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CHAPTER REVEAL ~ Ripple Effect Episode Two by Keri Lake
Coming March 10th
EPISODE TWO: As a calculated assassin, Ripley thrives on always being in control. But when the woman he’s sworn to kill makes an offer he can’t refuse, his control is what he risks losing most.
They call me RIP.
I’m a killer. A murderer. A psychopath.
In the eyes of the righteous, I’m a monster, born of sin and depravity.
I want to protect her, but I’m not a good man.
I want to love her, but I no longer feel.
She gets under my skin, though, and has awakened something inside of me.
Something I’d kill for.
I’m not her savior—not even close. In fact, I’m worse than the hell she’s already suffered.
I’m her vengeance. Tit for tat, as they say.
And if she’s not careful, I’ll be her ruin.
Dylan
For months, I’ve watched him.
I’ve fantasized him as my savior, my lover. My ticket out of the hell I’ve lived in for the last six years.
I never dreamed he’d be my nightmare.
Had I known what he really is, I’d have never gotten in the car that night, but life is full of cause and effect.
And sometimes the choice on offer isn’t a choice at all.
It’s the result of something already in motion, and we’re merely left to survive the ripple effect.
*This is an erotic suspense/erotic romance not recommended for readers under the age of 18 due to graphic violence and sex.
Drip. Drip. Drip.
My mind fights the all-consuming blackness closing in on me as I lay on the thin mattress whose springs poke into my back. The beams above me shiver with dust that falls on my face every time he walks overhead. Chains beat against the cement wall I’m tethered to with every tremble that wracks my body.
Drip. Drip. Drip.
Somewhere water leaks an incessant pounding in my skull, and I count every drop. Six hundred thirty-eight. Six hundred thirty-nine. Six hundred forty. A cold, moldy scent invades my nose, and the cough that rattles my chest turns into a gag, staving off the impending black hole I’m being sucked inside.
He stole my pills, and what feels like shards of broken glass rolling inside of my stomach keep me from falling asleep. Not that I want to sleep. Not that I could. But I need to, because the pain is too much. It claws my insides like a beast, desperate for escape, demanding more of the sweet venom, the nothingness that keeps it tucked deep inside of me. Muscle spasms create a line of tension through my body, so taut, I feel like my limbs will snap away.
“Help me! Fucking help me!” My words bounce back at me from the walls, all hoarse and scratchy as though I’ve been screaming for days. Have I? I’ve blacked out a few times, only to wake to that dripping noise and the incessant pain.
I’m sweating in spite of the frigid tendrils that snake beneath my skin like frost crystals. My body shivers and sickness twists my insides into a nauseating roil, threatening to climb my throat any second.
I need my pills.
“Please!” I turn my head in time to expel the bile shooting up my throat. Fire trails behind it as the acids burn my nostrils with another heave. Over and over, I choke, head slung awkwardly to the side as the fluids leak down my cheek. A coughing fit steals my next breath and another round of bile splashes on the floor somewhere beside me.
An ache throbs in my skull as I lay back onto the bed and the churning in my stomach intensifies. The sensation of bugs scampering across my arms jerks my muscles, and I shiver at the crawling of my skin. I cry out, kicking against my binds. “Get off of me! Get off!” It doesn’t go away, though. It intensifies, a nightmare come to life, and I’m certain there are spider legs beating against my flesh, digging, attempting to burrow themselves into my bones. “Get off of me! Oh God, get them off of me!”
Urgency tugs at my gut. I need to use the bathroom more than I ever have and the panic sends me kicking and screaming. Bloating in my stomach balloons and the pressure to release has me arching up off the mattress. No, no, no. Please not this.
I’m going to soil the goddamn bed and be forced to sleep in my own filth.
Everything flicks to blackness.
