Heather Gunter's Blog, page 44

Release Blitz: Stolen Wishes by Lexi Ryan

Stolen Wishes  by Lexi Ryan is the prequel novella to 'Wish I May'.  It takes place seven years before the events in 'Wish I May' and shows William and Cally falling in love for the first time. It can be read before or after 'Wish I May' or on its own.

Stolen Wishes will be available free for a short time!

A note from Lexi:  Attention Kindle Readers: I'm working very hard trying to get Amazon to offer Stolen Wishes for free like it is at other retailers. However, they won't allow authors to set their book price as free and price matching is up to their discretion. I hope I can get them to offer it free soon and it's ready for you by the time you read this, but in the meantime, I sincerely apologize for your wait!



**Contains sexual content and adult language and situations. Intended for mature readers.**
Cally…

A sexy smile. Intense blue eyes. A goodness that makes him want to save me from these rumors when no one else would care. I didn't ask for a hero. William Bailey was never supposed to be anything more than a wish, a dream, an unrequited crush. Not for a girl like me--a girl whose fractured family has stolen her chance at a decent life.

William…

Since the death of my parents, I've always done what’s expected of me, what's "best" for me. Until Cally. The moment her haunted eyes meet mine, the fractured pieces of my heart feel whole again. I don’t just want to save her. I need her to save me.

Stolen chances. Unbroken wishes. Two lonely souls grasping for hope in the darkness.






“Hey, William,” a girl calls from the kitchen. “Why don’t you come in here and take a shot?”

I hardly have a chance to tense before Will pulls me closer. “Can’t do that, Meredith. My date’s here.”

Lizzy and Hanna both turn to us at his words, and I feel my own eyes go wide.

“I’d consider it a personal favor if you could roll with this,” he whispers into my ear. “Meredith has been trying to get me to do body shots since she got here two hours ago.”

“You don’t drink?” I ask, not that it’s my business. I’ve just never been to a party with alcohol before, and I’m not sure what to expect. From the stories I’ve heard, I half expected everyone to be wasted by the time we got here.

“It’s not the drinking that I mind. She’s just not my type.” When I frown at him, confused, his lips quirk in a half-smile. “You do know what a body shot is, don’t you?”

I shake my head.

“Want to find out?” His fingers trail over the sensitive dip in my spine as he asks, and I nod. I would probably agree to anything he asked me right now.

He takes me to the kitchen, his hot hand never leaving the small of my back.

Lizzy and Hanna step back and study us as he leads me to the island. I’d feel guilty about abandoning them tonight, but they seem to be having a great time.

“Where’s the tequila, Max?” Will calls.

Max hoists a bottle of amber liquid in the air and snags a shot glass off the counter.

“Do you know what a snakebite is?” Will asks me quietly. He’s standing close so only I can hear him when he talks.

I bite my lip. “I don’t really go to many parties.”

Next to us, Max fills the shot glass with tequila.

“A snakebite is a shot of tequila that you take with salt and lime,” Will explains to me.

“What makes it a body shot?” I ask.

His throat moves as he swallows, and his blue eyes go darker somehow, his pupils getting bigger. His lips part as he studies mine. “It’s a body shot if you take all the parts of the snakebite off someone else’s body.”

That makes my pulse kick up a notch. I’m still trying to puzzle out the logistics when Max calls, “No hands, Bailey.”

Will winks at me. “And I can’t use my hands for anything but putting the salt on you. Are you still game?”

I nod wordlessly, and I’m rewarded with one of Will’s full-out grins. I don’t need to know details to understand his mouth is going to be on me, and I like the idea of that. A lot.

Will’s hands slide to my waist and tighten, and before I realize what he’s doing, he’s hoisting me up on the counter. I squeak, and the girls cheer. All of them except Kristen and Meredith, that is. They’re leaning against the fridge, scowling at me like I killed their puppy.

Max hands me the shot glass and looks at me expectantly.

“Do I hold it?” I whisper.

“If you want,” Max says. “But I think you shouldn’t make it so easy on my boy here.”

Will shakes his head. “Whatever you’re comfortable with.”

Lizzy rushes over and cups her hand around my ear. “Slide it between your breasts. Trust me.”

I gape at her, and she shrugs innocently before joining Hanna at the edge of the kitchen.

I may be inexperienced, but I’m not naïve and I get what this game is about. My cheeks heat as I slide the glass into my cleavage. It’s cool against my hot skin, and Will’s eyes burn into me as he watches me position it.

Max offers me a lime wedge.

“Do you need your friend to tell you what to do with that too?” Kristen calls.

“Shut up, Kristen,” Will says. “You didn’t know what you were doing your first time either.”

But she’s right. Lizzy shouldn’t have to tell me what to do. I take the lime and put it between my teeth, facing out. The citrusy pulp presses against my lips, making them tingle. Or maybe the tingle is from the idea of William’s lips close to mine.

Will grins and brushes my hair off my neck. “Ready or not.”



A New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author, Lexi Ryan considers herself the luckiest chick she knows. Her books have been described as intense, emotional, and wickedly sexy. Lexi herself has only been described using two of those adjectives (feel free to guess but she’s not telling). When not writing, she enjoys watching football, perfecting her chocolate martini, and reading her way to the title of Biggest Romance Fangirl Evah. A former college professor, her biggest fears include faculty meetings and large stacks of ungraded freshman composition papers. She now writes full-time from her home in Indiana, where she lives with her husband and two children and their neurotic dog.




