TBR Book Blog

Release Blitz ~ Sever ~ by ~ Alexis Noelle

Title: Sever

Series: Deathstalkers MC Novel

Author: Alexis Noelle

Genre: MC Romance

Release Date: April 17, 2017

Fool me once, shame on you.

Fool me twice, and I’m a damn idiot.

That’s what he does to me.

Ryker. Smith.

The first heartbreak is always the hardest to heal

And those wounds get ripped right back open,

When he walks back into my life.

Seven years,

It took seven long and grueling years,

To get that cocky, leather-wearing bastard out of my mind.

I thought I’d never get over him, never fix what he broke,

And now he’s back,

Every sexy inch of him,

The difference is now I’m taking charge.

This time he’ll be the fool.

Walking up, I see a few guys hanging around and talking so I make my way over to them. Their eyes follow me the whole way and I momentarily regret wearing heels because everyone knows heels and gravel just do not mix.

“You the chick from the accounting place?”

My first reaction is to correct him but I hold my tongue. These don’t look like the kind of guys I really want to mouth off to and, really, in their world “chick” might be considered a compliment. I use my hand to shield my eyes from the sun because squinting is never a good look. “I’m looking for Ryder.”

The name doesn’t seem to register on any of their faces and for a minute I wonder if I have walked into the wrong place. That would be just my luck.

“Megan.” I hear his voice and it still sends chills through me. “In here.”

There’s a click and a side door opens. I walk toward it, feeling the eyes of the bikers on my back like daggers. When I get there, I peek inside. Its’s pretty basic, with only a desk with a computer and a few different piles of papers to fill the space. I step inside, smelling the faintest hint of mildew. It’s unpleasant, to say the least, and I scrunch up my nose.

“Why didn’t any of those guys know who you are?”

He doesn’t look at me. His gaze is on the papers in front of him as he sifts through them, putting some in one pile and others in another. “Because people don’t call me that here, and neither can you.”

“Really?” I laugh. “So what exactly am I supposed to call you?”

He sits down on the corner of the desk. “Tracker.”

I shake my head putting my purse down on the desk.

“Something wrong with my name?” His eyes narrow and my gut twists, reminding me of the nerves I felt in the car.

“Apart from the fact that you aren’t a bloodhound and it isn’t your name?” I cross my arms and jut out a hip. A lot has changed since high school. I’m no longer the pushover I was, and part of that is because of him, and though I might have been hesitant to stand up to the apes outside, the man in front of me is a whole different story.

“It is my name—at least, it’s my road name. It’s what everyone uses here.” He shakes his head and starts turning on the lights before moving to the computer. The screen springs to life, the display showing the same symbol that was on the back of his vest the other day.

“And if everyone jumped off a bridge, would you?” I arch an eyebrow at him. My body might be completely on edge being this close to him, and my mind might be freaking out thinking about all the memories of us, but my mouth has no problem poking the bear.

Ryder takes a few steps toward me, closing the distance between us until we are only a few inches apart. Having him this close makes my heart feel like a jackhammer. “Listen, as much as I like your smart mouth, you need to watch it around here. Respect is important, so while people are around you need to rein that shit in. When it’s just us, run that sexy mouth all you want.” He winks at me before walking past, his arm brushing mine and sending a heat through me.

“You can’t say shit like that to me, Ryder. We aren’t kids anymore. I’m here to do a job and that’s it.” I force my face to harden and wipe all emotion from it before turning toward him.

“Whatever you need to help you sleep at night, princess. Thing is, we might not be kids anymore, but I still know you better than you know yourself. I saw the way you looked at me the other day.” He steps close to me, his head bending down until his lips are close to my ear, the heat of his breath making my legs weak. “I know you feel this as much as I do. I just have to wait until it consumes you and you come begging.”

“Screw you.”

“All in good time.” He winks before walking out the door.

Alexis Noelle lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with her husband, and three kids. On top a writing career, she is a full-time student and a full-time mom. She loves spending time with her kids, although she has to hide the computer from them when she is writing! She love being active and being outdoors, especially if it involves any kind of shopping.She has always been passionate about writing. She loves to read romance books and feels like being able to lose yourself in a book is one of the more exciting aspects. The books she loves to read and write will be ones that make you feel for the characters. Ashley believes that you should have an opinion on every character in a book whether you love them, hate them, or think they are up to something.She also believes that the most important critic is your reader, so she loves to hear from the readers. She want her fans to be open & talk to her about what they want for the characters in the story, and what they would like to see happen.

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Cover Reveal ~ The Boy Next Door ~ by ~ Ella James

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Title: The Boy Next Door

Series: The Off-Limits Romance Series, Book #2

Author: Ella James

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 10th

Cover Designer: Letitia Hasser at RBA Designs

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The boy next door. That’s what he was. Dash Frasier—my hero from the day we met, when I was six and he was nine. His sister was my best friend, the three of us one happy crew. Then one sweaty summer night changed everything.

