Carrie Elks's Blog, page 27

Release Day – Deception in Denali by J.J. Ellis

Jackson Mannon’s first love, Deborah, left him heartbroken when she disappeared without a trace. They were just sixteen and his life plan changed in the blink of an eye. Eight years later he learns she’s still alive and that she gave birth to his son.

Deborah Sharpe loved Jackson with all her heart, but with her life in danger she ran as far as she could go. Pregnant with his child, she wanted nothing more than to be with him. But to protect their baby she accepted her fate; she absolutely had to stay in hiding.

On a mission to reunite Deborah with her dying mother Jackson tracks her down, slowly uncovering all of her secrets. He finally makes her feel safe again, and in the process he starts to dream of the future they were denied so long ago.  But there is so much they must overcome to be together again; guilt, death and the ultimate deception.

Is their past strong enough to allow a future? Can they revive the love they once had to become a family?

“Oh Jack, thank you so much,” she cried, throwing herself into his arms. “I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”

Oh how he loved holding her. She still felt so perfect in his arms. All he wanted, right at that very moment, was to be able to do this again on a regular basis. “Deb,” he whispered. “Look at me.”

She moved back and looked into his eyes. A smile spread across her face.

“Did you miss me?” he asked softly. “All these years, did you ever miss me for even one moment?” His heart ached, waiting for the answer he hoped would come.

“Every minute of every day,” she murmured. “It’s hard not to miss the father of your…your child, when you still love him.”

Jackson leaned in to kiss her, gently and quickly. “Jesus I missed kissing you.”

“Why did you stop there? Kiss me Jack, really kiss me and make me forget the pain I feel.”

“I thought you’d never ask.” He put one hand on each side of her face and pulled her in for a sweet, slow, exploring kiss. They needed to get to know each other again, in every way, to remember every stroke and every movement of the lips. They were breathless when they simultaneously pulled back.

“I missed it too,” Deborah sighed. “So much.”

“Right now, I feel like you never left me.” He loved her as much right then as he had the day she disappeared, he was sure of it.

“Me too,” she whispered. “But nothing changes the fact that I did leave you and that you probably hate me for it.

“I don’t hate you,” he murmured. “I had to be rude, to show you I meant business. But I still love you sweetheart, I never stopped.” Hate was the last thing he could ever imagine feeling for her.

“So much time has gone by Jack, so much has changed, including us.”

“I know. That’s bound to happen with almost nine years passing in the blink of an eye. But I know the basics are still there. I have to believe that.” Should they take a chance and build on that? He was afraid to push her though because she was still so raw, so vulnerable.

“For me they are exactly the same, but I don’t know how to deal with what I’m feeling.”

“Me either,” he mumbled. “Let’s just take it one moment at a time. Okay?”

They agreed with a kiss.

JJ Ellis is first and foremost a mom to five kids, four girls and one boy, ranging in age from 3-18. After that, she is a physically limited wife, blogger and now an author. She holds a degree in Communication Studies (Public Relations) from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas but never thought she would chose writing as a career, especially at the age of 42. She once wanted to be a publicist in the entertainment industry, but never a writer. Then one day when she was in her mid thirties she was going through what can only be described as an early ‘midlife crisis’ and ideas just started to come to her and she felt compelled to write them down. She finished her first book relatively quickly, but life got in the way and it took her eight years to revisit it and then publish her first novel. She can honestly say that now she is finally right where she wants to be.

JJ has been married to her college sweetheart (and romance novel hero) for nineteen years and they reside in Casper, WY with their kids and one crazy mutt named Kreuger. She enjoys reading, writing, blogging, computing, and graphic design. She will try anything that will allow her creativity to be released.

 

Cover Reveal – Hello LAlaland by Madi Merek

Hello LAlaland

Lost in LAlaland #1

Paparazzi, vodka cocktails, and sex. Welcome to LAlaland.

Winifred Chapman isn’t thrilled with the idea of her ten year reunion; especially not the idea of returning to LAlaland. Even in the midst of her thrilling career, she’s managed to avoid LA as often as possible, which is saying a lot for a world-renowned fashion designer. She has a life which women everywhere would envy, and has everything she needs . . . or so she thinks.

