R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 127
November 10, 2020
BOOK BLITZ: Crimsy by Michael Martin #GIVEAWAY
Crimsy
Michael Martin
Publication date: November 9th 2020
Genres: New Adult, Science Fiction
A YOUNG SCIENTIST and her research team are thrust into a global battle for control of the greatest discovery in human history: a harmless bacteria that loves frozen saltwater—and lives on Mars.
__________________________________
After enduring politics, Congress, marsquakes, dust storms, and landslides, PhD-to-be Jen Z and her research team hope their successful, years-long quest to find life on Mars is finally over.
But their biggest fight has just begun.
◆◆◆
“The you-know-what hit the fan when charming but feckless university lawyer Nathaniel Hawthorn showed up in my office. Someone was trying to patent our stupendous find, Crimsococcus halocryophilus.
“A simple microbe I gave a simpler nickname: Crimsy.
“I think it was the trillionaire investors who helped finance our mission, eager to prevent a repeat of the Martian Ground Wars, when every nation on this planet wanted their ‘fair share’ of the Red Planet: the rocks, dust – and fossils – Odysseus brought back. But a foreign space agency, Homeland Security, the Pentagon, even our own NASA might want patent protection, too.
“The patent filings triggered a law we’d never heard of, the Invention Secrecy Act. FBI agents showed up at my apartment, served my research team with cease-and-desist orders. Crimsy was now classified and would stay aboard Deep Space Gateway indefinitely.
“People called us crazy, said we were wasting taxpayer money, refused to believe. But we proved them wrong. And some fantastic developments after MarsMicro brought Crimsy to the space station make studying it on Earth all the more urgent.
“Our money, our jobs, our privacy, our lives. The muckety mucks holding Crimsy hostage control everything.
“But I’m through letting them control me . . . ”
—
EXCERPT:
TOSSING, TURNING, ALMOST FLIPPING, the helidrone moved farther away from the canyon wall. As it pulled clear of the dust, our amorphous nemesis took shape.
“Holy—” another ground navigator (GN) exclaimed next to me.
“Jennifer: We’re witnessing the largest avalanche any human has ever laid eyes on,” Dr. Levitt said, in a hush meant only for me. It looked like the entire canyon wall was collapsing, and at incredible speed. “This is sand on ice, people,” she announced into her mic. “No friction to slow it like snow on snow.”
“Look!” I heard.
We saw the rover on the drone cam now, a tiny David fleeing the sliding Goliath.
“Turn! Turn! Turn! Turn! Turn!” I heard. The rover made a quick turn around a corner.
“Slide’s moving at a couple hundred,” the CGE said.
“If not faster,” Levitt said. “What’s our speed?”
“Holding at twenty five.”
As the helidrone lost sight of the rover, the rover’s own cams caught it hitting bumps that became ruts that became gullies, signs of increasing water flow. The GN throttled it back, but the chief ground engineer put his hand over the navigator’s hand and pushed the joystick forward. The rover slapped the ruts, then jumped over what looked like a sandbar, landing hard and spinning. The cameras cut out and my earphones went crazy.
“What’d we hit?”
“What was that?”
“All communications offline.”
“Systems down.”
The drone cam’s screen was screwed up, too. Static and snow replaced clear images.
“Where’s the drone? Bring it in.”
“Lost contact.”
“So am I interpreting right?” Levitt said. “We’re effed?”
“We’re not letting Hale off that easily,” Cooper said.
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November 9, 2020
BOOK BLITZ: Secrets by Jessica Frances #GIVEAWAY
Secrets
Jessica Frances
(In Midsummer, #4)
Publication date: November 6th 2020
Genres: Adult, LGBTQ+, Romance, Suspense
One storm. One Santa Claus. One stalker. One secret. One surprise. One question. One answer.
Christmas is meant to be a jolly time of year, right? So, why is everyone acting like the plague is around the corner? Every year, I’m always the grumpy guy. Yet, this year, I might as well be sunshine personified.Conner is definitely hiding something from me, River is unusually moody, and the townspeople have clearly lost their minds. Unfortunately, I can’t arrest everyone in my life and demand they explain themselves … can I?Since my relationship with Conner is becoming more vital to me than ever, I need to find out what has everyone acting so strange. This Christmas will be the first for Conner and me together. I need to make it special. That means I have to ensure nothing can come between us. Not a Hollywood hunk, not a creepy stalker, and definitely not a snowstorm.So, will we make it through our first Christmas together? Or will this end up being the worst day of the year?
—
EXCERPT:
I pull up to the unmanned front gate and park, since the boom gate won’t open without power. Then I exit my vehicle, check to make sure my weapon is secure at my side, and make my way toward the front entrance.
“This is Sheriff Green! Anyone here?” I shout, receiving no response.
I tread carefully, not wanting a broken ankle on this icy ground, and head to the front door. I try the handle and find it’s locked. Then I move to the first window and take a peek inside, but it’s too dark to see anyone. I consider radioing Abby, but I don’t want to distract her or give her presence away in case she’s still in pursuit.
When I then round the building, I see what looks like blood spilled along the icy ground.
“What the …?” I crouch down to it. It’s either real blood or fake from a movie set. Then again, they’re not filming here right now; Prince confirmed that.
