Blog Archives
PROMO TOUR ~ Phoenix Rising by Hunter S Jones
PHOENIX RISING
Author: Hunter S. Jones
GENRE: Literary Fiction/Historical Fiction
The last hour of Anne Boleyn’s life…
Court intrigue, revenge and all the secrets of the last hour are revealed as one queen falls and another rises to take her place on destiny’s stage.
A young Anne Boleyn arrives at the court of King Henry VIII. She is to be presented at the Shrovetide pageant, le Château Vert. The young and ambitious Anne has no idea that a chance encounter before the pageant will lead to her capturing the heart of the king. What begins as a distraction becomes his obsession and leads to her destruction.
Love, hate, loyalty and betrayal come together in a single dramatic moment… the execution of a queen. The history of England will be changed for ever.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
May 2015
Long ago, when our English ancestress immigrated to the American colonies in the late 17th century, she brought with her a star chart, the stories it revealed, and a golden ring. My grandmother told me this, and her grandmother had explained it to her. This story has remained in our family for generations. The star chart tells the story of the last hour of Anne Boleyn and the rise of Lady Jane Seymour as predicted by an astrologer to the King of England, Henry VIII. The family legend and the chart reveal what happened in the last hour on that English morning of May 19, 1536.
The star chart is a map of the planetary movement for a particular time. It is divided into twelve segments called houses. Each house represents a different area of life and individuals within a person’s life. Every house literally provides a home for the planets stationed there, giving that planet a place to manifest its energy through various individuals. According to the stars and the twelve houses of the star map, zodiac wheel, or astrology chart, as we call them today, this is how the King, the doomed Queen, and various members of their family and court spent the last hour of one Queen’s life and the beginning of the next Queen’s reign. As the falcon badge of Anne Boleyn began its descent, the phoenix emblem of Jane Seymour began to rise.
The star map remains in my possession, as does the golden ring. So it was explained to me and now I can reveal to you that which has been a mystery. The mystery of how that one moment in time came to be.
Deb Hunter writes fiction as Hunter S. Jones. She is a member of the prestigious Society of Authors founded by Lord Tennyson, Rivendell Writers Colony, Historical Writers’ Association, Historical Fiction Authors, Historical Novel Society and the Atlanta Writer’s Club. She is also a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) PAN Member; and Georgia Romance Writers. Originally from a Chattanooga, Tennessee, she currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her Scottish born husband.Her Tudor History blog, Fear and Loathing in Tudor England, is a reader’s favorite.
Her best seller, PHOENIX RISING
SECRETS from a DANGEROUS TIME is a multi-dimensional series set in post-Civil War Reconstruction in Chattanooga, Tennessee and the north Georgia. This series is an Amazon Exclusive available via MadeGlobal Publishing.
Share this:
MINI BLITZ ~ Something to Dream On by Diane Rinella
Genre: Women’s Fiction, light paranormal romance
If a painting in the home of your perfect man reflects your dreams of doom, do you run, or do you dare to embrace love?
While Lizetta lives a life of compassion, childhood bullying over a few extra pounds have caused this sparky woman to lose sight of the beauty of her soul. Jensen’s recent past is filled with substance abuse, shady morals, and loose women. A brutal wake up call forced him to find his way back to the gentle soul he once was; however, there are some whose futures depend on the return of the demon.
Souls can heal, but how long can they fight the forces that seek to destroy them? If one of those forces is the person who shattered your self-image, and she is determined to take down the one you love, could you still believe that everyone deserves a second chance?
“I am so grateful for you and Etta. This sounds crazy, but I swear that right after he died, I heard Eddie’s voice saying to let the universe be my guide. I tried to understand, but I couldn’t get it until I saw Etta on the side of the road. I thought I was living my nightmare all over again, but an angel in scrubs appeared and gave me hope.”
“I looked such a mess that day,” she chokes out.
My hands cup her cheeks so I can capture her gaze. New tears form because more than ever I see what a gift she was. “You looked like a savior whose only concern wasn’t her own. You were the beacon of light that showed me I would be okay. I was so afraid that seeing Etta would send me begging for a needle and a spoon, but instead you both brought me deeper into salvation.” I squeeze her hands again to emphasize my plea. “You ground me. For months I have stayed on track because I had this dream that there was something better for me, something that could make me feel rooted. That dream is you.”
Share this:
DOUBLE RELEASE TOUR ~ “Legends” & “Legacy” box sets
“LEGACY” & “LEGENDS”
BOX SETS
BOX SETS
Complete Books Anthologies — Hot New Release —
Vacation Reading Package — Perfect Holiday Gift Idea
Vacation Reading Package — Perfect Holiday Gift Idea
LEGENDS
Published: November 10, 2015
13 COMPLETE NOVELS AND NOVELLAS FROM YOUR
FAVORITE SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY AUTHORS.
FAVORITE SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY AUTHORS.
This box set is comprised of a mix of already released and totally new novels and novellas, all complete works. Those books which are part of a series can be enjoyed fully without the need to read the complete series (though there is a chance you might develop story-addiction issues—for that, we apologize).
To some, death is the end; to others, a beginning. To Icarus Fell, it should have been a relief from a life gone seriously awry.
But death had other plans.
Icarus doesn’t believe that the man awaiting him when he wakes up in a cheap motel room is really the archangel Michael, or that God’s right hand wants him to help souls on their way to Heaven. Icarus doesn’t believe there’s a Heaven, so why should they want his help?
But the man claiming to be the archangel tempts him with an offer he can’t ignore–harvest enough souls and get back the life he wished he’d had.
It seems Icarus has nothing to lose, until he botches a harvest and the soul that went to Hell instead of Heaven comes back to make him pay by threatening to take away the life he hoped to win back.
To save the wife and son he already lost once, Icarus will have to become the man he never was. Somehow, he will have to learn to believe.
A young god graduates from God School and gets his dream job of building his first universe. Plagued by a school rival and aided by his friends, he struggles to create a world he can be proud of.
CoDee is a brain damaged young man living on a dusty, dirty desert world. He is barely functional but owns an old junk yard. He hates it when dead animals are dumped in the yard. He says it “hurts his heart” to deal with them. The world he lives on caters to the older poorer freighters and trading ships. A ship rescued a member of a feline species with massive injuries. The cat is dumped in his yard barely alive. The female cat asks for CoDee’s help. He does the best he can. Cat can help heal him, but first she must mend.
Cat’s efforts to help CoDee reveals memories of the individual who nearly killed him, his father.
Are You Afraid of the Dark?
Take a Suspense filled Action packed journey to the Dark Side of the Moon. The brand new Sci-fi/Suspense/Thriller by Ahmad Taylor.
Government agent Derrick Thomas awakens from a disturbing dream to find a message from his father asking for help. As he sets out to lend his assistance he quickly discovers that not only has his father gone missing, but that a clandestine government agency is out to derail his search before it can begin. After the murders of two of his father’s colleagues and the further disappearances of his mother and sister, Derrick is thrust into a battle for the lives of his family while attempting to uncover details of a secret government program which may hold the key to his family’s whereabouts. Will he be able to save them and uncover the truth before he becomes the next victim of a government bent on keeping him silent?
