Welcome to the blog tour for SING FOR ME, the second book in the new adult contemporary romance series, Balefire, by Tam DeRudder Jackson. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
SING FOR ME by (Balefire Series #2)Tam DeRudder Jackson
Synopsis
Blu My entire life is my music—and all the trappings that come with it. Sex, booze, and rock ’n’ roll is all I ever wanted. Touring the world as the lead singer of Balefire, I have it all. Until on hiatus, I meet the girl next door.
Ashleigh Baker is nothing like the groupies and celebrities who usually have all my attention. In her cute floppy hat with her knees stained with dirt, she spends her days creating a flowering show piece from her rented yard. She’s the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever met, and she acts like she doesn’t want a damn thing to do with me. But from the moment I laid eyes on her, she’s all I can think about.
Ashleigh
Growing up the only child of an Air Force Colonel, all I wanted was to stay in one place for more than a minute. When I score a pretty little house with a long-term lease, I just want to grow my flowers and my freelancing gig as a music reviewer. Then a loud Harley wakes me from a sound sleep and I discover my neighbor is Blu Connolly. Yeah, that Blu Connolly, lead singer for my favorite band Balefire. With his killer good looks and panty-melting voice, he’s a walking temptation to sin. Though I do my best to avoid him, it seems Blu has other ideas. He’s on a mission to wear me down, let him in, but what happens when he stops wanting to sing for me?
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Excerpt #1 Mom lasered me with her eyes, and I barked out a laugh. Baiting my mother—another thing I’d missed.
“What does Ashleigh do, exactly?”
“She’s a substitute teacher at your old high school and she writes articles and submits them to all sorts of publications.”
“Yeah? What does she write about? Gardening?”
I might have laughed at the idea yesterday, but after seeing her sweet ass up in the air as she bent over the row of flowers she planted this morning, I had a sudden appreciation for gardening.
“She writes about music. Does a darn fine job of it too. She’s reviewed several local bands as well as some big ones. She even wrote a review of your show at Red Rocks last summer for some little blog. Her description of Dakota’s guitar and your voice specifically could have made Balefire a household name had you needed the boost. Her writing is that good.” Mom took a nonchalant sip of her wine, but I caught the look she shot me. “Or maybe I’m biased since she complimented my boy so flatteringly.”
“Yeah, well, maybe I should sing to her next time ’cause she sure didn’t flatter me today when I invited her to lunch.”
The conversation led me right back to that dark place it had taken me three hours of hard riding to escape. Ashleigh’s wine soured in my mouth as I heard her accusations in my head again.
Mom ignored my comment and my sudden bad mood. “You slept away most of the first two days you’ve been home. What are your plans for this evening?”
“Haven’t thought about it much. Maybe head down to the Dollar, see if anyone from the old days is still around, shoot some pool. After you feed me dinner,” I added with a sly smirk.
Truly, I should have offered to take Mom out to eat, but the woman could outcook any chef in the state. After months on the road, I craved her home cooking.
She smiled back at me, reading my mind again. “Your favorite dinner is thawing on the counter right now. I baked it last weekend for when you came home.”
“Yeah?” I asked carelessly before I bounced up out of my chair and raced into the kitchen. Sure enough, a huge pan of lasagna sat on the counter. Jesus, did I love that woman.
The tangible evidence of my mom’s love for me put a giant smile on my face as I headed to the bathroom to shower off the road grime and sweat from my ride. Though it was early June, the temperature insisted on summer, and I could smell myself when I walked back into the house.
When I finished cleaning up, I found Mom in the kitchen singing some pop tune softly as she busied herself with dinner. Her taste in music ran to mellow, and I had to laugh as I walked into the kitchen. As our biggest supporter early on, she attended almost every one of our shows and smiled and danced all the way through them. We’d been playing professionally for three or four years when I discovered the earplugs. To this day I have no idea what she heard in her head as we played, but it wasn’t us. Still, she’d had a good time and inspired others around her to join her in that, which improved the vibe of our early shows.
Thoughts of those long-ago shows led me back to Mom’s comment about Ashleigh’s articles. After dinner, I googled her to see what she’d said about us. Not that it mattered. The woman appeared pretty hostile to me during our first two meetings. Then I read an article she wrote for Rocky Mountain High, an online arts and entertainment blog.
The Balefire concert at Red Rocks last weekend blasted all expectations of what a rock show is or should be. The band’s musicianship, sound quality, pyrotechnics, and light show exceeded anything offered at Red Rocks in recent memory. From Jack Whitehorse’s opening drum solo pounding through the collective chest of the crowd to Dakota Perri’s blistering guitar licks revving the audience into a frenzy to Adam Tron’s driving bass forcing people to jump out of their seats and dance, the band grabbed the audience by the throat and refused to let go for two solid hours of nonstop, over-the-top thrill ride.
However, Balefire’s signature sound lies in the incredible vocal range of the band’s lead singer, Blu Connolly. From his primal screams on “Out of My Head” to his smooth baritone rumblings on “You’re the One” to his pitch-perfect harmonies with Whitehorse on their new song “Missing You,” Connolly’s voice is the heart and soul of the band. No wonder during a Balefire concert, women toss their underwear at the stage with wild abandon. The man has the ability to make panties to drop every time he steps up to a microphone.
Huh. So Ashleigh liked the show at Red Rocks. More than that, she loves my voice, at least when I’m using it to sing.
Mom was right about Ashleigh’s ability to review music too. Her words made me think back on that show, one of our best. Her article reminded me why I absolutely fucking love what I do for a living even when a tour wrings me out. Panty-dropping voice. Her description made me smile. Sobering, I pondered what it would take to tempt the delectable yet prickly Ashleigh Baker to drop her panties for me.
About the Author Tam DeRudder Jackson is the author of the paranormal romance Talisman Series and the contemporary romance Balefire Series. Her favorite “room” in her house is her back patio where she dreams up stories of romance and risk. When she’s not writing her latest paranormal or contemporary romance, you can usually find her driving around with the top down in her convertible or carving turns on the slopes of the local ski hill. The mom of two grown sons, Tam likes to travel, attend rock concerts, watch football and soccer, and visit old car shows with her husband. She lives in the mountains of northwest Wyoming where she spends most of her free time trying to read all the books. Her TBR piles are threatening to take over her office, and she’s fine with that.
Welcome to the book blitz for FIND YOU THERE, the first book in the adult contemporary LGBTQ+ romance series, Harmony Lane, by Brianna Bennett. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
FIND YOU THERE (Harmony Lane Series #1) by Brianna Bennett
Synopsis Lyric Meadows is used to being overlooked.
Lovingly called Peanut for as long as she can remember, she uses ceramics to escape the high expectations of her parents. It also keeps her from having to tell them that she’s asexual, thereby disappointing them twice because she has no intention to work in music like they want or give them grandchildren. It’s not easy to conceal a part of who she is, but she’ll do it if it means maintaining some privacy.
Luca Sherwood is used to having his privacy invaded.
As the son of controversial politician Richard (Dick) Sherwood, the paparazzi is always up in his business, just waiting for a scandal to blast all over the social media. Unfortunately, Luca’s brother Rider does have something to hide, and it is something that could destroy their father’s career if the public ever learned of it.
Lyric and Luca are an unlikely duo with far more in common than they think.
One day, all of Lyric’s work at the studio is shattered by an apparent vandal. Devastated, she begins to wonder if her parents were right all along and she should just settle for singing. That is, until Luca volunteers to help her figure out the vandal’s identity. Her resulting romantic & sexual attraction to him is startling, but she’s going to need all the help she can get once she learns that the person who destroyed her artwork may be closer than she thinks.
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Excerpt #2 “You’ve got some clay on your—” He pointed at his own forehead, gesturing to his brows.
“What?” Lyric reached up to check and found he was right. She shot up, laughing awkwardly, but he gently clasped a hand around her wrist.
“Here. Let me.” He curled his finger in a beckoning motion, and she leaned down until their breaths mingled. Luca carefully dabbed the cloth against her skin, and Lyric gulped, barely daring to breathe. Her heart hammered against her chest. “All better.” Luca cleared his throat, and Lyric reeled back as if broken from a spell, careening into the rolling tool cart that always seemed to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.
“Shut up,” she told him. Luca snickered, and she glowered at him, embarrassment scorching her neck on its way to her face.
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Author Brianna Bennett
About the Author Fanfiction was where it all began. It gave me the opportunity to stretch my creative muscles and work out crucial lessons in the craft. I spent several years writing for free, which helped me understand the realities of the writing world early on.
Once I got to college, I did the one thing that most advisors tell you not to do: I majored in what I was passionate about, not what would be most practical.
After graduating from college with a degree in Professional Writing, I took a year off and then enrolled in a double Master’s program. In the 3 years that followed, I dedicated myself to learning as much as I could about all areas of writing and publishing.
