R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 203

BOOK BLITZ: I Poisoned Her Coworkers by Jessica Frances #GIVEAWAY

I Poisoned Her Coworkers
Jessica Frances
(Love at First Crime, #6)
Publication date: July 15th 2019
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

I poisoned her coworkers, so she injected me with a lethal dose of unrequited love.
In the past we had it all.Or at least, we seemed to.Then I let her down.We both made mistakes.We fell apart.But no matter the years which passed us by, I never forgot about her.So when my brother falls headfirst into trouble,I know who to call on.I know she will help me.Even if she wishes I would disappear from her life.Even if she hates me.But I won’t give up this time without a fight.I will do everything in my power to win her back.There might be some stumbles along the way…Like an accidental poisoning for example.But I won’t let that stop me.Through gunfire and car chases,I will make sure she knows she can rely on me.We’re in this together,Forever and always.Who cares if things don’t get off to a great start?What does it matter that her coworkers think I’m dangerous?Is almost killing them worth throwing away what we have?Then again, as some people say: there is nothing quite like love at first… crime.

Goodreads / Amazon—EXCERPT:“Well I never knew a thing about you. Not what was important, anyway,” she grumbles, although I hear her perfectly.“What’s that supposed to mean?” I snap, unable to rein in my anger. I made a bad choice, a mistake at the end of our relationship. But that doesn’t change what we shared before it, or that I never lied to her. I was always who I said I was.“You know what that means,” she retorts, not letting up one ounce on her own anger.I glare ahead, watching the slow-moving cars and scenery around us as I take in a few needed deep breaths.I don’t want to fight with her, and it’s clear she’s looking for a fight with me.“How’s your sister?” I ask just to change the subject.“No,” she immediately snaps. “You don’t get to ask me that.”The fury in her voice is clear, and obviously it has not been abated since Gemma first saw me.“I loved her, too. She was like my own sister—”“And that makes what you did even worse!” she cries, much to the pain of the two in the backseat, if their moans are anything to go by.There’s no room for argument in her tone, not that I heed the warning that this won’t be a fight I’ll win.If she wants a fight then she’ll have one.“I made a mistake. I thought—”“I know what you thought. You were wrong.”“I’m human, Gem.”“We’re all human. What we truly are is our decisions. You made one that defined who you are. Now you have to live with that.”Her words cut me, but I can’t blame her. I did make a decision, and it was the wrong one. But people make mistakes. The world isn’t so black and white, and once upon a time Gemma used to see the world in colors.“I’m sorry—”“It’s my sister who needs to hear those words, not me. Words from you mean nothing to me.”I slam my mouth shut, trying to bite back the words, but they tumble out of me anyway.I always did have a problem keeping quiet when I should.“I didn’t realize you were so damn perfect. Must be nice to never make mistakes.”She slams on her brakes harder than needed as we find ourselves stuck in the thick Chicago traffic. She turns her heated glare on me.“I have made mistakes. Loving you was clearly one of them. But I’ve thankfully learned from my mistakes and I’ll never repeat them,” she harshly tells me.

Author Bio:
Jessica lives in Adelaide, South Australia. When she is not writing, you can find her reading, napping or watching excessive amounts of TV. Connect with her on Facebook and Goodreads.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

BOOK BLITZ: A Game of Sins by Zurie Brunelle #GIVEAWAY

A Game of Sins
Zurie Brunelle
(My Wicked Prayers, #1)
Publication date: June 30th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Kenzie Adams wasn’t expecting to fall for Luke Bennett, the young, sexy priest-in-training. When she propositioned him it was for just one night in the Game of Sins.Kenzie’s new college roommates at St. Theresa’s, an all-girl’s Catholic college, invited her to join them in a competition, handed her a scorecard, and explained that there were points for every sin they convinced the priests-in-training at the adjoining school to make.Luke Bennett was just to be the first conquest, not the only man she can touch.But Father Luke teaches her the power of obedience, and the pleasure at the edge of pain. He knows how to make her crave every sin, and soon Kenzie’s scorecard is forgotten. Luke plans to be a man of the cloth, but right now he is the answer to Kenzie’s every wicked prayer.When her father discovers her fall from grace, Kenzie’s future comes rushing to the present in the shape of a forced engagement to a sexy young lawyer, Bastian, who has demanded Kenzie as a “signing bonus” for selecting her father’s firm. Torn between the priest she loves and the lawyer she will marry, Kenzie tries to find a way to get both what she needs and what she wants.Kenzie, Luke, and Bastian’s story will continue in the book 3. Her roommate Astrid’s Wicked Prayers will pick up in book 2.Intended for readers 18+. Book 1 in the series.

