Daily Archives: 16/06/2016

BLOG TOUR ~ Speechless (Pier 70 #3) by Nicole Edwards

Title: Speechless

Series: Pier 70 #3

Author: Nicole Edwards

Genre: Adult, M/M Romance

Published: June 7, 2016

He’s suffering in silence…

Teague Carter, one of the four owners of Pier 70 Marina, has spent his life feeling rejected. To the point that he has never allowed himself to get close to anyone. He prefers it that way, in fact. But he refuses to believe that his destructive behavior might be something more than rebellion.

He’s unable to speak…

Hudson Ballard, Pier 70’s mechanic, has been fighting his attraction to Teague for years. He has stood by and watched the kid get more and more out of control, but this time is the last. If Teague wants to use sex to escape his problems, Hudson is certainly willing to be the one to show him that he’s good with more than just his hands.

Sometimes words aren’t necessary.

There are fireworks when this out-of-control bad boy agrees to no strings with this tatted up, dominating mechanic.

Can Teague and Hudson keep their emotions from getting involved in their arrangement? Or — thanks to the demons from their pasts — will the darkness steal from them before they have a chance?

 

We invite you join the Nicole & Colt Edwards Group on Facebook. Don’t miss out on the fun and prizes at the Speechless Release Party happening Monday, June 7th starting at 8 AM CST till Tuesday, June 8th at 10 PM CST.



 

 

Speechless Excerpt #2 © Nicole Edwards 2016

 

Teague was exhausted.

He had hardly slept last night, and it only had a little to do with the fact that Hudson had summoned him over so he could watch him masturbate (which, by the way, was hot as fuck). No, after that, when Teague had gone back to his apartment and attempted to sleep, he continued to think about Hudson. The man had captured his every thought and all of his dreams. He had tossed and turned, waking up with his dick in his hand because he was so turned on it fucking hurt.

So, suffice it to say, he needed a nap, but he had agreed to help out with some of the appointments today. And that’s how he found himself sitting behind the wheel on the boat while a group of girls flirted it up with a group of guys on the pontoon they’d rented for the afternoon.

He was actually used to this type of outing. He’d even had women ask for him specifically, though he doubted they knew he was gay. Not surprising, since he didn’t bother to tell them. What was the fun in that? He’d never so much as touched a woman in his life, and he had no desire to do so, either.

From the time he was old enough to figure out what his dick was intended for, Teague knew he wasn’t interested in boobs and pussy. Nope. It’d always been dick for him.

He’d experimented early on, topping a couple of times, but quickly learned that he preferred to be fucked, to be taken hard and fast, drilled into… Bottoming was certainly what he wanted. The whole top thing … required too much control, and that was one thing he lacked. Even he knew that.

And women … they didn’t have the parts that would please him.

But he could definitely flirt when necessary because it was good for business.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he retrieved it while making sure no one was around him. After Hudson’s text last night, he had no idea what the guy might send over, and he damn sure didn’t want anyone else to see it. Still, he remembered the commanding message for him to come over and watch. At first, he’d thought it had been some sort of test. Without hesitating, he had gone over and… Holy fuck. If he’d been concerned about whether or not it had been wise to accept Hudson’s proposal, he was no longer worried. The guy was hung like a fucking horse, and he was dominating when it came to sex. No way could Teague go wrong there.

You cool?

The message was from Hudson, and it was the first time he’d heard from him today, so it made him smile. Hudson was checking on him.

Not that he would put too much thought into that.

Yep. All good. You?

I’d be better if you were in the shop today.

Teague’s mind conjured up a million ideas about what they could do if he was in Hudson’s tiny little office, or even out in the shop.

Figuring it was his turn to tease a little, he responded with: And what would you do if I was?

What would you want me to do?

Of course Hudson would answer the question with a question. Still, he responded honestly: Whatever you wanted.

A minute passed, and Teague figured Hudson wasn’t going to respond, but as he was putting his phone back in his pocket, it vibrated. He took a deep breath as he pulled up the text and stared at the screen.

