Heather Gunter's Blog, page 38

Blog Tour: Something Wonderful (Something Great #2) by M. Clarke

Sometimes falling in love means letting go of the past…

Jeanella’s confidence and trust in Max continues to grow, and life seems to be on track. Then Crystal decides to pursue a sexual harassment lawsuit, and Jeanella’s world turns upside down. Once again, she wonders if she will ever be enough for Max. Jeanella is forced to make a decision; stay and fight for her man or leave him for good.

Becky's unexpected friendship with Matthew continues to blossom, as they try to define the boundaries of their relationship; but a one-night stand threatens to ruin it all. As Matthew’s feelings for Becky grow, he’s torn between guilt and heartache over his deceased fiancée. Can Becky break through his wall and help him heal?



When he probed with more questions about what I looked for in query letters, I told him I liked romance novels and I basically looked for potential book boyfriends.

“Book boyfriends?” He chuckled out loud. As I watched, his chest moved to the rhythm of his laugh. “Really?” He took his last bite and chugged his coffee.

“Yes…really.” I had already finished my plate since I was too nervous to talk.

“Is that like for people who can’t get one in real life?” He was totally amused by this notion.

“No…silly,” I giggled. “Readers read books to help them escape from the daily routine of life. Many of these romance books have a swoon-worthy, gorgeous guy with really nice abs and a six pack, who can deliver wild, hot sex.” Just the thought alone made me turn red and I froze when he gave me a heated look. Then, his eyes concentrated on my lips, shifted to my breasts, then back up to my eyes when I said ‘wild, hot sex.’ I just described him and what he could potentially do.

Gravitating toward me, his eyes locked lustfully on mine. His lips were just inches away as they parted to speak and I didn’t know how he got so close to me. “I would like to be your book boyfriend,” he said with the hottest sound that could sing out of his lustrous, lick-able mouth. The puff of his breath on my lips sizzled way down to my sex. He reached out to my face, his thumb sensually sliding, feather light to touch my bottom lip with one long, slow stroke. As I watched his tongue glide over his bottom lip at the same time, I quivered beyond control.

Completely dumbfounded, I sat there staring at him and in my mind, I had already taken off my clothes for him. Blinking because that was all I could do, I wanted to say yes, but my pride and my head knew better and stopped me.

Suddenly, he broke his gaze and it felt like he had just dumped ice water over my head. “Is that what a book boyfriend would say and do?” he chuckled as he picked up our plates and took them to the kitchen.

What just happened? I was almost certain my face was deep red, because I felt it down to my toes.




Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.




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Something Great (Book One)
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Maxwell Knight was dangerously good-looking, seductively charming, and definitely trouble. He was everything Jeanella Mefferd did NOT need now.

Fresh out of college, life was predictable and comfortable for Jeanella. She had the strength of her friends, the security of her job, and she was dating a reliable man; it was all smooth sailing. That was until one night, when she met someone who made her feel things she’d never felt before—dangerous, heart pounding, breathless heat.

Never imagining she would see him again, Jeanella has no idea what to do when fate steps in and thrusts Maxwell Knight into her life, just as things were beginning to change around her. When she lands her dream job and travels to New York for Fashion Week, can she focus on her career instead of on Maxwell?

Will she ignore all the danger signs and jump straight into his arms; or would she miss out on the chance of finding something great?



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New Cover Reveal: Distractions by J.L. Brooks

J.L. Brooks has given Distractions a facelift and we get to show you the new cover today!
I loved this when I read it, so I've also included my review again, to hopefully encourage you to go and pick up a copy of this fabulous book.




“We are all pawns in someone else’s game.”

No one knows this better than Violet Phillips. When her beloved mentor goes missing, she suspects murder, which sends her spiraling out of control and away from the stable life she has built for herself. Soon, her past will begin seeping out with a vengeance.

“I will teach you how this game is played.”

Self-destruction threatens to consume Violet when a handsome neighbor that has been watching her from afar intervenes on her behalf. Shepard Leone may be six years younger, but it does not stop him from seducing her ears as well as her heart.

“Fascinating how much life can change in twenty-four hours.”

When Violet is forced to go down a dark road into a past where she must confront the demons that nearly destroyed her, will she be unable to deviate? Struggling with the loss of her missing friend, Shepard will find a way in and reawaken desires that she thought were forever lost. But Violet never forgets that if you are not careful, distractions will be your undoing.



I read Distractions when it was first released and absolutely loved it.  I thought I'd take this opportunity to re-share my review.

"Stay alert, Violet. Distractions will be your undoing."

Distractions was not what I expected. It was so much more, far exceeding my expectations to the point that I have found myself mulling over parts of the book, re-reading chapters as I write this review and thinking about the characters and events since finishing it. My challenge now is writing this review without spoilers (which hopefully I have achieved) because for me, a significant chunk of the enjoyment was unravelling the story and I don't want to take that away from anyone else.

In the Prologue we meet 14 year old Violet Phillips: a complex mix of intelligence and emotion. Drawn to the gypsy culture that would descend upon her home every summer, and under the guidance of her older sister Vivienne, Violet learnt to belly dance and would lose herself in the fantasy world she could create as she danced. After her sister left, Violet struggled to balance her reality and turned to drug use as a means of escape. In amongst the drug stupors, she manages to find some solace in studying literature, amongst other things, and somehow escapes the complete destruction and desolation experienced by most hard drug users.