Goodreads / Amazon—EXCERPT:“What if I wasn’t that nice?” It was a strange kick to be thought of as nice. My own family thought of me as a slut. They didn’t say the word, but it was obvious my father was thinking it.I wasn’t sure I disagreed, either. Maybe I’d have been different in a different life, but I liked sex. I liked the illusion of power that it gave me. My life was utterly out of my control. I liked moments of control.“You seem nice,” Luke said in that kind way.“You’re wrong, but I like that you think so,” I said, and then I pushed him a little more. “Were you dangerous, father?”“Yes.”“I like dangerous.” I stepped closer, standing as close as I could be without being inappropriate. “Tell me more.”He clenched his jaw and looked away. “I’m not sure what you’re trying to do here.”“Flirt . . .?” I said it like it was a question, but it wasn’t.He nodded to a group of seminarians. When they were gone, he asked, “Why?”“I’m bored. You’re interesting.” I leaned in and stretched up on my tip-toes. “And you’re sexy.”He stared at my mouth, so I let my lips part. I made an approving noise as his eyes dilated and then I whispered, “And I’m not actually sweet or nice. If you knew what I was really thinking, you’d know that.”He said nothing more, simply motioned me forward and walked me to the dorms. Whatever happened next, I knew already that that he was interested. The question was if he was going to act on it.We walked across campus in the dark. He stayed an appropriate distance from me, and I figured that I’d let him do whatever he chose. I’d given him the invitation, assured him that I was interested, removed the risk of rejection. I was a sure thing. Knowing that was typically enough to make a man go from maybe to yes.Several quiet moments passed and then he glanced over at me. I smiled and lowered my gaze, waiting. We kept walking, and I said nothing more.When we reached the place where he would have to leave me, he quietly accepted the bait I’d offered and asked, “What were you really thinking?”“I was imagining you fucking me on the pool table,” I said. “I’ll imagine it when I’m in my room, naked in my bed, too. Think about it with every stroke.”“You can’t—”“Oh, I can, Father Luke,” I assured him. “Do you fuck slowly? Deliberately? Or would you pound into me, desperate from having had no release in so long?”He stared at me. His breathing was heavier. He was picturing it, too.So, I continued, “Or do you still touch yourself, father?”Luke swallowed, staring at me and refusing to answer.“I wish I could watch,” I told him.“Kenzie . . .”Before walking away, I smiled and added, “Forgive me, father. I’m about to sin.”He still stared at me. I could feel his gaze burning me up. I looked over my shoulder. When I glanced back, he still stood there, watching me.So, I blew him a kiss.

Author Bio:
Zurie Brunelle considered a future in theology, but decided to become a teacher instead. She lives in a remote area with her partner and almost enough horses. She believes in God, the importance of joy, and that women ought to have a Constitutional Right to regular and frequent orgasms.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Bookbub / Newsletter

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

BOOK BLITZ: The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton #GIVEAWAY

The Forever Girl
Rebecca Hamilton
Publication date: June 18th 2018
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Paranormal

A young descendent of a true witch, Sophia discovers her familial curse can only be cured by entering a world of shifters, fae, and vampires who want her dead.Sophia’s ancestor’s body went missing after a Salem Witch Trials hanging. Now, over three centuries later, Sophia is cursed, and the only way to free herself is to find out what happened to her ancestor’s body.As Sophia uses magic to find answers, she unknowingly paints a supernatural target on her back, making herself a beacon for creatures of the night. And they won’t stop hunting her until they’ve collected what they want.There’s one man who might be able to help her, but when Sophia finally decides to trust him, his own secrets place them both in more danger.

Fans of True Blood, Twilight, and The Craft are devouring Rebecca Hamilton’s witty, imaginative series. Scroll Up and One-Click The Forever Girl to start the hauntingly beautiful adventure today!

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iBooks / Google Play—EXCERPT:Once Circe disappeared into the crowd, Thalia smiled at Charles. “That one”—she bit her thumbnail and indicated me with her pinky—“would be valuable.”A vein pulsed in Charles’ neck, and a soft hum vibrated through his body. Why didn’t he just shift?“Surely you aren’t attached?” she asked, dropping her hand away from her mouth.“You’re outside your rights, Thalia.”“Temper, temper.” She sighed, the sound sickening coming from her. “But, my sweet Charlie, we’ve missed you. And what of Adonis and Blake? Have you forgotten who your

BOOK BLITZ: On a City Street by Pat Wahler #GIVEAWAY

On a City Street
Pat Wahler
(A Becker Family Novel)
Publication date: July 9th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

