Em & M Books
A place for Em & M to discuss books, post reviews, and ramble about whatever comes to mind!
Release Day & Giveaway - Coming Home to You by Claire Raye
It’s Beck O’Loughlin’s job to keep people safe, but what he never bargained for was having to keep his former high school sweetheart and love of his life, Kelsey Walters, safe after walking away from her ten years ago.
Beck, now a hardened Boston detective and Kelsey, an inn owner in their small touristy town of Rockport, Massachusetts, find themselves struggling with the harsh reality that Kelsey’s life may be in serious danger.
Stalked and tormented by an ex-boyfriend, she begins to realize his threats are very much real. All she wants is to feel normal again and that’s when Beck shows up, bound and determined to save her.
But protecting Kelsey isn’t the only thing on Beck’s mind when their sexual tension steams hotter than a New England summer. Being this close begins to test both of their resolve, as emotions run high and all the feelings from the past begin to resurface.
Will they be able to grab onto this second chance at love, or will outside dangers threaten their chance at happiness?
Blog Tour, Guest Post, & Giveaway - Return to Drake Springs by Cheryl Norman
Today we the fabulous Cheryl Norman stopping by for a Guest Post. She's giving us a little insight into her latest release - Return to Drake Springs - and how sometimes a character just can't be redeemed, because, as Cheryl will explain, "Just as in real life, you can’t save ‘em all."
Thanks for coming by today, Cheryl, and sharing a bit about what went into your writing process!
Unredeemable Characters
Many years ago, I sat with author Lisa Gardner and talked writing. She was the guest speaker at our writers’ conference the next day, and host extraordinaire Dolores J. Wilson had invited several of us writers to her home for a reception party. At the time, Lisa still wrote category romantic suspense as Alicia Scott, but she’d just landed a lucrative contract with Bantam thanks to her breakout novel THE PERFECT HUSBAND.
I’d read The Perfect Husband and couldn't believe such a lovely, sweet young woman could write such a dark, edgy story. I asked her why the hero’s sister (SPOILER ALERT) had to die at the story’s exciting climax. Her answer sticks with me today.
She was unredeemable, and I needed to raise the stakes for J.T. (the protagonist).
She imparted two important writing lessons to my younger, unpublished self. Two valuable lessons. One—while it’s important to write three-dimensional characters and flesh them out, you can’t redeem them all. Second—it’s important to ratchet up what’s at stake so the hero’s sacrifice is satisfying to the reader.
While writing RETURN TO DRAKE SPRINGS I kept her words in mind. My sweet, category romance is nothing like the edgy thrillers Lisa writes, but the lessons apply. I have an unredeemable character who causes stress and havoc for my hero. This character is too weak to change or be changed. Before the hero and heroine can achieve their happily ever after ending, they must deal with this unredeemable person in a compassionate but realistic manner.
Just as in real life, you can’t save ‘em all.
I hope you’ll enjoy Lance and Iris’s love story, unredeemable character and all.
Lance George debates his decision to return to his hometown, but the price is right on the abandoned veterinary hospital he hopes to buy. He’s saved his money to open his practice by living frugally and purchasing wisely. There’s no room in his life for wasteful spending. His alcoholic mother squandered everything she had when he was growing up, leaving him with an obsessive motivation to achieve financial security.
Iris Porter is unaware that she broke Lance’s heart in high school. She’s too busy trying to earn a living in a tough economy. She hopes to reclaim her old job as a veterinary assistant when Lance reopens the town’s only animal clinic. Popular and friendly, Iris is known to be generous to a fault. When a friend’s baby is stricken with leukemia, she organizes fundraisers and enlists Lance’s help.
Lance’s feelings for Iris rekindle when he realizes how much she’s changed. The high school snob is at odds with the caring, sensitive woman who wants to help a family in need. But can he reconcile Iris’s generous spirit with his overpowering need for penny pinching?
Lance George cruised into town in a fog of black insects and misgivings. He’d had good reason to leave home years ago. Was returning a mistake? He’d debated during the entire three-hour drive from Tallahassee and still questioned his decision. But he was here now. The moving company had his packed belongings ready to deliver. Inhaling a breath for courage, he slowed at the Welcome to Drake Springs sign.
Searching familiar landmarks, he recognized the Hurricane Lantern, a rustic restaurant located on Highway 471. To his left stood the stately Wilson home, vacant and for sale. Five blocks past the city limits sign, Highway 471 became Main Street. He passed the First Foster Bank and Boyd’s Diner, both still in business. A left turn here would take him to the high school, but he’d skip that detour down bad-memory lane.
The stoplight at Main Street turned red and he applied his brakes. A flash of purple grabbed his attention. Was that—? No, it couldn't be. What were the odds he’d return to Drake Springs and immediately see the girl of his adolescent dreams? In the flesh—and what beautiful flesh—Iris Porter stepped into the crosswalk walking a bicycle to the opposite side of Main Street. It may have been nine years since he’d seen her, but with her blond curls sticking out the edges of a bicycle helmet, she looked as adorable as ever.
She turned her head and met his gaze but kept walking. She wouldn't recognize him, and even if she did, why would she acknowledge him? She had deemed herself too good for him. He’d been a bookworm. A nerd. His limited circle of friends didn't include babes and jocks. No reason to hope her opinion had changed.
She continued toward the courthouse. She hadn't lost that subtle but alluring sway of hip that drew the attention of every male student standing in the halls at Foster County High—especially him. Instead of mounting her bicycle and riding, she chain-locked it to an oak tree.
“What’s your story, dear Iris?” He eased forward with the morning traffic while keeping her purple shorts and T-shirt in his peripheral vision. She still had her cheerleader’s legs and slender shape. If anything, she was thinner now. She disappeared inside the Foster County Courthouse. “Doing a title search? Paying your taxes? Filing for divorce?”
Iris’s rejection in high school had driven him to succeed and improve himself, so maybe he should thank her for stomping all over his heart. He continued his drive through town, leaving behind Iris Porter and all conjecture about her.
When he reached Ortega Street, he turned left and pulled into the parking lot of his destination. A business property that once housed Hodges Animal Clinic faced Main. Behind sat a modular home included with the business property. The lot looked weedy, abandoned, and neglected. No wonder it had such an attractive price tag. The realtor must have taken the online photos in winter, before the spring foliage filled in the blackjack oaks. Now shade cast most of the lot in darkness, forming a thick barrier against the hot Florida sun.
A middle-aged, heavyset woman stood in the gravel parking lot. He parked his Transit Connect beside her late model Buick. He’d recently purchased the economical business van in preparation for his new practice. It was small enough to serve as his personal vehicle, too. Unlike his mother, Lance did his research and made practical choices. Impulse buying got people in trouble.
“Doctor George?” The woman approached him with outstretched hand even before he’d fully exited his van. “I’m Barbara Sinclair.”
