R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 68

B@@K REVEAL: And Hell Followed by Beckett Riley #PreORDER

And Hell Followed
Beckett Riley
Publication date: October 26th 2021
Genres: Adult, Dark Romance, Historical, Romance, Western

We all have our demons

My parents thought emigrating from Germany to the American frontier was going to be a good thing for everyone. But it seems that a darkness is doomed to follow us wherever we go.

Life can be harsh and unforgiving in this world, especially for a woman. Luckily, I have my brother, Thomas, to watch out for me and protect me. He can only do so much, though, and after that vile attack, I find myself in need of his protection more than ever. It was then I realized that festering darkness came from within.

Although society won’t take kindly to it, we have forsaken God and embarked on an unholy life, but just as things finally began to calm down, the past reared its ugly head and came back to tear us apart and destroy and everything we’ve built.

But as Thomas once told me, I would ride my steed through the fires of hell to salvage the only thing worth living for, and if the devil gets in my way, he will beg to God for mercy.

We will be free.

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Author Bio:

Beckett Riley resides in the sunshine state where she writes in between taking care of a four-year-old daughter, three dogs, six chickens, a grumpy barn cat, and a husband (sometimes in that order according to him). She loves writing erotic stories as much as she enjoys reading them. Dark romance and happily ever afters with hot, possessive, guys bring tears of joy to her eyes so please excuse the alpha males roaming her pages, they know not what they do.

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BOOK BLITZ: Unveiled by Celsi Leigh #GIVEAWAY

Unveiled
Celsi Leigh
Publication date: May 28th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary

“That B****, Who Has it All!” The fans have spoken and Malika Samuels has been crowned the “IT” girl. To the world, she is fabulous, a well-known social media influencer and the wife of a five-time championship winning professional basketball player. To the streets, she is a crafty chick from the Bronx that made it out of the hood and to the top. Malika’s life is elite, filled with luxury, fame, success, fashion, popularity, and riches. She has everything a woman could ever dream of….

Or is it all a facade?

Under the veil, Malika Samuels is a confused woman living through her trauma. It appears that Malika is living a dream life, but in reality what appears to be a dream is Malika’s nightmare. Her life is a facade, pretending for the sake of keeping up appearances. Fed-up with the illusion of her life, Malika is now ready to live in her truth, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Unveiled takes readers on a journey of love, passion, drama, abuse, crime, and power. Malika uncovers the veil of the facade; underneath the wealth, fame, and glamour lies the ugly truth that the perfect life is not so perfect after all. There is a high price to pay to be “That B****, Who Has it All”…

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—

EXCERPT:

April 25, 1988 – Kingston (Standpipe), Jamaica

While people were lining up to see Coming to America, N.W.A’s Straight Outta Compton was hitting the charts, and Hurricane Gilbert was ravaging the small island of Jamaica, my life was just beginning.

“I told your mother not to have a baby by the fucking devil himself and yet she had you.” Aunt Dedra often said to me.

In some sick twisted way, it would appear that I am the spawn of Satan, also known as Trevor Tanners.

My mother, Mallory Hines, died moments after I was born like so many other black women. I was raised in a single father household with my father who wished that I had died alongside my mother. Mallory was gorgeous and strong-willed. She had to be strong-willed, in order to put up with my father. Trevor was such a fucked-up individual that it was inevitable that he would fuck my life up or traumatize me in some way. Mallory suffered from high blood pressure and word on the street was that Trevor’s heavy hand contributed to her untimely death.

I was the curse that killed my own fucking mother. A murderer.“A murdering evil bitch that should have died instead.” Trevor often called me.

Shit, he was not the only one who called me that. There were a few of my mother’s family members who also felt that way.

“One likkle evil pickney!” They would say in Patois, the traditional Jamaican dialect.

I received all of this for being alive, all for breathing. I hadn’t asked for any of this, yet they treated me like I had control over it all. I never understood why, I never asked to be brought into this world. I guess that is why I blamed myself on so many occasions when I was being physically abused by an alcoholic son of a bitch. I reasoned that I deserved to be abused because of the murderer that I was.

My life in Jamaica was short-lived as I was only raised there for a short period of time; until I was four years old to be exact. Trevor Tanners and I moved to the Bronx, New York City in 1992. Growing up with Trevor was traumatizing; the type of shit that leaves you with post-traumatic stress disorder and all types of daddy issues that result in years of needed therapy. The problems that members in the black community like to pretend do not exist but currently are ruining so much of our youth. I can show you better than I can tell you.

*****

“Lika, come here!” Trevor yelled, slurring his words through his heavy Jamaican accent. “Yes, Dad.” I responded, exhaling as I hopped down from my twin bed.

At the young age of thirteen years old I had the attitude of a teenager and the responsible mindset of a young woman that was in her twenties. I did not have the luxury of having a childhood, my life circumstances required me to grow up quickly.

I sashayed down the stairs and into the kitchen to see what Trevor could possibly want from me because he always wanted something. Trevor seemed to think that I was much more of a maid to him and his whores than his daughter. The high ponytail that I wore complimented my round face, large beautiful green doe eyes, caramel complexion, full lips, perfectly arched eyebrows, dimples, and long eyelashes.