Corruption meets revolution in this steampunk thriller
Before there was a history, the sun goddess Navora visited a moon within her realm that held primitive ocean life. She dipped her staff of power into the primordial sea and stirred. Pleased with what she had wrought, she departed, not at all troubled that a divine spark had touched two small dying sea creatures.
As centuries pass, life on the moon develops into a geothermal steam-powered industrial age. A triumvirate of politicians, banks and corporations bring strain and suffering to the masses they rule over. Unbeknownst to the people of the moon, there may be help. With the gears of time ever moving and trouble spiraling to a crisis point, can three individuals and a handful of fossils prevent a violent revolution?
Mardi Gras is coming, and no one is more excited than Jolie—The Big Easy’s resident good witch. Amidst the festivities, darkness creeps under the blissful veil of love she is entangled with. Her twin sister, the evil witch Melanie, is out to destroy Jolie before her powers can usurp her own, willing to stop at nothing to do so. Jolie, aided by Asher and his seven-man wolf pack, are set to keep New Orleans safe from Melanie’s sorcery, or die trying.
Enjoy the story of Jolie and Asher, a modern-day retelling of the classic tale Snow White.
This Mardi Gras season, let the sinful good times roll with Trapt, a Twisted Wolf Tale and part of the Red Hot Cajun Nights multi-author series (stands alone for reading enjoyment).
Warning: This supernatural urban fantasy romance novella contains adult situations and is meant for ages 18+.
After Charley dies in her office chair, how is it that she finds herself propelled into the mysterious world of Avalon?
Upon encountering an essence, which insists is her daughter – the one she knows she left behind – insanity battles with fear inside her mind.
The further she delves, the more puzzling things appear, especially after she rises into the Orb of Caprice – a realm of fairies, talking flowers and goblins…and something else, something that lurks in the shadows ready to swallow her whole.
Can she realise in time what it is she must do…or has she left it too late?
Gone is a story inspired by a true event.
There is something very evil lurking in the woods surrounding Witchwood Estate.
Alexandria Santorini learns as a child that she comes from a long line of Harvey witches. Now, as a teenager, Alexandria must say goodbye to Catnip Cottage and the Barnabys, her loving guardians for the last twelve years, and go home to Ferntree Falls to claim her inheritance. Witchwood Estate. The home where she was born and her parents were murdered. Her journey home becomes even more sinister, however, when she discovers that there are those around her who have other plans for her and her new friends…
FROZEN HEART — Ella Medler
Quiet and listless, the glass heart sat hidden under layers of unremarkable clutter, its secret safe. The human hands had touched it often through the strata of debris, but until now, had never uncovered it fully. At last, the yellow duster cut through the grime, and the heart began to shift. It would most likely have frozen over again, up on its high shelf, if the cat’s careless pouncing hadn’t made if fall into a box full of tinsel. This is how the history of time and place began to change — with the story of the frozen heart.
A 19th century time travel mystery revolves around Garnets. But then, is it really time travelling?
From early childhood, a young woman has often awakened in the night to find herself in a different bedroom, but she has never encountered another living soul.
And then comes the day when circumstances push her to open a door and look beyond…
The first book in the Sherdan series
“The story is beautifully brought to life with plenty of emotional turmoil … readers will be hooked until the last words.” D. J. Lowbridge, Author
“A strong book about the battle between science and religion without exaggerating either side.” Paul Kater, Author
Sherdan has spent many years planning for the future of the superhuman race he’s created. Now he’s in control of their land and he is expected to forge a fresh start and provide somewhere safe for them all to live, but Britain’s PM has other ideas. On top of this he has to face the one thing he never expected to love.
Anya is on a mission from God; to find out why she has been sent to the heart of Bristol, and what she can do to stop the world being plunged into war. When she finds herself forced to choose between Sherdan with his enzyme fuelled followers and her own country, only her faith can see her through.
Sherdan’s Prophecy is a tale of high stakes and political intrigue. A science fiction novel where faith and technology come together to take the human race another step closer to the final showdown. A gritty account of power that shows both the best and the worst of humanity.
Jorja always knew she was different. But it wasn’t until she discovered her telekinetic ability that she realised just how different she was.Living with her frail mother and an obsessive, cruel and hated aunt, Jorja grapples with the truth of her being.
As her story is revealed, other powers are uncovered – not least that she can see other people’s souls in the colours that surround them – and we are led into a surprising and shocking world of fantasy, forcing doubt as to the sanity of the heroine.
We follow Jorja’s life, delving into her loves, hates and fears though cannot help but delight in the woman she becomes, despite the question which hangs mysteriously in the air.
It will be up to the reader to decide if Mageia and its diverse inhabitants are indeed real or only the illusionary world created by a disturbed mind, due, not only to grief but also to her persecution by her aunt and the defective qualities of a barbarous doctor.
Although the story is resolved, questions will remain.
The Sage Seed Chronicles follows the stories of certain individuals with a psychic gene
There are no monsters on Ose. People can be monstrous enough.
Erin’s parents are murdered and she can sense that same malevolent energy hunting her down. With little time to grieve, Erin is forced into hiding and discovers an unusual ability she’s never had before — she can talk to animals!
With the help of her new found animal companions, she eludes the killer. Disguising herself as a boy, she joins the Autumn Gathering and is able to concentrate on the questions she needs to solve: Who killed her parents? Why are they trying to kill her, too?
Quakes, storms, and murders begin plaguing Erin’s world and she soon realizes that they’re all connected. The fabric of her world is just beginning to unravel…
Legacy (Fantasy Box Set Vol. 2)
Published: November 12, 2015
10 COMPLETE NOVELS AND NOVELLAS
FROM YOUR FAVORITE FANTASY AUTHORS
FROM YOUR FAVORITE FANTASY AUTHORS
LEGACY is an impressive collection of fantasy stories — some darker, some intense, all suspenseful, and every one unique. 10 new worlds to explore, 10 wild adventures, 10 ways to make a new set of best friends. The perfect companion for late nights on the sofa, the perfect gift to those who enjoy a good read. Add it to your favorite kindle with one click now.
Mae never asked to be craft-born. She never wanted that burden.
The realm needs magic again, and the the King of Aegunlund has been waiting for the first craft-born girl to marry his son, Prince Casimir.
In Mae’s town of Halts-Walden, the ambitious miller claims his daughter Ellen is craft-born. Mae knows this is a load of hogwash, but she’s glad Ellen will have the unfortunate pleasure of becoming queen instead of her. All she has to do is sit back and wait until Casimir and Ellen are married, then she will finally be free of the threat of her fate. But on that day an event so shocking and terrible occurs that Mae finds herself entering the neighbouring cursed forest on a quest she never thought she’d have to follow.
Join Mae as she rides her white stag through the Waerg Woods with a pampered prince at her heels. She’s out for revenge and nothing, no one, will get in her way.
Celeste is tired. She just wants to be left alone.
For centuries, the half-blooded elf has hidden herself away from the world and lived in isolation. Things have been peaceful, quiet. But some have a greater calling, a destiny. When the humans unwittingly set about a plan to release the source of all evil back into the world, Celeste is called upon by an old ally to stop them, and to keep all of Altierra safe.
Now she must face her past as she and her allies travel across the continent to save a world she has been apart from for eons. Will even her angelic birthright and druidic powers be enough to stop the rise of the last god?
She never asked to be a hero.
Destiny can be funny that way.
