Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Release Day Launch: The Fine Art of Pretending by Rachel Harris

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We are so excited to bring you the Release Day Launch of Rachel Harris' THE FINE ART OF PRETENDING! THE FINE ART OF PRETENDING is the first book in Rachel's The Fine Art of Pretending Series published by Spencer Hill Contemporary.

The Fine Art of Pretending



Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Amazon | Amazon UK | IndieBound

THE FINE ART OF PRETENDING Synopsis: 

 According to the guys at Fairfield Academy, there are two types of girls: the kind you hook up with, and the kind you're friends with. Seventeen-year-old Alyssa Reed is the second type. And she hates it. With just one year left to change her rank, she devises a plan to become the first type by homecoming, and she sets her sights on the perfect date—Justin Carter, Fairfield Academy’s biggest hottie and most notorious player. With 57 days until the dance, Aly launches Operation Sex Appeal and sheds her tomboy image. The only thing left is for Justin actually to notice her. Enter best friend Brandon Taylor, the school’s second biggest hottie, and now Aly’s pretend boyfriend. With his help, elevating from “funny friend” to “tempting vixen” is only a matter of time. But when everything goes according to plan, the inevitable “break up” leaves their friendship in shambles, and Aly and Brandon with feelings they can’t explain. And the fake couple discovers pretending can sometimes cost you the one thing you never expected to want.


EXCERPT: 

 An exhale of breath leaves Brandon’s lips, almost like a laugh, and he scoots closer to me on the blanket. I twist my legs under myself, sitting tall as I face him. He cups my chin and tilts it toward him, drowning me in the now dark-green depths of his eyes, the cologne I gave him for his birthday filling my head. It’s woodsy and yummy and I always loved how it smelled on the store testers, but on Brandon, it’s even sexier. My eyes flutter closed, and I inhale again, this time slowly. Goose bumps prickle my arms, and my head gets fuzzy. Brandon slides his hand down the column of my neck and brings the other up, threading his fingers through the hair at my nape. His breath fans across my cheek, and everything south of my bellybutton squeezes tight. When his mouth first meets mine, it’s hesitant, questioning. But as I move my lips with his, he quickly grows bolder, coaxing them apart. Desire, pure and raw, electrifies my veins as his tongue sweeps my mouth. A whimpering sound springs from my chest, and instinctively, I wrap my arms around his neck, tugging him closer. Needing more. My teeth graze his full bottom lip, and I pull it, sucking on it gently. He moans and knots his fingers in my hair, and a thrill dances down my back. Brandon is an amazing kisser, just as I knew he would be. I have no control over my body’s reactions. I lose myself in his lips, his tongue, and his strong arms, forgetting time and space and even my surroundings—until Gabi’s snicker brings reality crashing around us, reminding me we have an audience. And that I’m kissing Brandon. We break apart, out of breath, and stare into each other’s eyes. That was unexpected.



Author Photo

 About Rachel Harris: 


 Award-winning and Bestselling author Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls next door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Emotion, vibrant settings, and strong relationships are a staple in each of her books...and kissing. Lots of kissing. An admitted Diet Mountain Dew addict and homeschool mom, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and watching way too much Food Network with her husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romance, and LOVES talking with readers.  

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | THE FINE ART OF PRETENDING Goodreads

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Blog Tour: Elemental Magic by Brynna Curry

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Blurbs:


EE

Earth Enchanted Elemental Magic #1 Blurb:



Writer Liv Corrigan has the worst luck with men -- her telepathy tends to make them run for the hills. When she meets widower and ex-cop Jack Roarke, she decides to keep her talent hidden. Things are looking up until their third date crashes and burns as the man who murdered Jack’s wife turns out to be after him too. Injured, Jack retreats with Liv to his house under armed guard. But with Liv’s mysteries rapidly coming unraveled, a diamond-thief killer to stop and passion in the air, the safe house is anything but safe for their hearts!











