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Cake by Carmen Jenner…Blog Tour & Review

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Cake, an all-new romantic and hilarious standalone from USA Today bestselling author Carmen Jenner is available NOW!

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Poppy Porter’s ex is getting married … to her ex-best friend. To land her dream job of partner in the most prestigious firm on the Upper East Side, Poppy must now pull double shifts as their wedding planner and maid of honor. And the icing on a truly craptastic cake? Leo Nass. Handsome, infuriating, womanizer, and … the best man. Despite their longstanding loathing, Poppy doesn’t see Leo coming. Literally.

One ruined cake.

One archnemesis.

One hour to save the wedding.

Can they put their hatred aside long enough to save Poppy’s job and Bridezilla’s head from exploding?

Piece of cake, right?

Excerpt:

I sneak closer to the bed, my heart pounding as I throw the pillow at him. The guy shifts in his sleep, and his breathing slows, but a beat later the snoring starts again and I have to resist the urge to scream. Instead, I raise my poker and jab the sheet covered body. It’s not hard, just a quick jab or two, but he still doesn’t stir.

“Hey, asshole!” I shout, and whack him hard in the butt with my poker.

The giant freak jumps up and seizes my hand. His grip forces me to drop my weapon. He yanks me toward him—on top of him—and this is how I find myself eye to eye with the beast. He breathes his heavy, stinking breath on my face, and I wince and wrinkle my nose.

Leo’s eyes crinkle in the corners as he laughs. “Morning, Pop Tart.”

“Get the hell out of my bed. And brush your goddamn teeth. What are you doing in my house, Nass?”

“Ah, still feisty, huh? Is this like an all-day thing with you, or do you eventually turn from an angry sea witch into a person? Would coffee help?”

“Fuck you, Leo.”

“Darlin’, you wish.”

“You’re disgusting. I wouldn’t touch you if—”

“Yeah, yeah, if I were the last man on Earth. I’ve heard it all before, sweet cheeks, and I don’t buy it for a second.” He flips us so suddenly my head spins. I’m beneath him, my wrists pinioned to the bed above my head by just one of his strong hands. The other glides up my side. My sheets have twisted up around us, but from this angle it looks as if Leo Nass is very much naked in my bed.

“Goddamn it,” I complain once I find my voice. “I’m going to need to burn these sheets after you leave.”

His eyebrow quirks, and the grin he gives me is all-out salacious. He shifts his weight between my legs, then he drops his hips and grinds his erection against me. I’m stunned, speechless. I have no words. They’ve all left me because my brain has turned to mush and my vagina is the only one thinking, and I’m really not okay leaving her in charge. “Why burn them when we’re not done messing them up?”
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Read Today!

(Free in Kindle Unlimited)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2t08Ci3

Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/CakeCJ

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Carmen Jenner, bravo on this one!! I loved every bit of this book.

I was not sure what to expect when I started this book, as this is only my second book by Carmen, but I know that I enjoyed her writing on the first book I read. So I at least knew I would enjoy the writing; but I absolutely loved this whole story.

“Nass the Ass”

Those three words will forever be stuck in my head and will always remind of this book and why it is so great. “Nass the Ass” is Leo Nass, Poppy’s archnemeis and best friend of her now ex-fiancé. The ex-fiancé’s who’s wedding she is now assisting to her best friend, well now, ex-best friend. And let me make it clear that Poppy is not letting them walk all over her with this one. She’s doing it to keep her job and also get that damn promotion she’s wanted. So, Poppy is being the bigger person and taking one for the team.

But not only is she coordinating this wedding, her supposed best friend wants Poppy to be her maid of honor!! Oh people, let me tell you it’s just getting started. To top it all off, Leo is bestman. So everyone that Poppy would prefer to never deal with again, they’re all front and center of her life right now. And it’s quite the spectacle. LOL

I loved the interactions and banter between everyone. I don’t think there was a time I was not double over laughing at something. And it wasn’t anything too over the top or too cheesy either. It felt all flowed naturally with these characters and I felt like I was watching a TV show or movie play out.

This is one book that I highly urge EVERYONE to read!!

 

 

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About Carmen:

Carmen Jenner is a thirty-something, USA Today and international bestselling author.

Her dark romance, KICK (Savage Saints MC #1), won Best Dark Romance Read in the Reader’s Choice Awards at RWDU, 2015.

A tattoo enthusiast, hardcore makeup addict and zombie fangirl, Carmen lives on the sunny North Coast of New South Wales, Australia, where she spends her time indoors wrangling her two wildling children, a dog named Pikelet, and her very own man-child.

A romantic at heart, Carmen strives to give her characters the HEA they deserve, but not before ruining their lives completely first … because what’s a happily ever after without a little torture?
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Connect with Carmen:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarmenJennerAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarmenJAuthor

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/carmenjenner/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmenjennerauthor/

SnapChat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/TheCarmenJenner

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2BKhcoL

Stay up to date with Carmen by joining her mailing list here:

http://carmenjennerauthor.blogspot.com.au/p/blog-page.html

http://www.carmenjenner.com

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Lies That Bind by Diana Rodriquez Wallach…. Release Day Blitz & Review

 

What do you do when you learn your entire childhood was a lie?

Reeling from the truths uncovered while searching for her sister in Italy, Anastasia Phoenix is ready to call it quits with spies. The only way to stop being a pawn in their game is to remove herself from the board. But before she can leave her parents’ crimes behind her, tragedy strikes. No one is safe, not while Department D still exists.

Now, with help from her friends, Anastasia embarks on a dangerous plan to bring down an entire criminal empire. From a fire-filled festival in England to a lavish wedding in Rio de Janeiro, Anastasia is determined to confront the enemies who want to destroy her family. But even Marcus, the handsome bad boy who’s been there for her at every step, is connected to the deadly spy network. And the more she learns about Department D, the more she realizes the true danger might be coming from someone closer than she expects…

Buylinks: https://entangledpublishing.com/lies-that-bind.html

 

Diana keeps the suspense and action going in Lies That Bind, her second book in the Anastasia Phoenix series. It does help to read the first book to get a better idea of what is going on, but Diana does a nice job of summarizing what everyone has already been through without taking away from the story.

Anastasia is now in London with her friends when they come upon Marcus’ brother, Antonio, who they had been searching for. Now that everyone realizes they need to take down Department D, Anastasia is having a very hard time trusting everyone around her. And when a friend winds up dead, Anastasia has no idea which way to turn.

I know I am not revealing much, and I really do not want to. Just like the first book, there is so much that goes on and I can’t give you one thing without giving away something important. The world building and the suspense is just as impactful and intriguing as the first book. I love how everything plays out and keeps you glued to the story.

I enjoyed that these characters friendships/relationships build more in this one and become more involved as time goes on. Even though Anastasia has trust issues, things build without confusion, if that makes sense – it builds naturally. I love these characters just as much as I love this story. Diana just a fabulous job of keeping the characters in their role (age, maturity, etc) all the while, keeping the momentum very thrilling.

Overall, this was a great sequel to Proof of Lies and has me anxiously awaiting what happens in the next book!!

 

 

Check out Diana’s response to Courtney’s questions on our Instagram page!

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Excerpt from Lies that Bind:

“Mom and Dad are either dead or they abandoned us. I’m not sure which is worse,” I said bluntly. “But if they are alive, we don’t know how many people, how many lunatics, think we’re walking maps to their doorsteps. They’ll use us, and they’ll hurt us. Again.”

“Then we’ll stop looking for them.” Keira shrugged like it was easy. “Why do we need to go anywhere to do that?”

“Because everyone on that terrace is somehow connected to Department D, Marcus and Antonio especially!” I stared at the gray sky, aggravated. Did she think I wanted to do this? I was about to walk away from a guy I cared about because of our parents, because of things that they did. They committed crimes, theyhad an affair, and they put us in danger. All we could do now was survive. “As long as we’re linked to them, we’re not safe. Especially if Mom and Dad are alive. We have to go off the grid.”

Win a signed copy of Lies That Bind and a bookmark.

