R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 165

BOOK BLITZ: What She Didn't See by Heather Wynter #GIVEAWAY

What She Didn’t See
Heather Wynter
Publication date: February 28th 2020
Genres: Adult, Suspense, Thriller

An American tourist in Rome. A secret service agent on vacation. An international assassin… What could go wrong?Gracie Colby and Lena Boyd are wrapping up the tour of Italy Lena has planned her whole life.Luke Barnes, a Secret Service Agent, is on vacation in Rome.Before she knows what happened to her, her friend is dead, and Gracie finds herself swept into a whirlwind of danger, intrigue, and international forces conspiring to destroy her. Teaming up with Luke to survive, Gracie is forced to question herself and decide if she is capable of outrunning the assassin before he can get to them.

Goodreads / Amazon—EXCERPT:He set off across the street, and she followed, not wanting to be alone in this city of death. Her heel crunched in glass fragments. He held up the tape that designated this a crime scene, and she ducked under it. It was all pretend. She saw herself doing everything, looking like an actor on a cop show.The car riddled with bullet holes belonged to the movie too. The prop crew had put that tire there for her to cower behind for safety from the gunfire. She peered down at the space where she’d taken shelter from the danger, the place where Lena had pushed her to protect her when the shooting started.She gulped down the lump in her throat. The last thing Lena did in this life was save her. She didn’t save herself. She was too thoughtful for that. While Grace was thinking about dragging Lena back home to start their lives as adults, Lena was saving her from that … that …She looked up to find Luke inspecting her. Could he see what a terrible friend she had been? Had Lena’s sacrifice left visible scars on her skin?“What do you know about the shooter?” she asked to distract them both.

Author Bio:
Heather Wynter grew up in California, where she still lives with her two dogs and three cats which she lovingly refers to as her zoo. She's a sucker for any period drama and a good romance. When she isn't reading or writing out what is in her wild imagination, she's probably at Disneyland or traveling around the globe.Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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BOOK BLITZ: The Shrike & the Shadows by A.M. Wright & Chantal Gadoury #GIVEAWAY

The Shrike & the Shadows
A.M. Wright & Chantal Gadoury
Published by: Parliament House
Publication date: March 3rd 2020
Genres: Dark Fantasy, Horror, New Adult, Romance

Men have gone missing before.The village of Krume is plagued by a haunted wood and a hungry witch. It’s been that way for as long as Hans and Greta can remember, though they have never seen the witch themselves; no one has.When men start to disappear once again in the cover of night – their bloody hearts turning up on doorsteps – the village falls into frenzied madness.Hans and Greta, two outcast orphans, find themselves facing accusations of witchcraft and are met with an ultimatum: burn at the stake, or leave the village forever. With nowhere else to go, they abandon their only home.As they venture into the strange forest, their path is fraught with horrific creatures, wild and vivid hallucinations, and a mysterious man tied to the witch’s past.The Shrike is watching, just beyond the deep darkness of the woods.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play—EXCERPT:“See these lines here, my maus?” She tapped the top of Greta’s palms. “They are your heart lines. The way it curves, you have a caring soul.” “You must have that, too, Mama.”“Aha!” her mother exclaimed, and Greta jumped. “These love lines! How auspicious, little maus.” “What, Mama? What do they mean?” Greta looked up into her mother’s face eagerly. She smiled. “It will surprise you, this love of yours.” Her mother paused, frowning for just a moment before taking up her smile again. “But not for many more years. You will be ready then…” Greta’s mother stilled, her words falling from her mouth quietly. She barely heard anything after that.“Mama?” “Yes?” “Will I be okay?” “Oh, of course! But to be sure, we must find your fate,” she said, though somewhat distant. “Here they are. And look! They meet here, at your life lines… goodness, so young for such a burden.” Greta frowned at her mother. “Mama, you’re not making any sense.” “I know, my maus, I know. I did not expect to see so many… things.” “Are they sad things? Because you sound sad, Mama.” Her mother grasped at her hands and held them for a moment. She gave a gentle squeeze and said, “Not all, but some, yes. Some will be sad, and others will be happy.” “Oh.”Then, Greta’s mother fell into her with an embrace. She locked little Greta into her arms and rocked her slowly. She had felt so warm in her hold, and so content, she had almost missed her mother’s final words: “It will be a fearsome trial, my love. Your fate is bound to a great and daunting endeavor.”

Author Bios:A.M. Wright is an Ohio native, perched on the shores of Lake Erie for as long as she can remember. She is a graduate of Walsh University and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Corporate Communications, with two minors in Marketing and Writing. She has a passion for reading, writing, and drawing; and has a particularly strong love for shojo-manga and all genres of anime. When A.M. Wright isn't focused on her day job, she is sorting through submissions, writing too many stories to keep track of, and playing video games with her fiance in a townhouse that's just a fifteen minute drive from "The Roller Coaster Capital of the World."Author links:
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram--Amazon Best Selling Author Chantal Gadoury is a 2011 graduate from Susquehanna University with a Bachelor's Degree in Creative Writing. Since graduation, she has published "The Songs in Our Hearts" with 48Fourteen Publishing, and "Allerleirauh" with Parliament House Press, with future titles to follow. Chantal first started writing stories at the age of seven and continues with that love of writing today. Writing novels for Chantal has become a life-long dream come true! When she's not writing, she enjoys painting, drinking lots of DD Iced Coffee, and watching Disney classics. Chantal lives in Muncy, Pennsylvania with her Mom, Sister and furry-'brother' (aka, puppy) Taran.Author links:
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BOOK BLITZ: Trucker by Marteeka Karland #GIVEAWAY