TTUTS

To Take Up The Sword Elemental Magic #2 Blurb: 

Missing diamonds and a killer on the loose…will a schoolteacher and FBI agent escape with their lives and hearts intact? After the acquittal of Gueraldi's right hand and favored killer for hire, Ashton Smythe, Special Agent Gabriel Spiller takes time away from his work with the FBI. Having failed in his mission to avenge his lost would be lover, Serena Roarke, Gabe returns to Alabama in search of the missing diamonds needed to reopen the investigation and to lay low from the death threats he's received since Smythe went free. Almost two years after her sister's death, Leannan O'Neal feels the loss of Serena more now than ever. A secret meeting between them before she died left Lea with an ugly figurine and nothing but questions. Hang-up calls at work and a trashed house reminds her of the card Serena gave her. "If you find yourself in trouble, go to him and only him" were the last words her sister spoke to her. With Smthye out for revenge and hot on her heels, Lea goes on the run in search of Serena's 'Angel', but how long can Gabe keep her alive, and is the cost worth more than her life?   Wait for the Wind



WFTW


Elemental Magic #3 Blurb:

 Kate O'Connell grew up loved by the Corrigan family, all the while suffering from the inescapable reality of her own alcoholic father. At a young age she gave her heart and innocence to Ryan Corrigan. For once happiness seemed within her reach, until in one horror-filled night, the monster she called 'Daddy' changed everything. Too many misunderstandings forced Kate and Ryan apart, but now Kate's come home to open her clinic and raise her daughter, Allaina, closer to his family. Will she be able to open Ryan's heart to his magic? Ryan is glad to be back on Irish soil, but the reason he left still haunts him. As he tries to build a new life and redeem his past, can he forgive Kate and reclaim his healing gift in time to save his sister and her twins?







SS


Sea’s Sorceress Elemental Magic #4 Blurb:


 Love can come along at the most inconvenient times... Skye Corrigan treasures family above all else. Standing by his best friend Rhia while she suffers the heartache of losing her father to cancer has strengthened their childhood bond. Lately Rhia affects him in ways she never has before. Rhiannon O'Malley shares Skye's past and hopes for a future with him, but love must come with a willing heart. Her father's terminal illness has left her in charge of the family pub. Skye has always been there for her, but when their relationship changes, will she find the courage to claim the future? Or will a thousand-year-old curse keep its grip on two hostage hearts?  









FI


Fire’s Ice Elemental Magic #5 (series end) Blurb:

Ultimate power, or endless love? Born the son of a Scottish laird a thousand years ago, but now trapped by his cousin's spell, Devin McLoch has seen countless battles and death. The erstwhile thief has turned away from darker pursuits to lead a life of peace, protecting those he loves and considers part of his clan. However, there is one woman he can never forget, who must be given a chance to change, to accept her heart and his. Arianne Farrell is just as dangerous and intoxicating as her power. Imprisoned in an ancient stone dance more than a thousand years ago, her only chance at freedom from the spell is through love—a love she denied. When Devin asks for her aid to save another from imminent death, she realizes there is more at stake than just her freedom or her heart.


Series Buy Links GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleKoboKensington 


About the Author: 

Brynna Curry was born south of the Mason-Dixon Line. After living all over the southern states, she finally landed in North Alabama where she lives with her husband and their three children. Growing up, books fueled her dreams and imagination, ultimately becoming her salvation during the hardest times in her life.Writing is her passion, but she enjoys the fun of sharing those stories with others by reviewing books and working in publicity. When she isn’t writing or promoting, she’s often found haunting the library for new books to read or just spending an quiet evening at home with Jackie watching old westerns on TV. Although her wizards, shifters and vampires are as real to her as anyone, she insists love is the truest magic and with it every day is another wonderful adventure.

