January 2014 « Read-Love-Blog

Worth the Chance by Vi Keeland…Sneak Peek

by Jilly

SNEAK PEEK into

WORTH THE CHANCE

BY BESTSELLING AUTHOR VI KEELAND

A New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance

Releasing February 17^th, 2014

Meet Liv Michaels
It may have been seven years, but I’d know him anywhere. Sure, he’s grown, filled out in all the right places, but his captivating blue eyes and cocky grin are exactly the way I remember. Even though I’d much rather forget.

Liv Michaels is almost there. She’s smart, determined and weeks away from landing the job she’s dreamed about for years. Time healed old wounds, even her broken heart from the devastation of being crushed by her first love.

Meet Vince Stone
Women love a fighter, especially a good one. Lucky for me, I’m damn good. But there’s one woman that isn’t interested. Not again, anyway.

Vince ‘The Invincible’ Stone is every woman’s fantasy…strong, sexy, confident and completely in control. Growing up surrounded by chaos, he’s learned never to get too attached. Love will drag you down. He adores women, treats them well, puts their own needs before his own…for the night anyway. With the biggest fight of his life coming up, his focus should be on training.

When fate brings Vince & Liv back together again, there’s no denying the chemistry is still there. But can Vince erase the old scars their past left behind? Or will Liv hurt him instead?

Sneak Peek:

Vinny slips on a pair of running shorts and reaches down to the floor, pulling up the panties I’m still searching for. “You looking for these?” He twirls my sad excuse for underwear around on his one finger with a devilish grin.

“Yes.” I reach out to grab them, but Vinny’s too quick. He folds them into one hand and hooks his arm around my waist, pulling me to him with the other.

“Stay. I’ll be back in less than two hours.”

“You want me to stay?”

Leaning down, his mouth close to my ear, he responds, “I want you in my bed waiting for me when I get back.”

His words are kind, and I appreciate him offering them to me, but it’s not necessary. I’m a big girl, he doesn’t need to coddle me after a night of passion. “It’s okay. It’s sweet of you to offer, but I have errands to run anyway.”

Vinny turns me to face him, tilting my face up to look into his eyes. “I don’t do sweet, Liv. I want you to stay because I’m selfish. I want back inside of you. I’m hard just thinking about the sound you make when you come for me. So fuck your errands and get back in bed and try to get some rest. Because you’re gonna need it.”

My lord. Maybe I should be offended at the harshness of his words, but I’m not. Instead they make me feel drunk with desire and I find myself staring back at him at a loss for words. Vinny grins, he must know he’s gotten to me.

“Okay?” He kisses me chastely on the lips.

“Okay,” I finally respond with a smile that lets him know he’s changed my mind.

Grabbing his keys off the dresser, Vinny opens the palm of his hand revealing black lace. I’d forgotten that he even still had my panties in his hand. “I’m keeping these.” With a devilish grin he shoves them into his pocket as he walks out.

You might also like Worth the Fight, Book #1 (Each book a standalone)

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Smashwords

About the Author

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting New York Times & USA Today Best Selling smut author by night!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Mailing List

Email: vikeeland@gmail.com

January 2014 Sneak Peek

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Tainted by Jamie Begley…Book Spotlight & Giveaway

by Jilly

Tainted (The VIP Room, #2) – Released – January 18, 2014

Goodreads page ~ Website Page

Available to purchase at:

Amazon ~ B&N

Synopsis:

Kaden Cross had it all: money, fame, and women, but he lost it all in one night. One night that would forever change him. Forced from obscurity and into the limelight as the lead singer of the band Mouth2Mouth, Kaden returns to the lifestyle that almost destroyed him. The last thing he wanted was to find a sexy drugged out redhead waiting for him in his bed. Finding out that she’s the victim of a sex slave ring, puts Mouth2Mouth in peril, because the only way to save the woman he’s started to love, means denying her the one thing she wants the most. Freedom.

Sawyer has had one dream her whole life, to escape the smothering love of her mother and a life of poverty. Her goal was just within her grasp when her world is turned upside down. Kidnapped and drugged, she is given to a man she knows nothing about except that he holds her life in his hands.

One night, and two lost souls with tainted lives, find a love strong enough to reveal a secret that just might kill them all.

ATTENTION LOVERS OF THE LAST RIDERS SERIES AND SHADE & LILY!