Trevor sat before the round wooden table, in a dining room chair that was covered in plastic with green upholstery. The kitchen was painted forest green with brown wooden cabinets and green marble granite counter tops. I hated everything about this home, especially the kitchen that I spent way too much time in.

Trevor sat looking how he usually did, drunk out of his mind. A blue dad cap sat lopsided atop his bald head. His oversized white wife beater was dingy with brown food stains and a large hole, accompanied by ill-fitted baggy light denim jeans. A roach sat, relaxing, on his shoulder.

My green eyes rolled to the ceiling in disgust. I shook my head as I walked into the kitchen; I was instantly repulsed every time that I saw Trevor’s face. He was a slim dark-skinned man with a salt and pepper untamed beard and bad acne, the kind that left craters in his face. Thank God for Mallory’s beauty because Trevor was a hideous man, at least he was nowadays. Old photos told me that he was once quite attractive. Years of not taking care of himself had finally caught up to Trevor.

June 19, 2001 – The Bronx, New York City

Trevor sat slumped in the chair, trying to formulate his slurred words. A bottle of clear Jamaican rum sat rested on the table, in between his tight grip.

“Yuh nuh, see wah time it is?” He questioned, slurring his words.

In true Trevor fashion, everything was a question where the magical answer would somehow result in an ass whooping for me.

Of course, he had his rum for breakfast. I thought, walking past him and over to the fridge. It was now time for breakfast and instead of Trevor, the father, making me, the daughter, something to eat, it was my responsibility to feed him. Since nine years old I had been making my own meals and his too. There were rare occasions when Trevor was sober enough to act like a parent. Sometimes, one of his concubines that were desperate for a man would come around and cook but those days never lasted too long because soon enough they realized they were not that fucking desperate after all, they’d rather be single.

“Likkle murdering bitch, yuh nuh hear me a chat to yuh!” Trevor barked, spit flying from his mouth as he pointed his finger at me.

Trevor stumbled to get out of his seat, falling back into it as soon as he lifted himself from the chair. Here we go. I thought, emerging from the white refrigerator with four eggs and six sausages.

“Aye, bring your ass over here! Look so much like your fucking mother why she neva tek yuh wid her!” Trevor continued; his cruel words were routine.

I had heard the words so many times that they no longer hurt my feelings. My childhood was a prison sentence, and I was counting down the days until I could be free.

Suddenly, as I was placing the eggs and sausages on the counter, like lightning Trevor flew from his seat. He snuck up on me from behind, grabbed me by the neck and lifted me in the air directly in front of the countertop, choking me with his right hand.

Crack! The egg that I had in my hand hit the ground as my little fingers clawed at his hands.

“I should kill you! You disrespectful likkle light-skinned bitch!” Trevor threatened, spit particles raining down onto my face.

Gasping for air, I clawed at his hands, mentally begging him to release me. My eyes bulged in my head. Nine . . . Ten . . . Eleven . . . Twelve. I thought, counting down the seconds that I had been choked in my head. Trevor choking me was not new to me, I knew that I had about fifteen seconds before I passed out. Panicking, I dug my nails into his flesh. I prayed that Trevor would release me and that today would not be the unlucky day that this sick fuck killed me.

Unexpectedly, he released me before rushing out of the kitchen, causing my body to come crashing down onto the white tile. With both of my hands, I grabbed my neck and breathed frantically. Air rushed to my lungs as I tried to breathe. My frail young body laid on the cold tile, shivering as I came to. Tears flowed from my eyes so heavily that I was unable to see beyond the flood puddles that were forming. I was so young and innocent, yet my life was burdened with so much trauma. As I attempted to gather myself from the floor Trevor stalked back into the kitchen, staggering and stumbling.

“Aye! Get up and mek mi food before mi kill yuh bloodclaat in here!” Trevor commanded, barreling over top of me.

Somehow, I found the strength to pick myself up off the floor. I wiped the heavy tears from my eyes. I was tired of my life. Actually, tired was an understatement. I was exasperated, exhausted, fatigued, weary, drained, burned out, all of the above for one thousand Alex! I was everything that a thirteen-year-old girl should not be.

Trevor sat back down in his seat while I stood at the counter, staring down at the eggs and sausages. I wish I would have died with my mom. I thought.

Dazed, Trevor stirred me out of my thoughts with a smack so hard that I could have physically flown backwards in time. I grabbed the side of my cheek with my hand as a burning sensation ragged through my cheek. Welcome to my life living with Trevor—for no reason at all, nothing to provoke him, he found pleasure in getting drunk and emotionally and physically abusing his only daughter.

Suddenly, I grabbed the knife from the counter and acted before I could think twice. “Ahhhhhhhhhhh!” Trevor cried as I plunged the knife into the side of his neck.

I shoved the knife as deep as it would go before using all my strength to turn it so that it would go deeper. I bolted, running out of the kitchen in an attempt to get out of his reach as quickly as possible. I ran through the kitchen doors and upstairs.

“Aye Gyal! Come here! Ahhhhhhhhhhh!” Trevor shrieked from the kitchen floor.

Looking down at my blood-covered hands, my face contorted in horror as I rushed into the bathroom to wash the blood off of them. The seconds felt like minutes as I scrubbed Trevor’s blood off of my trembling hands. I was not sure of what my next move was, but I knew that I had to be out of the house as fast as possible, either he would come and find me or if I was lucky, I killed him. Either way, I had to get out of the house as quickly as possible!