The cure for a painful breakup requires drastic measures. And quite often, a moving van…When veterinarian Carolyn Becker catches her fiance cheating, her problem-solving skills come to the rescue. She swears off love and leaves suburbia for a fresh start in St. Louis to launch a low-cost animal clinic…and bury the past.But new beginnings can be complicated. A mysterious man, a troubled teenager, and an injured dog trigger unsettling questions. Before she knows it, Carolyn’s best-laid plans unravel, and solutions are farther from her reach than Mars. Sometimes even a problem-solver can use a little help.Especially when it comes to mending a broken heart.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iBooks—EXCERPT:“A reminder, Dr. Becker. If you run into anything unusual, tell me.”She tried to make sense of what he said. “You mean at the clinic?”“I mean anywhere. I’ve noticed you tend to run hell-bent into situations you don’t know anything about. It’s a good way to get yourself into a world of trouble.”Carolyn mulled over his comment. “I wouldn’t do anything stupid.”“All the same, take care.”He certainly didn’t have much confidence in her good sense. It ought to make her furious. Instead, her body tingled. Was it the wine? Carolyn wasn’t sure. He moved closer. So close, she could feel his warm breath on her face. His expression remained impassive, yet she detected something within the silvery depths of his eyes.His palm cupped her cheek and he said, “Are you sure it’s wise to trust me?” She didn’t have an answer since blood pounded through her veins in a most disconcerting way. His eyes held hers, and he leaned closer. Her lips parted, and she let her eyelids close against the magnetic attraction of his gaze. Would he kiss her? She waited expectantly.A cell phone shrilled, and her eyes flew open. He uttered a soft curse and retrieved his phone. One glance at the screen darkened his face.“What is it?”“Sorry. This is important. I’ve got to go.”“But…” She felt disembodied, as though abruptly awakened from a deep sleep, and pointed toward the oven. “What about dinner?”“We’ll have dinner another day, but next time it will be on me.”With one wicked grin, he retrieved his jacket from the chair where it hung. She watched until the door closed behind him, then pondered how to interpret what he said. Dinner? On him? What did he mean by that? A sudden burst of giggles erupted, which quickly turned into hiccups. She held her breath and counted to twenty. The hiccups subsided, but a wisp of smoke curled from the oven. Carolyn leaped up and raced for the kitchen.

Author Bio:
Pat Wahler is an award-winning writer who aims to pen stories a reader will savor. She lives in Missouri with her family, including a Peek-a-poo pup named Winston; and Bogey, a tabby with an attitude. A fan of good books, history, humor, animals, and the arts (her dream job would combine all of these); Pat draws inspiration from family, friends, and the critters who supervise her time at the keyboard.A frequent contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies, Sasee Magazine, and Not Your Mother's Book anthologies; her work has also appeared in Reader's Digest, Storyteller Magazine, and other publications. Pat's debut novel, I AM MRS. JESSE JAMES, was an Amazon #1 bestseller in Historical Fiction. This story of love, loss, and redemption is based on true events and told from the point of view of Zee James, wife of the infamous outlaw. The novel received a Silver IPPY Medal for Midwest Best Regional Fiction from the Independent Publishers Book Awards and won Best First Novel from Western Fictioneers. Other titles by Pat Wahler include LET YOUR HEART BE LIGHT: A CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS - This Christmas-themed collection of short stories, essays, and poetry received a Reader's Choice Five-Star reviewCOMING SOON! ON A CITY STREET: First of a three book contemporary romance series, and was named a Five-star Readers' Favorite.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

B@@K REVEAL: What Comes After by Melissa Toppen #PreORDER

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.

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order
—

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

BOOK BLITZ: Awakened by Moni Boyce #GIVEAWAY

Awakened
Moni Boyce
(The Oracle Chronicles, #1)
Publication date: July 9th 2019
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Secret lineage, a ruthless vampire, and forbidden love.Willow Stevens dreams of stardom are eclipsed by the real nightmares of a sinister man haunting her dreams. Unbeknownst to her, Eli Walker, her hot but snobbish co-worker, may know the reason nightmares plague her, but their history shows he is more prone to reject her, than help her.Then Willow passes out at work only to wake in Eli’s apartment. There she has her chance to learn more about her heritage. But, knowing why the vampire king stalks her doesn’t make the nightmares disappear. If anything, they become more real as she now faces off against a slew of creatures she’d always believed were myth.That Eli is one of those creatures is just her luck. Secret witch guild or not, his natural ways are casting spells her heart can’t escape. As a Protector his only focus should be her safety. Anything else is forbidden. He plans to stay on task, but some women break a man, or tempt him to break the rules.Can Eli keep Willow alive and safe from the vampires long enough for her to grow her own powers or will both cast aside rules for a reckless passion that will only lead to danger?AWAKENED is the first installment in The Oracle Chronicles series. This interracial, paranormal romance is a great mix of magic and adventure.**This book is part of a series and ends in a cliffhanger.**