Brynna’s Links: WebsiteTwitterFacebookStreet TeamGoodreads   


Guest Post:

A sneak peek at Charm of Light

            A sense of foreboding filled Kail McKenna as he listened to the Elders discuss the coming battle. They can talk all they want but nothing can stop the demon…save for the souls in this room. He leaned in the corner, his shoulders brushing against the cool stone of the castle wall, and studied the men and women seated at the long oak table. A meeting with the Council of Elders, who presided over the Coven of Seven and their Guardians usually did more to stir up trouble than settle it. Seven sisters with varied gifts, witches all. A fire had been laid in the hearth; its crackling embers chased the shadows and dank chill from the room.
I prefer the shadows.
His gift of darkness balanced Cailin’s light. The intricate tattoo on the ball of his left arm vibrated and warmed in her presence along with another parts of him. His love for her was forbidden, devotion was expected but not this all-consuming desire he felt. Hiding it from the others was damn near destroying him.
 Returning his concentration to the conversation around him, Kail forced his mind to clear. I wonder if they would notice if I froze time for ten minutes. Just ten minutes. Seated at the long wooden table in front of him, Cailin brought up the one point everyone else had danced around.
            “Forgive me, my lords, but the eclipse will soon be upon us. In two night’s time, Elias will be stronger than ever before. We should attack now, while he is at his weakest.”
It was council elder Bracken who spoke first. “The prophecies disagree.”
Idiots. They may be all powerful but they are fools to trust the ancient scrolls. “The prophecies are wrong. We must draw him out before then, as Cailin said.” Kail moved to stand behind his charge.
“Calm yourself. As I said, the prophecies disagree, which is why we are dispatching your guardian to recruiting a powerful ally. We will need him to fight the coming battle.” Bracken continued.
“What? You would send away Guardian Kail and leave the one they want most unprotected? You are a fool.” Guardian Jax, protector of Rio the Fire, roared to his feet in outrage.
“Guardian Kail has the ability to move through space and time. What would take you months to accomplish, he can manage in the space of a few short minutes. Leaving Cailin seemingly vulnerable is the best way to draw out Elias.”
“What makes this potential ally so valuable?” Kail countered.
“He is a phoenix.”
“Only a union of fey and magical human blood could produce such a power and even then the likelihood of survival past childhood is…”
“Lady McLoch’s grandmother is faerie. Her father was human with a powerful mental gift. It’s through her Laird McLoch’s heir gains his line of power, much to his disgust. Our agent claims the phoenix controls not only the fire, but the other elements as well. He has been trained in both his father and mother’s way. He will be a valuable asset to our cause. I will not give audience to discuss the matter further. You shall leave at dusk.”
* * * *
            Kail waited until safely in his chamber to take out his frustration. Gathering his power, he released a ball of blue flames and threw it at the stone wall where it fizzled and vanished harmlessly. He couldn’t shake the feeling of dread hovering over him. I don’t want to leave Cailin unprotected.
            Wincing as his mark burned, Kail opened the door and pulled Cailin quickly into the room. She pressed close and held on as he stroked her long dark hair. “Did anyone see you? I’ll not have your reputation ruined.”
            “No. I do not like this.”
            “Nor I, but I have my orders, love.” He traced the circle of the pendant resting between her breasts. “I love you, Cailin. You will be safe until I return.”
            “And I you. Always.”
* * * *
Scotland
So this was the all powerful phoenix. This man who was barely more than a boy. Tuned into McLoch, he too felt the pleasure whip through him. From his place in the shadows, Kail watched as the lad manifested the magic into a white ball of fire. Moments later, he unleashed it on his cousin, the fey Daemon.
