that bring them to life in even the most stubborn imagination.
5. Retelling with a Twist. I’m always a sucker for a good fairytale retelling, but this futuristic, role-swapping twist made this version a little different for me. The added intrigue meant that I didn’t know exactly what was going to happen, even though Cinderella’s ending is as familiar as almost anything.
Bottom Line A thrilling, romantic space opera retelling of Cinderella.
About the Author B.R. Myers spent most of her teen years behind the covers of Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, and Lois Duncan. When she’s not putting her characters in awkward situations she works as a registered nurse. A member of the Writer’s Federation of Nova Scotia, she lives in Halifax with her husband and their two children.
Happy January! It’s a bit chilly out there, so it’s the perfect time to find some new authors to start binge-reading during this cold season.
During this event, we’ll feature seven authors from January 20-26, 2020. And you’ll have plenty of chances to win one of three awesome prizes: Amazon gift cards. We’ve got two $25 gift cards and one $20 gift card. The more you participate, the more chances you have to win!
Welcome to the prerelease blitz for THE SINFUL SCOT, the third book in the adult historical romance series, Saints & Scoundrels, by Ruby Award winning author, Maddison Michaels, releasing January 27, 2020. See below for information on the book, preorder links, an exclusive excerpt, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
THE SINFUL SCOT (Saints & Scoundrels Series #3) by Maddison Michaels
Synopsis Constance Campbell, the Duchess of Kilmaine, once believed that all she needed in life was a duke. But everything unraveled when she realized her perfect husband was a perfect monster. Now broken beyond repair, she hides her misery behind a perfect Society mask…even from her childhood friend, Alec. Dr. Alec McGuinness reluctantly finds himself back in Scotland, and checking up on the only woman to ever get under his skin, Connie. After she spurned him many years ago, he knows his humble life as a doctor could never be enough for her. But when the Duke of Kilmaine is murdered in cold blood, with Connie sleeping right next to him in bed, Alec knows he must protect Connie at all costs from those who would frame her for the duke’s murder. Now on the run, Connie feels a freedom she only ever dreamed about before, and an unexpected attraction to the man who is keeping her safe. But even if they can win her freedom and clear her name, could she ever open her heart up to someone again?,
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Excerpt She took in a deep breath of air. You can do it, Connie, she began to say to herself, over and over again. After all, she had to do it. She had no other choice.
Turning back into the room, she hurried over to the bed and gathered up the makeshift rope she’d hidden under the bed frame, which she’d made from knotting together the sheets. She tied one end of it tightly to the leg of the bed and then dragged the rest across to the window before throwing it over the sill.
The lock to the door suddenly turned, and the door opened. Connie felt her heart stop, and she had to stifle the scream about to burst out of her mouth as she swiveled around to face the threat.
There, standing at the entrance, was Alec, with a rather purposeful expression on his face. He glanced to the open window and the rope hanging through it. “I thought they used bedsheet ropes to escape only in those gothic horror novels you used to read as a girl?”
“How the devil did you get in here?” Connie demanded, ignoring his question, though slightly thrilled he had remembered something he’d oftentimes teased her over in the past. “You nearly frightened me to death!”
“I’m here to rescue you. I did mention to be ready.” There was a grim determination in his voice, before a small smile twisted at the corners of his mouth, transforming his already altogether too handsome face into something even more compelling. “Though I think we can leave via the staircase, rather than with that.” He glanced down at the bedsheet rope, now dangling loosely from her hands. “Were you really going to use it?”
“I didn’t have a lot of options,” she replied, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of knowing that she had in fact gotten the idea from one of the gothic novels she’d read years ago.
Alec picked up the length of rope from her hands. “The knots do seem strong enough, so I daresay they would have held your weight.” His eyes met her own. “Rather resourceful of you.” He sounded impressed. “Come on, we need to go.”
About the Author Indoctrinated into a world of dashing rogues and feisty heroines when she was a teenager, Maddison Michaels is a bestselling, award-winning Australian romance author, who loves to write sexy history with a dash of mystery! Her debut novel, THE DEVILISH DUKE, won the 2019 RWA Australia Historical Romance Book of the year. Maddison lives in Sydney with her gorgeous hubby and daughter, and always starts her day with a cup (or two) of liquid gold… coffee (just quietly, she’s addicted to the stuff)!
Welcome to the blog tour for POWER PLAY, the first book in the adult romantic suspense series, PowerPlay, by Kennedy L. Mitchell. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, and an exclusive teaser.
