Zara Hoffman's Blog: Zara Hoffman's Goodreads Author Blog, page 15

Blog Tour: Blackmailing the Bad Girl by Nina Croft

Today we have the blog tour stop for Blackmailing The Bad Girl by Nina Croft! Check it out and grab your copy today!About the Book Blackmailing the Bad Girl by Nina Croft

Title: Blackmailing the Bad Girl
Series: Cutting Loose, 2
Author: Nina Croft
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing (Brazen)
Publication Date: June 12th 2017

Cynical CEO, Nik Masterton, believes he’s finally met a woman who isn’t interested in his money…until she vanishes with a hefty amount of it. He’s been searching for her ever since and has finally found her doing a stint in Holloway prison for stealing...from someone else. Clearly, he’s just one of many. Now she’s coming out, and it’s time for a little payback.

After two years in prison, Summer Delaney is determined she’s never going back. While she had good reasons for doing what she did, it’s time to move on to a new life and earn an honest living. Unfortunately, there’s a glitch in her plan, and he’s waiting at the gate as she comes out.

Nik isn’t above using blackmail to make Summer work for him until he decides just how he’ll get his revenge. But this time they’re both determined to keep their distance. Right until the inconvenient attraction explodes between them...
ExcerptHe leaned in so his breath feathered her cheek and whispered in her ear, “I should kiss you good-night. In case anyone is watching.”

She glanced around the empty alley. All was quiet. But his nearness was making her head swim. This time, she couldn’t blame it on alcohol. She’d only had a couple of beers all night, wanting to keep her wits about her.

One big hand came up and curled around the back of her neck. He tipped her head so she stared up into his dark eyes. Then his mouth came down on hers, soft at first, then, when she didn’t pull back, he deepened the kiss, slanting his lips over hers. His tongue pushed inside her mouth while his other hand slid down her back, to settle on her waist and urge her closer.

Where the hell had that come from?
He was already hard, the bulge of his groin pressing against the softness of her belly, and he groaned into the kiss. Heat washed through her, settling at her breasts, between her thighs.

She was panting as he raised his head. Looking around him, he wrapped a hand around her wrist and dragged her deeper into the shadows at the back of the alley, gently pushed her back against the brick wall, lowered his head, and kissed her again.

And she did absolutely nothing to stop him. In fact, her lips parted beneath his and her tongue slipped inside, tasting the heat of him.

His hand cupped her breast through the thin cotton of her dress. Her nipples were already hard little peaks, so sensitive that her back arched, pushing her against his palm. Needing more.

He broke the kiss, lowered his head, and bit down on her nipple. Pleasure shot through her, starting an insistent pulse between her thighs. Her hips pushed against him, her sex hot and swollen and needy.

His mouth was at her throat now, taking little bites, then soothing with kisses. Both his hands slid down her sides, over her hips, her thighs. He grabbed the hem of her dress and hauled it up so he could push one hand between her legs. She almost swooned as he palmed her sex, the heel of his hand pushing upward, forcing a groan from her lips as he rotated it against her.

She groaned again as he stopped. She needed this, could feel the pleasure coalescing in her belly, building. “Come back,” she whispered.

“I’m not going anywhere.” About the AuthorGrowing up in the cold, wet, north of England, Nina Croft spent a lot of time dreaming of faraway sunnier places and ponies. When she discovered both, along with a whole load of other things, could be found between the covers of a book, her life changed forever.

Later, she headed south, picked up the perfect husband along the way, and together they volunteered to work in Africa. There they discovered a love of exotic places and a dislike of 9-5 work. Afterward they spent a number of years travelling (whenever possible) intermingled with working (whenever necessary.) Eventually they stumbled upon a remote area in the mountains of southern Spain and the small almond farm they now call home.

Nina spends her days reading, writing and riding her mare, Gencianna, under the blue Spanish skies—sunshine and ponies. She reckons this is proof that dreams really can come true if you want them enough.

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Published on June 20, 2017 05:00

Cover Reveal: The Soul Mate by Kendall Ryan

About the Book The Soul Mate by Kendall Ryan

Title: The Soul Mate
Series: Roommates, 4
Author: Elle Kennedy
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: August 14, 2017

From New York Times Bestseller Kendall Ryan comes a sexy new stand-alone novel in her Roommates series.