The first chapter of Shade & Lily’s book – SHADE’S FALL – is in the back of Tainted! You don’t want to miss this!

Excerpt:

“Did I give you permission to touch me?” This time it was Sawyer throwing his words back in his face.

Kaden gave a low, seductive laugh. “Did that make you angry, Sawyer? I didn’t mean to make you angry. Which do you appreciate more: something easily given, or something you have to ask for, something you crave?”

“I didn’t notice that woman sitting next to you last night asking to touch you.”

He shrugged nonchalantly. “Did you see me touch her back?”

Sawyer had to admit to herself that she hadn’t seen him touch the woman back.

“Do you want to know if I fucked her last night, Sawyer?” Kaden asked, leaning down to whisper his question in her ear.

Sawyer trembled under his seductive spell. She had never been so intensely pursued by a man before. She’d had several that had flirted with her—even Rick when he had been luring her into his sick web of lies had made her feel wanted—but she had always been aware that he would forget about her five minutes after leaving the restaurant. She had eventually agreed to go out with him because he had discovered her desire to eat at one of the finer restaurants in town whose chef had recently won a prestigious cooking award.

“N—no, I don’t, Kaden. I—I don’t care who you fuck,” Sawyer lied to both of them.

“I didn’t. I believe Alana ended up in Sin’s bed after he finished with Megan.”

“How benevolent of him to share himself around,” Sawyer said, disgusted.

“I believe that’s what he thinks. I, on the other hand, have learned that quality is much more exciting than quantity, so I spent my night taking cold showers and jerking off, thinking about you.”

Giveaway:

Jamie is giving away signed paperbacks of Teased and Tainted along with a $50 Gift Card to Amazon OR Barnes & Noble! Giveaway ends 2/6/14 at midnight!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

I was born in a small town in Kentucky. My family began poor, but worked their way to owning a restaurant. My mother was one of the best cooks I have ever known, and she instilled in all her children the value of hard work and education.

Taking after my mother, I’ve always loved to cook, and became pretty good if I do say so myself. I love to experiment and my unfortunate family has suffered through many. They now have learned to steer clear of those dishes. I absolutely love the holidays and my family puts up with my zany decorations.

For now, my days are spent at work and I write during the nights and weekends. I have two children who both graduate next year from college. My daughter does my book covers, and my son just tries not to blush when someone asks him about my books.

Currently, I am writing three series of books- The Last Riders that is fairly popular, The Dark Souls series, which is not, and The VIP Room, which we will soon see. My favorite book I have written is Soul Of A Woman, which I am hoping to release during the summer of 2014. It took me two years to write, during which I lost my mother and brother. It’s a book that I truly feel captures the true depths of love a woman can hold for a man. In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I am an emotional writer who wants the readers to feel the emotion of the characters they are reading. Because of this, Teased is probably the hardest thing I have written.

All my books are written for one purpose – the enjoyment others find in them and the expectations of my fans that inspire me to give it my best. In the near future I hope to take a weekend break and visit Vegas (hopefully be next summer). Right now, I am typing away on Shade’s and Lily’s story and the beautiful Kentucky winter weather.

Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7127521.Jamie_Begley

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJamieBegley

Website: http://jamiebegley.net/

Email: JamieBegley@ymail.com

Twitter: @Jamie_Begley

Book Spotlight Giveaway January 2014

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Be With Me by J. Lynn…. 5 Chapter Reveal

by Jilly

We are thrilled to get to share with you the first 5 chapters from BE WITH ME! This is the next book in the With You Saga by Jennifer L. Armentrout, writing as J. Lynn, and is being published by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins. These 5 chapters should get you ready because BE WITH ME releases on February 4th! Check out all of the information we have for you below, read the first 5 chapters, and then go pre-order your copy ASAP!

*** Amazon * Barnes and Noble ***

BE WITH ME Synopsis:

From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Wait
for You

Do Teresa and Jase have a real shot at getting together
or will life get in the way?

Teresa Hamilton is having a rough year—she’s in love with
her big brother’s best friend, but he hasn’t spoken to her since they shared a
truly amazing, mind-blowing, life-changing kiss. Then she got out of a terrible
relationship. Now an injury is threatening to end her dance career for good.
It’s time for plan B: college. And maybe she’ll have a chance to convince Jase
that what they have together is real.

