R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 302

RELEASE TOUR: Wrapped Up In You by Erin Bevan #GIVEAWAY

WRAPPED UP IN YOU by Erin BevanGenre: Contemporary Holiday Fantasy Romance
Princess Jenny Claus has thirty suitors to choose from to take on the role of Santa and her husband, and only three weeks to do it. When an outsider crashes into and destroys the toy factory, her Gala and the prospect of Christmas for children everywhere are ruined.

Logan Moss awakens from his plane crash, suffering from partial amnesia. Surrounded by a world he always considered make believe, he has a hard time accepting his new surroundings. Except for one snow princess who he’s deeply fascinated with. And when Logan realizes she only has three weeks to pick a husband, he begins to feel compelled to be that man. Problem is, he can’t remember if he has a wife.

With Christmas getting closer, Jenny has to make the hardest decision of her life...duty or love.

She gazed over the rest of his physique. Broad shoulders strained the stitches of his suit jacket, and from the looks of his chest, she would be willing to bet he hit North Pole Fitness on a daily basis. His grin showed snow-white, straight teeth, and a blush crept up her cheeks at his sparkling, undivided attention.

An answered prayer. At least God hadn’t taken a vacation day.

Her eye twitched again. Benigan must have thought she winked at him because his smile widened, and he twitched his eye back at her as he strolled away. She’d probably just filled the man with false hope. Then again, his chances seemed pretty great compared to the others, so maybe she hadn’t. Was this small flutter in her stomach love? Was this what all the hype was about?

She’d expected a bolt of lightning to shoot from the sky, something earth shattering that would flip her whole world on its head to point her in the right direction. So far, all she got was a flutter…

A loud BOOM suddenly shook throughout the cottage walls as the lights flickered overhead.

Okay, that was definitely earth shattering.

She sucked in a breath and spun around to glance at her parents. The orchestra stopped playing while the party guests ceased their mingling and began speaking in startled cries and hushed tones.

Her father stood from his white and gold throne to place his hand on the small of her back.

“Dad, what do you think that was?” she whispered. “I don’t know.”

Sirens wailed in the distance as Peace and Joy, her father’s assistants, ran for the stage, each pressing a finger to their ear pieces.

“Ladies, what’s wrong? What’s happening?” her father asked.

“It’s the toy factory, sir,” Peace replied, nearly breathless.

“The toy factory? What about the toy factory?” Jenny grabbed her father’s arm and squeezed.

“A plane has crashed into it,” Joy answered. “It’s on fire.”

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Erin Bevan was born and raised in Southwest Arkansas. She spent her teenage years working for her aunt at the local gas station flipping burgers and making milkshakes dreaming of the day when something better would come her way. Fast forward ten years later, she found herself stuck inside an apartment in South Korea while her daughter went to preschool and her husband went to work. Alone and unable to speak the local language she turned to books for a friend. After reading a few hundred in such a short time, she decided to try her hand at writing one. That first one sucked, but by the fifth and sixth book, Erin started to get the hang of this writing thing. Getting the first contract in the mail was a dream come true. Now, with three babies at home, she squeezes in stories one word at a time, one sentence at a time, one day at a time.  She’s a full time mom, a full time wife, with a little writer sprinkled in whenever she can get the chance.

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RELEASE TOUR: Brooklyn Blues by R.E. Hargrave #GIVEAWAY

BROOKLYN BLUES by R.E. HargraveGenre: BDSM Erotica (short story)
By day, Brooklyn Crenshaw goes to work and does her job. She doesn't make waves, simply follows orders and stays off the radar. Oh, and she might have a crush on WILLIAM K. BAXTER from across the hall. Each time she passes his office—with his polished name plate on the window—her gut clenches with desire at the sight of him. But he never looks up, can't possibly know who she is, and even if he did, her needs would send him running. Because they always ran.

At night, in private, she turns on her laptop so that her Sir can turn her on. Brooklyn’s never seen His face, but she knows His voice and the magic of His words. The arrangement works for her. Mostly.

As the office holiday party approaches, Brooklyn starts receiving Secret Santa gifts which suggest more than casual interest, Sir reveals his fondness for exhibition and voyeurism, and WILLIAM K. BAXTER finally looks up at her, and waves.

Brooklyn begins to question everything. Does she continue to follow the orders of a man who hides behind technology, but is always there, or does she take a chance on the man right in front of her who’s seen her at long last? Then there is the Secret Santa who seems to know what makes Brooklyn tick. So many decisions.

‘Tis the season… to be kinky.


“Is everything okay, Sir?”

“Hm? Oh, yes. Just thinking.”

“Oh?”

“Entertaining personal fantasies is all. It would be an honor to escort you to this shindig.”
Brooklyn sighed. “Sir—”

“I know. I apologize. No more pressure, bunny.” After a pause, he added, “If you were to invite me, though, I’d love seeing you in candy-cane stripes.”

Shaking her head, a soft laugh escaped her. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“On a serious note. Whether you allow me to come, or not, I would like to set you a task for the evening.”

Throughout her body things tightened at his words, the deepening tenor they were being delivered in sending heat across her flesh. “Yes?”

“Hm. Yes, I think candy cane-striped thigh-highs, a daring short dress—in red, please—no bra, and let’s see, thong or commando. Your choice.”

She almost scoffed. That had all sounded pretty damn specific to her, and quite well-thought out. Her gut told her he hadn’t pulled this from his hat on a whim. Or that she didn’t really have a choice, either. His lust-laden voice lifted to her ears before she could form a reply, leaving her quite the mental undertaking.

“Your task is to observe, bunny. Keep your head held high when you enter the party. Don’t shy away from the attention you will get. Unless I’m mistaken, and I rarely am when it comes to the marvels of the human psyche, reactions will vary. There will be those longing to be you, those who wish to have you, and still others will hate you for your confident beauty, but all their heads will turn. Embrace that.”

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Domestic engineer. Author. Burgeoning editor. And quite possibly certifiable. Believing every story can shine bright with a bit of tenacious tough love, R.E. Hargrave is thorough and to the point. An international bestselling author, she takes storytelling and manuscript polishing seriously, working with her authors and on her own creations to ensure they come to life, crawling from the pages and into the reader’s souls.

Hargrave lives on the outskirts of Dallas, TX and is married to her high school sweetheart; together they are raising three children. A native 'mutt,' she has lived in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Alabama, Texas, and California. She is fond of setting her stories—which range from the sweet to the paranormal, to the erotic and horrific—on location in South Carolina and Texas.

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LOOK at ME! Pretty Things by Diane Rinella #GIVEAWAY

PRETTY THINGS:THE ROCK AND ROLL FANTASY COLLECTION:Rosalyn and Friendsby Diane RinellaGenre: Visionary Fantasy/Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Get the first three stories in USA Today Bestselling Author Diane Rinella's, Visionary Fiction, Rock and Roll Fantasy Collection at a special price. Includes an extended version of Queen Midas In Reverse.

It's A Marshmallow World (novella)

Once upon a time, Darla was given a mystical gift, along with an ominous message. Now, meeting Chris puts her head in a spin. Could it be that gift from long ago holds the key to their happiness?

Scary Modsters ... and Creepy Freaks (novel) A fantastical romance involving a woman, the music that fuels her, and her Ouija board.

Rosalyn seeks acceptance, but is always ridiculed for her eclectic wardrobe and unconventional music collection. One fateful night, Rosalyn bewitches Niles, a stylish man whose quirky character is the perfect complement to her own. Unfortunately, Niles has a secret flaw that always ensures relationship suicide--and he can't hide it much longer.

During a tango with a Ouija board, Rosalyn summons the ghost of Rock and Roll deity Peter Lane. Peter entices Niles with the key to saving his relationship with Rosalyn. When Niles hears the price is avenging Peter's murder, how far will he go to secure Rosalyn's heart?

