by
Name of cover designer: Robert Barrett
Love and Music In Texas Book 5
by
USA Today Bestselling Author Nikki Lynn Barrett
Name of cover designer: Robert Barrett
Life is full of choices...
Right before she turned sixteen, Taryn McAllister made several rebellious choices, one which led her to become the drummer for a major teen sensation country star. After a deadly accident, she made another choice - to get back on the wagon and play drums again, no matter that it took adapting because she's confined to a wheelchair.
Now another set of choices is thrust upon her. After reconnecting with her estranged best friend, Taryn is offered a chance to play drums for a local Texas band ready for the Nashville move. Her once strong confidence is shaken, and she's torn between her love of music and the reality that it might not work out.
Chris Roland made a string of bad choices, and it's left him feeling numb. Now he's playing the drums temporarily for his sister's band, but he knows this isn't the life for him. Problem is, he doesn't know what direction to go. He knows what he doesn't want, but can't decide on what he does want.
And then he meets Taryn, the feisty drummer who could be his replacement. He's relieved for a chance to break away....that is until he gets to know her. And while he's getting to know her, she's helping to open up a part of his soul that was long dead and buried.
It's high time to make the right choices. It's just a matter of deciding what choice is right.
“Okay, I've got the book.” Chris wrangled himself away from the woman's arm. “Alice, have you met Taryn? She's playing drums for Baby Stetson. We managed to steal her away from Kyra Sanders.” His eyes met hers, and Taryn knew right off the bat this made him uncomfortable.
Ah. This must be one of his casual sex partners. Fan-friggin-tastic. Taryn gave Alice a long glance. She could see why Chris was attracted to her. Alice had long, dark hair, big breasts, and plenty to offer. So what the hell did he continue to see her for if he could get things from women like Alice?
“Really? You play drums?” Alice didn't hide her shock.
“She's one of the best drummers I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.” Moving around Alice as she continued to gawk, Chris settled in the chair again, then slid the book over to Taryn. “Pick your poison.”
“Don't let Kyra hear you say that,” she giggled as she searched the book for Kyra's song listings. Then she realized Alice still lingered. “It's nice to meet you, Alice.” She stifled a laugh at the woman's look. She must not get rejected often. The feeling lasted for less than a minute before Taryn's insecurities crept in.
Not that she'd ever had a lot of success rates with men, but now she had a lot more stacked against her.
“Yeah, nice to meet you, too.” Alice faked it. She made it obvious. “You played drums for Kyra Sanders? Like seriously?”
“For three years.”
“Nice.” Alice brushed it off, then faced Chris. “Call me sometime. Soon. We need another good time.” She practically purred before sauntering off, swaying her ass as she moved.
“Taryn-” Chris started.
“Let me guess. She's one of your casuals,” she said at the same time, flipping the pages of the book back and forth in her hands.
“Was,” he corrected.
“Was?”
“Yes. Was. I don't want to be that person any longer.” He reached across and covered one of her hands. Taryn froze. The way she reacted to his touch scared her.
“What kind of person do you want to be?” Her voice cracked. Damn, she needed water.
“The person who gets and keeps your attention,” Chris said softly.
“But-” She darted a glance towards the way Alice went.
“Don't, Taryn. Don't look back at her and compare. I know you are. I didn't even remember her name until Melody said something about it being the girl who works at the inn. I know, it sounds bad as I say it.”
Yeah, yeah she was. Damn him for figuring it out.
I'm an avid lover of books. I've been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first "book" by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I'll have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer heat.
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To Protect and Love: A Boxed Set of 9 Sexy Romances
When the oath to protect and serve tangles with love, expect sparks and lots of heat! Hot firemen, alpha cops, sexy detectives, and dashing federal agents...this anthology from 9 best-selling and award-winning authors will have you rooting for your favorite heroes and heroines as they step up to the greatest challenge of their lives--to protect and love.
Special Agent Finnegan - Mimi Barbour
When Special Agent Finnegan O'Reilly gets shot, and the news brings on his father’s heart attack, he decides to take leave from further undercover assignments. The O'Reilly has suffered enough and Finn can’t be the cause of more distress for this beloved old rascal. Then his boss forces one more case on him - to take place in their own pub. Acting as the target to expose serial, suicide killers rampaging through New York City, Finn must play the part of a wife-beater, a cheating husband and an all-time jerk. No problem, until he meets his make-believe wife. Renée Knight enjoys her job as a New York City cop. Her disguises have become a permanent fixture in her life, and no one knows what she really looks like. Except for the father she loves fiercely… the man, whose suicide makes no sense. If it means going undercover in an Irish pub where the culprits hang out, she’s their girl. Playing the wife of the bar owner to catch the killers—easy. But they never intend for her to fall for this guy, she does this all on her own. Now she has to hire the assassins to arrange his suicide. Can she catch them, before they complete the mission?
Not Afraid to Love You - Jude Ouvrard
Lilly McCarthy thought she had found the one, until an unexpected side of Dave left her body bruised and her pride hurt. Living in fear, she knows she has to do something before the unimaginable happens. A timely phone call provides Lilly a means to escape but is her family prepared to face her nightmares? While Lilly takes the time to heal and regain control of her life, an unexpected source of support appears in the form of her brother's best friend - and her old crush - Lennox. Lilly hesitates to take on a new relationship, but Lennox is not giving up. He wants Lilly to find her way and be herself again, the relaxed and easygoing girl she used to be. Can the love of a good man convince this scared and frightened woman to trust again? Or is it only going to push her away?
The Sheriff Meets His Match- Jacquie Biggar
When a jaded sheriff is drawn to an exasperating woman in trouble, anything can happen.
Laurel Thomas is tired of experiencing life from the outside looking in. She likes the warm welcome she's received in Tidal Falls and wants to make a home in this friendly little town, far away from her egocentric family. But when her uncle arrives, the past catches up to her.
Jack Garrett is satisfied with his uncomplicated life. He has a good job as the sheriff of his hometown, a nice home, and a beautiful teenage daughter. Jack struggles against his attraction for the disorganized new hire at the department, Laurel Thomas. She threatens everything he's worked so hard to avoid—like falling in love. Can two people with enough emotional baggage to sink a ship find a way to give each other a chance, or is this match doomed to drown?
Protecting His Wolfe- Melissa Keir
Betsie Wolfe is a small-town girl who leaves her cozy little life for a job in the big city, never expecting to become a witness to a murder or face vicious threats. Detective Jonah Pigg is attracted to Betsie’s green eyes and small frame when he arrives on the scene of the murder. When the threats begin, he takes her into his home under the protection of the three Piggs who own the Pigg Detective Agency. It will take all his detective work to keep her safe from the killer. Passion has a way of igniting when people are under stressful situations, and lust leads Betsie and Jonah into each other’s arms. But is their relationship a matter of desire, or is it something more?
Love is a Fire - Lyssa Layne
“Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your heart or burn your house down, you can never tell.” -Joan Crawford
Dr. Katy Malone has sworn off love after losing those she loves most in her life including her father, a member of the FDNY. She has decided to spend her time focusing on her medical research. Her ex-fiancée, and fellow doctor, isn't ready to give up on loving her though.
Firefighter Nick Garrity is on a search for the future Mrs. Garrity. As he pushes thirty, with no prospects in sight, he's afraid he'll never find her. A devoted member of FDNY, he loves the thrill of his job and the satisfaction it brings him. He strives to teach the proby firefighter, Patrick Doyle, the ropes and pass on his passion to him.
When Doyle tries to impress the guys on the crew, he ends up in the care of Dr. Katy Malone. One look at Dr. Malone and Nick knows he's found his future wife but can he convince her to love again?
Distorted Loyalties - Stacy Eaton
Emergency room Doctor Rachel Wilde and Detective Grant Murphy meet by chance and it takes only one glance and a simple gentle touch to ignite their senses. When Grant’s wife is in a tragic accident, Rachel goes above and beyond the call of duty to save her life. It is the moment she faces Grant again that their lives begin to spin out of control and they realize the lives of their loved ones were deeply intertwined. The distorted loyalties of the ones they lost will drive a wedge between them and it will take another death, a last will and a look beyond the grave to find the path they must follow.
Crushed - Jade Kerrion
Cody Hart, the daredevil black sheep of the esteemed Hart clan, should never have made it to his twenty-fifth birthday. What he hadn’t counted on, though, was his best friend dying instead of him. Emotionally devastated and financially ruined by the death of her brother, Felicity Rivers is down to her last hundred dollars when Cody offers his help, at a price. She’s out of options, but nothing on Earth could possibly entice her into the arms of the man who killed her brother.
Crime & Passion - Chantel Rhondeau
A decorated police officer, more intent on justice than following the letter of the law, lands in trouble when a schoolteacher finds a dead body on the beach. Officer Donovan Andrews knows how to have a good time--ask any woman in town. But when it comes to men abusing their wives or children, Donovan takes it upon himself to make them regret it. Madeline Scott is unlucky in love. All she wants is a quiet place to heal, away from cheating, womanizing men. However, her life is far from peaceful once she stumbles across the body and witnesses someone fleeing the scene. Terror spreads in Pleasant View when the small community hears a killer is on the loose. All evidence points to Donovan, and he realizes someone is trying to frame him. When troubling suspicions from his past surface, even fellow officers believe he's guilty. Madeline might be the only person who can clear his name, but first he has to win her trust. The body count rises and no one is safe. The murderer makes it clear Madeline is next. Soon, Donovan's whole world is focused on protecting her and keeping himself out of prison. The more time he spends with her, the harder it is to fight his growing attraction. Since she's been burned by love, convincing Madeline he's interested in something more than hot sex may prove harder than keeping her alive. CONTENT WARNING: Violence, language, sizzling love scenes. Although this book is a standalone title, it can serve as a prequel to the Agents in Love Series.
Love in a Pawn Shop - Bonnie Edwards
A pit bull, a pawn shop and a pain-in-the-ass kid brother. . . Dix is good with two out of three. She's had it with dusty shelves, desperate people and her teenage brother. With Riley about to graduate, Dix is ready to buy her one-way ticket to Paris. Then sexy cop Dane Caldwell walks into her store on the hunt for stolen goods, and threatens her brother and her business. The worst threat is to Dix's heart...if she loses that, she loses her dream. Dane soon realizes he's found love in a pawn shop. Even the pit bull thinks he's okay. Now all he has to do is convince Dix that love is more than just another complication.
Mimi Barbour is an incredibly busy New York Times, USA Today and award-winning, best-selling author who has five series to her credit. The Vicarage Bench Series – Spirit/Time -Travel tales that have a surprising twist / The Angels with Attitude Series – Angels Love Romance / The Elvis Series – Make an Elvis song a book / Vegas Series – 6 books full of romantic suspense, humor and gritty conflicts / and… the fast-paced, edgy, humorous, romantic suspense, Undercover FBI Series. She also has numerous box collections and single titles to add to her credits.