Jase Winstead has a huge secret that he’s not telling
anyone—especially not his best friend’s incredibly beautiful sister. Even
though he and Teresa shared the hottest kiss of his life, he knows that his
responsibilities must take priority. He certainly doesn’t have time for a
relationship. But it doesn’t help that all he can think about is kissing the
one girl who could ruin everything for him.

As they’re thrown together more and more, Jase
and Teresa can’t keep denying their feelings for each other. But a familiar
danger looms and tragedy strikes. As the campus recovers, the star-crossed
couple must decide what they’re willing to risk to be together and what they’re
willing to lose if they’re not. . . .

Be With Me Excerpt

Jennifer L.
Armentrout/J.Lynn:

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer
lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her
state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time
reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write,
and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class,
where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her
dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction,
fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press,
Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book
Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series
has been optioned for TV.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name
J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

* Website * Twitter * Facebook * J.Lynn * Jennifer L. Armentrout * Goodreads *

Chapter reveal January 2014

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Review….Loving Cara by Kristen Proby

by Jilly

Book links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

In this new Love Under the Big Sky series from a USA TODAY bestselling author, Cara agrees to tutor her former classmate’s nephew—and learns some lessons in love!

Josh King is an expert at running his family’s multi-million dollar ranch in Montana. (And all that outside manual labor has done wonders for sculpting his six-foot-three body, too.) But as sure footed as he is when it comes to the ranch, Josh doesn’t know anything about how to deal with an adolescent boy—so when his twelve-year-old nephew, Seth, is dropped off on his doorstep, looking scared and acting surly as hell, Josh knows he needs help in straightening him out.

Cara Donovan loves her quiet life as a teacher in her sleepy hometown, so she jumps at the chance to make a little money over the summer as a tutor. But when she learns she’ll be teaching Josh King’s nephew, Cara’s sweet summer job gets a little bit hotter. Cara tries to focus all her attention on tutoring Seth, but Josh proves to be a delicious distraction, while Josh’s memories of the shy girl he once teased in high school are nothing like the beautiful woman he’s facing now. Can he persuade her that there’s more between them than a summer fling?

My Review:

Loving Cara is the first book in author Kristen Proby’s newest series, Under the Big Sky and talk about one hell of a debut. I loved everything about the book from start to finish.

Cara Donovan and Josh King have known each other for years. They went to high school together and still live in the same small town but despite the geography, they really don’t see much of each other. That all changes when Cara gets a job tutoring Josh’s nephew over the summer. Seth’s mother drops him off at the King’s family ranch and leaves without so much as a backward glance. Zach, Josh’s brother and Seth’s father, is in the Army and overseas for at least another month which means Seth was now Josh and his parents responsibility. No problem, right? Wrong. Seth needs a whole lot of love and attention to bring him out of the anger he’s settled into. He also needs whole lot of help in the schooling department which is where Cara comes in and ends up as Seth’s tutor. Luckily Cara is up for the challenge. Of course that means Cara and Josh will be spending a whole lot of time together and soon the attraction they both feel is too much to deny. Josh can’t believe his high school friend has grown into such a beautiful and smart woman and Cara is in awe of the handsome, sexy, and caring Josh. Sparks will fly and lust will ignite all while helping a young man learn to trust and love again. Will they all get their happy ending?

Man, I devoured this book. In less than a day. Cara and Josh have some serious heat building from the very beginning and it slowly builds at a delicious pace until they both decide to take the next step and holy hell. These two are HOT together! But beyond that, Cara and Josh come together to help Seth, and that’s where they shine. Where Josh is stern, Cara balances him out with a softer side and Seth stands to learn a lot from both of them. Of course there are a few bumps in the road for Cara and Josh, which makes it more emotional and intense and that much better. Along the way we meet Cara’s best friend Jillian (love the name, of course!), Jillian’s brother Ty, and at the end, Zach, Seth’s dad. All of them are fabulous, complex characters and I suspect we will be seeing more of them in this series and I can’t WAIT!

If you’re looking for a romance with serious heat, loads of emotions and a small town feel, this is the book for you! Thank you, Kristen, for a fantastic book and a series I look forward to continuing!

Five Loves

About the author:

Kristen Proby has made a living as a massage therapist, a medical biller, a registrar in an Emergency Room, and a professional photographer. But what feeds her soul is writing romantic, erotic love stories about strong women who don’t necessarily need saving, and gorgeous, alpha-type men who want to save them anyway.

