Sunday, July 5, 2015

Blog Tour: Right Next Door by A.J. Pryor

Blurb:

RightNextDoor Final[6]My fiancĂ© is officially a married man. The only problem is that he isn’t married to me. . . Addison Peacock has been stuck in the same seaside town her entire life. When her college boyfriend proposes the night before graduation, she can finally see the future she’d always dreamt about. But the sudden illness of her father causes her to put that future on hold, and her soon-to-be husband leaves, with nothing but a promise that one day he’ll return. Now, five years later, he’s kept that promise. There’s only one problem . . . he’s already married. Crushed twice by the same man, Addison needs a distraction, someone to get her back on her feet and mend her broken heart. As luck would have it, 

Damian Walker has just moved in next door. Having rebuilt his own life after a drunk driver stole his career, his heart . . . everything, Damian knows what it’s going to take to get Addison’s life back on track. But he’s not going to be anyone’s rebound. His life is complicated . . . there’s no room for one-night stands. Until Addison knows what she’s looking for, neighbors are all they’ll ever be. One shared wall, two sun-kissed balconies, and a chance at love...a twist of fate. Could the possibility of a future be right next door?  

Buy Links:

    Amazon | BNiBook | Kobo


Excerpt:

RND_5Barreling out of her apartment in black leggings and a white tank that accentuates those perfect breasts I’m thinking this run, may be the death of me. I already want to trail my hands along the smooth curves of her hips and take those tight black pants right off her body. My breath gets shallow as I near her, my body reacting to what she does to me. She seems tense, worried about something as I approach. Her top lip is securely hidden under her straight white bottom teeth and she’s eyeing me as I walk toward her. “Loosen up, Addison. I’m not going to bite.” Running my hand along her ponytail, I give it a slight tug before heading down the stairs, assuming she’ll follow. “Unless of course you ask me to.” I’m at the bottom of the staircase stretching, and she’s still waiting up top. Where’s the playful girl from ten minutes ago? “You coming?” Whatever had been bothering her seems to vanish as she puts her smile back on and bounces down to me. “Not yet,” she mumbles as she descends the stairs. It’s clear she was talking to herself, not realizing that her double meaning was loud and echoing in my own ears. I instantly get a semi erection at the image of those intense eyes glossing over in ecstasy, her lips parted and my name falling off her tongue. Standing close, she places a hand on my shoulder for support as she grabs her foot to stretch. Her head is right under my chin, her soft scent surrounding me. Gently I hold onto her arms and keep her steady as she changes legs. The urge to lean down and kiss her overwhelms me as I hold her delicate shoulders, her bottom lip secure under her front teeth. She’s stunning; her long dark hair is pulled back, her eyes deep in concentration on what she’s doing. I want to tell her how beautiful she is, caught up in this moment with her. The words are on the tip of my tongue when she steps back and pats my ass, taking off at a slow jog. I smile to myself and watch her from behind. Next time she touches my ass, I’m kissing her, no questions asked. She’s keeping up with me stride for stride as we take off down the beach path. Her breath is coming in gasps, and a sheen of sweat has begun beading on her forehead. I’m barely breaking a sweat, but I’ll get my workout in tomorrow morning at the track, or if I’m lucky, maybe tonight between my sheets. Looking down at her from the corner of my eye, I’m happy to see that she’s now more relaxed. “How’s the girlfriend search?” I almost trip on that damn tree root. “In progress.” “That doesn’t answer my question.” She’s having a hard time talking, winded from our pace and I think I should speed us up further so she can’t talk at all. “I’m working on a few prospects at the moment. If any of them pan out I’ll let you know.” She rolls her eyes and I want to throw her in the sand and kiss her, make her forget she asked me a question in the first place. “Do you always run at night?” she asks between labored breaths. What’s with the twenty questions? “No. I’m a morning person.” Her eyes dart in my direction, as a curious look crosses her face. “You have a dirty mind, Green Eyes.” Bumping into me, she argues the topic, barely getting her words out she’s straining so hard. “How do you know,” she takes in a big breath, “what was on my mind?” “Everything you think is written all over your face. And for your information, yes, I love the mornings.” She stops mid-stride and bends over in laughter, her arms across her midsection as she tries to catch her breath. Suddenly she’s in the sand not even trying to get a handle on the giggles erupting from the depth of her gut. Sand is in her hair and sticks to the sweat that’s covering her skin. Her cheeks were already a rosy color and now they’re turning bright red. I sit down beside her, my arms propped up on my knees waiting for her to calm down. When she finally gets a handle on herself, she lies flat on her back and stares up at the sky, her eyes suddenly far away, looking like they’re searching for answers to some unasked question. “My ex was a morning person too. I loved it. It’s quiet outside, and still dark in the bedroom. It’s like a secret time where you feel like you’re the only two people on the planet awake and you’re sharing a piece of yourself with each other. A silent communication that only the two of you can understand.” Unexpected sadness washes over me listening to Addison long for a situation that clearly doesn’t exist in her life anymore. Whoever her ex is must be a real asshole.  She deserves better than an asshole. She deserves me.


