Category Archives: Uncategorized

#WOTR #CoverReveal – For April by Jillian Jacobs

For April

Contemporary Novella – 2-book series. For Ryan will release Early June.

For April releases April 22 –EARTH DAY!

Ryan Cole has two stiff middle fingers for those who say, ”You can rise above your past”…because, yeah…when has that ever happened?

Until it does…

After aiding an influential Senator, Ryan is thrust into a scenario that lays the foundation for his dreams of becoming a trail lawyer. All he has to do is befriend the Senator’s daughter—a woman with no friends, no social skills, who’s past traumas are even worse than his own…and on top of all that, she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen.

As Ryan manipulates his way into April’s life, he discovers he’d do anything to release her from the cage she lives within.

But when he slips and April discovers her father’s plan—and Ryan’s part in it, he must face the consequences of his betrayal and a possible future without the woman he loves.

Pre-Order Amazon 

Take a Romantic Adventure with Jillian Jacobs

I write Paranormal and Contemporary romance. Both genres include suspenseful elements. I’m the co-founder of Healing with Words—a not for profit agency established for healing survivors of abuse, addiction, trafficking, and prostitution. The mission is to bring together readers, authors, and survivors in a positive manner that affects change and relief from negative influences. Writers on The River, an author event in Peoria, Illinois is hosted by Healing With Words.

Website: www.jillianjacobs.com

Newsletter sign up available on my website’s home page.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GreenMooseProd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenMooseProd/

Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/JillianJacobsAMZAuthorPage

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/JillianJacobs

www.writersontheriver.weebly.com

#Review – 72 Hours by: Bella Jewel

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A FATE WORSE THAN DEATH.
It’s all part of his sick game. A game he’s been planning for an entire decade. Now everything is perfect: One woman and one man have been selected. They used to be a couple—and they can no longer stand one another. They are the perfect victims. He doesn’t intend for the game to be easy. He wants to push them to the brink of insanity, to make his hunt real. . .

A DESIRE WORTH FIGHTING FOR. . .
The couple has been captured and dumped into a massive wooded area. There’s only one rule in this fatal game: They will have 72 hours to find a way out before the sadistic serial killer begins his hunt . . .But what he never could have expected was the explosive passion that ignites between the two ex-lovers—one that makes them strong. Fierce. And determined to do whatever it takes to escape—and to survive. . .

Goodreads

Amazon US

I was given a copy of this book via NetGalley for an honest review.

Oh my what did I just read. I need a second to let my heart fall back into place.  I will be honest here and say I say this was a Bella Jewel book and was all over it before I read the blurb.  That’s right I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  I don’t do scary books but this was great.  The suspense and thrill of trying to figure out what was going to happen next was amazing.  I was on the edge of my seat, heart in my throat, flipping pages like a mad woman.

What do you do when you wake up and find yourself in a game you never asked to be in and fighting for your life? That is exactly were Lara and Noah found themselves.  Lara and Noah use to be a couple a while back an now Noah is back in town ready to talk to Lara about what went wrong with the relationship an Lara is not having any part of it when they get taken by a psychopath and made to play a game where they are fighting to stay alive. Not only are they trying to stay one step ahead of the psychopath but they are trying to get along and do it together. This is not what the game master had planned.

This was a great read I was never sure what was around the next corner. I was always trying to figure out how they were going to get out of their current predicament.  What these two endured and attempted to overcome was outstanding. Lara was trying to overcome second guessing herself trying to find the old Lara and Noah was struggling with being mad at Lara and trying to protect her all at the same time. Both were trying to outwit, out play and out last the one trying to choreograph the game.   A true game of survival that only one side would win only question is who?

I am looking forward to more books like this from Bella.  Way to keep me turning the pages.