POWER PLAY (Power Play Series #1) by Kennedy L. Mitchell
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: POWER PLAY Series: Power Play #1 Author: Kennedy L. Mitchell Release Date: January 20, 2020 Genre: Adult Romantic Suspense Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT
Synopsis There’s no turning back. I can’t go home a failure–again. Everyone wants to use me, make me their pawn, but I have other plans. I will win this election or die trying.
Randi Sawyer It started with a shady business proposal I should’ve turned down. Now here I am pretending to be someone I’m not, and bonus, I’m at the mercy of a man whose joy comes from my failures. The deeper I sink into DC’s seedy political scene the more I realize I can’t trust anyone if I’m going to make it out alive. Until him. Secret Service agent Trey Benson is bitter, jaded, and oh so hot with his mischievous smirk and cocky attitude. He hates me, just like everyone else, but he might just be who I need to survive this mess I’ve landed myself in.
Trey Benson Forced onto her protection detail, I’m certain she’s just another Political Barbie in this city. I should know–I’ve dated most of them. Except she’s not. Funny, foulmouthed and crazy as hell, not to mention drop-dead gorgeous, Randi Sawyer just might be the one person who can make a difference in DC–and in me. Too bad the boss says she’s off-limits, that it’s too risky for her career and mine. Good thing I’ve never been great at sticking to orders.
Power Play is the first book in the five-book Power Play series. Each book cannot be read as a standalone. All five books follow one main couple’s relationship as it grows through a five-year time period. It’s suspenseful, steamy, and oh so unputdownable. If you’re a fan of Tiffany Snow, Meghan March, and Skye Warren then this series is for YOU!
About the Author Kennedy lives in Dallas with her husband, son, and 80lb Goldendoodle who still believes he’s a lap dog. A bookworm at heart, Kennedy loves to snuggle up in bed or by the campfire with an unputdownable book. She began writing two years ago with Falling for the Chance and has no plans of stopping. Her novels are witty, action-packed, and offer enough steam for a great facial. If you like strong heroines and sexy, tattooed men who can’t keep their hands off them, then this author is the one for you.
Today is release day for POWER PLAY, the first book in the adult romantic suspense series, PowerPlay, by Kennedy L. Mitchell. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, and an exclusive teaser.
POWER PLAY (Power Play Series #1) by Kennedy L. Mitchell
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: POWER PLAY Series: Power Play #1 Author: Kennedy L. Mitchell Release Date: January 20, 2020 Genre: Adult Romantic Suspense Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT
Synopsis There’s no turning back. I can’t go home a failure–again. Everyone wants to use me, make me their pawn, but I have other plans. I will win this election or die trying.
Randi Sawyer It started with a shady business proposal I should’ve turned down. Now here I am pretending to be someone I’m not, and bonus, I’m at the mercy of a man whose joy comes from my failures. The deeper I sink into DC’s seedy political scene the more I realize I can’t trust anyone if I’m going to make it out alive. Until him. Secret Service agent Trey Benson is bitter, jaded, and oh so hot with his mischievous smirk and cocky attitude. He hates me, just like everyone else, but he might just be who I need to survive this mess I’ve landed myself in.
Trey Benson Forced onto her protection detail, I’m certain she’s just another Political Barbie in this city. I should know–I’ve dated most of them. Except she’s not. Funny, foulmouthed and crazy as hell, not to mention drop-dead gorgeous, Randi Sawyer just might be the one person who can make a difference in DC–and in me. Too bad the boss says she’s off-limits, that it’s too risky for her career and mine. Good thing I’ve never been great at sticking to orders.
Power Play is the first book in the five-book Power Play series. Each book cannot be read as a standalone. All five books follow one main couple’s relationship as it grows through a five-year time period. It’s suspenseful, steamy, and oh so unputdownable. If you’re a fan of Tiffany Snow, Meghan March, and Skye Warren then this series is for YOU!
About the Author Kennedy lives in Dallas with her husband, son, and 80lb Goldendoodle who still believes he’s a lap dog. A bookworm at heart, Kennedy loves to snuggle up in bed or by the campfire with an unputdownable book. She began writing two years ago with Falling for the Chance and has no plans of stopping. Her novels are witty, action-packed, and offer enough steam for a great facial. If you like strong heroines and sexy, tattooed men who can’t keep their hands off them, then this author is the one for you.
