Heather Gunter's Blog, page 49

Blog Tour: Irreversible Damage by K.J. Bell

Welcome to our stop on the blog tour for Irreversible Damage - book two in the Irreparable series by the incredibly talented K.J. Bell.  We've got teaser pics and an alternate point of view for you today, not to mention a giveaway!  The alternate POV is lengthy and is spoilery so we've put it right at the end of the post.
To cap off what is already a great tour, both books are currently on sale for just 99c so be sure and grab yourself a copy of each - you won't be disappointed!





With their past behind them and a baby on the way, life for Brady and Tori is finally on track.

That is, until tragedy divides them. Unable to cope, Tori moves to Minnesota to be with her parents.

Heartbroken and alone, Brady throws himself into his music. His career takes off and Tori assumes Brady left her behind.

After a chance run in with Brady’s brother, Tug, Tori makes a decision.

One that leads to Irreversible Damage.










When the opportunity arose to review Irreversible Damage I jumped at it - even shuffling my TBR list so I could get to it sooner.  I couldn't wait to venture back into the lives of Tori and Brady having just loved the start of their relationship in Irreparably Broken.  K.J. Bell has a beautiful, beautiful writing style and the family of characters she has created are the sort of people you would love to surround yourself with, even if it is only possible in an imaginery world for a short time.
I had anticipated the next story from K.J. Bell may have focussed on Tug or Liv, but in Irreverisble Damage we get more of Tori and Brady.  They are in the 'honeymoon' stage of their relationship - blissfully happy and in love with baby Mona on the way.  The intensity and depth of their love simply radiates off the pages as you read and for me there was this complete sense of 'rightness' about their relationship.  Of course when things are so right it is almost inevitable that something will happen to test the relationship and that is definitely the case in this story. 
I actually had to walk away from my kindle a couple of times - not able to continue reading because I was absolutely shattered by the direction the story had taken.  Unless you are an absolute ice queen you will need tissues handy when you read this.  The tragedy that occurs is devastating and both Tori and Brady are helpless to prevent it.  As the two come to grips with what has occurred they drift apart and Tori makes a huge decision to return to her parents home in an effort to try and clarify her feelings.  Thrown into the mix is someone from Brady's past that brings a lasting change to their lives.
Despite having to put the book down I couldn't stop thinking about the story, the characters and what was happening for all of them.  I loved Tug in the first book, but I can't say I felt the same way about him this time around.  There was a change to his character, brought about by a whole range of things, that I just couldn't warm to.  While Tori was primarily responsible for the decision she made that had significant consequences for everyone I couldn't help but question Tug's choice as well.  There was a time when he wouldn't have allowed Tori to decide as she did and I was incredibly disappointed that he didn't try and influence her more.  Having said that I could understand why he made the choices he made and did feel some sympathy for him.  There is a teaser for K.J.'s next book at the end of Irreversible Damage and it will be Tug's story - which I will definitely be picking up.
I think one of the key messages in Irreversible Damage is to not let small things get in the way of your relationships with those that are important to you.  I absolutely loved the messages from Gabe:

"You're blessed to have each other. Life's short. Spend every minute you can together"

"... before you decide you can't forgive her, ask yourself if you want to live without her. We're only here for a short time man. Don't waste it."

His own choices in life had cost him dearly and yet instead of letting those make him bitter, he was definitely a loving, generous person with a very philosophical outlook and I think Tori and Brady were lucky to have him in their lives.
K.J. Bell has done an amazing job with this story.  She has created drama, heartache and successfully entwined a level of happiness for the characters that might be exhausting (dare I say frightening) to read, but is incredibly satisfying.  If you read Irreparably Broken you should definitely pick up Irreversible Damage.  I loved it and will definitely watch for anything further released by K.J. Bell.

5 out of 5 stars


I’m a mother of three. When I’m not writing, I’m usually carting around my three children to their various activities. Actually, only two have activities, the three year old is forced to tag along. In the summer months, I spend more hours on baseball and soccer fields than I do in my own home.

For some mindboggling reason, I live in Massachusetts. I dislike the snow, the humidity and the bugs. So basically, this is the last place on earth I should live. Fall is beautiful here and almost makes me forget, almost.

I love music and reading and I’m equally addicted to both.

Meeting new people rocks, so friend request me.




Blog | Twitter | Facebook





Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo



Irreparably Broken (book #1)  Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo



$25 Amazon Gift Card !!! 


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tug’s POVA scene from: Irreversible DamageCopyright © 2013 by KJ Bell.All rights reserved.
Spoiler alert…You should read Irreversible Damage before reading this.
I bring Tori to the restaurant in my hotel for dinner. She laughs as I talk about business. It’s a nervous laugh that alerts me to the fact she thinks I’m heartless. I guess bragging about takeovers and mergers to expand the Gibson brand globally makes me seem cold and disconnected. Occasionally, she sucks in a shocked breath. I hate the look of fear in her soft blue eyes. I know I’m detached from my customers and my clients. I have to be. I don’t get emotionally involved when I’m taking a company out from under someone. I learned from my mother that trusting people is useless and weak. I should talk about something else, but I’m trying my hardest to steer clear of discussing Brady. Mostly, because I’m afraid she’ll admit she still loves him.

As we share dessert, I spot a smidge of chocolate on the corner of Tori’s mouth. I reach under the table and shift my crotch as I imagine licking the chocolate from her face just before I kiss her. It’s wrong. She and Brady may not be together, but they’re far from over each other. As I talk, she laughs. It’s a sound I haven’t heard in months. She’s beautiful. I’ve missed her so much it’s painful. She’d be angry if she knew the only reason I’m in Minnesota is for a chance to make her mine. I hate that I lied to her, but I had to try.

We’re different people now. Our experiences have hardened both of us, but I love that I’m still capable of making her laugh. I may not be the same guy, but one look from her makes me feel as though I haven’t changed at all, that I’m still me.

After dinner, I reluctantly offer to take Tori home. As much as I want her, I don’t want to rush things and send her running. To my surprise, she suggests a few drinks at the bar. I agree instantly, delighted by her obvious desire to spend more time with me. When we sit at the bar, I orders two shots of Blue Sapphire. I lift a brow and smirk at her. “Gin’ll make you sin.”

Her cheeks flush as her eyes grow big. I know she thinks I’m flirting, and I let her squirm for a moment, thinking about it. Her lips part to say something.

I laugh and interrupt her. “Don’t get your panties in a bunch, Tor. It was a joke.”

Her shoulders relax and she smiles. I was joking, but if our night leads to sin, I won’t stop it either. The bartender sets the shots down in front of us. I pick one of the shots up and hold it in the air. Tori shoots me a puzzled look and picks her glass up from the bar. I smile and say, “Here’s to new beginnings for you. I hope you find the happiness you’re looking for.”

She looks like she wants to add something, but doesn’t. Her head falls back as she swallows down the shot. She looks adorable as she grimaces from the taste. I order two more shots and tell the bartender to leave the bottle. She grabs one of the shots, holds it in the air, and says, “Here’s to friendship.” She swallows the shot down and waits for me.

I smile, but I’m crushed. Why can’t she see it? We’re more than friends and tonight I intend to prove it. I toss the shot back and slam the glass onto the bar. I have to get her alone. Tori gives me an uncomfortable smile and turns her head.

I pull my money clip from my pocket and throw a hundred on the bar before picking up the bottle of gin. With my free hand, I grab hers and pull her from the stool. “Come on.”

“Where are we going?” She giggles as I drag her behind me. We can’t get to my room fast enough. I have to touch her.

I keep walking and answer, “To my room.”

She stops abruptly, but I keep pulling. When I spin to face her, she practically falls over.

“What?” She shouts. I hear the worry in her voice. She thinks I’m taking her to my room for more than friendly conversation. I smile, knowing that’s exactly what I’m doing. I can’t let her know that though. I watch her intently. Her mind is working overtime trying to determine if she has given me the wrong impression. I have an idea how to ease her concerns. “I’ve been practicing.”