Aneira has been wandering the lands since her tribe vanished, eight years ago. One day she hopes to find them and get back to a normal life. In the mean time she has to make the most of any help she’s offered along the road, but she isn’t prepared for what might happen when she decides to help back, or when she’s prevented from running away.
This is a short fantasy story of one girls only desire – to belong.
A hundred hundred seasons have turned since the Goddess banished the Small Gods to the sky, leaving the land to mankind alone.
For Prince Teryk, life behind the castle walls is boring and uneventful until he stumbles upon an arcane scroll in a long-forgotten chamber. The parchment speaks of Small Gods, the fall of man, and the kingdom’s savior—the firstborn child of the rightful king. It’s his opportunity to prove himself to his father, the king, and assure his place in history. All he needs to do is find the man from across the sea—a man who can’t possibly exist—and save mankind.
But ancient magic has been put in motion by a mysterious cult determined to see the Small Gods reborn. Powerful forces clash, uncaring for the lives of mortals in their struggle to prevent the return of the banished ones, or aid in their rebirth.
Named in a prophecy or not, what chance does a cocky prince who barely understands the task laid before him stand in a battle with the gods?
Two Worlds. One Ancient—One New.
Grigori – the original vampires.
Bulguardi – guardian angels.
Long ago, in an almost forgotten realm, the Grigori clash with the Bulguardi in the royal city of Altair.
Their battle changed events in the Ancient World and the New World forever.
Altair, a realm where a year can last centuries and an Ancient magical people still rule.
Rising up from their most recent imprisonment, the Grigori are on a destructive path of revenge, and Earth becomes their next destination.
Trapped in the middle, between the old world and the new, a little girl is cursed with horrific visions from past events she does not understand.
From the Ancient world to the new world on Earth, this is a tale of myth and legend, mayhem and magic, birth and death.
You can run from evil, but you cannot run forever.
My name is Juliette, and this is my story.
He raised his mouth and howled like he never had before. A huge sound trumpeted from his great throat with an intelligent rage that put the world on notice that he would defend his right to live.
The sound filled the vale with shuddering energy. Peasants clutched their covers and stared into the darkness. Children whimpered in their little beds. Praying monks faltered in their entreaties to a higher power when the voice of the Earth beneath their knees called them to attention.
Part of the Tendrils short stories collection.
When Willum, an apprentice book maker, has a nasty fall, he loses all of his memories… including the strictures concerning protective magic for the exquisite miniature dragons called dragilios. Not knowing he is breaking the magic law, and sending the little dragil, Malle, into deadly peril, he draws the friendly, little dragil.
The moment the picture is finished the protective spell shatters. Her anguished cry as she disappears restores his memory.
Devastated at what he has done and wanting to right the wrong or die trying, Willum undertakes a dangerous quest into the malignant world of the giant leather-winged dragons. Can he find her in time before she is ripped apart and eaten or, if he stays too long in that lethal land, before he becomes stone?
The hourglass sands are slipping away toward the doom of the boy and the fragile little dragil. Can he save them both?
What would you do if you were called to another world…a world filled with seemingly impossible things?
Faced with this choice, Davie, Ben, Anne, Chrissie and Billy embark upon a mysterious quest, finding themselves transported to the spectacular and extraordinary world of Avalon, whereupon they are catapulted into one of the uncountable heptagonal pieces that make up the magical sphere of the Orb of Caprice…namely, the Star Realm.
Follow the exploits of the five and champion their long, arduous yet amazing journey. Though the question remains…will Time be on their side?
This story is for anyone with a head overflowing with dreams, a heart filled with a yearning for adventure and a soul buoyant in magic.
This is the first adventure in the Avalon trilogy.
The children are once again called by the Time Keeper of Avalon and find themselves within the Orb of Caprice, this time joined by Daisy, Billy’s unsuspecting grandmother, where, together, they must find the Key of Light, if all their worlds are to be saved before DarkStar gains control.
The corrupted land of the Dark Reaches is full of mysterious and forbidding creatures, testing friendships and resolve as they battle through this fragmented world in an effort to complete their quest.
Faced with these dangers, they have the added worry about what may have happened to Kimeranet, who has disappeared without a trace.
As the puzzle unravels, not least about Kimeranet’s past, a further mystery develops, as the travellers discover part of the Legend of the Kraal, and meet Kaarvok…but should they trust him? And can they remain united as they struggle through this newly found world?
Follow this next adventure and see if they can again successfully fight to save their friend and home.
Secrets Of The Ice is the last of the epic journey for Davie, Ben, Chrissie, Billy, Anne and Daisy. It sees them battle against unrelenting odds within the Dominion of Ice, where they must find the thirteen pieces of the Mystical Pyramid before Lokian can use it to unleash DarkStar and so to bring Elsewhere under its thrall.
There is something they do not realise, however, something that goes back further than the creation of Avalon, but will the secrets be unravelled in time and be enough to show them what they must do and what sacrifices must be made?
Share this:
RELEASE TOUR ~ Beyond the Ivory Tower by Jill Blake
BEYOND THE IVORY TOWER
Book 1 of the Lazarev/Kogan Trilogy
by Jill Blake
by Jill Blake
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Mature content, 18+. Heat level: 4 (out of 5)
If there’s one thing math professor Anna Lazarev believes in, it’s the value of higher education. So when her younger sister announces she’s dropping out of college, Anna places the blame squarely on the man who inspired her sister’s rebellion.
Venture capitalist Ethan Talbot claims the US academic system is broken. His solution? Pay top students to “opt out” and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams without wasting time and money on a university degree.
In a passionate battle for the hearts and minds of a new generation, Anna will do whatever it takes to prove Ethan wrong. But when his demands take a more personal turn, will she sacrifice her principles to come out on top?
(Please note: while this is book 1 of the Lazarev/Kogan Trilogy, each book can be read as a stand-alone.
Book 2 follows Anna’s friends Becca and Leo. Book 3 tells the story of Leo’s brother Vlad and Anna’s sister Klara. Look for these books on Amazon in 2016!)
Book 2 follows Anna’s friends Becca and Leo. Book 3 tells the story of Leo’s brother Vlad and Anna’s sister Klara. Look for these books on Amazon in 2016!)
The phone rang. And rang. And rang.
Anna groaned and rolled over, fumbling for the receiver.
“’lo.”
“Anna?”
She winced and shut her eyes against the shards of sun coming through the open blinds. Her temples throbbed, and her mouth felt as parched as a dried-out river bed.
“Anna, are you there?”
“Hi, Bec,” she rasped. “Could you dial it down a bit?”
There was a beat of silence, and then Becca’s cautious voice, “Are you alone?”
She risked another glance around the room before closing her eyes again. “Yes.”
“You weren’t answering your cell,” Becca said. “The front desk put me through to your room. Are you all right?”
That was debatable. On a humiliation scale of one to ten, where would she rank getting drunk and throwing herself at a man who looked like the “after” shot in a workout ad?
At least she still had her clothes on. She popped one eye open to double-check. Yep. The dress was a little wrinkled, but definitely intact.
She wondered what Ethan was doing this morning. Probably thanking his lucky stars for his narrow escape. Vague memories of the night before made her cringe. Good thing she was heading back to L.A. today. She didn’t think she could face him in the sober light of day.
Which reminded her of what she’d nearly forgotten: there was a reason she didn’t date. As her sister would say, she sucked at it. Big-time.