I get back to my feet and keep alert as I continue to move around the house, trying windows and doors as I come across them. Everything is locked up, and nothing looks disturbed. But where is everyone? Where are the guards? Where are my deputies?
I freeze as I make out sounds close by. I then continue moving and find they’re growing louder. I can’t hear the words being said, but the panic is obvious.
I draw my weapon, unsure what I’ll find as I move around to the back part of the building and take a quick peek around the corner.
Author Bio:
Jessica lives in Adelaide, South Australia. When she is not writing, you can find her reading, napping or watching excessive amounts of TV. Connect with her on Facebook and Goodreads.
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November 8, 2020
BOOK BLITZ: It's Raining Men by Rich Amooi #GIVEAWAY
It’s Raining Men
Rich Amooi
Publication date: November 8th 2020
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Romance
On a dare, Faith Daniels tosses a coin into the infamous “Fountain of Love” and wishes for the perfect man, laughing it off as the dumbest thing she’s ever done. Like magic, her quiet life turns upside-down when men begin to appear out of nowhere. There’s a doctor, a lawyer, a firefighter, and a swimwear model, for starters. All of them are kind, generous, successful, and drop-dead gorgeous. All of them are interested in Faith. But who is Mr. Right?
A feel-good romance novel about love, friendship, and living life to the fullest!
—
Q&A
Do you have a guilty pleasure? Dark chocolate almonds. Five to six each day after lunch.
Who was your first celebrity crush? Farrah Fawcett. I had a poster of her up in my shag-carpeted fort in the rafters of the garage. I even got in a fight with my brother one day when I caught him making out with the poster. I tried to clean it with Windex and ended up erasing Farrah’s mouth.
First car? Lime green 1970 Chevy Nova with polyester seats that stuck to my legs in the summer.
Is there an idea out there that you wish you’d thought of?
Absolutely. These two lines from the movie Airplane!
“Surely, you can’t be serious.”
“I am serious—and don’t call me Shirley.”
Biggest fear? Living without my wife.
What inspires your book ideas?
This may sound crazy but some of my ideas start with just a title. The idea for my fourth novel came to me while in line at Starbucks. A woman reached over and smacked her husband on the arm and said, “Quit being so crotchety.” I smiled and thought Mr. Crotchety would make a great title for a book. Then I brainstormed the story and wrote it.
Caramel, kettle, cheese or regular popcorn? Yes, please.
What’s on your pizza? Pineapple and garlic.
Biggest pet peeve? People who drive fast through residential neighborhoods.
Nickname as a kid? Stitches. Let’s just say I was on a first name basis with the staff at the emergency department.
First author hero? Dr. Seuss
Favorite ’80s artist? Hall & Oates.
Favorite dessert? Betty Crocker super moist yellow cake with chocolate frosting.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A DJ on the radio. I ended up working at some of the top radio stations in Silicon Valley for over thirty-three years. Then my wife encouraged me to take a few creative writing classes at Stanford and here I am writing romantic comedies!
If you were a Disney princess, which one would you be? Did you really just ask me that? Can’t you see how much testosterone I have? It’s just oozing out my pores. I should be offended! I really should be! But I’m not. The answer is Cinderella.
Author Bio:
Rich Amooi is a Taleflick Discovery Winner, Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Recipient, Holt Medallion Finalist, and the Amazon Bestselling author of 15 romantic comedies, including It's Not PMS, It's You, Dying to Meet You, There's Something About a Cowboy, and Madam Love, Actually. Over 500,000 downloads from readers around the world.
A former radio personality and wedding DJ, Rich now writes romantic comedies full-time in San Diego, California, and is happily married to a kiss monster imported from Spain. Rich believes in public displays of affection, silliness, infinite possibilities, donuts, gratitude, laughter, and happily ever after.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub
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November 7, 2020
BOOK BLITZ: The Hit Mom by K. Marie #GIVEAWAY
The Hit Mom
K. Marie
Publication date: November 7th 2020
Genres: Adult, Romance, Thriller
The instructions were simple. Transport the package and deliver it on time.
That didn’t happen.
Because of that, Harmony Saxton almost died. Yet, she stared death in the face that day and was miraculously spared.
Now, four years later, she questioned whether she’d truly been spared at all. Because when the devil gave the order that day, staying her life, he also sealed her fate. Harmony was indebted to a monster—trapped in a dangerous world of politics and death, paying the ultimate price for loving the wrong man.
But hadn’t she paid enough for someone else’s sins? Was she meant to be punished for life?
Harmony would rather be dead. Except, she had one very good reason to live, and that was for her son, Teddy.
So then, how would it ultimately end? Did she dare to do the unthinkable to attain her freedom?
Harmony knew there was only one way to ensure her survival. The only question was, would she be able to look the devil in the eye when the time came…or would she shoot him in the back?
The Hit Mom is a gripping, fast-paced story that is guaranteed to take you on a head-spinning journey where danger is always around the corner, and things aren’t always as they seem!
*This book is standalone and told in a dual POV.
**Intended for ages 18 and over. Content contains violence, strong language, and sexual situations.
—
EXCERPT:
Harmony
It was unseasonably warm for late October in southern California, but today seemed a day like any other. The sun shone brightly in the east, while a breeze feathered gently across my skin, carrying with it the earthy perfume of fall.