Queen Midas In Reverse (extended novella)

For Jacqueline, a second date is as rare as a unicorn. She's beautiful. She's intelligent. So why is she experiencing a string of first dates that leaves her ducking behind bushes and running for buses? Contrary to her nature, trading in her heels and curling iron for an easy chair surrounded by cats sounds appealing. Is she cursed, or can she find the man who will steal her heart?

The Rock and Roll Fantasy Collection takes place in a mystical world where rock and roll will save your soul.Although the books can be read in any order, the collection begins with It's A Marshmallow World before moving on to Scary Modsters ... and Creepy Freaks, Queen Midas In Reverse (all found here in Pretty Things), and then Voices Carry and Moonlight Serenade (both also found in the special set Forever Changes).





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Enjoying San Francisco as a backdrop, the ghosts in USA Today Bestselling Author Diane Rinella's one hundred and fifty-year old Victorian home augment the chorus in her head. With insomnia as their catalyst, these voices have become multifarious characters that haunt her well into the sun's crowning hours, refusing to let go until they have manipulated her into succumbing to their whims. Her experiences as an actress, business owner, artisan cake designer, software project manager, Internet radio disc jockey, vintage rock 'n' roll journalist/fan girl, and lover of dark and quirky personalities influence her idiosyncratic writing.


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LOOK at ME! A Matter of Trust by Jill Blake #GIVEAWAY

A MATTER OF TRUSTThe Silicon Beach Trilogy, Book 3 by Jill BlakeGenre: Contemporary Romantic SuspenseContent warning: For mature audience only. Rated 18+ for occasional profanity and explicit sex scenes. Also includes off-stage murder (though no graphic description of violence).
Venture capitalist Vlad Snezhinsky excels at two things: making money and being a dad. Still struggling to get over a disastrous marriage, he has zero interest in starting a new relationship. That is, until he meets Klara Lazarev.

Klara’s done living in her older sister’s shadow. Determined to forge her own path, she completes a prestigious fellowship program before returning to college. Now scrambling to fulfill her graduation requirements, Klara has no time for distractions like Vlad and his daughter. Especially after an unfortunate first encounter leaves Klara doubting Vlad’s integrity.

But when a shocking murder throws their world into chaos, can they trust each other enough to uncover the truth and embrace the possibility of love?

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Vlad Snezhinsky paused mid-sentence as the newest member of the Talbot household let out a wail.

“Sorry,” Ethan said. “Maya’s teething. Go on.”

Vlad watched as the man draped a fresh burp cloth over his shoulder, adjusted his hold on his six-month-old daughter, and patted the baby’s back.

In the year since Vlad joined the Talbot Fund, he’d been to Ethan Talbot’s home office twice. For a venture capitalist, Ethan did a remarkable job keeping his business life from encroaching on family time. Today’s meeting proved the rare exception. Not that Vlad blamed him. The allure of first-mover advantage was hard to resist.

“The market’s at least $500 million,” Vlad said, picking up where he left off. “They want six million, in exchange for sixty percent of the company—”

A peremptory knock cut him off. The door swung open, and a dark-haired woman popped her head inside. “Sorry, Ethan. Anna needs you. The Pack ’n Play won’t fold, and she’s wigging out.”

Vlad set aside his laptop and rose from the visitors’ chair.

The woman glanced his way. A flicker of something—recognition? awareness?—crossed her face, but before he could interpret it, her expression smoothed into polite disinterest. She turned back to Ethan. “If you want, I can watch Maya while you go fix things.”

Ethan got up and rounded the desk, transferring his daughter into the woman’s care. “She may need a diaper change.”

The baby cooed and kicked her legs. The woman laughed—a smooth, husky sound that trickled like warmed oil down Vlad’s spine.

He forced himself to remain still, knees locked, fingers digging into his palms.

Ethan, apparently unaffected, removed the burp cloth from his shoulder and offered Vlad an apologetic smile. “Sorry. Our first big trip with Maya. You know how it is.”

Vlad nodded.

“Anyway,” Ethan said, “let’s do the due diligence, and if everything pans out, we’ll set up a preliminary meeting. I’m available by phone if you need me.”

The door closed. Silence descended.

Vlad waited to see what the woman would do next.

“Pee-yew.” She wrinkled her nose and headed for a brightly decorated corner equipped with an array of baby paraphernalia. “Your daddy’s right, kiddo. You do smell like you need a diaper change.”

She placed Maya atop the padded changing table and rummaged through the top drawer with one hand, while keeping the other on the squirming infant.

“Looks like we’re in business, kid.” She cleaned, re-diapered, and dressed Maya in a fresh outfit. “Now what?”

Vlad cleared his throat, and the woman jumped, as if she’d forgotten he was still in the room.

“There are toys,” he said. “In the cupboard to your right.”

At least that’s where they’d been the last time he was here, shortly after Maya was born.

“Yeah, I know,” she said. Her eyes—green, with flecks of brown and gold—widened at Vlad’s approach. Her lips parted, and he nearly groaned.

Damn, what was he doing?

“Sorry.” He stopped a couple feet away. “I don’t think we’ve met. Vladislav Snezhinsky. My friends call me Vlad.”

Maya chose that moment to grab a handful of the woman’s hair and pull.

“Oww.” She winced and turned her attention to disentangling her curls from the baby’s fist. “Let’s see about those toys, shall we?”

In the few minutes it took to settle Maya on a brightly colored floor mat with an assortment of plush musical toys and rattles, Vlad studied the woman’s profile. She was tall—maybe half a head shorter than him—and dressed for comfort in an oversized T-shirt and faded jeans. When she leaned down and reached across the mat to grab a toy, Vlad got a glimpse of what her loose clothing concealed: a narrow waist, generous hips, and a rounded bottom that made his mouth water and his fingers itch.

Hoping to disguise his body’s reaction, Vlad hunkered down at the edge of the mat. “Okay, let’s try this again,” he said, stretching out his hand. “My name is Vlad. And you are…?”

“Klara. Anna’s sister.” She withdrew her fingers as quickly as possible, but not before he felt the slight tremor.

Nerves? Attraction? She averted her eyes, focusing on the baby. The pulse at the base of her neck fluttered.

He swallowed a smile. “So, Klara. Why haven’t we met before?”

That got her attention. And not in a good way. Her brows drew together and she narrowed her eyes. “We have. A couple years ago, at your brother’s wedding.”

“Oh.” He blinked away the unpleasant memories that threatened to swamp him. It was unfortunate that he’d forever associate his brother’s wedding with the beginning of the end. That’s when Vlad and Oksana started on a long downward spiral, culminating in an acrimonious divorce that was still dragging on today.

He studied Klara more closely. Something stirred at the back of his mind.

A brief impression of thick black curls swept up in an elegant twist, the body poured into some barely-there excuse for a dress, the lips smiling at him. And then—

Oh, God.

The red lipstick smeared, the eyes dripping mascara-tinged tears, his cheek stinging from the impression of her hand.

And then—nothing…until he woke up the next morning, head pounding like an entire battalion of jackhammers doing demolition work.

LOOK at ME! Christmas on the Strand by Loretta Wheeler

CHRISTMAS ON THE STRANDpart of the Southern Breezes series by Loretta WheelerGenre: Cozy Paranormal Romance
Winter on Galveston Island is a bevy of all types of weather imaginable. From gusty winds, Savanna Burke refers to as Male Gales, to a mixture of sleet, ice and once in a great while, snow. This winter, Savanna’s found the island winds are bringing change, for her, and for Terence Whittaker, Galveston Island’s well-known clairvoyant.

Come visit Galveston Island with Savanna during Christmas and find the wonder of Christmas on the Strand.

Christmas on the Strand is the prequel to a series of cozy stories titled Southern Breezes. All the stories are set on Galveston Island, sharing the lives of a group of people who visited the island when they were young and have returned to claim it as their permanent home.