“Thank you for meeting me.” He shook her delicate manicured hand.
Everything about the woman looked professional, from her perfectly groomed, chestnut hair to her business attire. A few years and a few pounds ago, she was probably a real babe.
“I feel as if we’ve already met, from your e-mails. I believe this property will suit your needs.”
“It looks less cheerful than in the online photos.”
She winced. “Weeds grow quickly in Florida. The reduced price should more than make up for the little TLC the place needs.”
“Right.” He’d reserve judgment until he inspected the buildings. He locked his van, an action that earned him a bemused smile from Ms. Sinclair. She probably thought it overkill for a small town like Drake Springs, but she refrained from commenting. “Could you show me the office first? If it doesn't suit, there’s no need to tour the house.”
“Exactly my thought. Follow me.”
He fell in step beside her. “What happened to Otis Gibbons? I thought he was the listing agent.”
“You know Otis?”
“I’m originally from Drake Springs, hence my interest in opening a practice here.”
She opened the door, stepped aside, and motioned him in. The faint odor of antiseptic mingled with the woman’s cologne as she moved past him. She’d been a bit generous with her atomizer. “Otis sold me the business when he was elected county commissioner. He didn't want any question of conflict of interest.”
“Right.” He shut the door against a swarm of love bugs. Those inescapable black insects that frustrated Floridians every May and September seemed especially thick this spring.
“It may be a bit warm. I turned up the air conditioning about thirty minutes ago when I opened the building.”
“Feels comfortable.”
“The air conditioner is fairly new. Four years old, I’d say.”
The office was a converted Florida Cracker style house, with porches and a breezeway. The reception area was in the former living room. A pass-through with added counter separated the public area from the office. A few animal carriers sat along one wall of the former dining room. “How many exam rooms?”
“Three. The hall gives access both from the reception area and the operating room. There’s also a bathroom.”
“Hmm.” The equipment was gone, probably sold by Doctor Hodges’s estate after her death. Stainless steel tables, gleaming as if recently polished, dominated each examination room. “How long did you say this had been vacant?”
“About three years, but Otis has kept the power connected. He also hired a cleaning service to make regular visits.”
Too bad Otis hadn't arranged for lawn service as well. “That’s been costly for Otis.”
“Frankly, he expected the property to sell quickly. It’s an attractive location, and Drake Springs is growing. But even Florida wasn't immune to an economic recession.”
She led him around to the operating room, at one time the house’s kitchen. A door led back to the dining room/office, where the receptionist’s desk and file cabinets now stood. The rear of the house had a utility room, still equipped with a clothes washer and dryer. One wall held stacked cages. A breezeway led to fenced pens outside. He would have preferred more kennel room, but this could work.
“Well, Doctor George, what do you think?” She closed the back door and walked down the steps. “Want to see the residence?”
“Yes, I do.” He followed her past the fenced pens to the back door of the doublewide mobile home. “Where do people take their animals for medical care since this clinic closed?”
“Right now they’re driving twenty-five or thirty miles, to Lake City or up to Georgia. Trust me, this town will welcome you with open arms.”
He was counting on it. He’d saved a tidy sum of money and had qualified for a loan, but he needed equipment, supplies, and utility deposits. He wanted to make this property work, because it’s all he could afford.
The blue painted metal roofing on the home matched the roofing on the clinic. He’d guess the modular home to be less than ten years old, although the roof made it look newer.
“Is the roof new?”
“About four years old.” She unlocked the back door of the residence and led him inside. “Doc Hodges made several improvements before opening her practice.”
Not a fan of modular housing, he examined each room with skepticism. The floor plan was surprisingly open and pleasant, with vaulted ceilings and plenty of windows. A large great room separated two bedrooms and a bath from the owner’s suite and kitchen. The walls were painted or paneled, rather than the patterned wallboard he’d seen on older mobile homes. “Doctor Hodges lived here?”
“Yes. It was convenient, especially for emergencies with animals staying overnight.” She opened the blinds, revealing two windows overlooking the front porch and the front yard’s large crepe myrtle tree, just beginning to bloom. “Her mother sold all the furniture but not the appliances. Of course, if you prefer to live elsewhere, you could rent it out.”
He gave a noncommittal murmur, but he’d be nuts to live anywhere else. Living near the clinic made economic sense. He wouldn't spend more than he needed to. The bedrooms were roomy enough, especially the owner’s suite with its own bathroom and walk-in closet.
“Cable and high-speed internet are available here, too.”
“Good.” He didn't need television, but internet was vital to his business. “Immediate possession?” The sooner, the better, because he had no home. His mother had lost their house years ago, and Pops had no room to spare.
“Yes. Considering the amount of your down payment, you’ll have no trouble qualifying for the loan assumption. As soon as we can schedule the closing, you can hang out your open-for-business sign.”
“Well.” He chuckled. “It’s not that simple. I need equipment, for starters. And staff. You know any experienced veterinarian assistants?”
She led him into the kitchen. The appliances looked new. Doctor Hodges hadn't been one to cook as far as he could tell. But Doc George enjoyed cooking. And he could make the most of this spacious, well-appointed kitchen.
“I know of one. She worked for Doc Hodges but lost her job, of course, when her boss died. She might welcome the opportunity to interview with you.”
“Thanks. First, let’s write the contract.” He followed her outside to the long front porch, additional construction to the original modular home, probably one of Doc Hodges’s improvements. It faced Ortega, a residential street with tidy, modest homes and mature shade trees. Empty except for a wooden swing, the porch could be a cozy retreat at the end of the day, assuming he wasn't too busy to stop and relax.
Ms. Sinclair removed a ballpoint pen and business card from her purse. She wrote on the blank side of the card. “Here’s the name of the vet assistant when you get ready to hire your staff. You can probably find her at Miller’s IGA Market on Desoto, where she’s been working part time.”
He stuffed the card in his shirt pocket. “Thanks.”
They walked around to the front of the business via the sidewalk, which returned them to the gravel parking lot. “Let me get my brief case and I’ll meet you inside.”
Jittery with nerves, he went inside the building and paced the reception area. This was it. He was about to gamble—no, not gamble—invest his savings into his own practice. He’d have to start out conservatively, at least until he knew how many patients he’d have. One experienced assistant would be a good idea. He could hire more staff as his practice grew. He fished the business card from his pocket and flipped it over to read the name. His hand trembled. The card flew from his fingers.
He stooped to pick it up and read the name again. And smiled.
Iris Porter.
