Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 100

Cover Reveal: The Damned and The Unloved

COVER REVEAL
THE DAMNED
By Jennifer Snyder


Mature Young Adult
Releasing December 2, 2014Cover designed by Once Upon A Time
To Pre-order: Amazon
| Google
Play | Smashwords

Cole Porter knows hishome life isn’t ideal, but when a situation arises and he’s forced to pack
up and move on, he realizes it’s better to be in a position where you
understand the ins and outs rather than to be tossed into the unknown.
Emory Montgomery is as
close to perfect as she can possibly be—good grades, beautiful, poised,
popular—but having it all isn’t always enough. Perfect has its drawbacks, and
even the most flawless people crack under its pressure.
There are people who
come into our lives for a reason, when everything else is shattered, burned,
and bruised. Sometimes their purpose is clear, but often the smoke and the
brokenness conceal the light. 
THE DAMNED can be read as a standalone novel.
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22886049-the-damned

NEW COVER FOR THE
UNLOVED



Mature Young AdultReleased July 2012
Amazon
| Barnes
and Noble | Google
Play | Smashwords



Sometimes the love our
heart needs to heal can be found in the familiar eyes of a childhood
friend...
Julie Porter learned the
hard way that trust is something which must be earned and not something to be
given out lightly, those who say they love you are those who hold the power to
hurt you most, and best friends can help you survive anything—until they move
away.
Nick Owen knows a thing
or two about a hard life. At a young age Nick learned how to take a hit and to
make lemonade out of the lemons life tossed his way. Returning home after
nearly two years of being away, all Nick cares about now is protecting his mom
from the abusive hands of his father and catching up with his best friend—the
girl who lived across the street, the girl he can’t seem to stop thinking
about.
Finally reunited after
two years apart, Nick and Julie are about to learn that age does nothing to
protect you from life’s trials and tribulations, heartache and loss, but maybe
together they’ll find a way to survive. 
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15763978-the-unloved
___About the AuthorJennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina were she spends
most of her time writing New Adult and Young Adult Fiction, reading, and
struggling to stay on top of housework. She is a tea lover with an
obsession for Post-it notes and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with
her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur
inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal,
teenage-targeted TV shows.SHATTERED SOUL was my debut novel and no, you haven’t seen the
end of me yet…

Website, Twitter, Goodreads, Facebook Author
Page

Release Blitz: The Duet

Title: The Duet

Author: R.S. Grey

Release Date: Nov 10, 2014

Find on Goodreads


When 27-year-old pop sensation Brooklyn Heart steps in front of a microphone, her love songs enchant audiences worldwide. But when it comes to her own love life, the only spell she’s under is a dry one.

So when her label slots her for a Grammy performance with the sexy and soulful Jason Monroe, she can’t help but entertain certain fantasies... those in which her G-string gets more play than her guitars'.

Only one problem. Jason is a lyrical lone wolf that isn’t happy about sharing the stage—nor his ranch — with the sassy singer. But while it may seem like a song entitled ‘Jason Monroe Is an Arrogant Ho’ basically writes itself, their label and their millions of fans are expecting recording gold…

They’re expecting The Duet.


The Duet will be priced at $2.99 for two days post-release, then the price will bump to $3.99!
INSERT LINKS HERE!


The M Lounge was the hippest and most discreet club in LA. If there was any hope of me locking down a one-night stand, M Lounge was the place to go.

“I can’t drink much tonight because I have that meeting with my record label in the morning,” I warned as we passed through the back entrance to the club and headed up a set of stairs that were used exclusively for the VIP level. Fun fact: one time I was going up those stairs when P. Diddy was coming down, and he totally touched my ass. Allegedly.

“Just to clarify: if you’re begging me for tequila shots at midnight, threatening to kill my first born if I don’t give them to you, I should still tell you no?” Cammie asked, just to ensure the boundaries were set. Better safe than sorry.

“That was one time and it was in Cabo,” I protested. “What else are you supposed to do in Cabo other than challenge a mariachi band to a tequila shot contest until the lead singer passes out beside a donkey?”

Cammie held up her hands and started listing off items. “I dunno— enjoy the beach, check out the museums and the culture—”

“That was a rhetorical question,” I interrupted as we made it to the top of the stairs.

As if by magic, the black curtain in front of us swept to the side, opening up an entire room of drunken debauchery before us. In one corner, a celebrity who shall remain nameless (we’ll call her Nennifer Janiston) was sucking face with a sexy man, and across the room two of the funniest women in comedy were doing body shots off of a waiter from the club.