The smoking-hot one-night stand I was never supposed to see again?

Yeah, well, I might be pregnant, and he’s my OB-GYN.

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 2 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine. She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.

Visit her website for the latest book news and fun extras.

Roommates

Hitched

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Published on June 15, 2017 07:00

Book Review: The Darkest Promise by Gena Showalter

My ReviewI enjoyed this book so much. It's been a while since I've read an adult paranormal romance, and this did not disappoint! The characters—all of them—were very well fleshed out, even ones without their own bodies—like the demon of Misery. Part of this is because even though I haven't read the first 12 books (though now I'm definitely going to—and the back of the book actually summarizes each of the previous books), I got a sense of the history and complexity of each character.

Most importantly, Cameo and Lazarus were both awesome on their own as well as a couple. She is a kickass fighter with a smart mouth and the heart-wrenching and isolating problem of dealing with the demon of Misery that pains almost everyone around her, except Lazarus and her friend Violet, who was also awesome. There comes a part in the second half of the novel when Cameo is so overcome by Misery's influence, and it really hit home with me, as someone who has struggled with depression. It made me connect with her and Lazarus more than ever, though by that point I was already very invested.Lazarus is... sexy, sarcastic, strong, sometimes misguided, not someone you want to cross, and a guy with a secret heart of gold. He's everything you want in a main male character, and he doesn't disappoint. His own struggles, and the way he struggles to help Cameo is wonderful and often downright hot. And the way he defends his relationship with her with the other Lords of the Underworld makes me want to stand up and cheer for him. Who doesn't love a warrior who cares so deeply for his woman?

The plot was intriguing, complicated (but not too much so—though at times the nature of the antagonists are hard to immediately grasp), and had so many moving parts that were masterfully woven together by the author. The Darkest Promise's level of excitement and engagement never lull, and I can only say that keeping that up in the 13th book in a series can't be easy, but Showalter does it. It's definitely a very entertaining read, and I whole-heartedly recommend it.

About the Book The Darkest Promise by Gena Showalter

Title: The Darkest Promise
Series: Lords of the Underworld, 13
Author: Gena Showalter
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Publication Date: June 13, 2017

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with a sizzling Lords of the Underworld story about an iron-willed sovereign and the somber beauty who melts him with a glance.

Possessed by the demon of Misery, Cameo isn't allowed to experience joy. If she dares, her memory is wiped clean. With no other recourse, she sneaks into a land more fantastical than any fairy tale, determined to find the one man with the key to her redemption.

Lazarus the Cruel and Unusual rules his kingdom with a single unwavering focus: to build his army and annihilate his enemies. Nothing distracts him - until Cameo. He is relentless in his quest to make her smile and seduce her into his bed.

As dark forces conspire against them, threatening to destroy the fragile bond they've forged, the once-calm Lazarus grows crazed. Every heart-stopping kiss and wicked touch causes Cameo to teeter on the brink of happiness. But if she falls, she risks forgetting him forever.
About the Author

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the spellbinding Lords of the Underworld, Otherworld Assassins, and Angels of the Dark series, as well as two young adult series—Everlife and the White Rabbit Chronicles—and the highly addictive Original Heartbreakers series. In addition to being a National Reader's Choice and two time RITA nominee, her romance novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan (Red Hot Read) and Seventeen magazine. She was interviewed on Nightline and has been mentioned in Orange is the New Black. Her books have been translated in multiple languages.

She’s hard at work on her next novel, a tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who brings him to his knees. You can learn more about Gena, her menagerie of rescue dogs, and all her upcoming books at her website and Facebook page.

Other series written by Gena:
Alien Huntress, both adult and young adult
Intertwined, young adult
Atlantis, paranormal romance

The Darkest Sampler The Darkest Sampler by Gena Showalter

Title: The Darkest Sampler
Series: Lords of the Underworld
Author: Gena Showalter
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication Date: April 1, 2017

FREE DIGITAL SAMPLER FEATURING EXTENDED EXCERPTS FROM BESTSELLING SENSATION GENA SHOWALTER'S ENTHRALLING LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD SERIES

Welcome to a dark and sensual world, where the line between good and evil blurs and true love is put to the ultimate test. New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter invites you into her captivating Lords of the Underworld series with this collection of samples from each of the books in the series! Get a taste of these fierce immortal warriors and the women who bring them to their knees.