Nowadays, I’m a medical receptionist, soon-to-be self-published author, Medium blogger, writing coach, and podcast host. I live and work in Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Welcome to the book blitz for VIC VAUGHN IS VICIOUS, a standalone adult contemporary romantic comedy, by USA Today bestselling author, J.A. Huss. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
VIC VAUGHN IS VICIOUS by J.A. Huss
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: VIC VAUGHN IS VICIOUS Author: J.A. Huss Publisher: Science Future Press Release Date: August 31, 2021 Genre: Adult Contemporary Romantic Comedy Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis My name is Vicious. God-given name, I cross my heart. And it fits. I’m a hot-as-f, inked-up tattoo artist at the trendiest shop in the Rocky Mountains. I have the looks, I have the bike, I have the reputation.
That means I get the ladies.
Sure. There are lots of women out there who hate tattoos. Wouldn’t be caught dead with guys like me. And that’s fine. I’m not looking for girls like that. I’m looking for that other kind of girl. The wild one, the bad one, the crazy one. Funny thing is… the one I fell for isn’t that girl.
She’s the Good Girl.
And maybe back when she was nineteen I came off as a ‘maybe’, but after seven years of distance I am now the definition of ‘not a keeper’. But I can be a keeper. I can make the good girl swoon. I can be the dream guy she never saw coming.
If she would just… not press charges… I’m pretty sure I can turn this whole relationship around.
Vic Vaughn is Vicious is a bad-boy-trying-his best-to-win-her-back romantic comedy about a misunderstood tattoo-artist-biker called Vicious and a good girl named Daisy who ghosted him seven years ago after she came to her senses. It’s filled with funny twists, dreams of grandeur, and all seven members of the most inappropriate family in all of Colorado.
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Excerpt
“Wanna go out there?” he asks me.
I don’t know what to say. I mean, not particularly. I don’t want to go out there. I want to stay in here with him.
I want to study every inch of this room.
I want to know this man.
Turning away from the open doors, I shake my head a little and once again concentrate on all the things in this space that give away hints to who and what he is.
The bed is just a mattress set on top of stacks of wooden pallets. It’s not made. But that just makes it more interesting, not less. His sheets and pillowcases are light gray satin, but his comforter is a dark gray luxurious velvet. I can only imagine what it feels like to sleep in his bed with those two contrasting textures on either side of your body.
Then I picture what it would feel like to lie next to him in that bed. To be his.
I let out a breath and allow my eyes to wander up the wall where there are more framed pictures. Magazine covers. Tattoo magazine covers, specifically.
And his face.
Vic Vaughn is Vicious, the cover in the center reads.
He’s standing next to me and I cannot stop the quick rotation of my head in his direction as I realize just who I am with. “You’re… him.”
“Him?” He smiles coyly. Then he nods his chin at the magazine covers. “I’m him. Wanna run away now?”
I shake my head, then whisper, “Not a chance.”
He closes the short distance between us, slipping behind me. And when his lips lower down to the exposed skin on the back of my neck, I have to suck in a breath and try my best not to shiver. His fingertips slide up my arms and then he slips them back down, taking my coat along for the ride. I turn to face him just as he slips his jacket off too. Then he walks over to a large, open closet and hangs them both on wooden hangers.
I don’t know why this simple act makes me tingle all over, but it does.
And he knows it does. I can tell by the way he’s looking at me.
“How old are you?” I ask.
“Way too old for you. What about you? Wanna admit to it?”
Not sure if I do. But I say it anyway. “Nineteen. Do you want me to leave now?”
“I think I want you to stay forever.”
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Author J.A. Huss
About the Author JA Huss is the New York Times bestselling author of 321 and has been on the USA Today Bestseller’s list 21 times in the past five years. She writes characters with heart, plots with twists, and perfect endings.
Her new sexy sci-fi romance and paranormal romance pen name is KC Cross and she writes novels and teleplays collaboratively with actor and screenwriter, Johnathan McClain.
Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world, the audio version of her semi-autobiographical book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie Award in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Her audiobook, Mr. Perfect, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017. Her audiobook, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018. Five of her book were optioned for a TV series by MGM television in 2018. And her book, Total Exposure, was nominated for a RITA Award in 2019.
She lives on a ranch in Central Colorado with her family..
Welcome to the book blitz for RUINED SINNER, the fourth book in the adult contemporary romance series, Hellfire Club, by Becker Gray. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive teaser, and details on her giveaway.
RUINED SINNER (Hellfire Club Series #4) by Becker Gray
Synopsis It’s no secret that I hate Phineas Yates, but what most people don’t know is that I have a very good reason why. One hot summer, he broke my heart in the worst way, and I promised myself then and there that I would never fall prey to the sinner of Pembroke Prep again. Even if it meant re-inventing myself into a girl I barely recognized.
There is a fine line between duty and desire.
I’m not just any girl, I’m a princess. When my family begs me to get engaged to save the family name, I’m trapped with no way out. In a panic, I blurt out the ultimate lie and create myself a fake boyfriend. Which means I need someone to foot the bill immediately.
The problem? The only person willing to help me is the one person I never want to see again: the careless, heartless, hot-as-Hellfire playboy himself.
Phineas Yates.
The even bigger problem? His help doesn’t come for free. And this sinner won’t be satisfied with anything less than my absolute ruin.
Welcome to the blog tour for MEMENTO MORI, a standalone contemporary historical romance, by Jane Morris. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
MEMENTO MORI by Jane Morris
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: MEMENTO MORI Authors: Jane Morris Publisher: Truth Be Told Publishing Release Date: June 15, 2021 Genre: Adult Contemporary Historical Romance Links: Goodreads | Amazon| Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis A modern-day reimagining of the lives of the Pre-Raphaelite artists and the women they painted obsessively and fiercely loved. Beautiful and strong-willed Jane meets her match in enigmatic artist Gabriel.
He immediately challenges her assumptions about art, life, and love. And for Gabriel’s enormous ego, Jane represents an exhilarating yet exasperating game he refuses to lose. When Jane’s brilliant but naïve friend Lizzie insists on accepting Gabriel’s dinner invitation, they are swept into a circle of passionate artists who reside in an old Gothic mansion. Jane embarks on a life-changing journey of desire, romance, despair, and self-discovery as she becomes the muse for Gabriel and his friend and rival, Will.
A desperate inner battle wages within Jane, who is drawn in by Gabriel’s magnetic personality and gorgeous looks, yet equally as captivated by Will’s kind heart and steadfast devotion. Underneath an immersive and dramatic world is a deeper storyline, as Jane and Gabriel can’t fight the nagging feeling that they have done this all before.
Fates collide as lovers and friends become entangled in past, present, and future. An artistic, genre-crossing tale, Memento Mori will appeal to both history and romance lovers alike.
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Excerpt #1 I entered the house. It was dark and mostly quiet, but I could hear the noise from the party outside. I moved towards the kitchen, but someone grabbed my wrist and shoved me up against a wall. I screamed, but Gabriel looked into my eyes and put his finger to my lips to silence me.
“Jesus Christ! You scared the shit out of me!”
“Why are you playing games with me?” he said through gritted teeth. His face was so close I could smell the beer on his breath.
“What the fuck are you talking about? Let go of me!” He was still holding my wrist.
“Are you actually into him?” I kept squirming, and he grabbed my other wrist to get a better hold on me.
“Into who? Let me go!”
He leaned closer until his lips were an inch from mine. “I’m talking about Will! Are you actually interested in him?”
“Maybe! What the fuck do you care?”
“He’s a pussy.”
“He’s not a pussy. He’s a gentleman. You could learn a thing or two from him about how to treat women!”
“What I meant is that he’s not right for you.”
“Oh, and you are?” I tried to headbutt him, but he saw it coming and moved his head back without letting go of my wrists. “Yes,” he declared, then he put his face against my neck and inhaled deeply. The feeling of his breath on me sent waves of energy throughout my body. Then he whispered into my ear, “Maybe he’s a gentleman. But there’s one thing I know for sure. He can’t make you come like I can.”
I shivered, which was very irritating because I didn’t want him to know he was getting to me. He held my face. “Let me kiss you.” It was a command. He held his grip on my face as he leaned in and slowly ran his tongue between my lips. I instinctively opened my mouth, and we kissed fiercely. Our kissing styles were different, and we both struggled for control. I could feel that he wanted to dominate me, and maybe if I trusted him more, I would have given in. But instead, we battled each other with our tongues. Despite the combative feeling of it, it was the most electrifying kiss of my life. But a sense of dread crept into my chest, and I pulled back and shoved him away. He was breathing heavily and came back in for more. He almost touched his lips to mine, but I pushed him again.
“Come on,” he said, half-amused, half-annoyed. “I know you feel that connection between us. Stop fighting it.” He leaned in again, and I slapped him as hard as I could across the face. My ring caught his bottom lip, and I ripped it away. He slowly brought his hand up to his lip and swiped at it. He looked down at the blood on his hand with amusement and then bent towards me again. “Why? Why won’t you kiss me?” he demanded. I paused for a moment. “Because…” I slowly moved towards his face and looked directly into his eyes. “This is more fun.” Then I grinned and sauntered away.