No one understood me like Dash. No one made me feel so loved. That’s why, when he skipped town, it wrecked me.

Now I’m older. Wiser. I’ve just snagged my dream job, writing at a film studio. The lead animator on my project? You guessed it.

He’s not the boy next door. Not anymore.

I’m guarding my heart this time.

But Dash has secrets that could break us both.

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Ella James is the USA Today bestselling author of sixteen teen and adult love stories. She’s an angst-a-holic who loves exploring difficult situations and the emotions of the people caught up in them. Also, smut. But always, always romance.

Ella’s obsessions include vanilla cream soda, hiking, other weird, crunchy things like rock collecting, and the antics of her three little monsters.

To find out more about her projects, follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ellajamesbooks, tweet her at author_ellaj or follow her on Instagram (authorellajames).

Interested in the foreign rights for one of Ella’s books? Contact her agent, Rebecca Friedman, at rebecca@rfliterary.com.

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Release Blitz ~ Bed of Lies ~ by ~ Niquel

Title: Bed of Lies

Series: Bed of Lies Vol 1

Author: Niquel

Genre: Dark Erotic Romance Standalone

Release Date: April 14, 2017

I used to be naïve.

I used to think monsters didn’t exist.

I used to think I was safe, untouchable, and free from harm.

Boy was I wrong…

My name is Whitney, and I used to think my old life was mediocre and boring. I thought I was missing out on something exciting. Now that Linc has shown me how dark and twisted life can be, I’d go back in a heartbeat…

This is book 1 in an upcoming 3 book dark erotic standalone series!

“Very dark but wow!” – Reader Review

“Wow!!!” – Reader Review

“I thought I had it figured out but I was wrong and I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome.” – United Indie Book Blog

Niquel is a self diagnosed coffee addict, lover of rice and beans, and chocolate—preferably not all together. She’s the creator of multiple stories full of love, passion, and power. She may toss in a ghost story every once in a while.

When she’s not busy taking care of her two little girls, she’s writing or creating graphics or you can find her binge watching TV with her significant other.

Boston born and raised, she’s always been a creative soul: attending multiple colleges to develop her love of the visual arts.

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Cover Reveal ~ I Do, Babe ~ by ~ Tillie Cole

Pre-order for only 99c

Amazon

I Do, Babe: A Novella (Hades Hangmen 5.5)

WHEN DARKNESS AND LIGHT COMBINE, DESTINED SOULS WILL IGNITE . . .

Connected since childhood.
Two souls: one dark and one pure.
Bracing to take the greatest step of all.

River ‘Styx’ Nash loves his woman. Ever since he met Mae at the fence of the cult that had kept her captive as a child, he has never loved anyone else. He loves her black hair, her pale skin and of course, her ice-blue ‘wolf eyes’.

Since Mae came crashing back into his life, his only wish has been to marry her; finally to make her his wife. But now the wedding is booked, and only weeks from forever having Mae by his side, a lifelong problem is plaguing him.
He wants to marry her; he has never wanted anything more . . .
. . . if only he could speak the words and declare it to the world.

Salome ‘Mae’ Nash’s life had been filled with heartache and pain . . . until, at age eight, she met a strange dark-haired boy from the outside world. Years later, and reunited with her great love, Mae is ready to solder her heart to his. Finally, Mae is getting ready to marry her man. But her fiancé has become withdrawn. Something is deeply troubling him.
But Mae has no idea what.
Or what to do to help.

Can Styx open up and conquer his deepest pain? Or will the infamous Hangmen Mute allow his fears to overcome his love for Mae and watch their much-anticipated wedding crumble to dust?

Dark Contemporary Romance. Contains explicit sexual situations, offensive language and mature topics. Recommended for age 18 and over.
***I Do, Babe: A Novella (Hades Hangmen #5.5) is to be read AFTER Damnable Grace (Hades Hangmen #5)***

Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.

After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.

Tillie has now settled in Austin, Texas, where she is finally able to sit down and write, throwing herself into fantasy worlds and the fabulous minds of her characters.

Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels.

When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, while convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that extra square of chocolate.

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Cover Reveal ~ Accidental Heiress ~ by ~ Ashley Lyn

Title: Accidental Heiress

Series: Welcome to Spartan

Author: Ashley Lyn

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Release Date: April 26, 2017

Amy

Change is necessary, even more so when you’re sitting in the woods, alone, in what you suspect is a pile of bear poop. I grew up in these woods with my parents. We rarely, if ever, went into town or saw anyone. My parents—God rest their souls—are dead and gone, and I’m throwing in the towel and moving to town. I just need to dodge the persistent Parker long enough to get my life in order.

