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Shadow Dancer By Addison Kline ♥ Blog Tour
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Title: Shadow Dancer
Series: Shadows of Morrow #1
Author: Addison Kline
Genre: Mystery
Release Date: July 13, 2015
Some secrets should just stay buried. On the day Tristan Morrow is born her mother goes missing, prompting an investigation that produces no solid leads. Fast forward 15 years, and the Morrow family still doesn’t know the truth behind Catherine Morrow’s disappearance. When 15 year old Tristan is required to write a biography on her mother for a school assignment, she learns the truth about her mother’s fate, and is hell-bent upon finding out who was responsible for her death. But when Tristan herself goes missing too, everyone is suspect, even her own father and boyfriend. Set in rural Fox Hollow, PA, Shadow Dancer unravels a web of lies, deceit, madness and corruption. Can investigators crack the case before Tristan meets the same fate as her mother? And who is responsible for the disappearances? There is much uncertainty as the investigation unfolds, but there is one thing that is certain: Tristan Morrow holds the master key to the entire riddle.
Addison Kline is an International Best-Selling Author who resides in Philadelphia with her husband, their children and their two dogs. When she is not writing, she enjoys watching reruns of Downton Abbey, The Walking Dead and Sons on Anarchy, traveling with her family and reading to her heart’s content.
Addison is a member of the International Thriller Writers Association and while she loves to write in a variety of genres, Addison always says “mystery is her game.” Her favorite genres to write include romantic suspense, psychological thrillers, mystery and thrillers.
Trusting Nicole (Last Hangman MC) By Muriel Garcia ♥ Release Day Blitz
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Title: Trusting Nicole
Series: Last Hangman MC #4
Author: Muriel Garcia
Release Date: July 28, 2015
SYNOPSIS:
Jason Sanders hasn’t had the easiest of lives. Growing up he had all he could ever want, except for two very important people: his parents. The day he lost them was the day his life became a chaotic mess. A mess that still haunts him today.
Due to his association with three of the most prominent MCs in Louisiana, the entire New Orleans Police Department suspect him to be a corrupt cop, little do they know what’s really going on behind closed doors.
At the start, he hated every single biker. They had made his existence a living hell for the past four years. Now? Now, they have fast become a permanent fixture in his life and are the closest thing to a family he’s had since that day.
Thanks to her big brother, Nicole Lyle grew up surrounded by the Last Hangman MC and loved every second of it. They were always there for her, supporting her, protecting her, except for one night. One disastrous night causes Nicole to do the one thing she never thought herself capable of, causing her life to become a devastating mess. A mess she wishes she could have avoided.
What happens when Jason and Nicole’s pasts catch up to them and threaten to ruin their futures?
How will Nicole’s older brothers, Gabe and Aleck, cope with the details of their younger sister’s torrid past?
Will Nicole be able to help Jason heal or is he beyond fixing?
Will Jason be able to take a leap of faith and trust Nicole?
PURCHASE LINKS:
ALSO AVAILABLE:
Saving Ayden:
Teaching Aleck:
Healing Gabe:
AUTHOR BIO:
Muriel Garcia was born and raised in
Belgium. She started writing a little over a year ago and never thought she
would ever publish; reading and writing weren’t her favorite things to do in
high school.
Belgium. She started writing a little over a year ago and never thought she
would ever publish; reading and writing weren’t her favorite things to do in
high school.
After one of her friends gave her a
challenge – the next time they would attend a book signing, she would be a
signing author (it did happen!) – she started to take writing a lot more seriously
and never looked back. She’s enjoyed every second of it and the friends she’s
made along the way.
challenge – the next time they would attend a book signing, she would be a
signing author (it did happen!) – she started to take writing a lot more seriously
and never looked back. She’s enjoyed every second of it and the friends she’s
made along the way.
She loves music, tattoos—especially on
hot men, traveling, and cooking. She has always had an overly imaginative and
creative mind but never thought of putting words to paper. Now she couldn’t
imagine not writing stories that are near and dear to her heart.
hot men, traveling, and cooking. She has always had an overly imaginative and
creative mind but never thought of putting words to paper. Now she couldn’t
imagine not writing stories that are near and dear to her heart.
AUTHOR LINKS:
Facebook § Facebook group § Twitter § Tsu § Instagram § Pinterest § Goodreads § Amazon
Defy (Brothers Of Ink) By Allie Juliette Mousseau ♥ Cover Reveal
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Title: Defy
Series: Brothers of Ink and Steel #3
Author: Allie Juliette Mousseau
Genre: New Adult
Release Date: September 22, 2015
When rugged bounty hunter Ryder Axton is hired to hunt down a cartel leader for a seven digit bounty, he doesn’t expect to find federal witness Rachel Farrington being held captive in the perp’s basement. For Ryder, shit gets personal and the routine arrest becomes a rescue mission. And he will stop at nothing to make Rachel safe.
Farrington has been in the basement for seven days. She knows the only reason she’s still alive and unharmed is because of her market value in the overseas sex-slave trade. That’s how Eduardo Miguel plans to keep her from testifying after seeing him brutally murder her fellow student—and how he’ll manage to pay off his enormous debt to the cartel for a botched drug deal at the same time.