You would be okay if I sit you on my desk and suck you off right here?

Alrighty then.

Teague was fairly certain he’d just had a hot flash.

Like, seriously.

He peered over at the people on the boat, making sure they weren’t paying any attention to him. On a normal outing, he would’ve been hanging out with them, enjoying the party, but he was too tired today. Or he had been right up until he’d imagined sitting on Hudson’s desk while Hudson sucked him off.

Fuck.

He tapped out a response with shaky hands: I think I could handle that.

We’ll see about that. Come find me when you get back. As soon as you get back.

Thankfully, Teague had his sunglasses on, because it gave him some privacy for his thoughts. He knew he was easy to read, and the last damn thing he wanted was for these people to see the intense lust burning in his eyes.

He glanced at his phone to check the time. Still at least an hour and a half before they would be heading back to shore.

Surely he could wait that long.

New York Times bestselling author Nicole Edwards launched her professional writing career in July of 2012. Having been an avid reader all of her life and a huge fan of creative writing, it seemed the likely path for her to take. Since then, she has released fifteen books and has no plans to stop. As her full-time career/hobby, Nicole writes steamy contemporary and erotic romances.

Nicole is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who was born and raised in Texas. Married with three kids and four dogs, she has plenty of interaction to keep her imagination brewing. Her books have been featured in USA Today’s Happy Ever After segment as well as Indie Reader’s best seller list. She has forged her way as an independent author.

Although she has a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, she prefers to be hiding out in her writing cave, talking to the fictional characters that have built up in her head over the years.

When she isn’t writing or plotting her next book (sometimes translated to “playing on Facebook”), Nicole loves to read and spend time with her family and her dogs.

 

For a chance at an awesome prize and some exlcusive content from Nicole Edwards, go here:


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AUDIO TOUR ~ Hell Bent by Becky McGraw

Header - Audio HELL BENT

hell-bent-deepsix3-audio-coverHell Bent: Deep Six Security Series, Book 3

 

 
 
 

WLK synopsis

Cade Winters has been running from his overbearing father for 15 years. Even he admits his method of escape was extreme, though. But joining the military, eventually being recruited into the elite Delta Force and then by a black ops firm kept him busy at the far ends of the earth, which was almost far enough away from his family and the woman he tried to love but who seemed hell bent on working for her brother’s security firm, even if it meant getting herself killed.

Suddenly, it seems like all the women in his life have a death wish though, when his sister Veronica, a Texas judge, decides to support a non-profit group that promotes re-training trafficked women before they are deported. Taking on that hot-button issue has gotten her in hot water with a homegrown terrorist group who is threatening her life. Even though he vowed never to go back to Texas, Cade has to help his sister, the only one in his family who cares about him.

When he finds Cee Cee Logan manning the front desk at Deep Six Security, he’s relieved to see that she’s very much still alive, but he’s also disgusted because he feels that way too for the first time in years just by seeing her. Cade sets his mind to avoiding her at all costs but when she becomes the only one who can help him save his sister he has a tough decision to make. Does he put her in danger himself to save his sister and take the chance of losing them both permanently? Or does he do what he did 10 years prior – try to keep her safe, but lose her again anyway?

©2016 Becky McGraw (P)2016 Becky McGraw

 

AUDIBLE US


DEEP SIX SECURITY SERIES
by Becky McGraw:

Till Death
(#1, Deep Six Security)

Till Death
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1THOWC5
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1059105484
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/till-death-5
B & N: http://tinyurl.com/orttkuq
Paperback: https://www.createspace.com/5301313
AUDIO: http://amzn.to/1THP1WE

Twisted Honor
(#2, Deep Six Security)

Twisted Honor
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1THP4BE
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1038249950
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/twisted-honor
B & N: http://tinyurl.com/pjyuuqm
Paperback: https://www.createspace.com/5727595
AUDIO: http://amzn.to/1ODVKMf

Hell Bent
(#3, Deep Six Security)