Kristen lives in the amazing Pacific Northwest where, conveniently, her muse lives too.

Kristen loves hearing from readers! You can contact her on her Facebook page or via email.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

January 2014 New Releases New Reviews

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Beautiful Chances by Alicia Rae….Book Blast

by Jilly

Title: Beautiful Chances (Beautiful Series #1)

Author: Alicia Rae

Genre: Contemporary Romance 18 & up

Publication Date: September 10, 2013

Organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

~ Book Synopsis ~

After losing her parents and sister in a tragic car accident, Lily distances herself from those still around her. As she solely focuses on her work, she refuses to form any emotional attachments in fear of struggling through another unbearable loss.

…until Kyle enters her life with his possessive and overbearing personality. Instead of running, Lily finds herself drawn to him. Helping her on a path to healing, Kyle stands by her side and lends her his strength.

A bond is formed, but it is tested when the unthinkable happens.

Can taking a chance on love conquer all?

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography.

Thank you to my dear sister, Kels, who showed me a few years ago how much I truly missed reading. And to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing into my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo

Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you.

Believe in yourself and follow your dreams…

Facebook |Twitter |Goodreads| Pinterest

Book Blast January 2014

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Loving Cara by Kristen Proby….Release Day Launch & Giveaway

by Jilly

We are so excited that Kristen Proby’s LOVING CARA, the first book in her new Love Under the Big Sky Series, is now available!!

About LOVING CARA:

In this new Love Under the Big Sky series from a USA TODAY bestselling author, Cara agrees to tutor her former classmate’s nephew—and learns some lessons in love!

Buy Links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

KRISTEN PROBY is the USA Today bestselling author of the popular With Me in Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type—fiercely protective and a bit bossy—and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate, and sunshine. And naps. Visit her at KristenProby.com.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Links:

Website: http://www.kristenproby.com/

Twitter: @handbagjunkie

Facebook: www.facebook.com/booksbykristenproby

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/kristenproby

LOVING CARA Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18115028-loving-cara

January 2014 New Releases Release Day Event

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Cover Reveal…In Pursuit by Olivia Luck

by Jilly

In Pursuit by Olivia Luck

Publication date: February 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

Eddie Neff needs space. Not the type that country stars croon about, but physical distance from her emotionally distant father and the tatters of a broken relationship. So when the opportunity to relocate her life and interior design business arises, the answer comes easily.

Adjusting to life with Claire, her gregarious new roommate, is more than simply testing comfort limits. With just one meeting, Eddie finds herself unable to resist the draw of Harris Grant, Claire’s brooding and overprotective older brother.

Harris doesn’t fit her idea of a safe relationship. He pushes Eddie to face her deepest insecurities and fears of abandonment. And Harris holds on to his own painful loss, unable to overcome personal demons.

Eddie and Harris must learn to conquer their internal struggles. But as they navigate their new love, outside forces fight to drive them apart.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18711109-in-pursuit?ac=1

Connect with the author:

Goodreads ~ Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Cover Reveal January 2014

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Reforming the Playboy by Inara Scott….Blog Tour Stop & Guest Post

by Jilly

Welcome to my stop on the Reforming the Playboy by Inara Scott Blog Tour!

I have a fabulous guest post to share with all today as well as a guest post themed giveaway! Hoe fun!

Thanks to Inara from stopping by and enjoy!

Book links:

Goodreads Link

Amazon Link

Barnes and Noble Link

Facebook Event Link

Synopsis:

Five years ago, she left without a word…

Internationally-renowned artist Max Estin is as well known for his million dollar commissions as he is his partying and clubbing. But Max is hiding a secret—for almost a year he’s been completely blocked. Unable to paint. And to unlock his art, and save his career, he’s going to need the one woman he never wanted to see again.

Now, he’s determined to make her pay…

Kira Estin never told Max exactly why she left, or what secrets forced her to return home to Passion Creek so abruptly. So when a chance reunion turns to seduction, Kira is more than a little suspicious. She knows better than to trust Max, but can’t fight the fire that he lights in her body—or her heart. But when everyone is hiding a secret, can even the hottest passion survive?

Guest post:

Visiting Passion Creek—Welcome to the Passion Creek Beanery!

