New Release and Giveaway! WICKED FALLOUT by Kelly Charron (Pretty Wicked #2)

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Wicked Fallout
Kelly Charron
(Pretty Wicked #2)
Publication date: July 17th 2017
Genres: Adult, Thriller

“Wicked Fallout is a twisty cat and mouse psychological thriller that will keep you turning pages right up to the unexpected end. A creepy mix of horror and psychological insight, Charron takes you into the mind of a killer and doesn’t let go.”
~Eileen Cook, Author of WITH MALICE

Convicted of six murders when she was just fifteen, the notorious Ryann Wilkanson hasn’t been able to act on her darkest, deadliest urges for twelve years. She’s exhausted her appeals and has little hope of ever getting out of prison and back to hunting.

Until a media-hungry legal team mounts a campaign to do the impossible—get her immediately released with a commuted sentence.

Forensic psychiatrist Nancy Clafin has mere weeks to evaluate Ryann’s current mental state against her grisly past to determine if she’s changed. But under the shadow of her own questionable history, it’s not easy to separate her personal life from her professional duty.

At least that’s what Ryann is counting on.

Behind the cold steel doors of a Colorado maximum-security prison, will Nancy find a cold-blooded killer or a newly redeemed woman determined to right her past wrongs?

**This novel can be enjoyed as a standalone or as part of the Pretty Wicked series.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

I spin around and see two women rolling on the ground, hair flying. Fights are a pretty rare occurrence, but when they happen it’s nasty. I once read that men fight to injure, but women fight to kill.

Sounds accurate.

The women roll closer to our table, and we all jerk out of the way in case some of the action heads toward us. I can hardly see who it is, but Georgina is quick to say it’s Roxie and Jinx. And they are going at each other: hands whacking, hair pulling, face slapping, and rib kicking. The whole nine. But it doesn’t go on for too long. Two guards descend on them, yanking the women apart. Some damage is already done. Jinx has a bloody nose and a swelling eye, and Roxie’s lip is split open.

“Fuck, man. Did you see that? Roxie almost killed the bitch! Bam!” Margot slams her hand on the table and my head rings. Jodi laughs. Must be nice for her to sit back and chuckle, since she’s never actually fought in here.

“Enough, Margot, or the guards are gonna be over here next.” Steph eyes her and Margot settles down.

The cafeteria is returning to normal so we sit again, and I try to force a spoonful of my cold, lumpy lunch down. It takes all my concentration to swallow the disgusting mouthful. My stomach clenches, so I drop my spoon.

“No offense, princess, but you look like shit,” Georgina says in between shovels. She’s a fat pig. No matter how disgusting the food is in here, don’t take your eyes off your plate or it’ll be in her goddamn mouth before you know what’s happening.

I lock my gaze on her. “Thanks. Just giving you a chance to feel a bit better about your ugly ass.”

She shoots me the finger.

“Seriously, you look pale, like even more than normal,” Stephanie chimes in, sounding far too motherly for my liking.

I smile. “Thanks, ladies. You sure are the fucking cheer committee today.”

“This shrink is really taking the piss outta you, huh? I ain’t never seen you so frazzled before,” Jodi says.

“I’m just tired. Been sleeping like shit, the food is inedible, and yes, talking in circles about your feelings is agony. So I’m taking donations—any booze, pills, or weed is welcome.” Most of what I say is bravado. Keeping up appearances is key to survival in this hellhole. I can’t afford to get caught with any contraband in case a miracle happens and I have a chance of getting out. What a kick in the tit that would be, if I got approved only to have a stupid joint found in my bunk.

“We’re all suffering in here, princess, so buck up.” Georgina braces her gigantic noggin on top of her propped arms.

It takes all my strength to stay calm. Sometimes people in here forget what I’m capable of. Maybe some of them don’t believe in my history and are willing to take a chance by coming at me.

Too bad I’m on my best behavior.

Margot puts a hand in Georgina’s face. “Lay off her, Gina. Ain’t none of us know what being examined under a microscope like that feels like. I know I’d be stressed to fucking shit if my whole future relied on talking to one damn bitch for a couple of weeks.”

“Thanks, Margot, but you don’t have to defend me.”

“Yeah, princess is a big girl. She can take care of herself, or so she wants us to think.”

I glower at her and swallow the scream that threatens to explode out of me. I’m afraid if I release it, I’ll never stop. “You got something to say?” I sit on my hands. Just in case I’m a little too tempted to gouge her eyes out.

Georgina stands up from her spot at the table across from me and walks around to my side. “Actually, yeah. I think you’re a fucking weak-ass bitch who ain’t no one afraid of in here, especially not me. You walk around all high and mighty, thinking you’re better than us, smarter and prettier than us, but guess what—you in here just like the fucking rest of us, and I ain’t scared by your supposed past.” She makes finger quotations an inch from my face.

I stand. We’re eye to eye. I can feel her hot, stinky breath on my face. Her finger jabs me in the chest. My blood fills my ears and I can’t hear much past the intense rushing. I clench my fists at my sides. Ready. I want her to come at me so badly. “Is that so? You gonna do something about it then?” I say, smacking her finger away from me. My eyes narrow on her acne-scarred face.