Terrified and desperate, Farrington will do whatever it takes to escape her captors—including kill—the first opportunity she gets. So when Ryder, a scarred, rough, foul-mouthed, smooth talking, criminal tries to persuade her he’s rescuing her—even though she knows it’s just another part of the act to manipulate her in attempts to keep her calm and “undamaged” upon delivery—she sees her chance.
But when two rival gangs wage war above their heads and Ryder and Rachel are forced to take cover in the dark and deadly east Texas bayou, trusting one another for survival, they both realize they might never see another sunrise.
Can they both defy death . . . again?
Allie Juliette Mousseau is a USA Today Bestselling Author.She can always be found writing, playing in puddles with her children, hiking with her husband, or adventuring somewhere in the world. Her favorite place to write on warm days is outdoors, but when the weather gets too cold, she’ll be inside at her desk inspired by the mountain view from her home office in Montana where she lives with her loving husband, children, and golden retriever. She loves to travel and lived for three years in her RV with her family while visiting the national parks and forests of the U.S. and a couple Canadian provinces. She is excited to add all of Canada and Alaska in the near future!
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The Forbidden Billionaire By J.S. Scott ♥ Release Blitz
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Synopsis
All of Jared Sinclair’s wealth still can’t
ease the pain from his terrible childhood…or his guilt over a recent
tragedy. Unable to forgive himself, the billionaire property investor
buries his emotions, toughens his skin, and becomes a notorious
womanizer, refusing to commit his heart to a woman when he’s convinced
she wants only his wallet.But ever since Jared arrived in
Amesport, Maine, he’s been intrigued by Mara Ross, the petite and sexy
shop owner who asks nothing of him. When Mara’s store is purchased
without her knowledge, she stands on the brink of losing her home, her
livelihood, and generations of family history. Then the irresistibly
persuasive Jared proposes a business deal to Mara…and soon draws her
into a steamy, sensual affair, convincing her that he’s anything but
cold. However, when a revelation shakes Mara’s fragile trust to the
core, Jared must finallyconfront the truth about his past.In The Forbidden Billionaire, J.S. Scott brings the next chapter in her passionate Sinclairs series to life.
ease the pain from his terrible childhood…or his guilt over a recent
tragedy. Unable to forgive himself, the billionaire property investor
buries his emotions, toughens his skin, and becomes a notorious
womanizer, refusing to commit his heart to a woman when he’s convinced
she wants only his wallet.But ever since Jared arrived in
Amesport, Maine, he’s been intrigued by Mara Ross, the petite and sexy
shop owner who asks nothing of him. When Mara’s store is purchased
without her knowledge, she stands on the brink of losing her home, her
livelihood, and generations of family history. Then the irresistibly
persuasive Jared proposes a business deal to Mara…and soon draws her
into a steamy, sensual affair, convincing her that he’s anything but
cold. However, when a revelation shakes Mara’s fragile trust to the
core, Jared must finallyconfront the truth about his past.In The Forbidden Billionaire, J.S. Scott brings the next chapter in her passionate Sinclairs series to life.
Purchase Links
Amazon US § Amazon UK § Amazon CA § Amazon AU § B&N PRINT ONLY
Teaser
Also Available
Synopsis
Called an eccentric beast by the citizens of
Amesport, Maine, handsome, sensual billionaire Grady Sinclair stays
isolated in his mansion on a private peninsula. The arrangement suits
Grady just fine—until an unassuming woman rings his doorbell, awaking
his long dormant passion with her fearlessness. All he wants is to make
the fiery blonde his forever. But will he have to become the monster
everyone thinks he is to get his Christmas wish?Emily Ashworth is
desperate. The Youth Center has been robbed of all its money, and as
the director, she has to find a way to give the town’s needy children
the Christmas they deserve. With nowhere else to turn, she ventures to
the mansion of a mysterious billionaire to ask for help. Warned to
expect a beast, Emily is shocked to find Grady Sinclair a handsome and very
sensual man. With steamy kisses under the mistletoe and seductive
whispers while hanging the wreath, Emily finds there’s more to Grady
than meets the eye. Is this misunderstood billionaire just a lonely soul
who needs the gift of love for Christmas?
Amesport, Maine, handsome, sensual billionaire Grady Sinclair stays
isolated in his mansion on a private peninsula. The arrangement suits
Grady just fine—until an unassuming woman rings his doorbell, awaking
his long dormant passion with her fearlessness. All he wants is to make
the fiery blonde his forever. But will he have to become the monster
everyone thinks he is to get his Christmas wish?Emily Ashworth is
desperate. The Youth Center has been robbed of all its money, and as
the director, she has to find a way to give the town’s needy children
the Christmas they deserve. With nowhere else to turn, she ventures to
the mansion of a mysterious billionaire to ask for help. Warned to
expect a beast, Emily is shocked to find Grady Sinclair a handsome and very
sensual man. With steamy kisses under the mistletoe and seductive
whispers while hanging the wreath, Emily finds there’s more to Grady
than meets the eye. Is this misunderstood billionaire just a lonely soul
who needs the gift of love for Christmas?
This edition of The Billionaire’s Christmas, which was previously published in A Maine Christmas…Or Two: A Duet (The Billionaire’s Angel & A Mermaid Isle Christmas), includes editorial revisions.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1xuBpWg
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1vnmcpd
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1sa2CsV
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/ZBbLkp
Synopsis
Dante Sinclair never cared about his family’s
money. All the ultra-sexy billionaire ever wanted was to be a cop; and
now that he’s a homicide detective in Los Angeles, he’s a damn good one.
