5 Star Review: The Shadow by Sylvain Reynard

The Shadow

The Shadow

The Florentine Series- Book 2

By Sylvain Reynard

Release Date: February 2, 2015

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Pre Order: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Gabriel trilogy comes the hotly anticipated follow-up to The Raven, a sensual novel set in Florence featuring the dangerously intoxicating coupling of Raven and William…

Raven Wood’s vampyre prince has returned, pledging his love and promising justice for every wrong done to her. In the wake of their reunion, Raven is faced with a terrible decision—allow the Prince to wreak vengeance against the demons of her past, or persuade him to stay his hand. But there is far more at stake than Raven’s heart…

A shadow has fallen over the city of Florence. Ispettor Batelli will not rest until he uncovers Raven’s connection to the theft of the priceless art from the Uffizi Gallery. And while the Prince hunts a traitor who sabotages him at every turn, he finds himself the target of the vampyres’ mortal enemy.

As he wages a war on two fronts, he will need to keep his love for Raven secret, or risk exposing his greatest weakness…

5Star

Kelley’s Review

She was his Defensa…..

Once again we are transported to Italy and are living in the art world.  Reynard is a master world builder and it shows once again in The Shadow.  His descriptive prose allows the reader to close their eyes and imagine themselves in Italy at the most prestigious and beautiful art gallery, viewing the restoration of priceless works of art.  You can feel the passion that Raven has for what she does and how those around her appreciate her talent in restoring masterpieces.

This book had me on the edge of my seat because William had deeply fallen in love with Raven and I just knew something bad was going to happen.  The character development in this story is genius.  Raven once again rises to Williams defense and puts everyone else first before herself. We see this couple fall deeper and deeper in love each day.  Of course all good things must come to an end and the vampyre world sees to that along with the help of a priest of course.  The Curia want all vampyres gone but have come to the realization that is not going to happen.  They are watching though and would not have any issue wiping the vampyres of Florence off the map.  William has been careful during his rule over Florence to keep the Curia out.  He has rules and regulations regarding feeding and which vampyres are allowed within the city gates.  Some vampyres believe that William has ruled for far too long and that it is time for someone else.  He is betrayed by a vampyre who has been lurking in the shadows and he knows exactly how to get to William.  Through Raven of course.

I really loved being able to catch up with the Emerson’s a little bit again as well and the bonus scenes that Reynard included was the icing on the cake.  I loved it!  As soon as I had the chance I was looking to see when the next book is coming out in the series.  I have yet to find it so hopefully we will know something soon.  This story does not end with a traditional HEA and I am dying to see what is going to happen next.

 Pre Order: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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Excerpt

Raven watched as William efficiently disrobed, neatly folding every article of black clothing (with the exception of underwear, which he never wore), and placing it on the vanity.

She brushed imaginary lint from her dress as he stood in front of her, naked.

He was under six feet in height, his body lean and strong. Raven took a moment to appreciate the definition of his muscled chest and abdomen, and the strong cast to his thighs. Not even a statue carved by the most talented sculptor could create a being with so much perfection.

His face put her in mind of an angel with intense, gray eyes that now looked at her expectantly.

She hid her face. “You said you loved me.”

“I did. What’s more, I meant it.”

“Love is a peculiar thing. I’ve seen it. I’ve even cheered for it. But I never believed it was for me.”

“Why shouldn’t a beautiful, fierce young woman hope for love?”

“Because, as you put it, human beings are shallow.”

“Love is deep.” His rich voice echoed in the bathroom.

“Love is having the power to destroy another person.”

William stepped closer. “Are you afraid of being destroyed?”

“Destroyed, consumed, betrayed.” She fidgeted with the neckline of her gown.

William placed his hand over hers, stilling it. “Love creates; it doesn’t destroy.”

His lips found the place where her neck met her shoulder. He kissed her leisurely, tracing the path of her bared collarbone with his mouth.

His fingers brushed her zipper. “Let me.”

He undid her dress, dropping it to the marble tiles.

Her bra followed. She was as naked as he.

His eyes roved her body appraisingly. His pale fingers caressed her cheek, her mouth, and her neck. His strong hands cupped her breasts, her abdomen, and her hips.

His gray eyes met hers.

“The power you describe is the power you have here.” He touched her forehead before moving his hand to cover her heart. “And here. It’s the power you have over me. Power I haven’t yielded to another since I was human.”

He brought his lips to her ear. “Your fears are shared.”

With a slow kiss on her neck, he led her into the shower, standing behind her underneath a tropical rainfall showerhead.

Raven closed her eyes and lifted her face, like a flower following the sun. The warm water soaked her hair and streamed down the generous curves of her body.

“I’ve never showered with another person. What happens next?” William rested his hands on her shoulders.

She wiped the water from her face.

“Whatever you want. Just don’t let me fall.”

William’s gaze dropped to her right leg, which she was favoring.

“Is the pain terrible?”

“It’s worse after I’ve been lying down. Sometimes I topple over.”

William spread his arm around her waist, drawing her back to his chest. “Then I must be sure to catch you.”

She kissed him, reaching up to run her fingers through his wet hair as the water poured down their shoulders.

Her motions were fraught with an eagerness born of love and affection and the relief of remembering she hadn’t lost him.

He was hers.

Even now, naked, with a myriad of flaws few men overlooked, he embraced her. He embraced her imperfections.

He loved her.

His cool hands scorched her skin, splaying fingers wide over her abdomen and bringing her backside into contact with what rose between his hips.

She gave him her weight and he held firm, nipping and licking at her lips before enticing her to enter his mouth.

He entertained the intrusion for a moment or two then, with a growl, he spun her around, pressing their chests together.

Raven looked up into blazing gray eyes.

“Are you certain?”

She nodded.

“I need the words, Raven. I need to know you want this.”

“I want you.”

He took her mouth, his tongue alternately penetrating and retreating in a sensual rhythm.

She tilted her head, welcoming him, as the water continued to rain down.

Hands roamed over slick skin as their lower bodies came into alignment. She touched his neck, his shoulders, his biceps, holding them tightly in an effort to remain upright.

William was not a tame lover.

In his arms, she sensed his control, his desire, and the war that waged between the two. But he’d never harmed her and had always focused his attention on giving pleasure before taking it. Usually more than once.

“You’re a dream,” she sighed. “A dream of love I never thought I’d have.”

His eyes burned into hers.

Without warning, he lifted her, tugging her thighs around his hips.

He lowered his mouth to her breasts, tasting and teasing before sucking droplets of water from her eager flesh.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling him eager between her legs.

He lifted her higher, hands beneath her backside, making sure he was correctly aligned.

“Breathe,” he commanded, his eyes boring in to hers.

Here was the vampyre, proud and powerful, teetering on the edge of control. He bared his teeth as if on instinct and his chest rumbled.

“Just don’t break me,” she whispered, pushing a lock of blond hair from his forehead.

William’s expression grew even more fierce.

“I won’t break you. Whatever harm I bring to you I vow to heal.”

He swallowed her reply with his kiss. Then with a single thrust, he entered her.

His kisses were as fierce as his movements as he pushed inside and withdrew, over and over. His grip on her backside tightened as he lifted and moved her in concert with his own motion.

Raven clung to him, her hand trailing to his lower back so she could urge him deeper.

Not that he needed the encouragement.

Her breasts brushed against his chest, the friction teasing and arousing.

She ignored the warm spray of the water, the scent of soap and William, and the nagging discomfort in her leg and ankle. Her focus was on feeling as he brought her swiftly to the brink of orgasm.

Before she could signal how close she was, she climaxed, her hand clutching his neck as she threw her head back.

William continued his pace until she’d finished, his mouth dropping to her breasts, drawing one of them into his mouth.

When she opened her eyes, she found him staring at her hungrily.

“I have only begun,” he rasped. “Breathe.”