REBUILD MY WORLD (Turquoise Morning Press)
RECLAIM MY LIFE (Medallion Press)
RESTORE MY HEART (Medallion Press)
RUNNING SCARED (Medallion Press)
ROMANCE ON ROUTE 66 Anthology (Highland Press)
The Christmas Prayer (Highland Press’s The Heart of Christmas anthology)
Veiled Threat (Turquoise Morning Press’s The Wedding Day Collection)
Twilight Time (Highland Press-Romance on Route 66)
Bad Moon Rising (Highland Press-Romance on Route 66)
Her passion for cooking and healthful eating led her to write four cookbooks and an award-winning blog, The Hasty Tasty Meals Kitchen (hastytastymeals.com). She also offers writers grammar help via her Grammar Cop blog, newsletter articles, and workshops.
In addition to writing fiction and cookbooks, Cheryl works with other breast cancer survivors to raise awareness about early detection and treatment of the disease.
Release Day - Heat, Volume 2 by Kailin Gow
What started as attraction has turned into obsession. When Bobby and Lilly's tryst turns into something more, fate intervenes with heavy consequences that may forever tear them apart. Lilly has made up her mind to return to the convent for peace, only to find that her life as she knew it was far darker than she had ever imagined, and that she had a strange connection to Errol King that would threaten everything.
HEAT 2 is for age 18 and up due to sexual and adult themes
Kailin Gow's life is sometimes more fascinating and stranger than fiction, which is being chronicled in a feature film based on a treatment optioned and in development for a release date of 2018. (IMDB.com - The Colorful Worlds of Kailin Gow 2018). Her true life experiences as a world traveler where she has traveled to over 25 countries, logging hundreds of thousands of miles, absorbing the cultures and collecting stories relating to places and the romance of the land, and incidents in her personal life, has inspired her to write and publish over 170 books with over 30 series.
She is noted as an indie pioneer, as one of the first to publish in 2001. Breaking stereotypes, her books has crossed traditional and indie lines, gaining recognition in schools and libraries, as well as the indie community. Her action adventure young adult fantasy series, The Frost Series, an ALA YALSA Reader's Choice Nominated book series - had been optioned by an international film company and is currently in development as a game and a film at http://www.facebook.com/thefrostseries. Five of her fantasy/action adventure series have been optioned to be made into worldwide games.
Kailin Gow has been known in The World Journal, an international newspaper, to be a phenomenon. She was profiled on the homepage of Amazon.com as an Author Success Story who overcame personal obstacles to become a bestselling author, appeared as one of Amazon's top authors for the Kindle Fire launch release, and is one of the earliest indie authors who have sold over a million books. She writes for Fast Company as a publishing expert, had appeared on a major network Television News as a bestselling author who writes fiction and non-fiction with a social conscious, and has made speeches and appearances across the U.S. and on top 15 national radio regarding self-esteem and issues relating to women.
Kailin Gow was an invited speaker and signing author at Book Expo America (BEA)2014.
Having experienced bullying firsthand and slander as a woman, Kailin Gow is an active advocate against bullying in the workplace and in schools. She has written Shy Girls Social Club Handbook Against Bullying and has helped launch Stories for Amanda where all proceeds go towards the Amanda Todd Foundation against bullying. She has written several books with the theme of abuse towards women and children, especially the steamy international bestselling The Protégé Series, which launched a book club initiative in battered women's shelters and won The Indie Excellence Awards at NIEA for Erotica in 2014.
She holds a Masters Degree in Communications Management from The University of Southern California, and degrees in Drama and Social Ecology.
She resides in the American West with her husband and daughter, but had lived for a decade in Texas, and briefly in England. Besides being a full-time author, she volunteers for many organizations, is active in church helping build homes for the homeless and visit orphanages. A voracious reader, when she is not writing, she loves reading an entire series in one sitting! She spends way too much time on Facebook than she is supposed to at http://www.facebook.com/kailingowbooks, but loves meeting new people from all walks of life.
She has over 30 Series, written under Kailin Gow, and more under her middle grade, women's fiction, and mystery pen names:
***For 16 and up***
The Frost Series - COMPLETED. Bitter Frost Series Consists of 8 full-length novels.
The Wolf Fey Series - COMPLETED. Consists of 2 full-length novels and one novella.
Fairy Rose Chronicles - age 13 and up.
The PULSE Series - Next Book - Blood Ring (PULSE #9), releasing due to readers' demand to continue the series. Consists of 9 full-length novels and one novella.
FADE Series - COMPLETED. ALL Full-length novels.
DESIRE Series - All Full-length novels. Last Book, FRENZY - 2015.
Fire Wars Series - All Full-length novels.
Alchemists Academy - All Full-length novels.
Wordwick Games - All Full-length novels.
Wicked Woods Series - COMPLETED. Consists of 5 full-length novels.
Steampunk Scarlett - All Full-length novels.
The Phantom Diaries - All Full-length novels. Last Book, DARK VICTORY - 2015.
Stoker Sisters - All Full-length novels. Last Book, SISTER OF THE STRIGOIS - 2015.
Beyond Crystal River - 2015 NEW SERIES.
SHADES - 2015 NEW SERIES. This is a high concept psychological thriller.
***For 18 and up (New Adult/Coming of Age)***
Loving Summer - All full-length novels.
The Donovan Brothers - All full-length novels.
Saving You Saving Me (You & Me Trilogy)- COMPLETED. Consists of 3 Full-length novels.
Never Knights - COMPLETED. Consists of 3 Full-length novels.
Rock Hard Love Hard - 1st book, Rock Hard Love Hard is now Available.
Sawyer House Chronicles (Spin-off of You & Me Trilogy) - Coming in 2015
Canvas - Coming in 2015
***For 18 and up (Adult/Steamy Romance)***
The Protege - COMPLETED. 3 Full-length novels.
Master Chefs - COMPLETED. Consists of 3 Full-length novels.
The Blue Room (Spin-off of Never Knights Trilogy) - Romantic Suspense.
Barely Legal (Spin-off of The Protégé) - Romantic Suspense.
The Oyster House - Artistic Romantic Thriller set in Hong Kong and England.
- Coming in 2015.
For information on the series, new series and new book releases, contests, appearances, KG-Convergences, and more, sign up at http://www.KailinGowBooks.com.
Release Blitz - Sinful Desires Vol. IV by M.S. Parker
How could I have been so stupid? Anastascia had told me that Brock was bad news but I'd never dreamed what he was capable of. First Reed, then Brock. Was my taste in men really that awful?
When Piper Black finds out the truth about her first encounter with her boyfriend Brock Michaels, she's devastated, but things only get worse when a familiar face shows up at the wrong moment.
With her life in shambles, Piper is given the opportunity for a new start... back in Philadelphia.
Will her luck change if she moves back? And what will it mean being in the same city as the one man who's never left her mind?
In this penultimate installment of M.S. Parker's sizzling Sinful series, the intrigue is hot, but the passion is even hotter.
M. S. Parker is a USA Today Bestselling author and the author of the Erotic Romance series, Club Privè and Chasing Perfection.
Living in Southern California, she enjoys sitting by the pool with her laptop writing on her next spicy romance.