Author Bio:

Debut Author Celsi-Leigh (Kelsi - Lee), is stepping into the literary world with the groundbreaking novel Unveiled. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, raised in Philadelphia, Celsi-Leigh’s life experiences have culminated into a unique writing style that is raw and uncut. Through her literary work, she aims to deliver an honest point of view about the current climate of society, connecting with fans through her urban edge. Familiarize yourself with the work of Celsi-Leigh because she is just getting started, there is much more greatness to come.

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B@@K REVEAL: Blackbird by Mia Kerick

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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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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NEW RELEASE BL!TZ: City of the Dead by Greg Jolley #GIVEAWAY

City of the Dead
Greg Jolley
(The Obscurité de Floride Trilogy, #3)
Publication date: October 1st 2021
Genres: Adult, Suspense

Jayden has just seven nights to rescue her ownership of the Cimetière du Dernier Vol. cemetery in the backwaters of Northern Florida, by any means necessary, including murder.

Welcome to her world, where life among the dead goes on forever.

Jayden has the means, and certainly knows the ways. But the clock is ticking. On the seventh night, the annual Grand Soirée is to be held. If she can pull it off, her future is secure. The problem is the four chairs that she must fill as her part of the event, a planned money-making scheme involving a grim act of necromancy. Four messengers will be put to death and sent over to acquire lucrative market knowledge for the attending gullible investors.

Can anyone stop her?

Two escaped victims are trying. April Danser and her twelve-year-old criminal partner Kazu, both mangled and frightened, have only a few nights to derail Jayden’s deadly train of murder and madness. At times teaming up with other residents of the cemetery – a ghastly cast of recluses – April and Kazu are in the fight of their lives, not only to end Jayden’s deadly plans, but also to survive her repeated attacks.

Taking place during seven nights in the once famous cemetery, City of the Dead is a dance between good and evil with everything at risk, including life and sanity.

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—

EXCERPT:

“Nonsense, Reynard,” the officer leading him said as he led the man to the cruiser second in line. “You’ve got a mile of priors.” There was more back and forth until the car door was slammed.

Next to step into the courtyard was a tiny woman, maybe four feet tall. She looked skinny from illness, her face pasty. Her eyes belied her appearance. She was alert and grinning and talking up a storm. The sheriff at her side was nodding along to all she had to say, looking this way and that. She insisted on walking in front of him.

Eyes wide, April cracked the water bottle and drank.

“What next?” she whispered. The little woman was carrying a cage in both hands. Inside was a three-foot alligator, looking docile but teeth bared. The woman and her alligator passed by April, not noticing her, and stopped at the back of the second ambulance.

Next was an elderly woman on one of the gurneys. She also appeared to be seriously ill and weak. She didn’t speak or look up until she had been rolled by. Seeing the little woman at her side at the open doors of the ambulance, the elderly woman smiled, and life returned to her eyes.

“How’s my dear Eiffel?” she asked.

“Same as always. Short, fiery, horny. You?”

“Me? Just relief. You and I will have a party…” She paused to clear her throat. “Every day until…” she trailed off, coughing.

“You betcha. Gigolos and bubbly every night.” Eiffel took the woman’s hand as the paramedics locked the gurney wheels to glide it gently inside the ambulance.

April admired their caring and kindness, not having the slightest idea what they were talking about.

Author Bio:

Greg Jolley (also published under Gregory French) earned a master of art in writing from the University of San Francisco. He is the author of sixteen novels and one collection about the fictional, film industry-based Danser family. He currently lives in the Very Small town of Ormond Beach, Florida.

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S

NEW RELEASE BL!TZ: A New Enemy by Cara Dee #GIVEAWAY

A New Enemy
Cara Dee
(Enemies, #1)
Publication date: September 30th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

Book 1 of 2 | Enemies-to-Lovers | Found Family | Best Friend’s Brother | Opposites Attract

He put me on edge before he even cruised into town with his cowboy hat, devil-may-care grin, and Southern drawl. Partly because I couldn’t help viewing him as a threat. He was my best friend’s brother—and maybe more importantly, the uncle of Teddy, a special kid who’d been the light of my life for years.

Teddy couldn’t be more excited about his uncle visiting. Me…not so much. No matter how intensely the chemistry sizzled between us when we met, no matter how much my chest seized up at the sight of him, no matter how easily he drew me in.

He could return to his closet in Georgia for all I cared, preferably before I lost my ever-loving mind and had to wage war against the man who somehow got under my skin.

This story takes place in Cara Dee’s Camassia Cove Universe, a fictional town where all books stand on their own, unless otherwise stated, and the reader can jump in wherever they want.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

As I reached the front door, I peered through the round window and spotted Teddy with his uncle next to my four-wheeler. Teddy was sitting in the driveway, right next to the wooden fence I shared with Bob, and he was picking flowers from the strip of greenery the fence stood on.

Blake was squatting down beside him, with his back to me, and he had on an actual cowboy hat. Christ. So that was a thing. Jeans, white tee, black cowboy hat. He’d brought Georgia with him.

I scratched my chest absently, hesitating, then thought, fuck it. I opened the door carefully, just a few inches. Sue me, I was curious.

“You ready to go in?” Blake asked. “I’m sure your mama needs us to tell her to sit down and rest.”