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The Florentine Series

  Prince-2

The Prince

A Gabriel’s Inferno/ Florentine Series Novella

By Sylvain Reynard

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Synopsis

The unveiling of a set of priceless illustrations of Dante’s Divine Comedy at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence exposes Professor Gabriel Emerson and his beloved wife, Julianne, to a mysterious enemy.
Gabriel may have acquired the illustrations only a few years ago, but unbeknownst to him, they were stolen a century earlier from the ruler of Florence’s underworld.
Now one of the most dangerous beings in the city is determined to reclaim his prize and exact his revenge on the Emersons–but not before he uncovers something disturbing about Julianne…

Don’t miss the first novel in the Florentine series, The Raven, available February 3, 2015.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Amazon Canada / Amazon UK

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The Raven

The Florentine -Book 1

By Sylvain Reynard

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Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Gabriel series comes a dark, sensual tale of romance in a city shrouded in mystery . . .

Raven Wood spends her days at Florence’s Uffizi gallery restoring Renaissance art. But an innocent walk home after an evening with friends changes her life forever. When she intervenes in the senseless beating of a homeless man, his attackers turn on her, dragging her into an alley. Raven is only semiconscious when their assault is interrupted by a cacophony of growls followed by her attackers’ screams. Mercifully, she blacks out, but not before catching a glimpse of a shadowy figure who whispers to her . . .

Cassita vulneratus.

When Raven awakes, she is inexplicably changed. Upon returning to the Uffizi, no one recognizes her. More disturbingly, she discovers that she’s been absent an entire week. With no recollection of her disappearance, Raven learns that her absence coincides with one of the largest robberies in Uffizi history–the theft of a set of priceless Botticelli illustrations. When the police identify her as their prime suspect, Raven is desperate to clear her name. She seeks out one of Florence’s wealthiest and most elusive men in an attempt to uncover the truth. Their encounter leads Raven to a dark underworld whose inhabitants kill to keep their secrets . . .

 

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About Sylvain Reynard

I am honoured to have had all three of my novels appear on the New York Times and USAToday Bestseller lists. I was a Semifinalist for Best Author in the 2011 and 2012 Goodreads Choice Awards. “Gabriel’s Inferno” was a Semifinalist for Best Romance in 2011 and “Gabriel’s Rapture” was a Finalist for Best Romance in 2012, in the Goodreads Choice Awards, as well. The final novel in The Gabriel Series, “Gabriel’s Redemption,” debuted at #6 on the New York Times Bestseller list. It was a Finalist for a 2014 Goodreads Choice Award as Best Romance.

My next book is “The Raven,” which releases February 3rd. It’s already available for preorder. I’m also publishing a prequel novella entitled “The Prince,” which releases January 20th. “The Prince” is available for preorder now.

I’m interested in the way literature can help us explore aspects of the human condition – particularly suffering, sex, love, faith, and redemption. My favourite stories are those in which a character takes a journey, either a physical journey to a new and exciting place, or a personal journey in which he or she learns something about himself/herself.

I’m also interested in how aesthetic elements such as art, architecture, food, drink, and music can be used to tell a story or to illuminate the traits of a particular character. In my writing, I combine all of these elements with the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of goodness.

I try to use my platform as an author to raise awareness about the following charities: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation, WorldVision, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and Covenant House.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

The Shadow

Release Blitz: Wicked Sexy Liar by Christina Lauren – Wild Seasons Series – Book 4

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Wicked Sexy Liar

Wild Seasons-Book 4

By Christina Lauren

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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Synopsis

When three college besties meet three hot guys in Vegas, anything can—and does—happen. Book Four in the New York Times Wild Seasons series that began with Sweet Filthy Boy (the Romantic Times book of the year that Sylvia Day called “a sexy, sweet treasure of a story”), Dirty Rowdy Thing, and Dark Wild Night.

For two people ambivalent about dating and love, they sure get naked around each other an awful lot . . .

London Hughes is very content to surf daily, tend bar, hang out with her group of friends, and slowly orient herself in the years after college. Everything’s going great and according to the non-plan.

But when a wave knocks her for a loop one morning, then Luke Sutter’s flirtatious smile knocks her for another that evening, she veers slightly off course…and into his path. Sure, he’s a total player, but the Why not—it’s only one night is a persistent voice in her ear.

For his part, Luke’s been on hookup autopilot for so long that he rarely ever pauses to consider what he’s doing. But after an amazing time with London, he realizes that he hasn’t been moving on from a devastating heartbreak so much as he’s been drifting to wherever—and whomever—the current takes him. With London he wants more.

Every relationship involves two people…plus their pasts. And as much as she enjoys her fling with Luke, when London learns about his past—more specifically, who’s in it—everything becomes the brand of complicated she strives to avoid. It’s up to Luke then to change some things in order to try and ensure he’s not something she’ll outright avoid as well.

____________________________________________

6556689Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing partners/besties/soulmates/brain-twins Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The coauthor duo writes both Young Adult and Adult Fiction, and together has produced nine New York Times bestselling novels. Their books have been translated into 23+ languages. (Some of these books have kissing. Some of these books have A LOT of kissing.)

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway: Against The Wall by Jill Sorenson

Enter to Win a
$25.00 Amazon eGift Card

 

AGAINST THE WALL
Jill Sorenson
Releasing on February 2, 2016
Loveswept

 

 

Fans of Katie McGarry, Simone Elkeles, and Tammara
Webber will love Against the Wall! As teenagers, they fell for each other
despite the odds. But now that Eric and Meghan are all grown up, they’re
reunited by fierce passion and dangerous secrets.
 
Eric Hernandez is the bad boy of every schoolgirl’s
fantasies—and every mother’s nightmares. But after serving time for manslaughter,
he’s ready to turn his life around. He just needs a chance to prove himself as
a professional tattoo artist. The one thing that keeps him going is the memory
of the innocent beauty he loved and left behind.
 
Meghan Young’s world isn’t as perfect as it looks. The
preacher’s daughter is living a lie, especially now that Eric is back. Tougher,
harder, and sexier than ever, he might be the only person she can trust. But
there’s no telling what he’ll do to protect her if he learns the truth, and that’s
a risk Meghan won’t let him take. And yet, back in the arms of the troubled boy
with the artist’s soul, Meghan can’t help surrendering to the man he’s become.
 
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Excerpt

I don’t want Chip to meet Eric.

I put on my clothes and makeup in a rush, hoping to slip out of the apartment before Chip gets home. Unfortunately he’s early. My stomach clenches as I hear him come through the door. He drops his backpack in a careless heap and strides down the hall. There’s nothing I can do to avoid him, so I continue to apply my mascara with a trembling hand.

He pauses outside the bathroom. I don’t look over because I’m concentrating on my eyelashes. Despite my lack of greeting, or perhaps because of it, he enters the tight space and puts his hands on my hips.

“Hey, babe,” he says, kissing my cheek. “Where you going?”

“To Noah’s.”

He grunts in disinterest. He’s only been to my brother’s house once. They didn’t hit it off.

I set aside my mascara and fix the smudge he made. Instead of wandering away to play videogames or watch sports, Chip frowns at my reflection in the mirror.

“Why are you all dressed up?”

I’m not wearing anything fancy, just a basic skirt and top. But I took pains with my hair and makeup and it shows. I want to remind Eric what he turned down, rub it in his face a little. Chip notices the extra effort. He’s got an eagle eye and a suspicious nature.

I think about lying just to avoid conflict. I’ve been doing that more and more these days. After a short pause, I push aside the urge and move his hands off my hips. “It’s a special occasion. One of April’s relatives just got out of prison.”

“Who’s April?”

“Noah’s wife.”

I know that Chip remembers her. He always takes note of pretty women. “I’m going with you.”