"Drama, true love, tattoos...and everything in between!"
Jude Ouvrard is an author who writes from the heart, and reads with passion and devotion. Jude enjoys stories of drama, true love, tattoos, and everything in between. While writing is her therapy, reading is her solace. Life doesn't get better than books and chocolate, and maybe a little bit of shopping.
A romance lover, Jude writes about love, pain, heartbreak and matters that will challenge your heart. A book can tell an unexpected story, no matter which directions it takes. Jude embraces words that have haunted her for years.
Jude is a working mom who dedicates her time to a law firm and writing books. She has an energetic superhero son, and a supportive boyfriend of many years. Her family is her rock; she could not survive without them. Born a country girl, she transformed into a city woman who now lives in Montreal, Canada. Although French is her first language, Jude decided to write in English because she liked the challenge.
Jacquie Biggar: I live in paradise along the west coast of Canada with my family and love reading, writing, and flower gardening. Oh, and I can't function without coffee! Preferably at the beach with my sweetheart. :)
I write Romantic Suspense with tough, alpha males who know what they want until they're gob-smacked by heroines who are strong, contemporary women willing to show them what they really need is love.
I've been blessed with a long, happy marriage and enjoy writing romance novels that end with happy-ever-afters.
Melissa Keir has always wanted to be an author when she wasn’t hoping for a career as a race car driver. Her love of books was instilled by her mother and grandparents who were avid readers. She’d often sneak books away from them so that she could fantasize about those strong alpha males and plucky heroines. In middle school and high school, Melissa used to write sappy love poems and shared them with her friends and still has those poems today! In college her writing changed to sarcastic musings on life as well as poems with a modern twist on fairy tales and won awards for her writing. You can find many of these musings along with her latest releases on her website and blog.
Melissa doesn’t believe in down time. She’s always keeping busy. Melissa is a wife and mother, an elementary school teacher, a book reviewer, owner of a publishing company as well as an author. Her home blends two families and is a lot like the Brady Bunch, without Alice- a large grocery bill, tons of dirty dishes and a mound of laundry. She loves to write stories that feature happy endings and is often seen plotting her next story.
Lyssa Layne is a blogger turned author after being inspired by Rachelle Ayala. She enjoys hot romances and loves to shock her readers right until the final page. Lyssa enjoys chasing after her four-year-old daughter, being a tourist in her own city, and anything involving peanut butter.
Stacy Eaton is a police officer by profession. Currently, she is working as the department investigator and enjoys digging into cases and putting the pieces of the puzzles together.
Stacy resides in southeastern Pennsylvania and is the wife to a police officer and the mother of two. She is very proud of her son who is currently serving in the United States Navy and equally proud of her younger daughter who works hard in her Tae Kwon Do studies.
When Stacy is not working her demanding job, or spending time with her family, she works on her business and volunteers with the World Literary Café. When there is time, she writes.
Jade Kerrion defied (or leveraged, depending on your point of view) her undergraduate degrees in Biology and Philosophy, as well as her MBA, to embark on her second (and concurrent) career as an award-winning science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance author.
Her debut novel, Perfection Unleashed, published in 2012, won six literary awards and launched her best-selling futuristic thriller series, Double Helix, which blends cutting-edge genetic engineering and high-octane action with an unforgettable romance between an alpha empath and an assassin.
Earth-Sim and Eternal Night won first place Royal Palm Literary Awards in the Young Adult and Fantasy categories respectively. Readers have clamored for sequels, and Jade will get around to them when her To Do list opens up (sometime after 2020.) Life Shocks Romances features Jade’s sweet and sexy contemporary romance series, which proves that, at the very least, she knows how to alphabetize books.
If she sounds busy, that’s because she is. Jade writes at 3 a.m., when her husband and three sons are asleep, and aspires to make her readers as sleep-deprived as she is.
Visit her website for a free copy of Aroused
Best-selling author Chantel Rhondeau once thought a great mystery or fantasy book with strong romantic themes was the highest level of reading bliss. After reading her first romantic suspense novel, she never looked back. Chantel is author of seven romantic suspense novels, three Christmas novellas, and the contemporary romance McCallister’s Paradise series. She lives in the western United States, and when she's not writing she loves playing cards with her family, bowling on leagues, and snuggling with her lazy kitties.
Multi-published author Bonnie Edwards lives with her husband and pets on the rainy coast of British Columbia. She believes life should be lived with joy. That joy shows up in her earthy, irreverent love stories. Bonnie uses long hikes to bounce ideas off her husband and her standard poodle, who almost always agrees with her.
She has written novels, novellas and short stories for Carina Press, Harlequin, Kensington Books and Robinson (UK) although now she publishes her work herself.
Sometimes her stories have a paranormal twist, likes curses and ghosts, other times not. But they’re always entertaining and guarantee a happy ending.
RISE OF ALPHA - THE PRODIAN JOURNEY
by
Lorenz Font
Official genre of book: Young Adult/Urban Fantasy/Coming-of-age
All Brian Morrison wants is to be an ordinary teenager with normal teenage problems, but his uncontrollable twitching and phonic tics make that impossible. The butt of jokes in school, he is nothing but a laughing-stock until a visit to a local tarot shop turns his life upside-down.
The psychic’s strange prediction thrusts him into a mysterious world of ghastly creatures and bizarre events, and he must come to terms with the abrupt changes if he is going to survive. One mother’s plea for help presents him with an impossible challenge, but it also brings him closer to the most popular girl in school. Brian must overcome threats from all sides to honor his promise, and he is determined to succeed. His heart won’t let him turn his back on someone in need, especially when he’s fallen in love with her.
Protecting Shannon McKesson soon becomes the greatest purpose of his life. Brian discovers many things on this new journey, but the biggest one might be the truth about who he is. If only he and Shannon can stay alive long enough to unlock the mystery.
“Bro, you’re acting weird today—weirder than usual, anyway. I know you well enough to know something’s up, so spill the fava beans!” Mark made that Hannibal Lecter hissing sound from one of our favorite movies.
“Yeah, you ran out of that psychic shop like you’d seen a ghost.” Darryl seconded. “Then you got sick and wouldn’t answer our calls until this morning. Spill, dude.”
I wavered between the truth or a lie about what had happened over the past few days. Telling them would also mean I had to tell them about Shannon. For some selfish reason, I wanted to keep her all to myself. My own little secret.
“We’re your best friends, in case you’ve forgotten. We’ve shared dirty secrets since middle school,” Mark reminded me.
As long as I could remember, these two had been watching my back.
I still hesitated, but the overwhelming need to share my fears with them overcame the urge to keep Shannon to myself.
“Fine. It’s weird, and I expect you to keep this on the down-low, aʼight?”
They nodded.
“That night at Madame Elizabeth’s, she said something that scared the crap out of me. I know it was bogus, but it freaked me out bad.”
“What did she say?” they asked in unison.
I mimicked Shannon’s mom. “With your curse comes a blessing.”
“Really?” Mark narrowed his eyes. “That scared the shit out of you?”
“Yeah.” I was sure they’d start making fun of me, but when neither of them said anything, I continued. “She’s creepy, bro.”
Again, there was silence except for the crunching sound of their chewing, and the music of the forgotten video game’s menu screen.
After a moment, Darryl began picking at his ear piercings, a nervous habit of his. “Okay, fine. Madame Elizabeth confused the hell out of me with my reading. I got the man hanging upside down. She said that it symbolized self-sacrifice and adapting to changes. Like there’s going to be a pause in my life until I give up something for the greater good. So I asked what it really meant, because my creep-o-meter shot through the roof. She said that my friend would be going through a transition and I needed to be there for him.”
Mark and I looked at each other while Darryl resumed his assault on the chips.
Mark raised both hands and shook his head with a grin. “Don’t look at me. My voice doesn’t squeak. I’m circumcised, and all cylinders are a go.”
I socked Mark in the arm. “You’re stupid.”
“What did Madame E tell you?” Darryl asked him.
He was thoughtful for a moment. “Well, mine was kinda freaky, too. She had me pick a card, and I got temperance. She said it meant I had self-control and was able to handle tough situations, but that I had to deal with impatience and conflict. It could also mean angels and guardian spirits were around, but in my case, she said I was it.” He sighed and looked over at me. “Go figure what that means. Anyway, now you can tell us whatever it is you’re holding back.”
Cornered, I knew it was time to tell them about the dreams. I turned my desk chair around and straddled it. “That night, I started having weird dreams. First, this creature was chasing after Shannon McKesson. It was all a blur. I went back to sleep and dreamed something different. This random woman was being bitten by a rattlesnake. It was like I was there watching it happen. Then the next day, there she was in the news.”
I stopped to take a deep breath, and my friends stared at me like I’d lost my marbles. “See, I told you it’s weird. But that’s not all. I dreamed about Shannon and the weird creature again. It woke me up. I went back to sleep, I had another dream. This time, there was a girl running away from a man, and he was holding a bat. I could see everything around them, but I had no idea where they were. The next day, Shannon came over, and she and my mom were watching the—”
“Hold it right there! Shannon was here?” Disbelief was all over Mark’s face. Darryl stopped chewing, mirroring Mark’s surprise.
My secret was out. “Yeah, she came over when I didn’t show up for class yesterday.” I tried to make it sound like it wasn’t a big deal.
A professional daydreamer, Lorenz Font discovered her love of writing after reading a celebrated novel that inspired one idea after another. Since being published in 2013, she has been conspiring, butting heads, and enjoying her spare time with vampires, angels, samurais, and other creatures she has created in her head.
Her perfect day consists of writing and lounging on her garage couch (a.k.a. the office) with a glass of her favorite cabernet while listening to her ever-growing music collection. She finds writing urban fantasy exhilarating and places an intense focus on angst and the redemption of flawed characters. Her fascination with romantic twists is a mainstay in all her stories.
Lorenz lives in Southern California with her supportive family and three demanding dogs.
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THE CROWN PROPHECY
by M.D. Laird GENRE: YA fiction, fantasy, supernatural
Eve Franklin is a normal teenager until she visits a hidden world with her friend Will Farley, a Guardian of Arkazatinia, and her life takes an unexpected turn. Eve asks a question which alters her destiny and sets her upon a course fraught with peril. Her path is not all adventure and Eve finds adjusting to her new life difficult. Lonely and unhappy, she seeks the friendship of Calab, a moody and heavily conflicted demon, whose advice is … unconventional.
As the threat against her becomes imminent, Eve must learn what she can about the Crown Prophecy to prevent the Crown falling into the hands of the enemy. Can she trust Calab and can she learn what she needs to know in time?