Goodreads / Amazon / iBooks / Google Play—EXCERPT:A couple minutes later, she followed him. Whatever he’d prepared smelled delicious. He moved around the kitchen unsure. She raised her eyebrows while she watched him. He caught the gesture and looked embarrassed. “Most of the time, I cheat and use magic so I can do something else. I haven’t manually cooked in a while.”
She looked at him wide-eyed, with her mouth gaped open. Even though he’d told her earlier, they were witches she still was having a hard time believing it. “You cook with magic, like they do in Harry Potter? That’s so cool. I know you told everyone not to use it, but just show me a little something. I won’t tell.” Awe and child-like wonder permeated her voice. “Cross my heart.” She made the sign of the cross over her heart.“You heard everything didn’t you?” His eyebrow quirked upwards, daring her to lie.
She gave him a sheepish smile and looked away before she continued talking about magic, in the hopes he’d forget her listening to their conversation. “I would be the ultimate multi-tasker if I was a witch. Say ‘Abracadabra’ and make the food magically appear on the plate or something.” Willow was giddy with excitement.Eli chuckled. “I’m not a wizard. I don’t say ‘Abracadabra.’” He shook his head.His explanation confused her. “What does that mean? I thought wizard was a name for a male witch.”He sighed and put down the pot he was holding. That comment appeared to get his undivided attention. “You watch too much television. First, regardless of gender, we’re known as witches, those of us that practice white magic. Warlocks are witches that practice black magic. Wizards are charlatans, posers. They don’t know magic, but are exceptional at trickery so they can give someone who doesn’t know any better the illusion they do.”She digested the information he’d just given her.“That’s why everyone went silent earlier when Matty referenced black magic, because none of you practice it?”He nodded and picked up the pot of noodles. “Yes. Now may I finish making dinner?”“So you’re not going to cook with magic?” She was expecting him to do tricks and wow her. Disappointment marred her brow, when he didn’t whip out a magic wand or say a spell.“You just said so yourself, that you overheard me tell everyone magic is off limits.”Her shoulders slumped in discontent and she pouted. “You can’t do even a tiny little spell?”“Nope.”She rolled her eyes. “Great. A witch who can’t do any spells or magic.”Eli looked offended. “I didn’t say I can’t do magic. I’m just unable to do any at this time.”“Uh, huh.”He bristled at her disinterest and she had to hold back a sly grin. “Wizard.” She mumbled under her breath, knowing it would get a rise out of him.“I’m not a wizard! I can do magic!”If she lit a match and threw it at him, he would have gone up in flames he was fuming so hard.“Whatever.” Maybe she’d just…

Author Bio:
Moni Boyce is a writer, filmmaker, travel blogger and author of contemporary and paranormal romance. She spent the last fifteen years working in the film industry and now creates characters of her own and brings them to life on the page. Moni has ghostwritten romance novellas and novels for over a year now and decided to put some of her own creations out in the world. She considers herself a bookworm, film buff, foodie, music lover and an avid world traveler having visited 33 countries, 5 continents and 27 US states so far. She runs a travel blog titled She Wanders the Globe and lives a bit of a nomadic life, but considers Los Angeles home. Which is the subject of her first travel book: Greater Than A Tourist - Los Angeles, California: 50 Travel Tips From A Local.

Sign up for her newsletter and get more information on future books and events on her website: https://moniboyce.comVisit her travel blog at: http://shewanderstheglobe.comWebsite / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

BOOK BLITZ: Hazakura by V.C. Buckley #GIVEAWAY

Hazakura
V.C. Buckley
Publication date: July 11th 2019
Genres: New Adult, Romance, Suspense