Lost in his thoughts

























About the Author:

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A.J. Pryor lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two daughters. If not home writing, you can find her at the beach, the yoga studio or the soccer field with her girls. An avid reader of contemporary romance, new adult and young adult novels, her Kindle is always within reach. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara.    


Where to Stalk the Author:



Meagan's Review:

Okay so this book is really not at all what I expected. On the one hand you have Addison who has had a pretty crappy life up to this point. Mom left when she was a baby, her boyfriend/fiancĂ© left right after he proposed to her to....find himself and then her father fell ill and she had to take care of him up to his death. Ohhh and he has a massive amount of debt that she has to pay off. Then one night the "man of her dreams" come back into her life and they have a great night together...until she finds out he's married. On the flip side of that we have Damian. Damian is a very interesting character. He has a hidden past and he's trying to get back on track with his life.

So one day Addison and Damian run into each other and BAM that's all it takes. The attraction and chemistry is there, the only problem, Addison has sworn off men and Damian looks anything but the good guy. It turns out these two are neighbors and they begin to develop a routine and a decent friendship. They obviously have feelings for each other, but until Addison can move on past her stupid ex, Damian won't make any kind of move. 

One things leads to another and eventually these two have a wild drunken night of mischief together. And things go side-ways from there. Damian can't be completely honest with Addison about his past and the accident and who Emily is. Addison can't seem to keep her ex out of her apartment and to quit calling her and so on. 

The biggest twist for me was learning about the woman in the car accident with Damian. My biggest issue with this book is I feel like a few things were left undone. What happens with the ex in t his entire book  kind of angers me. He is ALWAYS there. Calling, texting, showing up at her home, her work. He's persistent about wanting her back, divorcing his wife. All these things and when the time comes...I feel like this was kind of a let down and it doesn't properly get addressed. 

My other thing that I'm not sure how I completely feel about it is, I got to point in the book where things were falling into place and I'm like hey, there's not too much left of this book. However, that wasn't the case I think I was just a little over half way through the book and I kept thinking...what the heck is left to truly address. Why are there so many pages left. But, once you get to those parts and finish the book you are left feeling, "Yeah I can see why it was put in, it didn't have to be, but it give a little more depth to the book." However, I also hate the ending of the epilogue, I feel like it was kinda rushed and it could have had a few more sentences or something to really tie up the book. 

Overall, I really did enjoy this book and the banter and ups and downs of Addison and Damian and Damian's abs. There are some really steamy scenes as well as some sweaty scenes. The coffee mugs are great and I want to know where I can get me some. I wish that some things had a little more substance, but overall, I thought it was a really good book and I would definitely recommend this one to readers.  


               

Soul Fire


Giveaway:



Thursday, July 2, 2015

Release Week Blitz: Sweet Sinful nights by Lauren Blakely

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We are so excited to bring you the Release Week Blitz for SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS by Lauren Blakely, the first full-length novel from her Erotic Romance Series, Sinful Nights! Lauren Blakely is well known for writing sexy, heartfelt and humorous contemporary romance as well as deeply emotional new adult stories --one commonality in all her books is the scorching hot sexy times. And SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS is absolutely no different! Brent and Shannon’s story is sexy and will keep you on the edge of your seat squirming and asking for more! This new series is a new erotic romance series, Sinful Nights, written in the high-heat, high-stakes, high-glamour style of the Seductive Nights series that readers know and love, but heading in a new direction with a new family that’s full of drama, checkered pasts and dangerous life-and-death secrets. Check out Lauren’s message below to hear more from her!