I am a witch. A damn good one. Kail heard the thought as if it were his own. Cocky bastard. You may be, but not as good as me. The fireball became a dragon before McLoch had the faerie begging for a reprieve. “
“You win.”
“My favorite words in the world.”
“Might I remind you had I used a smidge of my real power, you’d be flat on the ground at this moment begging for a reprieve?”
“So you say, old man. Though I’ve yet to see this mighty power you speak of.”
“Old yes, in mortal years, which I am not. Half nixie. Remember? And I was doing just fine until you conjured that beast.”
“A thousand years is old, regardless.” Devin held out his hand and pulled Daemon to his feet.
Kail remained hidden and listened to their banter.
“One should hope you never find out what the age feels like. My point is, your skill is commendable but until you learn to lose, there is no true measure of your power. Humility is a lesson you have yet to learn and one I’m apparently unable to teach you.”
“I am the son of a laird. Pride is a demanded trait.” McLoch insisted
“And pride is a foolish weapon when you are lying in the dirt. You need an equal to spar against. Someone your own age skilled in battle and magic. On the morrow, we will be adding a companion to our training sessions.”
Kail took Daemon’s comment as an invitation to make his presence known.
 “Kail!”
 He walked down the bank and across the training ground, watching the other man with wariness. 
Daemon introduced him. “Devin McLoch, meet Guardian Kail McKenna, a friend of mine.”
He ignored Devin’s offered hand and said nothing.
“I’d like to say it’s good to meet you, but I can see otherwise. McKenna. Do you shun your clan? Deny your family?”
Oh great. Here it goes. “I have no clan. My sole mission is to protect the seven warrior women from harm while they accomplish their goal. To do so, I must train you, it seems.”
“Seven, hmm? Fate smiles on you.”
“Lecherous cur. Make no mistake. You will find no allies here, McLoch. Draw your sword and prove your worth, or die like a coward.” Kail materialized his sword with a thought.
“Nice trick, but a very simple one.”
The bastard. “You have no idea what realms of magic I master. Last chance. Draw your sword, McLoch.”
“Is this really necessary?”
Kail glared as Daemon tried to intervene between the two men, sending a rain shower to drown the ribbons of black lightning rippling across the air.
“You are too soft on our little laird, Daemon. If he is to be of any use to the elders, he must prove his worth. I will not have another weak guardian endanger Cailin. Your word isn’t good enough. He will fight for every breath I will allow him to take, or he will die. His choice. A true warrior never gives in, never gives up. Now draw.”
This time the kid drew his sword and prepared to fight for his life. “You are crazy!”
Kail laughed. “That point is debatable, depending on your perspective.”
Sounds of clashing steel filled the night as he struck out with his blade. A second more, another couple of inches and that would have been the end of Laird McLoch’s pride and joy. Battling with everything he could muster, magic flitted around the training ground like fireworks. Thrust. Dodge. Parry. Endless. Kail allowed Devin to believe he had him cornered just as he was about to gain the upper hand, Kail bent space and transported himself behind Devin.
“What the hell? Coward! Come back here!”
“Right here, McLoch.” Kail flashed behind him, his blade very close to Devin’s tender anatomy. “Yield or you’ll be Danielle come morning. As you said. Everything is a weapon. Magic alone won’t win the battles to come, nor will skill with a sword. Use any and all weapons that come to hand. Yield.”
Devin let his sword fall to the ground. “I yield, for now, but this isn’t over, McKenna.”
“Good. So you aren’t stupid. A wise man knows when to retreat.” He handed Devin his fallen sword and called to Daemon, “He has skill and power. I’ll train him.We start an hour before sun-up, pretty boy. Don’t be late.”

