Excerpt: MAN ON THE RUN by Gail Hamilton @ghamilton9

Lydia Marshall needs to round up the last samples of an unpredictable "relationship enhancer" created by her employer, NuGenn Pharmaceuticals. The last batch of the so-called potion is in the hands of a test subject, Damone Reid. But when Lydia finally tracks him down she's in for a shock. He is no longer the shy, awkward programmer she interviewed months before. Suddenly, she finds herself swept up in Damone's potion-fueled quest to live life to the fullest. They go kite flying.  They go whale watching. They go dancing in the moonlight.

Even though Lydia tries to keep things professional the former nerd's enthusiasm--and kisses--are infectious. As the tall, sexy adventurer takes her on a wild ride, Lydia finds herself falling for him. But is it the love potion that is igniting her feelings? And what will Damone do if he finds out her secret mission is to destroy the very thing that is changing his life? The discovery could destroy their blossoming romance.

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Excerpt

Lydia asked to see Damone right away but Mrs. Benson shook her head. 

"He's gone.  Packed a bag this morning and told me he was going on a trip to have some fun. Didn't know when he'd be back.  Whistling show tunes, he was, and said he meant to start at some place called Barrel-o-Thrills.  Took off before I could get another word out of him."

Hastily, Lydia thanked Mrs. Benson and rushed out to her car.  A quick search on her cell phone found Barrel-o-Thrills out on the edge of the city. It was a club specializing in bungee jumping. The website announced: Give yourself the thrill of a lifetime.  Your molecules will never be the same.  

Lydia remembered the 50-foot railing and tore out of the driveway.  What if Damone came to real harm because of NuGenn!  What if he'd used too much of the potion and it had morphed into a thrill enhancer instead of a relationship enhancer!

Oh, the lawsuit!  Oh, the bad publicity!

By the time Lydia got to Barrel-o-Thrills, parked and paid admission, her heart was pounding.  She raced over to bungee towers just in time to see a long, gangling body flying through the air, arms and legs wind-milling, yelling with delight.  When she finally got to where the crew were slipping the harness from Damone, she could see what his grandmother meant. He was grinning even though, wobbling and whooping, he could barely stand upright.

Could the potion have done this? Lydia wondered again.

Or had he just discovered common recreational drugs?

Moving swiftly and decisively, she rushed over and grabbed Damone by the elbow.

"Let him go.  I'll take care of him from here," she told the crew chief.

Unclipping the last of the harness, the man shrugged and handed Damone over.  Reeling from the wild plunge, Damone staggered straight into Lydia.  Hanging on to stay upright, he blinked at her in disoriented, astonished surprise.

"Volta..." he gasped.

The next second, he flung both his arms around Lydia and started kissing her with a passion that curled her toes and shocked her at the same time.

In fact, Lydia was so shocked that she just stood there while Damone tightened his embrace even more.  His mouth feasted on hers with such total delight, and such complete abandon that the sensation swept away any resistance Lydia tried to muster.  The fellow was kissing her as though he hadn’t kissed a woman in ages--kissing as though he meant to claim every delicious pleasure he had missed living like a hermit in a basement.   Lydia could actually feel the determination rushing through him.

About the Author

Gail Hamilton has been creating novels since the great romance boom of the eighties, writing for Harlequin and other publishers. She has been a farm hand, English teacher, ad copywriter, and once rode a British Bedford truck across the Sahara and back to see Timbuctu. All of it is fodder for her fiction. She is drawn to action, romance, adventure and characters with a distinctly odd twist. These show up in her many romance novels and her fast-moving historical novel, The Tomorrow Country.

After trying urban life in Europe and Toronto, Gail returned to live on the family farm where she grew up. In this rural corner hugging the north shore of Lake Ontario, Gail digs into the rich, raucous local history. She cherishes a secret passion for animated movies and loves snapping photos of nature all around her, reading the constant changes like a newspaper every morning. What better place to hatch brand new tales for everyone’s enjoyment.

Visit Gail’s website at www.gailhamiltonwriter.com.

Book Giveaway Friday: WILD MONTANA SKY by Debra Holland, WAIT FOR ME by J. Lynn, & UNCONDITIONAL by Lexi Blake

Every week, I'll give away a print copy to one lucky winner!

This week I'm giving away a signed paperback copy of Wild Montana Sky by Debra Holland as well as paperbacks of Lexi Blake's Unconditional and J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout)'s Wait for You!

When her brother announces his marriage, Elizabeth Hamilton suddenly becomes unwanted and unwelcome in the only home she’s ever known. To escape the new mistress of the house, Elizabeth accepts the invitation of her best friend to journey to Montana.

The dirt streets and wooden storefronts of Sweetwater Springs and the hardships of ranch living are worlds away from the refinements of Gilded Age Boston, yet Elizabeth is filled with new hope—and buoyed by a wealthy banker’s attentions. Yet it’s cowboy Nick Sanders who slowly awakens her heart and helps her recognize her strengths. And when a deadly influenza epidemic strikes, Elizabeth will fight for those she loves—and the life she’s ready to claim.