“Listen, Bec, can I call you back?”
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“You sure?”
That was the trouble with best friends: they could tell when you were lying. And they weren’t shy about sticking their noses into your business.
“Fifteen minutes,” Anna promised.
~
A hot shower, two cups of coffee, and three ibuprofen later, she felt slightly more human and in control.
“You did what?” Becca shrieked, after hearing an abbreviated version of yesterday’s debacle.
“Just a little louder, Bec. I don’t think the citizens of Kansas heard you.”
“Wow. Ethan Talbot. I can’t believe I had to drag it out of you.”
Anna switched to speaker phone and lifted her suitcase atop the bed. “It’s not like I planned it,” she said, gathering discarded items of clothing and tucking them into a laundry bag. “It just happened.”
“Period cramps just happen. Weight gain just happens. Ending a three-year-old dry spell with Ethan Talbot doesn’t just happen.”
“I didn’t exactly end the dry spell.” She shoved the shoes into a different bag. “He dropped me back at the hotel and left. End of story.”
“Well, don’t keep me in suspense. When are you seeing him again?”
“I’m not.” She debated dumping the unused box of condoms. It wasn’t as if she’d need them any time soon.
Then again….She glanced at the expiration date. Two years. A lot could happen in two years.
“Why not?” Becca prodded.
“Because I’m heading home.” What the hell. She tossed the condoms in her suitcase. “Besides, we have nothing in common. And he refused to release Klara from the Fellowship.”
“Anna, sweetie, sorry for pointing out the obvious, but most people view the Talbot Fellowship as something prestigious.”
“It’s not a degree, Bec. It’s not even a certificate.”
“Maybe not, but it’ll still look good on Klara’s CV.”
Anna ducked into the bathroom for her toiletry bag.
Becca’s voice followed her. “You know Klara will do what she wants, regardless of what you say. Which means you’ve got two choices: prolong the battle and risk alienating her completely, or accept what she’s doing and move on.”
Anna returned to the bedroom. “What’s option C?”
“It wouldn’t kill you to be a little more flexible. Klara’s the only family you have. Shame to lose her over something that’s going to be over in two years.”
Anna sighed. “Bec, the problem is, we’re not just talking two years. We’re talking her entire future.”
“Does the word hyperbole mean anything to you?”
Anna ignored her attempt at humor. “If Klara doesn’t finish her education, she’ll end up regretting it. Maybe not now, but someday.” She glanced around to see if there was anything left to pack.
“She can always go back to school,” Becca said. “There are plenty of returning students of all ages.”
“I guess.”
“And look on the bright side. Now that Klara’s moved out, you have the whole place to yourself. You can finally have a social life.”
“Is that supposed to cheer me up?” Anna said, zipping the suitcase.
“It’s all in the attitude. Now tell me more about Ethan Talbot.”
“Nothing more to tell.”
“Come on, you have to do better than that.”
“Seriously, Bec. I’m lucky if the guy doesn’t turn around and walk the other way the moment he sees me.”
“I’m sure you’re exaggerating.”
“I’m not.”
“Okay, so what did you do?”
“I threw myself at him.”
“You what?”
Anna winced and lowered the cell phone volume. “I may have had a little too much to drink.” She waited for Becca’s laughter to taper off. “It’s not that funny.”
“Sorry. I’m just trying to picture it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you drunk.”
“Yeah, well don’t hold your breath.” Anna lifted the suitcase off the bed. “I have to go check out.”
“Wait—that’s it?”
Anna sighed. “It’s a long drive, Bec. I’ll talk to you when I get home.”
Two hours later, her phone buzzed. She ignored it. Another hour passed before she pulled into a rest stop to use the facilities and check messages.
She read Ethan’s text while standing in line for coffee.
How are you feeling?
Oh, boy. Mortified would just about cover it. Hung over would work too. And determined to put the entire unfortunate interlude with Ethan behind her.
“Next.”
She dropped the phone back in her bag and stepped up to the counter.
Two and a half hours later, as she unlocked the front door of her Santa Monica apartment, another text came through:
You OK?
Clearly, the man wasn’t going to let it go until she responded.
She dumped her belongings in the living room and typed:
All good. Back in LA.
His response was immediate:
Didn’t get chance to say goodbye.
She sank down on the couch.
Sorry, she wrote. Goodbye.
And that should have been the end of it. Except for some reason, Ethan seemed determined to go off script.
When are you back in SF?
Was he asking because he wanted to see her again, or because he wanted advance notice so he could avoid running into her? She wouldn’t blame him if it was the latter. She’d never made such a fool of herself before. The only thing that would have been worse was if he’d taken her up on her offer, and then she’d vomited all over him. Or passed out in the middle of things. Or woken up naked and alone and not remembering a damn thing about how she got that way.
Considering all the worst case scenarios that hadn’t happened, she supposed she should be grateful. But that didn’t mean she wanted to see Ethan again. Ignoring the little voice in her head that said liar, liar, she texted back:
Busy with work. Have to stay in LA.
Then she shut off her phone and headed for the bedroom. She squelched any residual guilt by reminding herself that they had nothing in common. If he tried texting or calling her again, she’d simply ignore him. The same way he’d ignored her emails and phone calls when she’d first attempted to contact him.
Of course he hadn’t known her then. He probably got a ton of spam and solicitations, and her messages might have gotten lost in the shuffle—assuming they ever reached him at all. Now that they’d met, the dynamics had changed.
But that was beside the point. She didn’t belong in his world, and he had no place in hers. Best to cut her losses before anyone got hurt. And by anyone, she meant herself. Because she really couldn’t imagine a man like Ethan Talbot getting too hung up on a woman whose IQ far exceeded her bra size.
She toed off her sensible flats, stripped off her clothes, and climbed into the shower. Time to get back to real life.
Jill Blake loves chocolate, leisurely walks where she doesn’t break a sweat, and books with a guaranteed happy ending. A native of Philadelphia, Jill now lives in southern California with her husband and three children. During the day, she works as a physician in a busy medical practice. At night, she pens steamy romances.
Share this:
PRE-RELEASE TOUR ~ Mischief Under the Mistletoe Anthology
MISCHIEF UNDER THE MISTLETOE
Nineteen All New Contemporary holiday hotties, just waiting to be unwrapped from your favorite NY Times, USA Today, Amazon Bestselling, and Award Winning Authors.
This anthology won’t last long. Grab it while it’s HOT!
When lingerie-store owner Cora Brennan plans a getaway at a quaint mountain retreat, she never expects to reunite with the playboy she spent a memorable night with in college. Can they finally admit their true feelings for each other before love is lost to them again?
Claudy Conn – Collide & Burn
Charlie knows when she first sees Wade Devon that he is
trouble. Wade likes to win. It is what he does and he wants her…no strings attached. She has to ask herself, should she, or shouldn’t she.
Melanie James – Snowflakes, Exes, and Ohs
With two men vying for her affection, Abbie’s heart is torn between the two. One has always been there for her, no matter what. The other left when she needed him the most.
Mindy Klasky – Fly Me to the Moon
Lexi thinks she’s recovered from the fire that burned her years ago. But when she falls for PTSD-ridden army veteran Finn, she learns how deep some scars can be.