“Welcome to the behind the scenes of Hollywood,” I whispered to Cammie.





I am a lover of books, chocolate, reality TV, black labs, and cold weather. Seriously, if I had it my way, I would be curled up on the couch with all of those things... everyday.

I live in Texas where I spend my free time writing and reading. My favorite authors include Mindy Kaling & Jonathan Safran Foer. I'm a comedy geek and love all things "funny". Women like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mindy Kaling are definitely the biggest inspirations for my writing, though I think my work tends to skew a bit smuttier than theirs.

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Blog Tour: Femme Fatale

Title: Femme Fatale

Author: Kirsty-Anne Still

Release Date: Nov 7, 2014

Find on Goodreads


They call me the Femme Fatale.

But only because they don’t know me.

My job - seduce men to the climatic point of falling in love with me and then deliver their death sentence.

I work for my father’s business. I’m his secret weapon. I’m the one that gets away with murder.

For years, I’ve given in to my father’s demands, lived the life of a mob princess, fell into this merciless realm where he presents me with a man and one goal – to kill. 

When it’s to keep the Abbiati name from ruins, I’ll run with the wolves and protect it fiercely.

However, when he brings a new name to the table, I know my newest mission could well be the one that breaks me - Don’t feel, don’t deviate, kill Zane Maverick. 

It should be simple, but how am I supposed to choose between the man who raised me to be this heartlessly strong female and the man I could only ever love to death?


Amazon |  iTunes



“You’re fucking insane,” I cuss at him and push him away but his stance is too heavy, and he doesn’t budge.

“I know you, Amelia. I know how you loved him once. You’re so fickle as it is, why wouldn’t you be fucking him to bide some time. The way you walk around here like you’re queen bee too, sickens me. You will never run this place, and soon, everyone will look down on you like me and Papà do. Everyone sees this strong, beautiful woman, but maybe we should let them see the real you. The weak victim you hide from everyone.” He leans in close to me to a suffocating degree. “What would happen if I were to run this down your face?” he asks and presents his infamous switchblade. The knife shoots from its hilt, the light glistening from its metal edge. “I didn’t get you a gift, but I have a perfect one for you now,” he says and begins to lower it to my face. “A scar right down your face would be a perfect reminder to keep you in line. Even Maverick wouldn’t want a butchered bitch.”

I close my eyes as I prepare for that piercing bite on my skin, but Giovanni’s weight suddenly disappears, and I’m left cowering to an empty space. Once I pry them open, I see why. Bruno has arrived and has Giovanni thrown over the pool table by the collar of his shirt and blazer.

“You are one sadistic bastard, Giovanni,” Bruno spits and releases Giovanni enough to allow him to turn to face his brother. “I knew there was reason I fucking despised you. If I didn’t have cause before, what I just witnessed was a real clincher.”

“Get the fuck away from me,” Giovanni grunts, straightening his shirt and jacket back.

That ignites more hate in my brother. “One day you are going to wake up with your balls shoved down your throat, Gio.” Bruno terrorizes Giovanni while we all stand and watch. Bruno towers over our brother when he is riled up, and I have to admit, that look of fear on Giovanni’s face is too fucking good to miss. “And I’ll be the one holding the knife. Threaten our little sister again, and I will make your biggest nightmares come true. Capisci?”

Clapping resounds after Bruno’s warning, and we all turn to see our father standing in the doorway. I sense Giovanni stand up, straightening himself and regaining his composure.

“I knew you still had that Abbiati fight still left in you, Figlio Mio.”

“Cut the fatherly duty, Salvatore. I am far from your son.” Bruno’s demeanor doesn’t relinquish its hardened stance. If anything, our father’s sudden appearance only bristles Bruno furthermore. “I’m here to celebrate my sister’s birthday, not tear away psychopaths from permanently scarring her.”










I used to be just another Fanfiction writer! That was until one person showed real interest in my work. And then another, and then another, until I had this whole group of people reviewing like crazy and wanting original work from me. I’d spent years writing for free online, I didn’t believe I had it in me to publish something!

But I’m glad I did!! I never imagined pushing my work and striving to reach my ultimate. I never imagined I’d be the girl who started The Viper Rooms! But who am I to deny the inspiration when it hits?

I love writing, it’s a lifeline. I love creating a world that others fall into. I love having the control to make a whole new world. It’s like a dependency, an addictive one. It’s one of the things I’m extremely proud of.