In dreams, I’m carried into a bathroom, my whole body quaking and jerking. I want to get away, but comfort blankets me in the warmth of the stranger’s arms and the heat of his skin as I lay against his solid chest. A harsh and blinding light beats down on me. Focusing through the glare, I stare at a set of angel wings inked across his chest and a crisp orange scent that is both delicious and nauseating overwhelms my senses. My stomach feels light when he sets me down and the heat washes over me in waves of bliss. Soft cotton trails down my temple as he wipes a washcloth over my face.
He pushes the wet strands of hair from my eyes, and my breathing calms, as I stare into the multi-colored eyes of a monster.
A Kindle Fire
Keri Lake is a married mother of two living in Michigan. By day, she tries to make use of the degrees she’s earned in science. By night, she writes dark contemporary, paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Though novels tend to be her focus, she also writes short stories and flash fiction on the many occasions distraction sucks her into the Land of Shiny Things.
For news, updates and sneak peeks at the sexy cover model candidates for her annual Cover Model Contest, subscribe to her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/HJPHH
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PROMO ~ ASSET: ARSENIC Series: (Elite Elements Box Set) by Heather Long
ASSET: ARSENIC (ELITE ELEMENTS BOX SET) BY HEATHER LONG
Arsenic is playing a dangerous game, but one with a hefty payout—Red Wolf’s head on a platter.
Title: ASSET: ARSENIC
Series: (Elite Elements Box Set)
Author: Heather Long
Release Date: February 21, 2017
Series: Elite Warriors
Genres: Military Suspense/Romance
Synopsis:
For most of their lives they’ve lived in the shadows, pulled from every nation and background, united by one common cause—an all-consuming hatred of Red Wolf. The unquenchable desire to rid the world of his very existence fuels them, drives them.
These men and women pulled the fallen Elite from the snow-covered wreckage of Operation Phoenix years ago. To some they’re called saviors. To others they’re called traitors.
As Red Wolf’s power grows, the end game they’ve sacrificed everything for may destroy them all. Or just maybe they’ll finally find the peace they’ve been hunting for.
Revenge is their salvation but is there enough humanity left inside them to save?
A new end. A new beginning. Elite Elements.
Asset: Arsenic is available in the box set Elite Elements available now: Amazon
About the Author:
National bestselling author, Heather Long, likes long walks in the park, science fiction, superheroes, Marines, and men who aren’t douche bags. Her books are filled with heroes and heroines tangled in romance as hot as Texas summertime. From paranormal historical westerns to contemporary military romance, Heather might switch genres, but one thing is true in all of her stories—her characters drive the books. When she’s not wrangling her menagerie of animals, she devotes her time to family and friends she considers family. She believes if you like your heroes so real you could lick the grit off their chest, and your heroines so likable, you’re sure you’ve been friends with women just like them, you’ll enjoy her worlds as much as she does.
Connect with Heather: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon
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NEW RELEASE ~ Sexiest Dad Alive (Knight Fashion #3) by M. Clarke
The decisions I’ll have to make won’t be easy. No matter what I choose, my heart will break…
Find out what Josh Bennett needs to do to get his own happily ever after in the world of Knight Fashion
with SEXIEST DAD ALIVE by M.Clarke…
About SEXIEST DAD ALIVE
Josh Bennett
It was a simple offer.
I invited Isla to rent a room in my five thousand square foot home. Plenty of rooms and plenty of space. But the second she moved in, I knew I was in trouble. I could handle wanting her when there was distance between us, but once we started to play house, all my pent up desire started knocking down walls.
That was my first mistake of many.
The private investigator I hired to track down my ex found her not far from where I live. I should have locked my past behind me, but something urged me to find her. I’m glad I did. But our union left me with a situation to be reckoned with.
When a new fire is lit and old flames rekindle, one will have to burn out.
The decisions I’ll have to make won’t be easy.
No matter what I choose, my heart will break.
On Sale in Digital: February 27, 2017
Amazon UK | Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Amazon AU | iBooks | Amazon CA | Kobo
CELEBRATE THE RELEASE WITH A GIVEAWAY!
