Té Russ's Blog, page 16

Release Day! The Merger by Bernadette Marie

                                                        

The MergerBusiness minded Spencer Benson only sees the bottom line getting bigger when he begins merger talks with another family owned company, however, headstrong lawyer, Julie Jacobson, is determined to be very thorough with the merger, which throws Spencer off his game.
Spencer makes no qualms of his dislike for Julie, but when she comes to him for help he finds that perhaps she's not quite the menace he thought she was. In fact, his feelings for her change completely. But when he finds that someone has used the merger to stab him in the back, where can he turn when Julie’s name is associated with the deceit?

About Bernadette Marie


Bernadette Marie has been an avid writer since the early age of 13, when she’d fill notebook after notebook with stories that she’d share with her friends. Her journey into novel writing started the summer before eighth grade when her father gave her an old typewriter. At all times of the day and night you would find her on the back porch penning her first work, which she would continue to write for the next 22 years. In 2007—after marriage, filling her chronic entrepreneurial needs, and having five children—Bernadette began to write seriously with the goal of being published. That year she wrote 12 books. In 2009 she was contracted for her first trilogy and the published author was born. In 2011 she (being the entrepreneur that she is) opened her own publishing house, 5 Prince Publishing, and has released her own contemporary titles. She also quickly began the process of taking on other authors in other genres. In 2012 Bernadette Marie began to find herself on the bestsellers lists of iTunes, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble to name a few. Her office wall is lined with colorful PostIt notes with the titles of books she will be releasing in the very near future, with hope that they too will grace the bestsellers lists.Bernadette spends most of her free time driving her kids to their many events—usually hockey. She is also an accomplished martial artist with a second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do. An avid reader, she enjoys contemporary romances with humor and happily ever afters.


www.bernadettemarie.comwww.facebook.c... on Twitterinfo@bernadettemarie.com


Excerpt of The Merger:Chapter One
  Oregon was a fine place. Perhaps, Spencer Benson thought, he’d like to come back someday and visit as a tourist. However he was into his fifth month of merger negotiations with Pacific Line Lumber, and his desire to ever fly out to the Pacific coast again was waning.  He pressed his head to the back of the boardroom chair as he listened to the eighty-year-old owner of the company reminisce, again, about the day his father had taken down the first tree to build their family house…and an empire was born.  Spencer had a great appreciation for family business. He was part of one. His great-grandfather had started Benson, Benson, and Hart. His grandfather took over. followed by his father. His cousin Ed had been holding the CEO position for years now. It was time for him to rise to the position. However, taking five months to close a deal wasn’t making him any friends back home.  A moment later the door opened and Spencer felt the twinge in his chest start as it did every time that bitch of a lawyer walked in the door. Julie Jacobson had found a million little flaws in the proposal. He’d like to not see her face again.  Okay, he thought, it wasn’t a bad face. She wore her blonde hair back in a ponytail most times. Her eyes were brown. He’d noticed that as she’d burned holes through him for the past five months with them.  Today she hurried into the boardroom dropping a stack of paper on the table. It toppled over, slid to the floor, and she scrambled to pick it all up as every man in the room watched.  Okay, he’d later admit he’d rather have watched her fume over the papers and thought it was just, but he wasn’t that kind of man. Spencer rose from his seat and walked across the room to help the frazzled lawyer with the mess she’d created.  When everything was stacked back on the table, she turned those brown eyes on him. They were bloodshot and full of sadness.  “Thank you,” she said very softly as if not to let the rest of the room hear her.  “My pleasure,” he lied and walked back to his seat.  The meeting continued with interludes from the owner as he reminisced about this or that. A brief five hours later, they finally broke and Spencer gathered his things and headed back to his hotel.  As he walked through the lobby, his phone rang. It was his father and he toyed with the idea of not answering it. However, that wasn’t like him.  “Hey, Dad.”  “Make any progress?”  Spencer blew out a breath. “You know that bitch of a lawyer is making me crazy. We’re up to replanting. How many trees and seedlings will we replant each year to replace everything we use. We’ve gone over that.”  His father laughed. “And how many will we?”  “I don’t know,” he said pushing the button to the elevator. “I have a lot of math to do tonight.”  “This is your project. You’ll do fine with it.”  “Sure, you just don’t get what a bitch this woman is,” he said just as he noticed that very bitch step into the elevator as the doors closed. He let out a grunt. “Dad, I’ll talk to you later.”  He turned off his phone and shoved it back into his pocket.  Julie Jacobson didn’t turn to look at him. She didn’t say a word to him. But there was something going on. Something was wrong. Why was she in the hotel elevator?  Was she crying?  Oh, who cared? She deserved to cry. She was costing him time and money each time she opened her damn mouth in that boardroom and he was tired of her. Let her cry.  The elevator opened again and another man walked in, looked her up and down then pushed a button. The elevator rose a mere two floors before he got off. Spencer watched as Julie literally stomped her foot in aggravation for the stop.  They rode in silence for a few more floors and then the doors opened and he began to step off, but the blood that ran through him wouldn’t let a woman suffer. He lodged his hand in the door and looked at her. She was indeed crying.  “Ms. Jacobson, are you okay?”  She lifted her head. The bitch didn’t seem to be in there. This was a broken woman with troubles. He could see that. She only nodded and he accepted her answer.  “Okay, then, have a pleasant night.” He stepped back again, but when her head lifted again and the sadness burned through him he couldn’t handle it. He tucked his foot back into the door forcing it open.  “Mr. Benson, what are you doing? I’d like to get to my room, please.”  Ah, there she was, he thought as the door closed behind him.  “You don’t look okay. I mean something’s going on and I just want to be here if you need someone.”  She let out a grunt. “You hate me. I know you hate me. I’m costing you time and money.” So, she was a mind reader. “My private life, on the other hand, isn’t any of your business.”  He nodded. He could accept that.  She lifted her hands to wipe away the tears and he noticed the tell tale sign of a wedding ring having recently been taken off. There was an indent in her finger and a white line where it must have been worn for years.  “Would you be interested in having a drink?”  She turned to him and those brown eyes bore right through him. “Are you kidding me? You want to take me out for a drink? I’m the lawyer for the company you’re trying to buy. I don’t think that would look very good, do you?”  He hadn’t thought of that. “No. You’re right. I just…”  He only had a moment to catch his breath before the woman lunged at him and pushed him up against the wall of the elevator. Spencer was ready for the knee to the groin, but her mouth coming down on his, her tongue pressing into his mouth, her hands in his hair—none of this he’d expected.  Spencer was gripping the bar on the wall, but the man in him decided that a woman throwing herself at him would be better to hold. He placed his hands on her hips and pulled her to him even tighter. Heat rose between them. The moan from her throat was enough to make him go light headed as the blood traveled away from his brain.  When the door opened, Julie stood straight and stepped away from him. As Spencer moved to her, she held up her hand and straightened her shoulders.  Her breath was coming in great big gasps. Pink colored her cheeks and those brown eyes didn’t hold fire.“Good night, Mr. Benson,” she said as she stepped out of the elevator.  Goodnight? What in the hell? His body wasn’t quick enough to chase after her before the doors closed and she was out of his sight.  The blood was rushing back to his head and he thought he might need a very cold shower when he got back to his room.  What was that all about? Bitch one moment—panting horny woman the next?  Who needed it? This was just the force and fire he needed to walk into that meeting tomorrow and say take it or leave it. He’d had enough of Pacific Line Lumber and their legal staff.  As the door opened, Spencer stepped out onto his floor and went straight to his room. He slid the keycard into the lock, and then again, and again. He hated these stupid pieces of plastic. Finally, the door beeped and he pushed it open.  The lightness in his head took over. He was going to need to sit down.  He knew this feeling. He’d had it before. Crap! That woman had kissed him senseless. That’s what it was.  Something was up with the blonde with those dark, burning eyes. Never before would he have imagined a woman like her in tears. No, something was hurting her—or someone. He’d make sure to take the time tomorrow and find out what was going on.  Spencer lay back on the bed and closed his eyes. The heat of that kiss swam in his head again. Her hips under his hands. Her body pressed to his.  Oh, hell, she’d messed with his mind.  Tomorrow, she’d finally see his fire. She wasn’t going to mess with him like this. All hell was going to break loose tomorrow.  For now, though, he was going to take a very long, very cold shower.

