R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 198

BOOK BLITZ: What Comes After by Melissa Toppen #GIVEAWAY

What Comes After
Melissa Toppen
Publication date: August 9th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Life is full of many things.Love.Loss.Heartbreak.Laughter.No matter how small, each moment has value.Then there are the big moments.The moments that define us.And the people who shape our very existence.Abel Collins is that person for me.From the very first time our eyes locked, I knew there was something about him. That he was the person that would change everything.And he did.But Abel isn’t just any man…His past is his prison.His guilt keeps him chained.His grief defines him.And now it’s up to me to set him free.To make him see that life isn’t just about what we’ve lost but what we still stand to gain.Because it’s not about what came before, but what comes after.

Goodreads / Amazon—

Author Bio:
Melissa Toppen is a Bestselling Author specializing in New Adult and Contemporary Romance. She is a lover of books and enjoys nothing more than losing herself in a good novel. She has a soft spot for Romance and focuses her writing in that direction; writing what she loves to read. Melissa resides in Cincinnati Ohio with her husband and two children, where she writes full time.Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest / Bookbub / Amazon / Book & Main Bites

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BOOK BLITZ: Something Wicked by Emma Dean #GIVEAWAY

Something Wicked
Emma Dean
(University of Morgana: Academy of Enchantments and Witchcraft #1)
Publication date: May 2nd 2019
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Reverse Harem, Romance

If she could make it through her first semester without killing anyone…that’d be great.San Francisco Bay Coven has been torn apart and no one feels this more than Mika Marshall. Kenzie Kavanagh exposed her father and brother’s betrayal.So Mika is starting at the University of Morgana a semester late and praying to the Fates that she’ll be able to catch up and graduate with her class. But as a witch with an undeclared specialty she’s trying not to bring too much attention to herself.Because Mika has a secret and if she doesn’t learn to control her powers, people will die.**This is a slow burn reverse harem academy series. All paranormal books by Emma Dean exist in the same world – the Council of Paranormals.

Goodreads / Amazon—EXCERPT:“Mika!” her sister called up. Claire’s voice echoed in the empty mansion. “Are you ready to go? We’ve got to get you settled today!”There was so much to take care of…it felt like they’d just barely gotten everything turned in after winter solstice and yule.Starting in the spring semester…Mika wasn’t looking forward to it.Instead of responding she grabbed her things and dragged them down the stairs.Claire grabbed the trunk from her when Mika hit the main floor. Her sister tried to smile. “Don’t worry. You’re going to love the university. It’s like high school, but a thousand times better.”Mika gritted her teeth together and still didn’t say anything.She’d hated high school and everything about it. If Selene was a prodigy, then Mika was the most mediocre, average witch to ever attend their high school. She was the same age as Selene and lightyears behind her in magical skill.It didn’t really matter though in the long run. She’d just barely passed the entrance exams to the University of Morgana. At least she hadn’t completely tarnished her family’s name.Mika had gotten a perfect score on the theory of magic. It was so unprecedented they’d tested her again with a proctor watching every move she made.The test had been completely different, and she’d still aced it.But the practical? Ugh, she didn’t want to think about that. Actual magic had always been meh for her. Lighting a candle took concentration on her part. A three-year-old could do it with barely a thought.“The door to the university is in the coven building,” Claire explained as they made their way through the foyer. “I’ll go with you, but you’ll have to cross on your own. Someone needs to look after Grandma until she decides to rejoin the land of the living.”“She’s still alive,” Mika murmured. “That’s more than we can say for our parents and brother.”“That’s not fair,” Claire snapped, letting the driver open the front door for them. “Dad and Jacob are still alive. They’re just stripped of their powers and shunned.”Mika popped open her umbrella and glared up at the never-ending rain. Where she was going would be colder, but at least it wouldn’t be raining. “Dad and Jacob are dead to me after what they did to us and Mom. Let’s not pretend we’d ever have them over for dinner.”Her sister didn’t say anything to that, and Mika didn’t expect her to.It wasn’t fair on Claire, but she was still so angry. Mika lived that moment over and over and had been all fall and winter. Then sitting at her mother’s side for months and simply watching her waste away…No matter how much she loved her mother, Mom hadn’t loved them enough to fight and live and…just be around. She’d given up on everything even though Mika had been right there every, single, day.Claire followed after her to the fancy black car without an umbrella, letting the rain mess with her perfect hair. She let the driver take Mika’s trunk from her and stood there in the rain. Mika knew in that moment she should say sorry, but she was just so angry and bitter and devastated. It would only rip her apart even more to apologize for saying what she felt.Once everything was loaded up, Claire kissed Mika on the cheek gently and stepped back. “On second thought I should stay with Grandma. Who knows what an empty mansion will do to her. I wish you the best of luck, baby sis. Write home and all that.”Mika held her sister’s gaze and it was like looking in a broken mirror. They both had the same nearly white-blonde hair that was their family signature, ice blue eyes, and skin so smooth and creamy people often stopped them and asked them what their secret was. Their next question was if they were twins.Claire was only an inch taller than her, but she had the better tits.“If you need anything or…” Mika trailed off. She almost couldn’t say it out loud. “If anything else happens, call me. My phone is always on.”Her sister nodded and Mika got in the car. Claire didn’t slam her door closed, but it was forceful just the same. Mika flinched and regretted those words she couldn’t take back, even if she wanted to.The last six months had exacerbated everything she’d been hiding for the last three years and now…It felt like everything she’d shoved down and ignored was all frothing to the surface, ready to boil over and she couldn’t pretend anymore.Mika didn’t know how to pretend to be happy, or how to be…normal.What was normal in the witch world anyway?Kenzie was a void witch after spending most of her life a pariah – an abomination.And up until she’d announced it to the coven no one had even known void witches existed or what a void was exactly – a witch who didn’t have powers, but could take them. Something the universe had created for balance no doubt. Mika didn’t know the details of a void’s skills, but knowing someone could take her magic…Things were changing. She just had to get through this and onto the other side.It would get better. It had to.“Take me to the coven building, please,” she asked the driver, words barely above a whisper. Speaking out loud always seemed so harsh in the sudden quiet that had befallen her family the moment her mother had fainted in that fateful meeting.As soon as Mika got settled on campus she would call her sister and apologize. But right now she was still pissed and the only thing that would come of her calling her sister was an argument. Claire didn’t deserve that – not with everything she had to deal with now.Claire was going to be the next Marshall matriarch, and thank the Fates.Mika didn’t want it.She didn’t deserve it.

Author Bio:
Emma Dean is the aspie author of Draga Court and the Council of Paranormals. Juggling work, life, higher education, and a rambunctious toddler leaves little room for much else, but when she gets the chance she dives into a good book and likes to re-read the Black Jewels series by Anne Bishop every year during Christmas.Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

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BOOK BLITZ: The Minimalist Babe by Lola R. Marie #GIVEAWAY

The Minimalist Babe: Tidying-Up Your Whole Life
Lola R. Marie
Publication date: September 7th 2019
Genres: Adult, Self-help

Lola is every bit the minimalist babe – she lives simply, is intelligent and sassy, emotional and strong, calm and composed. Realizing that less is more, she traded in material possessions to focus on what was truly important to her. Lola’s inspiring guide delivers real-world advice on how to consume less, clear out clutter, find authenticity, and live a life based on freedom. It is a sincere attempt to help those who want to end their obsession with stuff.Echoing the thoughts behind Leonardo da Vinci’s quote that “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” this book teaches you how to value the simple things. From learning to declutter and live with less to living life with passion, good health, and great relationships. The Minimalist Babe is for anyone who desires a more intentional life. Drawing from real-life experiences, it is filled with stories that will teach you step-by-step how to be:Authentic, self-assured, calm and composed, mindful, minimal and self-sufficient, financially stable, purposeful, free, healthy and happy.

