Serena Akeroyd's Blog: All Things Serena! , page 245
April 9, 2014
A PROMISE OF MORE: The Disgraced Lords Series
A Loveswept...
A PROMISE OF MORE: The Disgraced Lords Series
A Loveswept Historical Romance
Written by Bronwen Evans
April 15, 2014
Blurb
In the second novel in Bronwen Evans’s sexy new Disgraced Lords series, two very independent souls find themselves fighting to resist a deepening passion.
When Beatrice Hennessey sets out to confront Lord Coldhurst, the notorious rogue who killed her brother in a duel, her intent is to save her family from destitution. She’s determined to blackmail the man into a loveless marriage. She’ll make the wealthy Lord Coldhurst pay for the rest of his life. But while greeting his ship, Beatrice takes a tumble into the Thames—only to be fished out by a pair of strong masculine arms that tempt her to stay locked in their heated embrace forever. That is, until she realizes those arms belong to Sebastian Hawkestone, Lord Coldhurst himself.
The little drowned mermaid has an interesting proposition indeed; one that Sebastian is surprised to find quite agreeable. Although he’s had women more beautiful, she is pleasing to the eye, and besides, it’s time he fathered an heir. Beatrice promises to be the ideal wife; a woman who hates him with an all-consuming passion is far too sensible to expect romance. However, it isn’t long before Sebastian’s plan for a marriage of convenience unravels, and he’s caught up in the exhilarating undertow of seduction.
Buy Links
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Promise-More-Disgraced-Loveswept-Historical-ebook/dp/B00GQAEUCM
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-promise-of-more-bronwen-evans/1117444883?ean=9780345547293
BAM: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Promise-More-Disgraced-Lords-Series/Evans-Bronwen/Q310297277?id=5944268683128
Author Info
Bronwen Evans grew up loving books. She has always indulged her love of storytelling and is constantly gobbling up movies, books, and theater. Is it any wonder she’s a proud romance writer? Evans is a two-time winner of the RomCon Readers’ Crown and has been nominated for an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award. She lives in Wellington, New Zealand.
Connect with Bronwen Evans: Facebook | Twitter | Website
Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2014/02/now-booking-tasty-virtual-tour-for.html
Rafflecopter Giveaway (Grand Prize - $25 egiftcard and a copy of A KISS OF LIES ebook retailer of choice and 3 First Prize bundles - A KISS OF LIES and A PROMISE OF MORE from your ebook retailer of choice)
April 8, 2014
RELEAE DAY EVENT!! J C Valentine's KNOCKOUT!
Book Title:Knockout - A Wayward Fighters Novel
Author: J.C. Valentine
Genre: New Adult Romance
Release Date:April 8, 2014
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions
From the wrong side of the tracks…
Alyson Blake had learned early on that the only one she could depend on was herself. The only light in her life was a boy whom everyone agreed was destined for prison; but with his first kiss, he had set her soul on fire. Since the day the police dragged him away in handcuffs, she had managed to lead a quiet life, but when she attends an event fraught with mayhem, trouble resurfaces.
The one person she can’t forget…
Jamison Weston is the kind of guy dads load their shotguns for; endowed with a hot temper and a rap sheet as long as both tattooed arms. Known as “The Judge,” Jami’s hot temper, lethal fists, and cocky attitude have earned him respect and admiration both in and out of the ring. But just when he thinks he’s pummeled his past to death, Alyson Blake reenters his life.
Two paths collide…
After years of separation, Alyson is eager to reexplore the man who’s never left her thoughts, but for Jamison, she’s both the distraction he wants, but doesn’t need. As the two embark on a relationship that neither of them expected or bargained for, an outside threat closes in. When Alyson crosses the line of professionalism and takes her work home with her, her life is put in danger, leaving Jamison with no choice but to once again step in and become her protector.
J.C. Valentine is the alter-ego of Brandi Salazar, whose enjoyment of tales of romance spurred her to branch out and create her own.
Brandi Salazar lives in the Northwest with her husband, their wild children, and far too many pets. As a university student, she studies literature, which goes well with her dream of becoming an editor. Brandi entertains a number of hobbies including reading and photography, but her first love is writing fiction-in all its forms. 
Her eyes warmed as she studied him. Touching his face, she traced the line of his jaw from ear to chin. Then her fingers found his lips. He opened his mouth and licked the tips as she skimmed his bottom lip, and he committed the sultry look that flashed in her eyes to memory. “You don’t lie to me, do you?”
Jami held her head in his hands and looked into her eyes. “No, and I never will.” Jami couldn’t tear his eyes away. She smiled up at him, her expression soft, welcoming. Completely open to him. No one had ever looked at him quite like she did. As if she trusted him, and she did. He knew that. It wasn’t even a question.
He could fall in love with this girl. With this woman. This person who was his friend, and the only one who knew everything about his past—everything—and didn’t judge him for it. Even Coach didn’t know what he had done before they crossed paths. He knew he had a history with the cops and a bad home life, and that was the extent of it. Was she what people thought about when they thought of soul mates? The type of person they dreamed of when combing the world for The One?
How was a guy to know?
“If you keep looking at me like that, you’re face is going to freeze. All the guys at the gym will laugh at you, and then I’ll be forced to fight for your honor.”
Jami smirked, peeled her shirt up to expose her abdomen, and lowered his head. He glanced up at her. “You have a sassy mouth, Ally. I aim to fix that.”
“What—Jami!” Ally wheezed and squirmed beneath him in a futile attempt to escape his teasing tongue. Again and again, he swirled his tongue across her stomach, chuckling with each clench of her muscles, each lost breath, and squeal of delighted torture. When she grabbed two fistfuls of his hair and pulled, he decided to have mercy on her before she ripped a chunk of it from his scalp.
Somehow, he just didn’t think bald or patchy would be a good look for a guy his age.
“All right, okay,” he said, pulling her hands away gently. “Truce.”
Her laughter abated. When he let go of her hands, her arms fell out to the side. “You’re such an ass,” she panted. “My abs will hurt tomorrow, thanks to you.”