Sample Sunday Perfection Excerpt

                               
As Jillian leisurely walked around the resort, she found herself near the grand ballroom where the party had been held earlier. She looked through the immaculate glass doors. The party had been over for quite a while and the efficient staff had already cleaned the place up. Her eyebrows furrowed when she heard the sound of a piano playing. There had been a live pianist playing during the party all night. Was he still playing this late? Unable to tamp down her curiosity, she pushed the doors open and quietly walked in the room. She was instantly calmed by the music surrounding her. The music was filled with so many emotions: love, pain, angst, passion. She kept walking towards the piano. She couldn’t see the players face, because the lid was up, but as she got closer, she began to get that tingling feeling all through her body.She paused mid-stride. It couldn’t be him! She continued walking until she could see his face. His eyes were closed as he played. He looked as if he were a thousand miles away. His face had a content look. Her gazed dropped to his fingers that were moving sensually across the keys. They slowed down and when she looked back at his face again, she realized he was looking at her. Cassius had a lazy grin on his face and he gestured for her to come closer.Jillian hesitated for a moment, thinking she shouldn’t. She should turn around and go back to her condo. But she couldn’t. She was being drawn to the music. She was being drawn to him. It was almost magnetic.She stood next to the piano and watched as Cassius continued to play. He looked up at her again then tilted his head down at the seat. He wanted her to sit next to him. He slid over and she sat down.They were touching from thigh to shoulder. The heat between them was palpable. She could feel every movement he made as he stroked the keys on the piano. The music was filling her with a cluster of emotions. Eventually, Cassius’ hands slowed and he finally ended his musical arrangement.Jillian felt his body move as he let out a deep sigh.She saw him glance at her from the corner of his eye. Then he began to speak. “When I was a kid, my entire family would go on vacation to Galveston. Not just me, my parents and siblings. My uncles, aunts, cousins....it was amazing. Like a summer long family reunion.” Cassius’ fingers began to lightly play the keys again as he continued to talk. “That’s where my grandparents were originally from. He started all of this,” he waved one arm around the room, “from one little bed and breakfast on the beach in Texas.”Jillian nodded and quietly said, “I’ve heard the history of hotels.”Cassius nodded. “At the bed and breakfast, there was a piano. I don’t know what it was but something always drew me to that thing. One year my Aunt Mary began teaching me how to play. I was hooked. When we came back to New York, I started taking lessons. I used to play for the guests at the bed and breakfast during our vacations." He chuckled quietly and shook his head. “My brothers and cousins would tease me because I preferred spending my time inside playing rather than spending all day at the beach.”“You play beautifully.” She couldn’t stop the wavering in her voice.Cassius looked down at the keys. “If you cry, Ms. King, I may not be inclined to play for you anymore.”She turned and looked at him despite the water that welled up in her eyes. “So we’re back to formal names?” Jillian teased with a weak smile.“Isn’t that how you wanted things?” Cassius asked, still not looking at her.“Don’t you think that it’s better that way?” she replied with a question of her own.“Full disclosure?” he asked.She nodded. He turned and finally looked at her. He reached up and wiped away the wetness under her eyes with the pad of his thumb. He was quiet for several moments then finally spoke again. “I can’t say that I want things to stay formal…or professional between us. Because it wouldn’t be true.”“It wouldn’t?”“No Jillian. It’s hard to stay professional where your concerned, especially when you’re the reason I’m down here at three in the morning playing on a piano, when I haven’t touched an instrument in months.”She looked up at him, eyes wide.“Why would I be the reason you’re in here playing music at three in the morning?”“The same reason I’ve hardly gotten any sleep since I met you. And I’m betting it’s the same reason you’re walking around here in the middle of the night too.”She let out a sigh.He gently reached for her hand. “I can tell you feel it too Jillian.”She tried to pull away, but he held on tighter. “Cassius," she said, shaking her head and looking down and their hands joined together. "Don’t.”“That’s the first time you’ve said my name,” he said, smiling. “I think I like it.”