As much as I complain, I love the mini dialogues that go on in my head, the plotlines that attack me when I least expect them to. The ones that jump to life at the most inappropriate times and drive me totally crazy!!

For now I split my life between writing, dreaming, working, and volunteering with children.

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Amazon Top 10 New Adult Books: November 9, 2014

Amazon Top 10 New Adult Books: November 9, 2014. These are the top 10 bestselling New Adult books as listed on Amazon.com at the time of posting! (Single titles only - No box sets. Also: No pre-orders! Sorry.)

Top 10 Paid:

1. Make Mine a Ranger (Special Ops: Homefront Book 4) by Kate Aster
4.8 out of 5 stars

2. Master Over You: A Dark Romance Novel (Extended Version, Author's Preferred Text) by Cerys du Lys, Ethan Winters
4.2 out of 5 stars

3. Better When He's Bad: A Welcome to the Point Novel by Jay Crownover
4.7 out of 5 stars

4. Mr. Miracle: A Christmas Novel by Debbie Macomber
4.1 out of 5 stars

5. Saltwater Kisses: A Billionaire Love Story by Krista Lakes
3.9 out of 5 stars

6. Wreck Me (Nova) (Breaking Nova Book 4) by Jessica Sorensen
4.8 out of 5 stars

7. Rowdy: A Marked Men Novel by Jay Crownover
4.7 out of 5 stars

8. The Other Sister (Sister Series, #1) by Leanne Davis
4.6 out of 5 stars

9. Risk (Gentry Boys#2) by Cora Brent
4.7 out of 5 stars

10 Intensity by C.C. Koen
4.0 out of 5 stars

Top 10 Serial Romances (Kindle Short Reads):

1. RUIN (The RUIN Series Book 1) by Deborah Bladon
4.4 out of 5 stars

2. RUIN - Part Two (The RUIN Series Book 2) by Deborah Bladon
4.8 out of 5 stars

3. Yours for Christmas (Fool's Gold series) by Susan Mallery
4.7 out of 5 stars

4. On Her Father's Grave (Rogue River Novella Book 1) by Kendra Elliot
4.3 out of 5 stars

5. Her Grave Secrets (Rogue River Novella Book 3) by Kendra Elliot
4.6 out of 5 stars

6. Gone to Her Grave (Rogue River Novella Book 2) by Melinda Leigh
4.4 out of 5 stars7.

7. Bluegrass Dawn: Bluegrass Single #2 (Bluegrass Singles) by Kathleen Brooks
5.0 out of 5 stars

8. Alpha Billionaire (Alpha Billionaire series Book 1) by Helen Cooper
3.5 out of 5 stars

9. Broken by Teona Bell
4.4 out of 5 stars

10. #1 Chosen by the Vampire Kings: BBW Romance by Charlene Hartnady
4.3 out of 5 stars

Cover Reveal: Blyssful Lies

Title: Blyssful Lies(The Blyss Trilogy #2)Author: J.C. CliffGenre: Dark Grey RomanceRelease Date: December 16, 2014

SynopsisLearning how to survive in her new world, Julianna has no choice but to play “The game of Life.” Except it's Nick's game, and his rules apply. Captivity, drugs, and submission are the cards that are dealt, and it's a losing game.

Biding her time as she waits for her rescuers, it's far from smooth sailing, because all too quickly the rules abruptly change as Nick takes matters into his own hands...

As the drama unfolds, and hesitating to interfere, Travis has everything to lose should he decide to step in, including his life.
 It's opposition at its finest – freedom versus control as Nick and Julianna face the ultimate battle of wills.

While Travis has the uncanny ability to manipulate her with a single touch, Nick struggles to conquer her body, mind, and soul.

It's every man for themselves as each have their own secret agenda, including Julianna, who's plan is simple: survive.





About The Author J.C. Cliff is an independant author who strives to deliver a strong story line, keeping the reader captivated throughout. She loves the element of surprise, creating unique twists and turns while creating thrill and suspense. Oh yes, and lets not forget, making a little explicit romance happen in between.