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Wish I May (New Hope #2)

I grew up wishing on stars. My father taught me to believe...in destiny, in magic, in happily ever after. Dreams were my scripture and the starry night sky was my temple. Then Mom stopped believing, left him, and took us with her. At the age of sixteen, I cashed in my dreams to pay the rent, pawned my destiny to keep my sisters together. Now, seven years later, I'm returning home, grieving the death of my mother, and settling my sisters back into the life Mom threw away. I never intended to stay. I don't want to deal with my father, who is so invested in the spiritual world he forgets the physical. I don't want to face William Bailey, whose eyes remind me of the girl I was, the things I've done, and the future I lost. This would all be easier if Will hated me. As it is, I have to hold my secrets close so they won't hurt him more than they've already hurt me. But he wants to be in my life. He wants what I can't bring myself to confess I sold. He wants me. I find myself looking to my stars again...wondering if I dare one more wish.
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Release Day: The Destiny of Violet and Luke (The Coincidence #3) by Jessica Sorensen

HAPPY RELEASE DAY to Jessica Sorensen and The Destiny of Violet and Luke book 3 in The Coincidence Series!! 
Come back tomorrow for our stop on the blog tour to read Tami's review and to enter the blog tour giveaway with a chance to win a Kindle Fire!



Luke Price's life has always been about order, control, and acting tough on the outside. For Luke, meaningless relationships are a distraction-a way to tune out the twisted memories of his childhood. He desperately wishes he could forget his past, but it haunts him no matter what he does. 
Violet Hayes has had a rough life. When she was young, she was left with no family and the memory of her parents' unsolved murders. She grew up in foster homes, living with irresponsible parents, drugs, and neglect, and trying to fight the painful memories of the night her parents were taken from her. But it's hard to forget when she never got closure-and she can't stop dreaming about what happened that tragic night. To make it through life, she keeps her distance from everyone and never allows herself to feel anything. 
Then Violet meets Luke. The two clash instantly, yet they can't seem to stay away from each other. Although they fight it, they both start to open up and feel things they've never felt before. They discover just how similar they are. But they also discover something else: The past always catches up with you . . .






But as he breathes heavily, leaning down, his lips inching nearer, I remain stationary. Frozen by fear and want. The contact of his lips only heightens the fear and desire, the two feelings mixing so persuasively that I start to weakly tremble as the walls I worked so hard to put up begin to crack. I try to keep my mouth closed as he works to kiss me, not wanting to give in, not wanting to give any part of me to him, knowing that eventually he won’t want me anymore. But as my body warms below him, I can’t help it and my lips readily part. Seconds later, his tongue slides into my mouth and he groans against my lips. It sends vibrations through my body and I shiver. “Jesus, this feels so much better than I imagined…” he moans as his fingers tangle through my hair, tugging at the roots and it feels so good. “I need this…God…” There’s an alarming amount of panic in his voice as he breathes heavily. It’s deafeningly quiet around us and I’m about to say something, when his tongue slips back into my mouth more forcefully and his movements fill with desperation.




The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Sorensen, lives in the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.




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Book 1 - The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden Callie has grown up keeping her feelings locked away from the outside world, and as her painful past threatens to consume her life, most days it's a struggle just to breathe. For as long as Kayden can remember, suffering in silence has been the only way to survive, until one night when Callie and Kayden's worlds collide. After that moment, Kayden can't stop thinking about Callie and when they end up at the same college, he does everything in his power to convince her that it isn't coincidence - it's fate. 

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Book 2 - The Redemption of Callie and Kayden 
The dark secret Kayden has kept hidden for years is out. Worse, he's facing charges for battery. The only way he stands a chance against the charges is if Callie speaks up, something he'll never ask her to do. Callie knows Kayden is going back to his dark place and desperately wants to save him. But saving him means admitting her secrets aloud. Callie and Kayden are stronger than they think, especially when they're together. Together they move forward, face their demons, and finally start to heal from their traumatic pasts.

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Jessica is giving away an ebook set of the three books in The Coincidence Series


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Book Blitz: Consumed (Devoured #2) by Emily Snow

Have you be hanging out for more Lucas Wolfe??  Well the wait is over, Consumed by Emily Snow is available now!!




Now that Lucas is back in her life, Sienna is sure the drama between them is over. But then he comes to her with a new offer: his band, Your Toxic Sequel, is going on tour and he wants her with him—working in wardrobe and as his girl.

Life on the road is a complete 180 from everything Sienna has ever known. Not only does she have to deal with Lucas’s band members, but she’s also forced to be around Cilla, the lead singer of Wicked Lambs. Still, despite horny band mates and a gorgeous rock goddess determined to sink her talons into Lucas, Sienna stays by his side.

Then the letters start to come—harassing messages from Lucas’s ex-wife, Sam.

At first, Sienna brushes them off, keeping Lucas in the dark because Sam is bad for his music. But after Sam’s contact turns personal and violent, Sienna has no other choice but to confront Lucas. If she’s ever going to understand the twisted pull Sam has on him, she has to know his secret. But when he finally reveals it, will they be able to survive the consequences? Or will it tear them apart, consuming them?



“Nice move, Mr. Wolfe,” I mutter under my breath. Tapping my foot rapidly against the floor, I wait for my suitcase to come around on the carousel. Once I locate it, I lug everything to a row of chairs nearby. It’s too hot for me to wait outside for some driver to arrive.

No sooner than my butt makes contact with the hard seat do I hear snippets of a conversation between two women who are walking in the direction of the taxi exit.

“ . . . I have all of their CDs. I could spot him from a mile away. It was definitely him, and you—you are stifling me!”

What the hell?

I twist around in time to witness the shorter woman with the black, asymmetrical bob narrow her chocolate brown eyes at the tall, leggy blonde. “And just last night you just said they’re on tour. So which is it, Kate? He’s on tour, or he’s bullshitting around this place?”

“Or maybe,” Kate hisses, “Lucas is catching a flight because of his tour.”

Lucas is already here?

I clamber to my feet, allowing the argument between Kate and her friend to fade into the background as I scan as far as my eyes can see for Lucas. There are couples reuniting all around me, and what appears to be an entire busload of people holding up signs that say “Welcome Home, Gloria,” but no sign of him. I’m about to grab my stuff and go look, but then I see him. Heading directly toward me. His stride a little faster than it normally is, his soft grin entirely too confident, his hazel eyes cocky and yet so full of need.

God, that man and those eyes.