[Blitz] Uncovering You: The Complete First Boxed Set ($0.99) byScarlett Edwards

*ONLY $0.99!!Buy the bundle here: Amazon - Goodreads-Join Lilly and J.S. as they begin their twisted tale of love and revenge. The Uncovering You Boxed Set includes the first three, full novels of the shocking dark romance series that has readers captivated all over the world.Uncovering You 1: The ContractAmazon - GoodreadsUncovering You 2: SubmissionAmazon - GoodreadsUncovering You 3: ResistanceAmazon - Goodreads-Highlights:"A vague longing grows deep inside me. The need for submission. A natural willingness ground into me by the madness taking hold of my mind. I feel it rising. The demonic form consumes me from the womb, sapping my strength, and breaking my resolve."“I refuse to give up in despair, even if my entire self-preservation mechanism is on high alert. Despair is what whoever brought me here wants me to feel."“A collar with no leash. A prison with no walls. And a life stripped of meaning. Resist and die. Or submit, and give my life away."“You may sign when ready. Know that my patience is wearing thin. I am displeased with the state of your body. Your malnourishment is troubling. Until you sign and come under my care, I can do nothing to help. ~ J.S."“I don’t want to think about the implications of the contract. I won’t sign it. I will never become someone else property. I’d rather die first."“A prisoner has no purpose. A prisoner has no choice. But a concubine, on the other hand? She always has a choice."“Our lives are defined by our actions, Lilly. Luck is a fallacy for the weak of mind and will. Luck is what those people who cannot own their actions point to when considering the success of failure of their lives."-Book Descriptions:Uncovering You 1: The ContractWhen I wake up in a dark, unfamiliar room, I have no idea what's waiting for me in the shadows. My imagination conjures up demons of the worst kind.Reality is much worse:A collar with no leash. A prison with no walls. And a life stripped of meaning.I am presented with a vile contract and asked to sign. It outlines the terms of my servitude. The only information I have about my captor are the two small letters inked at the bottom:J.S.Armed with only my memories, I must do everything I can to avoid becoming ensnared in his twisted mind games. But in the end, it all comes down to one choice:Resist and die.Or submit, and sign my life away.Uncovering You 2: SubmissionI have survived the worst. I have come out of the darkness with my sanity intact.Now, I get to meet the monster holding me here. For the first time since my captivity began, I get to meet Stonehart.Whatever he wants, I'll be ready. The collar may be tight around my neck, but I will not be a prisoner.A prisoner has no choice. A prisoner has no purpose.But a concubine, on the other hand? She always has a choice.And today, I choose to fight.Uncovering You 3: ResistanceJeremy Stonehart is a cruel, vindictive man. He wants me to submit. He wants me to give in.I will never give in. I will never yield. No matter what he subjects me to, I will always fight.I will not forget my resolve.Let Stonehart think me broken. I am not so easily deterred as that. No matter what he puts methrough, I will always remember my own strength. I will always remember that in the end, I havecontrol of the one thing he really wants:My mind.I will never give him that.I will resist.-Disclaimer:These books contain scenes of intense emotional and physical cruelty. Readers with sensitivity to such subjects are advised to proceed with caution.For Current Fans: UNCOVERING YOU 6: DELIVERANCE IS COMING NOVEMBER 19, 2014, AND IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW.-
*ONLY $0.99!!Buy the bundle here: Amazon - Goodreads-Reader Reviews:“Speaking of J.S and being trapped (or should I say collared and tied to a marble white pillar)…… The excitement of reading this book was finding out the identity of J.S.? Who was this mysterious person that signed his name J.S. on that vile contract and why did he kidnap her? The main focus of this book was about her discovering who J.S. was, and then it happened, that aha moment. Scarlett Edwards built you up for 20 chapters, and then led you to the promise land. Loved it!”“So Uncovering You is written in volumes with this being the release of Volume numero uno, each volume is set to be about the length of a short story and has a climax and an “ending”, though as a reader you know the “ending” is not really the ending.I thought the style of writing in this book was exceptionally unique and refreshing, you are vaguely introduced to the characters and there is not a lot of fluff in this book. There aren’t any long diatribes about inconsequential details rather this book is in your face right from the beginning.”“Edwards has a way of conveying her character’s personality more through their actions or anecdotes then a drawn out description, following that old saying, actions speak louder than words.”“I loved this story, the writing was clean, it flowed naturally between the changes in time, and you can tell every word held purpose. I CAN’T wait to read the next volume and see where this story will go!”“I will say this if you don't like kidnapping or playing with people's minds this isn't the book for you. I am trying to figure out the why's JS is being the way he is but would rather keep the suspense going thank you Edwards for an incredible worthwhile book. keep them coming.”“I'm still trying to understand what I just read. All I know is that I loved it and recommend it!! A great story that did some mind screwing around with me. Was at the edge of my seat.”“Very fast and intriguing read.”