R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 288

COVER REVEAL: Coloring Under the Covers Vol 2 {Benefiting The Rose charity}

COLORING FOR A CAUSE
PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE ROSE Welcome to the world of Coloring under the Covers: Volume 2 …
Do you enjoy reading and getting to know the authors who create your fictional worlds? Use this coloring book to fulfill your artistic side and relax while adding to your “To Be Read” list. 
Take this coloring book to events—have the author sign their page, color the page, then pick up the e-book or the paperback and see what all the fuss is about. 
With easy-to-follow QR links to the featured books, as well as the authors’ websites, this is the ultimate reference for the “must read” books of the year.
Be on the lookout for future volumes as you color for a cause. Each volume will help support a different charity. 
Coloring under the Covers … accept no substitutes.
At Beyond DEF and E-BookBuilders, we love books. We edit, design, ghostwrite, market, layout, and all things in-between. And don’t get us started on the books we read aside from the ones we see for work.
Tiffany Fox is the Redhead behind Beyond DEF; she’s the editor’s editor.
Deena Rae is the Amazon behind E-BookBuilders.
Between them, they have worked on some of the most amazing titles on the shelves since 2010. They want to share their love of books with you in this coloring book.
Each two-page spread contains a coloring page showcasing the author’s book, as well as the book description. We have included easy-to-navigate QR Codes to aid in purchasing the book or stalking the author.
Grab your fancy pencils and a glass of wine and prepare yourself to spend a relaxing time putting your artistic spin on some of the most beloved titles on the market.



ABOUT THE BENEFICIARY
Our MissionEvery woman deserves quality breast health care. Every woman deserves The Rose.
The Rose reduces deaths from breast cancer by providing access to screening, diagnostics, and treatment services to any woman regardless of her ability to pay.The Rose addresses any barrier that might keep a woman from caring for her own needs.  Studies show women often put personal needs on hold while tending to the needs of others. Many women cite cost and lack of access as reasons they delay preventive services. Yet, early detection mammography screenings are the most powerful weapons in the fight against breast cancer - which is 98% curable when detected early. For the woman who puts everyone else ahead of her own care, The Rose encourages her to take care of Me2. Every service offered by The Rose is available to the uninsured through one of many sponsorship programs. In fact the whole purpose of the Empower Her® Sponsorship Program is to ensure any woman has access to breast cancer screening, diagnosis and care. From the initial screening mammogram, through diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound and biopsies as well as access to treatment -- all are part of the "quality breast health care" offered at The Rose. Same day diagnosis, special programs for young women, on-site physicians dedicated to breast health care, advanced digital technology -- all reflect The Rose's emphasis on quality and excellence. The Rose collaborates with the best medical organizations in Texas and reach women from Matagorda to Shelby Counties. Our service area has no boundaries,
our caring has no limits.FAQsQ: Who is at risk for breast cancer?A: All women are at risk for breast cancer. The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no other known risk factors.Q: What are the risk factors that put a woman at higher risk for breast cancer?A: A personal history of breast or ovarian cancer, a relative who had breast cancer before menopause or in both breasts, a personal history of breast biopsy showing atypical hyperplasia or carcinoma in situ, being young at the time of your first period, starting menopause later, never being pregnant or having your first child after age 30 and having the mutated breast cancer gene BRCA1 or BRCA2
Q: What steps can I take?
A: Age 20 -39: Conduct monthly breast self-examinations and have a clinical breast examination every year. Women under age 40 with a family history of breast cancer and other concerns about their personal risk should consult a trained medical professional about risk assessment and when to begin screening mammography. Age 40 and older: Conduct monthly breast self-examinations, have a clinical breast examination every year, and an annual mammogram.Q: When should I do a breast self-examination?A: The best time to do a breast self-examination is the same time each month. For menstruating women, the self-exam should be performed after the menstrual period has ended when the breasts are less tender.Q: What is a clinical breast exam (CBE)?A: A clinical breast exam is performed by a trained medical professional, includes visual examination and palpation (feeling) of the entire breast and underarm area, and is performed in both sitting and lying down positions. Women age 40 and older should have both a clinical breast examination and mammogram each year.
MEET THE CREATORS Tiffany Fox is a graduate of Missouri Southern State University with a Bachelor of Science in sociology. Currently, she is pursuing her Master of Arts in publishing. Since 2012, she has dedicated her life to her passion for literature. Tiffany has focused her skills on creative marketing strategies to further help authors achieve their literary goals. In the last couple of years, she has pushed her horizons in publishing and event coordinating with several successful author events called Indie Mashup. Along with her passion for marketing, her obvious obsession for books has allowed Tiffany to become a pivotal reference expert in editorial publishing. Authors are guided in an extensive, hands-on approach as she edits their manuscript, molding it into a beautifully polished novel. 





Deena Rae is the Digital Director of The Book Connection and owner of E-BookBuilders. With 20 years in the background of professional independent publishing, she took the plunge and decided to do it full-time in an effort to help move The Book Connection into the e-publishing arena. As a formatter who uses HTML, she has made E-BookBuilders the company to depend on for difficult-to-format manuscripts and non-fiction. Even with a multitude of best-selling authors on her client list, she is more than prepared to take a new author and show them the process and answer any questions an aspiring author might have.

RELEASE TOUR: Behind the DOOR by P.C. Zick #GIVEAWAY

BEHIND THE DOORBehind the Love series, book 4
by P.C. ZickGenre: Contemporary Romance


A VOLUPTUOUS WOMAN UNLUCKY IN LOVE. A WOUNDED PSYCHOLOGIST ON A MISSION. AN UNDENIABLE ATTRACTION WITH AN ETHICAL DILEMMA.

Sally Jean Compton is in love. And this time it's with a man who isn't in love with someone else. Dr.Brett Gorman arrives in Victory to help the veterans of Deer River with PTSD symptoms. When tragedy strikes, neither Sally Jean nor Brett are prepared for what happens next.

The shocking aftermath of the terror of PTSD untreated leaves the entire town of Victory reeling. But none are more affected than Sally Jean and Brett who must deal with their own pasts and the trauma left behind. When Sally Jean seeks out the expertise of Dr.Brett, the psychologist of the river folks, they discover an intense attraction that leads them both to learn about themselves.

But before anything happens, Sally Jean must learn she deserves to be loved, and Brett must forgive himself for the death of his friend and his sister, his wife. It's a rocky journey to love.

Behind the Curtain is the fourth novel in the Behind the Love contemporary romance series that features sizzling attractions, dramatic confrontations, and intertwined and complicated lives. Set in the fictional small town of Victory, Florida, friends fight and love and form families of their own choosing.


“GET READY, SALLY JEAN.” Lisa looked directly at one of her bridesmaids and held her wedding bouquet aloft. “This one is for you.”