As a writer and resident of the Pacific Northwest, it shouldn’t surprise you that I’ve got a passion for coffee. Seriously, I’ve tried giving up a lot of things to manage my migraines. I’ve given up wine, chocolate, cheese, avocados, bananas, black tea… Nothing, nothing was like giving up coffee. I love the aroma, the sound of the beans in the grinder, the foam in the French press, and of course, the taste. I don’t really need the caffeine—I’m actually a morning person. But the ritual of drinking coffee in the morning cannot be replaced.

And, let’s be honest, I love the other stuff, too. A dark, rich cup of coffee mixed with a healthy dose of cream and sugar? Yeah. Sign me up.

(In case you’re wondering, I brought back the coffee after a month of abstinence. Migraines be dammed!)

I’ve never been big on the Starbucks flavored lattes and mochas. I’m more of a purist. I’ll drink an occasional latte, but when I do it’s with whole milk, no flavors or syrup, and two packets of sugar. And can we be straight up here? Starbuck’s drip coffee sucks. It’s horribly bitter. Thank goodness for all of the other choices here in the Portland area.

Given my love of all things coffee, I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear that Passion Creek, the fictional small town in the mountains of Colorado where Reforming the Playboy is set, has a great coffee shop. The Passion Creek Beanery. And as with all the best coffee shops, it’s not just about the coffee. It has great baristas, too. Here’s Kira, the heroine, chatting with her favorite barista at the Beanery the day after running into Max, her ex-boyfriend, after five years.

Kira handed the heavily pierced barista her oversize travel mug and a credit card. “Triple mocha, with whip, extra chocolate.”

“Seriously?” Errand, the morning barista at the Passion Creek Beanery, cocked her blond, dreadlocked head in surprise. “What the hell happened to you?”

“Nothing.” Kira scowled as she ran a hand through her hair. “I just happen to need an instant infusion of sugar, fat, chocolate, and caffeine. That okay with you?”

Errand held up her hands in submission. “I can totally respect that.”

Kira sighed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be a jerk. I just didn’t sleep much last night.”

“Nothing serious, I hope?”

“Nah. Trouble left town early this morning.” Kira squinted at the pastry case. “In fact, you better add a pumpkin scone to that order. To celebrate.”

“Sounds like a good plan.” Errand said. She passed the mug to the tall, skinny guy making drinks at the espresso station. “Triple mocha, with whip, extra chocolate,” she bellowed.

He winced. “I’m standing right next to you. You don’t need to yell.” 

Errand flashed him a reproving look. “Did you miss the training? We’re supposed to be practicing projecting our voices.” 

“Not right in my ear you aren’t.” He bent down to retrieve a gallon of milk from the mini fridge under the bar. 

Errand rolled her eyes. “Can’t get good help these days.”

he swiped the card and returned it to Kira. “You know you’re welcome to dump on me anytime you want. That’s what a barista is for.”

Do you have a favorite coffee shop or barista, or both? Tell me all about it! And to celebrate this stop on the Passion Creek tour, I’m giving away a ½ pound bag of my favorite coffee (from the Blue Kangaroo Coffee Roasters), a Passion Creek mug to drink it in, and a copy of Reforming the Playboy!

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

Inara grew up in winter wonderland of Buffalo, NY. Consequently, she spent much of her childhood complaining about being cold. To spare the world her whining, she fled the cold climate and eventually wound up in the Pacific NW, where she practiced law for ten years before getting up the courage to quit her day job and write full time. A proud author of fantasy and romance for adults and young adults, Inara firmly believes that great literature doesn’t have to be depressing, true love does exist, and everyone deserves a happily ever after. You can find her online at Twitter (@inarascott), on Facebook, and at her website:www.inarascott.com.

Blog Tour Guest Post January 2014

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City of the Devine Sun by Holly McCaghren…Blog Tour Stop with Excerpt

by Jilly

Welcome to my stop on the City of the Devine Sun by Holly McCaghren Blog Tour!

City of the Divine Sun

Holly McCaghren

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

Synopsis:

A famous archaeologist, last rumored to be in search of a hidden Maya city in Guatemala, has gone missing. Her daughter. Serena, worried and overcome by strange visions, abandons everything to search for her mother and the answers to the apparitions that have begun to haunt her.

Her mother wasn’t the only one searching for Mah K’ina. The Baron seeks to plunder the city for its untold riches and is willing to eliminate anyone that gets in his way. Out of her element and desperate to save her family, Serena must now rely on her past to show her the way.