“No, thanks to you,” he corrected her. “It’s that sassy mouth getting you into trouble.” He was grinning, amusement, and true joy filling him up to the brink of overflowing. “You make me happy,” he blurted out.
Ally’s smile faltered and Jami wanted to punch himself. Why did he say that? Touching his face, Ally angled her head, studying him. “I’m glad. You’re always so serious. You need to smile more.”
“I smile all the time,” he protested.
She rolled her eyes. “Yes, you’re right. What was I thinking? You smile every day when you get to beat on poor Mike and whatshisname. You’re a very happy man then.”
“Hey, you gotta take it where you can get it.” Jami shrugged.
Silence fell between them, and they stared into each other’s eyes. This close, there was never any room for escape. It felt like he could see into her soul, and she into his. All the layers of bullshit were stripped away, cutting right to the heart. He’d never felt this way before. As a sliver of truth sat on his tongue, he opened his mouth to say what he knew she was waiting to hear. “Ally, I—” His throat closed up and no words came out.
Placing her finger over his lips, Ally hushed him. “Shh, you don’t have to say anything. I can see it every time I look at you.” She kissed him lightly on the mouth. “I feel it whenever you touch me.”
“But you want—”
She cut him off. “It doesn’t matter. I can wait. I don’t want you to say it unless you feel it in here.” She flattened her palm over his heart. “I don’t want you to choke on the words. I want you to say them because you can’t not say them. Okay?”
He stared down at her. Who was this girl? Hundreds of women would be lined up outside his door just to hear those words, and she was telling him to wait? Unbelievable.
“I see those wheels turning,” she teased, then grew serious again. “Jami, let me ask you a question. Out of all the women you’ve had sex with, how many of them have you stuck around for?” Zero. She saw the answer in his eyes right away. “That’s what I thought, and that right there is why I am okay with waiting. Your heart already knows what it wants. Now we just have to wait for your brain to catch up.”
Tom Hardy as Jamison Weston 25 years old 6’ 3” 205 lbs. Natural born fighter Protector A bit of a neat freak First stint in juvie at age 13 for ripping off a convenience store Has only been in love with one girl: Alyson Blake
Jane Levy as Alyson Blake 23 years old Vertically challenged Nervous habit: lip biting Slovenly Women’s advocate Has been in love with Jami since…forever
Amanda Seyfried as Olivia “Liv” Alyson’s best friend since high school Hails from Tennessee A little high strung Fun, confident, and looking for a good time Is dating Jami’s friend Spencer
Cam Gigandet as Spencer “Spence” Jami’s closest friend Organizer Wing man Dating Alyson’s friend Olivia Aloof A tiny bit shady
Max Ryan as Don Jami’s Coach Former Fighter Widower Owns a spastic terrier named Sparky Stern but loves Jami like his own son Isn’t too fond of Alyson
SHADE’S FALL
The Last Riders Book Four
By: Jamie Begley
&...
SHADE’S FALL
The Last Riders Book Four
By: Jamie Begley
&
(STAND OF HONOR by Cathryn Williams) *See Below
Blurb
Shade is everything Lily doesn’t want in a man. He’s rude, obnoxious and he’s definitely not a cowboy. The tattooed enforcer for The Last Riders is a mystery Lily doesn’t want to solve. He’s too much for her to handle, especially with the nightmares from her past constantly threatening her sanity.
Lily is everything Shade wants in a woman. She’s sweet, kind and submissive. When she discovers the truth about The Last Riders, it threatens to tear apart every relationship within the club. Her rebellion causes the predatory instincts to rise in the ex Navy SEAL sniper.
When the nightmares from her past come calling, Shade is her only hope of surviving the approaching confrontation. Could their passion be Shade’s downfall?
Buy Links
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shades-Fall-Riders-Jamie-Begley-ebook/dp/B00J47HAUS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1395331002&sr=1-1&keywords=Shade%27s+Fall+%28The+Last+Riders%29
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shades-fall-jamie-begley/1118942200?ean=2940149538737
Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2014/03/now-booking-release-blast-march-21st.html
Author Bio
“I was born in a small town in Kentucky. My family began poor, but worked their way to owning a restaurant. My mother was one of the best cooks I have ever known, and she instilled in all her children the value of hard work, and education.
Taking after my mother, I’ve always love to cook, and became pretty good if I do say so myself. I love to experiment and my unfortunate family has suffered through many. They now have learned to steer clear of those dishes. I absolutely love the holidays and my family puts up with my zany decorations.
For now, my days are spent writing, writing, and writing. I have two children who both graduate this year from college. My daughter does my book covers, and my son just tries not to blush when someone asks him about my books.
Currently I am writing four series of books- The Last Riders, The Dark Souls, The VIP Room, and Biker Bitches series. My favorite book I have written is Soul Of A Woman, which I am hoping to release during the summer of 2014. It took me two years to write, during which I lost my mother, and brother. It’s a book that I truly feel captures the true depths of love a woman can hold for a man. In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I am an emotional writer who wants the readers to feel the emotion of the characters they are reading. Because of this, Teased is probably the hardest thing I have written.
All my books are written for one purpose- the enjoyment others find in them, and the expectations of my fans that inspire me to give it my best. In the near future I hope to take a weekend break and visit Vegas that will hopefully be this summer. Right now I am typing away on my next story and looking forward to traveling this summer!”
Author Links
Goodreads page:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7127521.Jamie_Begley
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJamieBegley
Website:
Email:
Twitter:
@Jamie_Begley
Rafflecopter Giveaway
-GRAND PRIZE: $50.00 Amazon Gift Card and Signed Copy of RAZERS RIDE,VIPERS RUN, KNOXS STAND, SHADES FALL, SEX PISTON, TEASED and TAINTED
-TWO RUNNERS UP: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card
Stand of Honor
Stand Series #1
By: Cathryn Williams
Blurb
Melanie Brooks is determined to prove her father wrong, she does have what it takes to be a champion in the cage. The only problem is that she needs a trainer, one that can help her get the championship belt she’s determined to win. Her brother’s friend Zane is the obvious choice, now she just has to convince him.
