Nicole R. Locker's Blog, page 9

Book Review – Breaking Giants by L.M. Halloran

Breaking Giants by L.M. Halloran

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fantastic read from L.M. Halloran.

After having read The Reluctant Socialite and loved it, I was excited to read this new book from the same author. I was pleased to discover the same level of writing talent, steam, angst, and suspense in Breaking Giants that made the previous book so good and entertaining.

This book follows the indelible story of starlet daughter of a now-deceased singer/songwriter mother and music producer father, Rose Cunningham, and mega rock-star sensation, Julian Ashburn, as they forge their way to finding who they are and whether they could ever make it work together. I found myself highly invested in this story, emotionally. The characters were very complex, well-written, and very relatable. I actually found myself getting chills basically every time Aunt Katherine made an appearance, and I found the supporting characters to be just as interesting and adding to the story.

I especially liked how this book incorporates music and song lyrics throughout, all original material by the author. I also liked how certain themes were noticeable throughout the story. The Prince of Swords, for example, in the unsolicited tarot readings of the freakishly accurate and equal-opportunity spiritualist, Aunt Katherine, keeps bringing up in regards to the mega-hot front-man of Breaking Giants. I loved how Rose would get some “warnings” or “advice” from Aunt K at some point, and then a while later things happen and you’re like… THAT’S WHAT AUNT K WAS TALKING ABOUT!!

I also found this book to be very poetic, even when not quoting song lyrics. For example:

–His voice in person surpasses my wildest dreams. Smoke with a touch of honey.

–Inside me, disappointment and relief share a slow dance.

–The new dawn is stunning, streaks of brilliant white piercing clouds and granting the world below rare clarity.

Finally, I found the epilogue to be extremely satisfying the way it gives the reader a glimpse of the future and how things end up going for these characters.

In sum, definitely a winner here. If you like contemporary, new adult romance and romantic suspense with steamy adult situations here and there, this book is definitely worth the read.

I was provided an ARC of this book prior to release date and am voluntarily providing my honest review of this book.

[image error]Preorder Breaking Giants by L.M.Halloran now on Amazon.  Release date: March 31, 2017.

Read my review of The Reluctant Socialite by L.M. Halloran

 

View all my reviews

Book Review – My Mr. Sexy (Book 1) by C.C. Cartwright

My Mr. Sexy by C.C. Cartwright

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cliffhanger Ending

This was a cute story and an easy read. It flowed well, and I really didn’t notice any typos, which is rare for me.

I thought it could have been developed a lot more with some more in-depth emotions, motivations, and details. I would have liked to see the relationship develop more between Marissa and either of the guys she kind of dates during the course of this book, and gotten more of a sense for why they even liked each other. I also found it fairly unrealistic that this girl walks around not really doing much, and basically every guy in her vicinity wants her. Hey, but that’s every girl’s dream, right? That’s why we read books, because reality can be so boring.

But the scenes with the characters getting frisky were entertaining and enjoyable. I really like the cover of this book. (I notice Book 2 has basically the same cover. I’m wondering why the author doesn’t just combine books 1 and 2 to make it one complete book instead of two halves of a book, and then just up the price a bit. I would guess that would prevent issues for some readers who really just don’t like cliffhanger endings.)

Overall, it was a cute story.

View all my reviews

Sneak Peek – Chapter 1 of Tragedy and Desire, Book 2

WARNING: This post contains adult content and is intended for adult audiences only.  If you are under the legal age, please do not continue further.

For your reading pleasure, here is a sneak peek at Chapter 1 of the sequel to Tragedy and Desire.  (NOTE: This is an unedited, pre-published version and may contain typos and/or grammatical errors.)

 

CLICK HERE TO EXPAND CHAPTER ONE IF YOU ARE 18+!

ONE

Boston

“Perly-girly!  Have you seen my blue heels?”  Jada yelled, her muffled voice carrying from the bottom of her closet where she searched on all fours for the elusive shoes.

