R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 62

B@@K REVEAL: Nephilim Harbinger by Selene Kallan #PreORDER

Nephilim Harbinger
Selene Kallan
(The Cursed and The Fallen, #2)
Publication date: January 10th 2022
Genres: Adult, Romance, Urban Fantasy

PROPHECIES ARE A GIRL’S WORST NIGHTMARE.I definitely angered a god in a past life. I was minding my business and enjoying my burning chemistry with Nox, my demon warden, and then bam! I’m getting dragged to literal Hell under the orders of Lilith, Queen of Hell… and Nox’s mother.It turns out there’s a lovely prophecy that says I am the Harbinger, the Catalyst for the Apocalypse that will burn down Hell and Earth. And Lilith wants to kill me to prevent it. Cornered, Nox and I bargain with Lilith, and she agrees to let me live… as long as I keep my dirty Nephilim fingers away from Nox.Naturally, Nox and I find as many loopholes as possible for our bargain, but our relief is short-lived. New enemies pop around like daisies, and old ones come back even from the dead. Light and darkness lay their claim on us, determined to render our connection to ash.Are we strong enough to subvert the prophecy before Heaven and Hell cleave us apart? I don’t know, but I sure as Hell will fight with everything I’ve got, even if I burn.I’ve always loved playing with fire, anyway.

The second installment of The Cursed and The Fallen series.

Praise for DEMON WARDEN ★★★★★ “Holy angelic WOW – this is the pandemic escape I didn’t know I needed. Fantasy author Kallan has reached new fantasy heights with this sexy romance-action-adventure.”—Laurie Forest, Bestselling Author of The Black Witch Chronicles.

Fans of Hush Hush, Sarah J. Maas, and Jennifer L. Armentrout will love the mix of urban fantasy and romance fantasy in NEPHILIM HARBINGER.

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Author Bio:

Selene Kallan is a fantasy author who daydreams about her imaginary worlds most of the time. Her obsession with vampires, and all things supernatural, has made her an avid reader. She loves writing, discovering new metal bands, and watching superhero movies. She is also feeling a little crazy while writing about herself in third person, but apparently, this is the way to go.

 

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BOOK BLITZ: Finding His Redemption by Melanie A. Smith #GIVEAWAY

Finding His Redemption: An Enemies to Lovers Rock Star Romance
Melanie A. Smith
Publication date: November 2nd 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

From award-winning and international best-selling author Melanie A. Smith comes a standalone steamy contemporary romance about a rock star, a former fan, and the real meaning of redemption.

Kristoffer “West” Westberg is just out of rehab and ready to reclaim his rock-god status. But when his return to fame is threatened by a former fan turned rock magazine writer — and huge critic of him and his band — West is forced to reckon with the reality that he’ll need to prove himself before earning his redemption.

Max Marshall is feisty, a little too honest for her own good, and so not here to babysit a fallen rock star. And nobody has fallen farther in her mind that Kristoffer Westberg. So when she’s forced to catalog his so-called “apology tour,” she has little hope that it’ll be anything but a headache dealing with the entitled, washed-up rock star she used to worship before she knew better.

If West hopes to have a snowball’s chance in hell of changing Max’s — and his fans’ — minds, he’s got some serious groveling to do. Will he manage to fake it till he makes it, or will he be exposed as the lost cause everyone is convinced he is? And will he learn the real meaning of redemption in time to win Max’s trust and her heart.

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—

EXCERPT:

“Come on,” he pleads winningly. “I’m all better now. Don’t you want to jump back on the West train?”

I pull a face. “Don’t you mean the Violent Mood Swings train?” And then I think silently to myself, You know, your band, you self-centered ass hat?

“Sure, yeah, that too,” he agrees dismissively.

I sigh heavily. “Not for all the guitar picks in a Dunlop factory.”

“Ouch, Maxi. Ouch.”

I frown. “It’s Max.”

West grins. “Okay, Maxi. Whatever you say.”

“You know, annoying the shit out of me isn’t going to make me tell you,” I snap at him. Even though I’m more mad that I actually find his bullshit kind of cute. His mischievous grin shows that dimple in his right cheek, and his behavior is a heady combination of endearing and playful. Dear god, help me. I take a step back, needing to distance myself in every way possible.