I smile, watching her face scrunch together as she tries to figure out what I’m up to. She shakes her head and I realize what I said came out all wrong. Every time we’ve ever played poker, Tori kicks my ass. As of late, I’ve been playing frequently. I thought a friendly game would be a good excuse to get her up to my room.

I burst out laughing and release her hand. “Oh, shit!” I point at her. “You thought I meant sex.” I attempt to reassure her that wasn’t what I meant, but I can’t stop laughing. Tori joins me and starts laughing hysterically. My face flames red while I try to restrain my laughter.

“Poker, pretty girl,” I finally manage to tell her before grabbing her hand and walking toward the elevators. “I think I can finally beat you.”

She relaxes. I think about how ridiculous “practicing” would be. I stop and turn to face her. She doesn’t notice and smacks right into my chest. I breathe in her lavender scent. My dick shifts in my slacks as fire crawls up my neck. If I was braver, I shove her into the elevator and take her. I wouldn’t allow her to object. She’d be mine. When she looks up, I narrow my eyes. She’s afraid of the attraction she feels for me. The fear glows in her eyes. I suck in a ragged breath and say, “When it comes to sex, I’m an expert.”

I watch her shiver and she struggles to walk. I turn and stroll toward the elevator letting those words linger with her. I know she’s shocked. She doesn’t know me anymore. I’m not the same guy I used to be. I don’t want to be. That guy is weak. The day my mother shot herself, I realized the world is a shitty place to live. You can never truly trust anyone, so you might as well take what you want. Well, I want Tori. It’s wrong, and if push comes to shove, I might not be able to go through with it. She’s the one person in my life that makes me feel good about myself. I can’t hurt her.

We enter my hotel suite. I lean against the wall with my arms over my chest watching Tori stroll around the room. I wonder what she’s thinking. Does she regret coming out with me tonight? After several minutes, she turns to face me.

“Are you staying here with other people?”

I lift an eyebrow and smile. “Nope…just me.” I stroll over and stand next to her. The energy between us hums in my ears. Her shoulders tense immediately.

“Why do you need such a big room?”

I shrug. I didn’t bring her up her to discuss the size of my hotel room. “Tax write-off.”

“Shut up!” She smacks me on the arm and sways a little. She’s clearly feeling the effects of the gin. I feel worse for bringing her up here. I won’t have sex with her tonight. She needs to be clear headed if she chooses to be with me.

“Come!” I order her before walking over to the windows.

“You’ve become quite bossy, you know that?” I laugh as she follows me.

I spin to face her. I’m beyond bossy. I’m downright ruthless. After learning about my mother, I will never lose control of my life, or allow someone to push me around. The only way to avoid deceit is to dominate those around you. I glare at her, watching her lips press flat as I lean in close to her.

“You have no idea, pretty girl. Now sit!”

She laughs and it’s sexy as hell. I think she likes my pushiness.

We sit down on the floor and I set the bottle of gin and two shot glasses next to us.

“Okay.” My eyebrows lift as I grin. She smiles and locks eyes with me. “Here’s the rules.” I line up the shot glasses and fill each of them with gin. “I lose the hand, I drink. You lose, and you drink.”

“Are you sure?” She pokes me in the chest. I reach down quickly and grab her finger. I pull her hand to my lips, intending to suck on her finger, but change my mind. I bite down gently on her finger before pushing her hand away. She laughs. “You do remember that you’ve never beaten me?”

“Oh, I’m sure.” I grin. Tonight’s stakes are higher than any I’ve ever played for and I don’t intend to lose.

I hand her a shot and pick one up for myself. We throw them back together. She visibly relaxes as she looks out the window. As I deal the cards, she’s suddenly a million miles away. Brady taught Tori to play poker. He taught all of us and stole our money in the process. She’s remembering too, and if I don’t say something soon, she’s going to realize she shouldn’t be here and bolt.

I smile and say, “Oh, pretty girl. You ready to lose your ass?”

Tori laughs and picks up her cards. She flashes a sassy smile before pulling the cards to her face. She glances over the top of her cards. Her eyes smile. I hold all five cards in the air confidently. “You’re keeping yours?” she asks, studying my face. She’s looking for a tell. She won’t find one. The days of tipping my hand are long gone, in poker and in life. Tonight is the biggest bluff of all, and so far she hasn’t seen through it.

“Oh, yeah!” I nod with a smile. I have her beat.

“All right. Me ,too.” She winks and sticks her tongue out at me. “What do you have?”

“Three queens.” I announce, gloating.

Her face twist and she suppresses a smile. Does she have me beat? I can’t tell for sure until she starts to lay her cards down.

“Four kings.” She lays each card down one at time, reveling in her victory.

“Gah, woman! How do you do that?”

She shrugs and giggles before ordering me to drink.

Over the next few hands, we alternate victories. The subtle changes in her laughter and speech tell me she’s enjoying our game, and hanging out with me. My plan is coming together as smoothly as I’d hoped. I couldn’t be more thrilled with the direction our night is headed. There’s a chance she wants to be with me too. I feel it.

“Okay, new game, Tuggy.” Her words slur a little and I laugh. Only Tori could get away with calling me by such a ridiculous nickname. I raise an eyebrow at her and wait. “To make this interesting, I say loser drinks and removes a piece of clothing.”

I respond instantly. “Deal!”

She laughs as I deal out the cards.

It takes everything in me to hold back a laugh when she loses the first hand. Her face turns a bright shade of red as she tosses the drink back. She nearly chokes as the reality of her situation sets in. She clearly didn’t consider what she was wearing when she came up with this little game. She has on a skirt, blouse, and I assume at least a bra and panties, though I’d be thrilled if she was commando underneath her clothing. I stare at her smugly and watch her fidget. My eyes roam over her breasts and notice the outline of a bra under her blouse. My breathing grows heavy thinking about seeing her in something soft and lace.

“You made up the game, sweet girl.” I motion to her shirt with my index finger. “Off.”

I’m enjoying this more than I should be, but I’m not about to stop her. She smirks, stands up and shimmies out of her skirt. I’m disappointed, but it’s doesn’t last long as my eyes travel along the defined muscle of her thighs and down to her calves. I run my eyes back up her legs, pausing briefly on the skin peeking out between the top of her panties and the bottom of her blouse before continuing to her mouth. I shift and adjust my crotch before looking away.

“Sit,” I order her before dealing the next hand.

She smiles and sits. I can tell by the look on her face, she’s enjoying the effect she has on me. I wonder how far she’s willing to go and if I should let her. I know I said I wouldn’t have sex with her tonight, but my resolve is slowly dissipating.

After Tori wins the next three hands, I laugh at her disgusted face. Given I had a suit on this evening, I’m still completely clothed. I’ve removed two socks and my suit jacket.

Tori looks disappointed with her next hand. She immediately tries to hide it with a large grin. “Oh, say goodbye to your shirt, smug Tug.”

I arch a brow. “We’ll see.” I’m more than confident with the high pair in my hands. If she had anything, she wouldn’t have boasted so proudly.

I have her beat, which means she’s about to lose her blouse.

We lay our cards down at the same time. Her tens loose to my pair of jacks.

I laugh loudly as I press my finger into her cards and move them in circles on the carpet. When I look up at her, she smiles. “Who’s losing their shirt?”

It’s that or her panties and I know she’s not brave enough to remove those. She starts to remove her shirt. My heart feels like it’s about to explode. I yank on the hem of her shirt. I need a minute to decide if I can go through with this. “Not yet. Drink first.”