Bella is a fun loving australian and a multiple USA Today bestseller. She spends her days in sunny north QLD with her husband and two adorable daughters. She’s been writing since she was fifteen, and after her success with her debut novel, Hell’s Knights, she has been head down, bum up creating new stories. She is the author of the MC Sinners series, Number Thirteen, Enslaved by the ocean, Where Darkness lies, Life after Taylah, Angel’s in Leather, The Jokers’ Wrath series and ‘Til Death. Her next novel, Step-Lover is due for release in early March 2015.

You can follow her on Facebook to keep updated by simply liking her page here –> https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Bella-Jewel/513907282000951

#Review #TwinsieForTheDayJordan – Cherry Picked (Shots On Goal Book 3) By: Kristen Hope Mazzola

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One chance encounter – that’s all it took.

Nikki Jennings is dancing her way into the big time. She has gone from a shy, small town girl to a New York City Ballet star. She had everything to offer the world and she was taking it by storm.

Chase Harding is a cocky jock that has always gotten exactly what he’s wanted. Most recently, the rookie spot on his dream hockey team. He has everything he could ever want until he meets Nikki. She won’t give him the time of day. He won’t take no for an answer.

Will Chase be able to score the v-card of his latest prospect or is he going to shoot and miss for the first time in his life?

**Part of the Fiona Davenport Kindle World**

Review by: Jordan
Received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
What a whirlwind romance. I found this story between Chase and Nikki to be cute and endearing. They seem to have things a little out of order, but everything works for the two of them. They are young and in love. If only real life were that simple. I can’t wait to see what will come next from Kristen’s sexy hockey players. I guess only time will tell. 
Hi! Thanks for dropping in…
You want to know more about me? Well, let’s see…
I am just an average twenty-something following my dreams. I have a full time “day job” and by night I am an author. I guess you could say that writing is like my super power (I always wanted one of those). I am the lover of wine, sushi, football and the ocean; that is when I am not wrapped up in the literary world.
Please feel free to contact me to chat about my writing, books you think I’d like or just to shoot the, well you know.
A portion of all my royalties are donated to The Marcie Mazzola Foundation.Stay Connected:
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1fQ2eZI
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1gZdki8
Website: http://bit.ly/1dBeHku
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/184qzve

#WOTR #ReleaseDay #Review -Rude (King’s Harlots #3) by JM Walker

Rude (King's Harlots #3)

“An unexpected evil brings both the MC and Military world together in this brand new series by J.M. Walker”

His past haunts him.
Broken and destroyed, keep him silent and withdrawn.
Vice-One is the family he had always needed but it isn’t enough. Shadows of a nightmare threaten to take back the control he craves until Brogan Tapp unknowingly puts him in his rightful place.

She pretends to be happy.
Smile. Laugh. Repeat.
Going through the emotions of everyday life when really, she’s a scared little girl on the inside.
She tries hard to be what society considers as normal when Coby Porter helps her embrace the darkness within. He shows her it’s okay to be different.

Their souls collide, giving them the comfort they need when an unknown source takes pleasure in trying to rip them apart.

Goodreads

Amazon

I was given a copy of the book from the author for an honest review.

Coby…Coby ….Coby!!  This brooding alpha is everything I wanted and more.  I was so excited for this book and man was I happy!!

Brogan…Brogan..Brogan!!  This girl kicked my butt.  I knew she was kick a$$ but reading her story and everything that she has gone through…..WOW.  I never expected her to be the one push Coby away.  I figured HE would be the butthead not wanting to commit but when Coby commits, he commits!!

There is so much happening in this story but holy crap was I blown away.  The things that Coby and Brogan endure and come out of was insane.   JM dug deep for this book.  There was a lot of sexy time, dirty talking and butt kicking.  But to see Coby being tender….I mean WHAT!!  Who saw that coming? Not me.  I mean yeah he is so naughty and even made me blush because who knew knife play could be so *gulp* hawt??? Not me!!