In the distance, street traffic hummed along at a steady pace, while the occasional tinkle of laughter, or the wail of a cry, pierced the relative quiet around me. But my eyes stayed trained on the figure up ahead.
I moved along the energetic walking path of Edgewater Park carrying a large tote in one hand and clutching a child-sized palm in the other. To the casual observer, I was just one of the crew; another overworked and under-appreciated mom who sought a couple of hours outside the systematic prison that we called home.
Others might’ve judged me as the world’s worst mother, but not those who greeted me with warm, welcoming smiles as I strolled casually by. Here, I belonged. I fit right in with my black well-worn yoga pants, athletic jacket, and three-year-old Nikes.
I was an empathetic creature who gets it. I too, rose each morning to daily complaints from sullen children who lamented the necessity of attending school. I was also a slave to endless loads of laundry, meal preparations, cleaning up after others, and the dreaded car-pool. It felt nice to fit in somewhere—to be an accepted member of a clan I’d secretly termed ‘The League of Martyrs’.
But today, unbeknownst to them, I was probably their worst nightmare.
Yes, it seemed a day like any other. Except for me, it served as yet another test, as well as a grotesque reminder of the high price I’ve had to pay for my very life.
“Can I do it now, mommy?” asked Teddy, impatient to let loose with his new toy. It was a high-tech drone that was far too expensive to have been gifted to a child.
“Just a little further, sweetheart, I promise,” I told the toddler, keeping my eyes on the target.
My son predictably groaned his disapproval.
Up ahead, the man I had been tracking finally slowed to a stop in front of a well-worn park bench. After removing an old hankie from his pants pocket, he wiped the space clean before taking a seat. It was a routine, and the same one I’d seen him perform the past two days.
Every day at precisely noon, Henry L. Weiss; an unethical local politician, took his lunch break in the park located almost two blocks from his office. I looked on as he opened the crinkled brown paper bag that he always carried and pulled out a sandwich of unknown composition.
“Okay Teddy, we can do it here,” I told my son, pointing to a patch of grass about fifteen feet away.
“Yay!” he cheered loudly, running ahead of me.
To the casual observer, we were just a harmless mother and son out enjoying a beautiful day in the park. When in truth, I was likely the most dangerous thing out here.
Because today’s outing served two purposes, an opportunity for Teddy to try out his new toy, as well as the completion of a job for me. Yes, I brought my son to work with me. Don’t judge—you have no idea the shit I’ve been through.
Author Bio:
K. Marie first fell in love with books when a good friend bequeathed her with her very first Harlequin Romance novel. Reading has always been her escape, but writing is her passion. So, it was only natural that she would one day write her own steamy tales of sex, lies, love and redemption.
In her novels, you'll find gripping stories that are rife with hunky heroes, feisty heroines, an unexpected plot twist, and a little bit of gangster. K. Marie is a self-professed feminist who believes in unabashedly indulging the female fantasy. However, she doesn't guarantee you'll always get a happily ever after. Okay, or maybe you will!
K. Marie is a Michigan native. Some of her favorites are coffee, wine, fashion and music. When not writing, she's hard at work creating beautiful graphics and publications for clients, taking on DIY home projects, spending time with her family, and planning her next vacation.
Looking to connect with K. Marie? You can always find her on Instagram or Facebook.
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BOOK BLITZ: Wyatt by A.M. Salinger #GIVEAWAY
Wyatt
A.M. Salinger
(Twilight Falls, #4)
Publication date: November 6th 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Wyatt Batista has sworn off love. Can his new friend and business partner make him believe in happy-ever-after?
Having spent most of his adult life lusting after a man who could never be his, Wyatt Batista resolves to steer clear of love. That’s all fine and dandy, until he meets Nathan.
After an accident sends his carefully planned future off course, Nathan Hardy leaves Seattle in search of new horizons and adventures. When his path crosses that of Wyatt, he enters into a business partnership with a man he comes to admire and respect deeply.
But what starts out as friendship soon turns into something neither of them expected. For Wyatt finds himself falling hard for someone who he believes could never return his love once more, while Nathan becomes aware of feelings he never imagined he would harbor toward another man.
Can Nathan convince Wyatt that he is serious about giving their relationship a try? Or will Wyatt run again, fearful to trust and accept a man who wasn’t gay in the first place?
Join Wyatt and Nathan in this delightful fourth installment in Twilight Falls, the new series by the author of the bestselling, contemporary romance series Nights.
—
EXCERPT:
Two Years Ago.
“Are you sure?”
A faint smile curved Nathan Hardy’s lips as he studied the man across the desk from him. He could tell Cain Sawyer was worried about him despite the frown darkening his rugged face.
“Positive.”
The lines furrowing Cain’s brow deepened. “If you need more time, I’ll talk to the other partners and—”
“You don’t have to do that, Cain. I’ve made up my mind.”
Cain opened his mouth, paused, and released a rueful sigh.
“You always were a stubborn bastard, even when we were in college,” he muttered.
Nathan grinned and climbed to his feet. “And you’ve been a great boss and friend.” A twinge shot down his left thigh. He masked a grimace at the cramp.