Featuring extended excerpts from:The Darkest NightThe Darkest KissThe Darkest PleasureThe Darkest WhisperThe Darkest PassionThe Darkest LieThe Darkest SecretThe Darkest SurrenderThe Darkest SeductionThe Darkest CravingThe Darkest TouchThe Darkest TormentAnd a sneak peek of The Darkest Promise!
Lords of the Underworld

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Published on June 13, 2017 06:00

Release Day Blitz: Roar by Cora Carmack

From New York Times bestselling author Cora Carmack comes her debut young adult fantasy, Roar! Now available, Roar takes readers on an adventure filled with charismatic characters in an enthralling world sure to keep them turning the pages. Grab your copy today!About the Book Roar by Cora Carmack

Title: Roar
Series: Stormheart, 1
Author: Cora Carmack
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication Date: June 13, 2017

New York Times bestselling author Cora Carmack's young adult debut: Roar.

In a land ruled and shaped by violent magical storms, power lies with those who control them.

Aurora Pavan comes from one of the oldest Stormling families in existence. Long ago, the ungifted pledged fealty and service to her family in exchange for safe haven, and a kingdom was carved out from the wildlands and sustained by magic capable of repelling the world’s deadliest foes. As the sole heir of Pavan, Aurora's been groomed to be the perfect queen. She’s intelligent and brave and honorable. But she’s yet to show any trace of the magic she’ll need to protect her people.

To keep her secret and save her crown, Aurora’s mother arranges for her to marry a dark and brooding Stormling prince from another kingdom. At first, the prince seems like the perfect solution to all her problems. He’ll guarantee her spot as the next queen and be the champion her people need to remain safe. But the more secrets Aurora uncovers about him, the more a future with him frightens her. When she dons a disguise and sneaks out of the palace one night to spy on him, she stumbles upon a black market dealing in the very thing she lacks—storm magic. And the people selling it? They’re not Stormlings. They’re storm hunters.

Legend says that her ancestors first gained their magic by facing a storm and stealing part of its essence. And when a handsome young storm hunter reveals he was born without magic, but possesses it now, Aurora realizes there’s a third option for her future besides ruin or marriage.

She might not have magic now, but she can steal it if she’s brave enough.

Challenge a tempest. Survive it. And you become its master.

Excerpt“This life is not glamorous,” Duke told her. “We travel constantly. We sleep on the ground most nights. When we’re not in danger from storms, we’re in danger in cities where we are considered criminals. This life is not for the faint of heart.”

“There are things I do not know, things I will have to learn. But I am capable. I am familiar with sacrifice. I know what it is to make hard choices.”

“Tell me you’re not considering this,” Locke said to Duke.

The old man was silent for a long moment, both Locke and Roar looking to him for support. Duke rubbed at his mustache, a habit of his when he was thinking deeply. “Let’s think about this, Locke. She’s smart. And determined.”

“She’s a child.”

Roar’s shoulders hunched in Locke’s peripheral vision, and he swallowed back the guilt. He could apologize later. For now, it was imperative that he won this argument.

“You were a child when I brought you into the fold,” Duke said. “She’s a young woman with a good head on her shoulders. And if this is what she wants, I’m inclined to at least hear her out.”

Just like that, Roar’s shoulders straightened, and Locke turned to watch a devastating smile bloom across her mouth. His weakness when it came to her only made him more cross.

“What skills do you have?” he snapped at Roar.
“Skills?”

“Yes, skills. What can you do? Or do you just plan to tag along for the ride?”

A flush spread over her cheeks, and her voice was tentative when she answered, “I’m good on a horse. Very good.”

Where in the world would she have learned to ride? He quickly hardened his expression. “Horses are fine for travel, but they don’t do well in storms. They, unlike you, have good survival instincts.”