There are times in the book that might make you cringe…..yeah poor Coby and what he has to go through but the strength that he has and the resolve to be with his girl……I dunno who I love more…..Asher or Coby.  I think Coby stole me from his brother that is for sure!!

J.M. Walker is an Amazon bestselling author who loves all things books, pigs and lip gloss. She is happily married to the man who inspires all of her Heroes and continues to make her weak in the knees every single day.

“Above all, be the HEROINE of your own life…” ~ Nora Ephron

#Review #TwinsieForTheDayBecky – Misguided Control (The Control Series Book 3) by Anna Edwards

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Control isn’t always what it seems.

What do you see Marie Easton as? The jealous secretary whose desire for her boss turns her into a lustful bimbo. Appearances can be deceiving though as new finance director Callum Ashworth is about to find out. Can he help her see the true person behind the mask she wears and how beautiful she is? Or will his attentions lead her down a path she never thought she would go?

And what about Callum? Is he the boring Accountant that you expect him to be? Or does he hide a secret that nobody ever expected, least of all Marie.

With a trip to Rome, and a journey to the dark side of London. Misguided Control with take you on a love affair born out of the fiery pains of hell.

The book contains dark suspenseful storylines, hot sex with elements of BDSM and a dramatic conclusion. You have been warned.

Also featuring a bonus story:

Loving Control

Amy and James found their happy ever after in Divided Control so what could possibly go wrong?

Amy gives birth, that is what. Can the loving couple find an equilibrium with their new status as parents or will it be their destruction? Throw in another blast from the past and their world looks set to be rocked.

Are you ready to step into the world of Control?

Goodreads

Amazon US

Review by: Becky

I was given a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Hot damn- Callum and Marie. Wow.  Anna you weave an wonderful story!  Marie had a tough life after the death of her sister and taking on quardianship of her nephew, Owen.  An then her mother.  The douche bag drug dealers keeping their thumbs on Marie while she is forced to live in an environment full of threats.  The quick connection felt by Callum and Marie and then the development of their relationship was wonderful to read.  Marie had read about Doms and knew her boss, James North, was a Dom.  She had hoped to win his heart so he could save her from the nightmare she lived.  Amy held his heart.  In comes Callum and starts to win Marie with a cup of coffee with a chocolate heart sprinkled on top. **sigh**. 
Marie and Callum’s budding relationship wasn’t without bumps.  Callum had his own secret from Marie just as Marie did from Callum.  Marie’s sister’s killer makes a brief appearance. Tsk tsk – it wasn’t for long.  The ending is happy.  Marie and Callum wed.  You won’t be disappointed. I don’t want to give away too much of the story line.  You rocked it Anna!!!
I am SO glad that Matthew’s story is next.  Sonia is so good for him.  I can’t wait for May for their story!  The Loving Control novella about Amy and James and the birth of their son was a wonderful “find”. 🙂

Ok, this is the bit where I have to sell myself. Why is it so much easier to write about sexy blokes! Anyway.

I am a British author, from the depths of the rural countryside near London. In a previous life, I was an Accountant from the age of twenty-one. I still do that on occasions, but most of my life is now spent intermingling writing while looking after my husband, two children and two cats (probably in the inverse order to the one listed!). When I have some spare time I can also be found writing poetry, baking cakes (and eating them), or behind a camera snapping like a mad paparazzi.

In 2015 I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. It was also around this time that I became one of the founding members of a dramatic/erotic/dark roleplaying group on Twitter. It was wildly popular with both English and American followers. The writing helped me to overcome my depression by giving me an outlet to channel my thoughts into and not sit around worrying all day about things that would never happen. I took over responsibility for management of the group and responsibility for the development of our storylines. As well as playing at least ten different characters in the group ranging from an innocent virgin, bloodthirsty assassin and even a male lover. The success of the role-play spurred me on to writing novels.