Cain rose and escorted him to the elevator. “I’ll call you when I’ve organized a farewell party.”
“You don’t need to do that,” Nathan protested. “I’m the one deserting you guys.”
Cain narrowed his eyes. “You’re having a party, end of story. I’m not letting the best designer in Seattle leave my firm without a proper goodbye.”
Nathan rubbed the back of his neck, conscious of the stares they were attracting. “Alright.”
“And don’t be a stranger when you’re back in town,” Cain said. Nathan startled when the other man pulled him in for a quick hug. “There’ll always be a job here for you if you change your mind.”
Nathan swallowed the sudden lump in his throat.
“Thanks, Cain. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve a friend like you.”
Cain’s eyes gleamed. “If you’re having regrets—”
“I’m not.” Nathan flashed him a remorseful smile. “Not about this.”
He rode the elevator to the first floor, exited the high rise, and paused on the sidewalk. Horns honked on the busy avenue in front of him. Nathan ignored the hustle and bustle of the traffic and the crowd milling around him, and turned to gaze at the building he’d just walked out of.
This is it. I’m officially out of a job.
That thought should have scared the living daylights out of him. Except it didn’t. Not much did these days.
Well, they do say nearly dying does that to people.
His leg throbbed again, reminding him of the reason why he’d just quit the dream job he’d worked so hard for over the years. Nathan clenched his teeth and massaged his stiff thigh muscles. He hadn’t fully stretched this morning after his run. He waited until the spasm passed, raised his face to the hazy blue sky, and took a deep breath.
Today was the start of the rest of his life.
He turned right and headed down the avenue. By the time he’d walked the two miles to his apartment building, his limp had become more evident.
Lisa would kill me if she saw me right now.
The thought of the bubbly and energetic physical therapist brought a smile to Nathan’s face as he crossed the lobby. Though he hadn’t been the most agreeable patient when they’d first met, Lisa had never given up on him. He knew the reason he could walk and run again was due to her perseverance over the past eight months. His smile faded when he recalled their last appointment the day before.
Who knew she’d cry so much?
A bolt of sadness stabbed through Nathan as he got off the elevator on the tenth floor. Saying goodbye to his old life was proving to be much harder than he’d thought it’d be.
He inserted his key in the door of his condo and paused.
It was already unlocked.
There were only two people beside him who had keys to his apartment. His former fiancée Melissa Klein and his brother Dean.
The smell of camellias greeted him when he entered the condo.
Nathan sighed and made a mental note to berate his brother. Dean had obviously told Melissa he was going into the office to hand in his letter of resignation. She would never have come over if she’d known he’d be there otherwise.
He found her on her knees in the bedroom, with her head buried in the closet. Nathan glanced at the half-stuffed overnight bag on the floor before clearing his throat.
Melissa startled and whirled around. “God!” She pressed a hand to her chest. “You scared the crap out of me!”
The guilt he’d been living with these last few weeks stormed through him all over again when he saw the shadows under her eyes and her pinched lips.
“Sorry.”
They stared at each other in silence, unspoken words swirling in the air between them. It was two months to the day since Nathan had broken off their engagement.
Melissa’s expression grew guarded. “I didn’t know you’d be back so soon. I’ll be out of your hair as fast as I can.”
She turned and started rooting around the closet again.
Nathan hesitated. “Do you want a coffee?”
Melissa stiffened. “No.”
Nathan leaned a shoulder against the doorframe. He felt tired all of a sudden. “You’re not even going to look at me?”
Melissa whipped around, her blonde hair flying around her face and her blue eyes bright with barely suppressed anger.
“What do you want me to look at, Nathan?! You dumped me three weeks before our goddamn wedding!”
Shit.
Nathan clenched his jaw and ran a hand through his hair.
“It was the right thing to do, Mel. I know you don’t believe me right now, but I would have made you miserable.”
A muscle jumped in Melissa’s cheek. “Why? Because you don’t think I would have coped with the reality that you might be crippled?” Her knuckles whitened on the sweatshirt she was holding. “I’m not that shallow, Nathan!”
He walked inside the room and sat on the edge of his bed. Their bed.
“I know you aren’t, Mel. And that’s why I needed to let you go. Because—” He faltered.
Melissa’s throat worked convulsively. “Because what, Nathan?”
Nathan took a shallow breath.
Here goes.
“Because I think I was in love with the idea of being in love with you. As were you.”
Melissa recoiled as if he’d physically slapped her, the color draining from her face. Nathan fisted his hands in his lap.
God, forgive me for being such an asshole.
There were many things he had come to regret since he’d woken up in hospital ten months ago, days after the horrific accident that had taken place on Christmas Eve. He’d been heading home to see his family in Bellevue after completing one of the biggest projects of his career when a truck had slipped on an icy patch of road on the opposite side of the highway and careened across the median and into oncoming traffic.
Nathan was one of a handful of people who had survived the multi-vehicle collision that had claimed six lives that day and three more later in hospital. He was put into a medically induced coma and had three rounds of surgery to fix his ruptured spleen and smashed leg before they woke him up.
It was only when he saw pictures of the accident and the remains of his car that Nathan realized how close to death he’d been. According to his doctors, it was a miracle he wasn’t paralyzed from the waist down after his body was almost crushed in half by the dashboard of his Prius.
