Padme's Library: June 2014

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Cover Reveal Forgiveness by AJ Best

Genre – Erotica

Publication Date – 6/28/14

Length (Pages/# Words) - 6,000

Publisher – Secret Cravings Publishing

Cover Artist – Dawne Domonique

Summary:

Mary is prepared for the anniversary of a lifetime. Ten years of wonderful memories fill her mind. She can’t wait to see what the next ten will bring. When her plans for early morning seduction fail, her mind jumps to worst case scenarios.

Joe’s attention, focused elsewhere, may be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Will he be able to come up with a good reason for forgetting their anniversary?

As the day continues, will the answers Mary finds leave her in tears? Will she find the next ten years dreams shattered before her? Only Joe holds the answers to the questions her heart asks.

Excerpt:

It seemed more and more lately that no matter how hard she tried, he looked right through her. It was infuriating and heart breaking. She'd had enough heartbreak during the past year to last her a lifetime. Her mother had been sick battling cancer all last year. Unfortunately she’d lost the battle. She’d made sure to pass on information to Mary while on her deathbed though.

Something Mary had never seen coming. She was adopted. Her world felt as if she had lost all control.

The adoption information that her mother had left with her will quickly found its way into the trash. Why would she want to find someone who didn't want her? She had enough instances of that in her own home. She did wonder, after a year, if she had reacted too rashly. You never know when you'll need family, and if she met her biological mother maybe she could figure out who she was, inside and out.

Mary plopped herself on the bed and let out a huge rush of air. There was no way Joe hadn’t noticed her outfit. She had bought it specifically for their ten-year anniversary night.

She remembered how she had anxiously awaited this evening and decided that she would make it perfect no matter how she was feeling. Every year on this day, they left the house at four twenty five and drove to the lake where he had romantically declared his undying love and proposed to her. He always hired a horse drawn carriage. The prancing steed would take them from the lake to a lovely candlelit dinner for two. After having one too many glasses of wine and a wonderful meal, they would enjoy a leisurely stroll to the theater. Wicked was currently playing on Broadway, and she couldn’t wait to hear the music that made her soul dance and her heart soar. Re-reading the book several times had her excited, and she knew the night would be perfect.

Then reality reared its ugly head.

Carefully she unlaced her corset and tossed the silky white thong in the corner; it still held the dampness from her unquenched desire.

"I can't believe I wasted my time and effort on this. Sometimes my husband is such a jerk," when she took a look around it dawned on her that she was talking to herself. Another deep breath and swish of hair and she mused, "I guess its okay to talk to myself as long as I don't answer back, huh CC?"

She slipped her silk robe on quickly and snatched the cat from his slumberous repose. He squirmed to free himself but Mary kissed his little nose first. "Don't be like your daddy, at least notice I'm here." She placed the cat gently on the bed and started her morning ritual. Getting ready for work was the last thing she was interested in.

Author Bio:

Writing books has been a long time in coming for me. When I was younger, my father and I lived in a town where a kid could run the streets all ‘willy nilly’. When I was old enough to babysit myself I was off and running. To where you may ask, the library. At the time the library was in an old shop on a street in town. The children’s books were in the back room and that was where I spent my days. I was never without an adventure in my hands, and I never failed to finish the summer reading program with books to spare.

My love for reading didn’t stop there. My mother is an avid reader and she acquired most of her books from a exchange shop. You would purchase your books there, and return them for partial credit and get more. One night I was left with a bag of to be returned books. It was a Piers Anthony book, Night Mare to be exact. I devoured that book and any other that he has written. I currently am the proud owner of at least 70 of his books. I’m working toward getting them all, I wish he’d quit writing so quickly.

The writing bug caught me when my 12th grade English teacher wanted to use MY essay to show the class. He put it on projector film and everything. I was so excited. The assignment was to pick a month and write about it. Of course, being the child that I was I had to be difficult about it. The rest of the class chose June, July, April and went on and on about how lovely and warm and all of the fun things you can do. Mine was about December. I still remember the first line (and may have the transparency somewhere in my mess); December spreads her snow-filled wings and covers our world in cold despair.

From that paper on, you couldn’t stop me from writing. I found a few poems I had typed on an actual manual typewriter, and became a poet. I had a recurring nightmare, I wrote it down. I dreamed a dream and if I could remember it (which is harder now that I am older) I wrote that too.

In 2003 I started my first full blown manuscript. I still only have four chapters completed, but I swear I will finish it someday. I guess the short attention span has brought me full circle on writing short stories.

So, I guess that’s where I am today. Waiting for the first query letter to come through and make me a published writer. People ask me if I am a writer, and I firmly believe and tell them YES. I write, so that makes me a writer. I may not be published yet, but I will be.

I absolutely love to get email though sometimes with the scattered mind of a writer it takes a few days to get back to you! So please forgive me if I don’t get back to you right way, but I CERTAINLY will get back to you!

ajbestwrites@gmail.com

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Friday, June 27, 2014

Carina Press Pride Blitz

Sharp Love by Ava March
Summary:
London, 1822

William Drake has lived among thieves, bastards and beggars all his life, doing what’s necessary to survive. As a young orphan, that included looking after his best friend, Jack Morgan. But as they grew older, Jack took the honest path, leaving Will behind to fend for himself the only ways he knows how.

When an unsavory errand for his employer brings Jack back to London’s underbelly, he needs Will’s help. It’s there, among the alleys they ran through as children, that the love he’s always felt for Will returns. As their nights together grow hotter, Will discovers something new about his old friend—Jack’s need to serve extends into the bedchamber.

Will has never fully abandoned his dream of escaping London with Jack. But what could the Duke’s driver want with a dishonest cheat like him, beyond a bit of rough sex? It takes the gamble of Will’s life to find out if he can win Jack’s heart…

Excerpt:

The sky opened up, the intermittent raindrops shifting to a full-fledged deluge in the blink of an eye.

A quick glance confirmed what he already knew—closed shops and darkened buildings, not a single tavern or hell within easy distance. Cold rain pelted Jack’s head, soaking his hair. And Will wasn’t wearing an overcoat.

