R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 386

RELEASE BLITZ: Marking Him by Elena M. Reyes

Event Organized by ❤MaE Book Tours & Promo Stars Services❤

SynopsisThe day Maya Owens walked into his tattoo shop, everything Talan knew changed.

After officially starting a relationship, he is now having trouble managing Maya—a woman who consumes every part of his being and owns his heart. His need to control her and everything around her drives Maya insane, but he has good reason. After all, Janice is still lurking around and she has a vendetta against his Bitty.In no time Talan wants more, and it’s faster than Maya can handle; things begin to get complicated.


Months of frustration and want take them for a ride neither wanted, but now yearn for. Will they make it through the turbulence? And if so, at what cost?

Genre: Contemporary Romance/EroticaExpected Publication Date: May 27, 2014



__________________________________________________________________Excerpt
“What are we doing here?” Maya asked when we pulled up to my shop.This date was about remembering our first meeting, for her to see how I truly felt.Taking her face in my hands, I caressed her cheek with the tip of my fingers and leaned forward to ghost my lips over hers.“Where did we meet, Maya?” I asked, then waited for her reaction. She didn’t disappoint.A small smile overtook her face. “Here.”“So where else would I want our first date to be?”Maya giggled, confusing me. “This isn’t our first date, Talan.”“No? Are you sure?” She nodded, still laughing at my confused state. “I don’t remember taking you—”“Shush,” Maya placed her finger over my lips, “our first date happened right here a few months back. The same night we discussed your tattoos.”“But you said . . .” I trailed off; this having a woman shit was confusing.“I know what I said, Talan.” She sounded exasperated and all traces of humor left her features. “I asked to date, to make us official.”“Why didn’t you just say so?” I grumbled while rubbing my temples.“I did; you just heard what you wanted.” Bitty raised an eyebrow at me. “Now, feed me.”“You drive me insane.” If I didn’t care for this woman, I would strangle her.My words were met with another raised brow and a saucy smirk. “Then I’m doing something right.”I laughed at her reply. What could I say to argue that logic? She had every right to act cocky at the moment. Bitty had me by the balls and knew it.“Stay.” Turning off the engine of my truck, I unbuckled my seatbelt and got out of the car. Maya stayed inside, waiting on me. “Ready?”She nodded.I unbuckled her seatbelt, grabbed her by the waist, and helped her down. Her small frame slithered down my body, rubbing against my hardened cock.“For you? Since we met.”“Behave.” My warning was met with defiance.Maya’s hands grabbed onto the front of my pants. She pulled me forward; my erect shaft nestled between our bodies, pushing against her stomach. “Feed me.”“Hungry?” I grunted when her right hand dipped inside my waistband.“Commando?” She moaned, ignoring my question. Maya ran the tip of her fingers around the slit, rubbing the liquid there over my swollen head. I shivered while watching, mesmerized, as she brought the glistening digits toward her lips and sucked.“Maya, please. Let’s go eat. You have to be starving.”“I am,” she whimpered, as my flavor danced over her tongue. Maya winked at me then shimmied once more against me. The head of my cock—now purple and swollen—peeked out from the waistband, searching for her touch.“Quit fucking around, Bitty.” Growling under my breath, I tucked my dick back into my pants, much to her disappointment. It’d been torture not taking her, but it was getting worse than before. We were both so close to that moment and we knew it. “I ordered in.”“Warned you; I’m hungry.” She ignored my statement and instead pulled me down to her level. Her eyes shone with emotion, deep and as pure as she was. “Don’t care about food.” Maya bit my lip, hard. “Feed me.”“Fuck.” She killed my will, my need to show her I wanted more from her than just the sweet pussy between her thighs.“First, food, and then for dessert, I’ll give you my cock,” I whispered—more a plea than a bargain—against her lips. She bit down once more and backed away, leaving my lip bruised and tingling.“Tempting.” Bitty stepped back. “Convince me.”“Okay.” I took a step forward and backed her into my truck, my fingers tangling in her hair. She opened her mouth to speak, but my finger over those succulent lips silenced her. “Quiet.”Maya whined against my hold. My hips kept her in place, taunting her, I ground my hardened length against her.“We’re going to enter my shop and enjoy all the hard work I’ve put into this date. Nod if you understand.” She did. “I want to enjoy you.” Bitty moaned at this, and swiveled her hips into me. “Feed you. Don’t take that away from me.” At those last words, a soft expression overtook her face and she stilled in my arms.She sighed. “You win.”“What was that?” I asked needing to hear her say it again.“You win.” Maya smiled and pushed me back with a gentle shove. “I want it all. You, me, and this date . . . the small talk and flirting. Maybe even another orgasm at the end of the night?” She was too cute when showing her neediness.“No more harassing me?” I gave her a playful smile.“For now.” She winked then pushed me toward the front doors of my shop.“Stop.” I turned to face her. Maya’s look was confused, but her confusion turned into that burning need I loved when she realized what I’d pulled from my pockets. “Turn around,” I demanded and she complied.She did. No questions, just obedience. I could get used to that.“I’m going to cover your eyes.” My words were met with a needy whimper. Maya pressed her body closer to mine. The heat coming off her skin seared me.“How do you expect me to behave if—”“Quiet. Not a word,” I whispered into her ear and laid a small kiss on her neck. “Just enjoy.” The small blindfold I’d pulled from my pocket dangled from my finger. Her eyes followed its movement.I wanted her to see the words etched onto the silk fabric, the ones I’d chosen just for her: Marked.It said everything I felt. Every one of my pores, every cell in my body wore her stamp—her mark. Now, she would wear mine.__________________________________________________________________
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About the AuthorElena M. Reyes was born and raised in Miami Florida. She is the epitome of a Floridian and if she could live in her beloved flip-flops, she would. As a small child, she was always intrigued with all forms of art—whether it was dancing to island rhythms, or painting with any medium she could get her hands on. Her first taste of writing came to her during her fifth grade year when her class was prompted to participate in the D. A. R. E. Program and write an essay on what they’d learned. Her passion for reading over the years has amassed her with hours of pleasure. It wasn't until she stumbled upon fanfiction that her thirst to write overtook her world. She now resides in Central Florida with her husband and son, spending all her down time letting her creativity flow and letting her characters grow.
Connect with Elena M. Reyes!
The House | Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter
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Author to AUTHOR Sneak Peek Sunday: Redemption by Lindsey Gray

Celebrate the third anniversary of the release of Lindsey Gray's Paranormal Romance sensation, Redemption.