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About Diana Rodriguez Wallach:

Diana Rodriguez Wallach is the author of the Anastasia Phoenix Series, three young adult spy thrillers (Entangled Publishing, 2017, ’18, ‘19). The first book in the trilogy, Proof of Lies, was named by Paste Magazine as one of the “Top 10 Best Young Adult Books for March 2017.” Bustle also listed her as one of the “Top Nine Latinx Authors to Read for Women’s History Month 2017.” Additionally, she is the author of three award-winning young adult novels: Amor and Summer Secrets, Amigas and School Scandals, and Adios to All The Drama (Kensington Books); as well as a YA short-story collection entitled Mirror, Mirror (Buzz Books, 2013).

She is an advisory board member for the Philly Spells Writing Center, a school-based Workshop Instructor for Mighty Writers in Philadelphia, and has been a Writing Instructor for Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth since 2015. She holds a B.S. in Journalism from Boston University, and currently lives in Philadelphia.

Author Links:

Author Website: www.dianarodriguezwallach.com

Author Blog: http://dianarwallach.tumblr.com

Author Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dianarwallach

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dianarwallach/

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianawallachauthor/

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Claiming Felicity by Susan Stoker…. Excerpt Tour Stop


Susan Stoker

Claiming Felicity

Ace Security Book 4

Release Date February 27, 2017



Falling in love could expose a woman in hiding, in the fourth Ace Security novel from New York Times bestselling author Susan Stoker.

Former mercenary Ryder Sinclair’s stunning discovery that he has three half brothers in Castle Rock, Colorado, is giving them all the chance to color in the spaces of their tragic pasts. For Ryder, establishing roots is made all the more desirable by Felicity Jones. But if Ryder’s instincts are correct, this breathtaking beauty is in trouble.

Castle Rock isn’t Felicity’s home. Like her false identity, it’s just a cover. All she wants is enough cash to keep moving to another temporary hideaway—to stay on the run from a secret that’s haunted her for years. As safe as Ryder’s strong embrace makes her feel, she fears that falling for him, and staying in Colorado, will put everyone she’s come to love in danger.

The more Ryder learns about Felicity, the more determined he is not to let her go. It’s time for her to stop running—even as a relentless danger closes in, threatening their love and their lives.


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Excerpt:

Ryder ran a hand through his hair, and he looked away from her for the first time. Felicity had been confused and nervous when she’d woken up, but it was nothing compared to how she was feeling now. A pit formed in her belly, and she felt her hands begin to shake. “What happened?” she asked in a whisper.

Ryder looked back at her then, and she felt Blake’s hand press into her calf. Felicity steeled herself.

“Nate is gone.”

Felicity blinked. “What?”

“Nate. Joseph drugged you, then entered your apartment and took Nate. We know it was him because the external cameras showed him clearly. Fucker even made a point to look up, straight into the lens, and smirk as he was leaving.”

“But you found him, right?”

Ryder merely shook his head.

Felicity stared at him for a moment, then her gaze swung to Blake. “Joseph has called, though, hasn’t he? To tell you how much money he wants?”

She felt Ryder’s finger on her chin as he gently forced her to look at him. “Joseph hasn’t called, love. Nate’s been gone for twenty hours. We don’t know where he is and have no leads.”

Felicity blinked. Then promptly began to hyperventilate. This was her worst fear come to life. Someone else she loved had been hurt because of her. Grace and Logan had to be devastated. God, the twins had been put under her care, and she’d failed them. Utterly. Tears sprang to her eyes, and there was no way she could hold them back. Not hiding them or even trying to wipe them away, Felicity looked up at Ryder helplessly.

About the Author:

Susan Stoker


New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all-American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She’s married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.


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Up In Smoke by T.M. Frazier….Blog Tour & Review

BLOGTOURSBPR-TM FRAZIER

Up in Smoke, an all-new gritty standalone romance from USA Today bestselling author T.M. Frazier is LIVE!

Smoke FULL COVER

I’m a man without a conscience.

I deal in murder and mayhem.

I’m the best at what I do.

Frankie Helburn is supposed to be an easy job.

A means to flush her father out of hiding.

Simple.

Except there isn’t anything simple about Frankie or the secrets she’s keeping.

She’s stubborn as hell and the sexiest god damn thing I have ever seen, sending dark, dirty animalistic desire coursing through my veins.

She’s cocaine with legs. A f*cking addiction that makes me question things I’ve never questioned before. Want things I’ve never wanted before.

I might have her, but she isn’t mine to keep.

If her father doesn’t show his face, she will be mine.

To KILL.

** Other books in the King Series DO NOT have to be read to enjoy Smoke’s book. Up in Smoke can be read as a standalone. **

Excerpt

“All these bruises,” Smoke muses. “And not one of them caused by me.” He trails a hand up my arms and down my flat stomach. “Pity, but I still have time to leave my mark on you yet.”

My entire body stiffens. I’m as rigid as a corpse.

Smoke chuckles and I’m glad I’m facing away because his laugh is pure torture, causing his erection to vibrate against my folds which are aching for more contact.

“You will be punished, hellion. You can be sure of that.”

I look over my shoulder and meet his dark eyes which darken even further as his pupils dilate. His lingering gaze rakes me over from my feet to my breasts and back down to the space between my thighs. He licks his full bottom lip.

My stomach flips. My will to fight him off doesn’t waiver, but my body isn’t getting the message. My core clenches again. I turn back around to face the tile, digging my teeth into my lower lip until I taste my own blood.

His chest presses against my back, and his hardness pulses between my legs, rubbing against my inner thighs. He squirts some shampoo in his hand, working it into my hair. He tilts my head back and rinses my hair then slides his slick and soapy hand down my body.

I’m breathing rapidly now. Short quick breaths I can’t control. There’s a deep rumble in his throat. His hand travels lower and lower on my stomach until it’s between my legs. He’s working his thumb over my swollen nub, sending sparks of need, pangs of pleasure, and a wave of self-hatred, surging within my battered body and bruised soul.

“What…what are you doing?” I ask, seeing flashes of white hot lust behind my closed eyes.

“More questions…” his voice a hearty amused rasp. His fingers circle my clit while he continues to rock his hard cock between my legs. The pressure building is so strong it borders on painful.

Tears leak from my eyes. I’m so fucking mad at myself for being turned on. For Smoke being right. I’m so wet. He feels it. There’s no way he can’t feel it.

He leans in close. I’m stone still except for the tremors gripping my body. He licks the tear off my cheek and groans. He dips the tip of his finger inside of me and I tighten around the intrusion. It’s a foreign sensation. Strange. It feels both wrong and right. Pleasurable and painful. “Your tight little pussy is weeping too. I wonder if its tears taste the same.”

I look over my shoulder as he withdraws his finger and sucks it into his mouth. He groans. “Fear or desire. They both taste real fuckin’ good to me.”

He places his hand back between my legs. When I try to squeeze my thighs together to keep him out he parts them with his knee on a grunt and begins circling my clit again. This time harder. Faster.

I’m staying as still as I can, but when I feel something begin to happen inside my body. The sparks he ignited within me are all crashing together. I can’t hold back. My face scrunches as I try to fight the orgasm fighting its way out, but it’s no use. I can’t fight it. It’s too fucking strong. I’m so fucking close.

I arch my back without thinking, pressing my ass against him, begging for more. For what I need to push me over the edge.

Smoke hisses. “Oh, what I could do to this beautiful little pussy.”

The pleasure builds and builds as he strokes me harder. Faster. I’m about to come all over his fingers when the feeling is lost.

I spin around.

Smoke is gone.

I can’t see through the steam so I shut off the spray and wipe the water from my eyes only to see Smoke toweling off in front of the sink on the other side of the bathroom.

The only proof I have of what just happened between us was real is his cock. Erect. Thick. Huge. The purplish swollen head bobs against his abs, jutting out over the top of the towel he wraps around his waist.

“What…what just happened?” I stammer, leaning back against the wall for support.

Smoke steps forward, and when I go to jerk back, he reaches out and pinches my nipple painfully hard. I yelp and leap back, slipping on the tile, falling on my ass, taking the shower curtain down with me.

Smoke rips the curtain off my head and glares down at me with a triumphant grin on his evil beautiful face. “What just happened was called punishment and you got off easy. Next time I’ll split that tight pussy in two with my fucking cock.”