Excerpt:

When the Barón finally looked up at her, still being held roughly by the arm of the guard, he gave an odd sort of smile.

“Please, have a seat.”

The guard thrust her into a nearby chair, hands still cuffed behind her. A nod from the Barón and the guard left them alone in the tent, setting her bag down on the table before departing. The Barón addressed her first in Spanish, but Serena interrupted.

“Inglés, señor.”

Better that he thinks I don’t know Spanish at all… That could prove invaluable later. Besides, I can understand more than I can speak anyway.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, señorita? Why do you call on the Barón?”

It was the first time Serena heard him speak in English. The Barón’s accent was faint, but noticeable, giving away his Spanish ancestry. The trace of an accent and his looks made him seem exotic and otherworldly.

I can’t tell him the truth…

“I’m, uh…just a tourist. I don’t know why I’m being held here, but if you could direct me to the nearest town, I would be eternally grateful.”

The Barón looked at her, sizing her up.

“No, I think not. You are familiar…and a long way from any public ruins.”

He turned his attention to her bag and began rifling through her belongings.

“Please, there’s no need to do that. I just need to find my way to town…”

“Ah, here we are.”

He pulled her passport from the bag and flipped through the pages.

“Serena Hatsutsil Bakal… That is no American name, señorita.”

So much for that…

“‘Hatsutsil’ is Maya for ‘beauty,’ is it not? Someone gave you that name deliberately, I think. You are a beauty…and you are Maya.”

Dad gave me that name… He said when he saw me, it was if I had come straight from the heavens themselves. Hatsutsil, daughter… But, Maya? Mom met Dad at a dig-site, but she never told me where he was from…

“Your skin may be pale, but your features betray your heritage. High cheekbones, slightly upturned eyes, straight, coal-black hair…”

He approached her then, lifting a few stray hairs that had fallen in her face, casually brushing them aside. She could see his ring in great detail now, the jade eyes of the jaguar staring menacingly at her.

“Those eyes, though. They are your mother’s, are they not? I have seen those pale blue eyes before. You must be terribly worried about her.”

“My what? No, you…”

The Barón returned to his desk and sat down with great deliberateness.

“Serena, do not play me the fool. If it wasn’t your eyes, you share her name. I know you came for her. When I saw you yesterday, I suspected… but seeing you here confirms those suspicions. How you got all the way through the forest unharmed, I do not know. If you were travelling with a guide, he is long gone now or my men would have found him.”

Yeah, good luck with that. He’s probably in a tree somewhere.

“Fine, you know my ‘secret.’ I came to find my mother. What does that matter to you?”

“Ah, yes. Your timing is perfect, señorita. I will need you if I’m to convince your mother to help us. She will be so happy to see you, I’m sure. Once we find her, that is. That has been a little… challenging. But do not worry. Nothing stops the Barón for long.”

“Even if I wanted to help you, and I don’t… You don’t even know where she is. You expect me to just hang around until you find her? I don’t think so.”

He let out a deep, long laugh, echoing throughout the still air of the tent.

“Señorita, you do not understand. You have no choice. Fate has brought you here. I will not let you slip away so easily.”

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the author:

I was born and raised in the Houston, Texas area, and have lived in Texas my whole life! (Gotta love humidity!) I currently live in central Texas with my husband and two sons.

Nothing makes me happier than settling down with a good book, but they aren’t always easy to find! Some of my favorites (in no particular order) include: Jane Eyre, The Blue Sword, Dracula, Ender’s Game, Heir to the Empire, and the Harry Potter series. I love a good scifi/fantasy book, but it certainly isn’t limited to that genre.

You can read all about my current/published novels on my webpage,www.hollymccaghren.com, as well as on Goodreads. Happy reading!

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

Blog: http://hollymccaghren.com/
Website: http://hollymccaghren.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6590128.Holly_McCaghren

Blog Hop January 2014

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Trash by JC Emery…Blog Tour Stop & Excerpt

by Jilly

Welcome to my stop on the Thrash by JC Emery Blog Tour! I have a fantastic excerpt to share with you today so thanks for stopping by and enjoy!

Book links:

Synopsis:

Loneliness suffocates the heart. Acceptance breaks down walls.