The most awaited sequel to the award winning book, HANAMI.Kenjin Kiyohara, the son of Asia’s most powerful tycoon has finally won the heart of Sakura Shintani, the heir to Japan’s most notorious crime dynasty. But their new love is threatened by a sadistic adversary who sees Kenjin as Sakura’s only weakness. And as the threats start coming in, Sakura worries for Kenjin’s safety and starts to doubt her decision to be with him. But Kenjin is determined to stay by her side and prove that he can hold his own inside the treacherous world that she belongs to, even if it might cost him his life.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble—EXCERPT:“Is this seat taken?”Jin looked up to see Jiaolong’s lanky frame standing over him. His former rival used to intimidate him, but now he was strangely glad to see him. Especially after what he’d done for Sakura.“It’s yours,” Jin answered. He stood up to acknowledge Jiaolong with a handshake.Jiaolong smiled, unfastening the button of his black blazer before lowering himself into the foldable seat.“Sakura told me about what you did,” Jin said. “Thank you.”Jiaolong shook his head, still smiling. “No, don’t thank me,” he said. “I didn’t do it for you.”Jin rolled his eyes. He was the same old Jiaolong.“You do know this puts us on an equal footing now, don’t you?” Jiaolong’s words made Jin straighten up in his seat.“How so?” he asked.Jiaolong relaxed in his seat, crossing his legs. “The serum we made is as good as your hug. Maybe even better… because it will be capable of keeping her safe even when you’re not around.”Jin arched an eyebrow. “What are you trying to say?”Jiaolong shrugged, his lips breaking into a grin. “I stepped aside for you back then because you could keep Sakura safe from herself while I couldn’t. But now, the serum has changed everything.” He threw his gaze back at Jin. “I guess I don’t have to give way to you anymore. Because now, I am just as capable as you.”Jin blinked. The vein in his head started to throb. Was this guy serious? “Sakura’s already mine,” Jin declared, aware that his tone had changed. “You’re too late.”“You’re probably right. No one else can claim Sakura,” Jiaolong said, crossing his arms as he shifted his weight in the chair. “Unless, you’re dead.” A smile spread across Jiaolong’s face.

Author Bio:
V.C. Buckley was born in a secret government facility and was shipped off to an Island in Southeast Asia. She grew up braving tropical thunderstorms and warding off evil characters. At sixteen she jetted all over the world after being discovered by an agent. Her stories come from gritty moments of her childhood to the glitz of her travels. She now lives in Manila with her husband, two kids and an herb garden that has hijacked her balcony.Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

BOOK BLITZ: The Jade Hunters by A.B. Michaels #GIVEAWAY

The Jade Hunters
A.B. Michaels
(Sinner’s Grove Suspense, #3)
Publication date: June 22nd 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Suspense

A Fortune in Stolen Jewels, a Centuries-old Vendetta: Let the Shell Game Begin.Award-winning jewelry designer Regina Firestone is proud to exhibit her famous grandmother’s multi-million dollar “bauble” collection at the grand re-opening of The Grove Center for American Art, known among the locals as “Sinner’s Grove.”The fact that she’s considering modeling the jewels in the nude like her grandmother did infuriates photographer Walker Banks, a co-owner of The Grove who’s in charge of the exhibit. Neither is willing to admit the real reason for the sparks between them.Their spat takes a back seat when Reggie discovers that one of the most compelling pieces in the collection is not at all what it seems. Tracking down the truth will take the couple into the dark heart of a quest that’s lasted more than a century, one in which destroying human lives—including Reggie’s and Walker’s—means nothing in the pursuit of a twisted sense of justice.The Jade Hunters is Book Three of Michaels’ contemporary series, “Sinner’s Grove Suspense.” The series follows the descendants of characters introduced in Michaels’ historical fiction series, “The Golden City.”
The Golden City: The Art of Love, The Depth of Beauty, The Promise, The Price of Compassion, andJosephine’s Daughter.