He goes to leave but stops. “You want pain?” he asks. “I’ll give it to you. You want pleasure? Now that’s something you’re gonna have to earn.”

He leaves, slamming the door behind him.

I release a shaky exhale.

I’d hoped the rest of my time with Smoke would be tolerable, but there’s no fucking way that’s going to happen. Not now. Not with my skin crawling with need. I’m losing my mind. About where I am. About what this is all about. About this beautiful horrible evil man.

I feel like I’ve already been split in two.

What Smoke is doing to me is far more than punishment.

It’s pure fucking torture.

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Read Up In Smoke Today!

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This series is EVERYTHING!!

Up In Smoke is book 8 in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. And if you are a fan of this series or T.M. Frazier, you will love this book as much as I did.

I have been dying for Smoke’s book since he first appeared in previous books. He’s a dangerous and ruthless man that works in the shadows. He’s a hitman that has no qualms about his job or the people he is hired to kill. He’s in and out like the wind, or his case, smoke. However, someone chose to cross him and take someone important to him. Smoke is on mission to exact his revenge on Frank Helburn.

“This might be the first time I’ve ever been kidnapped. But I’ve been a prisoner for years.”

Frankie is the only lead that Smoke has on Frank, so he decides to use her as bait. However, Frankie is more than what Smoke perceived. Frankie ranks right up there with Rage as a fave heroine of mine from this series. She may seem mousy, but she’s a crafty little fighter. Frankie gives Smoke a run for his money and makes him crazy insane at the same time.

This story had me glued to the pages from the start. It’s gritty, dark, fast paced and action packed; it was impossible to stop reading. The interactions between Frankie and Smoke were intense, raw and hot. I love that Frankie challenged him and never cowered from him. Smoke didn’t bend to her seductive ways and constantly made her remember that she is his to do what he wanted with, his property.

” ‘It’s only fair that I break you,’ Smoke groans, seating himself fully inside me. He looks me in the eyes. ‘Since you’ve already broken me.’ “

Frazier once again writes a superb dark and gritty romance with so many twists and turns that you never want the damn book to end. This series is a one of kind and one I highly recommend. If you like your characters dirty, honest and wild, then these books are for you!

 

 

 

About the T.M. Frazier:

TmFrazier

T.M.Frazier is a USA TODAY bestselling author. She resides in sunny Southwest Florida with her husband and her young daughter.

When she’s not writing she loves talking to her readers, country music, reading and traveling. Her debut novel, The Dark Light of Day was published in September of 2013 and when she started writing it she intended for it to be a light beachy romance.

Well…it has a beach in it!

Connect with T.M. Frazier:

Facebook I Twitter I Website

Stay up to date with T.M. by signing up for her newsletter today!

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The Longest Silence by Debra Webb…Excerpt Tour Stop

We are so excited to announce a 2-part tour for The Longest Silence, a gripping thriller by USA Today bestselling author Debra Webb!

Follow along the excerpt tour beginning in mid February, with long excerpts in consecutive order at each tour stop, followed by a review tour beginning March 5th, release week!

 

About The Longest Silence

Hardcover: 336 pages

Publisher: MIRA (March 6, 2018)

“The twists and turns in this dark, taut drama make it both creepy and compelling.” —New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry

A killer stole her voice. Now she’s ready to take it back. Don’t miss the chilling Shades of Death series from USA TODAY bestselling author Debra Webb.

Joanna Guthrie was free. She had been for eighteen years–or so she needed everyone to believe. What really happened during the longest fourteen days of her life, when she and two other women were held captive by the worst kind of serial killer, wasn’t something she could talk about. Not after what they had to do to survive.

But when more women go missing in an eerily similar manner, Jo knows her prolonged silence will only seal their fates. She’s finally ready to talk; she just needs someone to listen. FBI special agent Tony LeDoux can’t deny he finds Jo compelling–he’s just not sure he believes her story. But with the clock ticking, Jo will do anything to convince him, even if it means unearthing long-buried secrets that will land them squarely in the crosshairs of the killer…

“This psychological thriller is rife with tension that begins on page one and doesn’t let up. It’s a race against the clock that had me whispering to the pair of flawed, desperate protagonists, ‘Hurry,hurry.’ A gripping read.”  —New York Times bestselling author Sandra Brown

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Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

 

Excerpt:

Chapter Seven

Wild Things Lounge, Macon, Georgia
5:00 p.m.

Tony fought to restrain his temper as he waited for the manager to pick through the wad of keys he’d dug from his pocket for the one that would unlock the door. No matter that he had called the club manager en route to Macon he’d still waited an hour in the goddamned parking lot. According to the owner, who lived in Atlanta and was the contact Tony had called first, a new security system, including video surveillance, had been installed three years ago. The owner couldn’t confirm whether the recorded data from a month or more ago would still be available. The manager handled the day-to-day operations and such decisions were at his discretion.

While Tony had waited for the manager to show up he had walked around the building. There was a camera at the front entrance, the emergency side exit as well as the rear employee entrance. No cameras focused on the parking lot. No windows in the building. He’d glanced in the Dumpster noting the discarded condoms and drug paraphernalia which spoke to the establishment’s general clientele or, at least, those who hung out in the parking area.

His phone vibrated again. Angie. He let the call go to voice mail as he had the previous two. He wasn’t ready to talk to her. Anything he told her now would only get her hopes up. Until he had confirmed the roommate’s new story he wouldn’t share the information with his sister.

“You got a warrant?” Sean, the manager, asked as he finally unlocked the door. Then he leaned against it rather than opening it and waited for Tony to answer.

Sean Waldrop. Twenty-five. Shoulder-length hair badly in need of a wash. A few curly hairs that looked more like they belonged somewhere in the vicinity of his balls sprouted from his chin. Tony felt reasonably confident the tight, ripped jeans were cutting off the blood supply to his upper body and, more important, his brain. With the heavy metal band T-shirt, worn leather jacket and combat boots, he had the 90s grunge look down. So not the kind of joint he would have wanted his niece to patronize. Something else his sister didn’t need to know.

Apparently Tony didn’t respond quickly enough since Waldrop lifted his skinny shoulders in a shrug and warned, “No warrant, no entrance, man.”

If he didn’t have one hell of an ongoing hangover from the past week—maybe month—Tony would have taken that punk-ass attitude down a notch or two. Instead, he smiled and said, “I showed you my credentials already.” What was one more flash of his invalid creds? “The owner, Kenneth Jonas—you might recognize the name from your paychecks—gave me permission to look to my heart’s desire. You want to call him?” Tony offered his cell. “I’m certain he’d be interested in learning why your bartenders are selling alcohol to minors.”

Waldrop stared at him a moment before relenting. He opened the door. “Make yourself at home, Mr. Fed. I got shit to do.”

Tony waited for Waldrop to go inside first. The stench of nicotine had infused the air, the dark paneled walls as well as the worn upholstery, all of which was underscored by the smell of countless spilled beers emanating from the cheap carpet. Waldrop flipped on the lights, which only confirmed Tony’s assessment. Tables filled most of the space. A small tiled dance floor butted up to an even smaller stage while a long bar stretched across the far side of the space. A door behind the bar probably led to the kitchen and/or the office. Between the bar and the stage, a narrow hall disappeared into the darkness. A sign directing patrons to the bathrooms pointed in that direction.

“What’s the lighting like during business hours?” Tony asked.

Waldrop plopped a rack of glasses on the counter. “We keep the lights you see now on behind the bar and the stage.” He gestured to the stage. “The rest that stay on during opening hours are along the baseboards and under the tables—ambience lighting they call it.”

In other words it was basically dark in the place during operating hours. The one camera Tony had spotted was above the mirrored wall behind the bar. “Is this the only camera inside?”

Waldrop picked up a rag and set his hands on his hips. “That’s it. Old man Jonas is a cheap motherfucker. I see that when I look at my paycheck, too.”

Tony decided it wasn’t worth the effort to point out that the owner was likely getting exactly what he paid for. The rows of liquor bottles behind the bar had his mouth watering. “Is the video recorder in the office?”

The manager hitched his head. “Follow me.”