Lily is one of only three vampires in known existence. After falling in love with a human, sexy and talented musician Ian, she realizes their love is putting him in mortal danger. She flees from her life in Boston to the solace of her frozen waste land.

As her past continues to haunt her, Ian seeks out the only family Lily has ever known. Becca introduces Ian to a world he never thought possible as they embark on a search for Lily, starting in the bowels of a mysterious company called The Manchester Group.

Will Ian and Becca find her? Or will the reemergence of a long lost love take a hold of their future?
Add to Goodreads.














Excerpt

"Did you know the Ahbmonites had resurfaced?”
If Lily could have gone any paler at that moment, she would have. Flashes of the man with jet black hair and pure blue eyes flooded her mind. The small symbol on the inside of his wrist burning its way into the permanent recesses of her brain.
“I wasn’t sure, but I guess you are telling me they have.” Lily lolled her head to the side, cupping her jaw with her hand propped up on the arm of the chair.
“They called him Liam, if that helps,” Renee spoke up cautiously, obviously realizing the severity of the situation.
“I never knew his name, but I felt it – the pull that Martin told me about. It scared the hell out of me, if I’m being honest. Once I realized what was happening, I got out of there as fast as I could.” Ryan gently began massaging her shoulders in attempt to ease the tension of the conversation.
“Well, this guy is one of them, markings and all and he has Becca, Sam, and Ian.”
Lily sat straight up in her chair. “What! How?!”
“An Anarcori. Remember that little gold box with the red orb that was lost in the twenties?” Lily nodded. “He’s got it and he knows how to use it. I don’t see how he can be alone on this one.”
“Hold on just a moment.” Ryan came around the side of Lily’s chair to face her. “What exactly is an Ahbmonite and why would he take your friends?”
Lily looked to Abe for any sort of explanation, but he had none. She then rose from her chair and pushed Ryan down into it.
“There are so many legends about how vampires came into existence; some even saying that Judas Iscariot was one of the first, after his transgressions with Jesus of Nazareth. From all that I learned from my sire, Martin, the line we come from started long ago in Jerusalem.” Lily took a deep unnecessary breath before moving on.
“According to Martin and all the books that we have held over the years, the Ahbmonites were basically food for a quartet of vampires. The four, all males, found the odd race of humans fascinating. They were drawn to them unlike any other human, not to kill them but for them to nurture each other.  The vampires fed from a type of blood they never had tasted before and the Ahbmonites acquired vampire traits strengthened in them with each feeding. When their human bodies could no longer handle the vampire traits, they were either killed or turned. After a few centuries, the families began branding their children with the mark of the black flame. Martin’s sire was one of the Ahbmonites, but he believed that it was time for their race to end. Stop using humans as cattle and learn to live off the blood of animals. That fight eventually led to the practical extinction of the vampire race. Now, only three of us remain.”
Ryan held out his hand in invitation. She took it and snuggled into his lap as visions of blue eyes and black flames raced through her mind.
“He took them to use as leverage against you?” Abe looked up at Lily as her gaze met his.
“I’m not sure of any other explanation. If this Liam is the same man I encountered in Las Vegas, he knew all about me and wanted to be my companion.” She felt Ryan’s hand moving up and down her spine attempting to soothe the strained muscles.
“So, you drank from this guy and now he’s got some vampire traits, enough that he could take all three of them?” Renee inquired.
Lily turned to Ryan and nodded shamefully. “I’d never felt that kind of pull ever in my existence as a vampire. It was truly some sort of biological connection, like somehow we were made for each other. As though our existence depended on one another.”
“What now? We just sit around and wait for him to call?” Renee was full of questions, yet all completely relevant.
“I’d need to get to Martin’s library. All of his books are stored there. It’s just outside of Reading.”
Renee straightened up in her seat. “You mean the Reading that’s in the UK? I’ve never been to the UK.”
“Looks like today’s your lucky day.” Abe took Renee’s hand, lacing his fingers through hers before patting her hand.

Author Bio
Lindsey Gray dreamed of several different careers as a child. On the short list were doctor, chef, and actress. None held her attention as much as putting pen to paper and creating her own world through words. Since 2010, she has published three novels and one short story with The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House. In 2013, she went on her first self-publishing adventure and produced her novella, Fireworks, and joined the ranks of Renaissance Romance Publishing with their winter anthology, Melting the Snow.
A mid-west native, Lindsey enjoys spending time with her husband and two children,rooting for the Green Bay Packers, reading whatever she can get her hands on, and making life interesting at every turn.




Find Lindsey GrayBlog / Facebook / Twitter / Amazon / Barnes & Noble
Giveaway
In celebration of Redemption's third anniversary and Armchair Book Expo of America, Lindsey Gray is giving away an eBook copy of Redemption and a $10 gift card from Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

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COVER REVEAL: The Key To My Heart by Nikki Lynn Barrett

Harmony's Echo, Texas is a small town being put on the map. It all started with Baby Stetson when Avery Callimer finally gets the answers she's longed for and finds the courage to chase her dreams. 

 Then, in The Melody In My Head , a woman on the run finds her place in this tiny map dot of a town. Lead guitarist Jameson finally has to face his past and has a chance at love.... 



Coming in July 2014, readers will learn about Blaine Grant, Jameson's sister. You met her in The Melody In My Head, where there's a glimpse of something going on between Blaine and Baby Stetson's keyboard player, Randy. Now their story is almost here. 
And today, we're revealing the cover for The Key To My Heart. 
Are you ready? 
One dream fails, a passion burnt out... Blaine Grant hightailed it out of Harmony's Echo a year out of high school to find herself. Finding a passion didn't come as easily to her as it did for others around her. Now, Blaine has come home for good with mistakes she'd like to forget, but the past doesn't want to forget her. Everyone thought she'd been selfish to not come back when she was needed the most, but Blaine never let anyone know the emotional hell she went through. Another dream is just beginning to see the light... Randy Hughes has always been the shy nice guy. He's the glue that holds his family together. He's the one who takes everyone in when they need it, and he's the one whose own dreams are ignored. Now that big things are happening for the Baby Stetson band, Randy has to decide how to handle his family when his dreams are on the line... A friendship is changing. One spur of the moment, impulsive move leads Randy and Blaine into a dire situation that may bring them together, or pull them apart, just when he's finally able to gather the courage to tell Blaine how he's felt about her all these years... Revisit the characters you've come to know in small town Harmony's Echo, as more changes settle upon them. 