Time to move on and move up.

Parker

I’ve been lost and stumbling around these woods for days. Then, I find out that my little woodland sprite, Miss Amy Rain, has moved into town. I’m tired of chasing after the elusive Amy. She’s the one for me, and now, I just have to get her to see me as more than just the sheriff of our little town.

Time to put a ring on it.

Secrets burned and buried come to light. With danger on the horizon, and a fortune in old family money, Parker and Amy will need to lean on each other to get through it. Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Spartan without some shenanigans. So, hang on to your knickers and cover your nipples.

I’m dancing in Parker’s strong arms. I’m a tad bit tipsy, but have taken Cleo’s advice to heart and paced myself, keeping the water coming between drinks. The food was so good, I couldn’t help the moans of pleasure as the complex, orgasmic flavors burst over my tongue.
When the song ends, I grab Parker’s hand and drag him outside. I need a minute to cool off. Once outside, I take big gulps of air. Grabbing hold of the bottom of my dress, I pull it up and down, trying to get a breeze up my dress because I’m roasting.
Parker’s leaning against the building when I turn to look at him, his sexy mouth kicked up into an amused grin.
“Having fun, pretty girl?”
“I have never in my life had this much fun.”
“I’m glad. Seeing you smile makes me hard.”
“I’m fairly certain Wally Cleaver wouldn’t talk so crass, Parker.”
Feeling way braver than I truly am, with the vodka flowing through my veins, I slide up to him and snuggle close. His hand clings to my lower back and his eyes are laser focused as he studies my face. His hands slide down, cupping both butt cheeks.
“You’re playing with fire, my little Sprite.”
“Maybe I want to be burned.”
His large hands reach up to cup my jaw. My next breath is stolen as his lips land on mine. It’s a gentle kiss that tells me exactly how he feels about me, and it feels much deeper than I expected.

The blip blip of a police car has me jumping about a hundred feet. “You’re a dick, Peterson.”
“Just making sure I don’t have to write an indecent exposure ticket, P-Man.”
Headlights pull my gaze to the left and I see a fancy car pull up and park, but I’m pulled inside before I can see who gets out. Benny and The Jets are on, and Paul and Lucille are dancing downright nasty. The geriatric hip grind is going down on the dance floor, and the whole place is in an uproar.
We get to the bar and Parker orders another round for us. When Margo sets the drinks down, her whole body goes still. Turning around, I see Dane, Ali’s dad, and holy mackerel, the man is sexy—a total silver fox.
Parker holds out his hand and Dane pulls him in for a bro hug. “What’s up, Dane.”
“Heard there was a party going on, so I decided to come on down.” He turns to me and gives me a hug. “Happy twenty first birthday, and congrats on the license, Amy.”
I crack up laughing and give Parker a kiss before heading back out to the dance floor. With Sweet Emotions blaring through the speakers, I sidle up to Ali and dance to my heart’s content.

This was one of the funniest romance books I have ever read! There were times I laughed so hard that my hubby had to know what I was reading. And I, being such an awesome wife, would read the passages to hubby. He laughed as well. –Maven Book Lover

Love love love it! I laughed so hard. This book is amazing. I hope the whole series is this good. –Amazon Reviewer

Ashley Lyn lives in Colorado with her amazing hubby that she met on match.com. She has two beautiful daughters, a crazy Boxer named Bailey, a Fat Cat named Mojo, and a sweet as apple pie calico cat named Katy.

She is a passionate reader who loves to read any and all genres. A good book, a cozy blanket and piping hot cup of coffee is her idea of a good time.

She loves to write quirky, funny, sexy, and eccentric characters who have zero problems flying their crazy flags.

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Cover Reveal ~ UltraViolence ~ by ~ Natalie Bennett

Title: UltraViolence

Series: UltraViolence Book One

Author: Natalie Bennett

Genre: Dark Erotic Romance

Release Date: May 11, 2017

ULTRA+VIOLENCE

Noun

Random acts of violence with no justification.

Unprovoked, usually brutal.

Done simply for thrill and entertainment.

A sick infatuation.

A volatile obsession,

And a rising body count.

This isn’t your typical love story.

***Warning***

This is a dark erotic thriller. I stepped completely out of the box to write this book. It is strange, ugly, and dirty. These characters have a f**ked moral compass. You may hate one or both of them. I remained true to their personalities from start to finish. This book has taboos and multiple triggers. Extreme violence, harsh language, and dirty kinky sex scenes.

Natalie Bennett has always been an avid fan of all things dark and twisted, so it only made sense for her to write what she loves. She brings to life unapologetic antiheroes you love to hate and strong heroines who refuse to be broken.