    Sweet Sinful Nights - cover

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  ABOUT SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS: A sexy, suspenseful new romance novel from Lauren Blakely, author of the New York Times Bestselling Seductive Nights series…. She was the one who got away… Ten years ago, Brent Nichols let the love of his life slip through his fingers. It’s his greatest regret, especially since she’s all but disappeared. But when the gorgeous and captivating woman walks into his life unexpectedly, he’s determined to win her back. Whatever it takes, he won’t make the same mistake twice. Easier said than done… Shannon Paige has hardened her heart to the man she was once engaged to be married to. After the way he left, and after the hell she’s been through with her checkered family, there’s no way she’s letting him into her life again. The problem is, the second she sees him, he’s more handsome and charming than before. And she’s torn between wanting to fight with him and wanting to sleep with him - maybe both. Soon they fall into each other’s arms, consumed with a desire that burns through the years. But if these two fiery lovers are going to have a real second chance at this kind of intense, passionate, bone-deep love, he’ll have to give her his whole heart, and she’ll have to give up all the secrets from her messy past. And that messy past is about to spill over into her carefully constructed present… SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS is book one in SINFUL NIGHTS, a four-book series. Each book will follow a new couple.

Add SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS to Goodreads here!

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EXCERPT:

“My friend Ally showed me a video she saw on Facebook," Shannon began. "It’s this clip of a girl who grinds on her boyfriend in public while his hand is under her skirt, and they don’t even try to hide that he’s fingering her and getting her off.”
“I like getting you off,” Brent said with a naughty glint in his brown eyes.
“You cannot resist segueing back to dirty talk when I’m telling you a story.”
“I’m so sorry,” he said, placing his palms together. “The story was about a guy making a girl come. Forgive me for thinking about making you come. It’s only my favorite thing in the entire world to do.”
She shot him a tell me more look.
“It’s a hobby I once practiced a few times a day,” he added. “One I’m very interested in taking up again.”
A ribbon of warmth spread through her chest, both from the suggestion of one of her favorite activities, too, but also from the way he was so quick on his toes, so fast with a joke. The man had always made her laugh.
“Anyway, back to the video. So the funny part is they had no clue they’d been caught on camera, even though they were totally obvious. They thought they were being quiet and sneaky when he was trying to make her come.”
“I could make you come quietly,” he said with an easy shrug of his shoulder. “I can make you come loudly, too. I can make you come in pretty much any way.”
She scoffed. Not because it was untrue, but because he was so damn sure of himself. “Confident much?”
“Yeah, I am. I have the track record to prove it. You’re pretty much the only class I aced in college.”
She laughed, looking down at her lap. He was too much sometimes. “Straight As, Brent?”
“Hell no. Higher. I earned A-pluses across the board in your pleasure.”
She rolled her eyes. “You’re relentless.”
He leaned forward across the table, flashing her that cocky grin she’d loved so much. “When it comes to delivering multiple orgasms for you, yes. Relentless is precisely what I am.”


Message from Lauren: Dear Readers: I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you! Many of you have been patiently waiting for SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS, the story of Brent Nichols and the woman he loves. Many of you already know Brent since he’s the younger brother of Clay Nichols, from NIGHT AFTER NIGHT....The good news is this-SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS is Book One in a new erotic romance series, Sinful Nights, written in the high-heat, high-stakes, high-glamour style of the Seductive Nights series that readers know and love, but heading in a new direction with a new family that’s full of drama, checkered pasts and dangerous life-and-death secrets. SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS kicks off this new series with a fiery, passionate, and suspenseful story of two lovers reuniting after ten years. Each book in this series follow a new couple and will be set against the backdrop of sin, money, sex, greed, passion and love in the city of Las Vegas. Brent’s love interest is Shannon Paige, and she has three brothers. Yep, you guessed it - each of her brothers will be getting a book! And while each book in the Sinful Nights series follows a new couple, get ready for a storyline that will carry across the entire series -- a story of danger, risk and high-stakes suspense.   Q&A about the Sinful Nights series: Does this take place after the events in the Seductive Nights series? A: Yes. This story begins one year after the final Seductive Nights book.   Can I read this if I haven’t read the Seductive Nights series? A: Yes! You won’t miss a beat if you start with SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS. That’s why it’s Book One!   Brent is Clay’s brother. Does this mean Clay will be in SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS? A: Why yes! He will indeed appear in a handful of scenes!   Is this series similar to the Seductive Nights series? A: Absolutely. The hero in book one is a Nichols man! Nichols men are known for being dirty, passionate and fiercely loyal! You can also expect scorching hot sex scenes, dirty talk, high-class and glamorous settings, and passionate love. Have I mentioned the heat :)?
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And be sure to watch for the next titles in the Sinful Nights series!