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Author Jane Morris
About the Author Jane Morris is the bestselling author of four comedic memoirs about her teaching career. She has taught English for over 15 years in a major American city. This is her first novel. She received her B.A. in English and Secondary Education from a well-known university. She earned her M.A. in writing from an even fancier (more expensive) university. She loves dogs and trees and other things that can’t talk. She has a loving family and cares about making people laugh more than anything else.
Entangled Amara and USA Today bestselling author Eva Devon are revealing the cover to THE WEDDING WAGER, a standalone adult historical romance, releasing September 27, 2021. See below for the cover, information on the book, preorder links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
Synopsis
The Wedding Wager is the first of a fun new sexy historical romance series from USA Today bestselling author Eva Devon.
When a gambler wagers his grown daughter as the winner’s wife, a duke who has sworn off marriage is so disturbed by the bet that he ensures the woman’s safety by making certain he wins her.
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Author Eva Devon
About the Author USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, Eva Devon, was raised on literary fiction, but quite accidentally and thankfully, she was introduced to romance one Christmas by Johanna Lindsey’s Mallory novella, The Present. A romance addict was born. She devoured every single Lindsey novel within a few months and moved on to contemporary and paranormal with gusto. Now, she loves to write her own roguish dukes, alpha males and the heroines who tame them.
Welcome to the blog tour for HITCHED TO THE GUNSLINGER, a standalone adult historical romance, by USA Today bestselling author, Michelle McLean. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
Synopsis Gray “Quick Shot” Woodson is the fastest gun west of the Mississippi. Unfortunately, he’s ready to hang up his hat. Sure, being notorious has its perks. But the nomadic lifestyle—and people always tryin’ to kill you—gets old real fast.
Now he just wants to find a place to retire so he can spend his days the way the good Lord intended. Staring at the sunset. And napping.
When his stubborn horse drags him into a hole-in-the-wall town called Desolation, something about the place calls to Gray, and he figures he might actually have a shot at a sleepy retirement.
His optimism lasts about a minute and a half.
Soon he finds himself embroiled in a town vendetta and married to a woman named Mercy. Who, judging by her aggravating personality, doesn’t know the meaning of her own name. In fact, she’s downright impossible.
But dang it if his wife isn’t irresistible. If only she’d stop trying to steal his guns to go after the bad guys herself.
There goes his peace and quiet…
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Excerpt #3 That damn nuisance Josiah Banff was sitting like a general in the middle of Mercy’s yard, giving her some sort of ultimatum, Gray assumed. His voice was too low to make out everything he was saying, and Gray didn’t want to move closer so he could hear better. He could guess what the man was saying well enough. He’d met plenty of men like Josiah. Mercy, spitfire that she was, had no such issue with volume.
“I’ve told you a hundred times, Josiah Banff, my property is not for sale. And neither am I!”
She hitched the shotgun up on her shoulder a little higher. Good girl.
“You want it, you’ll have to pry it from my cold dead hands!” she shouted.
He shook his head. Not so good. Giving your enemy ideas is really not a great strategy.
“Suit yourself. We all have to live with the consequences of our choices, Miss Douglas,” Josiah said. “Have a pleasant morning.”
The sound of one lone horse riding off triggered a nagging feeling of foreboding in Gray’s gut. Men like Josiah rarely stuck around to do their own dirty work. So, if he was the only one leaving…things were about to get messy.
Gray squirmed in his chair. It had nothing to do with the strange and irritating desire that suddenly crawled through him to rush to Mercy’s aid. He just needed a cushion for his chair was all. Though, if ever a woman could manage to weasel her way past his carefully laid internal defenses it would probably be her. But she hadn’t. And wouldn’t. Because becoming embroiled in her life was not part of his plan. He just needed a better chair.
Though one could argue he was already embroiled in it, seeing as how they were publicly engaged and all. But that didn’t mean he had to put forth any undue effort. He was supposed to sit there and look pretty. Or scary. Or whatever.
He gave a long-suffering sigh. If he knew Mercy, and he was beginning to think he did, that woman was bound to make the situation worse. He was just about to stand up and see if she needed a hand when the first shot was fired.
Dammit. What did a man have to do to get a nap around here?
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Author Michelle McLean
About the Author USA Today bestselling author Michelle McLean is a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl who is addicted to chocolate and Goldfish crackers and spent most of her formative years with her nose in a book. She has degrees in history and English and is thrilled that she sort of gets to use them. Her novel Truly, Madly, Sweetly, written as Kira Archer, was adapted as a Hallmark Original movie in 2018.
When Michelle’s not working, reading, or chasing her kids around, she can usually be found baking, diamond painting, or trying to find free wall space upon which to hang her diamond paintings. She resides in PA with her husband and two teens, the world’s most spoiled dog, and a cat who absolutely rules the house. She also writes contemporary romance as Kira Archer.
Welcome to the blog tour for EYES OF THE FOREST, a standalone young adult mystery, by New York Times bestselling author, April Henry. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis
After a bestselling fantasy writer disappears, only his biggest fan believes he’s in danger. Instead of re-reading his books, she must venture into the real world to uncover the truth in this fast-paced mystery by New York Times-bestselling author April Henry. For readers of Courtney Summers and Karen McManus.
Bridget is RM Haldon’s biggest fan. She and her mom sought refuge in Haldron’s epic fantasy series Swords and Shadows while her mom was losing her battle with cancer. When Bridget met Haldon at one of his rare book signings, she impressed the author with her encyclopedic knowledge of the fantasy world he’d created. Bridget has been working for him ever since as he attempts to write the final book in his blockbuster sword and sorcery series. But Haldon has gone missing, and Bridget is the only person who seems concerned. Can Bridget piece together Haldon’s cryptic clues and save him before it’s too late?
Master mystery-writer April Henry weaves another heart-stopping young adult thriller in this story that seamlessly blends suspense with an exploration of fan culture.
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Excerpt #1 “I’ve seen you listening to your phone in other classes.” Ajay followed her to the big metal bowl of fruit. “I always thought it was music, but now I’m guessing it must have been a book. So what makes it worth getting your phone taken away?”
Inspecting an apple, Bridget tried to articulate her feelings. “First of all, it’s not just ‘a’ book. It’s a book by RM Haldon. All the books in the Swords and Shadows series are amazing. They’re filled with bravery, treachery and sacrifice.” She gestured at the florescent lights, the chipped linoleum floor, the hordes of students. “This is the boring real world, where Portland, Oregon and Portland, Maine are pretty much interchangeable. But in those books, there aren’t any high schools or WalMarts or Taco Tuesdays.”
“Hey, a lot of people like Taco Tuesdays,” Ajay objected, following Bridget to the cashier.
“And in those books you can never take anything for granted.” She handed the cashier her cafeteria card. “You know how if you watch a movie, there’s always certain characters you don’t really have to worry about?”
“Like the cute five-year-old who keeps saying surprisingly wise things?” Ajay offered. “But no matter how bad things get, that kid always survives the vampires or the earthquake or the serial killer or whatever.”
“Exactly.” Bridget picked up her tray. “In the Swords and Shadows series, a five-year-old could and maybe would die. And the reader might even have to watch.” She hesitated. Normally she sat on the edge of the cafeteria with a book, and Ajay sat in the middle, with friends.
“Want to eat outside?” he said. Now that the temperature was dropping, only a few people were sitting at the concrete benches and tables.
“Um, sure.” As they walked past his regular table, a couple of his friends nudged each other. He didn’t seem to notice. In the far corner, Derrick Dart was peering intently at his phone.
Outside, they found an empty table. Next to them, a couple was enthusiastically kissing. On the other side, a boy exhaled his vape smoke into his hoodie.
Ajay unzipped his backpack. “Okay, give me the basic run down of the plot.”
“For the whole series? That’s like explaining how the entire world works to an alien who just landed here.” But if anyone was up to the task, Bridget figured she was.
“Do the best you can.”
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Author April Henry
About the Author April Henry is the New York Times–bestselling author of many acclaimed mysteries for adults and young adults, including the YA novels The Girl in the White Van; Girl, Stolen; The Night She Disappeared; The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die; The Girl I Used to Be, which was nominated for an Edgar Award and won the Anthony Award for Best YA Mystery; Count All Her Bones; The Lonely Dead; Run, Hide, Fight Back; and The Body in the Woods and Blood Will Tell, the first two books in the Point Last Seen series. She lives in Oregon.
Welcome to the blog tour for WRITTEN FOR YOU, a standalone adult romantic comedy, by USA Today bestselling author, Robin Bielman. See below for information on the book, buy links, and an exclusive excerpt.
Synopsis Cam Radcliffe is on a deadline to write his next blockbuster action film, but all he can think about lately is writing romance. The inspiration? His best friend, Reese.
They’ve known each other for years, but suddenly working in the same office has given him a whole new appreciation of her. Reese is driving him wild in the best possible way, and Cam only hopes it isn’t obvious. If she knew, he’s certain their friendship would reach The End.