Grabbing Will’s upper arm, Jack pulled him down a narrow alley. Pushed Will onto a small stone stoop, the short overhang above the door enough to provide a bit of protection for Will from the full force of the rain. Standing before Will, Jack used his body to shield Will from the gusts of windblown rain.

Lightning cracked across the sky, briefly illuminating Will’s face, his wet hair stuck to his forehead, pale cheeks glistening with raindrops. A self-deprecating smile tugged the edge of his lips. “Guess you were correct.”

“About what?” Jack asked, raising his voice to be heard above the din of the storm.

“The rain.”

Said rain smacked against Jack’s back. His greatcoat would keep him relatively dry, but he could feel the rain whipping around him. He unbuttoned his greatcoat, let the sides hang open, and bracing his arms on the old wooden door, he moved closer to Will. So close he could feel Will’s breaths against his jaw. Warm and moist, the rhythm deep yet slightly quick.

Arousal curled in the pit of his belly, ignited in his blood. Jack shifted his weight. “Shouldn’t last long. The rain, I mean.” Rain in London was a common enough occurrence, but storms of this magnitude didn’t last endless hours. The clouds would wear themselves out soon enough, and the rain would taper down to a steady, soaking drone. As soon as it showed the first signs of slowing, Jack would be dragging Will back to the hotel. And he didn’t much care if it meant running down the street. Anything to give him an excuse to step away from Will’s body, from those hot breaths bathing his jaw, tempting him to dip his head and press his lips to Will’s.

“You’re likely correct. Yet again.” There wasn’t a trace of sarcasm or jest. Will’s voice was just loud enough to reach Jack’s ears, and the low, intimate quality went straight to Jack’s cock.

There was a quick snap of lightning, followed by a clap of thunder. Will shifted even closer, moving full into the protection of Jack’s greatcoat, pressing up against Jack. A hard arch brushed Jack’s upper thigh.

Jack’s breaths caught. There was no mistake about it. Will was aroused.

A hand settled on Jack’s hip. Jack swore he could feel the heat of Will’s palm through his trousers and his smallclothes, warming his skin.

He held himself perfectly still. Locked his muscles and dared not make a move.

Author Bio:

Ava March is an author of sexy, emotionally intense M/M historical erotic romances. She loves writing in the Regency time period, where proper decorum is of the utmost importance, but where anything can happen behind closed doors. With over fifteen works to her credit, her books have been finalists in the Rainbow Awards and More Than Magic contest, and deemed ‘must-haves’ for Historical M/M romance by RT Book Reviews readers. Visit her website at www.AvaMarch.com to find out more about her books or to sign-up for her newsletter.

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The Lost Year by Libby Drew

Summary:

Devon McCade is no stranger to adversity. As a photojournalist, he’s seen all manner of human struggle. And as a kid, it’s what brought him to Neverwood, to his foster mother Audrey. It’s what he’s facing now, as he and his foster brothers work to restore the once-stately mansion amidst surprising signs from Audrey herself.

But when another anguished soul arrives at Neverwood, Devon can’t hide behind his camera. Nicholas Hardy is certain he saw his runaway son, Robbie, in a photo Devon took of homeless children. Devon knows all too well that a young teenager on the streets doesn’t have many options—and Robbie has been missing for a full year.

Searching for Robbie with Nicholas stirs memories and passions Devon had thought long lost, yet knowing that Nicholas will leave as soon as Robbie is found keeps him from opening himself up to something permanent. Devon must learn to fight for what he wants to keep—his love, and his home.

Author Bio:

Libby glimpsed her true calling when her first story, an A.A. Milne /Shakespeare crossover, won the grand prize in her elementary school's fiction contest. Her parents explained that writers were quirky, poor, and often talked to themselves in supermarket checkout lines. They implored her to be practical, a request she took to heart for twenty years, earning two degrees, a white-collar job, and an ulcer, before realizing that practical was absolutely no fun.

Today she lives with her husband and four children in an old, impractical house and writes stories about redemption, the supernatural, and love at first sight, all of which do exist. She happens to know from experience.

Libby’s State of Mind received rave reviews for being fast, clever, and relentless and was nominated for a Bookie Award for Best M/M Novel of 2011. 40 Souls to Keep, Libby’s third novel, has been described as intense and heart-poundingly good and was praised by Publishers Weekly for maintaining a high level of suspense.

An avid supporter of gay rights, Libby donates her time to the Trevor Project and organizations that work to support marriage equality.

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Maybe This Time by AM Arthur

Summary:

As a regular at gay hotspot Pot O Gold, Ezra Kelley avoids his tangled emotions with the simplicity of one-night stands and attachment-free hookups. Until the night bartender Donner Davis picks him up off the floor after a misunderstanding and too much tequila. Ezra can’t remember the last time someone was…nice. It’s more than he deserves.

Witnessing his lover’s death two years ago has Donner trapped in a holding pattern: living in his sister’s basement, working at the Pot and flirting with the customers. He’s not above spending a night with the gorgeous Ezra, but love is not in the cards. That’s more than he’s ready for.

A passionate night leads to a connection neither man expects, and they take the first steps to something that looks like a real relationship. But Ezra’s been running from himself so long he doesn’t know how to live any other way. And Donner can’t risk his heart just to lose everything again. They’ll both need the strength to let go of the past if they want to get it right this time.

Author Bio:

A.M. Arthur was born and raised in the same kind of small town that she likes to write about, a stone's throw from both beach resorts and generational farmland. She's been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long, in a losing battle to make the fictional voices stop. She credits an early fascination with male friendships (bromance hadn't been coined yet back then) and "The Young Riders" with her later discovery of and subsequent love affair with m/m romance stories.

When not exorcising the voices in her head, she toils away in a retail job that tests her patience and gives her lots of story fodder. She can also be found in her kitchen, pretending she's an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments.

