Tag: 2017

Release Blitz ~ Havana Heat ~ by ~ Kim Knight

Title: Havana Heat
Series: Romance Set in Paradise Book 1
Author: Kim Knight
Genre: Romance
Release Date: May 12, 2017
Havana Heat is book one of the Romance Set in Paradise Series of modern, steamy, suspenseful and romantic stories, set in exotic locations around the world. In Havana Heat readers are transported to the paradise of Cuba’s capital Havana, following the romantic heat build between Spaniard Detective Sebastian Garcia, and London born and bred wedding planner Melinda Jones. Melinda’s path crosses with the handsome and charming detective at Casa De Amor Hotel as a guest at her client’s exotic location wedding. Both characters are in search of a slice of paradise, away from their own troubled love life back home. Once their paths cross the romance and sizzle begins.
When all hell breaks out at Casa De Amor Hotel, and conflict builds over their past, both characters are faced with a decision to take a risk and see out their romance, or walk away. Forever asking themselves what could have been. Romance, thrills and excitement await in book one of this modern romance series set in paradise.

 

The code will be valid from 12th -14th May.
Available on Smashwords 15% discount code GQ72L.
Sebastian takes Melinda’s hand as they leave the dance floor of Casa De Amigos. They weave their way in and out of the crowds. The crowds have built up the bar is now busy with local Cubans and tourists, enjoying the ambience of cheap cocktails, beers, the wide screen TV and small dancefloor to salsa.
As they exit the bar into the late afternoon sunshine, the humid heat does nothing to cool down their perspiring bodies hot from all their dancing.
“Sebastian, which way from here? I have no idea where I’m going.”
Sebastian looks down at Melinda fanning herself with one hand. With the sunshine on her smooth brown skin, Sebastian can’t deny that his attraction toward Melinda is growing. His eyes sweep up and down her curvy body as he admires her sundress and wedge heels. He wonders to himself what’s underneath her sundress, his mind runs wild as he fantasises about the kind of underwear Melinda likes to wear, and the kind of underwear he would like to see her in. Tearing his eyes away from her he hides his smile.
“Hmm, let’s try this direction.”
“Okay, let’s go.”
With a warm glow inside of each of them they take off in the opposite direction from where they came. Walking along the hot pavement they admire the colourful array of pastel colour buildings and downtown hotels they pass, as they walk deeper into the town.  Local youths pass them on moped bikes zooming down the main road, along with 1950s era Cadillac cars which catch Sebastian’s attention.
“The cars out here are really something, a real throwback in time.”
Melinda follows Sebastian’s gaze over to the main road as he smiles and admires the retro Cadillac cars.
“Totally, there’re amazing aren’t they. But totally fitting with the Spanish architecture and colourful buildings.”
Within a twenty minute walk the sea comes into view in the distance.
“Well, look what we’ve found.” Smiling Melinda tugs at Sebastian’s arm.
“C’mon let’s go check out the beach, we have time for a stroll before we head back.”
“What about food?”
“That’s what the hotel’s for.”
Melinda calls over her shoulder as she takes off jogging toward the beach. Sebastian smiles, then ups his pace to keep up with her.
“Wow, this looks like some kind of paradise.”
Melinda kicks off her wedge heels as she steps onto the warm sand. Sebastian joins her removing his comfortable plimsols.
“Sure does, the water is so blue.”
They walk farther onto the beach toward the water’s shore.  Melinda and Sebastian take in the ambience of the beach. Palm trees slightly lean to one side as they sway in the light sea breeze. The sand is clean with a bright sugar white colour. The beach is calm but busy with sun worshipers stretched out on their beach loungers, and groups of friends playing volleyball. A few teenagers splash around in the sea making fun of each other. Taken back by all of Santa Maria del Mar beach’s beauty both of them lower their shades as they walk along the coastline at a leisurely pace, with the warm sea water washing over their feet. As they stroll farther up the coastline a secluded area of rockery comes into view, they head over and settle themselves on the sugar white sand to admire the aqua blue sea.
“So tell me a bit more about yourself Sebastian, other than work how do you spend your time?”
Sebastian thinks for a moment of late his free time has been consumed with morning the absence of his late girlfriend Anna, and what he could have done to ensure Anna felt needed and valued as his partner. A vision of Anna appears in his mind’s eye as he stares out into the calm sea. Sebastian rubs the back of his neck and tries to push his vision of Anna’s face to one side.
“Ah, to be honest … not much. I guess I’m kinda boring.”
Melinda let’s out a small laugh and looks up at Sebastian.
“I’m sure you’re not, seriously you have no hobbies or interests?”
“Hmm, I like music— a lot, and to work out I guess, books interest me too.”
“What kind of music and books? I love them both.”
“I listen to a lot of classical, flamenco and modern music. When it comes to books obviously, crime is my thing.”
“Of course, Mr. Detective. And …”
“And that’s about it Melinda. I never realised how boring I am until you asked me that question.”
The pair crack up laughing.
“No girlfriend back in London then?”
Sebastian looks down at Melinda sitting by his side, his reflection in her large oversized sunglasses stares back at him. Damn she looks hot in those shades runs through his mind. Suddenly he feels overwhelmed and confused. He loves Anna and is still not quite over losing her. At the same time his attraction to Melinda is becoming more obvious to him. Her style, beauty, rhythm to a salsa beat, and bubbly sense of humour appeal to him in a major way.
“Did I say something wrong Sebastian? You’re looking at me like I’m some kind of alien.”
Sebastian snaps out of his weird trance of heartache over his late girlfriend, and lust over the ebony skinned beauty with exciting potential by his side.
“No sorry… I don’t have a girlfriend as such no.”
“As such? What does that mean?”
“It’s complicated—I”
With disappointment Melinda cuts Sebastian off as she gazes out at the deep aqua sea.
“Hmm, it always is with you men isn’t it.”
Thoughts of all the wasted dates she had been on over the last year run through her mind.
“No, I mean it’s complicated as she… she died almost one year ago.”
Melinda looks up at Sebastian as he stares off into the sea again.
“Oh, my Sebastian I’m sorry I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s okay, honestly by now I should be coming to terms with my loss. Well at least that’s what my shrink tells me.”
“You see a doctor?”
“Yeah, I have been for a while now. He helps but I know that the main bulk of the work to deal with my grief is down to me.”
“It’s hard, grieving is different for everyone.”
Melinda places a sympathetic hand on Sebastian’s upper shoulder for comfort. The comfort comes as a surprise to him. He takes her hand in his and squeezes it. Before he knows what’s come over him he places a light kiss on her hand, then slowly makes his way up her arm with gentle kisses. Melinda does not resist him as he leans in closer and places a light kiss on her collar bone. The warm light breeze, aqua sea and lazy palm trees, mixed with too much Tequila and beer arouses them both. Without hesitation, their lips lock in a deep passionate kiss. Sebastian takes full control as he explores Melinda’s mouth with his tongue, while running his hand up her right thigh. Her skin feels smooth and clammy to touch as he raises the hem of her sundress and parts her thighs.
As his hand travels farther up her thigh she hesitates for a moment conscious of where they are sitting, under a palm tree fully exposed to passers-by. Even though they are sitting in a much more secluded area of the beach, they left the crowds behind. Melinda breaks away from his kiss, not because she wants to but more for the sake of embarrassment, should a passer-by see them. Sebastian’s kisses are soft and gentle. It feels very much to Melinda like one of the sincerest kisses she has had in a long time.
“Let’s go for a swim.”
Sebastian laughs out loud.
“A swim? With no bathing suits?”
Melinda gives him a cheeky smile as she lowers the straps of her sundress, then stands up and steps out of it. She reveals a matching lime green bra and panties set, the colour emphasises her smooth chocolate skin tone.
“Who needs bathing suits, there’s no one here and this could pass for a bikini did you see what those other girls were wearing back there?”
Melinda points back toward the direction they came from and laughs.
“No shit, those bikinis were out there.”
“C’mon last one in pays for the taxi home.”
Sebastian gets on his feet and removes his cotton shirt and shorts as quick as he can. Glancing around nervously he dumps his clothing and Rolex watch next to Melinda’s sundress, and then races down to the shore. He catches up to Melinda and scoops her up from behind, as he runs with her down into the warm aqua sea. She playfully screams and shouts protesting to be put down, secretly the thrill makes her heart race. Melinda can’t remember the last time she let herself go and had some fun, done something crazy and completely let go. Today, almost five thousand miles from her west London home is the day she let go, with a total stranger. It occurs to her that her safety could have been at risk by wandering off with a strange man on an island. She looks on the flip side, then again Sebastian is a detective, from her home town in London too. He’s there to serve and protect the public— you can’t get more safe than that.
Playfully launching Melinda into the water Sebastian dives in, then picks her up again by her legs this time. Playful screams escape Melinda as she holds onto him as tight as she can and looks down at him. She wraps her legs around his body as he cradles her with a firm grip on her behind.
“You are crazy Sebastian!”
“Me, crazy? What do you call going for a swim with no bathing suit, in broad day light?”