Goodreads / Amazon—Why am I writing this? I’m not one to preach. In fact, I find the act of trying to convince someone of a different lifestyle quite unnatural. Everyone has their own path in life and their own timing. I understand the principles of minimalism may not be for everyone. You may now be wondering why then have I taken the time to write this book? The thing is that I believe everyone is a minimalist at heart; we were simple at birth, after all.I often hear others reminisce about the old days. How life was simple and vivid during childhood. Music was heavenly, the outdoors was our domain and ice cream was everything! There was an authentic nuance to life that now most of us only have access to through our memories; the bitter-sweet nostalgia.This book is about reviving that childlike glee. It’s about happiness and what it really takes to be happy. It’s about realizing that less is more, and about letting go of your possessions and the depressions that come with it. It’s about doing away with the unessential so we can concentrate on the things that are truly important to us. Finally, it’s about living in the present and being ready to accept the wonderful things waiting to reach you.Our need for more: One of society’s most grave and (until now) ignored illnesses.The Minimalist Babe is about saying goodbye to the extras in life from time to time, finding happiness in having less, and finding your inner badass through your newly acquired freedom. It is the culmination of all my research; a toolbox of sorts filled with tips, techniques, exercises, and prompts that have helped me be my most authentic self.When I’m not writing, I spend my time nurturing relationships and learning new skills. I focus on being healthy and purposeful and it’s working like magic. I am in the happiest phase of my life and want the same for each one of you. This book is an attempt to manifest that vision. Let us cut out the bitter side of nostalgia and bite into the sweetness of life that is nowLove,Lola

Author Bio:

Hi, All!I love to write, bathe in sun rays, and ponder the mysteries of life. Follow me as I write my way to a better life.OXOX, Lola
Website

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BOOK BLITZ: Hybrid: Adapt or Die by Rebecca Henry #GIVEAWAY

Hybrid: Adapt or Die
Rebecca Henry
Publication date: August 5th 2019
Genres: Adult, Horror, Science Fiction

Agent Van of the CIA is sent to an Australian underground military surveillance base called Pine Gap. Agent Van finds himself thrown in a conspiracy cover up of an ancient alien race known as species X. He falls in love with Annika, a mysterious and uncommon woman who displays unusual abilities, leading Van to question her own origin. Mystery and horror explode around Agent Van during a cave diving exhibition to search for a lost colleague referred to as Agent One. The only clue for Agent Van and his team is a cryptic message carved on a wall inside the bleak cave that reads “Agent One is gone. No more Agent One.” Terror arrives as the agents are trapped inside the ominous cave. Agent Van soon learns that there is more to Pine Gap than Species X.

Goodreads / Amazon

BOOK TRAILER:—EXCERPT:A man in a white lab coat turned to me with a smile. A tie-dye bandanna held back his long, graying hair. Doctor Helix was an older man somewhere in his 60s, but still had the hippie heart of a Dead Head. Wiry in build, he was a dead ringer for Bob Weir. Doctor Helix flashed me a peace sign as he rifled through a stack of vinyl records on a desk. Selecting one, he drew a joint from his lab coat and put Sugar Magnolia on the record player, adjusting the needle as he expertly lit the joint with one hand.“It’s always best to remember the dead with a tribute song and a little smoke,” Doctor Helix explained. “Makes the job less of a job, you know.”I smiled, uncertain if he was talking to me, or maybe to himself.He pulled back the sheet and blew smoke into the dull-gray face of one of the dead aliens. “Here’s to you, buddy,” he whispered, his expression soft. “Had some good times, man. I’ll miss ya.”I stared at the lifeless body in wonder as I observed this new and unknown species of alien. The skin shimmered with hints of blue against its smooth gray complexion. Its closed eyes were set deep within a triangular-shaped face that tapered to a sharp point. The alien’s spidery limbs hung motionless over the side of the metal table. I studied the delicate, elongated fingers that nearly touched the floor, its thumb almost as long as its index finger. I was surprised at how humanoid it appeared; they didn’t look too different from humans, just more exaggerated in comparison.“He was a friend of yours, Doctor Helix?” I questioned, watching him.“You young kids and your formal titles,” he scoffed. “Man, call me Doc Do Good. I might be old enough to be your grandpappy, but I ain’t no old fart.”I liked him instantly.“Yeah, kid, he was my friend. They all were.” He was silent for a few beats before shaking his head. “Shouldn’t have gone down this way. Good people, man, shouldn’t have happened.”My eyebrows shot up to my hairline. “You called the aliens people.”“Well, hell, man,” he answered with a shrug. “They weren’t aliens to me. They were the same as us—better even.” Doc pointed to one of the cabinets lining the far wall. “Lab coats are in there, kid.”I opened the cabinet, selecting from the wide array of liquid-proof radiation aprons, accompanied by radiation attenuation gloves. The Doc turned with an encouraging nod, indicating for me to suit up. Selecting one, I pulled it over my uniform of black cargo pants and shirt.“Grab one of those lead face shields as well, kid. The ones with the lamp attached.” He touched his head, noticing he was absent a mask. “And kid, grab one more for me,” he called. “Don’t want any splatter getting in my eyes.”I selected another face shield and passed it to the doctor. I’ve always been intrigued by autopsies. It’s fascinating to see the world inside our skin; the mechanics to the amazing anatomy that keep the human body alive and functioning. But I’ve always found alien autopsies unnerving. Those autopsies set me on edge. Seeing a new system—an unknown and usually much more complex structure of a living creature not from this earth—both astonished and troubled me. Every time I look inside an alien I am overwhelmed by the vulnerability of humans, how simple and trivial our bodies are compared to an extraterrestrial.Doc rolled a free-standing surgical light over the cadaver of Species X as he activated his own head lamp and pulled down the lead acrylic shield to protect his face. He took out a recorder to begin his dictation.“It’s the fifth of November of the year 2025. Agent Van and I are going to perform a Species X autopsy on Phylax Number 571. Number 571 is roughly seven feet, weighing in at 140 pounds.” Doc looked over at me, a scalpel poised in his hands. “Ready, kid?”“Yeah, Doc, open him up.” I slid the shield over my face, ready for anything. I’d witnessed many autopsies, but this was my first experience with Species X.With practiced fingers Doc sliced a smooth Y-incision into the alien’s chest, standard procedure during alien and human autopsy. A thick fluid oozed from the cadaver, and I coughed over the gagging stench, the taste of rotten anchovies coating my mouth. “Looks like thick cream,” I said as I rubbed the viscous substance between my gloved fingers.Doc didn’t look up. “They don’t have blood like us, kid,” he explained as he worked. “I call it ‘lactrum.’ It has more nutrients than any mineral or vitamin we know of. Lactrum carries more genetic coding then all the species of our entire planet put together.” He paused to gaze down at the alien with what I imagined was wonder. “These guys could live forever, never aging, never falling sick with illness.”Doc waved me closer. “Take a good look, kid. See how vulnerable our God made us compared to Species X.”

