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RELEASE BLITZ ~ Truly, Madly, Deeply by Jeannie Moon
Truly, Madly, Deeply
by Jeannie Moon
Kick off your shoes, stick your toes in the sand and indulge yourself in a sweet second chance romance on the island of Mimosa Key. Nick DeMarco is back in Barefoot Bay and is hoping for Lila Novak’s forgiveness. Little does he know, he’ll get a whole lot more than that. Fans of Roxanne St. Claire’s Barefoot Bay will love meeting new visitors and residents of Mimosa Key in this Kindle Worlds Barefoot Bay romance by Jeannie Moon.
Release Date: 08/23/16
Publisher: Kindle Worlds
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Digital
Blurb
Nick DeMarco was a covert operative who breezed in and out of the lives of the people he cared about often without warning. This included his sister Josie’s best friend, Lila Novak.
Nick and Lila had a torrid affair the last time he dropped into Barefoot Bay, and now that he’s back, possibly for the long haul, he hopes she’ll forgive him for disappearing without a word.
Lila loves her life as a teacher at Mimosa High School, but her affair with Nick has thrown her a curveball she never expected. Carrying his baby, she’s faced with the loss of her job unless she agrees to do the last thing she wants to do – marry him.
Get More information at: Goodreads | Amazon
Excerpt
There were few things that ticked off Lila Novak more than busybodies. And when said busybodies were making her life difficult, that really chapped her ass.
She sat at the district office, having been summoned from Mimosa High School by the superintendent of schools, and while she waited she saw a parade of people enter the conference room. Her principal, the vice principal, the personnel director, and her department chair were all part of the group that was going to see her. This wasn’t good.
Nothing like kicking a girl when she was down.
Her department chair, Mary Chavez, poked her head out and motioned to Lila. “We’re ready for you. Don’t let them upset you, and don’t lose your temper.”
Mary was a sweet woman, a joy to work for. Because of her, the math department at Mimosa was a fun place to be. Her colleagues were friendly, and unlike some departments, they all liked each other. However, Mary knew Lila could have a smart mouth, and this wasn’t the time for wit. Even if some people deserved her wit shoved up their butts.
The superintendent sat at the far end of the table, and the other administrators flanked him left and right. This wasn’t going to be easy.
Lila stood at the other end of the large oval table. Alone.
“Lila, have a seat,” the big guy said.
“Thank you,” she replied. That was a load of shit. She had no reason to thank them.
“So,” he began. “We hear you’ve gotten yourself in a bad spot.”
This was really making him uncomfortable, and based on the scowls from a few others in the room, she was in more than a bad spot.
“Sir, I am pregnant, yes.” Lila took a deep breath before continuing. “I’ve tried to keep it private, but that’s hard to do in such a…close knit community.” It’s full of nosy women with nothing else to do, is what she wanted to say. But Lila held her tongue, knowing that sassing the superintendent and his minions wouldn’t help her cause. “While I’m sure it might make some people uncomfortable, it isn’t something I want to talk about.”
“Unfortunately, that’s not an option,” the personnel director broke in. She was new to the district, and Lila didn’t catch her first name, but her last name was Smith. “You have to talk about it. There is a clause in your contract regarding morality…”
Bile stuck in her throat. Sweet baby jeebus. A morality clause. It was the 21st century, wasn’t it? “I don’t understand.”
“We hold our teachers in very high regard,” the woman drawled. “And we’ve gotten a number of complaints about the situation. Parents are extremely upset about having an unwed, pregnant teacher in front of the classroom.”
A knot formed in Lila’s chest. Crushing breathlessness made her audibly suck in air, but she didn’t cry. No, she wouldn’t give this pit of vipers the satisfaction, but there was no hiding how this was affecting her.
No one seemed to care that she was in distress. They were all sitting very still, apparently awaiting Lila’s response.
“I see y’all staring at me, but I don’t know what you want me to say.”
“We thought you could offer some clarification, or explanation, so we can better understand how this all came about,” the nameless personnel director shot at her.
“Ma’am, if you want an explanation for my pregnancy, may I suggest you speak to a health teacher.” Yep. She just snapped at someone who held her fate in her hands.
“There’s no need to get snippy, young lady.”
“I’m sorry, but I believe there is.” Lila wasn’t going to be intimidated. “This is a private matter.”
“Who is the baby’s father?” Ms. Smith blurted out.
BOOM. There it was. That’s what they were driving at. There had been an ugly rumor about her and the father of one of her students. He’d made some unwanted advances in a bar. It didn’t matter that Lila had told him to buzz off; people had talked.
“I haven’t told the baby’s father yet, and I’m not comfortable telling you before I tell him.”
“Lila,” her chair began, “taking a hard line here isn’t going to help.”
“I’m sorry, but he’s overseas on assignment.” That was all Lila could come up with, and it might or might not have been true. She didn’t know where Nick DeMarco was. She hadn’t heard from him in months. “That’s all I can say.”
When she said he was overseas, everyone came to attention.
“Is he in the service of our country?” the superintendent asked.
Lila nodded. She didn’t know what Nick was doing, but he did work for the government. “I think I should tell him first, don’t you?”
“Lila, I don’t like this any more than you do, but something must be done. I have parents calling for your job.”
“Well, sir, with all due respect, you can tell them this is none of their business. I’m sure you’re aware that I am a very good teacher. My students are engaged and do very well.”
“I am. Your reputation in the classroom is excellent, but regardless of how accepting society has become of single parents, our teachers are held to a different standard. Parents are very upset.”
