Julie Elizabeth Powell's Blog, page 14
February 10, 2018
WORKING THE COUNT by Jeanine Binder
WORKING THE COUNT
by Jeanine Binder
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Working the count (definition) - When a batter is patient in his at-bats and tries to get "ahead in the count" or to get a pitch that he can hit hard.
Montero Salazaar was a master of this in his private life. He was always looking for the home run and never the strike out; contrary to how he wanted things to go when he was in a game. Being a major league pitcher only helped to enhance the number of girls wanting him in their bed and he knew how to lay down the smooth line at the exact right time. His life was an open book – at thirty-two years old, he had all the time in the world to play and have fun, making his presence known on every tabloid imaginable. Each day brought the promise of a new encounter, leaving him sated and satisfied without having to look in the rearview mirror.
But then came Casey and his aunt, Annie. Being with her, he felt like he had been doused with a vat of ice water and now wide awake - looking at life (and love) so differently. Montero wasn’t used to women who weren’t throwing themselves at him and how could Annie be changing him so dramatically? And why was he suddenly more interested in spending an afternoon coaching an eight-year-old with baseball tips than finding someone to spend a sexy night with?
Was this his one chance for love rather than being destined for one-nighters? Can he really change and make himself a solid person for Annie to love? Or were his teammates right and this would all blow over like a late-night storm with no true love in sight?
“What’s up?” Montero asked cautiously, setting his phone back down on the locker floor, looking the guys over to make sure they didn’t have anything to spray him with, or dump on him. Practical jokes were a way of life in the locker room and you had to always keep your guard up. All four of these guys were ganging up on him – all bets were off. He knew they had an agenda of some kind.
“Salley,” Mike Robbins, the first baseman started. “Salley” was the nickname his team all called him as a joke, which didn’t bother him. Some of his teammates had worse nicknames and he knew they’d thought they were being cute by giving him a girl’s name. “You’re up to something and we want to know what. You know you can’t keep secrets from us.”
“I have no idea what you guys are talking about,” he retorted, but couldn’t hold back the smile on his face. He knew he should keep a poker face, but something inside wanted to tell his team the truth. He was feeling good about his relationship and he felt he could talk about it openly. Now might be the opening he’d been waiting for.
Mike pointed his finger at him in an accusing manner. “That’s what I’m talking about. Look at that shit-eating grin on your face. Give it up, Sal. What have you done?”
Montero wavered, going over the pros and cons in his mind, whether to tell them about Annie. He was still surprised at the whole relationship himself and he knew he was in for an onslaught of teasing from his teammates once he came clean with them. But he didn’t have a clever way to dodge the situation and figured they’d all have to know sometime. He took a deep breath and blew it out, facing his teammates and swallowed once before starting. “Well, I sort of have… a girlfriend.”
There was silence for a moment then the four guys around him just burst into laughter. The kind that makes your eyes water and your stomach hurt. Montero watched patiently as they all dropped either onto the bench beside him or onto the floor – the hoots of their amusement making him wish he’d just kept his mouth shut. It was inevitable they would find out and he’d figured he’d take the easy way out by telling them, but from the sound of things, that was even going to go south on him. He wasn’t finding their laughter very amusing, trying to be tolerant until they were finished. He knew this was coming but still…
“Not sure what’s so funny,” Montero interrupted.
“That has to be the best thing I have heard all week,” David answered. David Ruston was a reliever – usually brought in at the seventh inning to carry on for the starting pitcher, and had followed Montero on the field more times than he could count. “Montero Salazaar with only one woman – Salley, I can’t get my head around that thought. And I know this has just got to be some whim you’re on. A dare someone made? Or a bet...that’s it. Someone is paying you to do this…”
“No one’s paying me to do anything and it’s not any kind of bet,” Montero said, fixing David with a stare. “This is a whole new world for me. I haven’t been to a club or out with another woman in almost three months. Tell me that isn’t serious, thank you very much.”
Mike nudged David in the ribs. “She must be a hot tamale in bed then.”
The guys all went back off in another fit of laughter. Montero stood up, finishing getting dressed. He was too tired and cranky to continue feeding their amusement. He’d earned every bit of their disbelief and harassment, but he didn’t need to have it all tonight and he wasn’t interested in taking anymore. “Laugh it up guys,” he said, finally. “If you want to see for yourself, get off your asses and come down to Riverside Ball Park at four tomorrow. You can meet her and then you’ll see I’m legit.”
Just as he got to the locker room door, he heard Mike’s voice behind him. “It won’t last, Salley. You don’t have the moxy to commit to just one woman. I give it another couple of weeks at most – things will be back to normal. I’ll even put a C-Note on it.”
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I’ll be at the Booking in Biloxi event – March 24th at the IP Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi.I'll have signed copies on the table for $7 and you get to meet DeLonn Donovan (the model on the cover).
Jeanine Binder grew up in a small town in California on the outskirts of Palm Springs, where the Hollywood celebrities liked to vacation. After thirty years, she packed up, moved to Arkansas where she still lives today. Her hobbies include her writing, reading good books, and seeing exotic places (loves to go on cruises).
Writing has always been a passion and hoping the next twenty years will bring many enjoyable books for others to read.
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Prize: 2 winners of a signed copy of Working The Count
SAVING GRACE by Aubrey Wynne
SAVING GRACE
by Aubrey Wynne
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense with Historical elements
Narrator: Sara K. Sheckells
A tortured soul meets a shattered heart...
Chloe Hicks' life consisted of an egocentric ex-husband, a pile of bills, and an equine business in foreclosure until a fire destroys the stable and her beloved ranch horse. What little hope she has left is smashed after the marshal suspects arson. She escapes the accusing eyes of her hometown, but not the memories and melancholy.
Jackson Hahn, Virginia Beach's local historian, has his eyes on the mysterious new woman in town. When she arrives in Pungo, he is struck by her haunting beauty and the raw pain in her eyes. Her descriptions of the odd events happening in her bungalow pique his curiosity.
