Title: Crave
Author: BJ Harvey
Genre: Romantic Suspense Standalone
Cover Designed by: Najla Qamber Designs
Back Cover Image Photography: K Keeton Designs
Back Cover Models: Storm Bailey and Cameo Hopper
A dark urge I’ve failed to resist despite years of trying to do that very thing.
I’ve forced myself to hide behind a mask, a perfect orchestration to hide my true self.
After I met her, my wants and needs, my inner most desires changed.
She encouraged me to embrace who I truly am, and she was willing to do anything and everything I wanted, giving herself to satisfy my most carnal appetite.
Then everything in my carefully managed world came crashing down around me. A moment in time, a loss of control, and the very thing I cherish was nearly taken from me.
My fate now lies in her hands.
The very life I’ve built for myself…everything I’ve ever done now waits in purgatory, all caused by a lack of focus at a time when my most concentrated attention was needed.
The very thing I crave may now be the end of me.
"Crave is the type of book that lovers of romance can’t not like!" - Beauty and the Beastly books
"From the opening lines, Harvey had me invested, her prose exquisite, I was enraptured almost instantly" - Glass Paper Ink Book Blog
"The characters were so flawed and complex that i was completely enraptured by their story." - Lunaland Books
"Crave is definitely a wild ride with an end that I never saw coming." - Goodreads Reviewer
“How do you do it?”
“Do what?” She trails off as my face moves in closer, my body putting aside any misgivings I may have had.
“Make me want this. Make me want you.” I sound drunk.
The effect this woman has on me intensifies the closer we get. “Do you need your arm twisted?” I decide then and there to just go with it. Follow my instincts and see how she reacts to the real Callum Alexander. “When it comes to you, I’m a done deal.”
“Prove it.”
“Luce . . .” I say her name, loving the way it rolls off my tongue. The way her eyes soften and the corner of her mouth curls upward are an added bonus.
“Yeah, Cal.”
“Shut up and kiss me.”
“Why don’t you shut up and kiss me?”
So I do, lowering my head and dragging my tongue along the seam of her lipstick-covered lips. I rake my hands through her hair, tugging just to the point of pain before plunging my tongue into her mouth, tasting and taking, touching every part of her from shoulders to hips. I push forward and feel her body jolt as she hits the wall.
Then it’s no holds barred. The kiss turns from wild to rabid in the blink of an eye. Her hands snake under my shirt, her fingernails biting into my chest as I press my body hard against hers. My cock is incessant in its protest, and every tilt of her hips against mine increases the need to take her right there in my hallway.
Minutes pass, but it feels like seconds because we’re too lost in each other to care. I wrench my lips from her mouth and lean my forehead against hers, my breath coming hard and fast, matching hers as we try to recover.
“I think it’s time for dinner,” I murmur between breaths, amazed that I’m still able to think coherently after a welcome like that.
“You’re a great date, Mr. Alexander,” she says with a grin as we move apart.
“All part of the service,”
BJ Harvey is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Bliss Series. She also regards herself as a smut peddler, suspense conjurer and a funny romance thinker upper.
An avid music fan, you will always find her singing some hit song badly but loving every minute of it.
She’s a wife, a mom to two beautiful girls, and hails from what she considers as the best country in the world—New Zealand.
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Title : Holding On To You
Author: Rachel S. Rose
Genre : Romance
Holding On To You (Singing Star Trilogy Book 2):
Would her jealously drive away the only man who had stayed? Melissa relished her newfound relationship, until Nathan started to get all the attention. Okay, he was gorgeous. And yes, he was sure to win Singing Star, the singing contest she had crashed out of embarrassingly. However, he was hers and only hers…wasn’t he? Nathan couldn’t get used to being attached. For so long he had kept his heart hidden under his brawn, wrapped up in his singing. Now, Melissa threatened the very thing he had been avoiding. Her vulnerability mixed with jealousy brought out a side to him that he’d been trying to hide.
Would you give up your values for one moment of passion?
Melissa is always tempted by the men that only want one thing. When Nathan shows up in her life, she can’t say no to his advances, even though she wants more. Distracting herself by auditioning and getting through to the next round of a singing contest doesn’t work. Especially when Nathan turns out to be one of the contestants. Nathan has a past that cripples him. His dream is to use his talent as a singer/songwriter to get to the top. No one can get to his heart there. Not even the woman who makes him laugh with her insecure ways.
(PLEASE REMOVE IF NOT REVIEWING)
Rachel S. Rose was born and raised in Surrey, England. She writes sexy empowering fiction and non fiction because she believes that women can own their sexuality and femininity. Her slightly kinky imagination combined with a need to share empowered feminine stories makes Rachel determined to find her tribe.
Title: Enchanted Souls
Author: Tia Silverthorn Bach
Genre: NA Paranormal Romance
Expected Release Date: October 21st, 2016
Cover Designer: Jo Michaels
Photographer: K Keeton Designs
Models: Alisha Beesley and Tyler Francis
Editor: Jo Michaels of Indie Books Gone Wild
Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR
Blurb:
Two Souls Tethered. An Unbreakable Bond.
A rare occurrence brings the planets into alignment, causing the seals that separate the universes to break. Lost souls search for home while two hearts that were shattered try to find their missing pieces.
When Alyxandria Duvall meets Micah, sparks fly, and their hearts burst into flames. They welcome their daughter not long after; then Micah goes missing under mysterious circumstances, leaving a path of heartache, death, and destruction in his wake. Still, Fate has more in store for them.
Galactic anomalies are propelling their lives toward their destinies. Light years separate them, but their souls gravitate toward one another. Can love overpower the universeâs boundaries?
Tia Silverthorne Bach has been married to her college sweetheart for twenty years, has three beautiful girls, and adores living in the breathtaking state of Colorado. Her daughters were born in Chicago, San Diego, and Baltimore; and she feels fortunate to have called many places home. She believes in fairy tales and happy endings and is an avid reader and rabid grammar hound.
She is an award-winning, multi-genre author and an Editor for Indie Books Gone Wild. From an early age, she escaped into books and believes they can be the source of healing and strength. If sheâs not writing, you can find her on the tennis court, at the movies, reading a good book, or spooning Jif peanut butter right out of the jar.
Author Links:
Website: http://www.tiabach.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tia.bach.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tia_Bach_Author
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tia_bach_author/
Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/tiabach
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2es0xb2
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2e3VQ8O
Title: Sweet Girl
Series: The Sweetest Thing #2
Author: Sierra Hill
Genre: New Adult/College Sports
Published: October 18, 2016
Kylah
I’ve always lived in the shadows of my athletic older brother and my charismatic twin sister. And that’s okay by me. I don’t mind being known as the shy wallflower. The gawky geek. The sweet, virginal girl. Well, that’s one label I’ve been trying to shed since starting my freshman year in college this year. The thing is, no one’s ever looked twice at me.
Until I met Van Gerard.
He notices me. He looks at me and seems to like what he sees. He understands and listens to me. He’s become a great friend. The problem is, I don’t want him as a friend.
I want more.
But my brother - along with a state line between us, and oh yeah, Van’s long-time girlfriend - are just a few complications getting in the way of what I want.
Van
I thought my senior year in college would be the best time of my life. I’m a starter on a Pac-12 basketball team, set to graduate with a degree in Finance. I have a girlfriend whom I’d planned to start a future with. I thought my life was already mapped out.
But then the bottom dropped out with a confession I never expected to hear, from the girl I thought I knew.
I thought wrong.
Luckily for me, Kylah Griffin was there to break my fall. She’s the best thing this year has given me. She’s helped me through a devastating blow that could have sent me reeling.
I know she wants more, but I’m not sure I can give it. Now that I’ve been burned, I don’t think I can go there again. Kylah’s not a hook-up, and she’s definitely not a rebound. She’s a sweet girl who deserves more than to be friend-zoned.
If only things weren’t so complicated.
Since writing and publishing her first book in 2014, Sierra Hill has found her creative passion in writing about the fictional characters that live in her brain, who are constantly shouting for their own love stories to be told.
Sierra frequently indulges in what some might consider to be an unhealthy dose of reading, dark chocolate candy, and way too much coffee. She hates cold weather, and frequently finds herself traveling around the country to see her favorite live musicians in concert.
Sierra resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of twenty years and her long-haired, German Shepherd. She is currently working on her next book.
Arabian Nights & Arabian Nights
(Traditional Tales From a Thousand and One Nights)
Author: Clive Johnson
Genre: Contemporary Tales for Adults
Publisher: Labyrinthe Publishers
AVAILABLE NOW - FREE ON KINDLE
Magic carpets and flying horses, caverns glittering with gold, unexpected plotlines following the fortunes of heroes and villains–who cannot fail to be enchanted by the magic and wonder of the tales of the One Thousand and One Nights?
This most celebrated collections of tales feature shape-shifting and miraculous transportation across continents, powerful jinn who rise like smoke from simple vessels, dreams that delve into the secrets of the subconscious, and gigantic, man-carrying birds.
The backdrop for the tales moves from barren deserts to spectacular cities, from the edge of the world to the inner sanctuaries of mighty rulers. Kings and paupers, benevolent sages and devious magicians, worthy princesses and unscrupulous harlots–all play their part in teaching important truths and providing lively entertainment.
This innovative book offers retellings of a selection of tales that have captured the imaginations of countless people over many centuries. Accompanying each is a short story set in a contemporary context, which reframes the messages and teachings of the original, specifically written for an adult audience.
Here are stories of betrayal and murder, exploitation and sibling rivalry, soul-searching and discovery. The modern parallel tales swap the busy alleyways of old Baghdad for the horror of Saddam's prisons, move from following caravans sweeping across the Sahara to modern day pilgrims trekking along the Caminos of northern Spain, and lift Aladdin out of his cave to unwittingly face Triad gangsters and antiques smugglers.
Wayward Baptist ministers, adulterous accountants, and eco-warrior backpackers follow in the footsteps of the no-less colourful characters than those that feature in the original tales.
Each pair of stories is accompanied by a commentary on how they might be interpreted. The result is a gripping collection of tales that may continue to bring the mystery and magic of the Nights to life, as well as provoking fresh thought and feeling for adult readers. Prepare to be surprised, uplifted and–in the spirit of the original Arabian Nights Entertainments–enthralled.
Introduction
The city of brass
Via Frances
The pilgrim and the old woman who dwelt in the desert
Tissardmine
The history of Abou neeut and Abou neeuten
Down by the Yarra
Sinbad the porter and the fourth voyage of Sinbad the sailor
Baghdad Hilton
The story of the barber’s fifth brother
Arcade dreams
The tale of the young woman and her five lovers
High flyers
Aladdin and the wonderful lamp
What am I bid?
Scheherazade’s story
Stand-up
Stand-up
I’ve lived in Brighton since I finished my studies at Oxford. My family comes from West London, where my parents still live. My father practices as a barrister, and has become something of a pillar in his community. He even served as an MP for a while, but in common with many in his party, he lost his seat at the last election.
My parents castigate me for what they see as my wasting my education. They put me through St Paul’s, one of the best independent schools in the country, before funding my stay at Oxford. “You should get yourself a proper job, Shilpa,” my mother is always telling me, “Not keep playing around with this silly comedy thing that you're doing.”
She’s referring to my stand-up routine. This gives me a great buzz, if it doesn't earn me enough to pay the rent. I subsidise what little I get from playing the circuit with a small income from teaching yoga. Maybe one day I will get a “proper job”, as my mother calls it, but for now I'm happy working at what I enjoy, and having the freedom to spend most days as I wish.
When I'm not teaching, my usual routine is to spend an hour in the morning practising my yoga. When the weather allows, I like to go down to the Pavilion Gardens, where I perform my contortions and stretches under the watchful gaze of the statue of the Prince Regent, which proudly stands in front of the exotic palace that was once his luxurious seaside retreat.
You meet all sorts in the park–Brighton has always been popular with day-trippers, but it's also a great magnet for students wanting
to learn English, and the business types who pack into the various hotels and conference halls along the seafront.
One such recent visitor took particular interest in my deft movements one morning. This suited man watched me initially from a distance, taking his time before offering his opinions on my workout. “Nice legs!” he shouted. “Do that again–the one where you knot your leg behind your neck!”
I could see that he was chuckling to himself, obviously enjoying the spectacle of a young woman twisting herself into what I suppose he thought were suggestive poses. I carried on with my routine, unaffected by his lewd remarks.
The man seemed in no rush to move on. When I finished my stretches, I made for where he was standing, and curtly enquired whether he'd enjoyed watching my routine. I wasn't bothered by what he might say, knowing that I was very capable of asserting myself and responding with a pointed comment or two if that were needed.
The man appeared a little abashed, but repeated his observation about my suggestive moves. “Take this as a compliment, babe,” he went on, his puerile smile not showing any sign of fading. “There’s nothing wrong with a beautiful woman strutting her stuff in public, if you want my opinion.”