Hell Bent

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/21qGcYX
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/hell-bent/id1068019434?mt=11
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/hell-bent-10
B & N: http://goo.gl/IM1Efk
Paperback: https://www.createspace.com/6004054
*New Release* AUDIO: http://amzn.to/1Pyrxph


 

WLK Author Bio

Becky McGraw

A Jill of many trades, NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author Becky McGraw has been an optician, a beautician, a legal secretary, a real estate broker, web designer, graphic artist, and romance writer. She knows just enough to make her dangerous, and her humor-laced contemporary western cowboy, and military, police procedural romantic suspense novels varied and interesting. Becky resides in Florida with her husband of thirty-three years and her dog Abby. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America Published Authors Network.

You can contact Becky McGraw here:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/beckymcgrawbooks
Website: http://www.beckymcgraw.com
Twitter: @beckymcgrawbook
Email: beckymcgrawbooks@gmail.com


 

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RELEASE BLITZ ~ The Azure Kingdom by Michelle Dare

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Synopsis

One key, one door, one man, one leap.

Alison Wescot inherited the antique store the day her mother died. It was nothing she wanted, but she couldn’t part with it. The antiques inside were all she had left of her mother. She thought she knew every piece in the store, until one day she discovered a box with a key inside, along with a letter from her mother. A key to a door she never knew existed.

Lucas Azure is the leader of the kingdom’s elite guard, a group of men whose sole purpose was to protect their territory and people. The youngest of the king’s four children, he was also the deadliest. The men in his group followed him faithfully, never questioning his orders. When Alison appeared, he knew he had to protect her at all costs.

The day Alison walked through the door, her recurring dream became a reality. The man who always remained a mystery was standing before her. There were dragons flying overhead and a castle in the distance. She was now in the Azure Kingdom.

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Michelle Dare is a romance author. Her stories range from sweet to sinful and from new adult to fantasy. There aren’t enough hours in the day for her to write all of the story ideas in her head. When not writing or reading, she’s a wife and mom living in eastern Pennsylvania. One day she hopes to be writing from a beach where she will never have to see snow or be cold again.

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COVER REVEAL ~ Stealing Home by Nicole Williams

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Coming July 10th

 

Pre-order exclusively on iBooks HERE

 

Add to your Goodreads shelf now.

 

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Being the only woman working for a professional baseball team isn’t easy. As the San Diego Shock’s newest athletic trainer, Allie knows all about long hours, endless travel, and warding off players’ advances. Given she’s already the subject of a handful of rumors about how “lucky” she was to have earned such a coveted position, she can’t so much as flutter an eyelash a player’s way if she wants to be taken seriously.

But number eleven is doing more than fluttering eyelashes Allie’s way. Far more. Luke Archer is at the top of his game and doesn’t let the fear of striking out keep him from swinging. This is a motto he applies both on and off the field, but Allie appears immune, seeming to view Luke as nothing more than caution tape on legs.


He’s a player, and in Allie’s experience, they’re all the same. She won’t risk her job or her heart to another one, no matter how different this one claims to be. But as Allie gets to know him, she discovers the number eleven the public thinks they know is very different from the real Luke Archer. He seems too good to be true.

And maybe he is.

Allie will have to confront the stories attached to a player of Luke Archer’s stature and decide who she’ll put her faith in—The man she’s falling for? Or the rumors?

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“Hey.” Archer slid next to me on the bench after jogging into the dugout.

           “Hey,” I replied, trying to ignore that same mix of sweat and man closing in around me when he slid closer. Along with it came the hint of grass and leather. It should have been offensive, but it was the opposite. I loved this sport and everything that came with it—the scents included.

           “So how do you like playing football?” I asked, keeping a straight face.

           “Please, football players have it easy with all that padding and protection. I’m going to look like I got tuned up by a tire iron tomorrow.” He turned his forearms over, and I could already make out a few bruises breaking to the surface.

           “You want something for the pain?” I reached down for my duffel bag.