“The story line for me at first sounds like other dark books that I've read but it takes off in a different direction unlike those once you get into it.”“This is the story of Lily and JS, who just might take top spot for book bastard.”“I finished this excellent start to a new serial in one sitting- its fast-paced, detailed and full of suspense. I was pleasantly surprised that this author added a new element to captivity stories- a new “method” of captivity. No, Lilly isn’t bound by ropes or chains but she’s just as restrained with the device used by her captor. I think this original added piece definitely made this story unique and even more intense.”“Uniquely written, suspenseful and intriguing are but a few words to describe this serial story from Scarlet Edwards.”“I've been reading A LOT of dark reads lately and one thing I highly respect is when an author adds something new or an element that I haven't read before. Lilly is held captive by a new and unique method to me- there's no ropes and chains but she's just as confined.”“The writing is crisp with a plot served up in bite size pieces. Intense at times with a gullible heroine allowing her desperation to cloud good judgement but it all works itself into the story telling beautifully. The alpha male with serious control issues claimed my interest immediately as he rides rough shod on the unassuming girl making for a good read with suspenseful interludes. I look forward to the next installment as it's very addicting. Loved it. Great value for the money.........”“I gave UNCOVERING YOU 2: SUBMISSION 5 stars not because I loved it, because I kind of hated it in that *you took me to a really dark place and I hated being there but it was so well-written and so perfectly told that I couldn't help but be sucked in* kind of way. So okay, maybe that sounds like I did love it; I was just so caught up in the story that I was repulsed by it's darkness because it felt entirely too real.”“Uncovering You Part Two begins shortly after the cliffhanger in Part One. Each story in this serial is labelled after the core theme of the novella which I find unique and creative.”“I would recommend anyone who enjoyed the "50 shades" trilogy would be intrigued by this tale.”“I'm not normally a fan of the serial books thing. In fact they drive me nuts! I made an exception for this book and I'm so glad I did. This is definitely in my top 5 favorite books of all time, and I read a lot. If you like a good dark read you will love this book. I'm counting down the days until the next book comes out.”“Uniquely written, suspenseful and intriguing are but a few words to describe this serial story from Scarlet Edwards. I am hooked and waiting for more.The first installment introduces us to a strong master/Dom who has kidnapped a young college intern and forces her to consider signing a contract of servitude. The second is about forcing her into submission. Mr. Stonehart (as the name implies) is a sadist. He requires Lilly's complete submission and acceptance. As Lilly cooperates, freedoms are afforded... but is she really submitting to his will?”“A must read - this series is awesome!!! I came across by accident but it's wonderful. The author did a good job with the story line and the suspense is great!!!”“I thought nothing could top Uncovering You #1 but I was so wrong. I couldn't stop until the end. Now I can't wait for #3. If you haven't tried it you need to get started. #1 blows away you senses, #2 has you yelling to the characters. He does because he can. She does to survive. Can't wait for #3.”“This series is hot, erotic, dark, and I have developed very strong feelings for Lilly, who I think is magnificent and Jeremy, evil personified. Lilly's plight and her bravery makes me want to weep.”“This series was recommended in the Amazon kindle section just for me. It was like nothing I've ever read before but I am enjoying the series very much!”“wow..just wow..I can't believe I keep reading about this psycho..lol. but I can't stop! Jeremy is one effed up man and I'm waiting for Lily to get her revenge on him...I'm glad I'm able to at least read each book..I couldn't stand to have to wait for next book..altho I heard book 5 is still in the works..anyway..loving this crazy book!”“I love that I'm eager to keep reading, that's what makes this series so fantastic! It keeps me on the Edge. once I think i have it figured out and the next I'm upside, almost like Lilly trying to figure out Jeremy. It's sexy, full of suspense and drama, and enticing! I'm impatiently waiting for the fourth book. Amazing read!”“Thus far, theses are wonderfully written books. They read fast & absolutely no dragging anywhere. This is my 1st time reading anything from Scarlett Edwards and I'm so glad that I came across these books. I not only would recommend these books, I have recommended them to my family & friends. Thank you Scarlett for such a wonderful book & series. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading them!”“This series is making me hanging onto every word. I am so anxious to learn why Jeremy wanted Lilly in the first place. I cannot wait for book 4. The writing just gets to you.”-
*ONLY $0.99!!Buy the bundle here: Amazon - Goodreads-About Scarlett:I’m Scarlett Edwards. I wrote my first book as a college sophomore. After six months of edits, it made its debut as Yours to Savor.That was at the start of 2013. I’ve written more books since then. You can find them all here.It’s funny how quickly life changes. I used to think I’d need a degree to get a “Real Job.” Then I wrote a few books, they got somewhat popular, and now I’m living the life as a full-time romance author.Thanks to all my readers for making my dreams come true!-Rafflecopter Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Hard Limit by Meredith Wild