She's a die hard 80's rock'n roll fan, loves the ocean and salt water fishing. What does she do when she's not raising kids, running a business, and doing all the tasks that come with being a wife and mother? You got it - writing. It's the ultimate escape from reality when the ocean isn't nearby.
Facebook |Goodreads | TwitterBlyss- Book One Amazon | KOBO | Barnes And Noble | I Tunes

Cover Reveal: Releasing Kate

Release Date: Nov. 24, 2014Model: Dylan PModel: Julia PlanDesigner: Mae I Design & Photography
SynopsisKate has been through more than her share of tragedies in her life. After suffering the loss of her mother, daughter, and the love of her life, she’s finally found the strength to open herself up to love again. For once, everything is finally as it should be. Kate should’ve known that things were too good to be true; her life doesn’t work that smoothly. 
It’s been four years since Michael left Kate, but he’s back now, and determined to win Kate’s heart once again. After discovering that Daniel and Michael are best friends, the situation spirals out of control quickly. Instead of dealing with her broken heart, Kate ignores it. 
When Kate’s actions drive her to do the unthinkable, she knows she’s crossed the line. Unfortunately, she doesn’t realize it until it’s too little, too late. Her actions have consequences and now she’s trying to fix the unfixable. Can the men in Kate’s life grant her the forgiveness she can’t even find within herself?

The Acceptance Series
AMAZON/B&N/iTUNES/KOBO
AMAZON/B&N/iTUNES/KOBO
About the Author I'm a wife, a mom and a dog lover. I'm also a taxi, problem fixer, extreme multi-tasker and my kids biggest fan in anything that they do. I love to write, so when my career suddenly derailed I turned back to my love of writing. I married my high school sweetheart... how cool is that? Margaritas and sarcasm make me happy. Chocolate makes that happiness grow exponentially. People who make me laugh are my favorite kind of people. I believe Karma is a bitch who slaps back hard and that mean people suck. I'm California born and raised, I love the beach but hate the sand. The Acceptance Series is my first series with more books to come soon.Website: http://www.dkellyauthor.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dkellyauthor

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Blog Tour: Bigger Than the Sky

Title: Bigger Than the Sky (Serenity Point #1)

Author: Harper Bentley

Release Date: Sept 30, 2014

Find on Goodreads


Five years ago, I left my fiancé, hotter than hot Navy SEAL Kade Kelly, at the altar. 

No, I’m not an idiot.

Yes, I had my reasons. 

Now I’ve made a new life for myself working at a large firm in Richmond and I’ve left the past behind. Or so I thought.

Upon returning to my hometown of Serenity Point, Virginia, to take care of some business, I find that Kade’s now home for good and he’s none too happy about my being here. 

Two months. That’s all I’m staying then I’m out of here. Unless I believe the town’s pink-haired psychic’s prediction. Or embrace the sense of belonging I feel at being back home. Or give in to the emotions stirring inside when Kade's attention is suddenly on me. 

He scares the crap out of me. 

He thrills me. 

He used to tell me our love was bigger than the sky.

I always knew ours was a once-in-a-lifetime love. So how can he be so sure it can happen again?


Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo




“Amelia?”

After my squawk of surprise, I turn and see Brody Kelly walking across the street and I can’t help the huge smile that covers my face.

“Brody!” I holler and run to meet him, jumping up and throwing my arms around his neck for a hug as his encircle my waist and he spins me around.

“Thought that was you,” he says with a grin as he sets me back down.

“In the flesh,” I say with a smile as I look up at him, covering my eyes with my hand to block the sun. Brody was always such a cutie with his messy sandy brown hair, expressive hazel eyes and mischievous grin that always let you know he was up to no good. He’s around six-two, two-hundred pounds of rock solid muscle and I’d think he was hot if not for the fact that he’s like a little brother to me.

He walks over and whistles at my car. “Man, Mill, getting’ pretty fancy on us. Might wanna hide it in the garage tonight so no one steals the rims.” He grins down at me when I come up beside him and smack him in the arm. He looks around for a second and says, “Seriously, where’s Jeeves? Didn’t he drive you?”

“Shut it, Brody,” I reply with a giggle.

“Guess you’re doing pretty well for yourself then, huh?” he asks, a small frown forming on his face.

I purse my lips then respond, “Yes, I’m doing okay, I guess.” He looks at me out of the corner of his eye in a that was so an understatement kind of way since my car cost almost six figures. “Um, what’re you doing here? I mean, it’s like  you just appeared out of the blue,” I say.

He takes me by the shoulders and turns me to face across the street. I look at Pettyman’s Lumberyard, but that’s when I notice it no longer says Pettyman’s on the front but Kelly & Family Lumber and Construction in its place.

“Y-you bought Pettyman’s?”

He nods with another grin then asks, “So how long you in town for?”