The door behind the bar led into a small kitchen, as Tony suspected. The grill was blackened with use and the sink was stacked high with beer glasses and mugs. The rest of the counter space was cluttered with cans, boxes and utensils.

“Told you I had shit to do,” Waldrop said.

Tony doubted the regulars showed up every night for the health department rating. “Hopefully this won’t take long,” he offered. “I have shit to do, too.”

Waldrop opened the office door and gestured for Tony to go on in. “The system’s set up in that coat closet.”

About Debra Webb

DEBRA WEBB is the award winning, USA Today bestselling author of more than 130 novels, including reader favorites the Faces of Evil, the Colby Agency, and the Shades of Death series. With more than four million books sold in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood on a farm in Alabama.

Connect with Debra

Website | Facebook | Twitter

EXCERPT TOUR:

Monday, February 12th: Clues and Reviews

Tuesday, February 13th: What is That Book About

Wednesday, February 14th: The Book Diva’s Reads

Thursday, February 15th: Books & Spoons

Friday, February 16th: Book Reviews and More by Kathy

Monday, February 19th: Palmer’s Page Turners

Tuesday, February 20th: Broken Teepee

Wednesday, February 21st: Helen’s Book Blog

Thursday, February 22nd: The Lit Bitch

Friday, February 23rd: Lit Wit Wine Dine

Monday, February 26th: Ms. Nose in a Book

Tuesday, February 27th: Why Girls Are Weird

Wednesday, February 28th: Kritter’s Ramblings

Thursday, March 1st: Books a la Mode

Friday, March 2nd: Read Love Blog

REVIEW TOUR:

Monday, March 5th: The Sassy Bookster

Monday, March 5th: Books & Spoons

Tuesday, March 6th: Clues & Reviews

Wednesday, March 7th: Moonlight Rendezvous

Thursday, March 8th: Tales of a Book Addict

Friday, March 9th: Books & Bindings

Monday, March 12th: Thoughts from a Highly Caffeinated Mind

Tuesday, March 13th: @athousandbookstoread

Wednesday, March 14th: The Book Diva’s Reads

Thursday, March 15th: Katy’s Library and @katyslibrary

Friday, March 16th: Not in Jersey

Monday, March 19th: Helen’s Book Blog

Tuesday, March 20th: Mama Reads Blog

Wednesday, March 21st: Ms. Nose in a Book

Thursday, March 22nd: Bewitched Bookworms

Thursday, March 22nd: A Bookish Way of Life

Friday, March 23rd: Kritter’s Ramblings

Monday, March 26th: Novel Gossip and @novelgossip

Tuesday, March 27th: Mystery Suspense Reviews

Tuesday, March 27th: A Chick Who Reads

Wednesday, March 28th: Why Girls Are Weird

Thursday, March 29th: From the TBR Pile

Thursday, March 29th: Book Reviews and More by Kathy

Friday, March 30th: Staircase Wit

 

 

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Cross Creek Series by Kimberly Kincaid…Review and Excerpt tour

 

 

From USA Today bestselling author Kimberly Kincaid comes CROSSING PROMISES, the third standalone title in the Cross Creek series, releasing March 5th! A series filled with rugged, salt of the earth heroes who happen to be brothers, and strong family dynamics. Each standalone novel is filled with heart, humor, and heat. Order your copies of the Cross Creek series today!

 

 

For Owen Cross, the only thing that matters more than family is farming. As the oldest Cross brother, the land is his legacy, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make Cross Creek a success—including hiring local widow Cate McAllister to manage the bookkeeping tasks that are growing in his office like weeds. Cate’s as pragmatic as she is pretty, and she rattles his hard-fought composure at every turn.

Cate had known a lot of things about her husband before he died three years ago in a car accident, but how much debt he’d gotten them into wasn’t one of them. She needs her job at Cross Creek, even if her boss is both gruff and gorgeous. But Owen’s a family man, through and through, and the last thing Cate is interested in is anything—or anyone—with strings attached.

As Owen and Cate join forces to right the farm, they discover there’s more to the other than the surfaces shows, and that passion can be found in unexpected places. Can Cate heal from the loss of one family to gain the love of her life? Or will the past prove too much for the promise of the future?

 

 

Amazon * Barnes and Noble * iBooks * Kobo

 

 

 

 

Excerpt Reveal

Cate dragged a hand through her hair, her gaze moving over the boxes in disbelief. “Let me see if I’ve got this right. You don’t do any of your bookkeeping online. At all?”

“We do. Just not a lot of it,” he amended. The Cross men lived to work the land, not the ledgers. Sure, their current system was a little time consuming, but it wasn’t totally ineffective. Cross Creek had been running on it for decades. “We have software right here on the computer.” He paused to pull up the program they used for much of their bookkeeping before adding, “It’s just that none of us are great at using it.”

“So I see,” Cate said after a quick perusal over his shoulder.

Irritation splashed through Owen’s chest. “Our books aren’t that bad.”

The parting of her lips said she was primed and ready to take him to the mat on that count, and damn it, he really didn’t have time to argue with her. “Look, I know it’s going to take some work to get things running smoothly in here.”

“It’s going to take a lot more than that,” she murmured with a shake of her head, and just like that, Owen’s patience redlined.

“Can you do it, or should I find someone else?”

Once again, his words came out gruffer than planned. But before he could even think of cooking up an apology, Cate’s arms had snapped across the front of her sweater dress to form a don’t-mess-with-me knot that was far, far more of a turn-on than it had a right to be.

“That’s what you hired me for, isn’t it? To manage your books effectively?”

“Yes,” Owen answered carefully, still caught between the desire to be annoyed, the desire to apologize, and, well, just plain desire.

“Well, then. Since I have my work cut out for me with a chainsaw, I suppose I should get to it,” Cate said.

After a quick internal debate, Owen nodded. Brash or not, he needed her. More than he cared to admit. “Okay, then.”

She answered by way of pushing up her sleeves and sliding an elastic from her wrist to secure her hair in a knot at the crown of her head. Even with the more casual edge, the powder-blue dress still hugged her curves, her calves flexing and releasing as she moved from one stack of boxes to the next in her heels, and he cleared his throat.

“Just so you know, we’re pretty casual around here. You don’t have to look nice.”

Cate’s cheeks flushed a shade of pink that, while highly pretty, didn’t bode well for him in the mending-fences department. “Good to know,” she said, and holy hell, why did his mouth refuse to cooperate with his brain around this woman?

“Not that you don’t look, uh. Fine like that. All I meant was, you don’t have to get dressed up. Jeans are okay.”

She stared down at the toes of her shiny black shoes, but only for a split second before meeting his stare with her own. “Got it, Casanova. Is that all?”

For just a heartbeat, Owen was tempted to say no, to dig deep into his Neanderthal brain for the right words to tell her she actually looked fucking beautiful. To surrender to the hot demands coming from both his chest and his cock, and cross the room to impulsively kiss her sexy, sassy mouth.

But this was Cate McAllister. His buddy Brian’s widow. He shouldn’t think she was pretty. He shouldn’t wonder if the skin on her shoulders bore the same provocative dusting of freckles as the neck she’d just put on display. And he damn sure shouldn’t be turned on like floodlights at the fire in her eyes that he’d never quite seen before, but seemed to somehow fit her perfectly.

So, he simply said, “Yes. That’s all,” and walked out of the room.

The one word that comes to mind is enduring when I have to explain what I thought about this book. Cate McAllister is not only living with the horrible loss of her husband and daughter but also is struggling in life in general. This girl simply cannot get a win! Cate is not someone screaming “Save Me” and she is certainly not looking for sympathy or even pity. As a mom and wife, this is something I could not imagine and my heart literally went out to Cate. I have to say this is why I love Kimberly Kincaid’s writing so much- she gives you a touch of slap in your face reality and it’s not always the glamorous parts of life in her books.

Owen Cross lives and breathes his family’s farm. He is so focused on the success of this farm that he has yet to find love like his other brothers. Don’t worry because Cate finds her way into his life slowly. This is when things heat up my friends! I mean come on how can you not love a hot guy in a flannel taking care on a farm! Their romance is not fast paced and at times I questioned if Cate would be the one to capture Owen’s heart. It is nice to see a romance written as it would naturally progress in “real life”.