Anthony Ricci was the most popular guy at Westlake High, and the one Winifred thought would never look twice at her. A former professional athlete, he now runs a successful Italian restaurant in New York City. When they run into each other at the reunion and give in to a widely passionate night, Anthony decides he may want more than Winifred is willing to give.

Hating being known by the men she’s dated or slept with, Winifred has learned to take what she needs from them without investing emotionally. When she discovers Anthony’s old desire for her and disappears after their night together, he refuses to give her up.

Will he be able to show her that love doesn’t have to be a battle, or will LAlaland prove to be enough to destroy her carefully constructed walls?

Are you ready for the madness of LA?

Hello LAlaland

April 1, 2014

www.themadimerek.wordpress.com

www.madimerekbooks.wordpress.com

www.facebook.com/AuthorMadiMerek

@MadiMerek

Release Day Blitz – Fierce by Clarissa Wild

Title: Fierce
Author: Clarissa Wild
Publication Date: January 27th 2014
Genre: New Adult RomancePrice: $ 0.99 – 1 week only! (Regular price $ 2.99!)






Fight for your dreams. Fight for your life. Fight for love.

Nerdy girl Autumn Blakewood is the prime example of a goody two-shoes. She studies every night, is never late for class, and always follows the rules. She has never felt the need to step out of her comfort zone. That is, until she meets Hunter.

 Hunter Bane is a cocky, confident bad-boy, who’s nothing but trouble. He’s a dangerous distraction to everyone around him. Sexy and strong, Hunter enjoys the swooning effect he has on women. Especially those who aren’t used to attention, like Autumn.

 Autumn finds it hard not to give into Hunter’s advances, even though it all seems like a game to him. Trying to understand him is impossible, because he shrouds himself in mystery.
What she doesn’t know is that Hunter has more baggage than anyone should have to carry. When she discovers he’s in an illegal frat club to save the one person that matters to him, Autumn realizes this could mean the end of her undeniable connection to him. Even their lives are at risk.
But it’s too late to turn back now …






$ 0.99 for 1 week! Grab it before it’s too late!Amazon / Barnes&Noble / Kobo / Google Play / All Romance / Smashwords (Coupon: QR69M)

Suddenly, a shadow is cast over the pages of my novel. The sun is blocked by something … or someone.

As I peer up with furrowed brows, I see it’s Hunter, and my annoyed look turns into a cheerful smile.

My eyes light up the moment I see him. He’s towering above me, wearing ragged pants and a flimsy tank top, which barely covers his broad chest. I gulp at the sight, especially because his black jacket makes him look so tough.

He’s like a motorcycle rider, only he isn’t. He just looks like one.

Hunter goes to his knees and snatches away my book.

“Hey!” I snap. “I was reading that.”

“Yeah, ‘was.’ And now you’re not.” He holds out his other hand. “Get up.”

I grab his hand, and the moment my fingers touch his it sends electrical shocks through my entire body. He’s so strong, he can lift me in one go without my help. My boobs bounce from the way he jerks me up, and I see his eyes flick to them for only a fraction of a second.

I gulp, and a flush spreads across my face as I pull my shirt up higher.

“What’s this for?” I say.

“Time for some training.” He leans forward, grabs the blanket, and folds it up.

“What, now?”

“Yes, now. My classes are finished, and by the looks of it so are yours. We don’t have much time, so let’s make the best use of it.”

“B-but I have to study and―”

“But, but, but,” he mocks, making a pouty face. “If you wanna learn how to defend yourself, you gotta put in the effort.”

I frown. “I was busy. You think I’m just going to adjust to your schedule?”

“You can read a book anytime you want. I can’t do this with you anytime I want. If I could, I would, trust me,” he grunts with a thick voice that makes me shiver.

My pupils dilate when he says that, and my core heats up. Damn, why does he always do those things? And why do I find it so goddamn attractive?

He steps back a little, putting on a cocky smile as he throws my … his book in the grass. Then he throws the blanket on top of it. Grinning, he takes off his jacket. The lines of his muscles show clearly through the thin fabric of his tank top, and my heart is already beating in my throat just seeing it. His biceps bulge and for a second I think he’s flexing them.

“C’mon,” he says, rubbing his hands together. “I’m ready for you.”