Natalie writes Dark and Twisty Erotica with romantic elements. She doesn’t censor her writing and let’s her stories tell themselves. If you pick up one of her books expecting a typical HEA, you won’t find one.

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Release Blitz ~ Dirty Side Down Boxset ~ by ~ Phoenyx Slaughter

Title: Dirty Side Down Boxset

Series: Iron Bulls MC #1-3

Author: Phoenyx Slaughter

Genre: MC Romance

Release Date: April 14, 2017

Their fling was only supposed to be a one-time afternoon distraction. Dante is older, dark, dangerous, and the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Iron Bulls MC. Instead, Karina finds herself falling for the raunchy, dirty-talking biker who’ll kill to protect her.

Dante’s way too old and twisted for a beautiful, innocent girl like Karina. Doesn’t matter, he wants her anyway. Somehow she melts his stone-cold heart and the two of them fit together like pieces of one screwed-up puzzle. He’s not giving her up for anyone or anything.

Dirty Side Down, includes the first three books of the Iron Bulls MC series: Asunder, Disconnect, and Entwined as well as a never-released bonus scene.

“I was glued to my kindle…drooling…melting…panting. I’m most definitely a Phoenyx Slaughter and Iron Bulls MC fan…” – IScream Books (Asunder)

“If you’re an MC reader and want a story with grit and heart, love and family, growth and maturity, truth and consequences, well written and well developed with a hell of a story-line … you just found it!” – OMG Reads (Disconnect)

“Hot, dirty, and DELICIOUS!! Everything that a serial series like this should be. Fast-paced, nail bitingly exciting, and sexy as hell!” – Reader Review (Entwined)

Title: Unhinged

Series: Iron Bulls MC #5

Author: Phoenyx Slaughter

Genre: MC Romance

Release Date: April 28, 2017

When your whole world becomes unhinged, only love makes sense.

Kadence Rivers

Blaise Savage, is everything I don’t want in a man. Crude, rude, bossy, overbearing. Not to mention that he’s Vice President of the Savage Dragons MC. I’ve got enough bossy bikers up in my business. I don’t need another one, especially now. My newfound sister, Karina, is hooked up with the enforcer for the Iron Bulls MC, so I have all the domineering bikers I can tolerate in my life.

Besides, Blaise and me, we’re bad for each other. Sure, he’s hot and my body craves him like an addict. But we tried being together once before, and our love made us lie to the people we care about. We even lied to each other until one of us ended up getting hurt.

Blaise Savage

A couple months ago, I let Kady slip through my fingers because I didn’t tell her the truth. Not happening again. She’s smart-mouthed and totally frustrating, but she’s the only woman I’ve ever loved. Now I’ve got a second chance to make her mine, and I’m not throwing it away.

First, I have to keep her safe. She’s in trouble and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, even align my club with the Iron Bulls MC. And if we both make it out alive, I’m not wasting any time getting Kady right back where she belongs—naked and tied to my bed. Because the one thing I’m sure of, when my world goes crazy, loving Kady is the only thing that makes any sense.

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Phoenyx “Nyx” Slaughter has many roles, including writer, reader, and roughneck wrangler. She loves taboo stories—the filthier the better.

She loves to travel and meet new people with similar interests. Feel free to visit her on facebook or send her an email: NyxSlaughter@gmail.com

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Chapter Reveal ~ Fractured Silence ~ by ~ Carrie Ann Ryan

Carrie Ann Ryan’s FRACTURED SILENCE releases April 18th…but we couldn’t wait that long! You can get a sneak peek at the first chapter of FRACTURED SILENCE below!

About FRACTURED SILENCE

The Talon Pack continues with a dark secret that could shatter the future of the Packs, or save them all.

Parker Jamenson is the son of three Packs, the sole mediator between every Pack in the United States and Europe, and…he’s dying. He knows he doesn’t have much left in him and is in desperate need of a mate. But with the new and unyielding changes thanks to the Moon Goddess, he might not have as much time as he thinks.

Brandon Brentwood is the Omega of the Talon Pack and the youngest of his family. He’s not only one of the famed triplets; he’s also the most secretive. There’s a good reason for that, however, and when a shocking revelation meshes the past and present in a very unexpected way, he’ll look to not only Parker but also a disgraced human to save them all.

Avery Montag knows she’s the daughter of a traitor and doesn’t have much to give the wolves in the way of atonement. But she’ll do everything she can to pay for her father’s sins and find a way to end the war between the humans and the wolves.

When the three turn to each other in a time of unrest and for vastly different reasons, temptation burns and seduction beckons. Only, the past, present, and future are never as solid as they seem, and the path the trio thought to travel may just vanish before they’re ready.

Add FRACTURED SILENCE to your Goodreads list here!

FRACTURED SILENCE releases April 18th – preorder your copy now!