So, of course, Reese figures it out. But the awkward, negative response he expected is nothing like the reality—like they’re living their own romcom.
A romcom that’s giving him the worst case of writer’s block at the absolute worst time in his career. Especially when the secret Reese has been forced to keep comes out…and threatens to ruin everything.
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Excerpt #2 “Please tell me we’re going on the Swan boat.” The spring in her step told him she liked the idea.
“Okay, I won’t tell you.” The Swan pedal boats were a popular attraction, especially in the summer, and lucky for them his family owned one for spur-of-the-moment occasions like this. Typically, whenever Reese visited, they took a ride.
“Yes!” She swung their arms in joy, making him glad he’d brought her to the lake.
They bypassed the rental shack and walked down the dock to their boat. Cam grabbed the two life jackets tucked in the back behind the seats, handed one to Reese, and when they were both fitted for safety, they sat down.
He let her pedal first, picking up on her rhythm after a few cycles.
“Hold on!” She put her good hand around the steering handle between them and thrust it forward. The sudden force jerked the boat to the right.
“Easy, Nitro.” He covered her hand with his. “Remember you have to drag the handle slowly to turn.” He helped pull the handle back.
She looked down at his hand enveloping hers. “I didn’t forget how to do it, you know.”
“I know.”
Attraction crackled between them, the air around them full of electricity, like this time their hands were magnetized, reminding them of the pure enjoyment they gave each other. Only now it reached a new level. A level he didn’t think he could back away from. He rubbed his thumb across her fingers, hoping she felt the same flash of intensity he did. When—because at this point there was no more if—they got their hands on other parts of each other, he had no doubt the contact would change him forever.
The chemistry between them didn’t just flicker, it blazed.
They quietly tooled around the lake in perfect pedaling sync. Her ponytail swayed like she had a song in her head. And with a perpetual happy lean to her full lips, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. They’d pedaled together many times before, but as they’d already discovered, this summer was different.
“If you get tired pedaling, I can do it alone,” she teased, steering them toward the middle of the lake.
“Any pedaling you can do, I can do.”
“I could probably go all day,” she countered, her mood much better than it had been after hurting her finger.
“Me, too.” And then, because even without them touching anymore his body still burned for her, he added, “And not just in pedal boats.”
A sexy as hell flush crept up her neck. She batted her lashes. “Maybe I’ll let you prove that to me sometime.”
He was ready to turn their boat around and prove it to her right now. “It would be my pleasure.”
“And mine.” Her breathless tone had his pulse pounding.
“100 percent. Multiple times,” he promised.
Her teeth sank into her plush lower lip, drawing his eyes there. She stopped pedaling. Stopped steering. “We can’t let this go, can we? Not until we do something about it.”
He slid her ponytail over her shoulder. “I’ll follow your lead, Ree. This is your call.”
“I don’t want it to ruin our friendship.”
“Agree wholeheartedly. What if…”
“What if what?”
“We follow our attraction for the next week. See where it leads us. It doesn’t have to end with us in bed. Maybe it’s more kissing. Maybe it’s skinny-dipping. Whatever it is, we don’t question it. We go with whatever we’re feeling and at the end of the week we go back to being just friends.”
“You think we can do that?”
“Yes,” he said, looking her straight in the eyes. He’d do whatever it took to preserve their friendship.
She studied him. “Promise you won’t break my heart?”
“I promise. Promise you won’t break mine?” That was definitely the more likely scenario. He’d had these feelings for much longer than she had, and he decided that one week would be better than nothing.
“I promise.”
He leaned closer. Closer still. Giving her time to change her mind. To tell him kissing each other again would be too big a mistake.
A mistake that would feel so good.
She gravitated closer. Her lustrous blue-gray eyes dipped to his mouth, inviting, urging, solidifying her consent. “What are you waiting for?”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
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Author Robin Bielman
About the Author USA Today bestselling author Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her awesome family and her very cute dog, Harry. She writes both sweet and sexy contemporary romances with one goal in mind: to leave you with a smile on your face. When not attached to her laptop, she loves to read, go to the beach, and frequent coffee shops with friends. She also dreams of traveling to faraway places and loves to connect with readers. Keep in touch on social! Xoxo
Welcome to the blog tour for THE INN AT SUMMER ISLAND, a stand-alone adult contemporary romance, by Rachel Magee. See below for information on the book, buy links, and an exclusive excerpt.
Synopsis Millie Leclair is a mess, complete with a dead-end career and a flat-lining love life. So when she inherits her great aunt’s oceanfront B&B in a resort town in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, she doesn’t hesitate to pack up her car and set off on a new adventure. It’ll be fun.
Of course, life seldom goes according to plan. The B&B is barely habitable for one person, let alone ready to open for business. With dwindling funds, Millie has no choice but to roll up her sleeves and tackle the repairs by herself. Yeah, so much fun.
Ex-pro golfer Braxton Channing thought being a full-time single parent kept him on his toes. That was before he spotted his new neighbor teetering on her rooftop—which is only the beginning of her long list of renovations for the old house—and he added keeping her safe to his to-do list.
But Millie is determined to dive headfirst into repairs regardless of the risk, and suddenly, battling with his daughter over brushing her teeth seems easier than winning an argument with Millie. She’s exasperating. And oddly delightful. And most definitely shouldn’t be let anywhere near a tall ladder.
For a guy who’s sworn off romantic relationships, why does he suddenly want to be the one who gets the privilege of watching Millie conquer not just the B&B but his heart as well?
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Excerpt “Who’s ready to come inside and take a look at our new home?” she called out in a sing-song voice while distracted by the peeling wallpaper. She’d always loved the faint metallic gold pineapples on the soft yellow background. What were the chances she could find the same print to replace it?
Finally turning her attention to the door, she jumped. Because standing right next to Bear on her front porch was a gorgeous stranger with an amused smirk.
“Tempting offer, but I’ll take a rain check.” There was a friendly glint in his eyes and the sunlight danced off his neatly cropped dark blond hair. If these were the kind of ghosts hanging out in this haunted mansion, she was totally in.
“Sorry,” she said, looking around to where he might have come from. And how long had he been there? Surely, he didn’t see her not-so-graceful attempt at crawling through the window, right? “I didn’t know anyone was here.”
“I saw you pull in and wanted to stop by and say hello.”
“Oh, hi. We just arrived into town.” She motioned at the house behind her. “I inherited Seascape from my great-aunt, Mildred.”
The stranger nodded. “I heard about her passing. I’m sorry for your loss.” His gentle expression echoed the sympathy in his voice which touched Millie.
“Thanks.” She stuck out her hand. “I’m Millie by the way. Millie Leclair.”
He stepped forward and grasped her hand with his firm grip. “It’s nice to meet you, Millie Leclair.” He let go and scratched the dog behind the ears. “And who is this guy?”
“This is my dog, Bear.” Bear’s tail happily thumped against the ground.
“I’m Braxton.” His eyes sparkled in the sunlight. They were the exact same shade as the blue stripes on his pressed button-down shirt. Something about him looked vaguely familiar, and she racked her brain for some idea of how she might have known him. Before she could figure it out, he continued, “I live over there.”
Millie leaned out the front door to take a look at the house in question. Of course this perfectly put-together, semi-familiar, gorgeous man would live in the modern concrete and glass beauty she’d admired on the way in.
“Now I’ll know who’s around next time I need to borrow a cup of sugar.”
His brow furrowed in a sort of questioning look, but he recovered with a polite smile. “Right…Anyway, I wanted to say that we all want to see this property thrive in our neighborhood, so thank you for considering the—”
“Oh my gosh! You’re that golfer.” She’d recognized the camera-ready smile. “Braxton Channing.”
Braxton shifted, losing the smile and looking slightly uncomfortable. “Used to be.” He studied the ground for a second, then shook his head as if shaking away a thought. “I used to be a golfer. I’m still Braxton Channing.”
Used to be was a good description. A few years ago, he was the most well-known PGA golfer in the US. Even people like Millie who didn’t know much about golf had heard of him. He appeared on the scene at the age of twenty-four and took over, winning everything, and for the next five or so years the name Braxton Channing was synonymous with the PGA.
Being incredibly attractive probably aided in taking him from a golf superstar to a regular household celebrity. Everyone wanted to know more about the handsome athlete with the charming smile and the funny southern one-liners. Then about two years ago, he left the PGA, his face disappeared from the media, and the world stopped talking about Braxton Channing.
Except here he was, standing on her front porch, and she had to admit he was even more attractive in person than on the cover of People. A thrill jolted through her. She was living next door to a celebrity. Well, a used-to-be celebrity with some sort of mysterious disappearance from the public eye, but still.
“It’s nice to meet you, neighbor.” She started to ask him if he’d take a selfie with her but managed to stop herself before the words came out of her mouth. People who lived next door to celebrities probably didn’t ask for pictures or autographs. At least not until they’d had a full conversation first.