 

The pair crack up laughing as Sebastian lowers her to her feet in the water, they stand face to face in the warm sea with slight waves crashing around them. Sebastian’s six-foot-three well built frame towers over Melinda’s five-foot-six height. Melinda looks up into Sebastian’s large brown eyes and for the millionth time she takes in the handsome Spaniard’s face with sharp features, his low cut hair and great body, large brown eyes and tanned olive skin. His tribal body art tattoo covering his whole shoulder and arm area to his wrist, emphasises his sex appeal. Taking a deep breath to regulate her heartbeat she melts at the sight of him, standing in front of her with the strong sunlight behind him. Melinda’s senses are awakened by his playful side and the paradise surrounding them. Her lust over the gorgeous Spaniard kicks in. Taking the lead starting from his elbows placed at his side under the water, she runs her palms upwards over his strong toned arms, toward his shoulders. As she stops at his shoulders she takes a step forward in the water into Sebastian’s personal space. Without removing her eyes from his intense gaze staring down at her, she slowly continues to move her palms over his chest. Her heart flips at the curves which define his toned torso. Sebastian responds as her hands settle on both sides of his equally toned waist. Leaning toward her into her personal space he gently bends down and blesses her with another one of his gentle loving kisses. They embrace in a passionate hug in the water with Melinda’s arms wrapped around his neck and Sebastian holding her waist. Sebastian is not sure if it’s the warmth of the Caribbean sea and strong hot sun on his back, or Melinda’s curves he explores under the water that bring him to a complete arousal. His need to feel her more intimately take over, as he slowly moves both of his hands from her curvy waist line then stops under her ample bust line. With ease, he lifts the underneath section of her lime green bra now soaked and fully exposing the outline of her erect nipples as the thin material clings to her breasts.
SIGNED COPIES UP FOR GRAB’S
OVER ON KIM KNIGHT’S AUTHOR PAGE!
>> CLICK HERE <<
Kim is thirty four (born in 1983), and from London in the UK. She’s a mother to a beautiful toddler and a proud author of four romantic suspense novels and novellas, which includes the romance series Romance Set in Paradise released in May 2017. Kim started her journey as a traditionally published author after she scored a publishing contract with a USA based publisher. She was over the moon! However, it became clear to Kim that things were not as she expected. Therefore, she set out on her own journey, she dived head first into the world of self-publishing and republished two of her fictional stories, and became a proud self-published author also. Something great was unleashed, she’ll never look back in regret. 
As a reader she’s head over heels in love with romance, historical fiction, crime fiction, African- American, suspense and thriller genre books. At present Kim is writing a romantic suspense novel, and brainstorming steamy romance novella ideas. As a writer, Kim enjoys creating stories with a diverse and multi-cultural line up, within the romance, romantic suspense, general thriller and crime genres. When she’s not reading, or writing stories of her own her other passions include practising her French, fashion, make-up artistry, spending time at her sewing machine dressmaking, watching make up and beauty tutorials on YouTube, letter writing and being a mum.
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Chapter Reveal ~ Dare to Love ~ by ~ Amanda Kaitlyn

Title: Dare to Love
Series: The Beautifully Broken Series
Author: Amanda Kaitlyn
Genre: LGBT Romance/Gay Romance/New Adult Fiction
Release Date: June 9, 2017 

 

Chapter One

Ally

THE SMELL OF freshly brewed coffee and powdered sugar hit my nose as I entered the coffee shop my older brother, Lucas and his wife owned. The scent of coffee and sweet pastries was heavenly and I stepped in the long line of customers, eager for my caffeine fix.

“Allison? Is that you?” I heard my name being called and I turned toward the sound, spotting my sister in law, Kaelyn rushing over to me from behind the counter. Smiling wide, I moved into her widely held arms and felt her sigh of relief against my shoulder. I’d been driving all night long and was bone tired, but I was excited to finally be here.
I graduated from Art School yesterday and to say it felt damn good would be an understatement. It felt amazing. It felt even better to be near family again, even if I wasn’t back home in Chicago like I wanted.
When my brother asked me to help out in the cafe over the next three months, I thought it would be fun to have a nice, relaxing winter down south.
My sculptures could wait, after all.
“I’m so happy your here! We are going to have a blast this winter!”
Kaelyn’s excited voice said in my ear and I nodded, my smile getting even bigger on my face. As she squeezed me even tighter to her side and we stepped forward in the line, I gave her an even tighter one in return.
Now that I’d seen her, this place felt so much warmer than I thought possible and it felt just like coming home.
God, how I had missed this girl.