“No, check under your bed,” Perla called back from her own room where she lay reading a book on her bed.

Jada abandoned the mess in her closet to check under her bed as her sister suggested.  “Found them!” Jada exclaimed.

Perla could hear the rapid footsteps of Jada’s bare feet across the twelfth story apartment floor, to the restroom where she put the finishing touches on her appearance for the evening.  Perla walked across the hall and leaned on the doorframe of Jada’s bedroom and watched her little sister getting ready for what appeared to be a hot night out, judging from the little black dress hugging her curves.

“Date with Ezra tonight, I take it?” Perla said more than asked as she moved her way across the room to help Jada clasp a necklace.

Perla’s mind flashed back to a photograph she used to have of Jada, Uncle Dante, and herself from a charity event a couple years back.  In the photo, Perla wore a necklace given to her by their mother prior to their parents’ death.  The necklace and the photo had once held sentimental value, but now they brought up images of a much darker memory that intruded on Perla’s thoughts.

Jada’s answer to the question pulled her mind back into the present.  “Yes, I’ve been hinting to him that I’ve wanted to go dancing for weeks now.  I guess he finally decided to take me when I threatened to go with someone else.”  Jada turned around and smoothed her hands down her sides.  “How do I look?”

“You look beautiful, Jada-Lou.”  Perla smiled.

“Where is Jax tonight?” Jada asked as she grabbed a clutch.

Perla followed her out of the room.  “He’s been in Boston this week for some big business deal.  He’s supposed to get in sometime late tonight,” Perla explained as she walked Jada to the door.

Jada stopped just outside their apartment and turned around.  “Are you going to be okay here by yourself?” she asked, her forehead crinkling with concern.

Perla waved a dismissive hand.  “I’ll be fine.  I’m going to see Victoria here in a while.  She said she wanted my help on something, so I figured I’d go spend the evening with her to pass the time.  Tell Ezra hello for me, and have fun tonight.”  Perla gave her sister a gentle nudge to get going.

Jada chuckled as she started making her way toward the elevator.  “I will.  And send Victoria my best,” she called, just before she disappeared behind the closing elevator doors.

Once Jada was out of sight, Perla slipped on a pair of flats, grabbed her overnight bag, and headed down to the lobby.  Victoria’s driver would be there shortly to collect her, and being alone in the apartment had been giving her anxiety, so she decided to keep the night clerk, Alex, company while she waited for her ride to arrive.

She looked forward to the time she spent with Jax’s mother, especially since her own mother was no longer around.  She really missed the closeness and the bond she had with her mom.  With Victoria’s nurturing personality, it had been an effortless relationship from the start, and Perla was grateful, especially on nights like this when Jax was out of town, Jada was out with Ezra, and Uncle Dante was undoubtedly on some business trip as well.

When she saw the headlights of the familiar, black SUV, she waved goodbye to Alex and darted outside, letting herself into the back seat before the driver could get out and walk around to let her in.

“Hey, Albert.  Thanks for the ride,” she said as she climbed in, closing and locking the door quickly behind her.  She peered out the window, scanning the sidewalk before Albert pulled out into the street to drive away.

“Evening, Miss Perla,” he replied, tipping his imaginary hat to her in the rearview mirror when she glanced his way.

It was a quiet ride to Victoria’s estate as Perla rode in silence.  Her nerves had been on edge over the past several days that Jax had been traveling, and really for the past several months if she was honest.

She checked her phone to see if she had missed any calls or messages from Jax.  Disappointment stirred in the back of her mind as the houses, trees, and cars passed by in her peripheral vision.  He must be busy, she thought, trying to keep her inner demons at bay.

When the driver pulled into the circle drive just outside the massive front door entrance to Victoria’s home, Perla got out and was greeted by the welcoming arms of Mrs. Maddox who had come out to meet her.