Distractions then moves forward eight years to a time when Violet is 26 years old and has established herself as lead Research Assistant in the lab of Dr David Robertson, a renowned geneticist working on developing what is hopoed to be a revolution in genetic therapy. Violet holds "Doc" in very high regard. He is her "mentor, father figure and knight in shining armor" so what happens one night between the two, followed by the inexplicable (and apparently sinister) disappearance of Dr Robertson impacts Violet significantly.

From here we travel a series of journeys with Violet as she seeks to understand herself, her past and the impact this has for her future. Violet must balance many 'distractions' on her journey, which is filled with mystery, intrigue, deception, romance and ultimately a discovery of just how strong one woman can be.

It would be remiss of me not to mention Shephard in this review. Shephard is Violet's neighbour and source of support following the events with Dr Robertson. The two have a chemistry that is heart warming, not to mention the intimacy of their connection and I'm not just referring to the sex scenes! Despite Violet's reservations, primarily due to their age difference but also due to the timing of them coming together, she cannot deny her feelings for Shephard or just how right their relationship feels:

"If someone has the ability to make you glow in the darkness, they must be remarkable. That does not mean there is something wrong with you. It means there is something right. Only you would believe the worst."

Violet is a wonderful character. She is an ecclectic mix of her life: teenage gypsy, drug user, erotic dancer, academic, researcher, sister, friend. She is complex and carries a hurt from her past (and Connor Lewis) that is in part responsible for both her achievements and her introversion. Violet's life is not what it seems and Distractions follows her path to discovering just what it should be. It is more than a love story, so much more. Violet must manoeuvre herself, as if in a giant chess game, in order to remain whole. Each move is made in the absence of the full picture and she must determine who she can trust along the way as she evaluates and makes each move:

"... no one would listen, they can't see the truth. They are so wrapped up in trying to figure out what their opponent's next move is, they can't conceive that maybe there is someone who can see the big picture. He can see every piece on the board and every game that is played. It's not just about him shouting down; they have to let him know they can hear him, and trust him. But submission is a very hard thing for most people. They need to feel like they are in control, even if it is an illusion.
...
It could be so much easier, Violet, if they would just stop for a second and listen."

I really enjoyed Distractions. It requires a level of concentration to make some of the connections but it is worth the investment. The conclusion was nothing like I thought it would be and everything I hoped.

5 out of 5 stars


JL Brooks is a former columnist turned novelist. What started as a bet changed her entire course in life. With a passion for adventure, she believes everyone has a story to tell. Chances are she will try to convince you to tell yours.

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Release Day Blitz: Sugar Kisses by Addison Moore

Happy Release Day Addison Moore!



Title: Sugar KissesSeries: 3:AM Kisses #3Author: Addison MoorePublication Date: February 11, 2014
Sugar Kisses—nothing tastes sweeter than revenge…
Roxy Capwell couldn’t be more miserable. She just had her heart stomped on by her cheating boyfriend, and the last thing she’s looking for is love. She hates men.

Cole Brighton couldn’t be happier. He’s a player of the highest order, there’s not a girl at Whitney Briggs University that he can’t tag and bag. He loves the ladies.

Roxy’s dream is to own and operate her own bakery one day, but with no oven in her dorm, and a lucrative baking competition on the horizon, she agrees to move in with her best friend’s brother, the obnoxious, womanizing, Cole Brighton.

Between the heavenly scent of baked goods, and Roxy’s perfect body strutting around the apartment, Cole can’t think straight. So when Roxy’s ex starts sniffing around again, Cole volunteers to play the part of her new boy-toy and things get heated both in and out of the kitchen.

Roxy discovers she might not hate every man on the planet, and Cole discovers nothing tastes better than Roxy and her late night SUGAR KISSES.

Roxy is ball of stress and anger.
Cole is all ego and sex.
Their attraction is unstoppable.
And when their bodies collide—it's combustible.





About Addison: Addison Moore is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author who writes contemporary and paranormal romance. Previously she worked as a therapist on a locked psychiatric unit for nearly a decade. She resides on the West Coast with her husband, four wonderful children and two dogs where she eats too much chocolate and stays up way too late. When she's not writing, she's reading.



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Blog Tour: Nico by J.B. Hartnett

When I was a boy, I met a girl.
She didn’t know it then, but…
She changed me.

Now…..I am a man.
A man who is broken by the stories of the women who come to me.
They are my birds with broken wings.
I help them heal, help them to make them strong, so they can fly free.
Lark changed me. Loved Me. Made Me Strong.
With her, I am free.

I write…
To the girl of the past.
To the girl of my present.
And, the girl of my future.

Dear Dish….

**Although Nico is considered part of The Leaves Series, it can be read as a stand alone**




“Nico…” she begged.

“What is it, babe?” In that moment, I was a tease. I was going to make sure I took this bad fuckin’ day and turn it into something she would remember happily.

“You know what I want,” she moaned.

“Don’t move.” I walked away, into the kitchen and dug into one of the bags. The store fuckin’ got me, what could I say. I was gonna barbeque in style next summer. But one thing my kitchen needed was a new spatula. Nice rubber handle, strong, and wide, flat, heatproof silicon…perfect for what I wanted. I came back and rubbed over her left cheek, pulled away for that perfect first contact and…

Thwack!

 Lark (Alona Tal) Nico (Chris Hemsworth)









Julie is a Southern California native, a fan of a really good story (preferably romance with a happily ever after), really good pie (preferably pumpkin) and copious amounts of coffee (preferably Folgers).