We sat in the large, deeply cushioned chairs that were placed against the walls of windows making the space light up with bright, natural light. My eyes took everything in and I felt my body become rejuvenated just from the ambiance of the place.
How had I never been here before?
The coffee shop and bakery had been in Kaelyn’s family for two generations and now I could see why it was so important to her. My brother had wanted her to sell off her shares of the business and move back to Chicago with him and their two beautiful daughters but she’d resisted. She wanted to finish out the year before transferring her half of The Joyous Cup to her best friend and business partner, Meghan. Having grown up in the heart of the windy city, I couldn’t help but want her and my brother to come back home where our family was. Ever since I was a young girl, I was surrounded by people who loved and cared for me. My family was tightly knit and though, yes it could prove to be a bit stifling- I loved every moment of it.
“So? How was the drive in? Did you hit any traffic?”
“No, it was a pretty smooth drive. I stopped for a few hours half way through. Who knew staring at the road could make me so damn tired?”
Kaelyn laughed softly, shaking her head.
“I still can’t believe you drove all the way here, by your self for that matter. Babe, Luke would have driven you.”
I waved her concerns off, unworried.
When I was growing up, my Dad took a truck driving job one year when the business at the garage wasn’t doing very well. Most times, I would tag along on his long drives if they landed on a weekend or during that winter. I loved the feeling I got from the slow hum of a powerful engine underneath me and the sight of the road in front of me. But after close to thirty hours behind the wheel, it had definitely worn me out.
I desperately wanted to get to the Bed and Breakfast I booked for the winter and sink my tired body into a nice, hot bath.
“You look exhausted, Allison. How about I close down early and drive you to the hotel?” Her hand rested on my knee then, but I shook my head, not wanting to be a bother. It was only a few minutes drive, anyways.
“No, no. That’s okay, Kel. I’m going to head out, though.”
I stood and embraced her and felt her slender arms wrap around my waist and hug me just as fiercely.
“Give the goofball a big kiss and hug for me, OK?”
I said into her ear, fondness for Luke clear in the tone of my voice.
Nodding, she pulled away and I stepped out into the cool, crisp night air. Digging a hand through my black-strapped purse on my shoulder, I slid my keys out and unlocked my car before sliding back in front of the wheel.
Only a few more minutes. I told myself, putting the gear into drive and merging back onto the now quiet street toward my home for the winter.
A Bed & Breakfast was nested between two large, very old oak trees and the only parking that I could find was a spot just next to the front door.
My feet ached as I went inside and set my suitcase and carry on bag on the luggage cart I spotted by the interior doors.
“Welcome to Bunk and Bean Bed and Breakfast! My name is Bree, how can I help ya?”
The familiar voice roused me from my long, indulgent yawn and a smile spread my lips as the petite woman behind the counter turned toward me.
“Oh my gosh! Allison?”
Nodding, I dropped my purse onto the luggage cart and rushed toward her, curling my arms around her as soon as I got close enough.
“I can’t believe your here, Bree! I’ve missed you so much!”
She pulled away from our hug first, her eyes shining with excitement.
“How have you been? Shit, girl, it’s been so long since I last saw you!”
I wiped away a stray tear from my face, nodding. Bree James and I had been best friends since I could remember ever having one. Our mothers were the best of friends, even calling each other sisters as we were growing up. It was natural that we became fast friends as children. I shook my head in blissful remembrance at all of the shenanigans we caused back then. Bree and I were attached at the hip. As soon as we could leave home without our protective mothers hovering nearby, we set out to cause mischief. My favorite had to be when we poured ice water in a metal jug and attached it to the door of my fathers tool shed, causing him to be pelted when it opened. The look on his face as he spotted us hiding and giggling loudly in the nearby bushes? Priceless.
Since I moved away from our home town of Chicago, Illinois, we had lost touch. At first, it was small. We would miss our daily phone calls, a visit back home would be canceled or I would forget to video chat her after class one night. It was hard to be so far away from the large, loving home I grew up in. It was even more difficult to adapt to living without the constant presence of my two best friends, Bree and Nathan. I didn’t notice how far Bree and I had strayed from our friendship until it was too late.
As we hugged again and reminisced on our childhood adventures, I thanked God that there was a such thing as social media. We’d reconnected online last year and were thankfully as close as ever, especially now that I was spending the hot, Texas winter here. I was so happy she was here.
“The last few weeks have been crazy, Bree. With final projects being due and my older brothers coming into the city to attend my graduation, I was sure I’d go crazy before the ceremony ended!”
Her sweet, carefree laugh hit my ear.
I sometimes thought that it was crazy we were ever able to get along.
We were opposite in almost every way. I was bright and happy, overly excited for every phase of life and eager to take the world by the horns.
I had always been that way.
The always present support of my loving family had made me thrust out of my shell at a young age.
Complete with bright, neon colors, long flow skirts and enough books to last me a lifetime, that was who I was.
Bree was this small, light skinned beauty with black hair that fell down her back in waves. Her eyes were the color of the sea- deep, navy blue with flecks of green and yellow in them. She always wore dark colors, black, brown or brown. And she was always in either a pants suit or a pair of snugly fit Levi jeans. Bree hated to dress up and thought of herself somewhat goth. Her makeup was dark, ruby red lipstick and silver eye-shadow. The faint lines of her midnight black eyeliner made her eyes look even brighter as she lifted her head and I smiled.
Out of all of the time I had known her, she never changed.
I loved that so much because I knew she was real, through and through.
Growing up under the watchful gaze of the public meant that most friends I had made as a child were that of motive. Girls became friends with me to get closer to my musician brothers. Boys befriended me in hopes of getting a shot with my families record company. Almost none of them were founded by true friendship. At first, it hurt. But then I realized that in time, I would find who my real, my true friends were. In the end of high school, I learned who that friend had been all along.
Bree James.
“I’m so damn proud of you. I knew you could do it. When you left, I was mad. Not going to lie about that. But your my best friend. My confidant. My sister from another mister,” A loud laugh leaves me at that but she just squeezes my hand in hers and continues.
“I couldn’t be mad at you for long, though. You followed your dream of sculpture like a fucking badass, Allison.”
I broke into a mess at her honest words and flung my arms around her, again. As she hugged me just as fiercely, I realized she was here. In Fredricksburg, Texas.
My eyebrows drew together at the realization because it just didn’t make sense. We’d grown up in Illinois. Her family was in Illinois. Why was she here, now?
“What are you doing here, Bree?”
She pulled back, smiling wider at my question.
“I own this place. My husband and I bought it after the Wilson’s, the previous owners, passed away. Don’t you just love this little place?”
My heart squeezed in my chest almost painfully. God, I’d missed out on so much while I was away. Somehow my once cynical and hopeless romantic best friend had gone and gotten married and if the twinkle in her eyes was any indication, she was happy. She had the life I always hoped she would. Surrounded by love and happiness and void of the sorrow her childhood had once given her. My best friend was finally happy.
“Oh, I’m so happy for you. God, we missed a lot in each others lives, huh?”
I asked, cradling her face as a bright, no holds barred smile spreads across her face.
“It was only last month that we got married.”
I was pretty sure my eyes bulged out of my head as I heard her voice whisper across the space between us, her voice quiet as if she hadn’t meant to omit that confession.
“I wish I had known, girl. I would have loved to be there”
Shaking her head, she busies herself with the folder in her hands.
I could feel the nerves radiating off of her in waves. Somewhere between the topic of the bed and breakfast and Kingsley, she’d become a bundle of nerves.
“It was, uh, a quick wedding”
“Oh my gosh, Bree!”
“What!” Her quiet yell snapped back at me and my eyes widened as I noticed the blush that was now littered across her cheeks.
“It was a shotgun wedding?”
Sighing loudly, she plopped back into the chair next to me and nodded, then quickly, she was shaking her head again.
“Uh, no, I swear it wasn’t like that. I moved here a year ago and I needed a part time job between classes. Something to fill my time. Kingsley worked at the local bar and hired me on the spot. Almost immediately, we began dating. It was slow going at first, though. He would stay after his shifts ended and we had dinner after the night crew had left. He’s just got this way about him, Allison.”
“My ears are ringing, Bree. You bragging about me to our customers, now?”
A deep, booming voice came from the doorway of the front lobby and my eyes moved toward the sound. When my eyes landed on the large, tall man that not only stood in the doorway but filled it completely, I gasped in surprise.
“Hey, I didn’t think you would be home for a while. How was the meeting?”
Bree stood and walked toward him, her hands instantly drawing up to touch his scruffy face. I watched, entranced as the seemingly hard, stone faced man visibly softened the moment she was touching him. Bending his knees just slightly, he brought his wide, muscled arms around her back to take hold of her ass as he lifted her up his body that had to be at least 6’5. Her hands smoothed over his cheek as she smiled, a look passing through them that spoke volumes as to how they felt about each other. My best friend was in love.
“It was fine. This contractor is gonna get his ass kicked if he doesn’t stop beating around the bush. I don’t need him to argue with me. I just need him to get this shit done” Even with the anger spliced through his tone, his body molded tightly to hers, his hands squeezing her bottom in a silent claiming.
“King. I want you to meet someone. Stop feeling me up, silly man”
He scoffed roughly, hiking her body up a few inches until their mouths touched.
“Don’t tell me what to do, woman”
“Let me down.”
Frowning, he kissed her briefly, then caved to her softly spoken demand.
“Allison, this is my husband, Kingsley. Kingsley, baby, meet my best friend from high school, Allison.”
He stepped forward, out reaching one large hand to me.
“I’m damn glad to meet you, Allison. Bree has missed you something fierce.”
Shaking his hand, I nodded.
I had missed her, too.
“Me too. It looks like you make her very happy.”
Bree rested her head against his shoulder, proving my words were true.