“Then forget why. I’m all better now. Don’t you want to give me another chance?” he cajoles, leaning back against the wall and looking like a butt-hurt little kid.

“Yes, well, that’s great, but just because you’re magically all better doesn’t change the way I feel. But really, good luck with the album and tour and stuff.”

“Who said anything about a tour?” he asks slyly.

I narrow my eyes at him. “You guys aren’t going to tour?”

“Yeah, of course we’re going to tour. But nobody’s said anything about one yet.”

I throw my hands up. “Do you ever take anything seriously?”

“Absolutely. Music. Rosie. And why you’re so mad at me.”

Author Bio:

Melanie A. Smith is an award-winning and international best-selling author of steamy contemporary romance fiction. A voracious reader and lifelong writer, Melanie's writing began at a young age with short stories and poetry. After college and a career as an aircraft engineer, she shifted to domestic engineering and property management and eventually found a balance where she was able to return to writing fiction. Melanie is also a Mensan and enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and driving with the windows down and the stereo cranked up loud.

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B@@K REVEAL: Mafia Prince by Kennedy Slope

Mafia Prince
Kennedy Slope
(Crowned Criminals, #2)
Publication date: November 15th 2021
Genres: Adult, Dark Romance, Romance

Marco Blanchi has always been the muscle. He’s the enforcer of the Blanchi family. A role he revels in the brutality of.

Ivy Hope is just trying to get by. On a good day, her family barely has enough to eat, and now that her brother is ill, they don’t even have that. That’s how Ivy finds herself begging to dance at Red’s, a high-end club in Manhattan. Ivy thinks dancing is her chance to finally get her family out of debt, but before she can take the stage, she finds herself in the wrong place at the worst time and becomes the only witness to a murder that could put Marco Blanchi in prison for good.

Now, Marco must figure out a way to keep Ivy from talking, and she must keep herself alive long enough to figure out what her silence is worth to this mafia prince.

Mafia Prince is the second book in the Crowned Criminals series. While it is not necessary to read, Mafia Princess first, situations and characters will be referenced in this story. Please note that this is a dark romance not suitable for those under eighteen.

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Author Bio:

Kennedy Slope has always had a wandering mind. She's written a million romances in her head, but "The Duke's Contract," is the first one she's decided to share with the world. In her past lives, she has been a teacher, a waitress, and for a brief moment, she sold copiers. Currently, she resides in Virginia with her husband where she enjoys drinking too much coffee and binge-watching HGTV.

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BLEEDING SOULS SAVED BY LOVE! Broken Doll by Cedar Rose #NowLive

 Broken Doll by Cedar Rose

EliraI know nothing but darkness and hate. Not all my life, just for the past several years. I could get away, but he would find me. Besides, I have no strength to run. That’s what happens when you’re being held captive and hardly fed. I’m going through the motions. I’m his new attraction. I dance. I dance for my food and a blanket for the night. My only though is to please him so I live another day. I can’t go far, I’m never alone since I’m leashed to his side. He makes my leash a part of the act, as I dance like a marionette doll. I have to hold out hope that someone will rescue me, since I’m sure my parents have given up. I just want to be real again, and free.
ZaneI’ve got no strings is the saying, right? I can do what I want, when I want. I only answer to my brothers, my father, and God. I’m heir to the dynasty that my father has built, and I take my job seriously as enforcer. My dad made me prospect like everyone else, I needed to work for my patch. I love the club and I will die for my brothers. I also love women, lots of them. I’m not opposed to relationships; I just haven’t found the one. Until her. I don’t know her name. I go there to watch her. She is captivating, beautiful. And haunted. What makes my blood boil is the leash attached to her throat and the fat man controlling it. To save her, I will kill.
A Fabled retelling of PINOCCHIO
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BOOK BLITZ: Glory Bishop by Deborah L. King #GIVEAWAY

Glory Bishop
Deborah L. King
Publication date: June 4th 2019
Genres: Women’s Fiction

“Deborah King has written a compelling, thought-provoking novel that engages readers and made me wish the story would never end.” -Chicago Writer’s Association Windy City Reviews

Glory Bishop lives her life in pieces. At work and with her friends, she reads novels, speaks her mind, and enjoys slow dances and stolen kisses with her boyfriend, JT. But at home, Glory follows strict rules and second-guesses every step. Though she dreams of going to college and living like a normal teenage girl, her abusive mother has other ideas.