This is exactly what I was afraid of, but I don’t argue. I have to pick my battles with Chip. He can be hot-tempered, depending on his mood and the amount of alcohol he’s consumed. I tell myself it’s not his fault. He’s a dedicated athlete, big man on campus, born to a wealthy family. Guys like him expect their girlfriends to fall in line.

And I had. I did.

Chip follows me into the bedroom, where I choose a pair of ballet flats. He grabs a pair of metallic gold high heels instead. “Wear these.”

Saying nothing, I don the flashy shoes. He likes me to look a certain way when we’re together. I think he enjoys having a leggy blonde on his arm. Before we leave, I glance at our reflections in the mirror. He’s tall and handsome, with wavy brown hair. His jeans and polo shirt are sporty and expensive. We make an attractive couple, but there’s something missing between us.

We used to have fun together. When we first met, he was hard to resist. He followed me to my car after class one day, begging for a date. He was bold and brash and full of confidence. I felt flattered. He put a lot of effort into chasing me, and I liked the attention. I liked his persistence. Of all the girls on campus, he chose me.

Our relationship hit the skids as soon as I moved in with him. Then he stopped pursuing me and started trying to control me. It’s almost as if he considers me his property now that I live in his apartment. He seems to want a maid, a cook, and blowjobs on demand. I wouldn’t mind taking care of his needs if he returned the favor.

Maybe I’m expecting too much from him. He is what he is, an MLB-bound superstar athlete who bats .390 and fields like a dream. He’s got money to burn and family connections. I understood what I was getting into when I agreed to go out with him. There are dozens of girls who’d kill to be in my glittering sandals right now.

The problem isn’t Chip. It’s me. I haven’t told him that I’m not happy. I’ve stayed quiet instead of challenging him. We have a superficial relationship, and I’m reluctant to take it deeper. After what happened with Eric, I’m not up for another heartbreak.

I can’t bear to compare the two of them, either. That’s why I don’t want them in the same room together. There’s no contest between my live-in boyfriend and the love of my life.

Stupid.

After all this time, I still have feelings for Eric. I’m worried that seeing him again will bring up bad memories—or good ones. My desire for him might come rushing back. Or maybe the opposite will happen, and I’ll wonder why I ever gave him the power to hurt me.

Then I’ll be free.

4 Star

Michel’s Review

Jill Sorensen has just released Against The Wall, a compelling new adult romance.  Against The Wall is a unique love story about redemption, growth,and compassion.  It touches upon physical abuse, gang brutality, incarceration in prison, and restructuring a new life after all the cards have been played.  Eric and Meghan have walked through fire and found  each other once again.

Eric and Meghan were teenage sweethearts just beginning their adult lives.  They were from completely backgrounds and have experienced different kinds of lives.  Eric has been brought up in the streets where gangs rule his world.  Meghan comes from a sheltered religious background that smothered her.  When they found each other, they found solace for their troubled souls.  But young love is not enough to keep their lives off destructive paths.  Eric is involved in a gang war which results with him being sent to prison for manslaughter.  He willingly lets go of Meghan so that she can move on to a better life.

Meghan is devastated by Eric’s rejection.  When she finally accepts it and moves on, she moves onto an even more destructive relationship.  She is enduring physical and verbal abuse.  She’s hiding the abuse from her family and friends.  She knows she deserves better and that she should be stronger but she just can’t pull herself away the abuse… until Eric is released from prison.  Her conflicting feelings towards Eric open her eyes.

Life has changed for both of them in the past three years.  Eric has learned that he doesn’t need the gang life to be a man.  He wants to build a new life where he can earn respect by working hard.  He wants to build a career as an artist.  He wants to be the kind of man that Meghan deserved.

This book starts the day Eric is released from prison.  The reader will follow his journey as he re-enters society.  In many ways the world has changed and in other ways it is the same vicious cycle he once was caught up in.  It will be up to him to make the right choices and stay on an even path.  The only thing that remains the same is his deep love for Meghan.

Meghan also has to face life in a different way.  She has to gain her self respect and get out of a destructive relationship.  It shouldn’t matter if Eric wants her or not, she needs to learn to love herself once again.

Against The Wall was very emotional on many levels.  Jill Sorensen built a vivid, accurate picture of Eric and Meghan’s lives.  She didn’t sugarcoat the harshness of their lives.  She didn’t allow their love to fix their problems.  She made Eric and Meghan work for what matters most in life.

I would highly recommend Against The Wall by Jill Sorenson.

Jill Sorenson is the RITA-nominated author of
more than a dozen romantic-suspense novels. She has a degree in literature and
writing from California State University. Her books have been selected as
Red-Hot Reads by Cosmopolitan magazine, and have received starred reviews from
Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Library Journal. Sorenson currently lives in
the San Diego area with her family. She’s a soccer mom who loves nature,
coffee, reading, Twitter, and reality TV.
 

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Always Room For Cupcakes by Bethany Lopez

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Today we are celebrating the release of ALWAYS ROOM FOR CUPCAKES by Bethany Lopez. This book is a romantic comedy/suspense title. Be sure to grab your copy today, and check out the giveaway below.

 

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ALWAYS ROOM FOR CUPCAKES Synopsis:

One day I was be-bopping along jamming to the music in my head while wondering if my thighs could handle grabbing a cupcake on the way home. The next thing I knew, my entire world crashed and burned.

I used to wake up at night in a sweat, crying because I’d dreamt that my husband was cheating on me, or that he hated me, and resented my kids. He’d always hold me close and tell me it was all just a dream, that he loved me and our family and that he’d never let me go.

He was a f*cking liar.

Now I spend my days taking photos of scum just like him, trying to be a champion for other’s being taken advantage of by the losers in our town, and my nights being a single mom to my beautiful twins.

I’ve got great friends who have my back, and a sexy, mysterious motorcycle man who keeps showing up when I need him. Maybe things are starting to look up, and one thing’s for sure… There’s always room for cupcakes.

 

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Special Release Week Price is $2.99

Purchase Links:

Amazon | iBooks | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

 

Join Bethany for a Facebook Party tonight (February 2) at 8pm ET! Join her page HERE!

Cupcakes Giveaways

 

 

 

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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

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Sign up for my Newsletter for more information about my writing: http://eepurl.com/Rcmrn

Award-Winning Author Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. She’s a lover of all things romance: books, movies, music, and life, and she incorporates that into the books she writes. When she isn’t reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible. Some of her favorite things are: Kristen Ashley Books, coffee in the morning, and In N Out burgers.
Bethany Lopez is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Amazon

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Release Blitz: Fighting Solitude by Aly Martinez – The Rope Series- Book 3

 

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Fighting Solitude

The Ropes Series – Book 3

By Aly Martinez

Release Date : February 2, 2016

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

 

Synopsis

I was born a fighter. Abandoned by my parents, I spent my life forging my own path—one guided by my fists and paved with pain.

Untouchable in the ring, I destroyed everyone who faced me, but that’s where my victories ended. Outside the ropes, I repeatedly failed the few people who loved me. Including my best friend, Liv James—the one person I’d die to protect.

Even though I didn’t deserve her, Liv never stopped believing in me. Never gave up. Never let go. After all, she understood what I’d lost, because she’d lost it too.

Liv was everything to me, but she was never truly mine.

That was going to change.

I lost my first love, but I refused to lose my soulmate.

Now, I’m on the ropes during the toughest battles of my life.
Fighting to be the man she deserves.
Fighting the solitude of our pasts.
Fighting for her.

fighting solitude

Excerpt

“Jesus Christ, Quarry! Calm down. You’re making it worse.” Till pointed toward the building where the woman I loved lay dead in a coffin.

Oh, God.

My eyes, tunneled by rage, flashed around the mob of reporters before landing on the front steps of the funeral home, where an even bigger crowd of Mia’s friends and family were watching me violently break down—again.

“I need to get out of here,” I mumbled, straightening my shirt.

“Good idea,” he replied, shoving me toward my car. “I’ll drive.”

“No. I want to be alone.”