Holly S. Roberts – Ruck
Van, one of the best players in rugby and the hottest player between the sheets is looking for a holiday miracle. His brother won the girl and Van’s heart is broken. Could the gift of a lifetime be his for the taking or will this bad boy ruck it up again?
Stephanie Rowe – Wrapped Up In You
Can the Christmas magic of a coastal Maine island heal two broken souls when a winter storm strands them together?
Diane Rinella – It’s A Marshmallow World
One Christmas, Darla was given a mystical gift, along with an ominous message. Years later, meeting Chris puts her head in a spin. Could it be that gift from long ago holds the key to their happiness?
Kate Angell – Snow One Like You
A Vermont Christmas Eve blizzard forces Allie to close Hartley’s General Store. Her best friend Rhys arrives by snowmobile, not wanting her to endure the snowstorm alone. A playful kiss under the mistletoe warms more than their hearts.
Sophie Drayton has seen enough of the wild life to know that Emilio Barrett is bad news. But the sexy stripper has secrets of his own. Will Sophie’s past come back to haunt her, or will Emilio prove that a bad boy can be also be a good man?
J.D.Tyler – One Last Miracle
After a case gone horribly wrong, FBI Agent Mark McClendon retreats to his late grandfather’s isolated cabin, determined to escape his pain. He’s completely unprepared to find himself falling for his pretty new neighbor–but when the past comes gunning for him, Mark’s newfound love may mean the difference between a second tragedy and a holiday miracle.
Robin Covington – When You Open Your Eyes
War tore Gabe and Ellie apart and three years later, he’s almost given up any hope that she’ll come back to him. When she returns just before the holidays, he wants nothing more for the damaged, stubborn woman he loves to stay forever but she’s ready to run as soon as the gifts are opened. Chased by her nightmares, Gabe’s only hope of keeping Ellie is to convince her that he’ll be there when she opens her eyes.
Suzanne Ferrell – Close To The Mistletoe
When teacher Holly Murphy walks into Westen’s only bar to help her friend celebrate a divorce, she doesn’t expect hot carpenter Nick Fisher to save her from an embarrassing situation. His heated kisses awakens something deep inside her, but when someone sets his sights on Holly, will Nick be the one to protect her close to the mistletoe?
Kathy Ivan – Yours For The Holidays
At her hospital’s annual Bachelor Auction, event organizer, Dr. Alanna Reeves, is blindsided when the tables are turned and Blake Donovan offers a huge donation–for her! Can a trip to Florida for the holidays help them discover their true feelings or drive them apart forever?
Selena Laurence – Prince of the Press
Marcus Ambrose, the newest face in political media, is one hot ticket. But when he meets his brother’s down-to-earth secretary Renee, his own heart takes a knock. Can Marcus’s famous ‘full-court press’ convince the woman of his dreams to take a shot at love?
Jennie Marts – Worth the Shot
Addison Cavanaugh had one rule: Do not date hockey players. So kissing the newest trade to her dad’s team
should have been off-limits–even if he is hot enough to melt the ice. Is the new player worth the shot or is she is risking her heart in a game she can’t possibly win?
Six months after True’s last boss viciously attacked her, she’s ready to take her therapist’s advice and go back into the work force. She wants her life to be normal again and working for another man will be a giant step towards that goal.
Nick has been betrayed by a pretty face for the last time and has sworn off relationships. Or so he thought until the day his new assistant, True Kelly, walked into his office.
Jennifer Theriot – Unwrapping Noel
Noel Calabrese hates Christmas as much as she hates her life. While in the Napa Valley on a business trip, she meets Leon Hallas. Could this sexy, silver fox be her ticket to happiness?
Come back to Bluestone, Minnesota for Christmas, where single mom Willow Branson has moved from Texas to make a home with her daughter. But moving from a Texas winter to a Minnesota one is more challenging than she expected, and handsome handyman Chase Granzer is more than happy to help her adapt…and keep her warm.
Deb Julienne – All I Want For Christmas
Rafe Donnelly hates everything to do with the holidays. Ali Sanders is a single mother, juggling two jobs and missing most of her son’s childhood. Who knew a little boy’s Santa wish could change so many lives?
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Kristin Miller writes sweet and sassy contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance of all varieties. Kristin has degrees in psychology, English, and education, and taught high school and middle school English before crossing over to a career in writing. She lives in Northern California with her alpha male husband and their two children. You can usually find her in the corner of a coffee shop, laptop in front of her and mocha in hand, using the guests around her as fuel for her next book.
Some may know Claudy Conn as Claudette Williams/Melanie Davis, two names she used when publishing her regency and historical romances, with Random House, Zebra and Doubleday.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who writes historical and regency romances, has stepped into the world of paranormal romance as well, with her hits such as The Legend Series, Through Time Series and the Shadow Series.
We asked what does she do when she isn’t writing and she tells us, she and her hot husband love hiking, swimming, traveling and playing with their variety of animals–wolf Cherokee and her now overgrown hybrid pup, Rocky the Man, included. Her favorite things she says are, chocolate, fries and pizza.
New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author, Melanie James spent 14 years as an IT systems administrator before tiring of the hustle and bustle of the technology world. She’s doing what she loves, by writing paranormal comedy, steamy paranormal, and contemporary romance books. Melanie has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in Leadership and Development, with a minor in Women’s Studies. She is working on her Master’s Degree in Adult Education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Melanie is married to a wonderful man who supports her dreams and goals. She has two children, three step-children, a beautiful daughter-in-law, and an adorable grand-baby.
USA Today bestselling author Mindy Klasky learned to read when her parents shoved a book in her hands and told her she could travel anywhere in the world through stories. She never forgot that advice.
Mindy’s travels took her through multiple careers – from litigator to librarian to full-time writer. Mindy’s travels have also taken her through various literary genres for readers of all ages – from traditional fantasy to paranormal chick-lit to category romance, from middle-grade to young adult to adult. She is a USA Today bestselling author.
In her spare time, Mindy knits, quilts, and tries to tame her endless to-be-read shelf. Her husband and cats do their best to fill the leftover minutes.
USA Today Best-Selling Author Holly S. Roberts is a retired sex crimes and homicide detective who managed to retain her sense of humor. She writes under three pen names dreaming about stories from life on the street as a beat cop in an unflattering blue uniform to erotic romance.
She married her high school sweetheart at the age of eighteen after experiencing love at first sight at age twelve. Her husband took a little longer to realize he couldn’t live without her but came along nicely after he stopped fighting fate.
D’Elen McClain is her paranormal romance pen name and Suzie Ivy her tough crime fighting alter ego pen name.
Her two dogs, Dizzy, a Rottweiler with anxiety issues, and Duchess, her overweight Chihuahua, sleep and play at her feet while she writes steamy fantasies at her home high in the Arizona mountains. She also keeps her pen in blue ink as a contributing writer for UniformStories.com, Below The Salt News, and Bad Luck Detective blog.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Stephanie Rowe is the author of more than 40 novels, including her popular Order of the Blade and NightHunter paranormal romance series, and her sizzling new Wyoming Rebels cowboy series about nine rugged brothers. Stephanie is a four-time nominee of the RITA® Award, the highest award in romance fiction. She has won many awards for her novels, including the prestigious Golden Heart® Award. She has received coveted starred reviews from Booklist, and Publishers Weekly has called her work “[a] genre-twister that will make readers…rabid for more.”
