Release Blitz ~ Drunk on Love ~ by ~ S.L. Scott

 

 

Title: Drunk on Love
Author: S.L. Scott
Genre: Sexy Romance Comedy Standalone
Release Date: December 21, 2016

 

Blurb

 

From New York Times Bestselling Author, S.L. Scott, comes this downright delicious peek into the male anatomy… er, mind of Hardy Richard.There are only two rules:

1. Don’t get too close.

2. Don’t fall in love.

Correction: Don’t ever fall in love. I don’t need the baggage of relationships. Life should be simple, easy, uncomplicated.

The problem I’m faced with is, if I really believe life should be that easy, that uncomplicated, and that simple, then why am I still thinking about a woman I met on a random Monday at the bar? A girl who was never a Gimlet, and always a Paloma. Yep, I called it all wrong last night and I’m starting to wonder if my heart will pay the price.

I might have broken rule number one, but rule number two remains firmly intact. For now. Sort of. Okay, maybe rule two hasn’t been broken, but it’s definitely been bent.

 

Purchase Links

Only 99c for a limited time!!!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

 

 

 

Author Bio

 

 

Living in the capital of Texas with her family, Scott loves traveling and avocados, beaches, and cooking with her kids. She’s obsessed with epic romances and loves a good plot twist. Her favorite color is blue, but she likens it more toward the sky than the emotion. Her home is filled with the welcoming symbol of the pineapple and finds surfing a challenge though she likes to think she’s a pro.
Author Links

Release Day Blitz ~ All The Lies ~ by ~ S.T. Abby

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ALL THE LIES (MindF*ck Series Book 4)

RELEASE BLITZ

by

S.T. Abby

Genre: Dark Romance

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synopsis

To understand the monsters in the world, you have to get inside their heads. It’s a dangerous place to be, especially when you start to empathize and lose your own sense of morality.

But that’s never happened to me…

I’ve never felt conflicted on any case. Right is right and wrong is wrong. It’s simple. Black and white. There’s no such thing as a gray area.

But fuck this case. I don’t even know what side I’m on anymore. I don’t understand how this town can continue to function without breaking under the weight of all the lies they’ve spun and lived.

Every time I find a shard of truth, my gut twists, my heart beats faster, and I hate this place a little more. Every time I think I’ve heard the worst, another truth is dug up from the ashes of more burning lies.

Worst of all, I don’t even know who to trust anymore. My head is all messed up.

I pride myself on being impossible to fool.
I’m an expert at knowing when someone is lying to me.
I never believed in being blinded by love…until Lana.

**BE WARNED: Some flashbacks can get intense to readers with a sensitive trigger. Skip the blocks in italics if that’s the case.

**Graphic
**Sexual Content
**Language

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🔪🔪🔪🔪Other Books in the Mindf*ck Series🔪🔪🔪🔪

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Book 1 The Risk

Purchase: htps://www.books2read.com/u/3neNPx

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2gKgGIv

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Book2 SideTracked

Purchase: https://www.books2read.com/u/3neNPx

Add to GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33152387

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Book 3: Scarlet Angel

Purchase : https://books2read.com/u/3RBPBx

Add to GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33285941-scarlet-angel

🔪🔪🔪🔪Coming Soon🔪🔪🔪🔪

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Book 5: Paint It All Red (Releasing Dec 26th)

Preorder now: books2read.com/u/bxg6Yd

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33286027-paint-it-all-red

about-the-author

S.T. Abby is typically a Rom Com author and has several best selling books under her name. She has chosen to branch out and embrace her dark side under the pen name S.T. Abby. Get it….. STABBY

The MindF*ck Series will be her first venture into the world of Dark Romance. They are not your typical dark reads. They have a twist !!

stalker-links

FB: https://www.facebook.com/stabbyauthor/

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16120982.S_T_Abby

Author Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/697773917044179/

Hosted by: BookSmacked

Release Tour ~ An Insurgent’s Wedding ~ by ~ Chiah Wilder

Title: An Insurgent’s Wedding
Series: Insurgents Motorcycle Club
Author: Chiah Wilder
Genre: MC Romance
Release Date: December 19, 2016
Since the beginning, everything about Hawk and Cara’s relationship has always been rough, hot, and passionate. When the VP of the Insurgents MC had first locked eyes with the feisty lawyer, he’d known he’d make her his forever. Cara fought the intense feelings she had for the rugged, tatted bad boy, but she finally gave him her heart and body. 