Author Bio:
Rebecca Henry is a newly published author. Her debut novel is The Lady Raven, A Dark Cinderella Tale, which was published in 2017. The Lady Raven, is for those who have an affinity for fairy tales retold with a link to witches, magic and the macabre. Her second novel, Louisiana Latte, a chick lit comedy was released February 28th 2019. Louisiana Latte, is a feel good comedy that focuses on the bonds of sisters, and how audacious life can be when you have a diva for one! Both books are available on amazon as well as Barnes & Noble.Rebecca Henry is a world traveler living abroad in England. Besides being an author of two published books, Rebecca is also a podcast talk host on the show The Latte Talk. The podcast was inspired by her latest novel, Louisiana Latte and her diva sister Deb. She is a serious vegan, gardener, crafter, wife and mom who practices yoga. She loves to laugh, her drug of choice and loves all things witchy with a hint of the macabre. Her favorite holiday is Halloween and her favorite movie of all time is Practical Magic. Website / Goodreads / Instagram

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BOOK BLITZ: Bane of Tenebris by Blaise Ramsay #GIVEAWAY

Bane of Tenebris
Blaise Ramsay
(Wolfgods #2)
Published by: FyreSyde Publishing
Publication date: July 20th 2019
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Alexander Kain has been through hell. For centuries, torture, bloodshed, war and living in the shadow of a powerful father have haunted his every dream. Born to die in the place of another due to an ancient pact, he has resigned himself to isolation to wait for death’s sweet embrace. Everything changes when a young woman – a hybrid; both vampire and lycan – arrives beaten and left for dead at his doorstep.He couldn’t have known that saving her would lead him down a twisting, winding road. One filled with old rivals longing to settle a score, former lovers of a bygone, taboo past or an unlikely alliance with the monsters he fought during centuries of war.The dark god who tortured Kain disappears, his methods and plans unsettling. He must come to grips when his past if he is to survive. However, unlike the loneliness he once knew, Kain falls in love with the woman he found naked in the woods.A love that just might be what he needs to put the ghosts of his past to rest.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo—CHAPTER 3: T ala’s chest hurt from running. Unfamiliar screams filled her ears, shifting into angry snarls and growls. Something rammed her hard enough to knock her down, but she quickly recovered and continued to run. Black shapes surrounded her, lashing out with their claws, leaving painful bites across her skin. Exhausted, Tala collapsed. As she lay on the ground, her vision blurred and faded from the dark images to one of an angelic-faced man with dirty blonde hair.Tala opened her eyes, free from the fractured memories, finding she no longer lay on the ground in the woods. Groaning, she tried to push herself onto her elbows to take in her surroundings and her condition.She looked down to find herself naked, half covered in thick blankets, and her wounds cleaned and wrapped.Lifting her eyes to the rest of the room, she saw a round, black wood burning stove in the corner. In its maw an orange fire glowed.When the door opened, Tala jerked her attention towards the noise of the creaking hinges. The same man she thought she only dreamed of walked in carrying a plate of food and extra bandages.Polished, sculpted muscles lay scarcely hidden beneath the white undershirt he wore. The faded, dark blue jeans sat low on his hips. The features of his face remained soft, yet Tala could see they were worn by time.She felt her cheeks heat the longer she stared. The only imperfections were the jagged scars covering the copper skin of his arms.“Oh, you’re awake. I’m glad. I began to wonder if you would wake at all,” the strange man said as he set the plate on the table next to the bedside and grabbed the bandages.Tala backed away so quickly she underestimated the distance and fell over the bed’s edge, landing to the floor with a THUD!The man clenched one eye closed, hissing through his teeth. “I’m sorry. That looked rather unpleasant.”The man strode around the other side of the bed and took a knee in front of her. His gentle eyes met hers. In a tender voice, he said. “I’m not going to hurt you. My name is Alexander Kain. May I ask your name?”Kain held out his hand to help her up.“Tala. My name is Tala,” Tala replied, taking Kain’s hand. “Where am I and how did I get here?“You’re in my home. I found you injured in the woods not far from here. You’ve been unconscious for almost a week now,” Kain said. He took the food from the bedside table and setting it down in front of her. He followed with his own question, “Do you know how you came to be in the woods?”Tala rubbed her head, groaning. The images from the dream returned to her, causing her to tremble. “I…I remember running. There were black shapes. I don’t remember anything before that.”Kain helped Tala sit back down on the bed. “These black shapes. Do you recall something strange about them?”“They moved fast. I remember the stings of pain each time they got close.”Kain sat down next to her on the bed. “It’s okay. It may take time for your memories to return. I’m not sure how long you were out there. Try to get some food and rest. I will come back later to check on your injuries.”“Wait. Where am I? What city?”“Big Timber. About a mile outside of it to be specific,” Kain replied.“Big Timber?” Tala’s eyes widened. “I was trying to get here.”“Get some rest and eat. We can talk more later.” Kain departed the room without saying another word.****Kain leaned against the wooden railing of his covered porch, his eyes focused on the line of trees around the perimeter of his cabin. In the shadows, he made out glowing eyes staring from beyond the gloom. Snarls could be heard above the silence.The lights of a black Mustang could be seen driving up the gravel road towards the cabin.He soon recognized it, grinning. “Well, well, well. It seems I’m suddenly very popular.”Kain waited for the car to stop and the engine turned off before descending the wooden stairs.Gabriel stepped out of the driver’s side, running a hand through shoulder length, curly dark hair. “It’s good to see you, old friend.” He commented in a thick European voice, embracing Kain.“You as well. What brings you so far out of your pack’s territory?” Kain asked, his eyes never leaving the trees.Gabriel followed Kain’s line of sight. “You see them as well?”“Yes. As of yet, they have not ventured any closer. I cannot be sure of how long that will last. Come, we can talk inside.” Kain motioned Gabriel towards the front door.When they got inside, Tala sat in the living room in front of the fire with a cup of water in her hands, wrapped in a borrowed blanket. She jumped when Kain came in with Gabriel.Gabriel whistled at seeing how pretty the young woman was. “Who’s this?”Kain shook his head, sighing and reaching the heel of his hand to the side of his head, eyes turned towards the ceiling. “Honestly, Gabriel, must you really?”Gabriel shrugged, holding his hands up as he approached Tala. “I won’t hurt you. My name is Gabriel Locke. I’m Kain’s friend.” Gabriel held out his hand. Tala waited for a nod from Kain before she reached to shake it. “There, see? What’s your name?”Tala told him.“It’s nice to meet you,” Gabriel kissed her hand before addressing Kain. “Kain, I wish I came here to catch up, but I’m afraid that isn’t the case.”“I imagined it wouldn’t be. You rarely come to make a social call. What is it?” Kain sat down in the recliner while Gabriel chose to sit on the floor.“Ramona contacted me,” Gabriel said. A low rumble in the back of his throat. “Stoker survived the battle at the Stones and slithered to the Cardozas in Great Falls. He’s informed Anthony of the events that happened here. So far, it doesn’t appear to Ramona that Anthony even cares.”Kain listened to Gabriel go into the details about how Anthony Cardoza, the Don of Great Falls, began to search for an item of unknown origin. His escapades caused horrendous damages to the lycan packs surrounding the city.During the conversation, Kain’s eyes never left Tala. Her actions indicated signs of familiarity with the situation.“What is the damage so far, Gabriel?” Kain asked.Tears began to fall down Tala’s face. Out of the blue, she commented on how the Don began slaughtering the pack, recalling instances of smells of smoke and copper. Black shapes ripped and tore flesh from bone amidst crumbling cinders of houses lycans used to live in peace.Gabriel pushed his legs underneath himself to stand. “That about sums it up. Ramona says Desdemona is trying to reign Anthony in, but her efforts are going unheard. Whatever he’s looking for, he wants it enough to commit genocide.”Kain shoved himself up from his chair so strongly, the force sent the legs skidding across the wood floors. “We will not let this go unchallenged. Gabriel, give me two days and I will return to the battlefield. For now, considering our unwanted guests, you should stay for the night. Return to your pack in the morning. They will need you.”Gabriel nodded, retiring to one of the guest rooms Kain often let him use when he visited.****After Gabriel left the room, Tala watched Kain walk into the kitchen. Curious, she got up to follow him and peeked around the doorframe to find Kain staring out of the window above the sink.“You don’t have to hide. Come in,” he said in the same tender voice he used in the room upstairs.Tala walked into the kitchen, sitting in the chair closest to Kain. She stared at his arms, taking in every jagged scar tarnishing his skin. She wanted to ask where he got them but held herself back.“You said your last name is Kain? I’m not sure where, but I’ve heard it before.”Kain pulled up a chair and sat in front of her, his elbows resting on his thighs. “Have you? It’s an unusual name around here.”“Yes. I heard stories about someone named Kain from the elders of my pack. They called him Penta-something,” she closed her eyes trying to remember.“Pentacost.”When their eyes met, Tala could see how sad he looked. “I think so. Did you know him?”Kain closed his eyes. A remorseful sigh blew through his nose as he rose from the chair. “It does not matter. Be ready. In two days, I take you to Big Timber.”****The following morning, Gabriel left after having coffee and talking with Kain over breakfast. He hadn’t been gone long before a rustling and clanging from outside made Kain focus on the window overlooking the shed he usually prepared his catches in.“They have finally come closer.”“They?” Tala asked. She glanced around, her brows lowered in fear, scooting closer to Kain.As he headed to the front door, Kain spoke of the black shapes Tala mentioned, labeling them as werewolves and being sure they followed the commands of someone. He put on his jacket and went outside to confront the monsters tearing his supply shed apart.Kain stayed close to the side of the cabin and snuck around the perimeter until his shed came into view.Werewolves ripped and tore at the wooden walls of the shed, tearing meat from drying racks and fighting over meat they took from the overturned freezer.A slight rustle in the tree line behind him brought Kain’s attention to the new visitor. The large wolf form identified him as a lycan, not a werewolf.Whites overtook Kain’s eyes at the realization of the familiar black fur. No, it cannot be. The lycan grinned, his fangs dripping with saliva over dark gums. Triangular ears stiffened towards the sky, deep orange eyes the color of a burning sunset thinned with satisfaction. Something about him seemed distorted; defiled as though he were bathed in Barghast’s shadow. In a flash of fur and shadows, the lycan vanished into the trees.A moment in his past flashed in his mind. The howling of a lycan in pain, the taste of blood, an angry promise of vengeance. Rage filled gales of wind and rain whipped, stinging with the icy knives of winter. Those eyes. I remember those eyes.****Tala jumped as Kain burst through the door, slamming it shut. He ran up the stairs only to return with what appeared to be a camper’s bag. He ordered Tala to be prepared to go, his words laced with urgency.“What’s going on?”“There’s no time. We need to go.” Kain rustled through a drawer, grabbing the keys to his car. Handing Tala some clothes to borrow, Kain told her to wait for him to call to her.Tala wanted to argue but resigned to getting dressed and waiting until she heard Kain call to her from outside before following him.Kain stood next to the open driver’s side door, focusing his eyes on the surrounding area. He waved his hand, beckoning her towards the car.Tala ran down the stairs, brushing her hair away from her face to keep it from hindering her sight.She got into the car as the first werewolf jumped towards her, snarling. Tala raised her arms to her face, prepared to be struck with its claws. When no attack came, she opened her eyes to see Kain restraining the flailing monster, his strong arms around its ribs.Kain growled as he tightened his forearm around the thrashing monster’s neck. A sickening snap made the monster fall limp, its tongue lulling out of its mouth.Kain threw the body aside before he got into the driver’s side of the car, closing and locking the door. His breath heaved.“It’s been a while since I’ve done that,” He smirked. Shifting the car into reverse, Kain slammed his foot on the accelerator making the tires shriek in protest.When they reached the main road, Tala saw the werewolves running alongside the car in the trees. “What do they want?”Kain didn’t answer. The arrival of the lycan made him second guess his original theory as to why the werewolves stalked his cabin.A werewolf slammed its body against the driver’s side door of the car, jarring it.In response, Kain used the body of the vehicle and the guardrails of the highway to pin the werewolf between them. It whimpered and howled in pain as its flesh was severed from its side, in a storm of sparks and grinding metal.Another werewolf took a flying leap into the windshield from the middle of the road, claws outstretched, fangs bared. The impact cracked the glass. It grasped at the hood with its claws, sending sparks where steel met bone.“Hang on!” Kain said, slamming on the brakes, sending the creature flying down the pavement.There were too many of them to outmaneuver, especially when Kain couldn’t change and had Tala to contend with. He began to wonder if he could get either of them out of this encounter alive.A howl above the wind made the werewolves freeze.“What is that?” Tala asked.Kain smirked, stopping the car. Just beyond the tree line, he saw Gabriel skidding down the side of the hill.Lune followed behind him while an obsidian wolf, Kain recognized as Jillian sprinted ahead of them. Scott and Nathaniel followed close on her flanks.The werewolves remained still. Another howl, like the shriek of a banshee, forced them to retreat into the woods.Kain got out of the car to greet his friends.Gabriel walked to the head of the pack, shaking his head side to side, snuffing.“It’s good to see you. How did you know?” Kain asked.Gabriel turned his head. Kain followed his gaze to see a pure white wolf with black markings on his paws, chest, ear tips and tail walking towards them.Kain grinned, offering a slight bow of his head. Damien broke into a canter until he reached Kain, whimpering. He lowered his ears, nuzzling his friend’s stomach.Tala got out of the car, her eyes locked on the white wolf Kain petted. “Lycans.”Kain rose up to look at her.“My mother is a lycan. She’s the one who told me to come here,” Tala replied, remembering the voice of her mother begging her to run.Damien looked at Kain, tilting his head, whimpering.“I will tell you more when we get to your house.” Kain turned on his heel to walk back to his car.