Hard Limit by Meredith Wild (The Hacker Series #4) Release date: 9th DecemberGenre: Contemporary RomancePRE-ORDER LINKS for Hard Limit:  http://www.meredithwild.com/book/hard-limit/ Blake Landon is a man who has everything—wealth, good looks, and the love of Erica Hathaway. The power couple has been through hell and back, and when life has torn them apart, somehow they have always found their way back to each other, more in love and stronger than ever. Erica has never been more ready to say I do. On the verge of making the ultimate commitment, she uncovers an unsettling chapter of Blake’s history. As she makes peace with her own past and the family who left her behind, she presses Blake to tear down the last walls between them. Determined to know the man he once was, she opens a door to a world beyond her wildest imagination—a world that has her questioning the limits of her own desires.  As danger lurks and dark secrets come to light, will the past destroy their promise of forever? Meredith Wild is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of romance. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children.  You can find her at www.facebook.com/meredithwildhttp://www.meredithwild.com/                                                       https://twitter.com/wildmeredithAll the books in The Hacker Series can be found at:  http://meredithwild.com/booksPre-Order links for Hard Limit: http://www.meredithwild.com/book/hard-limit/

Book Spotlight: Heart of the Matter by LaQuette

About the Author

A native of Brooklyn, New York, LaQuette spends her time catering to her three distinct personalities: Wife, Mother, and Educator.  Writing: her escape from the everyday, has always been a friend and comforter.  She loves writing and devouring romance novels. Although she possesses a graduate degree in English Lit, she'd forego Shakespeare any day to read something hot, lusty, and romantic.
She loves hearing from readers and discussing the crazy characters that are running around in her head causing so much trouble.  Contact her on Facebook, Twitter, her website, Amazon, and her Facebook group, LaQuette’s Lounge.




Blurb:Heart “Mac” MacKenzie is a tough police lieutenant in the NYPD servicing the rough streets of Brooklyn, New York.  She’s a strong leader who doesn’t mind getting in the trenches with the men and women she leads at the seventy-four precinct. Her house, her people, and her family—both blue and blood—are the only things that matter.  She would live and die for the blue wall that shields her from a traumatic past.When her captain assigns her a high-profile kidnapping case that she doesn’t want, and insists she allows the missing girl’s irritatingly sexy uncle to tag along during the investigation, her blood boils.  Mac has no choice but to do what she always does when things get out of control, lay down the law—her law.Kenneth Searlington is a rich playboy from the Upper East Side of Manhattan.  With stunning looks and an unlimited source of wealth, he’s used to being the center of everyone’s attention, especially the women that he comes in contact with in high society. His life is fun and carefree until his niece, Merridith is kidnapped, and he’s forced to seek out the help of his godfather an NYPD police captain, David Porter.Afraid and frustrated, Kenneth defers to his uncle’s expertise and his promise that he’s putting his best cop on the case, Lieutenant MacKenzie.  When Kenneth discovers “Mac” is actually a sexy as sin lady cop with a fiery temper to match, he decides mixing a little business with pleasure might be just the thing he needs to distract him from long-standing family issues that are trying to crawl their way back into the forefront of his life.Each used to having their own way, can these two work together long enough to bring an innocent child home?  Or will they settle their differences and unyielding attraction in a more carnal way and get right down to the heart of the matter?
Excerpt:Kenneth watched Heart climb the stairs two at a time.  She went into what had now become their bedroom and headed straight for the walk-in closet.  He heard the keypad beeps from the gun safe as she dialed in the combination code.He felt a slight sense of relief.  Heart was silent-angry.  That was never a good thing.  At least if she was this mad and her weapons were locked away, he stood a chance of surviving to see the next day.  She re-entered the bedroom and walked directly past him.  He heard her quick footsteps run down the stairs.  He followed, saw her head for the basement door, and disappear into the lower level of the house.He walked downstairs to find her standing in the middle of the gym with her arms crossed against the expanse of her heaving chest.“Baby, I…” She put up her hand and stopped his words.  She turned toward the stereo, turned it on, and fiddled with the dials until he heard Maxwell’s “Bad Habit” pouring from the speakers.It was late and she had the sound turned up on damn.  Fortunately for their neighbors, the basement was soundproofed.  When the house was built, the original owner had wanted a place in the house where he could make as much noise as he wanted without disturbing the neighbors.  By the looks of it, Heart planned to benefit from that fact.  He wasn’t quite sure if he was going to benefit from it or not yet.“What’s with the music being so loud?”  He yelled over the driving base.“I want to make sure that the neighbors don’t hear you scream,” she said, face straight, muscles tightening in her arms as she squeezed her hands into tight fists.”“Shit,” was all he could say.  He knew he was in trouble now.She rushed him…that was the only way to explain how she was standing across from him one moment, and sitting on top of him the next.  In a matter of seconds he was on the floor; face up, with her sitting on top of him.“Heart, this is not funny.  Get up so we can talk.”She didn’t move, didn’t even make a sound.  She just looked at him, through him with sharp brown eyes cutting into his soul.  His hands had somehow ended up near his head when he fell.  He went to pull them down and felt resistance.  He tried to move them again and heard a metal clinking sound above his head.  He moved his head around until he could see the shiny glint of handcuffs.  She’d cuffed him to the weight machine they’d landed in front of when she’d taken him to the floor.  This was the very same weight machine that was bolted to the floor and immovable.  “Heart, this isn’t funny.  What are you doing?  Why did you cuff me?”Her face was still tight with anger, her body stiff and poised for attack.“Kenneth, do you know that I hate watching you get dressed.  I hate it because I hate that anything else in this world gets to touch your beautiful alabaster skin as closely as I do.  I want to be the only thing draped over you so intimately.  Not the fine garments you wear, and certainly not that bitch, Faith.”He watched her pull something from her back pocket.  At first it looked like a heavy handle, but with a flick of her wrist, it became a knife.“Heart?”She ran the dull side of the knife across his lips and said, “Ssssh.”He swallowed carefully as he watched her remove the knife from his lips and slice the sharp side down the length of his shirt, causing the two sides to peel away from his body like water.She continued the slide of the blade through his pants until he was lying beneath her naked and at her mercy.“I’m an only child, Kenneth.  I never really learned how to share.  I’ll be damned if I’m going to share you.  So hear me now.  If you want that bitch, be with that bitch, and leave me the fuck alone.  But if here is where you want to be, keep that bitch, and any other out of your face.  I.  Don’t.  Play.  That.  Shit.”He nodded his head quickly.  He knew he hadn’t  perpetrated that kiss with Faith, but him lying naked beneath her while she had a sharp blade dancing between her fingers didn’t seem the most appropriate time to point out whose fault this entire fallout was.She brought down the hand holding the knife with a hard and fast stabbing motion.  He flinched, anticipating pain, but realized soon that there was no pain.  She hadn’t stabbed him.  He turned his head slightly to the side and saw the shiny blade next to him, sticking out of the floor.Heart grabbed him by his chin and allowed one word to slip through her tightly ground jaw, “Mine!”She slammed her mouth down on his and kissed him hard, sharp teeth biting into his flesh.  His skin rent and he tasted the bitter metallic tang of blood.  He should have been pissed, he really should have felt afraid, after all, this woman had rendered him helpless and brandished a weapon in front of him.  He was shaking, his heart was pounding, and his breath was coming out in rapid tufts of air from his heaving chest.  But surprisingly, there was no fear only…interest.His dick jumped beneath her.  He was handcuffed with a knife sticking out of the floor next to his head and he was so turned on his dick could cut granite.What the fuck is wrong with me?



