Monthly Archives: May 2018

New Release

#NewRElease #Giveaway #Excerpt – Cross, Gibson Boys 2.5 by Adriana Locke

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Title:          Cross

Author:      Adriana Locke

Series:        The Gibson Boys #2.5

Cover Designer:           Kari March at www.karimarch.com

Goodreads:         http://bit.ly/CrossGR

Release Date:     Friday, May 25, 2018

Live Release on Amazon and in KU

Giveaway:          http://bit.ly/CrossReleaseGiveaway

Questions you might have:

  1. This novella was originally released in the Team Player Anthology last winter. It has been updated a bit with a few new chapters to round out the story.
  2. Two Gibson Boy short stories involving characters from this series, Nora, Kip, and Blaire, are included in the back for reader enjoyment.
  3. This is a standalone novella. However, it technically takes place after Craft, which is why it’s numbered #2.5. Reader do NOT have to have read Craft to enjoy Cross.
  4. Reading Order:

Crank – https://amzn.to/2L7b0sa

Craft – https://amzn.to/2k4eXS0

Cross – live release on Amazon & KU on 5/25

Crave (coming Summer 2018)

Cross Jacobs was a screw-up.

Everyone knew it, especially him, and the point was hammered home when Kallie Welch drove herself right out of his life.

But, she’s back.

Seeing Cross wasn’t on Kallie’s to-do list. She didn’t think she could avoid him forever but trying never hurt anyone. One minute she’s standing by herself and the next she’s accosted by a rich, velvety scent that could only belong to one man: Cross.

At face value, he’s divine. All rugged and confident with a smile that melts her right where she’s standing. It doesn’t take long to find him to be charming, witty, and the owner of a few legitimate businesses. Not at all like the mischievous boy she left.

He laughs and her heart flutters. With a touch of his hand, she’s dizzy. She’s fairly certain she’s going to die when he pulls her into an embrace and touches his lips to her forehead.

It feels right. It feels so right.

But is it?

Chapter One

Cross

“Where have you been in that thing?” Machlan shouts.

The roar of his muscle car’s engine winds down and he clicks the transmission into park. The purplish-black paint shines in the early afternoon sun.

Having just backed out of a parking spot onto Main Street, I check my rearview mirror. No one is coming. “Bluebird Hill,” I tell him. “After all that rain last night, I figured I’d test the new tires Walker put on my truck last week.”

“You’re a fuckin’ kid.” He laughs.

“Says the man driving that,” I tease, pointing at his ride.

“I’m not sure what your point is. This car is the baddest thing in town.” He punches the gas, the motor roaring like a banshee.

Glancing around at Doc Burns’ office with two cars in the parking lot and the Linton County History Museum across the street that only opens for the Water Festival once a year, I grin. “That’s not saying much.”

“Go to Hell.” His hand slips through his dark hair and over his chin. The amusement in his features evaporates as I watch … and cringe.

I know this look. I know all of his looks, actually, a by-product of being his best friend as long as I can remember. Many of them concern me and a lot of them worry me. But this one? It’s a flashing red sign with Vegas-inspired lights.

The thing is, I can’t just ignore it. When this look comes, so does the topic of my sister and, even though I love the both of them, I wouldn’t mind seeing them in a padded room until they fix whatever it is between them that is so broken.

With a sigh, I jam my truck into park too. “Yes,” I say, answering the question he’s yet to ask. “Hadley called and isn’t coming home this weekend. She said maybe next week.”

His jaw works back and forth as he stares down the street. “Why?”

That single word is spit with a lifetime of emotion. Machlan has loved my sister since the day she moved to Linton with our father and me when our mother died. She was fourteen and innocent and he was fifteen and infatuated. Through the years, they were off and on and together and not—at least officially. Everyone knew Machlan and Hadley were one and the same.

I’m not sure why she moved away from here. Being both her brother and his best friend precluded me from certain information, which is for the best. They both drive me nuts without having the details.

“Not sure,” I reply. “She left a voicemail last night saying she wouldn’t be home today. She didn’t pick up when I called her back.”

He flips his gaze to me. “You didn’t talk to her after that?”

“She’s a big girl, Mach,” I mock. “I’m sure she had shit to do.”

“Yeah.” His fingers regrip the steering wheel as his jaw goes back to work again.

“I’m gonna go wash this before I head back to the gym—”

“She’s all right, though. Right?” he interrupts. His face is stone-cold sober. “I mean …”

“She’s fine.”

He waits. Blinks. Re-grips the wheel again. “That’s it?”

Popping my truck into drive, I blow out a breath. “Yeah, that’s it. You want to know more? Call her. What a fucking amazing concept.”

“Yeah. I’ll get right on that,” he snips back.

“You should. Then you could quit this whole thing.”

“Got nothin’ to quit, man. Just being a decent guy.”

A decent guy. It’s my turn to turn my knuckles white on the steering wheel.

Machlan isn’t a decent guy. He’s a fucking great one … much better than the guy Hadley is seeing now. A guy I haven’t mentioned to Mach since I got home a couple of weeks ago from visiting her. I’m not mentioning him, either. I’ll save the boyfriend an ER bill and myself the bail money.