“Perla, come in, dear.  It’s so good to see you.  Are you hungry?  I’ve just pulled a casserole out of the oven, and it’s waiting in the kitchen,” Victoria said in her sweet, motherly voice.

Victoria was a beautiful, middle aged woman, probably the same age Perla’s own mother would have been.  Jax had indicated previously that his mother was quite a bit younger than his father, who was in his eighties now, and stayed in one of their beach homes instead of here with his wife.  Perla thought it was an unusual situation, but she didn’t pry.

She followed Victoria into the kitchen and sat at the table while Victoria put some casserole on plates before joining her.  Even though Victoria and the Maddox family were insanely rich, Perla thought it was telling of Victoria’s character that she still maintained her own home instead of having cooks, butlers, and such, to wait on her hand and foot all the time.

“So, what did you need my help with?” Perla asked between bites.

“I’m glad you asked.  I’m working on planning a gala, and I hoped I could get your input on a few things that need to be decided before I can go any further,” Victoria answered.

“A gala?  What’s the occasion?”

“It’s Jax’s birthday,” Victoria answered with a wide grin that lit up her eyes.

“His birthday?  Oh my gosh, how did I not know?” Perla could feel the heat rush to her face, embarrassed that she hadn’t known when her own boyfriend’s birthday was.  Why hadn’t he ever told her?  That was one of the most basic things people learned about each other, wasn’t it?

“Don’t feel bad, dear.  Jax tries not to make a big deal about these things, but I’m his mother.  It’s my job to make a big deal about his birthday,” she said, setting her fork down and dabbing her cloth napkin at her mouth.

Perla tried to push aside her embarrassment and they dove into brainstorming details for the party, which kept them busy for several hours.

Later that evening, Perla turned in to get some sleep in one of the guest bedrooms after Victoria had gone to bed.  A desk lamp remained lit on the writing desk across the large room, and Perla had dozed off for about an hour when Jax snuck in without a sound.

He watched her chest rise and fall in slow rhythm as she dreamed peacefully, here in his childhood home.  A sense of warmth and calm tenderness came over him.  He slipped out of his shoes and climbed into the bed beside her, pulling her close to him.

Perla sensed the familiar feel of him and drew in his scent that sent butterflies competing for space in her stomach.  She nuzzled into him, and his arms cradled around her.

“I missed you,” he whispered into her ear, sending chills through her.

“You’re back,” she said, groggily, pulling back just far enough to see his face and revealing her own smile.

He pushed the strands back from her face and let his fingers linger in her hair as he pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss.

“I missed you, too,” she mumbled against his mouth.  She clung to him, wrapping her arms and legs tight around him in the warmth and safety of his embrace, arousing his desire.

“So I see,” he chuckled.  “What do you say we go back to my place?”

His hands slid seductively down her back, following the dips and curves until he reached the supple mound of her butt, cupping both cheeks and giving them a playful squeeze.  Still gripping her, he tugged her hips into his, and she could feel his hardened length pressing into her, sparking her need deep inside her belly.

“Yes, please,” she breathed.  She gave her hips a wiggle, teasing him.

He groaned with pleasure, then growled at the thought of hitting the pause button on what they were just getting started, but forcing himself to pry himself from her, all the same.  As much as he wanted to please his woman, he didn’t want her screaming out in pleasure with his mother sleeping right above them on the next floor up.

And if he had his way, she would definitely be screaming out in pleasure.  It had been too many days since he’d seen her, and he had some catching up to do.

He stood and helped Perla off the bed.  When she finished gathering her things into her overnight bag, he took it to carry for her out to the car.  Perla stopped to leave a note for Victoria, letting her know she was leaving with Jax and wouldn’t be here when Victoria woke the next morning.  Then, they made their way out to the Escalade that Holden, Jax’s Head of Security and most trusted confidante, was sitting in, waiting to drive them home.