Savanna was only half-listening to the couple in front of her and Roth. She was trying to find a polite way to excuse herself. She wanted to find Terence before the ladies dressed in red took the floor. She definitely didn’t want to dance with anyone but him when the song played.

An unnerving feeling washed across her and a slow tingle slid its way down her spine. She felt as though someone was watching her—intently. Turning around slowly, Savanna felt as though she was being pulled by a magnet, everything inside her quivering in response.

When she faced the opposite direction, she breathed out a soft laugh and her lips parted in the beginning of a smile.

Terence was walking toward her, smiling at her in return. His smile broadened and he did a little Samba move at her.

Savanna laughed, loving that he wanted to play, tease her. She stepped forward, her hips swaying, matching Terence’s moves.

Terence held out his hand as he reached her, capturing hers in his own. Slowly, he raised her hand to his lips, kissing the backside, then turning it over, he kissed the inside of her palm, his mouth lingering.

Savanna’s heart raced, and her breath caught in her throat. Terence drew her close, his body molding against hers, the Samba moves slowing. Whispering against the shell of her ear, his breath teased at her. “Savanna, I presume?”

She nodded. Her breath so tight she couldn’t speak.

“Then, may I have the next dance, when the pale white circling the floor gives way to the passion of red?”

Savanna leaned back and looked up at him. Where on the face of God’s earth had this man come from? What man spoke this way and looked like Gable? This only happened in the movies. And Gable, only happened once in a lifetime.

Terence lowered his arm to her waist, his fingers resting at the base of her spine, stroking her in a light up and down movement. He brushed his lips across hers and murmured in between the caress of his mouth. “Follow me...we’re going to the center of the ballroom to dance. We’re going to give the photographer his heart’s desire, something that’ll light up tomorrow morning’s papers.”

As Terence took her hand, he leaned around her, signaling behind her. Roth, Savanna thought. She’d forgotten all about Roth. She glanced back and saw a wide grin on Roth’s face and knew everything was fine.

She wasn’t allowed to linger as Terence guided her through the throng of people. Some spoke to him as they passed, quickly giving her the once over. She took a deep breath, knowing everyone was wondering who she was. And for the first time since she’d arrived on the island, she was aware of how many eyes were going to be on her.

The necklace tickled at her back, as she twined through the crowd, reminding her of how striking the dress was. Relieved, she hoped the dress would work the magic Terence and she were looking for.

They rounded the balcony staircase and Terence slowed, releasing her hand and slipping his arm around her, once again placing his hand against her bare back, his thumb caressing her. He smiled down at her. “White Christmas” is ending, so whatever they’re playing for those in red will begin soon.”

Couples waltzed past them, reminding Savanna of scenes from movies. It was the South, in full splendor, carrying forward the tradition of balls and galas. She closed her eyes and shook her head lightly. It was like a dream, something out of a postcard.

A tall blonde danced by in the arms of a handsome man. She smiled in their direction, blew Terence a kiss and waggled her fingers at Savanna.

“That’s Dusty. She’s dancing with Boone, Roth’s brother.”

“Oh...I thought he looked liked Roth. Roth told me about his brother.” She smiled up at Terence. “I feel like I’ve stepped into a movie, it’s all so perfect. Everyone knows each other and they’re all so gorgeous, it’s like they were cast for the parts they’re playing, especially Dusty.”

Terence laughed. “Funny you should say that, Dusty owns a decorating business, but she frequently performs in plays at The Grand. She’ll be delighted to know you think she looks like an actress.”

The orchestra’s strains lowered, signaling the end of “White Christmas” and the dancers slowed, winding down, drifting to the perimeter of the dance floor.

The emcee’s voice carried above the dulcet tones of the music as he announced the changing of the colors.

“Ladies and gentlemen...will those who wear the warmth of Christmas, please take the floor.”

Terence still had his arm around her waist and he smiled down at her as the music began. The harp led first, the sweeping sound of the strings like something from heaven as it called to the dancers.

“The Lady in Red” had never been played with such a haunting quality.

Terence stepped forward, his hand leaving Savanna’s back as he turned, facing her, leading her onto the floor. He kept just enough distance between them to allow everyone to see her, as he slid into a slower version of the Samba he’d danced with her earlier.

Savanna looked at this man, guiding her, enticing her, smiling at her as if only she was in the room. Her lips parted in delight once more as she watched the dance of seduction Terence was tempting her with, and suddenly, she decided to meet the challenge, give the man an answer.

Matching his rhythm, Savanna’s hips moved provocatively, and she felt the necklace at her back swaying with the movement. Terence’s eyes lit behind his mask and he drew her closer, one step at a time, their hips moving in sync until the distance between them closed. Completely.

Savanna could feel Terence’s hips against hers, his thighs so tight against her own, it was as though there was no fabric between them. And they danced, around and around, in their own version of a Samba, as they circled the floor. With a change in rhythm, Terence eased her from the Samba moves into a slow waltz, his hand finding its familiar place on her lower back.

And the cameras flashed. Again and again.

Other dancers slid past them, but Savanna barely noticed, there was only Terence and the feel of his hand on her back. And the flashes of light.

Terence placed his mouth against her ear once more, murmuring the words to the song, sending a new thrill down her back.

“The Lady in Red”—is dancing with me...”

Savanna curled her arm around his neck, whispering a reply—“Always...”

Terence kissed her ear. “And the Lady in Red”—will be leaving with me?”

Savanna stroked his neck with her fingertips, and closed her eyes—

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Loretta Wheeler lives in the south along with her Australian husband, their cat Lil’ Dickens, and their dog, Jack. Both pets are rescued fur-persons who are very much loved.

Most of Loretta’s writing is set in southern locales, whether in the thriller or romance genre. She says she writes of southern things because most of her stories speak to her in a southern accent. Something she recognizes easily since her own is so strong.

If you’d like to hear Loretta’s accent, you can find examples of her voice over work here: Voiceovers

To follow her on Facebook: Click Here

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RELEASE BLITZ: At The Barre by E.M. Denning

AT THE BARREThe Studio Collection #2by E.M. DenningPublisher: Paper Gold PublishingGenre: Erotic RomanceContent Warning: 18+
Allison Elliot was too short to be a ballerina—according to the studio that turned her away. Determined to pursue her childhood dream of learning ballet, she signs up for lessons at a different studio and quickly catches the attention of her instructor.

Josh Owen is more than happy to be her teacher, and maybe more if she’d let him, but she doesn’t seem to notice his advances. Is she oblivious to the obvious chemistry between them, or is something more going on? When Allison threatens to drop his class, Josh urges her to reconsider. Will she stay, or will she give up on two dreams—ballet and love?

**The Studio Collection is a series of short, hot, romantic standalones**


Allison Elliot was too short to be a ballerina. That’s what the instructor at the last studio told her when she went there to sign up for lessons. It didn’t matter that she was only looking to fulfil her childhood dream and had no intentions of dancing professionally. The woman had looked down her nose at Allison and picked her apart. Her thighs were too thick. Her ass was to wide. Her shoulders were too boxy, and according to the woman who towered over her, five-foot-three was definitely too short.

Allison clutched the strap of her purse and entered the studio. Tentatively, she approached the front desk and cleared her throat to get the attention of the mouse-like girl behind the counter.

The girl behind the desk flicked her gaze over to Allison and flashed her a smile. “What can I do for you?”

“I’d like to sign up for ballet.” She spied a name tag pinned to her shirt. “The adult beginner class, please, Heather.”

Her fingers flew across a keyboard. “You have a choice between Monday and Thursday evenings at seven or Tuesday and Friday evenings at eight. Classes run for two months at a time, the sign-up fee is two hundred and fifty dollars.” Her gaze flicked up to Allison as she reached to fish out her credit card. She glanced around then leaned closer and whispered. “And don’t ever be late. Mr. Owen can’t stand tardiness. He’s a bit of a hardass, but he’s a great teacher.”