When JT leaves to join the navy, Glory is left alone and heartsick. The preacher’s son, Malcolm Porter, begins to shower her with lavish gifts, and her mother pushes Glory to accept his advances. Glory is torn between waiting for true love with JT or giving in to the overzealous Malcolm.

When a stranger attacks Glory on the street, Malcolm steps in to rescue her, and her interest in him deepens. But the closer she gets to him, the more controlling he becomes. Glory must eventually decide whether to rely on others or to be her own savior.

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—

EXCERPT:

She was standing at a softly rumbling dryer, folding “mountain fresh” scented towels, when she heard the door opening behind her.

“Hello, Miss Glory.”

She continued folding, pretending not to hear.

“I said, hello, Miss Glory.”

She would not give that devil’s son the satisfaction of responding.

The door closed, and she hoped he’d gone, but then he was behind her… his arms around her waist… his lips touching her shoulder. “Remember the first time you let me kiss you? You said you’d be my wife.”

Glory shrugged off the kiss and tried to ignore him—tried not to notice his scent or relax in his arms. She tried not to respond to his voice… tried not to care.

His lips touched the back of her neck. “Remember the second time you let me kiss you? You said you’d be my girl.”

Glory deliberately brushed his kiss from her neck and moved to the washing machine, careful to keep her back to him.

“Oh… so it’s like that now, huh? No problem. I’ll just sit down and watch you work. I’ve got all night. And you know, I always did appreciate you from behind, too.”

Glory growled under her breath, taking her annoyance out on the wet towels she pulled from the washer. She heard him sigh loudly as he settled down on the old couch. She whispered a prayer for patience and strength.

“Know what?” he asked. “I feel like singing.”

Glory continued her work and tried to ignore him as he flubbed his way through “Ribbon in the Sky” and “Isn’t She Lovely,” but when he started singing “Brick House,” she threw down the towel she was folding and gripped the edge of the table.

“Josiah Jackson, you leave me alone. Right now!”

“Oh… so you’re talking to me now, huh? I win big. I get to hear your pretty voice and look at your fine a—”

“No!” Glory turned to face him, arms folded, seething, channeling every bit of hurt and anger into a glare that she wished would burn him to cinders. “No. I’m not talking to you. I’m asking the devil to leave me alone! I’m asking Satan himself to leave me alone and never speak to me again.”

“Well,” he said, standing and moving toward her. “Your prayer is gonna be answered. I’m leaving for the navy tomorrow.”

He smiled. He actually smiled. That no-good lying two-timing devil smiled his smug smile—that I’m the finest boy in the world, and I know you agree smile. That I win smile.

Glory hated that smile. And she loved that smile. And all she could do was squeeze her eyes shut to keep the tears from spilling out.

“How could you do that to me, JT?” she whispered. “How?”

“I’m sorry, Miss Glory.” He tried to take her hand, but she pushed him away. “I’m leaving in the morning and I need to make things right with you. Please, just listen to me. You don’t hafta talk to me. You don’t hafta forgive me. Just listen. Then if you still hate me, I swear I’ll never bother you again.”

Glory opened her eyes. The smug smile was gone—no mocking, no joking, only the slightest hint of a plea in his voice and in his eyes—the force of will that always made her trust him… or used to make her trust him.

Glory sat away from him on the couch, arms still folded, not looking at him. She listened to his tale of a weekend with his cousins and wine and reefa and the twenty-two-year-old next door and his not really remembering it until his aunt called his mother about a baby that looked like him. She tried to stay angry and to push him away when he knelt in front of her, begging forgiveness. She tried not to see the tears in his eyes.

Author Bio:

Deborah King has been a writer and storyteller her whole life. She published her first short story when she was seven years old. When she’s not writing, Deborah enjoys cartoons, cooking, photography, and Star Trek. Born and raised in Chicago, Deborah has managed to achieve all of her childhood dreams and still lives in the area with her husband and two youngest children. According to her daughter, she has “literally aced her life!”