Sinner’s Grove Suspense: Sinner’s Grove, The Lair, and The Jade Hunters.Note: All of A.B. Michaels’ novels are stand-alone reads.For more information, please visit abmichaels.com.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play—EXCERPT:“The Modeling Session”Taking a breath and turning to the box, Reggie put on the necklace. The bright yellow citrine was cold against her breast, a welcome chill to the flame building inside of her.“Now, if you’ll sit on the couch and hand me your robe, we can get started.”She did as Walker instructed, foolishly turning away from him as she took off her covering, as if doing so would shield her any more than facing him would. When she turned back, he was adjusting a nearby lamp and re-checking his camera, which he’d set on a tripod. She waited for him to finish, and when he looked up, she handed him the robe.Those eyes again. Focused on her. “Are you ready, then?”She smiled nervously. “As I’ll ever be.”The professional in Walker took over at that point. He began to instruct her in a tone that could only be called “matter-of-fact.”“Sit with the vase behind your right shoulder; cross your legs, look to the left … click click click … now the right click click …now straight at me. You … you are meeting your lover and you are wondering where he is … click click … now you are confident he is coming home to you…”At one point he moved his tripod closer, adjusted one of the standing lights and leaned in to adjust the stone, which nestled within her cleavage. His hands brushed her skin as he straightened the chain and her body responded immediately, her nipples tightening. Fortunately, he didn’t comment on it.He continued in that manner, directing her in a calm, dispassionate voice. She, on the other hand, was positively humming inside, titillated beyond belief that he was fully clothed and she was completely naked. What did he think of her? He had to be comparing her to the historic photos of her grandmother. Was she measuring up? She shivered involuntarily.“Would you like me to turn up the heat?” he asked.It can’t get much hotter than this, can it? Except if maybe you were naked, too. “No, I’m warm enough,” she managed.After the citrine shot came the tigers. He retrieved them from the jewelry box, asked her to stand while she put them on. They reminded her of the theft and her simmering anger bubbled to the surface. “Will anyone know they aren’t the originals? I would be mortified if they could tell.”He smiled slightly. “No one but us will know and I promise we’ll re-shoot with the real tigers once we get them back, all right?”She smiled her relief. “That was the absolutely right thing to say.”Then she froze because Walker had begun to put his hands in her hair. To do so he moved very close to her, close enough that their bodies almost touched.“The original had Mandy’s hair up like so,” he said, carefully twisting and arranging her hair.Oh, she thought, but said nothing. The scant space between them arced with electricity.As he continued to fold her mane into a loose chignon, she took in his scent; it was a cross between leather and wood and male. She fought the urge to close the distance. How could he stand this? Was she the only one feeling this way?He stepped back from her for a moment and tilted his head while he perused her. Then, smiling faintly, he pulled a few long hairpins out of his back pocket. She held her breath as he strategically placed them out of sight, his arms encircling her. She knew it wasn’t his intent, but still she felt protected; sheltered; even treasured.Then it was over and he stepped back, once again examining his work. She let out a careful breath and cast about for something to say that wouldn’t betray how she was feeling. “How do you know how to do that?” she asked, almost afraid of the answer.“Tricks of the trade. On a fashion shoot you’re working with two diametrically opposed concepts: perfection and time constraints. Fixing hair quickly helps bridge that gap. I always keep a few pins in my camera case out of habit.” His eyes gleaming wickedly, he leaned in as if to let her in on a secret. “They’re also good for keeping ties from flapping, applying glue to false eyelashes, and most importantly, closing half-empty Dorito bags.” He matched her smile briefly before stepping back and once again assuming a professional demeanor. “That should do it. Ready to continue?”She nodded, unsure how much more of this she could take.He captured several poses and then, as he’d done with the first stone, took the camera off its stand and took a series of hand-held shots from various angles. As he moved, he’d call out a running patter of gentle commands and comments like, “Look here,” “Turn quickly,” “That’s it” and “Give me sultry.”He paused with his camera by his side. “You really have no idea, do you?” His voice held a touch of wonder and he murmured, almost to himself, “No idea at all.”