She has always enjoyed writing and at one time thought she could be a singer songwriter...the 'writer' part is the one that stuck.

Julie is obsessed with pi...the equation(and the food). She's allergic to cats and cantaloupe and hates mushrooms...so if you ever want to give her a gift, those are out for sure.She currently lives with her own romance hero husband and two boys in Melbourne, Australia.



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Other books in the Leaves Series

Inky (Leaves #1)
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Anika "Inky" Redding has it all: a great fiancé and a job that allows her to follow her passion of painting and considering her history, that's plenty. All is well until someone from her past sets events in motion that upend Inky's careful world. When a handsome customer comes to her rescue, will she take a risk with her whole heart?







Cole (Leaves #2)

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Cole Carlyle, successful hotelier, has lived his life on his own terms.

Burned by a gold digging ex-wife, he never expected to find his soul mate in Anika “Inky” Redding.

Anika Redding, talented artist, overcame her past to live her life free of shame.

Betrayed by people she thought she could trust, the last thing she expected was to find true love in Cole Carlyle.

Their love for each other has helped them overcome their demons before, but now faced with an unimaginable challenge, Cole must turn to the last person he wants involved in his life, and hope that those demons don’t once again try to swallow them whole.

Inky and Cole’s romance and passion ignite and in the sequel to “Inky” we follow their journey to overcome their pasts once and for all, while building their love into something everlasting.



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Cover Reveal: Trust by L. Chapman

~SYNOPSIS~ Lovely Megan Madden has lost her faith in men. But this has not kept her from the joy of her best friend's up coming wedding. While in London shopping for the big event, Megan's life takes a surprising turn when a quick drink brings changes to her life she never saw coming. Join in the roller coaster of emotions Megan must endure as she attempts to regain her TRUST.

Who knew a quiet drink could change your life?ADD to Goodreads

Re- releasing on 17th February 2013. Come and join her party on  18th Feb
~ About the Author ~L. Chapman was born in and continues to live in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. She has spent most of her life helping others as a health care assistant, and was, at one time, a DJ for a special needs club. Blending her love of helping others and her love of children, L dreams to one day own and operate a childcare nursery that will help mainstream special needs children with others.
In the rare times that L. is not working to help others or maniacally writing, she enjoys making a mess of things while creating beautifully detailed greeting cards. She spends time relaxing with family, friends, and good books. L. loves to travel and has been to many places in the United Kingdom; her favorite places all involve the ocean. She hopes to one day share a kiss with her happily-ever-after in the romantic shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Should she ever get over her fear of flying, those kisses may be shared in the shadows of the Egyptian Pyramids.
Ever the fussy eater, L. has never once tasted peanut butter, and she despises coffee. If you should feel the need to bribe her, it is suggested that you bring chocolate, as that is one of her know weaknesses
Cover designed by Sarah @ Sprinkles On Top StudiosGraphics designed by IzzyEvent hosted by Hooked on book's

Trust is - Amazon Fan picked debut romance author 2013
Follow links
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Out NowTrust - Re -releasing 17-2-14VeiledDo you believeRedeemed ~ coming soonHealing ~ (Late 2014)
~ GIVEAWAY ~
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Blog Tour: Unwanted Stars (Love of My Life #4) by Melissa Brown

We are so thrilled to part of the blog tour for Unwanted Stars by the fabulous Melissa Brown.  She has truly outdone herself with this gorgeous book.  Auden and Campbell are just to die for and combine this with the beautiful European cities that feature in the story and it is an absolute winner all round. 

Title: Unwanted StarsSeries: Love of My Live #4Author: Melissa CollinsRelease Date: 3 February 2014Blog Tour Hosted by: The Rock Stars of Romance

It’s funny how the tiniest of things can change your life… an invitation, a simple kiss goodnight, a matchbook…

Auden Kelly is in need of a change.

She’s trading in her nine-to-five sales job for the adventure of a lifetime: a one year contract with a European tour company.

For one full year, Auden will get paid to see the world. What could be better? Her brother gives her a journal, instructing her to document all of her adventures as she travels from country to country. And that’s exactly what she does.

When a mysterious stranger enters her life, however, everything changes: her expectations, her priorities and her view of the world. And nothing for Auden will ever be the same.

Note: Although these books are part of a series, they do not need to be read in order


“I love this bridge. It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” I said, my voice small.

Campbell’s brow knitted in concern, “Auden, is everything all right?”

“Why do you ask?”

“You seem distant. Did something happen today? With Anabelle?”

“No,” I said, looking out into the water, “just thinking.”

“About me?” he said, a smug grin plastered to his handsome face. I shook my head in amusement, cracking a smile without meaning to.

“Perhaps,” I said.

“Look,” he said, “all kidding aside. I’m into you. You must know that by now.”

“I do.”

“But, your job means everything to you. And it’s not fair of me to ask you to risk it.”

I said nothing, hoping he’d continue.

“So, if you want to call this off. If you want me to leave you alone. Just say the word.”

The thought of missing out on whatever this was with Campbell was more than I could handle. Without hesitation, my head shook as I focused my eyes on his.

“I’m into you, too,” I said. “A lot.”

Campbell closed the space between us, whispering into my ear, “Then be with me.”

I swallowed hard, closing my eyes and listening to his words. Craving them, wanting more. Wanting his hands on me. Knowing that’d be next to impossible out here in the public eye. Knowing that finding actual privacy would be just as impossible.