Trucker
Marteeka Karland
(Bones MC, #6)
Published by: Changeling Press
Publication date: February 28th 2020
Genres: New Adult, Romance

Helen — I’ve made some bad choices in my life. The worst was falling for a man who kidnapped me and held me hostage. He wants my baby. Why, I have no idea, but there’s no way he’s getting it without a fight. Once this is over, assuming I’m still alive, I’m going to need some serious help.Trucker — The small redhead blows me away at first sight. And not only because of the knife sticking out of her very pregnant belly. She’s fierce as a tiger. Brave as any member of Bones. I know I have to protect her, no matter what kind of trouble she’s in. Once she’s healed, I know she’s going to be mine. I just have to convince her of it. Until then, I’ll protect her, and her kid, with my very life. Once the asshole who did this is dead, then I’ll prove to her why I’m the best choice to be her man.WARNING: These men play for keeps, and they don’t tolerate men who hurt women and children. They protect their own to the death, and God help anyone who gets in their way. Don’t expect the warm and fuzzies, but you can always expect a HEA and a steamy good time.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo—EXCERPT:“You said you were already several weeks pregnant when all this happened. Where’s the father?”She looked away again, ashamed. “No idea. I met him at a bar. We got drunk and had a good time. Obviously we weren’t careful, and the next thing I know, I’m making a few changes to my life.” She looked back, needing to judge Trucker’s reaction. She didn’t expect the big grin she found. “What?”“Nothin’,” he said, raising his hands, a gesture of surrender. “Just thinkin’ that if your baby daddy ain’t around, that makes my life a lot simpler.”Helen couldn’t help it. Her jaw dropped and the breath left her lungs. “How can you even say that? How horrible!” She wanted to punch him right in the mouth. “I’m all alone. My child has no father, and I’ve just been through the most horrific thing I’ve ever imagined! How can me not having someone around to protect me and my daughter be a good thing?”Trucker was completely unapologetic. “Means you’ll need someone around to fill that gap.” He shrugged. “Sounds like your baby daddy ain’t qualified in that department so I’ll have to take over.”She blinked, not sure she’d heard him correctly. “I beg your pardon?”“I said, I’m taking over as your baby daddy.” The man was grinning like an ape, obviously finding the whole situation hilarious.“Would you stop saying ‘baby daddy’? I hate that!”“Sorry. Let me rephrase. I’ll be taking over as protector for you and your daughter. You’ll stay here with me and the rest of the club, and you’ll have all the help and safety you need.”“Do I get a say in this?”“Do you want a say in this?” Again, his gaze was intense. He seemed to look straight into her soul when he wanted to. Helen wanted what he was offering more than just about anything else in the world right now. She wanted that security. But was it real? Had she traded one prison for another? “Or do you want me to make the decision for you?”“I…”“That’s what I thought. You’re afraid, and that’s natural. I think you want someone to force your hand.” He picked up her hand again, and this time she didn’t pull away. “You have to be here for a while anyway to heal. Get to know us. I promise you’ll feel better about the whole thing.” While he talked to her, he slowly brought her hand to his lips.When he finished, he kissed her fingers gently, his mouth lingering far longer than she should have let him. Helen’s stomach rolled. It was the first intimate contact she’d had since her one-night stand. She tried to put down her reaction to lack of human contact, but she doubted that was the only reason for it.She burned at his simple touch. Shivers raced over her body, and she broke out in a light sweat. Then he turned her hand over and brought her palm to his lips. Inhaling, he closed his eyes and kissed the center. When he exhaled, he opened his eyes and stared straight into hers. There was longing there. Not just a sexual hunger, though that was present too, but something inside him that connected with something inside her. He’d been with her nearly the entire time she’d been at the Bones clubhouse. He’d been unfailingly gentle. He was good with her daughter, whom she’d yet to name. Now, he indicated he wanted to share more with her. Was she ready?No. Not yet. But she could feel her resistance to him wasn’t what it should be. Trucker could break down those walls with little effort. The question was, how long would he try before he gave up? How long did she want to resist him?