Oh, his accent was way more pronounced than Sophia’s. His voice was something else entirely too. Low and rich, and with that Southern drawl.

“My sister kicks a lot,” Teddy said and picked another flower. He sounded tired. “Dylan and I kiss her belly and say ‘Be nice to Momma.’”

I smiled faintly and stepped out on the front step.

“Does your sister listen?” Blake asked.

Teddy laughed and shook his head. “Nooo. She kicks when she wants.”

Blake let out a chuckle. “Typical sisters.” He reached out and gave Teddy’s shoulder a squeeze. “Let’s head inside, champ. You were gonna introduce me to your little friend too.”

Little?

That had to be Lily or one of the dogs, because I didn’t think 6’5” and 210 pounds was considered little.

“Uncle Blake, you hold these for Momma?” Teddy extended the flowers he’d picked.

Blake stood up and held out a hand. “Of course. You need any help gettin’ up?”

No, he didn’t.

“No,” Teddy grunted.

I revealed myself fully, preferring to let Georgia boy think I’d listened in without qualms rather than eavesdropping like some sneak.

Blake must’ve seen me in his periphery. He did a slight double take before facing me, and fuck me, the man was ten times more gorgeous in real life. Rugged as hell, soulful brown eyes, a couple days’ worth of scruff.

He furrowed his brow a little and touched the brim of his hat, and he dipped it a tiny bit, like they did in old movies. “Hello.”

I smiled. Soph had neglected to tell me how fuckable her brother looked. And sounded.

“Bastian, I see you!” Teddy exclaimed with a tired grin. He jogged over to me and hugged my middle.

“I see you too, buddy.” I squeezed him tightly and noticed Blake approaching. So I stuck out my hand. “I’m Sebastian, Teddy’s little friend.”

Author Bio:

I’m often awkwardly silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there’s so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex.

There’s a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly.

Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve.

I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.

Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.

I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, cooking, baking, and geeking. There’s time for hockey and family, too. But mostly, I just love to write.

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NEW RELEASE BL!TZ: Dirty Daddies 2021 Anniversary Anthology #GIVEAWAY

Dirty Daddies: 2021 Anniversary Anthology
Publication date: September 28th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

 

A DADDY FOR EVERYONE…

Available for a limited time, this collection of twenty-five sexy-as-sin romances star Daddy Doms who demand obedience and require your total surrender.

Whether you like Cowboy Daddies, Dark Daddies, Doctor Daddies, Stern Daddies, Shifter Daddies, Alien Daddies, or LGTBQ Daddies, there is a Daddy waiting for you. This deliciously naughty collection of all-new stories, penned by some of the best authors in the genre, is bursting with HOT, raw Daddy Dom action that’s sure to leave you breathless.

 

Don’t Keep Your Daddy Waiting…

 

 

Featuring stories from USA TODAY and International Bestselling authors:

Renee Rose    *    Laylah Roberts    *    Pepper NorthBrianna Hale    *    Livia Grant    *    Golden AngelSinistre Ange    *    Stella Moore    *    Emily TiltonMaggie Ryan    *    Kara Kelly    *    J.M. DabneyShane Starrett    *    Kessily Lewel    *    Measha StoneRaisa Greywood    *    Becca Jameson    *    Tess SummersLayne Daniels    *    Paige Michaels    *    M.A. InnesJacki James    *    Susan Hawke    *    Nora PhoenixAllysa Hart and Rayanna JamisonMaren Smith

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—

SNEAK PEEKS:

Brianna Hale – Bought by Daddy

In the seedy, underground club, I take a mouthful of whisky to mask my pounding fury. All around me sit shadowy figures with baseball caps pulled low over their faces or bandanas around their mouths and noses, while young and drugged up women are paraded in front of us, some with vacant expressions, some with barely concealed terror. The first round are the girls and women who aren’t virgins, and they’re all dressed like colorful, flashy strippers with most of their flesh on display. My heart is in my mouth as each woman is dragged on stage with a chain around her neck. The bidding is humiliating for the women. Some go for as little as a thousand dollars. A thousand for a human life. It’s disgusting.

After an hour, the unseen woman running the auction announces over the speakers that the first round is over and the virgins will be next, and I sit upright in shock. Scarlet hasn’t appeared. They’ve killed her. I’ll burn this place down. I’ll murder every last person in this club with my bare—

Before I can leap out of my seat, Scarlet is dragged on stage by a chain around her neck.

My whole world turns crimson with bloodlust at the sight of her terrified face.

The man holding the chain.

The invisible woman calling my girl, “Lot one-one-seven” instead of her name.

The buyers all around me devouring Scarlet with greedy eyes.

I’ll kill them all.

Focus. I’ll get Scarlet safely away from here, and later I can take as much revenge as I want.

I listen to the bids going up and up. Twenty thousand. Twenty-five thousand. The bids dwindle until there’s just one man left. He’s wearing a cheap shirt and a twisted, triumphant sneer on his lips, and he’s staring at Scarlet like she’s a butterfly and he’s craving to pull her wings off.

“One hundred thousand dollars,” I call out.

Purple shirt man glares at me. He opens his mouth like he wants to make another bid, and then takes an angry swig of his drink.

The room is silent.

“Lot one-one-seven, sold to bidder nineteen.”