           “Do I ever want something for the pain?”

           “Fine.” I tucked the bag back under the bench. The bruises weren’t bad—he’d survive.

           “But I wouldn’t mind a nice deep-tissue massage later. Let’s say ten o’clock. My room. Clothing optional.” He kept his voice quiet, smirking at the field as the Rays threw a few warm-up balls.

           “No pressure,” I said under my breath.

           His smirk grew. “No pressure.”

           When Coach paced down the dugout past us, Archer casually shifted farther down the bench from me, his smirk fading.

           “I want to steal home.” Archer scooted back closer to me once Coach’s and the other players’ attention was on Hernandez stepping up to the plate.

“No one steals home anymore.”

“Doesn’t mean it can’t be done.”

His arm was brushing against mine, messing with my head. “Doesn’t mean it should be done either.”

“We need a run. We need a big play.” He sucked in a breath when Hernandez swung at the pitch . . . and missed. Strike one. “If Hernandez and Garfield can get on base and I hit a double or a triple, we’ll be in good shape.”

“Or you could just hit one of those homerun things you’re setting records for. That could work.” I glanced at him from the corners of my eyes.

He shook his head at me.

“Stealing home plate?” I repeated, realizing he was serious. “It’s like a one-in-a-thousand shot you’ll pull it off.”

“Never tell me the odds. It only makes me want to do it more.” His jaw ground when Hernandez chalked up another swing and a miss.

“Play it safe. I know you’re favoring your right leg.” My gaze dropped to his leg running down the length of mine. “I don’t know what you did to it, but I know it’s hurting. Don’t risk injuring it any more.” When his jaw set a little, I sighed. “Am I going to have to tell Coach?”

“I just twisted it weird. It’s fine. A little ice and rest and I’ll be good.”

“Is this when you tell me you’re going to walk it off?”

It wasn’t affecting his performance much, but he’d need speed and luck to steal home. With the way he was favoring his leg, speed was not in his corner tonight.

“No. This is when I show you I’m going to walk it off. Right after I add another point to our side of the scoreboard when I steal home.”

When Shepherd glanced down the bench, I reached into my duffel so it looked like I had a reason to be having a conversation with the star player. Instead of the real reason we were having a conversation.

“Don’t steal home,” I said once Shepherd’s attention went back to the game. When Archer sighed, I added, “Not as in not ever. Just wait until the time’s right. When you know you’ll be successful.”

He looked ready to argue when pitch number three sailed at Hernandez and he connected with the ball, sending a whizzing line-drive into left field. Hernandez turned on the jets and hauled to first base, making it right before the ball smacked into the first baseman’s glove.

The dugout let loose with a round of whistles and cheers.

“I’m on deck.”

“Good luck.” I nudged his leg with mine as he stood.

“Hey, I’ve got my lucky shirt on. I’m all set.” He slid off his ball cap and sailed it into my lap.

“Yeah, but it’s been washed a few times since I was in it. Not sure how much luck’s left in it.”

           “I’m feeling pretty damn lucky.” He pinched at the shirt before slipping a batting helmet onto his head. “But don’t worry. I fully plan on having my jersey draped around your body again soon.”

My eyes wandered down the dugout. No one was watching—they were too busy holding their breaths as Garfield sauntered up to the plate.

“Don’t steal home.”

“Make me a better offer, and I’ll consider it.” He paused for a heartbeat, challenging me with his eyes. When my lips stayed sealed, he climbed the steps out of the dugout. “Home plate it is.”

 


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Nicole Williams is the New York Times and USATODAY bestselling author of contemporary and young adult romance, including the Crash and Lost & Found series. Her books have been published by HarperTeen and Simon & Schuster in both domestic and foreign markets, while she continues to self-publish additional titles. She is working on a new YA series with Crown Books (a division of Random House) as well. She loves romance, from the sweet to the steamy, and writes stories about characters in search of their happily even after. She grew up surrounded by books and plans on writing until the day she dies, even if it’s just for her own personal enjoyment. She still buys paperbacks because she’s all nostalgic like that, but her kindle never goes neglected for too long. When not writing, she spends her time with her husband and daughter, and whatever time’s left over she’s forced to fit too many hobbies into too little time.