Excerpt:“What was your dream?” 
“To-” Hell, what was her dream? To dance? To teach dance? Things just fell into place without much thought back then, but was it really a dream, or was it her accepting life the way it was? “There you go again with those questions!” 
Randy squeezed her hand before he turned on his side to face her. “ At least you're not trapped way up high on a carnival ride.” he laughed.
“No, but I'm out in the middle of nowhere in the back of your truck. That's just as scary.” 
“Scary, huh?” He leaned closer, his grin widening. “Like boogeyman scary?” 
Blaine rolled her eyes. “First off, there is no boogeyman. Second, I wouldn't be afraid of him if there was.” 
“You mean, you haven't heard the story of the boogeyman living out here by the creek?” 
“Nice try, Randy. I'm not one of those wimpy teenage girls you try to scare so badly that they cling to you and end up doing things.” 
He leaned up over her. “Didn't think you were, but now that you mention it...”
She socked him playfully. “You don't have to try to scare me to get a kiss, you know.” 
“Really? So, you'd kiss me without the boogeyman scare tactic?”
Pretending to think about it, Blaine closed her eyes. “Hmm.”
“You're a brat, Hollywood.”
“Ugh, don't call me that.” 
Randy wiggled his eyebrows at her. “Shut me up then.” 
“I'll shut you up by tossing your annoying ass in the water!” 
“Ooooh. Idle threats.” That didn't stop Randy from bolting up and off the truck bed. Blaine ran after him.
“What got into you all of a sudden? You've never been this bold!” 
“Maybe I'm infected by Blaine-Grant-word-vomit-itis.” 
“I'm not that bad, am I?” Oh hell, she didn't want an answer to that.  She caught up to Randy, who'd run behind a tree. 
“You have your moments, but they crack me up.” Randy said, peeking his head out from behind the tree.

ADD The Key to My Heart on GOODREADS


AUTHOR BIO: NIKKI LYNN BARRETT LIVES IN ARIZONA WITH HER HUSBAND AND SON. SHE'S AN AVID READER, A DREAMER, AND LOVES EVERYTHING ABOUT BOOKS. SHE RUNS A BOOK BLOG, AN ONLINE USED BOOKSTORE, AND WRITES VARIOUS GENRES OF ROMANCE. NIKKI CAN ALSO BE FOUND OUTSIDE WITH HER CAMERA WHEN A STORM IS NEAR, SNAPPING PHOTO AFTER PHOTO. HER DREAMS OF BECOMING A WRITER STARTED WHEN SHE WAS YOUNG, WHEN SHE STARTED WRITING BOOKS IN ONE SUBJECT NOTEBOOKS BY THE FIFTH GRADE. 


OTHER BOOKS BY NIKKI LYNN BARRETT 
The “Love and Music in Texas” Books BABY STETSON The Melody In My Head. 
THE “SECRET SANTA” BOOKS The Secret Santa Wishing Well ON THE 12TH DATE OF CHRISTMAS 
The Masterpiece Trilogy A MASTERPIECE OF OUR LOVE 
Stalker Links: 
Facebook Author Page 
Nikki's Book Nook (FB Chat Group) I Book Stormers Street Team 
Website (You can sign up for my newsletter there, too! )
Goodreads Twitter: @Stormgoddess925

BLOG TOUR: Gorgeous Chaos by T.K. Leigh

Title: Gorgeous ChaosAuthor: T.K. LeighRelease Date: May 5, 2014Genre: Romantic Suspense


Synopsis How long can you keep a secret from the one you love? How can you possibly say the words that will rip both your worlds apart? Finally able to face her fears of abandonment, Olivia Adler begins to prepare for the next phase of her life. But Alexander Burnham is still holding on to all the secrets about Olivia’s past, trying to protect her. As days go by, Olivia is slowly starting to remember her past and Alexander realizes it’s only a matter of time until she puts all the pieces together and figures out who he is… And who she is... But if she remembers, her life could be in even more danger than it already is. And Alexander cannot have that happen. When shadows of Olivia’s past threaten not only her life, but also those around her, will Alexander finally put Olivia’s needs ahead of his? Will she be able to put all the pieces of her past together in order to save her own life and those she’s close to? Can she figure out who she can trust and who is threatening her very existence? Gorgeous Chaos is the explosive conclusion to T.K. Leigh’s Beautiful Mess series.
 RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 18 AND UP DUE TO EXPLICIT SEXUAL SITUATIONS, STRONG LANGUAGE, AND GRAPHIC VIOLENCE.