My BeginningbyLaQuette

Genesis Lawrence left her home and family in Brooklyn, New York ten years ago and never looked back. When you've spent your entire life protecting yourself from the ones that are supposed to love you, running to the other side of the country seems like the best idea ever. Emotionally bankrupt, she begins rebuilding her life after failed familial connections and a broken marriage leave her too raw to ever believe happiness exists for her. Work as a Physical Therapist in her rehab clinic is all she knows and all she wants.Drew Marrack has spent the last year of his life trying to end the soul-searing pain of losing his mother by any means necessary, even if that means ending him—literally. After a tragic accident and a resulting disability that devastates the tattered remnants of his world, only one name can give him a brand-new start: Genesis.Pain, heartache, secrets, and tragedy from the past bring them together, and then fight to tear them apart. Is new love strong enough to give them the fresh beginning they both need, or is this simply the beginning of their end?Available on Amazon
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Launch! Vivian by Bernadette Marie

New from International Bestselling Romance Author Bernadette MarieThe Conclusion of The Three Mrs. Monroes Trilogy
Three women thrown together in the most unlikely of situations  can either become enemies or sisters of the heart. 


From loss breeds new beginnings


Vivian Monroe had been jaded. Her husband’s death only compounded the lies she’d only come to learn about. Clayton North knows a thing or two about loss. He figured it was fate for him to meet Vivian Monroe. He’ll take on the challenge of helping her mend her heart.Midst new friendships and new romance, Vivian must let go of her pain and face the woman who helped Adam Monroe weave his deceptive web.













Available from 5 Prince Publishing www.5princebooks.com  books@5princebooks.comGenre Contemporary Romance:Vivian Book three of The Three Mrs. MonroesRelease Date: October 9, 2014Digital ISBN-10: 1631120425ISBN-13: 978-1-63112-042-8Print ISBN-10: 1631120433ISBN-13: 978-1-63112-043-5Purchase link : http://www.5princebooks.com/buy-links...


THE FIRST TWO BOOK IN THE TRILOGY
AMELIA, book one From loss breeds new opportunity.Amelia Monroe had felt the sharp pain from the loss of a soldier before—Adam Monroe’s death didn’t have that same effect.

Sam Jackson had one job—deliver Adam Monroe’s revised will. Even he couldn’t have anticipated that he’d be entangled in the web of lies his client had woven.

Doing what is right had been inbred in Amelia. She’d planned to say her goodbyes and start fresh. Staying in Adam’s small town with his other lies, that wasn’t part of her plan.









Available from 5 Prince Publishing www.5princebooks.com  books@5princebooks.comGenre: Contemporary RomanceAmelia Book one of The Three Mrs. MonroesRelease Date: July 31, 2014Digital ISBN-10: 1631120387 ISBN-13: 978-1-63112-038-1Print ISBN-10: 1631120395 ISBN-13: 978-1-63112-039-8PENELOPE, book two From loss breeds new life.Penelope Monroe married on impulse and her heart had been broken by Adam Monroe’s lies. Pregnant she wonders how she will survive, alone, with her baby.Brock Romero held Adam Monroe when he died in combat. Now released from the Army he makes it his priority to find Adam’s wife and share with her his last words.On the verge of making the same mistake twice, Penelope must trust her heart—especially when new lies are uncovered.












Available from 5 Prince Publishing www.5princebooks.com  books@5princebooks.comGenre Contemporary Romance:Penelope Book two of The Three Mrs. MonroesRelease Date: August 28, 2014Digital ISBN-10: 1631120409 ISBN-13: 978-1-63112-040-4Print ISBN-10: 1631120417 ISBN-13: 978-1-63112-041-1Purchase link : http://www.5princebooks.com/buy-links...



