R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 394

NEW RELEASE: Fix You by Carrie Elk

"Richard, we had a baby."31st December 1999. Seventeen-year-old Brit, Hanna Vincent, meets New Yorker, Richard Larsen; a Columbia student and step-son of scion Leon Maxwell. Divided by wealth, distance and a common language, an unconventional friendship grows between the two. From London to New York, from 1999 to 2012, Fix You follows the story of quirky, music-loving Hanna and handsome, driven Richard as they fall in love and are torn apart. Their tempestuous relationship leads to an explosive revelation that threatens to destroy them both.
Emotional and touching, this is a story of second chances. Is their shattered love beyond repair?

EXCERPT
PrologueMay 12th 2012Richard had filled out nicely since she had last seen him. The thin cotton of his shirt clung to his biceps, skimming his taut abdomen as it tucked into his dress pants. His hips were still lean and tight, and she closed her eyes as she tried not to remember how they had felt between her thighs, as he had moved inside her, breathing softly in her ear, as she had moaned and whimpered and—She shook her head. She wasn't standing in his large, oak-panelled office just to take a trip down memory lane, as pleasant as that might be. She had flown here, over three thousand miles, to tell him what he deserved to know.Inappropriate laughter bubbled up in her throat as she considered the ridiculous melodrama of the situation. Her 17-year-old self would be rolling her eyes, wondering how this 29-year-old woman had managed to turn a seemingly promising life into a soap opera.She glanced up at his face, looking at his lips, which had turned down into a deep scowl. His eyes had narrowed beneath his brows, and his straight, patrician, nose was slightly crinkled in response to her presence.The contempt he felt toward her was radiating from him.Hanna tried to keep her breathing steady, reminding herself that although she was in hisoffice, on the penthouse floor of his building, this was hershow.She was in control.If he viewed her with contempt now, God only knew how he would feel once he'd heard what she had to say. He had been an integral part of her life for so long—as a friend, a confidante, even a lover—but never before did he have the power to break her."As nice as it is to see you," he drawled, the tone of his voice making it patently clear that her being in his office was anything but nice, "I have a meeting in five minutes. Exactly what is it that you want?"He had no idea, but this was it. Time to open her mouth and tell him what he needed to hear. Her arms suddenly felt heavy, and her fingers trembled; a physical manifestation of her nervousness. Her laughter was replaced by something more unsettling, as she tried to take in a deep breath and form the words that she had travelled all this way to say.Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips. She watched his gaze move down to her mouth, staring at it with dark eyes, as her teeth drew in her bottom lip."Richard." Her voice was surprisingly strong. She could do this. She could tell him the truth, and then get the hell out of here.Back on a plane.Back home.Back to him."Richard, we had a baby."
About the Author: Carrie Elks lives near London, England and writes contemporary romance with a dash of intrigue. At the age of twenty-one she left college with a political science degree, a healthy overdraft and a soon-to-be husband. She loves to travel and meet new people, and has lived in the USA and Switzerland as well as the UK.

An avid social networker, she tries to limit her Facebook and Twitter time to stolen moments between writing chapters. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can usually be found baking, drinking wine or working out how to combine the two.

Links:  Twitter I Facebook I "Fix You" on Goodreads

Author to AUTHOR Sneak Peek Sunday: FIVE Romantic Novellas

Just in time for Valentine's Day - a sneak peek at FIVE short stories to be released on February 14th!Previously published in the Romantic Interludes anthology, these love stories will be available for the first time as stand-alone shorts - for just $.99 on Amazon!
The Golden Arrow and the Butterfly by Lissa Bryan


SUMMARY:

Eros is the god of love, but he has never experienced the emotion himself—despite his inexplicable fascination with a beautiful young mortal woman, Psyche. When one of his golden arrows strikes Psyche instead of its intended target, he whisks her away to Olympus, to save her from the fate of falling in love with the next man she sees. Psyche is terrified when she wakes blindfolded, in a strange realm, in the company of an oddly compelling man who claims to be a Greek god. What happens when the blindfold finally comes off?

(¯`•♥•´¯)Excerpt:
“What I have told you is the truth,” he said finally. “I am Eros, and you are on Mount Olympus.”

“But that’s only a myth!” Psyche protested.

“Apparently not.” Eros sounded amused.

“Go on. Tell me the rest of it, why I’m here.”

“Your friend was fated to fall in love with a man she met at the mall. But I missed when I fired my arrow at her and it hit you instead.”

Psyche blinked. “Does that … um … happen often?”

“No. It’s the first time I’ve ever missed.” She heard frustration sharpen the puzzled note in his voice.

“What does that have to do with why I’m here?”

“Because you were hit by the arrow, you would fall in love with the next man you saw, no matter who he was.”

So, that explains the blindfold, she thought.

“I couldn’t let that happen to you. I’m trying to find a way to undo the enchantment.”

“Have you found anything?”

“Not yet. I’ve sent a message to my mother. If anyone will know, she will.”

Psyche tried to remember. “Who is your mother?”