His hand was warm in my grip. I squeezed it in solidarity, wanting him to know his desire for me was reciprocated. He placed a gentle kiss on the tip of my ear, before leading me across the stone bridge.

Hand in hand, we walked, gazing at the water, the tourists and the shop owners of the market. We didn’t say much, which felt odd at first. But, the silence between us became soothing and calm. His hand in mine, the way his thumb grazed over my fingers was all I needed to feel content.

Street lamps were the only light to be found by the time the water bus was back in our sights. Campbell stopped walking. His eyes were on fire as he took me in with his eyes. His need for me was obvious.

“Come with me,” he said, pulling me to the side of a building. One small street lamp shined dim with burnt orange light. I leaned my back against the stucco, feeling it’s cold, bumpy texture. Campbell placed his hand against the building, just above my shoulder. His other hand pressed to my hip.

“I can’t let you go yet,” he said, his eyes searching mine.

Brave Auden finally decided to make her appearance.

“Good,” I said, lifting my chin. His eyes widened, pleased with my response.

“Why?” he asked, exploring my neck with his lips.


“Why what?” I asked, playing dumb, yanking back on the control once again.

“Why is that good?” he asked, placing gentle kisses along my jawline.

“Because…” that simple word hung in the air for several moments. Campbell continued to seduce my skin with his lips and I did my best to slow down my breathing.

“Tell me,” he said.

“Because…”

“Tell me,” he repeated.

“I want you,” I said. The words left my mouth in a whisper.Campbell stopped his kisses and I could feel his cheek against my neck. It was puffing out, forming a satisfied smile.

“Tell me again,” he said, pulling back, gazing into my eyes.

I swallowed, unsure if I should say it again. But, terrified at the thought of not saying it.

“I—I… I want you.” I said, my eyes narrowed. I was trying desperately to hide my fear, my anxiety, my lack of self-control around this man.

“You’re exquisite,” he said, his fingers running down the sides of my cheeks before he cupped his hands to them and kissed me. Hard.

His tongue entered my mouth immediately and I stroked him with mine. Delicious strokes that left me wanting more. And more. His fingers weaved through my hair, pulling gently at the base of my scalp. My back dug into the stucco, but I didn’t care.

Harder and harder, he pressed me into the building, my arms wrapped around his neck as his hands wandered down to grip my ass, hoisting my legs around him, my heels digging into the small of his back. He was hard beneath his jeans and it excited me. The feel of him beneath me was intoxicating.

Campbell pulled his mouth from mine, pushing me up further so that his lips were level with my chest. Slowly, he unbuttoned the top buttons of my tunic, exposing the lace of my bra.

“So sexy,” he said, running his fingers across the lace, causing goosebumps to rise along my arms and legs.

“Say it again,” I said, enjoying his appreciation of my body.

“You’re so fucking sexy. I can hardly stand it.”

“You want me, don’t you?” I asked with a smirk.

“You know I do,” he said, before dipping his head into my chest, stroking the skin beneath the lace with his tongue. A moan escaped my lips as I pressed my hips into his arousal.

The water bus let out three long sounds of the horn.

“Shit,” Campbell said, knowing that was the signal for last boat of the night.

“Last call. We’d better…um, we should probably go,” I said.

“I know, but…”

“I know,” I said, pressing my forehead to his. “I know.”

Slowly, he lowered me to the ground, buttoning my top for me and smoothing down my hair. Such a gentleman. He was practically devouring me just a minute prior, but when reality resurfaced, so did his chivalrous nature.

We ran to the water bus, hands again interlocked. But, when a few members of the tour hopped on the boat, my hands jumped quickly to my lap. We remained detached all the way back to our hotel, saying a casual goodbye for the night, knowing the tour members eyes were upon us.








I wasn't scheduled for a review but I thought it was important that I include mine. It's not anything special; short in fact, but no less important. I love this series and this book. I'm a reader first before anything else and when I love something, I feel it important to voice it. I love stories that make you feel and believe in the power of love. Love that is real. Where you make mistakes, learn from them and make new ones. I love stories that can sweep you away and give you the possibility of hope. That is what I think of this series. It's a series of hope.

I'm a serious Melissa Brown fan. Unwanted Stars follows Auden on her quest at being independent as well as the best darn tour guide in Europe. I love Auden; I always have. She's quirky and complicated. I also love the man that is completely made for her in every possible way. Cam is simply swoony! The author has this uncanny knack at making me love every one of her male characters just a little bit more than the last. The banter is brilliant, sexy as hell and story heart warming. Don't even give it a second thought.

Fantastic 5 stars




I have always been fascinated with books----ever since I was a little girl sitting in front of my record player, following along with my huge 12x12 storybooks.

I love books---everything about them. I love reading them, being surrounded by them in bookstores and libraries, and most recently, writing some of my own.

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Other Books in the Love of My Life SeriesAll books in the series can be read as stand alone reads
Bouquet TossAmazon | Barnes & Noble | KoboAdd to Goodreads
Ever since Daphne Harper graduated from college, all of her friends have fallen in love, become engaged and walked down the aisle. Be it a blessing or a curse, Daphne (a hopeless romantic and perpetual single girl) catches the bouquet at every single wedding she attends.
Daphne’s love life is a mess. Her first love, Mayson, haunts her heart and keeps her from pursuing happiness with any man who comes along. As she struggles to move on from the one who got away, Daphne wonders if she will ever break her curse and find her happily ever after.