 

SINFUL NIGHTS series on Goodreads

 

SINFUL DESIRE - Sept 29

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SINFUL DESIRE on Goodreads

SINFUL LONGING on Goodreads- Jan 2016

SINFUL LOVE on Goodreads - March 2016

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   About Lauren Blakely: 

Author Photo Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in her novel, FAR TOO TEMPTING, shethinks 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. She loves hearing from readers! Her bestselling series include Caught Up in Love, Seductive Nights, No Regrets and Fighting Fire. She recently released Forbidden Nights, a standalone novel in her New York Times Bestselling Seductive Nights series that became an instant New York Times Bestseller. Her next book is 21 Stolen Kisses, a new adult romance filled with angst and romantic tension, releasing in May. This summer she'll release Consumed by You, her next title in her NYT Bestselling Fighting Fire series about sexy firemen and the women they love, and Sweet Sinful Nights, the first book in her new series Sinful Nights. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, text BLAKELY + your email address to 678-249-3375 (please use the actual + sign).  

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS Goodreads ** Lauren Blakely Goodreads

   

Sinfully Sweet Summer Giveaway!

What would make your summer sinfully sweet? A new iPad Mini to catch up on all of your summer reading or a mini vacation?

Lauren is so thrilled that you are spending part of your summer with Brent and Shannon that she decided, as a special thank you, to give one lucky reader an iPad Mini or a gift certificate to their favorite hotel chain ($250 value).

Enter here for a chance to win!

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Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Cover Reveal: Endless Fate by Alicia Rae

Today we have the cover reveal for Alicia Rae’s Endless Fate and I am so excited to share it with you!!! Alicia is sharing an excerpt as well as a really fun giveaway, so make sure you check it all out!! :)  

Title: Endless Fate
Author Name: Alicia Rae 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Release Day: July 23rd

'EndFate Amazon (1)

Synopsis: 

Colton Kingston is set on rebuilding his ranch to what it once was before his livelihood was diminished to a pile of ashes from a revengeful dark act of arson. His brothers at heart are there with him every step of the way to help pick up the pieces of the old and replace them with the new. Paige Summers finds her inner strength to battle through her burdens of taking another person’s life. Standing in her rightful place by Colton’s side, she’s finally holding her own and living her dream of training horses. Together, Colton and Paige have endured their fair share of obstacles and tragedies, and it has only made them stronger. With Hank Ulrich out of their lives, Colton is determined to make Paige, the girl he’s loved since he was five years old, his wife—forever. But as one door closes, another opens, and a new danger is lurking in the shadows, threatening to stand in their way. Will Colton and Paige’s love be endless, the way it was always meant to be? Or will a new devastation fall upon them and ruin their fate?


Catch up on the series! Enduring Fate | Boundless Fate     

Exclusive Excerpt: 