A USA Today bestseller and winner of Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award, Wild Montana Sky is historical romance at its best—a warm, uplifting story of new love and second chances.

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Some things are worth waiting for.

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago--an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe--please God--make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn't need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she's building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing.

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that's just so... so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet.

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she's has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for.

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A curious woman

Ashley Paxon understands responsibility. After her fiancé left her alone and pregnant, she forged a new life for herself and her daughter. Moving to Dallas, she went back to school and found a job at a club called Sanctum. As one of the BDSM club’s waitresses, she watches the Doms and their submissives every night. She yearns to explore their lifestyle of discipline and power exchange, but she knows she wouldn’t belong.

A wounded man

Keith Langston believes in living in the moment. Haunted by the past, he moves from one casual relationship to the next and never looks back. But the moment he lays eyes on Ashley, something primal and possessive takes over. He can’t stop thinking about her and yet he knows he can’t offer her what she needs. Having her seems impossible until Sanctum’s owner, the mysterious Ian Taggart, makes him an offer he can’t refuse.

The perfect contract

Offered the chance to train Ashley and initiate her into the D/s lifestyle, Keith is delighted to accept. Under the guidelines of a carefully crafted contract, they lose themselves in the pleasures and intimacies of being Master and submissive. But when Ashley and her daughter are threatened, Keith realizes she needs much more than a part-time Dom. To protect her, he will have to break through the barriers of their contract and finally face the demons haunting his heart.

A Masters and Mercenaries Novella

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Cover Reveal: A BEAUTIFUL STAR by Lillianna Anderson @Confidante_Lili

A Beautiful Star (Beautiful Seres #5) by Lilliana Anderson is a contemporary romance, releasing November 17

   

When Jonathan decided to help Lisa, he was trying to atone in some way for his past sins. He certainly wasn't expecting to be pulled into a night full of hiding out from the press with a journalist called Sandra Haegen, and almost being choked to death by a rockstar in love with his ex. 

When Sandra decided to help Lisa by feeding Perry, she was just trying to be a good person. She also wasn't expecting to spend the night hiding from the press. Even more so, she wasn't expecting to spend the night with one of Australia's hottest young actors, Jonathan Masters. She also wasn't expecting to save his life. 

And that's just the beginning. 

From there, these two must find a way live with the past and look to the future - no matter what the personal cost. 

iTunes

Excerpt

The next morning, I head into work to find yet another gift waiting for me on my desk. It’s a small white box with a blue ribbon tied around it, and the sight of it makes me stop in my doorway and immediately pull out my phone. 

“This needs to stop,” I say to myself with an annoyed shake of my head as I pull up Jonathan’s number and dial. He picks up within two rings. 

“Good morning, Red,” he chirps. 

“Stop sending me things,” I demand immediately. 

“You’ve got the wrong guy this time. Whatever you have, it wasn’t me. Maybe it was from that pretty boy you were kissing in the papers the other day.” 

“He’s not a pretty boy. You’re a pretty boy.” 

“That’s very sweet of you to say,” he jokes. 

“Well, I’m a sweetheart, what can I say. Listen, sorry to attack you, I should have checked the card first.” 

“You can call me anytime, for anything. I won’t hold it against you.” 

“Ok,” I laugh. “I’m hanging up now.” 

“Alright, you do that. But, Red, when am I going to see you again?” 

“I haven’t decided on that yet.” 

“You’re hurting me. I just want to be your friend and you’re putting up road blocks.” 

“I’m totally not buying this friend act.” 

“You should, because it can’t be more unless you want it to be. Besides, we have fun. We get along. You want fun, right?” 

“You’re trying too hard, Jonathan. I’m going now.” 

I can hear the smile in his voice. “Bye, Red.” 

Hitting the end call button, I walk over to my desk and pull the blue ribbon on the box to get to the card. 

For your tastebuds. 

Call me. 

Brad 

Smiling, I open the box and find a red velvet cupcake inside. When I bite into it–and yes­, I eat it immediately–it’s the softest, most flavour-filled baked treat I have ever had the pleasure of eating–and I’ve eaten a lot, so I know what I’m talking about. 

“You are very popular lately,” Erin, our receptionist comments on her way past my office. “You’re getting more deliveries than anyone else here. And the guy who dropped that off was H-O-T. Oh my lord, you are one lucky woman.” 

“He was here?” I ask, pointing at the box as I talk through a mouthful of cake. 

“I think so. Dark hair, brown eyes, tatts all over his arms? He was wearing a white bonds shirt, a pair of jeans, and some Vans. He didn’t seem like a courier to me.” 

“That’s him alright. How long ago?” 

“Maybe an hour? I told him you don’t get in until nine.” 