And now, they are finally ready to tie the knot. To join their two worlds, Cara is having her classy society wedding and Hawk is throwing a big biker wedding for his brotherhood. 

Nothing can destroy their joy. 

Then someone from their past materializes, lurking in the shadows, and waiting to destroy the happiness the couple has fought so hard to have.

When danger comes to Pinewood Springs, Hawk and Cara’s love for each other will be tested in ways no newlyweds should have to endure. Hawk will have to do whatever it takes to make sure his beloved woman is safe and by his side for life.

Will Hawk be able to be there for Cara when she needs him the most?

Weddings are stressful and marriage can be challenging, but when a woman marries an outlaw the stakes are higher and more dangerous than ever….

An Insurgent’s Wedding is 66,682 words.

Hawk’s Property, Book 1, is included with An Insurgent’s Wedding. It should be read first. 

An Insurgent’s Wedding is Hawk and Cara’s continuing story. It is part of the Insurgents MC series and is NOT a standalone romance novel. Book 1, Hawk’s Property, must be read in order to understand and enjoy An Insurgent’s Wedding. This book contains violence, sexual assault (not graphic), strong language, and steamy/graphic sexual scenes. It describes the life and actions of an outlaw motorcycle club. If any of these issues offend you, please do not read the book. HEA. No cliffhangers! The book is intended for readers over the age of 18.

“This was a fantastic book. The usual hectic life for Hawk and Cara, but because of who they are they get it done, but there is their love that pulls them thru. Hopefully u read their first book, if not it’s here also, to give u the back story of how they got where they are. Another fantastic read.” — Betty

“It was well written and smooth, the pace was good. I loved their story and their ending.” — Joanna G

“I loved it! …Cara and Hawk’s weddings were tear seekers! The ending was great….” — Tanya

 

Chiah Wilder is the author of Hawk’s Property, the first book in the Insurgents MC Series. It is a full length, standalone novel. Its release date is set for October 27, 2015.
 
Always a lover of books, she began writing at a young age and continued through college with collections of short stories. Figuring she had to grow up and get a “real” job, her writing was placed on the back burner. 
 
Her love of reading has always be center front in her life. Chiah’s love of bad boys both in and out of fiction has inspired her Insurgents series. She loves an alpha male whose softer side is brought out by a passionate, spirited woman. In fiction there are no rules or boundaries, and fantasies can go as far as the characters want to take them. Steamy, biker romances with rough, sexy bad boys are her guilty pleasure along with brownies, cheddar cheese, and movie marathons. 
 
Returning to writing has been a dream come true. Writing and publishing Hawk’s Property has been an amazing journey, and she is happy to share the Insurgents family with her readers. She is busy writing her next book in the series.
 
Chiah would love to hear from you. You can contact her at: chiahwilder@gmail.com

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Release Blitz ~ Something There In Between ~ by ~ S. Ferguson

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Something There In Between by S. Ferguson
Publication Date: December 19th, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance

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Synopsis:

After a life full of cruelty, Bree is left with no one to turn to—except him.

Declan, who’s suffered his own fair share of tragedy, sees the girl on the park bench with the sad eyes and Converse shoes as a kindred spirit —and a chance to redeem himself. He couldn’t save his mother. Maybe he can save her.

But is Bree too broken to let him in?

Declan may be her only hope for solace, if he’s strong enough to break down her walls. Will she risk letting him in … or let her pain consume her?

This book is intended for readers 18 and older. It contains violence and references of rape and child abuse

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Add to Goodreads

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Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2hTXZae
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2hHnNTU

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Meet S. Ferguson:

Ferguson is a military wife and mother of three. She loves to find beauty in the flawed and broken.