“I don’t want your opinion!” I replied sternly, “And don't call me “babe” either!”
I asked him what he was doing in the park, and he told me that he’d decided to take time away from a conference that he was attending, which he said was boring him. “It's too bloody hot in that place,” he added, “Much better to be out here, watching you wiggling your backside!”
“You think you're quite a smart arse, don't you?” I continued. “Hasn't it ever occurred to you that some of us ‘babes’ quite like sizing up guys like you from time to time?”
He seemed taken aback by my forthright approach, but this appeared to encourage him to want to pester me further. I said that, since I had a little free time, I was happy to chat with him for a while, and we walked across to sit down on a park bench on the other side of the pavilion.
“Tell me what you do,” I asked the man, whose name I learned was Shiraz.
“I run a building firm,” he replied. “Tough work, not for pretty girls like you.”
“Do you have any ‘pretty girls’ on your payroll?” I asked, adopting a sarcastic tone.
“Sure we do–one of them runs the payroll, others we employ to type letters, make coffees for clients, clean the directors’ cars, and the like. If they don't make a fuss, they'll be fine with me. If they try to be clever, they'll soon be shown the door.”
I didn't know whether he was being serious, but it didn't take a genius to work out that this man was a sexist arsehole. He spoke about his three marriages as though he were telling the story of the Three Little Pigs. All of them had ended the same way when his wives found out that he’d had been unfaithful to them.
I told him about my past, and how I earned my living. He seemed surprised to discover that a young woman could survive on the comedy circuit, and even more that someone of my sex could actually be funny. He was dismissive of the better-known comediennes that I mentioned, claiming that they didn't have the edge that he thought most men had. For guys, he professed, humour came as a natural talent.
“Maybe you'd like to come and see me tonight?” I offered. “I'm doing a gig at The Quadrant, a bar down near the clock tower in the centre of town.”
He claimed that he was too busy to honour me with his presence, making an excuse about his need to network with other
construction industry bigwigs at the conference. But I repeated my challenge, baiting him by suggesting that he was afraid that I might single him out to be embarrassed in front of a jeering crowd. “Well maybe,” he eventually conceded.
“You don't seem to have a very high opinion of women,” I ventured, making the most obvious of observations. “No job sounds as though it is good enough for the women in your company–other than those that involve pushing papers, boiling kettles, and taking dictation. Maybe you should see how one or two of us might try out on site?”
Shiraz laughed, but collected himself before responding, “They stand no chance! Construction involves tough physical work, and women just aren't made for that. Besides, they'd be constantly breaking down at all of the taunts the lads would throw at them.”
I replied that one of my friends was a surveyor, and that she was more than capable of batting back the ignorant snipes that used to greet her when she went on site. As for physical ability–well, rising from my seat, I challenged Shiraz to see if he could wrestle me to the ground.
“Oh no,” he protested, “I couldn't hurt a lady!”
“You won't get a chance to hurt me!” I teased, urging him to try to knock me down.
“You're scared that I’ll make an idiot of you, aren't you?” I joked. “Come on, strongman, I'm ready for you!”
My words must have touched his pride, since he responded by taking off his jacket, then came toward me to face the challenge.
We each stood our ground for a moment, exchanging steady stares that made known that both of us felt comfortable facing our opponent. Then, in an instant, I engaged him in a corner drop throw, propelling him into a back somersault that left him laying flat on the ground.
I then crouched behind him, bringing him into a chokehold, stopping short of sucking the air from him. “Not strong enough are we, eh? Just make sure that you don't mess with me!”
I helped him to his feet again, and then we both resumed our places on the bench.
“You're not bad for a girl!” he conceded.
“Vous commencez à savoir ce que je suis sur!”
“What did you say?” he responded.
“Sie beginnen zu wissen, was ich bin!”
“Say that again?” Shiraz demanded.
“Stai cominciando a sapere quello che sto!”
“I don't get it!” He replied, admitting his ignorance, and seeming
to be increasingly frustrated with my happy game of poking fun at his disadvantage.
It means “You’re beginning to get the measure of me!” I eventually explained. “I spelled it out in French, German, and Italian, just so you could get the message!”
He seemed impressed that I was a linguist, as well as being accomplished in the martial arts. I went on to tell him about the two degrees that I’d earned at Oxford–my bachelors course in History and Politics, and my master’s in Literature and Arts. I described some of my achievements as one-time Vice President of the Student Union, and listed some of the trophies that I’d snapped up when I was a member of the University's squash club.
Shiraz was unable to offer any triumphs to compare with my own. Even his appointment as Managing Director of his construction firm hadn't come about through hard grafting or raw talent, but since his father had owned the business, and then passed on his day-to-day responsibilities to his son.
“The guy that owned this place thought that he was a bit of a superstar too,” I offered, aiming a nod in the direction of the pavilion. “All those fancy domes and turrets, each fashioned like
architectural gems from the Orient–these weren't just fancy whims of an architect, but were meant to wow the punters. The lavish banquets, the music that played, and the stories that were told night after night–the prince expected everyone that he brought here to be impressed by what he’d created. But most of them ended up loathing him.”
I went on to sketch out the shady biography of the Prince Regent, making reference to his disagreements with his father, and his doomed relationship with the German princess, Caroline.
“He thought that he pulled all of the strings,” I continued, “But when he quickly fell out with his queen, his wily wife refused to agree to a divorce. They both had their affairs, squandered money, and tried various means to outwit each other. In the end, neither was a victor. Perhaps if they’d made an effort to recognise that each had something to give the other, things might not have turned out so dreadfully for them.”
My relating of this unglamorous period in British history caused Shiraz to reflect on his own dealings with his former wives and employees.
“Sometimes I’ve regretted the way that I treated my wives,” he admitted. “I used to see my arrogance as some sort of virtue, but it cost me dearly when my wives filed for divorce. After my third wiping out, I had to rethink my attitude.”
“What did you get out of treating your women the way that you did?” I asked.
Shiraz hesitated before responding, looking for a moment as though he was ready to spill a tear.
“That took me a long time to work out,” he lamented. “After my third divorce, I signed up with a therapist, who helped me understand what was prompting my behaviour. In truth, I never felt as though I’d achieved much when I was young. I struggled
with my schoolwork, and never received any praise from my parents.”
Shiraz paused to catch his breath. I could see from his downcast gaze that he was lost in a painful memory. I kept my distance from him, but offered what I believe were sympathetic comments and a willingness to hear his story.
“Did you come to see that your words might sometimes be more than just teasing?” I asked, keen to explore how far the therapy had taken him.
“Perhaps not as strongly as I might,” he confessed. “I can see that some of the people who work for me were badly hurt by how I treated them. Some even quit their jobs, claiming that what they saw as my bullying had turned them into nervous wrecks.”
“My chiding of women was never meant to hurt,” he went on. “I've always believed that I was not being serious when I engaged in a little ribbing. It’s just that for me, women have always been an easy target.”
At this point, several tears did begin to well up in Shiraz’s eyes. He seemed momentarily remorseful, but admitted that he had some distance to go before he was cured of his old habits.
Our conversation then turned to lighter matters, before I realised that I would need to leave Shiraz to continue his musing, as I had a yoga class to run within the next hour.
Before I left the park, I challenged Shiraz to another wrestling game. He chuckled at my offer, but said that he was still nursing his bruises following our last tomfoolery on the grass. I backed away from the bench, wishing him well and teasing him about his cowardice to not face up to me, then turned and broke into a determined trot back to my studio.
Clive Johnson is a student and follower of the perennial tradition, the belief that many myths, fairy stories and faith traditions point to common truths at their heart. Clive is a storyteller, as well as being a teacher, an interfaith minister and a retreat host. He has had a lifelong interest in the power of myth and the oral tradition of story telling. Being autistic, a would-be mystic and not approaching his reflections from an academic standpoint, he approaches his writing with an open heart and a keen curiosity. He has no fixed home, pursuing a nomadic lifestyle that allows him to follow his heart. This is his seventh book.
Previous works: Fairy Stories & Fairy Stories/Traditional tales for children, Contemporary tales for adults (fiction), Picturing God (spirituality), Managing Coaching at Work (business/with Jackie Keddy), Managing Conflict at Work (business/with Jackie Keddy), The Complete Guide to Managing People (business), The Complete Guide to Visioning (self development).
Title: Crave
Author: BJ Harvey
Genre: Romantic Suspense Standalone
Cover Designed by: Najla Qamber Designs
Back Cover Image Photography: K Keeton Designs
Back Cover Models: Storm Bailey and Cameo Hopper
AVAILABLE NOW - ON SALE $0.99
"BJ Harvey is an author that creates stories that are easy to fall in love with." - Goodreads Reviewer "This is not our normal BJ Harvey read, this is more suspenseful and a little darker but we still have that trademark BJ Harvey heat. This book was full of suspense and intrigue, secrets and forgiveness. A book full of plot twists that will have your mouth gaping and heart palpitating. A fair few OMG moments and a few tears but most of all a rollercoaster ride that I just couldn’t put down." - The Romance Cover
I have a craving.
A dark urge I’ve failed to resist despite years of trying to do that very thing.
I’ve forced myself to hide behind a mask, a perfect orchestration to hide my true self.
After I met her, my wants and needs, my inner most desires changed.
She encouraged me to embrace who I truly am, and she was willing to do anything and everything I wanted, giving herself to satisfy my most carnal appetite.
Then everything in my carefully managed world came crashing down around me. A moment in time, a loss of control, and the very thing I cherish was nearly taken from me.
My fate now lies in her hands.
The very life I’ve built for myself…everything I’ve ever done now waits in purgatory, all caused by a lack of focus at a time when my most concentrated attention was needed.
The very thing I crave may now be the end of me.
“How do you do it?”
“Do what?” She trails off as my face moves in closer, my body putting aside any misgivings I may have had.
“Make me want this. Make me want you.” I sound drunk.
The effect this woman has on me intensifies the closer we get. “Do you need your arm twisted?” I decide then and there to just go with it. Follow my instincts and see how she reacts to the real Callum Alexander. “When it comes to you, I’m a done deal.”
“Prove it.”
“Luce . . .” I say her name, loving the way it rolls off my tongue. The way her eyes soften and the corner of her mouth curls upward are an added bonus.
“Yeah, Cal.”
“Shut up and kiss me.”
“Why don’t you shut up and kiss me?”
So I do, lowering my head and dragging my tongue along the seam of her lipstick-covered lips. I rake my hands through her hair, tugging just to the point of pain before plunging my tongue into her mouth, tasting and taking, touching every part of her from shoulders to hips. I push forward and feel her body jolt as she hits the wall.
Then it’s no holds barred. The kiss turns from wild to rabid in the blink of an eye. Her hands snake under my shirt, her fingernails biting into my chest as I press my body hard against hers. My cock is incessant in its protest, and every tilt of her hips against mine increases the need to take her right there in my hallway.
Minutes pass, but it feels like seconds because we’re too lost in each other to care. I wrench my lips from her mouth and lean my forehead against hers, my breath coming hard and fast, matching hers as we try to recover.
“I think it’s time for dinner,” I murmur between breaths, amazed that I’m still able to think coherently after a welcome like that.
“You’re a great date, Mr. Alexander,” she says with a grin as we move apart.
“All part of the service,”
BJ Harvey is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Bliss Series. She also regards herself as a smut peddler, suspense conjurer and a funny romance thinker upper.
An avid music fan, you will always find her singing some hit song badly but loving every minute of it.
She’s a wife, a mom to two beautiful girls, and hails from what she considers as the best country in the world—New Zealand.
Title: Touchdown
Series: Game Day Series Book 1
Author: TS McKinney
Publisher - Dark Hollows Press
Genre: M/M Romance
Published: September 7, 2016
Alexander Bryant has lived his entire life making everyone else happy. After meeting Lincoln, will he have the courage to finally do what makes him happy?
Alexander – I like to consider myself a rebel – an ass-kicker that takes what he wants regardless of what others think. I make my own path and flip off the people who don’t agree. I laugh in the face of conflict. Nobody tells me what to do.
In reality, everything about me is a lie – past, present, and future. The Bryant family name requires certain things and all my decisions are based on those requirements. I like football, but the family name demands I love it. I want to be an artist, but the family name demands I be a lawyer. The family demands I fall in love with a nice girl, but I’m falling for, well, the opposite of nice AND girl. I’m a coward and a liar.
Lincoln – I like to imagine myself a loner – a cold heartless bastard that takes what he wants. I lived the biggest part of my life with parents that were ashamed of me for more reasons that one could begin to count, so I trust no one. I have a low tolerance for bullshit and hate liars. So why did I go and fall in love with the biggest liar of them all?