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Stranger on the Shore

Summary:

Twenty years ago young Brian Arlington, heir to Arlington fortune, was kidnapped. Though the ransom was paid, the boy was never seen again and is presumed dead. Pierce Mather, the family lawyer, now administers and controls the Arlington billions. He’s none too happy, and more than a little suspicious, when investigative journalist Griffin Hadley shows up to write about the decades-old mystery. Griff shrugs off the coldly handsome Pierce’s objections, but it might not be so easy to shrug off the objections of someone willing to do anything to keep the past buried.

Author Bio:

Bestselling, multi-award-winning JOSH LANYON is the author of over fifty titles of mystery, adventure, fantasy and romance. Josh is the author of the critically acclaimed Adrien English Mysteries series, including The Hell You Say, winner of the 2006 USABookNews awards for GLBT Fiction. Josh is an Eppie Award winner and a three-time Lambda Literary Award finalist. When not writing Josh enjoys gardening, film noir, fine wine, vintage mysteries, and night swimming.

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2x eBook copies of all four titles + a rainbow bracelet

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Sunday, June 22, 2014

The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks by Josh Lanyon

Summary:
There's a dead body in Perry Foster's bathtub. A dead body in a very ugly sportscoat and matching socks. The dead man is a stranger to Perry, but that's not much of a comfort; how did a strange dead man get in a locked flat at the isolated Alton Estate in the wilds of the "Northeast Kingdom" of Vermont? Perry flees downstairs to get help and runs into "tall, dark and hostile" former navy SEAL Nick Reno.

Reno doesn't have a lot of time for drama queens, but, convinced that Perry's jitters are based on something more than caffeine overdose, he heads upstairs to investigate. By then the body has disappeared. If there's one thing Nick has learned the hard way, it's to mind his own business. But Perry Foster doesn't believe in ghosts and isn't willing to let sleeping dead men lie. And Nick just can't convince himself to walk when it's becoming increasingly obvious someone wants the sexy young artist out of the way — permanently.

Review:

I enjoyed the characters real well. Perry isn't the typical hero and yet with the help of fellow boarder, Nick Reno, that's exactly what he becomes. Not only do they solve an intriguing mystery together but they also find something in each other that they really weren't looking for and definitely weren't expecting.

Some people just find a way of burrowing their way into your hearts and Josh Lanyon has an amazing way of repeatingly bringing us characters that do just that, and this book is chock full of them.

Rating: 5 Stars

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Saturday, June 21, 2014

Cross & Crown by Abigail Roux

Summary:

When Nick O'Flaherty arrives at the scene of a double homicide to find he has a witness to the crime, he thinks it’s his lucky day. But when he realizes his witness is suffering from amnesia and can’t even remember his own name, Nick wishes he’d gone with his gut and put in for vacation time.

Then Nick’s boyfriend and former Recon teammate, Kelly Abbott, joins him in Boston, and Nick finds his hands a little too full as the case and his personal life collide. The witness he’s dubbed “JD” is being tailed by Julian Cross, a retired CIA hitman. To complicate matters further, JD forms an attachment to Nick that Nick struggles not to respond to as they search for the key to JD’s identity.

Trying to determine whether JD is friend or foe as they investigate the crime puts them on the trail of a much older mystery. When multiple attempts are made on their lives, Nick is forced to turn to old enemies and new allies to solve a centuries-old crime before he and Kelly get added to the history books.

Review:

I won't lie, Nick & Kelly are not Ty and Zane but they are damn close. And they are a very intriguing pair all on their own, not to mention sexy and romantic too.
Having finally gotten off desk duty just in time for a big case and his boyfriend's arrival in town, Nick finds just where his priorities lie. Julian Cross is brought in and you know that won't be easy sailing, but the boys handle it in their own unique way.
The mystery alone had me but when you throw in Nick & Kelly, how could I possibly resist? I can't wait to see where Miss Roux takes this pair next and although I'm not one for spoilers, I will say this. I really can't wait to see how Ty reacts to his friends' upcoming occupation turn.

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

Previous Post for Author Bio & Links: Author Info

Cover Reveal for Seal of My Heart by Sharon Hamilton

SERIES – SEAL Brotherhood #7

AUTHOR – Sharon Hamilton

GENRE – Military Romance, Romantic Suspense

PUBLICATION DATE – July 10, 2014

LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – Full length novel

PUBLISHER – Create Space

COVER ARTIST – Kendra Egert

Summary:
Kate Morgan is engaged to the most eligible bachelor in Sonoma County, the son of a wealthy wine family in Healdsburg, California. On a flight to visit her sister in Portland she is seated next to a young hard-bodied elite soldier who ignites her insides in a strange attraction she cannot deny.

Navy SEAL Tyler Gray plans to spend a weekend home before deploying to North Africa with the rest of his SEAL Team 3. But the conversation with Kate has him rethinking his future.

The encounter has both of them feeling fate has stepped into their lives and altered their course. Unable to just say goodbye as lovers, they agree to carry on a correspondence. Kate becomes the girl Tyler wants to come home to while she is pressured by her family to reconsider her broken marriage plans.

Family secrets are revealed from the past regarding a young Marine and Kate’s mother which brings both heartache and a sense of clarity as old loves are unearthed. From the grave, a Marine’s love letters from the past affect the new love between Kate and Tyler in the present. And when Kate’s life is endangered, will Tyler be the man to save her without sacrificing his own?