I swallow the last of the cake and lick the crumbs off my fingers and my lips, apologising that there was only one in the box as I do. Then I thank Erin for dropping by and when she leaves, turn to my phone again, this time ringing the correct person for a thank you.

About the Beautiful Series

A series of stand alone novels and companions novellas (The Beauty in Between). Each Beautiful Series novel follows many variations on the love triangle, where one couple gets their happy ending, and the character who misses out becomes the main character in the next instalment. 

The Beauty in Between are companion novellas that give fans of the main series background information on some of their favourite characters, or a short continuation of a couple's story. 

Readers can choose to read every book and its companion in order, or they can choose only those that interest them. 

For those wishing to read the series entirely, the reading order is: 

• (Too Close) 
• A Beautiful Struggle (book 1) 
• (Phoenix) 
• A Beautiful Forever (book 2) 
• (Commitment) 
• A Beautiful Melody (book 3) 
• A Beautiful Rock (book 4) 
• (Devotion) 
• A Beautiful Star (November 2014) 
• A Beautiful Reunion (March 2015) 
• A Beautiful Scent (TBA) 

About the Author

Bestselling Author of the Drawn Series, the Beautiful Series, and the Confidante Trilogy, Lilliana has always loved to read and write, considering it the best form of escapism that the world has to offer. 

Australian born and bred, she writes New Adult Romance revolving around her authentically Aussie characters as well as a biographical trilogy based on an ex-Sydney sex worker, named Angelien. 

Lilliana feels that the world should see Australia for more than just it's outback and tries to show characters in more of a city setting. 

When she isn't writing, she wears the hat of 'wife and mother' to her husband and four children. 

Before Lilliana turned to writing, she worked in a variety of industries and studied humanities and communications before transferring to commerce/law at university. 

Originally from Sydney's Western suburbs, she currently lives a fairly quiet life in suburban Melbourne. 

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Book Birthday: Baby It's Cold Outside Anthology

Baby, It's Cold Outside is an Anthology with 5 Erotic Romance novellas by 5 bestselling authors! This may be a mix of tales set in winter, but it is guaranteed to heat you up!

Outside it may be frosty, so turn the heat way up with these stories of desire! 

Can a determined woman executive and a playboy billionaire survive being stranded together in a snowstorm? Jennifer Probst depicts an encounter almost too hot to handle… 

Drew and Kate play an encore to Tangled in this sexy take on a “Christmas Carol” by Emma Chase. When a Christmas Eve argument condemns Drew to a troubled night, three dream women teach him that no gift could be more tantalizing than Kate… 

With Kristen Proby, ski slopes are quite delightful. Grace Douglas is sure she’ll never learn to ski, but instructor Jacob Baxter could teach her lessons of a different kind… 

Can a southern California transplant survive Montana’s deep snows? Melody Anne, author of the bestselling Andersons series,melts the icy drifts completely away with the heat between sexy Hawk Winchester and brand-new teacher Natalie Duncan… 

What could be hotter than a firefighter? Kate Meader shows how hot it can get as Beck Rivera and heiress-turned-tattoo-artist Darcy Cochrane discover that nothing ignites holiday flames like rekindling a lost love…

Simon & Schuster | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | BAM | IndieBound

About The Authors

Jennifer Probst’s New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels, novellas, and ebooks include the acclaimed Marriage to a Billionaire series, as well as Searching for Someday and Searching for Perfect. She lives in upstate New York. Visit her at www.jenniferprobst.com.

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Emma Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Tangles, Twisted, Tamed, and Tied. She lives in a small town in rural New Jersey with her husband and children. Follow Emma on Twitter and Facebook, or visit her at www.emmachase.net.

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Kristen Proby is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Loving Cara and Seducing Lauren, as well as the popular With Me in Seattle series. Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. Visit her at kristenproby.com.

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Melody Anne is the New York Times bestselling author of the indie published Billionaire Bachelors series, the Baby for the Billionaire series, and the Surrender series, and she has a new series coming soon from Pocket Books. She lives in the Pacific Northwest. Visit her at www.melodyanne.com.

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Kate Meader is the author of the sexy new series Hot in Chicago, coming soon from Pocket Books. When not writing she works in an academic library in Chicago. Visit her at www.katemeader.com.

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Cover Reveal: TRUE LOVE WAY by Mary Elizabeth @TeamSmella23

Some days are brighter than others, but Penelope Finnel has learned she can be invisible behind the colored lenses of her heart-shaped sunglasses.

Her mind is her own worst enemy, and simply waking up in the morning is risky. For a girl like her, staying in bed is easier. Especially when the day comes to start school in a new town with new kids who don’t understand that the clouds are not the only reason everything is so gloomy.

Dillon Decker is a typical boy from a typical small town who radiates light and happiness. Under the hovering glare of her father, Dillon leads Penelope around on his bicycle’s handlebars, hoping he will be the cure to her madness.

But as time goes by and when friend turns to lover, and lover turns to caretaker, how much can either of them endure before they’re swallowed whole?