Growing up all she wanted to be was a dancer, actor or author. So far only the latter has come true but M. S. Parker hasn't retired her dancing shoes just yet. She is still waiting for the call for her to appear on Dancing With The Stars.
When M. S. isn't writing, she can usually be found reading- oops, scratch that! She is always writing.
Release Blitz - My Salvation by Michelle Dare
Caliana Crawford is smart, sexy and unemployed. After quitting her mediocre job, she finds herself in need of a break. She goes to the one place that holds her most precious memories, her cabin by the lake. Life hasn't always been easy for Cali. She lost someone close to her, was betrayed by her lover, and now she only wants to escape reality. What she doesn't plan on is her sexy neighbor, who has an agenda of his own.
Owen Matthews goes through the motions every day, but knows his life is missing one essential part - Cali. He has never forgotten about the summers he spent by the lake with the gorgeous brunette. When he sees she is back to stay, Owen knows he can’t let her slip through his fingers again. Others think he has it all with owning a multimillion dollar company, but what they don’t know is that he would give it all up to have her in his arms and his bed.
The road to happiness isn't always easy. His brother returns to his life and brings with him an old flame who threatens to rip Cali and Owen apart. Will they find their salvation with one another or let the events of their past influence their future?
Michelle Dare is a Jersey girl living over the border in Pennsylvania. She started out as a reader, then became a book blogger. She loves the book community and thought to try her hand at writing. Her first book, My Salvation, is a contemporary romance.
She is a married mom with two wonderful children and a German Shepherd, who she considers her third child. She is a lover of books, music and movies. Her favorite band is Maroon 5 and has too many favorite movies to list. Paranormal romance is her favorite genre to read.
Release Day - Beneath Your Beauty by Alexa Keith
With her kids off to college, Kayden Brewer was about to start her own life. With her business struggling, bills piling up, and not to mention the severe case of empty nest syndrome, she was beginning to feel lost. That’s until the day her sisters past came back to haunt her, yet again. This time bringing her into a world she never believed she would find herself in.
Steele Waters had just entered into his ten-years in the adult entertainment business, and holds the title, “The Sex God of Porn.” He had it all- money, fame, sex, and any female he wanted. That’s until she walked onto his set, realizing, he didn’t have it all. Until he had her.
Lies, secrets, pasts, and much more is brought out as both their lives collide. Leaving them no choice but to endure the ever turning roller coaster of life that they’re forced to ride.
The question is- will they hang on?
I held Steele’s eyes, and he held mine. I silently begged him to come to me, to take those steps and close the distance between us.
Move.
He didn't.
Say something.
He didn't.
I took in the beauty of the man that I knew I had fallen for. I looked deep into his beautiful blue eyes, wordlessly begging him to do or say something.
He didn't.
He let me go.
Alexa Keith is an independent self-published author. She loves to spend her free time with family and friends. Or, when she has time to herself, reading a good book. She spends most days locked away in her own thoughts- conjuring up her next story. When she does venture out of her own mind- it’s always a new adventure. Her love for writing started at an early age. Alexa would stare out the window in school as her imagination ran wild. To which, Alexa can’t count how many times she was lectured for her lack of concentration. To this day, her mind is still running. She has come to the stage in her life, where she has finally been able to put those thoughts and stories in black and white. So- keep your eyes open for more from Alexa Keith.
Release Day - Afraid to Fall by W. Ferraro
Jaded and hardened by the ultimate of betrayals, Clearwater Falls Sheriff Gage Dennison is content with his simple, detached life.
With only his loyal dog at his side, Gage has successfully maintained the walls he’s built around his life and heart for eight years. From his secluded house at the end of a private road, to the solitude of a small town sheriff, he has no trouble keeping everyone just where he wants them – at a distance.
But Gage soon learns his walls are not as solid as he thought them to be.
Despite all his efforts, and against his will, Gage’s new neighbor Delaney Collins threatens to crack his once-impenetrable walls.
Unprepared for the constant verbal sparring, and growing physical attraction to Delaney, Gage is suddenly fighting an internal war he never expected. His brain and reason insist he keep his distance, but his body refuses to listen. Especially when the lure of her warm, willing body soothing his bruised and battered soul is too much to resist.
As the demons of his past are revealed, will Gage crumble under the weight of his fear? Or will he find the strength necessary to tear down his walls and hold on to the only woman that offers him a second chance at love?
I live in New England with my young family. I’m a stay at home mom to two very active children. For all of you who are familiar with the stress of this job, I decided to complete an item on my bucket list and write a book. I've always been a big reader, and I happy to say my children have fallen in love with books, this is one proud Momma.
Book Tour & Giveaway - Hold On! by Peter Darley
Two lovers! A deadly conspiracy! A race to freedom!
When Carringby Industries, a government-contracted arms manufacturer, is raided by what appear to be terrorists, the CEO’s secretary, Belinda Reese, is rescued by Brandon Drake, a dashing young AWOL soldier. Using an experimental test aircraft, he flees with her to his remote, isolated cabin in the mountains of Aspen.
While assisting in the design of military weaponry, Brandon discovered a plot within his own government to attack its own facilities, under the guidance of immoral politician, Senator Garrison Treadwell. Belinda’s body was not found among the dead at Carringby Industries, and Treadwell suspects that Drake was responsible for rescuing her. In an effort to entrap him, Treadwell arranges for an all points bulletin to be placed on Belinda.
Deeply in love, Brandon and Belinda attempt to escape from America, only to endure one harrowing experience after another as they try to evade and expose Treadwell’s corrupt faction.
But on the run, with danger around every corner, Brandon makes a discovery so devastating that it shatters the very foundations of his reality.
[Belinda] dropped to the floor and pushed the door open only to be met with a wall of flame, causing her to instinctively recoil. She gave herself a moment to compose herself before seizing a break in the fire.
Darting to the left, she found herself in the maintenance stairwell. Below her was an inferno. It wasn’t possible for her to go back down.
In a desperate effort to escape the fire, she ran up the steps, but the smoke continued to engulf her.
By the time she’d reached the next flight of stairs, only a few steps from where she’d started, she fell to her knees in a coughing fit. Her eyes stung, watering from the smoke, but she persisted.
Despite her initial determination, she became convinced she wasn’t going to make it. She couldn’t see anything ahead of her, and her consciousness was slipping away . . .
She thought she could see a dark shape coming down the stairwell toward her, through the smoke. As it came closer, she could make out a human decked-out in black.It has to be one of them, she thought.
Through her squinted eyes, she could see he wore a shiny black helmet, similar to the type worn on a motorcycle, although far less bulky. It seemed to cover his head with a slender, streamlined fit, and there was a reflective visor covering his face.
In her weakened condition, she resigned herself to the belief that she was going to die. The fight was leaving her, and smoke inhalation stole her consciousness. She couldn’t be certain whether or not she was dreaming the man in the black helmet.