The sexy historian distracts Chloe with the legend of a woman wrongly accused of witchcraft. She is drawn to the story and the similarities of events that plagued their lives. Perhaps the past can help heal the present. But danger lurks in the shadows...
Four Seasons Riding Stable
Chloe sat straight up, willing the fog in her head to dissipate. The bed sheets were twisted around her ankles. Sweat trickled down her back. The terror froze her limbs while she struggled to calm her thudding heart and listen for the sound all horse owners dread. But it was the smell that made her realize this was not a terrible dream.Smoke.Instinct took over and she scrambled from the four-poster, making a beeline for the back door and the barn. Her toe smacked against the corner of a wall as her eyes adjusted to the darkness. Oh god, not my babies. Not Bunny. Panic weighed down her legs as her bare feet hit the gravel. Everything seemed to move in slow motion. She tried to run down the long driveway, her eyes riveted to the red-orange flames shooting up into the black sky. Paul emerged from the darkness, his face colored yellow from the fiery glow. He signaled for her to take the front of the building as he disappeared around the back.The frigid night air slapped her awake, but a horrifying screech from a panicked horse kicked in her adrenaline. Chloe reached the big, sliding doors and tugged them open. Heat smacked her face, and the smoke assaulted her lungs. Coughing, tears running down her cheeks, she slid back the bolts and opened the stall doors. On the other side, Paul’s voice faintly reached her over the crackle that filled her ears.“Hiya! Move it, move it.”The fire had consumed the other half of the barn where the arena was located. Above her was the loft, filled with winter hay and the last of her savings, now adding fuel to the already intense blaze. She pushed the thought from her mind as the flames shot through the center of the alleyway and the arena caved in.Grabbing one of the lead ropes that hung at each door, she smacked the first horse on the rump and sent him flying out of the barn. The first three horses on each side followed their stable mates into safety with little persuasion. But Duchess, her mother’s old mare, wouldn’t budge. Chloe threw the lead rope over her neck and forced a calm tone. “Easy, girl. That’s my girl. Walk on, now. Walk on.”The old horse snorted and pranced but followed her out of the stall. When they neared the opening, she withdrew the rope and whacked Duchess’ hindquarters. With a leap, the horse disappeared into the gray haze. The acrid odor of scorched hair and burnt wood filled her nostrils. Embers popped and her cheek blistered. She wiped at it with her shoulder as she led two more horses out by hand.Crack!Above them, a beam gave way and formed a fiery V. The horses must have sensed it also because they lunged ahead, snapping Chloe’s shoulders forward. She struggled to maintain her balance but fell to the matted floor, her knees striking the hard rubber. A boom behind her sent a spray of sparks, and pain shot along her backside. From the corner of her eye, she saw a strand of her hair spark. Frantically, she beat at it with her bare hand, putting it out on her neck. The heat was sweltering now. Images wavered in the flames that licked at the dry timbers of the remaining stalls and the heavy beams above.Scrambling to her feet, Chloe ran outside into the frigid night and stumbled down the drive to help Paul. As she reached the other side of the barn, she doubled over as a coughing spasm racked her body. Hands on her knees, gasping to pull air into her tight chest, she heard Paul yelling over the crackle and whinnies.“Bunny won’t leave the stall, and won’t let me near her foal.”“What about Jack?”“He’s good. C’mon, the roof is gonna give.”His hand tightened around her arm and pulled with such force her feet almost left the ground. Plunging back into the smoking hell, they entered Bunny’s stall and found the foal in the corner.“Paul, I’ll get the foal then Bunny will follow.”Another loud snap from above. She grabbed the lead rope dangling from the horse’s halter and handed it to the trainer. Running a palm down her mare’s neck, she spoke soothingly, “Atta girl, Bunny. There’s my girl. Let’s your get your baby out of here.” The mare’s ears perked at her voice and words. Chloe tossed a rope around the foal’s neck and pulled. The baby gave to the pressure and followed Chloe out.Behind her, a loud, splintering crash was followed by a shrill squeal. Her stomach twisted as she turned to see her trainer pulling at the lead rope. A fiery beam pinned Bunny as she thrashed, her legs flying in the air. One hoof caught the man in the head, and he crumpled to the ground.Fighting for air, her chest a tight ball of agony, Chloe stumbled back in and grabbed Paul under his arms. She dragged him with the last of her strength and shuffled backwards until her feet tripped on something solid. She fell, his body tangled in her legs as they both landed with a thud. A sob ripped at her raw throat at the sound of a muffled shriek. Tears spilled down her burning cheeks as she shook the lifeless body on top of her. Chloe collapsed hand rested on Paul’s chest, finding hope in the slight rise and fall of his shallow breathing. In the back of her brain, the sound of sirens wailed before the world went black.
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Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding and all things Christmas.
Her short stories, Merry Christmas, Henry and Pete's Mighty Purty Privies have won Readers Choice Awards and Dante's Gift received the 2016 Golden Quill and Heart of Excellence award, as well as being a Maggie and Aspen Gold finalist.Besides her Chicago Christmas novellas, Aubrey will release "A Vintage Romance" series inspired by tales of her stepfather, who served for the British Air Force in WWII. The stories will be set in the 40s & 50s. Her medieval fantasy series will launch in 2017 with Rolf's Quest.
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Subscribe to Aubrey's newsletter for new releases and exclusive excerpts and free stories.A place of handsome knights, dashing gentlemen, beautiful, sassy women, and romance from the past to the present. You’ll also have some opportunities to help promote Aubrey with her upcoming releases if you feel so inclined. There is fun to be had, prizes to be given, and heroes and heroines to fall in love with. Come join Aubrey's street team .
February 9, 2018
DANGEROUS MOVES by Karen Rock
DANGEROUS MOVES
Dallas After Dark, Book 1
by Karen Rock
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pounding music. Sculpted men. And a conspiracy that could cost far more than a few dollar bills . . .