Author Bio:
Romance author by night, emergency room tech/clerk by day, Marteeka Karland works really hard to drive everyone in her life completely and totally nuts. She has been creating stories from her warped imagination since she was in the third grade. Her love of writing blossomed throughout her teenage years until it developed into the totally unorthodox and irreverent style her English teachers tried so hard to rid her of. Now, she breathes life into faeries, space hunters, werewolves, vampires, shapeshifters, and a few just plane ole ordinary people. She loves to see the awkward, self-conscious band geek get the captain of the football team and make him beg for it.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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B@@K REVEAL: Adversity by Melody Winter #PreORDER

Adversity
Melody Winter
(Ascent #2)
Publication date: March 24th 2020
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Romance

Athena Harrow is on the run. Destined for a life she managed to evade, she flees with Erebus before his brother’s threat can prove true.But within their newfound refuge, they discover secrets long held close in the historical city of York—a creature thought to have been wiped out when the demons ascended. A creature whose existence renews Athena’s determination to restore the light.However, attacks by Erebus’s brother and his promised army shatters those plans. Faced with the responsibility for the loss of numerous innocent lives, Athena makes a choice. To protect those around her, she’ll surrender to the Master Demon’s dark world.Life with the Master is intolerable, though, and conflicted Athena is not what he expected. With time against her, and the Master losing patience, will Athena find the Master’s secret to restoring the light? Will she manage to escape the Master and the fate she was chosen for on her twenty-first birthday? And will she be able to return to York to reunite with the man she loves?Tumultuous and emotional, ADVERSITY is the gripping conclusion to this dark romantic fantasy.

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Author Bio:
Melody grew up in North Yorkshire, England. She's a North Yorkshire lass through and through, although she does have a tendency to holiday in Spain. She has dreams of moving to the warmer climate to sip on Sangria as the sun sets over the roof tops of surrounding buildings. But, for the moment, she still lives in North Yorkshire with her husband and two sons.Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

BOOK BLITZ: The Third Call by Lorhainne Eckhart #GIVEAWAY

The Third Call
Lorhainne Eckhart
(The O’Connells, #2)
Publication date: February 29th 2020
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

Deputy Marcus O’Connell is blindsided one night after a series of calls comes in from an unknown number, and the caller on the other end is a child. All he knows is she’s six years old, her name is Eva, and there’s someone in her house who wants to hurt her.Marcus is the ultimate bad boy turned deputy. He knows everything about how to get away with something, considering he was one of the middle of the six O’Connell siblings. He never had responsibility resting on his shoulders like his brother Owen, and he’s never been the center of attention like his little sister, Suzanne. Marcus knows how to find trouble and talk his way out of it.Now, as the head deputy for the Livingston sheriff’s office, he knows everything about everybody, and no one can pull anything over on him. It’s why he’s such a damn good deputy. But even Marcus dreads what cops know as the third call.When Marcus takes the call the first time, he thinks it’s a prank. The second time, he knows there’s a problem. The third time the call comes in and is patched through to him, he knows it’s something he can’t ignore. The only thing is, the girl is terrified and keeps hanging up, and Marcus knows someone is in the house with her.Where are her parents, and who is this mysterious girl who needs his help?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play—SNEAK PEEK:Marcus shut his eyes, that sick feeling welling in the pit of his stomach. He wanted to vomit. Kids and animals were the most vulnerable. As he opened his eyes, he took in Tommy, who was staring at the gun on the counter. He felt such empathy and fury at the same time, considering it wasn’t so black and white after all.

Author Bio:
With flawed strong characters, characters you can relate to, New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Lorhainne Eckhart writes the kind of books she wants to read. She is frequently a Top 100 bestselling author in multiple genres, and her second book ever published, The Forgotten Child, is no exception. With close to 900 reviews on Amazon, translated into German and French, this book was such a hit that the long running Friessen Family series was born. Now with over sixty titles and multiple series under her belt her big family romance series are loved by fans worldwide. A recipient of the 2013, 2015 and 2016 Readers' Favorite Award for Suspense and Romance, Lorhainne lives on the sunny west-coast Gulf Island of Salt Spring Island, is the mother of three, her oldest has autism and she is an advocate for never giving up on your dreams.Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub

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BOOK BLITZ: A Widow's Tale by Frances Paul #GIVEAWAY

A Widow’s Tale
Frances Paul
Publication date: January 21st 2020
Genres: Adult, Suspense, Thriller

A trained killer. One kill list. A world of hurt.In this novel, author Frances Paul introduces a complex and driven young lady determined to uncover the truth surrounding the murders of her parents and to bring to justice the people responsible for the cruel act.Karina Navarre, a Cuban national, lived a life that would be described as anything but easy. After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, Karina’s life spiraled out of control, until a former KGB officer agreed to take her under his wing and train her.Eight years later, the girl who has been discarded and forgotten is introduced to the underworld – resilient and ready to take her life back. But when tragedy strikes again, Karina turns into a force to be reckoned with, a woman out for revenge.Fueled by her grief, Karina sets off on a breathtaking journey of twists and turns, fighting in a world where women are deemed inferior. But she’s determined to avenge the deaths of those she lost, even if that means risking everything including her own life in the process. Karina Navarre has a list, and she’s crossing off names…one by bloody one.Thrilling, unpredictable, fast-paced, and powered by a grieved widow’s inexorable sense of duty.