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Locke could have sworn he felt an updraft—the first sign that bad weather could occur—and he knew that this time he had pushed too far.Roar marched toward him, spearing a finger into his chest and said, “I can read and write. I can speak Taraanese, Finlaghi, and Odilarian. I can read maps. I know enough about grassland vegetation and wildlife to survive without a market to buy food and drink. I’m good with knives and a bow. I learn quickly, and I’m not afraid of hard work. And I’ve spent my entire life reading as much about storms as I could get my hands on.” For a moment, her voice cracked under the weight of her anger, but she took a huffing breath and continued: “I’m good with numbers. It’s been a while, but I think I can probably still draw the constellations from memory, which should make me decent at navigation. I can—“

“Enough.” Locke’s voice came out in a deep rasp. He captured her long, delicate finger in his fist before she could continue poking him. He felt short of breath at the sight of her—livid and lovely. “Enough.”

The old Locke might have kept arguing, and Roar would have met him toe-to-toe. But if becoming a storm hunter had taught him anything, it was that fighting head-on wasn’t always the way to win. Sometimes strategy was required. He met Duke’s eyes over her shoulder, and if he had thought Roar looked smug before, she had nothing on his mentor. The man raised his eyebrows in a challenge and asked, “You?”

He hated the idea of bringing someone into this dangerous life, but if it was going to happen regardless, he sure as hell wouldn’t hand her safety over to anyone else, not even Ransom. And at the very least, it would give him the opportunity to change her mind. He gritted his teeth and nodded his acceptance.Giveawaya Rafflecopter giveaway About the Author

Cora Carmack is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Since she was a teenager, her favorite genre to read has been fantasy, and now she’s thrilled to bring her usual compelling characters and swoon-worthy romance into worlds of magic and intrigue with her debut YA fantasy, Roar. Her previous adult romance titles include the Losing It, Rusk University, and Muse series. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages around the world. Cora splits her time between Austin, TX and New York City, and on any given day you might find her typing away at her computer, flying to various cities around the world, or just watching Netflix with her kitty Katniss. But she can always be found on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and her website.

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Published on June 12, 2017 21:00

Synopsis Reveal: Twisted by Jessi Elliott

About the Book Twisted by Jessi Elliott

Title: Twisted
Series: Twisted, 1
Author: Jessi Elliott
Genre: NA Urban Fantasy
Publication Date: 2018

Add on Goodreads See the TeasersBeing kidnapped by the Leader of the Fae really puts a dent in your senior year.

Aurora Marshall is sharp, witty, and always has a plan. Ready to finish her business degree and graduate, her life is going smoothly—until the night she meets Tristan Westbrook.

Tristan, the overbearing, gorgeous Fae Leader, and an admired businessman in the human world, is all kinds of dangerous. While he finds Aurora intriguing, her refusal to bend to his will keeps them locked in a constant power struggle.

Entering into a deal is the only way to escape Tristan’s clutches, which only plunges Aurora deeper into the fae world. With her future at stake, she is forced to handle his arrogance and extraordinary fae abilities as she fights to stay grounded in her mundane life.

Not to mention her struggle to ignore the growing attraction she knows she shouldn’t feel for the man who kidnapped her.

When people said college would be the most exciting time of her life, Aurora never thought this is what they meant.
About Jessi

Jessi Elliott is a newly graduated law clerk and debut author of both young adult and new adult romantic fiction. Her love of writing was born after many years of reading and reviewing books on her blog.

She lives in Southwestern Ontario with her family and two adorable cats.

When she’s not plotting her next writing project, she likes to spend her time hanging with friends and family, getting lost in a steamy romance novel, watching Friends, and drinking coffee.

You can find Jessi on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date on book news and upcoming releases.

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Published on June 01, 2017 06:00

Success: Fast Forward Starts Now

Today I start my new internship at Seneca Women and I am beyond excited to be working for this amazing organization. It's a huge time commitment, but it's totally worth it and I couldn't be happier. If you don't know much about the organization, check out their website and social media, and don't forget to read the book that started it all (links below, including my book review of Fast Forward by cofounders Melanne Verveer and Kim Azzarelli).

Seneca Women is a global leadership forum centered on the principle that advancing women and girls will fast forward us to a better world.