Alexander
I lay there, or at least I think I’m lying down on some sort of soft surface. Soft and cozy. Smells nice. Yeah, it feels like a mattress, but it also feels like I’m floating on a fluffy cloud. I can hear things, some soft music playing, but it sounds like everything is so far away. I’m toasty warm. Even in my sluggish mind I know I’ve never felt this relaxed in my entire life. I can’t explain it – other than I never want the feeling to go away.
I should probably open my eyes and try to at least wake up, but it feels so damned good that I keep them clenched tightly together. There’s a nagging twitch in the back of my mind, telling me something isn’t quite right and I should be concerned, very concerned, but I don’t want to listen. I try to shut out my mind and focus only on what my body is saying.
I want to relax and enjoy whatever the hell this is. I don’t use drugs, but I’m pretty sure I’m going to start if this is the result of pill popping. Did I drink too much? Nope; if I had, I’d be feeling more like a rattlesnake being poked instead of a cuddly slug cocooned someplace…that smelled so damned nice. What the hell was that scent? I liked it. I’m pretty sure if I was able, it would turn me on. For the first time in my life, I feel like I might not have the energy to even get it up…and it feels so good that I don’t even care.
What had I been doing? Where was I? What had happened and how could I make it happen again?
“Alexander.” A husky voice invaded my state of peace and relaxation.
I peeked an eye open and immediately wished I hadn’t. Fuck. Fuck. Double fuck. What the double fuck? I tried to scramble away from the man looming over me but my limbs felt like fucking jelly that had been left out in the sun. My arms wouldn’t work. My fucking legs wouldn’t work. The only thing that was fucking working was the voice inside my head screaming for me to run for my fucking life. Well, shit. I’m naked. Yep, naked and apparently I’m in another man’s bed. I don’t belong in the beds of other men. Nope, not me. Especially not the bed of Lincoln Montgomery, spanker of bare asses.
“Calm down, Alexander,” Lincoln said in that deep, sexier than sexy voice. “You’re going to feel weak after our scene. It’s natural so don’t be alarmed. Don’t move,” he ordered as he turned away to reach for something. Before I could even consider trying to at least slide across the bed and belly crawl for the window so I could jump to my death, he was back around and offering me a bottle of water. No way was I drinking that shit. I’m sure it’s drugged; just like whatever I drank last night had to have been drugged. That’s why I was feeling so weak. And fucking wonderful.
Oh, shit. The scene! I had actually let another man spank me with a crop. In front of a crowd. Practically naked. I’m pretty sure I begged for it. I eyed the window again, calculating if I could make it before Lincoln grabbed me and hauled me back to his bed. Sure, I’d die naked and humiliate my parents and grandparents, but that would have to be their fucking problem. For the first time in my life, they would just have to deal with me breaking the rules. Technically, I suppose, I wasn’t breaking them. Mother just always said to have clean underwear on in case you are in an accident. I suppose in her mind no underwear would surely beat dirty underwear.
“Stop acting like a child, Alexander. We’re on the tenth floor. You would splatter,” Lincoln scolded. “Now drink your water. After an especially intense scene, you need plenty of rest and fluids. You’ve gotten the rest, so let’s drink our water, shall we?”
Apparently he could read my mind. Perfect.
“I don’t want your water, Lincoln. You’re probably just trying to drug me again,” I spat. Hell, I knew he hadn’t drugged me, but it sounded a hell of a lot better than I was stone-cold sober when I stripped in front of strangers and let a grown-ass man spank me. Oh wait, I’m also naked in his comfy bed. We probably fucked, too.
It gets better and better.
I wiggle a bit to see if I’m sore in places I shouldn’t be sore. Yep, I sure the fuck am. Of course that could very well be from the spanking I received, but, then again, it could be from something much worse. Shit, did I let this man fuck me? Double shit, why does the thought of that not piss me off like it should?
“Are you implying I’ve drugged you, Alexander?” Lincoln asked as he opened the bottle of water. I opened my mouth to tell him I damned straight thought he drugged me, but before I could get it out, he had scooped up my head and forced the bottle against my lips. “Drink,” he ordered.
So I drank it.
“Very good,” he praised and I glowed like a fucking moron. Why the hell would I care if he was happy or not? I should be feeling the opposite. Actually, I should probably punch him the face – if only my damned arms didn’t feel like a ton of lead. Since an angry glare was the only weapon I possessed at the moment, I glared. And glared. And glared.
He laughed – the motherfucker.
“You’ve got a pretty pout, Alexander. I’m sure you use it to get your way on most occasions, but it won’t work with me so put it away. Don’t waste your time and mine.”
His voice sounded like a growl. A very sexy, very arousing growl. Something inside of me wanted to purr. I settled for, “Fuck off, Lincoln.”
“Do you remember what happened earlier?” He pulled a chair right up against the bed and leaned closer to me than I felt comfortable with. No, scratch that. He leaned closer than I wanted to feel comfortable with. As it turns out, what I think I want and what my body wants might be two different things, as in on opposite ends of the chart. My head is screaming “no” but my body is dying to get closer to him. As my nostrils flare, I realize the scent that has been driving me crazy with lust is none other than Lincoln Montgomery. Could it get any worse?
“I’m straight,” I blurted out, trying to convince myself more than Lincoln. “Not gay.” Yeah, clarify it like he didn’t have a clue what straight meant. I’m a fucking idiot.
He smiled. It was one of those indulgent smiles that parents give children when they say or do something ridiculous. “Yes, thank you for telling me, Alexander. Again.”
Oh yeah, I had already told him that. Shit.
“Don’t worry. Straight men end up on the other end of my crop and then naked in my bed all the time.” Another indulgent smile. “It happens alllll the time.” He mocked.
“Did we?” I asked. I had to know. Shit, I didn’t want to know.
“Did we what?” Lincoln asked with a smirk. He knew damned well what I wanted to know. “Did we fuck?” I hissed, furious he made me say it and even more furious at the blush creeping across my body.
Lincoln remained perfectly quiet and I knew the delay was only meant to make me suffer as long as humanly possible. His eyes, a deep midnight blue, twinkled with merriment at my expense. I wasn’t sure of a hell of a lot of things at the moment, but I was one hundred percent certain that if Lincoln had fucked me, I enjoyed it. There was an aura of arrogance that he wore like a second skin – not the stupid kind of arrogance, but the kind that one got from being told how incredibly awesome they were. At fucking. He was probably awesome at fucking.
Finally, he said, “Trust me, Alexander; you would know it if I’d fucked you.” He leaned closer to me. “Every inch of you, inside and out, would know you’d been properly fucked.” His hot breath tickled my cheek as he spoke the words…the words that tickled me somewhere else. Fuck. How horrifying would it be if my cock got hard right about now? Pretty fucking horrifying.
“Plus, you’re straight, remember?”
T.S. McKinney lives in East Tennessee with her high school sweetheart/husband and all the countless dogs she picks up from deserted country roads. Her professional career has been in business but her heart has always belonged to the fantasy world found in books.
Creating wicked worlds where one can meet the perfect hero – and then do anything to him that you want – has been a hobby that has brought her plenty of hours of fun and naughty entertainment. When not working, reading, or writing, she loves to spend time with my family and forcing them (because they don’t really have another choice) to allow me to redecorate their houses…and listen to my naughty…sometimes sadistic stories.
Struggle: Part Two in the Crossing Desires Series
Author: Megs Pritchard
Genre: M/M Novella
Published: September 21, 2016
This book contains explicit M/M sexual scenes and strong language. It is intended for mature, adult audiences only.
There is a trigger scene within this book. It includes a hostage scene and leads up to but doesn't include a rape.
The final episode in Tony and Will’s story.
After his encounter with Will, Tony was left more confused than ever. He’d never expected to experience the sensations, the pleasure that Will had brought out in him and it had excited, but confused him.
After every encounter, Tony was left more disturbed at the level of arousal that Will could create in his body. The emotional conflict Tony faced, wanting to continue and wanting to run away were tearing him apart.
Just when Tony thought he could handle and accept his attraction to a man and finally move their relationship forward, a man from his past threatens to destroy the fragile trust Tony is developing.
Will their burgeoning relationship survive and continue, or will the shadows of his past prove too much for Tony?
And Will?
Will he fight for Tony or will he walk away?
Is Tony too much trouble or a man worth waiting for?
Megs Pritchard lives in England and is a mother to two small boys. When she isn’t working or being mummy, she is busy writing about complex characters that know the harsh realities of life but want a HEA.
A lover of M/M and M/F romances she believes everyone deserves to be happy, healthy and loved.
Growing up in a military family, Megs has travelled Europe and has a great deal of respect and gratitude for all the men and women who have and who still serve. Her dream job was to be a Bomb Disposal Expert and even had her own ‘kit’ when she was younger.
She is currently working on her first full-length series called Second Chances.
Blurb:
Eight bestselling authors. Eight sizzling tales from the Old West to set your heart ablazeâ¦
In Whispered Love, bestselling author Kathleen Ball takes you to the wild Pacific Northwest, a land bristling with handsome, well-muscled lumberjacks. Foreman Samuel Pearse has only one rule; no women allowed. Until he finds one asleep in his bathtubâPat Clarke, the company cook. With her secret revealed and her virtue at stake, Pat turns to the only man who can help herâ¦the one man who can set fire to her heart.
In Kateâs Outlaw, award-winning author E.E. Burke spins a suspenseful yarn about a half-breed desperado who abductsâand then rescuesâa railroad heiress. On the run from danger, with enemies on both sides, Jake and Kate seek solace in each otherâs armsâ¦and ignite a love as powerful as it is forbidden.
The Officer and the Bostoner, from USA Today bestselling author Rose Gordon, follows the adventures of a well-to-do lady traveling cross-country to meet her intended. Instead, she finds herself stranded at a military fort and forced into an unwanted marriage. Can a hot-blooded officer spark love in his wifeâs cold heart?
In Foolâs Rush, from USA Today bestselling author Ciara Knight, a young woman, desperate for independence from all men, embarks on a crazy cross-country wagon train adventure disguised as a man. Rather than finding her independence, a bounty hunter captures her under the guise of horse thieving, a crime punishable by hanging. Will a man sheâs lied to for months save her, or will he surrender her to a monster with a badge?
Ridinâ For A Fall by Kirsten Lynn immerses you in a fiery tale of forever love. When circumstances force best friends and Wild West Show performers Lena Boden and Kyle Allaway to marry and return to Wyoming, they must stand together against internal doubts and external forces seeking their destructionâor risk a fall that will knock them out of the saddle for good.
A Warriorâs Heart, from best-selling author Amanda McIntyre, brings to life the passionate story of a bold Cherokee warrior and the brave white woman he rescues from certain death. Thrown together by circumstances not of their own making, they overcome betrayal and tragedy to find a love strong enough to bring nations together.
The Rancher, by bestselling author Hildie McQueen, transports readers to 1870s Montana Territory and into a sensual encounter between an injured rancher and a woman running for her life. Sometimes love enters at the worst moment.
In The Drifter, bestselling author Elizabeth Rose takes you on an epic journey across the plains, as drifter Chase Masters shows up wounded at Nessa Pemberton's stagecoach relay station mistaken as the bandit who killed her husband. Can a single mother learn to love again and put her trust in a man who is nothing but a drifter?
Elizabeth Rose
Elizabeth Rose is the bestselling author of over 55 books, an amazon all-star and in the top 100 of amazonâs most popular, bestselling historical romance authors. She writes medieval, small town contemporary, paranormal and western romance.
Ciara Knight
Ciara Knight writes with a âLittle Edge and a Lot of Heartâ with her contemporary and paranormal romance books. Her most recent #1 Amazon bestselling series, Sweetwater County, has topped the charts and received acclaimed reviews. Her international best-seller, Pendulum scored 4 stars from RT Book Reviews, accolades from InDâTale Magazine and Night Owl Top Pick. Her young adult paranormal series, Battle for Souls, received 5 stars from Paranormal Romance Guild and Night Owlâs Top Pick, among other praises.
Amanda McIntyre
Amanda McIntyreâs storytelling is a natural offshoot of her artistic creativity. A visual writer, living in the rich tapestry of the American heartland, her passion is telling character-driven stories with a penchant (okay, some call it a wicked obsession) for placing ordinary people in extraordinary situations to see how they overcome the obstacles to their HEA. A bestselling author, her work is published internationally in Print, eBook, and Audio. She writes steamy contemporary and sizzling historical romance and truly believes, no matter what, love will always find a way.
Kirsten Lynn
Kirsten Lynn is a Western and Military Historian. She worked six years with a Navy non-profit and continues to contract with the Marine Corps History Division for certain projects. Making her home where her roots were sewn in Wyoming, Kirsten also works as a local historian. She loves to use the history she has learned and add it to a great love story. She writes stories about men of uncommon valorâ¦women with undaunted courageâ¦love of unwavering devotion â¦and romance with unending sizzle. When sheâs not writing, she finds inspiration in day trips through the Bighorn Mountains, binge reading and watching sappy old movies, or sappy new movies.