Zane, a disgraced MMA fighter, takes one look at the feisty Melanie and knows he is headed for trouble, but decides to go for it anyway. For her own safety, he should stay away, but Melanie’s fighting spirit reawakens his own, forcing him to make the choice to stay a prisoner of his past or fight his way back to being a champion.
Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21400516-stand-of-honor
Buy Links
Author Bio
Cathryn Williams is the oldest and only female in a family of four children. While born on the east coast, she has lived all over the country. Her father’s job as an engineer caused the family to move throughout her entire youth. She has spent time in Texas, Idaho, and Nevada before moving back to the eastern part of the country as an adult. It was during these early years that her love of literature began, starting with Nancy Drew and growing with the Sweet Valley High series stories. This passion grew with each book and has caused her to transition into writing her own stories. Cathryn’s inspiration stems from a diverse childhood, loving family, and oversized lapdog Scarlet. When not giving life to her characters, she enjoys traveling, marathoning TV shows, and spending time with her family.
Author Links
Goodreads page:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8026733.Cathryn_Williams
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCathrynWilliams
Email:
AuthorCathrynWilliams@gmail.com
Twitter:
@AuthorCathrynW
April 7, 2014
Release Day Event!! Melissa Collins' LET LOVE BE!
![Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000026_00037]](http://bookenthusiastpromotions.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/LLB_FrontCover.jpg)
Book Title: Let Love Be
Author: Melissa Collins
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date:April 7, 2014
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions
What would bring you happiness in a world that was suddenly empty?
For Lucy Crane, the answer is simple: her daughter. When her husband is killed in a tragic accident, Lucy loses her desire to live, but only one thing keeps her going – her unborn daughter. Focusing on being a mother helps Lucy cope with her loss, but kids grow up and they leave home, eventually. Eighteen years after losing her first and only love, Lucy is faced with the opportunity to find the happiness for which she’s always longed. Her own fears become her worst enemies as she learns how to embrace love once again.
Evan Donovan is also facing his own struggles. Forced to retire from the FDNY because of lung damage caused by 9/11, Evan moves to upstate New York where he hopes to find a little peace and quiet. Old habits die hard, and Evan’s hero complex and survivor’s guilt constantly remind him of how difficult it is to be vulnerable. But for the first time in his life, he’s tired of being alone.
Drawing strength from one another, Lucy and Evan discover how beautiful it is to let love be a part of their lives.
Melissa Collins has always been a book worm. Studying Literature in college ensured that her nose was always stuck in a book. She followed her passion for reading to the most logical career choice: English teacher. Her hope was to share her passion for reading and the escapism of books to her students. Having spent more than a decade in front of a classroom, she can easily say that it’s been a dream.
Her passion for writing didn’t start until more recently. When she was home on maternity leave in early 2012, she read her first romance novel and her head filled with the passion, angst and laughter of the characters who she read about it. It wasn’t long before characters of her own took shape in her mind. Their lives took over Melissa’s brain and The Love Series was born.
Web - www.melissacollinsauthor.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/melissacollins.author
Twitter - @mcollinsauthor
“Oh, I love this movie.” She settles on Forrest Gump as I grab my second slice.
“So, you already know about my history. What about you? Have you ever been married?” Forrest’s proposal to Jenny plays in the background.
“No. I mean, I’ve had a few relationships here and there, but work always got in the way. Staying single was somehow easier.”
“Same here. I mean, when Melanie was a kid, it was much easier to just focus on that part of my life.”
“Now?” I hazard a question that takes even me by surprise.
She puts her plate down on the coffee table and swallows back a large sip of water. “Now, I’m not so sure.”
Suddenly, my mind races with the possibilities of what her words mean. It’s crazy to think how just a few encounters with Lucy have made me re-evaluate my feelings. Obviously, she feels the same way. A calm and peaceful air falls on us as a small smile curls at my lips.
A comfortable silence fills the space as we watch the movie, recalling some memories when certain scenes come up.
Nothing prepares me for Lucy’s reaction when Jenny and Forrest get married and she tells him she’s sick. I try not to look at her, wanting to avoid making her feel like she’s in the spotlight or anything like that. I do notice a few stray tears streaking down her cheeks so I can only imagine what’s to come.
As we watch Forrest sitting beside Jenny’s grave, reading a letter from their son, Lucy reaches for a napkin. Clutching it to her chest, I can see her breathing rapidly. What were just a few tears earlier is now a steady stream. She doesn’t say anything, won’t even look at me, but I can’t watch her cry like this.
I shift on the small, overstuffed sofa and drape my arm around her. The top of her head fits perfectly into the crook of my shoulder. The scent of her hair takes over my senses; the sound of her softly sniffling through her tears tugs at my heart.
I alternate between squeezing her arm and tracing my fingers up over her shoulder. When she seems to have gathered her emotions, calming down a bit, my instincts take over and I act seemingly without thinking.
Or maybe I am thinking and I’m just afraid of what I’m thinking.
Gently pressing my lips to the top of her soft, brown hair feels like second nature. She tenses momentarily, and I realize I may have just overstepped my boundaries.
“Sorry about that.” I straighten in my seat and try to move my arm, but her fingers fall to my forearm. She looks up at me through long lashes with puffy, red eyes from crying.
“Don’t be.” Her voice is soft, angel-like. “It’s nice to be held.”
That piece of information prompts me to pull her even closer. “Well, I’m glad I could be of service.”
She laughs softly and then takes a deep breath before she shifts to move away from me, which just makes me pull her close once again. “Don’t,” planting another quick kiss to her head, “it’s nice to have someone to hold.”
Let Love Be
Let Love Shine
Let Love In
Let Love Stay
Let Love Heal
California Thyme
California Romance Series
By: Casey...