Fast Forward embodies three principles. Know your power: Realize that women today command unprecedented resources, skills and power. And as they ascend, women are increasingly using their power for purpose. Find your purpose: Power backed by purpose propels women to create success and meaning in their own lives while making a difference—often by advancing other women and girls. Connect with others: This is a key to turning your power and purpose into action, and often can be achieved through women-led networks and groups.

Fast Forward by Melanne Verveer and Kim Azzarelli

Title: Fast Forward: How Women Can Achieve Power and Purpose
Author: Melanne Verveer and Kim Azzarelli
Topics: Non-Fiction, Feminism
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: October 6, 2015

Learn how some of the world’s most powerful women are using their growing economic power to create success and meaning in their lives while building a better world.

Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In ignited a conversation about women and their careers, and resonated with millions of readers. Fast Forward, by two women leaders with experience and access throughout corporate America and around the world, takes the next step. Through interviews with a network of over fifty trailblazing women, it shows women how to accelerate their growing economic power and combine it with purpose to create success and meaning in their lives while building a better world.

“Fast Forward shows us how leaders at every level can use their power and purpose to help more and more women achieve their dreams for a better life.” — Hillary Rodham Clinton

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Published on May 31, 2017 09:28

Book Review: Fast Forward by Melanne Verveer and Kim Azzarelli

My ReviewI normally don't review the non-fiction books I read because you kind of run out of things to say about writing books after a while, but this was a book recommended by my cousin and is not only a great book, but is by my new bosses at Seneca Women. I read this back when I was still studying for my finals this semester and was blown away not only by how much women really impact the economy (something I never really thought about before my women's studies class this semester), but also the individual stories of these empowered women were so moving and inspiring that I just have to share this here.

About the Book Fast Forward by Melanne Verveer and Kim Azzarelli

Title: Fast Forward: How Women Can Achieve Power and Purpose
Author: Melanne Verveer and Kim Azzarelli
Topics: Non-Fiction, Feminism
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: October 6, 2015

Learn how some of the world’s most powerful women are using their growing economic power to create success and meaning in their lives while building a better world.

Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In ignited a conversation about women and their careers, and resonated with millions of readers. Fast Forward, by two women leaders with experience and access throughout corporate America and around the world, takes the next step. Through interviews with a network of over fifty trailblazing women, it shows women how to accelerate their growing economic power and combine it with purpose to create success and meaning in their lives while building a better world.

“Fast Forward shows us how leaders at every level can use their power and purpose to help more and more women achieve their dreams for a better life.” — Hillary Rodham Clinton
About the Authors

Melanne Verveer is a founder of Seneca Women and the Executive Director of Georgetown University’s Institute for Women, Peace and Security. In 2009, she was appointed the first-ever State Department Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues. Prior to this role, she served as Chair and Co-CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership, an international NGO she co-founded focused on women’s leadership, and as an assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to the First Lady in the Clinton Administration.

Kim Azzarelli is a founder of Seneca Women and Co-Founder and Chair of Cornell Law School’s Global Center for Women and Justice. She is a legal, corporate, and philanthropic adviser and has held senior positions at companies including Newsweek/The Daily Beast, Tina Brown Live Media/Women in the World, Goldman Sachs, and Avon, where she served as Vice President, Associate General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary. Prior to her work at Avon, she practiced corporate and securities law at Latham & Watkins.

Seneca Women is a global leadership forum centered on the principle that advancing women and girls will fast forward us to a better world.

Fast Forward embodies three principles. Know your power: Realize that women today command unprecedented resources, skills and power. And as they ascend, women are increasingly using their power for purpose. Find your purpose: Power backed by purpose propels women to create success and meaning in their own lives while making a difference—often by advancing other women and girls. Connect with others: This is a key to turning your power and purpose into action, and often can be achieved through women-led networks and groups.