“Not sure. I’ve got two months’ vacation time I’m using so I came to finally check out the station,” I explain, turning back to face it, my smile falling away.

“Aw, Mill, I’m sorry. They were good people,” he replies. “I know Harley feels terrible about everything.”

Harley Sedgwick, the local heating and air technician, had inspected the heater in Papaw and Meemaw’s house for years, telling Papaw on his inspection five years ago (the winter after my wedding debacle) that it really needed to be replaced. Papaw had scoffed at him telling him there was at least a good five more years in it. The next year, Papaw had neglected to call Harley to come back out and take a look, and Harley had been so busy that it hadn’t even occurred to him to check on them. The heater had developed a leak since the previous year it’d been checked, and my beloved grandparents tragically died in their sleep from carbon monoxide poisoning on a chilly day in early November.

“I know,” I say. “I hope he knows it’s not his fault. Papaw was a stubborn old fool anyway, as Meemaw would’ve said.” I chuckle sadly.

He curls an arm around my shoulders to comfort me. The Kelly men and their protectiveness, I think which makes me sigh.

“So think you might be back to stay?” he asks looking down at me, eyebrows raised.

I huff out a laugh because that’s a ludicrous idea. “No. I wanted to see if maybe I could get the place up and running again then sell,” I inform him.

He drops his arm then nods with what looks like disappointment, which I think is ridiculous. He knows I’m never coming back.

“So how are you? How’s Piper?” I ask.

“She’s fine,” he says aloofly. Then he gets a shy look on his face. “I passed the fireman test. I’m a real-live firefighter now.”

My eyes now get big and I squeal, “Really? Oh, my God! I’m so happy for you!” I hug him again telling him his news is wonderful when I hear someone clearing his throat behind him. Still holding on to him, I lean to the side and look around his shoulder, and what I see makes me swallow down a gasp.

Dear God.

Brody’s older brother Kade Kelly.

Still hotter than hell Kade Kelly.

Kade Kelly who’s got a hard body that’s sculpted like a magnificent work of art.

Who has a large Celtic cross tattooed on his back with “Fiona” in the middle of it in honor of their baby sister who’d died at birth.

Kade Kelly who sings and plays guitar in a band.

Who took my virginity when I was sixteen and he was eighteen.

Kade Kelly who I left standing at the altar five years ago.





Harper Bentley has taught high school English for 22 years. Although she’s managed to maintain her sanity regardless of her career choice, jumping into the world of publishing her own books goes to show that she might be closer to the ledge than was previously thought.

After traveling the nation in her younger years as a military brat, having lived in Alaska, Washington State and California, she now resides in Oklahoma with her teenage daughter, two dogs and one cat, happily writing stories that she hopes her readers will enjoy.

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Release Blitz & Giveaway: For Now

Today is the release day launch for Chelsea M. Cameron's newest New Adult title, FOR NOW. This is the 2nd book in her Rules of Love series but this title can be read as a standalone. Be sure to check out the teasers and rafflecopter contest below.




BOOK BLURB: Two people. A one-night stand. What could go wrong?Javier Cruz definitely isn’t relationship material, but that suits Hazel Gellar just fine. She’s not a relationship girl and doesn’t plan on ever being one.But after a mind-blowing, panty-ripping, bed-breaking night, she knows once isn’t going to be enough. Fortunately, Javi feels the same way. Soon, what started as just one night turns into a lot of nights, and Hazel doesn’t know what to do.Will she and Javi make the choice to be together for longer than just right NOW?
BUY LINKS:AMAZON:B&N:
Previous book in the series... FOR REAL Buy Links:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1hD6cJE
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/HPwTuC

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AUTHOR INFORMATION

Chelsea M. Cameron is a YA/NA New York Times/USA Today Best Selling author from Maine. Lover of things random and ridiculous, Jane Austen/Charlotte and Emily Bronte Fangirl, red velvet cake enthusiast, obsessive tea drinker, vegetarian, former cheerleader and world's worst video gamer. When not writing, she enjoys watching infomercials, singing in the car and tweeting (this one time, she was tweeted by Neil Gaiman). She has a degree in journalism from the University of Maine, Orono that she promptly abandoned to write about the people in her own head. More often than not, these people turn out to be just as weird as she is.


Website: http://www.chelseamcameron.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chel_c_cam
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chelsea-M-Cameron-Official-Author-Page/304422529610919
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5752359.Chelsea_M_Cameron

Chapter 1 Reveal: Enforce

There’s two
sides to every story...