“You have me alone. Now, start talking,” I said in a stony voice. Madeline reached into her blue blazer and handed me a five-by-seven manila envelope. “Open it.” I flipped it over, lifted the silver tab, and pulled out the stack of papers. My blood turned to ice when I took in the first photograph. It was of Paige and me on Hank’s property the night we’d scoped out his place. The image was dark and a tad pixelated. She and I were both holding flashlights and walking between two barns. My gut coiled, but I kept my expression unreadable. “So what? We trespassed on private property.” “There happens to be a reporter—Lexie West at The Murfreesboro Times—who is very interested in more details on my husband’s mysterious death. It doesn’t look good with Paige and you on my property weeks before my husband was murdered. She’ll run anything I tell her, Colton. You forget who runs this town.” I was not threatened by her, so I told her, “Then, I’ll be sure to show her the images I have of my horse sperm in the refrigerator in your stables and the paperwork confirming the fire on my property was arson, committed by your husband.” “Keep flipping,” she hissed. The second picture was of Kyle, Jason, Damon, Blake, and me on the night when we’d gone to Hank’s estate and forced him to return what was rightfully mine. I turned to the next image and immediately went rigid with uncontrollable fury. It was a close-up picture of Rusty’s laceration, followed by a close-up of Foster. “You bitch,” I seethed. Her laughter made me feel sick. “Keep going.” The next images consisted of Ashlee Davis inside of Lovin’ Sweets, baking cookies and helping customers; Nancy Summers cooking in her kitchen and weeding her garden; Dave Summers working with his horses and herding cattle in the field. My heart raced with each picture and its unspoken threat. “I was originally here to chase Paige out of town…” Madeline trailed off for a brief second when my steely eyes met hers. “But after watching your face twist and writhe in pain, I’m glad I played a different angle.” “What the fuck are you getting at, Madeline? Spit it out already. I’m not intimidated by some news reporter.” My patience was wearing thin. I was struggling not to line-drive her into the ground and wrap my hands around her neck. “You have a grave weak spot, Colton, and I plan to decimate her by forcing her to endure losing everyone she loves, one by one, while I sit back and watch her misery consume her, destroy her, just as she did to me. You can’t protect her twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. You can’t save her from me. She’s going to know what it feels like.” Her body shook violently with indignation. “She made my heart bleed, and I won’t accept anything less than the blood of hers in return.” So, she wants Paige to live a life without me? That’s her punishment? I swallowed thickly. This woman knew nothing about me—that I would give my last dying breath to save Paige, that my love for her had no bounds. It was endless, unceasing. I moved with agile speed and got right up in her face, causing a whirl of activity around me. Two handguns were pointed directly at either side of my temples. Blake was right on my heel, shouting something. I didn’t catch a word of it. My fury and focus were concentrated solely on one human being. “You don’t scare me,” I told her as my lethal gaze roamed over the dark circles under her eyes, her stenciled thin brown eyebrows, and the harsh set of her cheekbones. “You should know, I’ve never hit a woman before in my life. It goes against how I was raised, everything I believe in—” “Don’t be foolish, boy.” She laughed shallowly. “My bodyguards would be on you in a second.” I didn’t doubt it. Ignoring her, I continued as though I hadn’t heard her, “I’ll be making an exception for you. So, make no mistake, the first chance I get, I won’t hesitate a split second before snapping your frail little neck.” “I’m giving you one week to leave town for good, Kingston. Seven days and not a single more, or I’ll start picking off those dear to her, one by one, and you won’t be able to stop me.” She snatched the envelope out of my grasp. “And I promise you, I won’t be as delicate as my beloved husband was with this situation. I’m far more callous.” She retreated with her bodyguards and sneered, “Have a good afternoon, boys.”  

About Alicia Rae:
FFG_0682Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography. Thank you to my dear sister, Kels, who showed me a few years ago how much I truly missed reading. And to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing in my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you. Believe in yourself and follow your dreams...



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Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Spotlight: Dead Ringer: A Music Lover's Mystery by Sarah Fox


Dead Ringer


Dead Ringer Cover

Title:  Dead Ringer: A Music Lover's Mystery
Author:  Sarah Fox
Series: A Music Lover's Mystery
Genre: Mystery & Detective / Cozy
Release Date:  June 2, 2015
Publisher:  HarperCollins
Imprint: WitnessImpulse
Standalone
ISBN: 9780062413031
Pages: 304
List Price: 2.99 USD Ebook
Goodreads






Buy the Book Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes | HarperCollins



Synopsis


Dead Ringer by Sarah Fox is the first in the Music Lover’s Mystery series.

Orchestra practice hits the wrong chord when a fellow musician is found dead, and violinist (and now amateur sleuth) Midori Bishop finds herself investigating more than just a new concerto in Sarah Fox’s new cozy mystery, Dead Ringer.

Midori Bishop’s life is hitting all the right notes. She has her dream job playing violin in the Point Grey Philharmonic Orchestra, and is embarking on a new relationship with the symphony’s hot maestro. But when Midori finds a cellist strangled to death during a rehearsal, the maestro soon becomes the number one suspect and Midori his only supporter.