This is a story about rollerblades and moving trucks, trading candy for smiles, and passing notes across lawns.

First love and the struggle to keep it sane.

The true love way.

Goodreads


Excerpt

Then the screen door opens and slams shut again, and standing beside the light Nazi is Penelope. Her hair is up now, and from what I can tell she’s not chewing gum anymore. Her knees are dirty, and her shoes are untied. The Discman isn’t on her hip, but her green sunglasses are still on her face, even though it’s nighttime.

Suddenly Mr. Finnel’s voice scares me out of my own head. “What are you looking at, boy?”

Definitely over six feet tall, the daughter Nazi isn’t leaning against the porch post anymore. He’s standing in front of his daughter, blocking my view of her.

I straighten my spine and speak too loudly, too quickly. “Nothing!”

He laughs at me again, but his eyebrows are more serious than ever. From behind her father’s arm, Penelope peeks out. I can’t see her eyes through her glasses, but I know she’s looking at me. I can’t stop looking at her.

Mr. Finnel’s laughter stops. “See something you like, boy? Do you think I’m cute?”

“Wha … what … no,” I stutter. My heart stops. He hates me.

Finally, she speaks, soft-spoken and small. “Don’t embarrass me, Dad. You’re so embarrassing.”

The heart Nazi puts his arm over his daughter’s shoulders and leads her down the steps to the walkway leading to the Chrysler.

“The boy next door is weird, Pen. Don’t talk to him,” he warns her with amusement in his voice. “He offered me bolts.”


About the Author


Mary Elizabeth is an up and coming author who finds words in chaos, writing stories about the skeletons hanging in your closets. Known as The Realist, she is one half of The Elizabeths--a duo brave enough to never hide the truth.

Mary was born and raised in Southern California. She is a wife, mother of four beautiful children, and dog tamer to one enthusiastic Pit Bull and a prissy Chihuahua. She's a hairstylist by day but contemporary fiction, new adult author by night. Mary can often be found finger twirling her hair and chewing on a stick of licorice while writing and rewriting a sentence over and over until it's perfect. She discovered her talent for tale-telling accidentally, but literature is in her chokehold. And she's not letting go until every story is told.

"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure."--Jeremiah 17:9

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Book Birthday: PROTECTING HIS WITCH by Zoe Forward @zoeforward1

The last thing he wanted was to fall for a witch...

Veterinarian Kat Ramsey hasn't a clue that she's a witch. Sure, she can read minds, and there's the whole "dimension-hopping" issue that she can't quite control, but Kat is determined to keep things normal. That is, until she accidentally hops into the Otherworld, and runs smack into Matthew Ryan―the seriously hot one-night stand from years ago who shoved her out of his dorm. Naked.

And there's the tiny matter of the curse she gave him.

May you never find satisfaction with another woman. Billionaire and former druid Matthew Ryan hasn't forgotten the curse, or the witch who gave it to him. Kat's unexpected return means the curse will finally be broken. Unfortunately, his libido has other ideas―like how to get her back into his bed one last time. But far more worrying is his suspicion that Kat is the seventh Pleiades witch. Because while he's turned his back on his druidic ways, he's still bound to protect the woman who made his life hell...

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Excerpt

“Don’t play games with me, Kat. Do whatever you need to do to reverse it.” He leaned in and gripped her arms.

“What are you talking about?” How could he be so calm after that? So seemingly in control and focused on her reversing something? She could barely wrap her mind around coherent thought. A curse? She recalled her parting words to him all those years ago. He must’ve believed it to be real. She hadn’t intended such.
Beyond that...wow. That meant he hadn’t been satisfied by any woman since her. Her heart squeezed. She owned a piece of this extraordinary man that no other could claim. That didn’t mean she trusted him farther than she could spit. Even if she’d meant to cast a curse, she had no clue how to reverse it. Based on the stubborn set of his lips, he would push this until he got what he wanted.


About the Author

Zoe Forward is a hopeless romantic who can't decide between paranormal and urban fantasy romance. So she writes both. In addition to being a mom to one rambunctious kindergartener and wife to a conservation ecologist who plans to save all the big cats on the planet, she’s a small animal veterinarian caring for all the small furries, although there is the occasional hermit crab.

When she’s not typing at her laptop, she’s tying on a karate belt for her son or cleaning up the newest pet mess from the menagerie that occupies her house. She’s madly in love with her globe trotting husband of ten years and happiest when he returns to their home base in North Carolina.

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Book Giveaway Friday: Signed copy of FALLING FOR HER SOLDIER by Ophelia London & EVER HOPEFUL by Lori Ryan

Every week, I'll give away a print copy to one lucky winner!

This week I'm giving away a signed paperback copy of Falling for her Soldier by Ophelia London and a paperback copy of Ever Hopeful by Lori Ryan!