I have a love of travelling and like to bring this to my stories to give them the air of reality. Surrendered Control, my first book released in November 2016, combines two of my favourite travel destinations. India is where I lived for eighteen months with my husband and two children. My young son was only six months old when we travelled there. It was a fabulous time for us all and they learnt so much about the differing cultures, as well as, much to my husband’s chagrin, spending lots of money in the silk shops. The Control series will feature lots of international travel.

I have always been an avid reader. Mainly murder mystery in the past but with Beautiful Bastard I discovered a whole new set of novels and I haven’t looked back since. I like my hero’s hot and hunky with a dirty mouth. My heroines demur but with spunk. And my books in a kick arse series.

You can reach me at:
www.AuthorAnnaEdwards.com
Facebook Page: AnnaEdwardsWriter
Facebook Profile: Anna Edwards
Twitter: @Anna__Edwards
Instagram: anna__edwards
Pinterest: anna1000edwards
Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/anna__edwards

#ReleaseDay – Heph Series: Modern Descendants by L.B. Dunbar writing as Elda Lore

Heph
Series: Modern Descendants 
Author: L.B. Dunbar writing as Elda Lore
| Buy Links |
 
Phyre has a haunting past. The girl without a last name and fire in her hands burns with a history of destruction to save herself. Solace is finally found in the cozy comfort of Hestia’s Home, a place for women who need hiding. Just like her five surrogate sisters-in-solitude, Phyre yearns to extinguish memories and rekindle her spirit. Her plan blazes forward until he arrives. 
 
Hephaestus Cronus considers himself an ugly man. A near-death accident left him disabled but not without heart. His gratitude lies with the protection of his foster mother, Hestia. Running from a failed relationship, Heph only desires the familiar fires of the hearth at her home. Burned from the heartache, Heph never expected to spark a new flame in the rose-bud-cherry-haired girl missing a name. 
 
This modern tale of Hephaestus, the metal working god, rights the wrong of a crippled man failed at love. Here the flaming passion he deserved as an under-recognized god is written in a new fashion with the fiery spirit of a woman who ignites true love between these twin flames.
 
 

| About the Author | 

A writer of mythical worlds in modern times, I’m the alter ego of contemporary romance author, L.B. Dunbar. Learn more about me at: www.facebook.com/eldaloreauthor

 

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#Review #TwinsieForTheDayJordan – Dirty Desire by: M. Dauphin

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Harper Stills is making it. She’s paying the bills, she’s enjoying her time as a young adult, and she has the best friend of all best friends. When he moves out of their shared apartment and moves in a stranger, Harper’s one rule of ‘no sex with the roommate’ gets put to the test.

Knox Gregory is a man on a mission. A one track mind leads him to rooming with one of the sexiest women he’s ever met… but not under the right circumstances. He’s not allowed to fall for her, not in his plan, at least.

Sometimes things you plan for get shattered, though, and in the wake of it so does a lot more.

“All it took was one decision to ruin my life.”

*18+ for sexual situations and language*
*Stand alone, no cliffhanger!*

Goodreads

Amazon US

Review by: Jordan

Harper is a strong independent woman with no need to rely on anyone, except of course her best friend. When her best friend decides to leave her and move in with his boyfriend, he moves someone new into the apartment. This may have been the beginning of the end for what Harper thought her life plan was to be. Knox came in and turned her world upside down. I loved the way the characters and their emotions came through in this book. They felt alive and tangible. The story took and unbelievable twist and I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what the motive behind Knox’s motives were until near the end. I personally enjoyed the drama and suspense that this story contained. I personally would love to read more from this author. The book was well written and very entertaining. 
An avid, self proclaimed closet book nerd by the age of nine, Dauphin didn’t take her love of fictional worlds public until she self-published her first book almost 20 years later. Since putting to paper the voices in her head, she’s fallen in love with a career of building, ruining, and rebuilding fictional character’s lives. Her love will always reside with the romance genre, but she does enjoy going off the grid every now and then with non-fiction.
From Southern Illinois, born and raised, she now resides with her husband, two small boys, and very busy black lab that drives her crazy.
If you friend her on Facebook, you’ll be subjecting yourself to a whole lot of awesome…. So what are you waiting for?! Find her here: www.facebook.com/authormdauphin if you want to follow her author ramblings, go here www.mdauphin.com if you want to see what she has to offer (and some hot guys, too) and if you want to chat, email her here: authormallorydauphin@gmail.com. You can also follow her on Instagram at @M_Dauphin3 or Twitter @AuthorMDauphin

