June 2015 – Page 6 – Read-Love-Blog

It’s LIVE!!! Vérité by Rachel Blaufeld

That’s me––Tingly Simmons––athlete, foreign-language major, professor lover, obsessed idiot girl. Definitely not a frat rat or sorority slut. I’ve never even played beer pong.

I ditched the vapid, soulless high-society life of Los Angeles for the promise of something more meaningful in rural Ohio. Accepting a track scholarship for college, I tried running my way to happiness, but instead I ended up sleeping with my French professor and falling head over heels for him.

When that relationship fell apart, so did I.

Barely hanging on by a thread and using the most absurd coping skills, I was determined to hide behind my past indiscretions. That was, until I met Tiberius Jones. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d learn the truth about love from a six-foot-five basketball player.

Amazon US:

http://amzn.com/B00ZM532HG

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1G3fTay

iBooks:

http://apple.co/1ecgp06

Kobo:

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/verite-6

He stood there patiently, grinning as he waited for me to move through the doorway or answer him, and pinned me with his unusual blue eyes, so pale in his handsome face against his deep brown skin. His gaze seared right through me, just like it had earlier, before dinner in the courtyard.

Completely unnerved, I didn’t respond. His size was daunting, his large frame loomed over the threshold, and I was struck speechless. Uncertain whether it was his obvious good looks that threw me, or the overtly friendly wide grin on display, I simply stood there for a moment, trying to figure out his angle.

As I took in his long athletic shorts, tight gray athletic hoodie, and the pair of spiky Air Jordan slides on his feet, his left eyebrow cocked up at me like I was the next sideshow. Well, I’d already played that act countless times at home, including but not limited to last year when I was caught with the professor’s dick deep inside me. Now I was all about slipping under the radar, getting by silently and with little fuss.

“Hey, you okay?” he asked, his deep voice interrupting my thoughts. “I’m talking to you . . . you coming in? I’m over here holding the door.”

His pale blue eyes scanned my brown ones as his smile faded. I imagined him knowing who I was and what I did, perhaps mentally undressing me one piece of clothing at a time, wanting to give the slut a whirl.

Oh God, was my name being passed around—again?

Self-disgust consumed me, spurring me to action. “Um, yeah. I am,” I answered, averting my gaze as I shifted my backpack up on my shoulder and stomped through the doorway.

I turned ever so slightly to witness him ducking to fit through the doorframe. It was crazy how insanely tall this guy was. Obviously, he was a basketball player, probably with a huge ego to boot.

I managed to mutter, “Thanks,” as I swept past him, and the door clanged shut behind us.

“Bad day?” he called after me.

What was with him being all smiling and friendly? Was he for real, or was he trying to bait me? I couldn’t help my self-doubt; skepticism was woven so deeply into my personality, I questioned everyone’s motives.

“Bad life,” I tossed back without thinking. For some reason, I felt the need to share my feelings with this stranger, and it scared the shit out of me.

So I did what came naturally to me—I ran. As I sprinted toward the elevator, I caught him heading toward the staircase out of the corner of my eye. I got off on my floor feeling relieved until I heard a heavy pair of footsteps coming around the corner.

Shit.

Rachel Blaufeld is a social worker/entrepreneur/blogger turned author. Fearless about sharing her opinion, Rachel captured the ear of stay-at-home and working moms on her blog, BacknGrooveMom, chronicling her adventures in parenting tweens and inventing a product, often at the same time. She has also blogged for The Huffington Post, Modern Mom, and StartupNation. She currently shares her reading recommendations on HEA at USA Today.

Turning her focus on her sometimes wild-and-crazy creative side, it only took Rachel two decades to do exactly what she wanted to do—write a fiction novel. Now she spends way too many hours in local coffee shops plotting her ideas. Her tales may all come with a side of angst and naughtiness, but end lusciously.

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

Find me on my website / Twitter / Facebook

Harlequin June Spotlight: Q&A with Beth Cornelison, author of Colton Cowboy Protector

COLTON COWBOY PROTECTOR

by Award-Winning Author

Beth Cornelison

A beautiful stranger appears at the Colton ranch during a party, and Jack is none too pleased. With ties to his ex-wife, Tracy McCain claims to be on a mission to bond with his son. But this intriguing widow also has a target on her back. As the Colton family brings Tracy under its broad wing, a relentless assassin puts everyone in jeopardy. Jack’s protective instincts go into overdrive and only fuel his secret attraction to Tracy. Living closely together under Jack’s roof, the heat between them starts to sizzle. In fact, the only thing stronger than Jack’s heady desire for Tracy is his will to keep her safe so that one day they can become a family.

Book links:

Amazon | Harlequin

Q&A with Beth Cornelison

author of

COLTON COWBOY PROTECTOR

You have been writing stories since you were a child. Tell us about the moment you knew you wanted to become a writer by profession.

While I wrote simple stories from an early age, my first significant writing project that inspired me to look into the possibilities of publication was a teen romance I wrote in junior high. Written long-hand in spiral notebooks, my first book took months to finish, but I fell in love with the novel writing process and had my first nudge toward my current publishing career.

What inspired you to make the move from the public relations industry to become a full-time writer?