Ex-ballerina Ellie Bell has twenty-four days left until her self-imposed man-less year is up. No more falling for the wrong kind of guy—charming, sexy, bad. Why can’t she find someone sweet like Charlie Johansson, her soldier pen pal? His e-mails meant the world to her, and she can’t stop thinking about him…until she meets Hunter, whose muscles and cocky smile threaten to have her relapsing.

Before Charlie “Big Game Hunter” Johansson’s last tour of duty, he’d gone through women like crazy. But after connecting on a real, emotional level via letters with his best friend’s sister, Charlie’s ready for a relationship—with Ellie Bell. But then her brother introduces him as Hunter. Proving he’s no longer a player by becoming Ellie’s dance partner for an Army benefit seems like it could convince both siblings he’s changed, but the harder he falls for Ellie, the harder it is to come clean. Can he convince her to fall for the real him before it’s too late?

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Fate and second chances…

Laura Kensington knows it’s now or never. If she doesn’t leave her abusive husband, not only is her life in danger but the life of her unborn child is as well. But even after the monster she married dies suddenly, Laura realizes she can never escape his family, the ruthless and dangerous Kensington clan, who consider the baby she’s carrying to be their own. Desperate and determined, she flees to Evers, Texas, with a new identity, taking refuge on the ranch of Cade Bishop, a man who firmly believes in second chances.

Drawn to the handsome, strong, but gentle man who has dedicated his life to the rescue of neglected animals, Laura finds comfort in his passion and his love, yet she fears he sees her as merely another needy case. But she will need more from Cade than his tender touch and understanding heart when her past resurfaces, bringing grave peril into her world once more. For relentless enemies, both anticipated and unexpected, are drawing closer by the day, ensnaring her in a deadly web of deception, betrayal, and murder. And her only hope of breaking free lies in Cade’s powerful, loving heart.

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Book Birthday: HERE WITH ME by Heidi McLaughlin @HeidiJoVT #giveaway

 Today I'm celebrating the release of Here With Me, a contemporary romance title by New York Times Bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin. This is the first book in The Archer Brothers series.

Ryley Clarke has grown up with the military in her blood, with both parents serving their country. Ryley knows the risks of being married to the military. But when the unthinkable happens, and her future husband is killed in action, Ryley can barely survive... until Evan's twin brother, Nate, helps her pick up the pieces.

After serving on a special mission with the military for six years, Evan Archer returns home to find the unthinkable - the love of his life, Ryley Clarke - engaged to his brother, Nate. With Nate on deployment, Evan needs to figure out what happened in his absence, and more importantly, how to win Ryley back from the man he once considered his best friend, but now thinks of as his rival.


Amazon




About the Author

Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell and two Parakeets.

During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she's writing one of the many stories planned for release or sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games.

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Book Birthday: THE COLLECTORS' SOCIETY by Heather Lyons @hymheather

The Collectors' Society is an Adult Romantic Fairy Tale, full of adventure and fantasy. This is Alice as you have never seen her before...

From the author of the Fate series and The Deep End of the Sea comes a fantastical romantic adventure that has Alice tumbling down the strangest rabbit hole yet.

After years in Wonderland, Alice has returned to England as an adult, desperate to reclaim sanity and control over her life. An enigmatic gentleman with an intriguing job offer too tempting to resist changes her plans for a calm existence, though. Soon, she’s whisked to New York and initiated into the Collectors’ Society, a secret organization whose members confirm that famous stories are anything but straightforward and that what she knows about the world is only a fraction of the truth.

It’s there she discovers villains are afoot—ones who want to shelve the lives of countless beings. Assigned to work with the mysterious and alluring Finn, Alice and the rest of the Collectors’ Society race against a doomsday clock in order to prevent further destruction . . . but will they make it before all their endings are erased?

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Excerpt

“Do you find my ability to converse lacking, Doctor?”

He chuckles softly, no doubt remembering how I wasn’t chatty with anyone, himself included, for the first month of my stay. To be fair, it is difficult to carry on an invigorating discussion when one is shaking so hard from withdrawals they fear they might shatter into thousands of painful pieces before a single word can be uttered. Plus, there was the whole bit of how once I did open up, I raved liked a lunatic about things no normal person could imagine being true.

“Certainly not,” he says to me. “But as I must stay at the Pleasance and you must go forth into the world, it will do you good to practice on somebody new.”

“Then send in one of the orderlies. Or one of the nurses. I’ll happily chat with a staff member.”

One of his bushy, out-of-control eyebrows lifts high into his forehead.

“There are people out there who are quite content being solitary,” I point out. “Who do not need to converse with anybody but themselves and their dogs.”

He sets his pen down. “What about cats?”

Rigor mortis sets in ever so briefly at this question.

“You father said you were quite fond of cats growing up. There was one in particular that you favored. Dinah, was it not?”

“I’m—” I have to clear my throat. “Lately, I wonder if perhaps I’m more of a dog person after all.”

About the Author

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

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Cover Reveal: HUNDRED TO ONE by Freya Barker @freya_barker

Today, I have the cover reveal for Freya Baker’s Hundred to One. This contemporary romance releases on December 29.