He’s wearing destroyed jeans and an olive green tee shirt that show off the green flecks in his eyes. His muscular arms hang relaxed by his side, but when he comes close enough for me to breathe in the clean, airy scent of his cologne, I notice that he’s worrying something between the thumb and forefinger of his right hand. I squint down at it as the toes of his Converse brush up against my ballet flats.

“Well fuck, Sienna. Looks like you’re more interested in my hands than my face.” But he opens his palm, holding it six inches from my face. My throat constricts when I realize what he’s holding.

It’s a guitar pick.

Holy hell.

“You’re grinding your teeth.” The volume of his voice is barely above a whisper and yet so powerful. “The things I want to do to you for that.”

Emily Snow is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the erotic romance series Devoured, which includes Devoured, All Over You, and Consumed, as well as the new adult novel Tidal. She loves books, sexy bad boys, and really loud rock music, so naturally, she writes stories about all three.



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Series Reading Order


All Over You (Book .5) - Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo
Devoured (Book 1) - Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo
Absorbed (Book 1.5) - Amazon | B&N | Kobo
Consumed (Book 2) - Emily Snow Website
Spin Off – Savor You (Kylie Wolfe’s Book) - Amazon | B&N | Smashwords | Kobo

Blog Tour: Fallen Crest Public by Tijan

Welcome to our stop on the blog tour for Fallen Crest Public by Tijan, book three in the Fallen Crest High series.  Read on for an excerpt, watch the book trailer and check out the playlist.

Title: Fallen Crest Public (Fallen Crest High #3)Author: TijanGenre: Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: 12/30/2013

Sam's first day at Fallen Crest Public doesn't go well. Some girls want to be her. Some girls want to destroy her. And some just don't like her. All in all, despite being protected by Mason and Logan, it's still only the strong survive. Sam will not only have to survive, she needs to learn how to conquer too, but there's another battle growing. Things are about to come to a disastrous end between the towns, Roussou and Fallen Crest. Sam's other main dilemma? Keeping Mason and Logan from getting arrested or hospitalized.




This is the third book in the Fallen Crest Series.
1. Fallen Crest High ~ 2. Fallen Crest Family ~ 3. Fallen Crest Public





Kate’s sneer turned into a snarl. “You think you’re funny?”

One of the three added, “Maybe she’s taking lessons from Logan?”

Another snorted. “Probably. She needs all the lessons she can get.”

My smile had stretched from ear to ear now. It was genuine, too. “Is this another warning from you? I thought you moved past the cliché insults and name calling. Oh wait. You said lessons. Yes, that’s referencing that I’m dumb. That’s another cliché insult.” With my hand in the air, I lifted a finger with each point. “I’m ugly. I’m dumb. I have too much sex. Those are the three main ones most simpletons use to insult others. The clothes and the mannequin gave me hope. I thought you were starting to progress, but then I heard that you’ve already done that before. It’s recycled material. You guys need to find new stuff. You know what they say about comedians?” At their blank faces, I nodded. “What I expected. If they use old material, the act is boring. People move on. If you’re going to keep drawing fresh fear from everyone, you need new stuff.” I stood and patted Kate’s head. “You can do it. I believe in you.”

Logan stood by the door and held it open. Mason came in behind him. Both found me immediately. I wondered who had notified them, but then Kate grabbed my arm. She twisted it and got into my face. Her hand tightened on my arm and she lowered her voice, “You have until the end of the day to drop out of school. This is the last warning.”

A taunt rose to my tongue, but I swallowed it. The jokes were gone.

Three thoughts happened at the same time. David’s image flashed again. “Fuck it,” came next. Third, when I knew what I was going to do, I thought, “Let’s see how this goes.”

Kate’s eyes widened as she watched the myriad of expressions before she saw my intent. Her hand let me go, and she started to back away, but it was too late. My hand latched onto hers instead, and I took one second to comment, “Bet you weren’t expecting this,” I said before my other hand grabbed the back of her head and used all my body weight to slam her head into the table.





Tijan started writing later in life, after she had already graduated college with a different direction in mind and a different degree under her belt. Hitting the brakes on that path, she taught herself how to write a good book and began posting at sites such as Fictionpress, along with Wattpad. After receiving such encouraging messages from readers, she self-published Fallen Crest High and has continued throughout the year. She continues to keep writing NA books!



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Release Blitz: Undone by R.E. Hunter

Happy Release Day!!!  Today is the day that Undone by R.E. Hunter makes it's way into the world and we're lucky enough to share it with you!  What's great is we get to share the Prologue and Chapter 1 with you to give you a bit of a teaser of what's instore!

Title: Undone (Disclosure Series Book #1)Author: R.E. HunterGenre: Contemporary RomanceExpected Release Date: January 6, 2014


Five years ago, Embry Jacobs ran...

She ran from a past that still hasn’t let her go, but her dream of becoming a lawyer is stronger than her fear of confronting that past. Embry’s sole focus is to get through law school—with the help of her best friend, Morgan—and make something of the broken girl she became. Not thinking about falling in love, being in a relationship or even entertaining the idea of romance, Embry is moving forward one day at a time.

Luke Brody is charming and sexy, and has a past of his own. He wants nothing more than to put his demons to rest and move on with his life. But, when Embry enters the picture, is he destined to repeat those same mistakes?

Blindsided by their instant attraction, neither Luke nor Embry are prepared for the feelings they’re developing. But will it all be for nothing?

Will they let their pasts destroy them, or will they risk everything to fight for their relationship when it all comes undone?










PROLOGUE

This can’t be happening. That thought ran on a constant loop through her head as she sat in the cold, uninviting classroom, the smell of antiseptic invading her nostrils. A shiver crept up her spine, and she couldn’t tell if it was from the temperature or her nerves. Maybe both. She sat on a hard plastic chair, hands gripped in her lap, her foot tapping furiously against the linoleum. The anticipation was killing her. She studied the three people at the front of the room, their heads bent together as they whispered amongst themselves.