Champagne ToastAmazon | Barnes & Noble | KoboAdd to Goodreads
Kate Armour and Evan Maxwell fell hard and fast for each other while attending college. Their once passionate and loving relationship ended when old scars eventually tore them apart. Two years after their breakup, they're each struggling to piece together what went wrong in an attempt to move forward.
Kate, a no-nonsense bartender, must face her past while attempting to focus on her future.
Evan is stifled by his bitter heart, which threatens each and every relationship he attempts after walking away from Kate.
Will life offer them a second chance at love or are old patterns simply too hard to break?

Picturing PerfectAmazon Add to Goodreads
Hadley Foster has been through a lot in her twenty-two years: the death of her beloved father, her mother’s descent into mental illness, and the loss of her soulmate, Jason Kelly, from whom she walked away years ago.
Despite all this, Hadley has remained hopeful and optimistic about life. She has been with upstanding investment banker Tucker for six years, and the future looks bright—until a trip to Europe with her best friend brings a series of events no one could have foreseen. Suddenly the brilliant future she has envisioned for herself seems to shatter before her eyes. She is faced with a stark choice: move on again, or pick up the pieces.
Back home, nerdy but handsome Jason Kelly is now a successful writer who could have anything—and anyone—he wants. But deep down, he still misses his beloved “Haddie” and dreams of winning her back.
When destiny leads their paths to cross once more, Hadley and Jason must confront not only their painful past, but what the future may hold for them both.


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Promotional Tour: Break Away by Ellie Grace

Title: Break Away by Ellie GraceAge group: NA/AdultGenre: Contemporary RomanceCover designer: Okay Creations, Sarah HansenScheduled to release: February 2014


When Olivia Mason catches her fiancé cheating, her life gets turned upside down. With no family and no real place to call home, she heads south for a fresh start in Charleston, South Carolina. Determined to gain her own independence and protect her heart, the last thing she needs is a sexy, tattoo-covered guy to cross her path and test her resolve. Just as she’s beginning to put her life back together, she uncovers a piece of her past that shakes up everything.

Dex Porter has his own demons. A former Marine, he’s haunted by the past and uses whiskey, women and fighting to drown the pain and guilt that consume him. When Olivia arrives in town, he finds himself drawn to her immediately and is surprised by his desire to get to know her. She’s unlike anyone he’s ever met but he knows he can’t get close to her without exposing the part of himself that he keeps hidden.

As Dex and Olivia strike up a friendship and fight their attraction to one another, they begin to chip away each other’s walls and help each other heal. However, the past is never far behind and they soon learn that no matter how fast they run, it will always catch up with them.




I gulped down my beer and pushed off the bar, weaving through the crowd to get to Olivia. I came up behind her and gently placed my hands on her hips, careful to leave some space between us. I held her loosely at first but when she leaned into me, my grip tightened, and I pulled her close, enjoying her sweet, sexy smell.

She placed her delicate hands over mine, and I drew her in further, completely enveloped by her. The way she was moving her sexy little body against me had my dick stirring to life within seconds, but I couldn’t help it. She felt so fucking good. With each swing of her hips and shake of her ass I was growing harder, and I knew she could feel me pressing into her. I expected her to move away in disgust, but instead my obvious arousal seemed to encourage her, making her dance more seductively and push her body even more firmly against mine.

I groaned into her ear, causing her to shiver slightly, and I felt like I might explode. She wanted me to want her. I could tell she was turned on by it, so I decided to let go and enjoy it. When I spun her around to face me, she didn’t hesitate to drape her arms around my neck. Dropping my hands to the curve of her ass, I dragged her against me, pressing myself into her and letting her feel exactly how badly I wanted her. She let out a sexy moan, running her hands up my abs and over my chest, and I wasn’t sure how much more I could handle. Everything about her drove me wild… Her smell, the way she touched me, her sexy giggle, the bead of sweat running down her neck that I wanted to lick from her skin… if there was even the slightest chance that she wanted me the way I wanted her, I knew I had to take it.

All of a sudden, she looked up at me, murmuring something about needing to get some fresh air before pulling away from me and turning to the exit. I thought she might be running away from me, but then she tossed a flirtatious smile over her shoulder, locking eyes with me as she walked away.

Was that an invitation?












Ellie Grace is an avid reader, chocolate lover and caffeine addict. When a story popped into her head that she couldn’t seem to shake, she decided to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a writer. When she’s not writing, she’s usually curled up with a book by one of her many, many favorite authors.




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Blog Tour: Scarred Beautiful by Beth Michele

Title: Scarred BeautifulAuthor: Beth MicheleRelease Date: January 28, 2014Genre: Contemporary RomanceHosted by: Love Between the Sheets Promotions


Love believes in second chances.
Francis Heller lives with two truths. Love hurts and beauty is only skin deep.

With midnight black hair, moss-colored eyes, and traceable curves, Fran is the picture of beauty and confidence...on the outside. But deep down she is tormented. Not just by the jagged scars that line her body, but by the horrible memories that cloud her mind and haunt her dreams. The ones that make her want to flee from herself and from the devastating pain. The ones that cause her to placate herself with sex. Anything to make her forget. But for Fran, there's nowhere to hide from the darkness that swallows her whole.

Matt Dixon is the gorgeous brother of her best friend's fiancée. He's suffered losses of his own and isn't willing to let anyone in until his unexpected encounter with Fran Heller, the girl who challenges him and causes him to take a second look, not only at her, but at his own life.