California Thyme
California Romance Series
By: Casey Dawes
Blurb
Caterer Mandy Parker doesn’t want to turn out like her mother, an aging bi-polar actress desperate for the love. Avoiding anything Hollywood-related is vital for Mandy’s sanity. Her ideal man has a nine-to-five job and coaches Little League—someone true to her and to their family, unlike her philandering Hollywood producer father. But when waitress shifts at Costanoa Grill are cut, she’s forced to find additional work as a movie caterer.
Since the woman he’d loved had married his best friend, movie set location manager James Lubbock has put women far behind advancing in his career. The assistant caterer is attractive, but he’s more focused on figuring out who was sabotaging his set. If he can’t determine the culprit, he’ll lose everything he’s worked for over the last five years.
Sparks fly between Mandy and James, but can they overcome their painful pasts to risk a chance on each other?
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20897434-california-thyme?from_search=true
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/california-thyme-casey-dawes/1118895464?ean=9781440580925
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/california-thyme/id836804836?mt=11
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/California-Thyme-Crimson-Romance-Casey-ebook/dp/B00IV3Q81S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396210078&sr=8-1&keywords=california+thyme
Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2014/02/now-booking-release-day-tasty-book_14.html
Author Info
Casey Dawes has lived a varied life—some by choice, some by circumstance. Her master’s degree in theater didn’t prepare her for anything practical, so she’s been a teacher, stage hand, secretary, database guru, manager in Corporate America, business coach, and writer.
With a few marriages, two sons, and three step-children, her personal life was a challenge when she met and married her current husband who has proved to be the love of her life. They reside in Montana where she quilts, writes, and coaches on the banks of the Clark Fork River. The couple has been adopted by two gently used cats.
Author Links
Website/Blog: www.stories-about-love.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Casey.Stories.About.Love
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CaseyDawesAutho
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/caseydawes/boards/
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/caseydawes
Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110992009813387113000/posts
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wisewomanshining/
Rafflecopter Giveaway ($25.00 Amazon Gift Card and $10.00 Donation to FISHER HOUSE in the Winner’s Name)
Excerpt
Mandy glanced at the man seated at table nine. His lean profile and square jaw were classically handsome.
If I were in the market for a man, this one would do just fine.
Plucking a sweating water pitcher from the tray, she made her way through the scattered tables to a two-seater by the window. As she picked up his glass to fill it, she smiled at him and said, “Hi, I’m Mandy, and I’ll be your server this evening. Would you like anything to drink besides water?”
His lips curled into a grin, revealing the straight white teeth of a Hollywood smile, a smile that went all the way to his sea-green eyes. The wrap-around sunglasses perched on his sun-blond hair gave him a casual elegance belied by the Rolex on his tan wrist.
Her heart beat a little faster.
Good thing I’m a professional.
She put the water glass down without spilling a drop. “We have an excellent wine list if you’d like to see it.”
“How do you know I’m a wine connoisseur and not a Bud man?” he challenged.
She gestured to his pressed short-sleeve shirt. “A Bud man wouldn’t be caught dead in that.”
He laughed. “You’re right about that!”
Heat rose in her cheeks. “I’ll get you that list.” She brought the water pitcher back to its tray, hoping her face cooled on the way.
Moments later she was back with the thick, imitation-leather-bound book. “I don’t know if you realize this, but you’re at the edge of one of the oldest wine regions in California. We have a nice selection of local beverages on our menu. The Santa Cruz Mountains appellation is particularly known for Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, although there are a few outstanding Cabernet vineyards, too.”
She snapped her mouth shut, wishing she could cut down on her ability to over-share.
“Glad to see your enthusiasm for your job.” He gestured to the purple streak in her hair. “Neat color.”
“Thank you. I’ll return in a few minutes.”
She checked in with her other diners, all the while trying to squash her awareness of the masculine vibe emanating from table nine.
He was exactly the type of man she wanted to avoid—too handsome, self-important, and probably involved in a career that would expose him to women who had no care for the feelings of wives. The same type of man her father had been.
Not the kind she wanted at all. Her ideal was a man with a nine-to-five job, who coached Little League in the summers—a man who’d be true to her and to their family.
The memory of her mother’s tears as she told Mandy of her father’s final infidelity pained her. How could men be so unfeeling? This table nine guy was probably the same as every other man with money and power. Thought he could do anything he wanted.
By the time she got back to the table, she’d worked herself into a solid anger. How dare some Southern California snob come into her restaurant and sit at her table?
“What can I get you?”
Her indignation must have seeped into her voice, because he frowned before answering.
There goes my tip.
“I’ll have the Ridge Cabernet,” he said.
Might as well get dinner started, so he’d finish and leave, and she could begin again.
“Are you ready to order or do you need a few more minutes to decide?”
“Have I done something to offend you?” he asked.
“No. The specials are—” She rattled them off, then waited a few seconds, tapping her pen against the bill folder. “Well?”
She internally winced at the snippy tone in her voice. He didn’t deserve this—seemed like a nice-enough guy. Once again she was letting her anger over her past control her present.
He set down the menu and held out his hand. “We seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot here, although for the life of me, I don’t understand why. I’m James Lubbock.”
Automatically, she shook his hand, and electricity raced up and down her spine. He had the strong grip of a man in charge. For a moment she wasn’t sure she’d be able to breathe again.
This was so not good.
She jerked her hand back. “What can I get you, James?”
“Was it the hair?”
“What?”
“Was it the remark I made about your hair that got you so mad?”
“No. No. It has nothing to do with you.” Her behavior shamed her. “What brings you to Costanoa?” She made an effort to add warmth to her voice.
He grinned at her. His damn teeth sparkled so much she expected a flash, like she’d seen in commercials for whitening strips.
“I’m an assistant locations manager. I’m working for a company filming a movie up toward Davenport,” he said.
Yep. She’d been right. He was a Hollywood guy. Just like dear old dad. “Oh.” She warred with her returning displeasure.