Before I can register what’s happening, I feel her two bony hands dig into my chest. The air is pushed out and I gasp. My legs tremble. Teeth clench.

It only takes me a second to leap onto her. Her fingers are entwined in my hair and I can feel the pressure as she yanks. I elbow her, and she lets go. The top of my hand swings across her cheek and I hear a loud slapping sound. Her head flies back, her arms wave wildly as she tries to grab a hold of me, but my adrenaline is pumping so hard that I don’t feel anything. My hands find their way to her neck. I squeeze and squeeze. Teeth gritting.

The power of my fingers pressing into the flesh of her neck makes me shiver with excitement. It feels like I can breathe for the first time since that day in the library all those years ago.

I have tunnel vision. I only see her eyes rolling back and her mouth attempting to suck in air. My heartbeat increases in my ears. Thump. Thump. Thump. My hands and wrists must be aching, but I don’t feel them.

Her arms keep flailing. Her fingers attempt to dig at my face. I don’t feel that either, I just keep pressing my hands into her. Squeezing. I wonder how much longer until she dies. I’m tingling all over.

And then I feel hands on me—pulling and yanking me off her. I fight harder, and then so do the hands.

My grasp is broken. I’m being lifted into the air. I’m screaming and swearing. I’m shaking, ferocious with rage. It’s a sensation from a time very long ago, yet it’s so familiar to me.

A man’s gruff voice breaks into my trance. My arms are twisted behind my back where I’m cuffed. Tightly. “That’s enough, Wilkanson! You’re done! You’re done!”

Now that I’m off her, I realize in a sobering moment that he might not be talking about just the fight. A hurtling wave of nausea makes my stomach twist and my mouth water.

I may have just ruined any chance I ever had to get out of here.

***

I’m whisked away by two guards who throw me into solitary.

They aren’t gentle with me as they literally launch me inside the room. I’ve never been in here before, but I’ve heard enough horror stories to know I never wanted to see it. I land on the ground with a thud. My bones vibrate from the motion. My arms are sore and bruised above my elbows where I was manhandled.

“I got to say, I’m surprised to see you in here, Wilkanson. There goes your perfect record. Was it worth it?” The guard, Han, shakes his head. He looks like a disappointed daddy and not some guy who’s getting underpaid to deal with us lowlifes.

I remain quiet, as is my right. It’s about the only thing I can control in here.

The other guard that has kindly accompanied me to the hole is Rickers. Unlike Han, has a smug smile on his face, like he’s been waiting for this moment with a lousy fifty bucks riding on it.

Han spins me around and unlocks the handcuffs. My wrists are sore from being forced into the cold, hard metal. I rub them, trying to get the circulation back into my hands. My brain finally registers where I am as I look around the closet-sized room. There’s nothing in here but a sweat- stained pad on the floor and a disgusting dirty blanket that I wouldn’t touch for fear of contracting scabies or countless other contagious diseases.

“Someone will be in later to bring you to your hearing. Do you want anyone else there with you?” Rickers asks.

“What do you mean? I don’t understand what’s happening,” I say, and it’s the truth. I’ve never committed an offense before. My anger has dwindled, and I’m left in a state of confusion and shock. My body trembles. I can even feel my ribs shaking. What did I fucking do?

Han stands tall, shoulders squared, with his hand on his baton. He looks like he’s ready to take down a linebacker and not some hundred-and-ten-pound chick. “You’ll be taken in to see an adjudicator. You can bring in witnesses if you think it’ll help your case. You’ll tell them what happened and plead guilty or not guilty of the offense—in this case, assaulting a fellow inmate.”

“But Georgina started it. She hit me first!” Ugh. I hear the pitiful whine in my voice and I wonder how I suddenly became a petulant child. I need to get my shit together before the hearing if I have any hope in hell of being taken seriously. “Can you ask Stephanie Harvey and Jodi Brown to come? They were there.”

“We’ll see what we can do,” Han says.

“So what, I have to stay in here until then? How long does this hearing take to set up?” I ask. My palms are slick, and I wipe them on the thighs of my pants.

“It could be a few hours.”

“Oh, great,” I exhale, relieved.

“Or it could be tomorrow,” Rickers adds.

My eyes and mouth widen. “What? You mean to tell me that I could be stuck in this hell

hole overnight?” My mind reels. My bunk is shitty, but it’s the Westin compared to this hovel. “That’s right.” Rickers smiles. “Shoulda thought about that before you tried to kill someone in here.” He walks out with Han right behind him.

My hand goes up and I wave for them to stop. “No, wait. You can’t leave me.”

Han takes another step away. “I’m afraid we can, and just in case we’re not back today, sleep tight.” The hefty steel door slams shut. The sound reverberates, echoing painfully in my ears. I’m dizzy. The walls look like they’re getting closer. The air is cold and stale. My stomach turns over.

Think, Ryann. Lunch was served at one o’clock. The fight happened just after, which puts it around two. There’s got to be enough time to get a judge or adjudicator to see me. What if the warden won’t let Steph and Jodi out to testify for me?

I need water. My mouth is so dry.

Surely someone will come soon. In twelve years at this prison, I’ve never so much as hid a candy bar I wasn’t supposed to have. I don’t deserve this.

Fighting is a major infraction. Georgina wanted this. This was probably her fucking plan the entire time.