Her heart thumped in her chest, the dull thud echoing in her ears as she sat silently, waiting. Her head swam, and she struggled to keep herself afloat instead of drowning in the anxiety that threatened to pull her under. She strained forward, hoping to catch even a small piece of their hushed conversation, but all she could hear was the shallow murmur of their voices. She wanted to get it over with. Like a Band-Aid, it would hurt either way. Might as well make it quick. She’d had to pick up the pieces of her broken life and move on once before. But she couldn’t do it again, not after all of her hard work. She wouldn’t accept it, she couldn’t.

How did this happen? They’d been careful. Hadn’t they been careful? She swallowed the lump in her throat and tried in vain to think of something, anything else.

The older gentleman on the end cleared his throat, pulling her from her thoughts. “Miss Jacobs?”

She looked up at the members of the university’s disciplinary committee, taking them in one at a time. She straightened her back and lifted her chin, hoping the outward display of confidence would give her some semblance of the same feeling on the inside. That was shot to hell as soon as she opened her mouth. “Y-yes, sir?” she answered, her voice trembling.

“Do you know why you’re here?” the other man asked, his eyes kind.

“No, sir.” She shook her head, but she was pretty sure she had an idea.

“Let me tell you,” the older man interjected, opening the folder in front of him. He explained the purpose of the hearing and the university’s policies regarding disciplinary sanctions.

She sat back, rubbing her palms on her pants and trying to calm down. As she listened to his words, she was hit with a rush of emotion so strong it almost bowled her over. Good. Bad. Happy. Sad. Betrayal. Rage. Shock. Relief. Relief? She fought to keep focused on the seriousness of the situation before her as a litany of memories assaulted her consciousness.

CHAPTER 1 

Four months earlier.
“Look to your left … now look to your right. One of you won’t be here at the end of the year.”

Those same words were repeated year after year at law school orientations around the country. Embry Jacobs fought to keep her composure as the dean continued his sad attempt to scare her out of the next three years at Whitman Law School. The old theater seats made her itch, and her long, blond hair stuck to the back of her neck, making her antsy.

She leaned over to whisper to her best friend, “Seriously? I thought they stopped giving this speech years ago. Did the dean take this straight from The Paper Chase?”

Morgan chuckled and elbowed Embry’s ribs. “Shhh, this is very important stuff, Bree.”

Embry had read the books and watched the movies. She knew all about the scare tactics used on first-year law students. As cliché as the dean’s speech was, a good number of the students in that auditorium wouldn’t make it through the first semester, let alone all three years.

Failing out wasn’t an option for her. Embry had one chance, and she had to make it count. All she’d ever wanted was to be a lawyer, and the only thing standing in her way was the next three years of school. Already in debt from her undergraduate degree, she was relying on a scholarship to get her through law school. If she didn’t keep her grades high enough to maintain the scholarship, she’d be forced to take out more loans. At least once she graduated, she’d be able to make enough money to pay them off. Embry was startled from her thoughts by a hard poke to her arm.

“Bree, you coming?”

Embry looked up to see Morgan waiting for her. Morgan Maxwell had been her best friend for as long as she could remember. She’d been through everything with Embry, and even though they’d lived far apart for the past five years, their friendship had never suffered. When Embry left home after high school without any warning or explanation, Morgan was the only person who knew why. The real reason. Even though Embry’s leaving put a strain on Morgan’s relationship with her own parents, she stuck by Embry’s side, always supportive and never questioning. When they started applying to law schools at the same time, Morgan convinced Embry to finally come home so they could experience it together. Embry had never believed they would be so lucky to get accepted to Whitman together, so when she got her admission letter, she planned her move immediately.

Morgan’s voice broke through her thoughts again. “Earth to Embry! Did you hear a word I just said?”

“What? No, sorry,” she answered.

“Where were you just now?” Morgan asked, tilting her head and shooting Embry a curious glance.

“I was just thinking about being back home,” she said, shrugging.

Morgan bounced up and down. “Oh my God, I know! Can you believe we’re really doing this? Morgan and Bree back together again! And in law school!” She grabbed Embry’s arm and pulled her up out of the seat. “Come on, I wanna catch the next campus tour.”

Embry gave Morgan a big smile, trying to match her enthusiasm. “Okay, okay, let’s go.”

The girls exited the auditorium into the bright summer sun. Embry rummaged around in her purse for her sunglasses, and her fingers brushed the hard edge of an envelope. She dragged Morgan to a stop.

“Hey, I totally forgot I have to run to student services.” She pulled the envelope from her purse. “Something to do with my tuition. You okay to do the tour yourself?”

Morgan huffed sarcastically then gave Embry a bright smile. “I’ll be fine. You know I make friends wherever I go!”

Embry chuckled. “Okay, I’ll catch you later.”

She made her way to the law school’s building and walked through the rear door. She hadn’t been through that entrance yet and found herself disoriented as she navigated the long, empty hallways. She turned a corner and stopped to take in her surroundings. She realized she had been walking in a circle about the same time something crashed into her, spinning her around. Before she could get her bearings, she felt a large, warm hand on her arm.

“Sorry about that.”

Embry looked up at the owner of the deep, raspy voice and into a pair of the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. He was beautiful—dark, perfectly mussed hair, straight nose, square, chiseled jaw, full lips—and she could have lost herself in those eyes for days. “I–um…” Struck speechless by his good looks and the warmth of his touch, she nodded and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his brow furrowed.

“Yeah. Yes, I’m fine,” she forced out, nodding again. Stop nodding, Embry!

“You sure?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m good, thanks.”

He quirked his head to the side, studying her. His face twisted into something just short of … pain? He looked perplexed and frustrated. Embry watched him shake his head slightly, as if trying to clear the emotions playing across his face. He slowly dragged his thumb across her skin before he removed his hand from her arm, leaving a trail of goose bumps in its wake.

“Sorry again,” he said with a sheepish grin, and just like that he was gone. He turned and walked away as though they hadn’t just collided and had the most intense moment.