Connect with S. Ferguson

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sfergusonwrites/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahFergWrites
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15969427.S_Ferguson
Website: www.sfergusonwrites.com
Newsletter: http://www.subscribepage.com/b8y2o3
Join S. Ferguson’s Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sfergusoninbetweeners/

Release & Sale ~ Hitched ~ by ~ Kendall Ryan

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hitched-box-amazonSpecial Price of 99 cents for 48-hours only! Regular price will be $6.99

 

I have to get my wife pregnant. I know what you’re thinking, boo hoo, poor me, right?

The only problem is my darling wife hates my guts. The only reason we eloped was because our fathers, who are business partners, are jointly leaving us their $100 billion company. If we wed.

And she doesn’t know this part yet, but it’s contingent on us producing an heir.

I have 90 days to knock her up, which might be difficult considering she can’t stand to be in the same room as me, let alone share my bed.

Challenge accepted.

Mark my words, I will have her begging for me. I’ve never backed down from a challenge and

I’m not about to start now.

Filled with hot and humorous moments, you won’t want to miss the complete series of HITCHED!

 

 

Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Google Play

 

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kendall-ryan-headshot-1-picA New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She’s a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she’s appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras

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Release Blitz ~ Savage Savior ~ by ~ Charleigh Rose

Title: Savage Savior
Series: Savage People
Author: Charleigh Rose
Genre: Dark Erotic Romance
Release Date: December 18, 2016

“Um. There are no words. None. Because holy crap was that book everything I thought it would be and more.” – Tongan Book Lover

“OMFG Charleigh Rose you guys are some dirty bitches! I FLOVE Carter!!!! He is MINE I don’t care what anyone says.” – Reader Review

“I loved this book couldn’t put it down,was so worth the wait.” – Reader Review

 

Love. It’s a strange thing, isn’t it? It can make you. Break you. Take you to places you’ve never been before. I know what they say about him. What he does for the Irish mafia in New York. But the thing is, love is blind. It binds. And now, we’re bound for life. 

Charleigh Rose is a secret duo of romance authors who teamed up for the sake of fun, sexy smut. Our philosophy:

1. Our heroes should always be so alpha, you won’t be able to read them in public.


2. Heroines will always be sassy, strong and take zero sh*t from their men.

3. Taboo, dark, twisted, weird, bizarre and original. We won’t give you what you’ve already seen a million times before.

4. The sex will be explicit, hot, smutty, and completely insane. Make sure your door is locked and you have a toy around when you read us.
We’re dedicated to fulfilling your fantasies and to having fun with each other. We created this pen name so we can play around with our readers and each other (naughty naughty). Buckle up and join the ride!


 

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Release Blitz & Review ~ For All The Evers ~ by ~ Debra Anastasia

 

 

Title: For All the Evers
Author: Debra Anastasia
Genre: Romance
Release Date: December 18, 2016
Blurb

Fallen Billow should be in college like most of her friends, but instead she’s raising her brother and working as a housekeeper at a vintage local hotel. It’s back-breaking work, but not nearly as challenging as fending off unwanted advances from the hotel’s owner.Thomas McHugh is fighting for our country, across the globe and decades before Fallen Billow was even born. So there’s no way they’re soul mates. There’s no way he can be desperate to see her, hold her, kiss her. Except there is.

Is it a dream when he inks his name on her skin? Is it a delusion when she puts her hands on his face and says she loves him? Nothing has ever felt more real.

Fate has etched paths for Thomas and Fallen that even time cannot touch. A Purple Heart proclaims Thomas’ valor and bravery. And his death. But Fallen dares to dream of the impossible. She wants Thomas to stay. Just stay.

A tribute to all who have served our country, this novel honors the impossible beauty of love and the endless power of hope. Come open your heart and celebrate the many facets of bravery with Fallen and Thomas.