But when he is injured and loses his partner in the line of duty, he
returns to his vacation home in Amesport, Maine, to recover. With a
mouth as dangerous as the streets he protects, Dante knows no one can
ever heal or tame him.Sarah Baxter, a brilliant young doctor
still struggling with her stifled upbringing, has recently moved from
Chicago to sleepy Amesport to escape her past, hoping to find peace.
When Sarah is assigned to Dante’s case, there’s an instant heat between
them. They couldn’t possibly be more different, yet their intense
passion is impossible to ignore. As burning desires awaken within Sarah,
her haunted past returns, threatening her once again. Can Dante
overcome his grief and unravel the secrets Sarah is hiding in time to
protect and rescue her?
money. All the ultra-sexy billionaire ever wanted was to be a cop; and
now that he’s a homicide detective in Los Angeles, he’s a damn good one.
But when he is injured and loses his partner in the line of duty, he
returns to his vacation home in Amesport, Maine, to recover. With a
mouth as dangerous as the streets he protects, Dante knows no one can
ever heal or tame him.Sarah Baxter, a brilliant young doctor
still struggling with her stifled upbringing, has recently moved from
Chicago to sleepy Amesport to escape her past, hoping to find peace.
When Sarah is assigned to Dante’s case, there’s an instant heat between
them. They couldn’t possibly be more different, yet their intense
passion is impossible to ignore. As burning desires awaken within Sarah,
her haunted past returns, threatening her once again. Can Dante
overcome his grief and unravel the secrets Sarah is hiding in time to
protect and rescue her?
Amazon http://amzn.to/1z4IUE8
Amazon CA http://amzn.to/1Bs3ZKU
Amazon AU http://bit.ly/1BHVQBV
Coming Soon!!!
The Billionaire’s Touch
Pre Order Available NOW
After a troubling childhood, wealthy Evan
Sinclair likes his life orderly and controlled. He rarely gives in to
spontaneous urges—until he begins a chance correspondence with a mystery
woman who sounds like his complete opposite. She intrigues and amuses
him, and the interest seems mutual…which is more than he can say for his
current obsession, Miranda Tyler, the tough-as-nails, sexy
schoolteacher who’s made it clear she’s not impressed—or interested.Miranda
finally has it all: a good job, friends, and the security of living in
the quaint coastal town of Amesport, Maine. She even has an anonymous
pen pal—a man she’s never met yet has bonded with almost effortlessly.
The only thing unsettling her life is Evan Sinclair. The handsome
billionaire is arrogant, pompous, and far too used to getting his way.
Miranda tries her best to avoid him, until Evan’s steamy kiss turns her
world upside down.
Sinclair likes his life orderly and controlled. He rarely gives in to
spontaneous urges—until he begins a chance correspondence with a mystery
woman who sounds like his complete opposite. She intrigues and amuses
him, and the interest seems mutual…which is more than he can say for his
current obsession, Miranda Tyler, the tough-as-nails, sexy
schoolteacher who’s made it clear she’s not impressed—or interested.Miranda
finally has it all: a good job, friends, and the security of living in
the quaint coastal town of Amesport, Maine. She even has an anonymous
pen pal—a man she’s never met yet has bonded with almost effortlessly.
The only thing unsettling her life is Evan Sinclair. The handsome
billionaire is arrogant, pompous, and far too used to getting his way.
Miranda tries her best to avoid him, until Evan’s steamy kiss turns her
world upside down.
Soon their red-hot desire is scorching the
sheets and has them both spinning out of control. But when secrets are
revealed, will their insatiable attraction keep them together or force
them apart? In J.S. Scott’s The Billionaire’s Touch, the eldest Sinclair just might have met his match.
Amazon http://amzn.to/1JqQ5Hc
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/1Kh0jwT
Amazon CA http://amzn.to/1Oi6Xne
Amazon AU http://bit.ly/1DqFdXQ
J.S. Scott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of steamy
romance. She’s an avid reader of all types of books and literature.
Writing what she loves to read, J.S. Scott writes both contemporary
steamy romance stories and paranormal romance erotics. They almost
always feature an Alpha Male and have a happily ever after because she
just can’t seem to write them any other way!
romance. She’s an avid reader of all types of books and literature.
Writing what she loves to read, J.S. Scott writes both contemporary
steamy romance stories and paranormal romance erotics. They almost
always feature an Alpha Male and have a happily ever after because she
just can’t seem to write them any other way!
Catching Cassidy (Harborside Nights) by Melissa Foster ♥ Book Blitz
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Title: Catching Cassidy (Harborside Nights, #1)
Author: Melissa Foster
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 28, 2015
Synopsis
“Catching Cassidy was laugh out loud funny, heartwarming, sexy, and hands down one of my favorite reads so far this year!”— #1 NYT Bestselling Author of The Bet – Rachel Van Dyken
5 STARS – Readers Favorites “Melissa Foster has proven again that she is a fantastic storyteller, excelling at making seemingly simple stories complex and heartfelt.”