 

Nicole is represented by Jane Dystel, of Dystel and Goderich Literary Agency.

 

Website   Facebook  Twitter  Blog  Instagram


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COVER REVEAL – Blood to Dust By L.J Shen

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Coming July 18th

 

Add to your Goodreads shelf now.

 

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His name is Beat, and I should hate him.

 

Bound, blindfolded and bruised, I’m tied in his basement, waiting for the men who stripped me from clothes and humanity to collect his debt to them. Me.

 

His name is Nate and I should hate him, but I don’t.

 

I’m not supposed to know his real name, even worse, I’m not supposed to care. He is nothing to me but means to an end. The plan is simple: break free, collect the pieces of my broken soul, kill the bastards and run away.

 

His name is Nathaniel Thomas Vela, and I’ve never seen his face, though I hear that it’s beautiful.

 

Behind the rugged and handsome exterior, there’s a quiet murderer, a killer who thinks guns are for pussies and ends people with his bare hands.

 

His name doesn’t matter, neither does his face, but what does matter is my heart. And right now, sadly, it’s his.

 

Blood to Dust is a standalone, full-length novel. It contains graphic violence and adult situations some may find offensive.

 

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“You don’t get a say in this shit,” Ink announces with borrowed authority. I can hear the uncertainty leaking from him. He’s what I call an easy job. If it were just him watching over me, I would have been dancing in Iowan cornfields far away from here by now, Sebastian and Godfrey’s heads tucked in that Nike bag.

“You make me uncomfortable.” I yank my arm away.

“What, and the other guy makes you warm and fuzzy?” He sounds genuinely offended.

Beat inches closer behind me, and I feel the heat of his body drifting into mine. He’s close. Hot-jock-leaning-against-your-locker close. It’s going to be hard to bypass someone his size.

“You think I’m nice?” His breath moves through the plastic of his mask, tickling my ear. I shudder down to my toes. His mouth smells like peach. How bad can a guy who smells like a peach be?

“Nice-r.” I clear my throat, my eyes still trained on Ink in front of me. Ink shakes his head, indicating that I’m dead wrong. The air becomes chilly. Why hadn’t I noticed it’s so chilly?

Because it’s not. It’s August in California, and I’m cold because I’m frightened.

“Let’s test your theory. I’m going to touch you now. Move without permission, and I’m breaking your arm.”

My busted lower lip splits open again as I scowl at his threat. He definitely looks like a guy who makes good on his threats.

“Okay.” I lick my blood, my voice tender.

Beat kicks my legs open and brings my arms up, patting me down dryly, like airport security. His rough fingers stroke the curves of my shoulders as he moves down from my skull to my outer breasts, circling them lazily. Down to my stomach…lower to my tensed inner thighs, pushing the fabric of my mini dress away to make room for his warm paws.

Every muscle in my body is ready to plow forward, to run away, to try and hurt him; the memory of every experience I’ve had that started this way demands for me to take action. But this…it doesn’t feel like a violation. The sour taste of bile has yet to explode in my mouth.

His hands move down my legs, stroking my ankles…then he stops.

“Got something inside?” He squats down, hooking one of his thumbs into my ankle boot. His masked face is eye level with my pelvis, and warmth spreads along my bones like hot wax.

“No,” I lie. There’s still a slight chance he won’t check.

But he checks.

Beat jerks my boot out and a Swiss army knife falls with a clank on the concrete pavement. I let out a sigh and drop my head. Shit.

Happy thoughts.

Frozen yoghurt with Preston down the local mall.

Curling up on the egg-swing with a Mia Sheridan book.

Water lilies blooming over the artificial pond in the Burlington-Smyth’s garden.

A genuine smile from a stranger.

Beat stands up slowly, his gleeful mask zeroing on my face. It all looks like a scene from a horror movie.