The love of novel writing was never far from mind from the time I wrote my first novel during my teens. Though I got sidetracked from writing books while in college and early years in my marriage, a cross-country move for my husband’s job left me without a PR job in the early 90’s. While I was home alone in a new city, the stories in my head came roaring back to life. I returned to writing books to fill my time until our son was born, and by the time my son was in preschool, I had focused on getting published and never looked back!

Your novels tend to weave together romance and suspense. What draws you to this combination of genres?

I love the adventure and thrills of suspense books and the problem-solving behind mysteries. At the same time, I’m a romantic at heart and grew up with Disney movies and the all-important happily ever after. When I first read Karen Robards’, Sandra Brown’s and Jennifer Blake’s contemporary romantic suspense stories in the early 90’s, I discovered a blend of the two genres that fueled my imagination. I knew right away that romantic suspense was what I wanted to write.

4. If COLTON COWBOY PROTECTOR were to be turned into a movie, who would you cast in the starring roles?

Oh, wow! What a fun question! As a “visual writer,” I see my story playing out in my head like a movie as I write, so the idea of a real movie is exciting to contemplate. I think Amanda Seyfried has the look I was after for the heroine, Tracy McCain. Torrance Coombs, from the CW’s Reign, has the dark good looks with bright blue eyes that would fit the part nicely for my hero Jack Colton.

What’s up next for you?

I have two novellas with Harlequin Romantic Suspense coming out next, one in November, paired with Colleen Thompson for a two-in-one about a Texas ranch wedding that goes tragically wrong. Then next spring I’ll share a two-in-one with Karen Whiddon about babies rescued from a dangerous cult and the foster mothers who protect the infants. Both are fun projects because I love collaborating with other talented authors!

About the author:

Award-winning author Beth Cornelison has been writing stories since she was a child. A University of Georgia graduate, Cornelison worked in Public Relations before becoming a full-time writer. She has won many honors for her writing, including the coveted Golden Heart, awarded by the Romance Writers of America. She lives in Louisiana with her husband and son.

Website: www.bethcornelison.com

Twitter: @bethcornelison

Facebook: www.facebook.com/beth.cornelison

Praise for Beth Cornelison

“Steady pacing and a solid plot, complete with a dramatic, passionate ending, are all hallmarks of one terrific romance.”

–RT Book Reviews on Colton Cowboy Protector

“Ms. Cornelison has written a multi-layered story of fear, passion, and risks. Her characters, the story, the romance itself are memorable…”

–Once Upon a Romance Review on Healing Luke

“Cornelison has written a page turner that is truly enjoyable from beginning to end.”

–Fresh Fiction on Cowboy’s Texas Rescue

“Be ready for a roller coaster ride of emotions while you enjoy this wonderful novel.”

–Long and Short Reviews on Reyn’s Redemption

Ravaged by Elisabeth Naughton….Excerpt Blog Tour Stop

We are thrilled to bring you the Review & Excerpt Tour for Elisabeth Naughton’s RAVAGED! RAVAGED is a Paranormal Fantasy Romance novella in Elisabeth’s Eternal Guardians Series! This is a 1001 Dark Nights novella so it is exclusively available as Amazon Kindle and Paperback. This amazing book releases on June 9^th! Be sure to grab your copy today!!

Amazon US Kindle ** Amazon Paperback ** Amazon UK Kindle

RAVAGED Review & Excerpt Tour

June 10

BBF Book Boyfriends-Excerpt

June 11

Books and Warpaint-Excerpt
Those Naughty Girls Book Club-Excerpt

June 12

Daniel Riding-Excerpt
Mama Reads Hazel Reads-Review & Excerpt
Roxy’s Reviews-Excerpt
She Hearts Books-Review

June 13

My Golden Reads-Excerpt
Nerdy Book Freak-Excerpt
The Dark Realm-Excerpt

June 14

Country Gals Sexy Reads-Excerpt
Diane’s Book Blog-Review & Excerpt
Evermore Books-Review & Excerpt

June 15

Oh My Growing TBR-Review & Excerpt
Romancing Rakes for the Love of Romance-Excerpt
Sultry, Steamy Reading-Review

June 16

Reading Addict-Excerpt
Untamed Bibliophiles-Excerpt

June 17

Jen’s Reading Obsession-Excerpt
Love Affair with Fiction-Excerpt
Read-Love-Blog-Excerpt
Renee Entress’s Blog-Excerpt
The Sassy Bookster-Review & Excerpt
Vampire Book Club-Excerpt

June 18

Becky on Books-Excerpt
Flirty Fiction Blog-Excerpt
Jax’s Book Magic-Excerpt

June 19

Books Need TLC-Review
Boundless Book Reviews-Review & Excerpt
Collector of Book Boyfriends-Excerpt
Obsessed by Books-Review
Once Upon An Alpha-Review & Excerpt
One Book Boyfriend At A Time-Excerpt
Reading Between the Wines-Excerpt

About RAVAGED:

Ari–Once an Eternal Guardian, now he’s nothing but a rogue mercenary with one singular focus: revenge. His guardian brothers all think he’s dead, but he is very much alive in the human realm, chipping away at Zeus’s Sirens every chance he can, reveling in his brutality and anonymity. Until, that is, he abducts the wrong female and his identity is finally exposed. It will take more than the Eternal Guardians, more even than the gods to rein Ari in after everything he’s done. It may just take the courage of one woman willing to stand up to a warrior who’s become a savage.