Their entire exchange couldn’t have lasted more than a minute, but Embry felt it in every fiber of her being. Shaken by her run-in with the mysterious stranger, she retraced her steps until she found the atrium. The large, open room was filled with sunlight streaming in from the sky-lit ceiling. Tables and chairs, filled with new students laughing and talking, were scattered around the big space. The walls were covered with pictures of Supreme Court justices and esteemed faculty members, and at the end was the student services office. She made her way into the office, and as she waited for her advisor, she couldn’t help but think about those bright blue eyes.
***
“I’m sorry to take you away from your orientation activities,” her student affairs advisor said as she flipped through a folder full of papers.

Embry sat with her hands in her lap, glancing around the office as she waited.

“But I’m glad you’re here. There was a problem regarding your tuition that I wanted to resolve as soon as possible.”

Embry had dealt with that multiple times in college. Loans and scholarships were paid out late all the time. “Was my scholarship not disbursed yet?”

The woman paused her paper shuffling and glanced at Embry before shifting her attention back to the pile. “No, no, your scholarship came through,” she answered. “Ah, here it is.” She pulled a piece of paper out of the pile and handed it to Embry. “It appears that maybe you were misinformed about the amount that the scholarship would cover.”

Embry stared at the paper and felt as if the ground had been swept out from beneath her. She was free-falling, and panic took over as she looked at the amount of the scholarship. It was ten thousand dollars short for the year.

“But, I–” Embry tried and failed to get out the words. She looked down again, hoping maybe she had read the numbers wrong. No, her scholarship didn’t cover her full tuition. How could she have missed that? She was positive that the award letter said her tuition was completely covered. She handed the paper back to her advisor, hands shaking. As she looked into the woman’s eyes, the pity she saw made Embry feel that much worse.

“I can see that this is a shock to you.” Her advisor reached for another stack of papers and handed it to Embry. “I’ve compiled the financial aid application, if you’re interested. I’m not sure if they’ll be able to disburse funds in time to cover the remaining tuition bill, but at least, if awarded, the aid check will reimburse you.”

Embry nodded numbly.

“The good news is, for students who weren’t awarded full scholarships at the outset, Whitman offers merit-based scholarships during the second and third years to those who maintain academic excellence.” The woman smiled, her voice rising an octave as if that would somehow make it easier on Embry. “So just keep up those grades, and you never know!”

Great. No pressure. Embry knew she would be sick if she didn’t get out of that office. Thanking her advisor, she tucked the financial aid packet in her purse and hurried out.

Embry walked through the crowded atrium, her head spinning. She crunched the numbers again and again but came up with the same answer. Ten thousand dollars to cover tuition for the year. She had that in savings, plus a bit more, but that was supposed to go to her rent. And what about money for groceries, bills? She would be forced to shell out all of the money up front, and financial aid was never a guarantee. She took her pity party to one of the empty tables and sat down to look through the packet her advisor had given her.

A large iced coffee was placed in front of her as Morgan sat down beside her. “Looked like you could use this. I saw you pouting from across the atrium.”

Pouting was a mild term compared to the major meltdown going on in Embry’s head. “Thanks, M.”

“That’s what best friends are for. Now tell me what’s wrong.”

Embry filled her in on the meeting with her advisor. She skated over the finer details, like the fact that she wouldn’t have money for rent. Morgan’s family owned Embry’s apartment, and the last thing she wanted was their charity.

But Morgan, being Morgan, picked up on it right away. “What aren’t you telling me? You have money saved to cover the tuition, right?”

“I have money saved...” Embry trailed off.

“But it was for your rent,” Morgan said, putting the pieces together.

Embry nodded, humiliated.

“Embry, my parents don’t need the money. The only reason you’re paying rent is because you insisted.”

“I know, but I just don’t feel right doing it any other way.”

“What about your parents? Can they help?”

The thought had crossed Embry’s mind, but she’d dismissed it as quickly as it came. “I can’t ask them. Not after leaving like I did, with no explanation. I know they love me and I’m sure they’d help if they could, but I just don’t feel right asking. I’ll look around town to see if I can pick up a bartending job somewhere. Besides”—she held up the papers—“there’s always financial aid.”

“Stubborn,” Morgan scolded.

“Spoiled,” she shot back with a grin.

The girls talked until it was time to head to their classes. They hadn’t been able to talk their way into the same section, so they had completely different schedules.

“Criminal law?” Embry asked Morgan as they walked out of the atrium.

Morgan nodded. “Professor Charles.”

“Gasp! I heard he’s a nightmare. Good luck. I’ve got contracts with Coleman.”

Morgan shrugged. “I’m pretty sure she learned the art of torturing first years from Charles himself.”

“Sounds like we’re both in for some fun then!” Embry said with fake enthusiasm. She turned down the hallway leading away from Morgan.

“Good luuuuuck,” her friend called.
***
Embry walked into the classroom and stood in the back, getting her bearings. Rows of stadium seating lay before her, and she watched students mill around. She wandered down the stairs and chose a seat toward the middle of the classroom. As she pulled out her computer, someone slid into the seat next to her.

“This seat taken?”

Embry looked up into a handsome face and a pair of chestnut-colored eyes. They had nothing on the sexy guy from the hallway, but he definitely wasn’t lacking in the looks department. What has gotten into you, Embry? It had been a while but not that long. She hadn’t been in a relationship in five years, not since him, but that hadn’t stopped her from having fun. Law school was different, though. She didn’t want any distractions: no guys, no sex, no drama. At the rate hot guys were popping up, though, she’d fail out by the end of the week.

“Nope, all yours,” she answered, busying herself with her computer.

“Cool, thanks. I’m Jeremy.” He gave her a half wave.

“Embry.”

“So what’s your story, Blondie?” he asked, reaching out to twirl a piece of her golden hair between his fingers.

“What?” Her head snapped up and she tugged her hair out of his grasp.

“You know, your story. Where are you from, what did you go to school for... the usual.”

She pointed at herself. “Embry. Not Blondie.”

He raised his hands in surrender. “Okay, sorry. I like nicknames. You’re a little uptight, aren’t you?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked, losing her cool.

“I could help you loosen up a bit, you know.” He winked.