Wyatt Armstrong never imagined that instead of celebrating his college graduation, he and his twin sister would be dealing with the death of their parents. Then again, Wyatt had never been one to think past tomorrow. He heads to their summer home in Harborside, Massachusetts, with his best friend Cassidy Lowell in tow, to deal with his parents’ death and to try to figure out his next step.
Six foot two, infuriatingly handsome, and flirtatious, Wyatt Armstrong has always been there for Cassidy, helping her pass her classes and fend off unwanted advances, while driving her insane with his one-night stands—but that’s what best friends are for, isn’t it? Having each other’s backs. There was never any doubt that she would accompany him to his family’s summer home—but she never expected to begin seeing Wyatt as more than a friend. Or has she been ignoring her feelings all along?
It’s impossible to ignore the sizzling heat between them as Wyatt and Cassidy get even closer, but Cassidy knows Wyatt’s past, and she has a real job to begin in the fall. Wyatt may be a sure thing for the summer, but Cassidy needs more. For the first time in his life, Wyatt is forced to look toward the future if he doesn’t want to lose the one woman who’s shared his past and owns his heart.
***
HARBORSIDE NIGHTS is a sexy, hot, and evocatively real New Adult Romance series that follows a group of friends who have known one another for years as “summer” friends, and now come together after college to build their lives. They’re tough, edgy, and accepting—most of the time. This series is written in the loving, raw, and emotional voice readers have come to love by New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster.
Buy The Book
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | Barnes & Noble | Ibooks | KOBO | Google Play | Paperback
About The Author
Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance (M/F, M/M, F/F), romantic suspense, thrillers, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa also co-writes the Love on Rockwell Island series with New York Times bestselling author Bella Andre. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success.
Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.
Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on social media or her personal website. Never miss a release! Follow Melissa here on Amazon and sign up for her newsletter: www.MelissaFoster.com/Newsletter
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Giveaway
Fahrenheit By Alex Rosa ♥ Cover Reveal
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Title: Fahrenheit
Author: Alex Rosa
Genre: Erotic Romance
Release Date: September 22, 2015
Pre-Order Links
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Ibooks | KOBO
Synopsis
Lauren Michaels is exhausted with the push and pull of copy editing for Los Angeles’s woman’s magazine, Frenzy, which caters to pop culture, style, and above all, sex.
She wants to write for the magazine rather than edit, but her boss is convinced that Lauren’s conservative tendencies won’t fit in with the risqué nature of what Frenzy is about.
Convinced to make her mark, Lauren begs for the chance to prove her self.
Her boss agrees, tasking her with the impossible, in hopes of failure, because although she doesn’t want her to become a journalist, she doesn’t want to lose her as Editor-in-Chief, either.
Her daunting mission? To investigate the growing popularity of sex clubs in Los Angeles, and figure out how the sensual underworld functions.
Out of her element, Lauren starts her search with pen and paper in hand at a local sex shop, hoping she’ll find a trail that leads to the dark lairs of sex and fetishes.
Trying to hide her inexperience, and pretending she’s a professional sex kitten, this trail instead leads her to one brooding, Nathan Sanders.
He’s daunting, charming, and a little too dark and mysterious for her taste, but Lauren knows he’s what she needs as her way in.
What she doesn’t see coming is that Nathan is all too willing to invite her to a nightclub she’s only ever heard stories about, and also the fact that Nathan know’s Lauren doesn’t have a clue what she’s getting herself into.
However, he can’t turn down the idea of helping her out with her research once she confesses the whole story.
This could be fun, they said. There’s no harm in it, they agreed.
Little do they know, a little research can serve up some unexpected results.
Excerpt
I nudge my chin toward him to imply the same. He grins, and his eyes are all over my body at once, dragging quickly over my face, down my chest, my hips, legs, and to my toes before making the same journey back up. I feel like his private exhibit.
I twirl his card between the fingertips of both of my index fingers, giving him my own head-to-toe glance.
“Do you do this often? Stroll into this place and ask for sex?”
Saying the word sex out loud feels terrifying, but also empowering, because that’s what this shop is about, and that’s exactly what it means when a place like Fahrenheit is brought up. I may not know what the hell I’m doing, but I refuse to let these lines get blurred in the process. Let’s not confuse the context. I’m (apparently) agreeing to have sex with Nathan Sanders, and I just met him.
He’s so much taller than me, so when he leans toward me, he’s looming over my frame, but his presence seems to encase me, pulling me in with one swift move.
I try to remember that this is about research, and gaining an understanding of what the world of sex clubs and fetishes are about, but when I stare at someone like Nathan Sanders, I start to forget my reasons for standing here. Having his full attention feels almost like a gift. I like the way he looks at me, even if I don’t know him, and while I want to know more about Fahrenheit, a part of me wonders what dark secrets this guy has, too. Regardless, one thing proves very true right now, that whoever he is, Nathan Sanders wants to fuck me, and I can’t imagine a better person who I’d let be my guide, whether he knows it or not.
It’s in the name of science, I tell myself.
My natural inclination to be responsible and compassionate feels bad for being deceptive, but I remember that when a place like Fahrenheit is involved, normally the person doesn’t care about the why you want to fuck them, they just care about the fact you want to. No need to trouble oneself with the details. I mean, he pretty much invited me for sex before knowing my name.