At first, Cate was a little bit of a struggle for me to like. I hate to say it but it might be that she cooked away her problems instead of speaking about them. Silly yes but true. I had pictured Owen with someone who was bold “in your face” type in the previous books as well. After reading more of Owen,  I realized that Owen would never like the “in your face” type. He would never relate or even like a girl who was a type A personality. They truly balanced each other out. You know that couple in books where they are the put together couple with wise words of advice? Cate and Owen are that couple.

Without giving away the ending, this is a story full of love, family and sometimes sorrow….really a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It can be read as a standalone but it makes for a better read if you read the previous two.

 

And don’t miss the first two standalone titles in the Cross Creek series, CROSSING HEARTS and CROSSING THE LINE!

 

 

Hunter Cross has no regrets. Having left his football prospects behind the day he graduated high school, he’s happy to carry out his legacy on his family’s farm in the foothills of the Shenandoah. But when a shoulder injury puts him face-to-face with the high school sweetheart who abandoned town—and him—twelve years ago, Hunter’s simple life gets a lot more complicated.

Emerson Montgomery has secrets. Refusing to divulge why she left her job as a hotshot physical therapist for a pro football team, she struggles to readjust to life in the hometown she left behind. The more time she spends with Hunter, the more Emerson finds herself wanting to trust him with the diagnosis of MS that has turned her world upside down.

But revealing secrets comes with a price. Can Hunter and Emerson rekindle their past love? Or will the realities of the present—and the trust that goes with them—burn that bridge for good?

 

AMAZON

 

 

Cocky farmer Eli Cross plays twice as hard as he works. When his latest stunt drums up a heap of negative PR for the family farm, he grudgingly agrees to play host to an ambitious New York City photographer. Her feature on Cross Creek could be just the ticket to show the country what the Cross brothers do best…which is more problem than solution for Eli.

Scarlett Edwards-Stewart has photographed everything from end zones to war zones. She’s confident she can ace this one little story to help her best friend’s failing magazine. At least, she would be if her super-sexy host wasn’t so tight lipped. But the more Scarlett works with Eli, the more she discovers that he’s not who he seems. Can his secret bring them closer together? Or will it be the very thing that tears them apart?

 

AMAZON

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Cross Creek Series Tour

February 26

Read-Love-Blog-Review
What is That Book About-Excerpt

February 27

Reading in Pajamas-Review
All Things Dark and Dirty-Excerpt

February 28

Always a Happy Ever After-Review
Thoughts of a Blonde-Excerpt

March 1

Irishdaisylovesromance-Review
The Fairest of All Book Reviews-Excerpt

March 2

Just the Write Stuff-Excerpt
I Love Romance-Review

March 3

Tangents and Tissues-Excerpt
What Do We Want Book Reviews & More-Review
1 Chick and her Kindle-Review

March 4

KDRBCK-Review
Books According to Abby-Excerpt
Bad Boys and Bedtime Stories Book Blog-Review

March 5

Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews-Review
Jax’s Book Magic-Excerpt

March 6

Nicole’s Book Musings-Excerpt
Oh My Growing TBR-Excerpt

March 7

The Heathers’ Blog-Review
Becky on Books-Review

March 8

Melena’s Reviews-Review
Read Your Writes Book Reviews-Excerpt

March 9

One-Click Chocolate Chick-Review
Kari’s Book Reviews & Revelations-Review

March 10

KatyaRath-Review
Reese’s Reviews-Excerpt

March 11

Two Book Pushers-Excerpt

March 12

Only One More Page-Review
My Book Filled Life-Review

March 13

Fire and Ice Book Reviews-Review
The Power of 3 Readers-Review

March 14

Shannon’s Book Blog-Review
Book Loving Pixies-Review
The Romance Reviews-Review
Blushing Babes Are Up All Night-Review

March 15

Star-Crossed Book Blog-Review
Sascha Darlington-Review
Bookgasms Book Blog-Review
Hannah’s Words-Review

March 16

G & T’s Indie Café-Excerpt
TBR Book Blog-Review
Teatime and Books-Excerpt

 

 

About Kimberly Kincaid:

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 USA Today best-selling author and a 2015 RWA RITA® finalist who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love. Kimberly resides in Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.

 

 

 

 

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Instagram

 

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Excerpt Reveal….White Knight by CD Reiss

SBPRBANNER-WhiteKnight-ER

White Knight an All-new romantic standalone from New York Times bestselling author CD Reiss is coming March 6th!

white-knight-cover-FULL

Catherine’s long-lost love is found.

Catherine Barrington is a rich girl. Chris Cartwright is a poor boy.

He left her to make something of himself. A man she could be proud of. A man she could bring home to her parents. A man she could marry.

On the trading floor he became the man he knew he could be. Now, it’s time to return.

Rich girl.

Poor boy.

She didn’t care about his money, but he didn’t believe her. Soon after he left, all the money was gone.

Her life is hell.

Now he’s back, and he’s different. Pristine. Gorgeous. Rich.

Rich boy.

Poor girl.

Money was never the barrier, until now.

—-

White Knight is a standalone in the same world as King of Code, with its own beginning, middle, and end. You don’t need to read anything else to read White Knight.

Excerpt

Leaning on the bleachers, Chris cracked peanuts between his teeth and spit the shells. I hadn’t seen him in days and it seemed like years. Every time I saw the kick of his hips and the way his lips stretched across his teeth when he smiled, it seemed like the first time.

I watched him.

He watched me.

School started the next day. We’d go back into our different worlds. Would we meet again? Would we see each other at all? We’d grappled with the question by avoiding it.

A waft of smoke from the grills came between us.

We were alone. Surrounded by people, we were alone.

He pitched his peanut bag in the trash and washed it back with a bottle of off-brand cola. When he finished, he sucked in his bottom lip to catch an errant drop.

He tossed the bottle up. It spun in the air, and with a tap of his knuckle on its way down, he sent it into the trash.

I stepped toward him, and he stepped back. Not away. He stepped back toward something, flicking his finger that I should follow.

Easiest decision I’d ever made. It was barely even a decision.

I glanced around for Mom and Dad. They were in the gazebo with Badger, the new mayor, and his staff. Harper and the kids played with the puppies while Johnny and his wife watched. Lance jaunted around the perimeter, peeing on poles whenever he could, nipping back any sibling who got too big for their britches, ever the alpha.

I tilted directions slightly toward the bathrooms, then once past the bleachers, I saw Chris peeking from an alley between the hardware store and the library. I picked up my skirt and ran toward him, cutting the corner so hard I lost my balance. Out of nowhere, his hand was on my arm, keeping me from falling over.

Finger to lips, he led me to a black iron door. He clinked through his keys and opened it, stepping out of the way so I could pass through. We were in an office.

He closed the door with a loud clap, leaving the window as the only light.

“Chris?”

I barely got out the S before his lips kissed his name away. He put his hands on my jaw, keeping it still so he could invade my mouth. It felt good to give it to him. My body lost all its strength, held up only by the electrical currents between us.

“Catherine,” he said in a breath, keeping his lips an inch from my face as he spoke.

“Where are we?”

“Back of the hardware store. I open on Thursdays.”

“What are we going to do? I’m scared.”

“Of me?”

“Of not seeing you anymore.”

“I’ll find you.”

I clutched his shirt as if I’d be swept away without him. “I don’t fit in anywhere. Harper is so smart she tolerates me. The only time I feel right, like I’m part of something, like I belong, is when I’m with you.”

“One more year. Then you can go to college and I’ll come after. We’ll be so far away, we’ll forget our names. When people ask where we’re from, we won’t even know.”

“I don’t know if we’ll make it a year. I feel like they see us. Even now.”

I must have been shaking, because he put his arms around me so tightly it hurt. I loved the pain of his attention. It was the pain of safety, of care, of being broken just enough for release.

“Harder,” I said into his shoulder.

He squeezed me so tightly I could just barely breathe, and the tension rolled off me like water.

He let his arms go slack enough to look me in the face. “We’ll make it. Then I’ll follow you anywhere. I’ll be your puppy dog.”

“Oh, Chris, don’t be silly.”