Goodreads / Amazon—EXCERPT:
Prologue New Year’s Eve 1996 Santiago del Estero, Argentina
“This is fantastic, Princesa?”“Yes, papa. I saved the best for last.”“I see that.” Carlos much admired his daughter’s painting of their old house in Trelew, Argentina. In front of the house stood Bella, Karina’s dog. A Maltese who passed a year prior. Bella was an old dog, fifteen years old when she passed away. She was part of the Navarre family and played a major role in Karina’s upbringing. She took the death harder than anyone.“This is your late Christmas and New Year’s present.” Karina explained to her father.“It was worth the wait.” Carlos carried his ten-year old in his arms and kissed her temple. Gloria Navarre strolled into the living room with two champagne flutes and offered one to her husband.“You know what we need to do before the clock strikes midnight?”“What?” Karina looked up at her mom expectantly.“Share our New Year’s resolutions.”“What is a New Year’s resolution?” Asked a puzzled Karina, still seated on her father’s lap.“It’s a promise you make to yourself to start doing something good or stop doing something bad in the New Year.”Karina thought to herself for a moment, “I promise to share more.”“That sounds wonderful.” Gloria grinned.“…and eat all the veggies you sneak into my meals.” Karina quickly added.Both Gloria and Carlos laughed.“Let’s set realistic goals.” Teased Carlos.“What about you, mama?”A sudden thud behind the door seized Carlos’s attention. He would have ignored it as nothing more than his paranoia playing tricks on him if a second and much louder thud did not follow the first. He quickly stood, forcing Karina off his lap. He edged toward the windows and the first clue he discovered was the foot of one of his guards sticking out in the hallway.He instantly paled. Gloria noticing her husband’s predicament, placed her finger to her lips, a sign of silence to Karina. She grabbed her daughter’s shoulders and forced her underneath the sofa.Bang! The door suddenly swung open. Five men garbed in black and carrying weapons marched in with steady steps. They each had blades tucked inside their belts, except for one. The leader! He stepped away from the group, distancing himself from the masses and demonstrating his authority with self-importance. He wore a tailored dark suit and dark dress shirt. His shoes were polished to a gloss. All five men were dressed sharply, but the leader stood out. Gloria Navarre stood terrified, shuddering with terror behind her husband. Karina sensing danger remained unmoving. The ten-year old knew exactly what to do as she had been rehearsing for years with her mother. Gloria always cautioned her, there are many monsters in the world that’d want to hurt us because of who we are and what we represent and she must be ready when and if that occurred. Though Karina never believed or understood her, she went along with the exercise anyway to pacify her mother’s fears. Be as silent as the grave, her mom had told her. Under no circumstance should you reveal yourself or let the enemy know where you are hiding and tonight she did just that. She couldn’t see the faces of the beasts that invaded their home, but she saw their shoes. Her eyes were fixated on the glossier pair. It stood right in front of her father’s bare feet.“Carlos Navarre,” a deep voice said, probably from the man with the shiny feet, “this was easier than I thought it’d be.” his cold chortle filled the noiseless room.“Mrs. Navarre.” his voice was deeply aggrieved.“Tomas?” her father’s voice responded, “You’ve some nerves storming into my home as if you own me. What is the meaning of this?”“Ah, be careful now.” The deep voice warned, “It’s a new day. You lost before the battle began. I am taking over your empire and there is absolutely nothing you can do to stop me. Your men, at least those in the building are all gone. You are done, Navarre. If you’re as wise as you have in the past portrayed yourself to be, you’ll be reciting your final prayers, pleading for clemency for your soul before I squeeze this trigger.”“You traitorous bastard. Tell me, what coerced you to act against the hand that has fed you all these years? You were nothing. I made you and this is how you repay me?”“You are a weak man, Navarre. You call yourself the boss. The Don.” he said with a slight chuckle, “You are a joke, a phony. We did all your dirty work while you sat on your high horse and collected. I don’t answer to weak men, not anymore.”“You’ll never survive in our world with this kind of betrayal under your belt. No one will trust you. Think very hard about what you are doing.”“Oh, I have. See, while you were seated on your throne, filling your belly from our blood and sweat, I was preparing for this defining moment. I’ve looked forward to this day for a very long time.” he crowed with insolence.“You were always in my home, seated at my table with my family, breaking bread and today you kiss me on my cheek?” Carlos said incredulously.“You give me too much credit. I am no Judas. You sealed your fate, Carlos. I am just here to ensure your crossover goes smoothly.” he released the safety on the gun and aimed it at Carlos’s head. That was the moment little Karina realized she knew the monster. She thought the voice sounded familiar but her feeble nerves had compromised her brain. It was her father’s good friend, Uncle Tomas, but why’d he do this? She mused.“This is absurd, Tomas. This is between us. Let my wife go, and we can handle this as men.”“As you wish.” Tomas said right before a loud ear-piercing sound filled the room. Within seconds, her mother’s eyes were gazing directly at her. Blood streaming down her temple. Her eyes were wide open but appeared lifeless and Karina knew right away that her mother was gone.A deep agonizing scream from her father erupted through the room.“There it is. I let her go. Now we handle this as men.” Tomas motioned with his weapon between him and Carlos.Still staring into her mother’s cold eyes, Karina whimpered in absolute silence. Unceasing tears poured down her face, spilling over her hands. “Mummy?” she mouthed.“I’ll destroy you, Tomas.” her father said, right before another dreadful sound emitted and just as she feared, his body slumped on top of her mother’s. She shut her eyes for a moment and sharply inhaled.The monster’s feet hovered over the corpses for a long moment before he spoke again, “Let’s get out of this rubbish dump.”“How about the kid?” One of his followers said.Silence filled the room like an invisible cloud as the men pondered over the question. Heavy footsteps suddenly hurried through the room, then ascended the staircase. Slamming of doors and screams erupted from every corner of the building. With both her hands covering her own mouth to suppress a harrowing scream from sliding out, Karina closed her eyes tightly and prayed. Her little heart raced frenziedly. It was so loud, she feared the men left in the room could hear it too. Be as quiet as the grave. Her mother’s voice echoed in her ears.