HOT COP
Detective Blake Knight has been undercover before. But an assignment to bust a steroid ring running out of Dallas’s elite male strip club means his new cover will be nothing but his own taut muscles and oiled skin. It’s one thing for the tough, by-the-books agent to take down bad guys with his gun. Facing a rowdy crowd in only a G-string is another story . . . especially in front of his new boss, gorgeous, mysterious Reese Landon.
Her father’s club and shady business practices bring back terrible memories for Reese. But when he’s shot and goes into a coma, she vows to protect him the way he never did for her. That means keeping the police at a distance—especially sexy, driven Detective Knight. If she has to give him a cover job, it would be a crime not to put that glorious ass on stage. But no matter how good he looks in a Velcro uniform, she can't trust him, or give into the undeniable heat between them. They're both chasing the truth. And it might expose more than either wants to show . . .
Blake threw back the last of his lukewarm coffee and set the mug down on the desk’s corner. The bitter dregs of the last gulp stuck in the back of his throat. Time to wrap this up and pursue a lead he’d gotten on his way over here. “So, when do I start?”
“No openings managing the door. Any experience tending bar? Mixing drinks?” Reese’s eyes narrowed, a challenge in their depths.
He rubbed his jaw bristle. “Mostly a beer guy, but I’m a fast learner.” She nodded, thoughtful. “Your inexperience would draw too much attention.” Her gaze dropped to a paper stack before her. “But I’ve got a resignation letter here from one of the dancers.”
He slid to his feet and bit back a grimace. Damn woman. “Do I look like a dancer to you?”
Her eyes fell to his feet then rose slowly to his face, a slow, sensual perusal. Heat rushed south, along with his blood and his sense. “Your other attributes will compensate,” she said smoothly, fingering a large, heart-shaped locket.
“Such as?” Jesus. Was he a piece of meat now?
“Turn around.”
“What? No. That’s not going to—”
“Do you want to work here or not? You’re lucky I’m even considering this. The last member of my family to cooperate with you ended up shot and in intensive care.”
His shoulders lowered. Fine. She had a point. He spun around.
“Are we done?” he snapped after a few seconds, then turned, his body rigid.
Her appreciative eyes met his, tightening his groin. “We’re just getting started.”
“Look, lady. I’m not one of your pretty boys.”
He cleared his throat and breathed in a steadying gulp of air. Too bad her scent filtered through as she glided around the desk, seducing his senses with the knowledge of how she smelled.
Clean. Like soap rather than fragrance. The intimate realization made him want to know what her hair smelled like too. Hell.
“No. But variety spices things up, don’t you think?” She leaned against the desk and cocked her head. “Take off your clothes.”
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Award-winning author Karen Rock is both sweet and spicy—at least when it comes to her writing! The author of both YA and adult contemporary books writes sexy suspense novels and small-town romances for Harlequin and Kensington publishing. A strong believer in Happily-Ever-After, Karen loves creating unforgettable stories that leave her readers with a smile. When she’s not writing, Karen is an avid reader who also loves cooking her grandmother’s Italian recipes, baking and having the Adirondack Park wilderness as her backyard, where she lives with her husband, daughter, dog and cat who keep her life interesting and complete.
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Prize: $50 Amazon gift and 5 Books: Wicked Grind, by J. Kenner, Off Track, by C.L. Hadyn, Run to Ground by Katie Ruggle, Dangerous Games by Tess Diamond and His Last Defense (autographed) by Karen Rock
FOREVER AND ONE DAY by Jacqueline Simon Gunn
FOREVER AND ONE DAY
by Jacqueline Simon Gunn
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Dates: Paperback on February 6th & Kindle on February 13th
Everyone has wondered “what if?” But how many get a chance to live it?
Seventeen years ago, Olivia Watson’s world was turned upside down when she discovered Justin, her high-school sweetheart turned fiance, having sex with her best friend, Petal. Unable to muster up any forgiveness, she turns her back on him and every friend connected to that part of her life, leaving many questions about the details of the betrayal unanswered.
When Olivia receives an invitation for her twenty-year high school reunion, she decides that she’s been avoiding the past for too long. It’s time to go back and revisit that part of her life, her old friends, and the betrayal that created the wedge between them.
As soon as she and Justin lay eyes on each other at the reunion, they immediately sense the vibrant remains of their unbreakable connection. The spark between them never faded. However, Justin is now married to Petal and Olivia is involved with Adam, her handsome, best-selling-author boyfriend. But is healing old wounds enough for Olivia and Justin to move forward together, or will it help them make peace with the new lives they have chosen?
Each of the four main characters remain bound to their past by unresolved issues, demonstrating that sometimes we can’t find our future until we settle our past. But, most importantly, Olivia learns that forever isn’t time eternal; rather, forever is a place we share with the people we love the most - even when they’re gone.
“Have you thought of me at all? Was there ever a time when you wondered ‘what if?’ I have been driving myself nuts thinking what if.”
“There was never a ‘what if’ for me. You slept with my best friend. I’m not upset about it anymore, but it’s the reality. I did think about you. I missed you, but I wouldn’t let myself feel it, not deeply at least. The pain. When it came on, I pushed it aside. Then ten years passed. And I find out you married her. Married. If there had ever been a ‘what if’ it was taken away when I found out that you were married.” She put her hand over her mouth. That last sentence spilled out. She didn’t even know that she thought it until it slipped past her lips. Would there have been a second chance if he hadn’t married Petal?
And for the first time, she admitted to herself, perhaps, yes.
Now she looked at him and felt the what if washing over her. The desire to touch him, to remember how his lips felt kissing her mouth, her skin, her hair, felt irresistible. She gulped.
He stared into her eyes and she felt a kiss coming. Their faces hovered in an awkward dance as their mouths drew closer. She could feel the warmth of his breath against her lips. My gosh, she shivered, leaned in, then quickly pulled back. She broke the eye contact. Trying to shake the sensation, she gulped down some wine. “Justin. We can’t.”
“I know.” He responded. But she could see the longing in his eyes. And the love, she could feel it, enveloping, like she was immersed in a deep sea surrounded by Justin’s feelings. She ached for him to touch her. As much as her words said we can’t, and as much as she was saying no in her head, her heart was saying please kiss me.