“Am I being dismissed?” There was no use in beating around the bush. If the decision had already been made, the time would be better spent polishing her resumé.
“I don’t want to do that, but I am in a difficult position.”
Of course. His contract was up for renewal. The last thing he needed was a bunch of parents complaining that he wasn’t responsive. If they started calling for his head, who knew how the board of education would respond? Lila didn’t know what she was expected to do. The baby was already in the picture.
“I guess you’ll let me know if I have a job, then?”
She started to get up from the chair when her department chair came to her defense. “Lila is one of our best teachers. Surely there’s a way for this to work out.”
Silence settled over the room, because no one seemed to have any answers. They were looking everywhere but at each other. Glancing off into space or keeping their eyes trained at the table. Except for Ms. Smith, who was staring at Lila. Now she didn’t know if she should leave or stay.
“Lila?” Her principal, Joe Alex, broke the quiet. “How is the clean-up from the fire going?”
That got everyone’s attention. Being a pity case wasn’t her first choice, but Lila would take it. She couldn’t be without a job. Especially not now.
The superintendent’s face dropped. He wasn’t a bad person, but he was a puppet. Now his conscience was getting to him. Lila just hoped it worked in her favor. “I’ll be in touch,” he said flatly. Then he stood and left the room, leaving Lila in the same place as she’d been before, without any answers.
***********
“Motherfucker, that hurts.” Over the course of his career, Nick had been shot, stabbed, beaten, and thrown off the roof of the building. But the searing pain from the injection into his injured shoulder was like nothing he’d ever felt. Of course, he’d been unconscious after the stabbing, and the shooting, and during the beating he managed to throw a few punches himself. Getting thrown off a building? Not something he would recommend.
But he’d recovered from every injury. He’d come back to duty stronger than ever, almost like he had to prove himself. Rumor was some people wondered if he was even human. Nick had to laugh at that. Of course he was human, he just took his work seriously. There were a lot of bad people out in the world, and it was Nick’s job to make sure they didn’t hurt anyone.
This time, however, his shoulder had been almost completely ripped out of the socket. The damage had been repaired as much as it could be, but for the first time in his career, Nick didn’t know if he was going to be able to do his job like he had before.
There had been mutterings about a desk job. A fucking desk job. He couldn’t see himself settling into a regular routine, making assignments, even if it did carry a promotion. He was an adrenaline junkie, pure and simple, and if he wasn’t out in the field chasing bad guys, he didn’t know what he was going to do.
“So will the cortisone fix what ails me?”
The doctor shrugged. It was another resident, another no-name who didn’t know anything about him. To the guy in the scrubs, Nick was just another case. He didn’t understand that Nick’s life as he knew it was on the line.
“Dr. O’Neill will be in in a minute. He has more details about your next step.” Without another word, the drone doc left the room. At least he would get to talk to the guy who did the surgery. Maybe he would finally give Nick a straight answer.
His cell phone beeped, and he glanced at the screen. His sister. The text was short. Are you alive?
Nick smiled. Josie, as always, got to the point. This time, he answered. Sent back a simple: yes. But that was all she was gonna get for now.
He was still figuring out how he felt about her relationship with Tony. Never in his life had he suspected his best friend and his sister had been having an affair. Now, Josie was going to be a queen. An honest to God, crown-wearing, scepter-wielding queen. Okay, maybe that was too dramatic. But she would have a crown. His little sister would have a crown.
Nick lay back on the table, knees bent, arm folded over his eyes. Jesus. What if he couldn’t go back in the field? He’d never thought about life after fieldwork, but now it was the only thing on his mind.
He tried to focus on something good, something positive, and immediately Lila Novak’s face flashed in his memory. Talk about secrets. The four days he’d spent in bed with Josie’s best friend had been just what he needed. The woman was a contradiction; on one hand she was full of piss and vinegar, but on the other she was beautiful, smart, sweet, and the sex had been a friggin’ miracle. Nick thought about her a lot, probably too much.
Still, he wanted to see her. He figured whatever the doctor said, he’d head to Florida for some R&R. His grandparents’ house was empty, and while he was there he was sure he could get Lila to see him. As long as she wasn’t too pissed off. He’d left without saying goodbye, and in his experience women really hated that.
He expected Lila was no different.
The door burst open and Dr. O’Neill entered the space. A big man, career Army, Nick peeked out from under his arm and the doctor tossed a wry grin in his direction.
“Hiding, Colonel?”
Colonel. He wasn’t used to being called by his rank. “Just trying to figure out what kind of bullshit you’ll be feeding me about my shoulder.”
“No bullshit,” the doctor said. “Truth only. Your shoulder was a hot mess. I was able to do some repair on the ligaments and tendons, but at this point it’s not stable. I can’t recommend you be allowed to go back to fieldwork at this time.”
“So, I’m going to be a desk jockey? I can’t do that. I’ll go crazy.” Nick’s fear of desk work was what drove him to volunteer for a special covert ops unit. He went where he was needed, working sometimes for the CIA, the NSA, or different branches of the military. When people asked what he did, he said he was a “security consultant”. It wasn’t a lie.
“You can stay in the Corps,” the doctor reassured him. “There are plenty of things a man with your knowledge and talents can do. You’re just not going to be swinging from trees or jumping off buildings anymore.”
“Should I retire? I mean, if I can’t do the work…”
“I didn’t say never, but not now. There’s a lot you can still do. Hell, with all your experience, you’ll be running the Joint Chiefs inside of six months. But you aren’t indestructible. You may recover enough to get back to the insanity you call a job, but I don’t recommend it.”