#WOTR #Spotlights – Shawn Reilly @shawnreilly2012

Shawn Reilly

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

My twin sister and I were born in the small town of Martinsville Indiana but raised for the greater part of our lives on the south side of Indianapolis—just five minutes from downtown. We played outside like most normal children do but when Indiana winters became brutal, and since I was always a sickly kid, we watched television; mostly science fiction or the old black and white monster flicks. When I wasn’t doing that I was in my room filling up notebooks with stories.

I met my husband on a blind date, arranged by my sister, at a concert at Ball State University. He was a drummer in a band. We now have been married for thirty-two years. We have three grown daughters and live in Mt. Comfort Indiana, surrounded by corn and soybean fields, with far too many pets.

Right now I have nine published books. Six in the Union Series, an adult paranormal/fantasy romance about animal shifters, and three in a young adult trilogy, titled Children of the Alliance. I tend to write more in the paranormal genre but I have several science fictions, one dystopian, and one dram-com (drama-comedy) waiting for my attention someday.

When and Why did you start to write?

When my stepfather heard that I was suffering from dyslexia, in the sixth grade, he decided to take me to a used bookstore with the belief that the best way to improve my reading skills was to read. Some of the books were hard to get through at first, but with his encouragement I refused to give up. Then one day, after complaining about the ending of a particular book, he told me that if I didn’t like the ending then I should just write my own book, so I did. My first attempt resulted in a horribly written western when I was fourteen, staring a cocky gun slinging cowboy by the name Curt Calhoun. Curt along with his seven brothers, who all shared C names in common, may never have seen the pages of a book, but that was the day I started writing, and never stopped.

Then six years ago I was diagnosed with Lupus, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and connective tissue disease. Needless to say my life altered and I was left having to readjust, both physically and emotionally. The CTD has been very unkind to my knees and hips and I was no longer able to do the things I once loved, such as horseback riding and hiking. I let depression get to me for a while and then one day I got up, walked to my computer, and sat down. I opened up one of my stories and started working. At first writing was just a way to escape but after some encouragement decided to give the indie world a go.

What authors do you always read or suggest to others?

Of course I’m a big Poe fan. I love several classic authors such as Jane Austen, the Bronte’s and Tolkien. I’ve read several novels by Terry Brooks, Rachel Caine, along with Margaret Weis and Don Perrin to pass the time. Although, since indie publishing four years ago I admit that I read a lot less of the big publishing company books, and have chosen, that is when I have the time, to support my fellow indie authors and I have a very long TBR list.

What is the most surprising thing you have found out with the writing process?

When I die someday people probably won’t know my name or my books and that’s okay. Because when that time comes I’m going to look back over my life and see that a shy, dyslexic introvert, with a chronic pain disorder did not give up no matter what life threw at her. I once thought that it was the support of others that I needed in order to achieve anything but I was wrong. Through all the discouragement and my own inner doubting while writing my books, in the end, what it finally took to fulfill my dream, which was to actually finish a book, was my own belief. The belief that I can do anything I set my mind too.

“Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men.”
Johann Wolfgang Goethe.

What are you working on now?

Right now I am currently working on book seven in the Union Series, Rise of the Raven. I meant to have it out last year but 2016 was a very bad year for me. Hopefully it will be released later this year. I have a lot of make up work to do.

When writing are you a pantser or plotter?