The Hallmark Channel and author Teri Wilson are revealing an excerpt from THE STORY OF US, a stand-alone adult contemporary based on a Hallmark Channel Original movie, releasing February 5, 2020. See below for information on the book, preorder links, the exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
THE STORY OF US (A Hallmark Channel Original) by Teri Wilson
Synopsis A box of love letters from the past may hold the key to the future…
Jamie always adored True Love Bookstore and Café, and now she’s the owner. But businesses are struggling in her small town, and her beloved store is threatened by a new retail development scheme.
Sawyer, Jamie’s former high school sweetheart, startles her when he comes to town for the first time in fifteen years. She soon learns he’s the architect of the proposed development and he’s there to sell local business owners on his plan. Sawyer had no idea that Jamie had bought the bookstore and poured everything she had into it. If he takes it over, he’ll break her heart a second time.
Jamie’s discovery of a box of old love letters and valentines might hold the key to saving her shop. And after all this time, could love be in the cards for Jamie and Sawyer, too?
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Excerpt: Sawyer’s gaze locked onto hers, and as much as Jamie knew she should look away, she just couldn’t. The lines around his eyes were new, as were the sharp angles of his jawline, but those warm brown irises of his were exactly the same. These were the eyes that had seen her at a time when no one else had. She’d been nothing but a quiet, book-loving dreamer, and he’d brought her out of her shell and shown her that the world could be every bit as colorful and vibrant in reality as it was in the novels she loved so much.
Meeting Sawyer O’Dell had changed her. He’d helped her become the woman she was today, because she’d loved the person he’d seen when he’d looked at her with those eyes—interesting, enchanting.
His.
What would it be like to feel that way again? To be loved and cherished by the only person she’d ever truly wanted to build a life with? To have her heart put back together by the man who’d broken it when he’d been just a boy?
The thought was intoxicating. It made her do things she knew she shouldn’t—like step closer to him so that their breath mingled together in the evergreen air, causing her to smile to herself as his gaze drifted slowly, purposefully to her lips. Her breath hitched as he dipped his head. She’d never wanted a kiss so badly in her life— not even when she’d been sixteen years old and he’d bent toward her in the exact same way for the very first time.
His hand was on her waist and his lips were just a whisper away—a heartbeat, a breath, a memory. And Jamie’s heart felt as if it were opening like a favorite book, one whose pages hadn’t been read in a long, long time. She let her eyes drift closed, because she knew this story by heart. The story of Sawyer and Jamie…
The story of us.
But in the sliver of a second before their lips met, someone said Jamie’s name, and the book slammed shut.
“Jamie?”
Her eyes flew open. She and Sawyer blinked at each other, as if they couldn’t quite get their bearings. Then they both turned their heads in the direction of the speaker.
No. Jamie’s stomach tied itself into a knot. It couldn’t be him. What on earth was he doing there?
She bit her bottom lip, still tingling from the missed opportunity. She’d been waiting fifteen years to kiss Sawyer O’Dell again, and apparently, she’d have to wait even longer.
“Matt?”
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Author Teri Wilson
About the Author Teri Wilson is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of romance, women’s fiction and romantic comedy. Three of Teri’s books have been adapted into Hallmark Channel Original Movies by Crown Media, including UNLEASHING MR. DARCY (plus its sequel MARRYING MR. DARCY), THE ART OF US and NORTHERN LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS, based on her book SLEIGH BELL SWEETHEARTS. She is also a recipient of the prestigious RITA Award for excellence in romantic fiction for her novel THE BACHELOR’S BABY SURPRISE. Teri has a major weakness for cute animals, pretty dresses and Audrey Hepburn films, and she loves following the British royal family. Visit her at www.teriwilson.net or on Twitter @TeriWilsonauthr.
Welcome to the book blitz PIXIELAND DIARIES, the first book in the young adult fantasy/paranormal romance series, Pixieland Diaries, by Christina Bauer, releasing March 31, 2020. See below for information on the book, preorder links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
PIXIELAND DIARIES (Pixieland Diaries Series #1) by Christina Bauer
If you don’t like loud-mouthed pixies who are really cool but sometimes get told they’re immature (for no reason), then definitely stop reading.
Oh, and if you’re His Awfulness The Elf Prince ‘Dare’ Darius, then you can kiss my butt. My hatred for you burns with the fire of a thousand suns. Thanks for getting me kicked out of Pixieland and exiled to attend some rando human high school on Earth. You’re the worst, even if you have a cute smile. And nice eyes. Your hair looks okay sometimes, too. But you’re still a creep and I loathe you.