About Elisabeth Naughton:

Before topping multiple bestseller lists—including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal—Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A rabid reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned into a flame, and Naughton now writes full-time. Besides topping bestseller lists, her books have been nominated for some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, such as the RITA® and Golden Heart Awards from Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Golden Leaf Award. When not dreaming up new stories, Naughton can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home. Visit her website at www.ElisabethNaughton.com to learn more about her books.

Website** Facebook** Twitter ** Newsletter** Author Goodreads ** Novella Goodreads

Heart Shaped Hack by Tracey Garvis Graves….Chapter Reveal

–

When Kate Watts abandoned her law career to open a food pantry in Northeast Minneapolis, she never dreamed it would be this difficult. Facing the heartbreaking prospect of turning hungry people away, she is grateful for the anonymous donations that begin appearing at the end of each month. Determined to identify and thank her secret benefactor, she launches a plan and catches Ian —a charismatic hacker with a Robin Hood complex—in the act.

Ian intrigues Kate in a way no man ever has. But after learning he’s snooped around on her personal computer, she demands retribution. Impressed with her tolerance and captivated by her spirit, he complies and begins to slowly charm his way past her defenses. Time spent with Ian is never boring, and Kate soon finds herself falling for the mysterious hacker.

But Ian has enemies and they’re growing restless. In the hacking world, exploiting a target’s weakness is paramount, and no price is too high to stop an attack. And when Kate learns exactly how much Ian has paid, she’ll discover just how strong her love is for the man who has hacked his way into her heart.

Add to Goodreads

AMAZON | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

Heart-Shaped Hack

CHAPTER ONE

“The babies are going to starve,” Helena said.
“Don’t be so dramatic,” Kate replied. “No one is going to starve, least of all the babies.” But her pinched expression and the way she was jabbing at the keyboard as she refreshed the donations page on their website said otherwise. For the first time in the sixteen months since Kate had left her position as a corporate attorney to open the food pantry, she faced the heartbreaking prospect of turning hungry people away. She couldn’t stand the thought of letting down her regulars, especially the young mother of three who relied on the pantry to feed them.
The problem was that Kate’s nonprofit organization was not the only one in Minneapolis that needed help. Tomorrow was the first of September, and everyone was trying to stockpile whatever resources they could before they headed into the colder months.
“Let’s see,” Helena said. “We could rob a bank. We could pawn our valuables. You could sell your body on a street corner.”
Despite their dire circumstances, Kate cracked a smile. Helena had walked through the front door of the food pantry shortly after Kate opened and said, “I’m sixty-five, and they’re forcing me to retire from my job at the insurance company. My husband retired two years ago, and now he’s home all day. That’s too much togetherness for us. I have to find something to do outside the house, and you wouldn’t have to pay me much.” Kate hired her on the spot and had never regretted it.
She swiveled her chair toward Helena. “Why am I always the one who has to sell her body? Why can’t you sell yours?”
“Who do you think is going to bring in more money? A gray-haired grandmother of seven, or a willowy twenty-nine-year-old beauty? It’s a no-brainer.”
It was hard to argue with logic like that.
Kate had been so determined not to let down their clients that she’d resorted to begging her ex-boyfriend Stuart—who worked as the executive producer on an hour-long talk show on the local ABC station—to let her appeal to the public during the afternoon broadcast.
“Do you know how hard it is for me to be around you, Kate?” Stuart said when he received her call. “Do you ever think of that?”
“Of course I do. But this is really important to me.”
“I used to be really important to you.”
Kate remained silent. They’d been through this before.
He sighed in defeat. “Come in tomorrow. I’ll squeeze you in after the cooking segment.”
“Thanks, Stuart.”
The skirt had been Helena’s idea. “We need to do whatever we can to grab viewers’ attention.”
“You mean I need to do whatever I can.”
“Of course I mean you. You have great legs.”On the day of the broadcast when Helena arrived at the food pantry, Kate said, “I don’t remember this skirt being quite so short. I’m actually a little worried about the type of viewer I might attract with it.” She tugged on the hem, pulled out her desk chair, sat down, and crossed her legs. “Can you see anything?”
“You’ll be fine unless you decide to recross your legs in the middle of the segment like Sharon Stone did in that one movie.”
“I can assure you I will not be doing that. The skirt is as far as I’m willing to go. I draw the line at flashing people, not even for the babies.”
Kate had paired the black-and-white houndstooth skirt with a black short-sleeve top and her favorite black heels. When she arrived at the TV studio, she ducked into the bathroom to check her teeth for wandering lipstick. Before she left the food pantry she’d applied a raspberry lip stain that Helena claimed looked stunning on her. That morning she’d curled her long dark hair and then brushed through the curls with her fingers so they draped across her shoulders and down her back in loose waves. She’d used plenty of mascara to play up her brown eyes. The extra primping made her feel a little like she was standing on a street corner, but she banished those thoughts. At this point, they needed all the help they could get.
After Stuart snaked the mic up the back of her top, his hands lingering on her skin in a way that made Kate feel sad, he positioned her on a stool and told her to wait for his signal. She kept her legs tightly crossed, and when the light on the camera turned red, he pointed at her and she began to speak.
“Good afternoon. My name is Kate Watts, and I’m the executive director of the Main Street Food Pantry. As we head into the winter months, our needs—and those of all local food pantries—will be greater than ever.” Kate stared into the camera, imagining she was speaking directly to anyone who might have the means to help them.
“No child should ever have to go hungry, and many of our local residents depend on the food pantry to feed their families. I’m here today to personally appeal to you should you have the ability to help us in any way. The families we assist, and especially the children, depend on your generosity more than you could ever imagine. Thank you.” She ended the short segment with the food pantry’s telephone number and street address, and when Stuart gave her the all clear, she reached under her shirt for the microphone and handed it back to him.
“Thanks, Stuart,” she said, giving him a quick hug. “I really appreciate this.”
“Sure,” he said, looking over her shoulder as if there was something very interesting across the room. “Take care, Kate.”That was yesterday, and so far only a few additional donations had trickled in. She and Helena spent the rest of the afternoon making calls to local churches and schools to set up additional food drives while continuing to monitor the donations page. Finally, at a little before three, Kate went into the back room to recount their inventory. It was the end of the month and they were down to their last cases of infant formula and baby food. Almost all of the canned vegetables had been depleted, and they were completely out of peanut butter and soup. If it was this bad now, Kate didn’t want to think about what might happen when budgets were stretched even thinner by holiday spending. Dejected, she was sitting on the floor, clipboard in hand, when Helena burst into the back room.
“I ran after him,” she said, gasping for breath. “But he was too fast. Boy am I out of shape.”
“Who did you run after?”
Helena tossed a brown paper bag to Kate and leaned over, resting her hands on her knees as she took in giant gulps of air.
“The man who dropped off the money. Seriously, I may need supplemental oxygen over here.”
Money?
Kate looked into the bag and blinked several times. “Did you lock the front door?”
“Yes.”
She turned the bag upside down and watched in disbelief as hundred-dollar bills rained down on the concrete floor. She counted it quickly. “There’s a thousand dollars here.”
Their website listed four levels for donations with amounts ranging from ten to one hundred dollars. There were higher amounts for corporations, but this was the largest donation they’d ever received from one person, and it was more than enough to replenish their shelves. Kate was already picturing herself pushing a giant cart through Costco. “Did he leave his name?”
“No. He walked up to my desk and said, “Give this to Katie. He must have seen you on TV yesterday.”
“Young? Old?” Rich?
“Young. Early thirties, maybe? Tall. Blondish-brown hair. He was in a real hurry to leave. I chased him out the door, but he jumped into the driver’s seat of an old blue car.”
“An old car? Are you sure?”
“I think it was old. It didn’t look like any car I’ve ever seen. It had stripes on the hood. And then he burned rubber.”
“Why would someone who drives an old car drop off a bag full of money?”
“I have no idea. But whatever the reason, he just saved us.”