I can’t blame him. It has to be hard to see Hadley with another guy when, in Machlan’s mind, she’s his girl.

My stomach twists like it always does when my mind goes down this road. At least my girl didn’t bring other guys back with her. Hell, she didn’t even come back at all.

“Here comes Kip,” Machlan says, bringing me out of my reverie. Nodding toward the road in front of him, he laughs. “I’m not moving.”

I twist in my seat to see the sheriff coming toward us. He blares the siren twice as if to get us to move. We don’t.

Machlan pokes his head out of the window. “Need somethin’?” he shouts.

Laughing, I watch Kip’s car slide carefully between Machlan’s and the curb on the other side.

“You can’t park in the street!” Kip yells.

“What are ya gonna do about it?” I holler.

“Take ya both in.”

“Don’t you have somewhere to be?” Machlan asks. “Someone to protect and serve? Or service, if I know you?”

Kip shakes his head as Machlan flips him the bird. The sirens come on again before Kip hits the gas and speeds off down the street and vanishes over the hill.

When I look back at Machlan, his attention is on his phone.

“What?” I ask, curious about the smile on his face.

He looks at me and laughs. Sticking the phone in the cup holder, he shrugs. “Nothing. But can you do me a favor?”

“No.”

“I need help moving a couple of things at Crave. Come help me. Just for a few.”

“What’s in it for me?” I ask.

“A beer?”

Throwing the truck in neutral, I rev the engine. It barely sounds before his is screaming over top of mine and we jet off in opposite directions. I get to a stop sign at the end of the street and do a quick one-eighty to head to Crave.

USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket.

For sneak peeks, giveaways, and more, please join Adriana’s Facebook Group, Books by Adriana Locke, or her Goodreads group, All Locked Up.

 

Website: http://www.adrianalocke.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorALocke

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8379774.Adriana_Locke

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authoradrianalo

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/adrianalocke

Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/BBALGroup

Goodreads Group: http://bit.ly/AllLockedUp

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/LockeList

 

 

 

Erotica, Insta-Love, Novella, Part of a Series

#REVIEW – Experienced (Real Man #4) by Jenika Snow

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He’ll show her how a real man treats a woman…

SABINE

I’d never known how good it could feel to be taken care of by a man who knew what he was doing.

Until I was with Hugo…

HUGO

I was older than she was.

She was innocent, hadn’t experienced all that life had to offer.

I could give her that experience.

Sabine consumed my thoughts, made me desire nothing else but her. No other woman compared to her, and because of that, I hadn’t been with a woman for four years, which was also the last time I saw Sabine.

But I was done feeling guilty for what I desired. I wanted Sabine in my life, by my side, and I was about to make that a reality.

I didn’t know if she’d ever been treated the way a female should … but I was going to show her how a real man takes care of a woman.

Warning: If you’re into super short, hot, dirty reads containing a much older hero and younger heroine … keep on reading. This story is guaranteed to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, give you that sweet HEA we all deserve, and make you want to search out an experienced older man for yourself.

Twinsie Jo’s Review

Who doesn’t love a story about an older man and a younger woman? Well this girl sure does. Hugo is much older than Sabine but man is he yummy. Russian, wealthy and a silver fox. He’s been in love with Sabine for awhile. Little did he know that Sabine felt the same way. Finally, they come together and let their feelings for each other take control.

This book is book 4 in the Real Man series but each book can be read as a standalone. It’s short. Instant. And super hot!

BDSM, Part of a Series, Uncategorized, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR2018Attending #Review #ABrettMacleanDuet #BDSM Red by JM Walker

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It started without trust. Passion. Lust. An all-consuming need; that was all we had in the beginning.

Lies. Betrayal. Deceit. We moved past it all and fell in love anyway.
Over ten years later, with a family of our own, our little world was perfect. Happy.

But then that happiness faded away when she came into our lives.
No control. No power. Just heartbreak and unwanted submission.

We were forced to our knees at the sight of her. The words falling from her lips were like nails digging at our soul because we knew.

We would have to go through hell to get out of this.

And even then, I wasn’t sure if it would be enough.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book

We are back with Brett and Evie from JM Walker’s Torn Series.  Years of marriage, three kids, and these two are still hot as heck together!!  Oh, and we get top see our very favorite sadist therapist!!!!

The past has come back in a big way to possibly screw up the life that they have built and let me just say that I felt just about all the feels with this one.

With all they went through in the previous stories to get and stay together I really thought that Walker was going to end this couple, I   mean how much more can two people take, and the ending?? Omg, please make sure you have tissues handy for that because you will need them and a strong drink when your done.

Walker has done a freaking mind f*** with this one so hold onto your hats  ladies and gents its going to be a bumpy ride.

Oh, and afterwards there is the story of Brett and Evie meeting for the first time, but told from his POV.  It’s awesome!!

Goodreads

Amazon

Torn Trilogy Box Set

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.