As a Lost Girl to the Forsaken Motorcycle Club, Nicole Whelan knows how to party. She’s not cut-out for relationships and her life is way too complicated for anything more than casual encounters. But one night when she falls into Duke’s bed at the clubhouse, he sees something in her that he can’t let go of—no matter how many times she tries to run.

Having been left to raise her teenage brother, Jeremy, she’s already got her hands full and isn’t looking for anymore complications. But Duke’s just watched his best friend fall for the only girl he couldn’t have, and then lose her so shortly after, shaking him to his core. Faced with his own loneliness, he’s more determined than ever to break down Nic’s walls and show her that he can be good for her; but he’s got a bad track record and she’s got a bad temper. Changing his ways isn’t easy when he’s not sure what he’s even changing for.

The violence and turmoil are at an all-time high, and Forsaken is in a vulnerable place when a twist of fate breathes new life into the club. It’s a much-needed beacon of hope for the embattled biker family, even if everyone’s not exactly on board. With Duke and Nic’s relationship already on shaky ground, and something even more important at stake, the Forsaken Motorcycle Club will fight like hell to keep their family together and whole.

Love is never more precious than when it’s new.

Excerpt:

The house is silent and all of the lights are off. It’s a welcome change from what I came home to earlier. The front door is unlocked when I walk in and I say a quiet thank you to Nic even though I know she can’t hear me and lock the doors behind me. Walking down the hall to her bedroom, I slowly open the door and find myself met by near total darkness. A window on the side of the house streams a little yellow light in from the street lights outside. Still, I can’t really see where anything is and I’m not trying to wake her up. But I’m not quiet enough.

The room brightens just slightly by the click of a table lamp. Straight ahead, Nic’s sitting up in her king-sized bed, the covers pulled up to her waist and her hair a total mess. She lets out a big yawn and smacks her lips, blinking at the light. A smile overtakes my face at the sight. Suddenly, I’m not so hungry for food anymore.

“You’re back,” she says, like she wasn’t expecting it. Maybe she wasn’t. From the look on her face, she wasn’t expecting me. I click the door shut behind me and step into the room. Kicking my boots off and then my socks. I take my cut off and sit it on the chest at the foot of the bed. Nic watches as I pull my tee shirt off over my head and then start working on my belt buckle.

“I said I’d be back, baby,” I say quietly. Her eyes dart down to my belt buckle and then up to my face again. She’s not protesting or even complaining about me waking her up. She’s just quiet and watchful. As much as I like her fiesty side, I’m starting to really like this side that I didn’t know existed. Sliding my jeans down to the floor, I kick them out of the way and walk to Nic’s side of the bed. Her neck cranes back to look up at me. I sit down on the side of the bed and twist my torso to face her. Placing my hands on either side of her legs, I search her eyes for something that tells me I’m not making a total fucking jackass out of myself right now. She’s just so guarded that I can’t really make anything out for sure.

“When I say I’m coming back that means I’m coming back. When I tell you that you’re my girl that means you’re my fucking girl. When I call you my Old Lady, don’t question it. Got it?” She looks away for a moment then brings her face back up to mine.

“I don’t believe you,” she says. Her honesty practically crushes me and I have to fight to keep myself upright. I just want to sink into the mattress and call it a fucking day. I don’t know what I can do to show her that I’m serious. “One day, you won’t be back.”

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

As a child, JC was fascinated by things that went bump in the night. As they say, some things never change. Now, as an adult, she divides her time between the sexy law men, mythical creatures, and kick-ass heroines that live inside her head and pursuing her bachelor’s degree in English. JC is a San Francisco Bay Area native, but has also called both Texas and Louisiana home. These days she rocks her flip flops year round in Northern California and can’t imagine a climate more beautiful.

JC writes adult, new adult, and young adult fiction. She dabbles in many different genres including science fiction, horror, chick lit, and murder mysteries, yet she is most enthralled by supernatural stories– and everything has at least a splash of romance.

Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Author Goodread ~ Thrash Goodreads

Blog Tour January 2014

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Cover Reveal….Enticing Interlude by Michelle Mankin

by Jilly

Make sure to check out the TEASER & enter the GIVEAWAY for a paperback of Irresistible Refrain with a Black Cat Records tattoo, a BS and Tempest concert bracelet, and a Tempest lanyard!