I stand up and stride to the back of the room where the bursar is waiting at a laptop and complete the Bitcoin transaction. No cash and credit cards here, only cryptocurrency that can’t be traced.

Then I’m led into a side room and told to wait for my goods.

A few minutes later, a door opens and Scarlet is thrust inside. She stumbles, and as she looks up at me with haunted eyes, she bursts into tears. I draw her into my arms and cradle her against my chest, murmuring soft words as she heaves against me. Her whole body is shaking in fear. “It’s all right. Daddy’s got you.”

“How did you find me here? Did Zac tell you? Mr. Ventura, I’m so sorry. I don’t understand how this happened.”

I take her tearstained face in my hands and kiss her tears from her cheeks. She’s warm and alive, and she’s mine. All mine. “I’m just relieved I got you back.”

“Please take me home.”

My smile is devilish. Home, to those assholes who didn’t even know she was gone? I don’t fucking think so. “I can’t do that, babygirl. I paid a lot of money for you and now you’re in my debt. How are you going to pay me back?”

She swallows and her face falls. “Of course I’ll pay you back, every cent. I’m a hard worker.”

I shake my head. “On minimum wage with a skating career to support? I’d like to see return on my investment before I die.”

“Investment?” she echoes.

“Either you’re mine for the next month…or I put you right back in that room and those men can fight over you. Your choice. Oh, and one more thing.” My smile widens. “Don’t call me Mr. Ventura. Call me Daddy.”

Scarlet is staring at me like she doesn’t recognize me. This is me, rosebud. I’m done playing nice.

“Daddy?”

It’s a question, not an address, but that sweet word twines through me and short-circuits the last of my patience. I take her hand and tug her toward the door. She can get used to her new reality later. I need to get her in my house, now.

In my bedroom.

In my bed.

—

Her Ever After Daddies by Measha Stone

Cory’s face burned with embarrassment. She worked hard to hide certain aspects of herself from the outside world. Especially, those she worked with and customers at the club. But somehow, Kaleb and Jason saw right through her. But if they really were daddies, did she really have any chance of not being caught by them?

“Okay.” She took a deep breath and stood up from the couch. “So, you want to keep the contract between us?” she asked, trying to take a matter-of-fact tone. Better to see this as a business transaction. They’d get their fun, and she’d probably have some too along the way, then in the end, she’d have the money she needed.

“Absolutely.” Jason nodded.

“Damn right,” Kaleb grumbled.

“Kaleb, I didn’t mean to lie to you guys. You were customers, and it wouldn’t have been appropriate for me to tell you that I needed some extra cash.” There, use logic, that should put out the fire burning in his eyes.

“What did I tell you that night when you insisted nothing was wrong and you weren’t lying to us?” Kaleb asked, his dark eyes narrowing. He was intimidating enough with his dress shirt hugging his muscular form so tightly, and all his tattoos running down his arms, but now that she had a sense of what he was going to do with her, her nerves worked overtime.

“You said if you found out I was lying, I’d pay.” She blinked. It had been such an off the cuff comment, she’d disregarded it.

“So, then you understand what that means now, right?” Kaleb asked.

“You don’t really think to punish me for that?” She laughed. “I wasn’t under contract with you then.”

Jason moved away from the fireplace to bring an armless chair to the center of the room. “No, you weren’t. But you are now. And you agreed to receive spankings, both erotic and disciplinary during your time with us.” Jason shucked off his jacket and tossed it over the back of the chair. “And I think we’ve come to the part of the night where you get the punishment. Kaleb, help our little girl out of that wet dress, please.”

Cory stood, frozen in place, as Kaleb moved behind her searching for the zipper. With gentle care, he ran the zipper down the track. His large, rough hands, moved along her bare back to push the dress down over her shoulders.

“No bra?” Jason smiled at her as her breasts were exposed. A tingle danced down her spine. She’d been naked in front of men before, but none of them had such a hungry stare as Jason did.

Kaleb pushed the dress over her hips. “No panties either.” He sounded appreciative.

“Little girls shouldn’t go out without panties, Cory,” Jason chastised, but his pupils were too damn large for her to take him seriously. The hard bulge in his pants spoke to his enjoyment as well.

“Have you ever been spanked before?” Kaleb asked, squatting in front of her. He took her hands and placed them on his broad shoulders so she could balance while he plucked off her heels.

“Yes,” she answered. This was her job now. A full week of being their little girl, and she’d have everything she needed. There were worse ways to make money than spending it with two of the hottest men in the city.

“When?” Jason asked as he rolled up his sleeves, revealing his own dark tats. She’d never noticed them before because he always wore a suit.

“The last time was two years ago.” Her face heated again. “My boyfriend at the time was my…” she couldn’t bring herself to say it. It had been the last time she’d called anyone Daddy. It had been the last time she thought she ever would.

“He was your daddy?” Jason finished for her again.

“Yes.” She nodded.

“Good.” Kaleb stood up again, brushing his fingertips along her jaw. “Daddy Jason is going to punish you now, Cory. You are never ever to lie to us again. Not even little lies. Not even omissions. We can’t help you if you don’t tell us. Do you understand me?” He cupped her face in his large hand, and hell, it felt good.

“I was only trying to be professional.” She tried once more to make him understand.

“Now, you can do your best to be a good girl and take your spanking.”