Most definitely a plotter. I keep very detailed notebooks that contain definitions, maps, and scenes for each book. I tend to have one main plot along with several sub-plots so I write basic outlines to keep my mind on track, but keep it loosie goosie. We authors know how quickly characters can stage a mutiny. I’ve had characters that were supposed to die suddenly decide they want to stick around for a while, and that tends to change the story somewhat. Either way when I’m done with a book I pretty much feel that it ended the way it was supposed to. Sometimes I even write the ending first.

What are your social links?

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/shawn.reilly.940

Fanpage https://www.facebook.com/shawnreillyauthor/

Website http://shawnreilly.wixsite.com/shawnreilly

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6904027.Shawn_Reilly

Twitter https://twitter.com/shawnreilly2012

Amazon author page https://www.amazon.com/Shawn-Reilly/e/B00DR8V27W/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1486489258&sr=1-2-ent

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shawn_reilly_author/

Googlepage https://plus.google.com/u/1/111020808080506817629

Gmail doubtingauthor@gmail.com

What are your buy links?

The Union Series

Call of the Raven
https://www.amazon.com/Call-Raven-Union-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00B3VYDG2/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Legend of the Raven
https://www.amazon.com/Legend-Raven-Union-Book-2-ebook/dp/B00CFTL5NA/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Pursuit of the Raven
https://www.amazon.com/Pursuit-Raven-Union-Book-3-ebook/dp/B00CV7W0F8/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Sacrifice of the Raven
https://www.amazon.com/Sacrifice-Raven-Union-Book-4-ebook/dp/B00DQRMBO2/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Curse of the Raven
https://www.amazon.com/Curse-Raven-Union-Book-5-ebook/dp/B00I0K14DE/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Allegiance of the Raven
https://www.amazon.com/Allegiance-Raven-Union-Book-6-ebook/dp/B00L5Y7NC8/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Children of the Alliance Trilogy

Bug
https://www.amazon.com/Bug-Children-Alliance-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00PE940X0/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Spun
https://www.amazon.com/Spun-Children-Alliance-Book-2-ebook/dp/B013TLRIGK/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Thread
https://www.amazon.com/Thread-Children-Alliance-Book-3-ebook/dp/B019IY8Y60/ref=pd_sim_351_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HVDGYTX6P9XSYKNJBQHQ

#Review – Echo (Bayou Springs Alien Mail Order Brides #3) by Kenzie Cox

Echo (Bayou Springs Alien Mail Order Brides, #3; Intergalactic Dating Agency, #19)


Seeking Available Brides in Bayou Springs, Louisiana. Your last stop before blast off!

Tired of couch-potato humans and bad coffee dates? Sick of being single, but can’t find the right man? Before you cash it all in and relocate to another galaxy, let us help you find a man full of adventure, passion, and romance. Intergalactic Dating Agency—where the men are hot, sexy, and ready to make you feel out of this world.

Goodreads

Amazon

 

I received this book from the author for an honest review.

The final instillation of the Arnot brothers.  Echo, much like his brothers, meets his fake fiancé but he and she can’t keep their eyes off each other.  However, Fiancée Naomi had a secret…well a big secret actually.

The couple send a nice quiet night out when Naomi’s secret is revealed.  Echo does some diggin and finds out that she is in trouble…really big trouble with the bad guy from the last book.  The couple will have to do a lot of trusting and talking but of course *wiggles eyes* bonding to make sure that they are safe and can have an HEA.

I really love these short stories from this author.  I loved the other brothers books plus her paranormal series books are great reads. SO if you want a fun, flirty, steamy, short book then grab any of this authors books and you will love it.

Kenzie Cox is the pen name of New York Times bestselling author Deanna Chase

 

#Release – Ready For His Rule by Angel Payne

Synopsis

Captain John Franzen.