And then, she felt strong, gentle hands cradling her face for just a moment. “P-please don’t kill me,” she mumbled.
“I’m not going to kill—”
Belinda passed out.
She woke without a sense for how long she’d been out. Had she been unconscious for seconds? Or days? Why was everything upside down?
She felt a tight grip on her legs below the knees, and she was moving quickly with a jerking motion. The smoke seemed to clearing, and the blood rushed into her head, bringing her back to consciousness. She saw the white surface of the steps from her inverted position, and she suddenly understood. He was running up the stairwell while carrying her over his shoulder.
Moments later, the ground turned black and she sensed herself being turned upright in the freezing cold. In her dazed state, it took her a few moments to realize that she was outside.
The stranger knelt down beside her and she shivered. “W-who . . . are you?” she asked.
“Your only way out of here.”
“Where . . . where are we?”
“We’re on the roof. We can’t go back down. The place is a torch.”
Belinda couldn’t place his tone, but there was a masculine depth to it that was genuine and sincere.
“Please, trust me,” he implored her. “Can you stand up?”
“Y-yes, I think so,” she said, but her coughing resumed.
He waited for the attack to abate before speaking again. “I’m going to get you out of here. There’s only one way.”
As he helped her to her feet, she realized how high up they were with the skyscrapers all around them.
“I need you to listen to me,” he said. “What’s your name?”
“B-Belinda. Belinda Reese,” she answered quivering, and hugged herself tightly against the chilling effects of shock and the brutal February wind.
“All right Belinda, I need you to come over here with me.” He motioned toward the edge of the roof. “There’s nothing to worry about, trust me.”
As a show of good faith, he walked toward the edge before her. Once he was standing on the ledge, he reached out and beckoned her to join him.
Trembling, she placed one foot in front of the other, but she froze when she saw him taking a gun-like device from his tool-belt.
“It’s OK,” he said in a reassuring tone. “This isn’t what you think it is. I swear to you on my own life, I’m not going to hurt you.”
With great trepidation, she resumed her steps toward him.
“That’s it,” he encouraged her. “Just a little closer.”
As Belinda stopped inches away from him at the ledge, he aimed the device toward a skyscraper opposite and brought a small targeting sight to eye-level. Although it bore a resemblance to a gun, it didn’t have a barrel, but rather a tennis ball-sized bulb held fast by his palm.
He depressed a button on the top of the metallic casing and a thin, high-tensile steel cable jettisoned from the nozzle toward the building opposite. The cable reached the other side and a small steel claw at the end of line clasped a maintenance rail in the center of the roof. He pulled on the cable to ensure that it was secured, and stepped away from the edge.
He hurried across to a maintenance stairwell next to the entrance and climbed three steps. Once he was in position, he wrapped the wire around an iron step above him repeatedly. From the height of the roof’s ledge, the step would be approximately twelve inches above his own height. Reaching height.
With a flick of a switch on top of the bulb, the cable was locked inside the casing.
Belinda watched him, bewildered. “What are you doing?”
Intensely focused upon his task, he didn’t reply.
He returned to her and took another device from his belt–a black metal tube, approximately fourteen inches in length, from which he pulled out two hand-grips from either side.
Belinda noticed a small pulley wheel on the underside of the tube, which he clipped onto the wire. He created a zip-line between the two buildings.
Upon that realization, she panicked, believing that he intended for her to hang from the hand grips and glide across to the adjacent building. “I can’t do this. Please, I’m begging you. I can’t do it.”
He stepped back up onto the ledge. “You don’t have to. I do. Now, take it steady and join me here.”
She raised her right leg so slowly that she thought she would never put it down, but eventually, the tip of her shoe settled onto the ledge.
He gently placed his hand upon her shoulder. “All right, now grab hold of me.”
She permitted him to grasp her under her armpits and lift her onto the ledge. She trembled with vulnerability and vertigo. “Oh, God, please don’t let me fall.”
“You’re not going to fall.”
He carefully placed her arms around his chest. She immediately detected the solid base underneath his black, bullet-resistant attire. It was clear that, beyond the Kevlar; he was muscular, heightening her sense of safety with him. With shaking hands, she held onto him for dear life.
He gripped the pulley with his left hand and lifted the visor with his right. Belinda looked into his deep green eyes. He looked exactly the same to her as his voice sounded: strong, but kind.
The moment ended and he pulled the visor back down into place.
Holding the right hand grip, he looked at her again and gave her the most unnecessary piece of advice she had ever heard: “Hold on!”
Peter Darley (P.D. to his friends) is a British novelist, whose professional history is in showbusiness. He is a graduate of the Birmingham School of Speech and Dramatic Art, and he studied television drama at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA.) His television credits include guest-starring roles is UK productions such as BBC’s Crime Ltd, Stanley’s Dragon for ITV, The Bill, and Sky One’s Dream Team, and numerous TV commercials. He has also worked as a model, presenter, and voice-over artiste for ten years, and has acted as an agent for several variety acts.
His lifelong admiration of heroes, and love of roller-coaster-style thrills have been a huge influence on his writings.
He is a keen athlete and body builder, and lives with his partner in rural England.
Cover Reveal & Giveaway - Not Meant to be Broken by Cora Reilly
“Some things aren't meant to be broken, and therefore can't be mended - ever. I was one of those things. Whatever had been shattered in the incident would never be whole again.”
Amber struggles with the memories of a cruel attack that destroyed her life years ago. Realizing that she’s close to ending it all – something she promised her family to never try again – she moves in with her brother Brian and his friend Zachary to start a new life, and maybe even college. But how can she possibly live a normal life, when even a hug from her brother sends her into a panic attack? While Brian pulls back, Zach seems determined to make her feel relaxed in his presence, and soon her longing to be near him is stronger than her fear. But how can someone like Zach, someone who can have any girl, want someone like her? Someone broken.
When Zach spots Amber for the very first time, he can’t believe she is the same girl his friend Brian described as broken. Suddenly, Zach wants to give up his womanizing ways and help Amber live again – show her that closeness can be something wonderful.
But her brother Brian isn't the only one who’s worried about the bond that’s growing between Amber and Zach. Even Zach knows that there’s more at stake than the fury of a scorned woman. Amber isn’t like all the girls Zach discarded after a night together – if he messes up, that could break her for good. But Zach can’t stay away from Amber.
Can Zach help her heal? Or will he be the one to push her over the edge?
Amber’s POV
I wanted to kiss, Zach. Take control. I bit my lip. Taking control, was that even something I could do? Three years ago control was ripped from me and since then I’d never managed to reclaim it. Maybe Reagan was right. Maybe I needed to finally get it back. And what better way to do it than with Zach? He wouldn't hurt me.
“You have a strange look on your face,” Zach said with a grin, then became serious. “Are we okay? Did Reagan say anything about me? Anything bad?”