Excerpt:
All Ages:
Kate waited on the front porch of Gretchen’s home, watching the waterway below and listening to the sounds of late afternoon boat traffic. The constant commercial noise and the way the river meandered on its way out to the ocean was comforting. Life was in order and would go on as planned, even though her life felt, after this morning’s plane ride and adventure at the donut shop, chaotic.
Gretchen waved as she maneuvered her car up the steep driveway along the side of her house. Kate heard car doors slam and the voices of Gretchen’s three girls. The back door bang and she heard the patter of little feet racing towards the front door. Angela, the youngest, barely four years old, struggled to open the heavy wooden door of the large two-story bungalow. Her face was streaked with smudged Indian war paint.
“Auntie Kate!!” the little one squealed as she ran to her and embraced Kate’s knees. Clover and Rebecca, Angela’s two older sisters, hovered in the doorway, waiting for the hug fest to end. Clover appeared to have grown nearly a foot, and resembled her handsome basketball player father.
“What’s the matter with you guys? Clover, Rebecca, get over here,” Kate commanded. In two long steps, Clover had traversed the distance between them and bowed her head, giving Kate a tentative hug. The girl was nearly Kate’s height. Rebecca pushed Angela out of the way and took her place at Kate’s knees.
Gretchen appeared next and walked over to complete the group hug.
“Sorry about the mix-up. Angela’s preschool had an event I forgot about.” She turned to her daughter. “Angie, you need to wash that face now. Part of your war paint is already somewhere in my car or in the house or—” she checked Kate’s pants to be sure she hadn’t been slimed. “Oh good, you’re unscathed.”
Kate shared a grin with her sister. Despite curly hair that went everywhere—something she’d inherited from their father—her lack of makeup, and the ripped jeans/fluffy sweatshirt ensemble, Gretchen looked happy. Happier than she’d appeared in years.
“Looking good, Gretchen. You have your spark back,” Kate said.
The comment didn’t get past Clover. “Mom’s got a new boyfriend,” she said around her braces.
Good for you, Gretchen. “Ah, so that’s what it is.” Kate examined Clover for evidence the new man was a problem for her. It had been a very public divorce after her dad, the awesome professional basketball player, had been outed doing shots and disco dancing with a coed about half his age. Up until his indiscretion, if it could be called that, he’d been the golden boy of the family. She was proud that her sister refused his attempts at reconciliation and only accepted a minimal amount of child support, even though he had at least a seven-figure income. Gretchen had told her she wanted him to feel as useless to their lives as she had felt when she saw the newspaper photos of him, bare-chested, dirty dancing with the blonde.
“Come on in. We have so much to catch up on,” Gretchen said, wrapping her arms around her girls, who lovingly hugged her back. Kate was glad to see again that her sister had the family she’d always wanted, even without the guy. In fact, she was a bit envious of her sister’s happiness.
“Let’s get Aunt Kate’s bags up to the room,” Gretchen said, and immediately the bevy of girls took everything and preceded Kate up the carpeted stairway to the top floor.
They had moved her into Clover’s room. A poster of Justin Bieber was prominently displayed on the wall, along with some posters of her dad in a Trailblazers jersey. Kate noticed a number of ribbons and small trophies. “Way to go, Clover!” she said to her niece as she pointed at them.
Clover stared at the ground and shrugged, embarrassed.
“She plays basketball, but loves volleyball even more,” her mom said.
Before she could stop herself, Kate blurted out, “Thank God.” The girls snickered and her sister handed her back a smirk.
Kate felt the need to explain. “I was just thinking she’s her own woman. Not to be following along in her dad’s—” She realized her slip and began to shake her head, angry with herself.
“Kate, best to stop digging now you’ve gotten that hole started.”
“I’m sorry, Clover,” Kate said.
“It happens,” she said with a shrug “I’m used to it.” Her voice wavered and Kate could see she’d hurt her feelings. She put her arm around the lanky preteen. “You’re nothing like your dad in all the wrong ways, and everything like him in all the right ones.”
And that seemed to make things okay.

Age 18+:
Friday couldn’t come fast enough for Tyler. He boarded the plane from San Diego and in just under two hours touched down at Schulz International Airport. Kate ran to him as soon as he entered the small terminal. He dropped his bag and accepted her body slam willingly.
His heart was overjoyed. He’d been heavy with worry she’d call him and postpone their get together, and he’d have to go out of country without being with her one more time.
Her lips were urgent. She clung to him with fierce need, which was just about the biggest turn-on and something he hadn’t dared to dream was possible. He felt her need match and melt into his as the steamy sparks flew and his hands smoothed over her satin skin. Her sweet softness and fresh scent given up to him so willingly, so utterly compliant made him wish somehow his deployment was over, that this was the homecoming he’d get when he could finally stay for more than just two nights.
Two little nights! It’s all they had left. He wanted to see everything about where she grew up, meet her folks. Even take a good look at her asshole of a former fiancé and let him know that he was the man he’d have to answer to if the guy had any designs on her. Of course, he was all in. And, thank the God of SEALs, it looked like she wanted him right there next to her as tight as they could get.
“Baby it was way too long. We should just go runaway,” he kissed into her hair at the side of her head. “We could disappear. Wanna disappear?”
That little giggle as she snuggled under his chin, as her arms came up his back, pulling him into her. Her fingers migrated to comb through the curls at the top of his spine, stroking and squeezing. Her hard pubic bone rode his shaft through his jeans. He pressed her there, hurting with need, and then just hurting.
“If you weren’t the man I know you to be, Tyler, I’d take you up on it. God I wish I had a few million stashed away somewhere so we could just do that. But we have this.” She stood on tiptoes and placed her succulent lips across his.
“And this is pretty damned good, baby.”
“The best.”
With one arm wrapped tight about her waist he practically carried her through the glass doors of the terminal to the parking lot beyond, slinging his bag over his left shoulder. Her feet barely touched the floor. She hung onto his shoulders, using her right thigh to gently balance against his hipbone as he walked. She wasn’t light, but he’d carry her all the way to San Francisco if she’d let him. And heck, he and his buddies had carried telephone poles up and down the goddamned beach in a full run in combat boots without hardly breaking a sweat.
She’d started to get out her keys and he swiped them from her, giving her another kiss when she showed that fresh smile again. He stowed his bag in the hatch and they drove toward the freeway, heading north.
He found the little town of Healdsburg to be charming, reminding him of some of the villages in the South of France, or New England where shops surrounded a lawn square complete with a gazebo and park benches. The square was a gathering place, and he noted the foot traffic was so thick, maneuvering the car to make a right turn as she had instructed, was tricky.
They drove down a wide street with grand houses, most of them early California or large bungalow style. At a light green mansion, she ordered him to turn right and pointed around the corner to the back of the property, where he located a lemon yellow cottage.
“Nice, Kate. Love it.”
“Thank you.” She said bashfully. He could see she was thinking about what they’d be doing just as soon as he got them properly naked. He liked that she was shy, that her cheeks had that just-kissed blush on her fair peachy skin. She stole little glances at him which set his insides on fire. He’d never wanted a woman more.