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New Release, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR18 #NewRelease #Review – Allure, Brooklet Dreams Book #1 by CA Harms

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Allure (Brooklet Dreams #1)

COMING MAY 22ND 2018

The next generation of the Southern Boys returns in a new spin-off series, Brooklet Dreams…

She was supposed to be his forever.
At the age of twelve, they were best friends.
By the time they were sixteen, they were more.
Rhett only had eyes for one girl. His girl.
They had even made plans for a life together.
But when she left town, she let those dreams go…

Different life paths only led to broken promises.

Rhett spent his days existing.
Baseball, classes, and working at the family farm became his life.

Until Allison Jo.
The quiet and beautiful girl he never expected.
She made him laugh, and slowly, brought the old Rhett back to life.
He was happy.

He became her world.
She was his everything.

But what happens when Rhett’s past returns?

Everything changes and limits are tested, but one thing is certain…
Rhett Jackson will fight for the woman he loves.

Goodreads

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

This is the new series by CA where she is bringing us back to meet the 2nd generation characters from her other series.  So, if you are fan of the 1st generation then you need to start reading Rhett and AJ like NOW!!

Rhett thought he had it all figured out.  He thought he had the girl of his dreams and the love like his mom and dad BUUUUT he was wrong.  Rhett is so upside down and he is having such a time in life with trying to find his way back.

AJ has loved Rhett for a long time but she has kept her distance.  Emotionally unavailable man equals heartache right!!  AJ decides that friends are the only way to keep from getting her heart broken by him.  Friends is all they are going to be until….maybe he can open his eyes to what is in front of him???  NAW Friends it is……maybe????

When Rhett finally opens his eyes and SEES AJ for what she is, who she is, and the love they share, it was amazing read.

I loved the story and seeing the old the characters.  IF you are not up on that series its totally ok because, to be honest, I haven’t read the entire series either!!!  The lack of the past story lines didn’t stop me from loving the book at all.

C.A. Harms is an avid romance and mystery reader. She’s always had a love for books, getting lost in writing and storytelling even as a young girl. She enjoys happy endings and HEA love stories.

She lives in Illinois and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She holds an addiction for Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha’s and KitKat when she should really be focusing on water and maybe a fruit or two to make herself feel less guilty, but that feeling quickly passes…thankfully.

She is easy going, fun, and although she may seem like one of the quiet ones at first, you just wait until she gets to know you better…that quietness changes, fast

 

 

New Release

#NewRelease #review – Ruthless Mountain Man by Jenika Snow & Kesley King

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I moved to the mountains to get away from everyone and everything. All I want is peace and quiet and it’s worked well for me over the last decade. But then she moves in next door and disrupts my solitude.Kylie—my new neighbor—with her smartass mouth and destructive dog. It’s obvious she doesn’t belong here with her designer boots and city girl attitude but she’s stubborn and won’t listen to reason. Despite all that, there’s no denying I want her. Her sass and defiance get under my skin and admittingly turn me on. It’s a love/hate relationship in the most inconvenient way possible.

When a snowstorm comes barreling through, it’s Kylie who’s at my doorstep needing heat and food because she’s completely unprepared. Although I warned her, she finally admits I was right. Between my hatred for her dog and her distaste for me, things are bound to get complicated.

Secluded in my cabin together means the temperature rises, the gloves come off—but most of all—the arousal and chemistry moving between us reaches its breaking point.

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

Chemistry, Chemisty, CHEMISTRY!!!!  Holy moly this enemies to lover’s book was awesome!!!  SO I will admit I have never read anything from these authors but I see Jenika’s name all the time.  SO when I could finally grab a book and fit it into my schedule I jumped.  Man am I a happy camper too.  Get my pun…camper….mountain wilderness??  Ok lame so let’s discuss…………

Kylie is totally me.  She is going to live with her dogs and have a happy life. I like dogs better than humans so let’s go and be wilderness people.  But it seems Luke, her hawt and dreamy neighbor, is none to thrilled with her or her dogs…LOL

Luke being Mr. Mounting man is ready to take on the winter and all that it gives you with the crazy temps and life in the wilderness.  Our hilarious heroine is so not prepared for this weather and all the wilderness throws at you.   This again is totally me….not a planner just a doer.

This book is just so funny watching the couple learn to deal with each other and get over each other’s craziness while also dealing with the insane attraction that is brewing.