 

A small, almost private smile took up residence on his face.
“Yeah,” He nodded once. “I guess, I do”
***
The softly blowing wind whispered over my face, my feet stepping over crushed leaves as I walked toward the small park in the middle of town the following day. After spending some much needed time with Bree and her husband, I hadn’t been able to keep the smile off of my face. It felt so damn good to be back near the people that made me happy, made me laugh. Though I hadn’t seen my brother yet, I knew that feeling of true happiness of this place would only grow once I did. Luke was my biggest fan, after all. Hell, wasn’t that what older brothers were for?
The wind of the cool, winter day picked up and my hands reached for the small zipper of the black fleece jacket I wore, dragging it up until it reached my chin. The sun shone above, causing rays of light to cascade over the hills of the grass covered ground in Fell’s Park.
There was another rolling hill toward the ending of grass, where the green ground led to a small, dirt road and I noticed a quaint little brick house nearby. I squinted my eyes, my gaze landing on the small sign at the top of the door. As I moved closer, my hands slipped into the deep pockets of my Lucky dark denim jeans. The sign becoming larger as I approached, my curiosity piqued.
Who knew an animal shelter lay in the center of the small park I chose to take a walk in?
Ever since I was a young girl, I had a very special love for animals of all kind.
Dogs, cats, anything I could get my hands on, I loved them.
I couldn’t count on one hand how many animals I had as a kid.
The time away from home hadn’t changed that.
An excited smile tugged my lips as I headed toward the small, brick house. But the closer I drew to the house, I noticed it wasn’t really a house at all.
It was three brick cottages built together, connecting by a large, cherry wood wrap porch. Behind the buildings lay a long pasture of grass area where I saw the heads of a few grazing horses. The excitement inside of me caused my heart to flutter like that of a little girl but still, I couldn’t retreat from what I had stumbled upon.
The large, wooden door creaked as it closed behind me and I stepped inside, cautious. The floors were the first thing I noticed. They were laminate hard wood and as I looked at them, I could tell they’d been laid by hand. I watched my older brothers do enough construction to know that wasn’t an easy task. My eyes moved next to the large front lobby and a long, narrow hallway that most likely led to where the animals were kept.
I all but jumped out of my skin from surprise as a woman’s voice came from the other side of the reception desk in front of me.
“Be with you in just a moment, Ma’am”
A shiver ran up my spine at the sound of the raspy voice and my hand came to rest on the handle of the door I’d just come through.
As if at a moments notice, I would bolt.
Maybe I would.
I didn’t understand the mixture of trepidation and curiosity that was now humming through my veins like liquid adrenaline.
I didn’t know why I suddenly wondered why I’d stumbled inside the building in the first place.
I stepped deeper inside as I heard the woman’s footsteps retreat from the desk, most likely getting something from the the office.
For some reason, the sound of her voice had struck a cord in me.
I had no idea how it sounded so familiar to me, since I hadn’t been here even a few days yet. How could I know her if we’d never actually met?
Maybe she was another old friend from up North, where I grew up.
Shit, maybe I was going crazy from the lack of sleep.
Between the long drive from New York, my late night yesterday and a fatigue from the drastic change of weather I’d experienced, I was probably losing it.
I was about to step back from the reception desk and toward the large, oak wood door when the woman came from the back office and into my view for the first time.
No. My inner voice screamed at me as I took a step back unconsciously, as if from sheer instinct. It couldn’t be. I told myself, shaking my head in disbelief.
“Ally,” She said, her rasped voice now so much clearer as she stood in front of me. There was only one woman who’d ever called me that. She was a ghost from my past but for this one, small moment, she was real.
“C-Charlie?”
One moment. 
One moment changed my life forever.
Her big green eyes looked at me and I knew I would never be the same. 
But sometimes in life, the things you want are the ones that stand just out of reach. 
The pain her loss in my life caused was indescribable. 
Hot, piercing pain that in all of my fourteen years of living, I had never experienced. 
I remembered her. 
Every day. 
Every bad date my friends pushed me into. 
Every lonely holiday I spent without her to talk to. 
Until I saw her. 
And I found her all over again. 
My father always told me that love snuck up on you when you were least expecting it. 
That’s what happened with her. 
Charlie was my girl from that moment on and I would do anything to protect her. 
Anything.
Amanda Kaitlyn is an author of heart stopping, sweet romance. Finding Beautiful is her debut novel. She is a hopeless romantic at heart. Books by Kristen Proby, Kelly Elliott and Stephanie Meyer have influenced her writing. One thing that inspires her is music. Country, pop, rock, Amanda enjoys it all. As a young girl, she loved fairy tales. As she grew up she realized that these stories change. Love isn’t always perfect and the fight of that love is what urges her to write the stories she does. Between the pages of her books you will find real, heartfelt romance, rugged emotion and lots of steam. Do you want to know more about Amanda Kaitlyn and her books? You can find her on social media and her author website.
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Surprise Cover Reveal ~ Easy Fortune ~ by ~ Kristen Proby