Author Bio:
Sharon’s award-winning almost-erotic Navy SEAL stories of the SEAL Brotherhood, have consistently made best sellers lists and review sites. Her characters follow a spicy road to redemption through passion and true love. Her SEAL Brotherhood Series continues with books 5, 6 and 7 all releasing this year, as well as audio versions currently completed for the first four of the series. She has been an Amazon top 100 author in Romantic Suspense since last fall.
Her Golden Vampires of Tuscany are not like any vamps you’ve read before, since they don’t have to go to ground and can walk around in the full light of the sun. Honeymoon Bite, Book 1 of the Golden Vampires of Tuscany Series was recently named the #1 Gothic Romance by Amazon. It is now available on Audible.
Her Guardian Angels struggle with the human charges they are sent to save, often escaping their vanilla world of Heaven for the brief human one. You won’t find any of these beings in any Sunday school class.
She lives in Sonoma County, California with her husband, and two Dobermans. A lifelong organic gardener, when she’s not writing, she’s getting vera vera dirty in the mud, or wandering Farmer’s Markets looking for new Heirloom varieties of vegetables and flowers..

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Friday, June 20, 2014

Whyborne & Griffin Series by Jordan L. Hawk

Widdershins (#1)
Summary:
Some things should stay buried.

Repressed scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne has two skills: reading dead languages and hiding in his office at the Ladysmith Museum. After the tragic death of the friend he secretly loved, he’s ruthlessly suppressed any desire for another man.

So when handsome ex-Pinkerton Griffin Flaherty approaches him to translate a mysterious book, Whyborne wants to finish the job and get rid of the detective as quickly as possible. Griffin left the Pinkertons following the death of his partner, hoping to start a new life. But the powerful cult which murdered Glenn has taken root in Widdershins, and only the spells in the book can stop them. Spells the intellectual Whyborne doesn’t believe are real.

As the investigation draws the two men closer, Griffin’s rakish charm threatens to shatter Whyborne’s iron control. When the cult resurrects an evil sorcerer who commands terrifying monsters, can Whyborne overcome his fear and learn to trust? Will Griffin let go of his past and risk falling in love? Or will Griffin’s secrets cost Whyborne both his heart and his life?

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

Eidolon (#1.5)
Summary:
A Whyborne & Griffin short story.

Griffin Flaherty wants nothing more than to create a perfect Valentine’s Day for his lover, Dr. Percival Endicott Whyborne. Dinner at a fancy restaurant, an evening at the theater, and a romantic interlude at home should do the trick.

But a new client with an urgent case puts Griffin’s plans in jeopardy. A magic talisman has been stolen, and if it isn’t returned by sundown, it may unleash disaster not only on the thief but the innocents around him.

Can Whyborne and Griffin track down the thief and return the amulet by nightfall, or will dinner reservations become the least of their worries?

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

Threshold (#2)
Summary:
Introverted scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne wants nothing more than to live quietly with his lover, ex-Pinkerton detective Griffin Flaherty. Unfortunately, Whyborne's railroad tycoon father has other ideas, namely hiring Griffin to investigate mysterious events at a coal mine.

Whyborne, Griffin, and their friend Christine travel to Threshold Mountain, a place of dark legend even before the mine burrowed into its heart. A contingent of Pinkertons-including Griffin's ex-lover Elliot-already guard the mine. But Griffin knows better than anyone just how unprepared the detectives are to face the otherworldly forces threatening them.

Soon, Whyborne and Griffin are on the trail of mysterious disappearances, deadly accidents, and whispered secrets. Is Elliot an ally, or does he only want to rekindle his relationship with Griffin? And if so, how can Whyborne possibly hope to compete with the stunningly handsome Pinkerton-especially when Griffin is hiding secrets about his past?

For in a town where friends become enemies and horror lurks behind a human mask, Whyborne can't afford to trust anything-including his own heart.

Rating: 4 Stars

Stormhaven (#3)
Summary:
Mysterious happenings are nothing new to reclusive scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne, but finding one of his colleagues screaming for help in the street is rather unusual. Allan Tambling claims he can’t remember any of the last hour—but someone murdered his uncle, and Allan is covered in blood.

Whyborne’s lover, dashing ex-Pinkerton detective Griffin Flaherty, agrees to prove Allan’s innocence. But when Allan is deemed insane and locked away in the Stormhaven Lunatic Asylum, Griffin finds himself reliving the horrifying memories of his own ordeal inside a madhouse.

Along with their friend Christine, the two men become drawn deeper and deeper into a dark web of conspiracy, magic, and murder. Their only clue: a missing artifact depicting an unknown god. Who stole the artifact, and why can’t Allan remember what happened? And what is the truth behind the terrible experiments conducted on Stormhaven’s forbidden fourth floor?

It will take all of Whyborne’s sorcery and Griffin’s derring-do to stop the murderers and save Allan. But first, they must survive an even greater challenge: a visit from Griffin’s family.

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

Necropolis (#4)
Summary:
Introverted scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne has spent the last few months watching his lover, Griffin Flaherty, come to terms with the rejection of his adoptive family. So when an urgent telegram from Christine summons them to Egypt, Whyborne is reluctant to risk the fragile peace they’ve established. Until, that is, a man who seems as much animal as human tries to murder Whyborne in the museum.

Amidst the ancient ruins of the pharaohs, they must join Christine and face betrayal, murder, and a legendary sorceress risen from the dead. In the forge of the desert heat, the trio will either face their fears and stand together—or shatter the bonds between them forever.