Debra Anastasia has created a website for Thomas McHugh – the veteran the book is in honor of. (It is recommended readers look at this website after reading the book)

Purchase Links
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Available in Kindle Unlimited
Trailer
Excerpt

“I bet you were adorable.” He put his knuckle under her chin and encouraged her to lift her head. She rolled back over and settled against his shoulder.“I don’t want to be adorable. I want to be impossible.”

“How do you mean?” He kissed her forehead.

“I want to be impossible for you to forget, impossible for you to keep your hands off of.” She leaned up for a kiss.

“You’re my impossible then. Have no fear.” He tenderly reminded her he was her impossible, too, with his lips.

She put her hand against his stomach and snuggled in. “This is my spot. Right here. With you—it’s home.”

He swallowed before talking to the ceiling. “My heart was like a fist. Where I am? It’s not a place you plan to survive. I’ve been there for years, and it’s not about skill; it’s not even about luck. You get strapped into a machine, and fate’s driving. You can’t get out even if you want to. So you submit to it. You harden your soul. You get ready to die.”

He shifted, rolling on top of her. She sighed in contentment. Being beneath him made her feel safe and secure.

He kissed her lips, then the tip of her nose, before continuing. “But with you, it’s like my heart’s opening up, and I’m terrified to feel, after all this time. Yet I don’t have a choice. No matter where I am, I draw your face whenever I get a scrap of paper.”

He laughed a little. “We found a puppy, and I named it Fallen, just so I could say your name over and over. The guys think I’m crazy—such a strange name for a dog. But I don’t care. I’m gasping for you every moment I’m awake. And I’m making choices to keep me alive through the week.”

His eyes searched hers. “What if I’m not as tough as I was in the beginning? God, I hope no one is affected by my distraction with this. But in the end there’s you. Only you. Do what you have to to get back to me when you’re awake. You have to. I need you more than air, more than life right now. The softness of you, the tenderness in your eyes when you see me. I’m trying to force fate to throw me in your direction. To hurl me at you somehow. I don’t know if it will work. But I’m praying for it.”

Fallen touched his face, then his neck. “I will do everything I can to find you.”

 

TBRreview

Ok going in to this, the last Debra Anastasia book I read was Booty Camp Dating Service. This book is NOTHING like that. In just reading the foreword, you are struck by the poignancy of this book as this was written as a tribute to her uncle. And I knew this was going to make all the feels happen.

I’m not one for time travel in my books but this was relevant and wasn’t silly in the theme of the story. This book kinda reminded me of The Lake House in a way in that there’s time travel and a relationship that transcends time and location.

My review will not do this book justice, you just need to read it and experience it for yourself. No, it’s not the hysterically funny you would expect but that makes it stand out more.

5 stars!

Author Bio

Debra creates pretend people in her head and paints them on the giant, beautiful canvas of your imagination. What an amazing job that is. The stories hit her hard while driving the minivan or shaving her legs, especially when there’s no paper and pen around. In all of the lies she writes she hides her heart, so thank you for letting it play in your mind.Debra has now published the Seraphim Series, the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood Series, the Gynazule Series, The Revenger and Booty Camp Dating Service. Her novella, Late Night with Andres is special because 100% of the proceeds go to breast cancer research. (So go get it right now, please!) For All The Evers is her latest romantic suspense.

You can find her at DebraAnastasia.com and on Twitter @Debra_Anastasia. But be prepared…

Author Links

 

There is a giveaway for signed paperback of For All the Evers and Saving Poughkeepsie, signed hand crafter holiday ornaments, Booty Camp Dating Service ring, Poughkeepsie lip balm and cardboard keychain, and XL One More Chapter t-shirt

 

Release Day Blitz ~ Frederick ~ by ~ Esther E. Schmidt

LIVE: “FREDERICK

Title: “Frederick”

Author: Esther E. Schmidt

Cover Design: Esther E. Schmidt

Cover model: Chris Spearman

Photographer: FuriousFotog, Golden Czermak

Release Day: 16th of December 2016

Standalone, BDSM

IT’S LIVE SALE price is set: 99c

(Normal price: $2.99 SALE ENDS 3 days after release: 12/19)

https://books2read.com/Frederick

Taking the world by force is all Frederick has ever known. Domination is in his blood; which is evident in the boardroom and the bedroom. While stranded on the doorstep of his virtual assistant, Frederick finds himself in new territory. As a person who demands and takes, Frederick now finds himself ready to give.