The other single women who had gathered in the large yard on the banks of the river to catch the bride’s bouquet made way for the tall and buxom Sally Jean Compton. None of the other women felt slighted that Lisa had called out Sally Jean. It was her turn.

Her red bridesmaid’s dress, cut in a deep V, showed off her voluptuous body. She’d kicked off her heels, and now she stood barefoot—toenails painted the same red as her dress peeked out from under the hem. Her blonde hair was drawn up with a red ribbon to one side of her head. Curled tendrils framed the small features of her face.

On her best friend’s wedding day, Sally Jean had reached one of the high points of her life. She never had felt so treasured and accepted by everyone, including the women. The small crowd of folks gathered at the groom’s family home cheered when Sally Jean stepped forward. Lisa let go of the bouquet and threw it over her head. The beribboned vessel flew right into Sally Jean’s waiting hands.

“You’re next, Sally Jean,” the bride declared. The other women standing with Sally Jean cheered, and the men clapped Jimmy on the back. Her date beamed at her, and then blew her a kiss.

Today, it all seemed possible, and the black cloud that had hovered over Sally Jean’s head for her entire life lifted. Love had found its way to her heart, and this time it was real. It made all the difference in the world when the love was returned.

Lisa hugged her. “I better be in your wedding.”

“You better be my matron of honor.” Sally Jean returned the embrace with gratitude. “I’m so grateful we’re still friends after all these years.”

“We’ve been through almost everything together.” Lisa held Sally Jean by the arms. “And we survived.”

“Amazingly, we did.”

“You caught the bouquet!” Jimmy came up behind Sally Jean and put his arms around her waist. He kissed her neck. “Everyone says we’re going to be next.”

“Someone has to ask her very sweetly first.” Lisa touched Jimmy’s face. “Now or never, Jimmy. Better get down on your knee.”

Jimmy looked confused for a second before his eyes widened. He grinned and went down on one knee. The folks standing nearby stomped their feet.

He grabbed Sally Jean’s hand. “Would you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?” Sally Jean nodded, and he kissed her hand. “I don’t have a ring yet, but I will. Real soon, real soon.”

Tommy, the groom, walked over and handed Jimmy the garter he’d removed from Lisa’s leg earlier. He had yet to toss it out to the single men in the crowd.

“Here you go, Jimmy,” Tommy said. “We all know I would throw it to you, anyway. Use this as a promise for a ring.”

Jimmy grabbed the garter. “It’s even red. Your favorite color, Sally Jean.”

“It’s a conspiracy,” Tommy said. “You didn’t stand a chance, man.”

“It’s a great conspiracy.” Jimmy stood and kissed Sally Jean on the lips. “You’ve made me a very happy man today.”

“You have no idea what you’ve done for me, James Luther.” Sally Jean’s eyes filled with tears. Maybe for once she’d have what she’d always wanted. Love and a family who cared about one another.





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BEHIND THE ALTERAmazon ✯ Amazon Int'l ✯ Amazon Paperback ✯ Goodreads
Leah Bryant lives a quiet life helping others. When her future mother-in-law, Geraldine, threatens her causes, she’s left confused by the hypocrisy and befuddled by a stranger who roars into town on a Harley.Dean Davis never wanted to return to his hometown. But when his father dies, he knows he must return and faced his mother, Geraldine, and his ugly past. When Leah discovers the stranger is the brother of her fiancé that she’d been told was dead, she’s drawn to him and furious about the deception. Both are bowled over by an intense attraction to one another. The magnetic pull draws them into a passionate embrace within minutes of meeting.

Leah’s controlled life and Dean’s emotional barriers both shatter and force them to examine their lives. Leah must choose between her safe engagement to Dean’s estranged brother, Jacob, and a dangerously passionate affair with Dean. And Dean must confront the demon from his childhood, his mother. Dean’s fear of loving and Leah’s need for security pull them together, rather than apart.

But none of it will matter if they can’t stop Geraldine, an unhinged woman on a destructive course to abolish everyone who opposes her thirst for power. When Dean and Leah, along with Jacob, threaten her, she goes on a rampage to destroy them all.

Behind the Altar is the first novel in the Behind the Love contemporary romance series that features sizzling attractions, dramatic confrontations, and intertwined and complicated lives. Set in the fictional small town of Victory, Florida, friends fight and love and form families of their own choosing.

BEHIND THE BARAmazon ✯ Amazon Int'l ✯ Amazon Paperback ✯ Goodreads
Susie Williams yearns for a romantic wedding with her boyfriend of five years. Reggie Barker runs from demands to marry any woman, including Susie. After the wedding of their best friends, Reggie resists Susie’s hints about marrying. He suggests they take a break. An angry and heartbroken Susie kicks him down the road and into the arms of the voluptuous Sally Jean. After Susie is mugged, she discovers Reggie’s gambling debt brought the thugs to Victory to scare him into paying. With her love for Reggie in doubt, she is tempted by a rich publisher and reconsiders her options. Meanwhile, Reggie starts to realize Susie means more to him than the tavern he owns, more than the gambling he’s hidden, and more than any other woman he knows.

But it all might be too late for Susie, who begins to unravel a mystery from a night long ago when Reggie and all the other characters played a pivotal role in her life. And before Reggie can commit to marriage, he must come to terms with a father who abandoned marriage many years earlier Both Reggie and Susie must learn to trust each other before love can ever survive a second chance.

Behind the Bar is the second novel in the Behind the Love contemporary romance series, but it is also a stand-alone romance. Once you read one novel in this series, you’ll want to learn more about the romances that feature sizzling attractions, dramatic confrontations, and intertwined and complicated lives. Set in the fictional small town of Victory, Florida, friends fight and love and form families of their own choosing.

BEHIND THE CURTAINAmazon ✯ Amazon Int'l ✯ Amazon Paperback ✯ Goodreads
Lisa Williams has discovered a way to achieve her life-long goal of becoming a famous actress by bringing a reality television show to her hometown. Tommy Jackson despises the idea of exploiting the town and hates it even more when his editor assigns him to cover the show for a Tampa newspaper. Lisa and Tommy have known each other all their lives. Tommy even dated her baby sister, Susie back in high school. But he’s not her type, and her values disturb him. Besides, when she returns to town, she comes with her boyfriend, Jet, who will also star in the television show. When Sally Jean makes an appearance on the show, the producer falls in lust with her, and Lisa worries that Sally Jean will be made the star of the show. Tommy is disgusted by Lisa who seems intent on dragging her family and friends through painful memories in her pursuit of stardom.

When Tommy’s mom is diagnosed with cancer, Lisa shows a different side to her character. Sitting with Mrs. Jackson during her final days gives Lisa a perspective on her own life she’s never had before. Tommy and Lisa are drawn to one another through the real-life tragedy unfolding. But first they must deal with an out of control Jet and reality show producer who want to exploit the small town even more as they see the potential of showcasing some of the more famous of Victory’s citizens, such as the fallen football star, the criminal publisher, and a tattoo artist turned farmer. Mrs. Jackson and Lisa’s sister Susie share in the circle of life to bring this dramatic romance to a bittersweet end.