I laughed. “No.” I gathered my courage. “I want to kiss you.”
Zach’s eyebrows shot up. “You can kiss me whenever you want. You kissed me today.”
“I mean,” I said, my voice turning into a whisper. “I want a real kiss.” Could this get any more embarrassing?
Zach straightened, surprised. “Sure.”
“Can you sit down?” The words rushed out of me.
Confusion flickered on his face but he sank down on the chair Reagan had sat in moment before without protest. I stood and slowly walked over to him. With him sitting, I had a couple of inches on him. He tilted his head up, not making any move to reach out for me. His hands rested on his thighs. He was trying to look as harmless as a man of his size and stature possibly could. Was Reagan right? Was he as nervous about this as me? Who knew what Brian had threatened him with? I stepped between his legs and put my hands down on his shoulder. Take control.
I’d kissed two boys before the incident, but this felt new. I wasn't that girl anymore. She’d been broken, crushed, obliterated. For a long time I’d mourned her, had cried over the fact that she was lost to me forever and with her my happiness, my life, my future. Maybe what had been broken couldn't be mended, maybe I could never be the girl from the past, but I could become someone new.
Zach’s eyes searched my face. I’d thought I could never trust a man again. Take control, I reminded myself once more. It was a mere kiss, a kiss I’d been dreaming about for days now. But what if the worst happened and I had a panic attack? Would Zach decide I wasn't worth the trouble? “Tell me what you’re thinking,” Zach murmured. Something stirred in me at the worry in his tone. I wanted this. I wanted to feel Zach’s lips on mine.
I brought my face closer to his until our breath mingled. Zach’s blue eyes bored into me, soft and encouraging. Maybe my brother was right. Maybe Zach was a mistake, but he was a mistake I wanted to make. It would be my choice. I pressed my mouth against his, my eyes closing. Gathering my courage, I touched my tongue to his lips, hoping he’d understand it as permission and take lead. Zach lifted one arm and gently cupped my cheek, then he opened his mouth and his tongue slipped past my lips. He was hot and tasted so good, and every brush of his tongue against mine sent a small shiver of pleasure through my body. I could even feel it in my toes. My choice. His tongue became more demanding and heat pooled in my belly. I wasn't even sure what I was feeling, but it was so good, so freeing. I never wanted this to stop, this feeling of being in control of my body, my wants. Zach’s other hand came up to touch my back. My legs felt weak as our mouths glided over each other. I raked my fingers through Zach’s hair, and if possible the sensations cursing through my body got even more intense. I pulled back to catch my breath, my eyes fluttering open and meeting Zach’s gaze. The corners of his lips turned up and I couldn't help but smile back. “You okay?” he asked softly, lowering his hand from my cheek.
“Better than okay.” My skin was still burning but this time it wasn't only from embarrassment. I wanted to kiss him again and again.
I'm an author of erotic romance and New Adult novels. I live in one of the ugliest cities of the world with too many pets and only one husband. I'm a lover of good food, wine and books and I'm addicted to Dexter, Californication and Big Bang Theory.
Book Blitz & Giveaway - Killer Date by Kathy Clark
Recommended for 17 years and older – language / sexual situations / mature subject matter
An inheritance brought him more than he ever could have imagined…
Reno Marks, one of the new owners of the Scandals Investigation Agency, is first on the case to help Jennifer Caldwell find her missing sister, Angie. It’s not that he’s anxious to help so much as it is that he is attracted to Jenny. A little research shows that Angie has run off for a quickie vacation with her new boyfriend. Reno and Jenny’s romantic evening is cut short when that new boyfriend, who just happens to be the son of a powerful drug lord, arrives on Jenny’s doorstep with near-fatal gunshot wounds and evidence that Angie has been taken hostage by a rival Mexican drug cartel.
With the help of a rogue DEA agent, Reno and Jenny set off to infiltrate the cartel’s desert compound and bring Angie home. Their mission quickly gets out of control as they are discovered and chased through a tunnel system that threatens to bury them alive. Even when they think they’re safe, they’re actually trespassing in an even more dangerous place where everyone wants them dead.
During their intense time together, Reno’s feelings for Jenny have grown, but even if they are able to survive, is it possible for these two lost souls to have a future together?
Reno, whose last job had been as a magician in Vegas, doesn't have enough tricks up his sleeve to save them…or to convince Jenny to stay.
Killer Date is the second book in the Scandals New Adult series of romantic suspense. Each book of the series will focus on one of the offspring of Roger Elliott, a famous musician who left them with a legacy they weren't expecting. Worse Date Ever, the third book in this series will be released in Winter, 2015 and will tell Tulsa’s story.
My phone alarm went off at 9:30. I had left myself little time to get ready before Nick’s appointment, but I needed the sleep more than I needed to shave. Besides, most women like a little stubble. Hopefully, it would prove irresistible to Jenny.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect today. Should I go wake her up with a kiss? Or maybe more? I was at the top of my game now…rested and ready to go the distance. We could be a few minutes late.
I brushed my teeth and dressed, then spent a few minutes getting my hair just right. I wasn't girly about it, but I liked my hair to have just the right level of planned casualness…a sort of tousled effect. I stared critically at my image in the mirror. My hair was thick and such a dark shade of brown that it looked black. It wasn't short, but not really long, partially covering my ears and almost to the collar of my t-shirt.
It was my eyes that were my most striking feature. They were a startling light blue, almost the color of those crystal blue ice cliffs in Alaska. I had always thought they were unique…until I met Killeen, Tulsa, Liberty and Dallas. Apparently, it was the one physical feature we had all inherited from Roger…and it was the identifier that had confirmed our place in this unusual family of ours.
My face wasn't GQ elegant like Dallas’, but I had been told by plenty of women…and a few men…that it was more ruggedly handsome with square jaws and a nose that had just the smallest bump that I had earned in a fight with one of my mother’s “dates”. He and I had disagreed on whether or not he had the right to hit my mother. It had been the first time I had faced my own mortality. I knew if I didn't give it all I had that he would beat me senseless or maybe even to death. So, I’d walked away with a broken nose while he had a bloodied eye, missing teeth, a couple broken ribs…and a quick exit out our front door.
I really thought Mom would be grateful, but she lit into me about running off her boyfriend. It had been my first lesson in how much I didn't know about women.
I gave my hair one last flick, then went next door to Jenny’s room. I knocked gently, expecting her to still be asleep. When the door pulled open, and I saw her, completely dressed and wide awake, I struggled to hide my disappointment. “You look rested. Dylan must have left you alone.”
“I fell asleep as soon as I got to bed, and I don’t think I moved at all,” she told me. “I don’t usually get more than five or six hours of sleep a night.”
I was standing just outside her door, and she motioned me to come in.
“I need to talk to you for a second,” she continued.