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Author Rachel Magee
About the Author Rachel wrote her first novel when she was twelve and entered it into a contest for young author/illustrators. Unfortunately, the judges weren’t impressed with her stick figures. So she dropped the dream of becoming a world famous illustrator and stuck to spinning stories.
When she’s not busy working on her latest book, she loves to travel with her family and friends. By far, her favorite destination is the beach, which tends to work its way into most of her stories. Between vacations, you can find her at home in The Woodlands, TX with her wonderful husband, their two adventurous kids and a couple of spirited pets, all of whom share Rachel’s love of the ocean. Well, except the cat and dog. They’re both afraid of water.
Find out more about what Rachel has been up to at rachelmageebooks.com.
Entangled Amara and author Nina Croft are revealing the cover to INSURRECTION, the third book in the adult science fiction/paranormal romance series, Dark Desires Origins, releasing September 13, 2021. See below for the cover, information on the book and series, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
INSURRECTION (Dark Desires Origins Series #3) by Nina Croft
About the Book Title: INSURRECTION Series: Dark Desires Origins Series #3 Author: Nina Croft Publisher: Entangled Amara Release Date: September 13, 2021 Genre: Adult Science Fiction/Paranormal Romance Links: Goodreads
Synopsis
Don’t miss the thrilling conclusion of what led to the beginning…
Insurrection, the third installment of Nina Croft’s Dark Desires Origins series, answers the final question of how it all began. When a demon from Earth falls for a woman on the other side of the galaxy, they must make the impossible choice between doing what’s right and doing what’s necessary. Light meets dark, good meets evil…and love hurts like Hell.
About the Author Growing up in the cold, wet, north of England, Nina Croft spent a lot of time dreaming of faraway sunnier places and ponies. When she discovered both, along with a whole load of other things, could be found between the covers of a book, her life changed forever.
Later, she headed south, picked up the perfect husband along the way, and together they volunteered to work in Africa. There they discovered a love of exotic places and a dislike of 9-5 work. Afterward they spent a number of years travelling (whenever possible) intermingled with working (whenever necessary.) Eventually they stumbled upon a remote area in the mountains of southern Spain and the small almond farm they now call home.
Nina spends her days reading, writing and riding her mare, Gencianna, under the blue Spanish skies–sunshine and ponies. She reckons this is proof that dreams really can come true if you want them enough.
Nina’s writing mixes romance with elements of the paranormal and science fiction. If you’d like to find out about new releases then sign up for my Newsletter at: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/d8y0v7.
Today is release day for THE INN AT SUMMER ISLAND, a stand-alone adult contemporary romance, bu Rachel Magee. See below for information on the book, buy links, and an exclusive excerpt.
Synopsis Millie Leclair is a mess, complete with a dead-end career and a flat-lining love life. So when she inherits her great aunt’s oceanfront B&B in a resort town in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, she doesn’t hesitate to pack up her car and set off on a new adventure. It’ll be fun.
Of course, life seldom goes according to plan. The B&B is barely habitable for one person, let alone ready to open for business. With dwindling funds, Millie has no choice but to roll up her sleeves and tackle the repairs by herself. Yeah, so much fun.
Ex-pro golfer Braxton Channing thought being a full-time single parent kept him on his toes. That was before he spotted his new neighbor teetering on her rooftop—which is only the beginning of her long list of renovations for the old house—and he added keeping her safe to his to-do list.
But Millie is determined to dive headfirst into repairs regardless of the risk, and suddenly, battling with his daughter over brushing her teeth seems easier than winning an argument with Millie. She’s exasperating. And oddly delightful. And most definitely shouldn’t be let anywhere near a tall ladder.
For a guy who’s sworn off romantic relationships, why does he suddenly want to be the one who gets the privilege of watching Millie conquer not just the B&B but his heart as well?
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Excerpt “She’s a bit of a mess right now, but the plan is to restore her to her former glory,” she said, adding mildew check to the ever-growing fix-it list. “I guess we won’t be taking guests yet, but before the summer is over, she’ll be the thriving inn she once was.”
“Inn?”
Millie turned to him. “Yeah. I’ll probably run it more like a bed and breakfast than an inn. My aunt never really liked the B&B title because she—”
“You’re not selling?” Braxton cut her off, his eyebrows knitted together.
“Selling?” The question caught her off guard. “Of course I’m not selling Seascape. Why would I want to sell something that’s been in my family for generations?”
“You live in Chicago, so I guess we all assumed…” He let his voice trail off.
“I used to live in Chicago.” She tried to sound patient, but why was she having to explain herself to this man? “Now I live here at 121 East Shore Drive where I’ll be running Seascape Inn.” She didn’t want to be rude to her new neighbor on her first day in the neighborhood, but she couldn’t help the hint of bite behind the words.
“Huh.” Braxton said as he looked past her, his eyes sweeping across the front of the house. “You realize you can’t turn this property into any sort of hotel, right? Using it for commercial business is against Oceanside Estates HOA regulations.”
Her new neighbor might have once been known as America’s most charming bachelor, but he was starting to get on her nerves. “I’m not turning it into a hotel. It is a hotel. Since it was built in the fifties, Seascape Inn has been a commercial business. This isn’t something new.”
“Perhaps in the past. But it’s been vacant for a while.” His gaze returned to her, no longer sparkling and friendly. “I can tell you with good authority that the current HOA rules are very clear. No businesses. Especially hotels.”
“How can you make a rule prohibiting something that is already here?” She’d quit her whole life in Chicago and moved here to start over, to have the sort of life she dreamed about as a kid when she spent her summers here with her aunt. Reviving Seascape and running the inn wasn’t just going to be her livelihood, it was a chance to keep her family’s legacy alive.
Sensing her growing frustration, Bear abandoned his spot next to their new neighbor and sat next to Millie, his ears perked on full alert.
Braxton offered another polite smile. She was growing to hate them. “I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the rules were designed to benefit everyone in the community.”
Millie crossed her arms in front of her chest, defiance swelling insider her. “Well, I’m part of the community now, and I’m meeting with my lawyer later today. We’ll see what he has to say about this.”
It sounded a bit like ‘I’m telling my mom on you,’ but it was the best she could come up with after all the surprises she’d dealt with today.
“I always find a lawyer’s opinion helpful.” There was a bit of snark in his voice that only made the fire in her belly burn brighter. “And if you need any further clarification or want to file a complaint, you’re always welcome to attend one of the HOA general meetings.”
Braxton backed down the steps to where his slick, new sports car sat on the crumbling and cracked driveway. He had gone from handsome celebrity to uptight know-it-all faster than that car went from zero to sixty.
“Great,” Millie called out after him. “I’ll be there.”
He hesitated as he opened the door. “Then I’ll see you there.” He offered her one of his Braxton Channing famous grins, just as empty as his polite smiles. “And since you’re moving in, I guess I should say welcome to the neighborhood.” He slid into the driver’s seat and the engine purred to life.
She stood there with her arms crossed in front of her chest and glared until his car pulled down and through the rusted gate to turn onto the street.
“I’m glad we didn’t ask him for a picture,” she said to Bear. “It would’ve ruined our Instagram feed. And if I need a cup of sugar, I am not going to ask him for it.”
Bear’s tail wagged in what she assumed was agreement.
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Author Rachel Magee
About the Author Rachel wrote her first novel when she was twelve and entered it into a contest for young author/illustrators. Unfortunately, the judges weren’t impressed with her stick figures. So she dropped the dream of becoming a world famous illustrator and stuck to spinning stories.
When she’s not busy working on her latest book, she loves to travel with her family and friends. By far, her favorite destination is the beach, which tends to work its way into most of her stories. Between vacations, you can find her at home in The Woodlands, TX with her wonderful husband, their two adventurous kids and a couple of spirited pets, all of whom share Rachel’s love of the ocean. Well, except the cat and dog. They’re both afraid of water.
Find out more about what Rachel has been up to at rachelmageebooks.com.
Welcome to the release blitz for WRITTEN FOR YOU, a standalone adult romantic comedy, by USA Today bestselling author, Rachel Bielman. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis Cam Radcliffe is on a deadline to write his next blockbuster action film, but all he can think about lately is writing romance. The inspiration? His best friend, Reese.
They’ve known each other for years, but suddenly working in the same office has given him a whole new appreciation of her. Reese is driving him wild in the best possible way, and Cam only hopes it isn’t obvious. If she knew, he’s certain their friendship would reach The End.
So, of course, Reese figures it out. But the awkward, negative response he expected is nothing like the reality—like they’re living their own romcom.
A romcom that’s giving him the worst case of writer’s block at the absolute worst time in his career. Especially when the secret Reese has been forced to keep comes out…and threatens to ruin everything.
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Excerpt She didn’t push him away.
Or seal her lips together in shock.
She didn’t shout “What the hell are you doing?” Or knee him in the groin.
No.
