Welcome to the book blitz for LOVE REUNITED, the third book in the adult Christian romance series, A Divine Love, by Tara Taffera. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
LOVE REUNITED (A Divine Love Series #3) by Tara Taffera
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: LOVE REUNITED Series: A Divine Love Series #3 Author: Tara Taffera Release Date: April 29, 2022 Genre: Adult Christian Romance Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis Elizabeth Carlson turns heads wherever she goes but has never moved on from Tyler Williams, with whom she shared a whirlwind relationship her senior year of high school. After only a month together, Elizabeth ran away from her past and her broken family.
Ten years later, Tyler comes crashing back in her life, eager for a second chance. But she can’t forgive him for the order he issued all those years ago. Slowly, a high school romance turns into so much more, but her secrets, and his anger, threaten to ruin their happily ever after.
Will God’s grace and love lead them back to each other?
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Excerpt #2 The team wins the game easily, and when the guys run to their wives, I’m left standing alone. Until I feel his breath near my ear.
“Hey, Liz.”
“Hey,” I say, turning toward him. “Good game.”
“I couldn’t wait to see you today.”
His words surprise me. I’m never speechless. Until now.
“I know you want to go slow. Is it too soon for me to invite you on our next date?”
All I can do is shake my head no. What is wrong with me?
“Tomorrow night? Want to hang out and watch a movie? We can order in.”
“Sounds great.”
He lets out a sigh of relief, and I’m not sure he knows he did it. Do I make him as nervous as he makes me? In the best way possible, of course.
“Great. I’ll text you later. There’s another game, so we need to clear out our gear.”
Before I can process his movements, he lifts my hands in his and brushes my knuckles with his lips, sending tingles through every inch of me.
“Until tomorrow.”
I’m practically swooning when the girls catch up to me.
“Told ya,” Anna says. “Baseball is the best.”
My phone pings, and after I read it, I show her the screen.
Tyler: Seeing you made my day. I’m counting down until I see you tomorrow.
“Swoon-worthy for sure,” she says.
The girls engage in conversation around me, but I’m not comprehending any of it. All I can do is wonder how to survive losing him again. I vow that won’t happen, but I’m unsure that’s even in the realm of possibility.
About the Author Tara Taffera is an avid reader and the author of A Divine Love Series. She writes contemporary Christian romance enveloped in God’s grace and love. Book two in her series, Love Unfailing, won the silver medal in the 2022 Illumination Book Awards in the romance category. The program shines a light on Exemplary Christian Books. Love Unfailing was also a semi-finalist in the Indies Today Awards.
She lives in Virginia with her husband of almost 25 years, a non-reader himself who provides valuable advice on her books—all those baseball scenes! He is one of her biggest cheerleaders, along with her three daughters.
You can find Tara on all the major social media platforms, and her books are available on Amazon. Learn more about her at tarataffera.com.
Welcome to the book blitz for THE TOUCH OF LOVE, the fifth book in the adult historical romance series, Senses of Love, by Kyle Shoop. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on his giveaway.
THE TOUCH OF LOVE (Senses of Love Series #5) by Kyle Shoop
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: THE TOUCH OF LOVE Series: Senses of Love Series #5 Author: Kyle Shoop Release Date: April 27, 2022 Genre: Adult Historical Romance Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis
Two Love stories. One surviving WW2. One surviving a separation. Both fighting their own war. But neither is willing to give up. Because love is worth fighting for.
Alternating between the past and the present, The Touch of Love tells two intertwined love stories spanning generations. The first is set in modern times and tells the journey that Katie embarks on while being embroiled in a separation from her husband. The second is set in Poland during World War 2, and tells the story of Jakob, an orphan, who falls in love with a Jewish woman. Will either of these love stories survive the unforeseen battles awaiting them?
Present Day: While going thru old keepsakes in her grandfather’s attic, Katie stumbles upon two items which thrust her on a journey of discovery. The first is her old wedding dress, the sight of which still stings due to her recent separation. The second item is even more perplexing – an old black and white photograph of her grandfather during a war. The man with a deeply mysterious past. Knowing her grandfather’s days are limited, this photo sparks Katie’s journey to discover his past before his future runs out.
1939: Jakob and his brother are two carefree orphans deciding whether to join the Polish army when all of Europe is on the bring of World War 2. But Jakob’s decision is sealed the moment he meets Anna, a Jewish woman. Deciding he would rather fight for her survival than fight alongside his brother, Jakob embarks on a harrowing journey through the War, motivated solely by his unyielding love for Anna.
Can love survive the immeasurable tragedies of war?
The books in this series are standalone novels and may be read in any order.
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Excerpt #2 Time is a puzzle full of fragments of moments spilled on the canvas of memory. While reflection on some moments may present that canvas as a masterpiece, other times the puzzle comes into focus for what it really is – a hazy image full of lost pieces. Too many memories are lost by time. Precious memories or mundane ones – time has no prejudice. It is an unyielding eraser all the same. And that is the simple beauty of a photograph.
A photograph is a miracle. A rollercoaster of emotion. A constant reminder of the path traveled to the present. And a window into a time which may have long passed, but which comes flooding back to the forefront once unearthed. The sounds, sights, tastes, and aromas of a single moment years ago can all instantly come alive again just because of a photograph. But even beyond this, a photograph can make a memory long forgotten feel as tangible as the photograph being held.
Katie held such a photograph in her hand as she rummaged through her grandfather’s attic. It was a time-worn photograph which any other person would have flipped through without noticing. But Katie noticed it. What the photo depicted surprised her, in more ways than one. She’d seen countless photos of her grandfather before, but they’d all been from after her mother was born. This one was different. Strikingly different. It was the oldest photo she’d ever seen of him. But even more, it showed her grandmother – revealing an unknown chapter to Katie of her grandparents’ mysterious past. The moment she saw the photograph, she knew it would lead her on a journey to not only discover her grandfather’s mysterious past, but the key to her own future as well.
About the Author Kyle Shoop is a multi-genre author of compelling stories. His new “Senses of Love” series is a romance series that provides rewarding and inspirational stories. The newest book – A TASTE OF LOVE – is now out! The books in the series may be read in any order.
Kyle is also the author of the Acea Bishop Trilogy, which is an action-packed fantasy series. All books in that series are now available, with Acea and the Animal Kingdom being the first book.
At a young age, Kyle was recognized for his storytelling by being awarded the first-place Gold Key award for fiction writing in Washington State. After spending several years volunteering in his wife’s elementary classrooms, he was inspired to write the Acea Bishop Trilogy. He is now motivated to share the compelling stories in his new romance series. In addition to writing novels, Kyle is also an attorney.
Welcome to the blog tour for CAN’T HELP LOVING YOU, a standalone adult contemporary romance, by Eve Kasey. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
Synopsis
Ava What happens when you meet the boy of your dreams in a bookstore? You pretend you’re not leaving for college in the morning, and instead spend the night falling hard for his blue eyes, dimples, and creative soul – even if Maddox is a poetry hater. You pretend you don’t get that tattoo in his honor. You spend the next ten years telling yourself that a corner of your heart isn’t taken by a boy from your past.
When you see those blue eyes again, you pretend you don’t feel seen—awake—for the first time in a decade. You remind yourself that you said yes to a man you didn’t want to marry, and now you’re stuck. You tell yourself that this is the life you wanted.
But it isn’t. Not anymore.
Maddox What happens when you run into the woman you haven’t stopped thinking about for a decade? The wild-haired, free-spirited sunshine girl from your past? You pretend she’s not at that brewery with her fiancé, your new friend. Leo. The man who can make or break your design career. You pretend neither of you see that Leo is keeping secrets and close to breaking. You pretend you don’t know how miserable Ava is with her life, how she only lights up when you’re around.
You tell yourself you don’t ache for the one woman you can’t have.
But you do. You want her as badly as she wants freedom, and the time has come to stop pretending.
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Excerpt #2 Ava thought the music had her heart pumping? Now her pulse was sprinting, erratic, her heartbeat as loud in her ears as the drums.
Maddox sat there—lounged there—like a king on a damn throne. People flanked him, mostly women. If not for his aquamarine eyes and casual grace, she might not have recognized him. His curls had been slicked back. He wore charcoal monochrome, a thin sweater painted onto his frame and tight slacks that showed off his ankles. Sleek. Simple. Sexy as sin. Ava barely registered the paisley loafers before his gaze crashed into hers.
Shock crossed his face. All his muscles seemed to jerk at once. His eyes moved up and down her body before landing back on hers.
Ava’s stomach dropped to her feet. She knew that look. She’d memorized that look on a beach hundreds of miles away.
Maddox wanted her.
Ava’s exposed skin ignited. She remembered vividly being wanted by this man. Wanting him in return. She remembered how good it felt to give in to that want beneath the waves and again on the beach.
But that was a long time ago. Far, far away.
Flustered by his reaction, and hers, she raised her hand in a wave, trying to force a smile onto her lips.
Maddox leaned forward, fingers steepled in front of his mouth. He shook his head, a small, sin-soaked smile curving behind his fingers.
Frozen in place, Ava frowned. Had she just been rejected?