About the Author: Bestselling Author Bernadette Marie is known for building families readers want to be part of. Her series The Keller Family has graced bestseller charts since its release in 2011, along with her other series and single title books. The married mother of five sons promises Happily Ever After always…and says she can write it, because she lives it.

When not writing, Bernadette Marie is shuffling her sons to their many events—mostly hockey—and enjoying the beautiful views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains from her front step. She is also an accomplished martial artist with a second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do.

A chronic entrepreneur, Bernadette Marie opened her own publishing house in 2011, 5 Prince Publishing, so that she could publish the books she liked to write and help make the dreams of other aspiring authors come true too.

How to reach Bernadette Mariewww.bernadettemarie.comwww.facebook.com/authorbernadettemariewww.authorbernadettemarie.blogspot.com@writesromance on Twitterinfo@bernadettemarie.com

#SexySnippet Sunday: My Harlequin Contest Submission!

Hey all! It's been a while since I posted anything! I've been super busy. I entered Harlequin's So You Think You Can Write Contest! I'm super excited about this book. Originally I was going to submit Love After War, the novel slated to come out in February. But I felt like the style of writing was a tad bit different from Harlequin and so I decided to start from scratch with a brand new story. So I took a story (that only had about 1,000 words) that I had been working on that originally was suppose to be a short story and create this story that I completely feel in love with. I wrote it in two weeks. There were a lot of late nights, moments of doubt and even more moments of me calling myself "bat shit crazy" for deciding to write an entire new story in less than a month. But I also kept reminding myself that I wrote Homecoming in a week, so I could do this! Anyway, I'm eager to share a little but from my Chapter 1 submission to you all! The Top 25 will be announced on or around October 10 (hopefully that's a good omen for me, it kicks off the hubby and my anniversary weekend!), so keep your fingers and toes and eyes crossed that I make it! Well, enough of my babbling! Let's get to it! 

    The warm smoky voice clearly did not belong to the barista who’d taken her order. She slowly peered over her book to see Jaden standing over her, holding her cup out in front of her, with a heart-stopping smile on his face.

    She sat there looking at him for a moment, in slight shock. In the year and a half that she’d been frequenting Mellow Mocha, she couldn’t recall him saying more than an occasional hello to her.

    He smiled then said, “Our drinks were ready at the same time, so I figured I’d save a trip. You look so into your book.”

    Finally, she reached up and took the cup from him. Her fingers brushed against his slightly and she felt a jolt rush through her body.

Read the rest of chapter one of Let Me Love You (which I may have to change the title, I'm thinking Brewing Up Love) and comment here: 

http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com/manuscripts-sytycw-2014/let-me-love-you/

Don't forget to stop by and check out all of the great Sexy Snippets posted today!

http://thenuthousescribblers.blogspot.co.uk/p/sexy-snippets.html#.VCyLMPldXxI

Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista Blog Tour

CHRONICLES OF A LINCOLN PARK FASHIONISTAAuthor: Aven EllisGenre: Chick Lit 
~ SYNOPSIS ~ Recent college graduate Avery Andrews is ready to begin a new life in the big city. She’s landed an apartment in Chicago’s famed Lincoln Park neighborhood–and has her eye on the cute commodities trader just a floor above.

If Premier Airlines knew about her fear of flying, they never would have hired her to be their marketing assistant—but it’s not like Avery wants a lifelong career. Right now she simply wants a job to pay her bills…and fund a few little shopping excursions, too.

Her new lifestyle comes with a price tag, as Avery is not only faced with paying a ridiculous rent but finds she’s perceived as one of the vacant, husband-hunting fashionistas who live in the area. Avery resents this stereotype—so she doesn’t want a lifelong career, and she loves fashions she can’t afford, but that doesn’t mean she is empty-headed and spoiled, does it?

When an opportunity to participate in a documentary at work arises, Avery finds a two-fold solution to her problems. She’ll earn extra money for it, and the documentary will show her as a serious career woman, enabling her to shed that husband-hunting fashionista label for good.

When the camera is on, Avery attempts to be a motivated professional woman. But when she is challenged by Deacon Ryan, the videographer assigned to cover her story, Avery finds herself wanting things she was never supposed to want—like a lasting career—and Deacon. And Avery might just gain more from the experience than a perfect career image and extra cash to put in her Tory Burch wallet…