“Call me when you’re sure,” he blurts out, catching me completely off guard, and pulling me out of my analyzation.
“When I’m sure?” I repeat back. I thought we just decided that I was.
“I want you to think on it. Curiosity killed the cat, ya know? Just think about it tonight, call me tomorrow when you’re sure, and we’ll go from there. If you know what Fahrenheit is then you’ll know that it’s not a decision to take lightly.”
My brows pull together.
“I look forward to the call, Lauren.”
“Sure thing, Nate,” I blatantly chide, enunciating the “t” sharply, finding it funny that although he gave me the option to reconsider, he already seems pretty sure about the outcome.
His beautiful mouth does that twitchy thing again with his eyebrow.
“Pleasure meeting you,” he says, his voice sounding deeper and more mysterious now.
“Pleasure was all mine,” I reply, watching him stroll out of the shop, seemingly empty handled, but I assure you, I’m pretty sure he somehow gained ownership of my curiosity, while I seem to be holding the key to his adventure.
About The Author
Alex Rosa lives in San Diego, California. When she isn’t scouring city parks or cafe’s to write she is more than likely trying to convince her friends to join her on her next adventure. A sufferer of wanderlust, she is always looking for a new mountain to climb, a canyon to hike, or a plane to board. Her resume consists of coroner, to working at a zoo, and most recently as an executive assistant, but finds her home amongst words, whether it be in books, or in film. Her obsessions are on the brink of bizarre, but that’s just the way she likes it. Represented by Erin Niumata of Folio Literary Management.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Pinterest
Giveaway
Dishonorable Love By Savannah Stewart ♥ Release Blitz
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Title: Dishonorable Love
Author: Savannah Stewart
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 21, 2015
Love, Loss, and Lies.
My name’s MacKenzie Cole and what I thought was a simple loving life with my husband, Sergeant Thomas Cole, was anything but that. After his death during a raid overseas I learned that our life together was full of twists and turns that would send me into a whirlwind of trying to figure out the truth behind all of the lies.
When Thomas’ partner from the Marines, Sergeant Julian Cooper, comes into my life it begins to unravel everything that I used to know and pushes me to make finding the truth my number one priority. But the more time I spend with Julian, the harder it becomes to ignore the attraction that I have for him that is burning stronger than anything I felt for Thomas.
Is it possible to overcome the deceit Thomas left me with on my own, or will Julian be the person to pull me from the ashes so that I can start living again?
I clutched the folded flag in my arms as the first notes of “Taps” began. Twenty-one gun shots rang out throughout the cemetery as the sounds of people crying for the loss of Sergeant Thomas Cole echoed through the warm breezy air. I wasn’t crying for Sergeant Thomas Cole, I was crying for the loss of my other half, my best friend, my husband.
I cleared my throat as the overwhelming smell of his cologne filled my nostrils. I frantically looked around, thinking it was all some sick joke and that Thomas was standing off in the distance waiting for the precise moment to surprise me with his arrival and beg for my forgiveness for playing such a cruel and heartbreaking joke. I’m not sure how long I sat there scanning the cemetery for a glimpse of Thomas when a man’s voice pulled me back to reality.
“MacKenzie Cole?” I turned my head towards his voice and sucked in a breath from the close proximity of the man sitting beside me. I hadn’t been this close to another man’s face since the last time I was near my husband, the day he left for his last tour of duty.
“Yeah?” I sat back in my chair, putting a little more distance between me and the stranger. He was dressed in the same uniform Thomas was buried in.
“I’m so sorry for your loss…” He choked back his own emotions and extended a hand for me to shake. His sandy brown eyes were glistening from unshed tears. “Sergeant Julian Cooper.”
As soon as his name left his lips I knew exactly who he was. He was Thomas’ right hand man during the last tour of duty. Every time I talked to Thomas he spoke about Julian and how good of a man and soldier he was. I slid my trembling hand into his.
“Nice to meet you, Julian.” A sad smile pulled my lips up just enough to look friendly instead of completely broken.
“Thomas and I were on the same mission when…” Julian trailed off.
“It’s okay,” I placed a hand on his shoulder, still clutching the flag with my other arm. “I know what happened that day.” My voice sounded stronger than I actually was.
Julian’s eyes were full of sorrow and understanding. “He was a helluva Marine.” The strength and honor was laced thickly in his voice as he spoke of Thomas.
“That he was.” I smiled again at the memory of how much Thomas loved fighting for our country. He was brave, loving, and always believed in the mission of keeping our country safe from harm. I loved that about him.
The wind blew in my face and the smell of Thomas’ cologne hit me hard once again. I coughed a couple times as tears pricked my eyes. “Are you okay?” Julian asked, concerned from my small coughing spell.
“I’m—I’m okay,” I lied as I realized the cologne was coming from Julian. I closed my eyes and took in the familiar smell that reminded me so much of my husband. It was almost too much to bear.
“I know you have a lot on your plate, and I don’t want to keep you.” I opened my eyes to find Julian standing. “It was nice to finally meet you, MacKenzie.” He smiled sadly. “I’m sorry it was under these circumstances.”
I stood and placed the flag under my left arm. “Thank you for being a good friend of Thomas’, and thank you for coming today.” A set of tears rolled down my face and I quickly wiped them away.