The months Nathan had spent in hospital and rehab had made him face some hard truths.
There was more to life than working all the hours God made, however passionate he was about his job.
He wasn’t in love with Melissa.
And he desperately needed a change of pace and scenery.
Dean was the first person he’d admitted these new and terrifying feelings to. Although his younger brother had looked like he was ready to punch his lights out for deciding to dump Melissa weeks before their wedding, he’d been by Nathan’s side when the latter had finally spoken to their parents about his future plans.
Nathan had known that breaking things off with Mel would hit them hard, since she was the daughter of their closest friends. And he’d ready for their angry words and recriminations. But he’d misjudged how traumatic nearly losing their firstborn son had been on Ben and Helen Hardy. Though they’d expressed their disappointment, they’d not shunned him.
Melissa, on the other hand, had not been as forgiving.
Nathan knew ending their engagement was the right thing to do. He didn’t love her, not the way he should love the person he intended to spend the rest of his life with. He’d realized this when he’d seen her for the first time after the accident. It was as if a veil had been lifted from his eyes and he could see everything clearly for the first time in his life.
“Do you really mean that?”
Melissa’s hoarse words brought him back to the present.
Nathan gazed at the woman he had hurt and cursed his old self once more.
“I like you, Mel. A lot. As a friend.” His lips stretched in a thin smile. “As a lover. But I don’t love you the way a husband should love his wife. I know I sound like a callous bastard right now, but trust me when I say that I’m the wrong man for you. You deserve better, Mel. You deserve true love and a happy ever after. You deserve a man who will cherish you for the beautiful person that you are.”
Tears bloomed in Melissa’s eyes. A sob escaped her throat.
Nathan rose and went to her then. As he knelt on the floor of his bedroom and closed his arms around the woman he had wounded so badly with his words and actions, he made a promise to himself.
He had been given a second chance at a life. He doubted the Heavens would give him a stab at true love too. But if they did, if the person he was truly meant to be with ever crossed his path, he would cling on to them and never let them go. And he would treasure them for the rest of his life.
Author Bio:
Ava Marie Salinger is the pen name of an Amazon bestselling author who has always wanted to write scorching hot contemporary romance. In 2018, she finally decided to venture to the steamy side. NIGHTS is the first of several sizzling series featuring sweet, sexy men with dark pasts and a whole lot of love to give to the ones brave enough to fight for their hearts. When she’s not dreaming up hotties to write about, you’ll find Ava creating kickass music playlists to write to, spying on the wildlife in her garden, drooling over gadgets, and eating Chinese. Want to be the first to know about Ava’s new releases and get access to exclusive content, sneak previews, sales, and giveaways? Then sign up to her Reader Group here and join her VIP Facebook Fan Group here.
Here are some other places where you can connect with her:Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Bookbub / Pinterest / Amazon
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November 6, 2020
BOOK BLITZ: Booze & Bullets by Melanie Munton #GIVEAWAY
Booze & Bullets
Melanie Munton
(Brooklyn Brothers, #3)
Publication date: November 3rd 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
We are the Rossetti’s.The exiled “sixth family” of the New York mafia. We’re the good guys.People don’t fear us…much. They respect us. The five of us? We’re the Brooklyn Brothers.And we protect what’s ours.Lexi Kozlov is a spoiled brat. Rich. Entitled. And unfortunately, she’s now my wife. The marriage is part of a deal I struck with her father…the boss of the Russian mafia. Insane? Maybe. But the payoff could mean millions for my family. Marriage is just a contract anyway. We barely even have to speak to each other. Piece of cake, right?
Wrong.
Lexi is not what I bargained for. Her millions of Instagram followers see her as an international sex symbol, but I’m learning that she’s so much more. I should be relieved that she’s the bachelorette to my bachelor. I shouldn’t want to convince her to turn our fake marriage into a real one.
But when her life is threatened, you better believe I’m going to protect my wife, contract or no contract. Because this sham marriage is the most real thing I’ve ever had in my life.
And I’m not about to let anyone take that away from me.
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo
—
EXCERPT:
Nico
Take my mind off the bullshit, baby.
God, she was a fucking vision.
Outlined by orange and yellow radiance.
Silhouetted by fire.
Burnished in flames.
My plan to relieve the tension in my neck had been to guzzle down about three glasses of whiskey, followed by some self-love in the shower later.
Lexi’s idea was exponentially better.
With pink-tinted cheeks, courtesy of her lingering buzz, she gifted me with the most subtly seductive, wildly erotic dance in the history of the world.
If her willowy, feminine figure was carved into marble, like the Venus de Milo, people would come from all over the world just to behold its beauty. The way her curves rolled provocatively brought to mind the ivy that had wrapped itself around the columns at our Rovinj villa. Her petite nipples were clearly outlined through her thin cami, creating a salacious image.
Those will be in my mouth tonight.
She tipped her head back, letting all that shiny blond hair fall around her slender shoulders, a sultry grin gracing her sinful mouth. She swayed to the sounds of violin strings. The melody was maudlin—almost haunting—which only served to heighten the sexual charge energizing the space between us.
“Lose the jeans,” I grated.