E.E. Burke
E.E. Burke is an award-winning author of sexy and heartwarming historical romance featuring emotionally complex characters in settings rich with historical detail. Her latest series of sweet romances, The Bride Train, features a cast of unusual characters thrown together through a misguided bride lottery. Steam! Romance and Rails is a sexy series that follows the lives of dangerous men and daring women caught up in a cutthroat railroad competition. Think "Hell On Wheels"...with happier endings.
Her novella, Victoria, Bride of Kansas, is part of the unprecedented American Mail-Order Brides Series penned by forty-five top Western romance authors. Victoria, Bride of Kansas reached #1 in Victorian and Western Romance and Historical Romance on Amazon's top sellers lists.
E.E., also known as Elisabeth, has earned accolades in regional and national contests, including the RWA's prestigious Golden Heart®. Over the years, sheâs been a disc jockey, a journalist and an advertising executive, before finally getting around to living the dream--writing stories readers can get lost in.
Kathleen Ball
Kathleen Ball can easily read a book a day. She loves any type of Romance novel, especially Western Romances. Kathleen lives in Fort Worth, Texas with her wonderful husband. She has one son, a Marine. Originally from Rochester, New York, Kathleen finds Texas culture amazing. The more she immerses in it the more she likes it.
Hildie McQueen
Bestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Romance in Highland historical, Western Historical and contemporary, she writes something every reader can enjoy.
Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.
Hildie's favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.
She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt, an unruly boy Chihuahua Pepito and a spoiled rotten girl Chiweenie named Lola.
Rose Gordon
USA Today Bestselling Author and writer of eight unusually unusual historical romances that have been known to include scarred heroes, feisty heroines, marriage-producing scandals, far too much scheming, naughty literature and always a sweet happily-ever-after.
When not escaping to another world via reading or writing a book, she spends her time chasing two young boys around the house, being hunted by wild animals, or sitting on the swing in the backyard where she has to use her arms as shields to deflect projectiles AKA: balls, water balloons, sticks, pinecones, and anything else one of them picks up to hurl at his brother who just happens to be hiding behind her.
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2e5Cram
Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kathleen_Ball_Hearts_Ablaze?id=dcI-DQAAQBAJ&hl=en
Excerpt from Fools Rush by Ciara Knight:
âListen. Iâm sorry. You obviously had a rough time growing up, and I donât blame you for feeling the way you do about drinking.â Thomas rubbed the back of his neck. âI know you probably donât believe me, but I never really drank before. I never wanted to be the man that beat my sister.â
Bethany rolled her eyes at his words.
âTrust me. Iâm a man who likes to be in control at all times. It was just thatâ â
âThere is always an excuse,â she said under her breath.
âI know. That girl, though ⦠she did something to me. Have you ever not wanted to think about someone but that same person haunts your dreams?â Thomas blew out a long breath. âOf course not.â
âYes.â The man sitting by her side tied her stomach in knots and she wanted to hate him more than anything, but the way he gingerly tended her wounds stirred an ache for him to touch her more. She didnât want him, she didnât want any man controlling her. âI know you believe that woman are dumb for sticking around when their husbands beat them. You think your sister had a choice to leave, but youâre wrong. Men do things to control their wives.â
Thomas retrieved the reins and wrapped them around the brake. âPerhaps. I canât do anything about that, though. Neither can you. All we can do is be better men.â He pinched the bridge of his nose. âYou know the girl ⦠Bethany, right?â
She couldnât deny it now. Not after being accused of stealing and saying Bethany gave the stuff to her. How did things get so confusing? âYes.â
âDo you know if sheâs married?â His voice trailed off, as did his gaze.
âNo.â
He sat up straight, a smile crossing his lips that screamed danger. âSheâs not?â
A lifetime was revealed in that smileâa lifetime of serving and being abused by a man who would tire of her and turn to the bottle. Heâd already shown the bottle was his friend.
âI ⦠I donât know.â Tell him sheâs married. Tell him he can never have her. The words wouldnât flow.
He beat his palm against his head. âStupid. This is stupid, Thomas.â
âDo you always talk to yourself?â
âToo often lately.â Thomas sat back and moved his hat over his eyes and crossed his arms. âIf you donât know, then Iâm going to find out.â
âWhy? Weâve got a good thing going. What if sheâs married to a man like Sarahâs husband? A drunk who beats her all the time. You going to get involved in that?â Bethany needed to stop him from searching for her. Especially if it meant examining her closer. Since theyâd left heâd barely looked at her, and when he did he commented on her strange ways. No. This couldnât happen.
He stiffened and sat up, dropping his hat at his feet. âI donât know what Iâd do.â
âI know what youâd do. Youâd give her hope then turn the other way because you donât want to get involved, leaving her to face a worse beating than before you stepped into her life. Let it be.â Bethany grabbed the reins, ignoring the sting in her hands, and slapped the rear of the closest horse, brooking no more conversation. Not when her heart quickened and her thoughts betrayed her. Not when two little words that would end her life rolled to the tip of her tongue. Iâm Bethany.
Title: Rest, My Love
Author: Jules Dixon
Genre: Romance
Interior designer and talented singer Sage Whiteman fears getting to know a man and revealing her real scars.
Security company owner Rahl Vendetti returned from Afghanistan with his own issues, including a vicious monster doing its best to inflict devastation on all of his relationships. They have plenty of chemistry, but do they have the ability to be what the other needs outside of the bedroom, too? Sage may be the angel to bring out the gentle giant in Rahl, but can he be the strength she needs to face her uncertain future? Will they save each other and create something unexpected?
Approaching me, he slowly ran his warm hands up and down my arms, which only made me shiver again, but for a different reason. I closed my eyes and planted my forehead into his chest. He was a fireplace in the zero degree air. Without questioning, I snuggled into his warmth.
“Your singing … it does something to me.” His arms rounded my back, criss-crossing low and tight. I took in his cologne and sighed. “Sage, what really happened last night?” “I don’t think you understand what being part of my life long-term means. It’s constant worry that the cancer is back and when it does come back it will affect everything. Relationships, schedules, and finances.” I cringed and lowered my voice, “And sex.” I gazed into his soft brown eyes, deep pools of care that made me waver when it came to him and me. I stepped back to get space and perspective. “Lots of things become secondary to fighting a monster that is unpredictable and merciless. I … I can’t…” I turned but he slipped his hands into mine, stopping me.
(PLEASE REMOVE IF NOT REVIEWING )
Run to Love (Triple R 1)
Amazon
Fuzzy sock collector, martini connoisseur, baseball fanatic, and dandelion lover, author Jules Dixon is her own oxymoron. She’s addicted to everything related to the amazing emotion of love, probably instigated by her own happily ever after 25 years with her beer-brewing hubby and their love story created a sassy, artistic daughter and a computer genius but ultra-sarcastic son. She explores the rich psychology of sexuality, choices, and conflicts of high school, college, and young adult characters in her novels and novellas. She’s a busy writer, but she loves it.
Series: Satan's Fury MC
Author: L. Wilder
Genre: MC Romance
Release Date: October 18, 2016
Smokey You can’t fight fate, especially when it brings you a girl like MJ Thompson. She wasn’t just beautiful. No, she was so much more than that. She was smart with a smile full of magic and curves that drove me to distraction. I wanted her, but there was a catch: She was the lawyer handling my father’s will. And as if that wasn’t enough, her dad was a cop. I should’ve known better than to get mixed up with a girl like her, but I just couldn’t resist. I wanted to feel her body pressed against mine. I wanted to hear her call my name while she was wrapped in my arms, so I ignored my instincts. I made her mine. After one night, she had me, heart and soul. Every ounce of doubt, every second thought, vanished. Life was good. I had my woman by my side. The club’s new pipeline was moving forward, and I was coming to terms with my past. Then, without warning, it all fell apart. I lost her. She skipped town, leaving only a note and a lot of unanswered questions. I thought I had to let her go, but she had a secret. After discovering what she was hiding, there was nothing I wouldn’t do to have her back in my arms. Sometimes the road takes you on an unexpected turn, and you end up exactly where you’re meant to be.
Leslie Wilder grew up in a small town in West Tennessee. A country girl at heart, she’s always thought that life is too short, but she had no idea how short it really was until her brother passed away in 2014. She’s always been an avid reader, loving the escape only a great book can give, and wondered if she had what it took to write one of the wild romances she’d come to adore. With the support of her family and friends, she published Inferno: A Devil Chaser’s MC, one year after her brother’s death. With him in mind, she fulfilled her lifetime dream of writing. Since then, she’s completed the Devil Chaser’s Series and continued on with the Satan’s Fury MC Series. She has so many stories in her head, and can’t wait to share each and every one.
Title: One More Breath
Author: Amber Garr
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Expected Release Date: Nov. 1st, 2016
Publisher: Mystical Muse Publishing
Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR
Blurb:
Sydney Westbrook has had enough.
After a fight with her abusive ex-boyfriend leaves her in the hospital once again, she knows itâs time for a change. Just out of college, Sydney decides to accept a position as a live-in nurse. But leaving the comfort of Atlanta and the support of her small circle of friends is hard to do. And when she meets her ailing, stubborn client, Sydney second guesses all of her choices.
A southern family with a social status to maintain, the McNamaraâs think very little of Sydney, especially since she reminds Mrs. McNamara so much of the daughter-in-law she never accepted. But when Sydney encounters Quinn, the defiant grandson, her views of the family begin to change. And her heart begins to heal the hole left behind by the abuse.
Sydney and Quinn may have little time together, but they make the most out of it. A public display of their relationship is short-lived when Sydney learns just how far her client will go to save her familyâs namesake. And when Sydneyâs past suddenly rips into her new world, her happiness with Quinn threatens to come to an end.
But truth and friendship will help Sydney finally live the life sheâs chosen while loving the one she chose.
Amber Garr spends her days as a scientist and nights writing about other worlds. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain she has a supernatural sense of smell. Amber is a multiple Royal Palm Literary Award winner, author of the bestselling The Syrenka Series, The Leila Marx Novels, the award-winning The Water Crisis Chronicles, and the Death Warden Series. When not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.
Author Links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2efgBLG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmberGarr/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmberGarr1 Web: http://www.ambergarr.com/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5374297.Amber_Garr
Pre Order Link:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2egYWo2
The music changed to something fast. Way too fast. The dancer in me watched the feet of the couples who obviously knew what they were doing. Two forward steps, two back, and then one, one, merengue. Okay, got it.
Quinnâs hand rested comfortably against my lower back, his fingers spreading wide enough to graze the top of my behind and hit the open back of my dress. Shivers trickled over my skin despite my sharp focus on the dance floor.
âYou ready?â Quinnâs hot breath against my ear melted my insides. That was it. I was pure mush for this guy I hardly knew. Might as well enjoy it.
âAre you a good dancer?â I lifted my cheek toward his lips so that he could see the side of my face. A wave of boldness ripped over my bones. I was young. Single. Quinn was gorgeous, smart, and savvy. We could have a lot of fun together.
âSo Iâve been told.â His lips brushed my face as he repeated the same words Iâd heard in the garden.
With a smile and a new-found sense of confidence, I channeled my inner-Cass and pulled Quinn onto the dance floor. I heard him laughing behind me as we weaved in and out of the gyrating bodies. In just a few strides, Quinn had wrapped both hands around my hips, guiding us to an empty spot. If I was being honest with myself, I may have pushed back against him a little more than necessary, enjoying the hardness of his abs and the slightly possessive way he held on to me.
Once we found a space large enough for the two of us, I turned and wrapped my arms over his shoulders. His height required me to reach higher than I would have normally been able to, so I was extremely grateful for the high heels.
âLetâs do this,â Quinn said. With a quick snap of his hands, he yanked me even closer to him and began moving his hips. I stared into his eyes, feeling lost in an ocean of teals and turquoise. The beat soared through me, my hips lining up perfectly with his as we swayed.
At first, we didnât move our feet, just enjoyed the feeling of each otherâs bodies against each other. Quinn leaned forward far enough to rest his forehead against mine, neither of us taking our eyes off each other. The move was soâ¦intimate, so personal, I couldnât believe I hadnât pulled away yet. Perhaps it was from the two shots of tequila and half a vodka martini. Or maybe it was because Quinn had this instant ability to make me feel safe and secure when Iâd always experienced fear before.
As the beat got louder and the music began to ramp up for the final chorus, Quinn smiled down at me. âOkay, letâs go.â
Without another warning, he pulled me around the floor, blending with the rest of the couples. I worked on my foot placement, being careful to let him lead and not step on his feet at the same time. The music pulsed around me like a veil, blocking out all of my insecurities and allowing me to get lost in the moment. In no time at all, we were laughing and smiling and rubbing against each other in a way that might even make Cass blush.