And ours?
Isn't pretty...Then again,
what's pretty about the mafia? Trace Rooks,
that’s what. But she only
wants one of us, and I'll kill him before I let him have her. The only
problem? We're
cousins. And she may
just be our long lost enemy. Whoever said
college was hard, clearly didn't attend Eagle Elite University. Welcome to
hell also known as the Mafia where blood is thicker than life, and to keep
yours? Well, keep your friends close, and your enemies?

Even
closer...


ADD TO GOODREADS 
 iTunes

CHAPTER 1

Nixons POVChapter OneNixon            I watched
as the parade of cars made their way through the black iron gates, as if
somehow those gates would protect them if the country went to war. Funny, they
had no clue that the war—Lucifer himself, was already parading around inside,
safe from the police- the feds- anyone who would be a threat.            Safe from
everyone but me.            My eyes
flickered to Phoenix on my right, he grinned as a new girl walked up to him and
gave him a flirty wave.            I elbowed
him hard in the ribs.            His grin
turned sour as he glared at the girl and flipped her off.            Remember
your place.            I’d said
it once, twice, a million times to the guys, and they were still struggling
with the idea that they weren’t here to go to school, they weren’t here to make
friends. We weren’t at peace. We were in a freaking war zone.            And
Phoenix’s family was our only key to redemption.            “That
seems to be the last of them.” Chase’s cool gaze surveyed the main road that
led into campus. It was easier on security to have one road in and one road
out. Too bad life wasn’t that convenient.            If someone
didn’t belong—it would take us minutes, scratch that, seconds to eliminate
them, their family, all while making it look like a very unfortunate accident.            “Wait,”
Tex squinted towards the iron gates, “I think there’s one more car.”            “The hell
there is.” I muttered, “I counted the cars, I’ve looked at the lists, we aren’t
missing anyone.”            Chase
yanked the list out of my hand and started reading through the names of all the
freshman enrollees. His grin made me about lose my shit as he lifted his head
and handed back the paper.            “I hear
Wyoming’s beautiful this time of year.”            “What?” I
jerked the list away and started greedily reading through the names.            One stood
out.            Trace
Rooks, Female, 18, Casper, Wyoming.            “Great.” I
dropped the list onto the ground and smirked, “A girl who probably smells like
cow shit. What’s her background?”            Nobody
answered.            I said it
louder, this time grinding my teeth together.            Tex was
the first to answer, “We couldn’t really find any.”            “Couldn’t.
Really. Find. Any.” I repeated. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”            “Look,”
Tex shook his head, “We have Sergio on it, but the girl doesn’t really have a
lot of information about her. Parents dead, Grandma dead, Grandpa her only
living relative and somehow her social as well as her birth certificate were
both lost.”            “Lost.” I
licked my lips. I told my head not to go there, told my heart to stay in my
damn chest and stop hoping as images flooded my mind. Dark hair, dark eyes,
“Nixon, I’ll save you.”            “Dude, you
okay?” Chase elbowed me.            “Let’s go
welcome her to Eagle Elite.”            Nobody
moved.            “I said,”
I started marching towards the girls dorms, “Let’s go welcome her.”            “Why do I
have a feeling this is a really bad idea?” Tex said under his breath.            “For once,
Tex, keep your mouth shut and stay in the background, paste a shit eating grin on
your face and let me and Chase deal with this. Do you think you can do that?
Hmm?”            “Take a
Xanax.” Phoenix grumbled.            I sent a
seething glare in his direction.            He mumbled
a curse and walked off with Tex to wait by the tree while we continued the next
few feet to the girls dorms.            The car
was a rental.            The
grandpa was ancient.            The girl
was…young.            And she
had shit as belongings. Her suitcase was covered with stickers, her grandpa
handed her a small box, and I could have sworn I saw a tear escape her eye and
roll down her smooth cheek.            “Hell no.”
I grumbled, “She’ll be destroyed here.”            “Won’t
last five minutes.” Chase agreed.            “Tears.” I
wiped my face with my hands, “Tell me I’m not seeing tears.”            “Girls
don’t cry here.”            “They
don’t.” I agreed.            “She isn’t
like them.”            “No.”            “We need
Mo.”            I laughed
at that, “We need a miracle.” With a curse, I quickly dialed the number for
orientation and made arrangements for the New Girl to be moved to the United
States room. Mo was supposed to be on that same floor. I figured she needed all
the help she could get. No way would little Wyoming survive the year with
anyone else, not that I was happy about it. I mean in hindsight that was
probably my first mistake.            I’d
officially invited her into my life—by way of my sister.            “New girls
here.” I said loud enough for Tracey to turn around and gape. So squeaky clean
and innocent. Like a little lamb, right, Chase?” I tilted my head and offered
her a smirk.            The old
man reached in his jacket. It was a move I knew well. Another clue. He wasn’t
what he said he was. He wasn’t who he said he was. As if noticing my
calculating glare, he removed his hand and offered a forced smile, “A welcoming
committee? This place sure is nice.”            I had to
respect his control. The way he protectively stood in front of Tracey as if he
was the only thing standing in the way of my devouring her.            “Is there
a problem?” He scratched his head, causing his shirt sleeve to fall, revealing
a small tattoo. One I’d seen as a child but couldn’t place.            “Do I know you?” I blurted.            He
laughed, “Know any farmers out in Wyoming?”            It was his
tone that convinced me, the way his shook his head slightly, waiting for my
challenge. It was the same look my Uncle gave me when he wanted me to stop
pushing.            It was the
look that my dad taught me when I was ten and witnessed my first torture.            The girl
was still staring at us. Easy target. I’d leave the old man alone, he reminded
me too much of mine. And I didn’t need that reminder, not now.            I lifted
my arms and stretched lazily.            The girls