Arlene Bowers is as tough as nails. She has survived a less than perfect marriage, managing to move past it to run her own diner. Her abrasive exterior has always been a way for her to hide behind the darkness and pain that she has endured, but a recent, violent attack and several disturbing phone calls have that tight hold on her emotions wavering.

Seb Griffin showed up in Cedar Tree eight months ago and was hired on at Arlene's Diner as a cook. An ex-con with secrets of his own, Seb walks a fine line. Since he began working at the diner, he's developed feelings for his fierce, stubborn boss, and the need to keep his distance from her, to protect her, is a daily struggle.

When it appears that Arlene's past has come back, rearing its ugly head while her defenses are low, Seb steps up and claims responsibility for Arlene, praying that he can keep her safe from whatever is coming her way.

Goodreads


Excerpt

Seb hasn’t moved from his spot and is still looking at me.

“What?” My hands are on my hips and if my chin was sticking up any higher my head would roll off my back.

“You were nice.” He says with an eyebrow raised.

“So? I can be nice. Just cause I haven’t had a reason to before doesn’t mean I don’t know how.” And I immediately busy myself wiping down the counters… again.

“Uh huh…” Comes from right behind me before I feel arms sliding around my waist.

“I like you nice.” He mumbles with his face buried in my neck, which has my body on high alert and aching.

“Don’t get used to it.” I manage, but I can’t resist leaning back a little, feeling his hard chest behind me. One big hand slides up under my work shirt and his rough fingers skim my stomach. My instant reaction is to suck that baby right in, but he catches me.

“So soft. It’s nice.”

Just the feeling of a man’s hands on me; this man’s hands on me, causes me to moan. It’s been so long since I have felt anything other than anger from a man’s hand. There is no anger in Seb’s touch, just a teasing gentleness that makes my wild side flare up and take notice.

When I feel his callused fingertips brush the underside of my breast, then slip under my bra, my breath hitches in anticipation. Damn I want his hands on me, his mouth on me. My nipples are so tight, they are almost painful, and when his touch finally finds them I can’t hold back anymore.

“Seb…” Reaching behind me I pull his head down and attack his mouth. My tongue eagerly finding entrance and tasting his. Hands tangling in his hair. I can feel his resistance waning and a greedy whimper escapes me.

He breaks the kiss, looks at me with eyes that are almost as black as midnight. Turns and lifts me up on the counter, initiating himself between my legs. Pulling at my knees so that my wet and aching centre is lined up with what is a mouthwatering erection. Instinctively I wrap my legs around him, pressing him closer to my core. His hands now both under my shirt and working at releasing my bra. He shoves it out of the way along with my shirt and latches on to my breast while plumping the other with his hand. And I have lost all reason.

“So fucking tasty.” Is all I can hear before he switches to the other side.

Eager to touch him, my hands trace his arms, shoulders and with my fingers I start pulling up his shirt, needing to touch his skin.

The phone rings.

“Fuck!” Seb swears as he leans his head to my sternum, all movements stilled by the insistent ringing. He pulls my shirt down and half in a daze I reach over to grab the receiver off the hook.

“A- … Arlene’s Diner.” I manage to get out.

“You think you can get away with that? You fucking whore! I’ll teach you…”


About the Author

Freya Barker has always been creative. Involved in music and dance when she was younger, she followed it up with cake design, quilting, and has most recently added cover design, the Dutch-born Canadian mother of two now has found her voice - writing.

Freya Barker is the pen name for a well-respected reviewer/blogger, who has a strong following on her blog, Facebook and Goodreads. As an avid reader, the next step to pen a book of her own seemed natural.

Driven to make her story about 'real' people, Freya writes about people who are perhaps less than perfect, but just as deserving of romance, hot monkey sex and some thrills and chills in their lives!

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Book Birthday & Excerpt: ROWDY by Jay Crownover @jaycrownover

Rowdy is the fifth novel in her Marked Men Series published by William Morrow, and imprint of HarperCollins!

The New York Times and USA Today bestselling Marked Men series continues with this sizzling, sexy story of love, heartbreak, fate, and second chances.

After the only girl he ever loved told him that he would never be enough, Rowdy St. James knocked the Texas dust off his boots and set out to live up to his nickname. A good ol’ boy looking for good times and good friends, Rowdy refuses to take anything too seriously, especially when it comes to the opposite sex. Burned by love once, he isn’t going to let himself trust a woman again. But that’s before his new co-worker arrives, a ghost from the past who’s suddenly making him question every lesson he ever learned.

Salem Cruz grew up in house with too many rules and too little fun—a world of unhappiness she couldn’t wait to forget. But one nice thing from childhood has stayed with her; the memory of the sweet, blue-eyed boy next door who’d been head over heels in love with her little sister.

Now, fate and an old friend have brought her and Rowdy together, and Salem is determined to show him that once upon a time he picked the wrong sister. A mission that is working perfectly—until the one person that ties them together appears, threatening to tear them apart for good.