That particular statement made him think—and the conclusion wasn’t good. Lately, every injury meant a tougher recovery. He knew he was getting older, but his body was finally telling him what that meant. “Shit.”
The doctor took a seat across from him. “Nick, I’ve treated your last two orthopedic injuries. Your missions are more dangerous because that’s the way of the world right now, but even you have limits; you’re almost forty.”
“Thanks for the reminder.” Forty was still a couple of years away, but one thing Nick couldn’t deny was that he was feeling it.
Nick wasn’t a quitter, but he also wasn’t stupid. He knew when there was no point in arguing. He placed his feet solidly on the floor, stood, and extended his hand to O’Neill. “Thanks, Doc. I appreciate it.”
Shaking his hand, the older man wore an expression that told Nick he wasn’t the first to possibly have his career cut short and he wouldn’t be the last. But it still sucked.
Leaving the exam room, he took the stairs five flights down. He didn’t talk to anyone; it was raining, but he didn’t hail a cab, hoping the walk would clear his head. Finally, soaked to the bone, Nick jumped on the Metro. He was sure he looked sketchy, but he didn’t care. It would keep people away. He got off in Foggy Bottom, walked past the White House and down the mall, ending up on the steps of The Capitol. A security guard gave him the eye, suspicious. As he should be.
Nick was a dangerous man.
He was lighter—leaner—than he’d been before the injury. Not surprising, and probably a good thing.
It was pouring now, reminding him of an op that had dropped his team in the middle of a South American jungle.
God, what he wouldn’t give to be back there again.
Looking up, he felt like the heavens were taunting him.
He had to get out of town. He had a couple of options. He could head to an island and decompress in a tiki hut over a lagoon in Fiji. He had a friend with a chalet in the Alps. It was beautiful and secluded, but there would be no skiing or climbing.
The last idea was the one that really appealed to him. Barefoot Bay. He’d head to his grandparents’ house in Florida to regroup and figure out what to do next.
Sure, people knew him, but most of them wouldn’t ask questions, and the tiny coastal island of Mimosa Key was about as far away from work as he could possibly get. Sure, there might be nosy neighbors, but no one would be shooting at him.
And he’d try to see Lila. If she was still speaking to him.
Yeah, no doubt about it. Thoughts of Lila alone made Florida a very good idea.
GIVEAWAY
Giveaway link:
About the Author
Jeannie Moon has always been a romantic. When she’s not spinning tales of her own, Jeannie works as a school librarian, thankful she has a job that allows her to immerse herself in books.
Married to her high school sweetheart, Jeannie has three kids, three lovable dogs, and resides on Long Island, NY. If she’s more than ten miles away from salt water for any longer than a week, she gets twitchy.
Connect with Jeannie at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | GoodReads
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PRE-ORDER BLITZ ~ Alpha Beta Omega Anthology
10 Sizzling Shifter Stories From Today’s Hottest, Bestselling Authors
On PreOrder Now – Alpha Beta Omega: A Shifter Box Set
“Follow the blitz and enter to #win a grand prize of $50.00 Amazon gift card!”
Enter HERE:
Title:
Alpha Beta Omega: A Shifter Box Set
Anthology Authors:
Lia Davis, K.N. Lee, Marissa Dobson, Beth Caudill, Misha Carver,
Xandra James, Laxmi Hariharan, Bethany Shaw, Nicole Morgan, Lily Marie
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: September 13, 2016
Format: Digital
From today’s hottest USA Today and Bestselling authors comes a collection of 10 novellas, featuring hot alpha, beta, and omega shifters.
If you like tigers, bears, wolves, and more you’ll love this box set.
Each story is either a first in a series or a stand-alone novella.
AND it’s only on sale for a limited time so be sure to grab while it’s available.
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Available at:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks
What’s inside:
A Tiger’s Claim by Lia Davis
As the Alpha’s only daughter Shayna Andrews has always been treated like a rare gem, protected like royalty, and she’s suffocating. Her longing to be independent has driven her to sneak out one evening after dinner. After relishing in being able to run free without an escort, she finds herself face-to-face with the enemy, miles from home, and nearly loses her life until a lone wolf comes to her aid. But when he discovers she wears the enemy’s brand, things will go from bad to worse.
The Scarlett Legacy by K.N. Lee
Wizards. Shifters. Sexy mobsters with magic.
The arrival of Avalon Prince brings a century-old feud to a dangerous climax. Scottish Old-World magic, mixed with a dangerous obsession with Evie and a sinister plot for revenge threatens to bring the Scarlett family to its demise.
Tiger Time by Marissa Dobson
Tabitha Leigh has no idea her mundane life is about to change or that danger stalks her every step. Now as the Queen of the Tigers with a bounty on her head, she must embrace her future and her mate. If she doesn’t, it will mean the end of everything she’s come to know and never realized she needed.
Healer’s Fate by Beth Caudill
Corliss Rumdone’s the healer of her werewolf clan, destined to save lives and live in the shadows. He’s the alpha’s son, destined to mate to cement his status at the top of the pack. What happens when he chooses her instead?
Bearly Smitten (The Alpha’s Bride Book 1) by Misha Carver
When bear shifter Jed Barton’s keynote speaker engagement and his role as pack alpha require him to have a wife, he does what any other tycoon would do – he hires one – the last thing he wanted to do was fall in love with her.