“Aphrodite. My father is Ares.”

It was Psyche’s turn to be amused. “Love and War?”

“On occasion, they can be somewhat similar,” Eros said and Psyche laughed softly. It startled her because it was the first time she’d laughed since she was kidnapped.



(¯`•♥•´¯)Add it to your Goodreads shelf here:

Buy directly from the publisher, or from Amazon on the 14th.

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Justin's Second Chance by Sandi Layne
SUMMARY:

Ten years ago, April Peterson asked her long-time crush and pen pal Lance Corporal Justin Clark for a date. Just a day spent alone together. Though he cared for her more than he had ever let on, he was still in shock after his first military deployment to Afghanistan, and responded in perhaps the worst possible way: He ignored her. When they meet again, April Peterson Sinclair is a widow with a young daughter. Gunnery Sergeant Justin Clark is hoping to win April's heart and asks for a second chance.

(¯`•♥•´¯)Excerpt:He didn’t know what it was, but something inside him threw caution to the winds. A coward dies a thousand deaths; a brave man dies but one. Was that how that quote went? She’d probably know, but he wasn’t going to ask her. “What I’d really like,” he began slowly, kneeling so that they were knee to knee and he could smell the slightly spicy scent of whatever it was she was wearing for perfume, “is something you asked of me once.”
He saw her jaw tighten, saw the muscles in her throat move as she swallowed. “What?”
“I’d like a day to spend with you. Just the two of us. We could share the long versions of our stories, maybe. I could give you a tour of D.C. Just one day.”
“Justin...” Her lips parted, her breath caught, and she studied his face. He grew nervous, wondering what she was seeing. He felt all kinds of vulnerable, more than he felt when he’d been deployed in places far away and quite dangerous. “I’m not ready.”
“Ready?”
“My husband died a year and a half ago, you know? And I, we moved out here for a fresh start. To get, to get away from...some things.” She slid his present to her back under the tree to rejoin the other gifts that waited patiently for tomorrow morning and the eager eyes of a little, red-haired girl. “I’m not ready to date yet, Justin, is what I’m trying to say.”
“All right. How about being ready for a friend?” He offered her his hand.
Slowly, she took it and he rose to his feet, pulling her up with him. “I could use a friend.”
“You have one.”
You can add this title to your Goodreads shelf today! (¯`•♥•´¯)

A Piece of Cake by T.M. Franklin
SUMMARY:

Emily Valentine is a matchmaker who doesn’t believe in love. Well, at least not the hearts and flowers, see-your-soulmate-across-a-crowded-room-and-the-world-stands-still kind of love. No, Emily is a pragmatist – a scientist – and she’s abandoned her family’s tradition of matchmaking based on instinct and uncanny intuition for a more scientific approach to pairing people up. Emily believes love is more about compatibility and common interests than anything mystical.
But a run-of-the-mill job turns her world on end when swoony cake designer Sam Cavanaugh pops up as a potential match for her newest client. The attraction she feels for him throws a wrench in her plans, but she’s not going to succumb without a fight.
Emily is nothing if not practical. And reasonable. But she’s about to learn that sometimes the best things in life…are neither.
(¯`•♥•´¯)

Excerpt:“Want a bite?”
Emily jumped at the sound of Sam’s voice, relaxing a bit when she saw him holding out a cupcake in the palm of his hand. He rolled his eyes at her suspicious look.
“It’s just a cupcake,” he said, lifting it slightly to emphasize his words. “Well, I shouldn’t say just. It’s double-chocolate with salted caramel frosting, and it’s incredible, if I do say so myself.”
Emily smirked. “Mighty sure of yourself.”
“Definitely. At least when it comes to salted caramel frosting.” He grinned at her. “Go on, take it. I’m relatively certain one cupcake isn’t going to jeopardize your professional objectivity.”
“I don’t know. It’s hard to be impartial about chocolate.” Was she flirting?
“Double chocolate.” Was he?
“Even more so.” She looked away from his crinkling eyes, and stepped back to put some distance between them. He set the cupcake on top of the case, his smile fallen slightly. With a mental eye roll, she reached for the cupcake, feeling more than a little ridiculous about making such a big deal over an innocent conversation.
“Thank you,” she said quietly, peeling back the paper. He watched her carefully as she took a small bite and licked a dab of frosting off her lips. She froze.
“Holy crap,” she mumbled through the cupcake. Sam’s face broke into a smile.
“Good?”
Instead of answering, she took a bigger bite. The cake itself was dark and rich, moist and not too sweet, a perfect counterpoint to the sinfully rich ganache filling and the smooth, velvety frosting. A drizzle of caramel boosted the flavor to eleven on a one-to-ten scale, and Emily closed her eyes as she swallowed, barely stifling a moan of appreciation.
She opened her eyes to find him watching her intently, his eyes focused on her lips.
“This is incredible,” she said, a little breathless.
His gaze snapped up to meet hers. “Thank you,” he rasped, the sound stirring something trembly within her.

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Add A Piece of Cake to your Goodreads Shelf here:
Purchase it directly from TWCS Publishing House - or from Amazon on February 14th.(¯`•♥•´¯)

Stupid Cupid by Sydney Logan
SUMMARY:

Jada Morgan hates Valentine’s Day, which is ironic, considering she's a writer for a greeting card company. She meets Nathan Reynolds, one of the company’s new graphic artists, and they bond over their mutual hatred for all things Cupid while working on designs for this year’s marketing campaign. As they grow closer, Jada learns Nathan is a single father, and she quickly becomes attached to him and his little girl. When it’s time for the company’s holiday party, Jada assumes she and Nathan will attend together, not realizing he already has a date for the event. Has Stupid Cupid broken her heart once again? A heartfelt story about love, family, and second chances.

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Giveaway:Enter for your chance to win a "Love to Read" T-shirt, Hershey's Flavored Lip Balm, and signed bookmarks from Sydney Logan!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
(¯`•♥•´¯) AmazonTWCS Publishing House
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Hershey's, or Blogger. We hereby release all names listed of any liability. Winner(s) will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. Let me know if you have any questions or issues by contacting me: @SydneyALogan. - Good Luck!
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Dissecting Lies and Intentions by Allie Jean
SUMMARY:

After a less than stellar ending to her seemingly perfect relationship, Christine decided to spend Valentine’s Day at the one place where her mind would stay good and occupied. The Emergency Room had a way making the day pass by quickly, yet when her former fling elects to change his schedule with another nurse, Christine finds herself in a situation she can’t avoid. Can she finally set aside her fears and take a leap of faith? Or will her assumptions about Mitch prove her to be unlucky in love?

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Add it to your Goodreads Shelf HERE Available February 14th on Amazon and TWCS Publishing House .
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COVER REVEAL: Stupid Cupid by Sydney Logan

Coming Valentine's Day!♥♥♥

Jada Morgan hates Valentine’s Day, which is ironic, considering she's a writer for a greeting card company. She meets Nathan Reynolds, the company’s new graphics artist, and they bond over their mutual hatred for all things Cupid while working on designs for this year’s marketing campaign. As they grow closer, Jada learns Nathan is a single father, and she quickly becomes attached to him and his little girl. When it’s time for the company’s holiday party, Jada assumes she and Nathan will attend together, not realizing he already has a date for the event. Has Stupid Cupid broken her heart once again? A heartfelt story about love, family, and second chances.






Enter for your chance to win a "Love to Read" T-shirt, Hershey's Flavored Lip Balm, and signed bookmarks from Sydney Logan!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
AmazonTWCS Publishing House 

Sydney Logan is an Amazon bestselling author who may or may not have an unhealthy obsession with music (seriously, she loves everything from Eminem to Johnny Cash). She also has an amazing husband and a ridiculously spoiled cat, both of whom join her in soaking up the stunning views from their East Tennessee front porch. Find her books on Amazon, iBooks, B&N, and TWCS Publishing House. Visit her online at www.sydneylogan.com.This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Hershey's, or Blogger. We hereby release all names listed of any liability. Winner(s) will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. Let me know if you have any questions or issues by contacting me: @SydneyALogan. - Good Luck!

Falling Into Place by Brandy L. Rivers BLOG TOUR

Brandy stopped by to answer some of my crazy questions to let us get to know her better! Be sure to check out the full post for book details, links, and a GIVEAWAY!
~Author Interview~
If I gave you an elephant where would you hide it?The backyard
What is your favorite color of socks to wear?Black
If you were a cookie, which would you be?Mmm, dark cocolate, double chocolate chip
Name one actor/actress you would love to get naughty with?Colin Farell
Do you suffer from sleepwalking?No
If you were given a chance, would you enter Big Brother?Hell no, not a fan of reality tv
What is your favorite daily wear attire?Jeans, tank, sweater
Do you like dogs or cats?Both
How many pairs of shoes do you own?Five
What's your bad quality?Impatient, seriously impatient
If you were a t-shirt, what color would you be? Why?Green, just like the color
If you were a tree, what would you be?Cherry Blossom, love the smell
Which is the one television character that you simply adore?Starbuck, the newer Battlestar Galactica. She kicks ass, and totally my kind of woman
What kind of music do you like?A little of everything. Mostly rock though
Which is your favorite genre of movies?(Comedy/Romance/Suspense/Action/Horror)Action, especially comic book type
What do you do when you feel very sad or depressed?I don't generally. I tend to focus on everything else before I can get there.
What kind of kid were you, naughty or nice?Mostly nice. I never got caught when I did break rules though.
If given complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?Writing. I love it
What is your idea of fun?Hanging with friends or family. Writing. Walking, hiking.
Which is your favorite time of the day?Night time, after the kids go to bed so I can focus on writing.
Are you a morning person or a night person?Both, weirdly enough. I run best on around 4-6 hours sleep.





Synopsis18+ Adult themes 

Robert would have done anything for Liz, even let her go when she claimed she needed to be alone. With his life in shambles, he dove into his work as a Silver Council enforcer.

Liz never fit in, but to protect her first love, she walked away when a wild burst of magic nearly killed him. Tremaine found her, and helped her put her life back together.

The man who tore her world apart awakes from a 21 year slumber with revenge on his mind. Nothing will stop James from tearing the power from Liz’s body.

After learning James is alive, Robert rushes to Liz and bands together with Tremaine to keep her safe. Facing her worst fears Liz realizes she can only fall apart or fall into place.

** Spoiler/Fair Warning **
The romance winds up in a permanent threesome
Buy Links
Falling Into Place

Amazon http://myBook.to/FallingIntoPlace
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/1l1GY3R
Smashwords http://bit.ly/1c7OnOg
Kobo http://bit.ly/1dX4cpB
Diesel Ebooks http://bit.ly/1lRpmuM 

Others of Edenton - Box Set -First 4 titles in one book for $5.99
Amazon http://myBook.to/Others-of-Edenton-box-setNook http://bit.ly/1aXpsbcSmashwords http://bit.ly/IqSXeIKobo http://bit.ly/1bz2ld4iTunes http://bit.ly/1hMjraj Diesel Ebooks http://bit.ly/1ahW14E 
Sony http://bit.ly/JSHead 

If you're just looking for one title, you can find them here.

New Beginnings is currently Free. Download it now.

Amazon http://myBook.to/New_Beginnings
B&N Nook http://bit.ly/12VATgO
Sony Ebooks http://bit.ly/13k0N1A
Smashwords http://bit.ly/12VAP0k
iTunes http://bit.ly/1eFVcpsDiesel Ebboks http://bit.ly/1dI8XBI 

In Too Deep

Amazon Kindle http://myBook.to/In_Too_Deep
B&N Nook http://bit.ly/ZxpzeM
Kobo http://bit.ly/10MgXw7
Diesel Ebooks http://bit.ly/17C0kLy
Sony Ebooks http://bit.ly/14cWL7n
Smashwords http://bit.ly/11FtdmW
iTunes http://bit.ly/151897S
Available in paperback at Amazon http://amzn.to/18BdF6y

Shadows Fall
It's a novelette and just 99 cents.

Amazon http://myBook.to/Shadows_Fall
Nook http://bit.ly/IfsCAX
Smashwords http://bit.ly/Il6ZPW
Diesel Ebook http://bit.ly/1exp8EU
Itunes http://bit.ly/1c6UGkQ

Shadows of the Past

Amazon http://myBook.to/Shadows_Of_The_Past
Smashwords http://bit.ly/1c6UZvK
Nook http://bit.ly/1bu9zev
Sony http://bit.ly/HoaF2K
Diesel ebook http://bit.ly/1bu9zev
iTunes http://bit.ly/1iPp8mC

About the AuthorI've always loved books, especially about monsters and magic, so I started writing. I'm working on a prequel and the next few books in the Others of Edenton series, and I have a head full of stories to share.

I'm a stay at home mother with a wonderful husband who lets me write and write to my hearts content.



Giveaway
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COVER REVEAL: Finally Home by Ann Vaughn

Title: Finally HomeAuthor: Ann VaughnAnticipated Release Date: March 10, 2014Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Synopsis Mike Casiano has lived his life by a certain creed: take care of all those who depend on you and leave no man behind. He wanted more for his life than joining his family's law firm when he graduated college. His best friend was joining the Navy after graduation, and Mike decided to join him. After surviving the horrors of war, he has returned to his hometown to run a private securities company along with the other men from his unit who were now out of the service. Out of all his men, Mike has had the hardest time adjusting to civilian life...until his best friend's cousin comes into his life. At a society ball when she was seventeen years old, Lainey Riley looked up from the dance floor to the balcony above and saw a man in Navy dress whites who would haunt her dreams for years to come. He was her cousin's best friend and commanding officer, and he had the most beautiful, unique eyes she had ever seen. She would not see him again for nearly ten years, but the image of his face and his eyes was never far from her thoughts. When she meets him again while counseling the son of her cousin's fiancée, sparks definitely fly between them. When a man begins stalking Lainey, her cousin calls on Mike Casiano to keep her safe. Despite their attraction, Mike and Lainey butt heads at every opportunity. Will they get past their own differences and hard headedness to allow the attraction between them to grow? Lainey will try every trick in her arsenal to help Mike conquer the demons that haunt him and make it possible for the wounded warrior to see that he is Finally Home.



About the Author
Ann Vaughn is a Native Texan now living in Oklahoma. Writing has always been a comfort and a release for her, though she never expected to be published. It wasn't until a conversation with her husband about the rise of eBooks that she decided to try her hand at self-publishing. It was scary and exciting and ever since the release of her first book, Long Way Home on August 7, 2013. She now has three books available for purchase through Amazon, Long Way Home, Finding Home and A Home for Christmas, with the fourth and final book in the Home Series, Finally Home, releasing on March 10, 2014. In December 2013, Ann was named to Amazon's Romance Editor's List of Fan Picks for Top Debut Author. When not at her desk, lost in the world of the Home Series, Ann can usually be found at the ballparks watching her son's high school baseball games, or her daughter's softball or soccer games...or chasing after her energetic Border Collie puppy!
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Amazon Author Page ~ Goodreads


Purchase Her Other Books Today

Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU
Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU
On sale for only $.99!Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU

#SurrealSnippets : Safe, Sane, Consensual

Is there a difference between being a submissive and being a slave? To those in the BDSM Lifestyle, that answer is "Yes." However, you'll be hard pressed to get a Webster's definition out of any of them. In The Divine Trilogy, I have attempted to weave this element into the underlying story, and will be addressing it more thoroughly in the final installment, Surreal. Because of that, I thought it would be enlightening to share some research I've done before I share a little unedited excerpt . . . 



"Maybe we might get further asking what a submissive and a slave have in common. Both have a deep need/desire to submit/surrender/give up at least some part of their will/control/power to a Dominant. They most often “need” this because pleasing and/or offering service to a Dominant who has earned their trust, their respect and (generally) their love, is an integral part of a submissive/slave’s fulfillment and satisfaction." 
~ from Kate Kinsey 

"The difference between the two does not make one better than the other. I have seen countless submissives that serve as beautifully and perfectly as some slaves do and prefer not to be called slaves because of the negative connotation to that word. I have also seen many wannabe slaves struggle until they eventually found their place as submissives. It is difficult to devote one's entire life to another person but it is also incredibly rewarding." 
~ from  BDSM 101: Difference between submissive and slave



"The bottom line is that there is no one way to live the lifestyle and that goes for submissives and slaves alike. One of the most important qualities anyone in this lifestyle can have is respect. Respect for others and how they enjoy and live in the BDSM lifestyles." ~ from submissiveguide.com

* SSC keychain Etsy buy link



As promised, here's your next little teaser!
“I’ve done no harm to you, yet you sit there, cowering like a beaten puppy. Why?”
***s’ blinked, the stare in his eyes vapid, refusing to connect. 
“Could it be your guilty conscience whispering in your ear? Bringing to light what a sleaze you are?”
The accused attempted to swallow, but a bout of dry mouth prevented that from happening. ***'s leg began bouncing while he drummed his fingertips on his thighs.
Jayden pressed on. “Or are you high out of your fucking mind right now, asshole? In what respectable world do you think it is okay to accept a submissive’s gift while you’re under the influence of any substance?” he hissed inches from ***’s face, having rushed forward to spit the words at him.
“Gift?” *** choked out like the concept were foreign to him.
The Dom wanted to roar at the stupidity he was seeing; instead, he seethed through clamped teeth. A few controlled breaths to get himself collected again and he was able to resume. Jayden stood up and backed away.
“You’ve been lingering around my club and my Lifestyle for too long, ***. Except,” he paused for dramatic effect, “this isn’t my club. I’m just a member of the board—the board you’ve applied to for membership and backing into the community and Lifestyle.” Sue him for gloating.
“So, what? You’re gonna tell them I was a bad boy and can’t be in your stupid little club?” 
The arrogance and defiance dripping from the words pulled another chuckle from Jayden, and he grinned. “Not at all, Mr. ***. In fact, I’ve just had your interview moved up.” Understanding dawned in the man’s eyes while he gulped. “Everyone will be here and ready to begin within an hour. Best be preparing your intro speech, Sir.” No respect was delivered with the title.
“But I’m not ready,” *** spluttered, disgusting Jayden with the dry spittle at the corners of his mouth. “I’m not dressed right, and haven’t had time to plan a scene or prepare a slave—”
Slave? He’d heard enough. “Oh, but Sir, you have a submissive in the other room, remember? And she happens to bear the evidence of how you conduct a scene. As for your attire, well, let’s just say, it suits you.” With disdain, Jayden dragged his gaze over the man’s grease-stained, unbuttoned jeans.
Uncertainty flashed in ***'s eyes when Jayden’s came to meet them. Good. Yes, it was good that he was worried. 
Silence fell over the two men while the clock on the wall ticked off the seconds.
(c) 2014 R.E. Hargrave, Surreal (unedited, character name omitted to preserve surprise factor for release)





Until next time, my lovelies . . . Thoughts? Rants? Let me know what you think!

#GoodreadsGiveaway for The Truth in Lies by Jeanne McDonald

Jeanne McDonald is hosting a Goodreads Book Giveaway from February 3 - March 3, 2014. Enter for a chance to win a signed copy of her novel The Truth in Lies. Synopsis: Life is a sequence of choices. Some are deliberate, others are forced upon you. This was a lesson that McKenzie Evans knew all too well. After the miscarriage of her son, she made the hard decision to leave her absentee boyfriend and move in with her former college roommate, Olivia Hamilton. That’s when she was introduced to Andrew Wise, a brilliant attorney, working for his family’s law firm in Sarasota, Florida.

To McKenzie, Drew became her salvation. He had a way of understanding her when no one else could. The closer they became, the more McKenzie found herself falling in love with Drew. He was everything she ever dreamed of in a man, and for the first time in her life, she felt truly alive. There was only one problem. Drew was dating Olivia.

With the help of fate and circumstance, Drew and McKenzie journey down a path of unrequited love and denied feelings. In the end, they must make a choice between their hearts or their consciences. In this one decision they discover that there’s always a glimmer of truth to a lie, that there’s a fine line between love and friendship, and sometimes you have to risk everything to gain everything.


Goodreads Book Giveaway The Truth in Liesby Jeanne McDonaldGiveaway ends March 03, 2014.See the giveaway detailsat Goodreads. Enter to win For more information, go to: www.jeannemcdonald.com

Author to AUTHOR Sneak Peek Sunday: Tales from the End by Lissa Bryan

From the author of The End of All Things comes a collection of short stories about the Infection that swept around the globe, decimating the population, and leaving behind a small number of survivors, unprepared to deal with the brutal new world which had replaced the one they'd known.

The End of All Things told the story of Carly Daniels and Justin Thatcher's travels across a shattered nation in search of a safe place to settle, after the pandemic. But it was also a journey into love, and an affirmation of hope. Carly finds strength in her faith that things can be even better than they were before, that compassion and charity are not luxuries; they are what make us human. Life endures, and so does love. The End of All Things is only a beginning.

And now, Lissa Bryan gives us three new stories in Tales from the End.


Two of them are an introduction new characters from the upcoming sequel to The End of All Things, and the other two are a visit with old friends.


The Horsemen
L.A.'s mayor has declared quarantine to try to halt the spread of the Infection. Pearl sets off across the city to buy supplies, but already the world is changing. Something strange is in the air. The Horsemen are coming ...


Veronica
When Veronica's mother doesn't come home from work and no one answers the phone when she calls for help, a nine-year-old girl is thrown into the chaos of a world coming to an end. Veronica decides it's up to her to find her family. "Veronica" is the story of a little girl's courage in the face of the end of all things.


"I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud"
They called her Shadowfax - the mare Carly and Justin found on their travels. But before she was found by Carly, the retired dressage horse was known as Cloud. An unusual tale of the end, told through the eyes of a confused and lonely horse, left in her pasture.


Birthday
A previously-published bonus story. Carly knows Justin has never celebrated his birthday, and after society crumbled, no one knows what date it is, anyway. But she wants to do something special for him. Celebrating the little things helps them keep hope alive, and as a blizzard rages outside, a small gesture of love warms their home.


Tales of courage, tales of survival... Tales from the End .

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Excerpt:

Veronica made herself a bologna sandwich at lunchtime and ate it in front of the TV. The soap operas should be on now, but they were still showing the news. That guy her mom thought was so cute, Troy Cramer, was talking about how everyone was getting the flu. Lots of people were at the hospital, and they were closing schools in some places.

She put in another movie. By the time it was done, her mom should be home from work. She would tell Veronica that her car had broken down and she’d lost her cell phone or something, and be so proud of Veronica for taking care of herself. Or she would say that David had gotten sick, but it was a false alarm and everything was fine now.

Everything would be fine.

Five p.m. Any minute now.

Five thirty. Just traffic. Or David’s daycare teacher wanted to talk.

Six.

Seven.

Veronica sobbed as she curled up on the couch, crying like she hadn’t cried in years. “I want my mom,” she told the empty room.

She wiped her face with her palms and went into the kitchen. It was unavoidable now. She had to call her dad. She couldn’t spend another night alone. As she dialed, she remembered a book she’d read last summer called Pippi Longstocking. It was about a little girl who lived all by herself, and when she’d read it, Veronica had thought about how much fun it would be to have Pippi’s big house and all of that freedom. But now, such a fate seemed horrifying.

Her dad’s phone rang. And rang.

And rang.

His voice mail didn’t even pick up. She waited, because surely he’d see their number on the screen and pick up. He would pick up because she was letting it keep on ringing, and he’d realize it was something important when she didn’t hang up.

It kept on ringing.

Veronica thought she’d cried out all the tears she had, but she was wrong. She sobbed into the receiver, and those sobs turned into hiccups. She had to grab a paper towel from the counter to blow her nose, because she couldn’t breathe.

The phone stopped ringing, and a voice came on the line. Veronica sucked in a breath so fast she choked. She started crying again when it was just a recording saying that the other party wasn’t answering. Then there was just the hum of an empty line.


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Tales from the End will be available February 4.


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About the Author:

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 two novels, Ghostwriter and The End of All Things . Her third, Under These Restless Skies , will be released on February 20, 2014.

NEW RELEASE & GIVEAWAY: Beginning Anew (The Naomi Chronicles Book 1) by Paula Rose Michelson

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ABOUT THE BOOK



Naomi and Chaz know that miracles really do happen for at a friend’s wedding they reaffirmed their love and are Beginning Anew!

Yet there are consequences that the couple must face. Will Chaz love and protect his wife? Will Naomi learn to trust Chaz?

Find out in the first novel of Paula Rose Michelson’s four-book saga e Naomi Chronicles.


GOODREADS





Available at:

Smashwords I Amazon I Createspace

***
Excerpt:
The morning dawned bright and cloudless. The sun pounded down on the casa. Day two, Chaz told himself as he dressed and headed to the kitchen. He planned to down several cups of Naomi’s espresso in quick succession to give him the momentum needed to face the challenges of another day in this unknown world of hushed accusations, slurred innuendos, and painful rejections.   Before he entered the kitchen, Chaz heard Naomi humming the tune to Que Sera, Sera. She began singing those words since that was how the song began, and that irritated him. Though he tried not to show it, when he entered and heard Naomi chirp, “Good morning!” it was evident. Noticing his dejected look, she explained, “It is wash day, so before you go, be sure to give me your things.”  “All right,” Chaz answered dourly as he sat down at the kitchen table without looking at her.    Remembering her mamá say, “Never let them know that you are worried about them, for men need to be in control of their own world and ours,” Naomi coaxed, “Come on, Chaz, the sun is out and it is a lovely day.” She smiled brightly in spite of her fatigue. “The birds are singing, and we are together! How can you be glum, today of all days?” She handed him a large cup of espresso. “I made it strong, rich and dark just the way you like it.   “Yes.” Forcing a smile, Chaz took the cup from her. Taking a pull, he said, “I do like my espresso this way.” Aware that coffee was not the answer and sorely in need of one, he put the cup down. Turning toward the vestibule, he wondered whom he could speak with about this situation.   Overriding her madre’s counsel, Naomi and asked, “What kept you up all night and why are you so upset?”    “Me.”   “You are upset about yourself? Chaz, you are a fine man. As the founder and president of a philanthropic organization, you help downtrodden people all over the world. How can you be having a problem with yourself?”   “I am not having a problem with what I do, but with who I am.”    “But…you are my husband. Is that the problem you are referring to?”    “No. I am not concerned with that.”  “Is it me? Have I done something to upset you?”    “Why do you think this is about you?” he hollered as he stood and walked to the front door. Shocked, she watched as Chaz opened the door, and left without saying goodbye. What has happened to him? she wondered as she picked up the wash, intending to take it to the laundry room in the casita. While heading to the lower patio, she realized Chaz had left before giving her his things. Placing her basket on the patio table, she turned toward the house, intending to get his things and return. Seeing that she was where they sat yesterday morning, she remembered that sweet special meal and Uncle Luis’s strange remarks. Chaz will probably be gone most of the day if he is like mi papá was when he got upset. I think I will visit Uncle Luis and see if I can find out more about Vida. Picking up the basket, she carried it into the house and set it on the kitchen table.  She hurried to her room, changed into one of her new dresses, and prepared to surprise the old man.Having never done anything like this before, Naomi was a little nervous and took a great deal of time. Once she had fixed her hair, she went into the kitchen and packed up some treats for Uncle Luis. She rationalized her desire to speak with him again by telling herself, he knows a great deal about Vida. Without Chaz’s interruptions, I may find out the answers to many of my questions.    Meanwhile, Chaz, worried, alone, and upset, walked with vigorous strides, hoping to burn the pain out of his heart by stressing his body.   “Look who I see,” he heard a young voice call out from behind him.   Turning his head, he saw Ray coming up alongside, while his great-great-grandmother, Teresa, insisted, “Ray, wait until Chaz invites you to join him!”    “It is all right.” Chaz forced a tone of affection he did not feel while trying to smile. “I was hoping to see you on Friday afternoon.” “I came early this week. Ray’s birthday is today and a Bubbee, Gran Bisabuela, cannot miss these special events in a child’s life!”    Ray smiled at her and let go of her hand. “Bubbee, I’m always happy when you are here! Let’s have a race! I bet I can run faster than you can, mi Gran Bisabuela!”    “I am certain you can.”   “You are?”   “I am.”   “Well, if you believe I can win then I will.”    “How do you know that without trying?” Chaz asked in a sarcastic manner.   “I know because mi Gran Bisabuela never fibs.” The boy dashed to the coffee shop, stepped inside then popped back out. “I won! Just like my Bubbee said I would!”    “I told you many times to stay inside,” Peter scolded.Ray took a step back, and smiled at the barista.   “That’s a good boy,” Teresa said as she crossed the threshold and motioned for her great-great-grandson and Chaz to follow her to her special table. “Gran Bisabuela, did you see how fast I was?”She nodded as Ray sat down. “You keep running and some day you will be a famous runner.”    “Will I really?”   “Of course you will.”   Peter brought a tall glass of milk and winked at the boy. “Is it your birthday today?”   “Gran Bisabuela, did you tell him?”  “Ray, I guessed.” “Oh!”Teresa nodded. “We are having a fine day together.”The boy smiled as he picked up the milk, downing it in one gulp. They watched him dive into the chocolate ice cream Peter had placed on the table.  Turning to Chaz, Teresa said, “Now about your problem, how can I help?”     “I am not certain—”“I had a good marriage, so I have a few things to share with newlyweds.”    “Things are good between us. The problem is mine, and I must find a way to solve it myself.”    “Men!” Teresa spat out the word as one would an insult.    “Do I offend you?”   “Do you offend me? Better you should wonder if you offend Naomi or God for that matter than worry about offending an old woman who has offered to help!”    “I asked because I find the things I am wrestling with difficult.”    “I see. What worries you?”   “Changes cause me to wonder how I can make peace with who I was and am.”   “You are not the first who has to deal with these issues, and I fear you will not be the last.”    “You mean you had discussions about these things before?”   “Do you think you are the only one who has needed to learn as an adult what most children already know?”    “Well, I…”    “Do not worry.” Teresa noticed the time, stood, and called for Ray to join her. “Come over tomorrow, and we will talk.”   Grabbing her great-great-grandson’s hand, Teresa walked out of the coffee shop as Ray asked, “Do you think there will be a lot of presents for me?”     “Of course there will be! But always remember, you have already been given the best gift of all.”      “I have? What was it?”    “It is God’s special gift…A gift no one else but God could give you.”    “What was it?”   “You already know the answer.”   “I do?”   “Of course you do.”   “Well Bubbee, if you say I know, then I will try to remember.” Seeing his Bubbee nod, and smile at him, Ray said, “What do I know about the gift of God?” Looking at her once more, he remembered a song he learned in Shabbat school and sang, “There were three jolly fishermen, there were three….” “But mi pequeño…my little one, why did you stop?The boy could hardly contain himself from shouting, so instead he whispered, “Messiah Yeshua is the one who used fishermen to bring His message of salvation to the world!” His grandmother nodded. “And if you let Him, He will allow you to do the very same thing.” “The gift of God is Messiah Yeshua!” “That is right!” Teresa patted Rays head. Seeing a shadow cross their path, she looked up and saw Chaz walking to the cigar store. You will find no solace in there, my friend. Turning her attention back to her great-granddaughter's son, she silently asked God, why is it that some of our children have to grow up without knowing their heritage? She remembered Rabbi Sh’aul, or as those in the church call him, the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! So, she decided to do that, for acting ‘as if’ had often brought amazing blessings her way.
***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paula Rose Michelson is not only an author but also a mother of two married daughters, and the grandmother of seven. She authored the Casa de Naomi Series.

Today, February 1, 2014 The Naomi Chronicles, Book One, Beginning Anew will release on Amazon.

In 1988, she founded LAMB Ministries which teaches women recovering from trauma and abuse. While awaiting the copyright for the first LAMB recovery book titled, "Why Did We Become Angry?"

She wrote a series of politically incorrect articles that will be published under the title, "The Purple Pitch Seduction of America." These will release in 2014.

Paula can be found online on:

Her site, blog, Twitter, Facebook, Amazon, and Goodreads
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For this release blast Paula has decided to do a giveaway.
The prizes are:

1st:3 sets of the previous Casa de Naomi Books (digital format)
and
2nd:3 x Casa de Naomi: Book One (digital format)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Win a signed advance copy of The Righteous and The Wicked by April Emerson

This month April Emerson is hosting a Goodreads giveaway of her first erotic romance novel  The Righteous and The Wicked ! You can enter to win an advance copy signed by the author!
Synopsis:

Small moments can seem insignificant until they change the course of a life forever. The sound of a bulldozer. A chance meeting at a gas station.  A gust of wind through a chime. Benign events become something more when viewed through the lens of fate.
Emma Santori is a prisoner of tragic memories. Locked in a spiral of depression, she leads a desolate and empty life, trapped in her decrepit home. Rooted in routine, she’s numb and vacant. As a lonely Catholic school teacher, her only joy comes from her young students. One Saturday morning her isolation is infiltrated by a mysterious architect building a home beside hers.
That man is Eric Wilder and he’s keeping a secret—a secret that’s destroying his life. Filled with guilt and self-loathing he’s forced to move often. He chooses the small northeastern town of Pine Lake as his latest refuge and hopes to make a successful attempt at starting his life over. As always, he’s unable to make that happen.
That all changes when he meets Emma.
She finds herself drawn to Eric when she accidentally bumps into him, but Eric’s unfazed by their first meeting. When a gust of wind brings these two people together once again, Emma discovers Eric’s secret. She’s forced to battle between her Catholic faith and her desire for this stranger.
They’re attraction is intense and they soon discover they’re each lonely and longing for what the other has to offer. They begin a friendship, and as that friendship blossoms, Emma realizes her passion and lust for Eric are the remedy to her depression. Eric discovers his feelings for Emma are the only antidote to his secret burden.
They begin an erotic journey which leads these beautifully broken people to discover that love can be both righteous and wicked.



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Goodreads Book Giveaway The Righteous and the Wicked by April Emerson Giveaway ends February 28, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win