It was late, and the darkness that shrouded them on the drive to Jax’s place gave way to some pre-game action there in the back seat.  She sat in his lap, wanting to be closer to him, with her head resting in the crook of his neck.

He could feel her soft breath against his skin, and it sent all the blood rushing to his cock, which Perla could feel stirring beneath her legs.  This, in turn, sent the blood flowing to her own nether regions.

Jax began a casual conversation, but his nonverbal communication was anything but casual.  The chatter was for Holden’s benefit in the driver’s seat, masking any hint that anything unusual or risqué was going on in the back.

“Did you have a good week?” Jax asked as he slipped a hand beneath Perla’s shirt, splaying his fingers across the flat muscles of her stomach.  He rubbed downward, dipping below the elastic waist band of her pajama pants.  Her breath hitched as he came dangerously close to the spot that ached for his touch.  He paused, waiting for her to reply.

“Umm,” she began with a shaky voice.  Get it together, she thought, as she willed her response to come out with nonchalance.  “It was okay.”  There, that was better.

Jax’s fingers resumed their motion across her skin, sending a thrill through her entire body.  He found the line of the top of her panties and let his hand lightly stroke over them, caressing her mound, and then circling back up to the skin above her panty line.

“Just okay?  How was work?” he asked.

She wondered how he could sound so unaffected while she squirmed beneath his masterful touch, craving the pleasure she knew he could give.

“Work was…” she began when he stroked her pleasure spot.  “Good,” she squeaked.  His hand stopped – a punishment for risking their indiscretion.

She paused for a moment, waiting for any indication that Holden had taken notice of their private, exhibitionist party.  When it seemed like they were in the clear, she warred with herself about what she wanted more, to not get caught being naughty, or figuring out how to get Jax to resume his deliciously dirty foreplay.

The foreplay won out, and she quickly recovered with a question of her own.  “How was Boston?”

She could see the look of understanding and approval as the passing headlights briefly lit his face.

“Boston was lucrative,” he began, as his fingers found the sensitive spot again and began a soft tapping against her hot button that quickly had pleasure building to a fever pitch within her.  “The meetings themselves were a bore, as usual, but overall, the trip was very productive.”

Perla was soaring, higher and higher, as Jax continued his secret ministrations while carrying on the mundane conversation.  Just when she was aching for release, the tapping stopped.

No!

She needed more.

“Did you try any good restaurants while you were there?” she asked, making a concerted effort to hide her labored breathing.  It did the trick, and his expert fingers returned to that magical region, circling it with the slightest of pressure.

“I mostly ordered room service, but a couple of the meetings ran into dinner time, so we followed the meetings with some food and drinks.  What was the name of that one restaurant?”

He paused for a moment, pretending to think of the restaurant’s name.  He switched from the tender circles to pressing his thumb onto her clit and gently rubbing his middle finger up and down her slick folds.

Perla wanted to moan her sounds of pleasure so badly; it was all she could do to contain them as she soaked in the insanely hot sensations that rocked her body.

“Oh, yes.  It was The Palm.”  And at once, his thumb lifted and his finger stilled, leaving her wanting, hovering so close to the edge, desperate to be pushed over it.

“The Palm?  What kind of food do they serve there?” she said in haste, not even caring about the answer at that point.  She just had to get his fingers moving again.

“Steak and seafood, mostly, though the wine selection was the star of the menu.”

He started talking about whatever impressive wines they had and a couple he tried there.  His finger parted her lower lips and began circling her hole, igniting a whole new level of yearning and pleasure in her.  She had a strong urge to wriggle her hips to help his finger along inside, but thought better of it.  His finger pushed inside her, and then a second one.

She was unable to contain a gasp and quickly bit her lower lip to quell any further sounds from escaping her.  If he stopped now, she thought she would straddle him and ride him silly while Holden watched, if that’s what it took.  She silently begged him not to let it come to that.