Author Bio:
A native of California, A.B. Michaels holds masters’ degrees in history (UCLA) and broadcasting (San Francisco State University). After working for many years as a promotional writer and editor, she turned to writing fiction, which is the hardest thing she's ever done besides raise two boys. She lives with her husband and two spoiled dogs in in Boise, Idaho, where she is often distracted by kayaking, playing bocce, and trying to hit a golf ball more than fifty yards. Her historical fiction series, “The Golden City,” explores America’s Gilded Age and its effect on characters, both real and fictional, while her contemporary series, “Sinner’s Grove Suspense,” follows descendants of The Golden City as they navigate today’s equally treacherous waters.Website / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

BOOK BLITZ: All the Wrong Places by Randi Perrin #GIVEAWAY

All the Wrong Places
Randi Perrin
Publication date: June 25th 2019
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Romance

American-born, Australian-raised Rachel Kennedy was born to be an actress–all the way down to her drama queen ways. But when a bad day leaves her life and her dream in ruins, she’s not sure what to do next. Her silver spoon-upbringing never prepared her for that.With a bank account at nothing and an inability to pull off a convincing accent for casting directors, Rachel’s about to give up on everything. Not on her best friend’s watch. Lily is there to help her every step of the way–if the definition of help involves convincing her to take drastic measures, each one blowing up more than the one that came before.Once Lily shoves Rachel into the let’s-get-drunk-and-screw-a-stranger phase, she winds up tangled in the arms of Christian Whitmore, a cop with a sinful smile, sexy stubble, and impeccable timing. He’s there to pick her up when she falls and to take her out for fish and chips at her favourite place.But then again, so is his identical twin brother, Kevin. Double. Trouble.Stuck at a major crossroads in her life, can Rachel ever find happiness again, or is she just looking in all the wrong places?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks
—EXCERPT:“Rachel Kennedy.” The guy wearing hipster glasses and khakis that were an inch too short and showed off his mismatched argyle socks tapped a pencil against the clipboard in his hand and scanned the room. “Ugh, Rachel Kennedy. Going once, twice…”“That’s me,” I shouted as I stood, crumpling the eviction notice into the bottom of my bag. I waved my hands in the air as if I feared he didn’t notice me in the sea of women in their mid-twenties all vying for the same part.He gave me a once-over and shrugged. “Right this way, Miss Kennedy.”Well, at least I didn’t get the snort of derision that directly translates into you don’t belong here that I often get. It’s a step in the right direction.I smiled, my lucky, last season Louboutins clicking on the dingy, white, tiled floor as I walked past a dozen other hopefuls going through their pre-audition rituals. Some closed their eyes and mouthed their monologues. Others paced the floor. One actress, whom I’ve always admired, had her yoga mat out and was in the middle of a sun salutation.I needed some yoga right now. Or Xanex. Something to ease my nerves from this audition and the frustration about the eviction notice I pulled out of the mailbox the other day. I know I’m not rolling in the dough—anymore, since Daddy told me it was time to live on my own money instead of his—but I paid my half of rent. There may not be petrol money or much food some months, but that rent cheque clears on the third of the month like clockwork. I knew my boyfriend, Mark, had been struggling to make his half because his hours had been cut at work. Our landlord was none too pleased, but he said he’d work with me. Turns out he’s a liar, because now we’re out on the streets in a week.Straightening my back as I walked into the dark auditorium, I pushed all my anger and nerves aside. I needed to nail this audition. My career depended on it. I hadn’t had a show since Nunsense a year ago, and with that notice burning a hole in the bottom of my designer handbag, even more was riding on this. My big break had to come soon. My mother never made it as an actress, but by God, I was going to. I was going to live the dream she gave up for me. I knew she’d never see it, but I was still going to make her proud.The click-clack of my heels gave way to a thunk-thunk as I stepped onto the honey-coloured wooden stage. Standing center stage, I focused on the orchestra pit. Staring back at me were three casting directors, and I had to swallow back the bile that crept up my throat. I wouldn’t have a chance in hell if I spewed on the casting directors. The only person who had ever chucked on a casting director and still landed the role was Cassandra Browne. Just thinking the thought of about her sent a shiver down my spine.Taking a deep breath, I shook the nervous energy out of my hands.“Whenever you’re ready, Ms. Kennedy,” said a familiar older man with a bushy monobrow. Directopillar. He had a reputation for being tough to impress. But I had impressed him when I landed Nunsense. I could do it again. No. I would do it again.I glanced at the other two casting directors but didn’t recognise them. I closed my eyes and gathered everything in me before I opened my mouth.“Well, Tommy has proposed to me again. Tommy really does nothing but propose to me.”Fudge cookies! I messed up my accent.I shuffled my feet as I debated continuing in the contrite southern accent that fell off my tongue like I meant to do it. Or should I stop altogether and ask for a redo? The former would be embarrassing, the latter unprofessional. There was no way to win here. Either way I went, I was a colossal screw-up.Directopillar paused from taking notes and glared at me, a scowl on his face. I wouldn’t be surprised if his note read, Go back home to the States.“Excuse me, Ms. Kennedy,” Directopillar said, his proper British accent mocking me. “You are aware An Ideal Husband is set in London, correct?”“Yes, sir.” I nodded, avoiding eye contact. I didn’t want to see the disappointment painted on his face; the tone of his voice was disparaging enough. “I just thought it might be fun to put an American spin on it. Who better to make fun of than those in the American South?”“We will not be changing the setting.” He cracked the pencil in his hand and tossed it over his shoulder. “I will give you one more chance—and know this is not a luxury I grant many people. Please start from the top.”Grateful for the second attempt, I decided to move closer to them, so the emotion I portrayed wrapped them like a warm blanket, leaving them with a warm fuzzy that whispered, “Cast Rachel Kennedy,” for the rest of the afternoon.I walked to the edge and dropped down to the stage, without showing the casting directors everything I owned—not that it mattered. My boyfriend, Mark, and I hadn’t had sex in so long, I think my hymen had grown back. All I needed was a pair of granny panties, and my transition back to virgin would be complete.

Author Bio:
English may be Randi's first language, but she's the most fluent in sarcasm, and it shows in her writing. She is known for creating snarky, realistic characters--badass heroines who can hold their own and flawed, yet lovable heroes. Like Randi, her characters run on caffeine and swear words.Her characters are often built around dichotomy, much like Randi herself. Although she is the least romantic person in the world, she writes romance. She also refuses to pick a lane on the romance highway, sometimes writing contemporary, other times paranormal, but always smokin' hot.She is the author of the Earthbound Angels paranormal romance series, several contemporary romance novellas including Anticipating Temptation and Mi Amor, and a gay romance novella entitled Wreck You. She has also had several short stories published in anthologies. Her next full-length novel, a romantic comedy entitled All the Wrong Places, will be out in Summer 2019.Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

BOOK BLITZ: Lady Luck by K.C. Cross/J.A. Huss #GIVEAWAY

Lady Luck
K.C. Cross / J.A. Huss
(Harem Station, #4)
Publication date: July 8th 2019
Genres: Sci-Fi Alien Romance

KC Cross is the pen name of New York Times bestselling author, JA Huss.