The wind and snow slam against the windows and front door, sounding like it could break right through the glass. Rosie shivers and whimpers beside me, as Kozmo growls. He’s my protector, even if he doesn’t listen to me worth a shit.
“It’s okay, Kozmo.” I reach out and grab his collar, gently pulling him toward me. He lays down by my feet and I stroke his head, trying not to show that I’m pretty damn terrified of the storm raging outside. It’s not even about the weather per se, but the fact I’m so not prepared for this crap.
The fire crackles, and I turn and look at the hearth, the flames a lot less intense than what they were an hour ago. The firewood stacked up in the corner of the room makes me nervous, seeing as there are only a few logs left. They’d been here when I first moved in, and I hadn’t even thought about replenishing the stock so soon, not when I’d been busy unpacking and cleaning.
I grit my teeth as I think about Luke—Mr. Ruthless—next door and his warning. There’s no way in hell I was going to admit he’s right—that I’m unprepared and out of my element. Fuck him and his arrogant attitude.
I bring the blanket around me a little higher just as the lights start to flicker. Tilting my head back and looking up, I stare at the ceiling and say a silent prayer that the power doesn’t go out. I may have enough food stocked to weather out this bitch of a storm, but that doesn’t mean I can cook any of it without a fire or electricity.
The wind howls outside, and I curse the weatherman and his shitty forecast. “This weekend my ass,” I mutter. And then it’s like Mother Nature says a big “fuck you” as the lights go off. Rosie whimpers even louder, so I lift her into my lap, trying to calm her. She’s not used to this insane weather.
“Shh. It’s okay, girl. It’ll come back on, and everything will be okay. The storm will pass soon.” I know why I’m saying this—trying to reassure myself and feel better about the situation—but it’s grossly clear that I’m not at all prepared for a storm like this. I didn’t check the generator, and my wood stockpile is nonexistent.
The longer I sit here, the lower the flames get, and the colder it becomes. I set Rosie aside and get up to toss the remaining logs in, stoking them and walking over to grab a blanket. I move down in front of the fire to keep warm and call the dogs over.
“Come here,” I call for Kozmo and Rosie. Both of them shuffle over and lay beside me, curling around my body. I glance at the front window, the sheer curtains not hiding the pellets that are assaulting the glass like tiny bullets. I only hope it’s strong enough to withstand it and not break.
Mr. Ruthless was not right. He was not right.
He might be a little right.
An hour later and I’m still in front of the now dwindled fire, the embers the only thing alive in the damn hearth. The electricity shows no signs of coming back to life. The blanket is wrapped tightly around me, but it’s not helping keep the chill out of my bones. And the storm—the fucking storm is still going stronger than ever outside.
No way this is ending anytime soon.
I stand and head to the kitchen. Because I’m trying to stay positive, I check the stove. Nothing. I walk over to the fridge and open it. Nada. Because I have nothing better to do, I try the light switch. Zilch.
“Fuck.”
Dammit. When this storm is done, and the weather isn’t shitty, I’m investing in a crap load of fuel and a gas stove.
I glance at the front door, thinking over my options. No…no way in hell am I going to entertain the idea of asking him for help. Nope. No way in hell.
Another hour passes, and I’m visibly shaking, the cold too much for the pups and me to handle. I have no idea how long the storm is going to rage or when the power will come back. Thinking about my options, I could stay here and freeze to death, my dogs having to survive by eating my frozen body. I snort and shake my head at the ludicrous thought. Perhaps this is where I start going crazy, talking to myself and hallucinating.
Rosie burrows under the blanket farther, pressing against my body for heat. Kozmo is only halfway under the blanket, his head poking out as he stares at the front door, still on guard duty.
The fire has since died, the embers a distant memory.
“Fuck this,” I say and walk over to put my boots and jacket on. “If he wants to start shit or even have an ‘I told you so’ attitude, I’ll give him a piece of my mind,” I say to Rosie and Kozmo as if they can understand me. “Come on, guys. We aren’t staying here and freezing to death.”
Kozmo is by my side a second later, but Rosie takes a little coercing to get out from under the warmth of the blanket. She hobbles over to me, and I scoop her up but walk over and grab the blanket to wrap her up. I have no doubt Kozmo will be fine walking in this weather. He’s a tank on the best of days. Taking a deep breath, I reach for the handle.
I stay like that for a moment, afraid to open the door and no doubt get an onslaught from the weather. “Ready, boy?” I look down at Kozmo. He tips his head back and makes a whiny noise. Exhaling deeply, I pull it open.
Immediately the wind pushes back, the frigid air enough to take my breath away. I duck my head and step outside, Kozmo following right behind me. Once the door is shut, I haul ass down the porch, around the side, and make my way up the hill. The snow is violent as it slams against me, pushing me forward then back again. What pisses me off more than this weather is the fact I have to force myself to go ask him for help.
I slip more times than I want to admit, but I keep going until I’m finally standing at his front door and see his lights. He has power, which doesn’t surprise me when I hear his generator roaring. I know he’s going to rub that shit in my face. I bring my frozen knuckles down on the wood three times and take a small step back.
A moment later the door flies open, and Luke stands in front of me. His plaid flannel is unbuttoned and showing off the white T-shirt beneath that’s stretched across his hard chest. His broad shoulders block out everything behind him but I ignore the smug as hell smile he’s wearing, and instead focus on the heat seeping from the inside of the cabin and washing over me.
He says nothing as he steps aside and allows me and the dogs to enter. I’m biting my tongue fiercely right now, but I swear to everything that is holy, if he says one thing about being right, I’ll unleash the She-Bitch on his ass.

 

 

 

Jenika Snow

 

Jenika Snow, a USA Today bestselling author, lives in the northeast with her husband and their children.

She prefers gloomy days, eats the topping off of her pizza first, and prefers to wear socks year round.

 

 

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Kelsey King

 

 

Kelsey King loves hot coffee, wearing her hair up in a messy top knot, and writing possessive alpha males. Reading and writing has been apart of her life as long as she can remember. For the last few years, Kelsey has been writing short stories that have been stored away on her hard drive collecting dust. With a little courage and a push from friends to release them, she decided to finally share them with the world. She only writes happily-ever-afters with a good amount of humor and steam, so make sure to subscribe to her mailing list to stay updated on all upcoming releases!