What the fuck did I do?

Author Bio:

Kelly Charron is the author of YA and adult horror, psychological thrillers and urban fantasy novels. All with gritty, murderous inclinations and some moderate amounts of humor. She spends far too much time consuming true crime television (and chocolate) while trying to decide if yes, it was the husband, with the wrench, in the library. She lives with her husband and cat, Moo Moo, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

 

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New Release Review! BLOOD GUARD by Megan Erickson (Mission #1)

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Blood Guard
by Megan Erickson

Synopsis:

Enter a world of immortal danger and desire—and discover an incredible fate borne of blood.

Tendra: 
One minute, I’m a bartender in gritty Mission City; the next, I’m whisked away by a vampire named Athan who tells me that I’m the lifeblood of his clan. It sounds unbelievable, but he’s got evidence I can’t deny. Turns out, Athan belongs to an underground society of vampires who feed only on humans with their consent. Their enemies have no such qualms, and they want me dead. The only thing standing in their way is strong, sexy Athan. And the closer we get, the more tempted I am to let Athan feed. . . .

Athan: 
How could I have known when I snatched this snarky, beautiful human off the streets that she would change my destiny? As a loyal soldier, I must deliver Tendra to our future king—my brother. Empowered with the blood of ten generations of the Gregorie breed, she is fated to rule as our queen. But there’s something between us that’s so intoxicating, so carnal, I can’t help wanting Tendra for myself . . . even if it’s treason.

 

Review:

With Blood Guard, there was a lot of I like this, but... going on in my head–really, that about sums it up. Still here’s some specifics:

The worldbuilding is interesting, and I’ll definitely keep my eye out for the next book in the series, which will feature Idris, Anthan’s brother, and the half-vampire, half-human daughter of a higher-up in a rival vampire clan. Tons of potential there, and we saw just enough of the brother here (not a lot, but what I saw I liked) to stoke my interest. There are still some questions about this world, though, and a big ol’ oh really??? still ringing in my head at how quickly Tendra’s human BFF accepted the existence of vampires in the world. I just think that most people wouldn’t quite be so quick to believe it, at least not without prior clues and/or proof.

A definite plus: shapeshifters exist here, and we didn’t see any…yet. Probably. Maybe? There is a question about one of the characters being something more than they seem which isn’t answered definitively by the book’s end. Fingers crossed that shifters come up later in the series…

I liked Ten and Anthan, and thought they were good together. The reason why they could get to an HEA even though for most of the book they think they can’t I thought was pretty obvious. There was a bit of a twist with exactly who was behind everything that was going on, but really, even that wasn’t a huge shock…we pretty much knew that that particular individual wasn’t going to be winning any awards for their benevolence, well, ever.

Though I chuckled every time Ten made a modern pop reference (especially a Disney one, which most of them were–as they should be) and Anthan gave her a blank look, there really wasn’t a whole heck of a lot of evidence of him and the other vampires being 40+ years older than they appeared to be…it felt like opportunities were missed to make more of a case of their otherness like we usually see in books with characters who are supernaturally older than they seem. Instead, they came off as just slightly different guys who drink stuff that frequently tints their teeth red.

One of the best parts of the book is the relationships between characters–Ten and Anthan, Anthan and Idris, Idris and Ten, Brex the cat and pretty much everybody–and I look forward to seeing more of this in future books.

Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.


View all my reviews

Book Tour Grand Finale and Giveaway! THE KEEPER OF HER HEART by Stacy Henri

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for
The Keeper of Her Heart
By Stacy Henri

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch – Note from the Author

There are some stories, some characters, which grab ahold of you and won’t let go. THE KEEPER OF HER HEART and its heroine Ada Thorne are just such a story and character for me. So it’s with much anticipation, that I share this book with readers…

The Power of Words – Review

“The Keeper of Her Heart has earned a special place in my heart. This well-written, poignant story is bittersweet and heartwarming at the same time. British settings are a favorite of mine, and historical detail of the World War I era is conveyed in a way that pulls you right into the story. . . . I thoroughly enjoyed The Keeper of Her Heart and look forward to more from Stacy Henrie.”

Backing Books – Excerpt

Desperation strangled Ada’s breath, making her light-headed. “If I am not to marry for love, then what is the purpose of such a union?”

“To maintain the life you have always known,” her father said, his voice rising again. “You will marry a man of good breeding and fortune who will see that you want for nothing.”

An image of a content and pampered lap dog came to her mind. No wonder she preferred horses and their strength and power to other creatures meant to sit silent and look lovely.

Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Review

“Stacy Henrie is a master at historical fiction, especially during the World Wars. In this offering, we are treated to the story of Ada, a young woman of class, in the early 1900s in England. . . . I found it fascinating and loved watching Stacy Henrie bring this time in history to life in a way that I never could have imagined.”

Colorimetry – Excerpt

“It’s war, Ned.” Ada didn’t bother to disguise the pleading in her tone. “I don’t want to have to say goodbye; I don’t want you gone.”

“I don’t want to go,” he admitted in a low voice. His next words sent another shudder through her. “But if it’s right, Ada, I need to go.”