I needed to see what delicate material was covering that ass. What had been in contact with her pussy all day, and what now shielded her femininity from me. What would become sodden with her juices, soaked in her scent, if I sucked those distended tips into my mouth. And what I would rip to fucking pieces if I decided to impale her with my cock right here on this chair.
I needed her to show me.
As I wondered whether or not she would obey my command, she seemed to be contemplating the same question. Then, miraculously, her slim fingers slid down her torso and opened her button. Next came the zipper. Then she took her sweet time slipping the painted-on jeans over her hips and down her thighs. As much as I appreciated the sensual way she moved every inch of that body, it was proving torturous to my self-control.
My fingers dug into the armrest. “Get them the fuck off already.”
Her mouth curved, her eyes half-lidded. “You didn’t specify how I should lose the jeans.”
“As fast as goddamn possible.”
She finally stepped out of them and kicked them away. Just like the cami, her microscopic panties were silky with a lace trim. Only these were black as the midnight sky, while her cami was a pretty ivory. Another enigma. On top was guileless innocence. Down below was confident siren.
But in that moment, all of Lexi was wanton and willing.
“Show me your ass,” I demanded. “I want to see how it looks in those little fuck-me panties. Let me see what’s been filling out those jeans so well.”
A coy smile touched the edges of her mouth as she rotated her hips and presented her back to me. As if anticipating my next command, she automatically lifted the cami a couple of inches so I could see everything.
I sucked in a breath. “There it is.”
Her cheeks spilled out the bottom, exposing matching dimples on the undersides that begged for my tongue to lave and my teeth to nip. This woman’s entire backside just needed to be sampled. When she bent over slightly, sticking it up in the air, I was teased with an image of her bent over my pool table, those firm, rounded cheeks cradling my dick as I drove it brutally hard into her.
And the overall shape of it… “It’ll be a perfect fit for my hands,” I murmured. “With those long legs, it’s at just the right height.” For a good, rough pounding.
That prompted her to give it a little shake.
I chuckled darkly.
She had no idea what beastly urges she was provoking inside me. No idea how quickly the tether leashing my restraint could snap if she pushed far and hard enough.
Balancing herself on her toes, like a graceful, naughty ballerina—enigma—she turned back to me. Her skin would be warm from the fire. Bet I could give her goosebumps if I placed my cool lips on the heated flesh of her neck, or the swell of her breasts.
I crooked my finger at her. “Bring that over to me.”
She bit her bottom lip. “What will you do when I get there?”
I chose honesty. “Destroy you.”
Her breath hitched.
My eyebrow went up. “Scared?”
Her sumptuous lips parted. “Intrigued.”
I spread my legs invitingly. “Prove it.”
Author Bio:
Traveler. Reader. Beach-goer. St. Louis Cardinals fan. Pasta-obsessed. North Carolina resident. Sarcastic. Bit of a nerd.Author of the Cruz Brothers, Possession and Politics, and Timid Souls series, Melanie loves all things romance, comedies and suspense in particular because it’s boring to only stick to one sub-genre! From light-hearted comedies to sexy thrillers, she likes to mix it up, but loves her some strong alpha males and sassy heroines.Go visit Melanie’s website and sign up for her newsletter to stay updated on release dates, teasers, and other details for all of her projects!Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub
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November 5, 2020
B@@K REVEAL: Red and Her Wolf by Alexandria Rose
Coming December 8th
Red and her Wolf
by Alexandria Rose
Cover design by Chelsea Barnes
SUMMARY:
Marie is the daughter of the town drunk. She lives in a brutal, ugly world full of abuse and neglect. Everyone knows her sob story but no one is willing to help.
For 5000 years, Tony has been searching for her. His one. His mate. Every century he finds her only to have her taken before he can claim her. He searches the world for her, always, hoping to catch her scent on the wind. This time, when he discovers her, he’s determined to keep her out of death’s clutches.
Can he convince her to come with him, to take a chance on the unknown, or will he bury her once again?
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BOOK BLITZ: Then He Happened by Claudia Burgoa #GIVEAWAY
Then He Happened
Claudia Burgoa
Publication date: May 6th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Jason is a cynical rich playboy.He doesn’t take life seriously,He doesn’t believe in settling down. Eileen’s thirtieth birthday is almost here.But as always she’s her parent’s afterthought.Her family is too busy planning a shotgun wedding for her older sister—and she has to help.It’s just another year where she’s overlooked.But the best man is smoking hot and actually notices her and makes her feel special.Jason doesn’t believe in commitment, but Eileen intrigues him.
She’s not the kind of girl he usually hooks up with.
She doesn’t even fall for his charm.He’s made it his task to convince her that he’s not the shallow man she thinks he is.But can Jason give up his playboy lifestyle to become what Eileen needs?
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—
EXCERPT:
It’s a perfect day to take one last trip to Steamboat before the season closes.
But where am I?
Racing from Boulder to Colorado Springs to look at a wedding venue for my cousin. Marek fucking owes me.
When I heard they would extend the ski season this year, I was so excited. But how well that worked out. Saturdays are supposed to be fun days.
I don’t ask for much. I just need a place, a plan, a beautiful companion, and a bottle of liquor. See? Straight forward, nice and easy. That keeps me satiated for an entire weekend. It really doesn’t take much to keep me happy and satisfied.