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Get a Sneak Peek at the First Chapter of FRACTURED SILENCE

Chapter One

Before

Parker Jamenson woke with a start as someone knocked on the door to the small cabin he’d been staying in for the duration of his visit to this particular European Pack. Using his wolf’s senses, he inhaled deeply, noting that the person on the other side of the door was one of the younger wolves that had shown him around when he’d first gotten there. He hadn’t met most of the Pack, as the people of the den hadn’t been too keen on his presence. He’d only just fallen asleep in the armchair fully clothed, exhausted from the trip.

He’d already spoken to the Alpha about coming together with the Redwoods in times of war, but the damn man hadn’t been too eager to reveal his existence to the world. All Alphas were required to meet with Parker as the Voice of the Wolves because he was goddess-touched, but that didn’t mean they had to listen. Hell, most of them would rather bury their heads in the sand and ignore what was going on around them. And while his own Pack might be older than most in the United States, the European Packs were ancient and set in their ways. No one wanted to deal with the fact that the humans were aware of the shifters’ existence, but Parker knew that soon, no one would have a choice.

He opened the door after a moment and nodded at the young woman on the other side. “Tatiana.”

She smiled coyly at him before licking her lips. He could scent her wolf brushing up against her skin, wanting touch, but Parker wasn’t interested. He just wanted to get this meeting with the elders over with and head back home. Her long, honey-colored hair had been in a braid when he’d first met her, but now it looked as if she’d brushed it out over her shoulders and back so it cascaded over her curves. She’d also put on a long, white, flowing dress instead of the tan one she’d worn when he’d shown up.

And though she looked to be his same age and her power felt even younger, she dressed as if she were some maiden from a bygone era on the hunt for a knight.

Parker would not be that knight— no matter how much those eyes of hers flashed yearning.

“Parker,” she breathed. “I’m to take you to the elder circle for your last meeting before you go.” A pause. “It’s a shame we didn’t have more time to get to know one another while you were here. I understand you leave in the morning, but perhaps the meeting won’t take long, and I can show you more of the grounds. I’m sure your wolf could use some exercise.” She smiled. “And though it’s not a full moon, there’s just enough moonlight for the run to be… thrilling.”

He held back a chuckle that wanted to spill out since that would have been rude. She wasn’t hiding anything she wanted, and while he might have appreciated that on another day, he just wanted to go home. Besides, his wolf wasn’t interested in the woman in front of him, and while that might not matter for a quick night of heat, he didn’t have it in him to ignore his wolf tonight. Maybe I’m getting older, and in need of a mate, he thought. Or maybe he was just tired and missed his family. Either way, Tatiana wasn’t for him.

“I’m afraid I will have to get ready to head out after the elder circle.” He held back a frown at the crestfallen look on her face. They hadn’t said more than a few words before this, and though he was a new wolf to her, he wasn’t the only healthy adult male wolf around.

“I understand,” she said softly. “Follow me, then.” She turned without another word, but he didn’t miss the extra sway to her hips— an invitation if he were to change his mind.

Keeping his thoughts to himself so he wouldn’t inadvertently hurt her again if he were to change his mind— which he wouldn’t— he followed her through the winding, dirt paths of the den toward the oldest part at the edge of the center. It made sense that this was where the elders chose to live— just slightly outside the most used part of the den for privacy but not near the edge in case of an attack. As elders, they were to not only be respected but also protected.

Tatiana left Parker with a nod, and he bent to walk under a low-lying branch so he could make it to the elder’s circle. Encircling the firepit were seven older wolves of various sizes— three women and four men. At his entry, they all looked up as a unit and stared at him.

If he hadn’t seen his own elders do this before, he would have been creeped out. Elder wolves were those who had either lost their mates long ago or had never been mated, so they didn’t have a connection to the new world or the Pack except through their bonds to the Alpha and those in the hierarchy. After living for centuries, some wolves could no longer deal with the drastic changes of society and chose to cloister themselves. Many of the wolves held immense power on their own because of their age and used that strength to protect the Pack in any way they could.

Parker looked back at the elders respectfully. Though each of the wolves had at least two centuries on him, none of them looked a day over thirty-five. Wolf genetics never ceased to amaze him and he’d been born a wolf.

“Parker Jamenson, of the Redwoods,” the woman closest to him said after a moment. “Welcome. I am Aurora. We’re pleased you were able to take the time to meet with us before you head out on your journey home.”

Parker bowed his head in deference. “I will always meet with my elders, Aurora. To ignore those who have lived the past is to ignore what the future may bring.”

She smiled softly at his words and gestured for him to sit down before introducing him to the others. He kept their names in the back of his mind, but he knew that it was Aurora who led here, and she would be the one to speak.

“We’ve asked you to join us because we believe we have something that once belonged to your people. Your line.”