Buy Links Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AUB&N ~ iTunes ~ Google Play ~ Kobo
Excerpt Olivia awoke from an afternoon nap, admiring the beautiful man sleeping peacefully next to her. She glanced around the large bedroom, the duvet and several pillows thrown on the floor. A grin spread across her face, thinking about the amazing sex she had with Alexander just a few hours earlier. She pried herself out of his arms and went in search of a much-needed bathroom. Grabbing her jeans and sweater, she threw them on before quietly walking over to the door, thankful when it didn’t creak and wake up Alexander. After finding a bathroom, she went to see if his mother needed any help getting things ready for that evening. The house was eerily quiet as she walked down the stairs searching for Colleen. “They must all be outside,” she said to herself. She headed in the direction of the back door, when a room off the hallway caught her eye. She stopped dead in her tracks, a memory rushing back. Her fifth birthday. Her mama had made her a cake in the shape of a Care Bear. She could have sworn she remembered her mama and the green-eyed boy from the dream sitting beside her in that very room, singing to her as she blew out the candles on that cake. Turning, she headed toward the ornate dining room, the table and chairs all covered with sheets. Walking around the room, she felt as if she had been there before, but that was impossible. She hadn’t even known Alexander for a year and this was the first time he invited her home with him. Still, the smell and sounds in that room were strangely familiar. She scanned the walls and her eyes settled on a large picture frame covered with a white sheet. The other portraits weren’t hidden. Curious, she slowly made her way to the center of the room where the enormous frame hung. She gingerly began to raise the sheet, wondering what was underneath. “Olivia, dear! There you are!” Colleen called out, startling her. She jumped, placing her hand over her chest. “Colleen. I’m sorry. I came downstairs to see if you needed any help, and I guess I got a little sidetracked.” She shrugged her shoulders, feeling guilty that she was caught snooping around. Colleen walked over to Olivia and placed her hands on her shoulders, trying to lead her out of the room and away from the large family portrait of Alexander and Olivia as children. “I understand. It happens to the best of us.” “Colleen,” Olivia said, raising her voice. “Why is that portrait covered up?” She stopped, turning to look at her. She hated having to lie to the poor girl, particularly when her son should have simply told her the truth by now. He swore he would tell her, and she didn’t want to interfere…not yet, anyway. “I’m sorry, Olivia. It’s just that whenever Alexander comes home, I try to rid the house of any memories of…” “Oh,” she said, understanding. “I should have known.” She turned to head back upstairs, her shoulders slightly dropping. “Olivia, dear!” Colleen called out. She stopped and faced her. “He loves you very much. I’ve never seen him so happy in all his life, even when he was a little boy.” She smiled before retreating back outside, leaving Olivia alone with her thoughts about Alexander and why the dining room in that house brought back memories of her fifth birthday.

An Interview with T.K. Leigh
What is your favorite daily wear attire?
Yoga Pants and a t-shirt. I’m an author. Isn’t that the standard uniform?
If I came to your home and looked inside the refrigerator, what would I find?
Lots of vegetables, orange juice, milk, and some leftover vegetarian jambalaya.
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Too many to count. I love shoes. About half of them are my running shoes in various states of use.
Do you speak with your dog?
All the time. The hubs travels a lot for work, so that leaves my dog for me to talk to. We have whole conversations. He talks back.
Which is the best vacation you've ever had?
Kauai a few years ago. It was the perfect vacation for me. I’m always going like crazy when I’m home so when I’m on vacation, I want to do absolutely nothing. It was perfection. The hubs & I got up in the morning, went for a run. He made breakfast and then we sat on the lanai in the house we rented overlooking the ocean and read all day. I probably read about ten books while we were there.
Which is your most cherished childhood memory?
Going to the library every weekend with my parents to get new books.
If given complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
Well, being an author is my third profession. I’d choose this one. I love it. I’m lucky that I’m now able to write full time, or as full time as possible when I take into account all the promoting work that also goes into being an author. I love creating stories that my readers connect with. 
If given a chance to skip work for a day, how would you spend the entire day?
At a vineyard in the Santa Barbara hills with the hubs. We both work from home, but we never get to spend any time together because we’re both so busy. I could use a trip to Los Olivos.
Which is your favorite time of the day?
The morning, especially in the summer when the sun starts to come up. We live right against a mountain here in SoCal and the way the sun hits that mountain and shines into our bedroom is beautiful. I’d never want to live anywhere else.
Are you a morning person or a night person?
Morning. I became a morning person when I started running. It gets too hot here in SoCal to run any later than 10 or so, so I started getting up early. Now, I’m up around 5:30 without setting an alarm. In the summer, on days that I’m trying to get in a long run of 10 or 15 miles, I’m probably up around 4 or 4:30. So I’m pretty much forced to be a morning person, but I love it.


About the Author
T.K. Leigh, otherwise known as Tracy Leigh Kellam, is a producer / attorney by trade. Originally from New England, she now resides in sunny Southern California with her husband, dog and three cats, all of which she has rescued (including the husband). Her debut novel “A Beautiful Mess” has garnered relative praise, having been an Amazon Best Seller, as well a Number 1 Best Seller in Romantic Suspense, Women’s Action and Adventure Fiction, Women’s Crime Fiction, and Women’s Psychological Fiction. Recently, the book was named by The Guardian as a top reader-recommended self-published book of 2013 as well as a 2013 Reader’s Favorite in Publisher’s Weekly in addition to being named an Amazon Romance Editor’s Fan Favorite for Top Debut Author and Best Page Turner. The sequel to “A Beautiful Mess”, entitled “A Tragic Wreck”, became an Amazon Top-50 Best Selling Book on the day of its release. It is also an Amazon Number 1 Best Seller in Women’s Sagas, Women’s Psychological Fiction, Women’s Action and Adventure Fiction, and Women’s Crime Fiction. When she’s not planted in front of her computer, writing away, she can be found running and training for her next marathon (of which she has run over fifteen fulls and far too many halfs to recall). Unlike Olivia, the main character in her Beautiful Mess series, she has yet to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ Pinterest ~ Amazon Author Page ~ Goodreads

Purchase Her Other Books Today

Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU ~ B&N

Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU ~ B&N
Giveaway
Kindle Paperwhite (US Only), $100 Victoria's Secret Gift Card, (3) A complete set of signed paperbacks of the entire Beautiful Mess series and (5) Choice of signed Paperback of any of T.K. Leighs' books
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COVER REVEAL: The Land of the Shadow by Lissa Bryan

PRESENTS. . .A Cover Revealfor The Land of the Shadowby Lissa Bryan
Release Date: August 21, 2014Published by The Writers Coffee Shop


In the highly anticipated stand-alone sequel to The End of All Things, Lissa Bryan returns readers to a world devastated by disease, and the breakdown of modern society.Two years after a horrific virus swept the globe, decimating the world’s population, Carly Daniels and her husband, Justin, have made a safe home in the isolated southern town of Colby. Protected by fences and a vigilant population, the residents there had somehow managed to keep the Infection out. Until the sight of Carly and Justin’s healthy baby girl convinced them it was safe to allow Outsiders in. Now, in the wake of fresh losses, the small band of survivors struggles to rebuild a community. With only nineteenth-century technology to aid them, they must learn skills long forgotten to provide for their basic needs. Each day brings new challenges, and every choice they make affects their long-term survival. While Carly and Justin adjust to a growing family, and to their roles as community leaders, they must rely on one another for strength and support when they face difficult questions. Carly has to decide how to move forward in a world where equality, justice, and freedom from tyranny are no longer guaranteed. And when new threats emerge, she has to decide what she is willing to do—and how far she’s willing to go—to protect what she has worked so hard to build. When the end has come and gone, it’s a journey down a long and broken road through The Land of the Shadow.