She took. And then she gave back. Fisting her hands in his shirt. Moving her luscious mouth against his. Letting him sweep his tongue inside with barely a coax.
Jesus, she tasted good. Like cupcakes and sunshine. Like nothing he’d ever tasted before, her lips so soft and arousing, and pliable, that this had to be a slice of heaven.
His body wanted more. Wanted everything.
He abruptly pulled back. Took a step waayy back. He’d not asked for permission. Or inched his way closer so she had time to retreat. He’d been so overcome with desire for her—for gorgeous and cheerful Reese—that he hadn’t given a second thought to crushing his mouth to hers.
“Shit. I’m sorry,” he said, noting a well-kissed Reese was even more beautiful. He stifled a groan. “I don’t know what came over me.” Except I’ve been craving your mouth for months.
She blinked, stunned or swept away or pissed at him, he wasn’t sure.
“I got caught up in the moment. It won’t happen again.”
She covered her mouth with her hand. Stayed silent. Time slowed.
“Please say something. Tell me I didn’t just ruin us.” His heart beat an unsteady rhythm and his cheeks burned hot with shame.
“It won’t?” she asked softly.
“Was that a question or a statement? I couldn’t tell.” He swallowed thickly, shifted from foot to foot. “I’m being tortured here, Reese.”
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Author Rachel Bielman
About the Author USA Today bestselling author Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her awesome family and her very cute dog, Harry. She writes both sweet and sexy contemporary romances with one goal in mind: to leave you with a smile on your face. When not attached to her laptop, she loves to read, go to the beach, and frequent coffee shops with friends. She also dreams of traveling to faraway places and loves to connect with readers. Keep in touch on social! Xoxo
Welcome to the blog tour for BABY BLUE, the second standalone book in the the historical romance series, Corrington Brothers, by Leesa Wright. See below for information on the book and series, preorder links, an exclusive excerpt, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
BABY BLUE (Corrington Brothers Series #2) by Leesa Wright
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: BABY BLUE Series: Corrington Brothers Series, #2 Author: Leesa Wright Release Date: August 1y, 2021
Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Links: Goodreads | Amazon| Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis The saga of the Corrington brothers continues from the heart of San Francisco to Woodstock. Baby Blue takes the reader from the hippy movement through the post-war trials of returning Vietnam veterans.
Captain Donall Corrington: A Naval fighter pilot recovering from the physical and mental wounds from his time as a prisoner of war. Sitting on the dock of the bay, Donall meets Anablue Baker: A quirky flower child, alone and lost in the world. The Daughter of a vengeful admiral who has no problem using her for his gain. Anablue grieves for her twin brother lost to the horrors of war. Torn from the arms of the man she loves, terrified for her life, and to save her lover, Anablue flees to face her future on the run.
Captivated by her sky-blue eyes, nothing will stop Donall from righting the wrong of forbidden love. Returning to his arms the one woman he’s waited a lifetime to find.
Leesa Wright has again brought her love of history to life in this new 20th Century Historical Fiction Romance. Baby Blue is available now.
Come and be swept up in this romantic saga set amidst the tumultuous sixties. When a nation at war cries for peace and star-crossed lovers go on the adventure of a lifetime.
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Excerpt “L Ü’â get out of here. That’s the second time some strange guy walking by has sneered at me,” Elijah said.
“You’ve got military written all over you. We both know they are not nice to our returning troops,” Elyse said, a shimmer of tears in her eyes.
“Yeah,” Elijah gruffly replied. “Any little piss-ant that spits at me will find himself pounded into a puddle.”
Concern in her eyes, “Elijah. Please. They have no clue what our troops go through.”
Elijah nodded his head. “Lets’ go before Bunker falls asleep.”
“Yes, I need to get to class,” Elyse replied.
“Be careful driving home afterward, brat. It’s a long drive.” “I’m sorry you have to adjust your schedule and drive down here so often,” Elyse said.
“Don’t be silly. This is what we both wanted,” Elijah replied.
Kissing his wife goodbye, Elijah watched the swing of Elyse’s hips as she walked down the sidewalk toward the dance studio a few blocks away. Looking at Bunker. “Let’s go pick up your hot mama’s birthday present, then go get some sheet music.”
A plain young woman named Kim was at the cash register as Elijah went into the bookstore. He asked for his French poetry book on order. She called down an aisle to a co-worker, asking where the copy had been placed. Another youthful- sounding woman called back; it was under the register. Paying for his book, he left and headed up the street to the music store.
Once inside the store, Elijah headed for the sheet music section. Flipping through the composers, not looking for anything in particular. An aroma drifted up, and he looked down at Bunker. “Oh no, not here, buddy.” Pulling back the diaper so he could peek inside. Coughing and gagging, he looked around for the head. He didn’t see it, so he went up front. A hippy worked the register, his shoulder-length long brown hair swinging back and forth as he moved his arms to clear the air.
“Dude, your kid stinks,” the hippy said. “Where’s the head?” Elijah asked.
Confused. “What’s a head?” the hippy asked. “The men’s room,” Elijah growled.
“Oh, go through those double doors in the back, the last door on the left.”
Elijah pushed the stroller into the head. Lifting Bunker out of the stroller, holding the baby up. “Next time, save it for mama. And that’s an order.” The baby gurgled and laughed, flopping his chubby little arms while kicking his feet.
“Just so you know. A full diaper is considered insubordination,” Elijah said, smiling as he looked into his son’s amethyst- colored eyes. Looking at the black curls covering Bunkers head.
“You need a haircut soon. But first, let’s figure out how to clean you up.”
He stripped the baby’s cloth diaper and plastic pants off, throwing them both in the trash.
He miraculously cleaned and diapered the tiny tot, lathering him with diaper cream. Holding the baby up. “I have had hundreds of troops under my command. Crawled through mud and swill, I’ve been waist-deep in a leech-filled swamp and lived through the worst possible conditions. And none of those experiences come in any way close to the mess you just made.” The baby gave him a sweet half-smile, and Elijah’s heart melted as it had a thousand times before. “You have your mama’s guilty as charged smile.”
About the Author Leesa makes her home in the Twin Cities metro area with her husband and her two dogs Rosie and Jax.
When she isn’t writing she enjoys gardening, painting, and reading romance novels. She and her husband also enjoy movies, traveling, and entertaining their two grown children along with several beautiful grandchildren.
Leesa’s favorite romance authors are Kathleen Woodwiss, Christine Feehan, and Johanna Lindsey.
The book’s inspiration came one night from a dream about the characters, a song, and the story around them.
Synopsis A young witch tries to unravel the mystery of who is framing her for dark magic in Georgia Bowers’ creepy YA debut fantasy, Mark of the Wicked.
Magic always leaves its mark.
All her life, Matilda has been told one thing about her magic: You use only when necessary. But Matilda isn’t interested in being a good witch. She wants revenge and popularity, and to live her life free of consequences, free of the scars that dark magic leaves on her face as a reminder of her misdeeds.
When a spell goes awry and the new boy at school catches her in the act, Matilda thinks her secret might be out. But far from being afraid, Oliver already knows about her magic – and he wants to learn more. As Oliver and Matilda grow closer, bizarre things begin to happen: Animals show up with their throats slashed and odd markings carved into their bodies, a young girl dies mysteriously, and everyone blames Matilda. But she isn’t responsible — at least, not that she can remember. As her magic begins to spin out of control, Matilda must decide for herself what makes a good witch, and discover the truth…before anyone else turns up dead.
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My Review I was in the mood for something different, and DAGGER HILL delivered! Set in 1989, before everyone had a smartphone, four friends hang out during their summer before senior year, each dealing with different issues associated with coming of age, when the world as they know it comes crashing down around them in the form of a military plane. Before the plane crashes into Dagger Hill, the kids see someone parachuting out of it. And Gabe sees someone in a gas mask pick up and carry their injured friend, Kimberly, to safety. At least that’s what he thinks. Until the army begins to interview them and they realize something more is going on, and no one knows where Kimberly is. Or the man in the “bug” mask.
Plot The story is gripping from early on and never lets go. The author uses a fun method for his storytelling — a combination of first person, newspaper articles, third-person, and interviews to bring his tale to life. It makes each chapter different from the last and helps reveal the information to the reader in a unique way. The plot unfolds at a steady pace with lots of twists and turns.
The Characters The characters are awesome. Each of the main characters, Gabe, Sonya, Charlie, and Kimberly, are complex, with secrets, worries, and problems of their own as they try to hold onto childhood for one more summer. The adults, from Gabe’s police chief dad to Sonya’s scientist dad, to the army officials and doctors, are just as varied and complex as the main characters, making this more than just a plot driven tale.
Top Five Things I Loved About DAGGER HILL 1. Pacing. The story MOVES. But at the right pace. I stayed up late devouring the story but without becoming overwhelmed. It was perfect.
2. Setting. I love both the small town and the era it was set in. It feels modern, but without all the high-tech stuff that can interfere with a good thriller. Plus the music and movie references were a fun blast from the past.