When he started talking about some appetizers and a special dish one of the other gentlemen ordered that wasn’t on the menu, he began stroking her inner walls, sending her so damn close to coming, she could nearly taste it.  She longed for his kiss, but couldn’t risk the break in conversation that would undoubtedly tip Holden off to what was going on just a few feet behind him.

Then his thumb pressed hard onto her clit, and she had to turn her head and bite down on his shoulder to keep from moaning a string of incoherent words aloud.  He could feel her inner walls pulsing and convulsing around his fingers, and his cock got so hard it was almost painful.  Then, her hips began lightly thrusting against his hand.  He pressed into her with a bit more pressure, and another wave of delicious orgasm exploded through her.

Holden turned into the drive of Jax’s estate, none the wiser, as Perla continued to ride the waves of the aftershocks that zinged through her body as Jax’s fingers remained inside her, flexing apart to milk her pleasure for all it was worth.

“At any rate, it’s great to be home.  I’m exhausted, and from the looks of it, you’re pretty tired yourself.  What do you say we get you into bed?” he said – a secret innuendo that was not lost on her.  Then he finally removed his fingers from her and his hand out of her pajama pants.

“Mm-hmm,” was all she could manage to get out.

When they parked inside the four-car garage, Jax thanked Holden and grabbed Perla’s overnight bag.  Together, he and Perla hurried up to his bedroom where he laid her on his bed, relieving her of her comfy pajamas, and continued where they left off in the car.

 

Book Review – The Gift: A Christmas Novella (Mageri Series Book 6) by Dannika Dark

The Gift by Dannika Dark

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this novella as a little Christmas treasure. The Mageri Series is one of my all-time favorite series of books to read, and having read all of those multiple times, it was nice to see some fresh material on the characters I’ve come to know and love.

I found it fun, if a little strange, to follow the whole bunch as they celebrated Christmas together. What was a little strange to me? That I was thoroughly entertained by a book that had virtually no conflict in it! I’m not even kidding you. It was all like a big “see what they’re all up to now” type of thing, with little tidbits of life happened for each one of them.

It still leaves some things to question, though. What choice will Sadie make, and either way, will she and Adam ever get together? Is Novis really in love with Sunny, and if so, will she ever decide to bite the bullet at become a Mage, or at least spark a romance with the quirky but loveable guy? What will Paige and Justus’s first binding experience be like once she’s turned to a mage? Will Leo, Lucian, and even Levi (the Cross brothers/Chitah’s) ever find their kindred spirits?

I was also a little disappointed that Christian Poe didn’t make an appearance in this book. I hear he’s getting his own story soon, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Can. Not. Wait.

At any rate, by the end of this book, I felt very “heart-warmed,” and I loved the happy ending. If you’re a fan of Dannika Dark’s Mageri Series, you’ll most likely love this one. If you like Urban Fantasy and/or Paranormal Romance, and haven’t read this series yet, odds are you’ll love it and you should pick up Sterling (Book 1) now and start there.

View all my reviews

Giveaway

See where it all began in Sterling (Mageri Series Book 1) by Dannika Dark.  Click here for a chance to win 1 of 5 ebook copies of this awesome series starter!  Giveaway ends Jan 1, 2017.

[image error]

Book Review – Tall, Dark, and Deadly by Kharma Kelley

Tall, Dark & Deadly by Kharma Kelley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Creative and Inventive Urban Fantasy

Very good book. The characters were creative and inventive. The story did a good job of holding my interest, with lots of action, building up mystery and intrigue, and even a little bit of steamy romance. I like how the extent of Ethan’s gifts or powers, identity even, kind of build up throughout the story until at just the right moment it’s finally revealed. I also enjoyed seeing the deeper side of Chloe that was slowly revealed little by little. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

View all my reviews

GiveAway!