And to everyone else: if you’ve read this far, then you better finish my entire diary.
My story is supernatural, wacked-out, and overall awesome
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Chapter 1: DAY ONE OF THE NEW ME Dear Diary,
Goodbye, old me! This journal will track my transformation into an all-new Calla. Not on the physical side, mind you. I’ll still be a fifteen-year-old pixie, five feet tall with pink hair and violet eyes. Instead, what will change about me is this: as of today, I shall never play another prank for as long as I live.
Definitely.
Maybe.
Hopefully.
Okay, having a diary means being totally honest. It’s true that I’ve made this no-prank promise before. But today the Elven High Council gave me another super-long lecture on my so-called silly attitude. What a bunch of grumps. All their panties were in a twist, too. Why? I just cast one little enchantment that transformed the council’s shampoo into hair remover.
Which was awesome, by the way. The council are way too snooty and into their looks. Plus without their hair, the council rocks an alien vibe. And their silken tresses will all be back to normal after a spell or two. I think. Prince Darius says my magic is too powerful for my own good. He’s too cute for his, so we’re even.
Anyway, back to the council’s lecture. They reviewed this crazy-long list of how I should act going forward. I wrote it all down super carefully:
Act mysterious – always
Be frivolous – never
There was more on their list but what can I say? I got bored. The council also waah waah waah-ed that if I didn’t change my personality and soon, then this was my last warning. One more infraction and I would be kicked out of Pixieland, my home within Faerie.
Exile would be the worst, so I’m putting together a New Me plan.
Next steps to the New Me: swap out my gossamer wings for a bat look … Only answer questions with a long and mysterious ‘maaaaaaybe’ … And no pranks.
For real, this time.
-The New Calla
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About the Author
Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers.
Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press.
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby..
I’m so excited to finally be able to share the cover to THE RESISTANCE, the fifth book in my dystopian romantic adventure series, The Union. My amazing cover designer, Mark Sgarbossa really outdid himself this time. I think this is my favorite cover yet! See below for information on the book and series, preorder links, and a teaser.
THE RESISTANCE (The Union Series #5) by T.H. Hernandez
Synopsis When Evan and Cyrus suddenly find themselves battling on two fronts, fighting back is about to get twice as hard.
Living in an encampment in the Ruins, life is harsh for most Unis in the Resistance, but for Cyrus and the other Ruins survivors, it’s just more of the same. While training for their ultimate mission to take down the Uprising, tragedy strikes, turning Evan’s and Cyrus’s world upside down. Before they can recover, they discover someone in their ranks is working against them.
Facing tougher odds than they ever imagined, the group realizes the only hope they have of saving the world they know is to find help. When no one is above suspicion, even accomplishing everyday tasks is fraught with danger, but seeking out reinforcements could mean the end of the Resistance and all of them along with it.
Acorn Publishing and award-winning author, Alexa Kingaard, are revealing the cover to KEEP FOREVER, a standalone adult historical romance/women’s fiction, releasing April 30, 2020. See below for the cover, information on the book, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
KEEP FOREVER by Alexa Kingaard
About the Book Title: KEEP FOREVER Author: Alexa Kingaard Publisher: Acorn Publishing Release Date: April 30, 2020 Genre: Adult Historical Romance/Women’s Fiction Links:Goodreads
Synopsis “Unlike some war stories that focus on intense, harsh and graphic depictions of post-combat trauma, this tale unfolds gently, like an Edna Ferber novel, spread across many decades, detailing the impact this soldier’s illness has on an entire family, including children and grandchildren. KEEP FOREVER is a wonderful, emotionally satisfying read that I highly recommend. ” GARY SEIGEL, author of “Haskell Himself”
Paul O’Brien’s idyllic childhood in Southern California comes to a halt when his mother dies in the summer before his senior year of high school and a very different persona of his father emerges – isolating himself inside the house, turning to alcohol for comfort, and barely noticing his only child. Simultaneously, the war in Vietnam is sending shock waves around the world and young men from one coast to the other are being called upon to serve. Paul enlists in the Marines before receiving his draft notice.
Elizabeth Sutton is eager to gain some independence from her father’s old fashioned notions and looking forward to her first year in high school. At fifteen years old, tragedy strikes with the loss of both parents in an auto accident, turning her childhood into one of responsibility and worry overnight. The four siblings are scattered when her nine-year-old twin sisters are sent to live with their Aunt and Uncle on Nantucket Island, and Elizabeth is left behind in Boston with their grandmother. Her older brother, Sam, enlists in the Marines, eager to join the conflict a world away as opposed to dealing with the one unfolding at home.