But Matt has scars of his own.

Together can they help each other discover that second chances really do exist? That love doesn't have to hurt? Or has the damage they've both suffered cut too deep to ever heal?

**NA/Contemporary Romance with language and mature sexual content.**

 

Fuck she’s hot. I can feel her uneven breaths against my lips as her chest rises and falls after hearing my words. Those eyes, like green panes of stained glass. That plump bottom lip, I’d love to take between my teeth. And she smells good, like jasmine and lavender.

I’m not sure what possessed me to say that to her. I know nothing about her. She’s like a little spark though. She lit me up tonight with her smart, sexy mouth, and now she’s got me thinking thoughts I haven’t in a long time, stirring something deep inside of me that’s been asleep. Like how I want to take her right here, make her scream my name while she comes apart beneath me.

The elevator doors open and she ducks down and sneaks underneath my arm to make her way out.

“Goodnight, Matt.”

I hold the doors open and watch her walk down the hall, taking one last look over her shoulder before she turns the corner to her room, leaving me with only one thought.

When do I get to see her again?

Shit. I’m fucked.





I am a wife, a mom, an author, and a lover of all things chocolate, well, anything sweet really. While stuffing chocolate in my face, I enjoy reading young adult and new adult novels furiously, and spending time with my husband and two adorable children who keep me on my peppermint pink painted toes. Those same children who inspire me to tell silly stories that cause hysterical giggles to tumble from their bellies. I love to laugh and love to have a good cry, especially after reading a novel that stretches my soul, one that makes me feel, and lingers in the corner of my heart. I’m a hopeless romantic and a happily ever after fanatic, and I love to write about LOVE. I began writing when I was in middle school, penning anything from short stories, to poetry, and then later moved on to write children’s books. I have now endeavored into New Adult and Contemporary Romance novels and am loving every minute of it. My first novel, Love Love, was released in May, 2013.



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Cover Reveal: Reclaiming the Sand by A. Meredith Walters

Reclaiming the Sand A new NA Romance from the author of Find You in the Dark and Light in the ShadowsRelease date March 17th, 2013

Bully and victim.
Tormenter and tormented.
Villain and hero.

Ellie Mccallum was the bully. The Tormenter. The Villain. Taking what she wanted, stomping over anyone that got in her way. Feelings, futures, and relationships be damned. She felt no emotional connection to anyone or anything. A sad and lonely existence for a young woman who had come to expect nothing more for herself. Her only happiness coming from making others miserable.

Particularly Freaky Flynn.

Growing up, Flynn Hendrick was known only as “Freaky Flynn.” He lived a life completely disconnected even as he struggled to become something more than that boy with Asperger's. He was taunted and teased, bearing the brunt of systematic and calculated cruelty, ultimately culminating in a catastrophic turn of events that brought Ellie and Flynn’s worlds crashing down.

But then Flynn and Ellie grew up.

And moved on.

Until years later when their paths unexpectedly cross again and the bully and the freak are face to face once more.

When labels come to define you, finding yourself feels impossible. Particularly for two people disconnected from the world who inexplicably find a connection in each other.

And out of the wreckage of their tragic beginnings, an unlikely love story unfolds.

But a painful past doesn’t always want to let go. And old wounds are never truly healed…and sometimes the farther you try to run from yourself the closer you come to who you really are.



The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary and Paranormal romance including The Find You in the Dark series, Bad Rep and its upcoming sequel.

A. Meredith spent ten years as a counselor for at risk teens and children. First working at a Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault program and then later a program for children with severe emotional and mental health issues. Her former clients and their stories continue to influence every aspect of her writing.

When not writing (or being tortured with all manner of beauty products at the hand of her very imaginative and extremely girly 6 year old daughter), she is eating chocolate, watching reality television that could rot your brain and reading a smutty novel or two.

A. Meredith is represented by Michelle Johnson with the Inklings Literary Agency.



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Paperback Release Celebration: Connected and Torn by Kim Karr

We're so excited to be helping Kim Karr celebrate the release of Connected and Torn on paperback!! These two fabulous books can now be added to your prized possession bookshelf - while you'll have to wait just a little longer to hold Torn you can pre-order a copy now so you don't miss out.  
For those of you that haven't read Connected and Torn yet - there's an excerpt from both books here, as well as some teasers and the Playlist for Torn.  Oh, and the giveaway is amazing!!


What if a “Once in a Lifetime” could happen twice?

In Dahlia London’s world, happily ever after is a far cry from reality. Her soul has been left completely shattered by tragedy. But a surprising reunion with someone from her past is about to give her a reason to love again…

When rock star River Wilde comes back into Dahlia’s life, their super-charged connection runs deeper than either of them ever expected. The more time they spend together, the more intense their relationship becomes, and Dahlia believes at last she has found her soul mate.

But as old bonds fade and Dahlia’s grief begins to lift, her guilt and confusion remain. River desperately wants to be the one who mends what’s been broken—but with a past that refuses to stay buried, is it possible for their future to begin?


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Chapter 2 from CONNECTED (Connections #1)
RIVER POV
Time is Running Out

The set ends so I walk over behind Garrett to lean my guitar against the wall. I pull my shirt up to wipe the sweat off my forehead. It’s hotter than shit in here and I need a drink. Garrett laughs, tipping his head back to swallow the beer he somehow already has.

“You going to grab a drink? I’ll take another,” he says as he downs the rest of his beer. “And, dude, wear this. Seriously man, your hair looks like shit,” he says throwing his beanie at me.