Chapter I
February 2003 “It’s hard to explain,” he replied as he climbed into the driver’s seat and slammed the key into the ignition. “Just get in.” Eve climbed into the car’s passenger seat. She had barely closed the door before she was pinned in her seat as Will accelerated away from the house. She quickly pulled on her seatbelt. “Are we going after that thing? That man?” she asked. Will sucked in breath impatiently and said, “We’re going to ask for help from some people called the Procnatus.” “Who?” “It’s complicated,” replied Will, “you won’t understand.” “Why?” asked Eve, who was now feeling thoroughly confused with the turn the morning had taken and Will, who was clearly under pressure, lacked the patience for explaining anything. She pushed him nonetheless and said, “Tell me.” “They’re like another species. They’re called thorian,” replied Will in almost a growl, a surge of irritation had struck him as he narrowly escaped a head-on collision with a truck while overtaking another car. “They look like us, but they’re not human. They’re stronger and faster, and they’re immortal.” “You’re right, I don’t understand,” said Eve, feeling her breath quicken and wishing she had brakes in her foot well as Will—who had passed his driving test only days before—almost hit another oncoming vehicle. “What are they?” “I told you; they’re another species.” “That makes no sense. How can there be another species of people?” Will drove the car into a multi-storey carpark; he pulled the ticket from the machine to raise the barrier and sped up the levels to find an available space. After parking, they ran down four flights of foul-smelling stairs, entered the street and tore towards the train station. Will purchased two open returns for the next train to Milton Keynes, and they headed for the platform. “It’s delayed,” he said, eying the departure board. “We have twenty minutes.” “Good,” said Eve. “You can tell me about these magical beings.” “Hush,” hissed Will, motioning for her to enter the empty waiting area. “Keep your voice down. Look, I will tell you, but you need to keep it to yourself.” “Sure, whatever,” said Eve. “It doesn’t sound like something anyone would believe anyway.” “No, you’re probably right,” Will said. He gave her a thin smile before continuing. “There is a world located above our world, and it is home to the thorian who I mentioned earlier and some others. The world has continents like our world; the one we are going to is called Arkazatinia. It is split up into wards, each controlled by a different group of thorian who have a ruler. We’re going to see the Procnatus thorian ruler.” “So why are we going to Milton Keynes?” “We’re going to use an entrance to their world in Milton Keynes, there are others, but that’s the only one I know will take us right where we need to be on the other side. I haven’t been many times, and I don’t want to struggle to find my way around.” “Okay,” Eve slowly replied as she tried to sift through the mass of questions filling up her consciousness. “So, they look human? And they can pass to our world? So, I could know one?” “It’s possible—they are really good-looking.” “Really?” “I haven’t met many, but they were stunning … this is our train.” The two left the waiting area and joined the small crowd gathering on the platform to board the train. The train was relatively quiet, and they managed to find an empty table. A couple and a small child, who was busily colouring a fairy princess, occupied the table next to them. Eve and Will sat opposite each other. “What is the world like?” she asked. Will glared at her to keep her voice down and looked at the family next to them who, amidst colouring and chatting amongst themselves, seemed not to have noticed. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek pocket watch that appeared to be coated with some fluid-like substance. He opened the reverse of the watch to reveal a small control panel, which housed a screen displaying the words ‘NORMAL MODE’, Will pressed a red button on the touch screen panel and the screen now displayed ‘SECURE MODE’. “We can talk now,” he announced. “I have cloaked us so we’ll look like we’re not speaking.” “Okay,” said Eve slowly. “I’m so confused, what is your part in all of this?” “My family and I are guardians; we help to make sure Arkazatinia is kept secret—hence the speakeasy.” “Speakeasy?” “Yeah,” Will smiled. “My great grandad was American and was a young man during prohibition; he called the watch the speakeasy because it was easier to say than vox dissimulatrix.” “You mean to tell me that this space age cloaking device has been around since the twenties?” exclaimed Eve. “Well, not this model,” replied Will, “but others like it. My grandad had an actual Victorian style pocket watch; it is quite cool—very steampunky—my dad still has it. There have been many devices modified to conceal speech; that’s more or less what vox dissimulatrix means … oh, hang on.” Will switched the watch back to normal mode as the conductor approached them to check their tickets before turning back to secure mode and continuing. “I was given a speakeasy when I turned sixteen. When every member of my family reaches sixteen, they become a guardian, and we’re given the task of keeping the supernatural world a secret.” “How? Do you turn up when something strange happens and cover it up like some secret government agent?” “More or less,” smirked Will. “At least, the adults do, I’m only seventeen so I’m still in training.” “Why doesn’t the supernatural world just be more careful and then you wouldn’t have to cover stuff up?” “Most want their world to be kept secret, but there are a few who cause trouble in Lycea—that’s what they call our world. It is the role of the guardians to seek out the rogue Arkazatines and deal with them.” “Deal with them?” asked Eve. “You mean you kill them?” “Or send them back and have them arrested under Arkazatine law,” replied Will coolly. “Whatever it takes. To be honest, it sounds more exciting than it is; it is actually quite rare that we have to deal with anyone.” “Right.” Eve shook her head in disbelief. How had she known Will all her life and never known any of this until today? “So, this supernatural world,” she said. “What is it called again?” “The world is called Anaxagoras, the continent we cover is Arkazatinia, well, we cover part of it anyway.” “Ok, Arkazatinia, why hasn’t it been found by our world? How can a whole world exist on Earth and we don’t know about it.” “It exists on Earth, but on another level. It’s invisible to humans. I don’t really know how to explain it—I’m not sure if anyone does. Have you heard that sub-atomic particles behave differently at a quantum level and that some scientists have even suggested that it is evidence for an alternate dimension? That is perhaps the smallest hint of that world.” “Wow! So one day scientists could just stumble across it?” “They might do; some humans can detect the supernatural world, some people have ‘gifts’. Humans just write them off as being eccentric, but there have been some people who have managed to pass over. They are usually sent back home after their memory has been erased.” Eve pressed her hands to her head as she imagined plausible explanations for every UFO disappearance she had heard of—did she just think this was plausible? “This is hurting my brain,” she said. “I need coffee.” Will switched the watch to normal mode while they made their way to the buffet car to order coffee. On returning to their seats and with secure mode safely on, Eve took a sip of her coffee before continuing her interrogation. “These people we’re going to see? What are they called again?” “The Procnatus.” “Yes, why are we seeing them? Are they in charge?” “No,” he said, “their government, the Imperium, is in charge of Arkazatinia, but my dad always told me to speak to the Procnatus first in an emergency as they’re the most rational.” Will had spoken calmly though Eve could see that his eyes were betraying a hint of anxiety and she stopped her questioning.
…
…
Will shook Eve gently as the train arrived at Milton Keynes Central Station; she rubbed at her neck, which was now sore from dozing off with her head on the window. Her headache, at least, had subsided. “It’s not far,” he said, leading Eve out of the train station and into the streets. They walked for around ten minutes with Will using a map feature on his pocket watch to guide them. “We’re here,” he announced as they approached a large glass fronted building. “They live in a theatre?” “Their guild occupies the same level as the theatre; they’re not in it.” Will opened the reverse of the watch to reveal the control panel; he selected a new menu, and a lock replaced the speech display. Concealing the watch from view, he entered a password and instead of the theatre, they saw a beautiful neo-classical building fronted with massive columns. “That is amazing!” exclaimed Eve. “It looks just like the British Museum and it doesn’t…what? What is it made from?” Eve stared at the material used to construct the building, it looked like stone, but it moved, only slightly, but it definitely moved! “I was shocked the first time I saw it,” laughed Will. “All of the buildings in Anaxagoras are built from this, it’s like an organic material, and it can move and change shape. It’s because rocks and metals in this world are alive.” “Are you serious?” Eve spluttered. “So, the building could just decide to change shape if it feels like it?” “It’s alive in the same sense that a tree or a plant is alive,” chuckled Will. “They don’t just have rocks wandering around. They can manipulate the material to join with other materials to form and hold the shapes they want. It doesn’t grow like a tree or a plant or erode like a rock, so it has zero maintenance.” “Your watch thingy, that fluid isn’t just some weird case, it’s actually the metal?” “Yes.” “That’s amazing! What is it called?” “All the materials have different names, and I don’t remember any of them, apparently the guild has a great library.” “With real books or are they alive too?” Will laughed as he rang a bell at the door of the Guild of Procnatus and said, “No, the organic matter used to make books dies just as it does in our world.” An incredibly handsome man answered the door; Eve felt her mouth fall open at the sight of him. Will also seemed slightly fazed, but recovered quickly and said formally, “Good afternoon, I’m William Farley, I’m a Guardian of Arkazatinia, and I request an urgent audience with Lord Thalia.” The man glanced towards Eve, who blushed heavily. He did not react and looked back towards Will and asked, “Who is this? Another guardian?” “No,” replied Will, maintaining his cool, “I shall explain all to Her Lordship.” The man invited them into an elegant waiting area. Despite the grand exterior, the building did not have a vast entrance hall or high ceilings and instead showed a practical use of the great space. Both Eve and Will, expecting a breathtaking scene, found it a little disappointing. They were invited to sit in the waiting area chairs, which had the same ‘living’ properties as the building. Feeling a little creeped out, Eve preferred to stand. “Did you say Her Lordship?” she asked. “Yes,” Will said, “they have male and female lords.” “Weird,” replied Eve. “Why don’t you sit down? The chairs won’t hurt you.” “You said it forms new shapes with other material,” replied Eve, jumping away from the wall she had leaned on without thinking. “I don’t want to become part of a chair or a wall.” “They wouldn’t use it if it was that easy,” Will laughed, “they need a skilled alchemist to change them.” “I’ll stand all the same,” shuddered Eve. “It would be like sitting on a chair made from bugs.” Her eyes ventured towards the organic floor, and she began to shuffle uncomfortably. Will started to laugh, but quickly silenced himself as the door opened and a young woman entered. She appeared to be around nineteen or twenty and was incredibly beautiful. “This way,” she said, indicating for them to follow her through the door. She led them down a corridor rather grander than the entrance hall. The walls of the corridor were filled with portraits and news clippings of scientists and scientific feats through the ages. The walls were lined with display cabinets containing a trove of apparatus, gadgets and what looked like random junk. It should have looked cluttered, but its beautiful arrangement could easily pass for an exhibition. The girl led them into a large office and motioned for them to sit on two chairs in front of a solid oak desk. The office was like a library/laboratory hybrid. The walls were lined with thousands of leather-bound volumes, and more cabinets displayed everything from crude tools to microscopes and numerous planetarium and orrery models. Eve and Will sat (Eve was relieved to find that the wooden seats did not appear to move) and were surprised to find the girl had sat opposite them. “You’re Lord Thalia?” stuttered Will, blushing furiously. The girl smiled. “Pleased to meet you, Guardian,” she said. Eve studied her face; she was as fresh-faced as a skincare model, but her eyes appeared to be as old and wise as an ancient scholar. Will started to speak, but something about her gaze hushed him, she said gently, “I am not accustomed to visits from guardians, Mr Farley, nor am I accustomed to visits from humans who should be unacquainted with our world. I assume you have a good reason for this interruption?” Will nervously swallowed, he felt his heart beat faster and stammered, “I did not know where else to turn, my father has been taken … by … by a demon.” Thalia raised an eyebrow and betrayed a mix of alarm and confusion before quickly regaining her composure. “I sympathise, Mr Farley, really I do,” she said, “but we have a protocol and channels to follow. Surely you’re aware that Arkazatinia is controlled by the Imperium?” “Yes,” said Will, lowering his eyes, “but my father always told me to go to the Procnatus in matters of urgency as you are the most rational.” She smiled, it was a warm smile and she said, “It’s kind of your