 

Author Links

 

 

 

New Release

#PreOrder= THE SURVIVING GIRLS by Katee Robert!

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Have you Pre-ordered THE SURVIVING GIRLS by Katee Robert yet?

 

 “This is a must read summer read!” —Book Him Danno

“Robert takes the story to an unexpected revelation of who the real killer is and the trip there is highly entertaining in a hang on to your chair kind of way. Every Robert book I’ve read has been filled with well defined, gritty characters and a well-paced plot. The women aren’t Cinderallas and the Princes Charming have an edge to them. Just the way I like it.” —Jeep Diva

 Pre-order THE SURVIVING GIRLS and add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! Then keep reading to get a sneak peek and your chance to enter the giveaway for a $25 Amazon gift card or books from Katee Robert!

 Title: The Surviving Girls

Author: Katee Robert

Series: Hidden Sins #3

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: May 29, 2018

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Print Length:  282 pages

Format: Digital and Paperback

ISBN: 978-1503902442

 

 A fierce survivor and a fearless FBI agent battle a copycat serial killer in a gripping thriller from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katee Robert.

Twelve years ago, Lei Zhang and her friend Emma Nilsson miraculously lived through the notorious Sorority Row Murders that left twenty-one of their sisters dead. Still wrestling with the trauma but finally out of the limelight, Lei and Emma are now devoted to helping other victims find closure. But most disturbing for Lei—beyond the gut-wrenching survivor guilt—is that the killer was her boyfriend. He’s behind bars, but she’ll never lower her guard again.

When a copycat killer targets Lei and Emma, FBI Agent Dante Young is put in charge of anticipating the sociopath’s every move. But what he doesn’t expect is his immediate and overpowering attraction to Lei. The closer they get to each other, the more desperate and terrifying the questions become: Who wants to finish what the killer started—and why?

Now Agent Young vows to protect Lei at all costs. If they have any chance of a future together, first they have to stay alive…

 On sale May 29th!

Amazon:  http://bit.ly/TheSurvivingGIrlsAmazon

B&N: http://bit.ly/2HcOsUZ

Enter to win a grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card or three (3) runner-up copies of a backlist eBook from Katee Robert!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The Surviving Girls Excerpt

Copyright © 2018 Katee Robert

 Watching the women interact was fascinating on a level Dante wasn’t prepared for. He’d known Lei and Emma lived together, but he hadn’t had the opportunity to take a step back and consider the implications of that arrangement. Emma teetered on the edge of a breakdown and used Lei to pull herself back from the ledge . . . everything made a lot more sense.

They’d formed a symbiotic relationship, of sorts.

There wasn’t much data concerning situations like this one, mostly because they rarely arose, and each case was too individual to tie together in nice, easy studies. It stood to reason, though, that coming out of that sorority house as the only two survivors would send these women into one of two futures. In one, they never saw each other and pretended the other didn’t exist rather than be faced with the perpetual reminder of what they’d gone through.

In the other, they realized that no one would ever know what they went through as intimately as the other person who survived—and leaned on each other as result.

Lei was the one who finally met his gaze, and hell if her inky-dark eyes didn’t take his breath away despite the circumstances. Clarke had pulled both women’s photos on the way over there, but they were old—from their sorority days. Both beautiful in their own way, though they were a study in opposites. Emma had the sweet southern thing going for her, all blonde hair, big innocent blue eyes, and curves that suggested southern cooking. He couldn’t tell if her soft tone was practiced or natural, but it pricked at him every time she spoke.

Lei . . . She was something else altogether. She was petite in a way that should have read frail but reminded him of a blade waiting to be unsheathed. There were muscles beneath her light-brown skin, and he guessed that she’d have no problem keeping up with the monster dog at her feet during a search. Her straight black hair was pulled back into a no-nonsense ponytail, which left her features in stark relief. Beautiful, but doesn’t like to draw attention to it. Might as well have tried to hide the sky.

Fuck, get it together. You’re here to interview them, not to lose your damn mind over Lei Zhang.

Yes, she was beautiful, but he’d dealt with beautiful women before without jeopardizing his professional persona. Dante didn’t know what it was about this woman that called to something in him, but he had to shelve it.

He couldn’t afford to be distracted.

She clasped Emma’s hand but turned her body to face him more fully. “The night of the murders, I let Travis Berkley into the Omega Delta Lambda house. We’d been dating four months and he told me he had a surprise.” Her lips twisted. “It was against the rules, but girls broke the rules all the time.”

He noted her knuckles whitening where she held Emma’s hand, but her voice maintained its steady tone. “We had sex. Approximately an hour later, something changed. I still have problems putting it into words. Travis just . . . shifted. It was like he’d taken off a mask and I didn’t recognize the man beneath. He hit me. A few times.” She absentmindedly touched the little hooked scar on her cheekbone. From Travis’s ring. “I passed out. When I woke up, he’d barricaded my door shut and I could hear their screams.”