Reluctant Revenge – Under the Demon’s Skin by Xandra James
Demon-hybrid Nash is hungry for revenge. Promising to protect the daughter of his sworn enemy, he’s torn between his duty as an Alpha Enforcer and his desire to avenge his murdered fiancée. Can Nash forgive the past? Or will losing Sienna be the only way to heal his dark heart?
Feral – A Many Lives Story by Laxmi Hariharan
He was her destination. She just didn’t know it. When Maya leaves Luke to go in search of her blood family, nothing prepares her for the secrets she uncovers about herself. An intense, shifter romance, set in a Bombay of the future.
The Beta’s Mate by Bethany Shaw
Nina’s tired of the lies and disappearances. Her marriage is on the verge of dissolving, but fate has other ideas. Now if she could only get in touch with her soon-to-be ex. Logan hates that his wife filed for divorce, even though everyone tells him it’s for the best. He’s the beta of the pack—second in command—and she’s human. When he discovers he’s going to be a father, he’ll do anything to keep Nina and the baby safe. But will she let him back in when she finds out he’s been lying to her for years about turning into a giant wolf?
Night Falls by Nicole Morgan
When Paul, the leader of the Racinitine Pack crosses paths with Kinzey, a tencacious reporter, he knows he’s in trouble. Not only can he see the fire in her, but he can feel it as well. When Kinzey gets too close to his secrets, it may change the only way of life his pack has ever known.
Wounds to Bear (Heart of The Bear Book One) by Lily Marie
A wounded shifter, and a beautiful, curvy woman. Two hearts, with one goal – to save the children taken by an old enemy.
Roman Black’s past has finally caught up with him – and he isn’t the only one paying for his mistakes. Dr. Jenna Morgan is running from her own past – and hopes to find her place in the small town of Pine Heart. When a wounded bear shows up at her door, she discovers that the rumors about this small town are true, and that one of those shifters is bleeding all over her front porch. She treats him, and learns that he was shot protecting a group of shifter and human kids – who are now being held by an old enemy bent on revenge.
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BOOK SPOTLIGHT ~ Waking The Bear (Shifter Wars #1) by Kerry Adrienne
WAKING THE BEAR
Series: Shifter Wars
by Kerry Adrienne
A shifter war is brewing and Griff must decide between the clan he has to protect and the woman destined to be his mate.
WAKING THE BEAR is a tale where passion and danger lurk in the heart of the forest.
This novel is perfect for fans of The Bear King’s Captive by Milly Taiden and Reinike by Becca Fanning.
Praise for Waking the Bear:
“Waking the Bear is a quick shifter read that will have you coming back for more from this author, I know I will.”
Night Owl Reads
I’m rating Waking the Bear a 5 out of 5 stars.”
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: August 1, 2016*
Publisher: Carina Press
Synopsis:
Sexy shifter passion is awakened when two unlikely lovers are challenged by secrets, danger and an unstoppable need to claim one’s mate…
For human Amy Francis, the secluded cabin in Deep Creek is the haven she needs to map out a fresh new start. She never expected her heart to be reawakened by a distraction like Griff Martin, commanding yet gentle, too ferociously sensual to ignore. It’s clear that patrolling the forest is more than a job to Griff—it’s a means of survival. But what Amy doesn’t realize is she’s reawakened the beast within him.
Griff’s dormant hunger is stirred by this intoxicating woman…and threatened by the secret she must never learn. Duty-bound to defend his bear clan against an avenging pride of lion shifters, Griff’s entire world is upended when he meets Amy. His animal need to claim his mate has taken hold, but that very desire could seal her fate as an unwitting pawn in battle.
Now, as a shifter war looms, Griff must decide between letting Amy go or following his most carnal instincts. To have her would change his life…but risk everything he knows and was born to protect.
*Previously published, newly revised by author
Order Now: Amazon | Carina Press | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | ARe
Excerpt from WAKING THE BEAR:
“Griff, this is Amy Francis, your new tenant.” Jill rushed over to Amy and took her by the elbow to lead her to the small kitchenette table. “I’ve already done the background check and credit check, and she’s prepared to pay two months up front. Just gotta sign the papers.”
As Amy passed the ranger he peered down at her, his hazel eyes locking on to her, examining. Warm, and soul-deep, they stared. Not judging or comparing, he truly seemed to be studying her without any pretense. She gazed back, her mouth partly open, her heart rate accelerating from being so close she could smell his woodsy scent. He wore a full beard, the kind of scraggly brown mess of wiry hair usually reserved for reality TV. His hair matched, curling to his shoulders in a tangle of waves.
Something about his eyes warmed her to her core.
“Nice to meet you, Ms. Francis,” his deep voice almost growled. He set her scarf on the table.
What had he been doing with her scarf? She’d left it on the table. She grabbed it then wrapped it around her neck, hoping to conceal her flush. “Nice to meet you, too.”
She was instantly at ease with him, despite his gruff appearance and her body’s reaction to his maleness. He had that Grizzly Adams kind of comfort in his posture. Big, but safe. Trustworthy. At ease with himself and his environment. The kind of guy that made you feel like everything was going to be okay.
Not the kind of guy she was used to being around.
“Glad you find my cabin to your satisfaction.” He continued to stare, but it wasn’t threatening, it was curious.
“It’s a lovely place, and the view is amazing, but you know that. Exactly what I was looking for, though. So thank you for agreeing to rent it to me.” She could tell she was babbling but her mouth wouldn’t stop. Something about the sexy ranger made her slap happy. She squeezed her scarf, trying to keep quiet and slow her thoughts down. Amy time. Amy time. Not looking for a man. Shouldn’t even be looking at a man, especially not a man like this. Whew, is it hot in here? She fanned herself.