She sends me an annoyed look and I smile before glancing at her my mouth. I want to shove my tongue down her throat and kiss her in a way that marks her as mine forever. I want to feel what it’s like to love her. I can’t do it. I’m about to tell her she should leave when she downs the shot and rips her blouse over her head. My eyes go wide as I suck in a strangled breath. My eyes fall to her chest, moving between each perfect breast. My lips part and I struggle to swallow. Tori blushes as the look in her eyes shifts to something longing. Her tongue sweeps across her bottom lip and I nearly pounce on her.

I inhale a deep breath before clearing my throat and sitting up straight. She has to leave now, or we’re going to do something stupid. “I think you should put your clothes on. I’ll call you a cab.”

She shakes her head softly as she crawls over the cards until our faces touch. Her lips rest ever so slightly on mine. “I don’t want to get dressed.” She utters the words in a whispered breath. “And I’m not leaving.” She closes her eyes, waiting for me to kiss her. God, I want to. I’ve never wanted anything more in my life, but she’s in no condition to go through with this without regret.

“Jesus, Tori.” I jump to my feet and offer her a hand. “Put your goddamn clothes on.”

She takes my hand and stands up. Fire shoots up my arm. Her nearly naked chest presses against my body. I’m losing control.

Tori starts unbuttoning my shirt from the top. Her hands slide under the shirt and her palms heat my chest. The air becomes thick as I struggle to keep my breathing calm. She plants kisses on my chest. My erection throbs to the point of being painful. Her fingers go to work on unbuttoning the rest of my shirt. “I want you.”

I’ve wanted to hear those words from her mouth for as long as I can remember, but I need her to understand this is not a game. I’m in love with her.

I cover her hands with my own, stopping her from releasing any more buttons. I squeeze hard as I study her expression for any signs of regret. “Tori. We’re not kids anymore.” I move one of my hands to her lower back and draw her close to me. Her breath hitches as my erection pushes into her stomach. “Don’t start something you can’t finish.” I growl against her cheek.

I expect her to bow out and run. Instead her hands lower to my belt buckle. I nearly come when she covers the length of me with her warm palm. “You want me. I know you do.”

I groan. “I do, but this is careless.”

“I don’t care,” She whispers as she drags her tongue over my earlobe. “I feel dead. It should have been me.”

I grip her face tightly in my hands forcing her to look into my eyes. I hate that she feels responsible for Mona’s death. “Don’t say that!” My thumbs stroke gently over her cheekbones. “Don’t you ever fucking say that!”

“Make me feel alive again.” Her tongue reaches out to slowly lick my bottom lip. It’s my undoing. My self control all but disintegrates. “I want to feel again. Please.”

My hands leave her face to grip both of her arms just above the elbows. I have to be very clear with her. “Tori, you have to stop, because I can’t.” I shake her gently. “I’m not the guy I used to be.” I breathe in deep through my nose inhaling her scent. “If you push this, I won’t stop it. I will fuck you.”

“I’m pushing.” Her challenge comes without hesitation as she continues to stroke my dick through my slacks. Short of throwing her out, there’s nothing more I can do to stop her. I’m a complete son-of-a-bitch for letting it get this far, but I’ve been in love with Tori my entire life. This is my chance. As a kid, it was just a crush. In our teens, it was infatuation, but at some point in our adult life, my feelings turned into love, around the same time I realized Brady loved her too. He had his chance to prove he deserved her. I stepped back and let them try, but Brady fucked up. He gave up on her when she needed him most, or maybe that’s what I’m telling myself to ease the guilt deep inside. I can make her happy.

“Fuck!” I slide my lips softly over hers and sigh. As destructive and wrong as this is, I’m going through with it, and so is she. “You smell incredible.” My eyes travel over her skin as my hands slide up her arms, circling her shoulders. “You have the most beautiful skin.”

A moan escapes her as she goes to work undoing the remaining buttons on my shirt. She pushed the shirt over my shoulders and down my arms. It falls to the floor. Her lips plant soft kisses on my chest as she peers up at me. I cup her face in my hands. Our eyes lock for a second before I crash my mouth into hers. I growl as I force her backward until she slams up against the wall. My hand dips into her panties. She whimpers as I shove them down her legs. She wiggles free from them and kicks them aside. I grip her thigh, wrapping her leg around my waist. Her fingers lower to the button on my slacks. She tears it free before lowering the zipper. I shove my pants and boxers to the ground before lifting her up and pressing my lips to hers in a heated kiss. When she wraps me up in her legs my hands dig into her hips. I lower her onto my cock with a roar as I slide into her with ease before slamming her hard into the wall. The sensation of being inside of her is mind blowing. I thrust my hips into her repeatedly and fuck her, like I promised. Between my emotions, and the noises she’s making, I won’t last long. It’s raw and primal, and not exactly what I thought our first time would be like, but it’s perfect. Everything is right in my screwed up life because the very girl I would die for has finally chosen me. I feel her tense as she tightens around my cock and climax causes her body to tremble. I groan loudly before driving forward one last time and erupting inside of her with a growl. Just as I finish, I think I hear her cry.

My happiness dissolves.

She didn’t choose me.

She regrets what just happened.

Tonight was a mistake.

I’m terrified to look at her, but I need to see if she’s okay, so I pull back slightly. When I get a good look at her face, I want to die. “Jesus, are you crying?”

She nods and sucks back a sob. I hate knowing she’s ashamed.

“Fuck! I knew this was a bad idea.” I don’t mean to sound angry, but I’m pissed at myself for not being stronger. I knew she wasn’t ready. “Goddamn it!”

I lift Tori off of me and set her on her feet. After picking up her panties from the floor, I lift her up in my arms again. She lays her head on my shoulder as I walk to the bedroom. Her body trembles. Why did I let this happen? I should say something. Words won’t do anything to ease her guilt and I can’t turn back time. We’re both so messed up. We proved that tonight and now there’s no going back. I set her on the bed before opening a dresser drawer and pulling out a white T-shirt.

She feeds her arms through the T-shirt as I slip it over her head. Her lip quivers and she keeps biting down on it. “Stand up.” She does as I ask, and I hold her panties out for her. She steps into them and I pull them up before kissing her on top of the head. The small sob that leaves her lips nearly brings me to my knees. I’ve hurt her and I’ve destroyed our friendship. We’ll never spend another carefree moment together. I pull back the covers on the bed and tell her to get in. When her head hits the pillow, I bring the duvet up to her shoulders and slide in next to her. I roll to my side and nestle in close to her as I stroke the side of her head. I sigh as I think about what I should say, but I can’t think of anything that doesn’t sound as desperate as I feel.

“Are you upset with me?” Her voice cracks.

I shake my head as I squeeze my eyes closed so I won’t cry. I’m not upset with her. I’m furious with myself. What I let happen tonight makes me pathetic loser. “Sleep, sweet, girl.”

Although I know she wants me to say more, I can’t. Everything has changed between us and tomorrow we’ll have to face it.

Early the next morning, I stop at the desk to arrange breakfast for Tori before I hit the streets for a run. As my feet pound into the pavement, I think about how foolish we both behaved last night. Despite that, there’s a small flicker of hope burning deep down inside of me that thinks we have a chance. As I jog toward the lake, her tear stained face flashes through my brain and that little flicker goes out completely, leaving a black stain on my heart. She’ll never love me the way she loves Brady. I increase my pace to a dead run and continue until my lungs burn. I keep going until my legs give out and my knees begin to buckle. I steady myself and reach my arms above by head before screaming to the sky. People stare, but I keep yelling until my throat closes up before I turn and walk back to the hotel to take Tori home and let her go for good.

I inhale a courageous breath before turning the knob and opening the door. Tori turns toward me and continues to tap a pen against the desk where she’s sitting

“Hi,” she says softly, tapping the pen more aggressively.

“Good morning.” I smile and glace at the table of food. “I see you got breakfast.”

“Thank you.” I hate the uncertainty in her voice. “Tug, we need to talk.”