Parker’s eyes widened. “The Redwoods?” How did something of theirs find its way here?

“Not that line.” Aurora’s eyes went gold, her wolf rising to the surface. “The line of the first hunter. You are the son of the son of the son of the line of the first hunter, are you not?”

Parker froze. Not many people knew that his family came from that line. In fact, he’d only recently learned that his ancestor was the first human to be made into a wolf by the moon goddess as a punishment for what the man had done to defenseless prey. She’d forced the man to become the thing he killed for sport, compelled him to share a soul with that of a wolf. From there, new wolves were made, and shifters were born.

His uncle, Logan, had dealt with horrible side effects from that past, but other than his strength, Parker hadn’t really thought about what that meant. Logan had been far too aggressive even at a young age, and it had taken him years to learn how to fully control his wolf. He, like Parker, had also had to learn how to use their strength wisely when they’d been mere pups and still had to deal with some bursts of overextension some days. The family bloodline was diluted over time, and Parker had had more recent issues with it thanks to his birth father. His mother might be of the line of their honorable ancestors and campfire stories, but his birth father had been one of nightmares. He’d never truly met the man as he’d been young when Corbin died, but he knew the stories. Knew that the former Central Alpha had killed countless in his quest for power.

He pushed that thought out of his head, as he knew just letting it in would enrage him.

“I’m of that line, yes,” he answered after a moment. No need to lie as he had a feeling these wolves knew far more than this. “What did you find?” he asked.

Aurora nodded at one of the male wolves after Parker had spoken. The male stood up with shaky hands, a large box wrapped in cloth clasped between them.

Aurora took it gently from him. “This box is made of the woods of our people— Redwood, Aspen, Oak, and so forth. It is said those first Packs, along with the first ever, came together to make it.”

Parker frowned. “What’s in the box?”

“Open it and see.”

Though his wolf had stood at attention as soon as they’d mentioned the box, it wasn’t until Aurora unwrapped it— keeping her hands on the cloth rather than the wood— that his wolf howled.

He frowned. “I’m not going to open something I haven’t looked into with wolves I don’t know. I’m sorry if that’s disrespectful, but that just doesn’t seem like a good idea to me.”

Aurora’s eyes flashed, but he had a feeling it was more out of respect than anger. “It’s good you’re cautious. That will help.”

“Help what?”

“There is a prophecy,” she said after a moment. He blinked.

“A prophecy?” Why did he feel like he’d suddenly jumped into an old Indiana Jones movie?

Aurora’s eyes unfocused as she spoke in a deeper voice.

“A wolf of three Packs can break their will or unite them all.

“Once united, the Packs will reveal…

“If broken, the Packs will fall…”

Parker’s wolf rushed to the surface at her words, and he tried to blink, attempted to reach out and catch the woman as she fell forward after she’d finished speaking. Only he felt as if he were moving slower than usual, his mind not quite where it should be. His hand brushed the top of the box, and it slid to the ground, opening on impact.

He looked down, his head going fuzzy, his mouth dry.

An ancient dagger, or perhaps the tip of a spear, rolled out of the box amidst a dust cloud that slapped at his face.

“The weapon of the first hunter,” Aurora croaked before passing out completely. The others surrounded them, yet he could do nothing but try to keep himself upright.

Parker tried to speak but couldn’t force his mouth to work. Instead, his body broke out in a cold sweat, and he fell face-first to the ground.

The last thing he thought about before passing out was his family.

They weren’t here to help him.

No one was here to help him.

He was all alone.

And it was his fault.

Again.

About Carrie Ann Ryan

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 2.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over fifty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.

Blog Tour & Review ~ Ain’t He Precious? ~ by ~ Juliette Poe

Welcome to Whynot, North Carolina, population 3,872. It has one stoplight, one bar, and the one-and-only Trixie Mancinkus.

Eleven years ago, Trixie graduated Harvard Law, turned down a job offer from one of the most prestigious law firms in Boston, and headed home to Whynot to open her own firm. Not only did she leave behind the big city, but she also left her boyfriend of three years. And just so we’re clear… that would be me.

So what am I doing in Whynot at this very moment? It seems Trixie needs help with a legal case and for some insane reason, she called on me for assistance. I’ve been in town for five minutes, and I’m every bit as out of place as I feel. Trixie is all sweet, southern curves to my tailored suits and high-priced haircuts. It’s a culture clash of north versus south and about the only thing we have in common is our physical attraction to each other.

But I have a new motto since coming to Whynot: When life hands you lemons, all you need is a little sex and sweet tea to make things better.

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Over lettuce wraps, I let her vent more about her brother but I only let this go on during the appetizer. Once our entrees arrive, I insist we change the subject. She’s not calming down, only getting more worked up, and diversion has always worked best with Trixie.