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Excerpt

WHEN I PUT THE key he had given me in the door to his apartment it felt like the end of a long journey. Really it was only a little over twelve hours and I had stopped to nap once along the way, but it still felt like too long since I had seen his face or been able to touch all that toned and tattooed skin. Jimbo greeted me at the door when I pushed it open. His tongue lolled out of his mouth and he jumped up and put his paws on my legs. He was going to be huge when he finally grew into his fuzzy body and I was overwhelmed at how happy I was to see him. I dropped to my knees and rubbed my face in his neck as he licked me all over my face. I was obviously missed and I had to say it was just one more reason I knew I was finally where I was supposed to be. It was late, so the apartment was dark.

 I checked the dog’s food and water, trying to be quiet in case Rowdy was already asleep. I was winding my way toward his bedroom when a haphazardly discarded sketch pad lying on the couch caught my eye in the dim light. I paused for a minute to pick it up and felt my heart stop and then start to race as I flipped through the first few pages. There were a couple of drawings that were obviously for clients, tattoos that hadn’t made it from paper to skin yet, but most of the pristine white pages were covered with images wearing my face. There was mermaid me, and naughty- sailor- girl me. There was sassy Indian girl me with long Pocahontas braids and there was sexy devil me standing next to angelic me. There were dozens of them all in different shapes and sizes, but every single image was undoubtedly modeled after my distinct look. I wasn’t sure if he had drawn them all over this last week while I had been gone or over the months we had been chasing each other in circles.

Either way it made my heart swell and the full certainty that I was it for him settle deep inside my bones. I set the pad down and tiptoed through the hall. Jimbo took one look at where I was going and huffed out a disgusted- sounding snort. The poor guy had learned early on that he wanted no part of what happened between his humans when they were together in the bedroom. The light was off and Rowdy was sprawled on his stomach across the covers. His blond hair was sticking up every- where and he hand one arm bent up under his head. The only thing that could have made the sight better would have been if he hadn’t bothered with the black boxers before crashing out.

Even with them obscuring the view, I couldn’t complain. I let out a breathless sigh and crept closer so that I could lean over and touch my lips to that anchor on the side of his neck. I felt his pulse leap and tasted the salt on his skin as he murmured sleepily and rolled over onto his back. Those infinitely blue eyes glowed at me in the dark as a grin pulled up the corner of his mouth.

“Hey.”




About the Author

Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men series. She also introduced the dark and sexy world of The Point in a new series this last summer starting with BETTER WHEN HE's BAD. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she'll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.

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Book Giveaway Friday: MELTING THE ICE by Jaci Burton (SIGNED) and RELEASE ME by J. Kenner

Every week, I'll give away a print copy to one lucky winner!

This week I'm giving away a signed paperback copy of Melting the Ice by Jaci Burton and a paperback of Release Me by J. Kenner!

Everything’s coming together for budding fashion designer Carolina Preston. Only months away from having her own line, she could use some publicity. That’s when her brother suggests his best friend as a model—hockey player Drew Hogan.

Carolina and Drew already have a history—a hot one, back in college. Unforgettable for Carolina, but for Drew, just another slap shot. This time, though, it’s different. His perfect body would be for professional use only. This time, she could use him.

Drew is all for it. He’s looking forward to the exposure. Plus, it would give him a chance to prove to Carolina that he’s changed. If only he could thaw her emotions, convince her to let down her guard and let him in just one more time…

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He was the one man I couldn’t avoid. And the one man I couldn’t resist.

Damien Stark could have his way with any woman. He was sexy, confident, and commanding: Anything he wanted, he got. And what he wanted was me.

Our attraction was unmistakable, almost beyond control, but as much as I ached to be his, I feared the pressures of his demands. Submitting to Damien meant I had to bare the darkest truth about my past—and risk breaking us apart.

But Damien was haunted, too. And as our passion came to obsess us both, his secrets threatened to destroy him—and us—forever.

Release Me is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

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Cover Reveal: JUST GOTTA SAY by Laura Kaye @laurakayeauthor

Happy Book Birthday to Laura Kaye! Just Gotta Say is a 17K-word erotic menage short story. It will be $.99 and available in print!!

Callie Davis stumbles upon two of her three male roommates in a surprising, molten-hot midnight tryst and discovers a side of herself she never knew existed. Desire to play with them grips her, and she can’t stop fantasizing about having multiple men, particularly her three long-time best friends. 

Callie is thrilled when a guys’ night out gives her the perfect opportunity to recreate her fantasy, with the help of a threesome porn video and a bag of sex toys. That is, until Lucas, Jack and Noah return early and catch her in the act. More than anything, the guys want to make her fantasy come true. But Callie has a secret, and she can’t help wondering if being with all three men will risk the future she’s always wanted with one of them. 

As three strong sets of hands caress and undress her, Callie surrenders to desire, because sometimes you just gotta say...yes.