“She’s just a stupid girl. What can she do?” Tomas finally said. To some degree, he sounded hesitant, even to himself.“Tomas?” One of his men protested.“Do you want to put a bullet into a little girl’s heart?” Anger spewed out of him.There was no response.“Or perhaps you want to adopt her?”Still, no response.“Leave that dirty little thing. She’ll just turn into a whore like the rest of them if she’s not dead within two years.”“Did you find the sleazeball?” he snarled, referring to Carlos’s best friend and second in command, Savio Cardozo.“Not yet.”“Find him. The takeover is not successful until he is put down.”The frightening sound of additional bullets filled the room as he shot extra holes into her father to certify his demise.After some time, the footsteps receded, and she cautiously dragged her body forward to gain a full length view of the monster who destroyed her entire life in one night before he exited the room. Disheartened, she broke down into hysterical tears when she established, it was indeed, Uncle Tomas.Leuven, BelgiumPresent DayA serene night. The stars shone brightly like diamonds. The full moon hung low, illuminating the path, and casting a glow along her vision as she peered through the night vision scope of Ruby, her sniper rifle. Designed to travel as far as 1.25 miles (2.01 km) to her intended target with no hitches. Tonight, her position from the fat bastard she was contracted forty-eight hours earlier to put down like a sick dog was close to two thousand yards. She sighed, savoring the tranquil moment of the gentle winds blowing through her hair and calming the adrenaline rushing through her veins.She lived for moments like these. The moment the bullet from her rifle travels undetected through the quiet night and lodges itself at home in the heart or brain. Her reputation to date was unimpeachable. She was considered a Grade A sniper, and listed amongst the top ten of the world’s best snipers. She had no knowledge the true identities of her superiors, or acquainted with their location, nor did she care to know. Her job was to eliminate. Plain and simple. An app was installed on a distinctive phone given to her by the agency, where she received notifications when awarded with a contract. The app was designed to disappear from the phone once a contract has been fulfilled. The details provided were typically the name of the target, location and contract amount, no negotiations. Not that she ever had the need to negotiate. She got paid more than she cared to admit, besides, she hardly needed the money. She hadn’t received a notification in six months. Ruby, her rifle grew restless and so did she. Twice a week during those excruciating six months, she’d dismantle her then put her back together. She repeated the practice daily without breaking a sweat.Tonight’s kill was greatly required to quench her thirsty dark soul.In a prone position, lying flat on her stomach with both legs spread apart, her left hand rested casually on the biceps of the right, while her right finger hovered over the trigger. Soft winds whistled in her ears and she heeded attentively. Ruby’s trajectory data was set to its precise setting, and she was anxious to squeeze the trigger her index finger was keenly massaging.Three black Alfa Romeo SUVs pulled up seconds later. Three men in suits simultaneously jumped down from each vehicle before the target exited the vehicle in the middle. He slickly buttoned his suit jacket, scarcely turning his head to the left. She squeezed the trigger and listened as the bullet traveled in the silence of the night through the calming winds at 1,700 miles (2,735.88 km) per hour. It sliced through the center of his forehead within 2.12 seconds. Bullseye!In just under three minutes, she’d detached the scope and packed Ruby carefully into its case. Just as she jumped into the backseat of the waiting car that was to transport her to an airstrip to board a private jet, her cellphone vibrated inside the pocket of her jacket. She discarded the red leather gloves shielding her hands from the bitter cold and fetched it. Caller unknown, it read.“Yes?” she answered with a bit of irritation in her voice.“It’s Savio.” he said, his tone was grimmer than courteous.“Why are you calling from an unknown number?” she questioned.“Are you on your way back home?” he countered her question with another.“What’s going on?” she repeated the pattern.He remained silent but his heavy breathing could be heard at the end of the line.“Savio?” she called, growing impatient. After every kill, she performed a ritual. And that was to sit in silence, meditating for a few seconds and patting herself on the back for a job well done. This ill-timed call hindered with her sacramental process.“Hurry back. We have a problem.” he cautioned.“Just spit it out?” she had nothing but ultimate respect for Savio, her father-in-law and late father’s best friend but at this moment, his interruption irritated the energized heartbeat she earned from the excitement she just encountered.“It’s Thian.”“What about him?”“He’s dead!” he whimpered, “Do you hear me? They took my boy.” his voice came in a broken growl.Her hands fell in her lap. The sudden motion caused the phone to fall and disappear under the front seat. Her stare remained at the back of the headrest in sheer dismay. Her mind bizarrely rid of any thoughts.“We are here, Ms. Navarre.” Karina heard the indistinct voice of her chauffeur.She looked up and offered him a blank stare. No idea how long she had been stuck in that stupor state. She assumed a lengthy amount of time as the mileage between her last position and the hangar was just about 40.2 kilometers. Adding up to twenty minutes of oblivion. She gathered her bearings and stepped out of the car, grabbing Ruby from the seat beside her.The pilot bobbed his head at her as she ascended the airstair toward him but received nothing in return. Once settled in her seat, she stared out the window in silence until the plane was safely in the air. She heaved a silent sigh and stiffened her stance. The nerves in her neck coiled, pulling every vein connecting her inner organs. Her skin inflamed with rage as her body temperature climbed at a reckless rate. She waved away the hostess who approached her with a glass of champagne. BBC news blared through the television hanging from the overhead.BREAKING NEWS ― Petrak Novak, former Czech Prime Minister was assassinated at 21:48 at the front entrance of the Park Inn Hotel where he had been staying for the past two days. No report on whether he was on official duty or a private visit. The Belgian Federal Police team are actively engaged in the hunt for the assassin who might still be in the district. Road blocks have been placed all over the city as the manhunt continues. We will keep you informed as we receive more information on this cowardly act.