Midori sets out to prove the maestro’s innocence, but soon discovers that he and many others have secrets they would rather keep hidden. For someone who was only a ringer - a temporary member of the orchestra - the dead cellist had certainly made a lot of enemies. And as the investigation takes Midori closer to the truth, the killer gears up for a grand finale -with Midori as the intended victim.


About the Author



Sarah Fox Author

Sarah Fox was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia where she developed a love for mysteries at a young age. When not writing novels or working as a legal writer she is often reading her way through a stack of books or spending time outdoors with her English Springer Spaniel.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Cover Reveal: Red Blooded by Caitlin Sinead

Caitlin Sinead's RED BLOODED releases from Carina Press on August 3rd and we can't wait for everyone to get their hands on it! While you wait, check out the beautiful cover below!

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About RED BLOODED

Instead of eating ramen and meeting frat guys like most college freshmen, Peyton Arthur is on the campaign trail. Traveling with her mother, the Democratic pick for vice president, she's ordering room service, sneaking glances at cute campaign intern Dylan and deflecting interview questions about the tragic loss of her father. But when a reporter questions her paternity, her world goes into a tailspin.
Dylan left Yale and joined the campaign to make a difference, not keep tabs on some girl. But with the paternity scandal blowing up and Peyton asking questions, he's been tasked to watch her every move. As he gets to know the real Peyton, he finds it harder and harder to keep a professional distance.
When the media demands a story, Peyton and Dylan give them one—a fake relationship. As they work together to investigate the rumors about her real father and Peyton gets closer to learning the truth, she's also getting closer to Dylan. And suddenly, it's not just her past on the line anymore. It's her heart.

Add it to Goodreads HERE!

Preorder RED BLOODED now for just $3.24 - Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

Excerpt from RED BLOODED

Lisa taps on her clipboard and calls for more makeup. “She needs more blush.” A brush dances across my nose as a makeup artist examines me without seeing me. “Remember to smile. A lot. After every question,” Lisa says. Dylan, her intern, stands next to her, gliding his fingers over his tablet. She snaps her intense focus to him. “Torres, do you have them?” Dylan holds the back of the tablet against his chest so it covers the big Yale on his gray T-shirt. There are three images of me on the screen: me accepting my high school diploma from the principal, me speaking at the US Organization for Learning Disorders’ annual meeting, and me exiting a pizza place with Annie and Tristan. “Now, remember, we’re going for this smile,” Lisa says, pointing at the pizza picture. “You are a natural, welcoming, American girl who’s happy and excited that her mom’s been nominated as the Democratic Party’s Vice Presidential Candidate.” “I am all those things,” I say. She nods and emits a cursory mmm-hmm as she looks at her tablet. “Of course you are.” I roll my fingers over the armrests and stare at the shiny camera lens in front of me as I attempt to mentally prepare for the onslaught of questions about to assail me. Five via-satellite interviews. Bang. Bang. Bang. Just as I’m going over what it was like to learn my mom would be the vice-presidential pick, Dylan holds his tablet, with the pizza picture, up to my face. “Pizza smile, I got it,” I say, with more edge than I mean. It’s not the best time to have a conniption, but I can’t help myself, and more words spurt forward. “Sorry, it’s just—it’s not like I’m a stranger to media attention.” Dylan presses his lips together and takes a step back. “Sorry, that wasn’t much of an apology.” I shake my head and some girly mushiness tingles in my chest when his eyes crinkle into a smile. It doesn’t mean anything. He’s got dark, Latin features any girl would get mushy over. “I’m just a little nervous, but I didn’t mean to snap—” “It’s cool.” Dylan shrugs. Right. As long as I’m performing well, what’s it to him. “We know you’re used to the spotlight.” Lisa tilts her head and purses her lips in the ever-common—at least to me—sorry-your-dad-died expression. Thankfully, she doesn’t hold it for long. “But this is going to be different than…that. Your dad’s book made you a celebrity, but a sympathetic one. Politics can be, well…” “Mean?” I supply. She crosses her arms and nods. “I’ve been on the campaign trail with my mom before, I know—” “Only in Virginia, where she’s already very popular. Now we want the whole nation to love her. And, given that many people already feel they know you, and even love you, well, we’d like to use—” she swallows and holds a finger up “—we’d like to leverage that appeal and make it an additional asset in this campaign.” I glance at Dylan. He nods. “I hope I can be an asset as well,” I say, trying to calm the jitters in my stomach. “You will be,” Dylan says with a sharp certainty I wish I could catch and stuff in a glass jar for safekeeping. They back away and in a sliver of a moment the red light on the bulky studio camera bursts on, full force. 