When he pulled her to him, she went. She shut her eyes and leaned into his touch. Was there anything she could say to persuade him differently? For the first time in their marriage, she suddenly understood what Ned had felt whenever he longed to protect her from something. That’s what she wanted to do in this moment—to protect him and herself.

Remembrancy – Review

“Through it all, this book weaves World War I history and life in London into the story. As readers follow Ada’s journey, her sprouting faith is encouraging in the midst of the challenges thrown out her. . . .Stacy Henrie’s newest book is a reminder of the One who gives hope in the midst of our darkest hours as well as second chances—at forgiveness, healing, and even love.”

underneath the covers – Excerpt

“Thank you, Minnie.” Ada rose from her chair. “Rosie and I are lucky to have you and Thomas and the children.”

Tears glittered in her friend’s eyes now. “We’re the lucky ones. And don’t you go forgettin’ it. ’Specially the next time you go disappearin’ into yourself. All right?”

“I won’t.” She offered Minnie a smile—and this time it wasn’t forced.

Wishful Endings – Review

“THE KEEPER OF HER HEART is a story of love, perseverance, friendship, and second chances.The characters are genuine and easy to relate to, while the story is touching. Fans of the genre will find much to love here! . . . I loved how the story pulled out my emotions. It was engaging, sweet, and inspiring. It’s one I definitely recommend!”

Paulette’s Papers – Excerpt

“What did your gran have to say?” Ned asked from behind.

Ada jumped to her feet, her back to him, and hurried to remove the evidence of her tears before he caught sight of them. She wouldn’t have Ned thinking they were tears of regret.

“She’s well. And what’s more”—Ada spun around, pasting on a bright smile—“she wishes us happiness here in London.”

Heidi Reads… – Review

“This book starts out mild and unassuming, then packs an emotional punch, and wraps up with the happy ending you didn’t think would happen. I slowly fell in love with each of the characters and their strength during times that become increasingly dangerous. . . . I loved the romance, the history, and the emotion in this unforgettable story!”

Rockin’ Book Reviews – Review

“There is so much sadness and yet they keep pushing forward to find happiness again. Very uplifting. . . . I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy history and a good love story. It’s packed full of goodness!”

Teatime and Books – Excerpt

Deep down, though, a germ of fear attempted to sprout inside her. She’d never known deprivation or difficulty or hard work. But she was determined to see her decision through—she would prove that marrying for love wasn’t the swift path to misery and regret that her parents believed it to be. She loved Ned. And she trusted that his current employer, Hugh Whittington, would follow through on his promise to help find Ned a new job.

Reading Is My SuperPower – Review

“The Keeper of Her Heart by Stacy Henrie is poignant and inspiring, the highs and lows of Ada’s life drawing the reader in wholeheartedly. The theme of God’s presence in times of joy as well as sorrow and fear walks hand-in-hand with Ada’s determined spirit and her compelling courage. Life doesn’t always work out the way we planned but in God’s hands we are held through it all.”

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven’t already…

 

The Keeper of her Heart
by Stacy Henrie
Inspirational Historical Romance
ebook, 271 pages
September 26th 2017 by Beyond the Page Publishing

If you like the novels of Deanne Gist and Lauraine Snelling, you’ll love USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie’s inspirational romance set against the backdrop of World War One!

Even at a young age, Ada Thorne knew that she would marry only for love, never money. So when she finds herself irrevocably drawn to Ned Henley, the lowly gamekeeper on a neighboring estate, she defies her parents and society by eloping with him to London to build a new life.

Without her family’s support, life in the city is far more difficult than the one of ease and privilege Ada has always known. She’ll find herself relentlessly tested in ways she never imagined—especially when Ned, answering the call of duty, enlists to serve his country in World War One.

Alone and near poverty with a child to raise, Ada’s resolve will be strained at every turn. And as she struggles to remain true to her convictions and live life on her own terms, Ada will embark on a journey of courage, faith, and love that will surpass even her own humble dreams . . .

Advanced Praise for the Book:

“Stacy Henrie possesses superior storytelling skills, her historical accuracy and attention to detail are unsurpassed, and she knows how to create characters we can identify with and whom we really care for.” —Fresh Fiction

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo│iBooks│GooglePlay

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie is the author of western romances and the Of Love and War series, which includes Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance. She was born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family. She enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all, laughing with her husband and kids.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Tour Giveaway!

– 1 winner will receive a $40 Amazon e-gift card and an e-book copy of any of Stacy’s books (winner’s choice)
– Open internationally
– Ends October 25th

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New Release and Giveaway! ALL I WANT FOR HALLOWEEN by Marie Harte

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Synopsis:

TONIGHT, SHE PLANS TO LET GO.

Dressed up and anonymous, Sadie Liberato feels powerful, sexy and free. Where better to lose herself than a masked party?

Gear Blackstone’s cheating ex and scheming best friend have managed to spin his life into a serious downward spiral. At least with a mask on he can cut loose for one night. And cut loose he does—with the sexiest, snarkiest chick he’s ever met.

After a scorching-hot encounter, Sadie and Gear are desperate to find each other in real life. But can the heat last when the masks come off?

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2iZ9XAp
B&N: http://bit.ly/2iZ1Fsp
iBooks: http://apple.co/2iZxCkk

Excerpt:

The music’s tempo jolted the partyers to new heights of enthusiasm.