Rating: 5 Stars

Series Review:
I'm doing an overall review because each book flows fluently into the next. Each book is a mystery in itself but the relationships are on going and growing so they really need to be read in order, although I did read the short story last and it wasn't really out of place.
The characters are not only well written but easily liked. As much as I love both Whyborne & Griffin, I really enjoyed Christine. A woman before her time and smarter than her colleagues, she doesn't hold any punches with anyone and she is the only true friend that both men come to trust and rely on.
The mysteries are intriguing and definitely well written. They do rely heavily on the supernatural or paranormal, which is a plus for me. It's done so well that for those who aren't necessarily fans of magic I think will still find these stories interesting.

Series Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

Author Bio:
Jordan L. Hawk grew up in the wilds of North Carolina, where she was raised on stories of haints and mountain magic by her bootlegging granny and single mother. After using a silver knife in the light of a full moon to summon her true love, she turned her talents to spinning tales. She weaves together couples who need to fall in love, then throws in some evil sorcerers and undead just to make sure they want it bad enough. In Jordan’s world, love might conquer all, but it just as easily could end up in the grave.

Author Links:
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Monday, June 16, 2014

Exposure by Morgan & Jennifer Locklear

Summary:
Publicist Shaunna Noble is no stranger to the ego-filled dysfunction of Hollywood's elite, but is she ready for her two biggest clients to turn into her worst nightmare?

Kyle Petersen and Michelle Cooper are Hollywood royalty, everyone's favorite celebrity couple, but while on location filming their new summer blockbuster, Kyle ambushes his wife with divorce papers and orders Shaunna to destroy Michelle in the media. Unwilling to comply, Shaunna spectacularly and publicly quits her job, humiliating Kyle in the process.

David Quinn, a struggling actor cast alongside the A-listers, is caught in the crossfire. When pictures surface of David and Michelle out on the town, media and fans rush to crown them Hollywood's new hot couple. Kyle explodes, tensions boil over, and everyone's lives and careers are thrown into jeopardy.

So what's a publicist to do? Especially when Shaunna finds herself falling in love with the sexy and talented David. Can she put out fires on the set while keeping the flames burning in the bedroom?

Love, lies and passion. What happens when the naked truth is exposed?

Excerpt:
Shaunna was staying at a Radisson along with Nathan and the rest of the cast and crew. She saw David from time to time but they’d never spoken.
She’d first spotted him exercising one morning. She was about to wander into the hotel's gym herself, but reconsidered when she saw that even at six a.m., she would not be alone. It wasn’t specifically David’s presence that changed her mind. She was simply uncomfortable working out in front of strangers.
However, she was not uncomfortable about pausing to admire one. She was certain her pony tail did nothing to hide her face should he happen to look up and make eye contact, so she went ahead and got herself a good eye full.
David hadn’t seen her and was turned completely around. He was bending over to heft some free weights and he was wearing shorts. Very short shorts. In any other context, they would have looked like something Olivia Newton John might have worn with roller skates, but on him they were just a sexy, cruel barrier between her hands and his tight cheeks. These particular shorts were white with dark blue piping. Later on, it would be all too easy for her to accidentally remember them as underwear.
As she intently studied David's movements, Shaunna lost her sense of self and squeezed her water bottle hard enough to make it crackle. The noise was loud in the quiet hallway and she quickly bolted down the corridor, suddenly determined to enjoy a bowl of Cheerios courtesy of the well-appointed continental breakfast.
Over the next hour, Shaunna convinced herself David would not show up in the breakfast lounge, but she also opted for a second bowl of cereal and a banana, something she normally never did. And then she found herself hanging around to read the morning paper, which she also never did. As soon as she admitted to herself that she was stalling her departure, Shaunna laughed at her reflection in the napkin holder and returned to her room.

When his eyes settled on Shaunna again, she was completely nude. Her pert nipples were beacons to the gentle valley between her round breasts. David's stare followed the path of least resistance to the tiny and tidy garden of brown curls that split the river of skin.

He suddenly realized how very, very overdressed he was and fidgeted slightly as he dragged his heavy eyes back up to hers. "Allow me to reciprocate," he murmured as he began to loosen his necktie.

"Let me," Shaunna offered as she stepped toward him.

David obediently dropped his arms to his sides, allowing the naked woman to undress him.

"This is a nice tie," she commented as she slid it from his neck. "You had it with you in Texas?"

David nodded his head. "I brought all my clothes with me."

“Of course you did,” Shaunna said as she walked around behind him and removed his jacket.

She especially liked the way men looked in vests when their jackets were off. She admired how David’s fit figure was accented by the corset nature of his pinstriped, three-buttoned special. Shaunna appreciated him as she completed her circle.

She then backed up to get, and give, a better view.

"Have a seat." Shaunna gestured to a custom rock bench near the edge of the black tiled pond. David sat and she began removing his shoes.

He looked down at the nude beauty working the laces and willed himself not to be ticklish for the next thirty seconds of his life. Her touch, however, was too delicate and he was just too tender-footed. David chortled and twitched, giving himself away. To her credit, Shaunna did not take advantage of her newfound knowledge until she had removed his other shoe and both his socks. She feathered the balls of his feet with her fingers before she allowed him to stand again.

"Don't worry," she assured him as she began unbuttoning his vest. "I'm ticklish too." She opened it and then pressed her firm body up against his while she claimed another kiss.