His gaze lingered on hers before dropping down her body again, slowly, inch by torturous inch. Lust had crowded his features. He held up a single finger, eyes begging. She felt her heartbeat speed up as she finally understood.
They were pretending. Maddox was pretending not to know her.
At that moment, she wasn’t his friend or Leo’s fiancée. No, Ava was just a stranger in a club, a woman Maddox only knew he wanted. He was asking for more time to dream.
She should march forward and shove her way into his little group. She should call out his name to shatter the illusion. But she didn’t. Instead, Ava straightened her spine and let herself be devoured.\
With no one to stop him, his gaze roamed freely. Heat followed in his wake. Sweat. Goosebumps. Ava felt Maddox exploring her skin as if he’d caressed her. He seemed especially intrigued by her legs. So help her, flames erupted in her core as their little game went on, as he worshipped her with his eyes.
Ava found herself wondering what kind of lover this Maddox would be.
Would his fingers find their way underneath her dress while they danced? Was he the type to smother orgasmic cries with a kiss? Would he be the kind of lover who lifted her up against the wall before sinking inside? Or was he the type to find an empty bathroom, spin her around, and take her from behind?
The flames in Ava’s body reached dangerous levels. She blinked out of her daze and realized Maddox was heading straight for her. She turned, panicking, heart in her throat.
God, his hands hovered so close. His body, his warmth, all too close.
She felt his fingertips creep toward her elbow, near her skin but not connecting. His breath grazed her ear. “I’d give anything—everything—to know what you’re thinking right now.”
Maddox could not touch her. Under no circumstances would she allow it, even if the building were on fire and her feet were melting like the wicked witch.
She kept her eyes on the couch he’d vacated, on the women who watched their interaction with obvious interest. She did not look at him. “I’ll never tell.”
“Good. Keep your secrets.” Ava shivered at his whispered words, at his breath on her neck. “I’ll try to keep mine.”
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Author Eve Kasey
About the Author Eve Kasey started composing stories in childhood, both in her head and with an electric typewriter loaded with pink paper. She writes for a design firm by day and reads independently published romance novels by night.
Eve writes contemporary romance that balances sweetness and steam while aiming to teach readers something new. Her books are where nerdy meets dirty. She believes romance novels can be a platform to portray healthy relationships and attitudes towards sex.
Eve lives in Washington state with her very stylish husband and two children.
Welcome to the book blitz for THE LAST BEEKEEPER, the first book in the young adult dystopian fantasy trilogy, The Silent Skies, by Rebecca L. Fearnley. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
THE LAST BEEKEEPER (The Silent Skies Trilogy #1) by Rebecca L. Fearnley
Synopsis Solma is a fighter. Trained by her village Steward to protect their community from the predators of their harsh world, she is fierce and loyal. But how can she protect her friends and family from crop failure and starvation? With flying insects extinct for over a century, nowhere on the forsaken continent of Alphor is safe and Solma is terrified her little brother, Warren, will be one of the next to die. The villagers cling to life, waiting for the Earth Whisperers—mysterious nomads with a strange magic that helps plants grow—to arrive.
But then Warren finds something. Something impossible. When the first bee in a hundred years crawls out of the earth, Warren forms a strange bond with the creature and Solma fears he might have a new power. One that leaders of Alphor would kill for. As she and Warren fight to keep the bee secret and safe, word of this miracle sweeps the continent. Allies and enemies alike descend on the village. Some demand the bees for themselves, others want to destroy the colony to level the odds. When words become threats and then violence, Solma and Warren are caught in the conflict, and now it isn’t just the bees in danger.
When whoever controls the bees controls the world, how will Solma and Warren know who to trust?
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Excerpt #4 Suddenly, Blume launches herself off her flower and buzzes to the base of a tree. She zigzags across the roots, droning excitedly. Warren scrambles round to see what she’s doing and gasps.
Blume has landed in the dirt between two tree roots and as they watch she disappears down a tiny hole. They knock their heads together trying to see where she’s gone. Warren clasps his hands together excitedly.
“I hope she likes it,” he murmurs. Solma looks at him.
“Likes what?”
“Her new nest,” Warren says. “It’s perfect, ain’t it? Bell was right!”
Solma scowls. It’s annoying that Bell was right.
They peer at the dark hollow. Solma tingles with anticipation.
“How will we know—?”
“Shh!” Warren hisses. “Wait!”
Solma scowls but obeys. They seem to stand there forever, staring at the ground, until Solma feels restless. She glances over her shoulder, peering towards the watchtower on the horizon. Her patrol’s in a few minutes. They need to go soon. If they’re seen … if they’re caught …
Then Blume’s happy vibrato cuts through the silence and she emerges from the hollow, lifting into the warm air. She flies a lazy circle around the burrow. Then another and another, rising higher into the air with each pass. Solma frowns.
“What’s she doing? Is she sick?”
Warren chuckles. “I don’t reckon so,” he whispers. “I bet she’s memorizing. She’s making a map of the burrow in her mind before she goes to get more pollen.”
Solma frowns. “I don’t think she’s that clever, Warren,” she says. Warren flashes her a furious look.
“How would you know?” he retorts. “Just ’cos you don’t understand her or speak her language, doesn’t mean she’s stupid!”
Solma opens her mouth to protest, then closes it again. He’s got a point.
Suddenly, Blume seems to feel she’s done enough mapping and hums off towards the managed forest. They watch her go in silence.
“Right,” Solma says after Blume’s tremolo song fades into the distance. “Let’s leave her to it, eh?”
Warren, of course, kicks up a fuss about having to leave Blume.
Solma checks the sun through the canopy of leaves. She doesn’t have time for this.
“Come on, Warren,” she says, trying and failing to keep the impatience out of her voice. “Please?”
There’s a rustle and snap somewhere up ahead. They both freeze. Solma’s rifle is off her shoulder in seconds and she’s gathered Warren behind her. They peer between the trees, out into the long grasses beyond. Silence.
Solma is about to relax when a flash of russet catches her attention and she snaps her gaze round just in time to see a figure running in the distance, dressed in Gatra black, with a red braid bouncing against a rifle. Her gut twists.
“Who was it?” Warren whimpers. “Did they see?”
Solma swallows against a sudden lump in her throat, “It was Olive,” she whispers. “And I don’t know. She might’ve seen nothing, or …”
She shoulders her rifle, lungs tight with worry. “… or she might’ve seen everything.”
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Author Rebecca L. Fearnley
About the Author Rebecca has been obsessed with two things since she learned to walk and talk: stories and animals. Luckily, the two seem to be very compatible. Rebecca writes stories set in strange worlds filled with bizarre creatures, strong female characters and magical powers. She started her writing career as a poet, performing all over the country and publishing her first collection, Octopus Medicine, with Two Rivers Press in 2017.
In addition to writing, Rebecca is also a teacher and, in 2018, decided that she wanted to write quality books for the young people she works with. Her books tend towards themes of respect for the environment, protecting the planet and the new generations challenging the old to face up to their mistakes.
She lives in Reading, UK, with her unusual family, which includes herself and her partner, a friendly little mini-lop rabbit (called Cleo) and a gregarious and feisty quaker parrot (called Maya).
Welcome to the book blitz for LOVE IN TWINKLE FALLS, the third book in the adult contemporary romantic comedy series, Twinkle Falls, by Freda Ann. 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 $0.99.
LOVE IN TWINKLE FALLS (Twinkle Falls Series #3) by Freda Ann
Synopsis Bridgette Dupont is engaged to the hunky, flirty fireman who has it all—yet why does she feel anxiety when she thinks of herself walking down that aisle on their wedding day?
With her best friend Sophie happily married and pregnant, Bridgette has a clear picture of what her life could look like, but she can’t help feeling the fear of motherhood…and when her past comes calling, all of Bridgette’s simmering emotions begin to boil over.
Ryan Hodges couldn’t be any happier with his fiancée, she’s beautiful, compassionate and sweeter than pie—but when his parents drop into town for a surprise visit, tensions between his mother’s wants and his fiancée’s needs come to a head.
When everything rains down on the happy couple all at once, their strength and faith in each other are put to the ultimate test. Will Ryan and Bridgette make it to the altar, or will they realize their future together was never meant to be?
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Excerpt #2 Our food arrives just in time so I can stuff my mouth before I say something that’ll upset my hormonal best friend.
“Thanks, André,” she grins.
While unwrapping the silverware, a girl in her late teens sitting cross-legged at the table in the corner catches my eye. Auburn locks peak out of the oversized hoody she’s wearing over black leggings. A bulging paisley print backpack sits at her feet.
“What are you looking at?”
“The girl in the corner sitting alone.”
She looks over her shoulder. “Do you know her?”
I shake my head. “Never seen her.”
“Then why are you staring?”
“For starters, she’s dressed awfully warm for spring, even in Twinkle Falls.”
“Maybe she’s visiting, or new in town.”
“Could be. She’s a fast eater, that’s for sure.”
“You’re awfully curious about someone you don’t know.”
“There’s something about her. She’s different from our usual visitors. Something tells me there’s a story behind those dark eyes.”
“Quit staring at the poor girl.” Sophie shakes her head.
“It was just an observation. How’s your lunch?”