And I’m the victim.

 


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L.J. Shen is a best-selling author of Contemporary Romance novels. She lives in Northern California with her husband, young son and chubby cat.

She enjoys the simple things in life, like chocolate, wine, reading, HBO, spending time with her girlfriends and internet-stalking Chris Hemsworth. She reads between three to five books a week and firmly believes Crocs shoes and mullets should be outlawed.

 

Author Links

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COVER REVEAL: Love and Angels by Kris Hack

Synopsis:

 
Before Laney ascended, Kass fell, and Ryan was resurrected…
 
Laney and Kass were normal high school students.
 
Introduced to one another the summer before Kass’s senior year, they are inseparable. Kass is determined to keep their relationship exclusive and promises Laney the end of the summer will not change the way things are. Laney fears Kass will be whisked away by the popular, pretty girls once school begins.
 
Wanting their love to last—one has reservations, the other determination—neither one of them is prepared for what the upcoming year holds and what it will destroy.
 

 

Books in the Ascent Series:

 

Amazon

 

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Join us in Kris Hack’s fan group for a group read of the first book in the series starting in July!

 


 

About Kris Hack:

Kris Hack grew up in Texas and continues to reside there with her husband and their two fur-babies, a chi-weenie named Sara and a Labrador-Retriever named Max. She is a full time student hoping to get a degree to help her with her writing career.As an adult she became an avid reader and always seemed to have her own story to tell. She always had a knack for the creative side and found an outlet she loved in writing. Finally, she took the leap and wrote, and wrote, and wrote, until she laid her heart and soul into writing and told her story.

Kris Hack is the author of the Ascent Series. Her first published novel is The Ascension of Laney, a New Adult Paranormal Romance.
 

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COVER & TITLE REVEAL : TOP SECRET Project by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine

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Social Butterfly PR is thrilled to present the Cover for
Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine’s Top Secret Project, ACED!

 

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Synopsis:

Ace Locke is Hollywood’s hottest action hero. Women across the globe fling their panties in his direction, but Ace isn’t interested in those—he’s more of a boxer briefs kind of guy. Specifically, those of the nearly naked male model on a billboard he drives past every day.

Though he recently made headlines for his public coming out, Ace is wary about pursuing a relationship, fearing what the court of public opinion will do to his career. But there’s something in the model’s expression that intrigues him and has him wondering what if?

Dylan Prescott just scored his biggest modeling campaign yet. One that has him plastered all over L.A. in not much more than what he was born with. And when he’s cast in Ace’s latest blockbuster, it puts him in close proximity to his ultimate fantasy.

Outwardly confident, Dylan has no problem with his sexuality or his pretty-boy looks, and uses both to his advantage to get what he wants. And what he wants is the impossible—Ace Locke.

From Ella Frank’s Sunset Cove series and Brooke Blaine’s L.A. Liaisons series comes a scorchingly hot novel that blends humor, passion, and romance.

What happens when these two worlds collide?

 

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About the Authors:

Ella Frank:

Ella Frank is the author of the #1 Bestselling Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite erotic serial, Sex Addict. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”

A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction and lives with her husband in Portland, OR.

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Amazon / Goodreads / Website

Brooke Blaine:

You could say Brooke Blaine was a book-a-holic from the time she knew how to read; she used to tell her mother that curling up with one at 4 a.m. before elementary school was her ‘quiet time.’ Not much has changed except for the espresso I.V. pump she now carries around and the size of her onesie pajamas.

Brooke enjoys writing sassy contemporary romance, whether in the form of comedy, suspense, or erotica. The latter has scarred her conservative Southern family for life, bless their hearts.

If you’d like to get in touch with her, she’s easy to find – just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that’s dominated her cell phone for ten years.

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Amazon / Goodreads / Website

 

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COVER REVEAL – Destiny’s Choice by Victoria Saccenti

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No one evades Fate. Especially when the escape route is cracked and full of holes.