Author Bio:
FyreSyde Publishing owner and founder Blaise Ramsay worked over fifteen years in the graphic design industry, with some experience in indie gaming. Recently she shifted her attention to the world of literature with her debut paranormal romance series, Wolf gods. The debut title, Blessing of Luna is set to release in 2018. She currently lives in North Texas with her two children, her husband and pets. A UTD graduate with a Bachelor's in History with an intention on teaching, Blaise decided that the world of teaching just wasn't for her. A stay at home mother of two, business owner and self-publisher, Blaise loves to meet new people and encourage others to follow their dreams through weekly posts to her instagram, twitter, facebook and blog.Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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BOOK BLITZ: They're a Match by Chloe Liese #GIVEAWAY

They’re a Match
Chloe Liese
(Tough Love #3)
Publication date: August 12th 2019
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

One blazing relational bond formed by two fiery lovers. And a new element just joined the formula.Chemistry calls it covalence. Shakespeare named it the “marriage of true minds.” Historically speaking, Nairne never liked the impractical notion of marriage, and Zed never thought he’d live to see the day when tying the knot was even an option. After a decade of entanglement in the mafia, Zed’s now free to play the game he loves and love the woman who owns his heart.Problem is, the spitfire’s been a loner her whole life. Independent, self-reliant, and driven. And she wants nothing to do with marriage, since statistically it fails more than it succeeds, which to her scientific mind is the universally acknowledged definition of an experimental bust. But the elemental pull toward matrimony between the sexy scientist and her dark and handsome soccer star is stronger than Nairne anticipates. Can she risk her heart for her perfect match, even if it’s a gamble rather than a sure bet?In the game of life,you win some, you lose some.“And They Lived Happily Ever After” is theirs for the taking,but for that pesky little word that so often gets overlooked…“Lived.”—Book Three in the Tough Love Series—a suspenseful romance, full of sexy Italians, feisty heroines, a house full of friends and family, and an ending that closes the chapter on these lovers, and paves the way for new ones.