Continue Reading Through Chapter 5 HERE

Tracey Garvis Graves is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. Her debut novel, On the Island, spent 9 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, has been translated into twenty-seven languages, and is in development with MGM and Temple Hill Productions for a feature film. She is also the author of Uncharted, Covet, Every Time I Think of You, and Cherish.

Tracey loves to interact with her readers and can be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Goodreads Amazon Author Page

Be My December by Rachel Brookes…Special Event

In celebration of the upcoming release of Be My Temptation, Book #2 in The Crawford Brothers Series, on June 29th, Rachel Brookes has put BE MY DECEMBER, Book #1 on SALE for a LIMITED TIME for only .99¢!

Now is your chance to meet Ky and Eden!

One-click → http://amzn.to/1SdDnlY

BE MY DECEMBER

Author: Rachel Brookes

Series: The Crawford Brothers, #1

~ SYNOPSIS ~

I knew the exact moment I’d become a ‘yes’ girl.

December 16th, a cold winter’s night, four years ago.

The night my innocence was stolen, the night I made the mistake of saying no—a mistake I’d never make again.

The dream of a ‘happily ever after’ was now a locked away myth. I promised myself that I’d never return to the place of my worst nightmare, that I’d never let anyone get close, but then again, I never thought I’d meet someone like him.

The intense, confident and beautiful Ky Crawford.

I had no plans to become someone’s Prince Charming.

I couldn’t be. I refused to be. My plan was simple—do whatever it takes to correct my biggest mistake, my one regret that now controlled my life.

I was on track. I had plans, but then everything changed when I saw her—the girl in the red jacket, the girl who I was told couldn’t say no.

The reserved yet stunning Eden Rivers.

A girl who can’t say no.

A guy who craves redemption.

A chance encounter?

It all comes down to this.

One question.

One month.

Be My December?

~ PURCHASE for only .99¢ ~

AMAZON | B&N | iBOOKS | KOBO

~ TEASERS ~

~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~

Rachel Brookes

Rachel Brookes is the author of The Breathe Series and The Crawford Brothers and lives on the east coast of Australia where beaches, kangaroos and surfers roam free. She spends her days writing stories that contain a dash of drama, a cup of romance, a spoonful of sexiness and delicious men to season. She is crazy for The Walking Dead, a fan of long island iced teas, a cupcake creator and a lover of book boyfriends. Rachel sometimes forgets to eat, sleep has become non-existent and more often than not she can’t remember the last time she cleaned her apartment, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. When she steps away from her laptop, you’ll find her reading, people watching, taking photos and planning her next big adventure.