April 6, 2014
BOOK BLITZ: Tripp by HJ Bellus
Book Title: Tripp
Author: H.J. Bellus
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 10, 2014
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions
Lacey’s Story…
Covering up pain is easy. It’s keeping it tucked away that’s hard. I’ve always needed the cover of tattoos to hide the nasty past that leached its way into me, tainting me beneath my skin.
Not the shiny, trendy tats, but the ugly broken kind, meant to keep the world at bay. If they weren’t enough, then my piercings, foul mouth and crazy hair usually did the trick. Life had taught me to never follow the rules, because when you do, you get burned.
My life was perfectly imperfect until Tripp…
Our relationship is what most would describe as fuel meeting fire. We were both hell bent on burning each other to the ground. Tripp was sexy as hell, a charismatic beast, and soon became one of my best friends. We shared a love of ice cream and tattoos as we blazed our own path that could only lead to a beautiful train wreck.
The only question left is, will we set the countryside ablaze with our hot tempers and foul mouths? Or will we paint our own happy ending filled with all the gushy shit normal people crave?
I am just a simple country girl getting one story out of my head at a time. I was raised in small town, USA and still reside there with my husband and children. I am a huge country music fan and am inspired by it everyday. I live and love country life, and you will find those elements in my books. I also adore strong and brave lead female characters, and strive to be a courageous and independent woman in everyday life. In my opinion, life is no fun without a good sense of humor, sprinkles, cheese whiz, and candy. It is the simple things that warm my heart. Live life your way, HJ Bellus
TRIPP
“Lacey, I need my hair cleaned up,” I informed her one day at lunch in her salon.
“I’m not touching your locks, Rapunzel. I’m currently making love to this corn dog, so buzz off creeper.”
“C’mon! Are you going to make Mildred give me a trim?” I whined, as I slid closer to Lacey.
“Fine. Sit down you crybaby.” Lacey said as she stuffed a quarter of her corn dog in her mouth.
She could be so damn attractive at times.
I sat down in her chair passing all my trust to her. I hadn’t had my hair cut for years. In fact, hasn’t been cut since Grant died. It was just another thing that I let go of that day. At that point, I didn’t care what she did to my hair; I just wanted her hands on me.
“Lay back, Rapunzel.”
“You’re such a smartass, Lace,” I said to her and slapped her ass.
Lacey pushed me back in the chair with all her might and then slugged me in the chest. She was so proud of her little punch that she landed. I loved letting her win all these little battles. It really added to her badass ego.
“I like it rough, baby,” I said to her with a wink.
Lacey adjusted the temperature of the water and ignored my comment. She leaned over and started massaging my head with her magical fingers. Lacey’s smooth touch was damaging and it damn near made me come in my pants. God created her hands just for this job.
I could smell her and feel her hovering above me. She always smelled of wild strawberries and ruby red grapefruit. Her smell drove me wild and I almost couldn’t handle it anymore. I loved cuddling with her in the evening because at night her smell lingered and lulled me to sleep in my lonely cabin. Everything inside me wanted to pull her on top of me and fuck her senseless in the middle of her salon. I needed to taste her and be inside her, but I didn’t want to scare Lacey away. She was so gun shy about becoming attached.
Lacey’s huge tits were inches away from my face just daring me to take them. My willpower finally broke, and I reached up and nipped her tit with my teeth. She jumped back and howled with surprise, but the smile on her face left no doubt in mind what she wanted. Lacey instantly went back to washing my hair, and I could see her hard nipple peeking back through her shirt. This time I reached up with my fingers and started twisting it. Lacey acted like she didn’t feel anything and just kept massaging my scalp.
LACEY
This was the reason I didn’t want to ever cut his hair. I couldn’t be this close to him without my body reacting. Tripp was now massaging my hardened nipple with his fingers. I continued to wash his hair like I couldn’t feel a thing. The sensation of his touch instantly made me wet down yonder.
Tripp let go of my nipple, and I decided to give him an extra round of shampoo just in case he needed to touch me somewhere else. I instantly missed his touch as soon as his gentle, strong hands left me. I lowered my chest down to inch my boobs closer to his mouth giving him a huge clue to what I wanted. Tripp slid his hand up the inside of my leg and under my skirt. Holy Hell!!! He cupped my now very wet pair of panties, and started rubbing back and forth on my sex.
My hands froze, tangled in his wet hair, when he slipped his fingers inside my panties. I closed my eyes and let out a loud moan signaling Tripp to go further, and when he started rubbing my clit I gasped.
“Fuck me, Tripp!”
Tripp stuck a finger inside me and continued massaging me softly. I started to ride his hand as I gripped the edge of the sink. Within minutes, he slipped two fingers into me and forced a cry of pleasure from me.
“Look at me.” Tripp demanded as he continued to work me. “I want to watch you come.”
I opened my eyes and looked down at Tripp, who was deep inside me, and he had no idea just how deep he was embedding himself. It was more than his touch and words that were engraining upon my skin. He reached across his body with his other hand and tugged down on my nipple, and this simple gesture sent me swirling into a complete orgasm. I gripped onto his fingers, riding out the blinding sensation, and then collapsed down onto him while he was buried deep inside me.
“Consider that your tip, pretty girl.”
April 5, 2014
Cover Reveal: Blackout by FX Scully
Book Title: Blackout
Author: F.X. Scully
Genre: Contemporary Adult Romance
Release Date:April 30, 2014
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions
Ross Black is a failure.
He failed to protect his little brother from their past.
He failed to keep him out of trouble.
And now he’s having trouble holding onto the one girl who gets him. The one who makes him want to act like more like a man and less of an asshole. But he has a choice to make—take care of his brother or take care his heart. It’s not an easy decision especially considering he’s finally done something he never thought was possible: Fall in love.
Sheila Carlson is a lost cause.
She lost her sister.
She lost her dream.
And now she’s about to lose the one person she can count on. The one who makes her forget the worst parts of her life. When she learns a truth about her sister, she must decide what’s more important, doing what’s right or what feels good.
Despite their issues, Sheila and Ross have something. It’s real. It’s raw. It’s probably wrong. But they’re determined to hold on for as long as they can. Especially if it means letting go of the things they’d rather forget.