“Great DJ,” Devil said, his foot tapping to the beat.

She found herself doing the same. “No kidding.” She eyed the tiny corn dogs on his plate. He had half a dozen. She wondered if he’d miss one… “Hey, is that B-Man over there?” she asked.

When he turned his head, she stole an appetizer off his plate and shoved it in her mouth. Oh yeah, Elliot would be thrilled to see her display her “house manners” in public.

The devil turned back to her. “Not him.” He frowned at his plate, then at her full mouth. “Did you just steal my food?”

“Nope,” she answered around a mouthful.

He stared at her for a moment, then burst into laughter. It was a full-bodied laugh, holding nothing back. Charming and real. She put Devil at the top of her list.

She swallowed, wishing she had something more to drink. As he finished off his plate, he glanced at her clean one, then at her. When he sighed and handed her his beer, she took it gratefully.

“No backwash, I promise.” She opened her mouth to show him hers was clean, then downed half the bottle. “Damn, that was good.”

He blinked. “Ah, you want more?”

“No, no. You drink that. I’ll go get some.”

She moved to go, but he grabbed her arm. They both paused. Together, they glanced down at his large hand on her wrist, and he dropped her arm. “Ah, that’s okay. You stay here. I’ll get you something. Beer? More chow?”

She nodded. “Um, both, thanks. I’ll save your place.”

He left, and she watched his progress as he cut a swath through the crowd. Yes, the devil made his own path. This time, no one bothered him as he returned posthaste. To her surprise, she was glad. The guy smelled good, a hint of subtle cologne that went straight to her head. He had a kickin’ body and a great smile. But that air of Don’t fuck with me really turned her on—ah, made her amenable to his presence.

Talk about a wordy mouthful. At the thought, she found herself glancing down his body to see what else might be a mouthful.

Jesus, Sadie. Get your head out of the gutter, girl.

“You okay?” Temptation leaned closer. “You look a little flushed.”

“You can tell in this lighting?” she teased, trying to get it together.

“Good point.” He handed her a beer, placed his own down on the table, and then put a plate overloaded with goodies on top of their empties. “This is to share. To share,” he said slowly.

“Yeah, yeah. Man, I’m starved.” She fell on the plate as if the Russians were coming.

To her amusement, he fought with her for the cheese curls as much as for the mini egg rolls, and they devoured the snacks in good company.

They talked with their mouths full, making fun of the drunken genie as well as several unsuccessful hookups on the dance floor.

“Oh, now that had to hurt,” the devil said. “Rejected by a zombie and her warty witch friend.”

“Yeah, but he’s not taking it personally.” Sadie took another sip of beer, loving the fact he hadn’t gotten her a sissy glass to drink from. “See? He’s turning from the undead to slutty doctor chick.”

“Slutty? Isn’t that non-PC?” he sneered, and she thought he sounded familiar, but the loud music made it difficult to tell. “Because I say the wrong thing about a woman, not a ‘chick,’ and I’m a caveman asshole setting women’s rights back twenty years.”

“Well, I can say slutty. You have to say sexually adventurous.” Sadie grinned. “Kind of like telling a gay guy he’s a raging homo. Now I can say that, because my brother earned the title. But you try telling him that, and he’ll knock your head off. And call him anything else, and I’ll knock your head off.” She hefted her fake sword before leaning it against the wall. “Don’t try me.”

He shrugged. “You have a sword. I have a pitchfork…somewhere. I think I left it by the bar.” He glanced across the room. “But hey, I have no plans to tangle with your brother. I’m here to sin until this thing is over. Nothing else, and no fights.” He paused, and she swore he added something else under his breath.

At that moment, her brother appeared in the crowd, his gaze searching.

“Shit.”

“What?”

She took Devil by the waist and turned him, noticing how he tensed but ignoring it. “Sorry. I’m having fun not mingling, and my brother is right over there looking for me.”

He relaxed and glanced over his shoulder. “Which one?”

“See the Phantom? He’s a pain in my ass, much as I love him. I didn’t want to come to this tonight, you know.”

“Yeah? Me neither.” He stayed where he was, still watching the dance floor. “Uh-oh. He’s looking over here.”

“Crap, crap, crap. This is a primo spot!” She did what any smart woman in her situation would do. She turned Devil so he completely blocked her from Elliot. “I need to blend in. Work with me, would you?”

“Sure, what—?”

She wrapped her arms around his thick neck and dragged him down for a kiss.

At the taste of his lips against hers, she shuddered, not having expected he’d taste better than his beer, or that up close and personal he’d smell like man and sex and chocolate. Chocolate?

Jesus, she must have had too much to drink.

Then he dragged her closer and deepened the angle of their kiss.

Sadie forgot about her brother, about the last crab cake on the plate, about how much she didn’t want to be at the party.

And fell into the arms of a man who kissed like the devil himself.

 

About the author:

Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after.

Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.

 

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New Release Review! PRIVATE LESSONS by Tragen Moss (A Nerd in the Hand #3)

4 stars, B+, Book reviews, BOOKS!, new release, spotlight Leave a comment

Private Lessons: M/M Gay Romance
by Tragen Moss

Synopsis:

If I didn’t have horrible luck with men, I wouldn’t have any luck at all.