“Thanks for the warning.” Allison grinned and passed her credit card to Heather.

“Great! I’ll just need your name and address, and you’ll be all registered and ready to go.”

“Do I need to wear a leotard or a tutu or anything?”

Heather laughed so hard she snorted, then quickly reddened and covered her mouth. “Gosh, no. Stretchy, comfortable clothing is necessary, and you can wear a leotard if you want to, but they’re not required.” She handed the credit card back. “Your first class is Tuesday night. Have fun.”

“Thank you.”

Though she left the studio feeling like a million dollars, by the time Tuesday night rolled around, Allison was a complete wreck. Once she got there, it took five minutes for her to convince herself to get out of the car.

She walked up to the doors, her stomach doing flip-flops the whole way. When she reached for the door, her keys slid from her fingers and clattered against the sidewalk. She swore under her breath as she bent to retrieve them.

“First-timer, eh?” said a masculine voice.

Allison looked up, way up, at the tall man who caught the door and now held it open for her.

“How’d you guess?” A nervous laugh shook out of her. “I almost cancelled three times today.”

“I’m sure you’ll do fine.” His blue eyes sparkled when he smiled, and he had the most delicious dimples. Allison guessed, judging by the crows' feet at the corners of his eyes and the flecks of silver in his black hair, that he was somewhere around thirty-five.

“I wouldn’t be so nervous, but I heard the instructor is a bit of a hardass.”

This seemed to amuse the man and his smile deepened. “I’m Josh.” He extended his hand and she took it.

“Allison.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Allison.” Josh withdrew his hand, then motioned toward the open door. “We should get inside. I hear the instructor will make you pirouette until you puke if you’re late.”

Allison went red, then white, and forced herself to go inside. She smiled nervously at the man as he held another door open for her. “You’re in the beginner class, too?” She asked as she slid past him and went inside.

His eyes sparkled and the corner of his mouth twitched in amusement. “You could say that.” He strode to the front of the room and cleared his throat. The whispers in the room hushed at once and all the head snapped to him when he started to speak. He looked directly at Allison. “Hello, everyone. My name is Josh Owen, and I’ll be your instructor. Welcome to adult ballet.”

Allison held her breath and willed the earth to open up and swallow her whole.

Despite the warning from the girl at the front desk, the class, and the instructor, proved to be equally pleasant. There was plenty of laughter as the group of twenty and thirty-somethings bent, stretched and tried to contort their bodies into position. By the time class was over, Allison’s stomach muscles ached from laughing. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had this much fun. The best part had been when Josh strode over to her and corrected her form. His powerful hands gripped her shoulders and he made her square them and stand straighter.

Her stomach fluttered when she caught a whiff of his musky cologne. When she turned her head and looked up at him, he winked. She quickly tore her gaze away from his and hoped that the whole room didn’t see her scarlet cheeks.

At the end of class she watched people flood out the doors to rush home, or wherever it was they were going. Allison was the last to leave. She’d purposely taken her time putting her shoes on. She slung her purse over her shoulder and cast a glance at Josh.

“Hardass?” She raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

Josh shrugged as he took his iPod off the dock and slid it into his pocket. “Heather started that when I first met her. She said she took one look at me and decided that I was a hardass.”

“Why would she say that?” She opened the door to leave and he followed her.

He shrugged. “I never asked.” He paused, as if to consider her question more. “Maybe it’s because I’m so tall.”

“Nope,” Allison said in a definite tone. “That’s not it.”

“You sound so certain.”

She glanced up at him. “It’s a girl thing.”

“A girl thing?” He seemed puzzled.

“Girls are shorter than guys. We’re used to people being taller than us,” Allison laughed. “At least I am. Tall people aren’t intimidating.” Allison paused at the main doors that opened out the parking lot and looked at him. “She probably said it because she took one look at you and decided that you were hot.”

“You think she thinks I’m hot? Why would you think that?” A broad grin spread across his face and suddenly Allison wished she’d kept her mouth shut.

Before she could dig herself a deeper hole she pulled the door open and escaped into the parking lot. She clutched the strap of her purse and made a beeline for her car.

“What did you decide when you first saw me?” Josh followed beside her. Her short legs went twice the speed of his much longer ones.

“I thought you were nice.” Allison reached her car and dug for her keys. “Then you tricked me at the door. You made me think you were a student.”

Josh crossed his arms in front of himself and leaned against her vehicle. “Yeah. That was fun, wasn’t it?”

Allison shot him an icy glare. “And only mildly humiliating.”



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Kevin promised his sister to walk her down the aisle at her wedding. This wouldn’t be so bad, but she’s also making him dance with her. There’s only one problem—Kevin can’t dance.

Determined to have the perfect day, Kevin’s sister signs him up for dancing lessons. His instructor, Ginger, thinks he bit off more than he could chew and offers him some private instruction after class. As his sister’s wedding approaches and his lessons come to an end, he soon learns the benefit of following Ginger’s lead.

Amazon ✯ B&N ✯ Kobo ✯ iTunes ✯ Goodreads E. M. Denning is a writer from British Columbia. She loves her family and her animals and anything cute and fuzzy. She was born a hopeless romantic and when she’s not writing romance, she’s probably reading it. She loves love.

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RELEASE BLITZ: Pleasure Me {Erotic Boxset}

PLEASURE MEGenre: Erotic Romance & Erotica Erotica and Hot Romance Box Set — Complete Books Anthology — Hot New Release — Vacation Reading Package — Perfect Holiday Gift Idea

21 COMPLETE NOVELS AND NOVELLAS FROM YOUR FAVORITE EROTICA AUTHORS.

PLEASURE ME is a magnificent collection of award-winning erotica books, each sizzling hot story hand-picked for your enjoyment. 21 arousing erotic adventures to raise your temperature, 21 exhilarating liaisons to eavesdrop on, 21 couples to invite to your dinner party. The perfect companion for late nights on the sofa, the perfect gift to those who enjoy a good read. Add it to your favorite kindle with one click now.

This box set includes a mix of already released and totally new novels and novellas, all complete works. Those books which are part of a series can be enjoyed fully without the need to read the complete series (though there is a chance you might develop story-addiction issues—for that, we apologize).

Due to mature content, situations and language, this collection is recommended for audiences 18+. All works in this box set have been professionally proofed by Paper Gold Publishing, unless this service was expressly refused by the author. Some stories are written in American, some in Canadian, and some in British English. The authors have chosen to stay true to their heritage.

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THE FOOD CRITIC — R.E. Hargrave

The Food Critic: Serena Peters has made her place in life writing an exclusive column for a popular foodie magazine. She has fame and fortune, what she doesn’t have is companionship or love. Chef Stuart Wellings comes from an embittered past and has had to fight for the simple way he lives. When Serena shows up to interview him and his small town diner, will an appreciation for food be the only thing they have in common, or will there be more?
MILE HIGH — M. B. Feeney

When Taryn Caine was assigned a long haul flight on a private jet hired by Blazed, the hottest new band around, she never expected to end up screwing the lead vocalist, Max Reeves.Max certainly rubbed Taryn up the wrong way from the moment he stepped foot on the jet, but can he rub her the ‘right’ way by the end of it?
REVENGE — E.M. Denning

On the heels of a horrific break up, Summer is looking forward to having a couple months at home to lick her wounds. After a run-in with her ex leaves her reeling, she does something she’s never done before—has a one-night stand.Hunter watched Mitch treat Summer like crap for months, so he was relieved when they broke up for good. Even better was when she invited him to her dorm room the night before they left campus for the summer.The morning after comes with a surprise neither of them saw coming—Summer has a new stepbrother.
BIND ME — Rene Folsom