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For a limited time only, the kindle books will be a total of $3 for 3 books
(Book 1, free; Book 2, $0.99; Book 3, $1.99).
Get all 3 books here!
—EXCERPT:The drive back to London from Edinburgh was a seven hour straight shot down the M6. We could have flown, paid someone to drive the Ferrari back. But making a road trip of it felt fun, and delightfully ordinary to me. The lowlands in winter were stunning—fog on the moor, and frost turning the grass into fields of spired icicles. Then the Lake District, with its rolling hills and water formations. Once you approached Manchester and farther inland, the scenery of course become industrial, but Zed loved it nonetheless. We drove the day, eating crisps and sweets and listening to music of every genre.Until the quotidian bubble of obscurity and normality popped. We pulled up to a beautiful Georgian terraced home glowing in the light of a winter sunset. I’d only seen the façade in digital photos, and in person it looked even more classic and frightfully expensive. As I stared at our home out the window, I tried to hide my ethical war with its opulence.Right after we stole away to Prestonpans and I’d told him about the baby, Zed asked if we could buy a place and make it ours. No strings, no pushing me to forever, but somewhere we could live as long as I wanted to live with him, where we could be a family. I preferred to blame my acceptance on hormones and gratitude that Zed hadn’t died from being attacked. But perhaps I was just growing up and moving past my fear of letting down my walls of independence. I hadn’t promised him forever, but he also hadn’t asked for it, either.Which was a relief. Because while I knew everyone who looked at us was only waiting for the engagement announcement, I was still reeling from falling for Zed in the first place. From the insanity of our dynamic in Boston to the violence that plagued us when we reunited in London. Now I was five months along to a world class footballer, and moving into our exorbitant Georgian townhome, when all I’d planned for in life was to be a contented cat lady spinster who slept under the desk in her lab and vanquished diseases.I stared up at the house, located in the posh historic London neighborhood of Bloomsbury. The place had to have cost him millions, the thought of which made my stomach sour with the kind of nausea that rivaled my morning sickness. I’d felt similarly the first time he showed me pictures of the place while we had been in Scotland.“Nairne.” He sighed, head falling back on the pillows in my bed. “We need somewhere to live. You go to school there, I work there. That’s how much it costs.”I swallowed the objections that clawed at my throat when he pulled up photos of the property’s interior in the throes of construction. It looked atrociously involved, and that meant atrociously expensive. “I know that, Zed, but aren’t there more reasonable neighborhoods we could live in?”Massaging his brow, Zed turned to face me. “Why are you so uncomfortable with me spending the money I’ve earned?”I stared at him, at a loss for words.“Nairne, you deserve to live in a home that’s easy to move around in, that’s comfortable and safe, that’s close to your schooling and my work. Don’t you believe that?”I nodded.Zed smiled and, as always, it felt like the sun slipping out from behind a cloud, warming my soul. “Then let me give it to you, because I can. Because I want us to have a good life.” He leaned in, softly kissing the corners of my mouth, the tip of my nose, my cupid’s bow. “We deserve that.”Zed watched me with a guarded expression as he let himself out of the Ferrari, and it broke me from my thoughts. Hands on my belly, I replayed what I’d been telling myself as I gave the situation a good, long think—this was about our child’s life, opportunities, and wellbeing. And if this home was a little expensive, it kept us safe and allowed us to be together as a family. Who was I to demean that? The baby did what felt like a summersault and I laughed to myself.“You agree then?” I asked.Zed had come around to my side to open the passenger door, and ducked his head in. “Sorry, I missed that.”“I was just thinking aloud, and the baby did some acrobatics. I took it to mean he or she agrees.”Zed frowned and focused on my lips. “Agrees on what? That their dad is a vile cog in the capitalist machine making London even more prohibitively expensive and elite?”I sighed and scratched my nails against his scruff. “No. I’ve come around to the idea.”Zed smiled. Then he swept me up and carried me to the door, reminiscent of the bride and groom at the threshold. The door was a shiny black lacquer with fresh brass fixtures. White brick, new, dark-paned windows twinkling like cheery stars against the evening sky. It looked like a home. Our home.

Author Bio:
Chloe’s always been a sucker for a suspenseful steamy romance, ever since she managed to find the one saucy mystery series hiding in her high school’s prim little library. Nothing drives her crazier than a story that cranks up the heat, then closes the door on the reader’s face, so don’t read her books if you don’t want to know what actually happens when the lights fade to black… When she’s not writing, Chloe’s busy reading books of all genres, rereading Harry Potter (which she can’t help but make her characters similarly obsessed over), and playing catch-up with her bad@$$ little girls. She’s also been known to scramble around the pitch for a pick-up soccer match and run along the river while dreaming up her next book.Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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BOOK BLITZ: Seducing the Billionaire by JM Stewart #GIVEAWAY

Seducing the Billionaire
JM Stewart
(The Blue Room Series, #1)
Publication date: August 6th 2019
Genres: Contemporary, Erotica, Romance

When her ex leaves her with a wounded ego, curvy tech writer Jenna Mancini sets out to prove to herself that she’s just as sexy as any size six. With an invitation to Seattle’s hottest new club, a place that promises no risk, no commitment, no holds barred, she sets her sights on the one man who can help her test her theory—the only man at a sex club who doesn’t participate.Billionaire Hunter Thane has a secret only a select few know: a fear of being touched. A rough childhood has left him scarred, inside and out, and he’s resigned himself to a life alone. So while he can’t deny he finds Jenna incredibly sexy, he’s determined to save her from the disappointment of an encounter with him.Jenna is every bit as determined to push all his hot buttons and see if she can crush his iron-clad will…

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo—EXCERPT:“Because you don’t participate.” Her gaze searched his face. After a moment, she moved farther into the room, stepping up to the pool table in the center. As she walked around it, she reached into the pockets, tossing the balls onto the table. “May I ask why you don’t?”His shoulders slumped. He couldn’t keep side stepping around this, but he had no desire to watch her expression when he told her the truth. “Encounters with me are…complicated. Most ladies come here looking for fun. That’s the whole idea of this. Something carefree and frivolous. Our motto is ‘no risk, no commitment, no holds barred.’ I’m not any of that.”“It’s not a bad thing to be the serious sort, you know.” All the balls now atop the table, she leaned over, stretching to reach the triangle. “Why host a party like this then? Why stay?”“Because I want things I can’t have.” Damn. He shouldn’t have told her that, either, but the feeling nudged him. The desire. The need. To finally let it all go. Hell, even his therapist encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone.“Such as?”“Nothing. I shouldn’t have mentioned it.” Heart hammering in his throat, he crossed to the rack hanging on the wall opposite the table and pulled down a couple of cue sticks.Jenna remained silent, and a sick sensation twisted in his stomach. Any second now she’d voice the question in her eyes. Some part of him said he ought to be honest with her and let the chips fall where they may. Except he knew how this would end. He’d tell her his long list of rules, then have to watch her leave when she decided she no longer desired an evening with him.He’d tried once before, at Liam’s insistence. The woman had gotten so frustrated with him she’d stormed out in a huff. And who the hell could blame her?When he turned, cue sticks in hand, Jenna smiled at him. It was an awkward smile, one filled with tension, with all those things they weren’t saying, but a smile nonetheless.She nodded in the direction of the pool table beside her. “You any good?”Relief flooded his chest. God bless her for not pushing. “Spent a lot of time in here in high school. I should warn you. I’m pretty decent.”“Then you have yourself a game, cowboy, because so am I.” She winked and moved around the table, studying it. “I grew up with one of these. Mom thought it would keep us kids out of trouble.” She glanced at him, brows raised. “Tell me. Do you want to participate?”Damn. Her and her questions.“I’m only the host.” He waved a hand in the air. “My house and all that.”She returned to the head of the table and leaned over it, lining up her shot. A quick flick of her wrist sent the multicolored balls flying in all directions. Three balls sank in various pockets, and she straightened. “I’ve got solids. And you said that before. Now tell me the real reason you’re here.”