One of my eyebrows lifts up. “What? In these clothes? I’m not dressed for sparring.”

He snorts. “You won’t be dressed for it when they attack you again either. Now c’mon.” He signals to me with his fingers, lifting his eyebrow only a little to taunt me.

I take a deep breath and place my hands on my waist. He’s gawking at me from a distance, bending through his knees like a professional wrestler. If the look on his face wasn’t so goddamn sexy, I would’ve shaken my head and walked away, but I can’t.

For some reason I’d love nothing more than to tussle with him.

“Well? Are you going to come at me or what?” he says.

Swallowing, I fling my arms and legs to shake some life into them after sitting for so long. I take a deep breath and a good look at him. His tan muscles are already primed, ready to go. He looks like a football player waiting for the ball to be thrown into his hands so he can race off.

“Don’t make me wait … I hate it when girls make me wait.”

I chuckle. “Oh, really? What then? Are you going to kick a wall again or something?”

He muffles a low laugh. “I’ll come after you myself if I have to. And things get rough with me pretty fast.”

There’s some sexual innuendo in there, I’m sure of it. The way he groans makes me want to bite my lip. God, he’s so hot.

Goddammit, I have to stop thinking like that.

No way a guy like him would ever fall for a nerd. He could pick any girl he wants. Who’d want to pick me?

Clearing my throat, I say, “Okay. Here I come.”

After taking a quick breath I bolt toward him. I put all my strength into it, but he still manages to stay upright as I crash into him. He’s like a rock in the ocean, forever unbreakable, and I’m the fish slapping up against it.

I try to tackle him, but instead I’m the one falling on my ass.

“Ouch!”

He laughs, so loud it makes me feel embarrassed. Everyone can hear him.

“Why are you announcing you’re going to attack? That’s like playing right into my hands,” he says, and he holds out his hand.

I grapple him and try to pull him down, but he remains as balanced as ever. Shaking the finger on his free hand, he says, “You think it’s that easy to bring me down?”

“I’ll make it happen. Eventually.”

He chuckles. “I like your spunk.” He takes a few steps back. “Try again.”

I clean the dirt from my legs and bite on my cheek while thinking about a tactic. If I could only get him to move, then I could take him down. I thought he was going to teach me something, but instead I’m charging into him. Not my idea of learning self-defense.

“C’mon. I can take you, Leafy,” he says, biting his lip.

That name he has for me … God, I hate it. Why can’t he just call me by my real name?

I’ve had enough of his provocations. Maybe I’ll just kick him in the balls instead. That’ll show him not to mess with me.

I know it’s below the belt. Literally. But at least I can try to win this way.

God, I’ve changed, too.

I charge forward without warning this time. As I lift my knee he deflects my leg by pushing it down with his free hand. With the other, he grabs my lower arm.

“You’re getting dirty.” He squeezes my wrist, hard, and makes it impossible for me to escape. “I like it,” he murmurs.

With clenched teeth I fight to get loose, but he won’t release me.

“Put a little effort into it,” he says. “Nobody’s going to be nice for you. I’m not either.”

I slam his arm with my free hand, but he still won’t let me go. It’s like he doesn’t feel anything. Nothing. Nothing at all.

Damn, is he some kind of brick wall?

He chuckles. “C’mon, hit me.” At first it sounds like he’s pushing me, but after a while it becomes plain mean. “Hit me!”

“I’m trying!”

“You’re a wuss. A boneless nerd. You can’t fend for yourself. Can’t live in the real world. Not even one day.”

“Shut up!” I gather all my strength and punch him so hard in the gut his stomach retracts, and he takes one step back. His grip on my wrist loosens, and I jerk myself free.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” I say, my eyes welling up with tears again. “You’re being an asshole, and you know it.”

“Damn, that was a good jab,” he grunts.

“Who cares? You’re a bully.”

He laughs and steps forward. When I try to hit him again, he grabs both my wrists and comes to a halt right in my face. “I’m helping you.”

“Helping me? You’re insulting me, belittling me, and making me feel like a pile of crap.”

“And those guys didn’t?”

“What do they have to do with it?” I snap.

I try to jerk my wrists free, but he won’t let me go.