Leaving both men speechless, Kail flashed out of Scotland and into hell.

Giveaway:

$10 Amazon or B&N gift card to be given away on 10/1 during the kickoff of 31 Days of Halloween
1 digital copy of series
3 digital copies of Earth Enchanted



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Monday, September 15, 2014

Release Day Launch: Dire by Alyssa Rose Ivy

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We are so excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Alyssa Rose Ivy's DIRE. DIRE is a first novel in her The Dire Wolves Chronicles Series.The Dire Wolves Chronicles Series is a New Adult Paranormal Romance! The Order of the books is: Dire, Dusk, Dawn. We can't tell you enough how excited we are for Alyssa's newest series, The Dire Wolves Chronicles!!

 

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iTunes ** GooglePlay ** Kobo


Excerpt: 

DireA single howl made me stop short. “The wolves!” “Let’s hope they are farther away than they sound.” Gage tightened his hold on my hand and pulled me forward. Three more howls filled the night. “They sound closer.” We picked up the pace, and I chanced a glance behind me. That was a mistake. Several large grey wolves came into view. “Run!” Gage didn’t need to be told twice. He broke into a run without letting go of my hand. I ran as fast as possible over the frozen snow, but we didn’t get far before the wolves started circling around us. “Oh my god.” Could things get any worse? “You have to make a run for it.” Gage’s voice quivered. “They’re going to kill us.” “I’m not leaving you.” I tried to stay strong, and I kept my eyes locked on the wolves. There were five of them. All of them were massive, much larger than any wolf I’d seen before, but one of them was even bigger and had a large silver streak running down its back. That wolf seemed to be staring right at me. “I’ll distract them. You run. I’ll catch up.” I spotted an opening next to one of the smaller of the wolves and went for it. I didn’t make it far before one of the wolves stepped in front of me. I froze, paralyzed with fear, before my legs were knocked from under me. Suddenly, I was lying in the snow with a giant wolf hovering over me. “We’re fucked.” Gage voiced exactly what I was thinking. The silver streaked wolf stared down at me. It’s almost glowing eyes bored into mine. Was I really going to die as half-frozen food for a giant wild animal? Then things got hazy and the air seemed to buzz. Moments later it wasn’t a wolf on top of me—it was a man. A completely naked man with a faint scar across his face. “What the heck?” I tried to scurry back, but Hunter didn’t move. His very exposed parts nearly touched me. I didn’t want to notice his size, but I did. He was huge. He also didn’t look remotely concerned with the cold. His lips brushed against my ear. “Were you going somewhere?” 

 About DIRE: 

 Dire: The Dire Wolves Chronicles Gage was the first guy I ever wanted. He was my first crush and my first fantasy, but he wasn't my first in any other way because he never saw me as anything more than a friend— at least not until the night that changed everything. It was all Gage's fault. He insisted we drive through the storm and take the back roads. By the time the storm hit full force we had no chance. One night of snowbound sex changed our relationship forever. The problem was at the same time I caught another guy’s attention. This other guy happened to be the alpha of a pack of shifter wolves. I thought the wolves were the worst of my problems, but I was wrong. When things went from bad to worse I had to make a lifelong sacrifice to save Gage, but what price is too much to save the one you love?  

  TDWC Collage  


Alyssa Rose Ivy- Author Photo


  Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.        




 

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Release Day Blitz: All or Nothing by Kendall Ryan





You’ve met Ben Shaw. Now meet Braydon Kincaid, the devil-may-care male model who nearly stole the show in Working It by New York Times bestselling author Kendall Ryan.

As one of the world’s most sought-after male models, Braydon is no stranger to the finer pleasures in life. The last thing he wants to do is limit himself, especially when it comes to women. His best friend, Ben, might’ve settled down, but Braydon doesn’t want to waste his youth on the messy complications of commitment. He wants fun. He wants easy.

Ellie isn’t looking for a casual relationship, but her tough and sassy personality instantly attracts Braydon, who proposes a “friends with benefits” arrangement. Unable to resist the powerful pull of the charming bad boy, Ellie eventually relents, though she longs for all-consuming love.

As the two spend more time together, Ellie soon realizes that Braydon’s posing skills extend off the runway. His carefully crafted façade masks a secret hurt that he’s reluctant to share with Ellie, even as they embark on a passionate affair that sends them hurtling toward a fate neither expected. Can Ellie risk her heart while she waits for Braydon to let her in, or will she be forced to demand all or nothing?






 AMAZON 









a Rafflecopter giveaway






A story of heart-stopping, toe-curling passion by the beloved bestselling author of Hard to Love, Resisting Her, and The Impact of You.

Straight-laced and well-mannered southerner Emmy Clarke is out of her depth in New York City’s fashion world, but when she lands a job as an assistant at a modeling agency it seems like the perfect mix of business and pleasure. Working under the notoriously tyrannical Fiona Stone is a nightmare, but there’s one distinct perk: ogling the ridiculously hot male models who parade through the office—particularly rising star Ben Shaw.