He nodded. “You don’t have to thank me, ma’am. Thomas saved me on numerous occasions; I just wish I could have done the same for him.”
The thickness of my emotions was closing off my throat. A large sob ripped through my body as I took in the truth of the day. Thomas was gone, his brothers-in-arms couldn’t save him, and I was officially all alone again. The trembling in my legs was so severe that I thought I could collapse at any moment; my arm reached for the wooden chair as I slowly lowered myself back into it.
“I didn’t mean to upset you.” He leaned forward and took one of my hands in his.
“It’s not you,” I managed to say through my heartache. “I just don’t know where to go from here,” I admitted.
Julian took a seat beside me again and allowed the silence to fill the air. He knew there was nothing he could say that would make me feel better; I just wished that there was a way to bring back Thomas. My life was changing and there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it except move forward.
As my tears dried up I watched the leaves hanging from a tree a few yards away swaying in the light wind. Julian was still sitting beside me, taking in the silence just as I was. I shook myself out of my trance and turned away from the tree to look at him. “What are your plans while you’re in town?”
“I don’t have any.” He turned his attention to my face. “As soon as the hospital released me, I came straight here.”
“You were in the hospital?”
“I was hurt during the raid.” Julian diverted his eyes to the area where Thomas lay.
“I—I didn’t know.” Tears stung my eyes once again.
“I’ll be okay.” His grin didn’t touch his eyes. “It’s a pretty deep flesh wound, but it’ll heal.”
As awful as it sounded, I had never thought about the others that were injured that day. Was it selfish of me? I wasn’t sure. I was still learning how to cope with the news that Thomas wouldn’t be coming home ever again. Guilt twisted in my gut at hearing that Julian had been injured during the same raid that ended Thomas’ life. I wondered how many others were hurt, but I was too afraid to ask.
The sound of a phone buzzing caught both of our attention. Julian dug in his front left pocket and pulled out his cell phone. “I apologize.” He typed away on the screen before placing it back in the same pocket. “I have to go.” His eyes met mine for a second before standing.
I stood as well and wrapped my arms around him tightly. “Thank you for sitting with me.”
Julian hesitated before hugging me back. “You don’t have to thank me. I would have done anything for Thomas.” He took a step back, and I picked the flag up from the chair I had been sitting in. “I’ll be in town for a few days, if you need anything.” Julian pulled a pen from his pocket and scribbled his phone number on the inside of my free hand.
“Okay, thanks,” I smiled. We said our goodbyes and I watched as the only person who was as close to my husband as I was disappeared over the hill.
From the Most Beautiful Small Town of America & the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown, Kentucky, Savannah Stewart writes Contemporary Romance, New Adult, and Romantic Suspense novels. She is very much a Leo, with one fur baby named, Jack. She’s a Book-a-holic who loves music, tattoos, photography, singing, writing, & laughing. One of her favorite quotes is “Love is the beauty of the soul.“
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Flash Point By Brooke Blaine ♥ Blog Tour & Review
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Flash Point by Brooke Blaine
A Standalone Romantic Suspense Novel
Release Date: July 12, 2015
Synopsis
The first time I saw her, I knew I’d have to kill her.
It’s been five years since the brutal death of her mother, and Katherine Shaw still relives the nightmares of that night.
She escaped.
The danger should’ve been over.
She couldn’t have been more wrong.
When her father, a prominent judge, receives a chilling death threat, her past comes hurtling into her present.
The warning is clear: They’ve got unfinished business, and they’re coming for her.
Katherine Shaw.
Rich girl? Check.
Spoiled and obstinate? Check.
A beautiful fireball who pushes every button he has? That was not listed on the dossier Jason Garrett receives when he’s assigned as one of her bodyguards. The last thing he ever expected was that his tempting client would prove to be more dangerous than those he’s protecting her from.
Their attraction would be forbidden even under the best circumstances. But as the threat draws near, the tension between the two of them rises, culminating in an explosive flash point that will blindside them both.
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Excerpt from Flash Point
© Brooke Blaine 2015
The wind whipped around them suddenly, a ferocious gust that caused Katherine’s long locks to go flying in every direction. She looked a bit like Medusa right then, hair thrashing about like snakes, hypnotic jade eyes blazing, and just as she lifted the hood of her jacket over her head, the wind died down.
“Yeah, that just figures,” she muttered, as she put her hand inside the hood to smooth down her hair.
Jason’s phone buzzed in his pocket, the caller ID reading Thompson. He answered before the second ring. “Sir.”
“Just calling to check in with you, Garrett. I spoke with Kirkpatrick and went over the rundown on our end, and he gave me—”
“Ow, shit, motherfucker—”
A string of curses continued to fly from Katherine’s mouth, her arm caught in an awkward angle over her face. The bracelet on her wrist had hooked onto the jacket liner of her hood, and the more she tried to yank it free, the more it snagged.
Thompson’s voice turned apprehensive. “Is everything okay over there? Is that Katherine—”
“Yes, yes, she’s fine,” Jason said.
“She doesn’t sound fine.”
“Just a little…female issue.”
“Female issue…? Ohhhh. I see. Well, good luck with that. Talk later.” Thompson hung up swiftly, and Jason shook his head. Wimp.
Katherine stomped her foot as she continued to wrench her arm free, and he tried not to smirk at how ridiculous she looked.