Three winners will be randomly selected by Amazon to receive a free ebook copy of Tall, Dark, and Deadly by Kharma Kelley!  Click here for a chance to win this action-packed Urban Fantasy!  Giveaway ends Jan 5, 2017.  Check out @kharmakelley on Twitter.

[image error]

Book Review – Demon Magic (Dragon’s Gift: The Seeker, Book 2) by Linsey Hall

Demon Magic by Linsey Hall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great book by Linsey Hall. The Dragon’s Gift serieses (multiple) are my new favorite books. So much action, adventure, fantasy, romance… what’s not to love? I love how quirky Del is, always knocking on her head and carrying good luck charms around. I find it endearing how she’s been so vulnerable and questioning Roarke’s feelings for her. She’s such a relatable character. I also love the way the author reveals things little by little, and maintains some mystery that keeps you wanting to keep reading to learn more. The curse that is blocking her magic, for example, and this mysterious Shadow guy? Draka, the phantom dragon, and where she’s gone off to? There’s just so much to like about these books, starting from Ancient Magic with Cass, all the way through this newest story of Del’s. I also like Roarke a lot more in this second book. So many great characters… You’re seriously missing out if you haven’t picked this series up yet.

View all my reviews

Giveaway

See where it all began in Ancient Magic (Dragon’s Gift: The Huntress, Book 1) by Linsey Hall.  Click here for a chance to win 1 of 5 ebook copies of this awesome series starter!  Giveaway ends Jan 5, 2017.

[image error]

#Giveaways and #Kindle Countdown Deals

Giveaways

[image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]

Countdown Deal

Hey lovelies!  I’m so excited for today, because not only do I have this insane giveaway for you guys (or as they say here in Texas, for y’all).  Today also marks the first day that my Kindle Countdown Deal begins for my newest book, Tragedy and Desire.

[image error]

For a limited time (Dec 30 – Jan 6), you can get this book for $3.99 $0.99!

Enter to win one of three Paperback editions below.

Goodreads Book Giveaway


Tragedy and Desire
by Nicole R. Locker

Giveaway ends January 01, 2017.

See the giveaway details

at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

 

Series Book 1 Giveaways

I know I said I would pick the series with the most interest to host a giveaway for, but when I got an email yesterday from Dannika Dark saying she put Sterling (Urban Fantasy) on sale at $0.99 for a limited time, I decided that was a pretty good price to do a giveaway at, even though that series wasn’t in the lead as far as interest goes.  That led to just selecting them all, since it’s the Holidays, and I’m in a generous mood, and there was a tie for first place between The Darkness Series (18+ Paranormal Romance) and the Dragon’s Gift Series (Urban Fantasy).

So on that note, I’ll end by saying to all of you, Happy New Year, and happy reading!

-Nicole

Holiday Reading Update (with Vlog)

Hey lovelies!  Here is a video update of how My Holiday Reading List is coming so far.

As I mentioned previously, I have four books on my reading list, and of those books, I have read one so far (Jameson by K.F. Breene), started another (The Gift by Dannika Dark), and finished the preceding book to a third one (Magic Undying by Linsey Hall).

So far, these books did not disappoint.  Jameson, while a lot shorter than the other books in the Darkness Series, still packed that punch that K.F. Breene is so talented with, which is really hot and steamy love scenes.  Because it was so short, I felt like I didn’t really have a chance to get to know the new character, Addison, who hooks up with a returning character, (obviously) Jameson.  But, I did feel like I got to know Jameson a lot better in this novella, which was a pleasant surprise.