Behind the Curtain is the third novel in the Behind the Love contemporary romance series, but it is also a stand-alone romance. Once you read one novel in this series, you’ll want to learn more about the rest of the romances that feature sizzling attractions, dramatic confrontations, and intertwined and complicated lives. Set in the fictional small town of Victory, Florida, friends fight and love and form families of their own choosing.



Bestselling author P.C. Zick describes herself as a storyteller no matter what she writes. And she writes in a variety of genres, including romance, contemporary fiction, and nonfiction. She's won various awards for her essays, columns, editorials, articles, and fiction.

The three novels in her Florida Fiction Series contain stories of Florida and its people and environment, which she credits as giving her a rich base for her storytelling. "Florida's quirky and abundant wildlife—both human and animal—supply my fiction with tales almost too weird to be believable."

Her contemporary romances in the Behind the Love series are also set in Florida. The novels in her most recent series, Smoky Mountain Romances, are set in in Murphy, North Carolina. She is currently working on a new romance series, Rivals in Love. Join the Crandall family of Chicago as the siblings find love despite their focus on successful careers. All of her books are stand-alone reads, even if they appear in a series.

Her novels contain elements of romance with strong female characters, handsome heroes, and descriptive settings. She believes in living lightly upon this earth with love, laughter, and passion, and through her fiction, she imparts this philosophy in an entertaining manner with an obvious love for her characters, plot, and themes.

You can keep track of P.C. Zick's new releases and special promotions by signing up for her newsletter by clicking here. For more immediate information, sign up for P.C. Zick’s Lovers of Romantic Tales on Facebook by clicking here.

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RELEASE TOUR: The Other Side of Dusk by Cherime MacFarlane #GIVEAWAY

THE OTHER SIDE OF DUSKEilan Water Trilogy, book 1
by Cherime MacFarlaneGenre: Historical Romance


Ualan’s mother is killed, and he is sold as a slave. The Roman woman who purchases him must get pregnant before the master gets rid of her as he did his first wife. And the male slave she uses cannot appear to be a full grown man, so as not to force the master to acknowledge his lack. Her plan backfires when an old soldier, head of the household guard, takes pity on the boy. He teaches Ualan to fight and when the child is born, helps the slave escape with his son. He is home but...his people aren't sure he is the one who can take his father's place when the time comes. Ualan may not be fit in body and mind. Rumors are flying of the possible retreat of the Romans back behind Hadrian’s Wall. The Picts are ready to revolt against Roman rule and the Scotti may be caught in the middle. To make matters worse, the master is seeking his stolen son.



Twisting to escape, he couldn’t break away from the thongs binding both wrists and feet. Someday he would get free, and when he did, he would kill her. No! Leave me be! Don’t...Unable to block the tide, he was helpless. His head thrashed from side to side as she did those things the woman knew would harden him for her use. Then she would mount him. And he hated her for what she did.

He was sobbing. A huge surge of desire overrode his anger and fear. What she did to his body was wrong.

“Da! ‘Tis me. Wake now.”

Taog climbed into the bed with him and snuggled into Ualan’s embrace. The lad didn’t care how sweat soaked from the nightmare he might be. With a sigh, Ualan hugged the child tight.

“Was it truly horrid?” The childish whisper feathered warm air over the hollow of his throat.

“Nae, Taog. Nae so bad. I couldnae wake. Thank ye for bringing me out of tha bog.”

“Did ye dream of being caught in tha moss, tha old bog?”

No one knew of the content of the dark dreams that sometimes had him screaming in the middle of the night. None would ever know. Ualan intended to shield those he cared about from the truth. That he had become a tool for a Roman bitch to get a child for a man unable to produce a son, was his secret alone.

In the end, he took his revenge. The child she set out to have snuggled in Ualan’s bed in his family's broch. Had Ualan been unable to escape, he would have killed the child before letting the bitch have him. God had been good. Ualan lay beneath the sleeping furs in his home on the far side of the damnable Roman wall, his son in his arms.

He wondered if the bitch was still alive. It was doubtful. Duilius would have flayed the skin from her body for allowing Ualan to escape with his son. Caecilia feared the man. It was one of the reasons she had purchased him in the slave market, to get her with child. Duilius was impotent and refused to believe it. He blamed his young wife.

With help from the Christian slave, the captain of the house guard, Ualan won the war. He stroked the child’s hair and sniffed the aroma the boy wore. Horse and hound, a bit of smoke and the scent of earth told him the lad had spent the day outside. It was comforting. On his side with the child tight to his breast, Ualan would sleep. For now, the horror was gone.


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Although born in New Orleans, I am proud to call myself an Alaskan. I have lived here since 1977. I have seen -40 degrees, hauled water, made bear bacon and I live in a cabin. I have used a fishwheel to catch salmon coming up the Copper River. I was my second husband's chief mechanic's helper and roadie. I have cut firewood on shares. I worked as a cocktail waitress during pipeline days in a small lodge on the Richardson Highway.

My second husband, a Scot from Glasgow, was the love of my life. When I write Scots dialect, I personally experienced hearing it from my in laws. When my husband got on the phone to Scotland, after 5 seconds I could barely understand a word.

We moved to Wasilla to get warm. It barely drops past -25 degrees here in the winter. I became a paralegal and worked for over 26 years for the same firm.

Alaska is my home. I never thought I would love it so much, I never want to leave. The beauty of Alaska is a draw I cannot resist. I love the people and the history. I have been captured by a place I came to under duress. Life does play some interesting tricks on one. My love and I were not apart more than 24 hours for 20 plus years. I never wanted to be anywhere but with him. He was a man to run the river with and was my biggest fan.

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RELEASE TOUR: Bayside Desires by Melissa Foster

BAYSIDE DESIRESBayside Summers Book 1 by Melissa FosterGenre: Contemporary Standalone Romance
Fall in love at Bayside, where sandy beaches, good friends, and true love come together in the sweet small towns of Cape Cod.

BAYSIDE SUMMERS is a series of standalone steamy romance novels featuring alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They're fun, flirty, flawed, deeply emotional, always passionate, and easy to relate to.

"​With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!" -NYT Bestseller Julie Kenner​

"Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" -NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely​

In Bayside Desires...

As the co-owner of Bayside Resorts, Rick Savage has a fabulous job working with his best friends and brother, and a thriving business in Washington, DC, which he’ll be returning to at the end of the summer. Spending time with his family is great, but being back on Cape Cod has unearthed painful memories. When sweet, smart, and overly cautious Desiree Cleary moves in next door, Rick is drawn to the sexy preschool teacher, and she just might prove to be the perfect distraction.