“You can’t drive right now, Q.”

“Watch me.”

“You cannot be behind the wheel…” He carried on with some explanation, but I was more than done listening. The silence had never sounded so good.

Looking up at the sky, I sucked in a breath so deep that it caused my lungs to ache. I refused to release it though.

Don’t exhale.

Ignoring Till’s protests, I dug my keys from my pocket and folded into my car. Barely managing to squeeze around the relentless reporters, I started toward the exit.

This is not happening.

Don’t breathe.

My lungs were on fire, but it felt a hell of a lot better than what was going on in my heart, so I bit my lip and let it blaze—praying that it would eventually engulf me.

Glancing in my review mirror, I saw the cops rolling into the parking lot, but that wasn’t what made me stop. My breath left me on a rush as I slammed on the brakes the moment she came into view.

Liv was standing in the middle of the road, staring at my taillights.

Her big, brown eyes were as empty as I felt, and her face was painted with absolute anguish. Without out a single second of hesitation, I leaned over and pushed the passenger’s side door open in invitation. In a pair of heels and a short, black dress, she sprinted forward, not slowing until her ass hit my leather seat. Her door hadn’t even shut before I was off again.

After turning her cell phone off, she tossed it in the glove box. Mine quickly followed. She didn’t ask any questions as I pulled onto the highway in the exact opposite direction of both of our apartments. She didn’t want to go home any more than I did.

Our destination was unknown, and that alone made it infinitely better than the one we’d just left.

I drove.

And drove.

Then, when I was sick and tired of aimlessly driving, I drove some more.

With the exception of Liv flipping the radio on when the sun went down, we sat in absolute silence for over four hours.

Alone, yet still together.

Finally, around ten p.m., with an empty tank of gas and sleepy eyes, I slipped into a parking space in front of the apartment Liv and Mia shared. Liv didn’t delay in pushing the door open, but that’s the only effort she put into getting out.

Dropping her head against the headrest, she whispered at the windshield, “Her parents told me she left letters for us. We can pick them up whenever we’re ready.”

“I don’t want a fucking letter. She lied. She’s sorry. I got it. Nothing left to say.”

“Maybe it will explain stuff though. It might help.”

My angry gaze jumped to her, but she was still staring out the window.

“Will it bring her back?” I asked. “No? Then I don’t need a goddamn letter. Fuck that. Fuck her parents too. I don’t want shit from them.”

“They didn’t kill her, Quarry.”

“How can you say that?”

Her eyes finally met mine. “It was what Mia wanted. She signed the Do Not Resuscitate order, not them.”

“What the fuck are you doing here? Please, God, tell me you are not actually siding with them? Because, if I recall correctly, we both begged them not to give up on her. They didn’t give a shit about anyone. Liv, they didn’t even get a second opinion.”

“I’m not siding with anyone but Mia. She made a choice. We have to respect it.” Her expression was emotionless, even though her voice trembled.

“Respect it? Fuck her shitty choice. She should have respected me enough to let me have a say.”

She laughed without humor. “You never would have let her go, Q.”

I slammed the heel of my palm against the steering wheel. “You’re goddamn right I wouldn’t have!”

“She had brain cancer. It was going to happen one way or another. She knew it. And she made a decision. We don’t get to be mad about that.”

“Get the fuck out of my car.”

“No. Listen to me—”

“I’ll start listening the moment you stop spouting the bullshit her parents shoved down your throat tonight.”

She raised her voice for the first time all day. “It’s the truth!”

“It’s bullshit! All of it. How am I supposed to respect the fact that she lied to me for six months? Six fucking months that I could have used to prepare for this.”

“Oh my God, Quarry!” she yelled, exasperated. “Do you seriously think six months could have ever prepared you for this? I could have known since the day I met her and I still wouldn’t have been ready to lose her.”

“I could have tried! I could have spent that time devoted to being with her instead of traveling to fights. Jesus Christ, Liv, last weekend, I went out with the guys from the gym to play pool. The last fucking Saturday night of her life on this Earth and I was shooting pool with a bunch of assholes I can barely stand. Six months she kept the fact that she was dying a secret. Six. Fucking. Months. You’re right. I wouldn’t have been ready to let her go, but at least I could have figured out how to say goodbye. Instead, all I got was to squeeze her hand, say, ‘I love you,’ and then be escorted out of the hospital by security. Fuck!”

“That’s because you were acting like a fool and threatening her family! That was your choice!”

“Get the fuck out of my car. Now!”

“And it’s also the reason you got thrown out of the visitation tonight. Get your shit together or you won’t be allowed at the funeral tomorrow.”

“I don’t want to go to the funeral!” I shouted at the top of my lungs, making her flinch. “I don’t want there to be a funeral at all. Now, I’m serious. Get. The fuck. Out. Of my car.”

Through gritted teeth, she seethed, “You know what I’ll never understand? How you claim to be so in love with her, but in this entire conversation, I haven’t heard you say a single word that wasn’t about you. How this affects you. How this hurt you. Last time I checked, you aren’t the one being buried tomorrow.”

“I wish I were!”

“Fuck you! The world doesn’t revolve around Quarry Page!” With that, she jumped out and slammed the door.

I didn’t even wait for her to make it to the sidewalk before I was peeling out of the parking lot.

beautiful young woman in an elegant dress studio shot

beautiful young woman in an elegant dress studio shot

________________________________________________

The On The Ropes Series

fighting silence Sale for solitude tour

fightingsilenceFighting Silence – Book 1

Sound is an abstract concept for most people. We spend our lives blocking out the static in order to focus on what we believe is important. But what if, when the clarity fades into silence, it’s the obscure background noise that you would give anything to hold on to?

I’ve always been a fighter. With parents who barely managed to stay out of jail and two little brothers who narrowly avoided foster care, I became skilled at dodging the punches life threw at me. Growing up, I didn’t have anything I could call my own, but from the moment I met Eliza Reynolds, she was always mine. I became utterly addicted to her and the escape from reality we provided each other. Throughout the years, she had boyfriends and I had girlfriends, but there wasn’t a single night that I didn’t hear her voice.

You see, meeting the love of my life at age thirteen was never part of my plan. However, neither was gradually going deaf at the age of twenty-one.

They both happened anyway.

Now, I’m on the ropes during the toughest battles of my life.
Fighting for my career.
Fighting the impending silence.
Fighting for her.

Every night, just before falling asleep, she sighs as a final conscious breath leaves her.

I think that’s the sound I’ll miss the most.

Each book in this series can be read as a standalone.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

*****

fighting shadows coverFighting Shadows- Book 2

I come from a family of fighters. I always thought I’d follow in their shadows, becoming unstoppable in the ring. That changed the day I saved the life of a woman I loved, but could never have.

My brother hailed me as a hero, and my reward was a wheelchair.

Paralyzed, my life became an inescapable nightmare.

Until I met her.

Ash Mabie had a heart-stopping smile and a laugh that numbed the rage and resentment brewing inside of me. She showed me that even the darkest night still had stars, and it didn’t matter one bit that you had to lie in the weeds to see them.

I was a jaded asshole who fell for a girl with a knack for running away. I couldn’t even walk but I would have spent a lifetime chasing her.

Now, I’m on the ropes during the toughest battles of my life.

Fighting the shadows of our past.

Fighting to reclaim my future.

Fighting for her.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

_____________________________________

Author Bio:

aly martinezBorn and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Aly Martinez is a stay-at-home mom to four crazy kids under the age of five, including a set of twins. Currently living in South Carolina, she passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a glass of wine at her side.