 

 

From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby, comes a passionate new romance—EASY FORTUNE! A Boudreaux Series novella, this standalone second chance romance features Mallory’s best friend Lena! Don’t miss the beautiful cover and a note from Kristen below! EASY FORTUNE is coming your way May 30, 2017!

 

 

Cover Design by Okay Creations with Photography by Sara Eirew Photography

About EASY FORTUNE (A Boudreaux Series Novella):

The Boudreaux Series—Sexy. Intriguing. Easy.

Sometimes the past is better left behind you…

Lena Turner has spent her life as the outsider. Thanks to her extraordinary gifts, she’s learned to be independent—especially when it comes to men. She’s content to live her life in New Orleans as a schoolteacher, dating casually and dedicated to her small family. Long term is not part of her plan.

Sometimes the past catches up with you…

Leaving Lena behind to pursue his career was the most difficult thing Mason Coulter ever did. He told himself that it was for the best, had even convinced himself that he had only Lena’s best interests in mind. But now, after six long years, he’s back in New Orleans to settle his late eccentric aunt’s estate. All he has to do is get in and out of the city without submitting to the need to see Lena. But to Mason’s dismay, his aunt made other plans.

And sometimes the future and the past collide…

Having Mason walk back into her life is something Lena never saw coming. She could refuse to help him, but she’s never been good at telling Mason no. So she’ll do what she can to get the estate settled and Mason out of her life for good.

At least, that’s the plan. But Mason has plans of his own…

 

Add to your Goodreads

 

A Note from Kristen:

Hi, everyone! I’m so happy that it’s finally Friday because that means that I don’t have to keep this secret anymore! I’m horrible at keeping secrets. Seriously, don’t tell me any. I can’t be trusted.

Since Easy Magic released last month, readers have shouted from the rooftops that they’d love for Lena, Mallory’s BFF, to have her own story. I honestly didn’t have that in mind when I wrote her into Easy Magic, but the more I thought about it, the more it occurred to me that you’re right. Lena does deserve her own happily ever after!

And that brings us to this. Easy Fortune, Lena’s story, will release on May 30th! That’s right, you won’t have to wait long for this one. Easy Fortune is a novella, and can be read as a stand-alone. And look at this gorgeous cover! I can’t thank Sara Eirew Photography enough for the beautiful photo, and Okay Creations for the amazing cover art.

Lena’s story has been a surprise to me, and frankly one of the most enjoyable story lines that I’ve written in a long time. I hope you enjoy watching her fall in love with Mason! He’s quite swoon-worthy!

Oh, and to make it an even better treat, the prologue and first chapter for Easy Nights will be included at the end of Easy Fortune. JACKPOT! J

Have a great weekend, everyone!

 

xo,

Kristen

 

 

 

And don’t miss the first standalone titles in the Boudreaux Series!

EASY LOVE-FREE for a limited time only
EASY CHARM-$.99 for a limited time only
EASY MELODY-$1.99 for a limited time only
EASY KISSES
EASY FOR KEEPS: A Boudreaux Novella
EASY MAGIC
EASY NIGHTS-Coming June 27th! Preorder Now!

 

 

About Kristen Proby:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.

Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

 

 

 

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Cover Reveal ~ Hope Restored ~ by ~ Carrie Ann Ryan

The last book in Carrie Ann Ryan’s Gallagher Brothers series releases July 25th and today we’re so excited to show you the swoonworthy cover! Check it out below and preorder your copy now!

 

About HOPE RESTORED

The Gallagher Brothers series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan concludes with the final brother who thought he had everything to look forward to, and the one woman who can handle him.

Life isn’t worth living if you don’t fight to live. That’s what Murphy Gallagher learned at a young age when cancer ravaged his body not once, but twice. Over the course of his survival, he lost his parents and his childhood, but he’s been healthy for years and has become a man he hopes his family is proud of. But when his world tilts on its axis yet again, he’ll have to learn what it means to fight not only the unknown but also his attraction to his best friend.

Tessa Stone works hard and plays harder. She’s spent her life trying to figure out who she is in the present rather than looking back. Yet when she’s forced into close proximity with Murphy, she’ll have to not only be his rock but learn how to relax enough to maybe let him be hers, as well. But seduction doesn’t stop when the world seems to, and close encounters of the naked kind might just be the first step in something much more complicated than either of them bargained for. Life, though, is for living, after all.

Add HOPE RESTORED to your Goodreads list here!

HOPE RESTORED releases July 25th, 2017 – preorder your copy now!

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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.

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Blog Tour & Review ~ Cat Scratch Fever ~ by ~ Sarah O’Rourke

Cat Scratch Fever by Sarah O’Rourke – Blog Tour with Review

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Beau LaForte felt an internal pull to the beautiful, innocent Alexa Davidson. Oh, this was not the typical boy-meets-girl story. This was anything but typical. You see, Beau was a shifter – a panther – and the alpha of the pack. What his panther wanted, his panther got. And together, they wanted Alexa.
But when Alexa finds the pretty kitty lolling on her bed, she is determined to get him out — before he sheds more on her brand new sheets! Can Beau convince Alexa that she is his mate for life?
Instalove. Shifter romantic comedy. 23K words. Novella.

Cat Teaser Never Loose.jpg

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Taking a deep breath, Alexa drew herself up to her full height and steeled herself for a battle. Although, since she stood just an inch over five feet, she knew her intimidation factor was virtually non-existent, but she had to start somewhere. It was time for her to quit stewing over decisions she could no longer change and instead concentrate on the concrete facts regarding her current situation.

And the fact was there was a flipping cat in her bed! A gigantic feline fiend apparently intent on wrecking what was left of her birthday. Because, yes, there was a cat in her bed, and it was stinkin’ immense. Since when did ordinary cats – even if they were frickin’ panthers – get that big?

The simple answer was they didn’t. EVER.

And an even better question was – Why wasn’t she scared of it?

God knew, it had fangs that promised grim death to anyone that provoked it. Oddly enough, though, she felt not a single ounce of fear or distress standing in front of it. It was like she instinctively knew this animal would never cause her a single second of harm. In fact, the longer she looked into its eyes that glowed in the darkened room, the more convinced she was that the purring beast would do whatever was necessary to protect her. It was like she and the animal had some kind of weird, unspoken connection. It was a bond that she didn’t want and had never asked to share, but one that she couldn’t deny and wouldn’t change even if she could.

How fucked up was that? Maybe this was some kind of voodoo curse one of her disgruntled customers had wished on her when she hadn’t served their coffee quickly enough. Personally, she thought that might be a bit of overkill, but caffeine addicts were serious in Louisiana, and one did not play around when it came to providing quality coffee in the bayou.

“Why couldn’t you be a dog? I could have handled this if you were a dog,” she muttered as she rolled her eyes toward the ceiling and hugged herself. “Especially since I’ve always been a puppy person,” she continued to babble as she shut her eyes and continued chafing her hands up and down her arms as a bizarre electrical charge seemed to ripple through the air inside the tiny bedroom.

“Well, I think it’s safe to say that you are now very much a cat person. Or, at least this cat’s person,” a deep, sexy voice rumbled from the bed. “More specifically, you’re this panther’s person.”

Alexa’s eyes popped open as that rich, deep voice seemed to vibrate through her being. Screaming as she spotted an extremely real — and from what she could tell (even in the darkness) was an oh, so very naked man in her bed — she quickly lunged for the nearest makeshift weapon she could find. Sadly for her, the closest missile she could find was only her television remote, and that merely bounced off her interloper’s sculpted chest.

“Ouch!” her prowler growled, batting away the remote as she continued to screech, blindly searching for another weapon in the mostly dark bedroom. “Alexa, chère, settle down!”

Wait a second? Why did her trespasser know her name? And why did that southern drawl sound so familiar? Making a half-turn on her not-so-steady feet, Alexa fumbled for the light switch on the wall, relieved when her searching fingers found what they were looking for. Flicking the switch, she squinted as her unfocused eyes tried to adjust when the room was suddenly flooded with bright, artificial light. Finally able to see a few seconds later, she couldn’t help emitting a small squawk as she saw the nude man lounging in the center of her bed.

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Anyone who follows my reviews knows by now that I’m not a big paranormal person. Err reader, not that I’m a vampire or witch or what have you… Moving on, this is one of my favorite types of paranormal – shifters. And the shifters who are uber alpha and once they find their mate, that’s it. Which is just what this novella was.

Alexa spends her 21st birthday getting drunk on sangria at her house with a friend. When she is awoken by a panther IN HER BED. And then suddenly there’s no panther but uber hot customer Beau, naked in her bed.

Beau has been giving Alexa time to get to know him and him her but his panther can’t take it any more. She is his and she will know it by the end of the week.

I hope there will be more to this series, maybe Beau’s brother…… 😉

5 stars!

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Sarah O’Rourke is actually TWO besties who live three states apart and write at all hours of the day and night! Born and raised in the Southern United States, they are overly attached to their one-click accounts, can’t make it through the day without copious doses of caffeine, and spend way too much time on the phone with each other.

Between them, they have four children and twenty-four years of marriage. They hate empty chocolate wrappers and writer’s block, love to talk to readers . . . and oh, by the way, they write about strong, kick-ass women and hot alpha heroes!

Contact Sarah today . . . she loves to chat!

Buy Cat Scratch Fever today! Click here!

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Cover Reveal ~ Detour ~ by ~ Kacey Shea

Title: Detour 
Author: Kacey Shea
Cover Design & Photography: Marisa Shor, Cover Me Darling
Cover Model: Haley Loan
Release Date: June 1, 2017


Trent Donavan is the golden boy of the rock world. As lead singer of Three Ugly Guys, he’s every fangirl’s dream, and with his newfound fame the women flow as readily as alcohol and drugs. There’s no doubt women are Trent’s preferred indulgence after a successful show.

That is, until the feisty little blonde joins the tour.

Lexi Marx loves music. It runs in her blood and flows through her soul. As the illegitimate daughter of a rock legend, she’s determined to make it in the music industry on talent alone. So when her agent scores her the opening act gig for the next 3UG tour it seems her hard work, hopes, and dreams have finally come to fruition.

Until she spends time with the band. More accurately, Trent Donovan. She’d feel better if that arrogant manwhore of a lead singer would stop hitting on her with his dreamy eyes, witty comebacks, and voice that melts the most jagged of hearts.

But Trent is determined to prove to Lexi he’s not such a bad guy, and as music binds their friendship, Lexi’s left with the most confusing of emotions. Could this be love or an uninvited distraction? She can still have it all, if only her heart doesn’t lead her off track.

Detour is a full length rock star contemporary romance. It’s the first in the Off Track Records series by Kacey Shea but can be read as a standalone and contains no cliffhangers. Intended for adult audiences.

Here’s a little from life on the road with Lexi Marx in this excerpt from Detour by Kacey Shea:

Sean tilts his head. “What did you smoke last night, Iz?” 

“Fuck, I dun’nut even know.” He opens and closes his mouth wide as if that will somehow help his words come out better.

“Iz, that stuff’s gonna kill you,” I say, more than a little worried.

 


He meets my stare with an unfocused gaze, but his speech is better when he finally talks. “Don’cha worry ’bout me. I’m just fine. Been doin’ worse for years.” He laughs again, this time louder, and saunters down the short hallway to the bathroom. Moments later the shower clicks on.

 


“Should someone check on him? He okay in there alone?” I glance at Austin and Sean.


Austin’s back to his gaming controller, eyes stuck on the television screen. “I’m not going in there. Iz with clothes on is ugly enough.”


He’s no help. I turn to Sean. “He always like this?” 


“High as fuck?”


“No. Unable to live a day without something between his lips.” 


Trent appears at the hall entrance, his long, wavy hair all ruffled and falling in his eyes as if he just walked off the set of a cologne advertisement. Fucking gorgeous without doing a damn thing. I look away.

 

“Right? You’d think he’d suck dick the way he’s always got something in his mouth.” Trent’s lips lift in a grin and he grabs a protein shake from the fridge, joining Sean at the table but rotating in his seat to meet my glare.


“Did you get a look at him?” I lift my eyebrow and flick my lip ring, “Dicks don’t make you feel that good.”