Running an art gallery was not in preschool teacher Desiree Cleary’s plans, but after being tricked into coming to her impetuous, unreliable mother’s aid, she’s stuck spending the summer with the badass half sister she barely knows and a misbehaving dog. If that’s not frustrating enough, she can’t escape the sparks igniting with her strikingly handsome and pushy neighbor, Rick, who makes all her warning bells go off.

Passion ignites as Desiree and Rick spend long summer nights sharing heartfelt confessions and steamy kisses. For the first time in years Rick is enjoying life again instead of hiding behind mounds of work miles away from his family. Desiree has touched him in a way that makes him want to slow down. Only slowing down means dealing with his demons, and he isn’t sure who he’ll be when he comes out the other side.

All Bayside books can be read as standalone novels or as part of the series:Coming Soon...Bayside PassionsBayside HeatBayside Escape

Bayside Summers is part of the Love in Bloom romance collection by New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. While each book may be read as a standalone, you might enjoy reading the entire Love in Bloom series. Characters from each sub-series appear in future books. Visit Melissa's website for family trees, series checklists, and more.


Oh shit. Rick Savage beached his craft, threw his life vest onto the sand, and ran after the woman he’d soaked. He’d been so captivated by the curvaceous blonde that when she’d started to leave, his first instinct had been to stop her. He’d clearly lost his mind. He knew better than to come that close to the jetty or to fishtail near people.

“I’m so sorry,” he said, jogging over as she stepped off the rocks and onto the beach.

She turned, mouth gaping, strands of wet hair stuck to her cheeks, forehead, and shoulders. The most beautiful green eyes stared back at him in shock and horror. He felt like a total ass.

“I’m sorry. I saw you watching me, and—” There was absolutely no excuse for what he’d done, so he went with the truth, no matter how bad it sounded. “I wanted to meet you before you took off.”

“I wasn’t watching you.” Her eyes darted around them, as if someone else might hear her lying.

He cocked a brow.

“Okay, maybe I was for a second. But you were stalking me.” She swiped at her sundress, which clung to her incredibly sexy body like a second skin.

He tried not to leer, but damn…

Forcing his eyes up, he said, “I wasn’t stalking you—”

Her deadpan stare stopped him from telling his own lie.

“Okay, fine,” he said with a laugh. “I was. You caught me. I’m sorry.”

“Does this usually work for you? Drenching unsuspecting women?” she said with a hint of annoyance, and a smile, as she shook the water from her arms. “Not that I’m an expert on being hit on, but it doesn’t seem like the best way to go about it.”

“I’m sure you get hit on all the time, but this wasn’t planned. It was a stupid mistake. It’s actually illegal to go that fast near the jetty, so you can have me arrested if you’d like. I wasn’t thinking. I was—”

She arched a brow, a slight smirk playing across her beautiful face as she tossed his mannerism right back at him.

He felt himself smiling. Man, this woman was as sweet as she was spunky. “What can I say? If you weren’t so hot…”

“So, it’s my fault?” She rolled her eyes. “You really do kind of suck at picking up women.”

The caveman in him grunted, and he squared his shoulders. “I don’t suck at it. I’m actually really good at it. A pro. A master. A champion.”

She laughed. “Sorry, but…” She waved at her wet clothes. “Evidence proves otherwise.”

And I’m about to prove that evidence wrong. “Let me buy you a sweatshirt and something warm to drink at Mac’s so you don’t freeze.” Mac’s was a walk-up restaurant by the Wellfleet Pier, a five-minute drive by car. Less by Jet Ski.

Her eyes rolled over his face, as if she were considering it. He’d never had anything close to a poker face, which meant she saw his remorse and his attraction. At six two, two thirty, he was a big dude, and he kept in prime shape with running and water sports. He was used to women ogling him and practically doing cartwheels to get his attention. She drew in a deep breath, her eyes dropping to his bare chest, and she bit her plump lower lip. “Sexy” didn’t begin to describe the dichotomy of sweet and sultry this woman possessed. But she wasn’t doing cartwheels. In fact, those hungry eyes shifted away from him.

“It’s okay,” she said. “I was getting ready to leave anyway.”

She was blowing him off? There was no way he was letting her leave without doing something to make up for this debacle. Okay, maybe he also wanted to strip away those wet clothes and warm her up. But that was beside the point.

“Are you staying at a cottage on the beach? I can give you a ride on my Jet Ski.”

“As tempting as that sounds, since I’ve never been on one, I have my car.” She pointed to the parking lot with the hand that held her phone, and her smile faded. “Oh, shoot. My phone got wet.”

“I can take care of that.” He took it from her and wiped it on his shorts. She watched his hands, his biceps, his pecs, his shorts, with laser focus. His fish wasn’t off the line yet. “It should be okay now. Want me to put my number in your contacts? In case you change your mind about that drink?”

That brought a curious smile. He noticed the cutest dimple beside her mouth when she smiled. “Does that usually work?”

“No idea. I haven’t had to use that line before.”

He stepped closer, unable to resist brushing a lock of hair that was stuck to her cheek away from her face so he could see her better. Their eyes connected, and the temperature spiked. She must have felt it, too, because she was licking her lips like a hungry tigress. In the next breath, her eyes darted nervously around the beach. Christ, now she looked sweet and innocent. How did she do that in the blink of an eye? Rick was only at the Cape for a few more weeks, working on renovations at the resort before returning to his real life, and design-build business, in Washington, DC. The thoughts running through his mind were not sweet and innocent. He should let his apology ride, get on his Jet Ski, and drive away. But she had his rapt attention, and he was unable to walk away.

“You don’t have to use my number,” he said. “But you never know. Maybe when you’re lying in bed tonight, unable to stop thinking about me, you’ll wish you had it.”

Her cheeks flushed, and those sparkling green eyes moved over his face and down his chest again, lingering long enough to send a stroke of heat to his core.

“Why not?” she said, surprising the hell out of him. “Go ahead and put your number in my phone…?”

“Rick.” He entered his contact information and handed it back, curling his fingers over hers and holding them for a beat.

Her eyes flicked up, dark and alluring. “I’m Desiree,” she said a little breathlessly.

Oh yeah, you feel it, too.



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Bayside PassionsJanuary 10, 2018

Fall in love at Bayside, where sandy beaches, good friends, and true love come together in the sweet small towns of Cape Cod.

BAYSIDE SUMMERS is a series of standalone steamy romance novels featuring alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They're fun, flirty, flawed, deeply emotional, always passionate, and easy to relate to. And of course, you'll see cameos from the Seaside Summers characters!

"​With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!" -NYT Bestseller Julie Kenner​

"Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" -NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely​

Stay tuned for full book description.



Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance (M/F, M/M, F/F), romantic suspense, thrillers, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa's emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café.

Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on Facebook or her personal website.

Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

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RELEASE BLITZ: ADAMANTA (S1E3: Excelsior) by T.Y. Carew & Jess Mountifield

ADAMANTASeason 1, Episode 3: Excelsior
by T. Y. Carew & Jess MountifieldGenre: Science Fiction


Xander's new mission puts his crew into the path of a Beltine hive ship. No one has survived such an encounter before.

But then, no one else has highly skilled Adamanta-equipped fighters on board, either. Even so, choosing to pick a fight with the Beltine is not a clever idea. Will the humans make it out alive once they enter the lion's lair?

Join Xander, Mattie and her friends on this fast-paced adventure to find out.


“Get that door open, now!” Matt launched into action, not waiting for the Beltine to react to her presence. Using four of her swords as deflectors for the laser fire, she charged at the Elite Dairos. Less than a second later, she heard a pulsing alarm start up. There would be no more sneaking aboard this hive.

Two of the Dairos were dead, leaving Matt to fight six more. Thankfully, she'd closed enough of the distance between her and them that they all focused on her, and four of them backed up to try and shelter the other side of the doorway. Laser blasts flew everywhere, bouncing off her swords and the Dairos' shields.

Matt grunted as a shot caught the side of her left arm. As the pain spread, she almost dropped the sword she carried on that side.

“Hurry up, Drew,” she yelled, not daring to take her focus off the Beltine to check his progress. She needed help. Drawing the fire in her direction and standing out in the open reduced her to defense only.

Gun blasts from behind her let Matt know she was finally not alone. Drew had let Xander and Trey onto the hive ship. The two Elite Dairos this side of the door soon lost their lives. Matt advanced on both with her body and her swords, pushing towards the door and pressuring the remaining Dairos to make a mistake.

She was less than ten meters away, still deflecting laser shots and forcing the Dairos back, when a shot from Drew went wide. It struck the panel of buttons, sending electricity crackling across the surface. The door slipped down half a foot and stuck in place before jerking down another few inches.

With all her swords on the other side of the door, Matt knew there was only one response that made sense. She pushed herself into a full sprint and dived through the gap. From her prone position on the floor, she heard the door snap shut.

Leaping up, she brought her swords in close. The remaining Dairos hesitated, whichever Kyraos controlled them evidently not having expected her reckless act. She seized the few seconds it bought her and used her mind to remove another head with the nearest floating sword. Before she could deal with the last three, they opened fire again, forcing her to defend herself.

She rolled to one side, towards the nearest Beltine, and pulled another sword from the sheaths on her back. At the same time as slicing the gun-wielding arm off the Dairos, she managed to deflect a shot back into the chest of another. The third Dairos hesitated again, giving her plenty of time to run her sword through its torso and finish off the Dairos already bleeding out beside her. She found herself hoping the Kyraos in control had felt the pain of each of them dying.




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Season 1: Episode 1: Adamanta
A team of humans is willing to face almost insurmountable odds to save the human race from annihilation. But quite how safe from discovery and attack is the planet the research team has been secluded on?

Matt has spent her whole life helping her parents with research that could change the fate of the entire human race. She believes it's time to take it to the next stage and use it in active combat, but is she really ready to join the war and fight for mankind?

Xander has dedicated his whole life to the military, keeping humans throughout the galaxy alive, no matter the risks. He's struggling not to become disillusioned when, time and again, running away is the only option. Can he find the one thing humanity needs to turn the tide, and can he cope with that thing being a person?

Season 1: Episode 2: Shafts of Kudos
The mining shafts on Kudos have been producing increasingly smaller quantities of the mind-controllable Adamanta, but when you're fighting an undefeatable enemy you have to use every advantage you can gain.

Colonel Xander and his crew are there to secure as much of it as possible for the human military force. When an explosion traps three of the crew in the mine, the race is on to save them as well as ascertain whether the small operation is under attack from the formidable Beltine.

The explosion might have been written off as an accident if Marx, the Kudos safety engineer, hadn't found evidence of Xander's own transport pod having been rigged with enough explosive to destroy the whole mine and every breathing being in its vicinity.

Who would want Xander and his crew dead? And what deadly secrets does Marx harbor?


Season 1: Episode 4: AnathemaComing July 15th 2017
Anathema is hailed as humankind's salvation. But is it?

A team of investors insists Anathema is the safest planet for our race. And Dr. Lake's team regularly sends reports from the surface of the planet, highlighting all the ways in which humans would thrive there. Even better, the almost invincible Beltine never go near it.

In the dog house for losing the Excelsior, Xander and his team are sent ahead to prepare the planet for human colonization. With trust at an all time low, they have only themselves to rely on, but is that enough?

What will happen to Xander and his team when even their faith in each other is put to the test?

Episode 5 - Coming September 15th 2017Episode 6 - Coming November 15th 2017If you want to make sure you don't miss out, you can sign up for our newsletter here.



T. Y. Carew is the pen name for an entire group of authors. They've come together to write the Adamanta series and other works in the same universe. So far, they consist of Stephen P. Scott, Andrew Bellingham, Ella Medler and Jess Mountifield. They're a quirky bunch of writers, with a variety of genres under their belt and different elements to their styles we'll hope you agree make an interesting blend. One thing they definitely have in common is the love of diving into a book and going on an adventure, be that reading or writing one!

This episode was written by Jess Mountifield.
Jess was born in the quaint village of Woodbridge in the UK, has spent some of her childhood in the States and now resides near the beautiful Roman city of Bath. She lives with her husband, Phil, and her very dapsy cat, Pleaides.

During her still relatively short life Jess has displayed an innate curiosity for learning new things and has therefore studied many subjects, from maths and the sciences, to history and drama. Jess now works full time as a writer, incorporating many of the subjects she has an interest in within her plots and characters.

When she's not working she can often be found with friends, enjoying a vast array of films, ice skating or trekking all over the English countryside.

You can find out more about the author and her upcoming projects by following her on twitter or facebook, or at her blog.

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***WRITING OPPORTUNITY*** Would you like to write an Episode?The Adamanta project is all go now. The third episode is out on pre-order, and episodes 4 and 5 are almost ready. We're going for 6 episodes a year, and we have one slot left for this year, and of course, spaces from next year onward.We have collated an Author Info Pack, which you can look through if you are considering contributing to this ongoing series. Genre: sci-fi. Length of episode: 20k words approx. Stay in the Adamanta world, but write your story. You have a core of ready characters, but can write your own and use as many or few of the original ones as you like. We'll need to keep the series consistent, but other than that you have space to play.What we're looking for: good story, good writing, adherence to deadlines and a willingness to help promote the whole series.Ask EllaMedler@papergoldpublishing.com for the link to the Info Pack if you'd like to have a look.