father to say so. I may be able to be of some assistance in this matter. Have you eaten?” Will relaxed a little; Eve had not noticed how tense he was until he did. He replied, “We had coffee on the train.” Thalia pressed a button on a panel on the desk. “Yes, My Lord?” came the crackled reply. “Mark, could you arrange for some refreshments to be brought to my office and ask Mikæl to attend?” “Yes, My Lord.” “So,” said Thalia, leaning back into her seat, “tell me about this demon.” Will and Eve glanced at each other before Will regaled Thalia with the events of the day. “My father, Andrew Farley, had been working in the garden before I got up around ten this morning when Eve phoned and said she was on her way.” His cheeks reddened and he felt a little foolish, but Thalia listened patiently and he continued. “Anyway, Eve and I went into the garden; I’d made my father a coffee and was taking it out to him when—” Will stopped as the door opened and another handsome male entered with a tray of food and drinks. Eve stared at the man who was even more beautiful than the man who had answered the door. Breathe, she told herself. He grinned and set the tray on the desk, he spoke in a jesting tone, “You called, my queen?” Thalia smiled at him and said, “William Farley and I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name—Miss?” “Eve Franklin,” said Eve, her cheeks burning. “This is Mikæl Livius Salinator; he is my head Consiliario or consul if you will.” “And head tea boy and bringer of scones,” Mikæl said, he winked at Eve and she blushed furiously. “Mr Farley was filling me in on a schedule twelve incident that occurred earlier today in Lycea. Please continue.” Mikæl appeared intrigued and perched on the edge of Thalia’s desk and folded his arms. Eve peeled her eyes from his bulging biceps when she realised that she was not breathing. Will continued, “Eve and I had taken a coffee to my father in the garden and we saw that he was speaking to someone, it appeared to be a heated discussion. I asked Eve to wait inside, and I approached my father. I noticed that he was speaking with a demon—it was humanlike with eyes like green glass and its nails were like talons.” “That’s an Asmodeus demon,” observed Mikæl. Thalia showed no reaction. “I called out to my father to ask if everything was okay,” continued Will, “and the demon grabbed me and said, ‘I could take him, I could take him somewhere you’ll never find him.’ My father shouted at him to let me go and said he would do what he asked. Eve heard the raised voices and came into the garden. The demon moved from me to her, he taunted me and said that he could easily kill her. I shouted at him to ask what he wanted. He laughed at me and squeezed Eve around the neck. I tried to fight him off, but he threw me across the garden. “He said that he had a message for the Imperium; he said, ‘you tell the Imperium that we want our seat and we will attack Lycea until we have it. We will start a war with the Imperium, with Lycea and with anyone who gets in our way. Here’s some incentive for you, I’ll kill your little girlfriend.’ I picked up a garden fork and drove it into his back and he let her go. He just laughed at me and said ‘you have spirit, little guardian, I like that. You pass on the message; tell the Imperium if they want to keep Lycea safe and get their guardian back, then we want our seat.’ Then he grabbed my father, leapt over the fence and left.” Eve pulled down the collar of her sweater to reveal the bruises the demon had left behind. Thalia had stood and was pacing nervously as she listened. “This situation could have been avoided if the Imperium weren’t so stubborn,” she said. “I can only see things becoming worse.” “What do you mean?” asked Eve. “Our government, the Imperium,” replied Mikæl, “thought it wise to exclude the demonic officials from the court. Demons have always been part of the Crown Alliance, the Crown was like our monarchy, and now we have the Imperium the demons are not included and they’re not happy about it. It’s a dangerous situation because the Imperium is unwilling to cave on giving a seat to the demons and the demons will up the ante.” “I’m sorry if I sound a bit dumb, but,” said Eve, “demons have officials and want a say in parliament? That makes no sense to me; I mean, why do they care? They’re evil; they can do what they want, right?” “It’s a common misconception,” said Thalia, “demons aren’t inherently evil, like everyone they are both good and bad. They have a role to play in the world like everyone else and that role is to provide balance. They challenge people, tempt them from righteousness to test who proves worthy to enter paradise. The demons were angels once, but they tired of the oppression they faced under Heaven’s strict rules and started a rebellion, which got very messy and saw them cast out. They formed Hell, their own system and lived by their own rules. “They did eventually make a truce with Heaven, but they were never invited back—it seems they preferred Hell anyway. However, they did agree that they would work with Heaven to test for worthiness and have done so ever since. Demons now live and work between Hell, Anaxagoras and Lycea. The Imperator is of the opinion that the demons do not belong in our world, and he wants them cast out of Arkazatinia. He does not seem to realise the consequences of excluding them, the demons had been oppressed before and waged war on Heaven because of that. Even Heaven had to compromise with them eventually.” “So, what now?” asked Will. “How can I get my father back? Do I need to speak to the Imperium?” “That is what protocol commands we do,” replied Thalia. “I fear involving them will serve only to make matters worse. Mikæl, your thoughts?” Mikæl was on his feet, he was fiddling with the instruments on the display cabinets. He answered, “Taking hostages and revealing themselves to humans is out of character for demons, it seems they have grown quite desperate in their rage against the Imperium. I agree involving the Imperium will only fuel their cause against the demons and we risk the life of your father. Mr Farley, whatever action they deem appropriate is unlikely to be a course, which will prioritise the life of one man. The Imperium has already proposed war against the demonic forces and if we involve them, it will not end well.” “What option is there?” asked Will anxiously. “We have always had an accord with the demons,” answered Thalia. “I shall visit Prince Calab, the head of the Asmodeus demons, and try to reason with him.” “Isn’t that dangerous?” exclaimed Eve. “They could kill you!” “He may not listen to reason, but I shall not be harmed,” she replied calmly. “Mikæl, will you accompany me?” “Of course, my queen,” he smiled. “I want to go too,” said Will. “If you’re going, Will, so am I.” “I will make the arrangements,” said Thalia, pressing the call button on the control panel desk. “Mark, could you arrange for transport to convey four to the Guild of Asmodeus and call ahead to advise we seek an audience with the prince.”
…
The transport Thalia had requested was a vector. It resembled a horse-drawn carriage, but required no horse and propelled along silently at great speed. Eve could not identify a power source, but assumed it had some sort of battery as it had an electronic control panel programmed with the destination. The vector sped away from the guild so fast that Eve could only see the distant landscape of Arkazatinia, anything closer blurred. It was charming and very like the English countryside. “Is your home based on the British Museum?” asked Eve. “It is a similar classical style,” she said. “The guild has changed many times; we usually model other buildings of interest to us. The last model was based on the Pantheon though having a round building limited the available space considerably. When I was much younger, I had a thing for large empty spaces but as I have gotten older, I have realised that we actually need to use indoor space for more than ‘gazing in awe’. We kept the columned frontage and changed the rest of the building and the interior so that it was more practical.” “It’s gorgeous,” Eve smiled. “Thank you,” Thalia smiled back. “Does everyone live at the guild?” asked Eve. “I’m sorry, I’m being nosey.” “Not at all,” grinned Thalia. “And no, many live out in Eurasia or in Lycea. The guild is mostly home to the younger generation and the troublemakers who can’t be trusted outside and would otherwise end up on the wrong side of Mr Farley’s sword.” Eve’s curiosity was piqued and she had a ton more questions; however, she worried that she was becoming an annoyance and bit her tongue.
…
The demon led them through to an impressive library, Eve gasped—the library was so vast she thought it must house every book ever written. Sat in an armchair aside an open fire was the demon who had attacked them. His face made Eve gasp and although he appeared much calmer than he had that morning, his appearance was quite terrifying. He looked to be no more than twenty and had a lovely mop of black, curly hair, but his thickset features and a cruel twist to his mouth gave the impression of an ancient evil lurking within. He could have passed for human, albeit an unattractive one, had it not been for his eyes. They were like brilliant green emeralds or marbles, or as Will had described—like glass. He also had long, deadly claws, which protruded about two inches from the end of each finger. “Calab,” smiled Thalia, extending a warm greeting. Calab looked somewhat puzzled when he noticed Eve and Will, but returned the greeting. “Thalia,” he said, kissing her cheek, “a pleasure as always.” He invited her and Mikæl to sit by the fire, motioned for Eve and Will to sit at a desk behind them, and said, “Thalia, I must say I am somewhat concerned that you have arrived here with the two humans. Are you doing the Imperator’s bidding now?” “Not if I can help it,” replied Thalia. “Mr Farley came to me as his father had instructed him to seek out the Procnatus rather than the Imperium in times of need. I have not contacted the Imperium and I rather hope we can avoid doing so. It won’t help your cause Calab; it will only give them further ammunition against you.” “What choice do we have?” asked Calab angrily. “The other princes and I, we won’t be without rights and without a voice. We have existed peacefully in Arkazatinia for thousands of years, Thalia, we don’t deserve this.” “I am on your side, Calab; I have been very vocal in my opinions of your lack of presence in court. The Imperium has tried to have me voted out because of that. Fortunately, it wasn’t supported.” “Yet our exclusion was supported?” “It wasn’t—isn’t. The Imperium has not put it to a vote, I have implored them to do so, but they refuse. The other Arkazatines are supportive of your seat.” Calab bit his lip and relaxed into his chair. “Why are they so determined to run us out?” he asked. “I don’t know,” said Thalia. “But I do know that acts of war and attacks on Lycea will not help and you risk alienating your allies.” “Including you?” “Calab, you know we won’t have a choice,” she said sadly. “We have to protect Arkazatinia and protect Lycea from threats from Arkazatinia. We have been friends a long time; I’d hate to see us fall out. The Imperium is the problem, I’ve already moved for a vote of no confidence in the regime. Please let’s tackle this through the appropriate channels; let us spare lives and the exposure of our world.” Calab took a deep breath. “Charon, release the prisoner,” he instructed the demon who had let them in. Charon nodded and left the room. “You’re right as always, Thalia.” The demon gently took the thorian’s hand in his taloned hand and said, “I have acted irrationally and out of desperation. I will listen to your counsel, but if your method does not amount to change, then we will take action.” Thalia nodded and said calmly, “I understand; however, I would urge you to speak with me before making any decisions.” The door opened and Charon entered with Andrew Farley, who looked furious. “You’re free to go, Guardian,” said Calab, turning Will and Eve. “I assure you he is unharmed and I offer my apologies for this morning. I would not have killed you, human; I was merely trying to be heard.” Eve nodded and gave a thin smile. She thought she would be filled with hate for the demon who had left her bruised and fearing for her life; however, she was surprised to find she sympathised with his plight. “That’s all well and good,” snapped Andrew, “but what happens the next time you don’t get your way. It’s only a matter of time before you kill someone!” Calab snarled at Andrew. “There will be a war if the Imperium does not allow us the same rights as everyone else and unfortunately, wars have casualties!” “It isn’t just you,” Andrew snarled back. “Guardians haven’t been given a seat either. We’re supposed to risk our lives defending our worlds and we have never had a say. It baffles me that you thought the Imperium would be concerned for my safe return. If my son had gone to them, he’d have done them a favour and given them a reason to take action against you.” Calab shuffled in his seat, his brow furrowed with irritation, “Well, it seems everyone has drawn that conclusion,” he said dejectedly. “You would too if you thought anything through!” continued Andrew. Mikæl stood and said sternly, “We should not be quarrelling amongst ourselves. The Imperator clearly has an agenda and fighting amongst ourselves or endangering the lives of the innocent will not help anyone.” Thalia looked thoughtfully at Mikæl and said, “Mikæl is right, he does have an agenda. I don’t know what it is but it involves more than just levying and wasting taxes.” “So, we rally our armies and start a rebellion!” stated Calab. Thalia shook her head and replied, “We shouldn’t be so quick to resort to acts of war, we first need to try and settle this by non-violent means.” “I will go along with you, for now, Thalia, but,” said Calab, “there will be a war, I feel it, and you will need to decide which side you’re fighting for when it happens.”