Of course, I assumed this was an invitation to pick up on our make-out session, so I stepped inside, trying not to look as eager as I felt.
She sucked in a deep breath and continued, “Yesterday night…before Miguel showed up…was…”
I waited. Fantastic. Amazing. Exciting. I tried to guess the word she would use.
“…a mistake,” she stated. “I can’t blame it on those lemonade things because by the time we…uh…you know…I was completely sober.” She gave me an apologetic smile that was really more of a grimace. “I think I was just lonely. I hope you didn't read too much into it.”
“Me? Nah…it was one of those spur-of-the-moment things.” That was what came out of my mouth, but inside my head, it was what the fuck?
Her face relaxed with relief. “Oh, good. I was afraid this would be awkward. Don’t take this wrong, but you’re not really my type. I’m more into the clean-cut, preppie types, and you’re…well…sort of wild and have all the show biz stuff going on.”
“Sure, I get it.” But I didn't get it at all. She had stolen my line. Jenny wasn't my type. She wore her hair too short, she had never experienced life outside of Austin and she was too much of a workaholic. The twinkle in her eyes, the perfect voluptuous body and the tempting curve of her lips had temporarily distracted me.
“Whew!” I said with pretended gratitude. “I’m glad we got that settled.” I glanced at the door, as anxious to escape as I had been to knock on it just a few minutes ago. “I think I smell breakfast. John’s an amazing cook.”
“Good. I’m starving.”
She brushed past me and headed down the hallway. I followed, but I felt like I had just been hit by a truck. That wasn't at all the way I had expected today to go.
Kathy Clark’s 23 women’s fiction (romance) novels have sold over 3 million copies in more than 10 languages and have been on the New York Times’ bestsellers’ list and won her numerous awards.
In September 2012 she launched a new suspense series, Denver After Dark centered on three brothers, one a cop, one a firefighter and one a paramedic. The first book, After Midnight has been named as the Best Indie Suspense of 2013 and won a prestigious 2013 Readers’ Favorite Suspense Award. Cries in the Night is Book #2 in the Series and Deep Night, Book #3 will be released in Fall, 2014.
Also in 2012 Kathy teamed up with her husband Bob Wernly to write a Young Adult Time Travel Mystery/Romance series called CUL8R (See You Later) under the pen name of Bob Kat. Book #1 OMG (Oh My God), when they go back to 1966 to save a girl’s life, was released in October, 2012 and was named as the Best Indie Young Adult Suspense of 2013 and was a Beverly Hills Book Awards finalist. Book #2 BRB (Be Right Back), when they travel back to 1980, recently won First Place in the Readers’ Favorite Young Adult Awards 2013. Book #3 BION (Believe It Or Not), when they go back to 1927 and join a circus to save a boy, was just released in July, 2013. All three books in this series have received rave reviews and 4 and 5 star ratings. Book #4 RIP (Rest in Peace), a ghost story set at the famous Stanley Hotel in 1911 will be released in January, 2014. Kathy and Bob also wrote Life’s What Happens, a fictionalized version of his fraternity days at Kent State University in 1970 that mixes the drama of senior year with the first military draft lottery, the Vietnam war and the Kent State shootings. This novel was named as a finalist in the Best Indie Mainstream Book of 2013 Awards.
Kathy and Bob also write a New Adult series called Scandals with the first book Due Dates and the second book Killer Date scheduled for August, 2014. Book #3 Worst Date Ever will be out in 2015.
Kathy is currently a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America and was on the board of directors of national RWA and Colorado Romance Writers for several years. Her books and screenplays have won numerous awards, including top honors from Romantic Times, Colorado Romance Writer of the Year, two RITAs and several film festival screenwriting competitions. When not writing, she and Bob love to travel, hang out on beaches, spend time with their five sons, go to movies or just play with their dogs and their turtles.
Her complete list of books and awards go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathy_Clark_(American_author)
Review - Stirring Up Trouble by Kimberly Kincaid
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Looking for inspiration...
Sloane Russo's turned a decade of crazy jobs and whimsical travel into a career writing steamy novels set in exotic places. Trouble is, Sloane's flat broke now—and she can't channel sun-drenched beaches in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The only fast cash in town comes with some seriously distracting temptation: Gavin Carmichael, hot, handsome and oh-so-hard-headed.
Gavin isn't the impulsive Don Juan of Sloane's novels. He's raising his thirteen-year-old half-sister, and he's pretty sure he's supposed to act like he's never heard of fun. Sloane is way too sexy and irresponsible to be his idea of a good tutor for Bree, but the unpredictable anti-nanny may be irresistible as well...
What a fun read this was! I just loved how quirky Sloane was and how controlled Gavin was, and it was a whole lot of fun watching the sparks fly between the two of them.
Sloane was a great heroine who was determined to be true to who she was – even if her family thinks she is a bit crazy and unstable and she is prone to a bit of wanderlust. Her unconventional career as a romance writer hasn't helped her find stability, which only feeds her families opinions.
Gavin has had to step in to care for his teenage sister after his mother has passed away. The new pressures and stress in his life leave little time for fun, but when Sloane enters the picture to help him out by tutoring and acting as a temporary babysitter for his sister Bree, she has a way of making him lose control.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the first two in the series – jumping in at book 3 was no problem – and am looking forward to more! I just love small town romances and this little community seems to have a wonderful cast of characters with lots of personality and color that should make for more great stories. I’m not usually a fan of a younger character having such a big role in a book, but I really loved Bree and the added dimension she brought to the story. Her relationship with not only her brother, but also with Sloane, was very “real”, and it was so touching to watch her rebuild her relationship with her brother.
This is a definite must read!
I received this book from NetGalley to read and leave an honest review.
Cover Reveal - Sessions by Kailin Gow
I'm Mark Sessions, Dr. of Psychology, Sex Therapist and Former Mr. Body, also an entrepreneur who made millions from owning a health supplement company. I have a practice in Seattle where I am a therapist. They call me the Sex Shrink of Seattle. Women call me Sex on Legs. I'm an expert on sex because I get plenty of it, and I know a whole lot about it. I'm also on TV as an expert on sex therapy when the whole Fifty Shades thing became big so now my business is exploding with women wanting to learn how to break free of being prudes. Problem is, I'm in a rut myself. It's not exciting for me anymore, until SHE walked through my door and propped herself down on my sofa. Who knew SHE would be taking lessons from me, but she is, and now she may be the one teaching me a thing or two. For mature audience.
Kailin Gow's life is sometimes more fascinating and stranger than fiction, which is being chronicled in a feature film based on a treatment optioned and in development for a release date of 2018. (IMDB.com - The Colorful Worlds of Kailin Gow 2018). Her true life experiences as a world traveler where she has traveled to over 25 countries, logging hundreds of thousands of miles, absorbing the cultures and collecting stories relating to places and the romance of the land, and incidents in her personal life, has inspired her to write and publish over 170 books with over 30 series.