“Anger helps you fight. It fuels you.” His lips quirk up into a devilish smile. “Guess this is your first time finding out about the power of rage.”

“Whatever.”

“C’mon. You know I didn’t mean any of it. It’s just to get you worked up.”

“Let me go,” I hiss.

“Make me,” he says jokingly.

I’m so pissed, I kick him against the shin so hard I think I’m going to snap bones.

Instead, I break his stance, and he slips. I see him tumble down to the ground, but not before he grabs my leg and pulls me with him.

I squeal as I land right on top of him.

I’m staring into his face, my body resting on his body.

Oh. My. God. I can’t believe this.

I think my heart has stopped beating, because all I hear is his breathing. My body tenses up, feeling his skin against mine. I want nothing more than to press my body closer to his.

His chest moves against mine each time he inhales, and these few seconds feel like an eternity.

His hand lifts. When it reaches the top of my head, I swear I’ll fall to pieces right here, on top of him.

Something tickles, and then he retreats. In his hand is a leaf, which was probably stuck in my hair. He releases it and lets it drift away with the wind. Then he stares at me, his eyes suddenly showing a little hesitance. His lips are parted and perky, and all I want is to press mine against his.

And then smack him again.

He’s breathing against my chin, and I feel my groin heat up. I’m getting all wired up because of him.

Shit.

Clarissa Wild is the erotic romance author of the Blissful Series,

The Billionaire’s Bet series, the Doing It Series and the Enflamed

Series. She is an avid reader and writer of sexy stories about hot men

and feisty women. Her other loves include her furry cat friend and

learning about different cultures. In her free time she enjoys watching

all sorts of movies, reading tons of books and cooking her favorite

meals.

Want to get an email when my next book is released?

Sign up here and receive a FREE short story: http://eepurl.com/FdY71

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Sneak Peak – Fix You

To celebrate my facebook page getting 500 likes (511 as I type – and if you haven’t liked already, the link is here: http://www.facebook.com/carrieelksauthor) I’m posting a sneak peak of Fix You. I love this excerpt. It’s set in Hyde Park, which is my favourite of the Royal Parks in London, and sees Richard and Hanna drinking a little too much wine and being playful. I hope you enjoy it!!

THEY WERE RESTING near the statue of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, blanketed by the warm summer air. Richard lay back, his head propped on his rolled-up jacket. Hanna lay curled up beside him, her cheek resting on his chest. An empty bottle of expensive wine lay on its side next to them. They were both feeling a little drunk.

“Ruby will be home soon,” he murmured, his hand tangling in her hair, playing with her loose tendrils.

“Mmm.” Hanna’s eyes remained closed. He could feel a slight moistening of his t-shirt where her mouth was.

“Are you dribbling on me?” He lifted his head to get a better look.

“I don’t dribble.” She was suddenly awake, whipping her head around to catch his eye, surreptitiously wiping her lips with the back of her hand. Richard laughed at her tell-tale gesture.

“Come on, admit it, I make you salivate.”

“Your modesty is scaring me.” Staring up at him, she bit her lip to restrain a smile before poking her tongue out and licking his t-shirt. “But if you’re going to accuse me of something I haven’t done, then I’m going to do it, anyway.”

Clocking the expression on his face, she jumped up and grabbed her bag, running over the open grass. She passed the statue in the middle of the lawn, heading toward the wooded area surrounding them. Grabbing his coat, Richard ran after her, his long, fast strides allowing him to catch her before she even reached the first oak.

“You’ve got no chance,” he laughed. Hooking his arms around her waist, he pulled her body back to his. He could feel the softness of her stomach rising and falling in line with her short, sharp breaths.

Hanna tried to wriggle against him, tugging at his arms, trying to escape. He held firm, keeping her body contained within his embrace, fighting off her attempts to get free. Her breathing slowed. He could feel his own heartbeat starting to calm after the unexpected burst of activity.

RELEASE DATE – FEBRUARY 2014

Cover Reveal – Fix You by Carrie Elks

RELEASE DAY 2/12/14

“Richard, we had a baby.”

31st December 1999. Seventeen-year-old Brit, Hanna Vincent, meets New Yorker, Richard Larsen; a Columbia student and step-son of scion Leon Maxwell. Divided by wealth, distance and a common language, an unconventional friendship grows between the two.