Title: Everything She Ever Wanted
Author: Liz Durano
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Model: Franggy Yanez
Hosted by: Lady Amberâs PR
Blurb:
I was never into fairy tales.
But discovering a real live princess in my house reminds me of the story of the three bears and some chick who breaks into their pad, eats all their food, and sleeps in their beds.
Just like the one thatâs in mine right now.
At first, I thought she was dead, but the rise and fall of her chest told me that she was just passed out, probably from the half-empty bottle of Bordeaux Iâd been saving for a special occasion. Two grand down the drain, courtesy of Goldi-effing-locks here, whoâs not only passed out cold, but sheâs also naked.
I should walk out right now and let her beâ¦
But I canât. Not when thereâs something else next to the Bordeaux, something that shouldnât be here. And itâs sitting on top of a note that begins with the wordsâ¦
âIâm sorry I failed youâ¦â
Facebook Party:
Though Liz studied journalism in college, she discovered that she preferred writing romantic fiction over news and ad copy. She lives in Southern California with her family where she spends her days writing, chasing after her 6-year old, and stepping over Legos.
Author Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lizdurano
Lizâs Reader Group: http://facebook.com/librarycafereadergroup
Instagram: http://instagram.com/lizdurano
AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01LZSTIJB
AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01LZSTIJB
AMAZON AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01LZSTIJB
KOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/everything-she-ever-wanted-a-different-kind-of-love-novel
IBOOKS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/everything-she-ever-wanted/id1151445722?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
âCome here,â Dax murmurs, reaching for my hand and pulling me down to the bed next to him. His gaze travels down my body, and in a moment of uncertainty, I vainly cover myself with my arms.
âHarlow, we donât have to go through with it if youâre not comfortable.â
"But I am comfortable," I say almost angrily, removing my hands from my breasts before Dax kisses me again. And for the next few minutes, that's all he doesâkissing me tenderly and calming the inner turmoil until it simmers down, replaced with the need to have him make love to me. Then he sits up and reaches for his jeans, pulling out a condom packet from his wallet.
The sight of a condom makes me blush even more, only because itâs been a long time since Iâve needed to use one. Jeff and I were trying to get pregnant then, not avoid it.
âYouâre gonna need a few of those,â I blurt out before I can stop myself and hide my face against his chest as he lies on his side next to me. âOh, God, I canât believe I just said that.â
âDonât worry, because we will need a few of them before the day is over.â Dax pushes me down on my back as he trails long, lazy kisses down my neck and breasts and my belly. Then he positions himself between my legs, parting my thighs with his hands just as I cover myself from him.
Wait! He's not going down on me, is he?
âDax, waitâ¦â
He looks up, his gaze questioning. But how can he understand what I cannot say? No one has ever kissed me down there. No one.
"Tell me you don't want me to, Harlow, and I won't."
"It's just that... no one's ever⦠and I mean, no oneâ¦â I can't continue. It sounds so sad. Pathetic. Itâs like some undiscovered country, and in many ways it is. Even I havenât discovered it yet.
Daxâs brow furrows as he moves back up, so we're level on the bed again. Great. Guess I just killed the mood. âWhat do you mean, no one?"
I cover my face in my hands, but Dax pulls one hand away. I open one eye and see him studying my face. "This is so embarrassing, Dax. But if you want to do itâ"
"This isn't all about me or what I want, Harlow. It's about you and what you want. Would you want me to?"
His words surprise me. Not the question, but the other one, the one about this being about me and what I want. Sure, sex with Jeff had started out fun at first, but it almost felt like two nerds going at it, and before long, it became a duty because we wanted to have a baby so bad. And when IVF came along, it was almost non-existent. It didnât help that he wasnât exactly big, something I would never be caught dead mentioning to anyone, not even him. Instead, I told myself for years that it was the motion of the ocean that mattered, not the size of the ship.
âWould you want me to, Harlow?â Dax asks again.
Title: Here's To Now
Author: Teagan Hunter
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Strangers to friends. Friends to lovers. Lovers to…oh, sh*t, we just got married in Vegas!
My name is Gaige Addams, and my life is full of regrets.
I’ve held on to grudges, shamed myself for my mistakes, and kept secrets from those closest to me for far too long. For years, I’ve been atoning for my wrongs by working hard, never letting myself loosen up, and always placing everyone’s needs before my own.
Until she came along. She convinced me to live in the now, let go of my resentments, untie the chains I’ve bound myself with, and enjoy something for me.
Then, things got complicated.
Her name is Haley Kamden, and I refuse to regret her.
Stop by Teagan Hunter's Facebook Page to enter
the $15 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway
I’m a romance cover artist by day and a writer by…well, every free moment I get. I currently live in North Carolina with my US Marine husband where I spend my days bugging him about getting a cat so our puppy won’t be alone (he keeps saying no). I survive off coffee, pizza, and sarcasm. When I’m not writing, you can find me binge-watching various TV shows, especially Supernatural. I like cold weather, I buy more paperbacks than I’ll ever read, and I never match my socks—unless they’re fuzzy.
I’m weird. It’s kind of my “thing.”
Title: Unexplained
Series: Higher Elevation Series
Author: Renee Regent
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: October 25, 2016
When it comes to love, some things just can’t be explained….
A skeptical reporter who witnesses the unbelievable…
It’s the late 1970’s, and tenacious journalism student Sarah McKenn doesn’t believe the rumors of strange happenings in her small college town of Fort Winston, Colorado. But a supernatural event she experiences while chasing down a story for her school's newspaper leaves her questioning everything. In her quest for understanding, she meets and falls for Chris, the only man she believes can help her unravel the truth.
A psychology student determined to prove his psychic talents are real…
Christian Levine is on the cusp of a bright future as a research psychologist when he agrees to participate in a secret experiment at the request of his mentor. Though it’s the perfect opportunity to prove his psychic abilities, the project turns deadly when Chris discovers the real motivation of the man in control of it all. Chris is forced to choose between his own freedom or saving the lives of his mentor and Sarah─the woman he loves.
A bond that transcends all boundaries…
The chemistry between Sarah and Chris surprises them—a soul-filling passion and a deep psychic connection neither thought possible. Can they discover what their bond means before their lives are ripped apart?
When they reached the dorm, he walked her through the snow to the side entrance, his arm around her shoulder. Warmth from his body contrasted with the chilly air, and she snuggled in closer. He stopped when they reached the door, but moved them into the shadows, away from the glare of the building’s light.
Snowflakes cascaded around them, floating to the ground like tiny parachutes. He pulled her close and she melted into his embrace, warm breath reaching her cheek. His lips found hers, gentle at first, then firmer as the kiss went on. When he stilled, then pulled back, she looked up at him. In the shadows his eyes were indigo-dark, and questioning. He was looking for her approval. She smiled, and leaned forward, hoping he’d take the bait. He did.
His moustache was surprisingly soft against her skin as he kissed her more passionately this time. She felt the flick of his tongue on her lips, testing. She opened and let him in, enjoying the faint taste of coffee. She pressed forward, mimicking his movements, exploring his mouth. When they broke away, steam from their breath rose in plumes around them.
“I guess you better go in before you freeze.”
She laughed, from exhilaration, and nervousness. “No chance of that, with you around.”
He laughed too, a throaty sound she liked to hear.
“Sarah, I’d like to see you again, okay? We can go to a movie, or I could make you dinner at my place.”
“I’d like that. I mean, to see you. I don’t care what we do.”
He opened the door to the stairwell for her. “Great. I make a mean sausage and pepper dish, with whatever type of pasta you like. How about Friday night?”
She agreed, and he kissed her again, a tender caress that made her knees threaten to buckle. She watched from the stairwell as he left, then almost floated up the stairs.
Through her euphoria, a sense of foreboding nagged at her. She had promised herself no attachments, no getting involved. But being with him felt too good to pass up. It was more than infatuation─a physical longing, an ache, overtook her at the thought of not seeing him again. Rational thought and logic had no chance against the powerful chemistry that emanated from Christian Levine. It was a chemistry that so far had proved to be stronger than her logical defenses.
A lifelong entrepreneur, Renee Regent spent most of her life writing for business. But she never lost her love of writing stories, especially romance, science fiction, and fantasy. She’s always been fascinated with the science of how the universe works, but equally entranced by the unexplained. Being an incurable romantic, she now writes stories about the power of love, with a supernatural twist. Her stories feature psychics, witches, ghosts and ordinary people who do extraordinary things.
Renee, a California native, lives in Atlanta with her husband, three cats and four turtles. When not working or writing, she can be found sitting on her deck enjoying nature. Wine may or may not be involved….
A member of Georgia Romance Writers and the Georgia Writer’s Association, Renee also loves blogging and sharing her ideas on the business side of being an author, trends in fiction, and tips she has learned in her writing journey.
Author: Cory Cyr
Genre: Erotic Romantic Suspense
Release Date: October 15, 2016
Vivian Saint had a meteoric rise to fame as the newest rock sensation.
At twenty-three he had it all.
Winning his first Grammy and AMA.
Cover of Rolling Stone.
His first album, America’s Most Wanted going double-platinum.
Five chart-topping songs
Signing a multi-million dollar contract.
Sexy, charming and talented. He had everything to live for.
Too bad he’s dead . . .
As the FBI’s only witness to a bloody massacre, they want answers and they will do whatever it takes to get them. They may have him in custody but they can’t make him talk.
Brogan Knight, a seasoned FBI agent is tagged for the off-the-books op. Expert markswoman, trained in close combat and one of the best interrogators in the field office. Her instructions were simple. Get the rock star to trust her and reveal everything, using whatever method necessary, including sexual persuasion.
Now the safe house isn’t secure, for either of them. Because the threats are no longer about who may be coming for them but from each other.
Title: Fame & Obsession Author: Cora Kenborn Genre: Romantic Suspense Cover Designer: Deranged Doctor Design Publisher: Limitless Publishing Editor: Gillian Leonard of Lilypad Editing Expected Release Date: Oct. 25th, 2016 Hosted by: Lady Amberâs PR
Blurb:
Struggling writer Phoebe Ryan abandons her southern roots and heads to New York, determined to leave her nightmarish past behindâ¦
She was not expecting to meet a famous rock star, or to be coerced into ghostwriting his autobiography. But she tries to maintain focus on her dream of becoming an author, despite the attraction she feels for the sexy rocker, not to mention the baggage that comes with him.
Julian Baleâs world was shattered one drunken night, and it almost ruined himâ¦
Weighed down by guilt, he blames himself for an accident he couldâve prevented. He will play the game, but swears his hot little ghostwriter will never get that story out of him. As much as he wants her, if he has to choose between his dream and hers, itâs no contest.
Phoebe and Julian give in to a forbidden attraction, and their public romance risks both their livesâ¦
An obsessive fan is on the loose and now that the secretâs out, itâs made them both targets. The psychotic stalker is determined to have Julian for herself, even if she has to reveal their sordid pasts and eliminate Phoebe to do it.
He lives for fame. She lives to hide. Obsession lives to ruin them both.
Release Party:
Cora Kenborn writes romantic suspense novels with strong heroines, complex alphas, harrowing danger, and snappy banter. She is the author of the rock star stalker series, Lords of Lyre but refuses to be pigeon holed into one specific genre. She loves delving into the twisted mind of a dark villain as well as giggling while writing rom-com banter.
Cora lives in Eastern North Carolina and is a true Southern girl, growing up on sweet tea, front porches, and the simple life. She says âyâall,â âfixinâ to,â and should you deserve it, will âbless your heart.â Sheâs the proud mother three hyperactive and occasionally adorable children, and the wife of a husband who tolerates her chaotic writerâs cave.
Although reading is her passion, she can usually be found watching true crime shows and crafting inspiration for twisted new tales. Cora admits to being a horrible cook, an even worse baker, and believes sheâs more dangerous with a hot glue gun than any weapon on earth. Oh, and she and autocorrect are mortal enemies.
Author Links:
Website https://www.corakenborn.com
Coraâs VIP Newsletter http://www.eepurl.com/b1xCtj
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/corakenborn
The coiled body behind me tensed, ready to detonate. Whoever defended me could hold his own, but I could still take everybody out with one flick of the wrist. Chivalry felt warm and fuzzy but I learned a long time ago that one hundred and fifty volts felt electric and twitchy.
Turning my chin to the side, I whispered on an exhale, âItâs fine, Iâve got this.â
A low laugh against my neck curled my toes.
âYou so donât got this.â His chest rumbled as a strong hand ran skilled fingers around my hair. I tilted my chin, watching his eyes harden. âYouâre up my ass, shit-for-brains. Donât ever touch whatâs mine.â He shifted his lips against my ear. âRight, baby?â
One suitor tested my patience, but two pushed my limit. I opened my mouth to tell him off when he stole the moment and pressed his lips against mine. Resisting, I murmured veiled threats as he pulled me toward him. The impromptu kiss dissolved into failed waves of aggression, and I inexplicably responded to him. Before I knew it, Iâd wrapped my arms around his neck.