A bond develops between Paul and Sam in Vietnam, and both are injured in a bloody battle that costs Sam his right hand and sets the stage for a lifetime of nightmares and sleepless nights for Paul. Matched by similar tragedies at a young age, Elizabeth and Paul’s first introduction by Sam upon their return from Vietnam is the beginning of friendship and love that survives five decades.
After marrying, welcoming their first child, and inheriting a small beach house, the couple adapts to their new surroundings, but distant memories of Vietnam continue to haunt Paul. In an era when veterans refuse to speak of their pain and the government denies that thousands of soldiers are coming home irreparably damaged, he is left to deal with the challenge of caring for his loved ones amidst his his erratic flashback episodes and moods. As their lives unravel from the lingering effects of PTSD, Elizabeth learns to accept the burden that Paul brought home, and together they make their own memories to keep forever.
Inspired By A True Story
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Author Alexa Kingaard
About the Author Alexa Kingaard was born in San Diego, CA and has lived most of her life in the area. She currently resides in Carlsbad and is the mother of an adult son and daughter who continue to be her biggest fans and cheerleaders. A realtor for fifteen years, she remains involved with her profession and praises her brokers and clients for giving her the nod to be creative.
She gives all the credit for completing her debut novel, KEEP FOREVER, to her inspiration and late ex-husband, Jeff, who battled the residual effects of the Vietnam War for decades after his return.
Her second novel, MY NAME IS ROSE, will be released through Acorn Publishing March 15, 2019.
Welcome to the blog tour for FINDING MR. BETTER-THAN-YOU, a young adult contemporary romance by Shani Petroff. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis A heartbroken teen, with the help of her best friends, goes on a quest to find the perfect boyfriend, and in the end learns that some things are more important than boys in Shani Petroff’s fun YA contemporary novel Finding Mr. Better-Than-You.
Camryn Roth has it all planned out: a perfect senior year with her friends and then it’s off to Columbia with her boyfriend, Marc. But the first week of school, everything falls apart. Not only does she not have enough extracurriculars for her dream school, her relationship falls to pieces when Marc publically dumps her!
With the help of her two best friends, Camryn is determined to pull her life back together. Step one, more extracurriculars. Step two, get over Marc and find someone better.
Shani Petroff’s newest rom-com is a love letter to friendship: to those who help you find your true self, stand by you no matter what, and support your plans even when they know they’re doomed.
Praise for Shani Petroff:
“Fans of holiday movies, rom-coms, and ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ will enjoy My New Crush Gave to Me . . . Petroff’s festive story will have readers baking gingerbread cookies and buñuelos at any time of year.” —VOYA, on My New Crush Gave to Me
“A worthwhile read. Flirty and fun.” —Booklist, on Romeo & What’s Her Name.
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Excerpt #1 “Okay, I’ll leave you with your movies, but,” she said, emphasizing the word, “you have to promise you won’t watch one where the girl gets back with her crappy ex.”
“No promises,” I said, loading up my fork with another giant heap of macaroni. “I love second-chance romances.”
She shook her head. “Uh-uh, it will give you too many ideas. Contrary to your life motto, life isn’t a rom-com. Promise me you’ll pick something else to watch.”
I wanted to argue the merits of living life as a romantic comedy, but I didn’t have it in me. Right now, my life was anything but romantic. Instead I just agreed with her. “All right. I promise.”
We said our goodbyes, and I resumed scrolling through my movie choices. Between the streaming networks and all the movies I bought, I had quite the impressive selection. Even if I ignored all the second-chance romances, there were tons of other tropes to choose from. Friends to lovers, secret romance, falling for a royal, pretend relationships . . .
I gasped.
The last one caused the tiniest sliver of an idea to form.
A bad idea. A really bad idea.
An idea Terri would positively hate, but an idea that could be my answer to everything. An idea that kept growing and growing and was now going full steam throughout my head and taking over my entire being.
What if I really did try to live in a rom-com? Date someone else to make my ex jealous, and maybe, possibly, hopefully, fall for the new guy. I’d watched it happen on-screen and read it in books hundreds of times.
Or, at the very least, maybe I’d rile up Marc so much, he’d come running back. This could work. Yeah, Terri was going to kill me, but it was worth a try.
I deserved the senior year I’d dreamed about.