I should just leave her like that, he thought in amusement.
“Are you gonna talk on the phone all night or are you gonna fucking help me sometime this century?”
“Do you really want me to answer that?” he asked.
“No, what I want right about now is a chainsaw to free myself and then stick up your ass.”
He shoved the phone back in his pocket. “Sounds like foreplay.”
She stopped struggling for a moment, and he tried not to notice the way her shirt had ridden up to display a few inches of her creamy skin. “Now the sense of humor comes out? Now?”
Stepping forward, he grabbed her wrist with one hand and tried to get her bracelet free with the other, but it was lodged in tight. Her pulse beat rapidly under his thumb, and he stroked over it once before realizing what he’d done. A quiet gasp escaped Katherine’s lips.
“Hold still,” he murmured, tightening his grip. “It might hurt.”
With a quick snap, he ripped the hood away, a chunk of tattered material still clinging to the mangled jewelry. She pulled the bracelet off her arm and rubbed her wrist.
“Thanks,” she said, a bit breathless.
He nodded as he backed away, and she got the hint to keep moving and not mention it.
They walked together in silence, for once, until a cluster of buildings came into view, and Katherine directed them toward it. When he saw her look over at him from the corner of his eye, he braced himself for the next round of questioning he knew was coming.
“So…you never told me your first name,” she said.
“No, I didn’t.”
“Well, that’s rude. I thought we just had a moment there, Jason.”
He stopped in his tracks, and she burst out in victorious laughter.
How the hell did she know that?
“And you thought I was unobservant.” She wore a smug look on her face. “I may be a lot of things, ruiner of jackets included, but give me a little credit here.”
“Where did you hear that?”
She shrugged. “It was a hunch. I’d referred to you as Jason Statham when I was talking to Steven at my father’s house, and I noticed you flinched when I said it. So, either you get that comparison a lot, or it was an involuntary reaction to hearing your name and trying not to react. Thank you for confirming my suspicions.”
Well I’ll be damned. Not just a pretty face, are you?
“Oh,” she said then, taking a step back. “Oh, no. That’s not…a tiny sliver of respect I see in your eyes, is it?”
He grimaced. “No.”
“Thank God,” she said with mock relief as she climbed the stairs to the main doors and stopped just outside them. “I couldn’t take it if you actually liked me.”
He had nothing to say to that, too busy trying to see past the mask she wore that he’d only briefly thought about earlier. She was observant. I wonder what else she’s hiding…
She turned around. “Can I ask you something?”
“God knows you would anyway.”
The Katherine that faced him now wore a serious expression, with no trace of the sarcastic woman he’d had to deal with the past few days. She cocked her head to the side as she studied his face.
“Are you always this much of an asshole with your clients, or am I just lucky?”
Before he could summon an answer, she reached for the door handle but then pulled away so he could enter first. She stayed beside him as she walked them to her class, and he knew she didn’t expect a response. After getting her settled and taking position against the wall nearby, he entertained her question.
Two things he knew for sure: First, he was definitely an asshole. And second, under the current circumstances, he’d never refer to Katherine Shaw as lucky.
About the Author:
You could say Brooke Blaine was a book-a-holic from the time she knew how to read; she used to tell her mother that curling up with one at 4 a.m. before elementary school was her ‘quiet time.’ Not much has changed except for the espresso I.V. pump she now carries around and the size of her onesie pajamas.
Flash Point is her debut solo novel, and she is the co-author of the erotic serial, A Desperate Man, with Ella Frank. The latter has scarred her conservative southern family for life, bless their hearts.
If you’d like to get in touch with her, she’s easy to find – just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that’s dominated her cell phone for ten years.
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Protector by Jessica Wilde ♥ Release Blitz
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Title: Protector (The Brannock Siblings #4)
Author: Jessica Wilde
Release Date: July 17, 2015
Release Blitz: July 20, 21, 22
Hosted by: Always Behind A Book
Isabelle Brannock was adored by her children in every possible way. Her ability to love reflects in each of them and to this day, they remember the never ending happiness she and their father, Liam, shared. However, life wasn’t always beautiful and their magnificent mother kept her dark secrets buried away so her children would always remember that family is the most important thing.
Liam Brannock has watched his children find that same happiness he knew so well and, as a father, he couldn’t be prouder. Knowing that the struggles each of them endured were worth the sacrifices they made to find the love of their lives, he finally feels content with revealing the secrets Isabelle worked so hard to keep.
Liam tells his children the story of how he met their mother and the secrets they never suspected would be possible for a woman who lived each day showing her children that love conquers all.
For readers 18+ due to sexual content.
Note to readers:
This is Liam and Isabelle’s story as well as updates on Ash, Con, and Gus.
This cannot be read as a standalone.
Series Order:
Book 1 – Leverage (SALE FREE)
Book 2 – Conned (SALE 99¢)
Book 3 – Missing (SALE 99¢)
Book 4 – Protector
He walked out the door, glancing back at his aunts once more. Both of them were smiling his way, waving and watching him like a bunch of hawks. He started toward the gardens feeling Maggie’s eyes on his back until he was out of her view.
It wasn’t long before he came upon the grove, but his quest was soon forgotten.
For the second time in his life, he was brought to a standstill by the beauty in front of him. He caught sight of that long brown hair flowing over a creamy shoulder… that was shaking.