Release date: Expected February 4, 2014

Come join our Facebook Release Day & Blog Tour Event

Author: Michelle Mankin

Title: Enticing Interlude ~ Series: Tempest Series # 2

Cover Designer: Cover created by Michelle Preast of Indie Book Covers

Genre ~ New Adult

To the talented vocalist Justin Jones, love is merely a game that he plays by his own rules.

But to Bridget Dubois, love and heartache are one and the same.

Broken too many times before, the delicate beauty keeps her emotions carefully concealed. Bridget has her own set of rigid rules when it comes to men. She prefers to avoid them altogether, especially dangerously seductive auburn haired emerald eyed players like Justin.

But the new lead singer of the rising rock band Tempest doesn’t like to be ignored. Justin is used to getting what he wants, and now he’s set his sights on Bridget.

Suddenly, it’s no longer a game.

What do you do when the one you can’t have turns out to be the one you can’t live without?

As the pressure builds, will it temper them or will it shatter them both like fragile crystal?

*Each book in the Tempest series features a different band member. They can stand alone, of course, but why not enjoy each one?*

“It is working.” I threw back at her. “This isn’t about Carter, and you know it. This is about you being afraid.” It took a great deal of effort to ignore how fantastic it felt to have her in my arms.

“I talked with Lace.” She tilted her head back and rapidly blinked her eyes as if she had something in them. “She thinks you’re a good guy. So do I. That’s why I’ve been trying to ignore that little voice inside my head that keeps telling me it isn’t smart to get involved with you. But I’ve got a son, Justin. I can’t afford to play around. I need someone steady. Someone I can trust to be in it with us for the long haul. And we both know that’s not your kind of scene.”

“Bullshit.” My fingers curled into her upper arms and I yanked her to me. My body didn’t get the message that I was angry and responded instantly to the feel of her soft curves. I should have been upset, but all I really wanted to do was kiss her… badly. My eyes dropped to her mouth. I felt a tremor flow through her body.

Yeah, she wanted that too.

There was more than one way to convince her we were right for each other.

Michelle Mankin is a young/new adult romance writer as well as a self-proclaimed giant… inside of her own mind!

For many years she worked in the insurance industry as an underwriter. Somehow, the boredom didn’t kill her but the hour and hours of looking at facts and figures provided ample time for her mind to wander.

Black Cat Records in Vancouver provides the central backdrop for all of Michelle’s current novels. Love Evolution, Love Revolution, and Love Resolution are a Brutal Strength centered trilogy, combining the plot underpinnings of Shakespeare with the drama, excitement, and indisputable sexiness of the rock ‘n roll industry.

Things take a bit of a darker, edgier turn with the Tempest series. These pierced, tatted, and troubled Seattle rockers are young and on the cusp of making it big, but with serious obstacles to overcome that may prevent them from ever getting there.

When Michelle is not prowling the streets of her Texas town listening to her rock music much too loud, she is putting her daydreams down on paper or traveling the world with her family and friends, sometimes for real, and sometimes just for pretend as she takes the children to school and back.

Connect with Michelle Mankin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-Mankin/233503403414065

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleMankin

On her website: http://www.michellemankin.com/

Irresistible Refrain – Tempest Series (Book #1)

Genre: New Adult

Two years ago everything changed for the remaining members of the Seattle rock band Tempest.

Two years is a long time.

Too long to keep on remembering.

Not nearly long enough to forget.

In trouble with nowhere else to go songstress Lace Lowell seeks refuge with the band during their stop in New York City. It’s a risky move for her because they are both there, two impossibly good looking men whose lives are inseparably entwined with hers. One who bruised her heart and one who smashed it into pieces.

Warren “War” Jinkins, the mercurial lead singer of Tempest, has always had a thing for Lace. But then again so does his best friend and band mate.

Bryan “Bullet” Jackson, the sinfully handsome tat-sleeved lead guitarist, has a bad boy reputation befitting his nickname. For the past two years Bullet’s had a rule with the groupies: one time, never twice, leave ‘em satisfied, but always leave ‘em.

Two guys, one woman, and a host of dark secrets all together within the tight confines of a tour bus as the group travels cross country.

Can the past be forgotten and buried?

Will friendships prevail?

Or will the three of them succumb to seductive impulses too addictive to resist?

** Irresistible Refrain is a gritty rock and roll tale intended for mature readers seventeen and up. Contains sexual situations, strong language, and drug use. **