She is also obsessed with social media, so come say hi.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK GROUP

Subscribe to Rachel’s MAILING LIST

~ Tour Hosts ~

HEA
Book Tours, PR & More: http://heabooktours.blogspot.com/

Book
Junky Tours, PR & More: http://bookjunkytourspr.blogspot.com/

Risk It by Jennifer Chance…Excerpt Blog Tour Stop

Risk It
Rule Breakers # 4

By: Jennifer Chance

Blurb

Jennifer Chance’s Rule Breakers series turns up the heat as a wealthy playboy and a beautiful con artist engage in a high-stakes game of seduction.

As dominating in business as he is in bed, Rand Sterling Winston IV always gets what he wants. And even before he realizes that she’s scammed him into paying triple the cost for her friend’s painting, he wants Dani Michaels. To catch her alone, Rand demands that she personally deliver his purchase. The attraction between them is immediate and electric, and he knows she feels it, too. So when the part-time petty thief rebuffs his advances, he gives her a choice: a night in jail or an evening with him.

Despite her checkered past, Dani has never met someone like Rand: brooding, intense, and oh so tempting. Only a man with a broken soul could make control feel this dangerous. Still, when Rand proposes a no-strings, no-holds-barred affair, Dani’s more than a little intrigued. It’ll be the trickiest con she’s ever run and a chance to indulge her steamiest fantasies—nothing more. But as their encounters grow increasingly intimate, Dani uncovers a vulnerable side to Rand’s steely exterior and opens her heart to the ultimate risk.

Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/02/risk-it-rule-breakers-4-by-jennifer.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23235091-risk-it?from_search=true

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/119761-rule-breakers

Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo

Rafflecopter Giveaway, Including:

Flirt & Loveswept Mugs
Ebook copy of ROCK IT by Jennifer Chance
Ebook copy of AFTER MIDNIGHT by Kathy Clark
Ebook copy of ALEX by Sawyer Bennett
Ebook copy of WILD ON YOU by Tina Wainscott
Ebook copy of PLAIN JAYNE by Laura Drewry
Ebook copy of ACCIDENTAL COWGIRL by Maggie McGinnis

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt:

From the tousled curls of his jet-black hair, and his sculpted lips and cheekbones, to the drape of the One-Percenter suit beneath his gorgeous wool coat, everything about Rand Sterling Winston IV was icy perfection. Even the sidewalk salt on his shoes looked like decorator frosting. Still, Dani would bet serious money that the man’s veneer was as fake as her knockoff Blahniks, meticulously designed to hide his true colors. She didn’t know what danger lurked behind Winston’s aloof facade, but it snagged her attention, making it almost impossible for her to focus on anything else. The guy was like black ice, she decided. Cold and slick on the surface, dark and dirty underneath. The perfect kind of target for a frigid Boston night.

Glancing up from her papers, Dani looked past Winston once more to the wall of paintings beyond, completely unsurprised to feel the man’s gaze narrow on her across the room. Frauds knew when they were being checked out. So did control freaks. She amended her assessment to add that to the tally of Winston’s impressive list of qualities.

Still, that stare was her cue. Clutching her clipboard officiously, she stepped out from behind the counter to stride across the gallery floor. Just as she reached Tall, Dark, and Loaded, however, she met his gaze for half a second, then veered out of the way.

“Miss.”

He hadn’t expected to have to speak to get her attention, she knew. His beautiful face looked more surprised than it probably had at any point in the last six months. Score one for her side. “I’m sorry, sir,” Dani said. “If you’ll excuse me. I have to remove a painting.”

“Remove one?” He frowned at her, the sheer command in his voice keeping her in place as much as the subtle shift of his body. He was taller than she’d expected. At five foot ten without the stilettos, Dani wasn’t used to having anyone look down at her, and she didn’t have to feign the chilliness of her smile as Winston blocked her path, reminding her of her initial evaluation of him. Black ice could be deceptive, too, and Silver Spoon seemed a lot more treacherous up close than he had from across the room. Her pulse was thrumming now, all senses on alert.

“Yes. Now, if you’ll excuse me—”

Winston’s smile curved the edge of his mouth, his eyes predatory. “But the showing has only just started. Surely you can’t have a buyer so soon.”

Dani’s return smile was all teeth. “I apologize, but”—she waved her hand over her clipboard —“I’m afraid we do. A bid for twice this piece’s stated price has come in from one of our wealthiest patrons.” She turned and studied the painting dispassionately. “He was quite insistent that it come off the wall immediately.”

“I seriously doubt he is your wealthiest patron here tonight.” The cool, condescending voice dripped money, but it wasn’t Winston who spoke this time. Dani glanced over to his lapdog, surprised to see intelligence flicker in the woman’s jaded eyes. “Except we only stopped in because of the wind, and now we’re leaving.”

Dani lifted her own eyebrow in perfect counterpoint. “I am so relieved to hear that.”

“Why that piece?”