As a boy in Chicago, David always imagined there was something sinister about midnight. Now, he associated midnight with sensuality, and felt nothing but joy. He'd found the friend he wanted to see the world with. He held the lover whom he would never let go. She was a living passion, a comfort for his weary soul.
"I've missed you so much," David whispered as he rested his head on her chest.
She wrapped her arms around his damp head. "I've missed you too. Do you have to be anywhere tomorrow morning?"
"Nope. The whole day is mine. Ours."
"Good," Shaunna breathed.
She pulled his face to hers and kissed him in a desperate, craving way that got him revved up all over again. When he pressed his body to hers, she opened her legs immediately. With an adjustment of his hips, David slowly entered her and closed his eyes with pleasure. Shaunna's eyes were wide open. She stared up at his strong chest as he became a part of her for the first time in weeks.
They moved slowly at first, savoring the contact, but it had been a very long day. Soon they evolved into voracious lovers bucking against one another. They slid up and down each other's bodies, kissing and licking anything that was exposed. They flitted from position to position, each one causing Shaunna to climax faster than the one before.
David was strong but getting tired, so she pushed him down on his back and straddled him with a determined expression.
"Are you ready?" she purred. "I want you to come for me."
"Yes," David confirmed breathlessly.
Shaunna moved with purpose. David, jealous of the moon's fingers caressing his lover’s skin, reached up and cupped her slick breasts. She leaned into his hands and wiggled hard with him inside her. She climaxed twice more before she heard his soft blissful whimper and felt his hands squeeze her thighs.
"Rest," she told him as she settled back onto the mattress and pulled him into her arms. Her intentions were to look after him, to stroke his hair, but soon she fell into a doze. He was relaxed but also excited for the time when he would finally be able to publicly declare their love. He fell asleep with a peace in his heart that all the money in the world could never have given him.
They didn't wake to make love again until the room was completely dark. Outside, the sky showed thin strips of purple on the undersides of low clouds passing each other like great puffy whales.
Their dawn lovemaking was silent and slow, and they didn't stir again until the house's air conditioning kicked in and the smell of Michelle's coffee snuck up the stairs to tempt them into the day.

Review:
I found this to be a most appealing read, from page 1 to the last page. The characters are well written and likeable, even when you really don't like the character's behavior too much, they still have your heart invested.
If you're looking for a great summer read, than this is one you should check out. I don't belong to a book club but I think this would definitely make a perfect choice for a book club.
This make a perfect debut novel for the Locklears and I look forward to reading future stories from them.

Rating: 4 Stars

Author Bio:
Morgan and Jennifer Locklear met in 1989 as teenagers and became high school sweethearts. They have been married since 1995 and live in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States with their two children, a son and daughter.

Although both enjoyed creative writing in their youth, they have only been working as a writing team since 2010. Since then they have created a dozen full-length and short stories together.

Jennifer has been employed in fundraising and development for a non-profit organization since 2000. She also enjoys participating in charitable activities, both locally and online. In her (limited) free time she is an avid reader.

Morgan has been employed in the hospitality industry since 1998. He has been active in the local performing arts community since childhood with many acting and directing credits to his name. He is also a musician and songwriter and has recorded 6 albums.

Author Links:
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Purchase Link:
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Sunday, June 15, 2014

Hunger by B.L. Wilde

Cover Design: Jo Matthews

Genre: Romance/Erotica/Suspense
Release Date: June 6, 2014

***Contains mature content meant for 18+ years of age.***

Summary:
When Jade walked out on Oliver six months ago, she left her heart behind. Little did she know her mission was far from over. Given a new mission—to secure a secret nuclear power core—she’s thrown back into his world and has to earn his trust once more. The only problem is that she’s competing directly with another Seductor that she despises, who has already been on the mission for two months.
Oliver was devastated when he discovered Jade had left him, so he closed himself off to the world, focusing solely on his job. Everything is thrown into chaos when she resurfaces, working for an old friend of his.
Will Jade be able to win Oliver back while fighting her jealously that another Seductor might steal the mission from her? Consumed with love, controlled by a hunger she has never known, can she protect her heart a second time around if Oliver takes her back?

Excerpt:
“I heard you were back.” I groaned internally as Mario spoke from behind me in the laundry room a little later. “Did Miss S put you on lockdown again?” he mocked.
“You’re not funny, Mario.” I didn’t even look up at him as I continued to fold my clothes.
“I really thought I’d break you while you were cooped up in here. I was hoping you’d take your frustration out on me.” By the level of his voice, I could tell that he was right behind me. I turned around quickly, pushing his chest before he laid a finger on me.
“How many times do I have to tell you, this isn’t a game? I’m not fucking interested!” I seethed, barging past him. Mario grabbed my waist, trying to pull me toward him.
“Another few weeks and I would have had you. You wouldn’t be a Seductor if you weren’t addicted to sex like me. You’re only holding back because you don’t want to get attached. We’d be good together and you know it. I could give that sweet pussy of yours a real good beating if you just let go.” I lost it, slamming the heel of my shoe hard into his foot. Me get attached to Mario’s cock? I was wrong—this guy was hilarious. “Oww…you fucking bitch!” he yelled, hopping around while clutching his injured foot. I didn’t even try to hide my snigger as I walked past him. You deserved that, Mario!
I was still chuckling to myself when I bumped into Molly in the hallway.
“Sonia is ready to see you now.” She had a worried look on her face.
“What’s wrong?”
“Alicia came to get you.”
“She’s back? I thought she wasn’t due back for a progress report for another few weeks.” My mind was racing. Why the hell would Alicia come to get me? It didn’t make any sense; Sonia knew I hated her.
“Sonia wanted her back early. I’m not sure things are going too well with the mission.” Molly followed me back to my room. “What if your theory is right and Alicia has been with Oliver these last few months?” I dumped my clean clothes on my bed, trying to compose myself. I was making Molly paranoid now, and that wasn’t good.
“Why would Oliver become a target again? It doesn’t make any sense. You and Georgie have been telling me that for months.”
“I don’t know, but it all seems a little strange to me.”
“You’re really not helping. You’re supposed to say that I’ve gone crazy. Do you know how ridiculous this all sounds?” I threw my arms up in the air in frustration.
“Go and see Miss S and finally put your mind at rest. Georgie and I know it’s been eating away at you. You need answers, Jade.”
“I can’t hide anything from you two, can I?” I sighed, grabbing my phone. Molly was right—I couldn’t put it off any longer. I needed to find out what was going on.