Author Bio:
JM Stewart writes heartfelt contemporary romance. Whether the heat level is sizzling or sweet, her stories are always deeply emotional. Her heroes are strong but sensitive (no alpha jerks here!), and her heroines are more Cinderella than Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Recently transplanted, she now lives in a small town in Texas along with her husband, two sons and two very spoiled dogs. When not writing, she enjoys reading, cooking and playing computer games. As a sensitive soul with a romantic heart, she believes in angels and hopes everyone finds their happily ever after.Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Bookbub

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BOOK BLITZ: The Prince's Prisoner by Klarissa King #GIVEAWAY

The Prince’s Prisoner
Klarissa King
(Feared Fables #2)
Publication date: February 15th 2019
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Retelling

A dark fae prince. A stolen human girl.And an unwanted marriage.Not all beasts can be redeemed…

Callie doesn’t believe in fairy tales. Too bad they believe in her.The fae whisk Callie and her friend off to be prisoners of an eternal dance. But Callie is stolen again.Maybe the eternal dance wasn’t so bad after all…A lethal fae has taken her as his unwilling bride, and she has to balance between life and death in his castle, while finding a way out of the dangerous fae realm. Only, she’s playing games with the Prince of War.The Prince learns just how far Callie will go to save her friend from a lifetime of torture—and just what she will do to save herself from his clutches.Callie must escape the wicked prince before she turns from prisoner to prey. But as the prince himself tells her, ‘Sacrifice is no noble thing in the fae realm.’Everything in the fae realm comes at a price…
The Prince’s Prisoner is a Dark Fae Retelling of the original Beauty and the Beast, and is the second book in the anthology series, Feared Fables. Can be read as a stand-alone. Please be aware of themes.

Goodreads / Amazon—EXCERPT:His eyes touched to hers in the reflection of the mirror.As he slipped off his shoulder pads, he said, “You should not have touched them.”Callie shoved forward, away from the arch. Her feet slapped against the floor. “What do you want from me? We made a deal, but I’m still trapped.”Rain removed metal chains from his torso. He kept his back to her, but his eyes followed her in the mirror.“I want to go home,” she said. “Tell me how to do that—”The chains crashed to the dressing table.Callie flinched, and suspected that he’d meant to throw them down hard.The danger clutching to his words when he spoke confirmed it. “This is your home now.” He turned to face her and leaned back against the table. “We had a deal. It is final.”“But—” Callie blinked at him, her brows knitting together. “I promised you something in return for helping me. You haven’t set me free yet.”“I released you from the dance,” he said. “And while you rested, I took your part in the bargain.”Thoughts of the shared bed sprung to Callie’s mind. A twist of bile coiled in her belly. “What do you mean you took my part?” she whispered, horror wiping her face clean.Rain’s eyes flashed with outrage. His chin raised, and he looked down his nose at her.“It is not what you accuse,” he said darkly. “I made you my wife.”Callie choked on a gasp. “You—you did what?”Rain’s face remained impassive. “I married you. That was the price of your freedom from the eternal dance.”“You married me?” shrieked Callie.Rain folded his arms over his chest. His biceps pressed against the thin black leather of his armour.Callie’s hands furled into fists.“You don’t know me! You don’t love me!” Her fingernails cut into her palms. “Are you insane?”Rain pushed himself from the dressing table and moved toward her.Callie recoiled and stumbled back.He might have strolled, but there was a lazy danger in the way he moved, like a tired beast, ready to attack at any moment.She only stopped backing away from him when she connected with the wall.He followed, caging her between the wall and his body, his eyes fuelled by a silent fury.

Author Bio:
When not writing, Klarissa can be found in bed poring over a great new release, or reluctantly walking her demanding dogs who pretty much run the house. She is the writer, Isla Jones. Isla uses the pen-name Klarissa for fantasy, while using Isla Jones for her darker, grittier horror works to help separate the styles and genres for her readers.

To contact Klarissa King, find her HEREFor Isla Jones' author page, click HERE

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BOOK BLITZ: The Cave by Amanda McKinney #GIVEAWAY

The Cave
Amanda McKinney
(A Berry Springs Novel)
Publication date: August 1st 2019
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

After getting trapped in a remote cave, two strangers must work together to survive while being hunted by a ruthless killer… Life is full of surprises, rescue swimmer Owen Grayson knows that better than anyone, especially when he’s forced to take an indefinite military leave and return home to pick up the pieces of his dad’s latest mistake. As Owen struggles to settle back into his roots, he is called to a remote cave where he discovers the mysterious death of his uncle wasn’t an accident at all. As the clues begin to unravel, it becomes apparent that the cave is hiding secrets worth killing for… and everyone on site has a target on their back.Coming off a bad break up and an even worse few days, Forensic Anthropologist Dr. Sadie Hart is brought in to excavate human remains found deep in the treacherous mountains of Berry Springs, in a cave rumored to be haunted, nonetheless. When her team stumbles upon a dead body before they even reach the cave, Sadie quickly realizes this is going to be no ordinary job—especially when she meets a particularly bull-headed Adonis who claims to be related to the victim.A storm hits, trapping Sadie and Owen inside the cave with nothing but a flashlight and a small backpack with provisions… and someone who wants them dead. As the odds stack up against them, Sadie begins to fear she and Owen will become the next pile of bones found deep in the catacombs of Crypts Cavern…THE CAVE is a standalone romantic suspense novel.

Goodreads / AmazonOnly 99¢ for a limited time!
—EXCERPT:SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL. Alluring, magical. A commanding force who had a way of reminding you how little and vulnerable human life really was. How she could chew you up and spit you out without so much as a happy ending. She was powerful, relentless, unforgiving, and tonight, she was in one hell of a mood.Owen knew her well. He loved her, respected her, and had found a home with her even though she’d take everything from him in a moment’s notice, then build him back up, only to destroy him again. She was addictive, an adrenaline rush second only to jumping out of a MH-60 Jayhawk at a hundred feet, then getting pelted with a 120-knot rotor blast. He’d seen the bodies she’d devoured in her wake, watched the friends and families cry. But the truth was, he’d be nothing without her. She’d made him into the man he was today. For better or worse.She was a bitch of a mistress, and Owen’s gut told him they were in for a helluva fight tonight.Owen buckled the waist belt, giving it a quick tug before moving onto the chest straps. The helicopter dipped, dropped, then slowly lifted again causing him to glance up at the pilot, Lieutenant Potts, who was laser focused on the controls glowing through the dark night. A flash of lightning streaked the sky in the distance, sparkling off the rain-streaked windshield. Up ahead, the lights of a capsized sailboat—the only light in the black, swirling water—swaying back and forth on its side, at the mercy of her angry waves.Yeah, she was in one hell of a mood tonight.

Author Bio:
Amanda McKinney is the bestselling and multi-award-winning author of more than ten romantic suspense and mystery novels. She wrote her debut novel, LETHAL LEGACY, in 2017 after walking away from her career to become a writer and stay-at-home mom. Set in small, southern towns, Amanda's books are page-turning murder mysteries packed with steamy romance.