Inside the lines…
It’s the definition of life for Tracy Rhodes, and she has no choice about that. Lines–lots of them–are what happens when one is sworn in as second-in-command of the free world.
But the lines are crushed beneath the boots of Captain John Franzen, assigned as a special advisor to her security team for a high-profile event in Vegas. The towering warrior with the haunted stare shatters her composure, invades her libido, and makes her yearn for things she shouldn’t. Sweaty, illicit things…with her body pinned beneath his…

Outside the boundaries…
John Franzen, six and a half feet of rigid composure on the outside, is a lost man on the inside. Why the hell is he even alive? A guy isn’t supposed to survive eleven years in Special Forces, especially after the crazy missions he’s been assigned. Accepting the security gig in Vegas is just a favor to a friend–a way to fill time that’s become too damn empty lately.
Until the cushy “babysitting job” becomes the most treacherous mission of his life–and the politician he’s protecting becomes the woman in his bed. The lover beneath his bonds…

The submissive he longs to claim forever.

Breaking all the rules…
She’s destined for marble halls and an oval office.
He’s wired for dirt and violence.
Will her passion be enough to tame his demons…to claim the ultimate wild boy as her own?

BuyNow

AMAZON US I AMAZON UK I iBOOKS I NOOK I KOBO

Teaser

He pulled back, watching his hand curl on itself in midair. He thought of all the damage that fist had done, to so many shitheads and losers over the years, but was now a symbol of utter helplessness—inches from a person he was aching to help. Fate was getting in all its best taunts today. His spirit hadn’t agonized this much even when the news about Nichols had come out.
And the pain in this stall is about you…how?
Easy answer. It wasn’t.
But no way in hell was he leaving her in here, all but drowning herself in several senses of the word. If she ordered him all the way out of the shower, then he’d abide—and simply sit on the tile outside. One puddle for another; no difference to him physically—but he would stay here for her, whether she asked for it or not. Even if it fucking killed him.
For now, he chose to simply settle back on his haunches. Nearly as an afterthought, reached and cranked the spray off. In the eerie silence after, Tracy joined her quiet sniffs to the heavy drops of the draining water. John re-balled both his hands, hating even the inches between them. To not even touch her, let alone resist the baser need to clutch her close…
Fuck.
Waterboarding had nothing on this shit.
And the worst part hadn’t even sunk in.
She’s just following your lead, asshole.
That was the worst part.
In protecting her from his secret side, he’d been locked out of her secrets too. In shielding her from his darkness, she’d made sure he stayed right there—in the dark. Away from the ability to even give her some light…
Moron. You. Same sentence, Keoni John Franzen.
Finally, she snuffled with more determination. Jerked up her head a little, long enough to slide him a furtive side-eye, but nothing more. She pulled her hand all the way back in, tucking it beneath her chin as she settled her head against the wall again.
“I want to talk to Craig.”
A brutal exhalation left him. His throat tightened. His chest compressed. Hell, nothing was comfortable. Nor was it meant to be.
“I know you do,” he murmured.
“I’m…scared.”
Screw uncomfortable. Everything was agony—especially when she wouldn’t even let him do anything about it. No. When he’d pushed her away out in the bedroom, letting her walk away with the impression that he wouldn’t do anything.
“I know you are.”
At least he had words. Paltry proxies, but they’d have to suffice somehow.
“I have no idea what to do.”
“But you don’t have to figure it out alone, ku`uipo.”
Her face contorted again, though not with impending tears. Her eyes flared with irritation. “Don’t call me that.”
He barely repressed a grin. “You’re gorgeous when you’re all hissy kitten.”
“Yeah? Well, I have Tigress claws, remember?”
“Fine, fine.” He held up both hands. “Maybe you just want ‘ma’am’ again?”
“And maybe you just want me to hunt down a flattening iron.”
His chuckle was impossible to tame. Her glower went from simmering to smoky. He had no idea there were so many nuances of gray. In her eyes, they were all fascinating.
“Maybe you can just close your eyes and pretend I’m Craig.” The offer was sincere—he was up for any creative solution here—but her laughter, high and biting, was nowhere near a vote of approval.
“That’s so not going to happen.”
He frowned. “Why not?”
“Because I’d know the difference.”
“How?”
“John.” Her laugh mellowed to a watery eye roll. He suddenly knew how Luke must feel when a test wasn’t studied for. “I’d know the difference between you and any other man.”
And just like that, no more feeling like her teen kid.
Feeling everything like the jerk who’d probably made the biggest mistake of his life with her earlier, and would spend the rest of his mortal days cussing himself out for it. “Fuck.” Might as well start now. “Ku`uipo.”
Her tigress side flared in a swift snarl. “What didn’t you understand about not calling me that?”
“And what don’t you understand that I’m only here to help?” The backlash, his higher ground pick of a reply, was still better than choice two: smashing one hell of a kiss on her feisty lips. “It slipped. So skewer me.”
Her regard softened. “It’s okay. Just…be careful.”
Now he was the one clinging to his scowl. “You don’t even know what it means.”
“I can guess by your tone.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
“When your voice alone makes me want to come over there and maul you? Yeah.” She glanced again, letting her stare linger longer—to his intense pleasure. More intense than he wanted to admit, but couldn’t deny. Not when the heat from his skin met the wetness of his clothes and created a new experience for him. Steam Bath—in SenSurround.
“Tracy.” He heeded her request—the tone was new; perhaps the first time he’d ever used it outside a bondage dungeon before—though its replacement was just as merciless. Perhaps more so. He issued her name as a declaration…a command. Nothing he’d ever use on his battalion members, because this asked for a different kind of obedience. No. Demanded it.
“What?” She’d dropped her head but lifted it again. Her eyes had turned huge as a pair of London moons.
“Do you…want…to maul me?”
For the first time since he’d crawled in here, her body loosened. She opened up a little, still staring with the moon in her eyes—only now, joined by the comets in her energy. Untamed rogue comets—all aimed his direction. “‘Want’ isn’t the word I’d use.”
Flames licked the edges of her voice—and now the length of his cock. Fuck, how this woman got to him. How her spirit and sass challenged him. How her desire affected him…
“Tracy.” He didn’t hesitate about wielding the dungeon command now. Doubly deep, three times as severe.
“Wh-what?”
Oh, yeah. He also liked it when her defiance wobbled a little. What would it be like to make it shake a lot?”
“Get over here and maul me.”