I nod. “Yes, we do. I’m just going to grab a quick shower.” I start to walk to the bathroom. Teasing her is the best way to ease the tension. It always has been, so I turn with a grin and say, “That’s a two-hundred-dollar pen you’re about to break.” I laugh, thoroughly amused with my efforts and the smile she gives me.

As the water beats down on me, I consider what I should say, and how I should act. I wish she could see how much I love her. I’d take care of her. I know she wants my friendship, but after last night, I’m not sure I can give it to her.

I dry off and open the door. Tori is still at the desk, having a conversation with herself.

“Nutty Buddy…what have I told you about talking to yourself?”

She jumps and spins in the chair. After her eyes narrow, the pen she was holding flies in my direction. I duck and the pen bounces off the wall behind me. I laugh and it feels good. When I look up, I notice her eyes traveling over me admiringly. I hold two fingers in the air and point them at her eyes, and then at mine. Her cheeks color and her eyes go wide. She’s busted.

“You suck,” she tells me through an awkward laugh.

“That’s not what you said last night.” Her mouth falls open and hits the floor. Shocking her is always so much fun. I can’t resist. “It was more like, ‘Oh, yes. God, you’re so good.’”

She laughs and shakes her head once. “Your ego is much too big for one person.”

I shrug and press my lips together before I ask, “Are we friends?”

She nods weakly. “We are, but we still need to talk about it.”

I run my hands through my hair, filtering through all of the things I want to say to make things right between us. It’s so much easier when I can crack a few jokes to smooth things over, but that’s not going to work this time. “What’s there to talk about? We made a mistake. We’re still friends. It’s all good.”

She scoffs. “It’s not all good. How do we know it was a mistake?”

I shake my head. “I know.”

She huffs and throws her heads up. “What makes you so sure?”

I let out a heavy sigh as I walk over to her. She’s trembles slightly as I place both of my hands on her shoulders and scowl down at her. “Can you look me in the eyes and tell me that would have happened if we were sober?”

Her eyes instantly dart to the floor as her fingers toy with the fabric of her shirt. “No.” She frowns.

“I didn’t think so.” I cross the room and sit on the bed, looking over at her confidently, although, I feel anything but. “Forget about it, okay? I don’t want this to affect our friendship.”

I know it already has, but I prefer to pretend otherwise. She gets up from the chair and I keep my eyes on her as she comes close to me. She’s looks beautiful as she drops to her knees in front of me. My body goes erect because all I want to do is throw her on the bed and have her again. I nearly lose it when she puts her hands on my thighs and looks up at me. “Is that what you want…to be friends?”

Hell no! I want way more than friendship. My lips turn to a frown as I slowly shake my head and whisper, “No.”

Her hurt expression meets mine and in a calm voice she asks, “What do you want from me?”

I should lie, because the truth is torture for both of us, but I won’t lie about how I feel any longer. I sigh and lean down until our faces nearly touch. “I want you to choose me.”

She lets out a rush of air before sitting back on her heels. Her eyes don’t leave the carpet as her hands tangle in her lap. Finally, she breathes in deep and says, “I can’t.”

My hands reach out and cup the bottom of her chin, tipping her head back. I smile. “I know.”

Her fingers curl around my wrists. She moves my hand to her cheek and leans into my palm. I yank my hand away before I kiss her. It slips into my hair. I start to tell her we can make this work, but stop. She doesn’t want to be with me.

“Tug…I’m so confused. I don’t want to lose you. I need your friendship.”

I nod and look directly at her and although it kills me, I say, “You got it.” My smile’s fake and I’m forcing it. “What now?”

She stands and sits next to me on the bed. “I have no idea. Do you think we should tell Brady?”

I groan as the muscles in my jaw tighten, and I lean forward, resting my forearms on my thighs. I don’t give a fuck if we tell Brady. Maybe if he knows, he’ll treat her right, and quit focusing on all the wrong things. I don’t know what to say. “Do you want to tell Brady?”

Her gaze falls to the floor and she sighs softly. “I don’t know.”

I reach over and gently stroke her knee. “I’ll do whatever you want, sweet girl.”

She sighs again and silence falls between us briefly before she looks over at me. “Then I say we don’t tell him. He’s moved on anyway.”

Is that why last night happened? She thinks Brady’s moved on. “His music takes up a lot of his time, but I don’t think it compensates for losing you.”

A strangled noise emanates from her throat before she huffs. “No, but Annabelle obviously does.”

“What are you talking about?”

Does she think Brady is involved with Annabelle?

“Oh, come on, Tug. Have you seen the photos of the two of them together?”

I try to hide my irritation and say, “So she tags along with him. She’s there for Andrew.” Her head falls to my shoulder when I pull her close. “You should know better than to assume anything based on paparazzi photos.”

“I saw them together.” She lets it out slowly. I don’t react and she continues. “That’s why I left. I walked in on them.”

I know from spending time with Brady and Annabelle that nothing is or was going on between them. As much as I’d like to lead Tori to believe it has, and reap the benefits, I can’t let her think Brady betrayed her. I turn to face her. She stares at her lap. “I don’t know what you think you saw, but Brady isn’t with Annabelle. He hasn’t been with anyone.”

Genuine shock descends over her expression. She clearly doesn’t believe me. “Maybe it was only the one night, but it happened.”

There’s no way Brady was with Annabelle. He’d never be able to hide it from me. “I think you’re wrong.”

I need her to believe me. I want her to be with me, but I won’t allow it to happen simply because she thinks Brady moved on and she’s angry. I’d rather not have her at all than be second best to Brady again. My heart hurts.

She still looks doubtful. “Whatever!” She sounds like a child, a hurt and vulnerable child. “He’s hasn’t made any effort to contact me, and he signed the annulment papers immediately. It’s over.”

She’s pissed and obviously wants me to quit defending Brady. I hold my hands up defensively. “Hey, I’m not going to argue with you.”

Her shoulders relax. “Thanks, Tug.” She smiles.

I smile back and pat her knee. “Are we good?”

She nods.

I get up from the bed and grab my keys. “Should I take you home now?”

I watch as her face twist into total panic. “Relax, sweet girl.” I drop a reassuring kiss on the side of her head. “I called your mom and told her that we had wine with dinner and I thought it best to wait until morning to bring you home.”

She smiles, stretches up onto her tiptoes, and kisses me on the cheek. My heart splinters in two. It’s a friendship kiss. “Thanks, Tuggy. You’re too good to me.”

I look down, directly into her eyes. “I just want you to be happy.” My voice falters a little, knowing her happiness should be with me. Things between us are changed forever.

Her eyes dart away from mine and she looks at her feet. She’s as miserable as I am, and although our reasons are different, we’re both too stubborn to admit it.

I go to the door and open it. “Let’s get you home.”

“Tug…”

“I told you, we’re good.” I’m annoyed and start to walk through the door.

She marches to me. “It wasn’t a mistake.” I sigh heavily. “I mean it. Yes, maybe it wouldn’t have happened if we weren’t drinking, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t want it, too. I care about you.”

“But you’re still in love with Brady.” I remind her.

We’ve been here before, me wanting more than she can ever give me because she loves Brady more. It sucks.

“I love you, too.” She’s holding off tears. I know she loves us both, and I don’t want her to cry. “It’s different, but I do.”

“I love you, too, sweet girl.”

I pull her close for a hug. She squeezes hard. I don’t want to let go because when I do, I’ll never see her again. I’m letting go of her and my feelings.

Though it’s a lie, I say, “I’ll take you any way I can get you, even if it’s only as my friend.”

She leans back and peers up at me. “Promise me that won’t change. That we’ll always be friends.”

I continue the lie because I don’t want to face how I actually feel. “I promise.”

She returns my smile and grabs my hand to leave. It burns. “Good, because I’d rather streak naked through town than lose you.”

I laugh loudly and pull her though the door.