3. Characters. While this is primarily a plot-driven tale, the character development is off-the-charts good and will stay with me for a long time.
4. Twists. So many good twists that left my jaw hanging open.
5. Storytelling. I love the way the author unfolds his tale using different techniques for a unique approach to a really unique story.
Bottom Line Fabulous, fun, un-put-downable read!
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
About the Author Devon Taylor was born in Las Vegas, Nevada and currently lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and two daughters. His day job consists of sneaking around the house with ninja-like stealth to avoid waking up his kids. When not writing, reading, or tediously typing out text messages with all the correct spelling and punctuation, he spends his time with his family. THE SOUL KEEPERS is his debut novel.
Welcome to the pre-release blog tour for WRITTEN FOR YOU, a standalone adult romantic comedy, by USA Today bestselling author, Rachel Bielman, releasing August 23, 2021. See below for information on the book, preorder links, an exclusive excerpt, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
Synopsis Cam Radcliffe is on a deadline to write his next blockbuster action film, but all he can think about lately is writing romance. The inspiration? His best friend, Reese.
They’ve known each other for years, but suddenly working in the same office has given him a whole new appreciation of her. Reese is driving him wild in the best possible way, and Cam only hopes it isn’t obvious. If she knew, he’s certain their friendship would reach The End.
So, of course, Reese figures it out. But the awkward, negative response he expected is nothing like the reality—like they’re living their own romcom.
A romcom that’s giving him the worst case of writer’s block at the absolute worst time in his career. Especially when the secret Reese has been forced to keep comes out…and threatens to ruin everything.
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Excerpt The pool came into view, along with the backside of a woman standing near the edge. She wore a slip of a dress over her toned body. Her auburn hair fell in loose waves to the middle of her back. She appeared to be staring at the water with her arms wrapped around herself.
Beautiful.
Alluring.
His breath caught before he reminded himself Reese was one of his best friends and he’d never do anything to mess that up. His brothers would kick his ass right now if they knew the thoughts running through his head.
He didn’t exactly sneak up behind her—okay, he did—and so when she suddenly turned in surprise and grabbed the front of his T-shirt to keep from losing her balance, he should have been prepared to steady her. Instead, she shrieked in alarm, tugged hard enough on the thin cotton material of his shirt to rip it, and the two of them tumbled into the pool with a splash.
Not his finest moment. Not by a long shot. At least the water was warm.
They surfaced at the same time, his first thought to help her get a hand on the side of the pool since they’d fallen into the deep end. He also readied himself for her wrath, an apology all set on his tongue.
Instead, she gripped the edge of the tile with one hand, swept the hair off her face with the other, and cracked up.
She had a nice laugh.
The kind that had him forgetting apologies and enjoying the moment with her.
“Cam!” she finally said. “What the heck was that?”
For a moment, he was completely distracted by her full lips, almond shaped eyes, flawless skin.
“Surprise,” he offered, hoping he sounded contrite.
She gave him a playful splash. “Duh. And I guess I surprised you, too.”
“Yeah, thanks a lot for driving with me,” he teased. “I didn’t think you were coming up until Founder’s Day weekend.” Reese and her parents were planning a visit to celebrate the centennial milestone.
“Shay has me reading a gazillion scripts and at the last minute suggested I take time out of the office to do it so I’m not distracted.”
“A gazillion, huh?”
She rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean. A ton. So here I am! You know you’re happy to see me.”
He edged closer, an involuntary reaction he didn’t try to fight. “Here you are.” He had a feeling there was more to the story, but he didn’t press. He was tired. Hungry. And truth be told, more than happy to see her.
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Author Rachel Bielman
About the Author USA Today bestselling author Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her awesome family and her very cute dog, Harry. She writes both sweet and sexy contemporary romances with one goal in mind: to leave you with a smile on your face. When not attached to her laptop, she loves to read, go to the beach, and frequent coffee shops with friends. She also dreams of traveling to faraway places and loves to connect with readers. Keep in touch on social! Xoxo
Welcome to the book blitz for A BREATH OF SUNLIGHT, the first book in the adult fantasy romance series, Sunlight and Shadows, by Sydney Winward. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
A BREATH OF SUNLIGHT (Sunlight and Shadows Series #1) by Sydney Winward
Synopsis Don’t show compassion for men. Never save a man’s life. And no matter what, never fall in love with someone you must ultimately kill. But some rules are meant to be broken, even if it means risking your life by betraying your valkyrie sisters.
The plan was simple—attack the Pits, kill the male slaves, save the women. But when Skaja runs into a fae man she can’t kill, she instead breaks all the rules to save him.
Prince Calle was sold into slavery by his jealous brother, and he would do anything to taste freedom again, even put his trust in a dangerous valkyrie. To protect his people and gain the throne, he and Skaja must trust each other. But neither of them expected trust to turn into something more, and the cost of love has a much steeper price than either of them anticipated.
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Excerpt #3 A wide stretch of muddied water slithered across the road ahead, and he released a weary sigh. His body wanted to collapse and sleep for a few years rather than finish the journey to meet his trusted family friend. His determination and need for survival were the only things that fueled him and kept him going forward.
But he wasn’t sure how much more he could endure.
He took one careful step and used a rock as a foothold, and then another step on a patch of muddy grass. On the next step, his foot slipped, and instead of catching himself with his left hand, he shifted his body at the last second, so his shoulder took the brunt of the fall.
Half his body lay soaked and muddied, and he wanted to lie there and rest despite the fast-approaching evening and the dangers lurking within the woods. He cursed his weak body. Six years ago, he would have made this journey easily. But now it felt as if he were crossing oceans rather than journeying to a nearby town.
“Get up.” Skaja’s voice broke through his haze of exhaustion.
The long stretch of clouds above shifted to allow the sunlight to break through. The rays stroked his skin, but it wasn’t enough to give him the energy he needed to continue forward. If he just had his magic…
She grabbed his chin, and he wearily opened his eyes to meet her brown gaze. Pretty eyes. Brown with flecks of gold to match her hair and wings.
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Author Sydney Winward
About the Author Sydney Winward is a fantasy and paranormal romance author who dabbles in the occasional historical fiction. She loves building complex worlds filled with magic, strong characters, and emotional stories that can make you laugh and cry.
Sydney is the author of The Bloodborn Series, and when she’s not writing, she’s reading, thinking about stories, or going on adventures with her children. She lives in Utah with her husband, two amazing kids, and one stubborn fish.
Welcome to the pre-release blog tour for HITCHED TO THE GUNSLINGER, a standalone adult historical romance, by USA Today bestselling author, Michelle McLean, releasing August 24, 2021. See below for information on the book, preorder links, an exclusive excerpt, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
Synopsis Gray “Quick Shot” Woodson is the fastest gun west of the Mississippi. Unfortunately, he’s ready to hang up his hat. Sure, being notorious has its perks. But the nomadic lifestyle—and people always tryin’ to kill you—gets old real fast.
Now he just wants to find a place to retire so he can spend his days the way the good Lord intended. Staring at the sunset. And napping.
When his stubborn horse drags him into a hole-in-the-wall town called Desolation, something about the place calls to Gray, and he figures he might actually have a shot at a sleepy retirement.
His optimism lasts about a minute and a half.
Soon he finds himself embroiled in a town vendetta and married to a woman named Mercy. Who, judging by her aggravating personality, doesn’t know the meaning of her own name. In fact, she’s downright impossible.
But dang it if his wife isn’t irresistible. If only she’d stop trying to steal his guns to go after the bad guys herself.
There goes his peace and quiet…
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Excerpt Jason, who had been watching them, his head swiveling back and forth like an inebriated owl, just smiled and crammed more biscuit into his mouth.
“Where are your guns?” he asked, motioning to Gray’s empty holsters.
He’d stashed the guns again once they’d returned home, to keep them all safe from Mercy, though he’d kept the holsters on. More out of habit than anything. It was bad enough not having the weight of the guns against his hips. The holsters were going to stay where they were for the time being.
Mercy snickered. “They’re stashed in the flour drawer.”
“Dammit,” Gray said, shoving himself out of his chair to go retrieve them. Now he’d have to find a new hiding spot. Not that the flour drawer had been ideal, seeing as how she dipped into it often. He held them up and grimaced. Not to mention the fact that they were now coated with flour and would have to be cleaned.
When he returned, Mercy was explaining why he kept hiding his guns.
“So, you won’t teach her either?” Jason asked. “At least now I know it’s not something personal against me.”
Gray scowled. “No, it’s very personal against you.”
Jason waved him off and took another gulp of his apple cider.
Gray slumped into his chair and watched him. “Why do you want to be a gunfighter, anyway? It’s not some noble profession.”
“That depends on your definition of noble,” Jason said.
“Your mother sure as hell won’t be proud of you for it.”
Jason shrugged. “My mother died when I was ten, and frankly, she’d just be happy to see me safe and making a decent living.”
“You have an interesting understanding of the words safe and decent.” Gray’s eyes narrowed. Sunshine was certainly a stubborn bastard. “You got lawmen constantly on your tail.”