Justin was in the barn when he heard Carly scream, and the sound of it almost stopped his heart. It was a sound of sheer terror, a sound that could only mean . . . He didn’t finish the thought. His brain clicked into action mode, based on training and instinct, pushing his own fear aside. Justin jumped to snatch the pump-action shotgun mounted on pegs above the door and ran harder than he’d ever run in his life, pumping the weapon to chamber a round. He prayed as he ran. He didn’t know to whom he was praying, nor for what, but he prayed just the same. Rounding the corner of the house, he saw Kaden and Carly running toward a goddamn big alligator in the front yard. Sam darted around its sides, snapping. Justin caught up to Kaden just as the beast decided that Carly’s direction was a better avenue of escape than the path blocked by the snarling wolf and the two running men. It charged right at her, its mouth wide, tail thrashing in its wake. Carly jumped for the porch, clutching at the post, her foot braced on the rail. Kaden charged up the steps and swept Dagny up into his arms, flinging open the screen door to scramble inside the house. Dagny yelled something that sounded like, “No, kay!” as the keys tumbled from her hand to clatter on the floorboards. Justin heard her wail as the screen door slammed behind Kaden. But she was safe, and that was what mattered at the moment. Carly still clung to the porch rail, her eyes wide. Safe, too, Justin noted, as his mind switched over to seek-and-destroy mode. The alligator kept running across the lawn and straight into the cornfield, surprisingly fast for such a large, awkward creature. “Not the corn!” Justin swung wide to try to drive the reptile toward the road instead, but the alligator saw safety and concealment in the thick patch of tall green stalks. It charged into the patch, clearing a three-foot-wide path of broken stalks with every swipe of its thrashing tail. A flash of movement from the left caught Justin’s eye, and Pearl jumped in front of the alligator with a shout, waving her arms to prevent it from charging deeper into the field. The gator hissed at her and brandished its gaping maw, but began to back away. More people from the town, who had been drawn by Carly’s scream, ran across the lawn toward the corn patch. The confused alligator found himself surrounded, and he turned, crushing more stalks. Justin swore. He caught Pearl’s eye and didn’t even need to tell her what he needed. She shouted and feigned a lunge to get the gator’s attention, and it swung around to hiss at her. He darted to the gator’s side and aimed the shotgun at the back of its head. “Clear!” “No, Justin!” Carly shouted. “Don’t!” Justin groaned. His wife, the animal lover. Was she going to say something like, He can’t help he’s an alligator, and insist Justin transport the thing back to the swamp? He was already picturing wrapping the beast’s jaws with duct tape or something to avoid losing a goddamn hand in the process when she reached his side. Instead, she pulled out the .45 she wore at her hip and blasted the gator three times in the head. It slumped to the ground, dead as Caesar. “I didn’t want you to use the shotgun and tear up the hide,” Carly said. God, he loved her. He felt a grin stretch his cheeks. She turned toward the house but called over her shoulder to the staring townspeople as she ran to check on her baby. “We have meat.”


   

 Lissa Bryan is an astronaut, renowned Kabuki actress, Olympic pole vault gold medalist, Iron Chef champion, and scientist who recently discovered the cure for athlete's foot...though only in her head. Real life isn't so interesting, which is why she spends most of her time writing. She is the author of three other novels, Ghostwriter, The End of All Things, and Under These Restless Skies.
    
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Author to AUTHOR Sneak Peek Sunday: Eire's Devil King by Sandi Layne

Coming in 2015The final novel of Sandi Layne's Éire's Viking Trilogy:  Éire's Devil King

 Currently a work in progress, this final book completes the telling of one way that the Northmen—the vikingr—came to settle in Éire and how one of their number, Tuirgeis, claimed the title of High King of that island.

 Based in history, Tuirgeis's story will complete the story Sandi Layne began to tell when Tuirgeis captured Cowan and Agnarr captured Charis the healer in Éire's Captive Moon.
Blurb Idea: A man of ability and ambition, Tuirgeis has nurtured the desire to carve a place of leadership for himself on the Green Island, Éire, that he has raided multiple times. After the death of his wife, he takes his surviving son to Éire and comes to learn that there is more to claiming a kingship than merely overpowering the locals.
While he is attracted to an Éire-woman for his new wife, Tuirgeis seeks to find ways to not only settle in this new land but also to learn to live with the people there, not just overthrow them.
Having connections with his adopted brother, Cowan, and Agnarr, his former countryman, Tuirgeis feels he has the support he needs to make his claims strong.
Bloodthirsty tyrant? Overly ambitious leader? Prideful warrior? The histories tell one tale of Tuirgeis, acknowledged usurper and High King of Ireland; I am telling another. 
Sneak Peek of the Work in Progress:Ide spoke. “The Ostmen will be gone in the morning.”

 “Well, perhaps,” Charis murmured as the sweet scents of mead and ale wafted through the evening air ahead of Cowan and Tuirgeis. She did not care for ale, but did find mead to be a pleasant beverage. It never interfered with her senses as it did with others, but she liked the mellow flavor. “They might be leaving closer to midday if their heads are as heavy as the smell of their drinks.”

 The women chuckled softly just as Cowan called, “What is it, wife?”

 “We came to spend time with Aislinn and the baby,” Charis replied, moving toward Cowan until she could look him squarely in the eye. “Why are you away from the fire?” she asked in Gaeilge. Cowan translated.

Tuirgeis shook his head and rolled his shoulders as if he felt stiff from inaction. “I have spent enough time with men,” he stated through Cowan. “I wished for other, softer company.”

A challenge was in his gaze as it clashed with Charis’s and she felt as if her spine was iron. Cowan drew her to him and she allowed herself to sidle away from the Northman. After dropping a kiss to the top of her head, her husband blew out a breath. “Softer company, Tuirgeis? Well, you remember my daughter Aislinn, of course.”