Ben is everything Emmy’s not: exquisitely gorgeous, highly paid, and well-traveled. He’s also got more issues than Vogue. Emmy looks after Ben on photo shoots, but she refuses to become another one of his lusting groupies. Ben finds Emmy’s refreshingly real attitude to be surprisingly attractive.

Against a backdrop of the most fashionable cities in the world, casual flirting turns into an illicit affair, but when Ben’s twisted past is revealed, and the bitter Fiona catches wind of their relationship, their careers and hearts are threatened.

Buy Links:
B&N 





In Working It, New York Times bestselling author Kendall Ryan delivered a sexy and addictive contemporary romance about Emmy Clarke, a sweet southern girl out of her depth in New York City’s cutthroat fashion industry, and Ben Shaw, the hot male model who introduced her to a world of pleasure. But their story is far from complete…

Emmy Clarke is no quitter. Toughened by her experience working for fashion heavyweight Fiona Stone, Emmy has come a long way from her country girl roots, embracing her fast-paced and unpredictable life in New York City.

Though that life comes with more than a few complications.

First there’s the mystery of Fiona’s pregnancy, which may or may not involve Emmy’s boyfriend, superstar male model Ben Shaw. Emmy has always known that Ben comes with more baggage than she can handle—and not the Louis Vuitton kind. Yet Ben is the only man who has ever loved Emmy for who she is, and she wants nothing more than to do the same for him, even if it means forgiving his past and overlooking their wildly different lifestyles.

But when a shocking secret from Ben’s past comes to light, unraveling all of their progress, Emmy must decide if their relationship is worth the fight, or if it’s time to ignore her passion for him and let go.

 B&N






 Kendall Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance novels, including Hard to Love, Unravel Me, Resisting Her and When I Break.

She's a sassy, yet polite Midwestern girl with a deep love of books, and a slight addiction to lipgloss. She lives in Minneapolis with her adorable husband and two baby sons, and enjoys hiking, being active, and reading.
Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras


Links:

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Cover Reveal: Ready or Not by J.L. Berg

We're so excited to reveal the cover for READY OR NOT by J.L. Berg, which releases December 2nd!

READY OR NOT is the fourth book in the bestselling Ready series and we can't wait for you guys to get your hands on it. In the mean time, how great is this cover?



RoN iBooks

About READY OR NOT:

Born into wealth and privilege, free-spirited Liv Quinn left it all behind when she realized there was more to life than living off of trust funds and barely skating by. Since then, she’s worked and fought for everything she’s earned and never looked back at the world or the family she left behind.
Jackson Reid is starting over with a new job in a brand new city. A single father to his son Noah, he hopes the change will help strengthen the bond that has seemed to suffer since puberty reared its ugly head. What he hadn’t planned on was Liv—his exotic next-door neighbor who drives him insane with her wild, new age lifestyle, but still manages to leave him aching for more.
As challenges arise and feelings intensify, will these neighbors be able to look past their differences and find a middle ground? When love comes knocking, will they be ready, or not?


Add it to Goodreads here! Preorder READY OR NOT here! Sign up for J.L. Berg's newsletter here!  

About J.L. Berg

J.L. Berg is the USA Today bestselling author of the Ready Series. She is a California native living in the beautiful state of historic Virginia. Married to her high school sweetheart, they have two beautiful girls that drive them batty on a daily basis. When she's not writing, you will find her with her nose stuck in a romance novel, in a yoga studio or devouring anything chocolate. J.L. Berg is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC.

Monday, September 8, 2014

Release Day Launch: Melt for Him by Lauren Blakely

MFH RDL Banner  

We are so excited to bring the Release Day Launch for Lauren Blakely's MELT FOR HIM! MELT FOR HIM is the first full length novel Lauren's written in the Fighting Fire Series published by Entangled Brazen. Snap up this saucy read today! MELT FOR HIM releases on Sept. 8, and is $2.99 for pre-order and release week, and will then go to $3.99. Hernovella BURN FOR ME is free for a limited time!!