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Published on May 31, 2017 08:33

Some Big Summer 2017 Book News

If you read my last personal blog post, you'll know that this email was supposed to have some big news. And here it is: The Belgrave Legacy will finally be getting its print cover this summer, which means you'll be able to read Fawn and Caleb's story in print for the first time! (Well, second time if you count The Belgrave Daughter, but you get the idea).I am (slowly) working on a set of short stories set in The Belgrave Legacy world. It is currently a side project until I finish and publish The Matchmakers , but it is coming.Lastly, The Belgrave Legacy is getting 2 stand-alone (ish) sequels. The first will feature Alec and Ivy, Fawn's brother and best friend. The second will feature Dylan's story, Fawn's good friend and ex-boyfriend. These will be written and released after The Matchmakers and the short story collection. The Belgrave Legacy by Zara Hoffman

Title: The Belgrave Legacy
Author: Zara Hoffman
Genre: Upper YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: ZH Press
Publication Date: October 31, 2016

Add on Goodreads Buy NowA Reluctant Heroine. A Snarky Angel. A Big Mess.

Fawn doesn't believe in magic. But it is very real, and has made her a vulnerable target.

Caleb is sick of Hell. When the Devil offers him a way out, he immediately says yes.

Can this young witch trust the dark angel assigned to romance and seduce her? Or will his betrayal tear them apart forever?

The Belgrave Legacy is an upper-young adult paranormal romance. Filled with magic, witches, angels, and demons, this story will keep you turning the pages until the very end. Buy the book now, and discover a world hiding in our own.

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Published on May 21, 2017 21:00

Excerpt Reveal: Roar by Cora Carmack

From New York Times bestselling author Cora Carmack comes her debut young adult fantasy, ROAR! Releasing June 13, 2017, ROAR takes readers on an adventure filled with charismatic characters in an enthralling world sure to keep them turning the pages. Don’t miss the amazing excerpt below!About the Book Roar by Cora Carmack

Title: Roar
Series: Stormheart, 1
Author: Cora Carmack
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication Date: June 13, 2017

New York Times bestselling author Cora Carmack's young adult debut: Roar.

In a land ruled and shaped by violent magical storms, power lies with those who control them.

Aurora Pavan comes from one of the oldest Stormling families in existence. Long ago, the ungifted pledged fealty and service to her family in exchange for safe haven, and a kingdom was carved out from the wildlands and sustained by magic capable of repelling the world’s deadliest foes. As the sole heir of Pavan, Aurora's been groomed to be the perfect queen. She’s intelligent and brave and honorable. But she’s yet to show any trace of the magic she’ll need to protect her people.

To keep her secret and save her crown, Aurora’s mother arranges for her to marry a dark and brooding Stormling prince from another kingdom. At first, the prince seems like the perfect solution to all her problems. He’ll guarantee her spot as the next queen and be the champion her people need to remain safe. But the more secrets Aurora uncovers about him, the more a future with him frightens her. When she dons a disguise and sneaks out of the palace one night to spy on him, she stumbles upon a black market dealing in the very thing she lacks—storm magic. And the people selling it? They’re not Stormlings. They’re storm hunters.

Legend says that her ancestors first gained their magic by facing a storm and stealing part of its essence. And when a handsome young storm hunter reveals he was born without magic, but possesses it now, Aurora realizes there’s a third option for her future besides ruin or marriage.

She might not have magic now, but she can steal it if she’s brave enough.

Challenge a tempest. Survive it. And you become its master.
ExcerptThere was a hole in her chest, an awful, gaping hole that screamed like she wanted to. Like a cyclone, it seemed to suck up everything in its path until her knees were curled into her chest and her body hunched, and she just kept collapsing in and in and in. Suddenly unable to breathe, she clawed at the beaded fastenings that connected her headdress and necklace. One of her fingernails bent and splintered as she scrabbled for the hooks; when she could not find them, she took hold of the beaded cord and pulled until it broke, beads scattering across the stone floor around her.

The headdress tipped sideways, tugging painfully on her hair. Again and again, she pulled at the ties until her palms felt raw and beads littered the floor around her. The headdress began to sag, and she was nearly done, nearly free when someone stepped through the archway, and she froze.

Novaya.

Thank the skies. The dark-haired servant held an urn full of steaming water in her hands, and she stared in horror as if she had stumbled upon a monster rather than a crying girl. Nova had been Rora’s closest friend before she cut herself off from everyone at her mother’s command. Girls with secrets the size of Rora’s could not have friends. Nova took a step forward, paused, then knelt down, her large brown eyes carefully blank.

“Should I call for your guards? The queen?” Nova asked.