Please just grab me and kiss me before I can say no.
Jacqueline Simon Gunn is a Manhattan-based clinical psychologist and writer. She has authored two non-fiction books, and co-authored two others. She has published many articles, both scholarly and mainstream, and currently works as a freelance writer. With her academic and clinical experience in psychology, Gunn is now writing psychological fiction. Her Close Enough to Kill series, explores the delicate line between passion and obsession, love and hate, and offers readers an elaborate look into the mind of a murderer.
In addition to her clinical work and writing, Gunn is an avid runner and reader. She is currently working on multiple writing projects, including two romance novels.
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February 5, 2018
BITTERSWEETS: Oscar & Lisa by Suzanne Jenkins
BITTERSWEETS
Oscar & Lisa
by Suzanne Jenkins
Genre: Steamy Contemporary Romance
What is the one thing your lover says to you that works immediately? Lisa discovered he didn't even have to speak. It was love at first sight when she touched Oscar for the first time.
Nurse Lisa Penn's mother hoped she'd meet a doctor to marry at work, but fate had something else in mind. Never expecting to find romance in the ICU, Lisa knew when patient Oscar Butler was admitted after a near-fatal motorcycle accident, that he might be the love of her life. A chance meeting a few months later would bring them together again. But Oscar's determination not to rush into love, hoping that taking their time will make it last causes Lisa to have second thoughts. Will waiting for that perfect moment to take their relationship to the next level ever come, or does fate have other ideas?
Follow the link below to BookFunnel to see an excerpt for each book available in this series.
Book 1 - BITTERSWEETS: Terry & Alex
Book 2 - BITTERSWEETS: Brenda & Larry
Book 3 - BITTERSWEETS: Oscar & Lisa
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A one night stand segues to a weekend of passion, leading to a lifetime of romance in Bittersweets – Terry and Alex.
A Philadelphia lawyer, tired of making the same relationship mistakes, falls in love at last, and with the advice of her aging father, Harry, traverses the mysteries of romance and heartache.
Bittersweets: Terry and Alex is the first stand alone in the saga, introducing you to Arvin and Tina, Brenda and Larry, Rick and Jason, Mrs. Dell, and the rest of the cast.
A trip to the emergency room leads to a whirlwind romance for Philadelphia law student Brenda and ER physician Larry. Head over heels in love with Brenda, nothing can disturb the love he has for her, not even a dark secret from her past.
Suzanne Jenkins Bio Suzanne writes page-turning contemporary romance, mystery, and women's fiction with passionately gripping characters that stay with readers long after they turn the last page. The Detroit Detective Stories, beginning with The Greeks of Beaubien Street are a reflection of American fantasy with historical reality. Pam of Babylon books consistently rank in the Top 100 Best Sellers in American Drama with over 500,000 downloads. A retired operating room nurse, Jenkins lives in Southern California.
February 2, 2018
Stories From Me
Depression has brought me into that familiar vat of treacle but I'm fighting as much as I can. The fact that I can't sell my work or find reviews makes things even more difficult and Amazon seems hell-bent on stopping independent authors from succeeding.
However, I love writing so much (reading, too) that it helps that neverending battle against the fog.
To help with the sense of achievement (even if they won't sell), I've put together three collections and a short story, as well as published the omnibus edition for Of Sound Mind and Maisie as they are linked: it's called, The Keys To Mageia. I was often asked if there would be more from Jorja in Of Sound Mind, and a long time later, Maisie came to me with the answer.
***
The Keys To Mageia: Two Tales, One Story Omnibus Edition
myBook.to/thekeystomageia
Mageia is a magical realm, discovered in madness, perhaps, but is it real?
Jorja knows only too well that what she sees could just be an imaginary world of an insane mind, where she lingers to escape the cruelties that surround her. Except for her frail mother, she has nobody to love her. But she did have these strange powers. Are they valid or part of her folly in thinking she is different? She has been locked up, after all.
Maisie is blind; had been since she’d appeared. Though an orphan, found on a doorstep of a Home, there is something special about her that, at the age of seven, begins to change her perception of what could be the enigma of truth.
What is the connection between Jorja and Maisie?
The Keys To Mageia reveals their secrets and will possibly make you believe it’s all real.
Two tales of adventure, mystery and surprises, one story of fantasy, where your wishes may or may not come true.
***
Short story:
Whispers In The Tower
myBook.to/whispersinthetower
Amara’s life has always been difficult and living in the town of Rose Lake doesn’t make things easier, as anyone different is in danger.
When Amara learns the mysteries of her past, she worries for her future and of those she loves.
There is a prophecy, but as yet, its secret has not yet unfolded.
Listen to the whispers of the tower and discover Amara’s fate.
A fantasy tale told from an unlikely source.
***
Three collections:
Star Bright: A Collection of Fantasy /Science-Fiction stories
myBook.to/starbrightstories
What does the future hold? Death is certainly waiting. Love, too, if we only grab the chance.
Here is a collection of various points of view of love, life and death: it may not be what you think.
***
https://images.gr-assets.com/books/15...
myBook.to/Impulsecollection
What makes people kill? Is it a tickle that must be scratched or something far worse? Is that impulse to murder inside us all or can we ignore the monster?
Try this collection and listen to the echoes of your soul.
***
Shades: A Collection of Paranormal Stories
http://myBook.to/shadescollection …
What is the truth? Can we really know? In the depths of our souls, do we accept that there is more to living than we understand? Delve into these short stories and allow yourself to wonder about the mysteries that surround us.
***
So there they are, who knows if I'll sell any copies, but I can only hope.
Thank you.
GRAY'S PROMISE by Anni Fife
GRAY'S PROMISE
A King Security Novel, Book 2
by Anni Fife
Zoey Morgan seems to have it all as a successful surgeon in Boston. However, perfection lies only on the surface. Plagued by nightmares and amnesia from a tragedy that ripped her family from her fourteen years ago, she finds the courage to reach out to the only man who can make her feel safe. She’s buried the memory of their love, but her heart—and her body—responds to the ex-marine in ways that are all too familiar.