ONE MORE CHAPTER
by K.S. Thomas GENRE: Contemporary Romance
Having overdosed on the cold, unyielding aspects of reality at an early age, books became a welcome escape I was happy to dedicate my life to. Editing romance novels seemed like the perfect career choice for the girl who craved fantasy and a world she could exercise a little control over. Bottom line, I like having a happy ending I can count on.
Until...Jensen.
Where I prefer to have my head in the clouds, unattached to the tumultuous roller-coaster of real life, his feet are so firmly planted on the ground, they're sinking in and getting buried there.
Jensen seems an unlikely hero for any story, let alone mine. He's moody. And confused. And pretty damn sure there's no such thing as happy ever after.
But then that's the thing about all the best happy endings. They show up when you least expect them to.
“I don’t know how to do this.”
“Which part?” Because if it’s a simple matter of explaining the polite way to end a casual weekend sleepover, which incidentally was sex free, I can help him out no problem. Anything beyond that and we’re probably both in over our heads here.
Finally, his gaze moves to meet mine. Only now I feel compelled to look away.
“Walking away. It's the right thing to do. It's what you should have done when I told you to. But you didn't. And you made me do it. And I did." He pauses to take a deep, painful breath but his eyes never waver from mine. “Then you came back and now... I don’t know how to walk away from you this time, Karma. But I can’t stay. I have nothing left to give you if I stay… And plenty I want to take.”
“What if you can have it?” I breathe.
He shakes his head slowly. “I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because it would be wrong.”
I swallow hard several times, the intensity wearing on me. “Maybe it would be wrong not to. Maybe there’s a reason neither of us can figure out how to walk away even though walking away would clearly be less complicated. Maybe we’re not supposed to.”
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Then stop trying to pretend this isn’t happening. Whatever it is, you and me, it’s something. It’s real.”
He exhales loudly, his chin dropping to his chest and I breathe in until the air fills my stomach, making up for the shallow breathing I succumbed to during this conversation.
His hand is still in my hair, his wrist loosely resting on my collar bone. Who is he kidding? He can’t walk away. He can’t even let go.
Then he realizes it too. His grip on my curls tightens and when his jaw rises up enough for him to look down on me, the brazen look in his eyes is beyond anything I’ve ever seen in them before.
“I’m going to fuck this up,” he whispers.
“Probably,” I say quietly, “but you might get it right. It’s a chance I’m willing to take.”
“You’re crazy,” he murmurs, his mouth moving dangerously close to mine.
“Certifiably.” And I close the gap between us just to prove it.
Dog Lover who likes her pastries full of cream and sugar….oh…and I write some ;-)
Aside from being an author, I am also a mom to a beautiful 5 year old little girl. I tell everyone I named her after my great-grandmother (because that’s the mature answer), but really, I named her after my favorite princess – just so happens I got lucky and they had the same name…If I wasn’t a writer, I would work on a horse ranch – I’m an animal lover (in addition to dogs, horses are at the top of my list). I wear flip-flops pretty much everywhere I go. I would rather stay awake until 5 am than get up at 5 am (years of bar tending have left their mark), if I can, I’m going to the beach AND I will always be nice to people who bring me chocolate…or coffee…if you bring me both, I’ll probably love you forever. A gypsy at heart, I write the way I live, following the story wherever it may lead, always ready to start the next one. This is clearly reflected in my body of work which to date includes everything from Children’s Lit to Thrillers.
I happily reside in sunny Florida (for now) and always enjoy hearing from fellow readers!!
Hotshot Heroes: Strong Enough to Love
Crave your men hot, alpha, and strong? Then fall in love with Hotshot Heroes: Strong Enough to Love
6 full-length action-suspense romances plus one bonus novella from NY Times, USA Today, and International bestselling authors. Fall in love with sexy agents, cowboy sheriffs, firemen, bikers, and more. Danger, excitement, and heart-pounding romance await the women who love these brash and protective men. Get yours today.
Special Agent Maximilian by Mimi Barbour
Identical twins meet by chance & all hell breaks loose! In this electrifying romantic suspense set in the steamy streets of New Orleans, Lieutenant Commander Nik Baudin accidentally meets up with an identical twin he never knew existed. When his brother Max goes missing, Nik assumes his identity as Special Agent Maximilian. This gives him access to FBI files making it easier to arrest the gangsters who attacked his brother and to stop their trafficking of underage girls. Being that Nik has specialized commando training, he’s the perfect man for the job - that’s if his PTSD doesn’t kick in and leave him cowering in a corner. Special Agent Maya Barnes can’t believe it when she spots her partner, Max Foster, wandering along the French market without a care in the world. Since he’d been beaten and had gone missing weeks earlier, they all believed him dead. There’s only one problem… though this man might look exactly like the missing agent, she knows differently. In all the years they’ve worked together, she’s never wanted to have mind-blowing sex with her partner before.
Murphy’s Law by Jennifer Lowery
Home is the last place Jon Murphy can go. After being held captive in Azbakastan, he returns to the States only to find he can’t face his mom and sisters with what he did while he was a prisoner, so he retreats to the mountains. Widow Sara Sheldon has made a lifetime of mistakes and is now running scared from her husband’s powerful family, who are determined to take her daughter away from her. When her little girl goes missing in the Rockies, Sara enlists the only help she can find: a gruff recluse with tracking skills to admire and a body to covet. A storm strands Sara and her daughter at Murphy’s cabin, leaving her no choice but to hope her in-laws don’t catch up while she plans where to run next. Murphy resents the invasion of his privacy, but can’t seem to keep his mind--or his hands--off Sara. How can she stand to look at him, with all his scars? He’s not nearly as honorable as she might think…only enough to make sure she’s safe, and then he’ll go back to being alone, the way he should be.
Blazing Hotter (Love Under Fire – 2) by Chantel Rhondeau
Former bad boy and firefighter Frankie Hernandez struggles to recover from debilitating injuries sustained during his last fire. Physical therapist Cassie Flick is at her wit's end with the handsome hunk, conspiring with his friends to get Frankie’s life back despite his intense pain. Those plans get derailed when she receives a delivery from an unknown source. Roses are sweet, but a note inside them threatening Cassie isn’t. There’s a killer loose in Sayle, Washington, and Frankie isn't about to let Cassie face this threat alone, no matter what it costs him physically. The more time they spend together, the closer they become and the higher the stakes are for Frankie to overcome his disabilities and protect her. Together they race to discover who’s killing women in their city, fighting to solve the mystery before Cassie becomes the next victim.
My Calling by Lyssa Layne
Fresh out of paramedic school, Saylor Warner can’t wait to start saving lives. At sixteen, she watched the man who raised her be gunned down and stood by unable to do anything except shed tears and watch her uncle die. It’s taken her six years to be able to fulfill her calling of helping others but the day has finally arrived and she’s ecstatic. Jonathan “Beck” Beckerdyte isn’t exactly what you’d call a people person. He’s spent the last six years trying to stay out of the public eye but now, his calling has led him into the field of civil service. Less than excited about his new job riding in a rig all day and attending to medical emergencies, Beck deals with it because he’s made it his mission to watch over Saylor Warner… except Saylor doesn’t know that. Jamie English has sworn off all men because she was left by her teenage sweetheart to raise their daughter on her own. When Jamie’s father—the sheriff—is shot, he names Jamie as interim sheriff. She seeks help from CBI Agent Austin Varner, who is still shaken after the death of his last partner. However intrigued he is by the sexy, blonde sheriff, the agent keeps his feelings strictly professional. As they follow a trail of clues that leads into the Colorado Mountains Jamie and Austin dodge a killer and fall in love.
Playing Without Rules (A Baseball Romance) by Rachelle Ayala
Marcia Powers has more than she can handle with an elderly father, a business to run, and a four-year-old daughter posing as her baby sister. Brock Carter’s back in town to rekindle his romance with Marcia, and this time, he’s not letting her run him out of town. Marcia is unable to resist Brock, but determined to keep her secret. Brock’s already lost his heart to Marcia once. Will he lose every dream, including baseball, when he discovers the real reason Marcia sent him away?
Bad Boys for Hire: Ryker, Bad Boys for Hire Series Book #1 by Rachelle Ayala [Bonus Book]
Florist Terri Martin lives a calm and peaceful life. Maybe too calm and too peaceful because she can’t remember the last time she was in a relationship. Terri calls Bad Boys for Hire to book herself a date for her thirtieth birthday party, but before she can hire one, she meets Ryker Slade and his bad-ass motorcycle. Old vendettas resurface and soon, Terri has more than she can handle when she learns that her and Ryker’s love is as doomed as Romeo and Juliet’s. Ryker thinks he has a way out, but can Terri escape her fate, or will she find her lover dead before she wakes?
Mimi lives on the East coast of Vancouver Island with her loving husband and a son who makes her glad she was born a woman. Also has a niece whose family adds greatly to her enjoyment of life, and she's a happy soul. Gardening lights her inner fires, but alas, there's just not enough time to be outside when fictional characters vie to be heard.
NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Jennifer Lowery grew up reading romance novels in the back of her math book and on the bus to school, and never wanted to be anything but a writer. Her summers were spent sitting at the kitchen table with her sisters spinning tales of romance and intrigue and always with a tall glass of iced tea at their side.