“I have some questions.” He eyed her for a few seconds before continuing, his gaze cutting into her. “This is my family’s cabin and it’s very special to me. I don’t rent to just anyone that shows up. Even someone Jill has picked and background checked.” He nodded toward Jill. “Even though I’ve known her a long time.”
“Her background check was clear.” Jill nodded.
“I hope you’ll consider me.” Amy shuffled her feet. Her heart thudded and her palms dampened. She hadn’t considered that he might not rent to her. If he didn’t, she’d have to stay in a hotel till she found another place, and that wouldn’t be easy.
He ran his fingertips across the chairback and paused before speaking. “This cabin is a special place to me.”
She followed his fingers, watching them slide across the smooth wood. “I can see how it would be.” Her mouth went dry. His long fingers and large hands exuded the same power his height did. No wonder Jill seemed to have a crush on him. Who wouldn’t? She cleared her throat. “What questions do you have? I’m prepaying.”
“I’ve got the contract,” Jill interjected. “Ready to go.”
“No, it’s not that.” He ran his fingers through his beard. “I need to know how you’ll use the cabin.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t damage anything. I’m an artist and I draw and paint landscapes and florals. Mostly watercolor, and almost always outdoors. That’s why I thought about coming to the mountains of New York. It’s so beautiful here.” Damn, she was still babbling. What was it about the big man that both put her off guard and comforted her at the same time? Her body hummed with excitement being in his presence and she’d left her cool in the cabin bedroom. She had to get control. She was in New York to get away from people, not meet new ones. Especially not sexy new ones.
He had facial hair and she had a rule. No facial hair. That was simple enough, right? No facial hair meant zero facial hair. Well, except eyebrows. She’d dated a guy in college who shaved off his eyebrows as part of his Goth sensibilities. Best guy ever at quoting Whitman. No facial hair except eyebrows had been a rule since that guy was out of her life.
“I see. Well, I’m glad to hear you aren’t painting with harsh chemicals.” He yawned and rubbed his eyes. He gripped the back of the kitchen chair and scooted it across the wooden floor to its place under the table. “Sorry. I’m having a hard time staying awake.”
“Sorry.” Her face heated again. “I’m trying to tell you how lovely I think this area is, especially compared to the city.”
“The mountains are picturesque, especially in springtime. I think you’ll be an ideal tenant, long as you can follow the rules.”
His gaze lingered, and she crossed her arms over her chest. “Th-thank you,” she stammered at his close inspection. “I can follow the rules.” The landlord won’t be too bad to look at, either. Not a bonus I was expecting. Looking is okay.
“One thing you need to know. Take it to heart, please. The mountains are very dangerous. Especially if you don’t know what you’re doing or where you’re going. You don’t want to go traipsing around these trails by yourself. You could get lost pretty easily and it could be days before someone finds you. There are things—”
“I don’t think you need to worry about Ms. Francis,” Jill spoke up. “She’ll be fine.” She fiddled with her notebook, flipping pages quickly. “She’s from Atlanta.”
Griff reared up to his full height and stared at the Realtor. “This is not Atlanta.”
BLP REVIEW – Tracy
Aahhhh, my fave genre….. PNR!!!
Waking the Bear was a good read. The first book in the Shifter Wars series nicely introduced and set up the storyline for what is sure to be one helluva battle between the Deep Creek bears and the Sen Pal lions.
I really liked Griff, yeah he was a real alpha male but he was a good guy, cared about the forest and the bears in his clan and knew pretty much from the get go that Amy was his fated mate but given everything that was going on in and around Deep Creek and the Caves of Whispers I could totally understand why he felt he had to pull himself back from thinking about a future with her.
Amy, looking to have some ‘me time’ for a couple of months having ended a horrible relationship with an overly possessive and controlling guy ends up renting a cabin from Griff in the Deep Creek National Park .
I liked that Amy was cautious about starting anything serious with Griff. She hadn’t been single for long at all and, even though she could fell the intense draw between them, she wasn’t sure where she would be in 2 months. The last thing she feels she needs is to get involved with her overprotective landlord – gods help her when she finds out that she’s actually his mate!!!
With a real nasty villain holding onto a deep seated grudge, some action and drama with a few twist and a whole lot of heat, Waking the Bear was an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to reading more in this series from Kerry Adrienne.
I rate WtB 3.75*
Other Books By Kerry Adrienne:
Storm Damaged:
In a world where humans don’t know mermaids exist, Mari leaves her home in the ocean to escape her mother, her betrothed, and her tribe’s expectations in order to make a go of independence on land. Chase, former Navy diver and self-appointed curmudgeon-who-isn’t-worthy-of-love, lost his brother in a freak diving accident and now fears the ocean he once loved.
Mari’s a mermaid with a plan. She has to get the sexy bartender, Chase, to remain on the island so she can get him into her bed. Trouble is, he’s afraid of the water and there’s a hurricane coming. But with Mari’s betrothed on the rampage over a centuries-old vendetta, the storm isn’t the worst thing they’ll have to face.
Storm Damaged is available now: Amazon | Kobo | ARe
The Wolf and the Butterfly:
Nika, the pack’s newest scout, wants nothing more than to please his Alpha. When he discovers a beautiful, and very sick, stranger in the woods outside Los Lobos, he finds himself torn between his duty and his hormones. The stranger carries a deadly wolf virus—one that hasn’t been seen in the Black Hills in ages.