Grayson “Gray” Walker’s heart shattered when Zoey chose another man over him. Since then, he’s built an impenetrable wall around his emotions. But from the moment she implodes back into his life, her vulnerability breaches his defenses. His skills as an elite member of the King Security team cannot shield him from the devastation of learning he might have left Zoey high and dry when she needed him most. Now, Gray must navigate the tripwire of helping her heal while protecting himself from being hurt again.
As the embers of their potent love reignite, an old threat awakens, leading to greater danger than ever before.
A jealousy that destroys everything in its path…a love that refuses to die.
Gray’s nostrils flared. “You got an itch, Zoey?”
Awareness flushed through me. “And if I did?” His smoky-blue eyes dropped to my mouth. Like he flicked a switch I licked my lips.
“Christ!” His whispered curse made my stomach tighten into a hard ball, but I met his scowl and blinked innocently. He shook his head, his gaze mocking. “I’m not the person to tap, sweet-thing, if all you want to do is scratch.”
I felt my face flush. “I’m not a kitty cat, buddy!”
His brows shot up. “Did you just call me buddy?”
I clamped my lips together. Disbelief was frozen on his face. I returned his stare bug-eyed. My body started to shake. I swallowed but as hard as I tried, the laughter gathered.
“Zoey!” he growled.
Uncontrolled giggles burst from me. “S-sorry.” I held up a hand. “So sorry.” I spluttered again and bent over double, giggles turning into snorting laughter.
“Fuck. Now I know what Luke means by Katya being a pain in his ass.”
I hugged my aching stomach and squinted at him. “Jeez, tough guy, what’s with you and asses?”
He glared at me. “You need yours spanked.”
“Is that a promise?” I was aiming for blasé but my wheezing snort ruined the effect.
Gray stood and grabbed my hand, tugging me to my feet. “Let’s get out of here. This isn’t the place for this conversation.”
“What?” I giggled. “A spanking conversation.” The idea of Gray reddening my butt made me clench it. Yikes!
“No, sweet-thing.” He swung his arm around my shoulders and whispered in my ear. “A conversation about your itch. That conversation.”
“Oh!” My breath quickened. And my laughing fit instantly died.
Lordy.
It was hot in here.
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THE BIG THREE! featuring ANNI FIFE and GRAY’S PROMISE
Anni’s BIG THREE of Why It’s Good To Be Alive
ONE - 5-STAR REVIEWS
For an author, reviews are our lifeblood. They are the reward that make agonizing hours at our keyboards worth the tears and time sacrificed with loved ones. They are also vital to increase readership, as readers rarely buy a new author if their book is missing good reviews. Gray’s Promise has hit the ground running with a slew of 5-star reviews from bloggers and verified Amazon readers, many of whom have said that it is one of their favorite reads of 2017. N.N. Light, author and Amazon Influencer, humbled me by saying this in her review: “In a nutshell, the best book I’ve ever read. Hands down.” Now that makes me cry…and feel good to be alive!
TWO – LIVING THE DREAM!
When I shut the door on my life in the city, including a successful career in TV Production, I had a dream of what I wanted my life to be like: live in a small town where my neighbors knew my name, walk the beach every day, make friends with people who actually cared about me, and WRITE! In December, after I published my second novel, Gray’s Promise, and celebrated the festive season at my small beach home with my family and friends, I realized I’m living the dream. And how fantastic is that!
THREE – A CONTRACT IN HAND!
Starting the year with a publishing contract in hand for my third book, Eva’s Peace, definitely makes it good to be alive. This is the story of mysterious and emotionally contained Scarlett Eva Young, King Security’s profiler and half-sister to Thayne “King” Kingsley. Her awesome alpha hottie is LAPD Detective, Tom Payne. I’m aiming to bring their heart-wrenching story to you by Fall this year.
Zoey's BIG THREE of What She Loves About Gray
(with extracts from Gray’s Promise!)
ONE – GRAY IS ZOEY’S SUN
For as long as Zoey can remember, going back to when she was eight years old, Gray was the light that shined brightest in her life. In her words, “Even on my darkest days, he’s my sun.” When pushed to give one reason why this is so, Zoey reveals that it is Gray’s innate understanding and unconditional acceptance of all that she is…and isn’t, that makes her love him to the bottom of her soul.
TWO – HIS PORN STAR MOUTH
When Gray is in her vicinity, Zoey finds it a challenge to take her eyes off his mouth. It’s like a magnet to her senses. “His mouth was one of the thousand things I loved about him. His upper lip a perfect cupid’s bow. His lower one, full and sensual with a marked indent. I used to tease him that he had the mouth of a porn star. And he did. God! The indescribable pleasure—“ Okay! Stopping now…
THREE – HIS HONOR AND PROTECTIVE SPIRIT
When Zoey’s sanity is threatened by panic attacks, and fragmented memories haunt her waking hours, she finds her way back to Gray. Their shattered love story, past hurts and betrayals, cannot obliterate her faith in his innate honor and protective spirit. He is the beacon in her darkness, her sun, and her safe zone. Zoey reveals this at the end of the story when she tells Gray why she loves him: “I love your honor and your unflinching loyalty to those you call family…I love your need to protect me, to protect others.”
Gray’s BIG THREE of What He Loves About Zoey
(with extracts from Gray’s Promise!)
ONE – SHE’S THE ANCHOR TO HIS SOUL
Gray’s connection to Zoey is instantaneous from the moment they meet as children. As their relationship moves from childhood best friends to young love, she becomes his anchor in the face of an emotional tornado, his touchstone as he endures the worst of betrayals. When tragedy strikes and they are torn apart, Gray feels cut adrift. Years later, when Zoey comes to him for help, Gray is confronted with the undeniable truth: Zoey is the anchor to his soul. “Thousands of tensile steel threads bound them together. Over time, they might have been stretched to their limit but they had not broken. It was like she was burned into his DNA. And when Zoey hurt, Gray felt the same hurt deep inside himself.”