I have a full life—great friends, a job I love, a really nice place to live—but something is missing. I want a family. Someone to love and who loves me back. A house full of kids. But when it comes to dating, I can’t get a passing grade.

I haven’t even lost my virginity.

I’ll never get a husband if I can’t get a second date. So I ask my roommate, my older brother’s best friend before he died, to teach me Real Man Seduction 101. I was always good at school and my rugged, alpha roommate seems like the perfect tutor.

The problem is, the more time he spends guiding me, the less I feel like taking my new skills outside of our house. I know he’s not the guy for me, even if he were gay, he tells me all the time he’s not the marrying kind.

I should get out now, before it’s too late to save my heart.

If it’s not already.

Dear Reader, 

This book is my everything. How can you not love the oil rigger and the kindergarten teacher? It’s also an older brother’s best friend book. And a first time book. And a May-December book. And…roommates…and well, it’s just as many tropes as I could mash into it. Go get some!

 

Review:

Private Lessons is short and sweet–except when it’s short and very, very dirty. 😉 Beckett is an incredibly sweet hero (a kindergarten teacher! Though sadly we don’t see him in the classroom at all), and Matthew is the older guy, older brother’s best friend who’s sure he doesn’t deserve him. At. All. Watching Beckett change Matthew’s mind (after he figured out that Matthew was actually gay, that is–LOL) was so much fun.

It looks like this one might be last in the series, which is sad, but since I haven’t read the first two yet (they’re in my TBR, though!) I can draw out the experience a little bit longer. 🙂 Private Lessons worked just fine as a standalone.

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

View all my reviews

A Conversation with Tristina Wright, Author of 27 HOURS (with a Giveaway!)

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Thanks so much for agreeing to be with us today, Tristina!

Thank you for having me!

Spoiler Inside SelectShow

What 5 things should readers know about you?

Are we talking 5 weird things…wait, of course we’re talking 5 weird things. Okay, first my hair is not really pastel colors. I know! But I will tell you it’s brunette with a black streak. The black is my birthmark.

I was head cheerleader in high school. With my levels of anxiety and introversion, it’s hard to believe, yes, but I was.

I don’t have wisdom teeth. Not like they were taken out. They never existed. My aunt had double the amount, sooooooo…

I can flip my tongue upside-down. Apparently, the ability to do that is genetic.

I cannot tan. At all. I burn and then it’s back to glow-stick white. I even had a membership to a tanning salon for a while and nada. Nope.

Of course I meant 5 weird things! 😉 LOL…I have a weird wisdom tooth fact too—I only had 3! My 4th never showed at all (and the other 3 had to be taken out anyway, so…) I don’t know of any family members who got my missing one, though, you got me there.

 

Where did the inspiration for this book come from?

Oh man, all sorts of places. One of the earliest mental images I had was a young man standing in front of a statue which was coming to life. I drew on my love of gargoyle mythology (and the Gargoyles cartoon) the most for the initial crux of the story and pulled from various movies, TV shows, and science fiction tropes. The movie Pitch Black inspired some of the nightside horror elements.

Awesome! Thanks for sharing 🙂

 

How long have you been writing, and what (or who) inspired you to start?

Since I was twelve years old and the movie Newsies came out. After I watched it, I decided I wanted to write a sequel. So, I got myself a notebook and wrote myself a sequel!

Then I asked Disney if I could publish it.

They said no.

Nicely.

LOL…at least they were nice about it! I’m sure they missed out, though (as did we all…)

 

What are you working on right now? What can readers look for from you in the next year?

Book 2 in the series, actually! And some scattered short stories for both my Patreon and hopefully submission to pro venues in the coming months. Fingers crossed.

Sounds great—can’t wait!

 

What are you currently reading, and what are your thoughts about it so far?

I’m working my way through the Tokyo Ghoul manga, and I’m loving it. It’s so beautiful and visceral. It tackles one of my very favorite ultimate questions: “What makes a monster a monster?”

Sounds intriguing—I’ll have to see if my resident manga experts have read any in that series!

 

If you had to “sell” your book in a single Tweet, what would you say?

Queer teens living on a colonized moon race against the clock to stop an attack that would make the war between species a war of extinction.

Perfect! Thanks so much, Tristina!

 

About the Author:

Tristina Wright is a blue-haired bisexual with anxiety and opinions. She’s also possibly a mermaid, but no one can get confirmation. She fell in love with science fiction and fantasy at a young age and frequently got caught writing in class instead of paying attention. She enjoys worlds with monsters and kissing and monsters kissing. She married a nerd who can build computers and make the sun shine with his smile. Most days, she can be found drinking coffee from her favorite chipped mug and making up more stories for her wombfruit, who keep life exciting and unpredictable.

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

27 Hours
by Tristina Wright
Publication Date:  October 3, 2017
Publisher:  Entangled Teen

 

Rumor Mora fears two things: hellhounds too strong for him to kill, and failure. Jude Welton has two dreams: for humans to stop killing monsters, and for his strange abilities to vanish.

But in no reality should a boy raised to love monsters fall for a boy raised to kill them.