In additional to her paranormal romances, Stephanie also writes a thrilling romantic suspense series set in Alaska. Publisher’s Weekly praised the series debut, ICE, as a “thrilling entry into romantic suspense,” and Fresh Fiction called ICE an “edgy, sexy and gripping thriller.” Equally as intense and sexy are Stephanie’s contemporary romance novels.
A life-long reader, Stephanie began crafting stories at age ten, but didn’t realize it was her dream until she was an adult. Once the light dawned, she immediately left behind “work” as the world defines it and went to “work” as she defines it, which means getting up every morning with a smile in her heart so she can spend the day doing that which makes her spirit sing.
Stephanie believes in learning to listen to your heart in order to figure out what your dreams are, and then opening yourself to the inspiration that will direct you there. She believes we all deserve the right to enjoy life, and for the ride to be as easy as we want it to be, and that we all should accept nothing less than making our dreams come true.
Stephanie lives in New England, and spends every day doing her best to fill it with people, observations and activities that uplift her soul, which include writing, hiking with her rescue dog, friends, and her amazing family.
Enjoying San Francisco as a backdrop, the ghosts in Diane Rinella‘s one hundred and fifty-year old Victorian home augment the chorus in her head. With insomnia as their catalyst, these voices have become multifarious characters that haunt her well into the sun’s crowning hours, refusing to let go until they have manipulated her into succumbing to their whims. Her experiences as an actress, business owner, artisan cake designer, software project manager, Internet radio disc jockey, vintage rock ‘n’ roll journalist/fan girl, and lover of dark and quirky personalities influence her idiosyncratic writing.
Kate Angell: I live in Beautiful Naples on the Gulf of Mexico, Florida. I love the sunshine, as well as the seasonal summer thunderstorms. I’m a morning person. I enjoy brunch. I’m an animal lover and avid reader. I laugh a lot. My birthday’s in March, I’m an Aries. My favorite color is purple. My lucky number is 25. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. My office has lots of plants: bamboo, Elephant Ear, and TickleMe. I buy a fresh bouquet of flowers each week. I enjoy going to the movies. Try to read a book each week. Love museums. Can make popcorn a meal. Love Starbucks. I eat Rice Krispies for the ‘snap, crackle, pop’. I spend hours at book stores. Like Saturday morning cartoons. Watch General Hospital. Favorite evening TV shows include: Castle, Supernatural, Big Bang Theory. Reality TV: Dancing With the Stars, Big Brother, Survivor. I’ve been fortunate to have the same editor throughout my career: the very innovative and savvy Alicia Condon. Authors I read outside romance: Carl Hiaasen, Stuart Woods (Stone Barrington series), and Richard Castle.
MY PHILOSOPHY: Out of chaos comes calmness. Appreciate the peace!
Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet. When she’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly is a 2015 RWA RITA© finalist who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love. Her digital Line series is all about the hot cops and sexy chefs of Brentsville, New York. She is also the author of the Pine Mountain series, which follows small town singles as they find big-time love. Kimberly resides in Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.
National Bestselling Author J.D. Tyler is best known for her dark, sexy paranormal series Alpha Pack, and the popular Firefighters of Station Five and Sugarland Blue series under her pseudonym Jo Davis. PRIMAL LAW, the first book in her Alpha Pack series, is the winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award in Paranormal. She’s also been a multiple finalist in the National Readers’ Choice Awards, Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, a finalist for the Bookseller’s Best Award, has captured the HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, has been a two-time nominee for the Australian Romance Readers Award in romantic suspense, and had one book optioned as a major motion picture.
J.D.’s books regularly appear on the Barnes and Noble, Neilson Bookscan, and Amazon bestseller lists, among others.
When she isn’t writing, J.D.’s idea of a good time certainly isn’t cleaning house (sniff), bungee jumping (not in this lifetime, or the next), or camping (her idea of “roughing it” is a slow bellboy). She enjoys reading, being pampered like the diva she is, and spending time with her awesome family. J.D. lives in Texas with her two grown kids, a cute Boston terrier, and two cats, all of them horribly spoiled.
Robin Covington loves to explore the theme of fooling around and falling in love in her sexy, bestselling books. When she’s not writing sexy, sizzling romance she’s collecting tasty man candy pics, hoarding red nail polish, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and obsessing over Dean Winchester. Don’t send chocolate . . . send eye candy!
Robin’s bestselling books have finaled in the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice, the Book Seller’s Best and the National Reader’s Choice Awards.
She lives in Maryland with her handsome husband, her two brilliant children (they get it from her, of course!), and her beloved fur babies – Dixie Joan Wilder and Dutch.
Suzanne Ferrell discovered romance novels in her aunt’s hidden stash one summer as a teenager. From that moment on she knew two things: she loved romance stories and someday she’d be writing her own. Her love for romances has only grown over the years. It took her a number of years and a secondary career as a nurse to finally start writing her own stories.
The author of 13 novels and an Amazon best-seller for both her series, the Edgars Family Novels and the Westen series, Suzanne’s books have been finalists in the National Reader’s Choice Awards–SEIZED (2013) and VANISHED (2014). Suzanne was also a double finalist in the Romance Writer’s of America’s 2006 Golden Heart with her manuscripts, KIDNAPPED (Long Contemporary Category) and HUNTED (Romantic Suspense), She has also won The Beacon Unpublished and the CTRWA’s contests in the erotica categories with her book, The Surrender Of Lacy Morgan.
Currently working on more books for her Edgars Family series (KIDNAPPED, HUNTED, SEIZED, VANISHED and Capitol Danger) and the Westen Series(Close To Home, Close To The Edge, Close To The Fire, and Close To Christmas), Suzanne hopes to bring readers more passionate and suspenseful books to fill your reading moments.
Suzanne’s sexy stories, whether they be her on the edge of your seat romantic suspense or the heart warming small town stories, will keep you thinking about her characters long after their Happy Ever After is achieved.
Award winning author, Kathy Ivan, spent most of her life with her nose between the pages of a book. From best-selling authors to just-getting-started writers, as long as it was a good story, she devoured it and happily searched for the next romance novel. It didn’t matter if the book was a paranormal romance, romantic suspense, or action and adventure thrillers, sweet & spicy or sexy novella. As long as there was an alpha hero and a feisty heroine who got their happily ever after, she’d gladly spend her time with a psychic in New Orleans, or a mysterious stranger manipulating the fates of lovers. You might find her deep in the woods with her werewolf lover, or being wined and dined by the sexy vampire who loved her, or talking to ghosts.
Kathy turned her love of reading into the next logical step, writing. Her books transport you to a paranormal lodge in the Colorado Mountains in her Destiny’s Desire Series, and to the sultry splendor of the French Quarter in New Orleans in her award winning romantic suspense and mysteries. Kathy tells stories people love from reuniting old loves, betrayal of trust, finding kidnapped children, psychics and even a ghost or two. But one thing they all have in common – love (and some pretty steamy sex scenes too).
A native of Florida, Kathy has traveled from one set of islands to another, having spent several years in Key West, Florida, and months in Hawaii (Oahu). Happily living in North Texas, she’s always on the lookout for a cowboy of her very own. (And if he’s a billionaire cowboy, well, she won’t say no to that.)