TWO – HER FUNNY BONE
Zoey has a wicked sense of humor. Gray loves this because even when he’s mad at her, she has the ability to cut through his temper in such an unexpected manner, he can’t help being seduced into laughter.
THREE – HER BEGUILING JADE-GREEN CAT EYES
Since Zoey blossomed into a woman, Gray has been captivated by her.
“His beautiful red butterfly. Mercurial and brilliant. Her dark-copper hair alight with so many fiery streaks, he was constantly amazed it didn’t singe his skin. The curly length was unexpectedly soft, so goddamn sexy when it slipped like satin through his fingers. But as much as he loved her hair, it was her eyes that endlessly beguiled him. Tapered like a cat, they were vivid-green with a golden ring around her pupil. A fascinating combination of sex-kitten and innocent, and such an integral part of her expressive nature. There were times he thought they were too large for her heart-shaped face, but then she’d laugh and they’d turn that intense jewel-like green. Wicked. Infectious. Or she’d whimper with desire, and the golden ring would leak into the green. Hot and slumberous. Untamed.”
Editorial Reviews for Gray’s Promise
"In a nutshell, the best book I've ever read. Hands down." - ✯✯✯✯✯, NN LIGHT POTL Blog
"Tense, dark, and like a kaleidoscope of evil machinations, this romantic suspense will keep readers on the edge of their seats!" - ✯✯✯✯✯, Tomb Tender Book Blog
"One of my favorites for 2017 and a must read!" - ✯✯✯✯✯, Behind Closed Doors Book Reviews
"I was sucked in from the very first words...what I loved about this book--the unexpected expectations." - ✯✯✯✯✯, Bookgasms Book Blog
"This author definitely sinks you in deep on this story and I will be reading more of this author." - ✯✯✯✯✯, TDC Book Reviews
"This suspenseful romance is utterly spellbinding and well worth the year wait!" – ✯✯✯✯✯, Behind Closed Doors Book Reviews
Red-hot sex. Searing betrayal. A passionate and elusive love...
Chased by her criminal kingpin father, Katya Dalca runs to New Orleans and straight into the arms of Luke Hunter. Sucked into the carnal world of the French Quarter, she succumbs to Luke's potent sexuality. He not only steals her breath, he steals her heart and the only leverage she has against her father. She is left with no choice except to pick up the pieces and rebuild her life alone.
Undercover DEA agent Luke Hunter thought his newest assignment--recover a stolen flash drive to gain the trust of the Russian mob--was like any other. But his target brings him to his knees, and after one taste of her intoxicating beauty, he's in too deep. Doing his job means walking away, leaving his heart behind with nothing but a promise to reunite. It's a promise he can't keep.
When Katya's past reaches out and her world unravels, her only hope is the one man she is most vulnerable to--Luke.
Anni Fife is an exciting new contemporary romance author who has already made an indelible mark in the popular genre of steamy romantic suspense. Her debut novel, Luke’s Redemption, has been acclaimed by critics and readers and was a Finalist in the 2017 RONE Awards. Anni says she credits Kristen Ashley as her guiding inspiration, and strives to make her characters equally as heart-wrenching and unforgettable. She is currently working on Eva’s Peace (King Security Book 3).
Last year, Anni closed the door on a successful career in television production to fulfill her lifelong passion, writing. In the space of a month, she shut her business, packed up her city life, and moved to a small seaside village. When she’s not writing, she can be found on the beach searching for pansy shells, or drinking red wine and gabbing with her gal posse.
If you want to know when Anni’s next book is releasing and be first to get regular updates and BONUS TREATS, visit her website and sign up to join her POSSE.
Anni is published by The Wild Rose Press, and is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA).
A PINOT FOR YOUR THOUGHTS by Pamela Gibson
A PINOT FOR YOUR THOUGHTS
Love In The Wine Country
by Pamela Gibson
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Can she trust a man who broke her heart?
Spunky Beth Sawyer is determined to save a debt-ridden historic house she inherited from her grandmother. The Victorian mansion might be spared foreclosure if she can get a handful of cranky boarders out in time to open a bed and breakfast. Instead they’ve declared war and enlisted the aid of a man who still holds a piece of her heart.
After a dangerous assignment nearly takes his life, investigative reporter Aiden Reynoso limps home to Santa Marta to recover and rethink his career. He craves peace. Instead he finds chaos and a sexy new landlady, one he reluctantly left years ago after a brief fling.
The cliff-side mansion guards its secrets well, and so does Beth. Her beloved grandmother had an obsession. If revealed, it will ruin her reputation in a town that revere’s her memory. But the clock is ticking and Beth needs an ally. Can she trust a man who once broke her heart or is she destined to fight alone while her dreams turn as sour as spoiled wine.
She batted her eyelashes for effect, even though she knew she didn’t have an ounce of makeup on, and her hair was a twisted tangle on top of her head. Her shorts were the cutoffs she’d put on this morning, and her tank top had shrunk in the wash. It was old, just like most of her wardrobe, but power washing wasn’t a fashion event.
He came down the steps, towering above her. The cat stayed behind. “What is that thing?” He pointed at the washer.
“It’s a power washer. I’m cleaning stairs, then I’m going to stain them.”
“Yourself?”
She glared. “Of course. Unless your cat wants to help.”
Aiden looked at the cat, who’d come out on the landing, twitching his tail.
“He’s busy. But if you show me what to do, I’m available.”
That was unexpected.
“This isn’t going to take long, and then I’ll move to the back steps of the house. You can get on with your concentration.”
“Fine.”
He turned around and took the steps two at a time. She kept focus on his tight butt, wondering why he was still living in Santa Marta. Oh, right...now she remembered. His grandmother, the psychic, convinced him to go off on his own, to spend some time at the beach. A seagull had snatched a rosebud out of her hand, and she knew, she knew someone at Rose Manor needed him.
She got that part right.
She’d needed him desperately that first summer after her parents died, when she realized she’d never see them again. Her grief had taken strange turns, and one led her right into Aiden’s arms.