Lily had a suspicion her new roommate was the type to always take control, no matter what the situation. It wasn’t until she accidentally peeked in on Chaz dominating another woman, that her suspicions were realized. Lily watched with amazement as Chaz masterfully played the female like a sensual instrument, bringing her the most intense gratification Lily had ever witnessed.After witnessing his sexual expertise from a distance and noticing the careful attention he gives to his lovers, Lily wanted nothing more than to have his hands sculpt every inch of her body. Unable to forget the incredibly erotic scene Chaz so skillfully played out, Lily sought to make her desires known by casually submitting to him throughout their daily lives.To her excitement, Chaz invites Lily to his prestigious art show opening at a local gallery. All it takes is a slinky dress, a pair of kitten heels, and a tiny scrap of lace to drive Chaz wild, causing some very heated moments.Learn more about the Roommate Romance series on Rene’s website at www.renefolsom.com/roommates.
EROTIC LIAISON — Xaviera Snow

Xaviera takes on a new position with a sexy yet distant German Diplomat, but it's not what she expected! Thomas Gunnar has control issues, as in, he wants to control Xaviera. Herr Gunnar is very clear that he intends to get very personal with his new personal assistant. Used to handling children, she now finds herself out of her depth as her new boss handles her in surprising, and yet satisfying ways. From the moment she steps onto his private jet, she finds herself irritated, angry, and extremely turned on by the taciturn man with brilliant blue eyes. The tasks he assigns her breach professional ethics and push her to her very limits. As Xaviera submits to her employer's demands, she finds pleasure she never knew existed, but it's without intimacy - until he visits her bedchamber one night and shows her another side of himself. Confused by his dual personality, Ms. Snow falls for the romantic gentleman, but her body craves the man who masters it. Does Gunnar have a split personality or is there a deeper secret?
STEEP EMOTIONS — TJ Chapman
It was Hayleigh’s job. She got paid to do as she was told and to be where she was needed. Level headed and mature for her age, Hayleigh knew what she was getting into with each text or call. That was until her agent scored her the job of the decade.Could Hayleigh be so close, so personal, with the man of her dreams? Could she walk away, knowing it was all an act? Did she want to?
NO RESERVATIONS — R.E. Hargrave

Selena and Dakota Derringer have been trying to get pregnant for a year without much luck. When their latest test is once again negative, instead of letting it get them down they accept an invitation from old friends for an adult weekend away.Selena’s former college roommate Trinity Marshall and her husband Joey are both thrill seekers. In and out of the bedroom. When the couple suggest more than wine and talking for the weekend’s activities, will the Derringer’s accept their friends’ special proposition?Sometimes in life you need to throw caution to the wind and let go.Be adventurous.Have no reservations.
NEW TRICKS: PLAN A — Ella Medler

Emma worries her marriage will become humdrum and insipid now that the children have flown the nest. Fretting over it won't make it better, though. Action will.Jonathan wants to surprise his wife with a romantic getaway now that he's got her all to himself. But judging by her plans for rejuvenating their marriage, it looks like she's considered leaving him—that's her Plan D.Desperate times call for desperate measures, so Jonathan goes along with Emma's suggestions in order to win back her love. Plan A sounds exciting, and Plans B and C are not bad either. Plan D might never happen… if he survives Plan A first.
POLY AMORE — Desiree A. Cox

I call him Daddy, he calls me baby girl.I don’t wear a wedding ring, but my heart belongs to him.We joined souls, for a lifetime commitment, at a private collaring ceremony, not an expensive wedding. Zander’s wife, Patty, was present, and welcomed me into their family.We don’t consider ourselves to be traditionalists in any sense of the word.Most people wouldn’t understand our relationship. And, I guess, I wouldn’t expect them to.My name is Sara. Welcome to my world.
THE VIRGIN — TJ Chapman

Xavier Sallis had rules. One of them was to never take the virginity from any of his clients. So what was with this girl, this innocent and troubled girl, that pulled him so far out of his mind and away from the rules he lived by?
SOMEONE FOR ME — S. Raven Storm

Set in North Carolina’s beautiful coastal city of Wilmington. Someone for Me tells the story of love at first sight, at least that is what Skye Jones, a smart, independent Marketing Vice President at Top Lake believes, when she meets Logan Tyler. An orphan at seventeen, her life takes many twists, as she struggles with her power of visions and premonitions. Her only constant is her job, as she waits for that someone special. The handsome, confirmed bachelor, and self-made millionaire, Logan Tyler, just likes to have fun. Logan’s latest project is dismantling the struggling Top Lake. Sexually drawn to Skye, he is unable to come to terms with the fact that there is more to Skye than sex. He fights the desire to make her his, and to keep his identity a secret. As the owner of Ebb Tide, he in turn is the man Skye despises. The steamy, hot relationship takes several different turns, in this contemporary erotic romance novel. While providing the reader with sex, turmoil, Coastal Algonquian Indian history, psychic phenomenons and occasional humor.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY — Izzy Szyn

Chelsea Davidson has no idea what her next step in life was going to be until she runs into who she thinks is a lookalike for her favorite band lead singer Jacki Knight in her building. When the elevator breaks down and she is finds out it is really Sexual Chemistry lead singer Jacki and she offers her the biggest fantasy she has ever had.Jacki and Sam Knight live in a open marriage. They often have Men or Women in their bed, But with the scandal over sex slaves in the news they are trying to keep a low profile. Chelsea is a want they can't resist and after one kiss they can't keep away from her. Their one night turns into more. How will the rest of Sexual Chemistry react to Chelsea?
DEEP IN YOU — David S. Scott

My name is Alexander Phoenix. You’ve probably heard of me, most people have. I’ve won numerous awards and medals all over the world, including the last two Olympics Games. Outside gymnastics, I’m untamable. Many have tried, none have succeeded. They’ve called me a playboy, a philanderer …Until a chance meeting in a bar with her almost proves to be a disaster for both of us. She’s hot, fascinating and, despite the fact that she poses a risk to me because she’s a tabloid reporter, I can’t help but feel drawn to her.What are her secrets? Who wants to hurt her?I’ve never shied away from challenges. Why should I start now?***Due to graphic sex scenes and language, this book should not be read by anyone under the age of 18***
ALPHA TANGO — E.M. Denning

Kevin promised his sister to walk her down the aisle at her wedding. This wouldn’t be so bad, but she’s also making him dance with her. There’s only one problem—Kevin can’t dance.
TANGLING WITH TANIA — Suzy Stewart Dubot

Tania has been a little peeved when her new neighbour's cardboard rubbish has blown into her yard. Owen has just come through a rough divorce and doesn't care for Tania's critical tone the first time they meet. 'Tangling with Tania' tells what Owen gets when he messes with Tania - an amusing tale of revenge and where it leads.
ADVENTUROUS — Rene Folsom

ad·ven·tur·ous – adjective – willing to take risks or to try out new methods, ideas, or experiences.Having been married for over a decade, Josh and I often find ourselves needing some new ways to fuel the excitement in our lives. So, when he proposes we spend some rather intimate moments in the back seat of our truck after a sporting event, I don’t even think of hesitating to jump on it.My name is Cari, and these stories are just some of the Favorite Things my husband and I love about each other.Warning: Adventurous is part of the Favorite Things series, a set of erotic short stories that stand alone for your reading enjoyment and include strong sexual content meant for adult readers 18+.
TRIAL RUN — Ella Medler

“Trust me, he says. You’ll be safe with me, he says.”
Amelie Watts is sick and tired of being treated like a child. She might be willowy and delicate, but she has strength of the kind that doesn’t show on the outside. Plus, she learned all she needed to know so she could cope on her own. Now, if only her big brother would finally release her inheritance! She would fly to the Bahamas and kiss the backwater she grew up in goodbye.