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NEW RELEASE BL!TZ: Claimed by the Moon by L.P. Dover #GIVEAWAY

Claimed by the Moon
L.P. Dover
(A Royal Shifters novel, #6)
Publication date: September 28th 2021
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Sexy wolves and heart-stopping action await in Claimed by the Moon, the highly-anticipated continuation of the Royal Shifters series by New York Times and USA Today best-selling author L.P. Dover!

In his 200 years of life, Zayne Lyall has made his share of enemies. The most ruthless of all being Knox Channon, who seeks vengeance for a pack war that took place over a hundred years ago.

To gain information he can use to bring Zayne down, Knox reconnects with Amelie Graye, a past love who joined the Royal pack Zayne belongs to. Unfortunately, Amelie doesn’t know much about the royal arctic… despite a longing within her to be near him.

Amelie and Knox have a tumultuous past that ended after she and her family went rogue following an attack by the Sierra pack. While she has no details to offer about Zayne, Knox sniffing around her leaves his inner wolf snarling.

More than anything Zayne wants to charge in and protect the woman his heart aches for. But he has a secret… and it could cost him everything. Amelie is his fated mate. If Knox were to discover this, he would know hurting her would be the key to destroying Zayne. Torn between his desire to claim Amelie as his own and his ferocious passion to protect her, can Zayne find a way to bring down his malicious enemy? Or will an age old vendetta rob him of a blissful future with his bonded mate?

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—

EXCERPT:

I watch Colin and Zayne on the back porch, and it’s hard not to notice how handsome Zayne is. He’s over a hundred and fifty years older than me, but he doesn’t look a day over thirty. His beard is short and well-kept, maybe even slightly rugged. He’s not your typical wolf. But, I’m not going to lie, he fascinates me.

Colin walks in through the back door, and I turn away to make it look like I wasn’t staring. I figured Zayne would follow him, but when the door doesn’t open again, I peer over my shoulder to see him still on the deck, his attention turned to the mountains.

“Is he coming in?” Kami asks Colin.

“Oh, yeah,” Colin answers. “He said he just needs a minute.”

Colin busies himself with helping Kami, but I can’t take my eyes away from Zayne. An idea pops into my head, and I smile. Moving over to the wine, I fill up my glass and turn for the door.

“Where are you going?” Kami asks.

I wink at her over my shoulder. “You say people love talking to me, so I’m going to see if it’s true.”

Her eyes widen. “You’re going out there?”

Both her and Colin stare at me as if I’m about to walk into the lion’s den. But, then again, that doesn’t scare me. Nothing does anymore. Zayne’s just a wolf who doesn’t like to socialize with people. Unfortunately for him, I’m not going to give him a choice.

“Hopefully, he doesn’t leave me hanging,” I say, backing up out of the room.

Their mouths gape, but they don’t try to stop me. When I get to the door, I take a deep breath and walk outside. Zayne tenses when I step onto the deck, but he doesn’t acknowledge me. I move closer, but there’s about three feet of distance between us. Bringing the wine to my lips, I slowly sip some down, wondering if he’ll speak to me first. Of course, he doesn’t, but that doesn’t shock me.

Turning my body toward him, I smile and wait for him to look at me. “I’m Amelie. I don’t think we’ve been formally introduced. I’m a good friend of Laila’s.”

Being around royals is always interesting. Zayne slowly turns his head my way, and it’s the first time I’ve noticed how blue his eyes are. I can feel his power more so than any other wolf I’ve been around. He’s strong.

“I know who you are,” he says, his voice low in that sexy sort of way. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Author Bio:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Everything’s sweeter in the South has always been her mantra and she lives by it, whether it’s with her writing or in her everyday life. Maybe that’s why she’s seriously addicted to chocolate.

Dover has written countless novels in several different genres, including a children’s book with her daughter. Her favorite to write is romantic suspense, but she’s also found a passion in romantic comedy. She loves to make people laugh which is why you’ll never see her without a smile on her face.

L.P. Dover is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency.

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NEW RELEASE BL!TZ: Forever by Ivy Nelson #GIVEAWAY

Forever
Ivy Nelson
(A Diamond Doms Novel)
Publication date: September 28th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Russel Adler has one job while Elijah Barrett is away. Keep Holly Barrett and her best friend Gemma Livingston safe from those out to collapse Club Solitaire. There’s just one problem, Gemma is pain in the ass. A gorgeous, irresistible, pain in the ass determined to make his job impossible. She makes the Dom in him twitch but he knows he can’t lose focus or people might die.

Forever is the long-awaited conclusion to the Diamond Doms series.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Russell slipped some fresh produce and meat into the cart, but Gemma wrinkled her nose. “I don’t really know how to cook.”

Her response didn’t faze him, and he added a bag of spinach. “I’ll get someone to prep some things for you, and I happen to know the guard who works the late shift is an excellent cook. I know chocolate and ice cream are good foods for crying into, but you have to give your body at least some nutrition.”

“I believe your role is to protect me, not monitor my eating habits.”

“I’m protecting you from yourself, love.”

“Don’t call me that. And I’m perfectly capable of feeding myself.”

He just hummed and added a loaf of whole grain bread to the cart.

“Let me guess, you don’t put sugar in your coffee either.”

“I don’t. No cream either.”

“Healthy people are boring,” she muttered under her breath as she went down one aisle and then another.

A moment later, he heard her curse under her breath.