Nyx Llorca keeps two secrets: the moon speaks to her, and she’s in love with Dahlia, her best friend. Braeden Tennant wants two things: to get out from his mother’s shadow, and to unlearn Epsilon’s darkest secret.

They’ll both have to commit treason to find the truth.

During one twenty-seven-hour night, if they can’t stop the war between the colonies and the monsters from becoming a war of extinction, the things they wish for will never come true, and the things they fear will be all that’s left.

27 Hours is a sweeping, thrilling story featuring a stellar cast of queer teenagers battling to save their homes and possibly every human on Sahara as the clock ticks down to zero.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Amazon Australia | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Entangled

 

Giveaway Details:

A 27 Hours Prize Pack, including:
* A 27 Hours Candle
* A set of 27 Hours Character Cards
* AND a copy of an October release *

*Open internationally wherever The Book Depository ships

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Author Andrew Buckley Tells Us Why We’ll Love HAIR IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES 2: THE PERILS OF GROWING UP WEREWOLF (with a Giveaway!)

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS BOOK…

What’s not to love? We’ve got a creepy floating guy with glowing red eyes, there’s something very strange about the new school principal, and, horror of horrors, Colin has a real life girlfriend to deal with!

I think people loved the first book because of the parallel between Colin having to deal with becoming a teenager while tackling the hairy task of turning into a werewolf and the possibility that he may have eaten one of his classmates. It’s a true zero to hero story as Colin learned to master his new identity and fight his evil biology teacher.

In book #2, THE PERILS OF GROWING UP WEREWOLF, we’re encountering a Colin six months into his change as a werewolf and life is a little different. He has a mentor now in Silas, the werewolf that bit him, he has a parental figure in his witch of a Grandmother, and he has his girlfriend, Becca Emerson. When Elwood’s government protection ends up leaving to hunt werewolves in Europe, Colin’s the only one left to notice that something isn’t right with Elkwood. When the resident demon disappears and some of the already strange townsfolk start acting even stranger, it’s up to Colin and Becca to put the pieces together.

I hope people will love this crazy, awesome, hairy little tale!

 

AUTHOR INFO:

Andrew Buckley attended the Vancouver Film School’s Writing for Film and Television program. After pitching and developing several screenplay projects for film and television, he worked in marketing and public relations, before becoming a professional copy and content writer. During this time Andrew began writing his first adult novel, DEATH, THE DEVIL AND THE GOLDFISH, followed closely by his second novel, STILTSKIN. He works as an editor for Curiosity Quills Press.

Andrew also co-hosts a geek movie podcast, is working on his next novel, and has a stunning amount of other ideas. He now lives happily in the Okanagan Valley, BC with three kids, one cat, one needy dog, one beautiful wife, and a multitude of characters that live comfortably inside of his mind.

Andrew is represented by Mark Gottlieb at the Trident Media Group.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

The Perils of Growing Up Werewolf (Hair in all the Wrong Places #2)
by Andrew Buckley
Publication Date: October 3, 2017
Publisher: Tantrum Books

 

Being a werewolf is no picnic. Colin’s constantly hungry, spends a ton of time shaving, and fights to keep his emotions in check to avoid turning into a giant, drooling, hairy, smelly, howling wolf. But Colin’s not the only creature hanging around the town of Elkwood. Vampires, zombies, goblins, ogres, and other questionable visitors and their various shenanigans have got everyone on edge.

Colin just wants to live a normal life, date, and get his homework done on time. But the town of Elkwood needs him. So when a secret government organization asks for his help, will he be able to control the animal inside, or will he give in to the perils of growing up werewolf?

 

Goodreads

Purchase Links:

Google Play | BAM | Chapters | Indies | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

 

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES:

Goodreads

 

Giveaway Info:

  • One (1) winner will receive a Werewolves The Pact Game (INT)

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New Release Review and Giveaway! IN TOO DEEP by Kimberly Kincaid (Station Seventeen)

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Title: In Too Deep
Author: Kimberly Kincaid
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: October 17, 2017
Publisher: Kimberly Kincaid Romance
Series: Station Seventeen
Format: Print & Digital

 

Synopsis:

As Station Seventeen’s rookie, Luke Slater knows his fire and EMS training will be both rigorous and risky, but he never imagined having to partner up with the one woman he wants to keep at arm’s length most of all. Quinn Copeland is as wide-open as Luke is reserved. He has no interest in letting the sweet and sexy paramedic rock his hard-earned control. But the need for composure becomes the need to survive when they find themselves in the crosshairs of a brutal gang leader on their first shift together.

Paramedic Quinn Copeland’s station mates aren’t just her friends. They’re her family. She’d do anything to keep them safe—including reluctantly trusting her impossible-to-read, impossibly gorgeous new partner with the one thing she holds close. As the passion between Luke and Quinn goes from a slow burn to a sizzle, their steps grow more and more dangerous, both in the fire house and out. Can they outwit a cold-blooded killer and face the fears that could cost them everything? Or are they in too deep?

 

Add to your TBR list:  Goodreads

Amazon |  Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

 

Review:

A perfect blend of romance and suspense!

I wasn’t actually expecting the amount of suspense that was here–several scenes literally had me on the edge of my seat throughout; obviously I was too distracted by that fantastic cover (and Luke) to have read all the way down on the synopsis. Or maybe I did read all the way down, but just forgot–again, I’m blaming that cover. The muscles! The blue eyes!