After a few heartbeats of kissing a complete stranger, I finally regained what dignity I had left, shoved his chest, and faced him with fire blazing in my eyes. He snickered and waved as my aggressor stalked off. Shooting him a death glare, I reached for my drink. After scanning for witnesses, I brought it to my lips and drained it.
âThirsty?â He smirked.
âWhat the hell was that?â
He snatched the drink out of my hands, giving me a wink before tipping it back for the last drop. âYou werenât exactly pushing me away. Besides, I just saved your ass. Heath Vaughn was inches from having a hand up that thing you call a dress.â
âI didnât ask for your help!â I bit back. âI donât even know who the hell youâwait, who?â
âSomebody had to step in or youâd have spent the night in jail with that concealed, illegal shit in your purse. Youâre telling me you didnât know that was Vaughn? Maybe because we havenât time-warped back to his 1995 five minutes of fame.â He walked past me with a smirk plastered across his face.
Struggling to catch up with him, I grabbed his shoulder in disbelief. âThatâs a joke, right?â
âAfraid not. Vaughn in the flesh, and apparently in the sauce too. Why do you care so much what he thinks?â He eyed me curiously, his jade-green eyes knocking me breathless.
Finally allowing myself a full look at him, I quickly averted my eyes before he could see my racing pulse reflected in them. Chaotic chocolate spiked hair pointed in every direction and hinted at a carefully constructed morning-after look. A small silver earring caught flashes of light in the darkness and tattoos decorated each uncovered arm.
Remembering to breathe became a chore.
âBecause Iâm screwed!â I shouted, frantically waving my phone. âMy boss is already pissed at me, and I was supposed to meet Vaughn here for an interview, andâwhy am I telling you this?â
âCalm down.â He grinned, revealing a deep dimple in his left cheek. âLook, the dudeâs so far tanked he wonât remember he was here, much less you were. Give me your phone.â
âIâm not giving you my phone. I donât even know you.â
Rolling his eyes, he snatched my phone out of my hands. âDidnât stop you from making out with me, did it?â He scanned the email Iâd been checking all night. Typing furiously, his lips curved upward and he handed it back. âAll fixed.â
âWhat did you do?â Thankfully, previous defense training taught me to never label emails with personal information. In the darkness, heâd never scroll back far enough to know my name.
âWhy must you question brilliance?â he countered with a sigh. âYou sent him an email concerned for his safety since he never showed for your interview. You waited but had to leave because you actually work for a living. Youâd love to reschedule since youâre such a huge fan and were disappointed at the missed opportunity to hear all about his crap-ass reality show, since I assume thatâs all he wouldâve wanted to talk about.â
I couldâve kissed himâif I hadnât already.
âYouâre an evil genius.â
âSo Iâve been told.â
BOOK INFORMATIONTITLE – Chasing Victory SERIES (& Book #) – The Winters Sisters, Book 1 AUTHOR – Joanne Jaytanie GENRE – Romantic Suspense, Paranormal PUBLICATION DATE – July 31, 2016 LENGTH (#Pages/# Words) – pg- 322 PUBLISHER – Joanne Jaytanie NOTE – Books must be read in order. BOOK SYNOPSISEverybody’s chasing Victory: a power-hungry scientist, a corrupt conglomerate, and her own government. Victory Winters is on the run. A world-renowned geneticist, her mission involves conquering disease and improving quality of life. But a co-worker has been murdered, putting Victory and her mission in danger. Chasing her are all sorts of men who want to recruit and control her, manipulating her genetic secrets and research for their own corrupt purposes. Naval officer Tristan Farraday is undercover investigating Biotec, a conglomerate that trumpets a better tomorrow in its bright, shiny annual reports. But Tristan’s bosses suspect that beneath Biotec’s carefully-managed exterior lies more than simple violations of a few experimental protocols. Farraday is following a trail of murder, kidnapping, and blackmail. The trail leads him to Victory, who has been forced into Biotec’s world. Can Tristan chase down the truth and win the race for Victory? BUY & TBR LINKSAMAZON KINDLE US – AMAZON KINDLE CA AMAZON KINDLE UK – AMAZON PAPERBACK EXCERPT
BOOK INFORMATIONTITLE – Payton’s Pursuit SERIES (& Book #) – The Winters Sisters, Book 2 AUTHOR – Joanne Jaytanie GENRE – Romantic Suspense, Paranormal PUBLICATION DATE – July 31, 2016 LENGTH (#Pages/# Words) – pg- 344 PUBLISHER – Joanne Jaytanie BOOK SYNOPSISWill Payton’s pursuit of truth be her last? Payton Winters is thrust into the position of CEO of The Winters Corporation after the sudden death of her parents. But the challenge of her new role is nothing compared to coping with her evolving enhanced abilities. Payton can ground those who possess psychic powers—some of whom have taken refuge at the Winters Corporation. Now she has unwillingly become a mental anchor for a man she wants no part of, Collin McBain. While on a routine mission, Collin is drugged, tortured, and injected with wolf DNA. Believed dead, he is secretly assigned to the Winters Campus; his only road back to life is through Payton. Faced with her new roles, Payton realizes her life is based on half-truths. Now she’s compelled to pursue her mother’s research to understand why she and her two sisters were genetically altered before birth. Payton’s pursuit embroils her in a world of secrets, lies, kidnapping, and murder, but her future depends on deciphering the lies of the past. BUY & TBR LINKSAMAZON KINDLE US – AMAZON KINDLE CA AMAZON KINDLE UK – AMAZON PAPERBACK EXCERPT
BOOK INFORMATIONTITLE – Willow’s Discovery SERIES (& Book #) – The Winters Sisters, Book 3 AUTHOR – Joanne Jaytanie GENRE – Romantic Suspense, Paranormal PUBLICATION DATE – October 6, 2015 LENGTH (#Pages/# Words) – pg- 362 PUBLISHER – Joanne Jaytanie BOOK SYNOPSISWillow’s next discovery could get her killed. Willow Winters has been safely ensconced in London managing the international division of the Winters Corporation. But the vicious Kaleidoscope Group is relentless in its pursuit of the Winters sisters and their scientific breakthroughs. They’ve planted a mole in the company ranks, making Willow’s paranormal abilities crucial in the search for the traitor. Unearthing this spy will expose Willow as a threat and put her squarely in the sights of the murderous Kaleidoscope Group. Wyatt Farraday is a military liaison to the Winters Corporation. Consumed with keeping Victory and Payton Winters alive, he’s had no life of his own. Now the third triplet has returned home and his job just got exponentially harder. Willow outdoes her sisters in the hardheaded department. She’s independent and can take care of herself and she doesn’t need Wyatt to watch out for her. But Wyatt’s determined to watch her in every way he can. BUY & TBR LINKSAMAZON KINDLE US – AMAZON KINDLE CA EXCERPT
BOOK INFORMATIONTITLE – Corralling Kenzie SERIES (& Book #) – The Winters Sisters, Book 4 AUTHOR – Joanne Jaytanie GENRE – Romantic Suspense, Paranormal PUBLICATION DATE –April 10, 2016 LENGTH (#Pages/# Words) – pg- 258 PUBLISHER – Joanne Jaytanie BOOK SYNOPSISWill Kenzie ever find peace and security inside the corrals of her ranch again? Kenzie Vaughn is lucky to have a big-city, big-paycheck position. But her great job serves as nothing more than the path to her dream: a horse boarding and training ranch outside the big city. Kenzie is a horsewoman who loves Dobermans and peaceful country living. Now she’s found the perfect ranch, right next door to a lovely campus that houses the Winters Corporation. Her luck is holding, for the Corporation is run by the Winters’ sisters, wonderful women who could easily grow to become great friends. One night her peace was shattered by a gunshot that wounded her horse, Boone. Good thing for Kenzie, Victory Winters is a veterinarian. Still the gunshot was no accident, and Kenzie’s past and the Winters’ present are dangerously intertwined. Kenzie is sucked into a vortex of rogue scientists who only want her for her DNA. Fortunately, the Winters Corporation can help. Even better, a Special Ops team member, Logan Mendoza, is assigned to watch her ranch. He isn’t interested in Kenzie’s DNA; he wants her for much more. Logan takes Kenzie’s personal security personally. Will corralling Kenzie become Logan’s full-time mission? BUY & TBR LINKSAMAZON KINDLE US – AMAZON KINDLE CA AMAZON KINDLE UK – AMAZON PAPERBACK BARNES & NOBLES NOOK – BARNES & NOBLES PAPERBACK EXCERPT
AUTHOR BIOJoanne was born and raised in Sherburne, New York, a quaint village surrounded by dairy farms and rolling hills. From the moment she could read she wanted to explore the world. During her college years she slowly crept across the country, stopping along the way in Oklahoma, California, and finally Washington State, which she now proudly calls home. She lives with her husband and Dobermans, in their home located on the Olympic Peninsula with a panoramic view of the Olympic Mountains. Joanne writes romantic suspense, paranormal, supernatural suspense, and contemporary romance. She loves to submerge herself in the world of her characters, to live and breathe their lives and marvel at their decisions and predicaments. She enjoys a wide variety of books including paranormal, suspense, thriller, and of course romance. Joanne is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America, (RWA), Kiss of Death, (KOD), Greater Seattle Romance Writers Chapter, (GSRWA), Sisters In Crime, and Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal, (FFPRWA). She served as President of Peninsula Romance Writers, which was Debbie Macomber’s home chapter. YOU CAN FIND JOANNE HEREEmail: [email protected] Website - Blog - Facebook Amazon Author Page - Twitter - Pinterest Linkedin - Goodreads - BookBub Barnes & Noble - Amazon UK - Smashwords Books A Million - Kobo - Romance Books 4 Us AUTHORSdb - Sisters In Crime - Google+
13: An Anthology of Horror and Dark Fiction
Authors: Bradon Nave, Carissa Ann Lynch, D.A. Roach, Erin Lee, Jackie Sonnenberg, Luke Swanson, Marissa Farrar, Samie Sands, Sara Schoen, Savannah Blevins, S. Valentine, Taylor Henderson, and Thomas S. Flowers
Genre: Horror/Thriller/Dark Fiction
Published: October 4, 2016
Publisher: Limitless Publishing
ALL PROCEEDS GO TO The One Mind Institute Charity!
13 has always been unlucky. But now it’s turned deadly…
Darkness has fallen. Real and unseen, evil is out there. Waiting. Watching. Biding its time. It might be your neighbor, your best friend—or something much, much worse. It might be the shadow itself. It will hunt you down when you least expect it. It will talk to you in the quiet hours of the morning and follow your footsteps when you’re alone. It’s chosen you…and it always gets what it wants.
13 dark tales await you. Ready to bring your worst childhood nightmares to life, to push you to the brink, and make you question your every decision…
The circus. Your beloved carnival rides. That mom and pop motel you pass every day on your way to work. They’ll never look innocent again. Because they’re not. No one and nothing can be trusted. Not even yourself.
Are you ready to take the ultimate dare? To spin the devil’s wheel?
Be careful…
13 will get you every time.
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Title: Home for the Howliday
Series: An Ushers Run Pack Novella
Author: Cassie Leigh
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: November 1, 2016
He may have given up fighting, but he's in for the fight of his life...
Walking away from his wolf pack duties and woman he loved was the hardest thing Gunner Thoren ever did. But now, ten years later, the successful MMA fighter is giving up the cage, and reclaiming what's always been his.
Before shifter witch Noelle Hiver could give Gunner her heart, he was gone. And now that he's back, someone else is determined to claim her as his mate. Refusing to be marked by anyone other than the wolf she's loved for past ten years, Noelle will do anything in her power to stay connected to Gunner. But the jealous wolf who wants her for his own won't heel. Now it's up to Gunner to protect the woman he's always loved and finally give Noelle the best gift of the holiday season--his mark. Will the howlidays bring something for Noelle and Gunner this Christmas?
Chapter 1
The sultry croon of “Santa Baby” blaring through the crowded cabin might as well have been nails on a chalkboard to Gunner Thoren. The eggnog and holiday cookie smorgasbord only added to his irritation. For the hundredth time he questioned his motivation for coming back into the fold. He’d walked away from a good thing in Las Vegas, to return home to the wolf-pack town of Ushers Run, Iowa. “Eventually you all come home.” Gunner shook the pack-elder’s voice from his already crowded mind. He’d met with the old man along with the pack-leader, Ambrose. It was a lofty position for his best friend to ascend to in Gunner’s absence. Then Ambrose blindsided him with a compulsory invitation to attend the festivities this evening. It was intended for the younger members. Some crap about pack bonding.