Kimi, a Lakota Sioux, is dying. She’s transported herself forward in time, hoping to find the cure to the illness that’s stricken her tribe. Her only chance for survival is to trust Nika, even if she’s not used to having help.
To find the cure and save the pack, Nika and Kimi must travel to a time long ago—before the Lakota populated the Black Hills—a time filled with dangers neither can imagine. Their growing attraction may save them, or kill them both.
The Wolf and the Butterfly is available now: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | ARe
About Kerry Adrienne:
Repped by the fabulous Marisa Corvisiero with the Corvisiero Literary Agency.
Kerry loves history and spends large amounts of time wondering about people who lived and walked on Earth in the past. She’s a mom to three daughters, six cats, and various small animals. Her husband says she’s a marketer’s dream, as she often believes everything she hears—at least initially. Her shoe horde will attest to her fine shopping skills.
In addition to writing, Kerry loves to sew (costumes and cosplay, especially), draw, paint, make chainmail, and play guitar.
Her new love is her Mini Cooper Convertible, Sheldon, and they have already gone on many adventures. They travel to as many concerts as they can–especially Green Day and Marilyn Manson.
You can visit her much-neglected costuming blog here: Maybe she’ll have time to update it soon.
Connect with Kerry: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon
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BLOG EXCERPT TOUR ~ Fool for You by Rina Gray
Can she go from BFF TO MRS?
Find out in FOOL FOR YOU
(Crush on You Book 1) from debut author Rina Gray…
About FOOL FOR YOU
Sports journalist Melanie Foster has achieved most of her goals: Bomb.com job—check. Tomboy-to-smoking-hottie makeover—check. Convince her best friend, Damien Richards, to slide a ring on her finger and father her two-point-five kids—not so much. When she activates Operation: I’m Gonna Make You Love Me, she never imagines her BFF already has plans to stroll down the wedding aisle with another woman.
Damien is in the middle of crisis mode. The non-profit for young athletes at which he volunteers is in financial trouble. He’ll pull out all the stops to rescue the organization that saved his life after his career-ending injury—even if it means sacrificing his personal happiness.
But when he finally wakes up to love and the very non-friendly feelings he’s long held for Mel, it might just be too late. Damien must convince her that he’s worth the risk and turn the tables to show her he’s the one ready to be a fool for love.
On Sale in Digital: July 18, 2016
Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Crimson | iBooks | Google Books
Add FOOL FOR YOU to your TBR pile on Goodreads!
CELEBRATE THE RELEASE WITH A GIVEAWAY!
Grand Prize: 2 Winners Will Each Receive a Kindle Fire
Runner-Up: 1 Runner-Up Will Receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card
Excerpt:
Tiana sat with her legs crossed on the olive-green chenille couch in a ratty T-shirt and sweats, devouring a pint of birthday-cake ice cream. Not good. Melanie’s high-strung friend had a life rule to never wear ugly lounge clothes. Only silk and sexy nightgowns touched that body.
Tiana’s scrunched, I-just-ate-bad-sushi face focused on the television, which blared an Australian accent explaining the mating patterns of insects.
Melanie plopped down on the love seat beside her friend and watched a male spider do the courtship dance. She wasn’t really in the mood to see insects get it on, but she’d play along until her reclusive friend shared what was bothering her.
After the male spider did his mating ritual, the female spun him into a tight cocoon. Didn’t know spiders were into bondage, but I dig it.
“Jesus, take the wheel!” Melanie yelled, grabbing Tiana’s wrist. “Did you just see that? He was just busting a move, and she ate him! She ate him!”
Tiana licked the back of her spoon. “He didn’t dance long enough, and he wasn’t good enough for her anyway.”
“Why are you home early, sucking down ice cream, and watching insect porn?”
Tiana rolled her eyes. “Nathaniel.”
Melanie coughed into her hand and covered a grin. Nate’s antics reminded her of a little boy that liked a girl but didn’t know how to express himself. “What did he do?”
“It’s not one big thing. It’s the little things he does to drive me crazy. Ugh! Just like in grad school.” Tiana folded her arms across her chest.
“Like what?”
“Like … we share the same office since we work on many of the same accounts. When I’m printing something and don’t immediately get up, the copies disappear. One day he attached an air horn to my seat and switched our keyboards when I went to the bathroom.” Tiana tugged on her ponytail and huffed.
“And?”
“He took control of my keyboard and pulled up a stupid clown fetish forum on my screen. Our boss came by to visit, and I … well, I almost pissed my Victoria’s Secrets!” Her spoon scraped against the ceramic bowl. “But luckily he clicked off by the time Isaac came around my desk.”
Melanie shook with laughter. “How?” She snorted. “How did Nathan find out you hate clowns?” Howling again, she clutched her stomach.
“It’s not funny! What if my boss saw the website? He would think I was some sort of freak!”
“Sorry, T.” Melanie peppered her tone with just the right amount of remorse to appease her grumpy friend. “But seriously, how on earth did he find out about the clown thing?”
Tiana scooped a big chunk of ice cream, stuffed it in her mouth, and took her sweet time answering. “In one of our grad classes, we had to write an essay about our greatest fears. I wrote about clowns.”