Taryn has built her walls high with layers and layers of guilt after the deaths of her sister and nephew. Her solitary life, void of most pleasures, is her self-imposed punishment. Working is her only connection to the outside world; that is until her work barges through her front door.

Thrown together in a snowstorm, secrets are uncovered. Will Frederick break through her walls built by guilt? Can Taryn open up and let go? Or will their curiosity bring them to their knees?

 

Release Day Blitz ~ Christmas Bells ~ by ~ Linda Joyce

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Christmas Bells Buy Links

Amazon US https://amzn.com/B01MFHZN72

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MFHZN72

AU https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01MFHZN72

Germany:

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B01MFHZN72/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_tljiybX74TVJT

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/679399

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/christmas-bells-7

After grieving the loss of her husband and son, TV host Morgan Marshall is ready to embrace life again. But she won’t risk a relationship with the father of her favorite cooking student, Avery, since the girl’s happiness is more important than her own.

Advertising executive Alex Blake never thought another woman could pique his interest after losing his wife to pneumonia, a complication of her cancer. Yet every time he’s in Morgan’s presence, she brings sunlight into the room. Plus, she’s a role model for his daughter, always assuring Avery that dyslexia can’t hold her back. But if he asks Morgan for a date and then she refuses a second one, the person he loves the most, Avery, could get hurt the worst because she adores Morgan.

When Alex is injured in a fall, Morgan insists on caring for him and Avery. As they share holiday fun, Avery topples Morgan’s beloved crystal bell collection, shattering it to pieces. Through it all, they discover love of one another is more priceless than any object money can buy. Love rings in the air at Christmastime.

 

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EXCERPT:

Alex turned when someone from behind tapped his shoulder. “Yes?”

“You two are the cutest couple. So you have a daughter in the program tonight?” a silver-haired lady, draped in strands of pearls, asked. “I’ll bet she’s beautiful, looking at the two of you.”

“We—” Morgan began.

“Thank you.” Alex interrupted, cutting her off. “Avery Blake is her name. She has a solo. It’s listed in the program.” He smiled brightly at the lady and then turned his gaze back to Morgan. She appeared surprised but didn’t contradict him.

He figured the lady didn’t need to know the intimate details of their life. It was enough that she considered them a couple. If others could see it, would it be possible for Morgan to see it, too? It wasn’t until that moment he understood how much he truly missed being a family of three and having a wife, after being forced to let go of the woman he loved. It proved tougher than he imagined. Now eighteen months later, he looked forward to a new chapter of his life. Maybe one with Morgan Marshall playing a major role.

 

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When the girl reached the bottom of the stairs, she ran for the kitchen. “Come watch me, Daddy.”

Morgan started to follow, but stopped when Alex touched her arm. “You’re sure about this.” He tilted his head toward the kitchen. Uncertainty filled his eyes.

“Oh ye of little faith,” Morgan admonished teasingly. “Your daughter can cook a four-star meal. Just you wait and see.”

“Well, Miss Morgan, if my child gives me food poisoning, I’m going to hold you responsible. I’ll insist you nurse me back to health.” He winked and then bowed, waving his hand in a flourish, suggesting he would follow her lead to the kitchen.

Morgan took a step, stopped, and glanced over her shoulder. Alex was grinning wider than she’d ever seen. The slightly crinkled, starched white shirt with the cuffs rolled up, top button undone, tucked into charcoal gray slacks made his chest appear broader, his waist slimmer, and his smile brighter. She had never noticed the strength in the squareness of his jaw or the thickness of his lashes. A tingle shivered along her spine. Was the man flirting with her?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Christmas Eve baby, now Amazon Best Selling author and 4-time RONE Award Finalist, Linda Joyce writes about assertive females and the men who can’t resist them. She has penned the Fleur de Lis series, Fleur de Lis Bcb7rides series, and the Sunflower series. Her other books include Behind the Mask and Christmas Bells.