“What’s wrong?” He pushed the cart up next to her and waited while she stared at the shelf. Her shoulders shook, and he realized she was crying.

“Christ, Gemma. Come here.” He turned her around and pulled her against his chest.

While she cried, he kept one arm tightly around her and used his free hand to fish out his cellphone to text the driver of the car that had followed them.

Less than a minute later, the drivers of both cars approached.

“Pay for this and bring it back to the house. I’m taking Gemma home now.”

She lifted her head and wiped at her eyes. At first, he thought she might argue, but she nodded and let him lead her out of the store.

In the car, he handed her his phone. “Text that number what you need added to the list.”

She took it and sent the message.

“Sorry I’m a mess.”

He took his phone and squeezed her hand. “Don’t be. If anyone has a good excuse to be a mess right now, it’s you. I’m here though.”

“Why?”

He blinked and looked at her as he pulled out of the grocery store parking lot.

“Because you’re part of the family. Because I’m a bastard.”

Gemma blinked hard and jerked her head back. “How are you a bastard?”

“Because I can’t keep you out of my head. You just lost your husband and all I can think about is how good it felt to have my arms around you. Pretty sure that makes me a bastard.”

“It’s not like you’re being inappropriate. If your thoughts move beyond that into actions, then you might be a bastard, but so far, you’ve just let me cry on your shoulder and bought me food. I don’t think either of those things makes you a monster. That role is reserved for me.

♦♦♦♦

At first, Russell didn’t respond. Just reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. Gemma hated herself for breaking down in the shop. It was so embarrassing, especially at the point that he called in reinforcements to finish her shopping for her. And now he was being so sweet her heart almost couldn’t stand it.

“You’re not a monster. Let’s get you home where you can relax.”

She shuddered. “Don’t call it that. I am grateful for the safe place to stay, but we both know that isn’t home.”

He squeezed her hand again.

“I’m not saying this safe house will ever be home, but you can rest assured that you have people in your corner. We’re going to get you through this. And on the other side, when it’s safe for you to be on your own again, you can decide if you want to stick around a while or go back to the place you currently call home.”

When they got to the house, Russell opened the front door for her and let her in. Then he walked to the bedroom and into the bathroom where he turned the bathtub on and pushed the stopper down.

“You take a bath, try to relax. I’ll get your groceries put away and see what I can do to make this place a little more comfortable for you.”

“How long do you think I’ll have to stay here?”

He shook his head. “It’s impossible to say right now.”

“Can’t I stay with one of you? What about Holly or Dakota? I like them. It would at least give me some company.”

He picked up her hand and pulled her closer to the tub.

“Right now, we have to assess the danger and figure out who else might be in harm’s way. Once we’ve done that, we can talk about moving you somewhere else. Now, do I need to undress you and put you in the tub, or can I leave you to it?”

She smacked his shoulder. “Get out of here. I’m fine.”

He chuckled and headed for the door.

“Russell.”

He turned to face her again.

“Thank you.”

“Just doing my job, love.”

Author Bio:

Ivy Nelson is an emerging contemporary romance author, hopeful romantic, and passionate advocate who is versed in all things steamy, sultry, and sensual. It all started back when she read her first steamy romance novel at the age of fourteen. From that point forward, it became her favorite genre--one she wanted to write in herself someday. Sylvia Day's writing style cemented that passion, and gave her just the inspiration she needed to be an author herself. In December of 2018, Ivy published her debut novel, Power Desired at the age of 32.

Most recently, Ivy completed the "D.C. Power Games" series and the prequel to her forthcoming "Diamond Doms series" titled "Hard" (currently available for pre-order). In a not-so-distant past, she was a student affairs professional at a university and earned her political science degree, which explains her politically-driven romance debut.

When she isn't penning steamy scenes or attending writing conferences, you can find this contest-winning karaoke singer and bookworm passionately supporting human rights or growing her Sims 4 empire. She is also a wine aficionado and certified whiskey taster (no really, she has the certificate to prove it). All that aside, Ivy loves spending quality time with her amazing son and husband of three years at their home in Houston, TX.

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NEW RELEASE BL!TZ: The New Billionaire Boss by Tina Gabor #GIVEAWAY

The New Billionaire Boss
Tina Gabor
Publication date: September 28th 2021
Genres: Comedy, Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

My life was finally on track. Until my boss’s brother transferred to our office.

From the minute I met the broody, handsome, and infuriating Aiden Bronson, he was destroying all of my carefully made plans.

First, he hijacked my Uber. Then, he caused an accident that left me out of work for months.

Except, the disastrous day we spent together turned into the most fun day of my life.

And now, I can’t stop thinking about him. And that kiss…

I doubt he feels the same about me, and even if he did, any future together is hopeless.

He’s not allowed to date employees. And without any family to fall back on, I can’t risk my livelihood.

But when he becomes my new boss, and we get trapped together in a beach house, I don’t know if I can resist risking it all.

THE NEW BILLIONAIRE BOSS is book one of the Bronson Billionaire Romance Series, but can be read as a complete standalone! Guaranteed to have you swooning and breathless. It includes a fierce and funny heroine and a charming, playboy hero.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Aiden

I stared at the woman standing outside of the Uber. She looked pissed. But I needed to get to our West Coast corporate retreat.

She opened my door, which took me by surprise. Did she have some type of mental imbalance, or was she on drugs?