From London to New York, from 1999 to 2012, Fix You follows the story of quirky, music-loving Hanna and handsome, driven Richard as they fall in love and are torn apart. Their tempestuous relationship leads to an explosive revelation that threatens to destroy them both.

Emotional and touching, this is a story of second chances. Is their shattered love beyond repair?

 

May 12th 2012

Richard had filled out nicely since she had last seen him. The thin cotton of his shirt clung to his biceps, skimming his taut abdomen as it tucked into his dress pants. His hips were still lean and tight, and she closed her eyes as she tried not to remember how they had felt between her thighs, as he had moved inside her, breathing softly in her ear, as she had moaned and whimpered and—

She shook her head. She wasn’t standing in his large, oak-panelled office just to take a trip down memory lane, as pleasant as that might be. She had flown here, over three thousand miles, to tell him what he deserved to know.

Inappropriate laughter bubbled up in her throat as she considered the ridiculous melodrama of the situation. Her 17-year-old self would be rolling her eyes, wondering how this 29-year-old woman had managed to turn a seemingly promising life into a soap opera.

She glanced up at his face, looking at his lips, which had turned down into a deep scowl. His eyes had narrowed beneath his brows, and his straight, patrician, nose was slightly crinkled in response to her presence.

The contempt he felt toward her was radiating from him.

Hanna tried to keep her breathing steady, reminding herself that although she was in his office, on the penthouse floor of his building, this was her show.

She was in control.

If he viewed her with contempt now, God only knew how he would feel once he’d heard what she had to say. He had been an integral part of her life for so long—as a friend, a confidante, even a lover—but never before did he have the power to break her.

“As nice as it is to see you,” he drawled, the tone of his voice making it patently clear that her being in his office was anything but nice, “I have a meeting in five minutes. Exactly what is it that you want?”

He had no idea, but this was it. Time to open her mouth and tell him what he needed to hear. Her arms suddenly felt heavy, and her fingers trembled; a physical manifestation of her nervousness. Her laughter was replaced by something more unsettling, as she tried to take in a deep breath and form the words that she had travelled all this way to say.

Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips. She watched his gaze move down to her mouth, staring at it with dark eyes, as her teeth drew in her bottom lip.

“Richard.” Her voice was surprisingly strong. She could do this. She could tell him the truth, and then get the hell out of here.

Back on a plane.

Back home.

Back to him.

“Richard, we had a baby.”

 

It’s Sunday night, and I haven’t blogged for a while so …

Hey hey, how is everybody doing? So, I’ve been a little bit absent the past couple weeks (cover reveals excepted, because the lovely authors / bloggers tend to do all the work for me.) But I haven’t been totally useless, I’ve been busy ferreting away behind the scenes because …

…I’ve been getting ready to publish my second book. Most of you already probably know this from Facebook and Twitter, not to mention GoodReads, but just in case you didn’t:

I’M PUBLISHING FIX YOU!!

31st December 1999. Seventeen-year-old Brit, Hanna Vincent, meets New Yorker, Richard Larsen; a Columbia student and step-son of scion Leon Maxwell. Divided by wealth, distance and a common language, an unconventional friendship grows between the two.

From London to New York, from 1999 to 2012, Fix You follows the story of quirky, music-loving Hanna and handsome, driven Richard as they fall in love and are torn apart. Their tempestuous relationship leads to an explosive revelation that threatens to destroy them both.

Emotional and touching, this is a story of second chances. Is their shattered love beyond repair?

The story will be released on February 12th 2014, which just happens to be a big milestone birthday for me! I’m very much looking forward to sharing it with you.

Apart from getting Fix You ready to publish (which takes a large amount of my time up) I’ve also been writing up a storm. I’ve finished the first draft of Unexpected, a New Adult novel, and I’ve written the first few chapters of another full-length contemporary romance which is tentatively titled When You Come Down. On top of that I also have Halfway Hidden #2 to write! It’s a good job I love my laptop.

I hope you are all having a great weekend. Don’t forget to stop by tomorrow to see the Fix You Cover Reveal and let me know what you think.