“Don’t deny me. I’m yours.” He said the last word with a gusto I’d never associated with myself. As if life was something to grab with both hands and free like a bird that could carry us into the sky.

Together, we were freedom.

The bird launched from my chest and flew to my lips when we kissed again. Not a kiss of relief this time, but a kiss of passion. Ours was a kiss that began a string of thoughtless acts.

His hands slid down my body, grazing my breasts, landing at my waist. I felt the hardness under his jeans. I should have been scared, or freaked out, or ashamed, but I wasn’t. I was free.

He broke the kiss and stroked my bottom lip with his thumb. “Should we go back?”

“No.” I took his wrist and put his hand on the triangle below my belly.

He gasped and his lashes fluttered. Seeing that he liked it sent my body to the edge of common sense. This was crazy and I didn’t care. Being the good girl hurt, and this felt good.

“My parents have to stay at the barbecue,” I said. “That’s their job.”

He hesitated. Swallowed hard. Pinched a bit of my skirt fabric.

I nodded.

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Preorder White Knight Today!

White Knight will be exclusively on Amazon starting March 6th so grab it while you can on other retailers!!

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About CD

CDReiss

CD Reiss is a New York Times bestseller. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn’t pick up she’s at the well hauling buckets.

Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master’s degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.

She’s frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn’t ever gotten her out of chopping that cord of wood.

If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.

Connect with CD Reiss

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Forbidden Lyrics by Jodie Larson…Blog Tour with Review

We are thrilled to be bringing you Jodie Larson’s FORBIDDEN LYRICS, the third standalone in her Lightning Strikes rockstar series. Fans of contemporary romance are not going to want to miss this one–be sure to grab your copy today!

 

About FORBIDDEN LYRICS

Falling in love with your best friend’s sister is never a good idea. Getting caught kissing her, that’s even worse.

I watched Lizzie Donovan grow up – from pigtails and scraped knees to pouty lips and lush curves.

It wasn’t until one night nine years ago in the front seat of her car, with her lips on mine, that I realized what I was feeling was far more than friendship.

Of course, I felt her brother’s wicked left hook shortly after.

One promise was all it took to push her away.

Not anymore.

This is my chance.

I have three months to convince her that she’s the song in my heart and we’re more than just forbidden lyrics.

Add FORBIDDEN LYRICS to your Goodreads shelf here!

 

Grab your copy of FORBIDDEN LYRICS on Amazon today!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2CtBWNl
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2CuuO3j
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2CvV8db
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2CuQOee

 

 

Read an excerpt from FORBIDDEN LYRICS

 

The house lights dim, leaving the whole place practically in darkness. A hush falls over the crowd as if the lack of light was in control of their voices. Pretty sure we’re the only table that knows what’s about to happen.

The steady beat of a drum, counting out a punishing rhythm break through the silence. A bass guitar joins in, followed closely by two more guitars. It’s a pattern I’ve heard all my life. Each instrument getting its turn to take the spotlight before coming together as a whole.

A spotlight cuts through the darkness and every girl in the room loses their mind before rushing the stage. Flashes from cell phones compete against the swirling lights illuminating the dance floor. The four of them stand there, perfectly comfortable in their surroundings, taking command of the area. Kade winds at the girls in front while Myles struts his stuff along the right side of the stage. You can barely see Pax’s head above the drum set, but every once in a while, you sneak a glimpse of his smile.

But that’s not what I’m focusing on. No, I’m drawn to the one standing off to the side, keeping a constant rhythm and not drawing as much attention to himself. Damn. If I thought Breck looked good sitting on a bar stool, he looks a million times better with a spotlight shining directly on him.

 

“Oh, hello Jodie Larson!” is exactly what I said while ready this book. As a first-time reader of her books, I am hooked!!!  Forbidden Lyrics is the third book in the Lighting Strikes series and I have already downloaded the first two! I have got to know more about these characters! I did get a great understanding of the other bandmates so Forbidden Lyrics can be a read as a standalone.

I loved, loved, loved the hot tension between Brecken and Lizzie! I love that he has had a thing for her for years. I mean any romance that is forbidden is so fun to read. Larson did a great job at hooking me into their forbidden romance right from the start. I could see the love Brecken had for Lizzie from the start of this one and could not wait to see him get his girl. The sneaking around and the passion between them was so fun to read as well! As a bonus, I adore that Myles is Lizzie’s big brother because he is someone I would be afraid to tell I loved his band member.

Anyone wanting a romance book with some fun and sneaky around that is written to capture your attention, needs this book! Seriously this is a great series to start when all our good shows are not on T.V.! I cannot wait to read them!!

 

Don’t miss the other LIGHTNING STRIKES books!

 

SERENADING THE SHADOWS

No one should have their life planned out at the age of three. Yet that’s exactly what happened to Adrienne Carmichael. Paving the way as the “piano prodigy” was all her parents wanted…Only she didn’t.

All she wished for was to be normal, to be a regular teenager and everything that came with it—including the decisions that would shape her life.

Wish granted.

Ten years later, scarred and broken, she knows that being alone isn’t everything she imagined. The piano is finally everything, except nobody will ever hear her play again.

All that changes when a sexy-as-sin rock god blows into her life. Tall and tattooed with jet-black hair and a dangerous bad boy smile…he’s every girl’s fantasy.

To her, he’s a distraction, yet Kade Evans is everything she shouldn’t want.

Instinct tells her to run, but she can’t get him out of her mind.

But may, just maybe he can be the one to pull her from the shadows before the darkness swallows her…for good.

GOODREADS / AMAZON

 

NOTES OF THE PAST

I love women.

And it’s easy to see why. Being the lead guitarist for the country’s hottest band, Lightning Strikes, has them practically jumping into my bed and walking out the door just as quick. Which is perfect for me. Emotions complicate things, and I don’t do complicated.

Not anymore.

Sure, I was in love once, and it was great. Then it was gone. That’s when I vowed never again. Life is better without empty, broken promises.

After five years of hard work, sacrifices, and determination, everything I’ve ever wanted is in my grasp: a successful career, touring city after city and being accountable to no one.

Then she starts appearing in the crowds. The girl I once loved, and who walked away.

Only, Tatum Mitchell wasn’t just any girl; she was my girl.

Will she be the wedge that drives the last part of my heart away, or will she break down the walls I’ve built. We’re connected through the lyrics of our heart and the notes of our past, but is that enough?

GOODREADS / AMAZON

 

 

About JODIE LARSON

Jodie Larson is a wife and mother to four beautiful girls, making their home in northern Minnesota along the shore of Lake Superior. When she isn’t running around to various activities or working her regular job, you can find her sitting in her favorite spot reading her new favorite book or camped out somewhere quiet trying to write her next manuscript. She’s addicted to reading (just ask her kids or husband) and loves talking books even more so with her friends. She’s also a lover of all things romance and happily ever afters, whether in movies or in books, as shown in her extensive collection of both.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / BookBub / Newsletter

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One More Promise by Samantha Chase…Book Spotlight, Excerpt, and Giveaway

 

Synopsis:

Dylan Anders is making amends

…to his family

…to the public

…to the woman who just walked into his life

Paige Walters must learn to forgive

…her busy father

…her bossy sister

…and the wonderful man she horribly misjudged

Ambitious Paige Walters is ecstatic when she’s hired to recruit musicians for a literacy campaign—it’s her chance to prove she’s got the chops to make it in the family business. When Dylan steps in, she immediately dislikes him and vows not to let the fallen idol screw it up. But as the work brings Paige and Dylan closer together, their attraction grows…and so do their challenges…

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2xUXvrL

B&N: http://bit.ly/2ipDaEM

iBooks: http://apple.co/2xVmnzv

 

Excerpt:

For the love of it… She had done everything except offer a naked limo ride and Dylan still hadn’t made a move!

A girl could only wait so long.

And boy, oh boy, was it worth the wait.

Every inch of him was hard and muscled and felt so good wrapped around her. She wanted to climb him like a tree. Coupled with the softness of his lips and gentleness of his caress, Dylan Anders was every naughty fantasy she’d ever had—and all he’d done was kiss her!