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Excerpt

The set-up: Callie’s most secret fantasy was just unexpectedly revealed to her three male roommates…

The invitation he laid out for her—the invitation to be with them, to act out this fantasy for real with them—was completely outside anything she imagined possible.

She sat for a long moment, still mostly curled into herself. Her gaze lit on the rough bobbing of Jack’s Adams apple as he swallowed. His apparent case of nerves eased hers. A little. Soft, sandy-colored strands brushed against her forehead. Her nose filled with the scent of him, all night air and masculinity.

Callie took a deep breath, her body remembering her unfulfilled arousal even as her brain struggled to keep up. “What are you saying, Jack?” she whispered, buying herself time to think and needing him to spell it out.

One hand stroked her back while the other combed her hair off the side of her face. “I’m saying”—he nibbled at her ear, but this time his lips lingered, his warm exhalation caressing her skin—“that the three of us want to bring that fantasy to life for you. If you want.”

Every nerve ending tingled with the promise of what he offered. Her heart rose from where it had plummeted into her gut and now hammered against her chest. Images of the three of them kissing her, fucking her, swamped her brain. Blood roared through her ears. “Are you teasing me?”

“Look at me,” he said, sliding his large hand under her cheek.

The commanding press of his skin on hers skittered electrical charges down her neck to her breasts. Her nipples hardened. She acquiesced and sat up just enough to face one of her three dearest friends.

“We want to do this for you.” He quirked the sexiest of crooked smiles and shrugged with one shoulder. “You know we’d be good together.”

She didn’t know whether his “we” meant her and him or the four of them. An encouraging voice in her mind said both interpretations were true.

He cupped her neck, his grasp comforting and reassuring, and brushed his lips against her right cheekbone. Her right eye. Her forehead. Tilting his head to the other side, he repeated the action against her left eye, the apple of her left cheek. She gasped when his last kiss fell on that tender, hollow spot just below her ear.

“What do you want, Callie? Whatever you want, we want. Always.”

About the Author

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day. 

 
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Book Birthday: FIX UP by Stephanie Witter @StephanieR76

Fix Up by Stephanie Witter is a New Adult Contemporary Romance, out today!

Saying “I love you'' doesn't erase the old scars and fears.

"I love you to insanity. I'm not even sure if it's a good thing.'' — Duke

Skye is trying to overcome what happened with Sean. Now that she’s slowly healing, both physically and mentally, she’s determined to do something she should have done sooner.

She’s meeting twice a week with a new, very young therapist, Dr. Marshall.

There, she’s able to talk freely, unwind, and question things. Most of the sessions she talks about herself and her hang-ups, along with her relationship with Duke, which is still on rocky ground.

"I want to taste his sweat. I want to hear his groans. I want to feel him inside of me.'' — Skye

But while Skye is slowly getting back on her feet, Duke feels like he's drowning. He’s afraid of pushing her too much, of initiating intimacy, and it’s weighing between them. Moreover, knowing that he's not the one she’s talking to anymore is making him feel things he never thought possible.

"It’s a matter of when I’ll stop fighting." — Duke

As days pass, Duke is showing over and over how vulnerable he truly is and how Skye has more power over him than she ever imagined.

When Skye sees how they keep hurting each other, she’s determined to do everything in her power to make things right, no matter what the cost.

But one thing is still sure; she can count on Duke whenever she needs him, even if they disagree and fight. When Duke loves, he loves with everything he’s made of, the good and the bad.

"Loving her is confusing, making me afraid of myself and what I can do ... because I can break us both." — Duke

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Patch Up, Book 1, is on sale for $0.99!

Skye followed her long time boyfriend to Seattle for their first year of college, but he dumped her after only a week. The relationship brought only pain and destruction in Skye's life, and yet, she can't bring herself to open up and live her life.

"What if I am already broken into pieces?"

She hates to be touched, hiding under her oversized shirts and behind her wild frizzy hair. Even her bubbly roommate can't reach her. And yet ...

"I'm the guy who knows how you can hurt so much that your insides feel like they're cut and bleeding."

The tall, handsome, and tattooed TA in her psychology class changes everything when he literally collides with her and confronts her. For the first time in a long time, she wants to try and open up to this guy whose dark, intense eyes can't hide his own pain despite his dazzling smile getting to her.

However, just when she's starting to live again, her ex-boyfriend comes back, breaking her time and time again, making it all the more complicated.

She wants to fight for herself and for this building thing with the TA, even when he pushes her away, but can two broken people patch each other up?

"I never thought colliding with someone could change lives, but it is possible."


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About the Author

Stephanie Witter is a French dreamer. She started learning English at three, and fell in love with the language. Always with a book, or two close by, she started reading in English when she couldn't wait any longer for Harry Potter to be translated in French. After a while, reading wasn't enough. She started writing Young Adult and New Adult Contemporary novels and PATCH UP was her first New Adult Contemporary novel.

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