AboutTheAuthor

USA Today bestselling romance author Angel Payne has been reading and writing her entire life, though her love for romances began in junior high, when writing with friends on “swap stories” they’d trade between classes. Needless to say, those stories involved lots of angst, groping, drama, and gooey kissing.

She began getting a paycheck for her writing in her twenties, writing record reviews for a Beverly Hills-based dance music magazine. Some years, various entertainment industry gigs, and a number of years in the hospitality industry later, Angel returned to the thing she loves the most: creating character-based romantic fiction. Along the way, she also graduated with two degrees from Chapman University in Southern California, taking departmental honors for English, before writing five historical romances for Kensington and Bantam/Doubleday/Dell.

Angel found a true home in writing contemporary-based romances that feature high heat and high concepts, focusing on memorable alpha men and the women who tame them. She has numerous book series to her credit, including the Kinky Truth series, the Secrets of Stone series (with Victoria Blue), the W.I.L.D. Boys of Special Forces series, and the acclaimed Cimarron series. Temptation Court, a new series being launched through the Dark Nights Discovery project, debuts in 2016.

Angel still lives in Southern California, where she is married to her soul mate and lives on a street that looks like Brigadoon, with their awesome daughter and Lady Claire, the dog with impeccable manners. When not writing, she enjoys reading, pop culture, alt rock, cute shoes, enjoying the outdoors, and being a gym rat.

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