“No!” Softer, Aurora said, “No. Please don’t tell anyone.”

Once upon a time, Nova had kept all her secrets. Now the two rarely even looked at each other in the eye when their paths crossed, and it was all Aurora’s fault.

“Your Highness? What happened?”

Rora shook her head and returned to tugging at the headdress still tangled in her hair. She couldn’t say the words aloud, couldn’t let anyone see how much of a fool she was. Aurora had become accustomed to her shortcomings as a Stormling, as an heir. But she’d thought she had her mother’s strength, tenacity, and intelligence. But maybe that was wishful thinking. Maybe she was altogether…inadequate.
“Stop, Princess. You’re hurting yourself.” Nova put the water aside, crawled forward, and grabbed Rora’s wrists. “Aurora, stop.”

All the years spent missing their friendship came rushing back, and she froze at the sound of her name. Not Princess. Not Your Highness. Aurora. But the moment she stopped moving, it all came crashing down on her. Her naïve plan to kiss him, to experience something real. She should have known that her future would hold only more lies. As if she knew anything about real life, real anything. She lived in this palace, protected and pampered and put away like a doll on a shelf, too fragile for anything but appearances. And it seemed that’s all she would ever be.

Cassius wanted control of the city for himself. He thought he’d have to fool her to do it, but the moment the world found out that Rora had no magic, he’d become the ruler in truth, and she’d be the puppet at his side. He wouldn’t have to feign interest in her then. He wouldn’t need her at all.

She wound her arms about her legs and rested her forehead on her knees. Nova moved closer, and Rora sat still and silent as the girl worked to remove the headdress. Her old friend had grown into a beautiful young woman—flawless bronze skin, shiny black hair, stunning features. She’d recently begun assisting the royal seamstress in addition to her position as a maid. She probably had more friends than she could count. Aurora could not help imagining how different her life would be now fi she had never become heir.

The headdress finally gave way, and Nova slipped it off and laid it on the stone floor beside them.

“Tell me what happened.”

Rora leaned back against the wall. It was cool against her abused scalp, and she muttered, “Nothing happened.”

At least she had that much. She hadn’t kissed that beast. But what she had done felt worse. She had hoped. And hope broke more hearts than any man ever could.

“Should I get someone? A friend?”

Rora let out a bleak, cold laugh. As if she had any of those. Softer, she said, “I don’t want to see anyone. I just need this dress off. The makeup too. I need to breathe, and I can’t do it through all this mess.”

“I can do that. I came to help remove the headdress and gown. Stand up and we’ll go to your room. Everything will be fine, Your Highness.”

She didn’t tell her old friend how wrong she was, not as she peeled the dress off her and unlaced the corset. Not as she wiped away the powder that was smudged and striped on Rora’s face, thanks to falling tears. Another maid came in with more steaming water for a bath and Rora let them clean her up, wishing it was as easy to wipe away the last few hours.

She sat in the bath until the water grew cold and her skin shriveled like dying fruit. She had to face the facts. The Rage season was coming, as was this sham of a wedding. And she didn’t know how to fight it any more than she knew how to stop a storm.

But she would not give Cassius any more opportunities to see her vulnerable. Nor was she giving up. If there were no other way, she would marry Cassius.

But she had six days. Wars had been won, empires toppled, and cities leveled in less time. If there was a way out of this, Rora would find it.

About the Author

Cora Carmack is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Since she was a teenager, her favorite genre to read has been fantasy, and now she’s thrilled to bring her usual compelling characters and swoon-worthy romance into worlds of magic and intrigue with her debut YA fantasy, Roar. Her previous adult romance titles include the Losing It, Rusk University, and Muse series. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages around the world. Cora splits her time between Austin, TX and New York City, and on any given day you might find her typing away at her computer, flying to various cities around the world, or just watching Netflix with her kitty Katniss. But she can always be found on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and her website www.coracarmack.com.

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Published on May 19, 2017 08:30

Blurb Reveal: Cheeky by Natasha Madison

About the Book Cheeky by Cora Kenborn

Title: Cheeky
Series: Imperfect Love Kindle Worlds , 3
Author: Natasha Madison
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: June 6, 2017

Goodreads FacebookBradley Fitch has it all. A suave job, a gigantic trust fund, and an accent that makes panties drop faster than the speed of light. His new life in New York City is fast-paced and furious, but it's nothing a little getaway can't cure.