She turned back to her mark, who wasn’t looking at her anymore, but at the small painting on the wall. “It’s amateurish at best.”

“Raw, I believe were his words. Yes . . .” Dani returned her gaze to the wall with equal gravity. “Dark. Forbidden.” She sensed the moment when Winston’s attention slipped off the painting and rested once more on her face. She met his cold eyes without flinching, her manner still polite but firm. “Who’s to say what captures an art lover’s interest though? Now thank you, but I must—”

“Triple the price.” His voice was bored, but Dani froze. Just as her own internal script demanded, her mouth opened in a soft O before she attempted speech again.

“I’m sorry, sir?”

“Rand . . .” Ice Barbie was tugging at his arm. “We’re already late.”

But Rand ignored her. He pulled a card out of his jacket, which he flourished at Dani. When she didn’t make a move for it, he slid it onto her clipboard. Even his fingers were beautiful, she realized. Long and hard and cruel. “I’m certain I have an account with this gallery,” he said. “If not, I will by morning. I’d like to have the painting marked as sold, to me, immediately. You can keep it on the wall.”

“Ahhh, of course Mister, hmmm . . .” Dani frowned down at the card, knowing she had already won. Now she was just pushing her luck, pretending not to recognize Rand’s name when surely she would have heard of him, if she was really an employee of the gallery. At the last minute, better judgment ruled. “Oh.” She brought her gaze up quickly, letting her eyes go wide.

“Yes, ‘Oh.’” Rand’s arm candy snorted. “Now, please, Rand, can we go?”

Rand held Dani’s gaze for a long, harrowing moment, and she forced herself not to tense up. The close was by far the most difficult part of the entire scam for her, but usually that was because she had a problem with gloating. This time, however, she wasn’t feeling cocky, exactly. Rand’s eyes were dark and challenging, the fire in their mocking depths promising the kind of pleasure Dani hadn’t experienced in a long, long time. The kind of pleasure he clearly craved, the way a drowning man craved air.

The kind of pleasure he wanted to give to her.

Black ice, baby.

Author Info

Jennifer Chance is the award-winning author of the new adult Rule Breakers series. A lover of books, romance, and happily-ever-afters, she lives and writes in Ohio.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Do Not Disturb by Stephanie Julian…Release Day Event

Today is the release day for Stephanie Julian’s DO NOT DISTURB. I am so excited to share this new erotic romance with you! Stephanie is sharing an excerpt and a fantastic giveaway with us, so be sure to check it all out!!

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Do Not Disturb Synopsis:

A seductive affair is twisted by secrets in the latest Salon Games novel from the author of Over Exposed.

To the outside world, Dane Connelly is the playboy heir of a media mogul, his life a series of one-night stands with no commitments. Only in the Salon does he satisfy his darker urges with willing partners. Life was perfect…until his best friend fell in love. Now Dane knows exactly what he’s been missing—and exactly who he wants.

Talia Driscoll enjoys creating perfection. She loves bright, glittery parties and fairy tale weddings. But she knows the illusion is short-lived. Nothing lasts forever and everyone lies to get what they want. After all, she lies about her true identity every day.

After an explosive night at the Salon, Dane is determined to sway the reluctant Talia to be his completely. But the secrets that keep them apart are at odds with the erotic passion that draws them together…

Praise for the Salon Games novels:

“Ms. Julian gives the readers what they want and so much more.”—Fallen Angel Reviews

“An emotionally charged journey filled with lust, betrayal and secrets.”—RT Book Reviews

“Stephanie Julian know[s] how to write seriously hot, melt your e-reader sex scenes.”—Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
Buy Links:

Exclusive Excerpt:

“So, Dane. Are we going to sit here all night and talk? Or have I completely misread your intentions?”

Dane’s smile widened immediately and she breathed a silent sigh of relief. “I think you’re too good at reading people to mistake my intentions.”

More high praise from him. Praise that made her tingly all over. She wanted him to follow that up with action but he remained seated across from her, staring. Waiting.

For her to make the first move? She thought she had.

“Are you going to continue sitting so far away?” she asked.

“Would you like me to come closer? Because I want to. I just don’t want there to be any misunderstandings.”

She raised her brows. “Have there been misunderstandings in your past?”

“Occasionally, yes.”

Interesting. “And what did those misunderstandings entail? Just so I don’t make the same mistake, of course.”

“The woman’s mistake was in believing I was looking for a relationship.”

“Then you and I will get along just fine because I’m simply looking for sex.”

Dane’s laughter surprised her. Deep and a little rough and definitely sexy.

She hoped the sex matched because, damn, she was turned on.

“I like you, Ms. Driscoll.” Dane set his empty glass on the table next to him then leaned forward, elbows on his knees, dark eyes fixed on hers. “Now, tell me what kind of sex you’re looking for. Fast and dirty? Or slow and controlled? Both have their advantages. Or we can do a combination. Trust me, I’m up for all of it.”

Her heart had started to pound as soon as he’d begun to speak, but by the time he’d finished, her panties were wetter than they’d been before and she had to force herself to unclench her thighs.

“I guess we could start fast and dirty because, honestly, I’m not sure I have the patience to wait for slow right now.”

Dane stood so fast, she sucked in a small gasp. She was startled, not frightened, and luckily he realized the difference.