Author Bio:
Born and raised in Accra, Ghana and now living in Cincinnati, Ohio. A banker, wife and mother of two amazing kids. She finds writing to be a great passion of hers and a path she was born to follow. She began by writing short stories at a young age. Now, she has four published books and working on a few more projects. She's a crazy tea lover, loves to travel, eat, and enjoys learning about different cultures. Authors she is inspired by are Sidney Sheldon, Nora Roberts and Jeffrey Archer. Hope you enjoy her books as greatly as she enjoyed producing them.

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BOOK BLITZ: Forgotten Pieces by Tori Fox #GIVEAWAY

Forgotten Pieces
Tori Fox
(White Creek #3)
Publication date: February 27th, 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Eight years ago, I fell for Ryder Thompson.He knew me in a way no one else did.He held my heart in his hands.Until he brought it crashing to the floor.I picked up the pieces, vowing to never let him in again.And I never thought I would see him again.Then one day, he reappeared in my life.I promised myself I would ignore him.I lied.—————————————————Tacoma Calloway made me a better man.To this day I swear upon it, no matter how broken I am.We weren’t meant to be together when we first met.We were two lost souls finding solace in the other.But eight years later, I still want her.I forbid myself from loving her then.And I am unable to love her now.If only my heart would listen.It won’t.

Goodreads / Amazon—EXCERPT:I thought she was beautiful when I first saw her, but she had a sadness on her face that reminded me too much of my own sadness. But now she reminds me of the fire dancing with the sky. Her head is thrown back in a laugh, her blonde hair billowing in the wind, a smile splitting across her face that makes her look even more beautiful. Her eyes are closed but I know if they were to open a bright emerald would pierce the night, reflecting off the stars in the sky. My eyes roam down her body. Her jeans are so tight they could be painted on, doing an incredible job of showing off the curves of her hips and ass. She has on a tight top that accentuates her large breasts and tiny waist. She must be the dream of every boy here. And I do see a few looking her way as she cackles at the stars.Before I know it, I find myself walking toward her. I’m drawn to her like a river to the sea. I have no idea what I’m going to say to her or why I am even thinking of talking to her. I know she is young, too young for me. But there is something about her that won’t let me stay away.Her friend from the ice cream shop nudges her as I approach.“Hey stranger,” she says with a laugh. It’s then I notice her smoking a joint. No wonder she looks so carefree.“Hi.”She squints at me and then a huge smile hits her face. “I remember you now. You were the hot, sexy stranger that came into the ice cream shop the other day.”Her friend nudges her and whispers, “You can’t say that shit out loud.”“Well, it’s not like he doesn’t know,” she says as she gives me a once over.I’m glad it’s dark because I would be embarrassed as hell if she saw the slight flush to my cheeks. “Yeah, I thought I recognized you,” I say, ignoring her comment.“I’m Tacoma, by the way.”God, even her name is sexy. “Ryder.”“Nice to officially meet you, Ryder,” she says as she sticks her hand out to me. I shake it and hold back the urge to pull her closer to me. Neither of us let go of each other’s hands. She smiles up at me, white teeth gleaming, her eyes letting on more than she thinks as I look into the depths of them. I can’t help but smile too as our handshake still holds steady.Someone coughs behind us and she jumps away from me. “Ugh, this is my friend Laney.”“Nice to meet you,” Laney says just as someone yells over to Tacoma.“Yo Calloway, you’re up!”Tacoma looks over her shoulder and nods to the guy calling her over. She goes to take off in his direction but she grabs my hand first and drags me behind her. “You’re my new partner.”“Partner for what—?” I start but then see us hauling it over to the beer pong table.She turns around and walks backward facing me as she talks, her hand still in mine. “You ever play?”I shrug. “Once or twice.”“Hmm, maybe I shouldn’t have you as my partner.” She releases my hand and takes another hit of the joint still in her hand.I smirk at her. “Maybe I’ll have beginner’s luck.”She blows the smoke out and giggles. “You’re right. Beginner’s luck. Good thing you are with the reignin’ champion.”“Is that right?” I ask as we walk up to the table.“Just you wait and see.” She grins and then passes the joint to me. “Want some?”“Nah. Can’t.”She raises a brow at me.“I’m on leave. I still get tested.”She grips my bicep. “Military guy. Must be why these biceps are so big.”I laugh out loud at that. “Yeah if it weren’t for the Marines, I’d probably be a skinny kid with more bones than muscle and then you wouldn’t find me hot and sexy.”A flush hits her cheeks. “I don’t know about that. You do have a pretty gorgeous face.”“Oh so I’m gorgeous now too?”She rolls her eyes and passes the joint off to someone standing by the table. “Let’s get this show started.”The game is set up bracket style with eight teams. And we smoke our competition. Every round we sink the balls in the beer with a turn each. When we get to the final round, I let Tacoma go first and she sinks every single ball. She jumps into my arms when we win and the feel of her body makes me feel things in places I shouldn’t. I know she is young, and this is a dangerous game despite all the flirting between us.She slides down my body and punches me in the arm. “I thought you said you never played before.”“I told you beginner’s luck.”“You are such a liar.”I wrap an arm around her shoulders before I realize what I’m doing. I blame it on the buzz from beer pong. “How do you think we pass the time on base?”She bops me on the nose. “You suck.” But she is laughing the whole time. I know I shouldn’t be around this girl but her carefree spirit is addictive.She starts pulling me toward a crop of trees. Trees I noticed earlier is where people go to make out. I stop her before we get past the cars. Stopping between two pickup trucks.“Why are you stoppin’?”I give her a stern look. “I know what goes on over there.”“And why do you not wanna go?” she asks with a cute pout on her face.I cross my arms and lean against the truck at my back, giving us some distance. “How old are you?”“Old enough,” she responds, copying my pose against the truck at her back.