Jason Watts is fed up with picking up the pieces of his little sister’s life. If only she would grow up already and learn to live life without stabilizers! Her latest idea is insane, and bound to be her most enormous failure to date. But how to make her understand?

Enter Rob Tyson, incorrigible bachelor and Jason’s best friend. For a laugh, they make a bet. Two people, a hastily acquired boat, and a tropical paradise. What could possibly go wrong?
FIRE LUST — R.E. Hargrave

Heather Marsden and Cody Stevens have been an item since their first year of high school. With their future planned and their college graduation within reach, Cody gets devastating news from his doctor. Heather must now cope with the knowledge that she might lose the man who was supposed to be her forever. While trying to come up with a grand final birthday surprise for him, Heather ends up befriending the new girl in town. Suzanne Cross lives a hippie life full of color and extravagance, seemingly without a care in the world. In truth, she’s all alone and hides a secret. Heather’s new friend is something more than human, but how far will she be willing to go to save Cody? Just how much faith in “love” can she muster? ***Contains adult material, including sex and recreational drug use. Meant for readers 18+***
UNWANTED PROTECTION —TJ Chapman

Kian just wanted to work. He had a job to do, that was it.Lacey didn’t want to be there from the start. She didn’t need to protection.Alex was just there for the fun.What was supposed to be two weeks of self defence lessons, turned onto a whole new life. Kian was lost, Alex was laughing, and Lacey… Well, she was just going to drive them insane.
INVOLVING INNOCENCE — Suzy Stewart Dubot

Nathaniel Bourne wants to marry into the aristocracy, the higher the better. He has made a fortune large enough to 'buy' Lady Innocence Manners, but can it buy love?
MY DARLING DOLLY — Kendra Hale

Love and happiness comes in many, and sometimes very unexpected, forms.Thirty five years, after suffering the worst possible insults, mockery and humiliation, at the hands of the girl he’d once idolised, gentle and insure Jack Smith, finally overcomes his trauma, with the help of Dolly.


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LOOK at ME! The Works of Kenneth Eade #GIVEAWAY

KENNETH EADE presents three of his Legal Thriller genre booksGenre: Legal Thriller

Experience the suspense and mystery in the 6th of this fiction series and winner of the Beverly Hills Book Awards best legal thriller from the author critics call 'one of the strongest thriller writers on the scene.

What if murder was as easy as clicking a button and nobody would ever know?

A mob of anonymous cyber stalkers torments lawyer Brent Marks with defamatory posts on the Internet in this fifth novel of the legal thriller series. When the attorney sues to enjoin their libelous publication, the stalkers hide behind the immunity of the Communications Decency Act.

What if the attorney becomes the accused?

When a mysterious anonymous killer for hire strikes, Marks finds himself accused of the murder, and in a desperate race to prove his innocence.


PROLOGUE

The boys lined up in six squads of seven, dressed in the tomato-red shorts and bleached white shirts of their Hale Jr. High School gym uniforms. It was a bright southern California day, the sun blazing high above the field where the boys were in line. Each squad had a leader who answered to Coach Vince Nieman, who was nothing more than a grown-up boy himself: a has-been, first string high school football player who used to be good enough to land himself a spot on the bench in exchange for a college football scholarship. Now he wasn’t good enough for anything but teaching P.E. Brent’s squad leader was a C- student named Russ Carlton, a bulky, red-haired, freckle-faced bully whom, even in middle school, every one of his teachers would have voted as most likely to become a criminal - that is, except for Coach Nieman, who found his brawn useful for crowd control.

Brent hung his head down and filed in. He hated P.E. and made no secret about it.

“You’re a fag, Marquez!” Russ Carlton spouted.

“A dickless fag!” chimed in another.

“You’re a dickless fag who sucks dick!” Now there was a chorus.

“Do it, Steinman!” Russ commanded.

That was the cue for Gary Steinman, a skinny, pathetic-looking kid with a generous brown bush of frizzy, crumpled hair, to fall in line behind Brent. With both hands he grabbed the waistband of Brent’s shorts and underwear and pulled down with all his strength, until they were dangling around Brent’s ankles. Gary’s efforts were rewarded by a cacophony of belly laughter from everyone.

As Brent pulled up his shorts and began to run away, Russ affirmed to the group: “See, I told you he was a fag!”

“Yeah, what a pussy!” exclaimed Gary.

Brent ran past Coach Nieman and into the locker room.

“Where do you think you’re going, Marquez?” asked the Coach. Brent ignored him. Then he turned to Russ. “Carlton, go get Marquez and bring him back out here."

“Come on, Steinman,” commanded Russ as he ran after Brent into the locker room. Steinman followed him like a trained dog.

Brent spun the lock on his gym locker and opened it. The locker room smelled: a combination of the stench of armpits, sweaty balls, and dirty stale socks. He was just putting a leg into his jeans when the two arrived.

“Suit up, Marquez. Coach wants you back out there.”

Brent pretended not to hear Russ and kept putting on his street clothes.

“What are you, deaf, faggot?” asked Steinman.

“I heard you. I’m not going.”

“Get him, Steinman," Russ said as he shoved Gary Steinman into Brent, slamming Brent’s back against the locker. Like a cobra, Brent came back at Steinman, grabbing his left arm, which he twisted behind his back, and applying pressure upward, causing Steinman to wince as he turned and smashed his nose against the locker door.

“Who’s the faggot now, Steinman?” Brent bellowed into his ear.

“Let him go, Marquez, or I’ll fuck you up,” threatened Russ Carlton. Brent ignored Carlton and kept up the pressure.

“What’s going on here?” Coach Nieman’s voice boomed through the locker room. Brent wouldn’t let go. He pushed harder on Steinman’s arm until he thought it would break and ground his face into the locker. Steinman’s wire-rimmed glasses bent at the nose, fell off, and hit the filthy locker room floor.

“No fighting, Marquez. Let him go, now!” barked Nieman. Brent let go of Steinman and gave him a push to the floor. “You two: back outside. Marquez: to the VP’s office, on the double!”

“This isn’t over, faggot!” said Russ, walking backwards and pointing his finger at Brent threateningly.

***
Brent left the Vice Principal’s office with a two-day suspension from school, which was fine by him. It was nothing but a wasteland of adolescent scum, as far as he was concerned. The classes were a joke, and the so-called students seemed to be in a popularity contest over who could be the most ignorant.

As Brent closed the door of his locker and turned around, there stood Russ Carlton and about eight of his friends. What a surprise.

“You wanna fight, pussy?” said Carlton, shoving Brent against the locker, the combination dial digging into his spine. “I’ll kick your ass!” Brent dared not shove back. There were too many of them. He popped back on his feet and Steinman shoved him back into the locker, followed by a body slam from Nate, another push from Joe, and a sock in the stomach from Briscoe.

“You call this a fair fight?” Brent said, gasping for air. “One against five?”

Russ cackled like a chicken. “The Mexican wants a fair fight!”

“I’m not Mexican.”

“Sorry, I forgot. I guess that’s not your brown skin, is it? You must have just rubbed shit all over it.” Russ laughed again, accompanied by his band of delinquents. He leaned into Brent so closely that Brent could smell his dead-fish breath, and he sniffed at Brent’s neck and grimaced.

“Smells like beans to me. How ‘bout you Briscoe?”

Briscoe stuck his big, long nose right under Brent’s earlobe and sniffed.

“Yup, beans and tortillas.”

“It’s official, Marquez: you’re a beaner!” said Russ, and roared with laughter, to the chorus of guffaws and chortles of his entourage.

“Tell you what. Steinman, here, has to earn his wings. Plus, that wasn’t a fair fight in the locker room today.”

“Yeah, he ain’t been initiated yet,” said Briscoe.

“Did I ask you, dog breath? Like I was saying, Steinman needs his first fight. Saturday, 12 noon, Knapp Park. Be there or we’ll come and get you, and I don’t have to tell you what that’ll be like.”