Lei’s breath hitched, and it was almost as if she inhaled and Emma exhaled. The blonde lifted her chin. “I was in the basement studying when it started. Finals were coming up, and I was struggling in history and needed the extra study time. The first sign of something wrong was Travis hauling Sarah—” She cut herself off and flinched. “I’m sorry. It’s hard to say their names, even now.”

Clarke huffed out a breath. “You don’t have to name every single girl he killed. We know their names. We know their stories. We just want to hear how it all went down from your perspective.”

They wouldn’t find anything new here. Dante knew it, and he suspected Clarke knew it, too. These two women had told their stories countless times over the years, and if there was information they hadn’t shared before now, he highly doubted this would be the time it’d magically come out.

Hearing the story through their own voices was a whole hell of a lot more jarring than reading it in the file, however.

Emma took them through it. How Travis Berkley brought the entire house of girls into that basement, how he was charming and terrifying and told them that he’d let them go one by one . . . if they did exactly as he asked. It wasn’t until the night was over and no one had come to save them that the remaining girls realized what was happening, and even then, they were too afraid to try to overpower him.

Herd mentality. Travis had to have known he could manipulate the whole group as long as he got them scared and in a single place. They believed the pretty lie because the truth was impossible to wrap their minds around.

Emma’s voice shook. “There were still . . . ten of us left when I realized I wasn’t getting out of that house alive—that none of the girls had gotten out alive like he’d promised. When he took the next girl, I hid under the couch.”

“None of those girls saw you hide?” Clarke frowned. “I find that hard to believe.”

“I don’t know. I don’t . . .” She dropped her gaze as if she couldn’t bear to hold her head up any longer. “We were in shock at that point—just sitting there, lost in ourselves. We didn’t talk. We didn’t even look at each other. We just sat there and . . . contemplated the fact we were going to die. I don’t know if they even noticed I was gone. I hid until every single one of them was gone. And he just . . . walked out.”

“He came for me. I guess it was then.” Lei didn’t shrink in on herself. She seemed to grow taller, sit straighter. “I heard him removing the barricade and I panicked. After listening to that all night . . .” She shook her head. “I knew what would happen if he got back into my room, so I climbed out the window.”

Clarke went still. “I saw the list of your injuries. You had a broken arm, your knee was so fucking swollen you shouldn’t have been able to walk, and you had several head wounds and a handful of broken ribs on top of that. How the hell did you climb out a window?”

Lei shrugged on shoulder. “He would kill me if I didn’t. I figured falling to my death was preferable to letting Travis have me, so I took my chances.”

It was only sheer dumb luck that it was late enough in the morning that a student jogging past saw Lei. By the time he’d come back with help, Lei was unconscious in the flower bed and Travis was gone.

Dante sat back, going over the story again in his head. As he suspected, there was no new information, but they’d have been remiss if they didn’t go over it one more time. He exchanged a look with Clarke. The killings in Seattle held some key differences. He didn’t think any of the girls had willingly let the unsub in, and he had carved his message into their bodies when he was through.

A message that might or might not have been meant for Travis Berkley. Hard to believe that someone who’d gone through the trouble of researching the murders would get the killer’s name wrong, but the alternative was that the girls’ deaths were meant as tribute to someone else. Both possibilities stretched the realm of belief and didn’t make a damn bit of sense.

The tension in the room grew like it was a living thing, coiling and snapping between the four of them. Once Dante and Clarke left, things would move quickly. They had to talk to Berkley. They had to head back to Seattle to go over things again with Detective Smith and the ME. They had to track down this bastard before he continued with whatever plan he’d begun with those girls’ deaths.

Dante, at least, would have the comfort of motion to keep him distracted from the scenes that he’d witnessed. Lei and Emma wouldn’t have even that. He leaned forward, catching Lei’s attention. “We can assign a protection detail. I don’t think you’re in any immediate danger, but if it would help ease your mind, I’ll make some calls.”

Lei’s lips quirked up at the edges, but the smile never came close to reaching her eyes. “Dante—Agent Young—we were in immediate danger the second that asshole singled Travis out as someone he wanted to emulate. We’re more than capable of taking care of ourselves.”

Praise for The Hidden Sins Series

 

“…a captivating read, made all the more rewarding when good triumphs.” —Washington Post on The Devil’s Daughter

 

“Robert shows off her impressive versatility in this fast-paced and inventive new Hidden Sins series. The small-town setting is a masterful blend of quaint and oppressive, which ratchets the menace and thrill factor. The protagonists carry the full weight of their pasts with them, making their growing relationship as compelling as the mystery element in The Devil’s Daughter. With plenty of twists and betrayals, this is a book that is sure to earn Robert a wealth of new fans.” —RT Book Reviews on The Devil’s Daughter

 

“Katee Robert has definitely picked up the romantic suspense genre and made it her bitch. I can’t wait to see what we get next. Given some of the books I see she’s been using for research, I know it’s going to be frightening and amazing at the same time.” —Goodreads Review

 

“Every bit as complex as book one but with a totally different storyline, The Hunting Grounds once again proved Katee Robert is more than capable of spinning a thrilling romantic suspense tale that will keep readers on their toes.” —Harlequin Junkie on The Hunting Grounds (recommended read)