 Against her will, Charis took it upon herself to translate the tongue for Ide and Aislinn. If there was any luck in her world, she would not have to spend another evening doing so. Tuirgeis snorted to hear her, a smile in his eyes before they moved to Aislinn.

“Ja. Aislinn. How many children do you have?”

 Aislinn understood him to an extent. “Two.”

 “And this is Ide. She used to live on the west coast, a bit north of where Muiredach recommended you go,” Cowan said, nodding to the red-haired woman.

 Tuirgeis’s smile widened. “I remember you,” he said while Charis moved to stand next to Ide. Cowan translated; Charis refused to do so for the moment. “I saw you when Agnarr wed.” He indicated Ide’s rich curls with a quick gesture of his hand. “Your hair. I like red hair.”
About the Author: Award winning author of short Celtic fiction, Sandi Layne is the creator of the Éire's Viking Trilogy, as well as works of contemporary Christian romance.

She began by self-publishing her novels in 2000, garnering a loyal group of readers whom she continues to appreciate to this day.

Married for more than twenty years to a very tolerant (and brilliant!) man, she has two sons, no pets, and a plethora of imaginary friends. Her interests range from ancient civilizations to science fiction for both reading and research. With degrees in English and Ministry, she also claims Theology’s crimson Masters collar which she has been known to don on rare occasions. 

If you drive by her window before dawn, it is likely she’ll have a light on for you. Or at the very least, she’ll be alert on twitter.
Find her on her website, Goodreads, Facebook, Tumblr, and Pinterest.The first two books in the trilogy are already available. Click on the book covers here to be taken to Sandi's website where you can link up to purchase Éire's Captive Moon and Éire's Viking editions.

#PTCLS Crazy Lady Stalkers Saturday Snip-its: May 17

The Founders: Book 1 (Sage Seed Chronicles)by Holly BarboAvailable on Amazon


Marisily woke abruptly. The night was completely dark as both moons, Cear and Luna, had set. She could hear the sound of the nearby Cascade River but it didn’t soothe her as it usually did. All of her senses were fully alert as if someone had screamed. She lay there a moment trying to figure out what had awakened her. Leaning on one elbow, Marisily listened hard. The house was still yet the hair on her arms and the back of her neck were standing up with alarm; there was a tense knot in the pit of her stomach. The sense of foreboding was a low thrum going through her body with each heartbeat. Marisily carefully scrutinized the familiar surroundings of her room searching for the source of what had woken her. The small space seemed to be as it had always been, simple with no fancy touches or possessions. Without making a sound Marisily got out of bed and kneeling beside it, folded back the small rag rug her mother had made for her many years ago. She ran her fingers over the floor board it covered, skimming the edges until she felt the small knothole. Carefully she lifted the board and touched the contents hidden beneath it with shaky fingers. She didn’t understand why, but knowing that no one had found the secret hiding had found the secret hiding place eased her anxiety somewhat. 



Captive (New Life #1) by Samantha JacobeyAvailable on Amazon


Tori sat for a moment, considering what he had said. "But you know" she eventually observed, "I spent my whole childhood alone. Literally, never saw another child in person until we left the camp in Brazil, and I was, well, developed by then and really didn't think of myself as young anymore. I still don't. I can't get that time back, Eli. I will never have something everyone else has—those memories. That part of my life is gone… forever.".Eli found himself lost in her words. Reaching up, he brushed her hair back from her face, his tone alluring, "So, you will have to start from here. You still have your whole life ahead of you, so make it a good one. You can't fool me, Tori. I know you will do what's right." He only hoped he could do the same.


Closure by Angela FordAvailable on Amazon


Jess searched an old calendar on the Net, and found that the third postcard was left at the beach house the week they were all in California. Her parents returned to another postcard. 
Puzzled, she went back into the folder again and read more correspondence between her dad and a government official. Her dad researched stalkers in the Vineyard area, the Washington area where they resided, but apparently came up with nothing. The other person appeared to be telling her dad it could just be a teenage prank or simply a secret admirer of Jess’s. 
Jess opened the file that held copies of the postcards. They were simple postcards of scenic views which could be found in any shop in the Vineyard. The backs of the postcards showed Jess’s name printed very neatly, and beside it was written, “I Crave You.” All three cards had the same quote, her name, no address and no postage stamp. They would have been placed under the door in person. 
A cold chill ran up her spine. It was definitely not a prank from one of her friends; they had more class than that! 
The three words, “I Crave You,” struck a nerve. Where had she heard those words? Jess couldn’t recollect if the words were used in the existing case, or if they were from her past. 


Out of the Box Awakening by Jennifer TheriotAvailable on Amazon

........After the show, Tommy, Ash, and I, along with the rest of the band, hang out in the club and have more drinks. The band is…well, to say the very least, interesting. The other guys are nice. I’ve never hung out with musicians before, so I’m not quite sure what to expect. They’re all extremely good-looking. They have lots of tattoos and they’re all very polite, but one guy in particular is quite the cocky, conceited show-off. He has short, spiky, dark hair and piercing blue eyes, along with many, many tattoos. He has a slender build and is wearing a black V-neck T-shirt and tight jeans. If I were about thirty years younger, this would be the bad boy I would love to hang with!
“Olivia, this is Bert,” Tommy says. “He’s the founding member of our band.”
“Nice to meet you, Bert. So, tell me, is Bert a family name?”
They all start laughing, but I don’t get it. I’m kind of embarrassed. What’s so damn funny, anyway? Ash quietly whispers in my ear that ‘Bert,’ or Prince Albert, refers to an area of his body that is pierced for sexual pleasure. Oh, excuse me? That is totally new to me. I’ve heard of tongues and lips being pierced, and that supposedly brings some kind of sexual pleasure, but geez! The penis? Oh my God! 