As a naïve young woman, Marité Muro nearly drowned in a maelstrom of confusing emotions stirred by two very different men. One whose tortured soul tugged at her heart, another whose scorching touch made her innocent body want…more.

Four years in a Spanish prep school gave her time to gain perspective, and now she’s come home to Florida knowing what she wants. The one man she’s never been able to forget, and she’s ready to prove their age difference is no obstacle.

Vietnam left scars on Brian MacKay, some visible, some invisible—and infinitely more dangerous. His war buddy’s sister-in-law has ripened into a tempting, irresistible woman, but she is forbidden fruit. Yet she challenges his resolve until, in a moment of weakness, his demons slip free.

Marité isn’t sure why the man who held her closer than skin is suddenly holding her at arm’s length, but she isn’t afraid to fight for him. Even when someone returns from the past who could destroy everything. Her home. Her family. And Brian’s love.

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EXCERPT:

December 1969

You’re late…you’re late. Where the heck are you? Out of the corner of her eye, Marité Muro scanned the hallway of the chapel. To her mounting frustration, several attendees standing next to a column blocked her view. She could stare forever and accomplish nothing. Neither the people nor the column would move out of her way. Reality does stink. She didn’t have X-ray vision or mental superpowers like the superheroes in her favorite comics and fantasy novels. Her human anatomy had its limitations, and just to reinforce that concept, a painful stab attacked her temples as a multitude of sparks filled her vision. Half-blind, she tangled the tip of her elegant new shoe with the footed base of a nearby massive candleholder, and she nearly flew forward. Mumbling a curse that would’ve shocked her mother, Marité froze in place, waiting for her vision to clear.

Thanks to the futile search, she’d almost made a fool of herself in front of everyone and, worse, had missed key aspects of a ritual she didn’t know well. She should be following the ceremony. Any minute, the spotlight and all eyes would be on her, which meant ignoring the stupid voice that wouldn’t stop nagging in her mind. The incessant taunts had begun as soon as she took her place by the baptismal font: Go ahead. Turn around. Check the crowd, silly girl. How else will you know? Well, screw the voice. She had an important role and should appear focused on the celebration—same as Brian, her partner in the ceremony—or at least pretend.

Still, she couldn’t stop thinking of Michael. Why aren’t you here?

How about a little peek? the voice insisted. Shifting her gaze to the left hallway, she tried again, seeking a body, a shadow, some movement, anything that might indicate her cousin’s arrival. Nope. Nothing. Zip.

You’re going to ruin it if you don’t show up. How could he miss the triple christening when it meant so much to everyone? The entire family had flown in from the Old Country, not to mention friends from all over. Forget the relatives, she had dreamed about this occasion for weeks, had bought this pink chiffon dress and complementary shoes, hoping to regain his attention. She wanted him to see her among adults, doing adult things like a young lady. Maybe then she’d impress the indifference out of him and the uncomfortable disaffection would end. Not so long ago, he would’ve insisted on driving her. He would’ve been full of advice on the ride over. He used to be so protective and supportive, so affectionate, but lately—

The clinking sound of the swaying censer and Father O’Leary’s voice grew louder. He’d moved from infant to infant, performing the sacramental rite: dabbing bits of salt in their mouths, sprinkling the tiny foreheads with holy water, and lastly anointing them with chrism. And now it was Rebecca’s turn, the gorgeous child cradled in her arms. Marité glanced at the beaming parents standing off to her right, Raquel and Matthew Buchanan, her sister and brother-in-law. Dismissing her earlier preoccupation, Marité sent a silent prayer on their behalf for a life full of well-deserved happiness. They’d struggled enough.

Father O’Leary recited the questions to the godparents, and Marité answered in unrehearsed unison with Brian. The sound of his deep voice, full of emotion and self-assured, rang in her ears as spirals of thick church incense wafted around her with its heady scent. A dreamy feeling overcame Marité. Each I do response seemed to roll out of Brian’s lips in slow motion. The words echoed throughout the room, then ricocheted inside her mind in giant swells. A sense of déjà vu transported her to a distant time in a faraway chamber, richly ornate and full of golden lights, nowhere she knew or had seen before… The experience didn’t last; it ended with the last question but left her shivering. She looked Brian’s way.