RELEASE TOUR: Enchanter by Kristy Centeno #GIVEAWAY

ENCHANTERThe Giver of Life Trilogy, book 1
by Kristy CentenoGenre: YA/NA Paranormal Fantasy


They have a past. But will they have a future?

Leah Parker is resilient and hardworking. She’d always prided herself in maintaining a level head, even under pressure. Everything changes when she begins to see strange apparitions and hear ghostly voices on the morning of her birthday.

In a blink of the eyes, Leah’s life takes a drastic turn that spirals her into the unknown. Something is out to get her, but she’s unsure if she’s losing her mind, or the faces and demands of the dead are real. Unable to find the answers she needs, she has no choice but to rely on ex-best friend, Brandon Morris, for help.

But as she will soon discover, Brandon has his own secrets. Some of which defy logic and only add to the mystery surrounding Leah. And mix feelings between the two complicate matters by getting in the way of what they really want, and what they must do.

Can Brandon lighten the load on her by figuring out what or who wants her dead? Or will their past history get in the way of the storm brewing just beyond Leah’s grasp?

#1

“Are you scared of me? Is that it?” As if to make a point, he covered the distance between us in three short steps, and backed me off into the landing to the stairwell behind me, stopping only when our bodies were a few inches from coming into physical contact. The invigorating scent of his cologne invaded my nostrils, causing my mind to go into total and complete turmoil.

I shut down, unsure how to react. I hadn’t anticipated being cornered in a vulnerable spot where we were shielded from view. Normally, I was a sucker for guys who smelled as good as he did, but this was Brandon Morris. I couldn’t decide whether to lean closer and inhale slowly, or scream and push him away.

“Are you?”

I wanted to deny his accusation, but he could see the truth in my eyes. It was pointless to pretend as if he hadn’t just sent my heart into a race. By then he could see how badly I shook. I could not disguise it fast enough for him not to notice.

“Should I be?” I asked softly, fear forcing my voice to quake.

#2

Fighting the nausea threatening to consume me, I made a mad dash for alleyway’s entrance. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something move. I shrieked and sprinted faster, almost colliding into the thin man who appeared out of nowhere in front of me. I managed to stop in time to crash into him, but as soon as I caught sight of his profile I regretted not plowing right through him.

He looked like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. Tall, long, and lanky, with shoulder-length white hair, unnaturally pale skin, and eyes that gave the impression of missing irises, he was no less horrifying than the black figure I’d seen at the stairwell or the ghostly woman in my bedroom. He was clad from top to bottom in dark clothing, which gave him all the more menacing feel. As he stood, staring at me in a way that communicated I was about to become food, I could have sworn my stomach dropped to my feet. This was no ordinary attacker. He didn’t have rape or mugging in mind, but something much more sinister.

#3

Movement several yards behind him caught my attention and I glanced around his left shoulder to the woods, noting the quick blur of a figure darting from behind one tree to another. Something was off about the way this person rushed by. It sparked a sense of familiarity that horrified me.

“Brandon, I don’t think we’re alone anymore,” I murmured as another flash of white scurried ever closer. It was too dark for me to determine who it was, but I was certain of one thing: we were being watched.

“What…?” The meaning of my words didn’t immediately dawn on him.

“Someone’s out there.”

Brandon spun around abruptly. He scanned the area briefly as he backed into me while sucking in air. His suddenly rigid posture warned me whoever was out there was not friendly.

Without a single word of explanation, Brandon turned to me and took my hand in his, pulling me down the path we’d used to get to the gazebo. He towed me along in a haste, leaving me no room to protest, or figure out what the hell was going on. A weird, high-pitched hissing sound emanated from somewhere behind us. It startled me and I was tempted to glance over my shoulder, but Brandon’s next words stopped me.

“Don’t look, Leah!” His tone was as serious as I’d ever heard it, which freaked me out even more. What was he so scared of?




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Kristy Centeno is the author of the Secrets of the Moon saga and Keeper Witches series.

She has always had a passion for books and after years of being an avid reader, she decided to transform her desire to write into a reality and thus, her first novel was born. When she’s not busy taking care of her five children or holding down the fort, she finds time to sit and do what she loves the most: writing.

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L@@K at ME! Forever's Fight by Marissa Dobson #GIVEAWAY

FOREVER'S FIGHTForever Creek Shifter, Book 1
by Marissa DobsonGenre: Paranormal Romance


Fighting for love and family.
Patrick O’Reilly left behind his medical practice when he and his siblings were forced into hiding. Determined to live through the war against their species, they vow to serve their kind. Patrick will risk it all to ensure none of them end up as experiments in a government lab.
Clarissa Greenwood worked all her life to become a scientist and to get the position at Hathaway Medical where she thought she would be able to find cures for diseases. Instead, she is witness to experiments on shifters. Disgusted by the truth, she gathers as much information as she can, and flees. She wants no part of the experiments—even if the cost is her life.
Shifters Underground was created to serve their species, not to help a human who had worked for one of the organizations that was hunting them. A message from a trusted shifter leaves them with no other option but to search for a woman who might be able to help them. A treacherous journey brings two destined mates together. Now Patrick and Clarissa must work together to protect not only each other, but all the shifters who fight for their lives, for love, and for family.
“Exciting action, well-developed characters, and a fast-paced lively writing style makes Forever’s Fight sure to please!” ~ New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Lynn Red


“Beast?” She rose up to rest on her elbows. “You’re going to shift?”

There was a mixture of terror and excitement in her eyes that made him want to tease her, but he resisted the urge. “No. My beast is always within me, even when I’m in human form. There’s no need to shift.”

“What a relief. I’m not sure I’m ready to see your animal yet.” She paused, averting her eyes. “Mind if I ask what your second nature is?”

“Second nature. So proper.” He smirked. “I’m a lion.” He spoke with ease because unlike the rest of the world, he didn’t see the animal side of him as a curse or an experiment gone wrong. To him, it was a blessing, something he was proud of. Though times were tough right now, things would get better. He’d see to it.

“I wasn’t sure how to word this…this…ability.” Seeming nervous, she bit her bottom lip. “I’m not even sure ability is the right word.”

“Shifting is a magical thing, and even though the world thinks I should be ashamed of it, I’m not. My lion is as much a part of me as my internal organs. The human society that we live in just doesn’t accept those who are different, but we’re here just like everyone else, and we want to live in peace.”

“That almost sounded like a public relations statement.”

“I just want you to understand who my siblings and I are. We’re no danger to you or any other human. We’re always in control of our animal, no matter what form we may take. That’s what Hathaway Medical and the rest of the government organizations don’t understand. We shouldn’t be experimented on, nor should any other human.” He hated that he sounded like he was lecturing her, but if he was going to take her back to Forever Creek, she need to understand his kind. He didn’t want any surprises later that would send her running. Once she knew their location, if she got spooked and ran off, she’d be a liability.