“Raleigh seems to be a nice town,” I say conversationally in an effort to get her relaxed.

She rolls her eyes at me because as much as I know how to “handle” her when her temper is spiked, she recognizes the fact that I am indeed handling her. Apparently, she finds it adorable. She cuts a piece of her orange chicken and gives in to my attempt to switch the conversation. “It really is. It’s spread out so you don’t have that overwhelming big-city feel, but you have all the luxuries a big city affords like museums, professional sports, fine dining, etcetera.”

“Overwhelming is an interesting choice of words,” I observe. “You didn’t feel that way in Boston, did you?”

I’m surprised when her cheeks turn a bit red. Her voice is reluctant when she admits, “Yeah… it was a bit too much for me.”

My mouth hangs open as I stare at her. How could I not know that? We had made plans to live in Boston, and there was a time when she was completely on board.

“I’m sorry,” she blurts out. “I know what you’re thinking… Why would I have even considered all those plans we’d made if I felt that way?”

“Got to admit… this is a bit surprising to hear.”

Trixie puts her fork down and levels her gaze on me. “Ry… I loved you. And I loved Cambridge. It was small and well… comfortable. It wasn’t small like Whynot, but it reminded me of home a bit. But honestly, I was only considering staying there in Boston because of you. I didn’t like it at all. Too many people. Too much concrete and glass. Too much noise. It’s just not me.”

“You should have said something a lot earlier than you did,” I reprimand her quietly. I can’t help feeling a bit angry over this revelation, because who knows what would have happened had we had some honest discussions about where we wanted to go that could suit both of us.

“Would it have changed anything?” she asks me bluntly. “You were set on Boston. You wanted that job at Hayes Lockamy. You worked your ass off at Harvard and the clerkships to get that job offer. It was everything to you.”

“It wasn’t everything,” I tell her sharply.

“Maybe not,” she retorts. “But it clearly meant more than me. As I recall, I asked you to come to Whynot to practice, and I got a resounding ‘no’ to that offer.”

“You sprung that on me at literally the last minute, Trixie,” I say angrily. “After I’d accepted the job offer at Hayes Lockamy. You didn’t give me any time to process any of it.”

“And you didn’t bother to try to talk me into staying,” she snaps.

“Seriously, Trix,” I say in exasperation. “I’ve been here two days, and I’ve watched you in your element. You were born to live here. This is where you’re supposed to be. Being a small-town lawyer in Whynot surrounded by your close-knit, if not nutty, family is what brings you joy. Are you seriously trying to infer that you would have left all of this to stay in Boston with me if I’d just tried to talk you into staying?”

“No, what I’m saying,” she sneers at me as she leans across the table but I don’t miss the light sheen of tears in her eyes, “is that you and I clearly weren’t meant to be, and we’re both better off for making the choices we did.”

Now that hits me hard, right in the middle of my chest, and I have to resist the urge to rub my knuckles over my breastbone to ease the pain.

Trixie merely pushes up from her chair, grabs her purse, and practically runs out of the restaurant.

“Shit,” I mutter as I stand up. I grab my wallet, take out enough money to cover the meal and tip, and toss it down on the table.

I jet out of the restaurant, scan the area, and see Trixie walking quickly toward her car. I wouldn’t put it past her to jump in it and drive off without me, so I break into a fast trot to catch up with her. My hand latches onto her elbow just as she reaches her car, and I spin her to face me.

“What the hell, Trix?” I ask her with frustration, anger, and a little bit of self-loathing that I let the conversation get so out of hand. I’ve always been the mild-mannered one between the two of us, knowing how to deftly control and sidestep her temper so it doesn’t get the better of her.

Or me.

I brace, expect her to rail and rant some more. Instead, she launches herself right at me, making a tiny hop to throw her arms around my neck. Her mouth comes to mine hard as one of her hands grips into my hair, fisting it tight.

Jesus Christ… stars wink in my vision at the feel of her mouth on mine, so long forgotten and yet completely familiar all at once. I don’t think—just act. My arms band around her tight, hauling her body to mine. I push her back into the side of her car, tilt my head, and I kiss her back with every bit of longing and regret that she seems to be mutually feeling in this moment.

Review Coming Soon!

Juliette Poe is the sweet and swoony alter ego of New York Times Best Selling author, Sawyer Bennett.

A fun-loving southern girl, Juliette knows the allure of sweet tea, small towns, and long summer nights, that some of the best dates end sitting on the front porch swing, and that family is top priority. She brings love in the south to life in her debut series, Sex & Sweet Tea.

When Juliette isn’t delivering the sweetest kind of romance, she’s teaching her southern belle daughter the fine art of fishing, the importance of wearing Chucks, and the endless possibilities of a vivid imagination.