After some encouragement from her friends, Aly decided to add “Author” to her ever-growing list of job titles. Five books later, she shows no signs of slowing. So grab a glass of Chardonnay, or a bottle if you’re hanging out with Aly, and join her aboard the crazy train she calls life.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

fighting solitude cover

 

Release Blitz + 6 Star Review + 2016 Favorite + Excerpt + Giveaway: Until I’m Yours by Kennedy Ryan – The Bennett Series – Book 4

Until-I'm-Yours-Launch-Day-Blitz

Ryan_Until I'm Yours_E-Book

Until I’m Yours

The Bennett Series – Book 4

By Kennedy Ryan

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

af76a-goodreads

Synopsis

The world knows her face . . .

Mean girl. Goddess. Bitch. Supermodel Sofie Baston has earned those labels . . . yet they don’t scratch the surface of who she really is. Before she can follow her own dreams, Sophie must do her daughterly duty and reel in a “fish” for her father’s business-a tall, brown-eyed entrepreneur who immediately hooks her. He’s a big guy with an even bigger heart . . . but will that heart be open to Sofie once her darkest secret is revealed?

. . . but only one man knows her heart

To Trevor Bishop, Sofie is a beautiful mystery he would gladly spend his life solving. He figures her tough demeanor is armor against a world that’s hurt her too many times. Then Sofie’s deepest wounds are reopened by the powerful, ruthless man who made them. When she musters the courage to take him down, her world shatters. Now Trevor is determined to help Sofie pick up the pieces so they can build a future together. The challenge will be convincing his ice princess that it’s safe to melt in his arms . . .

Until-I'm-Yours-Quote-Graphic-#2

Excerpt

“Sofie, I’m sorry I didn’t call you back yet.” Jalene blocks my path to Trevor and Anna.

            “Call?” I lean subtly to the left just in time to see Anna following Trevor into the coatroom.

            The hell.

            “Yes.” Jalene raises her penciled brows expectantly. “You asked me about a series of instructional barre videos for your new lifestyle website, remember?”

            “Oh, yes.” I try to focus on the conversation, but can’t help wondering what’s going on in that coatroom. “Of course.”

            “I was afraid I wouldn’t have time, but I can do it.”

            “That’s awesome, Jalene.” I give a quick smile. “My assistant Stil will contact you to set up details.”

            “Great job in class today, Sofie.”

            “Thanks.” Having Trevor behind me added a little something to my usual enthusiasm. “I need to grab my coat. Thanks again, Jalene.”

            I speed walk to the coatroom, jerking the door open like I might catch Trevor and Anna in the middle of a compromising position. They are both fully dressed, though. Both layered up for the cool morning and laughing over something I’m sure I wouldn’t find funny.

            “Sofie, hey.” Anna leans into Trevor, her head well below his shoulder. “I was just inviting Trevor to opening night for my new show.”

            “Really?” I lean against the wall by the door. “And what did Trevor say?”

            “I hadn’t gotten around to saying anything yet.” Trevor walks over to stand in front of me, taking my hand. “Maybe we could go together.”

            Just past his shoulder, the dismay on Anna’s face is almost humorous. I’m sure when she invited Trevor, she wasn’t thinking he’d bring me along. And he won’t be.

            “See you Thursday, Anna.” I address her, but my eyes cling to Trevor’s. Will I have to climb the man for her to take the hint?

            “But, Trevor and I—”

            “Thursday, Anna.” My eyes and words cut into her sentence like a razor blade. “Goodbye, Anna.”

            She’s out the door without further protest.

            Trevor rests one arm against the wall by my head, his scent and the warmth of his body sheltering and stimulating me, making me feel safe and completely vulnerable at the same time. He stares down at me, waiting for my move. I’ve never taken a step in his direction, and the fact that I sought him out obviously pleases him, but he knows me at least well enough to guess there must be a reason.

            I reach behind me to lock the door. Trevor’s eyebrows lift, but he otherwise remains still. I reach up to rest an arm on his shoulder, sliding my fingers into the short, soft hair close to his scalp.

            “Let’s get straight to the point and not play games, Bishop.”

            His hand, wrapping around my waist, cupping the curve of my back, lays warm and heavy through the thin fabric of my workout clothes.

            “I don’t play games, Sof.” Trevor leans down to whisper in my ear. “I’m a man who goes after what he wants and usually gets it.”

            He pulls back, dark eyes not laughing, close to sober.

            “Am I getting what I want?” He drops his other arm from the wall, bringing that hand to my side, and pulls me close enough to feel his hard body through the sweatpants and hoodie he’s put on. “Say yes.”

            I’ll do better than saying yes. I’ll show him.

            I tug his head toward me until our mouths touch. Those full lips are softer than I imagined. He opens me up with his tongue, delving into my mouth slowly, like he’s savoring the first taste of me as much as I’m savoring my first taste of him

Until-I'm-Yours-Quote-Graphic-#1B

__________________________________________

SBJ2016Favorite

6+star

Tracey’s Review

“Nothing works without you. You’re my fire. You know that, right?”

Sofie Baston has lived her whole life in the spotlight. She’s made her living from what’s on the outside, whether looking down from billboards, or walking the runway. Trevor Bishop is a true man of substance, working to help those that cannot help themselves. Also a great judge of character, Trevor knows that there is more to Sofie than what’s on the surface. Helping her to see what he sees may be his biggest challenge ever.

Oh, my Lord, this book. I could not get enough of this book. UNTIL I’M YOURS is the first book by Kennedy Ryan that I have read, and I can happily say that she has found a longtime fan in me. This book had me feeling everything. Sofie, for all of her perfected outer witch, has so much more going on. As one of the rich and famous, the world should be her oyster, but events of her past have her searching for something more, something greater. I love that Kennedy has made Sofie more than a caricature, and given us a heroine worth getting to know. She is stronger than even she knows, and watching her growth is truly inspirational.

And Trevor, oh, sweet Trevor. He may have spoiled me for future book boyfriends for a very long time to come. His determination to show Sofie that her spark is there, ready to be fanned into the fire that will drive her, his unwillingness to take her at face value and enter a meaningless hook-up, his dedication to family, friends, and the larger world, make him one of the most compelling male leads that I’ve read in a while.

“Is that what I am to you, then?” She looks at me unsmilingly. “A challenge? Something to be achieved?”
“I think you’re a woman who hasn’t even begun to show the world who she is.” I consider her for an extra second. “I think in some ways that’s something you’re still trying to figure out yourself, and people engaged in that process fascinate me.”

UNTIL I’M YOURS is the fourth in the Bennett series, and can easily be read as a standalone, but I loved it so much that the first three are fast-tracking it the top of my TBR. I loved the characters, the story, just everything about this read, and it will stay with me for quite a while. One of my favorite books so far this year, UNTIL I’M YOURS gets an easy 5+ sexy, swoony, ‘now, THIS is what an epic love looks like’ stars from me. Add this one to your TBR, and do it quickly, because you must read this book.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

______________________________________________

7429243About Kennedy Ryan
I’m a wife, a mom, a writer, an advocate for families living with autism. That’s me in a nutshell. Crack the nut, and you’ll find a Southern girl gone Southern California who loves pizza and Diet Coke, and wishes she got to watch a lot more television. You can usually catch me up too late, on social media too much, or FINALLY putting a dent in my ever-growing To Be Read list!
Kennedy Ryan FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/681604768593989/
WebsiteFacebook / Twitter / Goodreads

****

Giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/26635ce2295

Ryan_Until I'm Yours_E-Book

Cover Reveal: Little Black Break by Tabatha Vargo & Melissa Andrea

LITTLE BLACK BREAK

The follow-up to New York Times bestseller LITTLE BLACK BOOK

RELEASING MARCH 8TH, 2016

By Tabatha Vargo & Melissa Andrea
Genres: Romance, Erotic, Contemporary

LITTLE BLACK BREAK

My name’s Sebastian Black, and my life as I know it is over. My little black book days were numbered the minute I met Rosslyn. She became my one and only and lightened my dark soul.
But now my past is threatening my future—threatening the woman I love. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her. Even if I have to lie—pretend to cheat—I need her to leave my world and remain safe.
Breaking her heart is killing me, but I refuse to let my old sins destroy the only good in my life.
If you love her, let her go. If you’re dangerous like me, pray she stays away. I won’t let her get caught in the crossfire. No matter who I have to break.