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BOOK BLITZ: Anything Between Us by Sarah Fine

Anything Between Us
Sarah Fine
(Starving Artists, #3; Standalone Story)
Publication date: July 31st 2019
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Bestselling author Sarah Fine presents a powerful standalone romance sure to thrill new adult readers everywhere.What if falling in love is the biggest risk of all?Sasha decided a long time ago that she would only allow herself a single night each year to go out and be wild. The rest of her time is spent at her pottery wheel or taking care of her father, who has early-onset Alzheimer’s. She has plenty of reasons to avoid anything more than this: one guy, one night, and no names exchanged. But this year, the long and lean stranger she chooses turns out to be more than she bargained for. He makes her feel alive—when it doesn’t seem safe to feel that way at all.Discharged from the army after a traumatic deployment, Nate returns to his hometown riddled with guilt and unable to envision a future. Everything starts to change during a night out with friends, when a beautiful stranger offers him a no-strings-attached encounter against the wall in the back room of the bar. He knows the deal, but when they run into each other again at the local artists’ co-op where his older brother works, he can’t help but crave more. She makes him feel alive—but he’s still trying to decide if he wants to live at all.She’s not willing. He’s not ready. But with an unrelenting attraction that weakens their resolve with every passing minute, Sasha and Nate embark on a friendship. One that makes them both stronger. One that makes them wonder if the future might be brighter than either of them ever imagined—until a devastating turn forces them to decide: Is risking everything for love is worth the pain of losing it long before they’re ready?

**WARNING: This is a new adult novel and contains material which is sexual in nature. Content may not be suitable for readers under the age of 18.**