I move closer and shove him a little and put the hat on my head. “Shut the fuck up, you should talk.”

I hop off the stage and my sister rushes over to me. “River, I need you to take me home as soon as the last set is over. I have someone meeting me back at my apartment.”

I shake my head, knowing it must be a guy. “Yeah yeah, I will Bell, but really can’t you get a boyfriend that has some manners? You know, like actually picks his date up and maybe even takes her out? And at a decent hour?”

She rolls her eyes. “All guys aren’t like you, big brother. Nice beanie,” she teases before disappearing back into the crowd.

As I walk through the jam-packed room, some brunette chick I think looks familiar asks me if I want to grab a drink in private. I kindly refuse, telling her I need to refuel before my next set. She’s still talking when I motion toward the bar to signal that I’m moving away. As my eyes flash across the bar, they’re suddenly drawn to a beautiful girl standing against it. And she’s looking directly at me.

I start walking toward her, leaving behind the brunette who is still talking. As I stare at the beautiful girl, I think, “I want her.” Tall, slim, long blonde hair that’s pulled away from her face. But it’s her eyes that get me—the way she’s looking at me. Shit, I’ve talked to about a dozen chicks tonight, but she is the only one who has me interested.

As I stare back at her I’m feeling like she’s not just any girl. Not just a girl to have sex with. I’m actually having a fucking conversation with myself. I can’t figure out what’s going on in my own head.

I try not to smile, but I know she’s checking me out. Fuck, why’d I put this hat on? I quickly pull it off and comb my fingers through my hair. I can’t take my eyes off her and I feel like I want to knock everyone out of my way to get to her.

When I finally reach the bar, I stand right in front of her. For some weird reason I feel the urge to touch her, but instead I shove my hands in my pockets. She’s smiling at me and I smile right back. This girl is hot. Her eyes still haven’t left mine this whole time, so I decide to break the ice by calling her out. “Were you staring at me?”

She pouts her lips and rolls her eyes. Shit, that look gets me.

“No, I was just looking for my friend while I waited on my drinks. You just happened to be in my line of vision.”

I stifle my laugh and say, “That look was hot.” I want to say, “You’re hot,” but I don’t—not yet anyway.

I can tell she’s trying not to laugh. If she does, I know I have her. Her phone rings and her smile fades. “Why would you think I was looking at you, anyway?”

The person beside her walks away and I secure my place next to her. I toss my hat on the counter and lean against the bar, my eyes never leaving hers. I answer in the most honest way I can. “Because I was staring at you, hoping you were staring back.”

I don’t want to fuck this up so I decide to be the guy Bell always tells me I am—the guy with manners. Then I say what I should have said first. “With all this talk about who was staring at whom I think we forgot the basics, I’m River,” I say as I extend my hand.

She reaches hers out. Hey, I get to touch her. But she quickly pulls her hand back before I get to grasp it and accidentally knocks a dude’s beer over. The asshole gives her a dirty look and swears. I know I have to step in because this guy is out of line. I gently guide her out of my way and try to control myself as I say, “Sorry man, just an accident, but let me buy you another.” I hand him a ten, “Buy two.” I hope he takes the money and leaves. Lucky for him he does, because otherwise I might deck him.

I turn around to find the girl smiling at me and sliding one of her beers my way. I start to drink it and she says, “Thank you, that guy sure as shit wasn’t happy with me. In fact he kind of acted like an asshole.” I can’t help but laugh mid-sip, almost spitting the beer out of my mouth. Not cool.

Not able to resist any longer, I run my finger over her smooth bare shoulder and lock my eyes on hers. “You’re more than welcome.”

She just barely shudders and steps back. I’m pretty sure she’s interested in me so I step closer, not wanting to break our connection. “Now, where were we? Do we need to start over?” I ask, looking into her eyes.

“We were introducing ourselves,” she says smiling.

“Okay, so let’s try again. I’m River and you are . . .?”

“I’m not sure you need to know that information right now. I’m kind of thinking you might be a stalker,” she teases.

I laugh. I’m all about game playing but I’m not ready to play. I really want to get to know this girl, and I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual, so I avoid dropping the canned line I might have used on another girl and say, “You’re not serious, are you beautiful girl?”




Rock star River Wilde brought Dahlia London back from the brink of hopelessness with his unwavering love and devotion. But their entangled history is about to test the strength of their relationship…

Dahlia was certain she had found true love and met her ‘Once in a Lifetime’ when she reconnected with River. But Dahlia’s world comes crashing down when someone from her past resurfaces, and all of River’s carefully hidden secrets are exposed.

River wants to show Dahlia that life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass—it’s about dancing in the rain. But how many times can one broken heart be mended? Will River and Dahlia be able to stay together or will they be torn apart?



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Torn



Prologue of TORN - Connections #2 by Kim Karr
© 2013 by Kim Karr - Published by the Penguin Group
Release date: October 1, 2013

Colorblind

Close your eyes and you can imagine what it was like. Hot, sticky, crowded. Smoke, flashing screens, and lighters flickering. Fans screaming, laughing, clapping, and crying. Bodies pushing, shoving, trying to catch a glimpse. Everyone wanting to see the stage—the lights, the equipment, the musician himself.

He was running back and forth singing, headbanging, and playing his guitar. The lyrics were jumbled. His movements out of sync. The sound of the bass thumped through the crowd so loud my body vibrated with every wrong note played. I just wanted it to end.