“But the government doesn’t classify you as human.” With that statement, she wasn’t able to meet his gaze.

“What about you? Do you think I’m human?” Silence thickened the air until he wasn’t sure she’d answer.

“You look human enough to me.” She reached out and laid her hand on his chest. “You feel human, too. That’s all that matters to me.”

He placed his hand over hers. “This is just one side of me, kind of like a coin. Will you still feel the same way when you see my lion?”





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Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, Marissa Dobson now resides about an hour from Washington, D.C. She’s a lady who likes to keep busy, and is always busy doing something. With two different college degrees, she believes you are never done learning.

Being the first daughter to an avid reader, this gave her the advantage of learning to read at a young age. Since learning to read she has always had her nose in a book. It wasn’t until she was a teenager that she started writing down the stories she came up with.

Marissa is blessed with a wonderful supportive husband, Thomas. He’s her other half and allows her to stay home and pursue her writing. He puts up with all her quirks and listens to her brainstorm in the middle of the night.

Her writing buddy Pup Cameron, a cocker spaniel, is always around to listen to her bounce ideas off him. He might not be able to answer, but he’s helpful in his own ways.

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RELEASE TOUR: Luck of the Draw { #99c BOXSET }

LUCK OF THE DRAWGenre: Romantic Suspense Feeling Lucky? Check out LUCK OF THE DRAW. . . 
13 lucky stories EXCLUSIVE to this boxset available for a LIMITED time! 13 tales of unimaginable luck - 13 fascinating novellas of love, loss, and mystery. From lotteries to sweepstakes, poker to roulette and horse racing to wishes, these 13 stories will make you wish you'd been the winner!

These 13 novellas are BRAND NEW and have never been published. Written by USA Today Bestselling, International, and Bestselling authors. Amazon US ✯ Amazon Int'l ✯ Goodreads

Sometimes You Win by Stacy Eaton, USA Today Bestselling Author 
Haley Rosewood is overworked and underpaid and can barely afford to care for her daughter. When Devon Carrington asks her to pick out lottery numbers, she laughs in his face. She is a true believer that no one really wins these games. But what happens a few weeks later when those numbers are played again and they do win?

Fade into Love by Michele Shriver, International Bestselling Author 
When Wren Morrow wins a sweepstakes for a walk-on role in her favorite actor’s new movie, she’s elated. Recent film school graduate Trey Lozano has left his troubled past behind him and landed a job as the second assistant director on a new movie, where he’s assigned to direct Wren’s big screen moment. Will a simple fade to black role fade into love, instead?

Insert Wife Here by Susan Ann Wall, National Bestselling Author 
Needing money, Cynthia Munn accepts Sean Beckett’s proposition to accompany him to his sister’s wedding in Vegas. To get into a high-stakes honeymooner’s game, they get married and win big – until Cyn loses everything in a risky game behind Sean’s back. She discovers that losing her heart to the one man she didn’t want to give it to – and then losing him – is the highest stake of all.

Baby, Maybe by Lyssa Layne, National and International Bestselling Author 
On the outside, Julie and Shawn have the perfect marriage--all they need is a child to complete their family. When fate is found taped to their door, will their family finally become whole?


Hold ’Em by Jacquie Biggar, USA Today Bestselling Author 
When professional poker player Matthew Shaughnessy wins the pot of a lifetime, he didn't expect to land himself a fiancée. Cassandra Gardener is left with little choice but to play the part of a Texan's fiancée for a week if she wants to clear her father's gambling debt. Can two people with so much to lose win the biggest bet of all- love?

Going All In by Amy Manemann, International Bestselling Author 
Big city lawyer, Tucker Williams, returns to his roots to help out his family. Small town living is no longer his style, but a run in with former flame, Hadley James, has him reconsidering. When a chance wager winds Tucker up for auction to the highest bidder, Hadley will have to decide if she’s ready to toss in her cards and go all in.

Placing Her Bet by Sharon Coady, National Bestselling Author 
Shy, retiring Carissa takes a chance on a hot tip at the races. (Thanks Grandpa!) When she collides with Joseph her luck changes again...but she's too anxious to enjoy it. Joseph thinks she’s adorable and he’s finally met the woman he can have a life with. Carissa thinks she can trust him when an overheard conversation ruins what they have.

Owned by Jade Kerrion, Award Winning Author 
Marie Vargas thought her love with Phil Casteen would last forever, but she was wrong. Unhappily divorced, she wins a $1,000,000 lottery and takes a trip to Key West, where Phil has made a new life for himself—a life that would be better if he had her money.


So Unlike Me by Nikki Lynn Barrett, USA Today Bestselling Author 
Lizette Monroe agrees to her twin's plea to switch places after she wins a sweepstakes to Paris. France, here she comes! Except it's a small town in Tennessee, and Lizette runs into none other than Dirk Ramsey, her twin's best friend from middle school. Let the complications begin as romantic feelings develop for the twin Dirk once pegged as snobby.

Lost and Rich by Jude Ouvrard, International bestselling Author 
Everything changes when a run of good luck leaves Gracie in a position she never imagined. Freed of the rat race, she is finally able to contemplate her identity, and her dreams. Is she ready to move on? Will her newfound fortune pave the road to happiness? Or will wealth leave her poorer than ever before?

Love in the World of Make Believe by Janis Susan May, International Bestselling Author 
Delighted to win a role on her favorite TV series and meet the star Brick Daniels, Edith Whiting discovers he is not a nice man. She is kept from humiliation by the second lead, Lupo deGermain. Fearsomely scarred and extremely private, Lupo finds himself falling for Edith, but can he reveal his feelings when he carries so many secrets?

Whole Lot 'o Love by Bonnie Edwards, National Bestselling Author 
Ashlee Branton’s stroke of luck is giving her and her son a new, settled life back home. Except that returning to Blaine Washington means facing her son’s father, Brick Harcourt, in a most unsettling way. Ashlee has two pasts now, one with Brick and one with an ex who wants to crash their reunion. Will she run again or stay and sacrifice money for love?

Double Down by Cathy Perkins, International Bestselling Author 
Dealing blackjack at the Tom Tom Casino isn't Maddie Larsson’s dream job but she needs to cover a looming college tuition bill. Busted takes on a new meaning when her favorite customer, a former Poker World Tour champion, is murdered. Maddie better prove she isn't a gold-digging murderer before the real killer cashes in her chips.

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L@@K at ME! Love, Lies and Alibis by Suzanne Pearson

LOVE, LIES AND ALIBISby Suzanne PearsonGenre: inspirational romantic suspense


After suffering five years of abuse at the hands of her deceased husband, Tiffany Reynolds wants to reclaim the life she thought was gone forever. Every step forward becomes a stumble backward when danger threatens her life, and even God seems not to care.