Paige’s hands anchored in his hair as she went from being the one controlling the kiss to the one being controlled. Dylan’s kiss went from wow to ohmygod in less than a second. He kissed, he tasted, he devoured, and Paige was more than willing to be devoured.

For hours at a time.

When his lips left hers to lick the shell of her ear—she really liked that—and her throat, she let her head fall back as she fought to catch her breath.

“Come home with me,” she panted. “Please. Please, Dylan.”

He bit her gently and then soothed that tender spot with his talented tongue and she was certain they were on the same page. She ran a quick checklist in her head: Bed made? Check. Bedroom clean? Check. Legs shaved? Check. If she could just get him to the car…

Dylan lifted his head, and she could feel his entire body practically vibrating. Good. She wanted—no, needed him like that. Turned on and unable to say no. Playing the seductress was so not her thing, and she had never been sexually aggressive, but everything about this man brought that out in her.

“Paige,” he said breathlessly.

“Yes?” This was it!

“I… We can’t do this.”

Say what?

“What do you mean we can’t do this? We already are doing this!” It was pointless to pretend she wasn’t pissed off. There was only so much a girl on the verge of climbing a man could take!

Dylan took a step away. And then another. And another. He raked a hand through his hair, making it stand on end, and even that managed to look sexy on him!

The bastard!

“Look, I think lines are getting blurred,” he began. “We talked about this, Paige. I told you why we can’t get involved.”

“And you know that, to the world, it’s going to look like that already. I don’t see why we can’t take advantage of this situation. It’s obvious we’re attracted to each other. I don’t see what the big deal is!”

He studied her for a long moment and Paige wanted to walk up to him and shake him.

But she didn’t.

“Because you deserve better than this,” he said, his voice void of emotion. “You deserve better than a fake relationship with someone like me. Trust me.”

“Dylan…wait…”

But he didn’t. He turned and walked away, and Paige watched him go.

There was a part of her that said to run after him and make him see that he was wrong. But the logical, regular part of her told her to respect his wishes and let it go.

With a weary sigh, she collected her things and made her way out of the studio. She stopped at the front office and thanked the receptionist on her way out. As the warm afternoon sun hit her face, Paige reached in her bag for her sunglasses and slipped them on.

And then stood on the sidewalk and contemplated what to do next.

She didn’t have errands to run, and she didn’t want to go into the office. She could drive around the city, but traffic was always a nightmare, so that wouldn’t be a relaxing endeavor either. Pulling out her phone, she checked the time. Three o’clock. There was always… Nothing. There was nothing that she wanted to do. No hot yoga, no Zumba, no spinning class. Then she laughed at herself because it had easily been six months since she’d been to the gym, so why even consider those activities?

“Because I have way too much pent-up energy and need to do something with it,” she murmured and walked to her car. Inside, she started the car, turned on the air, and still tried to think of what to do. She didn’t want to go home. Home was where she had hoped to be with Dylan right now.

 

 

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Nobody Does It Better by Lexi Blake…..Blog Tour & Review

 

 

 

 

A spy who specializes in seduction

Kayla Summers was an elite CIA double agent, working inside China’s deadly MSS. Now, she works for McKay-Taggart London, but the Agency isn’t quite done with her. Spy master Ezra Fain needs her help on a mission that would send her into Hollywood’s glamorous and dangerous party scene. Intrigued by the mission and the movie star hunk she will be shadowing, she eagerly agrees. When she finds herself in his bed, she realizes she’s not only risking her life, but her heart.

A leading man who doesn’t do romance

Joshua Hunt is a legend of the silver screen. As Hollywood’s highest paid actor, he’s the man everyone wants to be, or be with, but something is missing. After being betrayed more than once, the only romance Josh believes in anymore is on the pages of his scripts. He keeps his relationships transactional, and that’s how he likes it, until he meets his new bodyguard. She was supposed to keep him safe, and satisfied when necessary, but now he’s realizing he may never be able to get enough of her.

An ending neither could have expected

Protecting Joshua started off as a mission, until it suddenly felt like her calling. When the true reason the CIA wanted her for this assignment is revealed, Kayla will have to choose between serving her country or saving the love of her life.

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“Kayla?”

Her eyes came up, a flash of recognition there. “Yes?”

“Are you going to sign the contract or do you have more questions?”

She picked up the pen sitting on top of the contracts that would bind the two of them together for the next six months. They would reevaluate the relationship at that point in time, but for the next six months, she was his. His bodyguard. His submissive.

Bought and properly paid for. He would take care of her and she would give him what he needed.

She signed with a flourish and sat back, a gleam of curiosity in her eyes.

He was curious, too, and there was zero reason to not satisfy their curiosity. Hard and soft limits had been gone over. They would find their communication style as they went along. But first she should understand that he was in control.

“Come sit on my lap.”

She didn’t hesitate. She stood and turned, shifting so she could maneuver her way onto his lap.

Her weight came down on him and he wrapped an arm around her waist. Damn but she made him feel big. He’d seen her take out a man twice her size, but sitting here in his lap she felt small and vulnerable, and fuck but that did it for him.

He slid a hand along her knee, letting himself indulge in the silky-smooth feel of her skin against his palm. “Did you do as I asked?”

He was well aware his voice had gone husky, deeper than normal.

“Yes, Joshua.” She squirmed the tiniest bit, as though trying to find a comfortable position. It might be difficult for her because she was sitting right on his cock, and it was harder and thicker than he could ever remember it being.

“How can I trust you?” This was all part of the game he loved. Here he could let go and play out the darker of his impulses—to control, to take, to possess.

See. Want. Have.

“You’ll have to check,” she replied. “Though shouldn’t we go inside?”

He reached out and picked up his cell with his free hand, pushing one number and connecting to the security room. He put them on speaker. She needed to understand what she was up against in order for the game to be fair. “Landon?”

“This is Burke,” the deep voice replied. “Shane’s on patrol. What can I do for you?”

“Burke, I would like to fuck my submissive on the third-floor balcony. Is anyone watching us? Can you see any cameras pointed our way?”

A low, masculine chuckle came across the line. “No, Mr. Hunt. And given the angle relative to the beach, you should enjoy your evening without worry. The only peepers I would worry about would be your next-door neighbor, and Jared is out for the night.”

“I wouldn’t care if he wasn’t. Keep up the good work.” He hung up and his hand tightened. “I would prefer when we’re playing that you don’t question me like that. I know where I want to fuck you. I know when I want to fuck you, and I’m in charge. If I want you in the middle of a crowded freeway, your only response is a yes or a no. Not to question me.”

She seemed to relax back against him, as though she was giving up the struggle and choosing to submit. “Yes, Joshua. Yes, I understand, and yes to the sex. Please.”

He liked the breathy please and loved how she squirmed. Still, he wasn’t absolutely sure she’d obeyed him, and he was a man who required proof. He slid his hand up her thigh. “Spread your legs for me.”

Her knees fell apart, and he could feel the heat from her core. He slipped a hand up until he made contact with her softest skin. No panties. Nothing but wet heat waiting for him, and it was obvious the play had cranked her up, too. His free hand eased one button on her shirt free, and then another and another until he could move in like a soldier conquering territory. No bra. Her breasts were like the rest of her. Soft and delicate. One nipple rolled against his palm, hardening then and there.

“I can see you’ve been an obedient sub,” he said, his mouth against her ear. “You need to stay that way or there will be punishment. I’m not a sadist, Kayla. I truly don’t get off on your pain, but I will give it to you if you need it. I am a disciplinarian. I gain satisfaction from your obedience. In exchange, I’ll show you how good it can be to obey me.”

 

 

 

I can’t believe this is the last book in this series – Yes, I know it’s book 15 but damnit I love this series so much. However, I am so excited that we have spinoff series coming about the lost boys and I am soooo looking forward to that.

So I had a hard time rating this book – I kept flipping between 3 and 4, so my overall is 3.5 but I leaned more towards 4 because I only had one issue and I didn’t feel that is bad enough to push the book to a 3.