“Good. I guess I was hungrier than I thought.”
“I see that, but you are eating for two—or three.” I grin.
Her eyes grow. “Bite your tongue Bridge. There’s only one baby in here according to the ultrasound.”
“Maybe the little girl is hiding behind her brother.”
Her napkin grazes my cheek as she playfully hits me. “Hey, why don’t you guys come over for dinner? The kids have been asking to see you.”
“You mean tonight?”
“Yes tonight. Why, do you have plans?”
Grabbing my phone, I skim my finger across it. “Oh look at that, I’m available.”
“Ha, ha smarty pants.” She purses her lips as her eyes roll.
“What time you want us there?”
“Liam should get home on time since Trace helped him out this morning, so how’s six o’clock?”
“Ryan is off shift so that works. Are you cooking any of my favorites?”
My gaze wanders back to the stranger in the corner as she eases out of her chair with her back to us. She grabs the backpack, hugging it against her while quickly walking to the door.
André scoops the folder with the check and money off the table, opening it. When his jaw droops, I’m pretty sure I know why. He looks at me and holds up the empty folder.
“Did you hear a word I said?” Sophie asks.
“She stiffed us! Stay here, I’ll be back.” I rise and briskly walk to the front door as it closes behind her.
Looking right then left, I see the girl crossing the road and heading for the park. I watch as she stops and leans over in exhaustion. Wondering if she’s okay, I cross the street and touch her shoulder when her backpack slides to the ground.
“Hey, are you alright?”
Glancing at me, she says, “I’m fine.”
“Did you forget something back at the cafe?”
I stare at her, waiting to hear some lame excuse when she straightens up with her right hand clutching her stomach… her unusually rounded stomach. “I—I—” she stutters as she attempts to catch her breath.
“Are you pregnant?” I stare at her belly which is larger than Sophie’s.
After a moment of silence, she shifts her weight, peering at me with her dark eyes. “No, I swallowed a basketball.”
“Don’t get smart with me missy or I’ll call the cops and let them deal with you.”
Fear flashes through her eyes before they soften. “Yes, I’m pregnant.”
I pick up her backpack and point to the bench on the other side of the pathway. “Let’s sit.”
She waddles to the wooden bench before easing onto it. Seeing the worry on her face, I put her bag between us and sit facing her. “What’s your name?”
Staring at her clasped hands, she lifts her head. “Kylee.”
“Are you here with anyone?”
“No.”
“Where are you from?”
“The same place as you, by the sound of it.” I narrow my eyes, before she adds, “France. I’m from France.”
“Does your family still live there?” I ask.
She shakes her head.
“Then where do they live?”
“Nowhere, they—died.”
As her eyes grow dark again, I lean back on the bench. “I’m sorry. It must be hard not having family around, especially in your condition.”
“I have a distant relative, but she doesn’t want a pregnant stranger showing up on her doorstep.”
Shrugging, she fidgets with her hands. “Where are you staying?” I pry.
“There.” Kylee points to a cottage at the back of the church. Years ago, Pastor Morgan converted a three stall barn into a cottage for short term housing.
About the Author Freda was born in southern New Jersey but grew up in Florida. She has loved writing her entire life. After retiring from a career in law enforcement, she knew it was time to fulfill her lifelong dream of being a published author. She’s the author of The Hawaii Series, proudly named from her love of the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. It’s a three-book series with all of them written as standalone books.
Freda loves her large family, horses, dogs, cat, and close friends. She hosts monthly family dinners at her home in the country, which she shares with her husband. She loves baking (she owned and operated a cupcake business for years), cooking, yoga, crocheting, nature and traveling with the love of her life.
What helps her write? Music makes her happy! If music doesn’t give her the right motivation, she puts on a romantic movie, usually from the Hallmark Channel, which she can’t get enough of! Freda speaks her mind and pushes perfection to its limit. She strives to be her best, most positive self she can be in life. With time, determination, and practice, she believes anything is possible.
Welcome to the cover reveal for TOEING THE LINE, the first book in the adult contemporary romance series, How to Survive Wedding Season, by Georgia Royce, releasing May 3, 2022. See below for the cover, information on the book, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
TOEING THE LINE (How to Survive Wedding Season Series #1) by Georgia Royce
About the Book Title: TOEING THE LINE Series: How to Survive Wedding Season Series #1 Author: Georgia Royce Release Date: May 3, 2022 Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance Links:Goodreads
Synopsis Faye is living her best life as a medical school student in Portland. The house she shares with her amazing roommates is walking distance to the best coffee in SE Portland; she gets to cheer on her best friend, Zeke, who is having the hockey season of his life with the Portland Ptarmigans; and her sister just got engaged.
Of course, it’s not all a bed of roses in the Rose City: Faye hates med school, the coffee shop barista hates Faye, and her little sister’s new sister-in-law is Faye’s high school nemesis—who just picked a bridesmaid dress that doesn’t come in Faye’s size.
Oh, and Faye’s in love with Zeke. And Zeke made it crystal clear that he’ll never see her as anything more than a friend. It’s a line in the sand that neither of them would dare cross because they mean so much to each other.
So, when she blows up her life and quits med school, she doesn’t think twice about calling Zeke to pick her up. She definitely doesn’t think twice about inviting him to a friend’s wedding as her date. But when her parents visit, wanting to concoct a lie to cover up the fact that their overweight daughter has no job and no boyfriend, Zeke shows up for her.
And tells them he’s her boyfriend. And that he’ll be coming to the wedding.
Today is release day for FLY BYE, a standalone adult contemporary romance by C.W. Farnsworth. See below for information on the book, buy links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
Synopsis The first time I saw Grayson Phillips, I tripped over a skateboard. His scrawny seven-year-old self saved me from scraped knees and sentenced me to a fate of pining after my brother’s best friend for years.
I’ve moved on from childish, unrequited crushes. I’ve grown up. Now, I fix faulty hearts for a living. I repaired my own a long time ago.
Or so I thought…until he returns to our hometown on leave from the Air Force. For the first time, not everything between us feels one-sided. But it’s all temporary. He’ll take off—literally.
I’m a fly by to him. Nothing more than a passing interest. A distraction.
And if anything finally happens between us, I’m pretty sure I’ll be saying goodbye to my heart for good.
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Author C.W. Farnsworth
About the Author C.W. Farnsworth is the author of numerous adult and young adult romance novels featuring sports, strong female leads, and happy endings.
Charlotte lives in Rhode Island and when she isn’t writing spends her free time reading, at the beach, or snuggling with her Australian Shepard.
Find her on Facebook (@cwfarnsworth), Twitter (@cw_farnsworth), Instagram (@authorcwfarnsworth) and check out her website www.authorcwfarnsworth.com for news about upcoming releases!
Welcome to the book blitz for HEAD OVER FEET, the fifth book in the adult contemporary romantic comedy series, Seven Brides for Seven Mothers, by USA Today bestselling author Whitney Dineen. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
HEAD OVER FEET (Seven Brides for Seven Mothers Series #5) by Whitney Dineen
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: HEAD OVER FEET Series: Seven Brides for Seven Mothers Series #5 Author: Whitney Dineen Release Date: April 23, 2021 Genre: Adult Contemporary Romantic Comedy Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis *All books in this series read as standalones.
Princess Aubrey of Malquar has loved Grady Basset since they were kids. She followed him and her brother around wherever they went; she wrote his name in her diary repeatedly; and she even practiced saying her name with his last name—for years.
Only once has Grady shown any romantic interest, and things did not turn out well.
As the son of the king’s secretary, Grady grew up playing with the royal children. He’s known them his whole life, and while he’s drawn to Princess Bree, he knows that there’s no way they can be together. The princess’s station is too far above his.
As the captain of the royal yacht, Grady sees Bree often, but in recent months the princess has been rude, belligerent, and an all-around pain in the butt. When unforeseen circumstances have Grady and Bree spending time together on her family’s island, things really start to heat up.
Will Grady finally give Bree a chance? Will it be too late?
Find out in the deliciously fun fifth installment of the Seven Brides for Seven Mothers Series.
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Excerpt #3 I can’t believe Alistair didn’t mention his sister was joining us for lunch when I was at his house this morning. Well, yes, I can, but I didn’t expect him to force me to spend time with the woman who has been making it her life’s mission to irritate me.
I should have backed out of being one of his groomsmen. I should have told him thanks, but no, thanks. Unfortunately, Bree had to suggest I couldn’t behave. Which is ridiculous, as she’s the one who’s been gunning for me.
I couldn’t let her win. Not that this is a contest or anything, but for my own pride, I have to prove that I’m the bigger person.
From this moment forward, Princess Aubrey can throw a cup of hot tea on me, and I’ll thank her for warming me up. She can punch me in the face, and I’ll thank her for scratching my nose. That hellion is in for a rude awakening if she thinks I’m the one who’s going to buckle. I will be the epitome of politeness and take my place next to my friend during his nuptials. If Bree backs out, so be it.
I almost run over a stray cat sunning himself in the road as I gun it down the lane toward my cottage. My place only has two bedrooms and one bathroom, but it’s perfectly adequate for a bachelor.