Selena Laurence is an award-winning and nationally bestselling author in multiple categories, including Multicultural Romance, Hispanic Fiction, Urban Fiction, Military Romance, and Romantic Suspense. In 2014 she was awarded the Reader’s Crown Award for Contemporary Romance of the Year.
Selena lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with her kids, Mr. L, “Goldendoodle” and “Demon Cat.” When she’s not writing she can be found at soccer games and tennis matches, or one of her favorite coffee shops.
Jennie Marts loves to make readers laugh as she weaves stories filled with love, friendship and intrigue. She writes for Entangled Publishing and is the author of the Kindle Bestselling romantic comedies, Another Saturday Night and I Ain’t Got No Body, Easy Like Sunday Mourning, and Just Another Maniac Monday. Reviewers call her books “laugh out loud” funny and full of great characters that are “endearing and relatable.”
She writes from the mountains of Colorado where she lives with her husband, two sons, a parakeet, a golden retriever named Cooper and a Sheltie puppy named Maggie. Jennie enjoys being a member of (RWA) Romance Writers of America, Colorado Indie Authors, and Pikes Peak Writers.
Jennie is addicted to Diet Coke and adores Cheetos. She loves playing volleyball and believes you can’t have too many books, shoes or friends.
As a child, Teri Riggs made up her own bedtime stories. When her children came along, Teri always tweaked the fairy tales she told her daughters, giving them a bit more punch and better endings when needed.
Now she spends her days turning her ideas into books. She lives in Marietta, GA with her husband.
Jennifer Theriot hails from the Great State of Texas. She is a career woman, working as CFO of a Texas based real estate investment firm. Working in her capacity as CFO, she felt something was missing and discovered her passion for writing novels–mostly at night and on weekends.
In her limited spare time Jennifer enjoys being outdoors; preferably somewhere on a beach curled up with a good book. Spending time with family and friends, watching a baseball game and enjoying a good bottle of wine are usually on her to-do lists. Jennifer is also ‘MiMi’ to three (soon to be four) beautiful grandchildren and a mom to three grown children, all of whom she adores. Theriot is an admitted music junkie, loving every type of music, which takes up most of the memory on her iPhone. She listens to music from sun up to sun down and her love of music is reflected a great deal in her books.
Jennifer took a chance that there could be an interest in romance with middle aged couples who are finding themselves at a crossroads and wrote her debut novel Out of the Box Awakening, which centers on the hope of finding happiness and passion through unexpected heartache. It emphasizes the need for family and friends as Jennifer has learned in her own life. Grownup romance from the other side of 30 is how she characterizes her books. The books have also been described as “Mature Sexy” by one reviewer…
MJ Fredrick knows what it takes to chase her dreams. From spirals filled with stories scrawled in pencil to her first computer, a hand-me-down XT, to a used Powerbook, an Alphasmart and finally a shiny laptop of her very own, MJ has used any means she can find to get the stories from her head onto paper. Some are easier than others!
Now with over twenty five published books set from the early days of Texas to the near future, with stops in Africa, Antarctica and places in between, MJ spends the wee hours of the mornings writing and the rest of the day teaching, and her weekends on road trips around Texas with her husband of almost 30 years, looking for more inspiration.
While some say truth is stranger than fiction, her experiences run more along the lines of a slap-stick comedy. She makes her own Limoncello…enough said.
Joking aside, her dream of being published came true on 3/3/2014 with the release of her first book, SEX, LIES, AND BEAUTY AIDS, a romantic comedy.
Deb Julienne: After the day job, she loves to play in the yard, with her grandkids, and in the kitchen concocting award-winning jams, jellies, preserves, and sauces (with alcohol of course).
Born and raised in San Jose, California, she now resides in her own little bit of heaven in the Sierra Tahoe National Forest Basin, with her husband of 33 years, their three sons and one daughter, and two very precocious grandkids.
Share this:
BOOK BLAST ~ Body, Ink, and Soul & Music, Ink, and Love by Jude Ouvrard
BODY, INK, AND SOUL
&
MUSIC, INK, AND LOVE
AUTHOR: Jude Ouvrard
SERIES: Ink Series
Genre: Contemporary Romance with a heat level
Phoenix Silverstone more commonly known as Nix, is a twenty-one year old that has finally discovered her freedom. After living under the strict rules and protection of her mother, Nix moved out with her two best friends in a quaint little Seattle apartment. For the first time Nix is finally able to spread her wings and breathe. Together, they get a job working at a bar and for the first time everything is perfect.
Freedom, friendships, a great job and fantastic man on the verge of becoming hers. Tristan is the suave, intelligent, not to mention gorgeous law student that Nix has her eyes and heart set on. For the first time, she has her life together; that is, until her path crosses with Levi. The charming, tattooed and downright sexy bad boy that Nix knows she needs to avoid.
But when one of her friends moves out she is shocked to find that her new roommate is none other than Levi. Flirting. Desire. Undeniable temptations. Nix can’t deny the chemistry surging between them but she can’t forget her mother’s extreme hate towards bad boys.
Will Nix have the strength to listen to her heart? Or will her mother’s rules cost her everything?
The entire mass of guys sitting around my station flocked to Val’s, giving me some time to clean up. I looked up to find only one left, and he was watching me intently. It was the same guy Ty had greeted so enthusiastically earlier.
”Can I get you anything?” I asked, taking empty glasses off the counter.
”A smile. Give me one and I guarantee you’ll get the biggest tip tonight.” The slow seductive tone rolling from his shapely lips told me he wasn’t just fooling around. His green eyes stared at me like I was dessert. This guy was hot and he knew it. He was looking me up and down, biting on his lips. He was clearly not afraid to show me how much he liked what he saw. Me. His confidence and determination were fierce. The way his tousled light brown hair went every which way, hanging down across his forehead, told me right away he didn’t care about his looks. He didn’t have to.
He wanted a smile? I shook my head. ”You don’t want a drink? Just water, maybe?”
”No, just a smile. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and it’s just a smile I want.” He brushed his hand through his hair, making it even more tousled.
Levi Munroe’s life consists of his friends Tyler and Kyle, a lot of ink and having a good time, but most importantly, his heart only has one reason to beat, Nix.
Phoenix Silverstone came into his life and put him through an emotional roller coaster. No one knows what they sign up for when they fall in love, and Levi is no exception. Dealing with his girlfriend’s negligent biological father, and her old demons returning to tempt her, Levi has way more on his plate than he bargained for. It can break them or make them stronger.
Both getting to know each other more, they fall deeper in love and are ready to take on the next step. With their wedding approaching, Levi wants what is best for her. A time apart turns out to be exactly what Nix needs but in Levi’s world, it means moping around missing the girl of his dreams.
More love, more ink, more Kyle and definitely a whole lot more of Levi. Can Nix and Levi survive the reality of their life together or will it break them apart?
Tonight, Nix had planned on taking me out on a date for my birthday. She made reservations in a nice restaurant downtown and I planned on giving her the design of her next tattoo. I had been working on it since she spoke about getting new ink. That had some sort of a super power effect on me. She nearly drove me nuts. That night, sex had been way more intense than before. The thought only gave me goose bumps.
Okay, whipped man, get your ass back to work.
I had done two designs, one in color and one in black and grey. They were pretty much the same thing. She said she wanted some more flowers, and two hummingbirds, old school style. I kept her demands and I added more details to it like water droplets on the flowers and more water in the background. It looked neat. I preferred the color filled one but the choice was hers, not mine.