 

“Filled with suspense and lot of unpredictable twists and turns…Gripping.” —Life at 17on The Hunting Grounds

 

Other Books in the Hidden Sin Series

THE DEVIL’S DAUGHTER

Get more information at:  Goodreads  | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

THE HUNTING GROUNDS

Get more information at: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

 

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her 2015 title, The Marriage Contract, was a RITA finalist, and RT Book Reviews named it ‘a compulsively readable book with just the right amount of suspense and tension.”  When not writing sexy contemporary and romantic suspense, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her children, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

Connect with Katee at: Website | Facebook | Twitter| GoodReads | Instagram

 

 

COVER REVEAL

#CoverReveal – SURVIVAL OF THE RICHEST by Skye Warren

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SURVIVAL_COVER REVEALSurvival of the Richest, an all-new emotional and romantic standalone from New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren, is coming June 12th!

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Survival of the Richest by Skye Warren

Publishing Date: June 12th

Genre: Contemporary Romance

A Park Avenue princess…

My story starts with a plunge into the cold water of Manhattan’s harbor. A strong hand hauls me back onto the deck of the luxury yacht. Christopher was supposed to be my enemy, the son of my mother’s latest husband. Instead he protects me with fierce determination when I need him most.

This tale begins with a fall, but it doesn’t end there.

Because another man wants me.

Sutton wants to consume me with a passion more feral than kind. In the lush emotional wilderness I’m not sure I want Christopher to save me this time…

Or if there will be anything left if he tries.

SURVIVAL OF THE RICHEST is a book about finding your soul’s desire, even if the search leads you places you never expect. A woman torn between two men. An impossible choice. And a war fought on the most dangerous battlefield–the heart.

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About Skye

SKyeWarrenSkye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of dangerous romance such as the Endgame trilogy. Her books have been featured in Jezebel, Buzzfeed, USA Today Happily Ever After, Glamour, and Elle Magazine. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, sweet dogs, and evil cat.

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Historical Romance, New Release

#Review #NewRelease #Historical #Giveaway – The Lady Loves A Scandal: Regency Novella by Christina McKnight

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The Lady Loves A Scandal: Regency Novella

Originally published in IT STARTED WITH A WHISPER Anthology

Lady Sybil Anson thought she had it all. Even a match of the heart, despite so many London elite marrying for convenience. But the night before their betrothal was to become official, the love of her life vanished—with a hastily scrawled note and little more. She feared the worst as her heart ached for Gideon, and the scandal sheets simply made matters worse with their preposterous musings on the hows and whys of Viscount Galway’s disappearance. Now, more than a year later, he’s unexpectedly back, and Sybil will have her answers.

Many, many years ago, Gideon Lyndon made a grave mistake. One he’s spent most of his adult life trying to rectify. And despite the progress made, the sacrifices were extensive and damaging. On the verge of repairing one misdeed, he finds himself faced with his greatest challenge yet: winning back the woman he has loved since the moment he met her. But after a year of silence, convincing his headstrong paramour to take him back will not be easy. Especially since he can’t even explain why he left—not if he wants to keep her safe.

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The Lady Loves A Scandal: Regency Novella by Christina McKnight

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

This is such a fast paced and action-packed novella.  If you haven’t read Christina, this is a great book to sink your teeth into.  The world she creates is solid and accurate.

Sybil and Gideon are mad in love.  They are sneaking away in the evening to steal a final kiss before the contracts for their betrothal are finalized.  When Sybil watches Gideon ride off she is devastated.  She has no idea where he went of when he will return.  All she knows is ruination in the ton.

There is only one reason Gideon would leave Sybil and that secret comes tumbling out leaving him no choice but to go and face the past.  When he returns a year later, he is hoping Sybil will have him back.

The love between the two is very evident in the fact they both do whatever to see the other.  They both will risk everything to be together. When Gideon finally comes clean about why he was gone and then Sybil’s brother comes crashing in on the couple, we get to see the real love dynamic at play.  They are both willing to do anything to keep the other safe but also hope to salvage their love.

 

USA Today Bestselling Author Christina McKnight writes emotional and intricate Regency Romance with strong women and maverick heroes.

Christina enjoys a quiet life in Northern California with her family, her wine, and lots of coffee. Oh, and her books…don’t forget her books! Most days she can be found writing, reading, or traveling the great state of California.

 

 

BDSM

#ReleaseDay #BDSM #Review – Beneath The Scars (Masters of the Shadowlands #13) by Cherise Sinclair

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Beneath the Scars

Josie doesn’t need any help raising her son.

Pregnant at sixteen, Josie learned the hard way about men and their empty promises. She picked herself up and is raising her eleven-year-old son. By herself. And that’s the way she intends it to stay. Unfortunately, her impressionable boy becomes fascinated by the scruffy, intimidating biker who lives next door.

The scars on Holt’s face are only the most visible of his wounds.