Today, Jennifer is living that dream and she couldn’t be happier to share her passion with her readers. She loves everything there is about romance. Her stories feature alpha heroes who meet their match with strong, independent heroines. She believes that happily ever after is only the beginning of her stories. And the road to that happy ending is paved with action, adventure, and romance. As her characters find out when they face danger, overcome fears, and are forced to look deep within themselves to discover love.
Jennifer lives in Michigan with her husband and two children. When she isn’t writing she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Best-selling author Chantel Rhondeau once thought a great mystery or fantasy book with strong romantic themes was the highest level of reading bliss. After reading her first romantic suspense novel, she never looked back. Chantel is author of seven romantic suspense novels, three Christmas novellas, and the contemporary romance McCallister’s Paradise series. She lives in the western United States, and when she's not writing she loves playing cards with her family, bowling on leagues, and snuggling with her lazy kitties.
Lyssa Layne is a blogger turned author after being inspired by Rachelle Ayala. She enjoys hot romances and loves to shock her readers right until the final page. Lyssa enjoys chasing after her four-year-old daughter, being a tourist in her own city, and anything involving peanut butter.
Falling in love with romance novels the summer before sixth grade, D’Ann Lindun never thought about writing one until many years later when she took a how-to class at her local college. She was hooked! She began writing and never looked back. Romance appeals to her because there's just something so satisfying about writing a book guaranteed to have a happy ending. D’Ann’s particular favorites usually feature cowboys and the women who love them. This is probably because she draws inspiration from the area where she lives, Western Colorado, her husband of twenty-nine years and their daughter. Composites of their small farm, herd of horses, five Australian shepherds, a Queensland heeler, two ducks and cats of every shape and color often show up in her stories!
Rachelle Ayala is a bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She writes from sweet to steamy and believes that everyone should find love as often as possible, even if it's within the pages of a book. Rachelle is working on a sweet series of romances with pets and firemen, Have a Hart Romances, and one full of bad boys, Bad Boys for Hire. She also writes sports romances in both football and baseball, as well as many holiday romances, both sweet and spicy.
PROMO TOUR FOR NICCI CARRERA
LOVE CATERS ALLby Nicci Carrera Official genre of book: contemporary romance
When hard-driving CEO Rick Nordan arrives in Lobster Cove under strict orders from the family doctor to take a break, he discovers the rental house comes with a family attached, including one sexy dynamo of a caterer. She's nothing like his ex-fiancee who wouldn't sign a pre-nup, but maybe that means she's the real deal and not a gold digger.
Maya Cruz wants life for her widowed mother to get easier by renting out her house during the summer. But teaching Mama business means explaining Rick isn't a "guest," he's a "customer." And the first thing Mama does is invite Rick to join their family activities. Having Rick around wouldn't be so bad if Maya didn't find him so attractive. The last time she fell for a vacationing millionaire, she had her heart broken.
She swore off his type, and he's not looking, but this might be a recipe for love.
“Doc made me unplug. Ordered me to read books. Even went so far as to write out a prescription.” Rick reached in his pocket.
She took the paper he’d retrieved and read it. Sure enough, their website and the words, No electronics, read a book were scrawled on an Rx sheet in Doc’s handwriting. She handed back the note. “I’d recognize Doc’s penmanship anywhere.”
“Penmanship!” Rick grinned. “You can see from Doc’s chicken scratch, if I had to rely on the Internet for entertainment I’d be out of luck. It’s old-fashioned bound-paper for me this week.”
“I love books. In our library, you’ll find the classics, westerns, and some spicy romance.” Maya thought she’d just toss the last genre in there to see how he’d react. He grinned. Her stomach fluttered. This man was nothing like the conceited ass she’d dated last summer. Both men might be rich, but they were so different. “History, biography, and a Bible.”
“Will there be a quiz?”
“Only on the romance.” His laugh was so sensuous she could roll in it.
“I really need to dry the floor. I’ll get a rag. Excuse me.”
Mama passed her at the hall closet. “We should invite Mr. Nordan to our party tomorrow.”
Oh no. Rick was going to meet the gorgeous twins before Maya even had a single date with him.
I just finished reading Love Caters All. What a good, fun read! Nicci Carrera creates a fiery romance between a hot-shot Silicon Valley exec and an independent owner of a catering business in small-town Maine. Obviously opposites attract between these two, and the bi-coastal setting and Nicci's humerous dialog gives the story an extra edge. I enjoyed reading about the characters' different lifestyles and how they found love after tackling several twists and turns along the way. I definitely recommend it! By catherine hampel Verified Purchase
I received an ARC of this delightful novella and enjoyed it so much I purchased a copy for my Kindle. : )
Back to Love Caters All, I enjoyed the Cruz family and how they all bounced off of each other. I especially loved the heroine’s food truck and it made me think of the movie Chef which I watched this summer. Maya Cruz is a strong, independent woman who gives up much in her own life to care for her mother and younger sisters after her father’s sudden death. It takes an unlikely hero, in billionaire Rick Nordan, to make her sit up and take notice of her own life. It takes that hero to roll up his sleeves, and allow her to let someone else carry some of the burdens of life. To let love in. These two are truly so well-suited, and yet they have many issues to overcome before they can find their way to real happiness.
The author has an easy style and I found myself immediately drawn in to this story, and I read the novella in one afternoon. Her glimpse into the hero’s corporate life in California brought authenticity to the story and provided a fascinating contrast to the life the heroine encountered back in Maine. By Roben Verified Purchase
THIRD STRIKE'S THE CHARM
by Nicci Carrera Official genre of book: contemporary romance
Super student Cara Cruz made it all the way through her prestigious MBA program only to choke on the last final. Ordered by her advisor to take the summer off and clear her head, she’s home in Lobster Cove for some fun before retaking the exam. If she fails a second time, she will lose her dream job offer in Chicago. Meanwhile her best friend happens to be her ex-boyfriend’s mom, which means close contact with the man who broke her heart. Twice. This time she’ll protect her heart no matter the cost.
Ex-major-league baseball pitcher Jason Ward blew his money, his elbow, and his love life. Now at home taking care of his mom and working on a new life plan, he wants Cara back, but he already struck out, didn’t he? Maybe not, and now his mission is to win her back without telling her the truth about why he really came home.
Winning at love will be the only play that counts.
“I found out I couldn’t go back to the majors the day of Maya’s wedding.”
She remembered his anger, the way he stormed off, how hurt she’d been at the time. “Oh no! I’m so sorry.” That news made Maya’s wedding day one of the worst of his life. “I had no idea.”
“I know. That’s why I wanted to tell you. I was in a really bad state of mind that day. I acted like such a jerk.”
Her heart constricted. “The whole kiss thing was an accident, and I made it worse by not sorting it out right away. Now to find out you had that awful news hanging over your head makes me feel even worse.”
He frowned. “I overreacted.”
“Well, it’s understandable now.”
He cleared his throat, meeting her gaze. “Now that we have that cleared up, are you seeing someone?”
Did he want to try again? Her heart gave an inappropriate little bump. Remember your MBA, your new job. And remember how many times Jason disappointed you. “No. I’m not seeing anyone. I need to get my career settled before I think about anything like that.”
He frowned, and then nodded.
Nicci Carrera lives to write contemporary and spicy love stories with sassy heroines and sexy heroes. Nicci believes the perfect man makes lots of bread…the kind you eat hot from the oven with butter. She lives in Silicon Valley with her husband, and yes, he bakes all their bread. When not at her keyboard writing a romance, in the kitchen, or curled up with a book, Nicci enjoys photography and long walks.
TAKE TWO
A Picture Perfect Novel
by
Traci Hayden
Cover Designer: JC Clarke @ The Graphics Shed
Official genre of book: Contemporary Romance
Beth Huntley, photographer and devoted bachelorette, doesn’t believe in true love. Too much hurt and disappointment has left her hiding behind the camera. All she can see is a black and white world through the lens.
William Lorde, widower and father, was once an open and carefree man. The loss of his wife has left him wrapped up in the needs of his little girl. He can no longer see the colors of the world as he struggles each and every day. What happens when these two similarly different people meet and help each other to step out of the world they’ve created for themselves? Will they find a love that helps them heal from the past, enjoy their present and create a beautiful future?
Beth was tucked in to my side, my arm draped over her shoulders, and I rubbed her arm supportively. My other hand was covering one of her hands, keeping it from digging at her wrist.
Speechless, I listened for a second time to Beth's tale about a package she had been hiding. Her father and Jackie seemed to be just as shocked as I’d been. I wasn't sure how this conversation between her and Ryan was going to play out.
"All right, explain this again." Ryan asked sharply. “And they better be short sentences. Do you understand me?”
“Yes.” Beth's voice was shaky and understandably so. “Sunday I found an envelope on the steps of the house.”
“And you brought it in the house.” Ryan's voice went up an octave. “I've got that part. What I want clarification on, child, is... what was in it.”
Beth pushed her body tighter into mine. I continued to support her as much as possible.
“I'm waiting.”
This attitude Ryan was taking reminded me of a cop rather than a father. I wasn't fond of it and was about to say so when Beth accidentally cut me off.
“Dad, stop.” She fell out of my arms faster than I thought physically possible. “I know I screwed up. But right now I need my father not a dictator.”
Ryan's face blanched as his eyes bulged. He took a deep breath as he flexed his fists. After a momentary stare down with his daughter, his body sagged. “Beth, I'm sorry, but you've put so many people in danger here.”
“You don't think I know that. I messed up, okay? But I can't change the mistake. I can only try to correct it.” She admitted as she walked over and fell into him.
I could see a future me as he wrapped her up protectively in his arms. “Beth, explain the pictures again.”
“There were three. One was me and Jude. One had William, Angel and I at the park. And the other...” She paused. She had been terrified of the meaning of the last one when she told me the story. “I was by myself.”
“Where is the envelope now?” Ryan asked quietly. It was obvious he had the same realization that Beth and I had.
"In my room at home," Beth answered.
Ryan reached for his phone, tapped on the screen before putting it to his ear. "Answer the phone, boy," Ryan said, muttering to himself. "Wyatt? Call me when you get this message."
"Dad, please," Beth begged. "Don't drag Wyatt into this."
I could see her body tense and I worried that she was in the starting stages of another attack. I wanted to do something, say something that could give Beth a few moments to compose herself.
"Ryan, dear, can we just drop this subject for now? Nothing can be done till Wyatt calls, and I'm sure Beth's been dealing with all of this for long enough." Jackie was quick to assess the situation too.
"Thank you, Jackie, but I think William and I still have some talking to do," Beth objected.
She reached out her hand, silently asking me to come with her. I followed her out to the backyard. Beth stopped and turned, throwing her body against mine. She squeezed her arms tightly around my waist. "I'm so sorry."
I cocooned her within my arms. "Sorry for what?"