1 Grand Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card
3 Runner-Ups: Each will receive a digital backlist copy of any M. Clarke or Mary Ting book.
Excerpt:
Since Isla moved in, I’d been eating better. Of course I gave in return by taking her out to eat. I wasn’t a selfish bastard, and I wasn’t about to take advantage of her. For a while, I suspected Isla had feelings for me, and I for her, but both of us kept the feeling locked away. I didn’t want to ruin our friendship if things went wrong. But I realized there was a great chance of something happening, even between friends, when you play house.
Isla and I often said things husbands and wives would say to each other: Goodnight, dear. Honey, I’m home. Love you. Don’t forget to pick up milk. The words flew naturally and we laughed it off, but deep in the recesses of my mind, I wondered what it could be like if we did date.
But … but … but … we had crossed the line. I might have started to cross over first, but Isla encouraged it. And damn, she felt and tasted amazing. Fuck! I was going to want more of her. Control yourself, Josh. I had been doing well so far. I just had to continue, especially since I had to find out if Shelly’s baby was mine. And if so, Isla may not want anything to do with me.
Regret rippled through me. I shouldn’t have kissed her, but when her bright green eyes filled with lust, and she lowered her gaze to my lips as she licked hers, I gave in to temptation. I’d forgotten about Shelly until it was over. Then reality flooded back. I had to get my life straightened out before I even attempted to have a relationship with Isla. She deserved the best of me, not the worst.
After I took a freezing shower, I got ready for bed and debated whether to say something to Isla. We’d agreed to pretend nothing happened, and if I didn’t say goodnight to her like I did every night, she would feel like shit. I knew I would. So I opened the door and shot my eyes open wide.
“Isla. I was just about to come see you.”
Her raised fist, ready to knock on the door, dropped while her eyes lingered on my bare chest. “Josh. I—I—you were about to come see me?” She smoothly changed the subject.
When I raked my hair back, her eyes landed on my biceps. Her longing-filled eyes had me so close to giving in to my desire and taking her in my room. Closing my eyes to contain my lust, I inhaled a deep breath to shut out my thoughts and my dick wanting what it shouldn’t. What I couldn’t have.
But shit, Isla. Did she have to look so damn hot in her night outfit—shorts and a T-shirt? She crossed her arms, to hide her nipples no doubt. But that didn’t stop me from envisioning the beautiful breasts I saw, touched, and tasted. Oh hell, I imagined my mouth on them as she stood before me. Her disheveled auburn hair—wild and full—contrasted with her face, looking innocent with no makeup.
I arched my eyebrows, loosening up, trying to get us back to the way we were. “Yes, I was, but why don’t you tell me why you’re here first?” I gave her my goofy grin—lips twisted, tongue slightly poking out, and eyes crossed.
She smacked my arm and let out a delicious, contagious laugh. When her laughter died, my heart died a little too because I couldn’t have her, at least not yet.
“I came to say goodnight. Since we’re starting over, I thought we keep things … you know … normal,” she said hesitantly, eyes darting to the door, to my bare chest again, swallowing, and then to her perfect, manicured feet.
“I’m glad you came.”
Her eyes shot to mine. “You are?”
“Of course I am. I was on my way to your room to say goodnight.”
“Oh. Okay. That’s good. Thanks. I mean. Goodnight.” She stumbled over her words.
Oh hell. I made it that way. She didn’t sound like my friend Isla, but rather a broken and confused Isla.
“Goodnight, honey.” I played along. “Do I get a hug?” I thought to ease the tension between us, but as soon as she wrapped her arms around me, I tightened with the tension of unfulfilled pleasure.
Isla’s touch burned through my skin, and her body molding to mine unraveled me. Her lavender shampoo filled my nostrils, and I wanted to take her to bed and make love to her all night. We stayed entangled longer than we should have, frozen in time and space. Then Isla pulled away, leaving me cold and empty.
Running her hands through her auburn locks, she didn’t notice she had exposed her T-shirt when she backed away. Oh fuck me! Her T-shirt framed her breast, teasing what I could no longer touch or taste. She gasped and crossed her arms again when my dirty eyes reminded her.