  Melt for Him Cover  


Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo ** Google Play

EXCERPT:

“Why didn’t you tell me you were from here?” he asked, holding his hands out in question. She furrowed her brow. “What?" “I had no idea you were Travis’s sister,” he said, and he sounded pissed. “And I had no idea you were a fireman,” she said, parking her hands on her hips. He shoved a hand roughly through his hair, shook his head. “And I had no idea you were the photographer. You said you were an artist.” “I am!” she said, her voice rising. What the hell? “I can draw, and I do tattoos. I also happen to be good at shooting pictures. Besides, you said you were a bar owner,” she pointed out, as if they could both redo this colossal mistake by rehashing the moments they both could have been more honest. “Why didn’t you tell me more about yourself?” she countered. He didn’t answer. He moved closer, maybe a foot away now. The anger felt like a pulsating life force, but there was something else between them, too. Heat. And want. The nearness was intoxicating. She could reach out and touch his chest. That broad, sturdy chest that she’d loved having her hands all over. She was edgy now, nervous, as they stood like two sparring partners, tucked away in the back hallway of the coffee shop near the restrooms. She wanted him to touch her again, and she hated that she was still thinking of last night, and how they’d connected so deeply in bed. But also in their conversations all through the night and up to a few minutes ago when they were texting. She was torn between needing to leave and wanting him to pin her against the wall and bury her in kisses that made her weak in the knees. Too bad she could never do any of those things with him again.

  MFH Teaser 1 

Message from Lauren:

I want to let you all in on a little secret about me. I love hotfiremen. I stare at hot fireman. I slow down when driving past thefire station to try to get a better look at the men inside. Whichmight explain why I wrote a sexy firefighter series! But all oglingand firemen lust aside, not only are firefighters sexy, they are alsobrave, courageous and active in their communities. As I wrote MELT FORHIM, I learned more about the work that volunteer fire departmentsaround the country do -- both in responding to emergencies and inhelping their communities. And because firefighters have given me somuch inspiration, I wanted to be able to give back with this book. That's why I will be donating half of all my proceeds from thepreorders and release week sales for MELT FOR HIM to the NVFCFirefighter Support Fund that supports the nation's volunteer fire andEMS departments. Together, I believe we can all make a difference andhelp support the men and women who serve our local communities andcome through for us when we need them most! 

 xoxo Lauren 

About MELT FOR HIM: 

 He knows exactly how to make her burn… 

Fire captain and bar owner Becker Thomas usually spends his nights alone, trying to escape painful memories from his past. When he meets a sexy, free-spirited brunette outside his bar, he knows he’s found the perfect way to forget for one night. But when he later discovers the woman he’s itching for another night with is his best friend’s sister, everything comes to a halt. Just out of a toxic relationship, Megan Jansen is only in Hidden Oaks to visit her brother, photograph the firemen’s calendar, and then slip off to another adventure. The brooding man who gave her the best sex ever is an unexpected surprise. The problem is, he’s her brother’s friend and a fellow fireman, and Megan’s rule is no firemen. She knows she’s going to get burned …but keeping their hands off each other is easier said than done.

50% of all preorders and release week sales will be donated by the author to the National Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund.

  burnformecover  

And don’t miss the novella in the Fighting Fire Series, BURN FOR ME!

Amazon ** iBooks ** Barnes and Noble

  MFH Teaser 2 



Author Photo 

  About Lauren Blakely: 

 Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and her books have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. Her novels include Caught Up In Us, Pretending He’s Mine, Playing With Her Heart, and Trophy Husband. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney.      

Website ** Blog ** Facebook ** Twitter ** MELT FOR HIM Goodreads ** Lauren Blakely Goodreads

 

Release Day Launch: Bang Bang by Rachel Van Dyken






He was my best friend. 
Until he became my enemy. 

All within the span of one night. 



Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang. 