I moved out of my parents’ home when I accepted my current position six years ago, right after my stint in the Royal Navy. But then I signed up for another stint, so I’ve hardly spent any time there.
It’s a sad state of affairs when a man has to leave his home to avoid the woman who vexes him above all else. But avoiding Bree has always been better than facing up to her. Come to think of it, it may be time to sign up again.
I pull into my driveway, still replaying today’s lunch in my head. Bree treats me like she did when we were children—full of sass and vinegar. It makes me want to pull her into my arms and let my fantasies take flight.
The princess and I are opposite poles of the same magnet. Even though her beauty has intensified over the years, whatever is between us runs far deeper than something as superficial as physical appearance. If our social standings were different, I’d wine her, dine her, and do whatever I had to do to make her mine.
But, at the end of the day, she’s a princess and I work for her family, so there’s no chance of anything like that happening.
There were only two times in our history when things were somewhat pleasant between us. The first was at the beginning of the summer, the year I went away to university. Bree was only fifteen, and she was a sight to behold. All her sharp edges had been replaced by alluring softness. Even though she was no longer a child, she wasn’t quite a woman.
Yet her appearance wasn’t her biggest change. She’d stopped verbally attacking me and went out of her way to be nice. Flirtatious even. Then the night in the orangery happened.
I was trying to show her that I appreciated her growing up. Yet the evening didn’t turn out the way either of us expected. I can’t even think about the second time without feeling physically ill.
About the Author USA Today Bestselling author Whitney Dineen is a rock star in her own head. While delusional about her singing abilities, there’s been a plethora of validation that she’s a fairly decent author (AMAZING!!!). After winning many writing awards and selling nearly a kabillion books (math may not be her forte, either), she’s decided to let the voices in her head say whatever they want (sorry, Mom). She also won a fourth-place ribbon in a fifth-grade swim meet in backstroke. So, there’s that.
Whitney loves to play with her kids (a.k.a. dazzle them with her amazing flossing abilities), bake stuff, eat stuff, and write books for people who “get” her. She thinks french fries are the perfect food and Mrs. Roper is her spirit animal.
Welcome to the book blitz for DEMON THRONE, the first book in the adult paranormal urban fantasy romance series, Demons of Morningstar, by USA Today bestselling author, Debbie Cassidy. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
DEMON THRONE (Demons of Morningstar Series #1) by Debbie Cassidy
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: DEMON THRONE Series: Demons of Morningstar Series #1 Author: Debbie Cassidy Release Date: April 14, 2022 Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis Nothing brightens up a Monday like finding out you’re the spawn of Satan
The big bad is dead and now Satan’s spawn must fight for the Morningstar throne. I’m tossed into the ring, whether I want to be there or not.
I’m mostly human, a hunter by trade, and totally outmatched by my half siblings. The chance I’ll survive these tests and claim the throne is slim.
Then someone starts assassinating my siblings.
It’s only a matter of time until I’m next.
I’m not the kind of girl who depends on anyone, but there are four demons who could help me survive this fiasco—a sadistic Nightmare, a psychotic efreet, a charismatic Fallen and Sin, an unhinged monster. Problem is, like all demons, they’re absolutely, sinfully tempting.
I’m pretty sure they each have their own agenda.
I’m also pretty sure one of them is the killer.
Let the games begin.
An Urban Fantasy Paranormal Romance filled with action, mystery, sizzle and multiple love interests for our lucky heroine.
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Excerpt Sin stood, ass propped on the workbench, legs planted wide, head tipped back as a demon female knelt before him, working him noisily. Sin wasn’t touching her. His hands were braced on the workbench behind him, chest vibrating as she applied herself to her task. What was she doing with her teeth? And that gobbling noise? That was not the best technique.
I tore my gaze from her, dragging it up Sin’s washboard abs and hard pecs to find his midnight eyes fixed on me. “Nyx.” He said my name like an invitation, and I found myself fighting the urge to step forward, shove the useless woman out of the way, and take her place. I didn’t do any of that, though. Instead, I crossed my arms and arched an amused brow. “Hello, Sin, did I interrupt something fun?”
To give her credit, the demon hadn’t stopped working him; if anything, her ministrations become faster, almost desperate.
Sin placed his hand on her head. “Enough.”
She disengaged with a pop, looking up at him. “But you said you had to come. You haven’t come yet.”
He looked down at her dispassionately. “I know.”
“But that means I won’t get what I want.”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
She stood slowly and turned to glare at me. “This is your fault. You interrupted us and ruined it.”
“No,” Sin said. “Your technique leaves much to be desired. Come back when you’ve perfected it and we can trade.”
She opened and closed her mouth a couple of times and then pressed her lips together, pushing back her shoulders in determination. “I will be back, Sin. Mark my words.”
“I don’t doubt it.” Sin smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
The woman brushed past me and dove into the stacks, eager to get away now, but her departure left me with an unobstructed view of Sin’s demonhood, and damn…
Sin reached for himself, slowly, carefully tucking away his prize. I cleared my throat and pulled my gaze up to his face. F*ck, he had a beautiful face, hard planes and chiseled jaw, wide, flat cheekbones, and dark eyes that swam with flecks of silver. He would have been angelic in appearance if not for the slightly crimson hue to his smooth, velvety skin and the horns that curved up and back from his head.
“What do you want today, Nyx?” he asked in his deep, gravelly voice.
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Author Debbie Cassidy
About the Author Debbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head – in a totally non psychotic way of course. She writes Urban Fantasy, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.
Welcome to the cover reveal for BIG WILD LOVE ADVENTURE, a standalone adult contemporary romantic comedy, by Julianna Keyes, releasing June 20, 2022. See below for the cover, information on the book, preorder links, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
Synopsis After being ditched at the altar, Emmy Shaw’s heart, like her dented food truck, is definitely not open for business. Deeply in debt to her parents and evicted from her apartment, she takes a friend’s drunken dare and fills out an application for a new dating-adventure reality show. She never expects to be chosen—or to get a chance at the show’s huge cash prize, which could put her life back on track.
But when she’s abandoned in the middle of the jungle two months later wearing only a bathing suit and a backpack, she wonders if being on the show might be even worse than the #emmytrashtruck hate brigade she left back home. Then she meets her fellow cast members—including sexy, inscrutable Wes—and starts to reconsider, wondering if maybe money’s not all she stands to gain from this experience.
After a year of abysmal failures, this summer of cave treks, jungle hikes, impromptu talent shows, and a sexy flirtmance turns out to be just the thing to help Emmy rebuild her shattered confidence. She signed up for the show to hide from the mess her life had become, but this escape from reality might be just what she needs to find herself.
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Author Julianna Keyes
About The Author Julianna Keyes is a Canadian writer who has lived on both coasts and several places in between. She’s been skydiving, bungee jumping and white water rafting, but nothing thrills—or terrifies—her as much as the blank page. She loves Chinese food, foreign languages, baseball and television, though not necessarily in that order, and writes sizzling stories with strong characters, plenty of conflict, and lots of making up.
Welcome to the book blitz for PROTECTING LINDSAY, the second book in the adult contemporary romance series, Unexpected Love, by Elsa Winckler. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
PROTECTING LINDSAY (Unexpected Love Series #2) by Elsa Winckler
Synopsis Lindsay Wilson simply wants to concentrate on her shop where she sells her own mixtures of creams and essential oils. What she doesn’t want is the seriously sexy Blake Davidson hell-bent on protecting her from the abusive boyfriend who followed her to Montana all the way from South Africa. To add to her frustration, he makes her feel things she’s never felt before but she’s made a mistake in the past, can she trust her instincts this time?
Blake lost two people before because he couldn’t protect them, so what’s different this time with Lindsay? From the moment he’s laid eyes on her, all his instincts have been telling him to make sure nothing happens to her so he has no choice but to move into her place and keep her safe. But what about his own heart?
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Excerpt #3 Miffed, she walked to the passenger side. “I could easily have asked Lilly to pick me up. It’s quite clear you don’t want to be here…”
He was there before her and opened the car door. “And I can open my own damn door,” she muttered as she got in.
Pressing his lips tightly together, he closed the door and walked over to the driver’s side. Within seconds, he was behind the wheel and started the car.
“Okay, you don’t want to talk? Fine by me…”
Cursing under his breath, he turned to her.
“You do know you talk way too damn much, don’t you?”
Indignantly, she inhaled, but before she had time to say anything, his hand snaked around her neck and he pulled her closer. She just had time to see his eyes flash before his lips claimed hers in a searing kiss.
Stars exploded behind her eyes and she grabbed hold of his arms. His mouth was warm, urgent, ravaging hers, while his beard against her skin reminded her of the previous time he’d kissed her.
For a moment she was so stunned, she couldn’t react, but her body had no problem and responded with joy. Before she could properly process what was happening, her blood had heated to boiling point, her breasts felt heavy, and she was very glad she was sitting down. Standing would definitely have been a problem.
Quite content and shamelessly eager, her tongue met his, and he deepened the kiss. Oh. My. Word. Nobody, but nobody had ever kissed her like this before.\
He lifted his head, his breath warm on her face, if a little uneven. With an oath, he turned to the front and quickly pulled out of the parking lot. “I’m sorry…I shouldn’t have done that. I’m…I have to protect you and I can’t do that when I…we…kiss.”