She opened her mouth to speak, but her phone beeped. She looked down at her phone and then turned to the driver. “You canceled my ride!”

The driver shrugged. “He offered me $100.”

She stomped her foot on the ground and threw up her hands. “You’d already started the meter!”

Damn. I thought she was just keeping the man waiting. I didn’t know she was paying him to wait. That meant I was the asshole here.

I sighed. Time to turn on the charm.

I stared directly into her green eyes. “Please forgive me.” I saw her lips part just a little. Yup, she wanted me.

I shot her a flirty smile, reached into my wallet, and pulled out a $100 bill. “Take this, for what was already on the meter, and get yourself breakfast on me.”

She didn’t reach for the money. “I don’t need your money. I need this car. So get the hell out.”

Seriously? Judging from her big box store athletic wear, which I had to admit hugged her figure well, I couldn’t believe she didn’t need, or at least want, the money.

“Listen, lady, I’ll come back for you,” the Uber driver said.

Her head snapped to face the driver. “I’ll deal with you in a minute.”

I wanted to be contrite, even though I really didn’t have the patience for this. “Get in the car, and I’ll pay him to take you wherever you want to go after I’m done.”

She folded her arms across her chest. “How about you go wherever you’re going after I’m done?”

“I don’t have time for this.” Yes, I was in the wrong, but the driver wanted my business more than hers. Just as I was about to lean forward to tell the driver to leave, she swung the door open wide.

I stared at her. “What do you think you’re doing?”

She tried to push her way into the backseat. “I don’t have time for this either!”

I refused to budge.

She attempted to push me across the seat with her little body, and when she didn’t succeed, she opted to climb over me.

Her butt grazed my lap as she took the place next to me in the backseat.

The move was insane, but it turned me on. I am a dude, after all.

Her long, light brown ponytail swayed back and forth as she panted from the effort of forcing her way into the backseat with me. If I wasn’t in such a hurry, I’d think she was kind of cute. Not my regular type and possibly insane, but definitely cute.

“Take me to the Malibu Retreat Center,” she instructed the driver.

“The one just up the hill?” the driver asked her.

She refused to even look in my direction. “Yes, it’ll only take five minutes. Then you can take him to his Assholes Anonymous meeting or wherever he’s going.”

I couldn’t help but smile. She worked for my father’s company. Wouldn’t little Miss Angry Pants be so surprised!

Author Bio:

Are you like me?

Do you enjoy funny, contemporary romances with spicy love scenes?

Because if you do...

You've landed in the perfect place.

I'm Tina Gabor, and it’s so much fun getting to write the books I love reading. Gorgeous men and fierce, feisty, and funny women are my jam.

And since there’s nothing like a love story with a dash of sun and fun...

I set most of my in Southern California and Florida. I grew up in South Florida, and now I live in Southern California with my fiancée and a stray cat we named Fred.

To get special deals on new releases and updates on what your favorite book couples are doing after the story ends, go to SparksFlyRomance.com/Tina

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NEW RELEASE BL!TZ: White Ibis by Wendy Dalrymple #GIVEAWAY

White Ibis: A Horror Novella
Wendy Dalrymple
Publication date: October 1st 2021
Genres: Adult, Horror

Obsession. Lies. Greed.

Chelsea is thirty-two, vain and self-absorbed, driven in life only by want and her obsession with being the best. However, despite wanting to portray an outwardly perfect image, things at home are crumbling between her and her boyfriend, Brendan. Together they harbor a secret that has been slowly chipping away at their relationship, and now, things have come to a breaking point.

One day at yoga class, Chelsea meets a woman named Damaris who is exactly like her; beautiful, confident and reaching high to be her best self. Damaris and Chelesea become instant best friends and bond over healthy eating, fitness and their love of luxury items. As Chelsea’s heart hardens toward her boyfriend, her obsession with the enigmatic Damaris only blossoms.

As one bad decision turns into another, Chelsea begins to think she is being followed by a white bird. Her new best friend Damaris suggests a girls weekend in New Orleans to get away from it all and Chelsea readily agrees. Unfortunately for Chelsea, it soon becomes clear that she can’t run away from her problems and finds herself tumbling head-first into a downward spiral instead.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“Oh my gosh! You’re an animal whisperer!”

“Something like that.” Damaris smiles down at the bird. She quietly mouths something to the creature and gives me a side-eyed grin. For a moment, the bird freezes, and it almost seems as though it can understand her. Damaris raises her hand in the air and the bird takes flight, the darkened tips of its wings now on full display.

“That was so cool.” My words come out breathy and hitched as I place a hand to my heart. “How did you do that?”

Damaris shrugs. “It’s no big deal.”

And so it began. Chelsea and Damaris. Damaris and Chelsea. Instant best friends. I’m positively smitten with this beautiful, interesting girl who is so magnetic, she even draws animals to her. It is strange to admit, but even I can’t ignore the fact that maybe I was forming a little bit of a crush on her. Damaris. Yoga goddess. Smoothie aficionado. Animal whisperer. My new best friend.

Author Bio:

Wendy Dalrymple crafts highly consumable sweet romances and Florida gothic horror. When she’s not writing happily-ever-afters and tropical thrillers, you can find her camping with her family, painting (bad) wall art, and trying to grow as many pineapples as possible.

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