About Caitlin Sinead 

Caitlin Sinead is represented by Andrea Somberg at Harvey Klinger, Inc. and her debut novel, Heartsick, is available now from Carina Press. Her writing has earned accolades from Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, Glimmer Train, and Writers & Artists, and her stories have appeared in multiple publications, including The Alarmist, The Binnacle, Crunchable, Jersey Devil Press, and Northern Virginia Magazine. She earned a master's degree in writing from Johns Hopkins University. Website | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Blog Tour: Rule Breaker by Harper Kincaid

Blurb:

Just one more can’t hurt…right?

Re-belle-ious, free-spirited Lauren Renwick has decided it’s time to trade her wings for roots. That
means no more bad boys, no more foolish choices. Yet when she’s stood up on New Year’s Eve, her resolution to stick to her Mama’s Rules for Dating weakens. Especially when she spots sex-in-leather-and-tattoos, Jackson Sullivan.

One look at Lauren, and Jackson is hell-bent on getting her on the back of his Harley and riding straight for his bed. Their night together is an erotic rush that has a new word popping up on his horizon—forever.

Lauren tries to convince herself he’s just one last fling to get bad boys out of her system, yet she finds herself falling hard and fast for a man with a stalker ex and a meddling Irish family. Plus, he has zero chance of passing her uptight parents’ inspection.

Jackson has Lauren’s back, but if she wants all of his heart, she’ll have to meet him halfway—by ditching rules that hold her prisoner, and learning to stand up for what she really wants.

Buy Links:



Amazon:  amzn.to/1B03keX
Barnes & Noble:  bit.ly/1E81g4k
iTunes:  apple.co/1A3eULi
Goodreads: bit.ly/1JLG09u




About the Author:

A woman with the heart of a revolutionary,
The mind of a pragmatist,
And the inappropriate humor of your tipsy BFF...

Born in California and raised in South Florida, I've moved around like a gypsy with a bounty on my head ever since. Along the way, I've worked as a community organizer, a professional matchmaker, an art teacher, a popular blogger, and a crisis counselor (to name a few). All the while, longing to have the guts and follow-through to do what I really wanted: to write and become a published author. That wish has finally come true and I am tickled pink with glitter over this good piece of fortune.

What else? Hmm...I love indie, lo-fi, complaint rock played on vinyl, wearing black because it's slimming, the theater, well-informed optimism, happy endings (both kinds),and making those close to me laugh 'til they snort. I'm a self-admitted change junkie, loving new experiences and places, but have now happily settled in the cutest lil' town, Vienna, Virginia. I totally love hearing from readers so stalk me via social media or email me at HarperKincaid26@gmail.com!


Where to Stalk the Author:




Meagan's Review:

Okay so first this book was a pretty short and quick read, something you could read within a weekend. I enjoyed this read, but I really wish there was a little more substance to it. I really wanted to get to know the characters better on an individual level as well as their togetherness level. I feel like a lot happened in such a short time. This book kept the reader interested to see how the story of Lauren and Jackson would play out. 

The little gist of this story is that Lauren....poor Lauren....has pretty much been doing everything wrong in the dating world. Now the funny thing is that she is only 27 or 28 and her family would make you think she is like 80 years old never going to find a man....or if we were back in the 1800's and you had to be married off by like 16. But Lauren just can't seem to find the right guy and on New Year's Eve she gets dumped by her boyfriend of 6 months. Ouch. Probably second worst holiday to get dumped on....next to Christmas. So what does she decide to do? Wear this ungodly provocative dress and go to a biker bar. Because hey what kind of trouble could you get in there. Anyways she ends up meeting.....running into....catching the eye and other body parts of Jackson Sullivan. 

Jackson is a very interesting character. He is your typical alpha dominate male, and yet at the same time he has a super soft and caring side to him. I really like his character for the most part. The only thing I didn't really care for is how demanding/dominant he was from the beginning, before Lauren and Jackson really got to know each other. I mean OMG he could have been a serial killer or something. Not really, but he was a little over the top sometimes. 