Author Bio:
Rina Gray is one of the newest African American romance writers on the rise. She is also a digital marketing professional who discovered her love of writing in 2012. Writing has always been Rina’s passion, though initially, she tried to deny it. In college she served as the copy editor for the entertainment magazine and newspaper. During her tenure, she had the opportunity to interview various talented entertainers including Chris Rock and the cast from Reno-911. Rina has always been an avid reader, sneaking to read her mother’s books she had no business reading i.e. Stephen King’s The Stand, It, and Anne Rice’s various vampire series. As a pre-teen, she received a load of romance novels from a family friend and from that point on, she devoured any book related to romance or horror. When she’s not writing, she can be found with her head stuck in a book, kickboxing, or dominating game night with friends and family. Rina resides in Atlanta with her husband.
Follow Rina: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter
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RELEASE BLITZ ~ Waking The Bear by Kerry Adrienne
WAKING THE BEAR by Kerry Adrienne
A shifter war is brewing and Griff must decide between the clan he has to protect and the woman destined to be his mate. WAKING THE BEAR is a tale where passion and danger lurk in the heart of the forest. This novel is perfect for fans of The Bear King’s Captive by Milly Taiden and Reinike by Becca Fanning.
Praise for Waking the Bear:
“Waking the Bear is a quick shifter read that will have you coming back for more from this author, I know I will.”
Night Owl Reads
I’m rating Waking the Bear a 5 out of 5 stars.”
Reviews by a Thrifty Mom
Follow the tour August 1st – 5th and enter for a chance to win a picnic basket for two! (US Residents Only)
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August 1st
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Evermore Books Author Interview
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Title: Waking the Bear
Series: Shifter Wars
Author: Kerry Adrienne
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: August 1, 2016*
Publisher: Carina Press
Synopsis:
Sexy shifter passion is awakened when two unlikely lovers are challenged by secrets, danger and an unstoppable need to claim one’s mate…
For human Amy Francis, the secluded cabin in Deep Creek is the haven she needs to map out a fresh new start. She never expected her heart to be reawakened by a distraction like Griff Martin, commanding yet gentle, too ferociously sensual to ignore. It’s clear that patrolling the forest is more than a job to Griff—it’s a means of survival. But what Amy doesn’t realize is she’s reawakened the beast within him.
Griff’s dormant hunger is stirred by this intoxicating woman…and threatened by the secret she must never learn. Duty-bound to defend his bear clan against an avenging pride of lion shifters, Griff’s entire world is upended when he meets Amy. His animal need to claim his mate has taken hold, but that very desire could seal her fate as an unwitting pawn in battle.
Now, as a shifter war looms, Griff must decide between letting Amy go or following his most carnal instincts. To have her would change his life…but risk everything he knows and was born to protect.
*Previously published, newly revised by author
Order Now: Amazon | Carina Press | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | ARe
Excerpt from WAKING THE BEAR:
“Griff, this is Amy Francis, your new tenant.” Jill rushed over to Amy and took her by the elbow to lead her to the small kitchenette table. “I’ve already done the background check and credit check, and she’s prepared to pay two months up front. Just gotta sign the papers.”
As Amy passed the ranger he peered down at her, his hazel eyes locking on to her, examining. Warm, and soul-deep, they stared. Not judging or comparing, he truly seemed to be studying her without any pretense. She gazed back, her mouth partly open, her heart rate accelerating from being so close she could smell his woodsy scent. He wore a full beard, the kind of scraggly brown mess of wiry hair usually reserved for reality TV. His hair matched, curling to his shoulders in a tangle of waves.
Something about his eyes warmed her to her core.
“Nice to meet you, Ms. Francis,” his deep voice almost growled. He set her scarf on the table.
What had he been doing with her scarf? She’d left it on the table. She grabbed it then wrapped it around her neck, hoping to conceal her flush. “Nice to meet you, too.”
She was instantly at ease with him, despite his gruff appearance and her body’s reaction to his maleness. He had that Grizzly Adams kind of comfort in his posture. Big, but safe. Trustworthy. At ease with himself and his environment. The kind of guy that made you feel like everything was going to be okay.
Not the kind of guy she was used to being around.
“Glad you find my cabin to your satisfaction.” He continued to stare, but it wasn’t threatening, it was curious.
“It’s a lovely place, and the view is amazing, but you know that. Exactly what I was looking for, though. So thank you for agreeing to rent it to me.” She could tell she was babbling but her mouth wouldn’t stop. Something about the sexy ranger made her slap happy. She squeezed her scarf, trying to keep quiet and slow her thoughts down. Amy time. Amy time. Not looking for a man. Shouldn’t even be looking at a man, especially not a man like this. Whew, is it hot in here? She fanned herself.
“I have some questions.” He eyed her for a few seconds before continuing, his gaze cutting into her. “This is my family’s cabin and it’s very special to me. I don’t rent to just anyone that shows up. Even someone Jill has picked and background checked.” He nodded toward Jill. “Even though I’ve known her a long time.”
“Her background check was clear.” Jill nodded.
“I hope you’ll consider me.” Amy shuffled her feet. Her heart thudded and her palms dampened. She hadn’t considered that he might not rent to her. If he didn’t, she’d have to stay in a hotel till she found another place, and that wouldn’t be easy.
He ran his fingertips across the chairback and paused before speaking. “This cabin is a special place to me.”
She followed his fingers, watching them slide across the smooth wood. “I can see how it would be.” Her mouth went dry. His long fingers and large hands exuded the same power his height did. No wonder Jill seemed to have a crush on him. Who wouldn’t? She cleared her throat. “What questions do you have? I’m prepaying.”
“I’ve got the contract,” Jill interjected. “Ready to go.”