The air in Liam’s lungs caught and he felt that tightness in his chest from before, when he heard a sniffle and saw the woman wipe under her eyes.
She was crying. This stunning, flawless woman was sobbing and he felt that tightness twist and pull until he couldn’t just stand and watch any longer. Liam looked around to see who had hurt her, but no one else was in the grove. He was angry for her and heartbroken that a woman like her would ever have a reason to cry like that.
She was so wrapped up in her world that she never even heard him step into the grove. His footsteps on the grass were silent, but surely she would have heard him crashing through the trees. He watched her a moment longer, debating on whether to sneak away and leave her in peace or find out what was making her so sad and fix it for her.
His mouth decided for him.
“Tears don’t belong on a face so beautiful.”
She startled and immediately stood and backed away from him. Smart woman, but it was still frustrating to see that it was out of wisdom, not instinct. She regarded him warily before looking around to find that they were completely alone. The trees surrounding the grove were covering them from anyone who might be watching.
Liam normally wouldn’t allow this type of situation to occur. He would have left her alone and gone to fetch Maggie to help. But this wasn’t a normal situation and Liam couldn’t help but feel drawn to the woman standing before him, looking like she was about to run.
“You don’t need to be afraid of me, bird. I’ll not harm you.”
Her shoulders sagged for a moment of brief relief before she lifted them straight and jutted out her chin. Her show of strength was impressive, but Liam could see the unease in her eyes so he stayed where he was and let her have her space.
She cleared her throat and crossed her arms over her chest. “I am sorry if I am trespassing. Maggie told me to come here and it was just a beautiful place to sit and think.”
Her voice sent a jolt of electricity straight into his gut. A husky sound that vibrated all the way down his spine and he couldn’t stop himself from studying her lips as she spoke.
Good Lord, help me.
She quickly wiped the tears from her face and sniffed a few times before gaining her composure and lifting her chin once more. Liam had been right the day before, she was stunning up close. Tear stains on her cheeks, eyes red rimmed, nose red, lips red. If she was this beautiful crying, he was doomed when she was smiling.
The very idea of her was… impossible.
Her yellow dress didn’t cling to the curves he knew would be there, but it gave a hint of a graceful womanly figure and the exposed skin of her chest beckoned his eyes. His lips thinned, cursing himself for being disrespectful and he looked down at her legs.
That didn’t help at all.
Eyes, Liam. Look at her eyes.
After clearing his throat, he said, “You are not trespassing. It is a garden for the public, but no one comes in anymore.”
“Well, that’s a shame. It’s breath taking,” she said and dropped down to the small bench to sit once more.
Apparently she decided that he was harmless and he sighed with relief. Liam kept his distance, hoping he wouldn’t startle her anymore than he already did. She turned her head to look at him with a sad grin.
“This is a nice place to sit and think. Feels secluded even though it isn’t.”
That voice. Raspy yet feminine. It sent another shock to his veins and his blood pumped harder. If she kept speaking, he would pass out from his suddenly improved circulation.
Liam stepped closer and caught a glimpse of the freckles running across her nose. A ray of sunshine crossed over her face as she found a comfortable position on the bench. She was not only breath taking, but she glowed with an aura that he had never seen before. She was sad, of that he had no doubt, but her presence exuded happiness. Like being this close to her could make everything in the world right again.
I should send her up north and see if that solves all these troubles, Liam thought to himself.
Those freckles. He needed to get closer and get a better look at them.
“Do you mind?” he asked, gesturing to the small spot of bench beside her.
Her eyes narrowed, red rimmed and only slightly puffy.
It felt like hours instead of seconds before she sniffled and nodded her head, a shy grin pulling at her lips. “Please. There isn’t anywhere else to sit unless you favor the grass.”
“Aye, I do, but I favor a beautiful woman more,” he replied.
Her blush was devastating and it spread across her cheeks like the red of a summer sunset. Poetic, Liam. Very poetic.
GRAND PRIZE: Entire Brannock Siblings Series signed paperback set! AND (2) Signed Paperbacks of Protector
Leverage (The Brannock Siblings) Book 1
Currently FREE for a Limited Time
Conned (The Brannock Siblings) Book 2
Currently on SALE for 99¢
Missing (The Brannock Siblings) Book 3
Currently on SALE for 99¢
I live in Morgan Utah with my husband, daughter, and dog, Kolo. I write as often as my active daughter will let me and my husband has the patience of a saint. I find inspiration from dreams, people I meet, and life experiences. When I write, I usually end up drinking one too many cans of Peace Tea, eating three too many Fruit by the Foot fruit snacks, and accidently kicking my pup and best buddy, Kolo, too many times since he loves to sleep under my desk at my feet.
I started writing as a teen, but my fear of the unknown won out every time and I threw everything out. After becoming a mother and deciding to stay at home to raise my beautiful little girl, I tried again when I couldn’t stop thinking of ideas. I loved every minute, every hour of sleep lost, and every character that came to life in my mind.
It’s strange, but my favorite moments are when I have writer’s block because I can turn to my husband and find inspiration through him by just doing what we do best together. Talking, laughing, and just being in love. He doesn’t like to read, but he never stops encouraging me to keep going.
Writing has become an important part of my life and every book has a special place in my heart.
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