SURPRISE!!

BECOMING BLACK a prequel to LITTLE BLACK BOOK is FINALLY releasing on

MARCH 1ST!

Get to know Sebastian before he was BLACK!

Get your copy of LITTLE BLACK BOOK today!

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

 

My name’s Sebastian Black, and I want to buy you. I could have any woman I want, but I choose you.
NO RELATIONSHIP, JUST SEX.
Here’s my offer…
I’ll put your name in my LITTLE BLACK BOOK, and when I want you, I’ll call you. When I call, you’re going to come, in more ways than one. It will be mutually pleasurable for both of us.
There are only two rules:
DON’T EVER DENY ME.
DON’T FALL IN LOVE.
If you do either, I’ll remove you from my book and payment stops.
Do we have an understanding?

Cover Reveal + Sneak Peek…Chapter One: Anti-Romance by Cassia Leo

We’re excited to share the cover and first chapter of Cassia Leo’s upcoming release, Anti-Romance, with you today! Anti-Romance is NOT a romance. This is a hilariously screwed-up stand-alone novel love story. This is a book you’ll definitely want to grab in paperback; the cover will be completely colorable!

AntiRomance

About Anti-Romance:

Laney Hill is screwed. On the bed. On the treadmill. On the hood of a BMW. And on her boss’s desk. Then she’s screwed again when she steps into the free clinic and finds out she has gonorrhea. That dirty prick gave her gonorrhea! She’s totally going to break up with him…until he breaks up with her…because he’s married!

A night out drinking with friends leads to a fateful–yet awkwardly-sloppy–kiss between her and her best friend George Bratton.

George has been single and pining for his ex-girlfriend ever since their breakup two years ago. When his ex invites him to her destination wedding in London, self-destructive George and gonorrhea survivor Laney make a deal to go as each other’s dates. It will make great material for Laney’s “Anti-Romance” blog and maybe it will help George finally get over his ex. Nothing could possibly go wrong, right?

This is a stand-alone novel.

Add it on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28260248-anti-romance

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00071]

Chapter One

ANTI-ROMANCE
CHAPTER 1 – EXCERPT

Copyright © 2016 by Cassia Leo.

The tip of his erection was pressed firmly against my opening, a rock hard promise of the pleasure to come. This was the way he loved to tease me, right after making me come with his masterful tongue. He knew I needed him inside me. Needed to feel his girth stretching me. Needed to feel the closeness of his sweat-dampened skin pressed against mine.
But he wasn’t going to give in so easily.
First he would draw out the anticipation, until I was begging for him to fuck me. He would kiss and caress my body until I was forced to beg for it, until I reached the point of no return, where even the slightest touch would set off a chain reaction inside my body; a domino effect of nerve endings firing through every inch of my body, cascading uncontrollably toward my center, concluding in a mind-numbing, thigh-quaking, chest-rattling climax. Then, and only then, did he plunge into me with the force of an armada crashing upon the shores, ready to plunder the land for all its riches. I, the willingly-pillaged maiden, could only cry out in unbridled ecstasy as he took everything I had. Every moan. Every scream. Every drop of passion coursing through me.
When he finished inside me, his dying erection still twitching in its final death throes, he draped his body over mine as I lay back across the hood of his BMW. Mouth slightly hung open, his breathing heavy on my damp skin as his lips pressed against my neck. Each breath he exhaled sent a gentle shiver coursing through me; goosebumps sprouted over my skin as he lightly stroked my outer thigh with the backs of his fingers.
“You’re so fucking gorgeous,” he murmured in my ear.
Though Rick had said these words a thousand times since we began dating two months ago, I still reminded myself not to believe them. I wasn’t gorgeous—not by his standards or anyone else’s. Maybe I could be described as “cute…if she lost a few pounds, got lip injections, and used a curling iron on those limp locks every once in a while.” No one—other than Rick—had ever called me, Laney Hill, gorgeous.
But what I lacked in the looks department, I more than made up for with a firm grip and a “fiery spirit,” as my former women’s studies professor used to call it; or, as my best friend liked to call it these days, my “unbridled cynicism.”
My best friend, George Bratton, was a serial monogamist and—God help him—a hopeless romantic. His shortest romantic relationship lasted more than a year. My longest relationship lasted ten months, and that ended a few years ago when I decided to change careers. Since then, I’d plowed through more men than Al Capone’s Tommy gun.
Of course, most of my romantic misadventures had been undertaken in the name of research for my blog, lovingly named Anti-Romance: The seedy parlor where romance goes to get a happy-ending before it dies. At least, this is what I had convinced myself of. I only entered dead-end relationships for my job. It certainly wasn’t because I was screwed up in any way. Nope. Not me. I was just an artist willing to live my art. I entertained the world—well, my 257,000 subscribers—with my cocked-up love life. I was the canvas and my choice of medium was unavailable men.
“I guess I’ll talk to you tomorrow after the rally?” I asked the question in a breathy murmur, trying to make my minuscule request sound even less demanding.
He blew out a deep breath as he stood straighter. “I can’t. I’ll be flying to D.C. to play preschool teacher to some women’s rights groups. I have to coordinate the announcement of their endorsements on social media. I’ll call you to set something up when I get back.”
I forced a smile as his green eyes locked on mine. “Of course. If you need any help,” I replied, tracing the tip of my tongue along his sharp jawline, savoring the salt of his efforts, “I’m great at kissing up to disillusioned constituents.”
He chuckled heartily as he pulled away and reached for his waistline to button his slacks. “As much as I appreciate the offer, I think the candidate would rather I tackle this alone.”
The candidate.
Three months into our smoldering farce of a courtship and Rick still felt the need to call Senator John Grossman—the Republican presidential candidate he worked for—“the candidate.” As if I were too stupid to know he was referring to Senator Grossman.
I may not have graduated from Harvard, but I was not stupid.
In fact, I graduated in the top two percent of my class with a degree in psychology and a minor in women’s studies. Our country, on the other hand, was circling the Idiocracy drain. As evidenced by the untethered enthusiasm for reality TV—and, in my case, reality blogs—it was only a matter of time before we Americans would go sliding down a sludge-filled drainpipe and end up sloshing around the intellectual sewer system. The way I saw it, if our ship was going down, I wanted to go down in a yacht, not a life raft.
I adjusted the crotch of my panties, all the while ignoring the burning itch that always followed rough sex with Rick. Though, it did seem to be getting worse lately. Must be a slight feminine “imbalance.” Nothing a little over-the-counter ointment wouldn’t fix.
I smoothed down the skirt of my dress as Rick pulled up the zipper on his trousers. He wore that sly grin that communicated one of the following: a) He could go for another round, or b) He was quite pleased that he had conquered me in yet another public forum. The first time we had sex in public was on my third day working undercover in Grossman’s Austin headquarters.
I thought seducing a Republican would make a great story for my blog followers. Rick thought having sex on his desk would be a great stress reliever. I knew we would make a great team.
Actually, Rick was the first guy I’d considered letting in on my secret. Since I started my Anti-Romance blog four years ago, I’d told zero men that our relationship would be used for entertainment. Online, I went by the pseudonym Amber F. Thus far, none of my male companions had linked me to Amber. But Rick and I had been working together and fucking each other for almost three months. Somehow, this felt different.
And, technically, I hadn’t written about Rick on the blog yet. I usually journaled about my relationships in a private app on my computer until we broke up. Then I’d go back and embellish my journal entries wherever necessary and upload each entry to the blog. My followers didn’t know if my dating life was happening in real time or past tense. Part of me did this because I was fastidious about never publishing a first draft, even if it was a first draft of a real life event. Another part of me hoped that when I found the right guy, my followers would never know anything about him, because our relationship would never end so I’d never have the opportunity to blog about it.
Stranger things had happened.
The look in Rick’s green eyes was breaking me down brick by brick. I felt myself blushing from the top of my head to my nether regions. I had to tell him about the blog.
He reached up and cupped my face, his thumb gently stroking my cheek. “I can’t wait until the primaries are over and I can take you away with me for a few days.” He brushed his lips over mine and the pulsing ache between my legs returned, which only accentuated the burning itch. “Where do you want me to fuck you next? Under a waterfall in Hawaii? In front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris?”
“Benghazi!” I blurted out and his face hardened as he pulled away. I delivered a playful shove to his solid chest. “I’m kidding. Paris sounds magnifique.”
The sound of a car door opening startled us both. I whipped my head around to find my young and surly-in-a-hot-way neighbor stepping out of his pickup truck, which was parked right next to Rick’s BMW.
He was sitting in his truck this whole time?
My face flushed with heat as my neighbor attempted to keep his head down while passing us, but he couldn’t hide his smirk. Oh. My. God. The poor guy was trapped in his car this whole time because he was too afraid to disturb our public fuck-session.
“I’m sorry,” I murmured as he passed.
His head twitched in my direction, but he didn’t dare make eye contact. “No worries, ma’am,” he muttered as he continued toward our apartment complex.
It was about 60 degrees in January, but I could swear it was summer in Austin as a searing warmth crept up my cheeks.