Winked! The guy was hot—she had to admit that—but was he serious? “Are you serious?”

“Only if you say yes.”

She had no words. She rolled her eyes and went back to her computer.

He didn’t leave her alone for long. “I got your mind off your first-day jitters though, didn’t I?”

All she could do was stare at him. Who is this guy?

“I did, didn’t I?” He nudged her arm.

She finally let her guard down and laughed. “Yes, yes, you did, okay? Happy?”

“Not until you go out with me.”

“Not happening.”

“Really?”

“Really,” she deadpanned.

“You sure?” he asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

“Positive.”

“Friends?” he said.

She glared at him.

He tilted his head, widened his eyes, and pouted, giving her what she was sure was his best puppy-dog face. “Come on, we got the sex out of the way. Now we can keep it strictly platonic.”

Her eyes nearly popped out of her head. “Sex? What sex? There will be no sex!” A few curious gazes settled on Embry. She said that louder than she meant to. She should have been aggravated, but for some reason, Jeremy was making her laugh. And he was right; her first-day jitters were history.

“It’s out of the way. I hit on you, you friend-zoned me, so we’re all good. It’s platonic now.”

“Okaaay,” she said reluctantly.

“That is, until you realize how ridiculously attractive I am and regret your decision. I can’t promise I’ll wait for you, though.”

She rolled her eyes again. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Believe it, baby.”

“Embry,” she stated, pointing toward her chest again.

“Embry-baby.”

“Just Embry.”

“We’ll work on it, Blondie.” He winked again.

He was infuriating, but she couldn’t fight the smile tipping her lips. “Friends,” she agreed. And that was that.

“So, you hear anything about Professor Coleman?” he asked.

“Nothing good.”

He nodded as he tapped his pen on the desk. “You know, after that Oscar-worthy performance by the dean, I’m starting to think this is all just a big setup to make us go running for the hills.”

“Yeah, I thought he was laying it on a bit thick,” she said, searching her bag for her textbook.

“I’m pretty sure it’s all a big act. It can’t be that bad,” Jeremy said.

“Let’s hope….” Embry’s sentence trailed off as the room went silent.

Students craned their necks toward the door to catch a glimpse of the professor. After the rumors she’d heard, Embry expected someone a bit more intimidating. Instead, Professor Coleman was a petite woman, about mid-forties, with librarian glasses, shoulder-length brown hair, and a stylish skirt suit. She glided up to the podium, put down a stack of papers, and headed to the whiteboard.

“I’m Professor Coleman.” The dry erase marker squeaked across the board. “I’ll be your contracts professor. This is my contact information. My door is always open during office hours, so feel free to stop in. We’re going to go over the syllabus and class objectives today. Then I’ll tell you a bit about myself and send you on your way, so you can all let out that breath you’ve been holding.”

The entire class breathed an audible sigh of relief as they realized Professor Coleman was not going to torture them on their first day.

At the end of class, Embry packed up and felt Jeremy’s eyes on her.

“So really, where are you from? What did you study?” he asked.

“Oh. Um, well, I’m from here. I did my undergrad at the University of Florida. Studied political science. What about you?”

He smiled as he gathered his things. “I’m from Rochester. My dad owns a law firm back home and one in the city. I’m going into the family business, so law school was the next logical step. I went to Syracuse.”

Before Embry could ask Jeremy about his father’s firm, Professor Coleman gave a late announcement. “Oh, before I forget. I’m looking for a research assistant for the year. If any of you are interested, come and see me.”

Embry’s ears perked up. The research assistant position would be the perfect solution to her problem. She could make the money she needed and still focus on law. All she had to do was impress the professor. “I’m going to go check that out.”

Jeremy raised an eyebrow. “Apply at your own risk. I hear she can be pretty tough.”

“Thanks for the warning.” She waved good-bye and made her way to the front of the room.
***
Embry walked out of the classroom in a far better mood than when she had entered it. Professor Coleman seemed nice, and Embry had a good feeling about her chances of getting the position. She was actually excited for the semester to officially start. She fished her phone out of her purse to text Morgan, and when she glanced up, she froze.

Walking toward her was the sexy stranger. He was farther away, and she had time to take in his beauty. He was tall, well over six feet, and wore a tight gray V-neck shirt and faded jeans. His dark hair set off those blue eyes, framed by long lashes. Gorgeous. He was carrying a box, and it must have been heavy because his muscles strained against his T-shirt and Embry couldn’t look away. When she finally dragged her eyes from his biceps, she found his baby blues searching hers. He held her gaze as he walked toward her, causing her cheeks to flush under the intensity of his stare. As he drew nearer, she noticed his lips twisting into an amused smirk.

“We have to stop meeting like this,” he joked, stopping in front of her.

She was momentarily stunned but recovered quickly. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were following me.”

“Maybe I am,” he said, and then he smiled. Not a polite smile shared with a stranger, but a real smile. A gorgeous smile. An all-out, eyes-crinkling, dimples-popping, panty-dropping smile.

Something stirred inside of Embry. Her knees loosened, heat crept up her neck, and a swarm of butterflies took up residence in her stomach. Before she had time to acknowledge her reaction, he turned and walked away again. Sauntered, really. As she studied his backside, she realized she was in big trouble.


R.E. Hunter is a native New Yorker and lives on Long Island with her husband and their crazy kitten. She works as an attorney by day and writes every spare second she has. She's currently working on the sequel to Undone, which will be released sometime in 2014. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her somewhere near a beach with a book in her hand.

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Spotlight on ... Heather Gunter

Love Notes by Heather Gunter

How do you cope when the people you care for hurt you the most? When the way you feel on the outside, smothers you on the inside. And when you are left to face your demons alone, will you learn that only you have the power to overcome them?
Charlie has never had it easy. Between the constant moving and the incessant fat comments and jokes from her father, her self-worth is nonexistent. Her reflection in the mirror shows her nothing but a plain Jane. Music is the only thing that keeps her sanity in check.
Charlie catches the eye of the town star quarterback, Maverick. With her curves, her brunette hair, and the voice of an angel, Maverick has never met anyone like her. Everything that is different about Charlie just makes Maverick like her more. Unfortunately, Charlie doesn’t see it herself.
Proving it to her may deem harder than he thinks, especially when tragedy strikes and tears them apart.