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B@@K REVEAL: Shopping for a Turkey by Julia Kent #GIVEAWAY

Shopping for a Turkey
Julia Kent
Publication date: November 2nd 2021
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

I don’t understand Americans.

Or, as we say in Scotland, I dinna understand ye eedjits.

And I definitely dinna understand the crazy mother-in-law of my cousin Declan. Who in their right mind names a wee dog Chuffy?

I’m stuck in New York after ma agent makes a bloody mess of an otherwise good endorsement contract for a sports towel company, and this crazy American holiday–Thanksgiving–is in two days.

The invitation to spend it in Mendon, Massachusetts, with the Jacoby family is about as appealing as rotten haggis. As far as I can tell, Thanksgiving is about stuffing yerself silly, watching pathetic American “football,” while fighting with relatives ye only see once a year.

If I wanted that last one, I’d head back to Scotland, where we dinna need a holiday to be salty to each other.

Ma firm answer is nae.

Until I remember Amy is part of the family.

Suddenly, I’m available.

Eager, even. Perhaps she’ll pull ma wishbone. I hear that’s part of the Turkey Day festivities, aye?

What I canna admit, though, is how she pulls ma heartstrings, too.

Which shouldna feel better than the wishbone, but it does.

And here comes Amy’s mother with another holiday tradition, this one a bit early.

A sprig o’ mistletoe, dangling right above Amy’s bonnie head.

–-

Shopping for a Turkey features Scottish football player Hamish McCormick and Amy Jacoby as they navigate unusual cultural norms, new traditions, and the undeniable attraction between these two characters, who have appeared as supporting players in Julia Kent’s New York Times-bestselling Shopping series.

It’s their turn to have their own all-new spinoff series. And to pull the wishbone.

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—

EXCERPT:

Hamish

I’ve been to the Jacoby’s a number of times before, but I’ve never walked in to find a giant dead chicken on the kitchen counter, with Amy’s hand so far up its arse, it’s like she’s giving it a prostate exam.

“Careful. Ye touch the right spot and he’ll give ye a pearl necklace,” I joke as I set a half-case of wine on a different counter, along with a bag holding a small container of saffron, a mesh bag of shallots, and a hostess gift. The house smells like sautéed onions and yeasty bread, with a strong sage and thyme component to it. Unlike James’s house, the Jacoby residence is a home. Lived in and filled with people bonded to each other, with worn edges to objects.

And few edges on people.

Amy’s mouth forms an O of surprise. “This is its head, not its ass!”

“What’re you doing to the poor carcass?”

“Massaging olive oil into the inside before we put the stuffing in.”

“How big is that chicken?”

“It’s a turkey. And it’s twenty-four pounds. Why are you here so early?

Author Bio:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. Since 2013, she has sold more than 1.5 million books, with 4 New York Times bestsellers and more than 16 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French and German, with more titles releasing soon. From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men's room toilet (and he isn't a billionaire). She lives in New England with her husband and three children in a household where the toilet seat is never, ever, down.

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NEW RELEASE BL!TZ: At Last by Krista Harper #GIVEAWAY

At Last
Krista Harper
Publication date: November 2nd 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Two years ago, Tyler Reid left the California Coastline in search of a new start. One that didn’t include Genevieve Lawson and the disastrous ending to their life together. Stubborn and alone, Reid is determined to move forward but remains haunted by his past and the events that occurred before he left the sleepy beach community.

Reluctantly, Reid finds himself in therapy, forced to deal with his past to embrace his future. But, as he begins to heal, the memories of his upbringing start to unravel, forcing him to question all he’s known about his relationship with Genevieve and those around him.

Determined to make things right, Reid returns to California attempting to make peace with his past and provide both him and Genevieve closure. Only when he arrives, their encounter takes a turn neither expected, nearly derailing his progress and their plans.

Can the two put aside the past for a chance at a possible future?

What You Can Expect From, At Last:~ Wounded Hero Determined to Heal~ Torn Heroine Afraid of Being Hurt Again~ Redemption Story~ Two-Hour Short Read with All the Feels~ Guaranteed Happily Ever After

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—

EXCERPT:

Chapter 1

Present Day, Nashville, TN

“Tyler Reid,” I said, extending my hand. “Most people call me Reid.”