Russ slammed Brent back into the locker and walked away, followed by Steinman and each of the boys, until Brent fell on his butt on the concrete. He picked himself up, dusted off the knees of his filthy blue jeans, and decided right then and there that he would never back down from any bully.

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A wife, faced with divorce, hires a hit man to take out her husband, then changes her mind and is killed, or so it appears to the police and to Lawyer Brent Marks, who represents the husband. But Marks finds himself questioning whether his client has a role in the murder.

PROLOGUE
He sat at the table, patiently. At first glance, he appeared like any other ordinary person, unless you looked a little bit further. Then you could see that he was different than most people. Oh, he could put on the charm and act like everyone else. But this time, he was staring – an intense, unwavering fixation that made you want to look away, run away.

“You’re pretty brave, you know?”

“Either way, this has to be settled.”

There was a darkness in his eyes – an emptiness so deep that if you were unfortunate enough to catch his gaze, you also caught a chill. Those eyes kept staring ahead – two ebony pools with no reflection; an endless void, a black hole.

“This isn’t a game, you know.”

“I know that better than anybody. You need to call this off, immediately.”

His lips curved upward, as if to form a smile which turned into a sneer. He clenched his fists tightly until his knuckles began to turn red. He was a professional. Being a professional meant not only being skillful at what he did, but also being careful about whom he did it for. And who he did it to. He didn’t like to make mistakes of judgment.

“You’ve really got guts, I’ll give you that.”

“When the stakes are as high as this, you have to. So, do we have a deal?”

“There’re no refunds. That’s a rule.”

“You can keep the money. I consider it well spent.”

He leaned forward across the table, his reptilian eyes still staring forward, expressionless and empty.

“Did you bring the termination fee?”

“Yes. It’s all there.”

A black bag was placed on the table. He opened it and thumbed through it, his eyes all the while fixed. Then a malicious, sardonic grin spread across his lips.

“Then I suppose the contract is terminated.”

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This fast-paced and action packed legal and military thriller introduces us to 26-year-old Captain Ryan Bennington, in command of a company during the Iraq Warand fighting a faceless enemy in the global war on terror where a split-second decision could mean the difference between killing an innocent civilian or losing an entire platoon to a suicide bomber. Ryan survives the war and comes home to conquer PTSD and chronic unemployment, only to be arrested for following the orders of his Commander to kill suspected Al-Qaeda terrorists in a small Iraqi village, who turn out, after the raid, to be civilians.

Lawyer Brent Marks takes on Ryan's defense in his court-martial trial, which will reveal the deepest, darkest secrets of the military industrial complex. In their search for a scapegoat, have the powers-that-be gone too far this time?


“You get numb to it. Numb to death, killing. That’s all I can say. You get numb to the things that happen in war, but you never can forget them. They come back in your dreams after you finally come home and they never leave.”

Slap!
Pull!
Observe!
Release!
Tap!
Squeeze!

“SPORT – called the immediate action drill. Helps remind you what to do if your rifle malfunctions. It’s drilled into your head in training. You’re breaking that rifle down and putting it together two hundred times a day and by the time you get over there, you’re doing it like a machine on autopilot. But all that training goes out the window when the first shot’s fired in combat. That adrenalin kicks in, lights you up like a firebomb. But you remember SPORT because that rifle’s the most important possession you’ve got. You’re only alive as long as its in your hands.”

Never surrender as long as there’s a means to resist. And never leave any man behind.

“General Smedley Butler said: ‘War is a racket. It is possibly the oldest, easily the most profitable, surely the most vicious. It’s the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives.’ Well, I know war. Probably better than I know anything. You see in the movies all their charts and maps and plans. But when you hit the ground its pure fucking chaos. The loud thumping of mortar rounds, helicopters buzzing around, rockets exploding, the rat-a-tat-tat of gunfire. Guys getting hit. People screaming, calling out, ‘Medic! Medic!’. Pieces of flaming hot metal flying. Sweating like shit under all that gear, guys screaming, the fucking smoke. The blood, the heat, the flies, the bodies swelling up, the smell.”

“Get small in your foxholes! Air support on the way!”

“They tell us we don’t have to obey any order that’s illegal. Then they tell us if we don’t obey it, we’ll go to jail. Orders come down from the Colonel and I’ve got to give them to my company. Two hundred lives under my charge.”

You have to distinguish between the civilians and parties to the conflict at all times. But, make a mistake and you’ve either killed innocents or you get a whole patrol barraged by rocket propelled grenades and machine gun fire.

“Rules of engagement say you can use deadly force to protect your life. I’ve had to make split-second decisions on who to shoot and who not to shoot. We all have. Some guys have shot people carrying bags of groceries heading toward them because they thought they were insurgents coming to kill them.”

Better to be judged by 12 than carried by six.

“I enlisted on a scholarship – a higher education. I got it, but my real education started after the first deployment. It was then I realized that they we weren’t playing by the rules. We weren’t fighting for honor, for freedom. That was all a lie. But we fought. We fought for our own survival. We fought for each other. For the guy to our left and the guy to our right. I fought for the survival of the entire company. Our goal? To go home.

“I’ve given orders to guys older than me, who’ve seen more action than I have. To sergeants who know more about what goes on outside the wire than I do. I’ve sent the guys out on casualty collection – you’d be talking to your buddy one day, and the next day, you’re picking up pieces of him after he’s been blown to bits by and IED. Some guys have had to shoot dogs who picked up an arm or a leg and wouldn’t let go of it. You do what you’ve got to do because everybody comes home. Dead or alive. We don’t leave anyone behind.”

Captain Ryan Bennington suppressed the tears as the unwanted souvenirs that had been muffled and restrained ascended out of the depth of his memory and flooded his brain as he faced his accusers. Memories that had begun when he was at the top of his graduating class at West Point. Twenty-six years old and with nothing ahead of him but a great future. Two years later, he was carrying the bloody body of an 8-year-old girl as she died in his arms.

Amazon ✯ Goodreads

Described by critics as "one of our strongest thriller writers on the scene," author Kenneth Eade, best known for his legal and political thrillers, practiced law for 30 years before publishing his first novel, "An Involuntary Spy." Eade, an up-and-coming author in the legal thriller and courtroom drama genre, has been described by critics as "One of our strongest thriller writers on the scene and the fact that he draws his stories from the contemporary philosophical landscape is very much to his credit." He is the author of the "Brent Marks Legal Thriller Series", the fifth installment of which, Killer.com, won best legal thriller in the 2015 Beverly Hills Book Awards, and the "Involuntary Spy Espionage Series".

Said Eade of the comparisons, "Readers compare me in style to John Grisham and, there are some similarities, because John also likes to craft a story around real topics and we are both lawyers. However, all of my novels are rooted in reality, not fantasy. I use fictional characters and situations to express factual and conceptual issues. Some use the term 'faction' to describe this style, and it is present in all my fictional works."

Eade has written twelve novels, which are now in the process of being translated into six languages. He is known to keep in touch with his readers, and offers a free Kindle book to all those who sign up at his website.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway MoB Promotions

PreORDER BLAST: Infamous by Lori Sizemore

INFAMOUS by Lori SizemoreGenre: Contemporary Romance
Justine Montgomery, daughter of a divorced beauty queen and TV magnate, is a tabloid disaster after her infamous sex tape. She’s so desperate to help save her family’s home she turns to her deal-making dad. Can she prove to him she’s cut out for a career in television or will she lose it all?

Sawyer has his own past and a successful career is his only goal. Seeing Justine fail would mean the promotion of a lifetime, but things get complicated when he develops feelings for her. Suddenly, the lines between work, life, sex, and love are blurry.

They will have to overcome the bitterness of a rejected ex, the controlling actions of her father, and the half-truths they’re telling one another to forge a lasting partnership both on the job and off the clock.