eyes went wide as she stared at my body.            Chase hit
me in the stomach.            I
sauntered forward and tilted her chin towards me, closing her mouth in the
process. “Much better,” I licked my lips and fought the urge to kiss her. Yeah,
I was losing my shit. “We’d hate for our charity case to choke on an insect on
her first day.” Her lips trembled as she looked from me to her Grandpa. I released
her before she could do anything, and walked past, with Chase in tow.            I needed
to talk to the girl at registration anyways. We disappeared behind the
building, but I’d be back. I just needed the Grandpa to leave.            Within
seconds the rental car was driving away. And the girl as all mine. My heart
thudded against my chest, and for a second, I regretted what I was about to do.            But every
possible outcome ended with either her death, or her in danger. And for some
reason, I didn’t want someone like her at Eagle Elite. She didn’t belong in my
world.            She
deserved a picket fence.             A
husband.            A good
college experience without classmates who’d rather see her commit suicide then
survive the next four years.            They would
destroy her.            And she
would make it so damn easy to do so.            The only
way—was to beat them to it. To be the first, marking her as our target, our
play-thing.            Nobody
messed with what was mine.            And in the
end, nobody would mess with her. They’d allow me to entertain them with her
innocence. I’d dangle her in front of them like a carrot, and at the end of the
day, she’d be untouchable.            I sighed as she looked up at the
building gaping like someone who’d been homeschooled and never seen a sky
scraper before.            She was
too skinny.            I made a
mental note to get her one of my access cards—she didn’t need to know how much
they cost—or that every single student at EE would kill to have one. Mo would
take care of the rest.            She’d eat
with us.            She’d want
for nothing.            It was the
least I could do after what I was about to make her endure.            Licking my
lips I approached her again, this time, damning myself to hell with each step I
took. “Are you lost?”            “Nope.”
She grinned, damn it made her prettier. “Apparently I live in the United
States.” With a shrug she tried and failed to lift her heavy suitcase and
nearly toppled over onto her cute ass.            I muffled
a laugh, knowing that Chase was doing the exact same thing. Being mean to her
would be like kicking a puppy. But the world was ugly. I just hated that I would
be her tutor in the ways of reality—her prince of darkness.            Damn, I
would have done anything to be the hero.            “I’m
Nixon.” I stood directly in front of her, shifting my eyes from her poorly
fitting clothes to her ugly shoes.            “Tracey, but everyone calls me Trace.”
She held out her hand.            I itched
to touch it.            To touch
her skin.            Instead, I
scowled, shook her hand, then wiped that same hand on my jeans as if she was
diseased.            “Rules.”            “What?”
She took a step back.            Chase
moved past me, “He’s right. As cute as you are, Farm Girl, someone needs to
tell you the rules.”            Her gaze
narrowed, “Can it be fast?”            Yeah,
again, I almost lost my mind. Chase was probably ready to shit his pants. The
last person that talked back to him was Phoenix and that ended with a few
broken bones and a trip to the dentist.            “You hear
that Chase?” I said amused, “She likes it fast.”            “Pity,”
Chase took a step closer, nearly touching her with his body, “I’d like to give
it to her slow.” His eyes raked her in, as if she was the first girl he’d ever
seen in his entire existence. Jealousy surged through me. What he hell? She
wasn’t’ his. Not that she was mine, but still. He was standing too close, too
close.            “The
rules.” He stepped back. My heart beat returned to normal, “No speaking to the
Elect, unless you’ve been asked to speak to them.” He circled around her
staring a little long at her ass before he continued.            “Who are
the--“            “—Nope.
You’ve already broken a rule. I’m speaking New Girl.” Chase smirked. “Geez,
Nixon, this one’s going to be hard to break in.”            “They
always are.” I said without taking my eyes from her, “But I think I’ll enjoy
this one.” The first true thing I’d said. I would enjoy it too much. I’d enjoy
her too much, because she reminded me of someone I used to know. Someone who
offered to save me, when I was already past saving, someone who wiped my tears,
and cried as if they were her own.            Chase
continued with the rules. Making me sicker as her face continued to fall.            Finally
she asked, “Is that all?”            “No.” Raw desire pulsed through me as I
approached her, needing to touch her, needing to make sure she was real even
though I knew I was acting like a complete and utter lunatic. Chase and I would
have words later. He knew me better than I knew myself sometimes. I was going
too far, pushing myself, pushing him.            My hand
caressed her face, then moved down her smooth neck to her shoulder. I wanted to
claim her, to possess her, to make her scream—but not with fear, with utter
ecstasy. I had no idea who she was, but she made me want. And that was the
problem.            For the
first time in years. I wanted.            I wasn’t
allowed to want.            I had to
die to myself.            Because in
the grand scheme of things? It wasn’t about me. It was about blood, family,
protection. Blood in, blood out.            Her eyes
dilated. Furious that she’d reacted so easily, upset with myself for making my
own body suffer, I snapped.            “You feel
this? Memorize it now, because as of this moment, you can’t touch us. We are
untouchable. If you as much as sneeze in our direction, if you as much breathe
the same air in my atmosphere. I will make your life hell. This touch, what you
feel against your skin, will be the only time you feel another human being as
powerful as me near you. So like I said, feel it, remember it, and maybe one
day, your brain will do you the supreme favor of forgetting what it felt like
to have someone like me touching you. Then, and only then, will you be able to
be happy with some mediocre boyfriend and pathetic life.” Away from me. Away
from it all. Safe.            A few more
tears escaped down her cheek.            And I knew
in that moment. It was the beginning of the end.            My end.            My downfall.