I was going to find someone so much better than Marc and rub his face in it. I was going to get into Columbia and live my dream New York life. I was going to get my happily-ever-after. I might even find love.
But most of all, I was going to make Marc regret dumping me.
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Author Shani Petroff
About The Author Shani Petroff is a writer living in New York City. She’s the author of the “Bedeviled” series, which includes Daddy’s Little Angel, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Dress, Careful What You Wish For, and Love Struck, and is the co-author of the “Destined” series which includes Ash and Ultraviolet. She also writes for television news programs and several other venues. When she’s not locked in her apartment typing away, she spends a whole lot of time on books, boys, TV, daydreaming, and shopping online.
Welcome to the book blitz for HUNG UP ON YOU, a stand-alone adult contemporary romance, by Marie Landry. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis Julia is single and happy, thank you very much. Try telling that to her happily-coupled bestie, though. She’s so determined to pair Julia off, she brings an extra guy friend along on a weekend getaway, in what’s clearly a set-up attempt. Julia’s interest is immediately piqued by sweet, sexy, nerdy Zack. There’s just one problem: he’s still hungup on his ex. Big time.
Despite knowing that – and despite her attraction to him – it doesn’t stop her friends from throwing them together every other second, insisting they’d make the perfect couple. But Julia is determined to friend zone him. At least until he suggests they pretend to date to get their respective friends off their backs.
At first, their fake “dating” is more friendship than fireworks. But as they get closer, the lines begin to blur between them, and Julia realizes she has to either shut down her developing feelings for Zack or let him in. The question is: can she fully trust him with her heart? Or does his heart still belong to his ex?
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Excerpt #3 If I thought sitting in the car together was intimate, it was nothing compared to sitting side by side in a dark theater. Even though we were alone then and we’re surrounded by people now, there’s something about sitting here in the dark with parts of our bodies touching, albeit in an innocent way. If I moved my pinky just the tiniest bit to the left, it would brush Zack’s.
Now it’s all I can think about. My hand twitches despite my attempts to keep it still, and my pinky rubs against Zack’s. He gives a small jolt, as if I shocked him. I almost yank my arm back, and even consider sitting on my hand to prevent myself from further contact. But then I realize Zack hasn’t shifted away. He hasn’t looked at me, either. It makes me wonder if he’s as aware of me as I am of him. That’s ridiculous, though. Isn’t it?
A second later, his pinky brushes mine. The barest hint of a smile flirts around his mouth. He must know I’m watching him, yet his eyes stay trained on the screen ahead. Our pinkies are doing a little dance now, tentatively rubbing against each other until his finally hooks around mine, holding on. That giddy teenager feeling I sometimes get when I’m around Zack returns full force. Our pinkies stay locked together, reminding me of the pinky promises my brother and I used to make. Except those were innocent fun, something we used to swear by over silly things, and this…this feels anything but innocent or silly. It’s the barest contact, and yet it feels weighty.
Zack’s head turns slowly and he finally looks at me. The scene on the screen changes to an outdoor shot, momentarily lighting his features, giving me a short yet perfect view of the soft, almost questioning smile on Zack’s face.
“You’re missing the movie,” he whispers.
I almost tell him I’d rather look at him anyway. Instead, I nod once and return my attention to the screen. I have no idea what’s been happening and my mind is too muddled to even care. I feel Zack’s eyes on me for a moment longer before he looks back at the screen. Our hands stay as they are for the rest of the movie.
When the four of us emerge from the auditorium, blinking in the light like a quartet of moles, Dee asks, “So what did you think?”
I catch Zack’s gaze. “New favorite.”
His lips twitch. “Same. Great movie. Solid four stars.”
Dee arches a brow as she glances between the two of us. I wonder what my expression is. I feel slightly flushed, which means my cheeks are probably rosy. Can she tell I’m barely containing a goofy smile?
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Author Marie Landry
About the Author MarieLandry‘s life revolves around books; when she’s not writing them, she’s reading them, taking pictures of them for bookstagram, or blogging about them. An avid reader from a young age, she loves getting lost in characters’ worlds, whether they’re of her own making or someone else’s. She particularly loves coming-of-age stories with as much of an emphasis on self-discovery as on romance…but don’t leave out the romance!
When not doing bookish things, Marie can be found daydreaming (in general, but often about traveling through Europe), marathon-watching shows on Netflix, and taking photographs. She lives in a cozy apartment in Ontario, Canada with the best roommate ever, and only sometimes imagines it’s actually a flat in London.