She thinks we’re good, but we’re far from it. I have to put distance between us. I meant what I said earlier. I don’t want to be friends. It’s too painful.

Cover Reveal: One to Keep by Tia Louise

Are you ready for Tia Louise's One to Keep ? The companion to her debut adult novel, One to Hold, this is Patrick and Elaine's story and we have the cover for you today! 

Designed by Mae I Design, check out how pretty it is and then look below to read all about the title and the author. 
We also have a teaser and an excerpt from One to Keep  for you!



Title: One to KeepAuthor:  Tia LouiseGenre:  Contemporary RomanceRelease Date:  January 16, 2014Cover Design:  Mae I Design


Patrick Knight is not a nice guy.

At least, not anymore.

After a failed engagement, a one-night stand, and a random office shag, he’s sent to the desert so his business partner (Derek Alexander), can clean up his mess. Before he kicks his ass.

When Patrick meets Elaine on his desert exile, all he wants is to make her his. The problem is Elaine’s not looking for any guy—or a long-distance relationship.

Now Patrick’s doing everything he can to change her mind. And just when it seems he’s convinced her he’s the one to keep, the skeletons from his past life start coming back.

WARNING: Mature themes, strong language and sexual content. Recommended for adult readers (18+) only!Note: Standalone, M/F, HEA



She didn’t push me away or tell me no as I kissed her again with more urgency this time. She turned, and I kissed her cheek.

“I’m too weak when it comes to you,” she murmured as I traced the line of her jaw with my lips. “I should be stronger.”

My kisses moved to her temple and into her hairline. She was so beautiful, and I had her again. “You’re incredibly strong,” I murmured. “You held me off for three weeks when everything in me wanted to come here and take you back.”

I could feel her breathing pick up as I kissed her, and the tension below my waist grew tighter. My mouth returned to hers, and it opened quickly, tongues uniting, her fingers now threading in my hair.

Her lips were so sweet, but I moved my kisses to her chin, dropping down to her neck, and unfastening the buttons on her shirt, kissing every spot of delicate skin that was revealed as it came apart…




Tia Louise is a former journalist, world-traveler, and collector of beautiful men (who inspire ALL of her stories... *wink*)---turned wife, mommy, and novelist.

It's possible she has a slight truffle addiction. And she will never look at a family restroom the same way again.



Twitter | Facebook | Novel Goodreads | Pinterest

Blog Tour: Beautiful Broken Mess (Broken Series, #2) by Kimberly Lauren

We're so excited to be part of the blog tour for Beautiful Broken Mess by Kimberley Lauren.  Heather absolutely loved Beautiful Broken Rules, so it was a no brainer to sign up for this tour.  Check out all the details below, including Heather's review.



Jace Riley’s close connection with his identical twin brother, Jaxon, is put to the test when he tries to choose between keeping his promises and following his heart. Is this girl that still haunts his dreams, even after four years, really worth it? Jace can’t help but wonder if he made a huge mistake all that time ago when he let her walk into someone else’s arms, especially since that someone was his twin.

Audrey Mills often wonders at what point she should throw her hands up in defeat and allow all of the horrible circumstances of her life to overtake her. Despite the demons she has faced, however, something inside her won’t give in. When she leaves her small town in Texas to attend college in California, Audrey runs into the one guy who could make her or break her. But is the past they share too painful for them to overcome?

This is the second book in the broken series. While each book can stand on its own, it's recommended you read Beautiful Broken Rules before Beautiful Broken Mess.

New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance - recommended for ages 18 and up.




I loved Beautiful Broken Rules, but I can honestly say that I loved Beautiful Broken Mess even more. That's right, Jace topped Jaxon and there is definitely more to the story than meets the eye.

I loved Jace's character in the first book, he's more my type than Jaxon was. Not only that, Jace has a sensitive side that completely came out in this book; even more so than the last. If I loved him before, I certainly am head over heels for him now.

Audrey has been though hell and back, it's just that nobody knew it. She kept it hidden and tucked away from everyone. She kept people at bay and the one and only time she feels anything remotely for someone, it all goes down hill and things don't turn out the way that Audrey or Jace for that matter, had hoped. 

We learn everything about Audrey's past and it isn't pretty. In fact she's been judged by everyone around her. I'm sad to say that even I did from the first book. It just goes to show you what assumption and judging will do. 

I love Emerson and Quinn and oh sexy Cole, and I'm so glad they got to be a monumental part in this book. I love the introduction of Lane. I loved his big brother protector bit over Audrey. He's definitely a character and kept me laughing.

I love all of these characters and I'm certainly invested in them and oh' the end.... Nope, not giving it away.;) Let's just say it left me waiting for more and I cannot wait! 


4.5 out of 5 stars!!


I'm a wanderer, an adventurer, a traveler.
I want to see it all. I haven't been everywhere but it's on my list.

"She travels the world & home is always in her heart."

Lately if I'm not traveling or chasing a toddler, I'm writing. Which is weird because I hated writing in college. Oh wait, that's because that was boring. Who really wants to sit there and cite all your sources into APA format? Not this girl. Writing for yourself is enjoyable and cathartic. Please try it. Then tell me about because I love indie authors.

When I was 19, I packed up and followed my high school sweetheart from Texas to California. We had a blast living it up in San Diego. Four years later we made a crazy decision and packed up again and moved to Germany. What? Yep, you read that right. Guess what? Best decision ever! We OWNED Europe. For three years we saw as much as we possibly could. We lived an hour outside of France, a couple from Switzerland and Italy. Most amazing time of my life. Please go out there and see the world, you won't regret it. After Europe we moved back to California, and for now we're just debating our next adventure.

I earned a degree in Child Development. And now I write novels. Makes perfect sense! I write because I walk around all day with these stories in my head. It's nice to be able to get them out of my head in an organized fashion. I hope that someone out there enjoys them, because I have enjoyed so many others'.



Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads Author



Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo






Beautiful Broken Rules (Broken, #1) Goodreads Add to Goodreads

Amazon | Barnes & Noble







a Rafflecopter giveaway


Follow the tour here

Cover Reveal: Gainers Grace by Heather Gunter

Check out this gorgeous new cover for the next instalment from  our very own Heather Gunter.  Gainers Grace is book two in the Changing Series and is currently scheduled for release in March 2014.


Title: Gainers Grace (Changing Series #2)Author: Heather GunterGenre: New AdultScheduled for Release: March 2014
Cover Design:  Robin Harper of Wicked by DesignEvent organized by: Into the Night Reviews


As a former gymnast, the concept of grace is something Mackenzie “Mac” Rivera is very familiar with. Hours upon hours of training, turning out routines that appear flawless to an outsider have allowed Mac to masterfully hide the pain and frustration of falling short of the level of perfection every gymnast strives for. It's a skill she puts to good use when she goes off to college and recreates herself. Moving on from a high school humiliation, Mac is happy with who she is and the life she has laid out before her.

Reece Shaw has it all, or so he pretends to. Too caught up in appearances and maintaining his high school status, he let the one girl that he felt something real for slip through his fingers and he's never forgiven himself for that. In a last ditch effort to put the past firmly behind him, Reece moves away from everything familiar in his life to start anew at college. Sometimes though, the past has an uncanny way of following you where you least expect it and he soon discovers its not always easy to simply start over.

Suddenly faced with a part of her past Mac would much rather forget, she is left with the all too familiar feeling of sliding backwards while trying to move forward; just like the Gainer she could never quite master on the balance beam. Mac's future depends on her leaving the past behind. The question is, can she do that gracefully and with her heart intact?




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.




Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog




Other books by Heather include:

The Changing Series (NA)


Book 1 - Changing Tunes (coming soon)

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. more



The Love Notes Series (YA)


Book 1 - Love Notes

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Kobo

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? more


Book 2 - Heartstrings

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Kobo

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. more

Release Day Launch: Before We Fall by Courtney Cole

Happy Release Day Courtney Cole!!Before We Fall is available today - and as a bit of a treat we get to share an excerpt and not one, but two, book trailers with you!!  Read on for all the details.