            My demise.







Elect:AMAZONB&NiTunes
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Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street
Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances.
When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and
plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.



She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir
Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing
journey at www.rachelvandykenauthor.com



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Release Blitz & Giveaway: Hansel #2

Purchase on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1zOGuLe
He was Hansel. 

She was Gretel. 

Once upon a time, they shared a prison wall inside a crazy woman's house. When they meet again, he has a whip. She wears a mask. And fear runs high - for so many reasons. What will happen when the mask comes off, the walls come down?

Fairy tales are cautionary tales, remember?


Haven't started reading the Hansel series yet? 


Purchase on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1td3gaG
One boy. Mother calls him Hansel.

One girl. Mother named her Gretel. 

Locked in little rooms, in the mountainside mansion of a crazy woman.
Until he saws a hole into the wall dividing them.
Then at least, they have each other’s hands. 

It doesn’t end well at Mother’s house. 

Everything gets…broken. 

Ten years later, they meet again in an exclusive Vegas sex club.
Whips.
Chains.
And most of all, a mask.
What happens to love when it gets twisted?

Fairy tales are cautionary tales, remember? 

Giveaway

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About Ella James

Ella James is a Colorado author who writes teen and adult romance. She is happily married to a man who knows how to wield a red pen, and together they are raising a feisty two-year-old who will probably grow up believing everyone’s parents go to war over the placement of a comma.

Ella’s books have been listed on numerous Amazon bestseller lists, including the Movers & Shakers list and the Amazon Top 100; two were listed among Amazon’s Top 100 Young Adult Ebooks of 2012.

To find out more about Ella’s projects and get dates on upcoming releases, find her on Facebook at facebook.com/ellajamesauthorpage and follow her blog, www.ellajamesbooks.com. Questions or comments? Tweet her at author_ellaj or e-mail her at ella_f_james@ymail.com.


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