Either way, I’m not complaining.

I loved Luke and Quinn, both of whom live to take care of people while shying away from being taken care of themselves. Quinn is without family of her own so she’s made her own among the friends she’s found at work; Luke has two remaining family members and they’re the only two people he lets himself be close to. In seven months at Station Seventeen, he’s built up an armor around himself; he’s put in extra shifts and extra work in order to get his paramedic license on top of being a firefighter but has kept himself carefully separate from his coworkers. But of course he’s noticed them, especially Quinn…

Ms Kincaid did a great job balancing the romance and the suspense here. Just when I was fully pulled in to the romantic aspects of Quinn and Luke’s relationship, she’d do something to bring the danger they were in back to the forefront and have the hairs on the back of my neck standing straight up. The drama at the climax–ack!–was intense. Fortunately the ending made it all more than worth it…

In Too Deep is the third book in the series, but would work fine as a standalone. Prior to this I’d only read one of the series novellas– Deep Check , the one with the hockey player in it, of course!–and wasn’t at all lost. The men and women of Station Seventeen (and Precinct Thirty-Three) make up a fantastic family, and I can’t wait to read more from the series soon!

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

 

 

About Kimberly Kincaid:

Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet and hot and edgy romantic suspense. When she’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly is a USA Today best-selling author and a 2016 and 2015 RWA RITA® finalist and 2014 Bookseller’s Best nominee who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love. Kimberly resides in Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.

Connect with Kimberly at: Website | Facebook | Twitter| Goodreads | Instagram

 

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New Release and Giveaway! FALLING FORWARD by Dawn Robertson

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Today we have the blog tour for FALLING FORWARD by Dawn Robertson! Check it out and grab your copy today!

Title: FALLING FORWARD
Author: Dawn Robertson
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release Day: September 26th

About Falling Forward:

What do you do when you hate your life and your joy is gone?

Never the sister with the best of luck, Luna Rockwell gave up on her own happiness a long time ago. She’s lost herself in a never-ending cycle of work, in a career she’s come to loathe.

When a once in a lifetime opportunity comes along, on the second worst day of her life, it gives her a chance most women can only dream about. Searching for love in a new city, Luna finds herself in a love-triangle she never expected.

Will Luna find love once and for all, or is she destined to be the cat-lady aunt for the rest of her life?

Buy Now:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA

Excerpt:

Damn, my hair looks good tonight. I laugh as I continue my way to my destination. It really isn’t a long walk, and once I cross the street I can see the crowd in front of the new hipster establishment. There is totally a wait, but I pass through the two sets of doors to the hostess.

“Is there any bar seating?” I ask, since it’s Luna party of one.

“Yes, if you go thru those doors,” she points towards the back of the building, “there is a full bar out back.” Exactly what I wanted to hear.

“Thank you,” I say to the young girl, and make my way to the back patio. I love the atmosphere of the patio section. There is a bar on one side of the back with seating, and then several tables under a small canvas covering. There are strings of lights decorating the fence, and quite a few people sitting at the bar have their dogs. I love it.

Maybe I need a dog? I haven’t had one since my childhood dog passed away. Condo living really isn’t for dogs, but maybe this house will be the perfect option.

“Welcome to The Treylor Park, is this your first time here?” The young guy with dark hair, aviator sunglasses, a Treylor Park neon orange tank top, and a five o’clock shadow leans against the counter giving me his undivided attention. I’d love to take him for a ride, my god!

“This is my very first time. What do you recommend?” I subtly flirt with him, feeling like a cougar. I’m sure he’s freshly turned twenty-one.

“Personally, the Pina Coolatta is my favorite, but the specialty drink menu is on the other side of the menu,” he winks.

“I’ll take one of those.” I smile in his direction and continue to look over the menu. Everything looks delicious! Breakfast all day, chicken biscuits, pot pie, and there they are… The Treylor Park’s Famous Nachos Grande. The description almost floors me.

Waffle fries, pickles, fried chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, with chive ranch dressing and balsamic gastrique.

I don’t even know what that last part means, but, fuck, it sounds like everything I need in my life, and a good hour on the treadmill in the morning. And the best part is, I’m pretty sure that is all I am going to need to eat because it looks like a feast fit for a crowd. The hot bartender makes his way back over with my lime green Pina Coolatta, garnished with a fresh piece of mint, served in a mason jar. I love it, and it tastes just as delicious as it looks.

“You know what you’d like, hun?” he asks, while making another drink in front of me.

“I’ll have the nachos,” I say, excited like a school girl.

“Sweet choice, I’ll get those right in for you.”

About the Author:

Three times best selling author Dawn Robertson was born and raised in Connecticut before relocating to Florida in 2013. The same year first novel, Hers debuted as an Amazon Best Seller. Replicating that success with two additional novels in the following years.

The Indie publishing world has grown to love her raw writing style depicting strong women in real life situations, topping the charts in erotica, romance, and romance-suspense. Robertson has even insinuated that the female characters in her book mirror her real life. But, that I’ll leave to speculation.

When Dawn Robertson is not writing she is a full-time Real Estate professional in Florida, and mother of three amazing children.

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