What’s abso-fucking-lutely not satisfying, is touring the grounds of the Broadmoor to scout the perfect place for a shotgun wedding.
“So what’s wrong with Vegas again?” I suggest, half joking.
Eileen shrugs. “Nothing. It’s a great town, really weird. Lots of movies take place there. I don’t know why people hate on it so much.”
“But for a shotgun wedding or maybe eloping?” I clarify. “My assistant can make the reservations. I’ll get a plane. We’ll be there before six. There are plenty of venues. We could probably pick one on the spot.”
She laughs. Like seriously laughs for about a minute like I just said the funniest, most amazing joke in the history of jokes.
When she finally sobers up, she asks with that curious voice, “Did you run that idea by Charlie already?”
I rub the back of my neck sheepishly. “No.”
“Well if you do, I want to be right there. I’ll have my camera ready.”
I shoot her an unimpressed frown. “I’m not joking.”
“Me neither.” She shakes her head, laughing once again. “She’ll try to kill you right on the spot. That’s worth taping.”
“Oh come on, it’s a great idea,” I insist.
“You’re talking about my sister,” she says, waving her journal in my face. “She thinks the only wedding worth having is a wedding that’s as glamorous as a royal affair.”
“We could make Vegas glamorous,” I grumble.
“Mom wouldn’t like it either. What about the guests? Would you fly all of them, pay for the accommodations and their expenses?”
Well, I can’t argue with that. I shrug. She smiles and looks back at the horizon.
“I think either here or the Mountain View Terrace,” I say because I’m done exploring the grounds.
“What do you think?”
She hums. “I think the Mountain View Terrace would be perfect at sunset. Especially if we take this place up on that discount for doing Friday instead of Saturday.”
That sounds reasonable. “Okay, but will her royal obnoxiousness, Princess Charlie agree to that?”
Eileen snorts. “As long as it looks amazing on her Instagram account, I’m sure she’ll agree to that.”
She seems so sure of herself. But with all the bullshit we’ve been through and all the crap her sister’s put her through, I don’t want us to fuck this up.
“But is this the place?” I ask earnestly.
She looks around for a bit. Her eyes comb over every inch of this place so meticulously.
“What do you think?” I ask while she studies the landscape and compares it with the pictures.
She stands on the middle of the gazebo looks left right and then toward the mountains.
“Does it make you want to say I do?” she asks curiously.
I shake my head. “There’s nothing that would make me stand up in front of a bunch of people and say I do.” Again, I don’t say.
“So a smaller setting?” She doesn’t even look at me as she talks. She’s admiring the mountain view. “This isn’t too big. They said up to a hundred and thirty guests. We don’t have to invite everyone to the ceremony. We’ll take whatever they have for the reception.”
It’s still too many people, I think.
She turns back to me, as if reading my fucking mind. “You’re being weirdly quiet. Still deciding about your ideal wedding?”
Instead of responding, I ask a question of my own. “Does this place make you want to tie your life to another person?”
She squints, craning her neck to look up at me. For a few beats she remains quiet.
“I don’t know if this is the place,” she says. “First I’d need the right guy. I’m not getting married to just anyone.”
“So you’re still looking for him?”
She turns to look at me and flashes this smile she has on her face so fucking much. There’s such tenderness in those eyes. That face just soothes me.
“I’m too busy to get a haircut let alone date someone who isn’t worth my time. But you know, I wouldn’t marry someone just because I got pregnant.”
“Like your sister,” I say what she’s trying to avoid.
She shrugs.
“I look at her and Marek and I’m just not feeling it” she says, taking the scene in one more time before walking toward me. “Wouldn’t you want to organize the most important day of your life?”
“I think they’re busy trying to score a house,” I say.
“When I find a guy worth shit, I don’t want to be worried about a wedding or where we’re going to live.”
The air is thin here. It goes well with the crisp afternoon air. Eileen is cool, but calloused when it comes to love. Wonder if it’s a family trait and she’s just a gold digger.
So I prod a little. “What if he can only afford a studio, doesn’t have a car or can afford to pay for the wedding of your dreams?”
“Maybe that’s why 50 percent of marriages end up in divorce,” she says. “People get married all the time for all the wrong reasons. You do it because you’ve come to realize that someone cares enough to see your bullshit and love you anyway. If you’re too concerned about her looks, her job…where she lives…you’re wasting your time.”
She sighs. “I don’t think that many weddings are about love. They’re a convoluted status symbol. If you want it so badly, just elope.”
My eyebrows shoot up. Well fuck, I wasn’t expecting that. “What if you can afford the wedding?”
She gives me an impish smile. “Then, I’ll think about inviting a few people and do something small. Ten, fifteen people from each side of the family. You seem like the kind of guy that would let her do everything pay for it. You like to please people.”
“And why the fuck would I do that?”
“Middle child, we have the tendency to make everyone happy, right?”
“Maybe I would help her organize it.” I let my gaze wander around, anywhere but her direction. “I’m here, aren’t I?”
That last statement doesn’t sit well. We don’t know each other, and she just assumes—not that she’s wrong about it.
“Come on,” she says inviting me to stand right by the gazebo. “Let’s try this out.”
“Try it?”