Sometimes, one dark moment is all it takes to turn your world black...

For 24-year old Dominic Kinkaide, that moment took place on the night of his high school graduation. One dark incident changed him forever. He's a hardened actor now, famous in the eyes of the world, but tortured in his own. He doesn't care about much of anything, except for losing himself in the roles that he plays.

23-year old Jacey Vincent doesn't realize how much her father's indifference has affected her. She is proof that sometimes it isn't one specific moment that wrecks a person, but rather it's an absence of moments. She's like a bird with a broken wing-strong yet fragile, as she tries to float through life, finding acceptance in the arms of random guys, one after the other... to fill the void that her father left in her.

Until she meets Dominic.

After jaded Dominic and strong-willed Jacey are thrown together, his secret and her issues create a dark and damaged energy that will soon turn their attraction to each other into an explosive storm.

Even though when the clouds have cleared and the dust has settled, both of them are almost obliterated... they've learned a priceless lesson.

Sometimes, before we fall... we fly.






Book Trailer 1 | Book Trailer 2



Are you feeling warm yet?”


I watch his lips as he speaks the words, husky and low. His lips are full, yet manly and suddenly I ache to lean over and press mine to his, to touch them in any way that I can. 

But I don’t. 

Because I’m not a girl who gets used. Not anymore. 

“No, not at all.”

But Dominic takes that as a challenge. He’s not used to hearing the word no and he’s not about to start now. I see that in his dark eyes a scant moment before he dips his head and consumes my mouth.

I say consume, instead of kiss, because that’s what he does.

He consumes me.

His lips are fiery and hot and he kisses me with a fierceness that touches a secret part of me; moist, hot, firm, sexy. I want to inhale him, to suck him down. I vaguely feel his hands on my back, his warmth emanating through my clothes, his hardness pushing into my softness.

I’m breathless when he pulls away. 

“What about now?”

For the life of me, I’m afraid to answer that. Instead, I pull away, just a bit, just enough that there is some space between us, but I can still absorb his warmth. As my teeth chatter, both from the cold and from the suddden absence of his lips, I answer.

“I’m good.”

He laughs, a husky, low, naughty sound. 

“Oh, I’m sure of that.”

And just like that, I’m drawn back in… in toward his sexy smile, his arrogant gaze and his knowing smirk. He’s bad for me. Very bad for me. I’ve got to remember that. 

He will decimate you, I tell myself.

But my problem is, every time I look into his dark eyes and see the mysterious things that lurk there, I forget that. I forget everything that is supposed to matter.


Courtney Cole is a novelist who would eat mythology for breakfast if she could. She has a degree in Business, but has since discovered that corporate America is not nearly as fun to live in as fictional worlds. She loves chocolate and roller coasters and hates waiting and rude people.

Courtney lives in quiet suburbia, close to Lake Michigan, with her real-life Prince Charming, her ornery kids (there is a small chance that they get their orneriness from their mother) and a small domestic zoo.





Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook 
Author Goodreads | Amazon author page


Grand Central | Grand Central Twitter | Grand Central Facebook


Amazon | Barnes and Noble





a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Roar by Aria Cage

Roar by Aria CageExpected Release Date: March 17, 2014

Charlie-

I’m shadowed by sins; mine and the ones passed on to me. The only light comes in the way of him. He wants to fix me, but he can’t fix something so lost and broken. I'm completely undeserving and secretly unwilling. But how do I turn away the one person my body and soul soars for, the one thing that makes me forget the fear, the loss and the guilt? How do I stop the primal need which we are addicted to?

Nate-

She is a stranger amongst the world, a captive behind her smiles and lies which shelters the truth. But I know her, we are caged together with the demons and guilt, yet my love is stronger against all our loss and I want to help her heal, to set her free. Under her cloak still lies my scared kitten, feral to her soul because of what he took from both of us. If it’s the last thing I do, I will help her roar like the tiger I know her to be, even if it means setting her free from me.

Caged by their demons and primal need, will their love be strong enough to set them free?







My name is Aria and I have three confessions:

#1 No matter how much I try, I can't stop shopping at Typo or the local tattooist. I believe that would be how I would introduce myself at an anonymous club, right?

#2 I write under another name but I'm not going to tell you ... don't beg, she will kill me if I tell. Ha! So I guess you could call me a genre whore.

#3 My phone is my life line. I can't leave the house without it.

If you want to get to know me, follow my social pages on facebook and twitter and my blog.



Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog







$25 Amazon gift card
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Day Blitz: Fighting Redemption - Kate McCarthy

Happy Release Day Kate McCarthy!!
Fighting Redemption is available today - go grab a copy - it is amazing!!  
Head back over on 9 December when we post in the blog tour for Tami's review.



Title: Fighting RedemptionAuthor: Kate McCarthyGenre: Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: December 2, 2013


Ryan Kendall is broken. He understands pain. He knows the hand of violence and the ache of loss. He knows what it means to fail those who need you. Being broken doesn’t stop him wanting the one thing he can’t have; Finlay Tanner. Her smile is sweet and her future bright. She’s the girl he grew up with, the girl he loves, the girl he protects from the world, and from himself.

At nineteen, Ryan leaves to join the Australian Army. After years of training he becomes an elite SAS soldier and deploys to the Afghanistan war. His patrol undertakes the most dangerous missions a soldier can face. But no matter how far he runs, or how hard he fights, his need for Finlay won’t let go.

Returning home after six years, one look is all it takes to know he can’t live without her. But sometimes love isn’t enough to heal what hurts. Sometimes people like him can’t be fixed, and sometimes people like Finlay deserve more than what’s left.

This is a story about war and the cost of sacrifice. Where bonds are formed, and friendships found. Where those who are strong, fall hard. Where love is let go, heartache is born, and heroes are made. Where one man learns that the hardest fight of all, is the fight to save himself.





Two weeks later, he packed his belongings and stole his way into Fin’s room. She wasn’t there, so he stretched out on her bed, hands tucked behind his head, eyes trained on the ceiling, and waited.

It was midnight when she came through the door, giggling as she read a message on her phone. Finished, she tossed it on her bedside table and froze when she caught him lying there in the dark.

He heard her breath catch. “Ryan?”

The lamp by her bed switched on, coating the room in a warm, cozy glow. Fin was illuminated, her skin golden in the soft light, her cheeks flushed with happiness.

“What are you …” She trailed off after meeting his eyes. He knew what she saw. He couldn’t hold any of it back—regret, heartache, and loss for something that had never been his.

“You’re leaving,” she choked out.

Ryan couldn’t speak. He watched her stride to the open window, its sheer white curtains billowing. Staring out into the night, she wiped away tears that spilled over and ran down her cheeks.

He blinked, his own eyes burning. “I’m sorry,” he said eventually.

Fin turned and walked across the room. Sinking to the edge of the bed, she stared down at her hands. “When?”

Ryan unlocked his hands from behind his head and reached for her, pulling her down beside him. She stretched out, tucking her head under his chin. Closing his eyes, he breathed her in, allowing his arms to wrap around her. “In the morning.”

Fin’s hand fisted in his shirt as she let out a sob.

“I have to do this,” he whispered hoarsely. He trailed his fingers through her hair and touched his lips to her forehead.

She started to wipe away the tears on her face, and Ryan took hold of her hand, stilling her. “You understand, don’t you, Fin, why I have to do this?”

Ryan needed to know that she understood he wasn’t leaving her, he was leaving his past, and trying to build a new future with the Army.

“I do.” She choked again and buried her face in his neck, sobs breaking free.

“Don’t,” he whispered thickly. “Please don’t cry. You have such a big future ahead of you. You’re going to do big things with your life. Don’t let anyone stop you from being who you need to be, okay?”