“Anyway. I’m going to see my brother tomorrow, and I’m going to spend the weekend with his family, so I’ll see you whenever.”
Why did that feel like a punch to my gut? It shouldn’t. She had done that two weekends before. “Sure. Have fun.”
“You got any plans?” Her long eyelashes fluttered, curious.
“I’m having dinner with Nathan tomorrow, but not much.”
She nodded and took several steps back. “Okay. Have a great weekend.” Then she turned and walked away.
“You too.” I stared at her fine ass and her long legs until she disappeared out of my sight. Inhaling a deep breath, I got back to bed with my laptop to distract me.
See what people are saying about the Knight Fashion series:
“Sexiest Couple Alive is a spectacularly exhilarating and breathlessly sensual story that shows us that scars can be beautiful and mistakes can lead you to the best things in life. “
-Amber from The Wonderings of One Person
“Sexiest Man Alive has it all; heartbreak, drama and excitement! M.Clarke has once again completely blown me away, she had me at the edge of my seat and left me wanting for more.”
-Lady Amber’s Reviews & PR
“5 Stars!!! Yes 5 stars baby!!! Wow!!! OMG I am at a loss for words!!! This book was HOT, Sexy and suspense! I can’t believe the ending and WAIT for book 2!!!! Nathan Cross is EVER women’s dream ….ALPHA male, Model and yet a sweet warm hearted guy! And Olivia she is a CONFIDENT, sexy and knows what she wants! She triumphs and struggles which makes her relatable and lovable as a character Grab this today you won’t be disappointed and make sure you get ready to be hooked on a new series.”
-FMR Book Grind, Stacey
“I am already anxious for the next book as I can’t wait to find out what happens next! I have been a huge fan of M. Clarke’s since first reading her work a few years ago, and I really love her Something Great series. Nathan is a character that I felt really connected to right away though, and I could not put this book down.”
– Ramblings From This Chick
Check out the other books in the Knight Fashion series!
About SEXIEST MAN ALIVE
(Knight Fashion Book 1)
Nathan Cross is a struggling actor waiting tables at a local restaurant to make ends meet while he attends endless auditions. Though his hopeful career moves at a slow pace, Olivia is the strength and sunshine in his life… until she leaves him. One day, he is offered a contract with a modeling agent, leading him to work for Knight Fashion Magazine—a dream job he never imagined would become a reality.
Olivia swore she would always put her career first and that’s precisely what she did when she left Nathan. Having a deadbeat dad and watching her mom work two jobs to make ends meet have been her driving force. When she is offered a modeling career, she drops everything—even the love of her life—and moves to New York. Though Nathan and Olivia try to steer clear of one another, working for the same fashion magazine causes their paths to cross again and old emotions are awakened.
Can Nathan forgive Olivia or will he take the next step with the woman he is currently dating? Will Olivia do everything she can to break them apart? Or will she choose her career over her heart… again?
Order this title at these online retailers:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU |Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Google Books | Kobo
SEXIEST COUPLE ALIVE
(Knight Fashion Book 2)
Nathan Cross is living his dream. Not only is he modeling for Knight Fashion Magazine, recently voted “sexiest man alive,” but he is dating a beautiful photographer who could be his new future. When he unexpectedly reunites with his past love, his world crashes around him. Two loves. The past or the future: which one will he choose?
Olivia’s past choices come back to haunt her and could ruin everything she has worked so hard to build. Troy has the power to destroy any hope of happiness. She will do everything to keep that from happening, even if it means giving up her second chance with Nathan. Lies. Revenge. Scandal. Olivia could lose it all.
Order this title at these online retailers:
Amazon UK | Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Amazon AU | iBooks | Amazon CA | Kobo
Author Bio:
International Bestselling, Award-Winning, Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry.
Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great.
Connect with Mary:
Facebook | Twitter | Website | Amazon | Newsletter | Instagram | Pintrest | Goodreads
Book Loving Pixies 