“Yes, Reid.” He smiled, returning my grip. “Hello, I’m Dr. Rodsen.”

Dr. Rodsen was a small man who looked as though he’d spent most of his time indoors with a good book. He was maybe in his late 50’s and wore navy khakis with a button-down shirt; his wire-rimmed glasses perched on top of his head. Our hands dropped, and I quickly placed mine into the front pockets of my blue jeans, looking around the room.

“Please,” said Dr. Rodsen, gesturing to the sofa. “Have a seat wherever you’re comfortable.”

“Thank you,” I replied, choosing a seat the furthest away from the good doctor.

“So, Reid, before we dive in here. I just wanted to say thank you for coming in and meeting with me today. As you know, this isn’t a full session, but instead more of a ‘meet and greet’ if you will, to make sure you feel comfortable.” He smiled. “Also, I wanted you to know that your files arrived from Dr. Garrison for my review, per your request, and I must say, it’s somewhat unorthodox for me to receive such extensive files from another therapist.”

“Well, Dr. Rodsen.” I leaned in. “I wanted to start at the present instead of drudging back through my entire childhood and adolescence again. I’ve had a great life. I’ve lived it. I’ve talked about it. I want to move on.”

“I see,” he said, removing the glasses from atop his head and putting them on. He picked up a pad of paper and pen from the small table in between us and began scanning the pages. “Well, after reviewing your file, I did have a few questions that I found pertinent. And I’d like to begin with those, if I may?”

“Of course.” I nodded.

“Now, your records indicate that you were adopted, however reading through your files, there isn’t much mention of this.”

“There isn’t much to mention,” I said, my hands folded on top of my lap.

“Well.” He hesitated. “If I may?”

“Of course.”

“At what age did you become aware of your adoption?”

“I believe I was fifteen at the time.”

“Fifteen? My, that is an awfully long time to wait to tell you. How did your adoptive parents broach the subject?”

I shifted in my seat.“You mean my parents.” I corrected him, my jaw clenched.

“Oh, why yes, Reid.” He looked up from his notepad, his brows furrowed. “Your parents. Does it bother you that I called them your adoptive parents?”

“No.” I lied. “However, they are just my parents. No adjectives are needed.”

“Thank you. That is noted.” He cleared his throat before beginning again. “How did your parents broach the subject of your adoption?”

“Well, in all honesty, it was me who broached the subject Dr. Rodsen. I was a punk teenager and was digging through my father’s study, looking for the key to the liquor cabinet, when I found the documentation.”

“That must have been quite the finding, Reid.”

I nodded.

“And what happened after that?” Dr. Rodsen asked. “You approached your parents?”

“Indirectly, yes.”

“Indirectly?”

“I did eventually also find the key to the liquor cabinet.” I paused a moment at the painful memory. “I opened the file and spread the paperwork, page by page, out on the floor of my Father’s office, then proceeded to drink half a bottle of 30-year-old scotch. My parents found me that night in the office.”

Author Bio:

Krista Harper is a contemporary romance and romantic comedy writer.

The first in her family to attend college, she received a practical degree in nursing before pursuing her MFA at the age of 40.

A Chicago native, Krista currently resides in the Colorado mountains with her partner, two kids and four rescues, where she enjoys being nature adjacent.

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B@@K REVEAL: It Started with a List by Tinia Montford

It Started with a List
Tinia Montford
Publication date: January 25th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

A BUCKET LIST. THE POPULAR GUY. A LONER. WHAT COULD GO WRONG?

Time’s up for Vassa Blackwell.

With her college graduation looming, Vassa reflects on the past four years. After a devastating betrayal from her closest friend leaves her ostracized, she trusts no one. Now she is mega disappointed. No wacky misadventures, no drunken nights, and no regrettable mistakes that you can NEVER tell your parents. Work and class, class and work. That’s it. College is supposed to be the best years of your life… Right?