Blindly, she stared out of the window—speaking was impossible. Outside, it was dark already and bright lights flashed past her. She touched her lips and closed her eyes. What the man could do to her with just a kiss…
About the Author Elsa has been reading love stories for as long as she can remember and when she ‘met’ the classic authors like Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Henry James The Brontë sisters, etc. during her English Honours studies, she was hooked for life.
She married her college boyfriend and soul mate and after 48 years, 3 interesting and wonderful children and 4 beautiful grandchildren, they are now fortunate to live in the picturesque little seaside village of Betty’s Bay, South Africa.
She likes the heroines in her stories to be beautiful, feisty, independent and headstrong. And the heroes must be strong but possess a generous amount of sensitivity. They are of course, also gorgeous! Her stories typically incorporate the family background of the characters to better understand where they come from and who they are when we meet them in the story.
Welcome to the blog tour for YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THIS COMING, a standalone young adult paranormal thriller, by Shani Michelle. See below for information on the book, buy links, my five-star review, and details on her giveaway.
YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THIS COMING by Shani Michelle
Synopsis
A teen girl who sees visions of the past must use her gift to save a kidnapped classmate in Shani Michelle’s high-stakes YA thriller You Should Have Seen This Coming!
Hayden sees the past. Just touching an object will occasionally give her flashes of the previous owner’s memories. And if that memory happens to be a deeply hidden secret, then she has no problem making you pay for your crime, in cash.
Cassie sees the future, and it sucks. She will randomly wake up from dreams filled with disasters that she feels compelled to stop, and she would really like to stop watching her boyfriend fall in love with someone else!
But when Cassie tries to warn Hayden that her latest blackmailing scheme is a trap, she knows she’s really in trouble. All her visions warn her of the upcoming kidnapping, nothing she does stops it. And it’s all Hayden’s fault!
Can Hayden’s gift help her find Cassie before it’s too late?
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My Review This is the book I’ve been waiting for! Shani Michelle’s young adult thriller grabbed me from the opening pages and never let go. Cassie sees the future. She sees her now ex-boyfriend falling for the new girl, Hayden. Hayden sees the past, but as the new kid in town she doesn’t share that information with anyone. When Cassie sees her own kidnapping, she does everything she can to prevent it, but sometimes destiny has other ideas. With a troubled past, the town isn’t convinced foul play was involved in Cassie’s disappearance. But her best friend, Audra, and ex, Brody, are positive Cassie wouldn’t just run off. Though they have no idea what Hayden is capable of, they know there’s some sort of connection between Cassie and Hayden and solicit Hayden’s help in finding Cassie before it’s too late. The dynamic that results from this unlikely trio makes for some of the best conflict in the book.
Plot The story centers around finding Cassie once she goes missing, but the various subplots, involving the mystery around Hayden’s mom and the sheriff and Cassie’s relationship with Brody, help support the main plot. With so many twists and turns, I devoured the story to find out what happened next.
The Characters The author does an amazing job of creating uniquely differentiated characters with alternating first person point of view. Not something easily done. From Hayden’s tortured past, to the mysterious disappearance of Cassie’s mother, the author crafted layered characters with believable flaws combined with just the right amount of positive traits to make the cast come to life.
Top Five Things I Loved About YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THIS COMING 1. Visions. This is one of my favorite supernatural abilities. And having one character who can see the future and one who can see the past was twice the fun.
2. Twists. Some things were predictable but many others were beautifully crafted twists I never saw coming.
3. Hayden. She’s snarky, irreverent, and complex — the best combination.
4. Pacing. The story unwinds at the perfect pace, with short chapters that kept me reading far too late.
5. Cassie. She may not always make the best choices based on what she sees in her visions, but her heart’s in the right place, making her someone you can’t help rooting for.
Bottom Line Intense thriller with a fast pace and wonderful characters made this a fast, exciting read.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
About the Author Shani Michelle is the author of YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THIS COMING. She also works in TV news. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her husband, family, friends, reading, watching way too much TV, and coming up with new story ideas. (She’s also written several rom-com and middle grade novels as Shani Petroff).
Welcome to the book blitz for ONE BOSSY PROPOSAL, a standalone adult contemporary romantic comedy, by Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Nicole Snow. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
ONE BOSSY PROPOSAL by Nicole Snow
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: ONE BOSSY PROPOSAL Author: Nicole Snow Publisher: Ice Lips Press Release Date: April 6, 2022 Genre: Adult Contemporary Romantic Comedy Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow returns with a hilarious office romance where two archenemies who drive each other crazy pretend they’re madly in love.
Strange men do funny things when you score the last cinnamon roll. Sometimes he rages about the high crime of jacking his precious pastry. Sometimes he offers you ludicrous bribes to buy it back. And sometimes—after shattering your faith in humanity—you find out he’s your new boss.
I’m not laughing. My sweet tooth betrayed me and Lincoln Burns is one bad sugar rush. A coldhearted grump. A mile-wide ego. An eligible bachelor who doesn’t “do” dating. Did I mention Mr. Congeniality runs a fashion empire with weddings in its sights? Of course he does. And, of course, weddings make me gag after my ex made my heart roadkill.
Every instinct I have screams run. But money talks, and Lincoln’s deep pockets roar. One big fat bonus proposal lures me into his world. Somehow, our vicious fights become vivid flirting. His secrets thrill me in the worst ways.
Then he makes a second proposal. Pretend we’re engaged. Smile for pretty photos like we’re soulmates. Dress up like we’re actually getting married. Oh, how I wish cinnamon rolls came with warnings. It’s all sticky sweet heaven until you catch feelings for the bossman from hell…
Full-length enemies-to-lovers romance loaded with uh-ohs. Office banter, pastry mischief, slow-burn spice, plus one bossy suit who might stop stomping around long enough to realize he’s falling hopelessly in love.
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Excerpt Anna Patel calls a marketing meeting on Thursday and asks me to sit in. Of course, there’s a vacant chair beside Nevermore.
I hesitate a second too long, leaving an opening for this junior copywriter to step past me toward the seat. I can’t even remember his name.
Jake? Jeremy? James?
He’s a newer kid, and he’s damn near undressing her with his eyes so obviously that if she ever looks up from her laptop, she’ll feel buck naked.
The punk thinks he’s sitting beside her.
Like hell.
I speed up, stepping behind him and grabbing his shoulder.
“Why don’t you take the seat beside Miss Patel? I may need to talk to my assistant.” It’s not a question. My words are professional, but my tone is barbaric.
I’ve never felt so uncivilized in the office, and fuck, it has everything to do with the hot prick of jealousy coursing in my veins.
“Oh, sure thing, Mr. Burns!” he says, fear flashing in his eyes before he scurries off without looking back at me.
That’s what I thought.
I sit down beside Dakota, grateful she’s oblivious to my territory marking.
Until she laughs, leans over, and whispers, “Behave.”
“Why?” I ask, flashing her a clueless look.
“You practically gave the poor guy shell shock.”
I’m not sorry.
He should be scared when he tries to usurp the boss’ seat—or his woman. Let him drool over a hundred thousand other beautiful women in this city.
“You’re welcome, Nevermore. From the looks he gave you, I think he writes angsty poetry about you. If he’s able to write at all. Is he any good?”
I’ve never noticed his work when he’s assigned to a less pressing line under Anna. Hell, like most new hires, I half forgot he even worked here until now.
“He’s where he should be, I think. We don’t collaborate a ton,” she says diplomatically, hiding a rosy blush on her cheeks.
“He should do more writing and less eye-fucking,” I growl in her ear, leaning close.
What the hell is wrong with me?
My nostrils flare at her scent. It’s bad enough that I practically tossed the boy on the floor, and now I’m low-key smelling her like a Neanderthal with a rose.
“Mr. Burns, shut up!” she hisses.
I can’t help smirking as her green eyes roll with shock.
“Did you see how he looked at you?” I whisper, undaunted. “If he was looking for his muse, it damn sure wasn’t interested in PG-13 poetry.”
She’s bright red but she grins.
“You’re such an idiot. Jim does not write poems about me. I doubt he even reads anything that isn’t a bargain thriller. I mean, that’s usually what he’s got his nose stuffed in during lunch.”
Her quip shouldn’t make me happy. At least Nevermore isn’t impressed with his reading habits.
“Takes one to know one with writers, I guess. You are a Poe and a literary princess,” I tease.
Her eyes lock onto mine harshly.
“Boss, I will stab you with my pen,” she whispers.
“Doubtful.”
“Want to bet?”
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Author Nicole Snow
About The Author Nicole Snow is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. She found her love of writing by hashing out love scenes on lunch breaks and plotting her great escape from boardrooms. Her work roared onto the indie romance scene in 2014 with her Grizzlies MC series.
Since then Snow aims for the very best in growly, heart-of-gold alpha heroes, unbelievable suspense, and swoon storms aplenty. With over a million books sold, she lives for the joy of making two people fight with every bit of their soul for a Happily Ever After.
Current fan favorites include her Enguard Protectors series, accidental love novels, plus long beloved MC romance thrillers like the Grizzlies and Deadly Pistols.