What says party and unwind like Las Vegas? Nothing. Plus, whatever happens there has to stay there.

When his best friend bails, he finds himself sitting on the plane next to his best friend's sister.
She’s off-limits—proverbial caution tape wrapped around her body. Of course, she’s also totally ball busting gorgeous.

Lexi Quinn fell in love with Bradley at eight years old and then vowed to kill him at eight and a half. What was supposed to be a romantic week away is turning into a nightmare. Her ex is actually married, her luggage is lost, and her reservation is cancelled. And she's sitting next to the man she swore to hate forever

One week. No strings attached. What is the worst that could happen?

It's all fun and games till this British bad boy gives new meaning to BBC and becomes a little bit too cheeky.
Excerpt“We didn’t have sex,” I tell her as her eyes dart to mine with a look I can’t quite decipher.

“Oh. My. God! You didn’t want to have sex with me?” She looks almost more devastated at that thought than she did when she first saw the pictures. She grabs the top of her robe, clutching it in her fist to hold it closed just below her neck.

“Are you daft?” I blurt out before I can think the better of it. “Last night the farthest limits of my restraint were tested, love. It took everything I had in me not to take you up on what you were offering. Especially after you tried to do the Karate Kid kick.” I laugh as I recall it was at that moment I knew she was too far gone for anything to happen.

Her hands go straight to her face. “Okay, we can stop talking about this.” Her voice comes muffled through her hands. I take her hands from her face.

“It wasn’t that bad.” I try to tell her. “I was really impressed with how high you managed to kick.” I try to make light of it. “What really scared me was when you tried to do ninja moves in the elevator. Thank God, there wasn’t enough room for you to get a good running start. You were convinced you could run up the wall and do one of those flips.” I shake my head and chuckle at the memory of her running face first into the wall. I think it’s best if I leave that little detail out, though.

She mumbles under her breath as she groans and tosses her head back. “Why isn’t the ground opening and swallowing me up? Why am I not dead from acute humiliation?”

“It wasn’t as bad as you think.” I smirk at her.

“Are you insane?” She looks pointedly at me. “I did karate kicks and ninja moves, and then I tried to throw myself at you! It can’t get much worse than that, can it?”

“Well”—I smile with my lips closed—“it’s funny you say that...”

“Oh, just spit it out, Bradley.” She hisses.“Well, you insisted upon stripping for me,” I start as she groans through the hand that is now covering her mouth. “And when you tried to kick off your shorts, they got a bit tangled up in your feet and you fell over, but you bounced right back up.” I try to hold back the laugh at the image of her in her thong and bra, yelling ‘Superstar!’ complete with the Mary Katherine Gallagher from Saturday Night Live skit pose. “Then you pushed me back into the bed and told me to ‘pull out that big British cock’ so you could take it for a ride, right before you crawled up over me, collapsed on top of me, and promptly passed out, love.”

She stares at me, her mouth hanging open in shock before she gets up and starts pacing. “I can’t even. I’m trying to remember, but nothing—nothing—is coming back to me.” She looks at me, mortification clear on her face. “Oh my God. I’m so sorry, Bradley. I can’t even imagine what you must be—”

“I kissed you,” I interrupt her. “So actually, it was me who started it.” I shrug as I continue. “I couldn’t take it, couldn’t go one more minute without having a taste of you.”

“You,” she stutters, “you wanted to kiss me?” she asks, confusion etched on her pretty face.

I walk over to her, cupping her face in my hands, and whisper, “I wanted to do a lot more than kiss you. I would have given my last breath to taste you just once.” I smile while my thumbs move on her cheeks. “Granted, I had no blood left in my brain to aid in the decision-making process since it was all in my cock.” I laugh. “But I walked around that club for four hours, harder than stone and ready to go. I almost went to the bathroom for a quick wank more than once.”

She puts her arms around my waist, bringing me closer. “I really wanted to see your naughty bits.”

Right as I’m about to take her mouth again, there is another knock on the door.

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Published on May 19, 2017 05:00