She had just enough time to place her glass on the coffee table before Dane reached for her hand and pulled her out of the chair.

She stood, teetering forward but not falling. He was too close for that. But she did get plastered against his body.

Her hands gripped his broad shoulders, her breasts crushed tight against his hard chest. She’d only need to take a tiny step forward and she could press her pelvis against his.

So she did and found him erect and thick.

She had to tilt her head back a little to look into his eyes, which brought her lips within range of his.

Lifting one big hand, he cupped her cheek, brushing his thumb across her lower lip and sending tingles through her nervous system, straight to her clit.

The sensation made her gasp, though she tried to contain it. Self-preservation was a hard habit to kick.

For so long she’d pushed away any man who threatened her self-control. Just easier that way.

Even though she’d made the decision to sleep with Dane, that didn’t mean she couldn’t still maintain control.

But wasn’t that the point? Losing control.

Stephanie Julian Bio:

Stephanie Julian writes sophisticated, sultry romance for the adventurous reader. She’s a reformed reporter with a BA in English and a perpetually messy house (and no real desire to do anything about that).

She’s happily married to a Springsteen fanatic and is the mother of two sons who introduced her to the joys of Slipknot, Warped Tour and never-ending headaches.

Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Enter Stephanie’s giveaway!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blue by H.J. Bellus…..Release Day Event

Blue Williams shines no matter the circumstance.
-Prettiest in her hometown
-Most talented cheerleader on her high school squad
-Valedictorian of the senior class
-Prom queen and runner up for Miss Teen Colorado
And the list goes on…

That’s until college, when she finds out nobody recognizes her, and if they do they couldn’t care less. Blending in is something Blue has longed for her entire life. Living in a dorm with a set of new friends is just what she needed to escape her stale life back home. For the first time, she’s seen for her talent and not her name or looks.

Cheer is her number one priority, considering a full-ride scholarship landed her at a prestigious university, and she intends to take advantage of it. A true beauty inside and out, Blue’s heart has always pumped competitive blood.

Until one night changes her forever…the beauty is gone, and all she has left are nasty, ugly memories. The man who saved her has a story of his own, with ninety percent of his body scarred.

What happens when the Beauty falls for the Beast?

**AMAZON * AMAZON UK**

I’m just a simple girl who loves the country life.. .oh yeah! & a good corn dog! Throw in a little Vanilla Ice, and shits bound to get crazy! Be brave…

-Loves country life & music
-Gets the case of the “eff-its” often
-Loves Big
-Hurts Big
-love corn dogs & candy…. & (sex & candaaay)
-My heart is happy writing!!!

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Hosted By:

Shut Up and Kiss Me by Madeline Sheehan and Claire C Riley… Blog Tour and Review

She ran from her past.

After relocating from a small town in Tennessee, Mila has been living in New York City for a year in half, more than happy to be lost in the crowd. Living vicariously through her best friend and roommate Nikki, Mila spends her day’s waitressing and her evenings at home. Then, one night, after getting exclusive tickets to a nightclub downtown, Nikki is able to convince Mila to let loose for once.

He’s running from his future.

Having lived a privileged life, William is used to getting what he wants, and who he wants. Now though, in his thirties, he’s bored, and seeking more from his life than mindless sex, and even worse—mindless women. Spotting Mila from across the club he senses right away that she’s different from what he’s used to, an observation that proves true.

One night together will change everything for both of them. Pasts and futures will collide, secrets will be revealed, and the results will transform both their lives forever.

Court’s Review

Madeline Sheehan and Claire Riley have joined forces again and given us, Shut Up and Kiss Me.

You’d think you’d know what to expect when it comes to one author of an MC series and a Fantasy/Post-Apocalyptic series teams up with the author or horror stories, you’d get one hell of a crazy-ass book like their compilation, Thicker Than Blood?!?! Nope – you get the exact opposite with this one and they will blow your minds!

I must say that I was quite surprised to read such a contemporary romance story from these two and I really enjoyed it. But what I love the most about this story, was the way it was told. This wasn’t about the hot and heavy sex scenes but more about them falling in love. Will and Mila are characters that readers are going to enjoy getting to know, their courtship and exploring their love for one another. Will isn’t the typical alpha male and Mila is just the average woman. However, they are both keeping secrets from one another that could crush everything they’ve built up.

Sheehan and Riley definitely show their true writing talents by giving us another side of them and writing this book exceptionally well. This story is filled with it all – love, fear, anger, suspense, lies and it flows seamlessly. You will completely forget that two authors wrote this. You will love all the characters, both main and supporting characters. They all add an important part to the story and make the book that much more enjoyable.

I have to applaud both these ladies for always keeping us on our toes and writing, yet again, another outstanding story and showing us why you both rock!

BUY LINKS:

iBooks: https://itun.es/gb/mZOR7.l
KOBO: http://tinyurl.com/q849gwv
BN: http://tinyurl.com/ocvuybh
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1QxLUTi

About The Authors:

Madeline Sheehan

Fantastical realm dweller Madeline Sheehan is the USA Today bestselling author of the Holy Trinity Trilogy and Undeniable Series. More of her published works include, Thicker Than Blood and Shut Up and Kiss Me.