Nick Wilde had opened for the Counting Crows at the Hollywood Bowl. It was his second chance— and he blew it. The crowd was exhilarated at the start of his first song and he owned the stage but it didn’t last long. By the third song he was improvising, pulling notes, and forgetting words. He was lost in his own trance, soaked in alcohol, and no one could help him…not Xander, not my mother, and definitely not me. “Mr. Jones” started playing before he even finished his fourth song…and he never played onstage again.

Music was his soul. Music was in all of our souls. When we were younger he taught us everything he could…how to play, to sing, the right way to command a stage. We knew every song by every artist. We traveled to concert after concert. Music was his life and it became ours.

But he wasn’t happy just playing. He had a dream—he wanted to be famous. And somewhere along the way his dream became an obsession. I’ll give it to him, he got further than most do. By the age of nineteen he had been signed by a label and cut his first album. But after a disappointing run they released him. He spent the next fifteen years working the circuit—clubs, churches, weddings, birthday parties, as he waited for another big break. And then, just like that, he blew his golden opportunity.

Everything in our life changed after that. The drinking got worse, Grandpa came around more to check on us, and Mom went back to work. Every day left another kink in his chain as he lived in his own world. I was sixteen when his plan A became my plan B and, just like him, at a young age, I cut my first album. But unlike him I had Xander. He wasn’t going to let me fail. The band’s album had a slow start but after a year of touring, it started to gain popularity.

I remember the first time the Wilde Ones graced a real stage. We were restless. We had been sitting around for hours waiting. When we were finally up we strutted confidently across the stage like we had in rehearsal, but, really, we were nervous as hell. The lights were much brighter and the audience so much bigger than we were used to. When the guys started to play, soft, barely audible words flew out of my mouth so fast I forgot to breathe. The band was drowning me out and I knew it. Looking around, I adjusted the microphone height and took in the crowd. They were cheering me on with such enthusiasm that my voice finally soared over them. It was the same voice I’d grown up with, the one my dad had fostered. It was raw and present and soulful, and, in that moment, my music came alive. The crowd went crazy and just like that my life changed
again.

Xander struck while the iron was hot. He arranged to go on tour. That was the beginning of the end for me. We started out small. Smaller venues, shitty hotels, crappy food, and a lot of drinking. We opened for band after band and the relationships I made…they kept me going, that and being up on that stage doing what I loved…it kept me going, wanting to make my dad proud…yeah, that, too.

But touring was a constant infringement on my personal space. I hated the cramped quarters, lack of privacy, constant strict schedule, never being in the same city for more than two nights, people following you everywhere, people always wanting something from you. Even the girls throwing themselves at you got old. It was the longest year of my life, but I did it for him because somewhere along the way his dream morphed into mine. What I came to realize was that his dream wasn’t mine—my dad thought being on tour meant you had made it. His dream was about being famous. Mine is about the music.

As the venues got bigger so did the crowds, the fanfare, and I could see how you could get lost in it, caught up in it—but I was determined not to end up like my father. He was addicted to the fame. I’m addicted to the creative process. I hope that difference between us is enough. The tour ended and we wrote, we played around LA, and as time passed life was good. But I had managed to put off cutting another album long enough.  This time I was doing it for the band and for my brother and for me—because I love the music. Cutting the album—that’s the fun part. It’s the promoting I dreaded, at least until the day I saw her through the glass. The girl who inspired our song “Once in a Lifetime,” the girl Xander always referred to as my muse, the girl who stole my heart one night and then crushed it at the very same time.

She was as beautiful as I remembered and with one glance she took my breath away. She walked my way, pulling a suitcase behind her, and my heart skipped a beat. I knew immediately she was the one sent to interview me and suddenly any negativity I had about doing press was gone. I couldn’t help but watch her. I wanted her unlike anyone I had ever wanted before. I had to stifle a laugh when her briefcase fell off the top of her suitcase and she glanced around to see who saw. I wanted to yell, “Only me and don’t worry because everything about you is sexy as fuck.”

I rushed to grab the door for her, but she pushed it forward and fell into me—not that I minded in the least. I’d catch her over and over. There wasn’t a thing about her that I didn’t remember from the first time we met and even the awkwardness of the moment brought me to full attention. When her body pressed against mine, I knew in that instant…this time I wasn’t letting her get away so easily. I’d go on a thousand tours to have her in my life—there was just something about her, a light in her eyes that made everything wrong feel right. And just like my dad, I got a second chance—it was her. But unlike him, I wasn’t going to blow it.

When she extended her hand and said, “Hello, I’m Dahlia London from Sound Music. I’m so sorry I’m late,” I knew she had to be mine.



I live in Florida with my husband and four kids. I've always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, I wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. I went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise my family. I currently work part-time with my husband and full-time embracing one of my biggest passions—writing.

I wear a lot of hats! Writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all around go-to person of the family. However, I always find time to read. One of my favorite family outings use to be taking my kids to the bookstore or the library. Today, my oldest child is in college and my twins are juniors so they no longer go with me on these outings. And although I don't need to go to the actual store anymore because I have the greatest device ever invented—a Kindle, I still do. There's nothing like a paperback. So now my four year old and I make dates out of going to the bookstore--it's time I love and cherish.

I like to believe in soulmates, kindred spirits, true friends, and Happily-Ever-Afters. I love to drink champagne, listen to music, and hopes to always stay young at heart.



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