The rapid fire of gunshots became the soundtrack to my life. 



This is the Mafia. Lines are blurred. Choices are never black and white. And the life you thought you knew is... one giant lie. 



He was dead. 

And I didn't want his life to be in vain, so I tried to make something of myself. I tried and failed. 



Now he's back. Alive. And he wants something... 



Me. 



Nobody ever said the mafia played fair. 

Welcome to The Family. 





 B&N









EXCERPT

I wanted his lips more than I wanted my next breath, but how long before those lips were taken away? How long before my heart would get ripped from my chest a second time? I almost didn’t survive the first — I knew I wouldn’t live through the second.
With a jerk I pulled back and slapped him across the face. “How dare you!”
Ax swore and hit the steering wheel. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry I shouldn’t have assumed—”
“Assumed, what?” I yelled. “That I wouldn’t be completely pissed off? That I wouldn’t be shattered!” My voice wavered. “Totally wrecked forever because I’ve been mourning the loss of my best friend for five damn years only to find out he’s very much alive and suddenly wanting to play the white knight?” My body started to shake. “I died that day!”
Ax’s face twisted with pain. “Amy, I had to protect you… at all costs I had to protect you.”
“Your protection broke my heart,” I whispered.
He sighed, running his hands through his hair before answering. “Ames, sometimes what’s the best for us — is exactly what hurts the most.”
I refused to look at him. Instead I looked down, down at my bare legs, at the outfit I’d almost paraded about in before a crowd of horrible drunk men in order to make money. I wasn’t the same girl he’d left. I was damaged in the worst way. Because by saving me, Ax had taken away all purpose from my life. When I thought he’d died, my only goal was to live because he hadn’t.
And now? Now the shame of my situation was crippling.
Foster care kid.
Unwanted.
Unloved.
And completely and utterly alone. Abandoned, even by my best friend.
“Five years, Ax. And now you come for me…” I licked my lips. “I’m not vain enough to think it’s because you can’t find anyone to warm your bed at night, and I’m not confident enough to think it’s because you missed me so much you just couldn’t stay away. What do you want?”
“You.”
“Try again.”
He swore and looked away. “It doesn’t have to be like this. Had I known you were in this position—”
“What?” I snorted then bit down on my lip to keep from crying. “You would have driven here faster? You would have rescued me sooner? Pitied me more? Take your pick, Ax. Now tell me the truth. Don’t start off this new-found relationship with a lie.”
He was silent for a while then whispered, “You have something I need.”
“A brain?”
Ax’s smile nearly took my breath away “Besides that.”
I pressed my lips together and looked out the window at my dark and cramped apartment. “I have exactly one stuffed animal from my old life, the one you gave me when I was six. I have a Polaroid picture, a toothbrush, enough clothes to get me through a week and a half of living, a hairbrush, two elastic hair bands — Do you see where I’m going with this?” I sighed and ran my hands through my hair. “I have nothing you need, let alone want. Believe me.“
Ax studied my face, his expression softened as he said, barely above a whisper, “Let me be the one who decides that.”
I looked away.
“Don’t do that, Ames,” he murmured. “Don’t shut me out.”
“Five years, Ax.” I looked straight ahead. “Five years where my tears were the only thing keeping me company at night. I think you lost the right to tell me what to do.”
He swore. The car door opened. I gasped as humid air filtered in. “What are you doing?”
“Getting out of the car.” He shrugged and gestured at the building. “Going into your apartment and packing you up. We’ll stay at a hotel tonight.”
I snorted. “My apartment not good enough for you?”
“No.” He pulled a gun from his jeans, thumbed off the safety, and held it out in front of him. “I just hate getting woken up in the middle of the night with gunshots ringing out, don’t you?”
“Yeah.” I gulped, my eyes still trained on the gun.
“Guns don’t hurt people… people do,” Ax said softly. “Remember that.”
“I do.” I met his gaze. “Because in the end, it wasn’t the gun that broke my heart — it was you.”
























Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at
www.rachelvandykenauthor.com


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