Gunner just wanted to enjoy being in nature. It was the only part of being home that he looked forward to after a decade of self-imposed exile. The bright lights of Las Vegas lacked a forest for his wolf to run in. Wolves didn’t belong skulking through back alleys and desert landscapes. At least Ambrose picked a nice spot in the woods for the cabin he’d designed for the pack’s use. Too bad it was currently being overrun with someone’s bastardized idea of Christmas cheer.
From his spot in the corner, Gunner sneered at the garish holiday sweaters covered in ice skating reindeer and penguins decorating evergreen trees. The pack he was born to, or at least this generation of it, might be happy to prance around like drunken fools, but he wouldn’t be caught dead participating in such stupidity. His brother, Asher, loped toward him from across the room in the easy way that came with overstimulated youth. Battery-powered twinkle lights wrapped around the kid’s snowflake-covered sweater. It must have come out of their grandmother’s closet.
Asher grinned up at him. “You aren’t in party gear, bro!”
Gunner growled and hunkered down in his corner, unwilling to acknowledge the fool. This kid was why he gave up fighting and the title shot he had worked for years to achieve. Now he would run his family’s business—the local gym. With their father’s passing, his mother needed the help keeping it from going under and his kid brother from tearing down half the town with his idiocy. Less than two years until he graduated and Gunner could take off again. He was already counting down the days.
“Never fear,” Asher said, undaunted by Gunner’s stoicism. “I knew it would happen, so I brought an extra.”
Asher slapped his brother’s back and gave him an ineffective shove that left the kid rubbing the sting out of his hand. Gunner stood still as a mountain, which he was as a middleweight fighter. He fought at 185 pounds but walked around closer to 220 between fights.
“Nothing’s wrong with my sweater,” Gunner groused. He’d worn a normal sweater, a traditional Scandinavian pattern in grey and navy. A respectable sweater, not some castoff thrift store reject.
“You’re not getting into the spirit,” Asher said, his tone sullen and accusatory.
Feminine laughter that was equal parts wicked and ethereal rose above the chaotic jumble of voices and crappy Christmas pop-music. Gunner tuned out the useless prattle that continued to dump out of his brother’s mouth, searching for the owner of that laugh as if it was a homing beacon meant to draw him in.
“You’ve got enough for both of us.” Gunner answered his brother to stop the distracting noise. He searched the nameless faces. The laughter had stopped but he knew he hadn’t imagined its siren song.
That’s when Gunner saw her. The reason he left town in the first place—Noelle Hiver. She moved like a Nordic goddess come to life—a young and beautiful version of the Norns—as she stood in front of a tinsel-draped tree talking with her hands as if they were weaving a tapestry to illustrate her words. The multicolored lights that reflected off the metallic decorations shone on her like a rainbow spotlight.
The little vixen was a dangerous temptation. Her white sweater dress embroidered with silver poinsettias hugged her lithe curves in places he knew his eyes shouldn’t linger—but he couldn’t stop himself, just like before. No one should look at the pack-leader’s half-sister that way, not if he wanted to keep his eyes. His illicit gaze continued the treacherous journey north to wild platinum blonde hair that skimmed her slender shoulders. He wanted a closer look, perilous as it was. He needed to know if she still wore feathers braided in the riotous curls.
Noelle again laughed at something her companion said, a woman who didn’t exist as far as Gunner was concerned, and it rang like bells calling him home. She glanced his way and his heart nearly stopped. Those eyes, guarded aquamarine glaciers, bored into him from across the room and he was curious what the pack abomination had made of herself.
He’d never called her that, but nearly everyone they knew had. A half-breed shifter witch was not welcome among purebred werewolves, but her brother Ambrose, Gunner’s best friend, had changed that when he took over, hadn’t he? At least for this one pack he had. Gunner had never worried about any of that as she was just Noelle to him.
He closed his eyes against visions of the past that clawed to the surface of his mind and realized his brother was still talking. “Bro, hotties heading our way. It’s too late to fix you now.” This time when Asher shoved, Gunner moved as his eyes flew open. Just a step closer to her but it was as if he jumped a chasm.
Noelle sauntered toward him, her friend in tow. A sweet smile spread across her pouty pink lips. A knowing smile. Gunner steeled himself against its impact. He knew this would come when he made the choice to return home. He just wasn’t ready to see her tonight or for her to see him. But those lips brought a flash he’d give anything to forget, just to relieve the torture.
An image of her broke through, unbidden, from the past. That same smile as she sat waiting for him in the passenger seat of his Camaro on another winter night, reaching for something other than the gear shift, or at least not the one that belonged in his car.
“Gunner, fancy seeing you here.” Noelle’s silken voice pulled him out of the past.
“You’re brother’s invite clearly stated that I didn’t have a choice.”
Noelle smiled at the growl in his voice, clearly finding some kind of perverse pleasure in his words.
Asher glanced from Gunner to Noelle. “Dude, you know her?”
CASSIE LEIGH specializes in all things paranormal romance. She has been dreaming up stories since before she could write. It started with recording conversations for her dolls on a Fisher-Price tape recorder, moved on to an antique typewriter found at a garage sale, then an electric typewriter, and finally computers. In all that time, she never thought of herself as a writer. It was only a dream. It wasn’t until she picked up romance novels in her late twenties that she started to believe it was more than that and she had found where she belonged. With the help of her husband, she carves out time to write while raising five children, working full time and obsessing over her midcentury modern dream home.
Her goal as a writer is to transform the trials and tribulations of everyday life and turn it on its head using the paranormal world of spirits, vampires, and were-animals. The world can be a scary place, but she finds it a little more tolerable knowing that the supernatural things that go bump in the night have problems just like the rest of us.
Want more? You can connect with Cassie Leigh online.
Series: The Time Series
Author: B.A. Dillon
When it is time for souls to meet, there is nothing on earth that can prevent it from happening. That’s what Emma Finch realizes after her first encounter with Luke Myers. A confirmed bachelor and undercover cop, Luke has made his job his life. Since his first love died tragically in a car accident, Luke hasn’t been seriously interested in anyone … until he meets Emma.
Emma is navigating life after her husband of 24 years dies suddenly. Her days as a middle school guidance counselor are filled with hormonal teenagers, while her nights are interrupted by a dream stuck on repeat. A chance meeting with the mystifying detective at a Memorial Day barbeque leaves Emma staring into the same grey eyes that haunt her slumber night after night. She knows her dream will unlock a mystery, and that it’s somehow tied to the tattooed, pierced law-enforcer.
As Emma and Luke’s beautiful love story develops, Emma’s dreams become more frequent and frightening. She’s completely convinced that the enigmatic couple she dreams about each night shares an undeniable connection to Luke and his current undercover assignment. Emma and Luke’s bond is so powerful, they both wonder if maybe they’ve met before. What they learn is that time has a wonderful way of showing them what really matters, and that the universe works in mysterious ways.
The content of this book is intended for mature audiences.
Everyone has a past . . .
Detective Isaac Miller, became a cop because of his. As the new director of The Cyber Crimes Division, Detective Miller doesn’t have time for a relationship. He’s drowning in missing kid cases that never end well. Looking for solace in a dark world, Isaac is drawn to the mysterious Mia and the warm light of her family.
Single mother, Mia James, is ashamed of hers. In an effort to protect her own heart from the searing pain of rejection, she no longer believes in a happily ever after, claiming to love her independence. She sees beyond the here and now, but rarely understands her newfound gift. Her visions are spot on for everyone else, but never light her own path. What begins as a casual friendship with Isaac, blossoms into an unexpected change of heart. Mia’s attraction to him is as powerful as each new vision.
But when Mia’s visions tie Isaac’s missing kid cases to the Russian Mob and one bizarre ATM, a new mystery evolves. Isaac and his team thought they’d shut down the port to human trafficking for good. Little did they know the big fish was lying low, ready to rear his ugly head again.
No longer able to deny her love for Isaac, Mia has to decide – will she open her heart and mind in order to bring an end to these horrific crimes and risk losing Isaac? Or together can Isaac and Mia see the vision, trust the process, and let their hearts be the compass?
A civil, social and legal institution under which two consenting adults establish a life-long relationship based on love and commitment. Scott Wilson and Brandon Lawrence want what all their friends have – marriage, kids, and a dream kitchen in the biggest house they can afford. The only thing stopping them – the state of Florida. But sweeping change is on the horizon, and their story only delivers fairytale endings and happily ever afters. What the world can learn from Scott and Brandon’s story is that living in harmony is always better than living with hostility. That acceptance of people’s differences is always easier than dissension, and that love always triumphs over hate.
#Lovewins
A series of tragic childhood events left Julia Shaw with absolutely no memories of her life before college. Fast forward to the future, Julia struggles to fit in with friends, has never been in love, and always finds a way to exit before the fourth date.
FBI agent Josh Miller moved to Tampa for two reasons. Mend his broken relationship with his younger brother and dismantle Frank Montana’s human trafficking organization once and for all. Memories of his undercover life continue to haunt him, causing him to live in solitude and always sleep alone.
While Josh struggles with a strange sense of déjà vu every time they are together, Julia strives to accept her newfound gift . . . or curse. Suddenly able to exchange messages with the spirit world, Julia’s conversations with the dead have her questioning her own sanity.
But the mind is an incredible instrument. One touch, one kiss, one spark, can flood the heart with thousands of memories. Some tell a beautiful story while others change lives forever.
Life is about moments. Many she needs to remember. Most he’d like to forget.
B.A. Dillon is the author of the Time Series. Tethered Through Time was Dillon's debut novel. A Vision in Time and It's About Time followed in 2015. Shattered by Time is scheduled for release in fall 2016. Dillon also writes the column, "Turn the Page," for the monthly magazine 85 South, Out and About, published in the Atlanta area. She is a devoted wife and mother of two grown children, and a dedicated middle school teacher. She loves music, words, books, and martinis!
Title: Nasty Bastard
Series: Grim Bastards MC
Authors: Emily Minton & Shelley Springfield
Genre: MC Romance
She's the daughter of a club traitor, trying to start over. Daughter of the man that betrayed the Grim Bastards, Gidget Etheridge doesn’t want anything to do with the club. She grew up being ignored by her father, but found solace in the arms of the boy she loved. Everything changed the day he turned his back on her. When she and her son are rescued by Smoke, she has to decide if the boy who broke her heart is worth a second chance. He's a bastard, living life by his own rules. Vice President Smoke Roundtree grew up knowing he would be a Grim Bastard, just like his father and grandfather. When he became a prospect, he made a choice between the club and the girl he loved. Even all these years later, he still wonders if he made the right decision. When he saves Gidget and her son, he finally has a chance to fix the mistakes of his past. Can a bastard heal the heart he shattered thirteen years ago?
We are just stepping into the yard when my phone rings. I pick up my phone and see Smoke’s name on the screen. My anger at Round’s confession comes back full force as I put it to my ear.
“Hello,” I say, unable to hide my fury.
“What the hell is going on, Gidget? What’s the matter? Are you and Parker okay?” he asks, his voice hard.
He throws the questions at me so quick, it almost makes my head spin. “Nothing’s wrong. Why do you ask?”
“Don’t fucking lie to me, Gidget. Hack just called and said Dad was walking you and Parker out of the clubhouse.”
My anger retreats when I realize he was worried about us. Richard never worried about us, never even asked how our day went. Smoke, on the other hand, is checking in from the road. As irritating as it is, it’s always sweet as hell.
Pulling in a deep breath, I explain what we’re doing. He asks a million questions, making sure Parker and I have everything we need. Each thing he says has my heart warming toward him. I have to remind myself that he’s the one who broke it all those years ago. Still, watching my son play with Round, I realize he did me a favor. Maybe I’ll do him a favor and forgive him when he gets back, but not before we have a long talk.
“Fine, don’t stay out there too long. I’ll give you ten minutes to get your ass back in bed. If not, I’ll be calling my dad to make sure you get there,” he’s warns, ending our conversation without even a goodbye.
Before I even put it away, it’s ringing again. I see Smoke’s name again and bring it back to my ear. “Hello.”
“Tell Dad there’re some balls around back in the shed. He can pull them out for Parker.” With that, he hangs up, not bothering to say goodbye again.
For some reason, my lips are tipping up as I slide my phone into my pocket.
USA Today Bestselling author, Emily Minton is a Kentucky native. She is proud to call the Bluegrass State home. She claims she bleeds blue–Wildcat Blue! She has been married to her husband, David, for over twenty years. They share two wonderful children.Emily loves to read and has more books on her kindle than most people could read in a lifetime, but she intends to read every single one. She has published nine books, but there are many more are floating around in her head. She hopes to get them all on paper before long. She loves sharing her dreams with her readers. Shelley was born and raised in Kentucky and doesn't see herself leaving the bluegrass state anytime soon. Shelley and her husband have been together for sixteen years, and they share three beautiful daughters and one handsome son.Although Grim Bastards is her first published novel, she has been a fan of romance reads for many, many years. Shelley loves all sorts of genres of romance but Contemporary, New Adult, and Romantic Comedy are her all-time favorites.