Fin nodded into his neck.

Ryan pushed back so he could look her in the eye. He wouldn’t be there to watch over her anymore, so he needed to know she would look out for herself. “Promise me, Fin.”

“I promise.”

Satisfied, he reached out and switched off the lamp. Thrust into sudden darkness, Ryan laced his fingers in hers and held her close. When her tears dried up, she drifted off into a deep slumber. In the early hours of the morning, he pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, and disentangling himself, he left the room. Having already said his goodbyes to Mike and Julie earlier in the evening, Ryan clicked the door shut softly behind him and left the house, careful not to look back.

That was the last he saw of Finlay Tanner.








Kate McCarthy grew up in a small town outside of Port Macquarie, Australia. Raised in a house just a short walk to the beach, Kate enjoyed the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere and friendships that come from being raised in a friendly, small town area.

She now resides in Brisbane, Australia, a city in the state of Queensland where she works as an accountant, along with a sideline wedding cake business and her writing.
She is married with two children, has two dogs and house in the suburbs, and a pile of friends and family dotted all over the country that help keep her sane.

When she’s not busy running after naughty kids, filthy dogs, crunching numbers, piping buttercream and writing books, you can find her curled up in bed in the early hours of the morning reading new books and re-reading old favourites. Her favourite books are the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward in which she longs to eventually join the brotherhood and change her name to Phierce Mutha.




Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Website





Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Paperback
Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Smashwords




Signed Copies + Ryan's dog tags (pic below), ebooks, gift cards




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Day Launch: Bitter Sweet Love by Jennifer L. Armentrout

[image error]
Jennifer L. Armentrout is doing it again! You won't want to miss a single moment of The Dark Elements Series! Come jump into the world of Wardens and demons with both feet! I promise you won't be sorry...

Bitter Sweet Love is the prequel novella to Jennifer’s new young adult fantasy series, The Dark Elements Series. The first full-length novel, White Hot Kiss, will be released February 25th.




In a sizzling prequel novella to her new series The Dark Elements, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout draws readers into the extraordinary, irresistible world of Wardens and demons.

Dez wasn't just Jasmine's crush. A gargoyle Warden like Jas, he helped her come to terms with her destiny—fending off demons and maintaining the balance between good and evil. He was her everything…right until the moment he disappeared without a trace. It didn't help that Jas's father had just announced that she and Dez would one day be mated. Hard not to take that personally.

And now he's back, three years older, ten times hotter, ready to pick up exactly where they left off. But Jas isn't taking that risk again. Dez has seven days to meet all her conditions and earn back her trust. Seven days filled with terrifying danger and sweet temptation. Seven days to win her heart—or shatter it all over again…



Moving lightning fast, Dez shifted and I was suddenly underneath him. His arms were on either side of my head, caging me in. Our bodies didn’t touch, but I felt him to the tips of my toes anyway.

The teasing grin disappeared when I dragged in a deep breath and my chest brushed his. Everything changed in an instant. The playful mood faded, replaced by primal heaviness. Our gazes collided and locked. Neither of us moved. His closeness sent a series of shivers skittering across my skin and made it hard to take slow, even breaths. My body tensed when his gaze dropped to my mouth.

He tilted his head to the side. “I… I honestly have no idea what we were talking about.”

“Good. Neither do I.”

He shifted his weight onto one arm, bring him closer. “Have you enjoyed your trip so far?”

“Yes.” I felt as if I couldn’t get enough air into my lungs.

“Good.” He lowered his head. His breath was minty as it moved across my cheek and then my lips. “I’m glad.”

I wasn’t really following the conversation and I wasn’t sure that he was fully aware of what was coming out of his mouth. I searched my hazy brain for something to say and wet my lips. I-

The sound that came out of Dez’s chest rumbled through me. A stuttered heartbeat passed and then his lips were on mine. There was nothing slow about this kiss. It scorched my skin and caused my body to stretch tight like a bowstring. The kiss deepened, spinning my senses. I shuddered when his hand curved over my shoulder and drifted down to my waist, his long fingers spreading out under the hem of my shirt, grazing the bare skin of my stomach.

I gasped, floored by the raw sensations pounding through my blood. My skin felt as if I was about to phase. Maybe I was.

“Jasmine,” he whispered, the word falling against my lips, and then his body was pressing mine into the mattress, heavy, sweet and hard.

[image error]

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.


Website | Twitter | FacebookJennifer L. Armentrout Goodreads Jennifer L. Armentrout Amazon



Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes




Don't miss  White Hot Kiss , book one in Jennifer L. Armentrout's The Dark Elements series from Harlequin TEEN!



Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes




[image error] [image error]

Blog Tour: Night Moves (G-Man Series #3) by Andrea Smith

Welcome to our stop on the Night Moves blog tour.  Be sure to check this one out - while we didn't review it for the tour we did manage to get a bit of a sneak peek and it is pretty fine!  





There's a new Alpha in town… and he's a Brit!


Darcy Nicole Sheridan, is 22 years-old, beautiful, single, spirited, sexy and - spoiled. She knows that about herself. Raised by wealthy (and doting) parents as an only child, Darcy pretty much coasts through life until her heart was inexplicably broken by her boyfriend, Darin.

To ease the pain, Darcy flies to Belize over the holidays fully intending to wallow in self-pity and distance herself from her ex. Her pity party is short-lived however, after observing a very handsome, very intriguing man on the beach. Darcy becomes the focus of the smokin' hot, wealthy and somewhat mysterious 'E.J.'

Soon she finds herself entangled with an alpha like no other… Her world is rocked by a series of events that will forever change the course of her life, showing her what love is all about; and forcing her to come to terms with hidden sexual pleasures only one man could fulfill…

This book is intended for mature audiences.




Listen to the Playlist for Night Moves here


 

“He omitted the fact that I looked a lot like the last woman he may actually have truly cared for. I mean, yeah, he told me that I wasn’t anything like Lacee... but what about Bianca friggin’ Templeton? And then he just walks out of my life, expecting me to never have figured it out and call him out on that kind of bullshit? Yeah... fuck that and fuck him. It’s time a woman takes him down a few pegs.”

“Careful, sweetheart.” Eli replied, as he leaned up against my bedroom dresser, “You’re starting to sound like one of those ‘Hell hath no fury like a lover scorned’ girls who sit up in their attic, planning some poor schmuck’s demise.”

I considered that for a good second, looking down at the carpet. “This isn’t about that, Eli.” I finally said. “It’s about being lied to by someone who was clearly using me as a stand-in for...what? Prolong an ended relationship? To use me as some sort of fantasy in bed, so he can fuck ‘the one that got away’?” I looked back over at him.

He shrugged. “I don’t know. And maybe it’s better that we don’t know.” He walked over to me, putting his hands on my shoulders, “I don’t get it. One minute, I could swear you love the guy; the next minute you’ve got this “evil vixen” thing going that I can’t comprehend.”

I couldn’t say anything to that. I didn’t even fully understand why I was reacting the way I was.

Eli pulled away from me, crossing his arms. “A piece of advice, Darce? When it comes fucking someone over... Don’t fuck with someone who knows how to fuck you harder.”



Andrea Smith is an Ohio native, currently residing in southern Ohio. Ms. Smith is the mother of two grown sons; grandmother of four. The 'Baby Series' trilogy is Ms. Smith's first self-published work. Having previously been employed as an executive for a global corporation, Ms. Smith decided to leave the corporate world and pursue her life-long dream of writing fiction.



Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest





Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Barnes & Noble





a Rafflecopter giveaway

Paperback Release Blog Tour: Suddenly Royal by Nichole Chase

Suddenly Royal by the fabulous Nichole Chase is now available in paperback!!And what better way to celebrate than with a blog tour?We get to share with you Nichole's dream cast for the gorgeous story, along with Tami's review.