He considered her for a moment, searching her face. “I want to get you out of those expensive clothes.”

She froze and took a jagged breath.

Sawyer slid a hand behind her to pull her ponytail over her shoulder and run the curls through his fingers. “I want to mess up your hair, fist it in my hands while I kiss you until you can’t think.”

As he toyed with her curls, Justine blanked. At that second, she’d have said yes to anything he asked of her. She stood to open her door then turned back, unsure what would come out. “I can’t think right now.”

With a tilt of the head, he leaned in. “I’m going to kiss you anyway.”

A voice in the back of her mind told her she was going to have to practice telling this man no. He pressed her to the wall, sucked at her bottom lip, ran his tongue across it. Heat blasted through her.

Sawyer tugged her through the open doorway. He kicked the door shut and backed her against it slowly. Pale streetlight from outside the window cast them in shadows. The weight of how much she wanted him almost crushed her. They kissed and, despite them both being fully clothed, she felt vulnerable. Naked.

His hands pressed flat against the wall beside her, his breathing as uneven as her own. “Say it.”

“Say what?”

“Tell me you want me. That you think about me touching you, that it keeps you up at night. Tell me it’s not just me.”

“I do.” Her voice came out fluttery.

He ran a hand through her hair, toying with the ends. “I wonder things, like how you sound when you’re excited and…”

She put a finger to his lips, still moist from their kisses. “Stop saying things like that. I don’t want to know because then I won’t be able to stop thinking about you thinking those things.” She tilted her head back against the wall and steadied a hand on his chest. His muscles bunched beneath her fingers. She needed to think. She needed to process all of this and…

He lifted her hand, nuzzling the sensitive skin on her wrist, which sent a quiver down her spine. When she couldn’t take any more, she withdrew it from his grasp. And Sawyer was there, picking up where he left off, with a leisurely, complete, thorough kiss. And, oh, she kissed him back. How could she not? His kiss, it was everything. Like something in her, that had been off her whole life, snapped into place.

Her heart jittered in her chest and propelled her past the desire, past the panic gnawing inside because she wanted more of him. She wanted to touch him and taste him and be filled by him, but even more beyond that.

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Lori Sizemore grew up in the mountains of West Virginia and never quite managed to escape them. Lori lives at home with her husband of twenty-plus years and two of her three daughters. She also lives with two dogs, a cat, and five hermit crabs. Yes, five of them. This menagerie and her family keep her busy. She worked in mental health as a social worker for ten years before making the choice to write full-time.

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MoB Promotions

RELEASE TOUR: Poppies for Christmas by Stacy Renee Keywell

POPPIES FOR CHRISTMASby Stacy Renée KeywellGenre: YA Romance
A celebration of love without labels. It’s easy to be brave with you by my side!

Popular DJ Dexx finds himself positively smitten by the precociously pristine Poppy Paris. Too bad she’s already taken by an older boy, Declan Davies, a beautiful model with a thriving career, and a perfect family. By a dreamful stroke of chance, Dexx finds himself invited to spend Christmas at the Davies home by a gorgeous girl, granting him the opportunity to pursue the precious Poppy. But in his quest to win her over, he unlocks a world of imperfection and insecurity, where people are picked on for their disabilities, speech, appearance, and eccentricities. For Poppy and her friends, love trumps labels, and everyone deserves a brave friend to stand by their side. What gifts will Dexx discover this Christmas? Will he ultimately find true love, or will he discover something even greater?

You are invited to read a powerful story about living with autism, but not letting it define you, about being bullied, but carrying on with determination and grit, and about having dreams, but not giving up in the face of adversity. Come celebrate something beautiful with Poppies for Christmas.

The Science of Baking

I read somewhere once that cooking is an art. It takes imagination and flare. But baking? Baking is a science. It takes exactitude and precision. It requires patience. It requires dedication. It requires love. A whole lot of love. And well…that’s what I’ve got…love…love for a girl, a special one, one who deserves dedication. So what do I choose to prove my love? I choose baking.

Chapter One

Lenn

Deep inside my tote, my hand grazed against my faithful sketchbook before I removed it. The metal spirals comforted my fingers as I dragged them across the row of sharp-edged rings. Firmly gripping the book, I flipped it open to a blank page near the middle. I smoothed out the slightly texturized, eggshell white page. I bent down and buried my nose in the crease, inhaling the faint lead pencil scent. It calmed me, readying me to add another chapter to my visual saga.

Spreading my tools around me, hard and soft pencils, a ruler, several firm erasers, and a small metal sharpener, I steadied my hand and cleared my mind, inviting in only the most blissful images of my fantasy. With a soft lead pencil, I constructed an oval blank for the face. Art classes definitely assisted in perfecting the technique, but dedication and talent trumped instruction.

I used the ruler to estimate the proper dimensions. I added eyes, a nose, some crazy-hot lips, all his beautiful features. I gave him expressive brows. I sketched his glossy dark brown hair, shaggy bangs flopping over to the side, covering his ear, exposing that sarcastic, twisted grin on his lips, the same way he looked when he joked around with his friends in the corner of the library during study hall.

A trusty eraser mopped up all of the stray, miscellaneous marks. I blew away a couple gummy shreds before I shaded in his taut jawline. I wiped up the last scattered pieces left behind on the page before I started on adding myself to the portrait. Duplicating the process, I gave myself a hipper, manga-esque look, allowing for a more whimsical likeness of myself.

Poppy and Kit sat at the same long, wooden table, on the opposite side of me. Kit swiped through the pages on her tablet, desperately trying to find the right page number, since she had neglected to tap the bookmark before closing out her chapter the previous night. Nervous oohs and aahs escaped her lips. Poppy, sitting with her legs crossed, jiggled her feet beneath her chair, shaking the table, creating a rattling earthquake under my artwork.

I shot a glare in her direction. “Would you please stop? The both of you! You are driving me crazy, and ruining my picture.”

Poppy and Kit stopped suddenly. They looked at each other, wide-eyed and innocent, two does in the midst of a meadow. Unaware! Clueless! Oblivious!

“I can’t think when you moan that way,” I snapped, addressing Kit. She squirmed underneath her oversized flannel shirt and baggy jeans.

“And, you,” I turned to Poppy. “You are going to smudge my drawing with all of that wild motion going on underneath the table. Can it!”

Their jaws dropped. They both stared at me, wordless.

“Please.” I hugged my journal protectively. Softening my voice, I turned to Poppy and asked her again. “Please?”

“Sorry,” they announced in simulcast, sighing, shrugging their shoulders, lost together in the great woods of their minds.

They looked back down at their own musings. I continued to draw.

In this picture, the two of us relaxed together on a chaise lounge, him with his large, bulbous headphones, and me with my skull and crossbones ear buds. Our eyes drifted in the opposite direction, lids almost closed, in a sleepy trance. My arm draped across his chest until our fingers entwined, intimately. We zoned out to his simpatico beats.



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Born with the passion for storytelling, Stacy Renée Keywell spends time stargazing, daydreaming, and creating adventures for her family to conquer. Being an educator for over twenty years, Stacy enjoys studying and sharing her knowledge of culture, philosophy, language, and the humanities. She loves the human spirit, appreciates profound humor, and dreams about the mysteries of the spiritual unknown. Besides following her whimsical dreams, Stacy’s hobbies include singing off tune, dancing oddly yet awesomely, reading as much as possible, and traveling around the globe with gusto. Stacy lives a life of fabulous clichés. Stacy works hard at telling bad joke, and making up amazing new words in hopes that they will one day find their way into the dictionary. She strives to love without labels with her nonprofit movement Project Love Without Labels, which tackles social stigmas and takes on bullying. She vows to bravely stand by the sides of those who need her, especially her two daughters. Stacy, her husband, and her children, live in Michigan in a quaint house in the woods.

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