Vassa feels as though she’s cheated herself out of a full college experience. Notable with romance and boys and stuff. So, she makes a college bucket list. Then the worse thing ever happens. Her list falls into the hands of Lazarus Gilbert. King of the baseball team, sworn enemy (in her opinion), and her annoying upstairs neighbor. He thinks he’s found something fun to do. She thinks she’s in trouble. That’s until she discovers there’s more to Lazarus than he lets on…

With the pressures of post-college decisions and failing classes, can they complete the bucket list before the semester runs out? Are Vassa and Lazarus just too different to get along? Will they both come out winners in the end, or will she retreat to her safety-zone? Is it too late for her to learn to live and let live, and let love enter her heart?

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Author Bio:

Tinia (TUH-NIA) Montford is a Pisces who’s a sap for romance, especially when there’s (tons of) kissing. Loves eighties sitcoms and will consume anything with chocolate. She graduated from the University of San Francisco with a degree in English and Graphic Design.

She is a world traveler having climbed a volcano in Nicaragua, scaled Angkor Wat in the blistering sun, and roamed the Acropolis of Athens. Oh, she also dabbles in short stories occasionally.

If you can’t catch her writing, you can bet she’s overindulging on poke bowls, listening to the same four songs, or chilling with her adorbs doggie. She is currently pursuing her MFA in Fiction.

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BOOK BLITZ: Blackbird by Mia Kerick #GIVEAWAY

Blackbird
Mia Kerick
(If I Fell, #2)
Publication date: November 1st 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

Sequel to Hide Your Love Away (If I Fell Series, book 2)

Timmy and Cole’s angsty love story continues…

Last year, in Timmy Hale’s junior year at Edgewater University, he set his romantic sights on Colton “Cole” Ledger—a burly and sometimes over-protective dormitory maintenance man. Cole soon had it bad for sleek and snarky Timmy too, and—despite a bumpy road (a frenzied stalker and an uncooperative son)—before year’s end they’d found love. Now, in Timmy’s senior year, the couple has left the dormitory behind. Cole is back to running his own custom construction company, and they’ve turned an antique Victorian home into a love nest. For a while, life is good.

But insta-love comes at a cost, and for Timmy and Cole it’s steep. Cole’s doubts haunt him: he’s almost certain he’s too old for Timmy, and that he’s pushing him into a life he’ll eventually resent, keeping him from spreading his newfound wings and taking flight toward his best future. Acting on his fears, Cole pressures Timmy to accept an internship in Manhattan—far from the home they’ve built together. He means well, but Timmy feels like a baby bird kicked out of the nest too soon.

Tensions rise until fear, resentment, and desire draw Timmy and Cole into explosive conflict. When the dust settles, will Timmy wing away like a young blackbird, or return to nest with Cole in their happy garden home?

Stay tuned for Book 3 in the IF I FELL Series, Come Together, coming in January, 2022.

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Sequel to:

—

EXCERPT:

Timmy

Jared and William put down their drinks on the makeup counter and glance at each other. After a quick nod, Jared takes me by the hand and leads me to a brightly lit studio where a white fabric backdrop is suspended from a frame. Several looming lights are set up, as is a camera on a tripod.

“Where’s the photographer?” I ask.

“William is trained in photography, as well as in hair and makeup.”

I glance at William. “You’re a pink-haired jack of all trades, dude.”

He rolls his eyes.

“I picked up your backpack from where you left it in the waiting room,” Jared says. “You brought the clothing items I requested—the black briefs, in particular?”

“Sure did.”

“We’re only going to need the briefs and jeans,” Jared tells me.

“Lucky for you that’s what I’ve got on.”

“Ah, yes. How fortunate.” He glances as William again. “I’ll direct today’s shoot. Timmy, shoes and socks off.” Cole would have taken them off for me…but Cole is ancient history. I kick off my ankle boots by the door. I’m not wearing socks.

“I want you to unbutton your jeans. All the way,” Jared says.

His request feels wrong, but I’m his model today, so I cover my discomfort with a snarky reply. “Your wish is my command, but you’re gonna have to hold my drink.”

“No worries…I’ll help you.” Jared steps up right in front of me, and instead of taking my drink from my hand, he unbuttons my jeans himself, staring deliberately into my eyes the whole time. He’s licking his lips too…and, yeah, there’s more horny panting. He catches me by surprise when he grabs my open jeans and tugs them so they ride low on my hips, and almost so low that my pubes are showing.