Jason shook his head. “You’ve used that one before, but I’ve been following you for weeks and I haven’t seen one lawman after you. And you certainly don’t seem overly concerned about running into one. Especially considering your current arrangement,” he said with a wink at Mercy.
Gray shrugged. “That’s because I never start the fight. You never start the fight, it’s self-defense. Not my fault, so there’s nothing to charge.”
“Interesting,” said Jason. “See, I’m learning so much from you already. Imagine what I could learn if you were actually trying to teach me something. Don’t start the fight. Got it.”
“No, that’s not… You can’t just…”
Jason and Mercy both watched him with quizzical expressions, and he threw his hands up.
“You two… You just…” He growled in frustration, jumping up so fast his chair squeaked against the wooden floor, and marched out the door. He needed a break.
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Author Michelle McLean
About the Author USA Today bestselling author Michelle McLean is a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl who is addicted to chocolate and Goldfish crackers and spent most of her formative years with her nose in a book. She has degrees in history and English and is thrilled that she sort of gets to use them. Her novel Truly, Madly, Sweetly, written as Kira Archer, was adapted as a Hallmark Original movie in 2018.
When Michelle’s not working, reading, or chasing her kids around, she can usually be found baking, diamond painting, or trying to find free wall space upon which to hang her diamond paintings. She resides in PA with her husband and two teens, the world’s most spoiled dog, and a cat who absolutely rules the house. She also writes contemporary romance as Kira Archer.
Today is release day for ROB STARR, a standalone young adult contemporary romance, by J.A. Howard. See below for information on the book, buy links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
Synopsis
How far would you go to get the guy everyone wants?
Rob Starr (sigh) was out of Mia Morgan’s league. Of course, she had a crush on him. Everyone did. But in her case, it would just be way too weird to admit that. For starters, their moms were best friends and Mia had known Rob since she was five. But while Mia was now a demi-geek with relentlessly frizzy hair, Rob had become a demi-god and Ellsworth High’s basketball superstar. Besides, he’d been going out with the totally perfect Chloe Olsen since, like, forever.
But one October afternoon, a terrible accident changes everything. Suddenly, Mia and Rob are living in the same house and spending a lot of time alone together.
Soon, Mia’s world was different in ways she never thought possible: new clothes, new friends, and an incredibly hot boyfriend. But was any of it real? Would any of it last? And did getting everything she thought she ever wanted mean giving up who she really was?
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Author J.A. Howard
About the Author J. A. Howard is an author, business executive, and podcaster in New York. As the mother of two daughters, Howard is focused on the healthy development and empowerment of women in all of her work. The Third Coin, her first novel, aims to encourage sisterhood, compassion, and leadership among middle-grade girls.
Howard is also a podcaster. Her podcast, Sisters Cracking Up, (sisterscrackingup.com) which she does with her real-life sister, psychotherapist Abby Rodman, is focused on women in midlife; what’s “cracking them” and what’s cracking them up. On it, they talk openly and honestly about social and psychological topics that really matter like relationships, careers, aging beauty, stress, sex, health, and mental health.
As well as being a writer and podcaster, Howard is a beauty executive and consultant with more than 20 years of experience working in Marketing, Innovation, and Strategy for some of the world’s most loved and respected brands including Clinique, Estee Lauder, Bath and Body Works, MAC and more.
Welcome to the book blitz for TEMPEST, the first book in the young adult fantasy romance series, The Veil Chronicles, by C.J. Campbell, releasing August 31, 2021. See below for information on the book, preorder links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
TEMPEST (The Veil Chronicles #1) by C.J. Campbell
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: TEMPEST Series: The Veil Chronicles #1 Author: C.J. Campbell Publisher: Iron Herring Release Date: August 31, 2021 Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Romance Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis To unearth the truth, she must embrace the legend within.
For eighteen-year-old Lexi, freedom is a luxury. She’s spent her life evading capture for a genetic gift that feels more like a curse. Her bulletproof immunity and monstrous disfigurement is of great interest to a secret organization, but they aren’t the only ones. A cryptic tip alerts Lexi that something else hunts her–something darker.
Desperate to enjoy her life before it’s too late, Lexi leaves the protective cocoon her parents created for her and signs up for art classes at her local college. There she meets Conner, who is confined to a wheelchair, and they become friends who are willing to share each other’s secrets. But a chance encounter with Connor’s foster brother Killian changes everything.
Killian shares the same mysterious secret within his blood as Lexi. Their fateful meeting sets off a chain reaction of catastrophic events that exposes the terrifying truth–Lexi is a celestial queen of a bygone race. Connor is their last royal heir, and Killian is a half-breed abomination hated for his very existence. With Connor kidnapped by an ancient god determined to rid the world of the stain of humanity, Lexi and Killian find themselves under the protection of the secretive Order of Kings.
Lexi believes she’s been thrown into a world of myths and legends, but things are not as they seem. Lexi becomes convinced the Order is keeping dangerous secrets that threaten not just her but all of mankind.
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Excerpt #2 A sound like a cannon boom follows.
The house rattles.
I jump and spin to face the window. A thrill of fear races up my spine. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
“Scared of a little thunder and lightning?” Connor cocks a brow.
“No.” I wring my sweaty palms. “It just caught me off guard.”
Connor sniggers as his fingers brush the keys. A whisper of notes lull together, an eerie contrast to the brattle. But I can’t focus on the music. Something doesn’t feel right. Shadows loom on the lake from beyond the window. A familiar fear snakes its way into my heart, and I start to tremble. A memory of a shadow in the garden enters my mind, and with it, the whisper of other shadows and memories that’ve long evaded me. It’s like my heart remembers something my head forgot. Whatever it is, I now understand the fear etched in my parent’s faces. It isn’t a good feeling.
Another strike of lightening and a bang of thunder sounds. I step closer to Connor. My fingers dig into the back of his wheelchair. He plays on, not even noticing that I don’t follow his soft, melodious tune.
Killian appears on the other side of the room. His eyes wide and focused on the lake beyond the glass. He starts to walk toward me. He opens his mouth, but before he speaks, an impatient tapping echoes. I twist in its direction. It’s the front door.
“Dang, that’ll be the pizza delivery guy,” Connor says and ceases his playing. “Guess my one-man concert will continue after dinner.”
I don’t answer, I just watch Killian. He frowns, following the direction of the sound too. Nothing about his manner comforts me.
More tapping.
“Dad!” Connor throws both arms up in exasperation and starts to swivel the wheels of his chair. “Dad, get the door. We’re starving.”
“It’s okay, I’ve got it,” my mother’s voice calls.
“Mother.” I breathe her name and notice the urgency in Killian’s face. He doesn’t need to say another word. “No! Stop!”
Both Killian and I move in tandem. I’m faster though, as I race the length of the conservatory, back through the lounge and aim for the entrance hall.
Mother pauses, palm reaching for the door handle, when she stops to glance toward me. She frowns. I open my mouth to warn her, but father shouts something that distracts her, and she turns away, putting her back to the door.
The lock clicks, and cold air blasts into the front hall.
The room turns blue with another crack of lightening. I lift my arm to cover my eyes.
“Lexi!” Mother screams.
“Mother?” I try to blink vision back into my eyes.
A howl answers. A horrible, bone-shattering, menacing, wrong sound. Like a wolf’s cry, but guttural—wrong—monstrous.
More screams.
My eyes refocus.
There, in the doorway, Mother stares at me, clutching a length of metal skewering her blood-soaked belly—a sword, not dissimilar from the ones my father owns.
Crimson spouts from her lips.
Frozen in fear, I watch as Mother’s body slips off the blade, like hot butter falling off a knife. With a deafening thud, she hits the ground.
The creature wielding the bloody sword howls again. A long-limbed humanoid with gray skin and a dark, tattered hood.
My eyes fall back to Mother. I can’t look away. My heart is dying—it aches with each beat, threatening to give out.
My knees buckle. I brace myself for the fall. But I never hit the ground.
An arm circles my waist.
My captor forces me down, their weight pinning me to the floor.
I should struggle, but I’m frozen. Instead, I look up into gray-green eyes that lock onto mine, willing me to remember.
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Author C.J. Campbell
About the Author Clare is a successful and highly popular author of award winning Fanfiction, with thousands of online fans and over 2 million reads on her Lord of the Rings Fanfic epic. Clare has also won several writing awards within the Fantasy, Inspirational, and Short Story genres. Her story Refuge was a top prize winner and as a direct result published in Faith & Freedom anthology by EA books. She has recently been shortlisted for Writer of the Year 2019.
As well as writing, Clare is an experienced Occupational Therapist, with a passion for enabling people. She has contributed articles for online organizations aimed at highlighting disability as a positive influence in modern literature. Her love of storytelling, merged with her positive messages inspires her to create meaningful narratives that represent diversity, and promote unity.
You can learn more about Clare by visiting www.CJCampbellOfficial.com