Guilt-ridden, Luke Johnson, a private investigator, is driven to solve the murder of his sister. Following up on a lead, Luke crosses paths with Tiffany. His need for answers and retribution soon clash with his growing love for the fragile widow.

Joining forces is their only option if they hope to survive the minefield surrounding them. When Luke’s life is threatened, Tiffany makes a decision that could cost her everything.

Will Luke understand and forgive, or will he choose to walk out of her life?



Humph! What the . . .?

Hands curled around her shoulders holding her steady. “Happy to see me?”

“What? No.” Do I know this guy?

“Plop, fizz – that’s the sound of my ego deflating.”

She wrenched free and backed away, wrapping her arms around her waist.

He held his hands up where she could see them. “Sorry. A pretty girl like you bumps into a guy like me, it makes me think my luck is changing.”

His voice, so deep and warm, wriggled past her defenses and eased the tension in her muscles. Who wouldn’t trust that voice? She looked up into eyes such a deep blue they reminded her of the sky before a storm. The broad-shouldered man stood half a foot taller than her. She should feel threatened. But she didn’t. Instead she felt something she’d never felt before.

Breathless. Hot. Mindless.

Her mouth opened, her lips moved, but no sound came out.

He frowned, and she froze.

Surely I’m safe in this crowd. Just in case, hold completely still and maybe he’ll go away.

“Easy.”

“I’m sorry.” Please, please, please, don’t hurt me.

“I’m the one who should apologize.”

Okay, he’s not angry. He’s concerned. Is that any better? The phone jammed in her pocket suddenly buzzed against her hip. She pulled it out and answered. “Julie? Where are you guys?”

“Are you okay? I’ve been trying to reach you all afternoon.”

“I’m so sorry. I was at the salon and my phone was in my purse, so I never heard it ring.”

“Our celebration is going to have to wait. I have to work another shift at the hospital. Meg’s car wouldn’t start, and after that, Deb said we should cancel.”

Tiffany clamped her lips tight to keep the whimper of disappointment from escaping. Julie was distressed, and she couldn’t add to that. “I understand.”

“Honey, I’m so sorry. I know you were looking forward to this. But I promise we’ll reschedule real soon.”

“Okay, talk to you later.” She disconnected the call and put the phone back in her pocket.

“Bad news?”

“No, not really,” she murmured even as she wanted to stamp her foot in aggravation. It wasn’t bad news in a general sense. No one was hurt or dying. But disappointment was a hard pill to swallow. “It sounds pretty bad. Can I help?” He offered her a kind smile.

Why are you so concerned? “Oh, no, but thanks for the offer. I was supposed to meet some friends here, but they canceled.”

“What a lucky coincidence, so did mine.”

“Oh.”

“I have a solution.”

“You do?” It wasn’t hard to guess what would come next. He’d ask her to join him and she would politely decline. He was a perfect gentleman now, but what would he do later?

“What movie were you going to see?”

“That’s a great question.”

“I’ve got plenty more.”




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Missionaries, Mercenaries and Murder
Alex Carpenter’s life is shattered when his friend and partner is gunned down. With his confidence shaken, he turns in his badge and gun and accepts an offer to build a church in the Congo, hoping for time alone to heal.

Molly Quinn is on a mission to save souls and heal bodies. Nothing is too difficult for her to handle until a police officer from Kikwit demands she come to his city to identify a body that turns out to be her friend and a fellow American.

Alex realizes her friend was murdered, and Molly begs him to help her find the killer. Drawn into a bloody web of intrigue and deception, Alex and Molly must work together to stay alive and one step ahead of a murderer.

Can she convince Alex to put his trust and their lives in God’s hands?




Suzanne Pearson was born in the Congo to missionary parents. After graduating from high school she flew back to America by herself and settled in Eugene, Oregon where she met her husband. She didn’t start writing until she was an empty-nester. Calling on her experiences as a missionary kid and later life in America, she began writing about the adventures and troubles that come unexpectedly into life.

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RELEASE TOUR: tempting tessa by Samantha Lind #GIVEAWAY

TEMPTING TESSAby Samantha LindGenre: contemporary romance


After losing her high school sweetheart to an accident at work, Tessa doesn’t know how to move on in life even though life is moving on all around her. She’s caught up in trying to figure out how to survive without her husband, raise their son and keep his memory alive. When things literally start falling apart all around her, will she be able to accept the help being offered and love again?

Jake has pulled his life back together after living through hell while being injured in the Army. It takes him years to recover and he’s still dealing with the emotional pain. When Tessa enters his life, and turns it upside down, can he tempt her to fall in love with him and find her new forever?



I walk back into my bedroom and realize she can’t get the zipper open on her dress. My dick twitches in my pants at the thought of taking that dress off her body. I slowly walk toward her, never taking my eyes off hers. It only takes me a few strides to reach her, and she turns so her back is against my front. I slowly trace my finger along her shoulder blade and down her spine until I grasp the zipper and slowly pull it down. I have to stop myself from helping the dress from falling from her hot as fuck body. Just as I’m about to step back and leave the room, she looks me in the eyes again from over her shoulder.

“Please don’t go.” She says on a whisper.

That is the opening I needed, I spin her around so she is facing me. The motion makes her dress fall down to the floor and she’s standing before me in a skimpy black lacy bra and matching panty set that makes my mouth water. She is so fucking beautiful.

“You are so fucking beautiful,” I growl out to her.

I cup her face again and bring my lips to hers. She lifts up on her toes to deepen the kiss and I swipe my tongue across her lips looking for access to her mouth. She opens for me and I deepen the kiss and take complete control. I lift her up and she wraps her legs around my waist. I can feel her heat and arousal through her wet panties and fuck, that’s hot and makes my cock hard as steel. I could devour this woman all night and never tire from it.

I gently lay her down on my bed, her legs still wrapped around me and grind myself into her. This makes a deep moan escape from her. I can feel the moan form deep within her. I move my lips to kiss along her jawline and down her neck. From the moans leaving her, I am going to guess she likes what I’m doing and keep working my way down to her collarbone. I then kiss my way back up to behind her ear and graze my teeth across her earlobe. I whisper in her ear, “Is all this ok, do I need to stop?”

“Don’t stop,” she says between moans. “Don’t you fucking stop.”

Roger that! I continue to kiss my way down her neck and across the tops of her full breasts. They have been on display tonight and I’ve been dreaming of when I could get my hands and lips on them. I quickly locate the clasp of her bra and flick it open and drop it to the floor. I kiss my way down one breast, sucking her nipple into my mouth and use my hand on her other one rolling her nipple between my fingers. This extracts a few louder moans from her and has her arching her back to thrust her breast into me even more. I release her nipple with a pop and look up at her. The look of desire on her face tells me everything I need to know.




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Samantha Lind is a contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls Iowa home where she lives with her husband and two sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey, and listening to country music.

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