I gasp but don’t protest. Behind the makeup my face heats. This situation feels inappropriate as hell, but I’m not sure why—I’m not Cole’s anymore.

William takes his place behind the camera and nods. Then Jared steps to the corner of the room where he grabs one of two tall black stools. He places it on the fabric backdrop. “Have a seat, Timmy.”

I’m swaying way too much to be safe for me or the expensive lighting equipment, so I’m more than happy to plunk my ass on the stool. “Want me to smile for the camera? Just say cheese!” I twist my lips into an exaggerated grin.

“No…smiling will not be necessary,” Jared says without returning my grin, and he removes the drink from my hand. “We don’t want you to spill this on the backdrop.”

“That’d be a crime against white polyester.” I’m on a roll here.

When Jared returns from wherever he stuck my drink, he sinks his hands into my hair, fluffs it, and arranges it carefully. He pokes at my bottom lip, puffing it out so I feel like I’m pouting. Then he steps back. “Respond to everything I say, Timmy. With complete honesty—I want it to show on your face and body. And in your soul.”

In my soul? What the fuckety-fuck is he talking about? I fight not to giggle stupidly.

“Yesterday, Robbie and I had a phone conversation. We discussed you and your lover.”

“What the hell?” His comment changes the tone of this photo shoot. “Leave Cole out of this.”

“Why should I?” Jared asks, his forehead wrinkling into what could possibly pass as concern. But even wasted, I know he doesn’t give a single crap about my traumatic break up.

I fold my arms defensively—hurt and angry and wanting to hide as much as I can while in full makeup and bare chested in a brightly lit studio. The camera snaps.

“Robbie said the man is way too old for you. Old enough to be your father.”

I can’t help it. I flip Dexter the bird with both of my middle fingers. More snapping of the camera. “Not your business.”

“Cole wants to keep you locked in a box. Where he can look at you, his pretty boy toy, and have sex with you at will.”

“That’s a lie.” I stand and stiffen my shoulders, my hands curl into defiant fists. Cole screwed up, but not like that.

“Not according to Robbie.”

“Well, Robbie’s wrong.” And Robbie’s a damned traitor, spilling my secrets to this asshole.

Jared shoots me a questioning glance that I’m compelled to respond to.

“I dumped Cole because he didn’t want me anymore—he just hadn’t figured it out yet.”

More pictures are snapped as I stare past Jared to the white wall behind him. My pain is almost unbearable.

“He couldn’t see who I was anymore. He wouldn’t listen to me….” Oh, God. Tears will screw with my makeup…and they’ll expose how scared and weak and lonely I am. But I can’t seem to stop them.

“Go ahead and cry, Timmy…It’s okay.” Jared’s voice has softened to downright gentle.

I allow my tears to flow, though I’m not sure I could stop them, even if I put every last bit of my effort into it.

“Are you getting this?” Jared asks William. His breathless voice sounds a million miles away.

“Damned right, I’m getting this, Mr. Dexter,” William replies, the camera snapping. “It’s solid gold material.”

Author Bio:

Mia Kerick is the mother of four exceptional children--all named after saints--and five nonpedigreed cats--all named after the next best thing to saints, Boston Red Sox players. Her husband of twenty years has been told by many that he has the patience of Job, but don't ask Mia about that, as it is a sensitive subject.

Mia focuses her stories on the emotional growth of troubled young men and their relationships, and she believes that sex has a place in a love story, but not until it is firmly established as a love story. As a teen, Mia filled spiral-bound notebooks with romantic tales of tortured heroes (most of whom happened to strongly resemble lead vocalists of 1980s big-hair bands) and stuffed them under her mattress for safekeeping. She is thankful to Dreamspinner Press for providing her with an alternate place to stash her stories.

Mia is proud of her involvement with the Human Rights Campaign and cheers for each and every victory made in the name of marital equality. Her only major regret: never having taken typing or computer class in school, destining her to a life consumed with two-fingered pecking and constant prayer to the Gods of Technology.

My themes I always write about:

Sweetness. Unconventional love, tortured/damaged heroes- only love can save them.