A big fan of jazz and blues, Linda attributes her love of musical to her southern roots, which run deep in Louisiana though she’s lived coast to coast curtesy of her father’s Air Force career. She wrote her first manuscript when she was twelve while living in Japan, the country where her mother was born and raised. In addition to being a book addict, Linda’s a foodie, an RVer, loves to kayak, and binge watch movies. Now she lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and General Beauregard, their four-legged boy.

Website: http://www.linda-joyce.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaJoyceAuthor

Twitter: @LJWriter https://twitter.com/LJWriter

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Linda-Joyce/e/B00BODDROS/

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/LindaJoyceWorld/boards/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrjZh-TMFbeN1k7BlWAAxeA

Newsletter http://eepurl.com/4y5Yj

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/LJWriter

 

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Release Day Blitz ~ Cold Justice Series box set ~ by ~ Toni Anderson

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You can grab the first six books in Toni Anderson’s bestselling COLD JUSTICE series in one convenient boxset, available now! You don’t want to miss this compelling series.

 


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About the COLD JUSTICE series boxset

Pick up the first six Romantic Suspense novels in the bestselling, award-winning Cold Justice Series in one compelling bundle. Two bonus shorts are also included.

The Cold Justice Series centers around agents from the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit-4 (crimes against adults), and other spin-off characters. Each book can be read as a standalone with a different hero and heroine being the focus of each story. Characters crossover so readers might get the best experience by starting at the beginning!

If you like Laura Griffin, Karen Robards or Sandra Brown you might enjoy these stories.

Books from this series have won the New England Readers’ Choice Award, the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award, the Heart of Excellence, the Aspen Gold Reader’s Choice Awards, and Book Buyers Best Award for Romantic Suspense.

Bundle includes: A Cold Dark Place, Cold Pursuit, Cold Light of Day, Cold Fear, Cold in the Shadows, and Cold Hearted.

Get your hands COLD JUSTICE series boxset:

iBooks | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Google Play

Read an excerpt from A COLD DARK PLACE:

“We’re up to fifteen women,” Lucas’s voice was gruff. The dark circles under his eyes added a worn out quality to his grim expression. He answered her silent question with a shake of his head. “I didn’t see any kids and no one who looked like Payton.”

Mallory was torn between disappointment and relief.

“He kept more personal trophies in his bedroom. Whoever shot the sonofabitch did the world a favor.” A flicker of unguarded emotion crossed his face. Then he buried it beneath six years field experience and a flat cop stare. “You’ll hear all the details at the briefing.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Lemme get a coffee and we’ll head over together.” He froze as a stranger wearing a visitor badge and carrying a laptop walked through the office doorway. “Alex? What the—?”

“You missed the meeting, asshole.” The man’s expression was fierce. “Thought I’d hunt you down and make you buy me a beer.” His gaze darted to her. “Looks like a bad time though.”

“That was today?” Lucas palmed his forehead. “Jesus, you’re right. I’m an asshole.”

“I already covered that.” The man— Alex— grinned, and Mallory got a fierce blast of gorgeous. The response wrung a reluctant smile out of Lucas.

“Believe it or not, Mal, this is a good friend of mine, Alex Parker. I asked him to attend a Counterintelligence Awareness Group briefing I organized so he could tell us about some of the latest internet security measures being developed in the private sector. He runs his own company in DC. Does a lot of government contracts. We served together in Afghanistan.” His gaze swung back to Alex. “I assume the meeting went ahead without me?”

Alex nodded. “We managed to fumble along without your incisive brilliance.”

“Yet I’m the asshole,” Lucas grinned. “This here is Special Agent Mallory Rooney.”

The stranger held out a tanned strong-looking hand as they were introduced. His skin was warm, fingers firm as they squeezed hers.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Agent Rooney.” The self-deprecating smile was a killer. So was the short, ruffled light-brown hair and days’ worth of scruff on his jaw.

Despite the tailored suit, he hadn’t been intimidated enough by the high powered members of that committee to shave. The contrast snagged her attention. He was different from the law enforcement personnel and political players she usually met. There was something underplayed and restrained about him that didn’t mesh with the keen intelligence she saw in his eyes, nor the taut looking muscles that filled out that suit. It intrigued her. She hadn’t been intrigued on a personal level in a long time.

“You work in security?” she asked. “Keeping Trade Secrets secret— or trying to. It isn’t exactly running the gauntlet every day like you guys.”

Lucas sat atop his messy desk. “Says the man with the Distinguished Service Cross.”

Something vulnerable sparked in those slate eyes. “I got caught in a firefight and managed not to get killed. I got lucky.” Those eyes of his weren’t revealing anything now— all emotion banked. “I better let you get back to work. It’s a long drive back to DC.”

Their boss walked in and Mallory stiffened. Danbridge’s gaze skimmed Alex with a cursory glance that notched up to feminine appreciation on the second go ’round.

“Special Agent Randall, I need a word.” Then she walked into her office, heels tapping.

Lucas swore under his breath. “Alex, I owe you big time, buddy. I’ll be in touch. Will you show him out for me, Mal?”

“Sure,” she said. The longer she could avoid her boss the better. The two men shook hands and said goodbye.

“I can find my own way,” Alex said softly.

“No problem. I need to stretch my legs anyway.”

His gaze flicked to her boots and up, the brush of it almost as intimate as a physical touch. An unfamiliar sliver of sensation unfurled inside her, nearly unrecognizable because it had been so long. Attraction.

Telling herself she wasn’t deliberately prolonging their time together, she took the stairs as she led the way out. He was taller than she’d first realized. In her low-heeled boots she stood just under five foot nine and he was four or five inches taller. She frowned. Seeing him at a distance standing beside Lucas, she’d have described him as medium height and just okay looking. Up close, when you got the full force of those intelligent gray eyes and that perfectly proportioned masculine face, he was a hottie. Made you appreciate the inaccuracy of eye-witness accounts. No wedding ring either.

It was her job to pay attention to detail.

Even though she maintained a space between them she was hyperaware of him beside her. Outside the front entrance of the five-story, white concrete building he turned to her and asked, “Can I take you out to dinner sometime?”

“I don’t date.” The answer came out automatically before her brain engaged. Crap.

There was a long pause while those beautiful eyes of his wandered over her face, resting on her bruise from yesterday. He didn’t argue or try to change her mind.

“It was nice to meet you, Special Agent Rooney.” And then he walked away.

She squeezed her hands into fists. Damn, why had she said no?

Because she didn’t date.

She watched Alex Parker climb into his car— a low-slung sporty job— and raise a hand before he drove away. His car disappeared and a familiar sense of loss rushed over her. She clenched her jaw, turned around and went back to work.

cj-audio1

Did you know Toni Anderson’s Cold Justice series is available to listen on audiobook? If you’re looking for a thrilling and sexy romance, you do not want to miss this series!

Listen to a sample of A COLD DARK PLACE here!

Grab the audiobook of A COLD DARK PLACE:

iBooks | Amazon | Audible

About Toni Anderson

New York Times and USA Today international bestselling author, Toni Anderson, writes dark, gritty Romantic Suspense novels that have hit #1 in Barnes & Noble’s Nook store, the Top 10 in Amazon and Kobo stores, and the Top 50 in iBooks. Her novels have won many awards. A former Marine Biologist from Britain, she inexplicably ended up in the geographical center of North America, about as far from the ocean as it is possible to get. She now lives in the Canadian prairies with her Irish husband and two children and spends most of her time complaining about the weather.

Toni has no explanation for her oft-times dark imagination, and only hopes the romance makes up for it. She’s addicted to reading, dogs, tea, and chocolate.

If you want to know when Toni’s next book will be out, visit her website (http://www.toniandersonauthor.com) and sign up for her newsletter. If you want to read other fascinating stories about life in a city that, during winter, is sometimes colder than Mars, friend her on Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/toniannanderson).

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