Trent’s smile pulls wider. “I feel as though I should take offense to that comment on behalf of cocks everywhere, but I think the lady is right. I’ve never fucked a girl who looked that happy afterward.”


Sean laughs and I can’t help but give in to a smile.

 

“Speak for yourself! I give it to the ladies so hard they slide off my dick high as fuck,” Austin boasts, his thumbs darting over the buttons and joystick.

 

I look between him and Sean, and then back to Trent. “Between all of you, Austin must have the smallest dick. He protests too much.” I roll my eyes for good measure.

 

There’s a brief moment of awkward silence and for a second I’m worried they won’t think it’s funny or okay for me to join in the smack talk. That is, until Sean slams his fist on the table and explodes into a fit of laughter. Trent’s eyes water, he’s laughing so hard. Austin just curses, his undivided attention back on the game.

 

“Oh, my God! I’m dying.” Sean holds his hand up for me to meet his high five and I stand up, joining them at the table to slap his palm. “This chick is badass.”


“That, I already knew.” Trent grins, his eyes all too knowing with his stare. 

 

My stomach twists with an unfamiliar feeling and I decide to ask a few questions since we’ve got miles to burn. “So, you guys don’t partake? In the Iz entertainment?”


“No judgement on Iz, but I don’t like feeling fucked up. Not all the time like he is,” Sean says.


“I’ve got my looks to maintain,” Austin pipes in from behind.

 

“Of course. What with that being your largest asset.” Not looking back at him I roll my eyes and shake my head with a smile.

 

“And longest,” Austin mutters. 

 

We try to contain our snickers.

 

“What about you, Trent?” I say. “What’s your drug of choice?” I don’t know what I expect, but part of me hopes he sticks to the light stuff. There’s something about him, a presence that captivates the second he walks into a room, and I can’t help but decide that’d be lost if he became addicted to drugs. My hope begins to fade when he doesn’t answer right away, his gaze trained on the table where he traces imaginary shapes with his long fingers, and for the first time since we met he looks almost . . . nervous.

 

Sean grins and responds for him. “Pussy.” 

 

Trent’s gaze snaps to meet his friend.

 

“Pardon?” I ask with a little laugh.

 

Trent stares at Sean, a silent threat in his eyes, but for what I don’t know. “I prefer a more delicate sweetness between my lips,” he finally answers, then drops his gaze to mine, winks, and sticks out his tongue. He rolls it around before shutting his mouth with a pompous smile. “Plus, with this bad boy, it’s like I was made for it.” 

 

It’s arrogant and he’s just playing around, but a rush of need pools between my thighs at the thought of his mouth there. 

 

No. Just no. I shake my head and get up to retrieve my guitar and notebook. I need to write, force myself to focus on why I’m here, where I’m going. The banter around me fades and within a few minutes I’m fully down the rabbit hole, writing, the words coming like a freight train. I don’t think, just scribble them out as fast as they fly. Creativity sparks. Collides. And I’m left with the most troubling of arrangements.

 

Because every damn sentence reminds me of Trent’s outrageous tongue. 


I slam the notebook shut. That was counterproductive. And this is going to be a long ride. Long. Damn it! 

 

I did it again.

Want more? Read the first three chapters from Detour and to enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card by visiting www.kaceysheabooks.com


Detour will be available exclusively on Amazon Kindle beginning June 1st and free to all KindleUnlimited subscribers. There is no preorder but sign up to receive a one-time email alert from Kacey Shea when Detour goes live: https://goo.gl/forms/BS4WXbF7uKvGvirI3

 

Kacey Shea is a mom of three, wife, and indie author who resides in sunny Arizona. She enjoys reading and writing romance novels as much as her son loves unicorns, which is a lot. 

When she’s not writing you will find her playing taxi cab to her children while belting out her favorite tunes, meeting friends or family for food and to share some laughs, or sweating it out in the gym. Kacey finds that picking up heavy weights repeatedly is good for her mental health as much as it is for the physical.

She has an unhealthy obsession with firefighters. It could be the pants. It could be the fire. It’s just hot. On occasion she has been known to include them, without their knowledge, in her selfies outside the grocery store.

Kacey one day aspires to be a woman hand model in a sexy photo shoot. You know, the woman’s hand raking across the muscular back or six pack stomach of the male fitness model. Yep, that hand.

Until that day comes she will continue writing sexy, flirty romance novels in hopes to bring others joy!

Kacey enjoys interacting with her fans so please feel free to stalk her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Join her reader group today – Kacey’s Closet Vixens (Reader Group): http://www.facebook.com/groups/booksbykaceyshea/

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Release Blitz ~ 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.

InBookEden – “It was excited and shocking. The big secret’s moved the lines behind the scenes.”

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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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Cover Reveal ~ Ruckus ~ by ~ L.J. Shen

Title: Ruckus
Series: Sinners of Saint #2
Author: L.J. Shen
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 26, 2017
Rosie
They say that life is a beautiful lie and death a painful truth. They’re right.
No one has ever made me feel more alive than the guy who serves as a constant reminder that my clock is ticking.
He is my forbidden, shiny apple.
The striking fallacy to my blunt, raw, truth.
He is also my sister’s ex-boyfriend.
One thing you should know before you judge me;
I saw him first. I craved him first. I loved him first.
Eleven years later, he waltzed into my life, demanding a second chance.
Dean Cole wants to be my bronze horseman. My white knight has finally arrived. Hopefully, he isn’t too late.
Dean

They say the brightest stars burn out the fastest. They’re right.
She sets my mind on fire.
All smart mouth, snarky attitude and a huge heart.
In a world where everything is dull, she shines like fucking Sirius.
Eleven years ago, fate tore us apart.
This time, I fucking dare it to try.
Getting to her is a battlefield, but man, that’s why they call me Ruckus.
Rosie LeBlanc is about to find out how hard I can fight.
And conquering her will be the sweetest victory.

L.J. Shen resides in sunny California with her husband, son, chubby cat and wild, wild dreams.Her passion is to write badass stories, sushi, UFC and her awesome family and friends (not in this order, though. Obviously, sushi comes before writing. Oh, and also the family part.)

She spend the first half of her twenties traveling the world and is now paying all the fun with extra shifts in front of her MacBook. Feel free to contact her on her Facebook page. She loves to hear from her readers.