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Cover Reveal ~ Emilia Pt 1 ~ by ~ Lisa Cardiff

Title: Emilia: Part One

Series: Trassato Crime #3

Author: Lisa Cardiff

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: May 16, 2017
Publisher: Limitless Publishing

Freedom and a meaningful life away from the violence of the Trassato Crime Family is all I ever wanted…

But what I want doesn’t matter now that I’m caught in a tug of war between two men in the dangerous world of organized crime.

Marcello Masciantonio is the man my father expects me to marry. He wants me because I’m the daughter of Dominick Trassato, New York’s most powerful crime boss. He says he’s my future, and I want to hate him, but I can’t deny the spark that burns between us.

Salvatore D’Amico is perfect. He supports me. He understands me. He’s willing to betray my father and give up his family to have me. He doesn’t care about the power that comes with being part of my family. He wants me for me.

My choice is simple, right?

Wrong.

Everyone has an agenda, including Salvatore and Marcello, and just when I think I have everything figured out, I realize I don’t know a damn thing.

Truths are lies. Freedom is lonely. But worst of all…

My love triangle is actually a hate triangle.

Marcello placed his hand on my lower back and guided me forward.

I let him because I didn’t have a choice. From the minute my eyes collided with his, I felt as if a tornado had swept into my life and flung me around without regard for the consequences.

When we entered the great room, my heart was still pounding, and my muscles were doing a good impersonation of overcooked noodles. At least a hundred sets of eyes gawked back at me, but the only one I could see was Sal.

Marcello’s arm shifted, sliding around my hip, pulling me tight to his side. He grinned down at me with a look I could only describe as possessive. Then his gaze cut to Sal and the air buzzed with unexpected tension.

I didn’t have time to dwell on it because my father handed Marcello and me a glass of champagne and stepped forward, his hands raised in the air. “Family and friends, it is with great pleasure that I announce my beautiful daughter’s engagement to Marcello Masciantonio. From the moment, I met this man, I hoped he’d make a wonderful partner for my Emilia. From everything I’ve heard, he is loyal and smart. I’m overjoyed he’ll be my son soon. I know my wife would’ve felt the same. Salute.”

The clinking of glasses echoed through the room, and I stood in front of everyone who was anyone in my life, completely unresponsive and lightheaded. A toxic concoction of panic, dread, and restlessness seeped into my veins, and I painted a nauseatingly fake smile on my face. As best as I could tell, no one noticed or cared. They saw what they wanted to see—a compliant daughter accepting her fate.

“To my beautiful fiancée. I can’t wait to start our life together.” Marcello tapped his glass against mine and I lifted it to my lips, letting the sweet bubbles pop on my tongue before sliding down my barren throat, nearly choking on it and the strange reality of life.

He set our glasses on a nearby table and cradled my face with his big calloused hands, a diabolic gleam in his eyes. Where his hard body touched mine, my skin became hot, needy. In retrospect, I should have given him what he wanted in my dad’s office, and maybe he would have spared me from making a scene in front of everyone. Apprehension clawed up my chest, and I shook my head slightly, hoping I could convince him not to kiss me when I couldn’t fight back without turning this whole party into a spectacle I’d never live down.

Rather than yielding to my not so subtle plea, he tightened his hold on me, and his lips slanted against mine. I stiffened, and he whispered against my mouth, “Relax and put your arms around me, little Emilia. It’s only a kiss. I won’t hurt you, and you won’t hurt me since you promised to keep your biting tendencies in check.”

My mouth parted at his joke, and he took advantage. His tongue thrust inside, kissing me, teasing me. I whimpered, and my arms tightened around his shoulders like he was the only thing keeping me standing.

My stomach danced, and my nipples hardened. Every brush of his lips or curl of his tongue turned my world upside down. All the reasons why this was a bad idea slipped my mind, and all I wanted to do was drink in everything he had to offer, damn the consequences. When we finally separated, my hands remained on his shoulders and our legs tangled like lovers. Marcello smirked, and I shut down from what could only be shock.

Light, tittering laughter pierced my kiss-induced haze, reminding me where we were. The implications of what I’d done settled deep into my bones and flames licked my face. I elbowed him, desperate to regain my sanity and keep this man at arm’s length. My eyes flitted sightlessly around the room, seeking out Sal, and he was nowhere to be found.

I inhaled deeply, shoving away the guilt taunting me. Sal knew how I felt about him, and he understood what I needed to do to make the future we planned together a reality. Both of us had to play this role for another month, then we’d be free to do whatever we wanted. No price was too high for our freedom. We could do this. A few kisses wouldn’t change anything.

After spending years practicing law and running a real estate development company with her husband, Lisa decided to pursue her dream of becoming a writer and she must confess that inventing characters is so much more fun than writing contracts and legal briefs. A native of Colorado, she lives with her husband and three children in Denver.

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