Welcome to the book blitz for THE DEVIL WITHIN, the first book in the adult contemporary romantic suspense series, Devils MC, by Tanya Nellestein. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
THE DEVIL WITHIN (Devils MC Series #1) by Tanya Nellestein
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: THE DEVIL WITHIN Series: Devils MC Series #1 Author: Tanya Nellestein Release Date: April 13, 2022 Genre: Adult Contemporary Romantic Suspense Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Synopsis
Sometimes you have to go to dark places before you can truly find the light.
Sarah Darcy has created the life she always wanted with her dream job in London, as far from Australia as she can get. However, all she’s ever wanted was to love and be loved. She thought she’d found it in bad boy biker, Alex Riley; until he ripped her heart out.
Unwanted his whole life, Alex went from foster child to an outlaw and enforcer with The Devils MC. He never went looking for love, never thought he deserved it, until he found Sarah. To keep Sarah safe, he ended the relationship. But he couldn’t stay away, not forever.
Alex has come to start his life over as well. But he’s running from a dark and violent past that will not let him go alive. Forced to run for their lives across Europe, being chased by a biker gang hell-bent on revenge. With no one else to turn to, can Sarah trust Alex, let alone love him again?
The Devil Within is a standalone novel from The Devils MC. If you like flawed heroes looking for redemption, strong women looking for love and a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, you’ll love exploring The Devils MC.
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Excerpt #2 She’d barely run two blocks before he caught up with her.
‘Where are you going?’ His usually steady voice trembled.
‘Away from you,’ she hissed.
‘Sarah, please. It’s not safe–’
‘No!’ she shouted.
Panic clouded his face. Although they seemed to be the only inhabitants in the frozen and indifferent streetscape, she lowered her voice. ‘Don’t tell me it’s not safe. I was perfectly safe until you arrived in London.’
‘And now you’re not, and I’m sorry. I’m sorry that you got caught up in my mess of a life. I never meant for that to happen. That’s why–’ He ran his hand over his face and through his hair.
Sarah crossed her arms. ‘Why what?’
His chest moved up and down as he took several deep breaths. ‘That’s why I ended things between us the way I did. Why I said those horrible things to you.’
Her heart clenched at the memory. ‘What are you talking about?’
‘They knew about you.’ His voice was barely a whisper. ‘I couldn’t come with you to London. You had to be as far away from me as possible. It was the only way to keep you safe.’ He looked past her, as if the truth lay hidden in a shadow. ‘I’m sorry, Sarah.’
Headlights from a lone car briefly illuminated the pain etched in his features. Her own emotions were exhausted, unable to process anything.
‘I will do everything in my power to keep you safe.’ The conviction had returned to his voice. ‘I love you, Sarah. I always have.’
Her heart skidded to a stop. For twelve long, lonely months, all she’d wanted to hear were those words from Alex Riley. Nothing about the way he’d ended their relationship had ever made sense to her. The love they’d shared had been so alive, so nourishing. It had lifted her to a plane higher than she’d ever imagined possible. She ached to feel his arms around her. To tell her that the only thing that was real, was their love. Not the horror of the last few hours, and not the axe he’d hacked through her heart when he’d left her.
Sarah turned away to gather her thoughts. Maybe she’d been thinking about this all wrong. Alex had killed a man today. A man that had beaten her friend and was there to cause her harm. He’d protected her. Just as he’d protected her the night they met. And protecting her was the reason he said he ended it between them. Was it possible? Could they find a way back to each other?
She forced her brain to engage, to try to make sense of all the unimaginable events. What if Brodie was still out there? What if he had reinforcements? She thought about the dead body in her flat. Maybe Alex had killed him in self-defense, but neither of them had a scratch on them. Would they be believed? Then she remembered Heather. If she was awake, she could explain.
Sarah closed the gap between them. Reaching up, she ran her hand through his hair, a thousand memories rushing over her. Her heart began to beat again.
‘Alex, if we just explained what happened, you were protecting me.’ The words tumbled out as the thoughts formed.
Alex shook his head. ‘No one’s going to believe that, Sarah.’
‘But it’s true,’ she protested. ‘Heather will tell them, once she’s better. I know she’ll back us up.’
He took her hands between his, holding them over his heart. ‘It’s not that simple. The Devils won’t stop coming after me.’ He inhaled a shaky breath. ‘Or you.’
‘The police will help us, you’ll see. Everything is different here.’ She had to convince him of that. In London, she’d shed the shackles of her family and their secrets, she’d landed her dream job and now the man of her dreams was here. And he still loved her.
‘Sarah, I know this doesn’t make sense to you, but I’m asking you to trust me.’ His eyes pleaded with her to understand. ‘I never meant for any of this to happen, I would have stayed away. But now that you’re here with me, I can’t walk away from you. Not again.’
He really wants me?
To be with Alex was all she’d ever wanted.
‘I don’t know if you could ever love me again, and I know I don’t deserve it. I couldn’t stand to lose you.’ He lifted one hand to her face, rubbing his thumb along her jaw. ‘I’m begging you, please come with me?’
All rational thought floated away as his lips found hers. His kiss was soft, almost fearful. She rose up on her toes, firming her mouth against his. Alex wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her close, his other hand entwining in her hair. Their lips parted and tongues collided. Her hands snaked around his neck, needing to be closer still. He moaned into her mouth, before pulling back.
‘We need to go,’ he whispered.
At that moment, Sarah would go anywhere with him, just to be with him. She nodded. ‘Okay.’
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Author Tanya Nellestein
About the Author Tanya Nellestein has been recreating the fruits of her overactive imagination on paper since she was a child. She is an avid reader, novelist, experience enthusiast, outstanding car vocalist, and Queen of fancy dress. Tanya writes gut-churning historical fiction, contemporary crime/mystery and suspense with a romantic angle that always includes good sex and a happily ever after. One thing you will always get with Tanya’s books – a strong woman who knows who she is (eventually) and gets what she wants.
She lives on the outskirts of Sydney with her two children, a psychotic cat and a dog that refuses to believe he’s not human. Tanya is also an award-winning freelance journalist and member of the Romance Writers of Australia, the Australian Romance Readers Association and the Romance Writers of New Zealand.
Welcome to the book blitz for SHIFTER, the second book in the young adult scifi horror series, The Healer Chronicles, by Michael J. Bowler. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on his giveaway.
SHIFTER (The Healer Chronicles #2) by Michael J. Bowler
Synopsis Fifteen-year-old Alex and his learning-disabled friends barely survived the events of Spinner, but their nightmare has only just begun.
Alex’s wheelchair has never stopped him from doing what he wants, but his supernatural power to heal every human ailment known to science has put him in the crosshairs of a dangerous doomsday cult that will stop at nothing to capture him and his long-lost twin, Andy, who can shift illness from one person to another. When the boys combine their “gifts,” they unleash the power to control life and death.
Now Alex, Andy, and the others have been kidnapped by the U.S. military. On a creepy Air Force base in the remote Nevada desert, they must decide who to trust and who to fear while uncovering secrets this base wants to hide from the world. Who is the young boy with unusual abilities who’s treated like a soldier? What is hidden in an ultra-secret hangar that no one can access? And what unnatural experiments are conducted in that closed-off laboratory?
As Alex unravels these mysteries, he strives to bond with his twin, but Andy is distant and detached, trusting no one. He’s also more attracted to the dangerous power they wield than Alex would like. When misplaced faith in science ignites a hidden lust for supremacy, rescue can only come from the most unlikely source, and Alex must confront a terrible truth.
The Healer Chronicles continue…
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Excerpt #3 Allison woke with a start. Had she been dreaming? She wasn’t sure, but she was sure she’d heard her father’s voice. She sat up in bed, the coverlet tumbling into her lap, and listened. Yes. It was her dad. His room was next to hers, but the voice was muffled enough that she couldn’t make out the words.
She slipped out of bed and dropped to the plush carpet. Not bothering with a robe to cover her pajamas, she padded across her expansive bedroom to the door. Easing it open, she peered out into the dimly lit, lushly paneled hallway. None of the household staff were up. Why should they be? It was the middle of the night.
The burnished wood flooring felt cold against her bare feet as she darted to the door next to hers. It was closed, but she pressed her ear up against it and listened.
“…just you and the two men left? Did you find any blood in the house?”
Allison gasped. Blood? Somehow, she knew her dad was talking about Alex. She yanked open his door, trembling with fear.
Her dad sat on his bed, wearing his fancy brocaded silk robe and black velvet slippers with the gold crown insignia, cell phone to one ear, worry creasing his face. He looked over as she rushed inside but didn’t seem surprised to see her. He held up a hand for silence and listened intently.
“All right. Get back here with the men. I’m going to contact my sources for any clues as to who took them.”
He ended the call and eyed Allison with a grim expression. The worry lines around his eyes looked deeper, almost like they’d been carved with a knife, and there seemed to be even more gray peppering his short dark hair.
“It’s Alex, isn’t it?”
“Yes. Armed men attacked the safe house and took him along with the other kids. Nathan and his older son were knocked out by some kind of drug and left behind, along with Martin.”