Goodreads / Amazon—EXCERPT:CHAPTER ONE
Nate
I know alcohol is inadvisable after getting new ink, but tonight I’m not in a rule-following mood. As I walk into the bar and look around for my buddies, I feel Sam’s initials on my arm; the sharp, hot reminder they’re meant to be. SLP. Never forget. He should be here. And I probably shouldn’t.I’m fifteen minutes late, but Brent and Aidan aren’t here yet. It kind of pisses me off—I drove all the way out here to Grand Rapids to meet up with them, nearly an hour from the lakeshore town where we all grew up. They both moved here while I was gone.It’s approaching midnight and the place is already starting to empty out, so I snag a seat at the bar—facing the door—and raise a finger to get the bartender’s attention. He smirks as he saunters over. “Got some ID on you?”He doesn’t look that much older than I am, maybe late twenties, but his cheeks are pocked with acne scars and he’s already balding on top. I slide my ID from my wallet and hand it over. His expression smooths out like I knew it would. “Thank you for your service,” he says as he hands it back to me. “First one’s on me.”I thank him and order a beer, wondering if coming out tonight was a mistake. I don’t exactly feel public-facing. But I haven’t seen Brent or Aidan since before this last deployment, the last one I’ll ever have, as it turns out, and I figured reconnecting with them would be another way to slide into civilian life. That’s what the adjustment counselor at the VA said, anyway. He issued the advice like a prescription, right after he asked me if I had access to firearms. He seemed relieved when I said no, which was the truth.I didn’t mention that I got my ten-day handgun purchase permit eight days ago.The bartender hands over a pint, and I down half of it in one long swallow. “Looks like you needed that pretty badly,” he comments.“You have no idea,” I mutter, glancing at the door and wishing my friends would arrive. My body jitters with a restless energy that I need to drown before it ignites. I’d check my phone, but Jen’s message from earlier is right there, waiting like a buried IED. And I can’t answer her yet. I just can’t.I down the rest of the pint and raise my head. That’s when I see her. Black hair, dark eyes, and a green dress over some very dangerous curves. She’s at the other end of the bar, nursing brown liquor in a rocks glass, rolling that thing between her palms as if the heat from her skin could change its shape.When she sees me watching her, she arches one eyebrow and raises her glass.My heart picks up a hungry, urgent rhythm as I silently toast with my empty glass. She looks like she’s alone there, just her and that drink, but she’s made up like she wasn’t planning to be. And there’s something deep and sad in those eyes, despite the playful smile she’s aiming at me. Did her date bail on her? Maybe she’d like some company?I’m considering offering her mine when a heavy hand claps me so hard on the back that I nearly face-plant on the bar. My muscles go rigid with the unexpected blow, but the familiar voice booming in my ear keeps me from reflexively throwing a punch. “Back on the home front,” says Brent, grinning as I turn to him. “Great to see you, man.”Aidan stands next to him, and they make a funny pair. Brent is built like a bear and is a few inches taller than me—he has to be about six-five—with shaggy hair and a beard to match. Aidan is lean like me, only about five inches shorter than I am.“How long have you been back?” Aidan asks.I glance over at the woman in the green dress, but she’s lost interest in me and is deep in conversation with the bartender. “Back from deployment for about six weeks, but I’ve only been home since last Wednesday.”“And already sporting a new tat?” Brent gestures at my arm as he settles on the stool next to mine.I move my hand to my lap, tilting my arm so that the bandage is concealed. “Just a small one.”“Want to show it off?” Aidan asks as he takes the seat on my other side. “I remember when you got that one.” He tilts his head toward the tribal pattern that encircles my right biceps, a souvenir from one wild night with my older brother right before I deployed for the first time. “You kept flexing like a total idiot, trying to show it off.”I suck a breath through my teeth. “This one’s still raw.” In so many ways. “I’ll show you once it heals.” Which it never will. “I need another drink,” I add, glaring at the bartender’s back.“Hey! Buddy!” Brent’s voice fills up the whole place, despite the loud music. The sound turns a few heads, including the bartender’s. “Can we have a round here?” Brent’s meaty hand swirls around us, drawing invisible boundaries.The bartender holds up a finger, signaling for us to wait as he finishes his conversation with the woman in green. Brent rolls his eyes. “He’s too busy trying to get laid, apparently,” he says, eyeing her. “Not that I blame him. I kinda wish I’d spotted her first.”For some stupid reason, I don’t want Brent looking at her. “How’s Anna?” I ask.The smile drops from his face. “She told me she’s thinking of buying another wedding dress.”Aidan snorts. “And she has two already.”With a groan, Brent says, “She’s turned into one of those bridezillas. I never thought she’d be like that. She always seemed so normal.”I laugh. “Serves you right for settling down.”Aidan clears his throat. “I guess I’m in for it, too, then.”I whip around. “Seriously?”“He popped the question a few weeks ago, and Lizzy actually said yes,” Brent tells me, sounding incredulous. “No accounting for taste.”“You guys are killing me. I’m gone for a few years, and suddenly you’re old men?”“She graduated from Calvin in May and was deciding whether to take a job here or in Lansing.” Aidan shrugs. “I figured this would seal the deal. Seemed as good a time as any.”“You’re twenty-three,” I say in a flat voice.“Twenty-four,” he replies. “I’m six months older than you are.”“You’re both insane,” I say. I’ve known them since elementary school, but now they seem like strangers to me. From another planet. Except maybe I’m the alien.Brent bumps me with his shoulder. “If we’re crazy, it looks like your brother might need to be committed soon, too. Have you met his girlfriend yet?”I shake my head. “Daniel’s a player. He never lets anyone hang on for too long.” Even as I say it, I’m thinking this time might be different. My parents are both nuts over this girl, and Daniel … I’ve only hung out with him once since I got back, but he could barely wipe the woozy, shit-eating grin off his face when he talked about her. “Maybe he’ll come to his senses.”“Still bitter about Carrie, huh?” Aidan says this cautiously, like he knows he’s on dangerous ground.“Please.” It’s been nearly two years since she got bored of having a boyfriend in the military—the letters slowed, and Facetiming was hit or miss. Fourteen months since Aidan broke the news—he’d seen her and Cameron Bakker making out in the balcony of the movie theater on Main, like they didn’t give a shit who saw them. And almost exactly a year since I confronted her about it and broke up with her—while I was home on leave and about to deploy, for fuck’s sake. “She did me a favor.”I believe that, but I haven’t been with anyone since we split. My eyes slide over to the woman in green again, and my stomach tightens. She’s staring at me again.The bartender comes over and asks what Brent and Aidan want. Brent laughs when Aidan gets carded. I order another pint, and the bartender smiles. “This one’s on the lady,” he says as he serves it up.I go still, blocking the impulse to look at her again. “Which lady would that be?” I sound like I’ve been punched in the gut, all breathless and stupid.The bartender gives me a look. One that says I’m fooling no one. “Maybe you should go thank her.” His gaze cuts in the direction of the woman in green, but he’s blocking my view of her. He leans forward, getting in my space a little. “But if you do, I expect you to mind your manners, okay?” There’s a warning in his gaze, like she’s no stranger to him.Brent slaps my back again. “Nate was raised right. Not an impolite bone in his body. Or maybe just the one, but only if she asks really nicely. Right?”I jam my elbow into his flank, which is softer than it used to be. His grunt provides a brief moment of satisfaction.Aidan pokes me from the other side. “Are you going to talk to her?” His lips are barely moving, but his wiry frame is tense with excitement. “She keeps looking over here!”“Dude,” I snap. “Try not to wet yourself.” I take a few gulps of my beer. I need to feel that loose warmth unfurling in my bloodstream before I do anything. I don’t trust myself right now.Jen’s last message is burning a hole right through my phone screen. I can almost feel the searing heat of guilt against my thigh. You owe this to him. Five words that gutted me.“Fuck,” I whisper, and then I tilt my head back for another few swallows. I need something. I need this. Anything to push away the thoughts clamoring against the walls of my skull.“That stuff’s a little weak for liquid courage,” Brent comments, signaling the bartender again. “And you look like you could use some.”A shot appears in front of me, and I throw it back without asking what it is. Tequila, it turns out. When a second one appears, courtesy of Aidan this time, I down it just as quickly. Now the heat is in my veins, tingling and buzzing. I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand and get to my feet while Brent and Aidan snicker. I ignore their jokes at my expense because I’m too busy plotting my course over to the woman in green, who is still rolling her palms over that glass, slow and deliberate.I make it to her side, wedging myself in behind a tangle of sorority girls probably just back in town for the fall semester. I push down thoughts of how stupid I feel by reminding myself—she bought me the beer. Women don’t do that unless they’re interested, right?“Hi,” I say. “Thanks for the drink.”She looks up at me, so I get to see her face up close for the first time. Her eyes are so dark that they’re almost black, like her hair, and so big I almost get lost. “You look even younger up close,” she says, amusement lacing a voice that pings a chord somewhere south of my navel.“Past the age of consent, at least,” I say, wishing I were wittier, but I guess Daniel got all of that particular genetic gift and pretty much left me with nothing.“Are you on leave?” she asks.“What? How—did he tell you that?” I jerk my head toward the bartender, who is now laughing with Aidan and Brent, hopefully not about how badly I’m flailing.Without breaking eye contact, she reaches up and slides her palm along the back of my head, sending a hard shiver right down my spine and into my groin. “High and tight. Got it buzzed right before you left post, by the feel of it.”I don’t breathe again until she lowers her hand, and I barely manage to resist the urge to ask her to touch me again. “Are you from a military family or something?”“Or something.”Her voice is doing things to me. It’s like honey, sweet and substantial. “What’s your name?” I ask.“That’s not an interesting question.”“Okay.” I draw it out, because what the fuck? “You’re here alone?”“That one’s both obvious and uninteresting.”“Did you want me to come over here and talk to you?” I ask, unable to keep the irritation out of my voice.She doesn’t look put off by it. In fact, her eyes are glittering with a hot kind of mischief. “Now that … That is a more interesting question. And a complicated one.” She looks me over, catching her lush bottom lip between white teeth. All my blood rushes south. “Or maybe not,” she murmurs, so quietly that I almost miss it.At a loss, I glance at her almost-empty glass. “Can I buy you a—”“Not necessary,” she says, sliding off her stool and nodding at the bartender. He nods back. I try to translate whatever’s passing between them, but I’ve slammed four drinks in the space of about twenty minutes. Though I’m not a lightweight, I haven’t eaten since lunch, and my head is buzzing. I’d try to straighten myself out, but this disconnect between my brain and body is actually a relief. And when she takes my hand, I don’t even ask where we’re going or why. I let her guide me down a back hallway and into a room marked “Employees Only.” It turns out to be a storage room, cases of beer stacked five feet high.She swings the door shut, leaving us with the glow of one bare lightbulb hanging overhead. I’m about to make a joke about her bringing me in here to murder me when her hands slide up my abs to my chest, scattering my thoughts like autumn leaves on a windy day. She pushes on me, backing me up. My shoulder blades meet the wall. Her eyes are on mine, and in them I see so many things, none of which I understand. But I feel her hands on me. Her fingertips slide under the neck of my shirt, and suddenly I’m all sensation, addicted and needing more. I grab her hips and pull her body to mine. There’s no finesse in what I’m doing. No technique or gentleness.She seems to like that just fine. She pulls my face to hers and then her mouth is on mine and I’m completely gone. My hand slides down to her ass as my tongue thrusts, and her moan nearly makes me crazy. Her breasts are mashed against my chest. She’s got her hand up under my shirt, stroking up my back, feeding my frenzy.How far does she want this to go? She doesn’t even know my name. She doesn’t know anything about me. Except that I want her, which is undeniable after her hand slips over the front of my jeans. I groan and catch her fingers, pressing them where I want, not nearly close enough. This feels insane, like it’s not really happening, but now she’s unbuttoning my jeans and dipping her hand inside. I gasp against her mouth, and I can feel her smile as she squeezes me.“I-do you-I—” I’m stammering even as my fingers curl under the hem of her short, tight dress, inching it up. I should stop now. I should stop. But her thighs are so fucking smooth and—I pull back from our kiss and look down at her as the realization hits. “You’re not—”“Wearing panties?” She smiles at me sweetly. In the dim light, she looks triumphant, but her eyes are shining. I want to ask her why she looks like that, but she’s stroking me up and down like she owns me.Right now, that’s pretty much true.“You can walk away,” she says, reaching into the low neckline of her dress. As I stare, she pulls out a little square, foil package. She taps it against my chest. “Up to you.”My gaze flits from it to her face to her breasts, barely contained in that dress. I’ve never done this before, not like this. We’re in a dirty storeroom and I don’t even know her name. It’s not how I was raised to act. Not how I was raised to treat women.But this woman … She seems to want it. And she came here, to this bar, on this night, to get it. So many questions spill into my thoughts, tumbling over each other, but the only one that actually escapes my mouth is:“Why me?”“Does it matter to you?” She stands on her tiptoes and kisses me, slow and deep, kindling the fire inside me. She pulls her hand from my pants and puts it over mine, guiding it between her legs. She whimpers when my fingers meet slick, hot flesh.I curse and spin us around, so she’s the one with her back to the wall and I’m looming over her, caging her body with my arms. Maybe trying to scare her a little, though I’m not sure why. But she’s right there, unafraid, giving me a knowing smile, those black eyes deep and fathomless.“Does it?” she asks again. She’s still holding that condom against my chest. An invitation. A question. A challenge.I push her against the wall and give her my answer.

Author Bio:

SARAH FINE is the author of several books for teens, including Of Metal and Wishes (McElderry/Simon & Schuster) and its sequel, Of Dreams and Rust, the bestselling Guards of the Shadowlands YA urban fantasy series (Skyscape/Amazon Children’s Publishing), and The Impostor Queen (McElderry, January 2016).She is also the co-author (with Walter Jury) of two YA sci-fi thrillers published by Putnam/Penguin: Scan and its sequel Burn. Her bestselling adult urban fantasy romance series, Servants of Fate, includes Marked, Claimed, and Fated, and was published by 47North in 2015, and her second adult UF series —Reliquary (and its sequels Splinter and Mosaic) was published 2016. When she’s not writing, she’s psychologizing. Sometimes she does both at the same time. The results are unpredictable.
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