“No, it’s not that.” He ran his fingers through his beard. “I need to know how you’ll use the cabin.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t damage anything. I’m an artist and I draw and paint landscapes and florals. Mostly watercolor, and almost always outdoors. That’s why I thought about coming to the mountains of New York. It’s so beautiful here.” Damn, she was still babbling. What was it about the big man that both put her off guard and comforted her at the same time? Her body hummed with excitement being in his presence and she’d left her cool in the cabin bedroom. She had to get control. She was in New York to get away from people, not meet new ones. Especially not sexy new ones.
He had facial hair and she had a rule. No facial hair. That was simple enough, right? No facial hair meant zero facial hair. Well, except eyebrows. She’d dated a guy in college who shaved off his eyebrows as part of his Goth sensibilities. Best guy ever at quoting Whitman. No facial hair except eyebrows had been a rule since that guy was out of her life.
“I see. Well, I’m glad to hear you aren’t painting with harsh chemicals.” He yawned and rubbed his eyes. He gripped the back of the kitchen chair and scooted it across the wooden floor to its place under the table. “Sorry. I’m having a hard time staying awake.”
“Sorry.” Her face heated again. “I’m trying to tell you how lovely I think this area is, especially compared to the city.”
“The mountains are picturesque, especially in springtime. I think you’ll be an ideal tenant, long as you can follow the rules.”
His gaze lingered, and she crossed her arms over her chest. “Th-thank you,” she stammered at his close inspection. “I can follow the rules.” The landlord won’t be too bad to look at, either. Not a bonus I was expecting. Looking is okay.
“One thing you need to know. Take it to heart, please. The mountains are very dangerous. Especially if you don’t know what you’re doing or where you’re going. You don’t want to go traipsing around these trails by yourself. You could get lost pretty easily and it could be days before someone finds you. There are things—”
“I don’t think you need to worry about Ms. Francis,” Jill spoke up. “She’ll be fine.” She fiddled with her notebook, flipping pages quickly. “She’s from Atlanta.”
Griff reared up to his full height and stared at the Realtor. “This is not Atlanta.”
BLP REVIEW – Tracy
Aahhhh, my fave genre….. PNR!!!
Waking the Bear was a good read. The first book in the Shifter Wars series nicely introduced and set up the storyline for what is sure to be one helluva battle between the Deep Creek bears and the Sen Pal lions.
I really liked Griff, yeah he was a real alpha male but he was a good guy, cared about the forest and the bears in his clan and knew pretty much from the get go that Amy was his fated mate but given everything that was going on in and around Deep Creek and the Caves of Whispers I could totally understand why he felt he had to pull himself back from thinking about a future with her.
Amy, looking to have some ‘me time’ for a couple of months having ended a horrible relationship with an overly possessive and controlling guy ends up renting a cabin from Griff in the Deep Creek National Park .
I liked that Amy was cautious about starting anything serious with Griff. She hadn’t been single for long at all and, even though she could fell the intense draw between them, she wasn’t sure where she would be in 2 months. The last thing she feels she needs is to get involved with her overprotective landlord – gods help her when she finds out that she’s actually his mate!!!
With a real nasty villain holding onto a deep seated grudge, some action and drama with a few twist and a whole lot of heat, Waking the Bear was an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to reading more in this series from Kerry Adrienne.
I rate WtB 3.75*
Other Books By Kerry Adrienne:
Storm Damaged:
In a world where humans don’t know mermaids exist, Mari leaves her home in the ocean to escape her mother, her betrothed, and her tribe’s expectations in order to make a go of independence on land. Chase, former Navy diver and self-appointed curmudgeon-who-isn’t-worthy-of-love, lost his brother in a freak diving accident and now fears the ocean he once loved.
Mari’s a mermaid with a plan. She has to get the sexy bartender, Chase, to remain on the island so she can get him into her bed. Trouble is, he’s afraid of the water and there’s a hurricane coming. But with Mari’s betrothed on the rampage over a centuries-old vendetta, the storm isn’t the worst thing they’ll have to face.
Storm Damaged is available now: Amazon | Kobo | ARe
The Wolf and the Butterfly:
Nika, the pack’s newest scout, wants nothing more than to please his Alpha. When he discovers a beautiful, and very sick, stranger in the woods outside Los Lobos, he finds himself torn between his duty and his hormones. The stranger carries a deadly wolf virus—one that hasn’t been seen in the Black Hills in ages.
Kimi, a Lakota Sioux, is dying. She’s transported herself forward in time, hoping to find the cure to the illness that’s stricken her tribe. Her only chance for survival is to trust Nika, even if she’s not used to having help.
To find the cure and save the pack, Nika and Kimi must travel to a time long ago—before the Lakota populated the Black Hills—a time filled with dangers neither can imagine. Their growing attraction may save them, or kill them both.
The Wolf and the Butterfly is available now: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | ARe
About Kerry Adrienne:
Repped by the fabulous Marisa Corvisiero with the Corvisiero Literary Agency.
Kerry loves history and spends large amounts of time wondering about people who lived and walked on Earth in the past. She’s a mom to three daughters, six cats, and various small animals. Her husband says she’s a marketer’s dream, as she often believes everything she hears—at least initially. Her shoe horde will attest to her fine shopping skills.
In addition to writing, Kerry loves to sew (costumes and cosplay, especially), draw, paint, make chainmail, and play guitar.
Her new love is her Mini Cooper Convertible, Sheldon, and they have already gone on many adventures. They travel to as many concerts as they can–especially Green Day and Marilyn Manson.
You can visit her much-neglected costuming blog here: Maybe she’ll have time to update it soon.
Connect with Kerry: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon
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