~ RELEASE DATE ~ September 10, 2014

~ PURCHASE ~ 
AMAZON US


~ EXCERPT ~

“We were supposed to be together forever,” Bree says, breaking through my angry thoughts. “I mean, he had been acting distant and irritated lately, but I thought that was the stress from graduation and getting ready to move. I had no idea he was thinking of this. None. Alex was supposed to marry me. How do I deal with this, Avery? How?”I hug her. I have to answer this carefully. I can’t say Alex is a bastard. Because if they did work it out—which I’m not in favor of because this is a huge red flag if this is how he deals with things—but if they did, Bree would know my true feelings forever. I have to say something thoughtful. Something soothing and wise. My eyes land on the stack of magazines on the coffee table. Last month’s FLIRTY! is on top, and I see this headline: “Don’t Let His Emotional Immaturity Ruin Your Life.”Bingo.“Bree, don’t let Alex’s emotional immaturity ruin your life,” I say gently. “This has nothing to do with you and everything to do with his own maturity issues.”Bree moves back from me, amazement etched on her tear-stained face. “How do you always know what to say?” “Because you’re my best friend. Now go on back to my bedroom, first door on the left. You can wash your face in my bathroom. Then curl up in my bed, and I’ll bring you something stronger than wine.”“I’m so glad I’m here. I love you, Avery,” Bree says, sniffling. “I love you, too,” I say to the friend who is like my sister. “Now go on,” I add, standing up and pulling her up off the couch. “I’ll be right there.”***“Let’s do a one-on-one interview,” Deke says.“Sure,” I say, taking another sip of wine.He quickly sets up a backdrop and puts his camera on a tripod. I sit down on a barstool in front of the black screen, and Deke asks me to talk about my friendship with Bree. I give a brief history, explaining how close we are and how we’ve gone through the ups and downs of life together and always will.Deke then shuts off the camera. “That’s interesting advice that you gave to Bree tonight,” he says slowly, his eyes piercing through me.And damn it, despite the fact that I don’t like him, a tingle shoots down my spine.“Well, it’s easy to give advice to Bree. We’re more like sisters than friends. And because we know each other so well, I know what to say to her in a time of crisis.”“I see,” Deke says slowly. “So are you going to advise her on the hot colors for pedicures this season, too?”Suddenly I can see the FLIRTY! cover on the coffee table in my head. I quickly glance over at it and see the pedicure headline, right underneath the “Don’t Let His Emotional Immaturity Ruin Your Life” one.Oh shit.



~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~ 

Aven Ellis
Aven Ellis has been writing fiction since she was sixteen. She studied communications at a large Midwestern university, and after graduation, Aven worked as a reporter for a community newspaper, followed by a stint at a public relations agency.

But writing about city council meetings and restaurant franchises was not as much fun as writing for young women trying to figure out their careers and potential boyfriends. So Aven got herself a job in television that allowed her to write at night. Connectivity is Aven’s debut novel; Waiting For Prince Harry and Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista (New Adult romantic comedy) will be published next year.

Aven lives in Dallas with her family. When she is not writing, Aven enjoys shopping, cooking, connecting with friends on social media, and watching any show that features Gordon Ramsay.


Social media links:Facebook | Website | Twitter | Goodreads 


Tour Host:HEA Book Tours, PR & More: http://heabooktours.blogspot.com/

Book Review: Cooking Up Love by Candace Shaw

Hey guys! It's been a while since I left a book review! 
Today I'm reviewing Cooking Up Love by Candace Shaw!
Now, if you all know me by now, you know how much I love romances with cooking involved in it! I don't know why I love them so much. But I think it is absolutely sexy! And of course, you know I love stories that surround families! This has both!
This book did not disappoint!
Here is my amazon review:
Miss Shaw Heats Things Up with Cooking Up Love!
Shelbi Arrington is happy with her job as a food critic. She has no desire to start her residency and follow in her family's medical career footsteps. And love certainly isn't on her brain. Then she meets Justin Richardson, the very sexy chef of a restaurant that Shelbi ends up critiquing. 
Justin's main focus is to run his restaurant, something that was a dream of his and his mother's, who passed away when he was only twelve. Because of his mother's death, Justin has a strong animosity towards doctors.
Justin is attracted to Shelbi from the first time he meets her. She's smart, sassy and tells it like it is. Even if her opinions piss him off! 
The chemistry between these two is hot! But there is also drama and emotion as well. I was so nervous about them finding out about each other's pasts. I was eager to find out how they would react.
I also loved the secondary characters in this story. Of course there is Shelbi's family, the Arringtons, who are there for Shelbi, be it supportive or annoyingly! 
I am eager to read the rest of the books in Miss Shaw's, Arrington Family Series!
I've gotta tell you, her books have been on my TBR list for a loooong time! I'm glad I started with this one and I can't wait to read the rest! I'm such a big fan now!!!
P.S. Cooking Up Love is the first book in The Arrington Family Series and it is currently Free! Pick it up on amazon!

Late Night/Early Morning Surprise!

Hey all!
I promised you all an excerpt on Facebook! Here it is!
This is a scene from my next book Perfection, coming out November 28, 2014!
*Note: This scene is unedited. 

Cassius watched as she got to work. She completely transformed. Gone was the flustered woman who seemed to be at a loss for words. In her place was a culinary dynamo. As she chopped and diced things, she explained in great detail what she was making.

He watched in complete awe. “Why combine those two things?” he found himself asking.

She looked up and smiled continuing to chop nonstop. She was almost finished with her creation. “Come here.”

There was something about the way she beckoned him to her. It made his gut clench. He walked over to her as she added some ingredients to a skillet and stirred. He stood near her, not directly behind her, but not quite beside her either.

She pointed at the skillet. “You’ve tasted this before?”

He nodded, “Of course.”

Then she pointed at another skillet. “And I’m sure you’ve tasted that?”

He nodded again.

“What did you think of them? Each and individually?”

He shrugged, “They are both good. Great even.”

“Exactly!” she said animatedly, pointing a spoon in his direction. Then she turned back to the stove and began taking things from both skillets, while continuing to talk. “Both of these things alone are great,” she put everything on a plate and scooped up a portion and held it up to his mouth, “but what do you get when you combine those two great things together?”

He eyed the spoon then her. That was a loaded question he thought to himself. He knew that she was referring to the food on the spoon she was holding up for him to taste, but he was curious what would happen if they ever got together. The attraction between the two of them was so thick. He shook his head, he had to stop thinking of her like that.

He knew he’d kept her waiting long enough, so he leaned down and took the spoon in his mouth. She stood there in anticipation watching and waiting for his response. His eyes widened as the taste exploded on his tongue. He watched her smile, as she could tell what he was experiencing.

She nodded silently.

“Perfection.” That was the only word that came to mind.