Wired for Sound  The MacGrough Clan Book 3 by Cherime MacFarlaneAvailable on Amazon


Near the edge of the manicured grass, which stretched out before them, there were several large bushes. By the light of the moon and the headlights of the vehicles headed south, they were able to get the bike over the curb then into the shelter of the shrubbery.
Lori took off her helmet. She tossed it contemptuously to the ground. Hamish threw his in the same general direction. Lori started to move past him to the luggage rack. H.M. reached out one arm to grab her.
He lifted her up, placing her on his seat before pulled up the hem of her tee shirt. Hamish began to suck on one nipple. Lori clutched his head, twisting her fingers into his hair. Lori made a small sound when he switched to the other nipple. At the same time Hamish was tugging at the snap on the waistband of her jeans. With one hand, Lori felt for the crotch of his jeans. She rubbed him through the material. H.M. made a rumbling sound deep in his throat.
Lori unsnapped his jeans then pushed the cloth past his hips. He rubbed against her hand, Lori chuckled, they were both very needy. She stripped off one shoe. H.M. helped her pull off one pant leg.
Hamish knew the vibration had been teasing her all day. Spreading her legs he entered her in one quick lunge.
Lori gasped in pleasure as he began to move inside her. She clung to the bitch bar with one hand and the center of the handlebars with the other. It was hot, hard and quick. The proximity of the other vehicles just on the other side of the bushes along with the possibility of discovery titillated her making her climax, when it came, even more pleasurable.



Tropical Dreams by Kelly CozzoneAvailable on Amazon


David found himself once again drawn to the photo he had of Tiana. The first thing about the woman in the picture that struck him was the eyes. Her eyes were the biggest and brightest blue with just the faintest hint of green he had ever seen. It was those eyes that had haunted him during the days leading up to this moment. He had thought he would have been able to pick Tiana out anywhere. However, scrutinizing the tall, willowy woman who was drifting off in her own world, he noticed that she barely resembled the picture. Her hair was longer now and the eyes he had found enchanting were different, harder somehow. David studied Tiana with guarded eyes. Nightclub employee, what am I getting myself into now, he thought. Hearing footsteps, David disappeared further into the shadows of the dimly lit hall. 
Noticing that Tiana was daydreaming, CeCe didn’t want to startle her, so she paused at Tiana’s door and cleared her throat in order to get her attention. Recognizing CeCe’s perfume wafting in the air, Tiana answered without turning around. “Hey. Are you heading out?”



Scary Modsters ... and Creepy Freaks  by Diane RinellaAvailable on Amazon


A brunette, a raven-haired beauty, and a girl looking like a peacock all walk into a bar. No, it's not a joke; it's my not-so-mundane life that generally feels like the setup for a wisecrack.
No matter how many times my friends and I claim we are going to do something new, every Friday night we find our tushes planted at Mulligan's. However, today our weekly Friday night venture truly seemed out of the cards since my friends were originally too tired from their workweeks to consider anything short of collapsing. When you are in your early thirties and single you should be embracing life, not rotting on a sofa. Thus, when my friends bailed I detoured into Warped Records which is both a second home and how I envision my little corner of Heaven. Some would call the smell of old album covers a dank stench, but to me it's a musky perfume that seeps into my pores and comforts me with the knowledge that no matter what fails me I always have my sanctuary.
Among the bins of paradise and the blaring Siouxsie the perfect gem captured my gaze and held it for ransom. Before me was a pair of eyes so unlike any other that they were nearly indescribable.
Piercing? No. That implies they shot through my skin and reached my heart; however, these somehow reached my soul. Captivating? Again that was misleading. While they did hold my attention they also kept me at bay. Perhaps haunting? Yes, they did indeed haunt me. They also seemed to follow me to wherever I stood. A true description was so elusive that the color wasn't easily defined. They were deep blue, yet also flannel grey with a hint of green. In a certain light they seemed black with specks of gold. 
All of these emotions and colors were brought forth by just one picture—a picture on an album that had been slipped into plastic and unceremoniously tacked to the wall, yet somehow it jumped out at me and begged for worship.



A Masterpiece of Our Love by Nikki Lynn BarrettAvailable on Amazon


Hunter dipped his head to kiss her. "You don't ever have to worry about that. I'll always have time for you. Next time, come get me when you're awake. I don't want to miss a minute more than I have to with you. I didn't mean to spend so much of the day hidden in my office. I woke up from another dream and there was a face of a girl on the plane that I've never dreamed about before. So I went to go see if I could find anything about another passenger. Then I ended up calling Range's to see if they ever found anything out. All they had was that someone paid one of their younger workers, a seventeen year old, to put the letters under our door, but the kid is not saying much more. Oh, and the estimate came in for the boat damages. Not as bad as I thought. That's what I've been spending the morning doing."
Becca let all the information soak in. The one that stood out the most was his dream of another girl on the plane. She had such vague memories of that night. It scared her beyond belief that there might have been another person that survived. Dread squeezed her gut.
"Bec? You okay? You're so pale." Hunter caressed her cheek. She snapped back to reality and looked up in his eyes.
"I keep wondering now if someone else made it and we don't remember." If that were true, she had no words. None. They had it rough before they were found, but at least they'd been together. If there had been someone else and the person went through it alone. Ugh. She couldn't imagine.
"I know. I keep thinking the same thing. I searched all over the water near the plane that night, looking for anyone that survived. I remember that well. I checked every single-" Hunter stopped and swallowed hard. His eyes darkened.
He didn't even have to finish talking for Becca to know what he meant. He'd checked every single passenger for signs of life. While she'd known that, she never put much thought into the reality of him having to do all of it. Releasing a deep sigh, she snuggled herself even closer in Hunter's arms and rested her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. They stood in silence, holding each other for comfort.



Early One Morning by Aubree LaneAvailable on Amazon


Terence glanced back from the driver’s seat, and his shaggy dark hair whipped about his gleaming coal black eyes. He smiled and gestured to the chair next to him. “Best seat in the house,” he yelled over the wind and the roar of the engines.
The mature Terence was better looking than the teen. The past thirteen years had carved his boyish features into one fine looking man. Marissa had been right about his voice. It was like chocolate on silk, two of Annie’s favorite things.