Best wishes,

Cover Reveal – Body, Ink and Soul by Jude Ouvrard

Phoenix Silverstone more commonly known as Nix, is a twenty-one year old that has finally discovered her freedom. After living under the strict rules and protection of her mother, Nix moved out with her two best friends in a quaint little Seattle apartment.  For the first time Nix is finally able to spread her wings and breathe. Together, they get a job working at a bar and for the first time everything is perfect.

Freedom, friendships, a great job and fantastic man on the verge of becoming hers. Tristan is the suave, intelligent, not to mention gorgeous law student that Nix has her eyes and heart set on. For the first time, she has her life together; that is, until her path crosses with Levi. The charming, tattooed and downright sexy bad boy that Nix knows she needs to avoid.

But when one of her friends moves out she is shocked to find that her new roommate is none other than Levi. Flirting. Desire. Undeniable temptations. Nix can’t deny the chemistry surging between them but she can’t forget her mother’s extreme hate towards bad boys.

Will Nix have the strength to listen to her heart? Or will her mother’s rules cost her everything?

Jude was born and raised in a small village named Lacolle. She now lives in Montreal, Canada. She is the proud mother of a beautiful five year old son, Isaac and has spent the last twelve years with her boyfriend, Cedric.

French is her native language, but she prefers to write in her second language, English. She has a passion for books, both reading and writing them.

Also by Jude:

Under the sun
Wonderland

To learn more about Jude Ouvrard, here are her links:

Website/blog: www.judeouvrard.com

Facebook:www.facebook.com/JudeOuvrard

Twitter: @JudeOuvrard @AuthorJude_O

Street Team:www.facebook.com/groups/judesbooks

Cover Reveal – Cursed Be the Wicked by J.R. Richardson

I’m so excited to be able to reveal the cover for J.R. Richardson’s new book, Cursed Be The Wicked. Jo is a truly gifted writer that I’ve been following for a while, and I’m counting the days until the release date. So, without further ado, I bring you …

Cooper Shaw lives his life under a pen name and enjoys the anonymity it provides during his journeys across the globe as a seasoned writer for a travel magazine. When his job lands him in his hometown of Salem, Massachusetts to cover the famous Festival of the Dead, he soon realizes that he can’t stay invisible forever as he faces ghosts from a past he’s been trying to forget ever since he left.

The city holds nothing but bad memories for Coop until he meets a quirky young woman with an old soul and curious insights by the name of Finnley Pierce. While she acts as his tour guide through a town he thought he knew, Finn helps him unearth the truth of his childhood and might even begin to open up his heart.

By unraveling the mystery of his father’s murder, Coop may finally accept who he is, where he came from, and perhaps even realize what he wants for his future.

RELEASE DATE: MARCH 5TH 2014

A writer of stories and lover of life.

Jo grew up in Maryland with four siblings, three parents and an endless number of cousins within the vicinity.  Today she lives in Florida with her two girls and a husband that shares her same sense of humor and basic take on life as we know it.

Life is too short to put dreams on the back burner.

She’s always loved writing, so in her spare time, she wrote a novel that’s been picked up by the good people at Soul Mate Publishing.

Website: http://jrrichardsonfics.wordpress.com/

   

Cover Reveal – Fierce by Clarissa Wild

Title: Fierce
Author: Clarissa Wild
Publication Date: January 27th 2014
Genre: New Adult Romance



 
Fight for your dreams. Fight for your life. Fight for love.


Nerdy girl Autumn Blakewood is the prime example of a goodie two-shoes. She studies every night, is never late for class, and always follows the rules. She has never felt the need to step out of her comfort zone. That is, until she meets Hunter.

 Hunter Bane is a cocky, confident bad-boy, who’s nothing but trouble. He’s a dangerous distraction to everyone around him. Sexy and strong, Hunter enjoys the swooning effect he has on women. Especially those who aren’t used to attention, like Autumn.

 Autumn finds it hard not to give into Hunter’s advances, even though it all seems like a game to him. Trying to understand him is impossible, because he shrouds himself in mystery.
What she doesn’t know is that Hunter has more baggage than anyone should have to carry. When she discovers he’s in an illegal frat club to save the one person that matters to him, Autumn realizes this could mean the end of her undeniable connection to him. Even their lives are at risk.
But it’s too late to turn back now …

When he comes up the steps his gaze is already set on that one empty spot beside me. I’m squeezing my legs together, as he sits next to me. My instinct is to scoot far away, but I can’t; there’s nowhere to go.