And I’m kidding myself if I think the attraction is dead.
The minute she saw Aiden Reynoso on her doorstep this morning, the old longing reared up and nearly swallowed her. She’d wanted to fling herself into his arms and sob her heart out. But with all the problems she faced, she couldn’t risk another rejection.
He was still hot, his hair the color of midnight, and dark chocolate eyes that saw right into your soul. With that toned body, he looked like he belonged in a commercial for Greek yogurt. Even the black-frame reading glasses he had on when he bolted down the stairs worked.
He’s not for you. He made that loud and clear years ago.
Beth could handle the other tenants. They seemed docile and sweet, and she was actively looking for a place to relocate them. But Aiden was a problem. Not only was he bad for her libido, he was the one she couldn’t get rid of legally. And if she didn’t get this house turned into a moneymaker fast, she was going to lose it to the bank.
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A Kiss of Cabernet ✯ A Touch of Chardonnay ✯ You Were Mine at Merlot ✯ Sauvignon Blanc to Sigh For
Award-winning author Pamela Gibson grew up loving books, history, and small towns. Her first career was a newspaper reporter, but when she returned to college to get a master’s degree, it was in public administration which eventually led to jobs running cities…not as an elected official, but as a city manager, the chief appointed one.
Writing was still her passion and when not busy—with the activities of two children and a lot of volunteer work—she was contracted to write several books on local history. Taking an early retirement at the urging of her very supportive husband, she turned to fiction and began writing the happy ending novels she loves to read.
Sign up for her quarterly newsletter on her website. New followers are eligible for a random drawing for two $5 Amazon gift cards prior to each edition. Author of six small-town contemporary novels, Scandal’s Child is her first historical novel.
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LOVE TIMES INFINITY by K.L. Ramsey
LOVE TIMES INFINITY
The Relinquished Series, Book 1
by K.L. Ramsey
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: February 22, 2018
Publisher: Black Velvet Seductions
Cover Designer: Jessica Greeley
The last thing Karlie Angel wants to do is travel home to attend her younger sister’s wedding. As if catching her boyfriend in bed with her little sister wasn’t humiliating enough, now she must watch them say, “I do.” Karlie has given up on love, men and her own happily ever after. She just wants to get this nightmare wedding over with and head back out of town. But she didn’t count on Drew Jackson.
Drew had been in love with Karlie since senior year of high school, but she belonged to Jake Ashbrook then. Now, he sees Karlie’s return as his only chance to claim her. He just needs to convince Karlie to let him into her heart. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words, especially when Karlie’s past comes back to haunt her. Drew must find a way to keep her safe and convince her not to run again.
Love Times Infinity is the first book of The Relinquished Series.
“Sorry, it’s just not my day. I should have stayed home, like I planned. Now I’m here, on the side of the road with a flat tire and in the arms of a man I didn’t think even knew my damn name eight months ago.”
He tightened his hold around her middle. “Oh, honey, I knew your name,” he drawled. “You like to cuss more than any woman I’ve known.”
“Well, you don’t really know me, now do you, Drew?” She was done standing on the side of the road. Done being held by this man who smelled like heaven and was close enough to kiss. Her eyes fixed on his mouth and he seemed to notice. His body stiffened.
“You shouldn’t look at me like that,” he rasped.
“Like how?” Karlie asked.
“Like you want me to kiss you. Because right now, darlin’, I want to do just that.”
“See, I don’t think you know my name, Drew. It’s not honey or darlin’, it’s—”
Then Drew’s lips were on hers, sealing over her mouth. His tongue slid across her closed lips, begging to enter. She gasped as he pulled her closer, grabbed her ass, and squeezed. That seemed to be what he wanted as his tongue entered her mouth. She licked him back and he moaned into her mouth. It was a good thing that he was holding her up because she couldn’t even feel her legs. He ended the kiss, leaving them both panting with the loss of air.
“Baby, I know your name. I know who you are, and I have wanted to do that since I first saw you, after I moved here in twelfth grade. You were the hottest girl in the senior class, and I knew I would never have a chance with you. I also knew that you were in love with Jake and that he’d have killed me if I ever even dared to touch you. I know you, Karlie Angel.”
Karlie felt a breath catch in her throat as she sighed. She snuggled into his arms and wiggled her butt, just enough to distract him. His hands were still on her ass and his fingers flexed. Good, she still had his attention.
“How would you like to be my date for my sister’s wedding?” She felt heat rise to her cheeks. Yeah, judging from Drew’s grin, she’d actually asked that.
Drew released her and took a step back. He was going to say no, she could see it in his face. His smile was meant to be polite. Okay, it was her fault for forgetting her new rule about swearing off the male population. She’d take his rejection and call someone to come pick her up. She was so close to her parents’ house, she could practically walk there with her suitcase and still make it to most of the rehearsal dinner in town.
“Sure, I’d love to be your date.”
K. L. Ramsey currently resides in West Virginia (Go Mountaineers!). In her spare time, she likes to read romance novels, go to WVU football games and attend book club (aka-drink wine) with girlfriends.
K. L. Ramsey was born and raised in Maryland where her life changed when she signed up for a creative writing class. Knowing that someday she wanted to become a writer, K.L. received her BA in English from Salisbury State University.
Somewhere in her mid-forties, K.L. decided to write her first romance novel, proving that dreams can be realized at any age.
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DRAGON LORE AND LOVE: Isis and Osiris by N.D. Jones
DRAGON LORE AND LOVE:
Isis and Osiris
by N.D. Jones
Genre: Paranormal Romance
A century ago, the Dragon Kingdom of Nebty was lost to dark-ness. Invaded by demon hordes hellbent on stealing two powerful scepters, the Demon King claimed the preternatural realm as his own. To survive, the dragons fled their beloved home and sought refuge in the human realm.
Having lived most of their lives in human form, Queen Isis and Rock Dragon Osiris, mere children during the Great Exodus, find themselves clinging to their culture and the ties that bind what’s left of Dragonkind. Safe and assured that they are free from the threat of demons, their love flourishes. Yet, on one horrific night, their lives are shattered by tragedy and betrayal. They learn that no realm is beyond the brutal reach of the Demon King.