I had talked about Linsey Hall’s Demon Magic being on my list this week, but before I can read that one, I had to read its preceding book, Magic Undying, which I had not read yet until now.  Magic Undying is the first book in a new series that begins where a previous series (Dragon’s Gift: The Huntress) leaves off.  While the Huntress series followed another character, Casseiopia “Cass” Clareaux, this new series follows Delphine “Del” Hally.  I will just say that this series of books is seriously one of my new, all-time favorites.  It’s just fantastic.  Del’s series introduces a new character, who is obvious from the get-go to be her new love interest.  I have to admit that, while Roarke Fallon was a pretty hot and bad-ass hero (as far as half-demon/half shifters and the Warden of the freaking Underworld goes), I still liked Aidan Merrick, the Origin shifter and Cass’s love interest in the first series, more.  I’m thinking I’ll get to like Roarke better when I read the next book.  But… did I mention that Merlin, King Author, and Guinevere play somewhat of a role in this book?  That was awesome!  I’m such a nerd.

I just started reading The Gift today, and have only made it through about Chapter 1 so far, but I am so excited to jump in head first to this book.  Full disclosure, I have read the five books in the Mageri Series multiple times, and have listened to the audiobooks on long car trips even more times than that. I love, love, love this series, so getting to see all of these characters again in a fresh, new story is just really exciting for me.  (It’s no coincidence that my dog, Logan, in the beginning of my video above has the same name as one of the main characters in that story.)

[image error]

I talk about four #urbanfantasy/#PNR book series at https://t.co/P9LGhGMyu1. Help me decide which series’ first book to do a #giveaway for!

— Nicole R. Locker (@nicolerlocker) December 24, 2016

There’s still time to tell me which series you want a Book 1 giveaway for!  I will give it a few more days, and will do a giveaway around New Year’s Eve for Book 1 of the series with the most interest.  So far, The Darkness Series is in the lead!  (Book 1 of that series is already free, so in that case, I would do a giveaway for Book 2.)

My Holiday Reading List

I am so excited I can hardly stand it right now. Today was the last day of the year that I will have to work my day job, so for the next nine days, I plan to relax, maybe do a little writing, and catch up on some pleasure reading.

So many of my favorite authors have new books that have been released just recently, and I hope to put a dent in reading some of them while I have the time.  I will list some of those here, in case anyone is looking for a new book or series to get into during your down time over the next week.

TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR VOTE ON TWITTER which of the following series you want to read most, and I will select the one with the most interest to do a Giveaway for the first book of that series.  If the first book in the series is already free, I will do the giveaway on the 2nd book.

[image error]

I talk about four #urbanfantasy/#PNR book series at https://t.co/P9LGhGMyu1. Help me decide which series’ first book to do a #giveaway for!

— Nicole R. Locker (@nicolerlocker) December 24, 2016

 

The New Releases

   

You can catch the beginning of these series below, and if you like urban fantasy and/or Paranormal Romance then you will freaking love these.

Dannika Dark: Mageri Series

Shannon Mayer: Rylee Adamson Series

Linsey Hall: Dragon’s Gift: The Huntress Series

K.F. Breene: Darkness Series (18+)

Happy Holidays, everyone!

-Nicole

P.S. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my holiday short story (free on amazon.com), Mistletoe and Fire Glow, and my latest Romantic Suspense novel, Tragedy and Desire.

[image error] [image error]

Flash Fiction – Mistletoe and Fire Glow

Download the full Ebook now!  

[image error]

Chapter 6

Cordi felt like such an idiot.  Was this some kind of game being played at her expense?  She had really liked Russ, and now?  Well, now she didn’t know what to think.

She had taken a cab to get to Marta and Jake’s house that evening, and it was going to be a long wait or a long walk in the freezing cold.  Now that she thought about it, it probably hadn’t been a good idea to just run out on everybody.  It was an impulsive move that she already regretted.

“Cordi, wait!”  She could hear Russ calling after her, or was it Graham?  She didn’t know what to call him now, and wasn’t sure it even mattered.

She turned to see him jogging toward her, as quickly as he could in the snow and ice.  When he caught up to her, he slowed, as though he were afraid he would scare her off once again.

“I’m sorry,” he said.  “Please come back inside.  I’d like to explain myself if you’ll let me.”