“Duh, we need to test drive this place.” She extends her hand wiggling her fingers as she calls me to her. “What do you think?”
I take her hand. It’s warm. Her grip soft yet firm. She feels so familiar. I don’t know what it is that I’m waiting for as I stand right in front of her. She squeezes my hand, kinda like she’s saying, “chill the fuck out.”
Reluctantly, I take a deep breath. This place smells like pine with hints of hazelnut and cherry? Warm and bright, just like her. Her eyes stare at me curiously. Then, she nudges me to stare at the horizon again.
“Could you?” she whispers with a chuckle. “Doesn’t it make you want to fall stupidly in love?”
The sky goes on forever. Just like her laugh.
I swallow thickly, terrified of how she made my heart beat fast.
“Yeah,” I mumble, holding her tight because I don’t want to fall.
Author Bio:
Claudia is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. She lives in Colorado, working for a small IT. She has three children and manages a chaotic household of two confused dogs, and a wonderful husband who shares her love of all things geek. To survive she works continually to find purpose for the voices flitting through her head, plus she consumes high quantities of chocolate to keep the last threads of sanity intact.
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November 4, 2020
B@@K REVEAL: Run to You by Jayne Townsley #PreORDER
Run to You
Jayne Townsley
(Seasons of Love, #1)
Publication date: November 24th 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
A friend of the family has done despicable things and has his eyes set on Rin and she has no idea what he has in store for her.
Rin lost her mother four years after the murder of her best friend on the night of their high school graduation. Although her mother’s death was unexpected, there is nothing suspicious about it whereas Hannah’s death is an open cold case. At least Rin thinks her mother’s death was nothing more than an untimely tragedy. Going on the long dreamed of post-college vacation that she and her friends have been planning since grade school, she hopes to leave the pain behind for a bit and relax in the Florida sunshine.
Kevin loves his life and his job as an Army Ranger. When he and his Army brothers use some well-earned time off to visit Panama City Beach, he’s not expecting to meet the woman who will change his life forever. A woman being hunted by an unknown monster intent on keeping them apart by any means necessary.
Can Kevin keep Rin from Hannah’s fate? Or is it his turn to face loss like Rin?
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BOOK BLITZ: Wicked Wolves and Tangled Truths by Danielle Annett #GIVEAWAY
Wicked Wolves and Tangled Truths
Danielle Annett
(Blood and Magic: Hellbound #1)
Publication date: September 25th 2020
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Welcome to Hellbound High, where the students carry weapons and the bullies bite … hard.
I never wanted to go to this stupid school. I had a life before coming here. A Pack. People who cared about me. But all of that is torn away when my mother dies, my boyfriend cheats on me, and my very human father rips me away from the only life I’ve ever known.
I thought my life couldn’t get much worse, but Hellbound High is about to prove me wrong. Just by showing up, I’ve caught the attention of the local Alpha’s son. Goody.
He’s arrogant, stubborn, and used to getting what he wants. Sometimes that’s to get into my pants. Sometimes it’s to make my life hell. He runs hot one minute and cold the next, leaving my head spinning.
But I have bigger problems than the school’s resident hot werewolf. I’m a lone wolf in a new town, which means I have a big red target on my back.
With no Pack, no friends, and no protection, I’m about to find out just how bad things can really get …
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—
EXCERPT:
I can feel the anger radiating off Rafael in front of me. His eyes are narrowed, burning silver, his hands clenched into white knuckled fists at his sides, but he doesn’t say anything. He just stares Zheng down behind me like he can kill him with just a look. It’s the stare of an emerging Alpha and even I’m having a hard time standing in the face of it.
“He’s bad news, vanilla. You can’t trust him. He has no loyalty. So if I were you, I’d stay away,” Jordy says.
I suck in a breath. Loyalty is everything to a wolf. It’s how bonds are forged. To claim a shapeshifter has none is like saying he has no value.
I’m instantly angry on Zheng’s behalf. He’s been nothing but nice to me. Went out of his way in fact to be kind, something no one else at this school has bothered doing.
“He’s a shifter. Why would you say something like that?”
He shrugs giving no further explanation.
“Do what you’re told and stay away from him,” Rafael’s voice is guttural growl.
“I don’t take orders from you.”
—
Praise for Wicked Wolves and Tangled Truths
“WOW!!! This was by far top reads of 2020….. absolutely freakin fantastic.” ★★★★★
—Amazon Reviewer
“The characters are all so believably real as they come to life right on the page.” ★★★★★
—The Avid Reader
“This story has so much more than I was expecting!” ★★★★★
—Amazon Reviewer
“You can’t go wrong in choosing this book to read. A very different view on werewolf romances.”
—Amazon Reviewer
“I absolutely love this story! It was a could not put down.” ★★★★★
—Amazon Reviewer
Author Bio:
Danielle Annett is a snarky AF Latinx Author. Born and raised in sunny California, she now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their three tiny terrors. She hates cheese—of all kinds—and yes that means she orders cheeseless pizza. She loves to talk (a lot) and is probably as extroverted as they come so feel free to shoot her a message, send a raven, throw up smoke signals. Whatever it may be. She love's chatting with readers so feel free to stalk her.
You can find her in via …
Her Reader Group / Through her Newsletter / On Facebook / On Instagram / And on Twitter
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