I tap on the window and it takes a full thirty seconds before she stops glaring at me and finally winds it down.
“I can’t believe you just did that.”
“I know,” I say. “I’m sorry. Cole and I have history and…it was a misunderstanding.”
She crosses her arms. “What kind of misunderstanding?”
“I thought he was—he—look, don’t worry about it okay? We cleared the air.” I open the car door, then squat down next to her. “Have you thought about what I said? About coming home?”
Sheila looks away and through the windshield. “Of course I’ve thought about it. I’m not sure how well that will go over with Maya though.”
“Hey.” I place my palm down on her lap and she tenses but, as I allow my fingers to move in slow circles, I can feel her relax against my touch. “Maya was a mistake. And I’ve felt like shit about it ever since. Even if we weren’t…I don’t love Maya. We’ve been over for a long time. It was a moment of weakness. I was feeling bad about myself. You had left, she was there. That’s it. It’s not going to happen again.”
“What about the other night?” she asks. “After your gig. I know what I saw.”
“What did you see?”
She opens her mouth and closes it again. Then she licks her lips and says, “nothing.”
“So will you come back?”
“I might not have a choice. Mr. Rose comes back in two days. Maybe I should just go home. Deal with real life. Everyone seems to think I’m doing a pretty shitty job with that anyway.”
“Can they blame you?”
She smiles. “You might be the only one who’s willing to give me a break.”
“Don’t go home,” I say. “Not yet. You can stay with me. You know I don’t mind.” Why the hell did I just say that? Everything Cole’s convinced me to do is for that reason and that reason only. To get her to deal with her issues, reconcile with her family. And then there’s Luke. “I mean, I definitely think you should go home,” I add. “At some point. But not until you’re ready. And maybe you’re not ready. But that’s okay. I can help.”
Her hand brushes against mine, before we entwine fingers. “You going to get me happy, Ross?” she asks with a chuckle.
I laugh. “Cole told you about that, huh?”
“I think it’s sweet what you did for him. It’s totally weird to imagine the two of you as friends, but he was lucky to have a friend like you.”
I can’t help myself. I place my palm against her face and stroke her cheek with my thumb. “I can be that for you, Blue. I can be anything you want if it’ll make you happy. Anything. I just want you to be okay.”
“What about Maya?” she asks.
“What about her? I told you, she—”
“How you feel about her and how she clearly feels about you are two different things. She’s going to be everywhere. You two are business partners now. You don’t think that’s going to be a problem?” She shakes her head. “I’ve had enough love triangles for a lifetime,” she adds with a weak smile.
I pull her toward me and, as twisted and confusing as I know it’s going to make things, I kiss her anyway. I kiss her hard and deep, holding her head between my hands, raking my fingers through her hair. I kiss her for every day I haven’t been able to taste or smell her since she walked out and for every day I know I’m going to be forced to give up when all is said and done. And then I pull back. “This isn’t a triangle,” I say firmly. “Not by a long shot.”
F.X. Scully loves romance, but she doesn’t write your typical Happily Ever After. Because let’s face it, in the real world, it can sometimes take a lot of angst and pain before you get there. And some of us never do. But since most of us pick up books to escape the real world, her stories don’t lack hot boyfriends and sexy encounters. Neither will she leave you completely heart broken, sobbing into a tub of ice cream. Rest assured you’ll be on a roller coaster, but you’ll be glad you went along for the ride.
F.X. is the author of TWO THOUSAND 3 (November 2013), BECAUSE OF LUKE (February 2014) and BLACKOUT (April 2014).
You can read her extended bio here!
Breaking All The Rules by Cynthia Sax
Warning: Do Not Approach
Cynthia Sax
My dear wonderful hubby and I have been together for over 20 terrific years. He knows me better than any other person on the planet and I love him to bits. One morning, he was debating whether to work from home or to work from the office.
Then I put on my big fluffy black sweatshirt.
He decided immediately to work from the office. When I asked why, he told me I was wearing the sweatshirt of doom. Whenever I don this garment, he knows I need alone time.
We all have our methods of communicating that we prefer to be alone. Sometimes it is as simple as a frown or lowered eyebrows. We might turn off our phones and disconnect our Wi-Fi. One of my buddies goes into the laundry room and locks the door.
When Nate, the hero of Breaking All The Rules, wants to be alone, he gives people the subzero freeze out. His expression is chilly. His voice drips with ice. His curt words shut down any attempts at conversation. He does this to keep others emotionally away, to protect himself.
Camille, the Goth girl heroine, uses a different approach. Although she works in a conservative high tech company, she sports green hair, tattoos, and piercings. She intentionally wears this shield, as she calls it, to warn people away. And it works. Her appearance frightens many of her more timid coworkers, convincing them to leave her alone.
The few souls brave enough to approach her are treated to a healthy dose of sarcasm. Camille is never mean, she’d be crushed if she ever caused anyone pain, but she isn’t overly friendly (unlike Kat, the heroine of Flashes Of Me). She’s also a random ball of energy. No one can predict what she will say or do next.
Like Nate, Camille does this to protect herself. She doesn’t want to hurt anyone or be hurt so she erects warning signs around her. Danger. Stay away. Don’t get close.
This is why Camille is immune to Nate’s frosty demeanor. She recognizes immediately what he’s doing, how he’s shielding himself from pain, and she doesn’t let this stop her from getting what she wants—a relationship with her Iceman.
Do you have a routine or an outfit or a reaction that tells others you wish to be alone?
Breaking All The Rules
By: Cynthia Sax
Releasing April 1st, 2014
Blurb
Nathan Lawford, Blaine Technologies’ chief financial officer, is known as the Iceman. He conducts his personal and business affairs without emotion, never allowing himself to become involved with anyone. When Nate sees something or someone he wants, he negotiates, paying a simple, set monetary price.
Now he wants Camille, the company’s green-haired intern.