Luck knew two things when he left Harem Station months ago.

One. The silver-haired Cygnian princess Nyleena was still safely frozen in her cryopod.And two. There was a good chance she was his soulmate.He left anyway.Nyleena is what you might call feisty. Or sassy. Or maybe just… feral. She is wild. Much too wild for Luck’s taste. But now that he’s home there’s no way to deny it.Like it or not, she is his.Lucky for him, all Cygnian princesses have one true weakness. They cannot resist cooking up crazy plans to tackle unsolvable problems. And he’s going to use that irresistible urge to tame her savage spirit.Nyleena has plans of her own and none of them involve Luck. She is out for blood. All the people who made her life hell will be dealt with, and she’s going to find every single one of them and take them out.Right after she solves this one last unsolvable problem…How not to fall in love with your soulmate.Lady Luck is a sexy hate-f*ck of a story about a wild princess, six hot brothers trying to tame her, bad relationship advice from killer sexbots, your favorite evil, but misunderstood, dragonbee bot, and a repentant AI trapped in a sex prison with a succubus.

Goodreads / Amazon / BookbubGet the complete series here!
—EXCERPT:NYLEENA
The only thing I hate more about Luck than the fact that we’re forced to fuck every day to keep our sanity is his lack of dirty talk.He refuses to talk to me or let me talk to him.That makes me ragey. Because dirty talk is my favorite and he won’t engage.But one of these days…“Come,” he commands me.“Are you kidding?” I ask. “We just started.”He slaps his hand over my mouth and the rage that was only imaginary two seconds ago manifests in all its glorious reality when I wrap my legs around his middle and squeeze him so tight with my thighs, he gasps.Take that, asshole. He glares at me, momentarily distracted. And I use that distraction to my advantage by twisting my body and flipping him over so he’s on his back.He’s still inside me, the heads of both his cocks swollen in place. Locking us together until we come and relieve the lust hidden deep inside our genetically-matched souls.My tits bounce on his chest and he grabs my hair, shoots me a warning glare.I know what that glare says. Don’t make me bleed, Nyleena.He shoots this look at me every time, and every time I take it as a challenge.I raise my hand up.“Don’t,” he growls.“Oh,” I say. “He can speak. Tell me more,” I purr.“Do not—”But I do it anyway.I swipe my nails right down the side of his cheek and hiss at him like a feral cat.He wraps his muscled arms around my upper body, squeezing me tight as he pulls me down on to his chest.I’ll admit, Luck is strong. And when he gets me in a lock like this, there’s no way I can escape until he lets me.But I don’t make it easy.I squirm and twist in his grip. All the while his hips are thrusting up with powerful force. So hard that his balls are slapping against my clit.This momentarily takes my mind off the forced submission and I float a little.“Come,” he commands again, growling out the word in my ear. “Right. Fucking—”I do.I come.The light locked up inside me pulses out in flickering waves at first. And then it stops just as his cocks contract inside me. My luminous flux holds steady for a moment so when his contractions are over, and his sperm is ready to explode into me, my flux knows what to do and it bursts into fractals of geometrically-shaped light that dance and crackle around our bodies. Electrifying them like charged ions flowing out from a sun on a matrix of deep, dark space-time.He throws me over to the side, his cocks slipping out of me, dripping with our shared release, and breathes hard and heavy.I lie there with eyes closed. Not caring that he just literally threw me away.Because this is the best part.I wait for him to tuck his dicks away, mumble out, “Thank you,” as he walks off and leaves me alone.And then… I let out the last of my climax.Because I never give him all of me.I have one little hidden, secret surprise that he will never know about.I open my eyes and come for real. Silver-laced lavender light shoots up and out, bouncing off the UV reflectors above the grass and flowers, and comes back down to blanket my body, and this entire secret garden, in a soft, purple glow.And all the plants around me grow ten times taller from my sexy, lust-filled, nutritious light.

Author Bio:
JA Huss is the New York Times Bestselling author of 321 and has been on the USA Today Bestseller's list 21 times in the past five years. She writes characters with heart, plots with twists, and perfect endings.Her new sexy sci-fi romance and paranormal romance pen name is KC Cross and she writes novels and teleplays collaboratively with actor and screenwriter, Johnathan McClain.Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world, the audio version of her semi-autobiographical book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie Award in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Her audiobook, Mr. Perfect, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017. Her audiobook, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018. Five of her book were optioned for a TV series by MGM television in 2018. And her book, Total Exposure, was nominated for a RITA Award in 2019.She lives on a ranch in Central Colorado with her family.Bookbub / Amazon / Facebook / Facebook Fan Group / Twitter / Instagram / KC Cross New Release Alert / JA Huss New Release Alert

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway