Today I’m featuring books by Samantha Chase, Suzanne Ferrell, Dianna Love, Anna Campbell, Tessa McFionn, and Naima Simone. Their books range from romantic suspense to erotic so there is something for everyone.
Be sure to check out the amazing e-book giveaways at the very bottom. It’s going to be a sweet and spicy day!
SUZANNE FERRELL
USA Today Bestselling author Suzanne discovered romance novels in her aunt’s hidden stash one summer as a teenager. From that moment on she knew two things: she loved romance stories and someday she’d be writing her own. Her love for romances has only grown over the years. It took her a number of years and a secondary career as a nurse to finally start writing her own stories.
Currently there are two main series she’s actively writing in: The Westen Series, a contemporary small town series based in a fictional Ohio town where “things aren’t always what they seem”, and features Close To Home, Close To The Edge and Close To The Fire. The second series is the Romantic Suspense books KIDNAPPED, HUNTED, SEIZED and VANISHED, featuring the Edgars family as they fight for justice, even if it means stepping slightly outside the rulebook.
KIDNAPPED and HUNTED were both Golden Heart finalist, and SEIZED, book #3 in the Edgars Family Novels, was a finalist in the novella category of the OKRWA’s National Reader’s Choice Awards contest.
Suzanne’s sexy stories, whether they be her on the edge of your seat romantic suspense or the small town romantic suspense stories they’ll keep you thinking about her characters long after their Happy Ever After is achieved.
Exposed (An Edgars Family Novel) by Suzanne Ferrell is explosive. I LOVE the cover and it really sets the tone for the story, can you feel the heat?
Our hero, Frank Castello is a rugged take-charge guy who is neat, organized and always putting his family first. Add in a dash of charming and a heaping spoonful of pure gentleman and it makes him a perfect hero! If only he didn’t hate photographers, but then he has his reasons and it will take a firestorm to change his mind.
Sydney Peele lost her father as a child and cherishes the gift he gave her long ago, her treasured camera. Now, a rising photographer with an eye for capturing life and a booming business, she’s enjoying her career as a fashion photographer. Too bad her nomadic brother can’t get his act together and leave her out of shenanigans.
After a night out on a job, Sydney returns to find her home up in flames. Everyone now has questions for her. Why? Why? Why? I love Sydney and there is no reason to incinerate her life like that, but ooohhh it brings her and Castello together. Suzanne, if you must I will forgive you just this one time.
Castello will need to break protocol and about every other “inner voice” warning to get to the bottom of what happened. In order to find out who has targeted Sydney she will have to go off the grid. It doesn’t take long for things to heat up between them, but will they give in to their desire? Castello has one goal, discover who is after Sydney and protect her. Suzanne has packed so much into this fifth installment and fans of this series will be elated. I’m excited and I only know Castello from Captiol Danger.
Oh, quick note…. this book is best consumed in one serving. Trust me, I sat down and could not turn my e-reader off. The writing is full of adventure, tension, romance and everything you would expect from Suzanne. From the fist page you can tell Castello had a story to tell and he sure did! I’d love to see this as a TV movie – when you finish I’m sure you’ll agree! Check out her storyboard on pinterest for her inspiration (link at the bottom).
Need a few more reasons? There is nothing sexier than Frank’s two word sentences, a handful of bad guys, a few puzzles and old school photography. Well done Suzanne – this was exactly what I needed last night.
Discover for yourself how action packed & exciting a Deputy U.S. Marshal can be! This two peppers spicy latte hot delight has just enough sizzle to make you tingle and a lot of action! Oh, and yes, it’s for mature readers 18+.
While this book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone. If you are a reader who must read in order, check out Suzanne’s backlist and also be sure to read Capitol Danger.
I received this ARC from the author for a fair and honest review. Only a few more days till this hot book is released. When I have a link I’ll include it.
Check out this Excerpt of EXPOSED now and see for yourself (thank you Suzanne).
EXPOSED
The North Bank Park was located just west of downtown Columbus, below where the Olentangy and Scioto rivers merged to form the bigger Scioto River. The park itself was built on what used to be the pump house for the old Ohio Penitentiary.
He’d happily pointed out to Luke how ironic it was that two federal agents were getting married where criminals were once housed. For some reason, the kid didn’t think it was funny at all.
Locking his door, Frank left the reserved spots in the parking lot perpendicularly down the street from the park. A number of parking meters had been reserved on the street beside the park, but they should be for the Edgars’ immediate family and grandparents. Besides, his leg could use the exercise.
Walking down Neil Avenue towards the Park’s glass-enclosed pavilion where the ceremony would be held, he enjoyed the crisp June air. He had to give it to Luke and Abigail, they’d picked the perfect day for the wedding. He wasn’t overly romantic, didn’t get gushy when people talked about weddings, but he did believe good things should happen to good people. Especially when one of them almost died.
A little more than a year ago, Abigail had been in the hospital. She’d thrown herself between Luke and a knife. Nearly losing her had been the final wake-up call for the youngest Edgars brother. He’d dropped his playboy lifestyle to focus entirely on Abigail, even after she recovered.
As Frank crossed Long Street in front of the pavilion, a taxi pulled to a stop at the crosswalk. From the backseat emerged a petite woman, her blonde hair pulled up into some zany sort of a bun with strands of it falling loose like straws from an unkempt pile of hay. Dressed in green-khaki cargo pants, hiking boots and a huge, oversized blue sweater, she had two travel bags hanging off her shoulders and her hand hooked around the handle of a garment bag. Aviator-style sunglasses hid half her face.
“Let me get you some extra cash for getting me here so quickly from the airport,” she said to the driver as she fished around in one of her bags, losing her grip on the garment bag. “Oh, no!” she yelped, trying to manage everything and losing the carryon bag at the same time.
Acting out of instinct, Frank took two quick strides and grabbed both bags before they hit the pavement. “Got ’em.”
“Oh, my God! Thank you,” the woman said, turning a relieved smile up at him as if he’d saved her from dropping a baby onto the concrete. “I don’t know what I would’ve done had that crashed on the ground.”
She reached for the carryon bag, but he held it firm, wondering what the hell she had in it to make it so heavy, and nodded at the taxi driver behind her.
“Oh, yes.” She handed the other man some money and took the handle of the larger suitcase from him.
“You sure this where you want me to drop you, ma’am?” the driver asked in slightly halting English with a middle-eastern accent. He scanned around the pavilion and office buildings in the area then back at her, concern in his eyes.
The woman laughed. Not a childish tinkling or giggling, but a husky, dark, whiskey kind of sound that caught Frank smack in the middle of his chest.
“Yes, I’m sure,” she said, smiling at the man. “You’re probably used to your fares wanting to go to a hotel or their homes, but this is where I need to be this afternoon. It’s a wedding.”
The driver glanced at her clothes, then over at Frank before shrugging. “Most happy felicitations to you both,” he said, then climbed into his cab once more.
The woman started to protest, but the driver had already pulled out into traffic. She watched the taxi for a moment, then whirled on him. He’d never been trout fishing, but her open-mouthed expression of bewilderment reminded him of a fish he’d seen on one of those nature sports shows shown on Sundays before the football games aired.
“How could he possibly think we were getting married?” she asked.
He glanced down at the three-piece tuxedo he had on. Then, quirking one brow, he nodded at the garment bag in her hand. “I have no idea.”
That had her lips slamming shut into a line. He imagined she was glaring at him from behind those sunglasses, which he suddenly wished were gone so he could see what color her eyes were.
“I take it you’re here for the Whitson-Edgars wedding?” she finally asked.
He refrained from asking if there was more than one wedding here today. He might be a bachelor, but he knew that a sarcastic comment to an already irritated woman might result in bodily injury. Instead, he just nodded.
Suddenly her face lit up with a hundred-watt, straight-to-his-gut smile. “Oh, my God, you’ve got to be Frank. Abby’s told me all about you. A man of few words.” Letting go of her suitcase handle, she stuck her hand out to him. “I’m Sydney Peele.”
“The photographer.” He stared at her hand as if it were a cobra ready to strike, his humor and interest in the little tornado of a woman flattened like a tire running over nails in the road.
Her smile fading, she withdrew her hand and grabbed her suitcase once more. “Um, yes. I was…hoping to get here before the wedding party arrived.”
“They’re not here yet.” He wanted to hand her the heavy carryon bag, which he suspected carried the cameras she used to ply her trade into people’s privacy, and distance himself from the pariah of modern social technology. Paparazzi. Photographers. Demon spawn. But the woman already had both hands full of bags.
“That’s good. I promised Abby I’d be here to take pictures before the wedding started. Please tell me there’s somewhere I can change? I just got off the plane and came straight here.” There was a slight hesitation in her voice as she glanced around at the glass enclosed pavilion.
Damn it. As much as he wanted to drop her camera case on the concrete sidewalk and possibly smash the offensive equipment of her trade, he couldn’t ignore that little signal of distress.
It was a character flaw. The need to protect. His late partner called it his hero-complex. He couldn’t let someone in trouble—even if it was simply finding a place to change clothes—fend for themselves.
“This way,” he said. Stepping around her, he led the way to the brick portion of the facility in back of the pavilion without waiting to see if she followed. At the entrance, he did hold the door for her, but refused to help wrangle the roll-on type suitcase in for her. “Third door on the right is the women’s restroom.”
“Thanks,” she said with another of those overly-bright smiles, and strutted down the hallway.
Despite her chosen profession, he had to admit those pants shifted nicely on her bottom as she sashayed away, her blonde hair bouncing like a halo around her head as she walked.
It wasn’t until the door closed behind her that he realized he still held her bag of camera equipment. He should just leave it outside the bathroom on the floor. But someone might steal them, and he had a feeling it would be very expensive for her to try and replace them.
Damn it.
He stalked to the door and knocked on it—hard. “You forgot your bag.”
The door opened a minute later.
“Oh, thanks,” she said with another smile, the aviator-framed sunglasses now on top of her head. She had a dusting of freckles on her nose and cheeks. “I usually don’t let that bag out of my sight,” she said, taking the bag and stepping back into the restroom, closing the door on him.
Purple.
Her eyes were so blue they appeared purple.
Who the hell has purple eyes?
“Castello, give us a hand.”
He shook off the odd numbness that seeing Sydney Peele’s eyes had caused him to look to his left in time to see Dave and Matt Edgars hauling in two crates of wine. He hurried to help his friends load in the drinks for the reception, pushing inappropriate thoughts of the little photographer out of his mind. The last thing he needed was to give her any reason to focus her attention, or one of her cameras, on him.
Close to the Mistletoe (A Westen Series Novella) by Suzanne Ferrell is a thrilling holiday novella that you must read this holiday season! With a brilliant cover it draws you in to visit Westen and it’s beloved characters in this absolutely perfect story. I don’t know about you but I just love those power tools! Dear readers, it’s time to head out to the hardware store or add a few to your wish list.
Our heroine Holly Murphy agrees to go out and celebrate with an evening of fun and mischief. That is until she realizes she needs to be rescued. What will she do and who will help her?
Nick Fisher can only focus on Holly but isn’t so sure she notices him. Time is of the essence. Can they figure out what they want or will it take Santa to make the magic happen?
Download this holiday novella and discover for yourself how a wardrobe malfunction, a holiday town tradition and a Christmas pageant make this a must read.
In the meantime, download the series from Suzanne’s backlist and see why I love the town of Westen.
I received this ARC from the author for a fair and honest review. I hope that you will scoop up this holiday novella and make your e-reader happy.
Close To The Mistletoe
CHAPTER ONE
What the hell was she doing here?
Holly Murphy tugged at the hem of her tight skirt as she followed her best friend, Stacy Williams, into the Wagon Wheel Tavern. Actually, she knew what she was doing here. Tonight she was Stacy’s wingman—or was it wing-woman? Whatever it was, her duty was to accompany Stacy on her first foray into the single world, in celebration of the finalizing of her divorce. It’s what friends did. Even if they hated going to bars. Even if they hated dressing in tight clothes that showed off more of their flaws than necessary. Even if they had to order one drink and let it get warm so that they could be the designated driver.
“Come on. You look great,” Stacy said, holding the door for her, an annoyed, hurry-up look on her face. “It’s Friday night. The place will be filled with people. And by people, I mean men.”
And that’s what had Holly worrying about her outfit—the one Stacy picked out for her. She’d prefer to wear a nice pair of jeans, cowboy boots, and a big, comfy sweater, especially on a cold winter night. Stacy had nixed that idea, insisting she borrow the tight jean skirt that accentuated her hips and thighs, the thin, gold shimmery sweater that cut way down into the cleavage her new bra formed out of her average-sized breasts, and the leather jacket and three-inch heels. Basically making her into a shorter, chunkier, brunette version of the tall, blonde bombshell Stacy. The kind of man Stacy wanted to meet tonight wasn’t the kind Holly dreamed of meeting. She didn’t want exciting men interested in one-night stands. What she dreamed of was a man who would be interested in a home and family, someone solid and dependable, handsome, and interested in someone not so glamorous.
But tonight wasn’t about her. Tonight was a celebration for her friend. So, she pasted on her best smile, ignored the feel of the skirt hitting her mid-thigh, and marched into the Wagon Wheel.
Stacy was right. The place was packed.
She’d been here a few times when she first moved to Westen six years ago, fresh out of college. It really hadn’t changed much since that day. The wood-paneled walls, floor and bar area gave it the rustic feeling that went with the title. Neon-tubed signs for beers and alcohol flanked the bar area, that featured a huge wheel from some nineteenth-century wagon anchored in the center of the back of the bar mirror. Bottles of every kind of alcohol sat on the spokes. Of course since it was the first of December, there were Christmas lights—the big-bulb kind in various colors—and gaudy strings of silver tinsel strung around the bar and wagon wheel. Off in the corner of the poolroom was a fake Christmas tree, with the same lights and garland covering it.
The other difference was the clientele.
Instead of just truck drivers looking to relax after sixteen hours on the road, and local farmers coming in for a night away from home, there were couples doing line dancing, construction workers playing pool with some punk rockers, and what looked to be new millennials filling up the booths.
“I told you a lot of the newbies in town come here on the weekends. It’s all the talk at FiberCO,” Stacy said, and headed to a spot that just cleared at the bar.
FiberCo, a fiber optics manufacturing company, was one of several new enterprises that moved to the
outskirts of town in the past year, taking advantage of the new highway connecting the area around Westen with both the state capital in Columbus and the cities in the northeast section of the state. After the town was nearly blown up by a crazed meth dealer, the state started infusing building capital into the area. The resulting influx of new workers and jobs for long-term residents had Westen expanding both physically and financially.
“Aren’t you concerned Drake will be here, too?” Holly asked, as she squeezed into the spot between Stacy and a group of men talking football.
Stacy shook her head. “He doesn’t party in town. I learned that through the divorce. He likes to drive into Columbus. That’s where he met his whore girlfriend.”
“What can I get you girls?” the female bartender asked.
“Two mojitos, if you have them,” Stacy ordered.
“Sure thing.” Something else new to the Wagon Wheel. More cocktails were being served, adding to the usual menu of beers and whisky.
The music shifted from a country dance song to hard-bass rock, and several of the couples at the tables walked onto the dance floor. Holly watched them for a few moments, wishing she felt confident enough to join them. She loved dancing around her house, but hated anyone seeing how awkward she was.
“There you go, ladies,” the bartender said, setting their drinks down. Stacy handed her a twenty and told her to keep the change.
“Let me help pay.” Holly reached into her bag for her wallet.
Stacy stopped her and smiled. “Not this round. I’m just glad you came out to celebrate with me.”
“I am, too.” Holly raised her glass. “To a new beginning.”
“To freedom!”
They clinked glasses and took a drink. Stacy turned to lean back against the bar and started scanning the room. “Oh, look. There’s Joe. Let’s go say hi.”
“Joe? Who’s Joe?” Holly hurried to follow her friend to the far corner of the bar.
“A friend from work,” Stacy said over her shoulder. “He said he’d be here tonight.”’
As they neared the table, Holly saw two men. The tall, dark-haired man seemed to have shoulders that went on forever. His burgundy Henley shirt—open at the collar, and sleeves pushed up to show off muscular forearms—stretched down his body and tucked into a pair of jeans slung low on his hips. To top it off were a pair of boots—not cowboy boots, but hiking-work boots. If that was Joe, Holly could see why Stacy wanted to say hi. Right now, Holly wanted to say take me home and have your way with me.
Both men slid off their barstools. But it wasn’t sexy-shoulders-and-arms man who smiled as they neared. The shorter, slightly balding man stepped away from the table and pulled Stacy in for a very close hug. Friend. Right.
“Holly, this is Joe, and his friend, Nick,” Stacy said, as she slid onto a vacant barstool.
“Nick’s just moved to town,” Joe said, holding a barstool for Stacy. “Thought he could use a night out.”
Holly smiled at both men and tried to wiggle onto the high stool. No easy feat when you were barely
taller than the stool, and your skirt was too tight and too short.
“Here, let me help,” Nick said in a deep voice that sent heat from her ears all across her body as he held the stool steady for her with one hand and took her elbow with the other.
Grabbing on to the table with her free hand and placing her foot on the rung of the stool, she gave a little shove and twisted her behind onto the seat. She swore she heard a tearing sound. Then the skirt gave. Suddenly, cool wood met the back of her bare upper thighs. Then the split went higher and her bare bottom met the slick barstool. She froze.
It was four days before Christmas and Bobby Roberts sat on the edge of the bed, her hands twisted together in her lap. She’d been too nervous to look at the damn stick. Instead, she’d laid the thing on a towel on the counter and fled the bathroom, leaving her fiancé, Gage Justice, in there to read the results.
A very long minute later, her soon-to-be-husband sauntered out of the bathroom, his blue cotton pajama pants riding low on his hips. He stopped in front of her, his face unreadable. Bending, he scooped her up in his arms.
“Gage?” She squeaked his name as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
He sat on the bed, keeping her cradled on his lap. “Let me ask you something.”
“What? Is something wrong? You’re scaring me.” The serious look on his face wasn’t what she’d been expecting.
He leaned in and kissed her, slow and deep, her worries fading into the dim morning light as the need for more of him consumed her. When she made the move to snuggle in closer to his naked chest, he slowly ended the kiss. “Bobby? Do you love me?”
She leaned back and cupped his face in her hands, staring into the forest green of his eyes. “You know I do.”
“No matter what that little stick says, you’re still going to marry me tomorrow evening and spend the rest of your life with me? Right?”
The slight hesitancy in his question made her heart swell. To think this strong and wonderful mountain of a man could be scared she might reject him made her love him even more. She kissed him softly then smiled at him. “That’s the plan, big guy.”
The lines of worry on his face eased as a grin spread over it, slow and suggestive. “Oh, I’ve got something big planned for you.”
“Oh, you do, do you?” she said with a giggle. Lifting her leg, she wiggled around until she straddled him. She slid forward, feeling the thickness of his erection against her bare bottom. “Mmm, a man of his word.”
“That’s me, a promise is a sacred thing.” He reached down and pulled the hem of her nightshirt up and over her head and arms, flinging it to the floor. “And right now, I promise to love you until you scream my name.”
“And what will Mrs. Munroe have to say?” she asked, scooting closer so her nipples rubbed deliciously against the soft hairs of his chest. Her efforts were rewarded by a growl from deep inside him as he grasped her ass cheeks with his hands to haul her in tighter.
“I doubt she sleeps with her hearing aids in, but I like a challenge.” He grinned in that sexy, I’m-about-to-make-hot-mind-blowing-love-to-you way that already had her growing moist between her thighs.
Before she could ask exactly what he had planned, Gage reached up and gripped the back of her head in one hand, his fingers clenching in her hair. He dragged her down until his mouth claimed hers in a hard, hot kiss, his tongue sliding in between her parted lips. He tasted minty.
She pulled back. He’d had time to brush his teeth while she’d been waiting for him to tell her about the stick?
The stick.
“Gage, the stick?” she asked as he trailed his mouth down the column of her neck, sending shivers and goose flesh all over her.
“Later, I’m busy right now.” He caught her mouth once more, this time in a low, slow, kiss, as if he were devouring the most decadent dessert in the history of desserts. Leaning back, he took her with him, until she was spread over his chest. All the while, one hand gripped her bottom tight against the thick part of him and the other controlled her head, keeping her focused on the things his mouth and tongue were doing to hers.
As always she couldn’t get enough of this man. Couldn’t get close enough. Couldn’t taste enough. Couldn’t feel enough. Her hands caressed and kneaded the long, thick muscles of his arms then traveled down to his hips and slowly up his sides, finding every ridge of sinewy muscle and hard plane of rib.
Slowly, he turned them until she was beneath him and her legs parted wide for him to settle between them. He lifted up on his hands, his gaze fastening on hers. “Would it be a bad thing if the stick said we were pregnant?”
Her hands on his lower back, she gazed into his eyes, reading both the question and hope in them. “No,” she said, smiling. “Having a baby with you would be wonderful. And we’re not getting any younger.”
“And if we weren’t yet, would you want to try?” he asked.
This time the smile turned into a happy grin. “Yes, I believe I would.”
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SAMANTHA CHASE
New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.
When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.
Silver Bell Falls by Samantha Chase is about hope, forgiveness and family. I’ve read a few holiday stories from Samantha and have enjoyed each and everyone. While it might be the middle of the summer and most of us are spending our days relaxing at the beach or lounging by the pool Samantha’s stories will cool you off wishing it was the beginning of Christmas season ;).
Melanie Harper didn’t always dislike Christmas and now all the things that are associated with the festive time of the year are not helping her to finish her latest work assignment. Under deadline Melanie, a romance author, must turn in her next book and she has writers block in the worst way.
No one understands why she could dislike the holiday season so when her father informs her of a wish from her Grandmother who recently died, Melanie reluctantly obliges dear old dad and her wishes. Maybe it will help her find her magic or give her a little peace and quiet from it all.
When I started reading this book I was immediately drawn in with her vivid description of the town, the characters and Melanie’s first encounter with Josiah.
There is nothing more enticing right now than a town filled with happy residents who are kind and especially one that includes a sexy Sherriff. Who couldn’t use a little of that right now?
The holidays are about giving, spending time with loved ones and lots of merriment. Can Melanie finally celebrate Christmas without hate and resentment? We are rooting for Josiah to be the one to figure out why she dislikes it so much and open her eyes to the beauty in the town and season. If Melanie can trust him there is so much out there to keep her in Silver Bell Falls.
If you love stories that have lots of flirty and tense scenes between the hero and heroine, a story with a plot that stands on its own and is set during Christmas then this book should be added to your e-reader now. This book will leave you satisfied from beginning to end and if you’ve never read a book by Samantha then dive right in with this one and then check out her backlist. There are so many to choose from that you will thank me :).
I received this book from the author for a fair and honest review. I hope that we will see more from the other characters in Silver Bell Falls. With a large family there are plenty of siblings Samantha, I hope we meet one soon!
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The Christmas Cottage and Ever After by Samantha Chase are two holiday books bundled together in this book that was released from Sourcebooks Casablanca this past October. From the sweet cover to the enchanting holiday fairytale of a cottage that has magical powers strong enough to bring two souls together forever will charm you and leave you looking for your own fairytale ending. I absolutely loved this story and you will too!
In The Christmas Cottage we meet Ava Callahan who insists she continue the family tradition when it comes to her upcoming wedding and stay in the cottage so that she too can have the “ever after” magic sprinkled into her life.
Will the fairytale ring true? Will it give her everlasting love? Find out what happens to those near and dear to her as they try to make her wishes come true.
If Lacey Quinn can pull of the makeover of the century she will win over the heart of her best friend forever. If only her brother agreed with her crazy and impulsive reasons.
Ean Callahan is the boy who Lacey confessed too years ago, the one who went off to college and left behind a young girl and a crushed heart. Ean is Laceys best friend Ava’s brother, and now the stand-in groomsman for her wedding. What happened to Brian McCabe and why was he demoted?
Who will make it to the alter and who will find their fairy tale ever after? What happened to Brian and what is it with the cottage that has everyone ready to cast aside what they really want?
This book will make the holiday merry, add lots of love, tinsel and warmth to your e-reader or bookshelf. Don’t miss out on adding this one to your collection now. The holidays might be a few months away but it’s never too soon to add those books to the reading list 🙂
New York Times bestseller Dianna Love once dangled over a hundred feet in the air to create unusual marketing projects for Fortune 500 companies. Now she focuses her energetic muse on storytelling. The first book she wrote won a RITA® Award and sold out in six weeks. She writes high-octane romantic thrillers and urban fantasy, with FATAL PROMISE, book 6 in the sexy, fast-paced Slye Temp romantic suspense series released June 28th, and DRAGON KING OF TREOIR, book 8 in the bestselling Belador urban fantasy series scheduled for January, 2017.
When not in the writing cave, Dianna loves touring the country on her BMW motorcycle. She lives in the Atlanta, GA area with her motorcycle-instructor husband and a tank full of unruly saltwater critters.
Connect with Dianna on facebook at Dianna Love Fan Page or sign up for the crazy fun on her Dianna Love Street Team. Follow her Amazon Author Page for new release updates and other news about her books. Excerpts of all her books are at AuthorDiannaLove.com.
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New York Times Bestseller Dianna Love wraps up the exciting Slye Temp romantic thriller series with Gage and Sabrina’s long awaited story.
Synopsis provided by Dianna Love for FATAL PROMISE
The last person Sabrina Slye wants on this mission is Gage Laughton, the one man capable of distracting her when a lack of attention will get them both killed.
A rogue CIA assassin has eluded Sabrina for two years after her team was traded for his life during a blown op. She turned her back on everyone in the agency. Who wouldn’t after that betrayal? A lead that sets her on the killer’s trail exposes the tip of a deadly international threat. Everyone in her world is at risk, including Gage, her one-time CIA handler … and former lover.
Gage has waged war on Sabrina’s emotional walls from the moment she surfaced again, determined to have her back in his arms. As one of the deadliest operatives alive, Sabrina bends to no one’s will, not even when Gage is trying to keep her alive. That won’t happen unless they can stop a megalomaniac from starting a third world war. The survival of her Slye agents and the future of the world depend upon Gage convincing Sabrina to trust him again with all that she protects, including her heart.
EXCERPT FROM FATAL PROMISE
by NYT Bestseller Dianna Love
Gage’s tone turned a shade dire. “Your name is surfacing in the wrong places. Someone is coming for you and it might be from inside our government. I can’t protect you out here in the open. I need you to go to a safe house with me.”
Was he serious? “Dream on,” she muttered.
“I’m not joking, Sabrina.” His voice dropped even lower. “Hell, we could be dealing with those fanatical Orion Hunters who’ve infiltrated the government.”
“Exactly, Gage.” She leaned in, tapping her index finger on the bar as she said, “I’m not about to hide somewhere and leave my team exposed.”
Hope jumped into his expression. “Not a problem. I’ll find places for them, too.”
She chuffed out a sarcastic laugh. “News flash. They don’t trust you and that’s just another reason you and I have no business trying to be together.”
He sat back, defeat clear in his face. “You’re a walking target and I don’t know who the enemy is, but you think it’s me.”
Why did he have to say crap like that? “I don’t think you’re my enemy, Gage,” she countered softly.
“Yes you do, Sabrina. You’ve spent your entire life operating with one set of criteria. Someone is either on your team or not. I’m clearly not, as far you’re concerned.”
It didn’t help that he was right. Her insides had turned into a battlefield where her heart waged war against her mind and her other organs were quickly becoming unavoidable casualties.
Gage cared for her.
She knew it logically and heard the sincerity in his voice, but those were just words. Dingo and Josh had grown up on the streets with her. They’d stepped into any fight and shared everything they’d had with her even if it was one slice of bread to feed the three of them.
Even all these years later, they’d never used the L word with each other because love was only a word. What they had was stronger than anything you could put into words.
Gage had never understood their bond and never would.
This was why she had to be the strong one right now.
One day, either she or Gage would not come home.
She didn’t want to be the one left behind, not by this man, and she couldn’t continue half in and half out of a relationship any longer.
He reached over and grasped her hand. All her convictions wobbled on their unsteady foundation, but the truth pushed its way forward.
All they had were stolen moments here and there.
That wasn’t a relationship.
Standing up, she pulled out of his grip and slipped the purse strap over her shoulder, which reminded her why she’d come here to begin with—a phony snitch meeting that he’d set up.
All her unsteadiness fled. She put steel in her voice and said, “I’m through talking. Stay out of my way and don’t ever screw with one of my snitches again.”
He gave her a confused look. “What snitch?”
“Ziggie.”
Gage shook his head. “Not following you.”
Blood rushed through her so quickly the sound roared in her ears, blocking the noise of the restaurant. She took in the place with one sweeping scan then turned to him. “How did you know I was here?”
“Why?”
She dropped her head down and her voice came out in a low growl of warning. “Just fucking answer me for once.”
He blinked at her rare curse. “I tailed your car from the airport. Picked you up leaving your office.”
Her face chilled with a clammy feeling. “You didn’t set this up with someone for me to meet you here?”
“No.” He was stone-cold serious now. “What’s up, Sabrina. Talk to me.”
She wanted to swipe the glasses off the bar and knock him off that stool. He’d screwed up her meeting with the contact. Her anger rose with the power of a tidal wave, threatening to kill everything in its path.
Sucking in a deep breath, she said, “Don’t call me. Don’t come near me and don’t you dare ever walk up to me uninvited again.”
“Who were you expecting to meet here?” Gage was looking around, now up to speed on what he’d cost her.
“None of your damn business.” She strode away, leaving him in a wake of her fury. He’d better stay the hell away before another word could be spoken.
If not, she’d say something she’d live to regret.
Outside, the street life had picked up with the approach of prime-time dinner hour.
Sabrina wove in and out of groups, then she picked up speed going downhill toward Peachtree Street, swinging into her parking deck.
When she made it to the third floor, she hurried off the elevator and turned to the right. Her car was eight spaces down.
The lights on that end of the parking deck were out.
She’d arrived before they came on, so she had no idea if that was normal or not.
Drawing her 9 mm, she crossed her arms to keep it shielded as she walked toward her car. She watched and listened for any hint of threat, keeping to the middle of the lane between the lines of parked cars.
A raspy voice called out in a sharp whisper, “Over here!”
Damn. Sometimes she hated to be right.
She turned to find a hunched-over figure emerging from shadows where nothing had been a second ago. A plump, elderly woman shuffled forward. She favored her left arm, holding it tucked against her body as though it were injured. Sabrina believed that how much?
Not one bit.
The woman kept her voice down and moved forward two more steps, asking, “Who was that man? You were supposed to meet me.”
Ziggie’s contact.
Sabrina held her position where she’d stopped two spaces from her car. The hinky feeling that had crept along her neck from the moment she’d stepped into the parking deck cranked up a notch.
She got right down to business. “I understand you have a location for me.”
“Yes. I … need the money. He’ll kill me if he finds out.” The woman kept moving slowly, limping actually, with her back to the light, which kept her face silhouetted. Had this woman been with Rikker? Had he abused her?
Sabrina said, “Stop.”
The woman complied, pausing ten feet away. She picked her head up and Sabrina could make out a plain face with dark-rimmed glasses.
When silence stretched too long in Sabrina’s mind, she said, “I have the money. Give me the location.”
Nodding slowly, the woman pulled her right hand away from where it had been hooked around her left arm, and lifted her head as she straightened her posture. She held a Walther PPK. Her voice was soft, but urgent. “Come with me quietly and nothing will happen to you.”
And yet again, she’d like to not be right.
Who had set this trap? Sabrina hadn’t been asked to hand over her weapon yet, so maybe this woman didn’t realize she was armed.
Had Rikker sent her?
Sabrina wanted to find out more before she might be pushed to use her weapon. She said, “I hate to disappoint you, but you’re leaving without me or the money. You can tell Ziggie he owes me for this.”
The woman dropped her voice to a whisper as if she thought someone was close enough to hear her low conversation. “Listen to me. You’re in dan—”
An explosion blasted.
The shock wave hit Sabrina in the back.
She flew across the parking deck and smacked into the windshield of a car. Glass cracked. She slumped down the hood.
She couldn’t feel anything. Bad sign. Her world faded to black.
Anna Campbell has written ten multi award-winning historical romances for Grand Central Publishing and Avon HarperCollins, and her work is published in seventeen languages. Anna has won numerous awards for her Regency-set stories including Romantic Times Reviewers Choice, the Booksellers Best, the Golden Quill (three times), the Heart of Excellence (twice), the Write Touch, the Aspen Gold (twice) and the Australian Romance Readers Association’s favorite historical romance (five times). Anna is currently engaged in writing the “Dashing Widows” series, which started in 2015 with The Seduction of Lord Stone. She lives on the beautiful east coast of Australia where she writes full-time
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The Seduction of Lord Stone (The Dashing Widows Book 1) by Anna Campbell is charming, seductive and absolutely sublime. Every time I sink into one of Anna’s books it gets better and better. This is no exception.
In her latest novella series it’s all about the widows, and these ladies are not your typical widows. After a loveless and non romantic marriage, widow Lady Caroline “Caro” Beaumont is desperate for love and excitement now more than ever. This time it will be on her own terms without the chains and legal commitment of marriage.
After all, she’s done duty and obligation. All it did was leave her with a void when her husband died. Now as a widow she has the power to change everything. If only fear wasn’t standing in the way.
Silas Nash, Viscount Stone, is shocked when his sisters friend confides key details of her newly devised plan for happiness. When Silas realizes that his feelings towards Caro are anything but friendly, it unhinges him. This devilishly handsome “stud” is sought after by many women of the ton and yet his desire is just set on one woman. When Caro insist on seducing his best friend will he survive the sordid details?
Can Silas win the heart of a woman who has no intentions of ever marrying again? With no strings and no attachment, can he persuade Caro to follow her heart?
Dear readers the payoff is perfect! Discover for yourself now and download this must read book that has passion, heat and lots of romance for just $0.99!
I was given this ARC by the author for a fair and honest review. This is one book that you won’t want to miss and a series that is a must read. Add it to your gift list, wish list and TBR pile now. As for the other two widows, I look forward to their journey too. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long.
Tempting Mr. Townsend (The Dashing Widows Book 2) by Anna Campbell is seductive, witty and even better than the first book in this must read series -and I LOVED The Dashing Widows Book 1! Every time I see one of Anna’s covers I’m giddy with excitement and anticipation, this one is no exception. Check out that beautiful rich blue!
In the series second installment, we reconnect with a widow who has grown and is not afraid to take risks, even if it means potentially damaging her reputation. There is a certain amount of power with that confidence and it makes our heroine strong, despite the obstacles she must overcome to find her happy ending. Five years is a long time to be in morning and Lady Fenella Deerham has only recently packed up her mourning clothes. Does this mean she is finally ready to move on? Perhaps all she needs is a little push?
Anthony Townsend has discovered that his nephew has disappeared from boarding school. Further news reveals the boy has run off with a school mate, so he heads straight to the poor boys home looking for answers. His arrival is unannounced, beastly and demanding.
Nothing can prepare Fenella for what charges through her door. The news that Fenella could lose her son is not an option, she must find him! Time is of the essence and she insists on joining Mr. Townsend in his search for the boys. She’s determined to go into the night with our without him. I love how Anthony and Fenella are brought together and the adventure that awaits. A journey with a stranger, oh how wicked Anna.
Lady Fenella will discover that it’s possible to find love twice if only she would give in to her feelings. One kiss will impact Fenella and she will need to make a decision that could change everything. Mr. Townsend has pushed her buttons and the game they play is intoxicating with tension, teasing and passion.
Every book Anna writes is satisfying and her characters are compelling and oh so charming! This novella sizzles and is the perfect way to spend a chilly afternoon warming up. There are a few surprises for readers and I was thrilled with this satisfying ending. Don’t miss out on this must read series perfectly priced at just $0.99. It’s time to discover a world of hope, adventure and love.
I was given this ARC by the author for a fair and honest review. I look forward to the widow’s we’ve yet to discover and their journey too! Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long, I hear the next book will be out later this spring.
Excerpt:
Curzon Street, Mayfair, November 1820
“What the devil have you done with my ward, madam?”
Shocked, Fenella jerked her attention from the embroidery that she’d picked up to while away a rare quiet night at home.
Good heavens. A man the size of a mountain had invaded her drawing room.
An angry mountain.
Astonishment, rather than fear, was her immediate reaction. She slid her tambour frame onto the table beside her and straightened in her chair. “And who on earth are you?”
Greaves, her butler, rushed in with two brawny footmen looming behind him. “My lady, this fellow pushed his way into the house before I could stop him.”
The fellow clenched his huge fists at his sides and shot her servants a narrow-eyed glare. Despite their size, Tom and John faltered back.
Fenella could see why. The mysterious intruder looked ready to commit murder. Ready, and more than capable. His excellent tailoring did nothing to hide his impressive muscles and the breadth of shoulders and chest.
When he focused that searing stare on her, her stomach jumped with nerves. Was this some madman escaped from confinement? Although he didn’t look unhinged. Just furious.
“Don’t pretend you don’t know who I am,” the man said tersely, a northern accent edging his deep, resonant voice. “Just stop all this blasted nonsense and take me to the lad.”
Today we can finally read the latest in Anna Campbell’s must read Dashing Widows series. Anna has provided us a tease at what we can expect and an excerpt below!
All rakes are the same! Except when they’re not…
Spirited Helena, Countess of Crewe, knows all about profligate rakes; she was married to one for nine years and still bears the scars. Now this Dashing Widow plans a life of glorious freedom where she does just what she wishes – and nobody will ever hurt her again. So what is she to do when that handsome scoundrel Lord West sets out to make her his wife? Say no, of course. Which is fine, until West focuses all his sensual skills on changing her mind. And West’s sensual skills are renowned far and wide as utterly irresistible…
Passionate persuasion!
Vernon Grange, Lord West, has long been estranged from his headstrong first love, Helena Nash, but he’s always regretted that he didn’t step in to prevent her disastrous marriage. Now Helena is free, and this time, come hell or high water, West won’t let her escape him again. His weapon of choice is seduction, and in this particular game, he’s an acknowledged master. Now that he and Helena are under one roof at the year’s most glamorous house party, he intends to counter her every argument with breathtaking pleasure. Could it be that Lady Crewe’s dashing days are numbered?
Excerpt from Winning Lord West (Dashing Widows Book 3) Out 30th April
Richmond Park, London, May 1820
Lord West made an effort to lighten the tone. “I arranged this picnic purely for the pleasure of seeing you flying across the grass on the back of a galloping horse.”
Oh, dear, that wasn’t what Helena wanted to hear. She’d imagined he’d put this party together to further his pursuit of Caro. Helena didn’t want West noticing her. For years, he’d been content to treat her as a distant acquaintance. “Really?”
“Yes, really. It’s been a fancy of mine since I saw you restricted to a trot in Hyde Park. The experience was most uncongenial for an observer. You looked like someone was strangling you. Slowly.”
She frowned, resenting that West made her the focus of his attention. And that his conclusions were so accurate. “Town isn’t the place to ride neck or nothing. I’ll soon be back at Cranham.”
West signaled to a groom. “Such a pity.”
“That I’m leaving London?”
“No, that you don’t want a good gallop, when I went to such trouble to bring you a suitable mount—and a suitable saddle.”
The groom led a pretty chestnut mare toward them. Helena immediately noted the gleaming sidesaddle. Her hand curled at her side as if it already held a crop. Despite her misgivings about the man offering the favor, she itched to throw herself onto the lovely horse. The groom passed the reins to West, bowed and left.
West’s smile was mocking. “If you deny me, I’ll think that you don’t like me.”
She ran a gentle hand down the Arab’s jaw and bit back a sigh of longing. The mare truly was a darling. “I don’t.”
That wasn’t completely true. Her feelings for West had always been more complex than mere antipathy. When they were children, he’d been her hero. Shreds of that fondness lingered, although she’d long ago recognized that he was cut from the same cloth as her depraved husband.
“Ouch.”
She studied West, as with unconvincing nonchalance, Silas wandered off in Caro’s direction. “You don’t believe me?”
West shrugged. “Explaining exactly what I believe requires more time and privacy than we now enjoy. Even if you insist on seeing me as the enemy, I hope you’ll still accept Artemis as a gift.”
“Gift?” Helena stared at him, appalled. “What on earth do you mean? I can’t take such an extravagant present. Have some sense, West.”
He stood unmoved by her refusal, tall and lean in his immaculate dark green coat and fawn breeches. “Nonetheless, she’s yours.”
“That’s…” Helena struggled to understand what lay behind this ridiculous and inappropriate gesture. West had been out in society all his adult life. He knew how the world would interpret his generosity.
His gaze remained unwavering on her face. “Yes.”
“Yes, what?” she snapped, although she had a sinking feeling she knew.
“Yes, it’s a declaration of intentions.”
Horror flooded her. She faltered back across the grass as if he’d made an unwelcome physical advance. “This isn’t funny.”
“I’m deadly serious.”
“Then you’re wasting your time.” She straightened and glared at him. Her mind worked a thousand miles an hour to make sense of this abrupt alteration in their dealings. “I was a rake’s wife. Be damned if I’ll be a rake’s mistress.”
(** re-posted from 4/30/16)
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TESSA MCFIONN
Author Info:
Tessa McFionn is a very native Californian and has called Southern California home for most of her life, growing up in San Diego and attending college in Northern California and Orange County, only to return to San Diego to work as a teacher. Insatiably curious and imaginative, she loves to learn and discover, making her wicked knowledge of trivial facts an unwelcomed guest at many Trivial Pursuit boards.
When not writing, she can be found at the movies or at Disneyland with her husband, as well as family, friends or anyone who wants to play at the Happiest Place on Earth. She also finds her artistic soul fed through her passions for theatre, dance and music.
A proud parent of far too many high school seniors and two still living house plants, she also enjoys hockey, reading and playing Words With Friends to keep her vocabulary sharp. She is currently the treasurer of the San Diego chapter of Romance Writers of America and loves spending time working with such amazingly intelligent and creative writers.
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SPIRIT FALL, BOOK ONE:
His moody introspections had allowed something other than his feet to dictate his impending destination. The blocks and buildings melted into the darkness until he arrived on the edge of Balboa Park. Now this place was more like it. He enjoyed the park. Its neatly trimmed grassy flats surrounded by ancient shade trees, sprinkled with historic museums and architectural landmarks, sprawled across a couple miles in the heart of the city. The park had a much friendlier feel than New York’s Central Park, but it still gave any visitor the impression of being in a place other than a congested city.
The hour was late, well after one in the morning, so the grounds were pretty much empty. Except for one lone figure, partially obscured by a copse of eucalyptus trees, standing against the bridge barricade. The figure was small, perhaps a teenager looking for a lost skateboard. Kai watched for a few moments until, to his horror, the figure climbed onto the ledge.
Was this for real?
He allowed a split second to pass before he moved to the bridge. Trees and houses rushed by in a blurred blink before he appeared a few feet away from the person whose desperation poured out from their very skin. He could almost taste the emotion in the air, bittersweet misery tempered with the salt of unshed tears.
An unfamiliar energy began to pulsate just beneath his skin, and he paused as he experienced an unfamiliar sensation. Silence. For so many years, the hum of scattered thoughts from passing strangers had kept him mental company. Could this be real? Could she be the one?
His mind raced, trying to find a way to halt the jumper, searching for the right thing to say.
“Wait. Please.”
Kai reached out to gently touch the worn-out running shoe nearest to his hand. His gaze journeyed up to find the face of a young girl, her thick, wavy hair pulled into a haphazard ponytail, and her eyes closed in preparation for an untimely demise. Her body was just beginning to show curves. Small, high breasts and shapely legs were concealed by the thin clothes. No. That couldn’t be right. He’d been paired with a child?
His voice must have caught her by surprise, judging by the jolt that lanced down her body. Eyes flitted behind closed lids as her chin twitched in his direction.
“What? Why?” Her voice was weak and confused.
“Because I asked nicely?”
He kept his eyes trained on her profile, carefully watching her inner struggle play across her face. Through the light contact with her body, he was able to pick up on her troubled, swirling emotions. His appearance had shaken her resolve. Still, her eyes remained shut.
“Why should you care? You don’t even know me. Now just leave me alone.”
The spite in her voice seemed forced and insincere. He sensed she was a kind person by nature. Kind, but very disheartened. The more he heard her speak, the more he realized his initial guess at her age was off by a few years. Early twenties, perhaps. The tone was deeper and richer than most of the women he’d encountered in the city, conjuring images of Lauren Bacall and other seductresses of film noir. He needed to keep her talking. More than that, he had to stop her from killing herself. If his instincts were right, she was the other half of his spirit, and he was not about to let her go in this manner.
“True,” he sighed. “But still, I did ask nicely.” He leaned casually against the concrete barrier, hoping he might get close enough to grab for her should she decide to go through with her plunge. She looked small; it would be easy enough to pull her down. But somehow, Kai suspected that wouldn’t stop her from trying again on another night.
“Give me a reason.”
The voice sounded thin and breathy, hollow and empty. Most likely from disuse, but he detected traces of a different person than the one perched upon this ledge. Faint whispers of faded laughter and lost smiles echoed in the distant background, dimmed by despair and gloom. Loose strands of deep chestnut hair whipped around to reveal hints of pale skin, natural and unkissed by the sun. Slender and youthful in appearance, she was petite in every way, with small curves above and below the waist.
No. The longer he studied her, the more he realized her body was strong, athletic, and still entirely feminine. His efforts seemed to be wearing her down. She would have jumped already if she were truly determined.
He thought carefully before he responded.
“I can think of about a million of them, but somehow I’m not sure I’ll pick the right one for you on the first try.”
Great. All the Good Samaritans out there and she got a comedian.
SPIRIT BOUND, BOOK TWO:
“Calliope, I have something to ask you. If you choose not to answer, I will understand.”
She leaned in, resting the Red Tale Ale bottle on the counter for a heartbeat. “Wow. You used my full name. This must really be important.”
Her apprehensive smile did not fool Galen; he had sensed her trepidation before the bottle touched down. He reached across the Formica barrier, covering her hand with his. “I do not mean to frighten you. If you would rather not…”
Cal’s smile stunned him into silence. “You have been amazing to me, Galen. I think you’re entitled to a couple of answers.” She looked up, her dazzling green eyes pinning him with a serious stare. “But I might have a few questions of my own.”
“Quid pro quo?” he asked, quirking an eyebrow.
She nodded. “Definitely. Like, what does that word mean?”
His brow furrowed at her odd query. “What word?”
Lifting the brown bottle to her mouth, she mumbled around the lip of the bottle as if afraid she was going to botch the pronunciation. “Um, that, uh, a-ag…”
He chuckled lightly as she tripped over the familiar phrase. “You mean ‘agapi’?”
Sighing with a smile, she nodded. “Yeah, that’s the word.”
“It is simply a term of endearment in my native language,” he answered with a smile. “I hope you don’t mind.”
Her silent answer appeared as a tempting blush, pinking her cheeks, as an innocent grin melted across her face.
His eyes drank her in, his heart filling with a loving pride. The corners of his lips curled up as her eyes sparkled with emerald fire. Those evil men tried to break her, tried to take her away from him. Never again would anyone bring her harm. The thought clanged around his head, the edge of his smile faltering.
Her eyebrows pulled together as he let his anger slip out of his grip. “Gee, I’d hate to be on the receiving end of that glare.”
His rage disappeared in the blink of an eye, his gaze softening as he captured her hand. “Agapi mou, you need never fear that. For those who have felt my anger never do so again.” Bringing her hand to his lips, he brushed a tender kiss along the rapid pulse at her wrist. “But my question, I hope, will not cause you alarm.” He sat patiently, giving her time to change her mind.
She exhaled in a huff, her short locks swaying from side to side. “Nah, I should be good, I hope.” She lifted her gaze, her bright green eyes wary but willing. “OK. Let’s hear it.”
Galen threaded his fingers through hers and phrased his query as delicately as he could. “While I was healing you, I sensed something was very wrong.” He paused, gauging her response. When he met silence, he pressed on. “And twice, you tried to awaken too early into your healing rest. Is there something that stops you from sleeping?”
A sad smile graced her full lips, her eyes slipping away from his face. “Yeah, about that…” Gnawing her bottom lip, she paused and studied the floor, as if searching for the best way to explain her situation. “Well, straight answer? I’m dying.”
He blinked at the words hanging suspended between them. “I’m sorry, but did you just say…?”
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NAIMA SIMONE
Naima Simone’s love of romance was first stirred by Johanna Lindsey, Sandra Brown and Linda Howard many years ago. Well not that many. She is only eighteen…ish. Though her first attempt at a romance novel starring Ralph Tresvant from New Edition never saw the light of day, her love of romance, reading and writing has endured. Published since 2009, she spends her days—and nights— creating stories of unique men and women who experience the first bites of desire, the dizzying heights of passion, and the tender, healing heat of love.
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States. Come visit Naima at https://www.naimasimone.com.
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Only for a Night by Naima Simone is a short and steamy read that answers the question, is it possible that a bad boy can reform and have the one thing he’s never waivered on, the shy girl he lusted after in school?
Rion Ward is not the same guy that Harper Shaw once knew. Now she’s come back and discovered that he can give her everything she wants. Can they agree to just one night together? Who will crave more? What will happen when Harper craves more? Will Rion finally be able to give her what she desires?
Naima is a master at the sensual and larger than life characters that leave you begging for more! This is a very steamy start to a new series and I look forward to the next installment.
Proceed with caution, this three pepper spicy latte must read is pretty hot and may offend. For mature readers 18+.
I received this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review.
Excerpt (*edited for posting on the blog by the author*):
“What are you doing here?” The deep, midnight voice sliced through the memories, and Harper willingly locked the vault on them. Rion’s velvet tone slid over her exposed skin like a velvet caress, resonating in her chest, curling in her belly—and lower. “I asked you a question,” he said, the demand silky but no less menacing.
“I-I came here to speak with y-you,” she stammered. God, she sounded like an idiot. “I hoped we could talk.”
A black eyebrow arched high. “Talk,” he enunciated, a corner of his sensual mouth curling into a faintly sardonic sneer. “What could you and I possibly have to talk about?”
“I—” She peered over his shoulder, for the first time noticing the blond giant standing behind Rion. Sasha. Sasha Merchant. A close friend of Rion’s. “Would you mind if we… Can we speak in private?”
“No.”
She reeled back on her death-defying heels, teetering before grabbing the table tighter. “No?” she repeated. Seconds of silence passed between them. Irritation warred with mortification, and she tilted her chin in spite of the heat rushing up her throat and into her face. “That’s it? Just no?”
“Yes.”
She sighed, exasperated. “Rion…”
“Go home,” he interrupted, the order unyielding, hard. Dismissive.
“Rion, please,” she murmured, cringing at the plea that crept into her voice.
“Sasha, would you mind escorting her safely to her car?” He turned, again disregarding her without hearing her out.
Anger shoved the hurt aside, surging hot and hard inside her. She’d been dismissed, shelved, or patronized too often in her life. She’d also been mute, opting to remain silent, not rock the boat. Not voice her needs, her wants…her desires. Well, that time had passed.
She was tired of living—no, existing—in a cocoon that was supposed to be safe but was really suffocating.
And he didn’t get to push her back into that cocoon.
Aiming a dark scowl at Rion, Sasha stepped forward, his hand extended toward her. “Sorry, sweetheart—”
“Wait a minute,” she snarled, skirting past Sasha and latching onto Rion’s arm, ignoring the sexy flex of muscle beneath her fingers and palm. Rion froze, probably in surprise rather than from her hold. “We were friends for a long time. Too long for you to just toss me aside like a stranger. Okay it’s been five years since we’ve seen one another. You can at least give me five seconds.”
Slowly, Rion pivoted, dislodging her hand. Staring up into his lean face with its stark lines and stormy eyes, she shivered. Fear had picked a fine time to remind her the absolute stupidity of stirring a predator.
“Five seconds.” He slid his hands in his pants pockets.
“Thank you.” She sighed, relieved. “If we could just—”
“Three,” he stated, his tone past bored and veering into catatonic.
“I need you,” she blurted. Damn. Oh God. Just…damn.
His eyes narrowed. “What do you need me for?”
“I can’t—” Panic crawling up her throat, she shot a glance at Sasha who didn’t even pretend not to be absorbed with the scene playing out before him. “Rion,” she whispered.
“Two seconds.”
“Damn it. Sex. I need you for sex.”
For the first time, Rion lost his stoicism, shock widening his eyes and parting his lips. Beside him, Sasha sounded as if he were being strangled, and her? She squeezed her eyes shut, flames bursting inside her, consuming her in a conflagration of humiliation. Jesus Christ. Was death by mortification possible?
The authors featured above have generously donated a fabulous assortment of prizes. Check out what you could win…
From Suzanne Ferrell:
TWO sets of signed Christmas books: Close To Christmas and Close To The Mistletoe.
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From Samantha Chase:
ONE signed print of Christmas in Silver Bell Falls (Us/Canada)
AND THREE e-book copies of Silver Bell Falls
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From Dianna Love:
ONE Print Book of Fatal Promise (Slye series) ContUS/Canada or ebook anywhere PLUS
Afully loaded Keeper Kase(R) of signed cover cards for every book in the series.
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From Anna Campbell:
ONEset of the three Dashing Widows novellas (That’s The Seduction of Lord Stone, Tempting Mr. Townsend and Winning Lord West.)
Kindle. International
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From Tessa McFionn:
ONE print copy of Spirit Bound w/swag ONE print copy of Spirit Fall w/ swag
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From Naima Simone:
ONE copy of Only for a Night (erotic romance novella from Entangled Publishing)
ONE $5 Amazon Gift Card
For a chance to win one of these fabulous prizes answer the following questions:
What is your holiday baking tradition? When do you start the decorating frenzy or do you leave it up all year long?
Do you have any baking traditions or recipes that you only serve during the holidays?
Contest ends 7/19/16 at 2 PM EST. Winners will be randomly selected AND must comment on this blog post OR on the public Books I Love A Latte FaceBook Personal Blog Page.
Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter (@RaeLatte) the blog (button on homepage) and my FB page (Books I Love A Latte ) to keep up to date on everything.
If the winners do not comment within 24 hours a new name will be drawn. Don’t miss out!
Rae: I’m excited to have Jeanne Adams on the blog today.
Hi Everyone!
I’m so excited about Christmas in July here at Books I Love a Latte! I’m particularly excited because I’m working on a new project that’s coming out in September and I’m hoping you’ll be as excited about it as I am!
You see, I’m writing about witches. I’m trying to make sure I don’t slap up against the stereotypes or trip over the gremlins of bad writing. I want the witches in Haven Cove to be just like the people in any other town, just with a little extra whammy! Ha!
Haven Cove is in Massachusetts, up near the New Hampshire border. The original settlers fled Salem before the Trials, coming to rest about 50 miles north to create the town of Haven Harbor, in Haven County, MA. Now, the town has an annual event every September called The Witches Walk. “The Walk” as its affectionately known, is held to commemorate the walk the original witches made, escaping Salem. It’s a five day festival, with a three day Walk, benefiting The Freedom Fund, a group that works to eliminate religious and social persecution in all it’s forms. There’s also a huge Faire and then a Witches Walk Gala to end the week.
But someone doesn’t want the Walk to succeed any more. Someone wants to see it end, and end badly. When a new, professional Executive Director is hired, accidents begin to happen and trouble starts to brew. Marisol Beecham is superb at her job. She’s determined to make The Witches Walk an internationally acclaimed, go-to event. Peregrine Hestworth, head of the town council, isn’t sure about Mari, personally, but he’ll support her publicly to the bitter end. Spells and magic swirl as the town prepares for the Walk, but so does the danger, as three women are murdered, in quick succession. Will Mari be next? Who’s behind it all?
I hope you’ll check back in August, here on Books I Love A Latte, for a cover reveal and the announcement of a Mystery Project set in Haven Harbor, then come again in September for a launch party of the Witches Walk!
>In the meantime, I hope you’ll check out my Urban Fantasty, The Tentacle Affaire, the first book in the Slip Traveler Series; Dead Run, first book in the suspense series, Faithful Defenders; and my fun novellas as well!
(**Images from Yahoo Clip Art and Jeanne Adams **)
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Capitol Danger is a collaborative story in four parts by authors Suzanne Ferrell, Jeanne Adams, Nancy Northcott and J.D. Tyler. It’s the night of the Inaugural Balls in Washington, DC and the setting is at one of the swankiest hotels in town. Everyone is there undercover and no one knows who they can trust. Which missions will be compromised? Whose paths will cross?
This joint effort begins with Unmasked (an Edgars Family Novella) by Suzanne Ferrell as we discover that the hotel is under siege and the attackers are still unknown. Luke Edgars and Abigail Whitson have one job and when the unexpected happens, will they be able to save themselves and their mission? Luke and Abigail must work as a team and when secrets surface will it distract them or keep them on point? Suzanne has written four books with sexy and edgy Edgars men.
Once again, she delivers us a great story with Luke and Abigail. Can they make it through the gunfire with their love intact? Maybe a little gunfire is what they need to put their relationship into perspective and finally commit to each other. The perfect beginning to this on-the-edge-of-your-seat story.
Looking for more from those sexy Edgars men? Check out Suzanne’s series Edgars Family Novels, there are plenty to choose from.
Death Under Glass (Deadly Charms novella)by Jeanne Adams continues the inaugural evening by introducing us to Edward Millner and Retta Geminous who are there to celebrate Retta’s glasswork that is decorating the room for the gala. Everything is sparkling and shimmering in red, white and blue until the room is attacked. When bullets fly and her work is shattered it will take everything to ensure that Edward and Retta make it out alive. Edward’s past as a Special Force medic will surprise many, can he shake what happened in his past to survive the night in one piece?
Pay attention readers. Just when you think you have it all figured out the story shakes things up and turns on the heat. Take note of the little touches in this novella, Jeanne is a master with those fine details and plot twists.
Looking for more action? Jeanne’s #FaithfulDefenders series starts with Dead Run and it’s fantastic. Check out my reviews here: everyone-needs-a-faithful-defender-that-will-protect-and-serve.
Wait, there’s more…check out my review in this post for Dead Reckoning. The Deadly Charms series is forthcoming. So, check out her previous books that are just as fabulous!
Danger’s Edge (An Arachnid Files Novella)by Nancy Northcott is a tale of agent versus agent. Everyone is suspect and secrets are piling up as fast as the bodies are in this siege. The tension between Greg Reed and Kelsey Mitchell is fantastic and the banter is superb. All I can say is there is a moment that I went from on the edge of my seat to laughing out loud. What will happen when Kelsey must reveal her identity to save herself? Will Greg give in to his feelings or just add her to one more body on the casualty list? After his last mission he was injured and recovering, will he be able to respond when lives are on the line?
I have read Nancy’s Mage series and she’s just as amazing at straight suspense. From sexy mage’s to edgy FBI agent’s Nancy writes stellar suspense books with edgy FBI agents in this world to sexy mage’s from beyond. While each of her books can be read as a stand alone I enjoyed reading them in order.
Check out my post from yesterday that featured Sentinel and Warrior. Be sure to comment for a chance to win a fabulous prize from Nancy Northcott!
Lethal Target (An Armed and Deadly Novella)by J.D. Tyler ends our adventurous evening with Dalton McCoy and Jolie Montfort at the hotel. Jolie is a reporter looking for a scoop and will stop at nothing to uncover the truth. An Inaugural Ball is the perfect place to get a hot story from politicians and constituents while they are having a great time and drinking it up.
Dalton McCoy wants nothing more than to be back in Texas with his target apprehended and behind bars. When his mission is compromised, will he have the strength to finish it out? Can he trust Jolie to keep his identity a secret?
Who will finally be the one to catch the maniac leader of the terrorist group that everyone has been hunting for, throughout this multilayered and complex, but gripping set of connected stories?
This anthology is brilliant, well written and seamless as we journey from one story to the next. Each author brings her own voice and unique style to this collection and the collaboration is absolutely genius. Every detail is figured out from beginning to end and there are no holes or loose ends. From the hotel layout to the plot that weaves into and out of each story, it all works and leaves you satisfied with one seriously crazy Ball and a bunk of hunky agents!
If you have never read J.D. Tyler, or any of these three suspenseful Romance Bandit’s books I suggest you download this book now and then dive into each of these author’s backlists. There are so many great books to choose from, from each of these authors and they are all must read delights!
Author Info:
J
National Bestselling Author J.D. Tyler is best known for her dark, sexy paranormal series Alpha Pack, and the popular Firefighters of Station Five and Sugarland Blue series under her pseudonym Jo Davis. PRIMAL LAW, the first book in her Alpha Pack series, is the winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award in Paranormal. She’s also been a multiple finalist in the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, a finalist for the Bookseller’s Best Award, has captured the HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and has been a two-time nominee for the Australian Romance Readers Award in romantic suspense.
J.D.’s books regularly appear on the Barnes and Noble, Neilson Bookscan, BooksOnBoard, and Amazon bestseller lists, among others, and she was named by BooksOnBoard as their #1 Bestselling Romance Author.
When she isn’t writing, J.D.’s idea of a good time certainly isn’t cleaning house (sniff), bungee jumping (not in this lifetime, or the next), or camping (her idea of “roughing it” is a slow bellboy). She enjoys reading, being pampered like the diva she is, and spending time with her awesome family. J.D. lives in Texas with her two kids, a spoiled Boston terrier, and two cats.
Although Jeanne Adams likes calling North Carolina home, she lives in DC, where The Tentacle Affaire is set, and often jogs on the C&O towpath with her dogs. Her favorite holiday is Halloween. She starts planning the annual yard decor on November 1. Alas, in this case however, the “Adams Family” – one husband, two sons and three dogs – is all bark and no bite.
On another spooky note, Jeanne used to work in the funeral and cemetery business, and knows a thing or two about getting rid of the body….bwhahahah! (She even teaches classes about it to other writers!)
Jeanne has written suspense novels for Kensington/Zebra Publishing since 2007. THE TENTACLE AFFAIRE, her first urban fantasy/romance, was released in Nov, 2014, along with two new Romantic Suspense Novellas, DEADLY DELIVERY and BEHIND ENEMY LINES. A short story, featured in TINY TREATS #2, St. Patrick’s Day, heralds a new series which will start next year.
Nancy Northcott’s childhood ambition was to grow up and become Wonder Woman. Around fourth grade, she realized it was too late to acquire Amazon genes, but she still loved comic books, science fiction, fantasy and YA romance. A sucker for fast action and wrenching emotion, Nancy combines the romance and high stakes she loves in the books she writes.
Her debut novel, Renegade, received a starred review from Library Journal. The reviewer called it “genre writing at its best.” Nancy is a three-time RWA Golden Heart finalist and has won the Maggie, the Molly, the Emerald City Opener, and Put Your Heart in a Book.
Married since 1987, Nancy and her husband have one son, a bossy dog, and a house full of books.
Suzanne Ferrell discovered romance novels in her aunt’s hidden stash one summer as a teenager. From that moment on she knew two things: she loved romance stories and someday she’d be writing her own. Her love for romances has only grown over the years. It took her a number of years and a secondary career as a nurse to finally start writing her own stories.
Currently there are two main series she’s actively writing in: The Westen Series, a contemporary small town series based in a fictional Ohio town where “things aren’t always what they seem”, and features Close To Home, Close To The Edge and Close To The Fire. The second series is the Romantic Suspense books KIDNAPPED, HUNTED, SEIZED and VANISHED, featuring the Edgars family as they fight for justice, even if it means stepping slightly outside the rulebook.
KIDNAPPED and HUNTED were both Golden Heart finalist, and SEIZED, book #3 in the Edgars Family Novels, was a finalist in the novella category of the OKRWA’s National Reader’s Choice Awards contest.
Suzanne’s sexy stories, whether they be her on the edge of your seat romantic suspense or the small town romantic suspense stories they’ll keep you thinking about her characters long after their Happy Ever After is achieved.
Dead Run: Faithful Defenders #1 by Jeanne Adams is on-the-edge-of-your-seat, super hot, and intense suspense goodness! A mouthful of absolutely fabulous wonder – like biting into a fried snickers. Lots of layers, and a few that are a bit sinful.
Dana Markham and her son Xavier are in the witness protection program due to Xavy’s unfortunate louse of a father. Unfortunately, Xavy’s father is a notorious and very wanted criminal. For years, mother and son have kept a low profile, on the run, and finally in the witness protection program.
When Dana’s ex decides to fulfill a long-standing threat and take her out, she’s ready. The FBI must now race against the clock to keep her safe. That’s their job. But when things don’t go according to protocol everything changes. It’s too difficult to figure out who she can trust and when an injured man reveals his identity to her, she can’t quite figure out the truth. Who is this man? How does he know what to say? Why is he here? Caine Bradley works for the FBI but due to his unique arrival at Dana’s house, she’s not sure exactly what to believe. How long can Caine go before everyone figures out which side he’s really on? I love a great romantic suspense that’s full of secrets, arguments, trust, and lust in the form of an FBI agent. This man is overflowing in the yowzah category and the story is packed with heat!
Discover who’s faithful and will defend to the end no matter what the cost. Discover what happens when lines are crossed and boundaries are tested. I love how detailed this book is, the characters have dimension and the plot has depth. Jeanne knows how to set the scene, create loveable characters – including the four-legged Faithful Defender, Shadow – that you just want to squeeze because you love them, as well as ones you just want to squash like a bug.
A quick note – I purchased this e-book on Amazon for $2.99 – it’s a fabulous price. I’d gladly buy it again as a gift. I can’t wait for the second book – I’m dying to know who’s story will be next.
(**re-posted from 4/15/15)
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In Deadly Delivery by Jeanne Adams we are treated to a griping tale of what happens when a food delivery for Thanksgiving goes really, really, wrong. Poor Dierdre Shercroft is helping out her family for the holidays because they’re short staffed, her regular job is in real-estate which helps her maneuver in and out of the buildings in the city. When fate drops her into the building owned by the very man she hooked up with at a work conference she’s not sure if she should scream or knock on his door. Michael Pennington, a real estate tycoon delivered his own delicious surprise when they enjoyed a week of bliss. Finally thinking she may have found that special someone Dierdre was giddy with anticipation of connecting up after the conference. Unfortunately, Michael fed her the standard line that he’d be in touch.
That was that, or was it? Other than a brief text describing some family crisis Dierdre wasn’t sure what to believe. It’s been months and well….there’d been no communication. Radio silent! Now, she’s in his building and doesn’t exactly have a great “vibe!”
As a member of the Shercroft family she helps out her parents for their family business by delivering decadent and anticipated holiday baskets. However, this is one delivery run that she’ll be remembering for a very long time. The last thing one expects is to be staring at a crazy dude and a gun when the receiving party opens up the door. What Deirdre runs into upon delivering the very last basket is anything but ordinary. Guns, drugs, and Michael are all at the same place. After months of silence there’s some explaining that has to be done and this is not exactly how she envisioned this blessed reunion.
If you were face to face with a hot guy from your past that you thought wanted nothing to do with you, what would you do? Dierdre isn’t exactly a saint and has a bit of a checkered past herself. However, when she escaped her ex, she thought that part of her life was behind her. Now, the clock is ticking to get both her and Michael out of this pickle while discovering if there truly is anything between them. This novella screams sexy adventure and will have you wondering until the very last page….WELL??? Yes, dear readers this is a must read and must own.
Once again I need to say that Jeanne Adams is a master at novellas. Ya know those stories that deliver fabulous stories in 100 pages or less. I know you won’t be disappointed and the price can’t be beat. If you’re looking for a quick read this week with the crazies of the holiday shuffle then don’t wait….download now! I received this copy from the author for an honest review and am thrilled she sent it my way. I look forward to many more reads by Jeanne Adams!
(** re-posted from 11/23/14)
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In Behind Enemy Lines by Jeanne Adams we are transported back the beginning of WWII, 1939 into the turmoil of France and Germany. We meet Grace Corvedale as she tries to escape France with both the mystical heirloom brooch she’s inherited and her life. Trained as a spy by the best agents in England, she’s been working as a vintner wine broker, allowing her to come and go while sending vital reconnaissance back to England.
Unfortunately information has leaked to the wrong hands about the origins of her family brooch and the power it holds. When Grace finds herself staring danger in the face, she will stop at nothing to escape the Nazis with her life and brooch intact. Leave it to her father to send in back-up to rescue her from a fate worse than anything one can imagine. Perhaps her rescuer, American Lt. Robert “Dix” Dixon, who is “unofficially” working for the British Embassy will turn out to be more than just a super sexy spy who appears as easily as he disappears.
Do you believe in magic? Do you believe that a predetermined someone is destined to be your soul mate? When Grace finally has a dream of her destined husband she denies to anyone who asks that she’s had the “vision.” Surely these dreams and that husband aren’t what her ancestors had in mind! Fearful that her life is about to alter course in a way that could be fatal for her family, she needs to prove to herself that having faith in the legend of the brooch is paramount. However, it’s up to Grace to discover that destiny or not, she can still write her own story.
Another captivating tale that I only hope leads to a new series! This spell-binding WWII adventure is filled with super sexy spy stuff and will keep you in suspense until the very last page.
The Tentacle Affaire by Jeanne Adams is spell-binding, action packed and chock full of passion. Our Slip Traveler Cait Brennan is sent to Earth to retrieve a Tyranalnid Ophthoid, a stranded ship’s pet. The Ty-Op’s last known location is the Potomac basin and Washington, DC is the destination of Cait’s next mission. Cait figures she’ll get in, retrieve the misplaced pet and return with no problems and no one the wiser.
Unfortunately Cait is thrust into DC politics as soon as she arrives, and stumbles upon her sexy alpha male neighbor Aiden Bayliss. Usually a man of his magical talents can read and uncover anyone’s mysteries- even Cait’s before she even knows what’s happening. However, this time Aiden can’t get over how impenetrable her apartment is to his magical powers. There is no explanation to her mysterious arrival along with the sudden shift in his mystical powers. Unexplained happenings around her, multiple visions after a long drought with not a one and an attraction that’s electrifying and risky. Add in a handful of dead senators, and you’ve got a heck of a mess!
When I sit down and read romances I only occasionally select the paranormal/urban fantasy genre because I can’t usually get into the story. Not only was I hooked after the prologue I was engaged till the bitter end and in true form Jeanne Adams delivered! I need more! I can’t wait until her next book in this series. This is Men in Black meets Gandalf, and a rocking battle of magic vs. tech.
If you are looking for action packed and flawless story with a mission that makes sense you will not be disappointed. The Marine background for Cait and the notion of serve, protect and never leave anyone behind is paramount for this story.
Cait is sent to Earth with one mission to retrieve and return a misplaced pet and winds up discovering that even though she’s living amongst other beings from other worlds, at her core she’s still an American, and a Marine. Love, hope and perseverance are the keys to any warm blooded creature whether it’s this planet or an unknown. If you want to know what happens to Cait and discover the passionate fireworks that happen when she meets Aiden you must purchase this book! You will be handsomely rewarded! The Tentacle Affaire is out today and a must have for your e-reader!
(** Re-posted from 9/1/14)
********* JEANNE ADAMS Giveaway **********
TWOe-book copies of Modern Magic AND
TWO$10 Amazon GC.
(US/ Canada Giveaway ONLY)
Dear Readers that’s FOUR Fabulous Prizes up for grabs.
For a chance to win one of those prizes answer the following questions:
What’s the most fun you’ve ever had at Halloween? What was your favorite costume? What’s your favorite candy?
For witchy books, do you prefer cartoon covers or spooky covers??
Contest ends 7/19/16 at 2 PM EST. Winners will be randomly selected AND must comment on this blog post OR on the public Books I Love A Latte FaceBook Personal Blog Page.
If you can’t comment on this post please let me know on my public Facebook Page.
Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter (@RaeLatte) the blog (button on homepage) and my FB page (Books I Love A Latte ) to keep up to date on everything.
If the winners do not comment within 24 hours a new name will be drawn. Don’t miss out!
Then dive into a novella that has a whole lot of chemistry to make this one fantastic sexy paranormal way to start the series!
Either way you decide to read Nancy’s books they are perfect as a standalone too.
Happy Reading!
Warrior by Nancy Northcott is a colorful and magical tale with on sexy mage, a determined archaeologist and a lot of heat! Audra Grayson is deep in the Okefenokee Swamp hoping to keep her career alive. When her team discovers a metal object in the middle of a Native American dig site they fear someone is out to sabotage them. When she seeks out some help Will Davis, a famous archaeologist and Mage, shows up. For Will, working with the Mundanes (non-magic using folk) can be challenging but he’s determined to help her find out how the metal object appeared at a site where none should be.
A mysterious fire and magic permeating in the air send Will’s senses on overdrive. Is dark magic at work? It’s when a bronze axe is discovered that Audra’s team starts scrambling and Will’s interest is now heightened. How did it get here? For Audra the presence of a hunky man at her site creates a challenging work environment and results in an unfortunate Ghoul attack.
Is there enough trust between Will and Audra that they can confide in each other? There is fear that someone close to Audra is betraying her. Audra’s hiding something that could damage the results of her dig. Afraid to confide in anyone she’s unable to discuss her unexplained visions and the dark shadows that are surrounding her. Will she reach out to Will and let him help? Is she prepared for him to discover her secret?
Once again the dig site is attacked and destroyed. Audra fears that the park rangers will accuse her team of vandalism. With her reputation on the line and concern for her team and Will, she has to make a decision. Can she confide in Will completely? What will they do when they discover someone they both trusted has betrayed them?
Will offers a solution but is it enough? Eventually Audra decides to act when the presence yet again of the shadows come for her for what she hopes is the last time. After all this time will she find out what has left a shadow over everything?
Ghouls, Mages, secret powerful artifacts and sizzling chemistry make this another intense story. Thank you Nancy! I received this ARC from the author for an honest review and am super excited that I did! I am so happy that I did- I look forward to the next installment of the Light Mage Series soon.
Excerpt:
“What?” Will asked, putting his phone away. “Have I grown an extra head?”
Audra smiled to show she didn’t care about his choices. “It’s not my business. Sorry I couldn’t help overhearing.”
“What’s not your business?” He strolled closer, smiling slightly. “This is honesty hour, babe. If you’ve got a question, ask it.”
Audra hesitated, but his friendly smile encouraged her to go ahead. Maybe she was imagining that hint of danger in the depths of his eyes.
“Well, if we’re being honest, I’d rather you not call me babe.” Or sugar or hon or any other name he called the women he flirted with and probably went to bed with, and, again, so not her business. “It’s not an image I find professional.”
“Fair enough. Okay.”
“Okay? Just like that?”
Will shrugged. “Why not? It isn’t as though I don’t know your name.”
Audra bit her lip. She had no right to criticize anything about his social life.
“If there’s something else,” he added, raising an eyebrow, “spit it out and let’s go.” The glint in his eyes dared her.
That glint jabbed her like a needle. “I apologize for overhearing, but I couldn’t help it.” When he nodded, she continued, “Your business is your business, but I noticed…”
Will said nothing, just watched her with that little smile and that dangerous expression. Audra steeled her spine.
“I just wondered whether you always turn on the charm when you’re trying to divert a woman.”
“Sometimes. It usually works.”
“Based on these two phone calls, it seems to, though Denise Larrabee is smart and tenacious. Whoever you were talking to a minute ago also seemed to back down when you flirted with her.”
“Flirting is an ancient human custom,” Will responded. “Do you have a problem with it?”
“No, of course not.” Audra wheeled in exasperation. “I shouldn’t have brought it up, but it’s just hard to believe they let you get away with it.”
She turned back, only to find Will less than a hand span away, still with that cocky smile.
“So you’d be impervious?” he asked softly.
Yes. Of course. No hot guy would distract her from a goal she cared about. But some primitive instinct warned her not to say so. Audra picked a point over his shoulder and stared at it. Anything was better than looking at him.
“There’s no good answer to that. Just forget I mentioned it and–”
Will used two fingers to tip her chin up. Her eyes met his, and the words died in her throat. His cocky look faded into a searching, intent one. Then he leaned down and kissed her.
A flash of heat blanked Audra’s brain. The world spun, and she reached for the nearest solid anchor–Will. He cupped her cheek as his free arm slid around her waist, steadying her and tugging her gently against him. The full body contact generated another brain-blinding flare.
Will’s mouth was warm and soft on hers. Tantalizing. Demanding.
Audra made a small sound in her throat, or maybe Will did. It seemed to restore a measure of sanity. She pulled back, breaking the kiss.
He lifted his head, and his eyes were dazed for an instant before they darkened with consternation. Releasing her, he took a step back.
Audra fought to level her breathing. As kisses went, that had been a mild one, yet her blood raced and her heart pounded. What would a serious kiss with him be like?
Not that they had any business kissing at all.
“Damn.” Will sounded slightly breathless, something she wasn’t too big a person to relish just a bit.
He ran a hand over his face. “That should not have happened. It was my fault.”
“To be fair, I didn’t exactly push you away. But you’re right that it was inappropriate.”
Mind-bending, body-flaming, and marvelous but totally inappropriate.
Audra summoned the most casual voice she could. “It was also a sneaky way to win an argument. Anyway, like I said, I can’t believe they let you get away with it.”
Will gaped at her for a second before he grinned. “Well, that shows me. You win, Dr. Grayson.”
(** re-posted from 12/5/14)
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Sentinel: A Light Mage Wars Novella by Nancy Northcott is a seamless story with on sexy mage, a talented artist with a secret and some fantastic chemistry! Rick Moore, a Mage reporter has been desperately trying to find out the truth surrounding his father’s death and refute the accusation that he was involved in dark magic. In order to get the support to uncover his family scandal from the web magazine he works for, he must first find out what happened to one of the most wanted fugitives in the Mage world, artist Caroline Dare’s brother.
Fighting ghouls and an unintended intoxicating attraction only deepens the connection between them. What will Caro do when she discovers the real story he’s after? Will he loose her forever? Rick needs to get the inside scoop on Caro’s brother Griffin Dare, but at the rate Rick’s going that could be lethal.
When Rick’s boss betrays him, in the most unforgiveable way by publishing damaging information with Rick’s name attached to it, everything changes. It now paints Rick as a callous, uncaring and media driven journalist out for blood. Caro is left questioning his feelings and intentions towards her.
Too much is at stake for Caro, with the publication of personal information can she trust Rick? Are they both being set up? Or was he just interested in her for “the story?”
With nothing left to lose, Rick seeks out help from an unexpected source. He must now have faith in the Mage judicial system, and pray that the truth will be exposed.
When I read stories I usually have a pretty good idea of how they will end but this time….whoa!!!! Dear readers you must read this book now! I gasped at the ending! I’m so grateful that no one was home as I screamed a bit loud! Absolutely superb Nancy! Well done! I received this ARC from the author for an honest review and am super excited that I did! I am so happy that I did- it was the perfect book to read on a crisp winter day!
(** re-posted from 12/3/14)
BIO:
Nancy Northcott’s childhood ambition was to grow up and become Wonder Woman. Around fourth grade, she realized it was too late to acquire Amazon genes, but she still loved comic books, science fiction, fantasy and YA romance. A sucker for fast action and wrenching emotion, Nancy combines the romance and high stakes she loves in the books she writes.
Her debut novel, Renegade, received a starred review from Library Journal. The reviewer called it “genre writing at its best.” Nancy is a three-time RWA Golden Heart finalist and has won the Maggie, the Molly, the Emerald City Opener, and Put Your Heart in a Book.
Married since 1987, Nancy and her husband have one son, a bossy dog, and a house full of books.
********* Nancy Northcott Giveaway **********
For a chance to win a paperback of her Light Mage Wars set: Sentinel plus Warrior.
Tell us the name and/or author of the first comic book, science fiction or fantasy story you read.
(International)
Contest ends 7/17/16 at 2 PM EST. Winners will be randomly selected AND must comment on this blog post.
Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter (@RaeLatte) the blog (button on homepage) and my FB page (Books I Love A Latte ) to keep up to date on everything.
If the winners do not comment within 24 hours a new name will be drawn. Don’t miss out!
****** Congratulations to the winners of the Day 6 Giveaway ******
Leslie S you have won the Bachelor e-book and swag (Us/Canada) kaisquared4 you have a Sandra Lake e-book bundle
Leslie S and kaisquared4 you have 24 hours to comment or a new name will be drawn.
I’m excited to have Hildie McQueen and Sandra Lake here today. With an extensive backlist of must read stories these authors have something for everyone.
Happy reading dear readers .
Montana Bachelor by Hildie McQueen is a novella that is full of spicy goodness and adventure from Montana to Las Vegas. How much are you willing to risk for the one person that you can’t live without?
Amy Leigh Paisley has missed her flight and will need to spend the next 24 hours in Las Vegas. What happens to her that night changes her life and it all starts with a makeover and a fruity drink.
Trent Baxter is in Las Vegas for a family wedding and wonders if he’ll ever find the same happiness as the newly married couple.
It will take a wild night, a bet and a little bit of liquid courage to experience their inner desires. I think we could all use a wild night every now and then. 😉
This 2 1/2 pepper spicy latte read may offend some readers and has mature content for those 18+.
I received this book from the author for a fair and honest review.
The Warlord’s Wife (A Sons of the North Romance), by Sandra Lake, is a Viking adventure that is set in 12th century Sweden. Lida, a recent widow, finds herself in a situation of misunderstanding and betrayal as she is “returned” home to her family, in shame. At the tender age of 16 she finds herself in a pregnancy scandal and unsure whom she can depend on. Will her family receive with open arms or shun her too?
As the years moved forward Lida always makes sure that she and her child are cared for and safe. When a warlord travels through one day, it changes everything. Jarl Magnus is a force to be reckoned with and doesn’t like disobedience. When he proclaims to his men that he wants Lida, she once again finds herself powerless and unable to be in control. What will happen when Magnus discovers she has a daughter from a previous union? Will he protect both her and the child? This man is nothing but ice and stone, just like his homeland. Can she learn to adapt? Can she have faith that her safety won’t be compromised?
Unfortunately all is not calm for Jarl Magnus in his kingdom. Some are not so welcoming to Lida as his new queen, and secrets and plans are in motion. Will she finally be able to find happiness and love? Will Magnus allow himself to show a softer side?
Discover a sweeping and majestic setting that’s filled with rich characters, a fantastic story, and a steamy romance! This is one journey you will want to take. I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review. I would happily purchase this book or give it as a gift!
(** original review posted 3/18/16)
The Iron Princess (Sons of the North Series Book #2) by Sandra Lake is an epic Viking romance full of adventure, lust, deceit and a need for independence.
Katia is the daughter of King Jarl Magnus and longs to be a soldier. The desire to experience life without constraints is paramount and she will challenge anyone under disguise to a round of sword fighting of course! After dueling Lothair, he finds himself excited and displeased at the shocking discovery. Katia’s lack of concern for safety only sears his objection to marriage freely admitting that he’d rather be married to the sea.
This “Iron Princess” will do everything to protect those she loves, even if it comes with a hefty price. When Katia finds herself in a desperate situation her hero comes from an unlikely champion. I love these characters and find myself swept away with them sailing the Baltic Sea and hoping for peace and tranquility!
Once again we are treated to a story full of passion that’s intense and magical. Family feuds. Kingdoms to conquer. Who will Katia be able to trust? No one is safe.
If only Lothair and Katia could admit they do care for each other and could be more than just friends. Sandra does a magnificent job developing the relationship between them throwing unexpected challenges in their path.
I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review. I would gladly purchase this book for myself or as a gift! I only hope that we won’t have to wait too long for the next book to be released.
While this is the second book in a series it can be enjoyed without reading The Warlord’s Wife.
(**Original review posted
The Northman’s Bride is the third book in the Sons of North and it’s a must read! A story of mistaken identity, love and redemption that sweep us off our feet and into a land of Vikings!
Our heroine Sovia is forced to put herself in a compromising predicament once again. When the “plan” unravels will Sovia be able to control her temper or trust her father?
Hök has learned a lot fighting to prove himself and protect his honor. In order to win a battle two vital skills are listening and the ability to stay one step ahead of his opponent.
Even under stress Sovia is strong and will fight to protect the one thing that matter’s most to her. When Hök offers her a solution to save her life it will shock them both. Will she agree? How will Hök’s family react when they discover what’s happened. The last time they saw each other it nearly cost them both everything. Many people say the truth will set you free. For Sovia, the truth might destroy her and those she loves.
Wars, conquests, trust and a secret that could destroy this new life she’s attempted to make for herself are a few of the reasons this must read will make you a fan of Sandra Lake forever! I love Sandra’s books and find her writing to be rich in details, compelling and each book takes me on a journey of the heart and soul. If you’re not into Viking romance I ask you to give this a try, it will make a fan out of you! Don’t be surprised if you find yourself googling modern day images of Viking’s.
While this is the third book in her A Son’s of the North series it can be enjoyed without reading her backlist. However, if you have not read The Warlord’s Wife or The Iron Princess and missed my reviews you can check it out here and then grab a copy and start your adventure!
**************** Excerpt ****************
For the first time, Hök caught sight of Sovia flinching. The slight wince wouldn’t be noticeable to many, but she swallowed a little too hard and her eyes shifted a little too quickly around the congested hall. She was wearing nothing more than a thin rag of a garment, but she refused to tremble from the chill in the windy hall or cower in fear before her fate.
“You pose a series of problems to my court.” Sverre pointed his fork at her. “As you know, most in this hall wish to see you dead.”
Sovia’s back straightened, as if she was preparing herself to be hung at that very moment. Hök admired her self-possession. It was a shame such self-control was wasted on a woman. She would have made an excellent battle commander.
“An alternative fate has been proposed to resolve the inconvenience of your presence in my court,” the king said. “Are you not going to ask me, witch? Are you not at all curious?”
“I have never had a say in what my fate might be,” Sovia said. “Why waste your time by asking? You will do with me whatever is your will.”
“You are a clever girl,” the king said, and turned to his companions. “I have never approved of women being educated. Far too dangerous.”
“How right you are,” Jarl Brosa groaned, likely thinking of his own wife, who was known for her scheming, political mind.
“You, woman, are a problem,” the king said.
She tilted her head down—not in a full bow, but with more submission than she had shown anyone up to that point. She breathed slowly, clearly working to restrain her temper. “I do not wish to be, Your Majesty.”
The king leaned forward. “Well then, what is your wish?”
“I would return to my home in Toraslotte, Your Majesty,” she said with a distinctly meeker tone. “I would speak of your mercy and generosity and send you a generous tribute by way of my gratitude.”
“Mercy, generosity, tribute . . . lies fall off your tongue as easily as your favors. I killed your father and his men. I shamed you publicly. Why would you falsely claim I am generous to you?”
“You have slain my enemy, therefore I think you deserving of tribute.”
“Which enemy of yours did I slay?”
“My father, of course.”
Conversation broke out in the hall, and both of the king’s advisors spoke at once.
Hök kept silent, watching Sovia closely. Her words clearly had a ring of truth. She had considered her own father an enemy.
For the first time since she’d entered the hall, Lady Sovia’s eyes fell on Hök, and their eyes locked but for a moment. Her cheeks paled and her balance faltered. She took a step out to the side, and her jailer yanked her arm, holding her steady.
A murderous rage for the man that dared touch her tore through him. Hök was on his feet. She’s mine! he snarled silently from within.
Descending from the dais, Hök unwrapped his fur mantle from his shoulders. He shoved the jailer away and draped the mantle on her shoulders. As he secured his gold cloak pin, she kept her eyes and head down, refusing to meet his gaze. Good, he thought. It pleased him that she feared him. It would be simpler that way.
“Your Majesty,” Hök said. “The hour grows late. I request that you inform your prisoner of her fate and excuse me and my men so that we may prepare for our departure.” Hök bowed his head.
“So be it, comrade,” the king said. “Though you do take all the fun out of it, Hök. “Lady Sovia, if you wish to quit my dungeon, you will enter into wedlock with Lord Hök, making him the new master of Toraslotte.” He pointed his knife at her and leaned forward across the table. “You will sign a contract stating your union with Magnusson was of your own free will, design, and desire. Heed my warning: your people will know of this generosity and mercy I have granted you, and you will be the agent of peace, uniting our country, or so help me God I will swing the axe of judgment across your pretty little neck myself.
“Whether you ever see your castle again will be the decision of Lord Hök. Do you accept these conditions, Lady Sovia?”
Her head lifted and she answered quietly. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Author Info:
Sandra Lake was raised in rural Canada. She married her childhood sweetheart (who during her childhood resembled more like her childhood nemesis) and is currently living happily-ever-after along with their kids and unruly husky in eastern Canada.
********* Hildie McQueen Giveaway **********
For a chance to win an e-book of Montana Bachelor and swag tell us would you ride off into the sunset with your cowboy even if you couldn’t ride a horse?
Contest ends 7/16/16 at 2 PM EST. Winners will be randomly selected AND must comment on this blog post.
Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter (@RaeLatte) the blog (button on homepage) and my FB page (Books I Love A Latte ) to keep up to date on everything.
If the winners do not comment within 24 hours a new name will be drawn. Don’t miss out!
Good luck to all!
***** Sandra Lake GIVEAWAY *****
Sandra Lake has generously donated THREEkindle e-book bundles of her Series A Son’s of the North Romance for US/Canada readers only.
Each set includes a copy of The Warlord’s Wife, The Iron Princess and The Northman’s Bride!
To enter please comment below on what you qualities would make a great Viking Warrior!
Contest ends 7/16/16 at 2 PM EST. Winners will be randomly selected AND must comment on the blog post.
Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter (@RaeLatte) the blog (button on homepage) and my FB page (Books I Love A Latte ) to keep up to date on everything.
If the winners do not comment within 24 hour a new name will be drawn….don’t miss out!
****** Congratulations to the winners of the Day 5 Giveaway ******
Pamelattfn you have won A signed print copy of Seducing Seven (US/Canada Only).
Keri B. you have won the Lovestruck Prize Pack (US only)
Mary Preston you have one the Allison Butler bundle e-book prize
Congratulations – you all have 24 hours to comment or a new name will be drawn.
Today I’m featuring MK Meredith, Allison Butler, and Sarah Ballance. These authors write fun romance ranging from contemporary to historical and will leave you satisfied and wanting more at the same time!
Be sure to download some of their backlist today and enter the giveaways below!
Malibu Betrayals by MK Meredith is a Californian adventure with an inside look into Hollywood with this tender, witty and emotionally driven must read story. A romance for movie stars is never private and there is always someone who wants a piece of the action.
Samantha Dekker has no money and no career and wants to prove to herself and Hollywood that she can move beyond her tragic past. What will it take for her to overcome that small obstacle?
Gage Cutler is a well known actor and aspiring director and yearns to have the one woman who got away. Gage is willing to risk everything again but will Samantha let him in?
In any great romance there is pain and struggle but secrets still float between them. A long time ago Gage and Samantha were able to confide in each other, has too much time passed?
When Samantha’s family blames her for a tragedy will it push her over the edge? They have both had feelings for each other despite their circumstances. Hollywood is not known for keeping relationships quiet and the paparazzi can be cruel.
Gage has been in love with Samantha and keeps waiting for the right time to tell her. But, with threats, sabotage and deceit can Gage fix the wrong in her life and find a way to make a future with Sam?
Check out for yourself now with this excerpt provided by MK Meredith:
Settling in to having Sam next to him, he devoured the food on his plate, very aware that she merely moved the food around hers. Why’d he find that so interesting?
“You’ve been keeping busy.”
Her soft voice raced shivers down his spine, and he gripped his napkin in his fist. “How do you mean?”
“Your movies, what’s it been? Two a year?”
He eyed her, not answering right away. So, she’d been paying attention. He swallowed his smug smile with another bite of food and then washed it down with water. “Give or take.” Though, not every film was truly blockbuster status, they’d still made the list simply because he was in them. A few disappointments for him, but the best way to succeed was to fail, so he’d take the good with the bad and consider it all success. In this industry, his sordid past put butts in the seats, and that was all the studios cared about. With a jerk of his chin, he nudged her. “So which ones have you seen?”
She grabbed her water glass and gulped back half of it. “All of them.”
Barely able to hear her mumble over the din of the crowd, he leaned forward. He’d heard her, but not only did he want to make sure, he wanted to hear it again. “What was that?”
Her face flushed red to her hairline, and his gut tightened in response. She was embarrassed. He chuckled, a selfsatisfied sound that would annoy her for sure. “All of them?”
“I work in the industry. Of course I watched all of them,” she whispered.
He grinned. “Of course. The industry.” She stared at him. He’d give a year’s salary to know what was going on in that beautiful head of hers. She had the darkest eyes. They unsettled him and made him want to trust her all at the same time. And that was nuts; he didn’t trust anyone, especially women. He’d made that mistake too many times already.
She tilted her head to the side and bit her lip, the flush in her face deepening. “I especially enjoyed Dark Secrets.”
Now that movie had been a blockbuster, many would say due to the writing, and others would argue it was the gratuitous nudity. He certainly wasn’t shy, and he’d worked his ass off to be in the right kind of shape for that movie, but knowing Sam not only watched it, but enjoyed it, made him suddenly understand exhibitionism. He shifted in his seat and cleared his throat. “Is that right?”
She narrowed her eyes at him in challenge. “I’m a healthy adult female; I’m not the only one who’s watched it more than once.”
His voice lowered and took on a gravelly tone. “You watched it more than once?”
She straightened in her seat and finished off her water with a grin. “More than twice.”
His body tightened everywhere. Was she flirting with him?
“Well, then it seems you have me at a disadvantage.” He leaned closer, holding her gaze. “And that doesn’t seem quite fair.” Images of her naked flashed in his mind, sending his tension from uncomfortable to torturous. Damn woman.
Tapping her finger against her lip, she bit the tip of it, giving him a thoughtful stare. “I’m okay with that.”
Then when you’re finished with this great read dive into the second story in the series Malibu Secrets. This standalone is part of a series but can be read without worry.
The second installment in the Malibu Sights series continues with Addison Dekker and her quest for love with Roque Gallagher.
Don’t miss this emotional story if you love the movie industry and the relationships that unfold off and on camera then you will love this series.
When Addison inherits a home she never dreamed of the obstacles she’d face. Will Roque save her or complicate everything? Will they survive the secrets between them and the family expectations?
Another must read book packed with secrets, love, chemistry and excitement. MK is a fabulous writer and her stories are exactly what the weekend needs and maybe a new pair of sexy high-heels too!
I received an ARC for a fair and honest review. MK is a writer who is on my auto-buy list and I can’t wait for her next release!
Here’s an excerpt from Malibu Secrets that MK sent over:
Anyone who knew her would recognize the warning. “Life of the party, huh?” She stepped closer. “Are you coming on to me?” Shocking people was so much fun. She reached out her hand and placed her fingertips at his Adam’s apple, the heat of his skin burning into her sensitive pads, and then slid them down his chest and over the front of his shirt to his sternum. She tapped twice, then boldly held his gaze as she trailed her finger lower over the solid plane of his abs. Yum. Surely he’d stop her any minute. Tilting her head, she bit her lip and looked up at him from beneath her lashes. He did say she was infamous. Her heart slammed in her chest. Any moment he’d stop her, shocked and affronted. And she’d win. And he’d walk away so she could breathe again.
Without warning, he shot his hand around her waist and yanked her tight against him, the movement so abrupt her hair fell from its pins. The hard lines of his body pressed against her, and something warm and delicious spread through her limbs. “Make no mistake, Miss Dekker. When I come on to you, you won’t have to ask.”
Seducing Seven (What Happens in Vegas) by MK Meredith has just the right amount of comedy, drama, romance and sizzle that I would expect from a Las Vegas contemporary romance story.
It’s Friday and a quick trip Vegas is in order. A little excitement from the lights and sounds of those famous casinos is the perfect way to start the weekend. The attention to the little details is magical and draws you in. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to book a trip to Vegas soon.
Seven Michaels is in Las Vegas for a Romance convention for work and has somehow found herself in an uncomfortable predicament. Desperate for a fast escape Seven uses her available resources, will he play along?
Blake Turner is in Vegas for a business meeting and has no time for romance. Can Seven convince this non-believer that romance books have merit? Blake isn’t convinced and makes a crazy bet with Seven that involves seduction, it is Vegas after all. What will it take for him to understand why readers are believers, and that they are a must for everyone?
Seven believes in her work, otherwise her books wouldn’t connect with her readers and she’d be out of a job. Can she convince Blake that romance is real? Will he discover that perhaps her rules aren’t so silly?
A book and series centered around romance writers, a convention and fans is brilliant! MK has taken secret crushes, convictions, handsome strangers and romance, mixed it with the thrill of sin city. Perhaps there is more to their instant chemistry .
When Seven and Blake first meet, their encounter has one of the best one-liners I’ve read in a long time. I was hooked and didn’t put the book down until the very last page. Fantastic writing, attention to detail and characters that will leave you wanting more long after the last page make this a perfect way to start the weekend.
I’ve read a few of the What Happens in Vegas books and I’m absolutely hooked. This was the first story I’ve read by MK Meredith and I’m a forever fan.
This 2 1/2 pepper spicy latte read may offend some readers and has mature content for those 18+.
I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review.
Today on Amazon Kindle an e-book can be yours for just $0.99! A perfect price for a must read! Don’t miss out! Get your copy here:
MK Meredith writes single title contemporary romance novels which promise an emotional ride on heated sheets. A member of several writing groups, she believes the best route to success is to never stop learning.
She’s had a lifelong love affair with peanut butter — the only two things coming close in the battle for her affections are gorgeous heels, and maybe Gerard Butler…or was it David Gandy? Who is she kidding? Her true loves are her husband and two children who have survived her SEA’s (spontaneous explosions of affection) and live to tell the tale.
MK’s been reading romance long before she should have and can’t think of anything better than to fill her life with the promise of happily-ever-afters. When people ask, “Why romance?” She replies, “There is nothing more exhilarating than to write about one of the most powerful entities on earth. Love can be the fall of kingdoms and move mountains, destroy lives and create new life, inspire the dark and summon the light. Love is a challenge, a hope, and a miracle all wrapped into one. Love is life. I write about life.”
The Meredith’s live in the D.C. area with their two large fur babies…until the next adventure calls.
The Healer by Allison Butler magically sweeps you into the enchantment of Scotland. If you are stuck wondering what to read while Outlander is on their six month break then it’s your lucky day!
Through a series of unfortunate events Lynelle’s Fenwicks half brother is captured by a Scottish Clan. Desperately seeking approval and acceptance she heads out to rescue the young boy. Unfortunately she’s snuck out of the castle so no one knows she’s disappeared. It doesn’t take long to figure out that Lynelle has put herself in a precarious position demanding the release of a prisoner without anything to barter with. Realizing that she has nothing but herself the Laird Lachlan Elliot misunderstands and thinks that she’s offering herself in exchange. The thought of whoring appalls her and she must think quickly. Perhaps she can pass herself off as a Healer, get her brother released and send word back to the castle that she’s ok.
All goes according to plan until she discovers that he’s been released and sent back without seeing her first. Somehow she just might be in over her head, or is she? Since Laird William Kirkpatrick is in need of a healer to help fix his ailing brother she’s agreed to the task knowing that no one knows where she is or where she’s about to go! Will she survive the journey back to his castle and tell him the extent of her healing abilities or will she set out to discover the woman she’s meant to be?
William Kirkpatrick needs a healer who won’t kill him or those he loves. Someone who will be honest and not betray him. Will there still be need for her when he discovers the truth about her role as a healer? Will it matter and be enough? How long before her past is exposed and her family discovers she’s missing and declared a traitor? Everything is on the line yet somehow she finds herself drawn to this new path. Having never been around anyone who valued what she had to say is now causing her inner conflict and frustration.
With a loss so raw and devastating, William is haunted by the memories of his family dying in a tragic accident that he can’t see beyond the pain. He’s unaware they are grieving too and want to help him through this too! If he believes in folklore, about who will survive and who will perish, then can he truly recover and move forward? Can he allow himself to trust that the healer is on his side? Will he send her away too? Furthermore, can he learn to trust again?
Little does William realize that Lynelle can’t forgive herself for the death of her mother and twin brother because everyone has said it was her fault that tragedy struck her family? The way things are going they both might just be cursed. As far as her clan is concerned no one wants her around. What will it take to prove she has value and worth?
Wow! The attraction between them is flammable! Hot, sparky and sizzling with every fleeting glance or light brush between them. Allison’s words will transport you back in time to a place you feel an immediate connection to. This story is captivating and enchanting. It makes me want to get my plaid, start a fire and grab a good glass of Whisky. Her writing is seamless and has such passion infusion that I found myself yelling out loud on more than one occasion. Will they or won’t they? I needed to know what happened so much that my dinner almost burned. I swear my clock stopped for an hour or two as I lost track of time. I felt as if I’d gone back in time and was there with the Laird too! Bravo, well done! I can’t wait till your next book. I hope I’m lucky enough to snag an ARC!
An outcast in her own home for as long as she can remember, Lynelle Fenwick will do anything to earn her father’s approval. Including exaggerating her healing skills, and setting off alone to rescue her step-brother from a band of raiding Scots.
Living under a curse that has haunted the Closeburn Clan for years, Laird William Kirkpatrick, will do anything to save his sole surviving brother. He may not believe in curses, but his clan does, and the growing number of graves seems to support their side. Having banished all healers from the clan for trickery, he has no choice but to allow an Englishwoman, claiming to be a skilled healer, into his home and into the room of his wounded brother.
Enemies by birth and circumstance, they can only succeed together. But blood runs deep, and tensions high. What matters the desires of a heart?
Excerpt:
‘Look at me,’ he bit out, annoyed she stood docile, when moments ago she’d fought him. ‘Are you a coward as well as a fool?’
Her head snapped back, wrath-filled eyes stabbed him with fury. ‘Do not call me that.’
‘Which? Coward or fool?’
‘Neither. You do not know me, yet from the first you named me something I am not.’
‘I know more about you than you think.’
Her eyes flared wide for a moment and then she bowed her head again. God above. What secrets did she hide? What did she fear he knew?
‘I know you are unwed and have suffered the loss of a loved one.’ A tremor fluttered through her. ‘I know you are ungainly at times, though I struggle to believe it.’ He watched as she curled her unbound hand into a fist. ‘You heal quickly, too, it seems.’ His fingers flexed. ‘You cannot swim yet you risk your life to save a bairn.’ She stiffened beneath his hold. ‘And I have just discovered while you appear meek, you hide a temper behind your mildness.’ The tautness under his fingers relaxed. Was she mastering her temper even now?
‘You have been called pretty but once.’ Her arms turned rigid. ‘An offense to my mind,’ William finished softly.
The Thief (Borderland Brides, Book 2) by Allison Butler is a delicious tale of seduction, trust and acceptance.
Lachlan Elliot is frustrated and determined to catch the thief that is pillaging his land. When the identity of the thief is discovered, everything changes. A new plan is set in motion. One that’s created out of need.
In order to fulfill his duty, Lachlan must find a wife and conceive an heir. For Lachlan, the hope of finding a love match is inconsequential to him. There is no room or need for love in his world.
When Lachlan makes an arrangement of sorts for his future bride he must be discrete in order for his plan to succeed. Kenzie Irvine is not one to heel to orders. When the Laird, Lachlan Elliot, reveals his plans, this perky and feisty thief has nae but two options. Surrender to a less than romantic proposal or face the rope. Realizing that she only has one viable option, Kenzie reluctantly agrees.
Kenzie is not aware of the scheming and conniving her family has brought about to ensure her potential misery. What will Lachlan do when he discovers just how far they are willing to go to prevent her from having any happiness?
Afraid of yet another house of pain, Kenzie wonders if Lachlan will take what he rightfully claims to want? Lachlan will not force himself upon any lass. Is it possible for this Laird with a heart of stone to finally find “the one” that will soften his soul? This slow seductive tale will capture your heart and sweep you away on a journey full of men in kilts, the highlands of Scotland and the notion that love can conquer all.
Kenzies family can’t be trusted and all she desires is to be seen for who she really is. Will she let them snuff that fire out too? Lachalan is a forgiving man most of the time and we get to see a compassionate side to this tough and strapping Laird. Allison has a gift of slowly cultivating her characters so that we feel we are right there with them on their journey.
If you previously read the Borderland’s Bride by Allison Butler please note that The Thief is a reissue. I don’t want you to be upset that it seems familiar. Thanks to Allison Butler and Escape Publishing, this book had a cover make-over. I just love a man in a kilt, don’t you? In addition, the story now fits nicely into the series as the author originally intended. Lucky for us dear readers, it’s a fabulous read. Something to sink your teeth into while basking away in the sun by the pool or on a beach perhaps?
I received this ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.
To fulfil his father’s dying wish, Border laird Lachlan Elliot must marry and sire a legitimate heir, cementing his family’s name in the tumultuous borderlands. But his marriage will be one of convenience. Lachlan has no time for the pain and betrayal of love, and his land and position must always come first. So even when the spirited thief he catches stealing his horse turns out to be breathtaking – and appropriate – he vows to marry her, bed her, but never love her.
Kenzie never wanted an arranged marriage, but to be forced to wed the domineering laird who catches her thieving from his lands is even worse. Feisty, strong-willed and determined to make her own way, Kenzie may have no choice but to agree to the marriage, but she will never give up her independence. Lachlan may own her body, but he will never own her heart.
Excerpt:
Hell’s fire. With an indrawn breath, he stopped and stared at his slashed sleeve and the gash beneath. Blood welled, spilling over and dripping down his elbow.
Ignoring the sticky warmth, Lachlan turned and glared at the woman he’d underestimated. Her head slowly shook from side to side as she backed away from him, still brandishing her weapon – his dirk. When he’d set her on her feet, the little thief had stolen his blasted knife.
Lachlan gave her his best laird’s glare. She tilted her chin and glared back.
The sound of galloping hooves echoed behind him. Wiser now, Lachlan refused to take his eyes off the bloodthirsty wench.
‘You caught the thief, laird?’
‘In a manner of speaking,’ Lachlan said, recognising Lundy’s voice. Lachlan continued to watch the knife-wielding woman. Her gaze darted between Lachlan and his clansman.
‘You’re bleeding, laird,’ Lundy said from beside him.
‘Aye. A token from our thief.’
The woman looked from Lachlan’s face to his arm, and then to the drops of blood staining the ice near his feet. All trace of colour leached from her elfin face and her huge brown eyes looked into his. The clatter of steel sounded as his dirk dropped from her hand to the frozen ground.
‘Ah, Christ,’ Lachlan muttered, lunging forward to catch her.
The Protector by Allison Butler is a must read historical romance that is full of seduction, change and acceptance.
If you’re looking for a highland adventure this has it all – a sexy Scot, a woman who wants and needs to be taken seriously, and a family who thinks they know best.
With Outlander (Season Two) having just wrapped up it’s second season, it’s time to find another Laird to fall in love with. Thank you Allison for giving us something yummy to curl up to!
I received the book from the publisher for a fair and honest review.
Heiress of clan Gordon, Mairi has been given a gift: the choice of her husband. Her father has found three worthy suitors and each is coming to the Keep. She will spend time with every man and make her decision. But love is not a luxury Mairi allows herself: she is driven by duty, driven by the memory of the failure eleven years earlier that cost her father everything. She will choose a worthy husband, one who will serve the clan wisely, and take nothing for herself – especially not the dark-haired stranger tasked with her protection while she makes her decision.
Lowlander Duff may not know his origins, but he knows how to wield his sword. Granted one year’s leave from his duties to the Elliot Clan, Duff travels to the Highlands in search of his past. Instead he finds an arrogant beauty in need of rescue. Impressing her father, the head of clan Gordon, he is named her temporary protector and must keep her safe as she is courted by three potential husbands. What Duff doesn’t expect is the low hum of jealousy and the rising wave of attraction that makes protecting Mairi easy, but keeping his distance impossible.
Excerpt:
Mairi’s heart pounded in time with her horse’s urgent stride. Nearly there. Almost …
Thundering hooves approached. She pulled the reins hard to the right, veering away from her pursuer, and her escape route. But it made no difference. Her actions proved useless. No matter what she did he was always there, with her, closer.
Her heart’s reckless beat thudded in her ears, battered her temples.
The ridge loomed closer. Not far now. A tug at her throat made her gasp. The rebel had caught the trailing end of her cloak. Her chest tightened.
Calm. Think.
With a swift pull she loosened the ties about her neck and the garment slid free of her body.
‘Stop.’
She heard the deep-voiced command. She’d escaped his hold, but not the man. Did he expect her to stop because he asked her to? Was he mad?
She cast a quick look his way. Glimpsed his full, shapely mouth. Saw the dark stubble crowding his granite-hard jaw. Was close enough to look deeply into his thick-lashed brown eyes. Deepest, darkest brown.
‘I wish you nae harm.’
His shout brought her to her senses.
‘Then leave me-‘
Her horse stumbled. She faced forward. No, not now. Don’t slow. She must never give-
A strong arm snaked about her waist. Mairi lost her breath. Her shocked gaze dropped and caught sight of a tanned forearm a moment before she was plucked right out of her saddle.
Coming Soon
August 8th 2016 – Borderland Brides Anthology
The Healer and The Thief together in one book.
December 2016 – Highland Brides Book 2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Rae,
Thanks so much for having me 🙂
Allison Butler xx
Author Info:
Allison Butler is an author of Scottish historical romance. She spent her early years in country NSW building pretend castles with hay bales and leaping white posts with her army of two older sisters and a younger brother. Many years later, with her mother’s influence, she discovered a passion for words and history, read her first historical romance and was inspired to write her own. She writes by day and cares for the elderly by night. Her love of travel has given her the gift of many amazing sights but none more heart-stirring than the rugged beauty of Scotland. Allison lives in a small town in NSW, Australia, with her very own Scottish hero, two beautiful daughters and a Jack Russell named Wallace. She loves travelling, dancing like no-one’s watching and seeing the sights from the back of her husband’s motorcycle.
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Five Things I Love About You by Sarah Ballance is fresh, flirty and absolutely yummy. What do you do when you are in a city that you can’t stand? No friends in sight, no family to comfort and clearly nothing that makes it warm and fuzzy?
Leave it to Estelle Donovan to wind up in New York City having to fend for herself. Estelle is essentially one hot mess and is convinced there is nothing fabulous in or about NYC. The million dollar question remains, how did her brother convinced her to watch over his apartment?
Unhappy and frustrated, Estelle must find ways to function and cope in this hot city, if it’s even possible. That includes grocery shopping at a store where nothing makes sense. Sarah Ballance has made this simple task absolutely memorable and charming. It’s just one of many memorable scenes in this fast paced, sinfully satisfying book!
Estelle is missing the the calm and zen of the West coast, even with an open mind. But, what if something or someone could change her mind?
Crosby Chase is dedicated to his family business and has little time for relationships or any social life. Can this career guy finally find someone to distract and tempt him? When he meets Estelle his world is turned upside down. It’s exactly what he needs, will he recognize it before it’s too late?
When you think about NYC what comes to mind? Perhaps street noise from the cars, taxis and people bustling about? How about the buildings enveloping you as you walk those long city blocks? Or maybe it’s something else you’ve been looking forward to seeing. After reading this delightful little treat, you will never walk down a city street and look at a fire escape the same way again, ever. Trust me
The characters are genuine, multi-layered and completely endearing. As soon a you’re finished I challenge you to discover what’s so fabulous about your own city. When you have, let me know. I’m always looking for a great place to visit.
Relationships are supposed to be complicated, fun and unpredictable. Love can be messy, turbulent and oh so sweet Especially when you least expect it. Could you find five things to love about NYC (or any city) in two weeks? I dare you
Sarah and her husband of what he calls “many long, long years” live on the mid-Atlantic coast with their six young children, all of whom are perfectly adorable when they’re asleep. She never dreamed of becoming an author, but as a homeschooling mom, she often jokes she writes fiction because if she wants anyone to listen to her, she has to make them up. As it turns out, her characters aren’t much better than the kids, but nevertheless, you’ll find her writing sexy contemporary romance for Entangled Publishing until they throw her out. To learn more, visit https://sarahballance.com.
For a chance to win one of these amazing prizes please comment and tell us – Which destination would you prefer to visit if you could only choose one?
Would it be New York City, Las Vegas or Scotland?
Don’t forget to let us know if your US/Canada or International when you comment:)
Contest ends 7/15/16 at 2 PM EST. Winners will be randomly selected AND must comment on this blog post.
Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter (@RaeLatte) the blog (button on homepage) and my FB page (Books I Love A Latte ) to keep up to date on everything.
If the winners do not comment on this post within 24 hours a new name will be drawn. Don’t miss out!
If winner is found to be ineligible for prize a new name will be drawn.
****** Congratulations to the winners of the Day 4 Giveaway ******
Sabrina you have won A signed print copy of A Dangerously Sexy Christmas AND a backlist e-book of your choice (US/Canada Winner).
Mary Preston you have won A digital copy of A Dangerously Sexy Affair (International Winner)
Sabrina and Mary Preston you have 24 hours to comment or a new name will be drawn.
Today I’m featuring Stefanie London who writes contemporary romance that sizzles and her books are spicy must reads!
A Dangerously Sexy Christmas by Stefanie London sizzles with a robbery, a super sexy bodyguard and a woman who is convinced that she doesn’t need help. I must give a shout out to the team at Harlequin Blaze and this fantastic cover! Ok…now where was I ?
Rose Lawson has returned to the states to make a name for herself with her unique and creative jewelry designs. When her apartment is broken into a sexy body guard shows up to protect her. Why would anyone want to hurt her? With no apparent motive and no list of suspects, who can she trust?
Max Ridgeway is a cop from Australia who has decided it’s time to head back home after this last job, Rose’s case. When he sets his sights on his assignment, will he still want to pack up and move? Can he forgive himself for what happened or will it cloud his judgement?
Secrets from Rose’s past still haunt her and Max can’t come to terms with why he left Australia. What will happen when things heat up? Can Max focus to keep her safe? Will Rose be able to trust him? Can Max and Rose keep their hands off each other as they work together to solve this mystery? Or, will they have to scratch that “itch” first before they discover who is behind it all?
Harlequin Blaze and Stefanie London do not disappoint us dear readers in this hot Christmas read. It might be November first but for those looking to stretch out the holiday season, start with this book! Stefanie is a fabulous author who hooks you in from the first chapter and creates characters that will have you e-mailing her asking for more. Yes, I did and I will patiently wait for the next story.
There is intense heat in this must read story in this spicy late, two peppers hot delight. There is just enough sizzle to make you tingle and for mature readers 18+.
I received this ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.
A Dangerously Sexy Affair (The Dangerous Bachelors Club) by Stefanie London explores the world of gaming, spies and a secret office romance. I’m always up for a Harlequin Blaze book and this was another must read from Stefanie.
Quinn Dellinger is ready to get back out into the dating world but is hesitant after her trust was betrayed. Perhaps all she needs to push beyond her fears is a one-night stand. Too bad that fate had a different plan that would test boundaries and friendships.
Aiden Odell has recently been hired to work at Quinn’s company, in the exact position that Quinn had applied for. Can she set aside her anger? When asked to work with the new IT guy, the very same one that stole her job can she do it? Oh, and he also happen to be the same sexy man she used to get over her fears.
When Quinn uncovers the real reason that Aiden was hired will she resent him? There are secrets that could destroy her company, will she put aside her friendships to do the right thing? Working in close proximity with a sexy man, the one who has managed to steal her heart adds an exciting level to mixing business with pleasure.
Secrets at work and secrets in a relationship are never a good thing, but may just be the ticket to a new start for Quinn. Aiden has a few of his own to work through and hopefully these two will find a way to trust each other.
Another fresh, intense and spicy read that sizzles in the latest installment of this must read series from Stefanie. I love the covers in this series, they are all super smokin’ sexy. There is so much deliciousness in this humorous, sexy, laugh-out-loud great read. Trust me, It should be in your e-reader or bookshelf now!
There is plenty of time to catch up on the backlist for this series as the next installment will be released this fall. I received this ARC from the author for a fair and honest review. There is just enough sizzle to make you tingle and is most definitely for those 18+.
Excerpt:
A flash of color caught his attention. A woman stood next to a potted plant, her lithe figure encased in a little black dress that was hot enough to melt brain cells. But it was her hair that captivated him. It tumbled down to her waist, dark brown at the top and hot pink through the lengths. She had a nose piercing and five earrings in one ear. He couldn’t help but linger; she was sex on a stick.
Plus, he’d seen her talking to Alana Peterson earlier. Were they friends? Or simply two women gravitating toward one another in a sea of men?
The woman turned to the potted plant, her lips moving. Was she talking to a tree?
A laugh bubbled up in his throat. The pink-haired girl was definitely more appealing than a bunch of geeky men whining about online dating…even if she did appear to be talking to an inanimate object.
“What does your friend think of the party?” he asked, coming up beside her.
She jumped. “Excuse me?”
“Your friend.” He inclined his head toward the tree. “You were talking to him, weren’t you?”
“Her,” the woman corrected, her face totally straight. “This is Leafina.”
“Nice to meet you, Leafina.” He grabbed a frond, shaking it up and down. “And you are?”
“Not a tree.” The corner of her lip twitched as she accepted his proffered hand.
Damn, she was gorgeous. Quirky, a little awkward, but sexy as all get out.
“I’m Aiden, also not a tree. I’m not much of a partygoer, either.” Something warned him being overconfident wouldn’t work with her—hopefully he’d read her right.
Her face softened. “Me, neither. Are you here by yourself?”
“Yeah, but this is a work thing.” He flagged down a passing waiter and grabbed a glass of red wine. “I’d rather be home, to tell you the truth.”
She made an adorable snorting noise, bobbing her head in agreement. “I got dragged here by a friend.”
“So you’re not a tech-head?”
“Oh, I am, but I do that on my own time.”
He sipped his drink. “Who’s your friend? I might know them.”
“Alana Peterson. She’s a tech reporter.”
Bingo. Not only were they friends, but they’d come here together. If Alana was involved in the leak, this woman might have heard about it.
“I’m familiar with the name, but I don’t think I’ve met her.”
“You would remember if you had.” A genuine smile tugged at her lips. “She’s quite a force.”
“Is she working on a story?”
“Yeah. She’s always fighting for better representation of women in the gaming industry,” the woman said, her voice tinted with pride. “She wants one of the game companies to commit to having a female lead in their games. Or at the very least she wants to find out why they haven’t had one to date.”
Ah, so that must be the grudge he’d heard about. “That game company wouldn’t happen to be Third Planet Studios, would it?”
She blinked. “How did you know that?”
“People talk. Her opinions have caused a stir, and not too many guys here seem to care about feminism.”
“Color me shocked.” Quinn rolled her eyes. “That only proves why we need people like Alana asking questions.”
“You’re absolutely right.” He breathed a sigh of relief.
He could recognize a lie when he heard one—he knew how to detect the sound of it, how to look for the telltale facial movements and tics. And how to do all of that without giving a thing away himself.
Thankfully, there was nothing but honesty in this enigmatic woman’s responses.
Growing up, Stefanie came from a family of women who loved to read. Her favourite activity was going shopping with her Nan during school holidays, where she would sit on the floor of the bookstore with her little sister and painstakingly select the books to spend her allowance on. Thankfully, Nan was a patient woman.
Thus, it was no surprise Stefanie was the sort of student who would read her English books before the semester started. After sneaking several literature subjects into her ‘very practical’ Business degree, she got a job in Communications. When writing emails and newsletters didn’t fulfil her creative urges, she turned to fiction and was finally able to write the stories that kept her mind busy at night.
Now she lives with her very own hero and dreams of travelling the world. She frequently indulges in her passions for good coffee, French perfume, high heels and zombie movies. Recently she gave up her day job to write sexy, contemporary romance stories and she couldn’t be happier.
********** Stefanie London GIVEAWAY ********** A signed print copy of A Dangerously Sexy Christmas AND a backlist e-book of your choice (US/Canada Winner).
A digital copy of A Dangerously Sexy Affair for International Winner.
Comment for a chance to win these fabulous paperbacks tell us – are you a lipstick or lipgloss kinda gal? Don’t forget to let us know if your US/Canada or International 🙂
Contest ends 7/14/16 at 2 PM EST. Winners will be randomly selected AND must comment on this blog post.
Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter (@RaeLatte) the blog (button on homepage) and my FB page (Books I Love A Latte ) to keep up to date on everything.
If the winners do not comment on this post within 24 hours a new name will be drawn. Don’t miss out!
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delight has just enough sizzle to make you tingle and a lot of action! Oh, and yes, it’s for mature readers 18+.
When I started reading this book I was immediately drawn in with her vivid description of the town, the characters and Melanie’s first encounter with Josiah.
pretty hot and may offend. For mature readers 18+.
Cove to be just like the people in any other town, just with a little extra whammy! Ha!