This story follows Lauren and Jackson's time together. It give you the sexy steamy side of these two as well as some drama and very heavily involved families. For me that was probably the best part of the book because it was like reading about my family. Loud involved Irish/Catholic families with a cross of overbearing parents and ohh yeah that's my family. 

Overall, this was a pretty good book. It was a quick read, but it was light and fast reading and just a nice quick get-a-way book to read. I would definitely recommend this book for a nice weekend read. 

Immolate


    


Thursday, June 11, 2015

Spotlight: Beach Man by Annabel Foxx

BM - Banner



Blurb:

Trapped in a toxic marriage, Kim meets her sexy soul-mate on the beach.

Kim is a former dancer, who feels trapped in a loveless marriage to a jealous wealthy older man. He blames her for crippling him in an auto accident that he himself caused. They live in a gorgeous beach house in the town of Scorpio Beach, an up-and-coming beach town on Long Island.

Kim strives to make the marriage work, despite her husband’s blame, verbal abuse and bitterness.

During a heat wave, Kim meets a wickedly handsome man on the beach. She fights not to want him, not to want a new life and not to fall in love. But Derek is seductive and irresistible—a former soldier who recently comes to town to start a landscaping business. Kim falls hard for him, and he becomes addicted to her.

Although Kim wants a divorce, her husband finds out about their affair, and devises a plot to destroy them both. They must struggle to survive a web of lies, deceit and dangerous passion.*

*(Due to adult themes and sexual content, this book is recommended for mature readers.)


Excerpt:



As Derek held the second mug to his lips, he saw her.  Kim.  She entered from the back outside patio and sashayed toward the Ladies Room.  She passed the crowded bar but didn’t see Derek.  Derek’s eyes locked on her and Anita followed his eyes.
The bathroom was occupied, so Kim stood waiting, glancing about.  That’s when she saw Derek and she stiffened in surprise.
Derek smiled and winked. 
Kim lowered her eyes for a moment as if in thought.  A moment later, while Derek was still watching, she turned her shining eyes on him and gave him a coy smile.  She wore red Keds sneakers, deep red lipstick, tight shorts and a yellow clinging T-shirt.  Her hair was neatly rolled up and pinned, revealing that perfect dancer’s neck.  Men at the bar turned and whispered lusty wishes.
After Kim disappeared into the Ladies Room, Natalie hurried by and deposited Anita’s and Derek’s lunches.  Anita dove in, famished, while Derek sat silently waiting for Kim.  She emerged a few minutes later, and drifted over to Derek’s table.  She paused, ignoring Derek, her full focus on Anita.
“Hi, Anita.  It’s good to see you again.”
Kim felt Derek’s eyes moving up and down her body.  She allowed her smoldering eyes to drift toward him.
“Hello, Derek.”
He nodded.  “Are you here with a friend?” Derek asked.
Kim’s eyes lingered on his lips.  “Not a friend… my husband.  He seldom goes out, but he’d heard about this place and wanted to give it a try.”
“How does he like it?”
“Fine… He ordered the fish and chips, just like Anita.”
Derek stared at the shiny luster of her hair, and he fought an irrational impulse to reach for her hand and pull her down into his lap.
“Well, got to go,” Kim said.  “My husband’s waiting.  Good to see you both.”
After she’d gone, Derek ate quietly.  Anita studied him.

“You’re distracted by her.  I’ve never seen that in you.  Be careful, Derek.  Very careful.”

Buy Links:


About the Author:

I love to read and write novels.  I'm also a loner, who loves to drink copious amounts of coffee--and I won't turn down a good bourbon if it's offered by a handsome man... or indeed, by any kind and generous man.

I'm a Scorpio, and I love the beach. 
 I have a background in graphic design and creative writing.  My mother kept diaries and wrote short stories about Christmas, old lovers and travel. 


My cat, Count Elvis, loves cognac and Pop Tarts.

Reading on the beach is one of the great delights of life.  Sun, sea and sand.  Ahhh... and then I pick up a book and dive into a story.   I love everything gold: golden tans, golden hair, golden sunsets and golden earrings.

My husband, Dane, is a diver and sun worshiper.

Where to Stalk the Author:

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