“What do you think, K?”
“It’s a nice one, Levi. The colors are fucking amazing. The flowers almost look alive and the water is impressive too.” He punched my shoulder.
“What was that for, punk?”
“I hate when you do something better than I can.” He admitted.
Share this:
RE-RELEASE TOUR ~ Tropical Dreams & Tropical Nightmares by Kelly Cozzone
Double Re-Release of
“Tropical Dreams” & “Tropical Nightmares”
“Tropical Dreams” & “Tropical Nightmares”
Author: Kelly Cozzone
OFFICIAL GENRE: Mystery Suspense
OFFICIAL GENRE: Mystery Suspense
TROPICAL DREAMS
Book 1
PUBLICATION DATE: October 10, 2008
Book 1
PUBLICATION DATE: October 10, 2008
Tropical Dreams is a tale of love, murder and conspiracy. Can Tiana Alexander overcome her past to learn to love again? Can David Murphy let go of the demons who haunt him. Can they face the future together or will life finally take its toll and their lives?
Grabbing her, David’s weight carried them into the grass lining the parking lot. Instinctively, he rolled and sprung to his feet as he reached for his gun. He angrily watched the taillights disappear into the night before he could get a shot off.
He’d been unable to make out the driver or license plate, and became overcome by a sense of failure and foreboding; deep dark sensations of doom clear down to the pit of his stomach. Leaning down to extend his hand to Tiana, he hid his gun before she noticed it. “Are you okay?”
Stunned at what had transpired, her temper flared as she jumped to her feet, angrily ignoring his outstretched hand. “Of all the stupid…” Feeling his eyes upon her, she noticed his stare; “What?”
“I asked if you were okay.”
“Oh, yes. I’m fine, just angry,” she answered, furious with herself for not paying attention, but even more angry with the driver of the car. Fear quickly mixed with the rage as she became acutely aware of how closely she came to being run over. Her hands shook as she tried to cover her anxiety by brushing the dirt off her clothes. “People who can’t drive any better than that should lose their license.”
´*•.¸(*•.¸✯¸.•*´)¸.•*´
TROPICAL NIGHTMARES
Book 2
PUBLICATION DATE: December 3, 2014
Surviving numerous attempts on their lives including the explosion that rocked Tropical Dreams, David Murphy and Tiana Alexander started to rebuild their lives. Living on the beautiful and tranquil island of St. Lucia, they tried not to let the ugliness of Robert Dubose invade every aspect of their lives. They knew he was coming and wouldn’t stop until someone was dead. Robert Dubose planned every second of his revenge against David and Tiana down to the littlest detail. This time he was leaving nothing to chance. Bringing a partner in on the plan almost guarantees his success. Can David and Tiana once again defeat Dubose or will he finally get his revenge? Will Dubose and his hidden partner finally succeed in killing them? Can David forgive himself for failing Tiana or will their love be another casualty?
Lying on the ground at the edge of the bar’s property, a man hid himself from view. He used the leaves from the foliage to cover his clothes, and had the perfect vantage point, with the best view of where David and Tiana sat at the outside table. The umbrella providing the group of friends shade tilted away from him, giving an unblocked line of vision and guaranteed they’d sit for a while.
Never taking his eyes off the bar’s lanai, the man adjusted the sight on his assault rifle. He aimed at Tiana and when he had her in his sights, he zeroed in on her. As he found his target, he shifted his aim off to the side of her location. Blowing out the breath he’d been holding, he locked onto his new target. He took a deep calming breath and moved his finger onto the trigger.
While he prepared to fire the first shot, sunlight reflected off of his scope, and the split second flash of light caught David’s attention. Peering at the spot where the light flashed, he sprung up and tackled Tiana and Ricardo to the floor; “Get down!”
As he fell, David grabbed the table and tipped it over so it would provide some cover for them. Before they hit the ground, the first shot struck Rosa’s arm, knocking her off her feet. She screamed as blood poured out of the wound and ran down towards her fingers.
Kelly Cozzone was born in New Martinsville, WV. After spending 15 years in Myrtle Beach, SC, she finally made it back to her adopted hometown, Austin, TX.
When Kelly isn’t writing the mystery stories she loves, she is following her beloved Texas Longhorns. An avid football fan, she spends her fall months rooting on her favorite teams.
In addition to being an author, Kelly writes for Examiner.com and shares her thoughts and stories that strike a chord in her on her blog. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Women.
Kelly has been happily married to her husband for 20 years and has three children who are her life.
Share this:
RELEASE BLITZ – Fooling Around With Cinderella by Stacy Juba
FOOLING AROUND WITH CINDERELLA
AUTHOR: Stacy Juba
GENRE: Chick Lit/Sweet Romance
COVER DESIGNER: Mark Juba
What happens when the glass slippers pinch Cinderella’s toes?
When Jaine Andersen proposes a new marketing role to the local amusement park, general manager Dylan Callahan charms her into filling Cinderella’s glass slippers for the summer. Her reign transforms Jaine’s ordinary life into chaos that would bewilder a fairy godmother. Secretly dating her bad boy boss, running wedding errands for her ungrateful sisters, and defending herself from the park’s resident villain means Jaine needs lots more than a comfy pair of shoes to restore order in her kingdom. First in the Storybook Valley series, a blend of sweet romance, chick lit, and fairy tale fun.
Dylan wheeled his chair around and pointed to the castle poster. She followed his thumb toward the girl in an elegant white and gold gown. “I need a Cinderella.”
Jaine stared at Dylan to gauge whether he was kidding. Oh God, he wasn’t kidding. As he lowered his hand, tightness lodged in the pit of her stomach. “Cinderella?”
“Since you’ve been coming here for so long, you probably realize Cinderella is our centerpiece character. She sits on her throne all day, posing for pictures. She leads story times in the castle and appears during our weekend Meet and Greet Fireworks Gala.”
“What happened to the regular Cinderella?”
“She didn’t work out.” He fiddled with the pens poking out of a ski boot-shaped shot glass. “One of my cousins plays the part a couple days per week and fills in when she can, but her schedule doesn’t allow her to fulfill our full-time needs. It’s the middle of July and I’m tired of fooling around with Cinderella.”
He grinned, his dimples diverting her from the princess problem. “That didn’t come out right. But you know what I mean. It’s getting frustrating, Jaine. I’m having a hard time finding someone reliable.”
She bet that Cinderella wouldn’t get tired of fooling around with him.
Stacy Juba got engaged at Epcot Theme Park and spent part of her honeymoon at Disneyland Paris, where she ate a burger, went on fast rides, and threw up on the train ride to the hotel. In addition to working on her new Storybook Valley chick lit/sweet romance series, Stacy has written books about ice hockey, teen psychics, U.S. flag etiquette for kids, and determined women sleuths. She has had a novel ranked as #5 in the Nook Store and #30 on the Amazon Kindle Paid List. When she’s not visiting theme parks with her family, (avoiding rides that spin and exotic hamburgers), or writing about them, Stacy helps writers to strengthen their manuscripts through her Crossroads Editing Service. She is currently writing the next books in the Storybook Valley Series, Prancing Around With Sleeping Beauty and The Cinderella Curse.
Book Loving Pixies 