Alicia was standing outside Sonia’s office, talking on her phone when I arrived.
“No, really, it was me. I was clearly reading the signs wrong. I can’t apologize enough.” Alicia’s eyes gleamed with smugness when she caught sight of me entering Sonia’s office. What was all that about? “We’ll forget it ever happened. I shouldn’t have crossed my professional boundaries. I don’t want this to come between us…” I didn’t bother to listen to the rest of her conversation as my eyes caught Sonia.
“Jade,” she said as she stood up from behind her desk. That was new. Sonia never stood up for anyone. “You can close the door.” I closed it with a puzzled look on my face. “Alicia doesn’t know I’m bringing you in on this mission yet.” It was a mission! Thank God! No, wait…if Sonia was bringing me in, it could only mean one thing! Damn it!
“The mission involves working with Alicia,” I groaned, taking a seat in front of her desk. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad this is a mission, but do I have to work with her? Can’t someone else do it?”
“Jade, I’m afraid you’re our only hope. I’m about to go against everything I’ve ever done while running the Seductors, but I can’t see any other way around it. Alicia has been on this case for almost two months and has gotten nowhere.”
“You want me to take over Alicia’s mission?” I frowned. Since when had Alicia had a problem seducing a man? Everything started to dawn on me then, and I clutched the arms of my chair tightly.
“I need the two of you to work together. This steal…it’s asking a lot. We aren’t even sure if it exists.” Now Sonia was losing me. “If we secure what we’ve been hired to find, our clients are willing to pay over one hundred million dollars. Maybe even more. There is no real price for it.” I was sure my mouth fell to the floor. One hundred million dollars? What the hell was the steal? “Jade, I’m asking a lot of you here, but I’ve hit a wall. If Alicia can’t work her magic, it can only mean one thing.” With bated breath, I was hanging on her every word. “He isn’t over you.”

Review:
WOW!!! A great continuation of the amazing story of Jade and Oliver. I'm almost sad that I started this series because now I have to wait for the next installment. Those who know me, are well acquainted with my lack of patience. So I can safely say that I will be among the first to read number three whenever Miss Wilde is ready to deliver.
Sequels, or installments, can be difficult to write and live up to reader's expectations but Hunger does just that and so much more. Jade definitely had her work cut out for her in this one which I actually found intriguing as she usually finds it comes reasonably easy to her, but not this time. She finds herself doing battle with her own heart as well as a fellow Seductor.
I don't know just what else to actually say without giving spoilers, which I absolutely don't do, so I'll just leave with saying: If you loved Desire, than you will absolutely fall even harder for Hunger. And if you haven't read Desire yet, what are you waiting for? Can't wait for #3!!!

Rating: 5 Stars

Teaser Trailer:

Author Bio:
B.L. Wilde is a British author obsessed with many things, including heated love stories. Supported fully by her husband, she can often be found at her desk working on her next project.
Her journey into the world of erotica began when she started writing online stories over three years ago, and she hasn't looked back since.

Author Links:
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Purchase Links:
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The Seductor Series Volume 1: Desire

Desire Link: Previous Review Post & Info for Desire

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Cover Reveal for Project Lexi by Lisa Survillas

Series – The Lexi Series

Author – Lisa Survillas

Genre – NA/Contemporary Romance

Publisher – Lisa Survillas

Cover Artist – Cover design by Kimberly Knight

Photographs for cover by Geanette Trumbull of www.TLCbyG.com

Summary:
Lexi Crandall’s, world is turned upside down junior year of high school. Her confession tears her family apart and leaves them broken. Looking for escape, she heads out of town for college. Wracked with guilt and shame, she keeps to herself, befriending only her roommate, Paige.
Derek Fressen experiences one tragedy after another. After learning to cope with being raised by a single mom, he and his sister, Tiffany, become closer than ever. When Tiffany escapes Seattle for college, Derek takes the opportunity to leave his past behind as well.
San Francisco State University is where Lexi and Derek find themselves junior year, thrown into the most uncomfortable situation possible, a group project that requires each to open up about their past. Their grade depends upon the ability to prove to the professor through a class presentation that they truly learned about one another.
Painful memories and terrifying tests of courage propel Lexi to learn how to take baby steps in the healing process and give her hope of one day feeling normal. Although he feels he’s pretty well healed from the horrible events of his past, Derek is lonely and longing for a life of more. Will they be able to share enough of their lives with each other to pass this class? How much will Lexi let Derek help her in the process? Are their tragic pasts too much to overcome, or will love be in their future?

Excerpt:
I can’t get her to look at me, I think she’s ashamed that she has no experience to go with. When I’m finally begging, she looks up and I can’t help it. She looks so lost, so sad. I know that she just needs the courage, but how will she ever find it if she doesn’t know what the reward is like? So I lean over, I place my hand on her cheek, and my lips on hers. She doesn’t freak out, so I use my tongue to entice her. I run it along her lower lip. I feel her breathing pick up and I’m nervous she’ll push me away, but when she doesn’t I try to coax her lips apart so I can really kiss her. When she opens them, her tongue meets mine and I have to keep repeating to myself, “Slow, slow, slow,” or my body might take over and try to push her past her limits. She’s not ready for more than this.
I don’t let myself linger too long. I would love to kiss her all night, but she needs baby steps. I need to give her that or this won’t work. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself, but I should’ve made sure it was okay first.” I say it knowing that she needed the surprise of it or it would’ve never happened.
Her response takes me by surprise, “Don’t. Be. Sorry.” She is breathing hard and can’t form a sentence. I love it. That means she loved it. When she brings her hand up to touch her lips, I know I can make this better for her. I stop her hand with mine and leaving the other on her cheek, I lean back in for a deeper kiss. She responds immediately. I make this one longer, but not much. This time when I pull back, we are both panting for air.
“Wow.” A simple statement from her confirming that she liked it.

Author Bio:
I'm Lisa. I live in sunny southern California with my wonderful husband and two teenage children. Hubbyis a high school PE teacher and is the coach of three different high school sports. With two kids in high school and involved in activities both inside and outside of school, I have a lot to juggle. When home, I lock myself inside the office to write. I've always loved to write, but life always seemed to be too busy. When inspiration finally hit, I made the most of the time hubby and kids were busy and published my first book in February 2014. It's a teen/young adult book and the first in a series. I'm currently working on a New Adult/Contemporary Romance series with the first book due out end of June 2014. Be on the look-out for more.

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