I feel watched, which isn’t strange, considering his gray eyes are practically trying to penetrate my skin.

Anger is seething inside him, I don’t have to look at him to know; I can feel it flow out of him like a radiator that’s burning up.

God, I want to die.

He keeps staring at me, as if he has nothing better to do. My heartbeat is rising, and I’m starting to feel really sweaty. I don’t know why he’s doing this, but it’s freaking me out, and I don’t like it one bit.

“Don’t you have to pay attention?” I say, avoiding his eyes.

“To You? Yes.”

His words make my insides broil.

“The teacher has already started talking.” I point to the front, but Hunter doesn’t even flinch. His eyes are still on me like a hawk zooming in on his prey.

“I don’t care.”

I swallow, gathering the courage to turn my head and look at him. The moment my eyes make contact with his I’m drowning. Drowning in amazement. Drowning in fear.

Fear of the unknown.

“But your grades …” I stammer.

He snorts, and a smile curls the corners of his mouth while he shakes his head. “Yeah, right.”

And all I can do is stare.

If looks could kill, I would be dead.

He looks so damn handsome when he smiles. It’s like everything around us fades, and all I ever want to see is that smile. It just makes me feel good.

But when the smile disappears, so does my mood.

The darkness falling over his face unsettles me.

In his eyes I see the hurt, the worries, the insomnia. Sleepless nights have worn down his face, making him look saggy and dull. But I know there’s so much more inside there.

Endless stories and an undiscovered world I’m intrigued by.

I want to know what’s in there. Inside him. Why he’s so angry and sad at the same time.

A sudden overwhelming feeling to grab him and hold him tight takes me aback.

He’s having so much trouble in his life right now, even though I have no idea what’s going on. I can see there’s something wrong. And I want to help him get through it.

But I don’t come any close. I don’t move one muscle.

I’m scared. Scared of what he can do. Scared of his power, and his temper.

In my mind I can still see his bloodshot eyes and the hateful look on his face. He was in that fight yesterday, I’m sure of it. The only question is who was the one instigating it.

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.

I can’t ask him. I just can’t get the words to come out. I’m really chicken-shit.

“Something wrong?” he says.

I shake my head.

“Then why are you looking at me like that?”

Hunter inches closer. I instinctively draw back, but he scoots even farther to my side. I’m scared to death he wants to do something to me, and I have no idea what, which makes it even scarier.

Clarissa Wild is the erotic romance author of the Blissful Series,

The Billionaire’s Bet series, the Doing It Series and the Enflamed

Series. She is an avid reader and writer of sexy stories about hot men

and feisty women. Her other loves include her furry cat friend and

learning about different cultures. In her free time she enjoys watching

all sorts of movies, reading tons of books and cooking her favorite

meals.

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Cover Reveal – Love, in English by Karina Halle

He’s thirty-eight. I’m twenty-three.

He speaks Spanish. I speak English.

He lives in Spain. I live in Canada.

He dresses in thousand-dollar suits. I’m covered in tattoos.

He’s married and has a five-year old daughter.

I’m single and can’t commit to anyone or anything.

Until now.

Because when they say you can’t choose who you fall in love with, boy ain’t that the f*#king truth.

To a restless dreamer like Vera Miles, it sounded like the experience of a lifetime. Instead of spending her summer interning for her astronomy major, she would fly to Spain where she’d spend a few weeks teaching conversational English to businessmen and women, all while enjoying free room and board at an isolated resort. But while Vera expected to get a tan, meet new people and stuff herself with wine and paella, she never expected to fall in love.

Mateo is unlike anyone Vera has ever known, let alone anyone she’s usually attracted to. While Vera is a pierced and tatted free spirit with a love for music and freedom, Mateo Casales is a successful businessman from Madrid, all sharp suits and cocky Latino charm. Yet, as the weeks go on, the two grow increasingly close and their relationship changes from purely platonic to something…more.

Something that makes Vera feel alive for the first time.

Something that can never, ever be.

Or so she thinks.