Samantha Rousseau is used to getting her hands dirty. Working on a master's degree in wildlife biology while helping take care of her sick father, she has no time for celebrity gossip, designer clothes, or lazy vacations. So when a duchess from the small country of Lilaria invites her to dinner, Samantha assumes it's to discuss a donation for the program. The truth will change the course of her life in ways she never dreamed . . .

As crown prince of Lilaria, Alex D'Lynsal has had his share of scandalous headlines, but the latest pictures in the press have sent him packing to America and forced him to swear off women. That is, until he meets Samantha Rousseau. She's stubborn, feisty, and incredibly sexy. Not to mention heiress to an estate in his country, which makes her everyone's front-page news. While Sam tries to navigate her new world of politics and wealth, she will also have to dodge her growing feelings for Alex. Giving in to them means more than just falling in love; it would mean accepting the weight of an entire country on her shoulders.




Suddenly Royal Dream Cast
It’s always tricky picking out who I envision playing the characters in my books. Honestly, it’s almost impossible to get a perfect match. These are people (ahem, characters) that live in my head! They are a jumble of thoughts and images. Different celebrities or people thrown together in the blender I call a brain. If I were to try and piece them together it would look like one of those pictures made of cut up magazine bits. Which… would be kind of creepy to share with people… So, instead, I’m going to give you the closest thing I can find. And well, while some are harder than others… some characters actually were a teensy bit inspired by actors. Rather, one character may have been inspired by a certain muscled actor…

It’s difficult to pick out the right face, the right personality…Well, it’s usually difficult. His Royal Highness Alexander Patrick Fitzwilliam, the Duke of D’Lynsal and heir to the crown of Lilaria (A.K.A Alex or Prince Yummy) has always had a very clear face in my mind. I’m not really sure why, he just fits the character. Okay, okay. I have a teensy bit of an idea why this actor may have inspired a sexy prince. My ideal Alex would be played by none other than Chris Hemsworth. I mean, look at him. He’s the perfect naughty prince, right down to the twinkle in his blue eyes. He looks great in everything…and nothing (I’m guessing here). ;) He’s charming, but a little bit devilish.

(Ahem, I may have several inspiration pictures saved on my Pinterest board, for research purposes.)





(That last one is just for fun. Because, well… just imagine you’re Samantha!)

Samantha is a little more difficult. She needs to be someone tough enough to work out in the field with raptors—someone that can hold her place in a male dominated field. But, she also needs to have a soft, vulnerable side. I have to admit, I went back and forth with Samantha… no one really fit what I had in my head. Until. Until I realized that there *is* an actress that I can see in this role. She’s funny and real—her interviews crack me up. She’s gorgeous without feeling distant. She’s also not a tiny twig of an actress. She’s a real woman! And I love that! It's Jennifer Lawrence, we just need to get her some brown contacts!






















Jess is Sam’s best friend. A self-proclaimed fashionista. She is loyal, funny, and smart—working toward her doctorate.

Laura Ramsey is a pretty close fit for Jess.





Bert, Jess’s boyfriend, and Sams friend, is a psych major with a large sense of humor. I’ve always been a fan of the NBC show, Chuck, and that’s where I first found Zac Levi. He’s a bit swoony, if you ask me.




Catherine, Alex’s younger sister, is smart, sassy, and can give killer puppy dog eyes. She quickly befriends Sam during her difficult transition. I have to admit that I have loved Teresa Palmer in everything I’ve seen her in and I think she would make an excellent Cathy. There’s a sweetness and sincerity to her acting, with just a wee bit of snark. It’s perfect.



Chadwick is a riot. He has a dry sense of humor and a soft heart. Writing the scenes with him and Sam were always easy. Those characters had a very natural rhythym. He’s detail orientated and spends a lot of time trying to help Sam feel comfortable, while she does her best to keep up with everything. He never gets offended when she teases him or throws out a snark-barb. I wish I had a Chadwick in my life! Who doesn’t, right? Since this is my ‘dream cast’ I’m going with a younger Jude Law. He even has the reddish hair in this picture!


Sam’s step-father is a very important part of the story—even if he isn’t in every scene or chapter. He is the last of her physical family. A retired military man, I picture him with an attitude and a big heart. He likes things done his way, but his way is usually meant to keep the people he loves safe.






Suddenly Royal is a fairytale romance from start to finish - a gorgeous read with a love story that warmed my heart.

The last thing Samantha Rousseau expected in her life was to be discovered as a long lost descendent of the Royal family of Lilaria.  Working hard to complete her master's degree and care for her father who is battling cancer, Samantha can't understand all the fuss when the crown prince of Lilaria, Alex D'Lynsal and his aunt visit Minnesota.  Well that's not entirely true, she is female after all and there are many things about Alex worthy of note, beyond his princely title.  When invited to dinner by Duchess Rose Sverelle of Dollange, Samantha anticipates a donation to the raptor program she interns at but instead what she gets is dinner with Prince Alex and his aunt and all the details of her family lineage, right down to the estate and fortune she is set to inherit.

Samantha was such a fabulous character.  Down to earth, snarky, funny.  The last thing she wanted in life was the lime light so she seriously struggled with becoming "Americas Princess".  Right from their first meeting there was a spark between Alex and Sam.  As the story progresses and Sam grapples with her new, very public, role Alex is the one constant she can rely on.  Their feelings develop, despite Sam's resistance and it is a delight to watch their relationship unfold.

Alex was gorgeous, gorgeous.  His nickname "Prince Yummy" was most fitting and he was the proverbial knight in shining armour for Sam on more than one occasion.  The banter between the two was wonderful to read and added a true sense of normalcy to their relationship.

What I really loved about  Suddenly Royal  is that there was no angst filled drama.  It was a light read - a love story in the true sense of the term.  It was also a bit of a rite of passage story for Sam as she navigated her new responsibilities and sought to reconcile those with her 'old' life.  A key message throughout the story was the importance of family and Sam's love and respect for her father was clearly evident.  There was also a very strong familial bond between Alex and his sister Catherine and both characters were really not what I expected as a prince and princess.

If you've not read Nichole Chase before you are definitely missing out.  I absolutely loved her Dark Betrayal Trilogy - which was a very different style to  Suddenly Royal    She has a hypnotic writing style and creates characters that you can't help but fall in love with.  There are so many characters in  Suddenly Royal  that I really want to know more about and I'm thrilled to see that Catherine will get her story told in Recklessly Royal.  But don't let the prospect of a second book put you off, there is a start, middle and end to  Suddenly Royal  that will not disappoint you. 

4 out of 5 stars



Nichole Chase is a daydreamer. No, really, just ask any of the math teachers that had the misfortune of seeing her name appear on their class schedule.
For years she has had story lines and characters begging for attention, but she resolutely pushed them aside to focus on more normal (read, boring) jobs.

Well, no longer! She is currently heeding the voices in her head and frantically writing their stories. Ms. Chase is the author of the Dark Betrayal Trilogy, Flukes, and Suddenly Royal (including several short stories).

Nichole resides in South Georgia with her husband, energetic daughter, dog, tortoise, and two cats. When not devouring novels by the dozens, you may find her writing, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises.



Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook 

Goodreads Author | Pinterest




Amazon | Barnes and Noble




a Rafflecopter giveaway


Be sure to check out all the stops on the tour:
November 21-Book Addict Mumma-Book TrailerNovember 22-Lite-Rate-Ture-ExcerptNovember 23-I Read Indie-Guest PostNovember 24-Nicely Phrased-Author InterviewNovember 25-City of Books-ExcerptNovember 26-Meredith & Jennifer's Musings-Character Interview (Alex)November 27-Cocktails and Books-Author InterviewNovember 28-Whirlwind Books-Guest PostNovember 29-The Revolving Bookcase-ExcerptNovember 30-Into the Night Reviews-Dream CastDecember 1-Stuck in YA Books-Playlist