Conjuring Darkness  Darkness Series #1 by Melanie James Available on Amazon

Clad only in a pair of jeans, he padded up behind her and swept her hair off to the side. The exposed silken skin of her slender neck, invited his hungry mouth. He gave her a light, but passion filled kiss on the back of her neck, as he firmly wrapped both arms around her in a loving embrace. He had gotten so used to touching her, that it felt perfectly normal to physically express how he felt with her. 
The sun had just begun its nocturnal voyage below the distant sea. Lexi beheld her beloved sunset in a glory that she had never before witnessed. Every shade of orange, pink, rose, and purple was visible in an ever-changing mural. “This is so perfect, Ryan. Everything is just so perfect.” 
He turned her around and kissed her full lips, softly, gently. Their fingertips slowly roamed each other’s bodies and the passion began to heat up. Ryan wanted to be a tease. He abruptly broke off the kiss. “Let that build up for a while, come on and let me take you out, on a proper date for once.” He threw on a button down shirt and took her hand, before he led her out into the evening air.



The Eyes Die Last by Teri RiggsAvailable on Amazon


Wilder was fine, just winded. She turned to Elvis, ready to whip some mad on him. “Would you mind explaining what you’re doing here?” 
“Sorry, Detective Gorgeous Eyes. I’m trying to find out who killed my Priscilla. I might possibly, have overheard you and your partner talking about staking out the store.” 
“And?” 
“I thought I’d have a look myself—undercover. I was doing a decent job of it until I saw Detective James take off like a bat out of hell. I followed in case he needed backup. And, well, here I am.” Elvis sheepishly looked away. 
“Undercover? In a freaking, flashing, light up Elvis jump suit?” She looked him up and down, blinking at the lights on his clothes. 
“I accidentally hit the on button while running.” 



From Lone Wolf Rising, Book One in The Winters Saga by Jami BrumfieldAvailable on Amazon


He took a step forward and Rebecca countered with one step backward. It was like a dance only the leader was a dangerous stranger that made her feel as uneasy as a piece of meat being eyed for dinner.
"You have no reason to be frightened, little wolf." He smiled sincerely.
She stepped back pushing down the rising fear with a hard swallow. "What makes you think I'm frightened? I just like having my own space." Another lie. She was getting good at telling lies.
"I promised you I wouldn't let anyone hurt you." He took another step forward with promise in his golden eyes. 
Careful slide back.
He took another step toward her and grasped her arms in his hands, gently pulling her closer with no hope of escape; effectively ending the dance and increasing the attraction. 



From To Serve is Divine , Book One of The Divine Trilogy by R.E. HargraveAvailable on Amazon


Being cradled in Master’s arms, she’d discovered, gave Catherine insight to his thoughts. When he held her close and tight, she could tell by his touch what frame his mind was in. 
If Master was angry or worried about something his touch was firm and hard, but he was always controlled. Should he be in a playful mood, his touch became gentle caresses, feather-light and suggestive of fun times to be had. Lust came through Master’s toys when they set her skin on fire so that Catherine begged for him to put his flesh on hers. She knew of Master’s pride because it showed in his amber eyes every time he looked at her. 

{EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT} Texas Wine & Sign

Guess what?At long last, I've scheduled my first event! This July I'll be down in the quaint town of Granbury, Texas along with: Tessa Gray, Jeanne McDonald, and Jennifer Theriot. 

Mark your calendars because I hope to see you there!

COVER REVEAL: Angel's Heart: The True Enemy by Lisa Bilbrey

Author Lisa Bilbrey is proud to present the cover for the exciting second novel in the Angel's Heart Series 
which will be available June 1st!


Summary:

Sophie Crenshaw has saved the world by preventing the Angel's Heart from falling into the hands of Whitley Monroe. Now, she and her fiancé Henry Chang have returned to Austin, Texas, and back to the real world. Or have they?

Having been declared the savior of all mankind, Sophie finds that magic is all around her. As she struggles to find her way, she's bombarded by nightly dreams that have her on edge. Will she be able to keep her sanity while trying to decipher the meaning behind her visions? Or will an unknown enemy get to her first?


Except from Angel's Heart: The True Enemy:


Once she was within arm’s reach, Eleanor grabbed Sophie by the shoulders, dragging her to the ground with her. “He’s everywhere.”“Who is everywhere?” she asked. “Where did you go? You just left the island. Are you okay?”“The dark tide rises,” she cooed. “Stars tell the tale from the man in the moon. Heed their warning or suffer a fate worse than death.”“What are you talking about? Who’s the man in the moon? What warnings am I supposed to heed?” “Ah!” Eleanor screamed, releasing her hold on Sophie and grabbing her matted, grease covered hair. Pulling and twisting on the black locks, she drew the attention of more than a dozen blinds, who had stopped and were staring at the two women like they were dancing naked in the moonlight. “Salamanders breathe fire. Poor little crickets never stood a chance. Now they live in the belly of the beast.” Eleanor laughed, releasing her hair. Hooking her thumbs together, she spread her fingers and pretended they were a pair of wings. “Pretty little butterfly, lost and alone; wings made of silver and gold. Flutter to the heavens, little butterfly. Fly far, far away.  Don’t come back for another day!”“Someone, call the police,” a man standing behind her complained. “The bitch is as high as a kite. I’m so tired of these fucking homeless assholes coming out every time they need a fix, expecting us to feel sorry for them and give them money. They make the whole area look worthless.”“No shit,” his friend said, smirking. “They should lock them away and throw away the key, lazy-ass, sons of bitches.”Eleanor snapped her head up, glaring right at him. Tall and chubby, the man took a step backward as she stood up. Sophie could feel her grandmother trembling, but before Sophie could do anything to calm her down, Eleanor brought her hand up in front of her and said, “Thy reflected orbs offend my nature. Perhaps they should vanish, to save mankind from the judgment of a peon.” With a snap of her fingers, the man’s eyes disappeared, leaving nothing but a black shadow in their place


 Author Biography:
 Obsessive, compulsive, slightly crazed, but enough about her personality. First and foremost, Lisa Bilbrey is a mom to three and a wife to one. She loves to write, and spends the majority of everyday writing. It's who she is, and what she's meant to be doing. Words are her life, the air she breathes, and the nutrients of her soul. Finding a love in the written word, Lisa Bilbrey started writing as a way to express herself and let her voice be heard. From the first word she wrote, she'd found her heart and soul.

Always willing to learn, she's spends much of her time trying to improve as a storyteller.  Links—
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