Nobody Does It Better is Kayla’s book. She’s the last of crew and has spent the majority of her years as a double agent with MSS. She’s lived her life playing a role so her new assignment is nothing new to her – submissive bodyguard to one Hollywood’s biggest stars. Oh yea……

Josh Hunt has a wicked and dark past that he has tried to leave behind him. It’s left him bitter about love. But he has come to realize that the world of BDSM is his calling and one thing he can always rely on. And he now finds himself in need of someone to not only become his submissive but also be able to keep things strict and professional and be his bodyguard.

Lexi does sexy and suspenseful like no one else. She has this perfect mix of intensity with both the BDSM elements and the suspense/action going on. You find yourself get sucked into the story and just breezing through the pages needing to know what happens next. It’s that intensity that she just rocks at.

I may not have loved this one as much as others – there was ALOT going on that it was hard to keep track – but I still really enjoyed it. This may have been the last in the series, but she did a great job of transitioning us to the spin off series The Lost Boys. So as sad as I am to have to say goodbye to this series, she has me eager to start the next one.

 

 

 

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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Heart Stronger by Rachel Blaufeld…Blog Tour & Review

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“So exquisitely titillating, full of hope and second chances, and so honest, this is Rachel Blaufeld’s best and swooniest romance yet! I LOVED it!”

– Katy Evans, New York Times Bestselling Author

Heart Stronger, an all-new emotional romance from Rachel Blaufeld is available now!

HeartStronger Full

“Sometimes, I feel like I’m watching a movie . . . that it’s not really me, Claire Richards, getting this second chance at life.”

“Open your eyes, it’s you, and I’m damn glad it’s with me.” ~ Aiken

Single mom and college professor Claire Richards only wanted a few hours of me time to soak in her tub, read a book, and drink wine.

But tragedy struck, and Claire found herself with a lot more me time than she bargained for.

Three years later, Claire is still mourning her losses when Aiken Fordham—who looks young enough to be one of her college students—moves in next door.

Forcing Claire to face her fears, Aiken almost forgets his reason for moving to Small Town, Pennsylvania. Falling for the sexy, smart, and strong professor next door was never in the plan.

But now it is . . . until their future intersects with their pasts.

Excerpt

The downpour stopped just as I did, soaked in rain and sweat. Rolling my neck, I took in my house. It was cute. Too cute for a single dude, but it was all fixed up, and I wasn’t in the mood for a renovation project.

I bent over to stretch, touching my toes, and before I could stand up, Smitty was at my feet, tail wagging, tongue lolling, begging to be petted.

“Smitty!” Claire came running out her front door, dark hair tied up in a messy bun, wearing tight black pants and a fitted green blouse. No shoes. She stopped in front of me, and I noticed her pink toes and tanned feet.

“Smitty, bad boy! You can’t leave the house.” She grabbed his collar and tugged him to her side.

“S’okay.” Wetness seeped into my eyes, and I swatted it away, making the burn worse. Squinting and blinking, I remained focused on the woman in front of me, and all woman she was. There wasn’t one girlish thing about my neighbor, and no—before you think it—I didn’t have mommy issues.

I had lean-muscular-legs and pouty-lips issues, both of which Claire had in earnest. Not to mention, I had a separate thing for independence after growing up around all these farming wives, who basically did all the heavy lifting for none of the credit. Then there was my dad, unable to move on, the epitome of lost.

“Don’t say that. He can’t be running out of the house.” Her breath was short at this point; she was almost panting. “He’s all I have.” It was a whisper of a sentence, but I heard it. Fuck it, I felt it. I got pain. Hated anyone else having to experience it.

She was eaten up with pain, but kept her head up—I could tell. I wanted to crack her veneers, let the pain ooze out, and see her smile in earnest.

Deep shit for a young guy, but I’d grown up fast. Like in the last forty-eight hours.

“I put my hand out to feel if it was still raining, and he bolted as soon as he saw you,” she continued to explain.

“Like I said, I’m cool with Smitty, but I get it. He can’t be escaping.”

“Thanks for understanding.” She stood, prim and proper, her gaze heavy on the concrete, clearly avoiding any direct eye contact.

“You okay, Claire? I’m sorry about last night.”

“I’m fine.” She turned back toward her house.

“Claire, listen, we got off to a bad start. Can we start over? Aiken Fordham, nice to meet you.” I held my hand out, flexing my bicep, waiting for her to return the favor.

“Claire Richards.” She took my hand, her smaller, dainty, and way smoother hand slipping into mine.

“Ugh. What do you want, Aiken? Look at you, shirtless, dripping from running in the rain.” Her hand whipped out of mine and began whisking up and down in the air, motioning at my very naked torso. “What could you possibly want from me? If you need an egg or a stick of butter, pop next door. Otherwise, let me be. I need to get out of here and beg Mary to give me a class full of students, probably not much older than you.” She alternated between eyeing me and her disobedient dog.

“You’re a beautiful woman, Claire,” I called, running up behind her. “And I’m a warm-blooded man, who’ll probably never have a need for a stick of butter. I’m a big boy. I know how to find a grocery store. All by myself too.”

She flung open her door and motioned Smitty inside. He stood at the screen door, staring us down with sad doggie eyes.

“Is there something wrong with getting to know my neighbor? I don’t know anyone here. Maybe you could be neighborly? Or are you so closed off you can’t do that? Because if so, that’s a damn shame,” I said through gritted teeth. Admittedly, I was more frustrated than I should have been. I was a man who desperately wanted the broken woman in front of me.

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Anyone who has been following my reviews over the year, knows that I love Rachel and her work. She’s always stood out to me with her unique characters and amazing story lines.

Heart Stronger is an emotional romance about a divorced professor, Claire and her new next door neighbor, Aiken. Many have been calling this a second chance romance and honestly, I personally do not see it as that. For me, a second chance romance is when the main characters are finding a second chance to be together again when it didn’t work out before and that’s not the case here. These two do not know each other til they become neighbors.

Claire not only had to survive through a divorce, but while she was coming to grips on that, she loses her daughter in a horrific incident. Since then, she has buried herself in her work and hasn’t truly lived her life since the day her daughter died. Aiken moves to the are in hopes of finding his mother, who left him and father. He came looking for closure but what he found was hot neighbor that he just couldn’t walk away from.

Rachel has this way with her writing where I find myself so enraptured by them and cheering them on. Aiken won my heart over immediately. I love that nothing Claire did would deter him from continuing to persue her. He saw more than what she showed everyone. Claire is one tough cookie. She is deadest in her ways and just truly believes because she was selfish one night and lost her daughter, that she no longer deserves any sort of love. I love how everything unfolds along with the mystery behind Aiken’s quest to find his mother.

Rachel delivers another fantastic story with great characters that will stay with us. While this book is a standalone, she does end it with a cliffhanger about Claire’s best friend, Mary. So I will be anxiously awaiting for that book next.

 

 

 

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About Rachel:

RachelBRachel Blaufeld is a bestselling author of Romantic Suspense, New Adult, Coming-of-Age Romance, and Sports Romance. A recent poll of her readers described her as insightful, generous, articulate, and spunky. Originally a social worker, Rachel creates broken yet redeeming characters. She’s been known to turn up the angst like cranking up the heat in the dead of winter.

A devout coffee drinker and doughnut eater, Rachel spends way too many hours in local coffee shops, downing the aforementioned goodies while she plots her ideas. Her tales may all come with a side of angst and naughtiness, but end as lusciously as her treats.

As a side note, Blaufeld, also a long-time blogger and an advocate of woman-run anything, is fearless about sharing her opinion. She captured the ears of stay-at-home and working moms on her blog, BacknGrooveMom, chronicling her adventures in parenting tweens and running a business, often at the same time. To her, work/life/family balance is an urban legend, but she does her best.

Rachel has also blogged for The Huffington Post and Modern Mom. Most recently, her insights can be found in USA TODAY, where she shares conversations at “In Bed with a Romance Author” and reading recommendations over at “Happy Ever After.”

Rachel lives around the corner from her childhood home in Pennsylvania with her family and two beagles. Her obsessions include running, coffee, basketball, icing-filled doughnuts, antiheroes, and mighty fine epilogues.

When she isn’t writing, she can be found courtside, tweeting about hoops as her son plays, or walking around the house wearing earplugs while her other son, the drummer, bangs away.

Connect with Rachel:

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