About Cassia:
Cassia Leo Bio Pic

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cassia Leo loves her coffee, chocolate, and margaritas with salt. When she’s not writing, she spends way too much time watching old reruns of Friends and Sex and the City. When she’s not watching reruns, she’s usually walking in the rain or reading.

Come chat with her on
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorcassialeo
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AuthorCassiaLeo
You can also follow her blog at http://cassialeo.com

Blogger HTML:
We’re excited to share the cover and first chapter of Cassia Leo’s upcoming release, Anti-Romance, with you today! Anti-Romance is NOT a romance. This is a hilariously screwed-up stand-alone novel love story. This is a book you’ll definitely want to grab in paperback; the cover will be completely colorable!

About Anti-Romance:

Laney Hill is screwed. On the bed. On the treadmill. On the hood of a BMW. And on her boss’s desk. Then she’s screwed again when she steps into the free clinic and finds out she has gonorrhea. That dirty prick gave her gonorrhea! She’s totally going to break up with him…until he breaks up with her…because he’s married!

A night out drinking with friends leads to a fateful–yet awkwardly-sloppy–kiss between her and her best friend George Bratton.

George has been single and pining for his ex-girlfriend ever since their breakup two years ago. When his ex invites him to her destination wedding in London, self-destructive George and gonorrhea survivor Laney make a deal to go as each other’s dates. It will make great material for Laney’s “Anti-Romance” blog and maybe it will help George finally get over his ex. Nothing could possibly go wrong, right?

This is a stand-alone novel.

Add it on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28260248-anti-romance

ANTI-ROMANCE
CHAPTER 1 – EXCERPT

Copyright © 2016 by Cassia Leo.

The tip of his erection was pressed firmly against my opening, a rock hard promise of the pleasure to come. This was the way he loved to tease me, right after making me come with his masterful tongue. He knew I needed him inside me. Needed to feel his girth stretching me. Needed to feel the closeness of his sweat-dampened skin pressed against mine.
But he wasn’t going to give in so easily.
First he would draw out the anticipation, until I was begging for him to fuck me. He would kiss and caress my body until I was forced to beg for it, until I reached the point of no return, where even the slightest touch would set off a chain reaction inside my body; a domino effect of nerve endings firing through every inch of my body, cascading uncontrollably toward my center, concluding in a mind-numbing, thigh-quaking, chest-rattling climax. Then, and only then, did he plunge into me with the force of an armada crashing upon the shores, ready to plunder the land for all its riches. I, the willingly-pillaged maiden, could only cry out in unbridled ecstasy as he took everything I had. Every moan. Every scream. Every drop of passion coursing through me.
When he finished inside me, his dying erection still twitching in its final death throes, he draped his body over mine as I lay back across the hood of his BMW. Mouth slightly hung open, his breathing heavy on my damp skin as his lips pressed against my neck. Each breath he exhaled sent a gentle shiver coursing through me; goosebumps sprouted over my skin as he lightly stroked my outer thigh with the backs of his fingers.
“You’re so fucking gorgeous,” he murmured in my ear.
Though Rick had said these words a thousand times since we began dating two months ago, I still reminded myself not to believe them. I wasn’t gorgeous—not by his standards or anyone else’s. Maybe I could be described as “cute…if she lost a few pounds, got lip injections, and used a curling iron on those limp locks every once in a while.” No one—other than Rick—had ever called me, Laney Hill, gorgeous.
But what I lacked in the looks department, I more than made up for with a firm grip and a “fiery spirit,” as my former women’s studies professor used to call it; or, as my best friend liked to call it these days, my “unbridled cynicism.”
My best friend, George Bratton, was a serial monogamist and—God help him—a hopeless romantic. His shortest romantic relationship lasted more than a year. My longest relationship lasted ten months, and that ended a few years ago when I decided to change careers. Since then, I’d plowed through more men than Al Capone’s Tommy gun.
Of course, most of my romantic misadventures had been undertaken in the name of research for my blog, lovingly named Anti-Romance: The seedy parlor where romance goes to get a happy-ending before it dies. At least, this is what I had convinced myself of. I only entered dead-end relationships for my job. It certainly wasn’t because I was screwed up in any way. Nope. Not me. I was just an artist willing to live my art. I entertained the world—well, my 257,000 subscribers—with my cocked-up love life. I was the canvas and my choice of medium was unavailable men.
“I guess I’ll talk to you tomorrow after the rally?” I asked the question in a breathy murmur, trying to make my minuscule request sound even less demanding.
He blew out a deep breath as he stood straighter. “I can’t. I’ll be flying to D.C. to play preschool teacher to some women’s rights groups. I have to coordinate the announcement of their endorsements on social media. I’ll call you to set something up when I get back.”
I forced a smile as his green eyes locked on mine. “Of course. If you need any help,” I replied, tracing the tip of my tongue along his sharp jawline, savoring the salt of his efforts, “I’m great at kissing up to disillusioned constituents.”
He chuckled heartily as he pulled away and reached for his waistline to button his slacks. “As much as I appreciate the offer, I think the candidate would rather I tackle this alone.”
The candidate.
Three months into our smoldering farce of a courtship and Rick still felt the need to call Senator John Grossman—the Republican presidential candidate he worked for—“the candidate.” As if I were too stupid to know he was referring to Senator Grossman.
I may not have graduated from Harvard, but I was not stupid.
In fact, I graduated in the top two percent of my class with a degree in psychology and a minor in women’s studies. Our country, on the other hand, was circling the Idiocracy drain. As evidenced by the untethered enthusiasm for reality TV—and, in my case, reality blogs—it was only a matter of time before we Americans would go sliding down a sludge-filled drainpipe and end up sloshing around the intellectual sewer system. The way I saw it, if our ship was going down, I wanted to go down in a yacht, not a life raft.
I adjusted the crotch of my panties, all the while ignoring the burning itch that always followed rough sex with Rick. Though, it did seem to be getting worse lately. Must be a slight feminine “imbalance.” Nothing a little over-the-counter ointment wouldn’t fix.
I smoothed down the skirt of my dress as Rick pulled up the zipper on his trousers. He wore that sly grin that communicated one of the following: a) He could go for another round, or b) He was quite pleased that he had conquered me in yet another public forum. The first time we had sex in public was on my third day working undercover in Grossman’s Austin headquarters.
I thought seducing a Republican would make a great story for my blog followers. Rick thought having sex on his desk would be a great stress reliever. I knew we would make a great team.
Actually, Rick was the first guy I’d considered letting in on my secret. Since I started my Anti-Romance blog four years ago, I’d told zero men that our relationship would be used for entertainment. Online, I went by the pseudonym Amber F. Thus far, none of my male companions had linked me to Amber. But Rick and I had been working together and fucking each other for almost three months. Somehow, this felt different.
And, technically, I hadn’t written about Rick on the blog yet. I usually journaled about my relationships in a private app on my computer until we broke up. Then I’d go back and embellish my journal entries wherever necessary and upload each entry to the blog. My followers didn’t know if my dating life was happening in real time or past tense. Part of me did this because I was fastidious about never publishing a first draft, even if it was a first draft of a real life event. Another part of me hoped that when I found the right guy, my followers would never know anything about him, because our relationship would never end so I’d never have the opportunity to blog about it.
Stranger things had happened.
The look in Rick’s green eyes was breaking me down brick by brick. I felt myself blushing from the top of my head to my nether regions. I had to tell him about the blog.
He reached up and cupped my face, his thumb gently stroking my cheek. “I can’t wait until the primaries are over and I can take you away with me for a few days.” He brushed his lips over mine and the pulsing ache between my legs returned, which only accentuated the burning itch. “Where do you want me to fuck you next? Under a waterfall in Hawaii? In front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris?”
“Benghazi!” I blurted out and his face hardened as he pulled away. I delivered a playful shove to his solid chest. “I’m kidding. Paris sounds magnifique.”
The sound of a car door opening startled us both. I whipped my head around to find my young and surly-in-a-hot-way neighbor stepping out of his pickup truck, which was parked right next to Rick’s BMW.
He was sitting in his truck this whole time?
My face flushed with heat as my neighbor attempted to keep his head down while passing us, but he couldn’t hide his smirk. Oh. My. God. The poor guy was trapped in his car this whole time because he was too afraid to disturb our public fuck-session.
“I’m sorry,” I murmured as he passed.
His head twitched in my direction, but he didn’t dare make eye contact. “No worries, ma’am,” he muttered as he continued toward our apartment complex.
It was about 60 degrees in January, but I could swear it was summer in Austin as a searing warmth crept up my cheeks.