Release Date: April 20th, 2014

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance Standalone

The silence crackled above our heads like a live wire. I could feel Jorge’s eyes on us as he reluctantly placed Mateo’s drink on the table and walked away. Part of me wished for him to come back, to break up the tension and the startling intensity in Mateo’s eyes. The other part was selfishly glad Jorge was leaving us in peace. When he disappeared back into the restaurant, Mateo and I were the only ones on the patio.

I broke away from his eyes, focusing instead on his bottle of Aguila and the condensation that ran down the sides, looking blissfully cool in the sticky night air. Through all the weeks of joking, talking, the innocent physical contact, now I was astutely nervous about being alone with him. It wasn’t so much that I was afraid of him – I was afraid of me. Ever since that remark at dinner, I’d been afraid of what I’d do to him, how I’d break that moral code I promised for myself.

He’s married, he’s married, he’s married, I told myself, watching a drop of water race from the beer to the table. His wife is beautiful and lovely, his daughter is sweet and you aren’t either of those things.

But I could only tell myself that so many times.

“Vera,” he said thickly. “Vera, look at me.” His voice was commanding, reaching a depth I hadn’t heard before.

My eyes slowly slid over to him. I tried to speak but could only suck in my lip, probably taking all my lipstick off.

“Show me the stars again,” he said. His eyes speared me like nothing else, his face becoming dangerously handsome.

I looked up to the clear sky, to see the stars, but he reached out and grabbed my hand. His touch was hot, like his fingers were searing into my skin, that feeling of entering a hot tub on a cold night. I couldn’t help the shiver that ran gently down my spine.

“Not those stars,” he said huskily, leaning forward. His lips were wet and slightly open. “Your stars. Why I call you Estrella.”

I swallowed hard, my pulse burning along. I turned around in my chair so my back was to him and lifted up my hair, gathering it on the top of my head.

His chair scraped loudly on the ground as he got up, a sound that struck a new kind of fear in me.

No. Not fear.

Anticipation.

I heard him stop right behind me. I held my breath, wondering what he was going to do.

One rough finger pressed down against the back of my neck, right on the spine where the tattoo began. I closed my eyes to the feeling, the currents it caused, traveling all the way down, making me wet. Jesus, I needed to get a hold of myself.

“What star is this?” he asked, sounding like silk. I could wrap myself in his voice.

“Alpharatz,” I whispered, as if I was letting him in on a secret. Maybe I was.

His finger slid diagonally down, a trail of fire across the Pegasus line. “And this one?”

“Markab.”

“Why Pegasus?”

I paused, the truth on my lips. Fuck it. We’d been nothing but honest with each other. “Because I want to fly free. And there’s no place higher than the stars.”

He didn’t say anything for a few beats. I was tempted to turn around, to look at him, but I didn’t want him to take his finger off my neck. I was leaving in three days. He was going back to his family. This was all I had, his skin on my stars.

He leaned in, his hot breath at my neck. “Are you afraid that love will clip your wings?”

His words sank into me, making my blood buzz. Love. This was too hazardous a subject to discuss with him, not now. Not ever. With my breath shaking, I inched my neck away from his mouth and turned to face him.

“No,” I said, looking him straight in the eye. “I’m afraid that losing love will.”

His expression softened. He looked at my lips, his beautifully long eyelashes casting shadows on his tawny skin.

“Then that makes two of us,” he whispered softly and for a long second I thought he was going to get it over with and finally kiss me, put an end to this strain between us, the yearning that made me ache inside. But he straightened up, his gaze avoiding mine, and went to retrieve his beer from the table.

With her USA Today Bestselling The Artists Trilogy published by Grand Central Publishing, numerous foreign publication deals, and self-publishing success with her Experiment in Terror series, Vancouver-born Karina Halle is a true example of the term “Hybrid Author.” Though her books showcase her love of all things dark, sexy and edgy, she’s a closet romantic at heart and strives to give her characters a HEA…whenever possible.

Karina holds a screenwriting degree from Vancouver Film School and a Bachelor of Journalism from TRU. Her travel writing, music reviews/interviews and photography have appeared in publications such as Consequence of Sound, Mxdwn and GoNomad Travel Guides. She currently lives on an island on the coast of British Columbia where she’s preparing for the zombie apocalypse with her fiance and rescue pup.”

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