Camille Joplin Trent never expected to be paid to pleasure the man of her dreams. She can’t quite figure out why this is a bad thing. Nate is intelligent, handsome, sophisticated—everything she’s ever wanted in a lover and never thought she could have. Their contract is for a month, thirty lust-filled days of making every sexual fantasy they’ve ever had come true. At the end of this month, the rules state that their relationship will end.
Of course, Camille has never been good at following rules.
Link to Follow the Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2014/02/now-booking-tasty-virtual-tour-for_7046.html
Buy Links
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-All-Rules-Erotic-Novella-ebook/dp/B00F2I2GXY
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/breaking-all-the-rules-cynthia-sax/1117501082
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/breaking-all-the-rules/id703339985?mt=11
Author Info
Cynthia Sax lives in a world filled with magic and romance. Although her heroes may not always say, “I love you”, they will do anything for the women they adore. They live passionately. They play hard. They love the same women forever.
Cynthia has loved the same wonderful man forever. Her supportive hubby offers himself up to the joys and pains of research, while they travel the world together, meeting fascinating people and finding inspiration in exotic places such as Istanbul, Bali, and Chicago.Please visit her on the web at www.CynthiaSax.com
Author Links
Author Website: http://cynthiasax.com/
Blog: http://tasteofcyn.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.sax
Twitter: @CynthiaSax
April 4, 2014
Book Blitz: Reasonable Doubt by Whitney G.
Book Title: Reasonable Doubt
Author: Whitney G
Genre: Erotic Romance - Novella
Release Date: April 1, 2014
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions
My cock has an appetite. A huge and very particular appetite: Blonde, curvy, and preferably not a fucking liar…(Although, that’s a story for another day.) As a high profile lawyer, I don’t have time to waste on relationships, so I fulfill my needs by anonymously chatting and sleeping with women I meet online. My rules are simple: One dinner. One night. No repeats. This is only casual sex. Nothing more. Nothing less. At least it was , until “Alyssa”… She was supposed to be a 27 year old lawyer, a book hoarder, and completely unattractive. She was supposed to be someone I shared law advice with late at night, someone I could trust with details of my weekly escapades. But then she came into my firm for an interview—a college-intern interview, and everything fucking changed…
Book 1 in a three part Erotic Romance Serial. Coming Soon. Very Soon. A self diagnosed candy addict, travel junkie, and hypochondriac, Whitney Gracia Williams LOVES to write about characters that make you laugh, cry, and want to (in the case of Selena Ross) reach through your Kindle and slap them.
She is the “imaginary bestselling” author of the Jilted Bride Series, Mid Life Love, Wasted Love, and Captain of My Soul. When she’s not locked inside her room, feverishly typing away on her laptop, she can be found here: http://www.whitneygracia.com
She also loves getting emails from her readers, so if you want to tell her how much you loved (or hated) her stories, email her at whitgracia@gmail.com
Her light, airy laugh drifted over the line, and I sighed—attempting to envision what she looked like. I wasn’t sure why, but over the past few weeks, I’d been longing toexperience her laughter in person.
“You know,” she went on, “for a high profile lawyer, you have a pretty dirty mouth.”
“You’d be surprised how much filthier it can get.”
“Filthier than what I’ve already experienced?”
“Much filthier.” I’d been treading the waters since we began this friendship—still hopeful that we’d meet in person someday, but now that we weren’t, there was no point in holding back. “I guess I’ll talk to you tonight.”
“Not unless you find another date between now and then. I know you’ll be searching.”
“Of course I’ll be searching.” I scoffed. “Is Alyssa your real name?”
“Yes, but I’m sure Thoreau isn’t yours. Do you care to finally give it to me?”
“I’ll give it to you when you come to your fucking senses and let me see you.”
“You just won’t let that go, will you?” She laughed again. “What if the real reason I don’t want to meet you is because I’m ugly?”
“I have a good feeling that you’re not.”
“But if I was?”
“I’d fuck you with the lights off.”
“I prefer the lights on.”
“Then I’d make you wear a paper bag over your head.”
“WHAT?!” She burst into giggles. “You’re ridiculous! Ugh, there’s a client at my door right now. I have to go. Can I call you later?”
“Always.” I hung up, smiling. Then it hit me.
Fuck…She always finds a way out of that line of questioning…
April 3, 2014
PICTURE PERFECT
by
Elisabeth Grace!!
*****THIS BOOK CAN BE READ...
PICTURE PERFECT
by
Elisabeth Grace!!
*****THIS BOOK CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE*****
Being the daughter of a big-city mayor, twenty-one year old Skye Summers has giant shoes to fill in her first real job out of college. With the public spotlight on her family, and her dad’s expectations running high, she jumps at the chance to work side-by-side on an important project with her sexy new boss.
Playboy entrepreneur Landon Steele has built a successful entertainment PR firm and broken more than a few hearts along the way. He’s counting on his enthusiastic new assistant to help him expand his business into LA… until he discovers she’s a pampered rich girl who’s in the public spotlight as much as his famous clients. Still, he agrees to give her a chance, and soon the two are heating up the bedroom as well as the boardroom.
But when Skye’s ex-boyfriend threatens to reveal a dangerous secret from her past, her job, relationship with Landon, and her father’s career are suddenly all on the line. Will she be forced to leave Landon? Or will she pursue her heart, regardless of the cost?
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18887333-picture-perfect?from_search=true
EXCERPT #1 – Skye’s POV
We had to work late to finish the final prep for our trip to L.A., and because there had been a problem with the heat in the office all day, it was completely sweltering.
“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather do this at your place or mine? It’s so hot in here,” I said when I entered his office.
“Here is fine. We’ll manage.” He’d taken his suit jacket off, removed his tie, rolled his shirt sleeves up and undone several buttons, revealing a small portion of his muscled chest.
I’d taken off the opaque tights I’d worn under my dress earlier that morning, as well as the tailored jacket I wore over my mod-style tank dress. I was still overheated so I’d tossed my hair up into a messy bun on top of my head. If anyone came into the office, we certainly didn’t look like a professional pair.