Now standing on her own two feet she may finally learn exactly who she is, what’s she’s capable of and how very un plain Jane she really is.

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Heartstrings by Heather Gunter

Everyone thinks of me as this happy and upbeat person. What they don't know is that I carry a deep, dark secret. Something horrible happened to me a year ago, and I have kept it quiet all this time. I was fine for a while, but somehow it’s chosen this time to come back, and it's eating at me--like a cancer.
I need to tell someone about it, I just don't know how. I'm pushing everyone I love away, including my mom and my best friend Charlie.
Then there is Will. Handsome, sweet Will. We went out on a date a while back, but then the incident happened leaving me crushed and him confused.
How do you tell someone you care about all of your secrets, and will they still want you when the truth comes out?


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About Heather Heather is a devoted mother of three gorgeous boys.  She balances spending as much time with them as possible with writing, updating her Into the Night Reviews book blog and her day job.  Her love of animals sees her home in Canton, GA bursting with numerous dogs and ferrets.
Heather campaigns passionately for anti-bullying initiatives and has a strong conviction to reduce peoples suffering at the hands of bullies.
A talented singer, who once dreamed of pursuing a career in that field, she has put that goal aside in exchange for her writing.  A self proclaimed geek, whatever spare time she has is spent curled on the couch reading and listening to music.
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Coming soon from Heather Ashley Davis is over her high school ‘bitch’ label and has decided to reinvent herself. College offers a new beginning, a chance to be different. After being assaulted, she’s realized that she needs to change and college is just the place to do it. Nobody knows her and she’d like to keep it that way.
Afraid of falling into the same patterns she decides that having no friends, no life and focusing on school is the way to go. That is, until she meets Zeke Whitman who is completely different from anyone she’s ever encountered. He’s tall, dark and completely geeky hot in his glasses. He also doesn’t seem effected by her looks and ignores her completely.
Ezekiel (Zeke) Whitman is the opposite of Ashley Davis. He’s always been driven and focused when it comes to school, but when he’s forced to partner with a tall, leggy blonde with a slight attitude, he’s thrown for a loop. Ashley confuses him, seeming academically driven in one moment, then flirting the next.
Ashley will realize that sometimes Changing Tunes isn’t as easy as it sounds. Sometimes you have to keep a little of the person that you were, in order to become the person who you want to be.

Book Blast: My Life For Yours by Margaret McHeyzer

We're having a blast!!  Margaret McHeyzer's My Life for Yours book blast that is - and it's just 99c right now so be sure to grab yourself a copy.  While you're here be sure to enter the giveaway to win one of two copies or one of two $5 giftcards.

Author: Margaret McHeyzerGenre: Darker Contemporary Romance 18+ Publication Date: November 14, 2013 Cover Designed By: Sprowt Graphic Design Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

He’s lived a life of high society and privilege; he chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a Senator.

She’s lived a life surrounded with underworld activity; she had no choice but to follow in her father’s footsteps and take on the role of Mob Boss.

He wants to stamp out organised crime and can’t be bought off.

She's the ruthless and tough Mob Boss where in her world all lines are blurred.

Their lives are completely different, two walks of life on the opposite ends of the law.

Being together doesn’t make sense.

But being apart isn’t an option.



I love to read. I'm a huge fan of books and when I start reading anything, I usually forgo doing everything else, I mean the housework will still be there in the morning (right?). When I love a story or book that I've downloaded, I usually refrain from sleep and am crabby the next day - but only until I pick my iPad up and start reading again!

The idea for my debut novel HiT 149, came to me as I was chopping my vegetables for dinner and before the night was over I had written 10 chapters!

My goal with writing is just to take people away from whatever is going on in their lives, even if it's only for a split second.

I'm a go with the flow sort of person and don't really take a course of action to get where I am going. I live in the moment and don't usually worry about tomorrow because whatever life is due to bring me, I'll be happy to accept.

I love my family and friends and will help anyway I can if someone needs it. But I can be a bit daft sometimes and need to be told very specifically or it'll go over my head! I really don't like people that are nasty just because they can be, I don't believe that's necessary, I mean life is hard enough as it is!

I hope you enjoy my books, I've had a hoot writing them. There's more to come, and not all from the same series......

Til next time


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Release Blitz: Raw by Belle Aurora

Happy Release Day Belle Aurora!!  Raw is the latest from this incredibly talented author and oh my goodness ... I was lucky enough to get an ARC ... it is phenomenal people!!  Twitch is more than fifty shades of *messed* up and what transpires between him and Lexi is riveting, disturbing, erotic and heartbreaking.  

If you're up for a slightly darker version of Fifty Shades of Grey then Raw is the book for you.



Title: RawAuthor: Belle AuroraGenre: New Adult Dark RomanceRelease Date: January 3, 2014Hosted by: Love Between the Sheets Promotions



*Author Note: This is not a love story. This is a story of love gone wrong.*
Growing up the way I did, you’d think I’d be more screwed up than what I actually am.
Soon as I turned sixteen, I left that bump in the road I called home and took my chances on the street.
Best decision I ever made.
Now, at the age of twenty six, I’m educated, employed and damn good at my job.
My friends have become my family. Like me, they know what it’s like to grow up unloved.
But the saying is true.
The world makes way for those who know where they are going.
That’s me.
I know where I’m going and I’ll get there eventually. On my own terms and at my own pace.
But then there’s him.
I feel his eyes on me. I see him hiding in plain sight. He watches me.
He makes me feel.
It’s unconventional.
But it’s real.
I’m sure you’re wondering how a person falls in love with their stalker.
So am I.
This isn’t a story.
This is my life.