Mia Kerick focuses her stories on the emotional growth of troubled young men within the boundaries of blossoming, supportive relationships. She believes that sex has a place in a love story, but not until it is firmly established as a love story. And Mia's stories are centered around a certain theme: even heroes can be sweet. Sweet, but not completely innocent.

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BOOK BLITZ: The Shade of Santa Fe by Eva Pohler #GIVEAWAY

The Shade of Santa Fe
Eva Pohler
(The Mystery House, #7)
Publication date: October 31st 2021
Genres: Adult, Mystery, Supernatural

A haunting in Santa Fe will either reunite Ghost Healers, Inc. or disband the group forever.

When Ellen decides to buy a fixer-upper in an art community in Santa Fe, New Mexico, she’s reassured by the realtor that nothing evil has ever occurred there. What she doesn’t know is that the bridge near the back of the property is notoriously known in the town as Suicide Bridge. As she and her friends try to uncover why so many people have taken their lives there, they are shocked by what they find. Can the reunion of Ghost Healers, Inc. untether the troubling spirits near Ellen’s fixer-upper, or will their discoveries be too much for them this time?

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EXCERPT:

“Ready for our hike?” Tanya asked.

“Do pigs fly?” Sue said with a laugh.

“The sooner we do our hike, the sooner we can get on the road to Santa Fe,” Ellen pointed out. “Just think, in five hours, we could be shopping in the plaza.”

“Is that supposed to motivate me? That’s just what I’m looking forward to, more walking.”

“Oh, come on, Sue,” Tanya said. “This will be more of a stroll than a hike. I promise.”

Ellen and her friends put on their walking shoes and then took the trail beside their cabin into the canyon.

Ellen breathed in the cool, morning air. The beauty of the canyon elevated her mood. Some of the stone formations were thick and striated, while other rocks formed mounds of crushed granite. In the distance was a tall formation that reminded Ellen of the sphinx.

“Watch your step,” Tanya said from up front as she stepped over a large rock.

“This feels so good,” Ellen said from where she took up the rear. “I feel like we’re one with nature.”

“And nature is so majestic, isn’t it?” Tanya said. “Doesn’t that big rock look like the tower of a magical castle?”

“I thought it looked more like the sphinx,” Ellen said.

Sue shook her head. “You see a castle and Ellen sees a sphinx. What does it say about me that I see a penis?”

Tanya scoffed. “You know what it says about you.”

“Don’t tell Tom,” Sue warned. “He’ll say my mind is in the gutter.”

“Isn’t it?” Ellen asked.

“Yes, but there’s no need for Tom to know that.”

The three friends chuckled. Ellen realized that if someone had overheard Sue, they might think she was a promiscuous woman who hid her extramarital interests from her husband, but her friends knew she just liked to make people laugh.

Tanya asked, “You think there’s any truth to what that psychic said about there being a shade in Santa Fe? What if there is? What if he confronts us?”

“Oh, Tanya,” Sue said, “you know as well as we do that there are ghosts everywhere. I’m sure there’s more than one shade in Santa Fe.”

“But why would the psychic warn us?” Tanya wanted to know.

“If anyone can handle a confrontation with a ghost, it’s us,” Sue said. “Don’t let fear get in your way of having a good time.”

Ellen heard a shriek as Tanya stopped short.

“Tanya? What are you screaming about?” Ellen asked from the rear.

“That wasn’t me,” Tanya said, backing up. “It was that tarantula. See it?”

On the trail two feet in front of Tanya, a hairy tarantula stood on its hind legs shrieking like a small child. The spider was as big as Ellen’s hand.

“Turn back” Sue said, as she pushed Ellen in the direction from which they’d come. “I’ve had enough of nature for one day.”

“So much for not letting fear get in the way of having a good time,” Ellen teased.

“I can handle just about anything but a hairy spider,” Sue said. “Especially one that screams.”

Author Bio:

After earning her Ph.D. in English and teaching writing and literature for over twenty years, Eva Pohler became a USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels in multiple genres, including mysteries, thrillers, and young adult paranormal romance based on Greek mythology. Her books have been described as "addictive" and "sure to thrill"--Kirkus Reviews.

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