"For pulling you and Angel into this." Beth's voice was muffled against my chest. "I'll understand if you want to walk away now. It'll be safer for you if you did."
"What, wait... what?" I didn't even know where to start with this conversation. I pushed Beth away from me so I could look down into her eyes. "Are you serious? Why the hell would I walk away now, after I’ve fought for so long to get you to open up and trust me?"
"I just thought..." Beth was lost and confused.
She’d never dealt with anything like this before. Of course, I’d never dealt with anything like this either, unless you considered the Crystal situation.
"I love you, Beth. I won't walk away when you need me most," I stated firmly, cupping my hand on her cheek.
Beth's face paled, and her mouth dropped. "You... you love me?"
I realized what I’d said. The words had been spoken, the feelings exposed. I knew how she felt, she had said it, and we knew how much we both meant to each other.
"Wasn't exactly how I wanted to tell you, but, yes. I love you, Elizabeth Diane Huntley. I would move heaven and earth to make sure you and Angel were safe, secure and protected from all the evils in this world," I declared. "You are now, and always will be, my life. Wherever this world takes you, Angel and I will follow."
Beth fell against me, hanging onto me as if I was the only tangible thing on Earth which existed for her. Her final wall fell as she gave in to the knowledge that she could find happiness in love.
✯ This book is specially discounted till release tour is over. Get your copy today. ✯
My love for books began at a very small age. I lived inside the many worlds the local library could provide. The characters within those pages were my companions and my support when I needed someone most.
My imagination began to soar as I grew. I began writing small poems as a teenager, but never thought much about publishing or expanding beyond put my words to paper.
After my children were born our love for a certain TV show fueled my love for writing. Using my children as inspiration, I began to write fanfiction, my children being the characters within the stories.
My passion for putting words to paper (or screen as is the norm now) has turned from passion to obsession. I've made some incredible friends through this journey and in turn, have become not only an author but a promoter and supporter for those whose imagination dreams character and worlds that I can lose myself in.
I thank my precious children, my beautiful soul-mate and my forever sister and best friend for being my constant rock and support as I continue to walk this road called life.
Title: Weathered Love
Author: Tracie Redmond Cover Reveal: April 28
Release Date: May 26
Hosted by: Always Behind A Book
Life doesn’t come with a weather forecast. There isn’t a report to tell you when a storm is coming. When the dark clouds roll in, you are lost to the depths of your own making.
Camaron Willis only had one person he could count on. One person who could always lift him up. After almost destroying their friendship he has to sit back and watch her marry someone else.
His world is consumed with darkness as the storm clouds wage on in his life. The only escape he can find is at the bottom of a bottle. He works, he drinks, and he sleeps with any woman who is willing to spread her legs. He doesn’t even realize the darkness has consumed him, until he finally catches a break in the clouds and finds a glimpse of light shining through
Guided Love (The Prick Series Book 1)ON SALE FOR ONLY 99 PENNIES
I was born and raised in Northeastern, Pennsylvania where I still live today with my husband and three beautiful children. Like everyone, I have had my ups and downs and have seen my life take a complete change. Previously, I was a working mom putting in 60 hours a week as a Financial Advisor but with the sudden loss of my mom who was my best friend I found myself giving up the suits and meetings for jeans and snack time. I have always had the passion for reading and found an escape through the words of all the talented authors I have read. My passion allowed me the opportunity to blog and to get a wonderful insight into the indie world. I have enormous pride and stay true to the characters and their stories as they reveal themselves to me. I am so excited to have this opportunity to share my stories and hope you love them as much as I do
First Glance: A Boxed Set of 13 Romances
Love your romance with variety? Love the joy of knowing you’re finding a brand new series with more fab books to follow?
FIRST GLANCE gives you 13, very different, exciting series for you to fall in love with! There’s something for every taste in these 13 romances from USA Today and Amazon Bestselling authors. From light paranormal, to Motorcycle Club romantic suspense, to New Adult, reunited first loves and sports and even a taste of forbidden love.
First Glance has it all: sexy heroes and smart heroines in love stories to make you cheer, sigh, and beg for more.
X Marks the Spot -- Kimmie Easley
Jolene Miller barely escaped the dark underworld of being the president’s daughter of a notorious motorcycle club. After having her heart broken by Ronin, the MC’s Sargent at Arms, she tried to navigate a normal life as an up and coming criminal defense attorney.
When the only family she’s ever known comes under fire, Jolene rushes home to Jericho, California to step in - only to find it’s not just the club who needs her.
Ronin is wanted for murder.
Can Jolene let go of their tortured past in order to save their future?
It's a Marshmallow World – Diane Rinella
Once upon a time, Darla was given a mystical gift, along with an ominous message. Now, meeting Chris puts her head in a spin. Could it be that gift from long ago holds the key to their happiness?
The Rock and Roll Fantasy Collection features standalone novels where the characters’ love of music plays a pivotal role in both their lives and the plot. The standalone novellas revolve around the supporting characters. Although the books can be read in any order, those who wish to enjoy the entire collection should start with It's A Marshmallow World before moving on to Scary Modsters ... and Creepy Freaks, Queen Midas In Reverse, followed by Voices Carry. Please watch for Moonlight Serenade, coming soon.
Racing Hearts -- Marcia James
Relish the romantic journey as two close friends slide into love! This sensual contemporary romance novella is the first in the dog-lovers' "Klein's K-9s" series, featuring a service dog training facility, its skilled staff, and its compassionate volunteers.
Stock car legend, Tom "Torque" Tyler, faces a bleak future following an off-track car wreck. Thanks to a traumatic head injury, he's developed epileptic seizures that ended his career. To avoid tabloid reporters and well-meaning friends, Tom holes up in a cottage behind high walls in his hometown of Jenkins, N.C. What will he do now that everything that mattered is gone?
Service dog trainer and good friend, Meg Klein, shows up on Tom's doorstep with a seizure alert dog. Bob, a tiny but talented canine, makes it impossible for Tom to maintain his black mood. And Meg is determined to drag her high-school crush out of his self-imposed solitude -- even if it means issuing a sensual double-dog-dare. Will the paparazzi ruin her best-laid plans?
Can two very different people forge a future together with the help of a pint-sized canine Cupid?
Just Dessert -- Kelly Collins
Pure hearted Katarina Cross has a simple life plan; finish school and find a job. Everything is on track until Damon Noble walks onto the scene. He’s the sweetest confection she has ever laid eyes on.
Standing in for a friend who runs an escort service, Kat agrees to accompany one man for one night. How hard could it be? All she has to do is smile and look pretty.
After his last girlfriend left a bad taste in his mouth for commitment, Damon nixes the idea of a relationship. He simply orders and pays for what he needs. Why ask for the full menu when you can just order dessert?
A chance meeting, a book club and a penchant for dessert will change everything.
This is book one in a series, but it is a stand-alone contemporary romance novel. There are no cliffhangers just hot Alpha male millionaires and an intriguing story.
Conflicted On 5th Avenue – Abbie St. Claire
Widower and orthopedic surgeon, Ian Briggs has room in his life for two things, his practice and his son, Oliver. A forced relocation shakes up more than his sense of direction when he finds himself captivated and lusting for his new neighbor.
Chelsie Peterson is piecing together the shattered fragments of her life. A divorce from her cheating and emotionally abusive husband leaves her a single mother and doubting her value as a woman.
Fiery impulses entice Ian and Chelsie to surrender to a passionate and inconvenient romance. Is there more than the desire to escape the frenzy of life that binds them?
Playing for Keeps - Michele Shriver
Colton Tremblay won a Stanley Cup with his hometown Montreal Canadiens, but his bad-boy reputation earned him a ticket out of town, traded to the expansion San Antonio Generals. This French-Canadian has no idea what to expect from the land of tacos and Mariachi bands, but he quickly learns that Texas is full of beautiful women, and the one who catches his eye first is no puck bunny.
The daughter of Mexican immigrants, Maya Dominguez has worked hard for everything. Now she’s landed her dream job as a beat reporter for San Antonio’s new NHL franchise. As a female reporter in a male-dominated business, Maya knows she has to be at the top of her game. She can’t afford any distractions, especially not from the players she’s assigned to report on.
When Colton asks Maya to help him get to know his new city, she’s determined to keep things strictly business, but Colton is used to getting what he wants. Can he persuade Maya that this time, he is playing for keeps, and if he does, what does it mean for her job?
Perfection – J.L. Campbell
After six months of serial breakups with her two-timing boyfriend, Natasha is ready to give relationships a break. Malik has no plans to give up and schemes to get her back, but his efforts throw his cousin in the middle of his campaign. Natasha doesn't need another guy messing with her brain, or her plans for the future, but Karim is different from anyone she's ever met. The fact that he's off-limits deepens her guilt over her attraction and puts her judgment into question. Can she move beyond the mistakes of the past and trust someone who's no angel?
Karim is back in Jamaica for the summer and has no plans to tie himself to anyone, because girls are complicated and he's been burned a time or two. He's knee-deep in responsibility as a result of a thoughtless act that changed his life. But Natasha is a girl with a difference, who makes him want things he has sworn to give up. Will she give him the time of day and will she want him when she finds out about his past and the present he wants to keep hidden, but can't?
A Medieval Encounter -- Aubrey Wynne
Baron Rolf Arbrec, the royal wizard for King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, is burdened with a centuries-old quest to break the spell cast on his ancestor, Merlin. To lift the enchantment, he must find true love without the use of magic or deceit, something that has eluded the men generations before him.
Finding genuine love is no easy task, even for a wizard, and time is running out not only to complete his Quest, but to give future generations a chance at happiness. When Melissa steps from his dreams and into his arms, he realizes his need for her love runs deeper than just a way to free Merlin.
Lady Melissa Garrick travels to London to meet her betrothed. Along the way, she encounters a man who haunts her dreams and makes her reconsider her destiny. Torn between loyalty to her family and her intense attraction to Rolf, she struggles to remain an obedient daughter. Though she desires him, will she defy her family and turn her back on her betrothed? Or will time run out and Rolf be doomed to a life of discontent and bitterness like his ancestors before him?
Behind the Altar -- P.C. Zick
Leah Bryant’s life satisfies all her needs. Her engagement to Jacob Davis, minister of the Sunshine Church, gives her the security she requires after living on the streets during her teenage years. She runs a food kitchen out of the church for homeless vets who are living on the banks of Deer River.
All is perfect until the day her future mother-in-law Geraldine tells her the church is shutting down the kitchen, and Dean "Jacob’s brother" rides his Harley into her heart. Leah’s world begins to crumble as she falls into Dean’s muscular and tattooed arms and discovers the passion she's never known.
Silent Love – Casey Clipper
Former Navy SEAL Sean Millen has been perfectly fine with his bachelorhood until recently, when he realizes he's unhappy with his single status. Unfortunately, his playboy reputation doesn't offer him the type of woman that could fulfill his days and nights as well as settle into the specific life he envisions.