Scores must be settled.
Love must be remembered.
And a lost nation must be reclaimed.
Life, death, and rebirth, Isis’s and Osiris’s future hinges on all three.
Kneeling by his hip, Isis’s front was perpendicular to Osiris. She laid one hand on his forehead and the other on the arm closest to her. Isis stretched her wings out over the length of his body and permitted the feathers to drape down and around him, a protective curtain of red-and-white.
Shoulder-length braids fell into her face, when Isis lowered her head. Opening her mouth, she blew sun dragon magic onto her mate’s deceased body. Out it came as rings of dragon claws, circling the body before linking together and drifting down to the white binds. The magic seeped through the linen cloth and into Osiris. Isis’s wings grew even more, curving inward until none of Osiris and the jars were outside of the heated border.
The wings flittered as Isis blew more rings of dragon claws onto the prone form. Through exhalations, she prayed for his soul.
Red smoke rose between them, and Isis blew even more magic onto Osiris. The linen burned with sun dragon magic, but not the kind of fire known to humans and this realm. It didn’t char the linen or the flesh underneath. What it did do was burn away the devastating vines of death, scorched the eroding blemishes of decay, and scalded the incapacitating legacy of pain.
Encapsulated in the mysticism and the touch of goddess Wadjet, Isis had no concept of time. All that existed, in the suspended animation between death and resurrection, was fire, hope, and love. A trinity of magical realism that blurred the lines between natural and supernatural.
Linen unraveled under Isis’s otherworldly power and cascaded to the mundane setting that was the grounds of Philae Manor.
The hand on Osiris’s arm balled into a fist, and Isis’s eyes flew to his face when she heard a soft exhale of breath. That couldn’t be right, although she was certain she’d heard something from him.
This wasn’t what she had in mind when she’d envisioned resurrecting her mate. She hadn’t meant it in a literal bodily sense, didn’t think that was even possible. A dragon’s soul existed in their heart. With Osiris’s organs in his body, as well as around him, Isis intended to draw the balance of his soul from his corpse and into the canopic jar with the three-headed dragon lid, while using her magic and wings to, metaphorically, hold Osiris together as a whole unit.
Once sealed within the safety of the canopic jar, she would temporarily transfer his soul to a willing dragon-host, through whom Osiris could speak. His brother Set or another member of the Clan of Ombos would be the best choice, but going that route would increase the probability of Makara finding out. Temporarily resurrecting Osiris’s soul to find his murderer wasn’t the same as bringing Makara’s son back to life. No matter how much they both may have wished it.
Yet, as she gazed at him, eyes closed, skin flawless, and body healed, she couldn’t stop herself from lowering her lips to his.
Tears slipped from eyes she hadn’t realized she’d closed. For a hopeful, insane moment, Isis thought the goddesses had taken pity on her heart and returned her Osiris. They hadn’t. Her magic and prayers hadn’t even drawn the soul out of him. She couldn’t even manage that feat. Helpless, Isis had never felt so—
A gentle hand brushed away her tears. “Why are you crying?”
Isis’s eyes popped open. Dark-brown orbs she loved so much stared back at her. There was recognition, as he took her in, but not the love and intimacy she’d grown accustomed to having reflected at her.
Isis lowered her wings and scooted backward so Osiris could sit up. When he did, the last strips of linen fell away. Her hand twitched to reach for him and pull her mate into a desperate embrace. Instead, she remained silent as the confused Osiris took in his nude form, Isis’s dirt-covered body, and a retreating Nephthys.
“Did I get drunk and go streaking?” He glanced around, eyes moving from the empty grave, his headstone, and then to the piles of dirt. “What in the hell is this? Are you playing a Halloween trick or something, Isis?” Osiris jumped to his feet, heedless of his nudity. He pointed at his headstone. “That shit isn’t funny. I would’ve never thought you would play this kind of sick prank.”
Osiris glared at Isis, which she ignored as she rose to her full height and approached him. Recalling her wings and tail, Isis stalked toward her resurrected mate. When she reached him, he stopped fussing and lowered his eyes to hers.
As she’d done hundreds of times, Isis grabbed Osiris by the nape of his neck, pulled him down to her and kissed him.
DRAGON LORE AND LOVE: Isis and Osiris is part of this boxset releasing Feb 14.
20 Shades of Shifter: A Paramormal Romance Collection
20 Shades of Shifter is a limited edition collection of new and exclusive paranormal romance novels guaranteed to suck you in from page one.
A shape-shifting dragon must win over his reluctant mate and stop Jack the Ripper. A Fae trucker becomes allies with an MC member when trying to deliver magical motorcycles to the Fae Queen. A wolf shifter is held captive in a human research lab where he is tortured until he meets one sexy scientist. An angel risked it all to steal the elixir of life and save his mortal love’s life and over two millennia later must get her to remember she once loved an angel. These stories and many more are included in this steamy, hot collection.
Don’t wait to read this set. It is only out for a short time before it will be gone forever!
Demelza Carlton, Evelyn Lederman, ML Guida, Aidy Award, Carmen Fox, David Adams, Sascha Illyvich, Lynn Best, Lilly Cain, Emma Alisyn, Vonnie Davis, Brenda Trim and Tami Julka, Nina Croft, K.L. Bone, N.D. Jones, Kailin Gow, & Moxie North
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N.D. Jones, a USA Today Best Selling author, lives in Maryland with her husband and two children. She is the founder of Kuumba Publishing, an art, audiobook, eBook, and paperback company. Kuumba Publishing is a forum for creativity, with a special commitment to promoting and encouraging creative works of authors and artists of African descent.
A desire to see more novels with positive, sexy, and three-dimensional African American characters as soul mates, friends, and lovers, inspired the author to take on the challenge of penning such romantic reads. She is the author of two paranormal romance series: Winged Warriors and Death and Destiny. N.D. likes to read historical and paranormal romance novels, as well as comics and manga.