A Social Distortion enthusiast, lover of mud and anything deemed socially inappropriate, Madeline was homegrown in Buffalo, New York, where she can be found engaging in food fights and video game marathons with her husband and son.

https://www.madelinesheehan.com

https://www.facebook.com/MadelinesheehanBooks

Claire C Riley

Claire C. Riley is an international bestselling author and a #1 Bestselling British horror writer.

A reader and writer of dark paranormal romances and zombie and apocalyptic horror. I live in the United Kingdom with my three young daughters, husband and one scruffy dog!

I am represented by Michelle L. Johnson of Inklings Literary Agency.

My work is best described as the modernization of classic, old-school horror. I fuse multi-genre elements to develop storylines that pay homage to cult-classics while still feeling fresh and cutting-edge. I write characters that are realistic and kill them without mercy.

I am an avid reader of all genres, book collector, general procrastinator and have a great zombie apocalypse plan in place thanks to a questionnaire I asked my readers to fill in for me.

Thanks for showing an interest in me, and my work, and supporting Indie authors everywhere.

https://www.facebook.com/ClaireCRileyAuthor

www.clairecriley.com

Harlequin June Spotlight: Q&A with Vicki Lewis Thompson, author of Midnight Thunder

MIDNIGHT THUNDER

by New York Times Bestselling Author

Vicki Lewis Thompson

Thunder Mountain Ranch was the only place cowboy Cade Gallagher had ever called home. But after he and Lexi Simmons broke each others’ hearts, he left it behind, along with his foster family. Since then, Cade has drifted, looking for something—anything—to call home. Until a call from Lexi changes everything.

Cade has been gone too long. His foster mother is hospitalized, and the ranch is in deep financial trouble. Yet even as his world crumbles, Cade’s hunger for Lexi is almost as tangible as the taste

of her lips and the way her body fits deliciously against his. It’s bittersweet surrender. But Lexi isn’t the girl she used to be, and she’s determined to have the hot cowboy in her bed only if she keeps him out of her heart.

Book links:

Amazon | Harlequin

Q&A with Vicki Lewis Thompson

author of

MIDNIGHT THUNDER

What inspired you to start writing romance?

Men. Dashing heroes who save the day are more fun to write about than any other subject I can imagine.

With more than 100 books to your name how do you create original characters and plotlines?

I keep my eyes and ears open ALL the time. If I wrote the same story over and over, I’d go crazy, so shaking things up is a matter of self-preservation.

What’s better – the excitement of a new love or a rekindled romance from long ago?

The rekindled romance is much easier to write but discovering a new love is a challenge I like giving myself, so they’re both wonderful in different ways.

What can you tell us about the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood Series?

The heroes all share a similar past – being foster kids at Thunder Mountain Ranch. That single fact binds them together more surely than blood. They have different issues, but each one needs to heal. With insight and the right woman, they can.

What are you working on next?

The heroes of summer, 2016! The heroes of 2015 and my Christmas book for the series are written, so I’m on to the next batch of foster brothers and I love them already.

About the author:

A romance writing career has brought Vicki Lewis Thompson many wonderful things –New York Times bestseller status, an appearance on LIVE with Regis and Kelly, the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from Romance Writers of America, thousands of readers, many dear friends, and the cutest little yellow convertible in the world. Her career has also given her work she loves. Although she’s written more than 100 books, she continues to be fascinated by the many ways that a man and woman fall in love. The age-old story remains a challenging puzzle to be solved anew with each book. That makes her a very lucky person, indeed.

Website: http://www.vickilewisthompson.com

Twitter: @VickiLThompson

Facebook: www.facebook.com/vickilewisthompson

Praise for Vicki Lewis Thompson

“This modern cowboy tale expertly balances sex and emotion with a touch of humor. It’s one of the hottest western romances of the year!”

–RT Book Reviews on Claimed!

“[The series] has cowboys, it has sizzling sex, and the books are all well written.”

–Sugarbeat’s Books on Cowboys Like Us

“Once again Ms. Thompson’s writing is crisp and straightforward, with an uncanny ability to weave the beautiful western landscape of the Grand Tetons into the storyline. Overall a hot, sexy read.”

–Harlequin Junkie on Riding Home

“A scorching hit…”

–We Read Romance on Should’ve Been a Cowboy

Cover Reveal….Untamed Desires by Jessica Wood

Coming September 2015
Add to Goodreads TBR: http://bit.ly/1C7DYfv

BLURB:
It’ll be the summer she loses everything she was to him.

Naomi desperately wants to get away from her life. Her boyfriend dumps her out of the blue, her best friend stabs her in the back, and her boss fires her—all in the same week. So when the opportunity to spend the summer in Paris for free lands on her lap, she jumps at it.

When she arrives in the most romantic city in the world, she imagines a summer of self-discovery, away from all the drama. But when she meets Sebastian, the Parisian bad boy who lives next door, Naomi knows she was wrong. Sebastian is seductive, mysterious, and everything Naomi is not. When he offers to be her personal guide around Paris, she knows it’s going to be the summer she loses herself completely to Sebastian and his world of secrets.

To be notified of Untamed Desires’ release, sign up for Jessica Wood’s mailing list: http://eepurl.com/y6f9b