Four years ago, Beth Connors' world was entirely altered. Beth spends her days trying to remain invisible in order to avoid unwanted attention. Each night she sheds grief-filled tears over the former life she once led but will never be able to regain.
When Beth literally runs into HIM. Doctor Sean Millen. A force of nature. A rock. A reputable heartbreaker, who takes an immediate interest in her, there's no place for her to hide. But Beth's natural instinct to push Sean away to save herself and him from the difficult task of adjusting their lives to her shortcomings is always front and center. Yet, Beth secretly longs for love. Is she strong enough to tear down the walls of her self-imposed prison?
Sean finds himself falling for a woman who is determined to reject his every advance and deny their surprisingly deep connection. Can Sean push past Beth's concrete walls that she refuses to destroy? Or will Beth's shocking revelation of her past prevent them from finding the love they both deserve? Or will a tragic accident pull Sean and Beth apart permanently?
Taming Romeo -- Rachelle Ayala
Evie Sanchez is recovering from heartbreak by waitressing at her parents’ restaurant when in walks Romeo Garcia, the boy she left behind. Only now, he’s a hot movie star surrounded by gorgeous actresses and adoring fans.
Bad boy Romeo Garcia never understood why Evie stood him up at the prom. When he rescues her from a flying coconut in the dumpster, he is determined to dig into her heart for the reason and show her what she’ll miss the rest of her life if she walks away again.
Evie lands a part as Romeo’s co-star and falls into her role, totally in love. He plays his part, too, showering her with flowery romance and irresistible food. But is the fantasy real or revenge? Evie and Romeo are about to discover if their buried feelings will explode in pure delight or utter disaster.
Taming Romeo is a contemporary romance featuring family secrets, delicious food, and spicy loves scenes.
The Sound of Consequence – Susan Ann Wall
Stacie Nightingale has quit her teaching job mid-year, left her fiancé without a word, and moved across country on an impulse. Even more reckless, the aspiring author has had a one-night stand with a man she doesn’t even know…a man she discovers is her new neighbor. She soon finds herself in a relationship she neither wants nor wants to give up. Like the lingering effects of the car accident that caused her impulsive behavior, Stacie tries to ignore the way he makes her heart race. What she learns is that some things should never be ignored…or kept secret.
Computer security expert Owen Landry has been divorced twice from cheating wives. That alone should make the discharged soldier gun-shy about jumping into a relationship with someone as secretive as Stacie. Owen has always ignored his instincts about women, but this time he’s listening to his inner radar. He’s ready to leave the past behind and forge a new life…with Stacie. Even though he doesn’t like to keep secrets, he’s scared his past will make Stacie run. Even if she can look beyond his past, her secrets cause him to question his own heart. Then he realizes she’s suffering from post-traumatic stress and a traumatic brain injury that may as well be a ticking bomb. With their future in jeopardy, they find love is the best way to leave the past behind.
Body Work -- Bonnie Edwards
Lisa Brady Delaney left Tyce Branton in her rear view mirror. Years later, he's the only one she can turn to for help. Lisa quickly learns Tyce is a hands-on man: in the garage and in the bedroom.
Tyce is angry to see Lisa again, but has to wonder if she's the same girl he knew or an independent beauty who will never need him again...
Kimmie Easley is an International bestselling romance author who grew up traveling the country, rarely settling in one place for much longer than a minute. Being no stranger to heartache and love, she allows her unconventional life to fuel her writing.
Kimmie is addicted to all things books, wine, cupcakes and flip-flops. She is a homeschool momma, southern wife and pug wrangler.
Kimmie can be found somewhere in the south writing wine worthy stories.
Enjoying San Francisco as a backdrop, the ghosts in USA Today Bestselling Author Diane Rinella's one hundred and fifty-year old Victorian home augment the chorus in her head. With insomnia as their catalyst, these voices have become multifarious characters that haunt her well into the sun's crowning hours, refusing to let go until they have manipulated her into succumbing to their whims. Her experiences as an actress, business owner, artisan cake designer, software project manager, Internet radio disc jockey, vintage rock 'n' roll journalist/fan girl, and lover of dark and quirky personalities influence her idiosyncratic writing.
Marcia James writes hot, humorous romances featuring heroines you can root for, heroes to die for, and funny dogs. She finaled in 11 Romance Writers of America contests before selling her first comic romantic suspense, At Her Command. In her eclectic career, she has shot submarine training videos, organized celebrity-filled nonprofit events, and had her wedding covered by People Magazine. After years of dealing with such sexy topics as how to safely install traffic lights, she is enjoying “researching” and plotting her novels' steamy love scenes with her husband and hero of many years. Please visit Marcia’s website to read book excerpts, enter her monthly contest, and subscribe to her e-newsletter.
Kelly Collins writes with the intention of keeping the love alive.
Always a romantic, she is inspired by real time events mixed with a dose of fiction. She encourages her readers to reach the happily ever after but bask in the afterglow of the perfectly imperfect love.
Kelly lives in Colorado with her husband of twenty-five years. She loves hockey, shiny objects and has a new found appreciation for green smoothies.
With a creative personality, Abbie St. Claire has always had her nose in a book. Whether one for decorative painting, gourmet cooking or steamy romance.
"Heck, those books all go together in my mind. My imagination can easily picture a painting session that turns steamy and I certainly see trying to prepare a gourmet meal while getting deliciously sidetracked with a partner and finishing that meal for breakfast," St. Claire says with a raised brow and twinkle in her eyes.
An International Best Selling Author, St. Claire focuses her work on writing steamy romance from the "writing nook" in her Houston, Texas kitchen, where she's currently at work on the "5th Avenue Romance Series.
St. Claire has quite a bit in store for 2016 with finishing the 5th Avenue Romance Series, starting a new series, participation in First Glance and The Diamond Club anthologies, and a Kindle Worlds project with Melissa Foster.
Michele Shriver writes women’s fiction and contemporary romance. Her books feature flawed-but-likeable characters in real-life settings. She’s not afraid to break the rules, but never stops believing in happily ever after. Michele counts among her favorite things a good glass of wine, a hockey game, and a sweet and sexy book boyfriend, not necessarily in that order.
Website ✯ Twitter ✯ Goodreads ✯ Amazon ✯ Facebook ✯ Street Team
J.L. Campbell is an award-winning, Jamaican author who writes romantic suspense, women's fiction, new and young adult novels. She has written thirteen books, four novellas and two short story collections.
Her novels include the Island Adventure Romance series, which currently has five exciting, stand-alone stories and features feisty women and determined men. Campbell's mission is to write stories that entertain and educate readers. She also writes under the pen name Jayda McTyson.
She is a certified editor, who also writes non-fiction.
Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding and all things Christmas.
Her debut story, Merry Christmas, Henry, was published in November 2013 by Melange Books, LLC and received Best Short Romance in the Preditors & Editors Reader's Choice of 2013. Wynne's humorous shorts Pete's Mighty Purty Privies ( Best Short in the Preditors & Editors Reader's Choice of 2014 and Top 100 Laugh Out Loud List on Goodreads) and To Cast A Cliché are published with Amazon.
Aubrey's first love is historical romance and her recent medieval fantasy novella, Rolf's Quest, will be released in 2016 as a full-length novel. Dante's Gift, her latest Christmas story, is part of the boxset Christmas Pets and Kisses and sold as a single. The boxset Valentine Pets and Kisses also contains the first in her vintage series, 19 Ivy Lane.
Bestselling author, P.C. Zick describes herself as a storyteller no matter what she writes. And she writes in a variety of genres, including romance, contemporary fiction, and nonfiction. She's won various awards for her essays, columns, editorials, articles, and fiction.
Many of her novels contain stories of Florida and its people and environment, which she credits as giving her a rich base for her storytelling. "Florida's quirky and abundant wildlife - both human and animal - supply my fiction with tales almost too weird to be believable." Her Behind the Love trilogy - contemporary romance - is also set in Florida, but she's now working on a series set in the Smoky Mountains.
Her fiction contains the elements most dear to her heart, ranging from love to the environment. All of her novels contain elements of romance with strong female characters and descriptive settings. She believes in living lightly upon this earth with love, laughter, and passion, and through her fiction she imparts this philosophy in an entertaining manner with an obvious love for her characters, plot, and themes.
Amazon Top 100 Bestselling Contemporary Romance Author Casey Clipper lives in Pittsburgh, PA. She is a noted sports fanatic, chocolate addict, and has a slight obsession with penguins. Like you, she is an avid romance reader and loves to lose herself in a good story. Casey is an active member of the Romance Writers of America, Three Rivers Romance Writers, Contemporary Romance Authors, Passionate Ink, Kiss of Death, and ASMSG. Casey is the recipient of the 2015 JABBIC HBARWA Readers' Choice Award for Short Contemporary Romance.
Visit www.CaseyClipper.com to find out about upcoming releases, freebie short stories about your favorite characters, signings and appearances, and sign up for Casey's newsletter to get first chapter sneak peeks of upcoming releases, giveaways, guest author blogs, and so much more.
Rachelle Ayala is a bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Her foremost goal is to take readers on a shared emotional journey with her characters as they grow and become more true to themselves. Rachelle believes in the power of love to overcome obstacles and feels that everyone should find love as often as possible, especially if it's within the pages of a book.
Her book, Knowing Vera, won the 2015 Angie Ovation Award, and A Father for Christmas garnered a 2015 Readers’ Favorite Gold Award.
She is also a writing teacher and founder of the Romance In A Month writing community. She lives in California with her husband and has three children and two birds.
Big dreamer and certifiable overachiever Susan Ann Wall embraces life at full speed and volume. She’s a beer and tea snob, can be bribed with dark chocolate, and the #1 thing on her bucket list is to be the center of a Bon Jovi flash mob. Susan is a nationally bestselling, multi-genre author of racy, rule-breaking romance and women’s fiction. Her bragging rights include the Fighting Back for Love series, Puget Sound ~ Alive With Love series, Superstitious Brides Romance series, Sunset Valley Women’s Fiction series, and Devon Taggart Suspense series. She also likes to boast about her three perfect children, two amazing rescue dogs, and a happily ever after that started while serving in the U.S. Army and has spanned two decades (which is crazy since she’s not a day over 29). In her next life, Susan plans to be a 5 foot 10, size 8 rock star married to a chiropractor and will not be terrified of large bridges, spiders, or quiet people (shiver).
Multi-published author Bonnie Edwards lives with her husband and pets on the rainy coast of British Columbia. She believes life should be lived with joy. That joy shows up in her earthy, irreverent love stories. Bonnie uses long hikes to bounce ideas off her husband and her standard poodle, who almost always agrees with her.
She has written novels, novellas and short stories for Carina Press, Harlequin, Kensington Books and Robinson (UK) although now she publishes her work herself.
Sometimes her stories have a paranormal twist, likes curses and ghosts, other times not. But they’re always entertaining and guarantee a happy ending.
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