Out of the hospital after being attacked in his own damn house, Holt is coming to terms with the fact that his scars frighten people. Like his now-ex-girlfriend who ran after one look at him. Like his redheaded neighbor who hauled her boy away as if Holt was a serial killer. Fine. He’ll give the pretty bartender all the space she wants.

The Shadowlands will bring them together…

When Josie starts bartending in the exclusive, private club, she discovers her neighbor is a member. And a Master–a skilled powerful Dom who can make her fantasies come true. Slowly, the firefighter breaks down the walls around her heart, teaching her how to trust. How to love…

But when her son’s choices lead to disaster, can their relationship survive?

Goodreads

Amazon

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

Oh man was I excited to get a book about Holt.  I had a bit of a soft side for him after Uzuri’s book.  Now don’t go getting all crazy because Master Marcus is still my favorite but still Holt has my heart a fluttering.

Holt is a sweet, kind and gentle soul who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.  The fact he was attacked by a stalker and left with a few scars unfortunately chased away his girlfriend, Nadia.  He is a bit bruised but still hopeful he can find love when he meets his sprite of a neighbor Josie.

Josie is dedicated to her son and will move Heaven and Earth to make sure he gets what he needs.  When the new neighbor moves in, she freaks because a man on a bike with tats and scars has to be a drug dealing biker right????  She is none too thrilled he shares a duplex with her great aunt either.

When Josie loses her job a chance meeting with Master Z lands her a job in the Shadowlands.  She loves the job as a bartender.  The hours fit her need and schedule, but the pay is FANTASTIC. Now she is stunned to see her neighbor is not only a member but an honored MASTER…say what????

Josie and Holt’s chemistry is amazing to read.  They have a zing every scene they are in together.    The couple had a lot to work out because of Josie’s fear of men and her trust issues after her life experiences taught her romance and love just exist.  I think for Me, as a reader, I loved the confidence Holt has in regards to chasing Josie.  I love a confident man but a man who also knows when to give his little scared pet a little bit of space before he overwhelmed her AGAIN with what she didn’t know she needed.

The backstory of the arsonist is great reads.  I loved how it all played out plus who all came to help in Holt in the ending.

Cherise Sinclair

Authors often say their characters argue with them. Unfortunately, since Cherise Sinclair’s heroes are Doms, she never, ever wins.

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Cherise Sinclair is renowned for writing heart-wrenching stories with laugh-out-loud dialogue, devastating Dominants, and absolutely sizzling sex. And did I mention the BDSM? Her awards range from a National Leather Award to a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice nomination to a Goodreads BDSM group’s Best Author of the Year.

Fledglings having flown the nest, Cherise, her beloved husband, and one fussy feline live in the Pacific Northwest where nothing is cozier than a rainy day spent writing.

 

Erotica, New Release

#NewRElease #Review #TwinsieForTheDayBecky – Legacy of Succession (Dark Sovereignty Book 1) by Anna Edwards @Anna__Edwards

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Legacy of Succession (Dark Sovereignty Book 1)

“Welcome, ladies, the next few weeks will decide your future. But before all that, let me introduce you to my son, Nicholas. To one of you, he’ll be a future husband. To the rest, a nightmare who will haunt your dreams for whatever time you have left.” 

Victoria, born into a life of luxury, is about to discover that this will cost her a chance of freedom. She’s been hidden away to protect her virtue. Will the sheltered life leave her struggling in upcoming trials?

Nicholas is the son of a Duke. He’ll inherit the title on his thirtieth birthday. He’s been prepared for this moment all his life, but he didn’t count on falling for one of the girls he has to torture to choose a bride.

The ‘Legacy of Succession’ is a dark romantic suspense novel set in a corrupted aristocratic family. Nicholas is arrogant and driven; Victoria is the chaste rich girl. Together, can they free themselves of a society intent on corruption and inflicting pain that’ll destroy more than just their lives?

Let’s build a better world together rather than just extinguish the fires of hate.

Please note that this book feature scenes that some reader may find disturbing,

Goodreads

Review by Becky

I was given a copy of the book for my honest review.

WOW!!!  The arrogance of self-importance of what some people think and feel of themselves.  Whew!  Anna, the story you told is fantastic.  The old man Duke and even the fathers of the girls were assholes.  You could see glimpses of the good and distaste in the Earl early on.  It was so very sad the way William was treated because of this autism, yet we all know that even in today’s society when we have all the information available to us, people will shun others who are different.  The differences are what make the world go around.

Elizabeth, in doing everything for greed.  Elizabeth was trained by her father and knew what would be expected of her.  She played the role just perfectly. What a bitch!  She got what she deserved.  Poor Amelia.  She was also trained by her father and knew what would be expected of her.  She did the only thing she could think of that would put to rest her torment.  Amelia had a good soul.

Now Victoria…..she was kept isolated and was not trained by her father.  The events of what would be before her were unknown to her.  Victoria was a strong woman and would not be broken by the evil of the people and events.  Through everything that happened she and the Earl, Nicholas, would fall in love.  Their love would not come without torment and conflicts.  Their hearts would overcome.

Anna, a wonderful story and so very well written.  I am anxiously awaiting to see how William and Tamara’s story evolves!  Wonderful series!!!

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
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Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/anna__edwards