Title: Distant Dreams
Author: Alicia Rades
Genre: YA Paranormal
Hosted by: Lady Amber's Reviews & PR
Blurb: Kai Watson is only 16, but sheâs never had a real dream in her life. Each night, she leaves her body, travels to a new location, and adds the sites she sees to her âdream book.â When she witnesses the brutal murder of upperclassman Darla Baxter while astral traveling, Kai is determined to stay out of it. She never saw the murdererâs face, and who would believe her anyway?
Now Kai has lost her ability to astral travel, and sheâs forced to relive the murder each night in a nightmare. With no word on Darlaâs body, Kai decides to take the mystery into her own hands to find closure and get back to her travels. As she searches for answers, she continues to bump into Darlaâs brother, Collin. Can she catch the killer and still open her heart to Collin, or will she lose her gift forever?
Facebook Release Party:
Alicia Rades is an award-winning young adult paranormal author with a love for supernatural stories set in the modern world. When she's not plotting out fiction novels, she's running her own professional writing business, plowing her way through her never-ending reading list, or preparing for the backpacking trips she takes every summer. In college, Alicia majored in communications with an emphasis on professional writing. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two cats.
Don't miss a thing related to Alicia's books. Sign up for her newsletter at http://www.aliciaradesauthor.com/newsletter/
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2epej0D
Title: The Masterminds
Author: Olivia Wildenstein
Genre: NA Mystery
Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR
Blurb:
From prisons and reality TV to mansions and safe houses, THE MASTERMINDS revisits THE MASTERPIECERS and closes the twinsâ story. It is a tale of imperfect love and imperfect people.
The only downside to Joshua Cooperâs investigation of a mob runner is not being able to discuss it with his two best friends, nineteen-year-old twins, Aster and Ivy Redd. However, when Ivy sells one of her quilts to the mob runner, and Aster hits him with her car in a motel parking lot, they become entangled in his investigation. The FBI even believes the twins could knowingly be involved with the mob. Joshua will do everything he can to disprove their suspicion and nail the true criminal.
Brook Jackson is a judge on the Masterpiecersâs art competition. That is his official job; his unofficial job is running questionable errands against easy cash. But a ripped quilt and the girl who sewed it will make Brookâs life and heart spiral out of control.
Accused of money laundering, Brook becomes the fall guy. After three weeks of imprisonment, he cuts a deal with Joshua: his freedom for the real felons and a meeting with Ivy. Although eager to clear his name, Brook wants to win Ivyâs forgivenessâand if sheâs willing to give it to himâher love..
Olivia Wildenstein grew up in New York City, the daughter of a French father with a great sense of humor, and a Swedish mother whom she speaks to at least three times a day. She chose Brown University to complete her undergraduate studies and earned a bachelorâs in comparative literature. After designing jewelry for a few years, Wildenstein traded in her tools for a laptop computer and a very comfortable chair. This line of work made more sense, considering her college degree.
When sheâs not writing, sheâs psychoanalyzing everyone she meets (Yes. Everyone), eavesdropping on conversations to gather material for her next book, baking up a storm (that she actually eats), going to the gym (because she eats), and attempting not to be late at her childrenâs school (like she is 4 out of 5 mornings, on good weeks).
Wildenstein lives with her husband and three children in Geneva, Switzerland, where sheâs an active member of the writing community.
Author Links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ahtHJw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OWildWrites
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/owauthor/
Buy Link:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2agsfEn
THE MASTERMINDS â CHAPTER 1
Brook
2 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE SHOW
A girl who stitches quilts.
This is the first thing I learn about Ivy Redd. After skimming through her Masterpiecers application, I toss it aside because quilt making is not really art. I admire people who stitch stuff. My grandmother was one of them. Up until the day she died, she was part of a quilting club who met each week. Theyâd cut and sew squares of gaudy-patterned cotton with such fervor that it had seemed as though their lives would fall apart if they didnât truss them up with their needles.
Dominic, the president and founder of the Masterpiecers School, picks up the application and thumbs through it.
âDonât bother. Itâs quilts,â I say, grabbing the next file.
He studies the picture stapled to the last page. âYou are too rash in judging this girl. She has something. What do you think, Josephine?â
He hands it over to the vice-president of the school.
âPas mal. But we only have one more slot. And I found the perfect candidat.â
âReally?â Dominic asks, leaning back against the silk upholstery of his wooden chair. It was carved by one of the schoolâs graduates, Christos Natter. One side is curved and smooth, while the other looks windblown, stretching irregularly toward Dominicâs bulky chestnut bookcase. âWho struck your fancy?â
Josephine flings a file onto the eighteenth-century French desk next to the industrial steel lamp. Dominic picks up the file, takes one look at it, and dumps it back on the table.
âNo.â
âPourquoi pas?â Josephine asks.
Dominic flaps his hand in the air. âHeâs a former soldier, not an artist.â
She folds one leg over the other and rests her hands on her bony white knee. âThat is not a reason, Dom. Heâs skilled. Look at that rope he wove while he was on tour.â
âCome on, Jo. Itâs a rope,â Dom says.
âAnd thisââshe nods toward Ivy Reddâs fileââis a quilt. Why does quilt trump rope?â
âBecause!â I can tell from the way he looks away from Josephine that thereâs more to his staunch refusal than the medium of the pieces.
âYou both have a special person,â she says, âwhom you did not pick on merit. I am certain Chase is a talented boy, Brook, and I am certain that Mariaâactually, Iâm not certain Maria has anything to offer besides her body, Domâbut I accepted. Now consent to my choice.â
Dominic reddens at the mention of his ex-girlfriend, a former beauty queen and ham-fisted artist whose claim-to-fame are crude renditions of overly made-up pageant contestants. What I heard was that he impregnated her and the only way to get rid of the baby was accepting her onto the show.
Josephine rises, and her tailored pearl-gray dress slips right into place over her skeletal body. âI will alert Mr. Kevin Martin that he has been selected. Oh, wait. Thatâs why we have Brook now, nâest-ce pas? To do all the menial jobs.â
I glare at her, although sheâs right. That is why Iâm here, to do the jobs no one else cares to do. âIâll notify the contestants this afternoon.â
She gives me a crooked smile before stepping out of Dominicâs office.
âShe hates me,â I tell Dom some time after she shuts the door.
âShe hates everyone.â
âExcept her fiancé.â
âI doubt she even likes him.â
As I straighten out the files of the applicants who didnât make the cut, Dominic tut-tuts.
âWhat?â
âThe girl who sews quilts; keep her application aside. Weâll be needing it.â
I slip it out of the pile and put it on top. âWhy?â
âBecause.â He shifts his eyes toward his cell phone. Dominic is certain we are being listened to. âSheâs a sound runner-up.â As he talks, he grabs a piece of paper embossed with his name and scribbles something.
I scratch the stubble on my cheek as I read it. When my jaw unhinges, Dominic picks up his message and shreds it into dozens of tiny pieces that he drops into his leather bin. They flutter down like confetti, settling in the dusky emptiness. I doubt anyone will collect them and glue them back together, but just in case, I crouch down, swipe some into my palm, and stick them inside my blazer pocket.
I have as much to lose as Dominic. No, thatâs a lie. I have more to lose because itâs my name thatâs being used, not his. Mine.
âItâs a beautiful day, isnât it?â he says, all cheery again. âI love spring. Donât you?â
Iâm tongue-tied.
âIâm heading out for lunch. Iâll see you tonight,â he says.
âTonight?â
âDidnât your father tell you? Weâre having dinner all together at his house. To celebrate the sale. It went well, didnât it?â
I make a jerky head movement thatâs supposed to be a nod.
âDid it pay off the bills?â he asks.
âNot all of them.â
He pats my shoulder. âIâm sure theyâll get paid soon. I have an idea.â His fingers clamp down around my shoulder like a metal claw.
Iâm starting not to like his ideas.
âIâll tell you later.â He squeezes once, then lets go and walks out, whistling a tune that sounds like something from a Broadway show.
Clutching the pile of applications against me, I stop by my office, which is more of a glass cubicle than an office. I donât even have screens or blinds. As I heave the folders onto my desk, I notice one of the secretaries fanning a leaflet in front of a young boyâs face. It throws me back in time. Four years to be exact. I was standing at his exact spot, overwhelmingly excited at the prospect of starting at the Masterpiecers. Four years ago, when everything was still so peachy. When my family was still rich. When my little brother didnât despise me for having usurped âhis life.â
The school has strict laws forbidding siblings from attending. Supposedly, itâs to discourage family feuds. Didnât discourage Chase from hating my guts.
Movement behind the secretary catches my attention. Josephine stands next to her triangular-shaped desk, where a lone potted orchid holds court over an ultra-skinny computer screen and a pencil cup made of cerulean blue clay. It looks as though it was crafted by a kindergartener, when in fact it was fashioned by an alumni from this school.
Josephine sees me staring. Thereâs something unsettling about the way she gazes back, eyes sort of slanted. My shirt collar suddenly feels too tight so I pop the top button open. She smiles that glacial smile of hers, then gapes down at my jacket pocket. I stick my hand inside protectively, before reassuring myself that Josephine Raynoir does not have X-ray vision. I rub the pieces between the pads of my fingers, feeling the raised edges in the vellum where Dominic inked his command: Find out who Kevin Martin really is.
Josephine flicks a switch and her glass walls blur, and I am left with the shadow of her body moving about like the giant stick insect I won at a fair when I was twelve. I kept it in a murky aquarium, which I couldnât be bothered to clean. Our housekeeper, Carmelina, was too frightened of the bug to touch the thing, so it became filthier and filthier until my mother got so sick of it, she seized the aquarium and dumped it on the curb for some other little boy, or some garbage collector, to find.
I eye my trashcan, but decide against putting anything inside. Itâs lunchtime, and even though Iâm not hungry, I walk out of Delancey Hall, a two-story building with glossy green ivy scuttling over the brick walls. It was named after Dominicâs favorite adviser, Robert Delancey. A few years back, when I was starting on college applications, The New York Times dedicated its entire art section to the man. It was titled The Monocled Star-Maker. My father read it out loud to us over breakfast.
âArt is Chaseâs dream, Dad. Not mine,â I remember telling him, mostly to get him off my case.
Chase looked up from his big bowl of cornflakes, milk dribbling down his chin. He was fourteen then. It was the year his upper lip finally grew some fuzz.
âI wasnât given a choice,â Dad said.
âWell Iâd like a choice,â my seventeen-year-old self demanded.
âAnd youâll get one,â Mom chimed in, clicking into the dining room for her usual breakfast of sliced papaya, raw oatmeal, and strong coffee. She dropped a kiss on my forehead, and then tried to peck Chaseâs, but he ducked away from her. âRight, Henry? We always said we would let the kids choose.â
In the end, after two years spent at Duke University, I asked to transfer into the art school to my fatherâs delight. It was the same year Chase sent in his college applications. His top choice was the Masterpiecers, but I beat him to it, something he never forgave me for. Just like he never forgave me for consoling his ex after their awful breakup.
As I walk toward Riverside Drive, I spot a trashcan. I grab the slivers of paper from my pocket and drop them inside. I open a search window on my phoneâs browser and type in Kevin Martinâs name. There are several pages of results. I add the words âretired sergeant.â
There is only one result.
Dominic was rightâ¦Josephine is investigating him.
Title : Holding On To You
Author: Rachel S. Rose
Genre : Romance
Holding On To You (Singing Star Trilogy Book 2):
Would her jealously drive away the only man who had stayed? Melissa relished her newfound relationship, until Nathan started to get all the attention. Okay, he was gorgeous. And yes, he was sure to win Singing Star, the singing contest she had crashed out of embarrassingly. However, he was hers and only hers…wasn’t he? Nathan couldn’t get used to being attached. For so long he had kept his heart hidden under his brawn, wrapped up in his singing. Now, Melissa threatened the very thing he had been avoiding. Her vulnerability mixed with jealousy brought out a side to him that he’d been trying to hide.
Would you give up your values for one moment of passion?
Melissa is always tempted by the men that only want one thing. When Nathan shows up in her life, she can’t say no to his advances, even though she wants more. Distracting herself by auditioning and getting through to the next round of a singing contest doesn’t work. Especially when Nathan turns out to be one of the contestants. Nathan has a past that cripples him. His dream is to use his talent as a singer/songwriter to get to the top. No one can get to his heart there. Not even the woman who makes him laugh with her insecure ways.
Rachel S. Rose was born and raised in Surrey, England. She writes sexy empowering fiction and non fiction because she believes that women can own their sexuality and femininity. Her slightly kinky imagination combined with a need to share empowered feminine stories makes Rachel determined to find her tribe.
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