Author Bio:
Tori Fox loves books. So much so she decided to write one. It didn't go well. But after genre changes, many rewrites, and lots of editing she finally finished. And now that she is done, she doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon. Besides writing you can find her curled up on the couch with her dog reading a book or lost in a makeup store purchasing more makeup than is necessary for a human. She is also a fan of hockey and whiskey, especially together. Tori lives with her fiancé in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

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BOOK BLITZ: Reaper Academy by Allison West #GIVEAWAY

Reaper Academy
Allison West
Publication date: February 20th 2020
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

The professor should be off-limits. But he’s hot. And I’m a bad girl. Lucky for me, he doesn’t play by the rules. Neither do I.I used to be a princess; that was before I was murdered.The reaper who took my soul. He’s my professor. And, well, the experience of taking a soul is quite… pleasurable. He wants me. I crave him. It’s against the rules, but do either of us care?Publisher’s Note: This paranormal thriller contains graphic scenes.

Goodreads / Amazon—EXCERPT:“I’m not going anywhere.” Was he really going to spank her? Spankings were for children. Leila was an adult. Hell, she was dead and was a grim reaper. Is this how they kept each other in line and from breaking the rules?She hadn’t budged an inch.“If I have to put you over my knee, it will double your allotment of spankings.”Her cheeks burned with embarrassment and the room sweltered. Was it hot in here or was it just her? “Please, Wynter. I promise I won’t do it again.”“You’re right, you won’t. I’m going to teach you right from wrong, my little Leila. Good girls listen and do as they’re told. Bad girls face a wrath of punishments. Spankings, my little Leila, are just the beginning.”“Wynter, what if Emblyn or Violetta come out from their room?” She did not wish to see her grim reaper friends pay witness to her punishment. Leila didn’t dare ask whether Wynter or Jasper dished out such discipline to the other girls on occasion.He merely shrugged and reached for Leila as she had yet to come closer. His strong grip pulled her down over and across his knee, lifting her dress to reveal her panties underneath.“These are of no use right now,” he said, using one hand to slide the undergarments down her thighs and to her feet.She felt humiliated being bent over his lap. He could see her bottom and possibly even her cunny as it began to throb with a ferocious intensity. How was being in this position, exposed and vulnerable, arousing her? Perhaps it had to do more with it being Wynter, taking control, disciplining her.Without warning, his hand came down, spanking her plush bottom, forcing her to jump and her cheeks to clench with a hiss. The pain stung right through to her lips down below, forcing a further ache and wetness to seep out uncontrollably. With her face bent down to the ground, she was grateful she didn’t have to look at him.

Author Bio:
Allison West is a #1 International Best-Selling Author in Erotica, BDSM, Romantic Erotica, Sci-Fi, Victorian, and Historical Erotica. She also writes young adult novels under the name Ruth Silver.Allison West has been inventing worlds and writing stories for years. Her favorite novels are those that leave a lasting impression, long after the final page is read. You can find more about Allison on Facebook, Twitter, and her blog "Spanking Author." http://spankingauthor.com

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BOOK BLITZ: Dangerous by Sara Cate #GIVEAWAY

Dangerous
Sara Cate
(Wicked Hearts, #2)
Publication date: February 25th 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Welcome to Wicked Beach…Murph
They call me dangerous.Which is fine by me. It keeps everyone out.
Then some new girl walks into my shop and turns everything upside down. It started out physical until she becomes the one person standing between me and the future of my business.Now this mysterious new girl has me right where she wants me—physically, mentally…and emotionally.Savannah
I’ve been burned before.Now I look out for myself.