Staring down at my chest, she takes a step closer to me and whispers miserably, “I’m here to let Brad fuck me.” My cheek ticks and head implodes. She steps closer to me to add, “He’s going to fuck me. Fuck me til I forget you. Til I forget I ever met you. He’s helping me drown you out and I like when I’m not thinkin’ about you.” 


She looks into my eyes and repeats on a whisper, “You’re poison.”



So I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Raw and with release day looming, I juggled my reading and prioritised this baby.  And boy, am I glad that I did.  What an amazing way to start my reading list for 2014.  While some may not appreciate the comparison I would say that if you are looking for a slightly darker style Fifty Shades of Grey read, then Raw is the book for you.  And as someone who liked FSoG that is intended as a positive and very complimentary recommendation. 
Raw is Lexi and Twitch's story.  Both have had a less than stellar childhood.  Despite her childhood challenges, Lexi manages to make something of herself as a youth caseworker, supporting those experiencing life much like she did as a youth.  Twitch's start to life was even harder than Lexi's, with a stint in juvie steering him down a particular life path.
Twitch watches Lexi.  Yep, in a stalkery kind of way.  And Lexi knows he watches and is disturbingly OK with that.  Not wanting to disclose any of the detail of the story suffice to say what follows is an encounter between the two that leads to more ... much, much more. 
I was incredibly torn as I was reading.  Twitch is messed up, seriously messed up.  He is controlling, he is violent, he is embroiled in an world that most of us can't even begin to imagine.  He is inclined to sexual practices that push the boundaries of eroticism and pain.  Most of which is borne from his painful and violent childhood. Despite his life and personality being so outside of my comfort zone I liked him, I liked him a lot, I connected with him and I had hopes that he would find something that would give him what he was looking for.
Lexi finds herself questioning everything about Twitch - she doesn't understand what it is about him that she trusts, but she does trust him, even though he is so outside the realms of 'normal' (and I use that label cautiously, Twitch is not a fan of labels).  Her struggle with her feelings for Twitch and everything he represented was intense to read. 
Belle Aurora has created an amazing book in Raw .  It is beautifully written, intense, gripping.  It has characters that you will love: Nicole and David - Lexi's best friends, Happy - Twitch's business partner, Michael, one of Lexi's 'kids', even Ling who is more messed up than Twitch!  And it goes without saying that you WILL love Lexi and Twitch.
Even though it pressed many of my 'discomfort' buttons I sat there at the end, both heartbroken and exhilarated that I'd had the chance to read Lexi and Twitch's story.  I know I haven't done it justice in this review, but I don't want to try and recap the story for fear of spoiling it.  I hope I've given you enough that you will go and grab yourself a copy of Raw so you can see exactly what I mean.
5 out of 5 stars

Belle Aurora is twenty six years old and was born in the land down under. 
At an early age she fell in love with reading. Boredom one summer had her scouring the bookshelves at home. She stumbled across Sandra Brown’s Breath of Scandal and fell in love with romance.
Having been brought up in a loud and boisterous family of Croatian descent, she developed a natural love for dramatics and humor. Only some years ago had she discovered a new love. 
Humorous romance novels.
 Kristen Ashley and R.L. Mathewson had opened a brand new world where she could lose herself yet feel safe and at home in their stories. Belle has been known to become a screeching banshee while anxiously awaiting their newest titles.
Belle never thought she would write. It had never interested her until recently. Friend-Zoned began to form and in February 2013 Belle typed the words Chapter One. And she fell in love.
With words.
With writing.
 With a creative imagination she never knew she harbored.


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Cover Reveal: Unforseen Heartbeat by Maureen Mayer

Today we get to bring you the cover for Unforeseen Heartbeat, book two in the Second Chances Series by Maureen Mayer.  To celebrate, book one, Relinquishing Liberty is on sale for just 99c so be sure to grab a copy.  And there's a great giveaway on offer where you are in the running to win a signed copy of Relinquishing Liberty, ebook copies or an Amazon Gift Card.




Used… Broken… Confused…

It only took one drunken mistake four years ago for Maddie Harrington to learn that when you fully give yourself over to a man, you should never expect anything in return. Since that night, her views on love have become distorted, believing men would only want her for the pleasure her body could bring them. She in turn finds herself hooking up with random guys but never keeps them around long enough to see if there could possibly be something more.

That is…until Hunter Bryant enters the picture.

When the handsome pre-med student shows up in the right place at the right time, captivating her with his stormy gaze, she immediately pushes him away, thinking he’s no different than any other guy. The deeper Hunter delves into her life, trying to break through her iron-clad walls, the more she begins to question whether she is truly capable of opening her heart up to another man.

Maddie soon finds herself forced to make a difficult decision, one that will forever change both of their lives. Will she shut Hunter out of her life for good, or will she finally open up her heart and allow herself the life she never dreamed she deserved?


     

Maureen Mayer was born, raised and currently resides in Buffalo, NY with her loving and supportive family and boyfriend of 8+ years. She’s always had a love for the outdoors, and when the city isn’t buried under snow, she can be found hiking, fishing, camping or lying on the beach. She’s a sucker for off-color humor, but holds a sweet spot for sick and twisted horror films. When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in bed with her kindle, diving into a steamy romance novel and falling in love with the latest book boyfriend.



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Cover Reveal: Beautiful Dreams by Alicia Rae

We're thrilled to share with you the cover for Beautiful Dreams, book three in
The Beautiful Series by Alicia Rae.

Title: Beautiful Dreams (The Beautiful Series #3)
Author: Alicia Rae Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+ Publication Date: January 21, 2014 Cover Design: Okay Creations Event Organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.



Kyle has mended Lily’s broken heart, and as they have fallen in love, all she dreams of is finally having her happily ever after.

But as time goes on, Lily can no longer ignore the desire to know more about Kyle's past. When she learns more, she will discover if she can heal Kyle’s heartache as he has done for her.

Will his secrets break them apart? Or will their love be enough to strengthen their bonds?




Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography.

Thank you to my dear sister, Kels, who showed me a few years ago how much I truly missed reading. And to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing into my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo

Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you.

Believe in yourself and follow your dreams...



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