The lights from the house and neighboring houses blinked, and their glow shone on his face as she looked up into his eyes.  Could she trust the look of sincerity, or did Christmas lights make everything look pure and magical?  She hesitated, not knowing what she should do, and began shivering as her breath formed a fog of ice crystals in front of her.

Russ shrugged out of his coat and moved to wrap it around her over her own.  “Here. Please, it’s freezing out here.  Let’s get you back inside where it’s warm and we can talk,” he said, hoping she would allow it and go back in with him.

At last, she conceded, and he wrapped an arm around her as he walked her back inside.

Once they got back in, he suggested they go talk in an empty bedroom.  “Go ahead, and I’ll meet you there,” he said.  “I’ll get us something warm to drink and I’ll be right in.”

When he came in with two cups of hot cocoa, he found her standing at the window, looking out onto the snow covering the front yard.  She turned to see him and took one of the cups from him, letting it warm her hands.

“Why didn’t you just tell me who you were at the diner the other night?” she asked in a calm, resigned voice.

“I know it looks bad, but I wasn’t trying to deceive you.  At least, not in a bad way.  Wait, that didn’t come out right.”  He was fumbling with what to say, and he had a feeling he was only making things worse.  She said nothing, but her eyes widened.

He sighed, frustrated with himself, and sat down on the bed.  “What I meant was, I just wanted you to feel comfortable talking to me, and I wanted a chance to get to know the real you without the expectations that go along with being on a date,” he explained.

“Expectations?  How do you know what my expectations would have been if you don’t even know me?” she asked.  “You know something, though?  Maybe you were right, because the only thing I expected going into that date was to be disappointed.  Turns out, I was right.”

Russ stood and went to her by the window.  “Don’t say that.  The truth is, I had a great time with you that night.  I’ve just had a lot of bad dates, and didn’t know what to expect, myself.”

That resonated with Cordi, and she found herself slowly warming to him once again.  She thought back to the carefree banter they had shared that night, and had to admit that it would have undoubtedly gone a lot differently had she known that Russ was the guy she had been there to meet.

She looked down to her feet, and when she looked back up at him, he could see the warmth that had returned to her eyes.  He took her hands in his and moved in closer so that only inches were left between them.

“Can we start over?” he said, barely above a whisper, as he looked at her expectantly.

She nodded her consent.  “I think I would like that,” she said.

When they rejoined the party, another Tim Halperin song filled the room, Under That Christmas Spell.  Russ and Cordi were hand in hand, and Marta squealed in delight as she watched them approach.

“I knew you two would work it out,” Marta bragged as she snuggled up to Jake who stood beside her.

“I guess we owe you a thanks for introducing us,” Russ said to Marta, before smiling back at Cordi.  Cordi’s heart warmed even more.

Marta gasped as though she had just gotten a grand idea.  “Oh!  Come over here by the fireplace.  I want to show you something,” she said, and darted off for the others to follow.

Once they got to where she wanted them, a mischievous grin spread across her face.

“Marta, what is it?” Cordi asked, suspicious of what her friend was up to.

Marta didn’t speak, but her eyes trailed up to the ceiling.  They all followed her gaze and realized she had them standing beneath mistletoe that had been hanging from an exposed wooden rafter.

Russ and Cordi chuckled, but Russ looked down at her, a question in his eyes.  Cordi nodded, excited at the thought of their first kiss, and Russ decided to go for it.

He brushed a thumb across her cheek as his mouth drew closer to hers, and her eyes closed in anticipation.  Then their lips pressed gently together, and she could taste the sweet cocoa on him as he moved in and pulled her closer to him.

It was over all too soon, and when Cordi opened her eyes again, she couldn’t wait until the next one.

Mistletoe and fire glow, she thought, as the fire warmed them from the hearth, her growing feelings for Russ warmed her from within, and Barbara Mandrell sang to them what began their first of many Christmases together.

It Must Have Been the Mistletoe.

The End