The last thing I expect is to inherit a tattoo shop run by the world’s scariest—and sexiest—business owner. If I were smart, I would cut him out and use the money to start a new life for myself—one free from the demons in my past.But Murph’s hard eyes and gentle touch do something to me. It’s like he can see something no one else can, and no matter how hard I try, he won’t let me walk away.If I want to save myself, I have to ruin him.And to ruin him feels far more dangerous than what I’m running from.

Dangerous is the second swoon-worthy installment in the Wicked Hearts series. These stories can be read as standalones or together. Warning: this fast-paced romance might leave you breathless and a touch corrupted.

Goodreads / Amazon—EXCERPT:“Where do you want it?” I have to keep my eyes on his face or else they threaten to drift over his shoulders, chest, and that obvious bulge in his jeans. Where do I want it? I repeat in my mind, and I know I have to answer quickly or else the obvious innuendo of that phrase will fill the already-awkward space between us.At this point, being in the presence of a man, for the first time in so long—a whispering reminder of the life I used to live, has my body shouting at me to remember what it was like. To feel a man’s touch, his hands on my skin, around my body. Goosebumps erupt along the flesh of my exposed thighs.“Here,” I choke, my voice breaking. I point to the inside of my upper thigh, just above my knee. It’s a strange place for a tattoo, for sure, but there’s meaning there. I notice his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallows. With one eyebrow cocked, his gaze drifts down from my face to the puckered skin just below the hem of my purple cotton sundress. A raised scar roughly the size of a dollar and shaped like a fish hook catches his attention. I can see the questions on his face as the room grows silent. Operation scars look different from violent scars. Violent scars are not methodical or neat. They are erratic, loud, and almost weep with memory. This scar, from the broken window of a four-door sedan eight feet under water tells a story that I don’t want in my book anymore. I want it covered.I break the silence, luring his eyes back to my face and not my open legs. “I know it’s difficult to tattoo scars—I’ve done my research, but I want this covered. Is that…possible?” My voice shakes, giving away my nerves.He clears his throat. “I can do that.”Then, he leans forward. With just the expression on his face, he asks to touch it. I nod in return. The fingers of his right hand reach forward, and methodically, as if he’s inspecting the spot, he grazes the raised bump between my knees. Having gone so long without another person’s touch anywhere below my belly button, I jump from the contact. His eyes meet mine. Then, he goes back to rubbing his thumb over the scar, and I feel my pulse quicken, my breath coming out in short spurts as if someone has crushed my lungs and won’t let me breathe. I know he’s touching it for the purpose of the tattoo, but I watch the way he bites his lip, and I can tell it’s just as unnerving for him as it is for me. He swallows again. The room is deliciously silent, and this chemistry between us has changed. It’s dangerously close to something more than just a tattoo artist and his client.

Author Bio:
Sara Cate writes contemporary romance about bikers, bad boys, hunks, and softies--all rolled into one. She has a soft spot for redemption stories and forbidden romance.Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

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BOOK BLITZ: The Dirty Dozen (Damsel Edition) by Multiple Authors #GIVEAWAY

The Dirty Dozen: Damsel Edition
Publication date: February 14th 2020
Genres: Adult, Fairy Tales, Paranormal, Romance

10 ~ Authors ~ 12 Novellas ~ 12 DamselsWill one moment in time change the course of their lives?PARTICPATING AUTHORS:Cassandra’s Curse – Erin Lee
It wouldn’t be true love or even the tiny man who saved her.
Cassandra vowed to save herself.
Screwed – Natasha Thomas
They have friendship; but he wants more.
She needs him, but is terrified of taking the plunge into love.
Saving Lucy – Lorah Jaiyn
When life has you to the point of giving up, that’s when dreams just may come true.
Haunting Gina – Tressa Rabbit
A ghost, a serial killer and a lonely man.
Could Gina be the one to save them?
Lucifer – Natasha Thomas
Falling in love with his partner’s daughter wasn’t part of the plan, but then again, neither was marrying her.
Under the Bridge – Tee Smith
It started slowly, insidiously, worming its way into her life until she couldn’t face it anymore. Under the bridge is a story of love, betrayal and finding peace in an unexpected place.
Silent Echoes – Aleisha Maree
Some people touch lives, others take them. I do both.
They took something I loved, now I’m coming for them.
Dante – Natasha Thomas
The road to happiness is plagued with potholes, but the reward is undeniably sweeter when you’ve had to work hard to earn your prize.
Salvatore’s Promise – Ann Mickan
Can a princess learn to be one of the people?
Let’s hope Mia can or she’ll risk losing everything, including her chance for love.
Callie – Gemma Arlington
For your pleasure… & maybe mine!
Love & Friends- Lola Denvers
Determination. Seduction. Playing dirty. Whatever it took, he’d do it because he had never wanted anything the way he wants her.
Black Hearts Bleed – Zoe Hill
In this prequel novella to Zoe Hillman’s Black Hearts Bleed series, Angelo Carlucci and Jennifer DeLuca will discover that their forbidden love isn’t so much star-crossed as it is bloodstained.

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