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Excerpt Reveal ~ Stand ~ by ~ A.L. Jackson

STAND

A Bleeding Stars Stand-Alone Novel

Coming May 22nd

“Stand is a lyrical dream of power and strength that will steal your mind, body and soul…A mind blowing 10 stars!!!” Queen Zany Book Blog

From NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author A.L. Jackson comes the next seductive, unforgettable Bleeding Stars Stand-Alone Novel…
Zachary Kennedy has never been known as a fighter, but he’ll never regret fighting for her…
I’m Zee Kennedy.
Quiet. Reserved. Predictable.
When my brother died, everyone thought I was just the good guy who stepped up to take his place in the band.
No one knew what I was hiding. The one thing I’ve been fighting for.
For seven years, I’ve never lost focus.
Not until one chance encounter with Alexis Kensington.
Now she’s become my greatest temptation.
I knew better than to touch her, but now that I’ve had a taste, I can’t get enough.
Her kiss becomes my air. Her body my salvation.
She needed a savior and somehow she became mine.
Taking her was a betrayal. But keeping her means risking everything.
One look at Alexis Kensington, and I know she’s worth the fight.
Will my past continue to keep me down or will I finally find the strength to pull myself up and Stand…

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My hands lingered on the keys, and she reached out and set her hand on top of mine.
Warmth and light.
It invaded my senses. Clouded my judgment.
My hand flipped over, palm up, and she threaded her fingers through mine. Her head angled, so soft, this girl so fucking good.
“What is it you want, Zee? What is it you can’t have?”
You.
Flames leapt into that space between us. Alive and dancing and inciting.
A siren’s call.
My tongue darted out to wet my lips, and I was shaking as I lifted our entwined hands. I brushed my knuckles along the silky flesh of her cheek. I swore I saw the trail of pink it left behind, the simplest touch affecting this girl.
She released a shuddered breath. It mingled with mine.
Our mouths were close—too close—and our noses just touched as we hovered in that space.
“I want things that will only ruin me, Alexis. But you…you make me want to wish for them anyway. Make me believe there’s a chance that maybe they could belong to me.”
Tension tethered us, this rigid band that had me rocking in indecision, every second getting closer and closer as I fought the foolish ideas that tried to take root.
Giving in would only destroy me. But none of that seemed to matter when I leaned in and brushed my lips at the corner of her mouth.
Her fucking delicious mouth.
Because fuck. I just needed a taste. Something to take with me. Something to tuck away, even when doing it felt like some kind of brutal tease.
Alexis gasped at the contact. I edged back the barest fraction, and she was panting these tiny breaths.
Breaths I was breathing.
Her eyes locked on mine. Hungry and pleading. Brimming with belief and hope.
I ran my thumb over the corner of her mouth where my lips had just been. “You are so beautiful. I’ve never met a girl quite like you.”
Something so genuine took hold of her expression. “I hardly know you…and somehow you make me feel like I am. Like when you look at me…you see the person I always hoped I’d become.”
Everything stilled at her words.
At her confession.
Because that’s what I wanted.
For this amazing girl to know the way I saw her. That in her space, I felt something different from all the bullshit I’d dealt with for all my life.
I felt like someone different. Someone better. Like the person I’d once hoped I’d become.
I clutched her stunning face in my hands, searching for resolve. For that dedication that right then somehow felt out of reach.
“Zee,” she whispered.
That was all it took for that band to snap.
My hands drove into her hair. And my mouth? My mouth was devouring hers.
Frenzied in its demand. Pleading the same way as her eyes had been pleading with me. Saying all the things I couldn’t ever say.
Our tongues tangled, and my spirit coiled. Heat spread in a flashfire of need. Lust rose in the knitted air, like this intangible greed we both were grappling for, searching for the fastest way to get to the peak.
Our hands searched and clawed and explored. We were a mess of limbs as we struggled to get closer to each other where we sat side by side on the bench.
“Zachary…Zachary,” she whimpered, grasping me by the back of the head. She crawled forward so she could straddle me.
Motherfuck.
My hands sank into her hips, and she edged up and pressed those gorgeous tits against the wild beat thundering in my chest. A groan rumbled out from somewhere in my soul.
She felt so perfect. So good.
I wanted to touch her. Explore her. Claim her.
My dick raged against its confines, all that delicious heat at the apex of her thighs grinding against my jean-covered cock.
It’d been too long. Too damned long. I was goin’ out of my mind.

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A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.
Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, as well as the newest BLEEDING STARS novels. Watch for the next installment STAND, coming Spring 2017.
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson or text “aljackson” to 24587 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

Connect with A.L.

Facebook: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonPage
Reader Group: http://smarturl.it/AmysAngelsRock
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Bookbub: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonBookbub
Twitter: @aljacksonauthor
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Snapchat: @aljacksonauthor

Blog Tour & Review ~ Gabe ~ by ~ Leigh James

 

GABE (Silicon Valley Billionaires, #2) by Leigh James

NOW LIVE!

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Book Blurb:

His Woman. His Family. His Company.

When the going gets tough, the tough get Alpha.

Silicon Valley billionaire CEO Gabriel Betts has finally found the happiness he’s been searching for—in gorgeous, brilliant fellow billionaire Lauren Taylor, the so-called reigning queen of the biotech industry. But when Chinese healthcare mogul Li Na Zhao kidnaps Lauren’s sister in a high-stakes game of corporate espionage, the world they’ve worked so hard to protect comes crashing down. Li Na agrees to trade Hannah for Lauren’s Paragon Laboratories and her help—onsite and in person. In an attempt to keep Lauren safe, Gabe calls in his security-industry professional brothers to help get Hannah back. But when the rescue effort stumbles, Gabe must pick up the pieces to protect the woman he loves…before she makes the ultimate sacrifice.

 

 

 

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First off, read Lauren first. I didn’t and wish I had. But it didn’t ruin Gabe’s story for me either. It just provides you more history and character background.

Gabe is the continuing story of the Silicon Valley Billionaires. We met Lauren first and Gabe was taken with her and now Lauren’s sister Hannah was kidnapped and held for ransom for Lauren’s help.

This reminded me of a TV drama or something with the hot times, espionage, spying and secret-keeping. I just loved it! And I can’t wait for Hannah’s story to come out! Although I will definitely need a re-read of Lauren & Gabe’s stories before I dive in.

5 stars!

PURCHASE THE PREVIOUS BOOK IN THE SERIES

 

LAUREN (Silicon Valley Billionaires, #1)

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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Leigh James is an author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She is a vocal lover of strapping alpha males in movies, books and real life, which makes her three kids roll their eyes and makes her husband feel appreciated.

When she’s not writing, you can usually find her reading or watching Outlander, Game of Thrones, and Vikings (see penchant for alpha males, above). She has a degree in journalism from the University of New Hampshire, which is good for deadlines and word counts, and a law degree from Suffolk University with a Concentration in High Technology Law, which is helpful when writing about sexy tech billionaires with legal woes.

For more information about Leigh, please visit her website, “Like” Leigh on Facebook and follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Goodreads. Join Leigh’s newsletter to be the first to hear about upcoming releases. She’s loves hearing from her readers. Email her directly at leighjames@leighjamesbooks.com.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter | Goodreads

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