About Cassia:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cassia Leo loves her coffee, chocolate, and margaritas with salt. When she’s not writing, she spends way too much time watching old reruns of Friends and Sex and the City. When she’s not watching reruns, she’s usually walking in the rain or reading.

Come chat with her on
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorcassialeo
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AuthorCassiaLeo
You can also follow her blog at http://cassialeo.com.

Release Blitz + Giveaway: The Last Riders : First Four Votes by Jamie Begley – Books 1-4

Enter to Win a
Print Set of The Last Riders Books 1-4

 

THE LAST RIDERS: FIRST FOUR VOTES
Razer’s Ride, Viper’s Run, Knox’s Stand & Shade’s Fall
Jamie Begley
Released Feb 1st, 2016
Young Ink Press
The Last Riders are a Motorcycle Club created by eight ex
Navy SEALS, that make no excuses for the life they have chosen to lead. These
men fight hard and f**k harder. Get your first four votes from Razer, Viper,
Knox and Shade. 
 
Razer’s
Ride: Book One
 
Beth
Cornett is the town good girl, so staying out of the way of the motorcycle
club’s dangerous members was a no brainer. Unfortunately, she manages to catch
the eye of Razer, who has every intention of tempting her to take him on
despite her misgivings. When her worst fears are realized, she is left
heartbroken, determined to forget her walk on the wild side. 
 
Razer was
not going to change for any woman, not even Beth. Their lifestyles were too
different; betrayed she ran. Realizing his mistake too late; she was not about
to forgive and forget. It takes a killer intent on targeting Beth to bring her
back to him and The Last Riders for protection. Razer may have learned his
lesson, but this time, as long as she is at the club, she has to play by their
rules. 
Viper’s
Run: Book Two
 
Winter
Simmons received the surprise of her life when she discovered the man she
had  been dating for the last two years was actually Viper, president
of the Last Riders. A high school principal, Winter has no intention of ruining
her reputation in the community to be with a man who betrayed her trust.
Unforgiving, she turns her back on him, only to find that Viper is not the
gentleman he portrayed. 
 
Determined
to find his brother’s killer, Loker James kept his identity as President of The
Last Riders a secret from Winter. When the truth comes out, he is determined to
make her see the real man who can control not only a group of dangerous bikers,
but a woman whose life is a rulebook. Unable to prevent herself from being
drawn into the very club she despises, Winter is about to lose everything
important to her, unless Viper can prove she’s more than a moonlight
run.
 
Knox’s
Stand: Book Three
 
Knox, a
former Navy Seal, has been in several dangerous situations, but nothing
compares to dealing with Diamond Richards. Framed for murder, he needs the
passionless lawyer to prove his innocence. But when he no longer needs her
help, he’s going to show her the passion she’s capable of and walk away a free
man.
Diamond plans on earning her huge fee to prove Knox is innocent, but she had no
idea the muscled biker could bring out the passion she kept hidden behind her
designer clothes. Trying to find a murderer is easier than dealing with The
Last Riders and Knox’s sexcapades. He’s going to find out there is one woman
worth standing and fighting for, despite his desire for freedom.
 
Shade’s
Fall: Book Four
 
Shade is
everything Lily doesn’t want in a man. He’s rude, obnoxious and he’s definitely
not a cowboy. The tattooed enforcer for The Last Riders is a mystery Lily
doesn’t want to solve. He’s too much for her to handle, especially with the
nightmares from her past constantly threatening her sanity.
 
Lily is
everything Shade wants in a woman. She’s sweet, kind and submissive. When she
discovers the truth about The Last Riders, it threatens to tear apart every
relationship within the club. Her rebellion causes the predatory instincts to
rise in the ex Navy SEAL sniper.
 
When The
Last Riders are threatened by another motorcycle club just as determined to
claim Lily, Shade is her only hope of surviving the approaching confrontation.
Could their passion be Shade’s downfall?
 
BUY NOW

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“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
love 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 writing,
writing, and writing. I have two children who both graduated this 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 five series of
books- The Last Riders, The VIP Room, Predators MC, Biker Bitches, and The Dark
Souls.
 
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.”
 

 

Release Blitz: Chasing Spring by R.S. Grey

Title: Chasing Spring
Author: R.S. Grey
Release Date: Feb 1, 2016
Find on Goodreads
Buy: Amazon
Synopsis

I thought I’d left Blackwater, Texas behind for good. I didn’t belong in the small town, but my dad wouldn’t listen. He dragged me back home in his beat-up truck and dropped a bomb along the way: Chase Matthews was moving in with us. He was the golden boy of my high school, my former best friend, and the last person I wanted sleeping across the hall. His presence was too great a reminder of the ghosts I was trying to forget.

I didn’t ask for a hero. I don’t want to be saved.

To me, Lilah Calloway meant late nights sneakin’ out, moonlit hair, and sparklers in July. She was my best friend until the day she left and I’d assumed Blackwater had seen the last of her. Then, like a tempest, she rolled back into town for the final half of senior year. The chopped hair and dark devil-may-care attitude warned most people away, but I knew if I fought hard enough, I could find the lost girl.

I didn’t want to be her hero. Some girls don’t need to be saved.

 Buy: Amazon
________________________________________
Author Bio:

I am a lover of books, chocolate, reality TV, black labs, and cold weather. Seriously, if I had it my way, I would be curled up on the couch with all of those things… everyday.

 

I live in Texas where I spend my free time writing and reading. My favorite authors include Mindy Kaling & Jonathan Safran Foer. I’m a comedy geek and love all things “funny”. Women like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mindy Kaling are definitely the biggest inspirations for my writing, though I think my work tends to skew a bit smuttier than theirs.

 Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Instagram

 

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