Allison felt her chest constrict with worry. “Does Martin know who took them?”
He shook his head. “The brief glimpse he had made him think military, so it might be the same group who brought Andy to that church.”
“Our government?” Allison felt disgust well up within her.
He didn’t look the least bit surprised at the idea. “There are some at the Pentagon who will use anyone or anything in the interest of national security, even children.”
Allison knew she should be angry, but she’d overheard enough of her father’s business dealings with the government over the years to know he spoke the truth.
“Go back to bed, Allison,” he said. “I’ve got to do some research.”
She knew better than to argue. “Just find him, Dad. Find all of them.”
“I will.”
She returned to her room. Knowing she could never sleep now, she sat on her bed and lay back against the heavy wooden headboard, thinking about Alex. He’d literally brought her back from the brink of death at the risk of his own life. What kind of boy would do that? Most people seemed to care only about themselves. He had to be all right. He had to be!
About the Author Michael J. Bowler is an award-winning author who grew up in Northern California. He majored in English/Theatre at Santa Clara University, earned a master’s in film production from Loyola Marymount University, a teaching credential in English from LMU, and a master’s in Special Education from Cal State University Dominguez Hills. Michael taught high school in Hawthorne, California, both in general education and to students with disabilities. When Michael is not writing, he serves as a youth mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and a volunteer within the juvenile justice system in Los Angeles, but mostly he takes care of his recently adopted son. He is a passionate advocate for the fair treatment of children and teens in California and hopes that his books can show young people they are not alone in their struggles.
Today is release day for PIPER’S PURGATORY, a standalone adult paranormal romance by USA Today bestselling author Maureen A. Miller. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR.
Synopsis
Is it possible to fall in love in the afterlife?
The last thing Piper Malko ever expected was to have her life snatched away so early. When she wakes up on the front steps of her brownstone to a rose-colored facsimile of her world, she is forced to come to grips with her demise. Why is she still trapped on her street, though? Was there a debate as to her final destination? Any attempt to ask the gauzy pedestrians passing by goes unheard. No one notices her. Until she sees him—over six feet of well-defined humanity staring back at her from across the street.
Russell Hughes is dead. He can remember the impact of the car. But there was no bright light. No portal to the beyond. Instead, everything around him is pink. Except for her. The attractive woman across the street.
Together, Piper and Russ try to piece together the crime that killed two strangers on the same road. If they can find their killer, then maybe they can escape this rosy limbo.
But will leaving purgatory tear them apart…just as they’re falling in love?
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Excerpt It could have been minutes—maybe even hours that she sat watching phantom figures pass by.
Motion at the street corner caught her attention. Just another foggy remnant of an Earthbound soul.
No.
Wait.
Her eyes snapped at the shock of color.
Blue.
Frustrated, she blinked away tears and grit.
It was a man.
With a shoulder propped against the building, his long back faced her. His hand was hitched in the pocket of his jeans while his head inched up, searching the sky.
Piper slowly uncurled her body and rose. Hands shaking, she tried to grab the railing for support.
Convinced her eyes were playing tricks on her, she searched the avenue. In a swirling sea of pink and red ribbons laced with airy pedestrians and transparent cars, the man stood in stark contrast.
Blue—glorious—authentic—contrast.
Piper picked her way across the street, dodging a vending truck. There was no tailwind. No scent of exhaust. And no need to dodge. Those factors didn’t register. Her focus was solely on the man now half a block away. As real as he looked in his jeans and flannel shirt, she expected him to dissolve on approach. So far, though, he remained convincingly intact. All the phantom pedestrians she had passed were bundled for the late autumn chill, but like her, he wore no coat.
This man had ruffled brown hair as if a strong breeze played with the soft ends. Hitched against the brick façade, the broad width of his shoulders was evident. Half of the blue flannel shirt was tucked into jeans that rode low over his hips.
“Hello?” she tested quietly, afraid to be rejected again.
The man’s arm jerked as he hefted off the wall. Sharp eyes flared open and traveled over her face, briefly trailing down her arms before they hiked back up to her gaze.
“Hello.”
Husky. Tentative. His voice rumbled across the space between them.
Green. His eyes were green. Not red. Not pink. Not amethyst. Not translucent. A rich, vibrant green like sunshine over a field of wild grass.
“You—you see me?”
Any other time she might worry that she sounded like a nut job, but now was not the time.
“I do,” he murmured, his eyes tracing her chin and sliding up into her hair. “Are you—” he hesitated, “—real?”
Piper almost collapsed.
“Real,” she repeated, her lips hiking into a smile.
His mouth quivered in an attempt to mimic it.
“As real as can be in this place.”
Even in death, she tried to play it cool.
Don’t look desperate.
Don’t look eager.
Don’t drool.
“Can I touch you?” she asked.
Soooo not cool!
This time his full lips settled into a smile. He raised his arm with his palm up. It was only inches away. She stared at that hand with broad fingers and a callused patch between the thumb and forefinger.
Tentative, she reached forward and tapped her pointer in the sinewy center. His fingers snapped around it, making her scream and yank free.
“Sorry,” he chuckled. “You looked like you were trying to touch a scorpion.”
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Author Maureen A. Miller
About the Author USA TODAY bestselling author, Maureen A. Miller worked in the software industry for fifteen years. She crawled around plant floors in a hard hat and safety glasses hooking up computers to behemoth manufacturing machines. The job required extensive travel. The best form of escapism during those lengthy airport layovers became writing.
Maureen’s first novel, WIDOW’S TALE, earned her a Golden Heart nomination in Romantic Suspense. Initially, she wrote for Harlequin’s digital imprint, but when the little voices in her head called for her to craft the young adult science fiction BEYOND series, it didn’t quite fit into the Harlequin world. So, she put on her big boy pants and went out on her own. The grownup in her still writes romantic suspense, but her inner adventure girl enjoys young adult adventures.
Welcome to the book blitz for HOLLYWOOD GAMES, the second book in the adult contemporary romantic comedy series, Kinloch, by Evie Alexander. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, and details on her giveaway.
HOLLYWOOD GAMES (Kinloch Series #2) by Evie Alexander
About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited
Title: HOLLYWOOD GAMES Series: Kinloch Series #2 Author: Evie Alexander Publisher: Emlin Press Release Date: April 4, 2022 Genre: Adult Contemporary Romantic Comedy Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
Rory’s found the love of his life but can he be sure Zoe feels the same? What can he offer her when his job’s on the line, and his mother’s out to destroy her? When Hollywood superstar, Brad Bauer, shows up wanting to film Braveheart 2 at Kinloch castle, it seems like the answer to all his prayers. However, there’s a catch.
Zoe’s had a crush on Brad since she was a teen. Now he’s here, hotter than ever, and convinced he was married to her in a past life. As Hollywood descends on the tiny village of Kinloch, it’s not just the castle that’s under siege.
A mystical holy man, a sexy starlet, an intense megastar and a couple pushed to the edge. Can Rory navigate the glitter storm and keep his eye on the prize, or by saving the estate, is he about to lose the best thing that’s ever happened to him?
Hollywood Games is a steamy, love conquers all, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, with no cheating, no cliff-hanger, and a guaranteed happy ever after (HEA). It can be read as a standalone but is most enjoyed after reading Highland Games.
When Hollywood meets the Highlands, things will never be the same again…
About the Author Evie Alexander is the author of sexy romantic comedies with a very British sense of humour. She takes a method approach to her work, believing her capacity to repeatedly fail at life and love is what has given her such a rich supply of material for her writing.
Her interests include reading, eating, saving the world, and fantasising about people who only exist between the pages of her books. She lives in the West country with her family.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for MIRRORS AND MYSTERIES, the ninth book in the young adult paranormal romance series, Fairy Tales of the Magicorum, by Christina Bauer. See below for information on the book and series, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
MIRRORS AND MYSTERIES (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum Series #9) by Christina Bauer
Synopsis Rapunzel meets Jane Eyre in the epic conclusion of this fairy tale romance!
Grayson Eyre has left her old life behind. She’s no longer stuck serving Lady R, a sadistic Rapunzel from the Lowood clan of elves. Instead, Grayson now teaches at the Thornfield home for shifter orphans. Even better, her boss is none other than the sexy alpha, Dex. It’s all good until a mysterious witch, Jocasta, appears in a nearby tower, demanding that Dex and Grayson discover the true nature of all Rapunzels. If not, Lady R will return to claim Grayson… and Thornfield will be wiped out by the evil Prism Master. Can Dex and Grayson discover the truth in time? And what will it mean for their growing attraction?
Secrets are revealed and feelings explored in this epic conclusion to the story of Dex and Grayson!
Fairy Tales of the Magicorum: Modern fairy tales with sass, action, and romance
1. Wolves and Roses
2. Moonlight and Midtown
3. Shifters and Glyphs
4. Slippers and Thieves
5. Bandits and Ball Gowns
6. Fire and Cinder
7. Fairies and Frosting
8. Towers and Tithes
9. Mirrors and Mysteries
10. Love and Ether
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Excerpt #2 Grayson
Pine trees tower above me. Soft breezes rustle my hair. Beams of moonlight peep through the canopy of branches. I stroll beside Dex, my hand resting on his forearm.