“Brian?”

He leaned forward. “Lil’ godmother?”

“Forget it. It’s nothing,” she said quickly. Whatever she’d seen, Brian obviously had not. No point in pursuing it further.

Brian MacKay, Matthew’s best friend and ex-war buddy, was the happiest person she’d ever known in all of her fifteen years. His smile could brighten the gloomiest day. In these days of the Vietnam War, men who survived the jungle came home either physically damaged or with broken spirits, sometimes both. Not Brian. His cheerful disposition had carried him through exhausting physical therapy sessions—she’d heard Raquel and Matthew talk—and conquered his wounds. She watched in awed respect as he moved or walked about, displaying his faltering step like a badge of honor and the ever-present cane like a scepter.

Despite the seven-year gap between them, Brian didn’t condescend to her. He treated her as an equal, and she liked that quality best. When she learned Brian had agreed to become Rebecca’s godfather, she’d been overjoyed and honored. The sacrament would not only bind them to the child but to each other, as compadres in a very special lifelong relationship, almost like parents. Her thoughts pivoted to her absent cousin…and yep, she was back to where she’d started.

“What is it?” Brian nudged her arm. “That frown’s ruining your purdy face.”

Marité knew he’d tried to keep his voice down but was also certain folks in the last row heard him. “Shhh,” she whispered, and, suppressing a rising giggle, she bumped him with her shoulder.

Brian jerked up to his full height, snapping two fingers in mock salute. “Yes, ma’am.”

Rebecca must have found their exchange entertaining, because she decided to join the fun. Her rosebud lips puckered, releasing a loud half-raspberry, half-spit bubble.

“Not very ladylike,” Marité murmured. Brian snickered, and the priest shot them both a warning glare.

Her sister, Raquel, heard the sound and flicked a signal to Matthew. As a lighted taper was presented to Marité and Brian, Matthew retrieved Rebecca in exchange, rescuing everyone from the priest’s displeasure. With little Rebecca’s explorations in sound effects successfully silenced, Father O’Leary nodded, and the baptism proceeded in its ordered sequence.

Boom! The sound of a kneeler dropped carelessly on the floor reverberated throughout the chapel like a discharged cannon. Marité tossed poise out the window and turned, peering above and beyond the curious guests to the source of the commotion.

You know how to make an entrance, don’t you?

With hands pressed against the last pew, Michael leaned forward. His shoulder-length hair, falling in the direction of his hands, concealed his features. On her next breath, Marité evaluated the situation in the room: a pale Aunt Coralina directed a wife-to-husband plea for serenity to Uncle Jonas, whose gaze emitted ice-blue fury toward his irreverent son.

An unexpected censuring scoff out of Brian startled her, and Marité pivoted, beginning to feel like a spinning top. The frown of disapproval was a rare departure from Brian’s affable countenance. Confounded by it all, Marité flipped back around just as Michael looked up, tossed back his leonine mane in obvious defiance, and smirked. Ignoring everyone present, he glared at her. A chill ran down Marité’s spine…

Destiny’s Choice, the long awaited sequel to Destiny’s Plan, is available for pre-order through the following vendors.

Amazon

SmashWords

Barnes and Noble

Kobo


WLK Author Bio

A native of Cuba, Victoria acquired a love for books from her mother, and the desire to see the world from her father. As a result she has been around the globe by her count, at least twice. From her journeys she has gathered a varied collection of stories and anecdotes, which now serve to inspire her muse. Central Florida is home, but if she could convince her husband, she would pack her computer and move to Scotland, a land she adores.

Stay in touch with Victoria via Facebook or drop me a line on my web page, Victoria Saccenti Writes or visit her Amazon Author page: Author.to/VictoriaSaccenti


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