“Where do you want to start?” I asked. I put a mock copy of the handouts I’d put together for his speech in front of him on his desk.
He picked one up and looked it over. “These are good. Have them sent over to the printers and shipped to the hotel in L.A. so they arrive before the conference.”
“Will do.”
“What else do we need to go over?” he asked.
I came around to stand beside his desk and placed some notes in front of him that I’d put together for our meeting with Calder Fox. “I thought you could look these over and see if there are any other points you think are worth mentioning. I talked to some of the Account Reps and listed some examples of the crisis management work our office has done in the past.”
Calder was a child star turned up-and-coming movie star who’d recently fallen from grace. Everyone was slating him as the next Tom Cruise, but his reputation had taken a nosedive with the recent revelations of how he was spending his free time. A recent rehab stint hadn’t helped.
Landon looked over the papers and seemed happy with what he saw. I loved seeing him like this…professional businessman, in control, and completely focused on what he was doing. The cologne he wore slowly permeated my senses the longer I stood beside him. I loved that smell. It was so sexy and so…Landon.
He picked up a pen off his desk and went to mark up my notes. He began writing but the pen had run out of ink. He swirled it around in a circle on the page as if some ink would magically appear. “Damn. This one’s out. Can you pass me that one?” he asked distractedly, pointing to the other side of the desk.
I reached over to grab the pen. As I was about to hand it to him, it slipped from my fingers and fell to the floor. I started to bend over to get it when Landon said, “I’ll grab it.”
I went back to looking at the notes on the desk, trying to figure out what he thought needed correcting when I felt his hand’s feather light touch against my ankle. I stilled immediately. It must have been a mistake. He had to have accidentally brushed against me when he was reaching for the pen.
What happened next was no accident.
He ran his hand from the inside of my calf up to my knee and back down again. I sent up a small ‘thank you’ prayer that I had decided to shave that morning.
I glanced down to my side. He was looking up at me with half-drawn lids. I didn’t say a word and couldn’t move as he continued his slow assault on my senses.
My breath quickened and my dress suddenly felt altogether too restrictive. This time when he brought his hand back up my leg, he passed over my knee until his hand was up under my skirt, mid-thigh.
“Your skin is so smooth. It’s like silk or cashmere or something. I’ve never felt anything like it.”
My pussy throbbed in anticipation, wanting him to touch me there. How could it not? His large hands climbed a little higher but still weren’t touching me where I needed him to most. I swear, if he didn’t do something to ease the ache soon, I was going to go bat-shit crazy.
I let out a rough exhale of air and leaned forward, placing my hands on the desk in front of me so that I was slightly bent over. That must have been all the invitation he needed. When his hand finally crept back up my leg, he brought it all the way up to the juncture of my thighs.
I glanced back at him again. He was seated in his chair, still with one hand all the way up under my skirt. His large erection was pushing against the seam of his pants. It was such a turn-on to think that I did that to him—that I put him in that state.
His fingers made contact with the silk of my thong and rubbed lightly from front to back. The slight friction gave me little satisfaction. It was all I could do not to grab his hand myself and push him roughly against me.
Without warning, he removed his hand and stood up. “Don’t move,” he said with an authoritative tone. He adjusted himself before he began to walk toward the door. God, watching him touch himself, even just that little bit, was so freaking hot. He closed the office door, flipped the privacy switch for the glass, locked the door, and turned back to look at me.
I hadn’t given a second thought to the fact that his office door was open. It was late and everyone had gone home, but who knew whether security or the cleaning staff were around? I was normally a girl who examined every angle and every possible outcome before I did anything. I just completely lost my head around this guy.
Landon said nothing as he made his way back over to me, but the look on his face was one of possession. He wasn’t asking for permission for what he was about to do. He was taking what he wanted.
About. Fucking. Time.
Rafflecopter Code:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NDNhYmYwMDliY2M1ZjczZjE2OTQzNGEzOTBmMzNhOjE0/
Author Bio:
I have a soft spot for romance novels with happily ever afters and a HOT spot for alpha males! I currently live outside Toronto, Canada with my hubby, two small children and cat spawned by the devil. Life is busy, but never to busy for a good story and to share my love of reading and writing with others. Things I can tell you that sum me up…I’m a sugar and carb addict, self-professed Gandy Girl, a disaster in the kitchen, a LOVER of all music, I enjoy reality TV and I’m an early riser! When I have a moment to breath you can usually find me typing furiously on the keyboard to get my next story on paper, or curled up reading about someone else’s HEA.
Social Media Links:
Website: http://Elisabeth-Grace.com
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1a5Ts4a
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1iiVcfq
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1aKlkM5
Google +: http://bit.ly/H7AMdM
Picture Perfect Playlist:
Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/1dL0NcM
1. Telephone - Lady Gaga feat. Beyonce
2. Love The Way You Lie - Eminem feat. Rihanna
3. Hold On, We’re Going Home - Drake feat. Majid Jordan
4. The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
5. Call And Answer - Barenaked Ladies
6. The Reason - Hoobastank
7. Anti-Venom - USS
8. From Now On - The Features
9. Strong Enough - Sheryl Crow
10. Patience - Guns N’ Roses
11. All Of Me - John Legend
12. When The Right One Comes Along - Clare Bowen & Sam Palladio
13. Nessun Dorma - Pavarotti
Purchase Links
Rumor Has It ** NOW ONLY 99 cents **
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rumor-Has-Limelight-Elisabeth-Grace-ebook/dp/B00H28ZM8I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1396106922&sr=8-3&keywords=Rumor+has+it
B &N:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rumor-has-it-elisabeth-grace/1117475861?ean=2940045440431
Picture Perfect ** NEWEST RELEASE IN THE SERIES **
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Picture-Perfect-Limelight-Elisabeth-Grace-ebook/dp/B00JE1YYAI/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396356573&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=picture+perfect+elisabeth+grace
Kobo: http://bit.ly/O9PLab
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1dK6ai2
All Things Serena!
- Serena Akeroyd's profile
- 6177 followers