We’re a man and woman, walking along… something that happens every second of every minute of every hour of every day. It shouldn’t be a big deal.
To me, it is.
I’ve never touched a man before—not even the Prism Master—let alone someone like Dex. My insides are doing flip flops. Dex’s leather armor is so soft and firm. I can’t help but wonder if that’s how his skin would feel as well. And kissing? I shiver. That’s way too much to consider. A voice starts echoing through my mind. It sounds a lot like Lady R.
You’re so excited walk beside a man. How pathetic. Even from a distance, no one would think you and Dex are together. You’re too short and that dress is for a servant. And once anyone gets close enough to see your face? You’re plain as dirt.
A weight of sadness settles on my shoulders. I just escaped Lady R. Yet, she still lives on in my head. The worst part of all is simple: she’s right. Dex looks like a warrior-king of old, standing center stage in all his glory. I’m only an extra who cheers him on from behind the scenes.
My eyes sting with hidden pain. This started off as a nice moment. Now every step forward hurts me a little more.
Even though he can’t see, Dex slowly leads us to a great stone gateway. The heavy wooden door sits ajar. We step through the opening and into the city itself. It’s a lot of dark wooden buildings with slate roofs and thin windows.
And it’s dead.
Back in the woods, I feel life all around me. Insects chirp. Small animals scurry about. Everything is green and healthy. But here, there’s nothing but darkness and grim. Empty windows stare out from run-down buildings. Doorways hang loose on their hinges. Our footsteps sound like a lonely drumroll in the night.
Dex leads us toward a building made of dark wood. The tallest tower of all winds up from its center. A large wooden sign sits on a pole before the place.
Thornfield.
Seeing that name in writing brings back a memory. The first book I found hidden in the Bartlebee included a building called Thornfield as well.
“Is that your home?” I ask.
Dex inhales. “The scent is right. Why, does something look different?”
“The sign says Thornfield and the building is huge.”
“That’s the place, all right.”
An idea appears. Maybe this is a sign. After all, there are other ways where my life mirrors that book.
About the Author
Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too.
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.
Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates
Welcome to the blog tour for THE STARS FORGOT US, a standalone young adult paranormal suspense, by R.J. Garcia. See below for information on the book, buy links, my five-star review, and details on her giveaway.
THE STARS FORGOT US by R.J. Garcia
Synopsis Fifteen-year-old Jacob Kelly would love to go back to simpler times. Before his parents’ divorce and the onset of his brother’s Schizophrenia. But when he returns to his hometown, things feel off. After a series of strange occurrences, Jacob fears his new house is haunted or worse yet, he is losing his mind.
To his surprise, Jacob discovers a mysterious teenage runaway, Sanctuary Daniels, living in the house. She reveals she has been kept by a figure known only as Mother, in a place where downstairs children are languishing prisoners, and upstairs children do Mother’s bidding.
Jacob’s investigation into Sanctuary’s allegations, along with their budding romance, are cut short when she is reclaimed by evil beings. Beings who unleash terror upon Jacob and his family. Now he must journey to a real haunted house to save his first love and fight for his very life.
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My Review This was such a fun read! It starts off with a bang and just keeps going. Fifteen-year-old Jacob, his single mom, and his mentally ill older brother, Michael, move back to their hometown, and into a house that may or may not be haunted. The fact that Michael hears voices doesn’t help Jacob when he starts to hear a girl’s voice coming from inside his house. After all, schizophrenia can run in families. But it’s more than just voices with someone writing on the walls of his closet. Soon Jacob is seeing things, or someone specifically — Sanctuary (Ary) Daniels, the first girl he ever crushed on in middle school, who mysteriously disappeared before he moved away.
But nothing is as it seems. Ary tells a horrific tale of abuse at the hands of her foster mother, but she also tells obvious lies about how she ended up in his house, only making everything else she tells him suspect. But Jacob is drawn to her, and not just because she was his first crush. There’s something about her that makes him trust her more than not. And that’s when things get really interesting.
Plot The story flows really well and kept me turning the pages. Chapters are short and full of action and mystery that never stops coming. The romance is sweet and well done. The author does a masterful job of weaving in twists and turns that leaving you needing to know what happens next!
The Characters I love all the characters. They’re all so interesting and fun; like the kind of people you’d want to hang out with. You know, without all the dangerous stuff happening on-page. Jacob is sweet, Michael is multi-faceted, their mom acts like you’d expect a mom of teen boys to behave — I cannot overstate how rare that is in YA. Ary is by far the most intriguing character, with good reason, which I will not spoil for you.
Top Five Things I Loved About THE STARS FORGOT US 1. Jacob. He has his flaws, but he’s one of the good ones.
2. Twists. Just when you think you have it all figured out, you realize you have no idea what’s going to happen next.
3. Lucas. Jacob’s cousin, and one of his best childhood friends, is deeply layered. He kept me guessing on what his angle really was.
4. Pacing. The story moved at a perfect pace, keeping my interest throughout.
5. Ary. Her sweet innocence and complex nature made her an enigma that was a fun change from many YA love interests.
Bottom Line Fun fast read with excellent pacing and wonderful characters! This makes me want to read more by R.J. Garcia.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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About the Book – Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited Title: THE STARS FORGOT US Author: R.J. Garcia Publisher: Midnight Tide Publishing Release Date: March 30, 2022 Pages: 298 Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Suspense Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars Links:Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon IT | Amazon FR
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Author by R.J. Garcia
About the Author R.J. Garcia is a wife and proud mom. She earned her MSW and worked with foster children and as a school social worker. Writing has been her other great love. She has published several non-fiction pieces. She has been writing short-stories for as long as she can remember. To her amazement, those short stories became novels!
Welcome to the book blitz for SAVAGE CITY, the first book in the adult paranormal romance series, The Bliss Wars, by L. Penelope. See below for information on the book, buy links, an exclusive excerpt, and details on her giveaway.
SAVAGE CITY (The Bliss Wars Series #1) by L. Penelope
Synopsis
For Talia, death is only the beginning of survival…
When a tragic accident cuts my lonely life short, instead of heaven or hell, I’m stolen away to a terrifying city of warring shifter clans—the Nimali and the Fai. The Nimali mistake me for their missing princess. Her father, the dragon king, is identical to my own. But in this world, he dotes on me with the love and affection I always craved. And in a land with no tolerance for outsiders, feigning amnesia and impersonating shifter royalty may be the only way to survive.
For Ryin, falling in love is the worst kind of betrayal…
As a Fai warrior in captivity, I’m forced to serve my enemy even as I plot their destruction. The lost princess returned much changed, now the heat between us crackles irresistibly. While helping her heal using my magical talents, I begin to question what I thought I knew about the Nimali. She remains as forbidden as ever, but she also might be the key to freedom for me and my people.
Caught between two enemy factions balancing on the knife-blade of annihilation, our lies are the only thing keeping us alive, but they just might be our undoing.
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Excerpt #2 I stare at Victor, my head still spinning. Victor all grown up—which is something he never had the chance to do. The darkness and the cold fade away. I can’t tear my gaze away from him.
As a kid, he was a little awkward, sort of gangly, already six feet tall at the age of thirteen with dark freckles and a giant, reddish-brown afro that was perpetually lopsided. I was absolutely smitten. He was the son of my father’s housekeeper, and for a few months they lived in a little apartment above the garage. I used to spy on him through my bedroom window as he shot hoops in the driveway until my stepmother complained that the bouncing gave her a migraine. He and his mother found their own place after that, and I would only see him every once in a while, on school half-days or holidays. Then, when he was sixteen, he was in a park with some friends and was killed in a drive-by shooting.
If he’d lived, he’d be twenty-eight, and that’s about the age of the man next to me—the one with Victor’s face and a different name. He’s still lean, his hair still tinged with red. But there is no light of recognition in his gaze. I’d thought for a moment, blinking to look up into his eyes, that I was in heaven and would be reunited with people who were important to me, like the pre-teen crush I never quite got over. But that spark of joy flickers and dies. If this were heaven, would he have kept growing older?
A shiver races through me, cutting through the thin fabric of my gown. And heaven wouldn’t have me somehow on the top of a giant wall surrounded by men and women who dress like futuristic renaissance faire cosplayers. They’re all in black, the material tough and leatherish and fitted with reinforced shoulders and elbows and knees. It’s pretty badass, and I wouldn’t mind an outfit like that too. Looks warm. The only other person not dressed like Mad Max meets King Arthur is Victor—no, not Victor, Ryin. Who’s dressed all in dark gray, his clothes softer and less armor-like.
He won’t look at me anymore, and I miss his attention. He’s the only familiar thing here, and even if he’s not Victor, his presence is still a grounding rod in the electrical storm that has become my life—afterlife, whatever.
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Author L. Penelope
About the Author L. Penelope has been writing since she could hold a pen and loves getting lost in the worlds in her head. She is an award-winning author of fantasy and paranormal romance. Equally left and right-brained, she studied filmmaking and computer science in college and sometimes dreams in HTML. After living on both coasts, she settled in Maryland with her husband and their furry dependents. Sign up for new release information and giveaways on her website: http://www.lpenelope.com