She is noted as an indie pioneer, as one of the first to publish in 2001. Breaking stereotypes, her books has crossed traditional and indie lines, gaining recognition in schools and libraries, as well as the indie community. Her action adventure young adult fantasy series, The Frost Series, an ALA YALSA Reader's Choice Nominated book series - had been optioned by an international film company and is currently in development as a game and a film at http://www.facebook.com/thefrostseries. Five of her fantasy/action adventure series have been optioned to be made into worldwide games.
Kailin Gow has been known in The World Journal, an international newspaper, to be a phenomenon. She was profiled on the homepage of Amazon.com as an Author Success Story who overcame personal obstacles to become a bestselling author, appeared as one of Amazon's top authors for the Kindle Fire launch release, and is one of the earliest indie authors who have sold over a million books. She writes for Fast Company as a publishing expert, had appeared on a major network Television News as a bestselling author who writes fiction and non-fiction with a social conscious, and has made speeches and appearances across the U.S. and on top 15 national radio regarding self-esteem and issues relating to women.
Kailin Gow was an invited speaker and signing author at Book Expo America (BEA)2014.
Having experienced bullying firsthand and slander as a woman, Kailin Gow is an active advocate against bullying in the workplace and in schools. She has written Shy Girls Social Club Handbook Against Bullying and has helped launch Stories for Amanda where all proceeds go towards the Amanda Todd Foundation against bullying. She has written several books with the theme of abuse towards women and children, especially the steamy international bestselling The Protégé Series, which launched a book club initiative in battered women's shelters and won The Indie Excellence Awards at NIEA for Erotica in 2014.
She holds a Masters Degree in Communications Management from The University of Southern California, and degrees in Drama and Social Ecology.
She resides in the American West with her husband and daughter, but had lived for a decade in Texas, and briefly in England. Besides being a full-time author, she volunteers for many organizations, is active in church helping build homes for the homeless and visit orphanages. A voracious reader, when she is not writing, she loves reading an entire series in one sitting! She spends way too much time on Facebook than she is supposed to at http://www.facebook.com/kailingowbooks, but loves meeting new people from all walks of life.
She has over 30 Series, written under Kailin Gow, and more under her middle grade, women's fiction, and mystery pen names:
***For 16 and up***
The Frost Series - COMPLETED. Bitter Frost Series Consists of 8 full-length novels.
The Wolf Fey Series - COMPLETED. Consists of 2 full-length novels and one novella.
Fairy Rose Chronicles - age 13 and up.
The PULSE Series - Next Book - Blood Ring (PULSE #9), releasing due to readers' demand to continue the series. Consists of 9 full-length novels and one novella.
FADE Series - COMPLETED. ALL Full-length novels.
DESIRE Series - All Full-length novels. Last Book, FRENZY - 2015.
Fire Wars Series - All Full-length novels.
Alchemists Academy - All Full-length novels.
Wordwick Games - All Full-length novels.
Wicked Woods Series - COMPLETED. Consists of 5 full-length novels.
Steampunk Scarlett - All Full-length novels.
The Phantom Diaries - All Full-length novels. Last Book, DARK VICTORY - 2015.
Stoker Sisters - All Full-length novels. Last Book, SISTER OF THE STRIGOIS - 2015.
Beyond Crystal River - 2015 NEW SERIES.
SHADES - 2015 NEW SERIES. This is a high concept psychological thriller.
***For 18 and up (New Adult/Coming of Age)***
Loving Summer - All full-length novels.
The Donovan Brothers - All full-length novels.
Saving You Saving Me (You & Me Trilogy)- COMPLETED. Consists of 3 Full-length novels.
Never Knights - COMPLETED. Consists of 3 Full-length novels.
Rock Hard Love Hard - 1st book, Rock Hard Love Hard is now Available.
Sawyer House Chronicles (Spin-off of You & Me Trilogy) - Coming in 2015
Canvas - Coming in 2015
***For 18 and up (Adult/Steamy Romance)***
The Protege - COMPLETED. 3 Full-length novels.
Master Chefs - COMPLETED. Consists of 3 Full-length novels.
The Blue Room (Spin-off of Never Knights Trilogy) - Romantic Suspense.
Barely Legal (Spin-off of The Protégé) - Romantic Suspense.
The Oyster House - Artistic Romantic Thriller set in Hong Kong and England.
- Coming in 2015.
For information on the series, new series and new book releases, contests, appearances, KG-Convergences, and more, sign up at http://www.KailinGowBooks.com.
Cover Reveal & Giveaway - The Husband Beside Me by Evangelene
"I’m getting married to him. I’m marrying the man I despise, the man that as much as I try not to be, I’m drawn to; lost in his power over me, lost in this indescribable feeling, that is between us. Now I’ll have to be with him, in his home, in his world as his wife."
Addie has dived into the world of Daimon Evans, becoming his wife in every aspect, safe one. Can Addie fight the bond they are now creating? Or will Addie give into the devil she calls Daimon?
Daimon has his demons that lurk behind his calm and ruthless veneer, what will Addie do when she finally sees them for herself?
Note from the Author: This is a dysfunctional love and hate trilogy that involves emotional blackmail and a few other situations that the one wouldn't do to the person they liked or loved. Addie and Daimon do what they do under the guise of a love that hurts so good. Happy Reading.
Part of the proceeds of this book will go to
http://www.ccfa.org
http://www.crohnsandcolitis.ca
“No,” I said feeling more of his warm cum seeping out of me. I moved away from him to get to the bathroom, but he seized my hand and pulled me back. He then placed his hands on either side of my face and made me look at him.
“I’m a greedy man Addie. Once I have what I want, I want more of it and you are what I want. My need for you is a lot greater than you know.” His deep voice reverberated inside me, as I stood there thoroughly fucked by Daimon. I tried to move my face but he held on.
“Haven’t you realized it yet? You don’t hesitate anymore. You want my touch. You want this. So why can’t you just let it happen?” he bit out.
“Because I hate you,” I snapped. “I hate how much you pull me into your world. I hate how much I seek it out now!” I cried out.
“Is it that bad? Being pulled in by me? Why can’t you just let it happen? Why do you need to fight what’s between us?” he said roughly.
“Because I can’t!” I fired back.
“Why?” he demanded.
“Because I’m scared. I’m scared of you, of me, of us,” I shouted.
Daimon finally released me from his hold. I pulled down my skirt and headed away to the bathroom. I closed the door, wanting to sever what was happening between us.
Evangelene was born and raised in Montreal Canada. She currently lives with her husband who at times drives her nuts. She has been studying Classical Civilization and Linguistics at Concordia University for over ten years. The pull of the ancient world was too great for her to let go, so she continues her education to feel closer to the world she identifies with.
She reads nonstop, devouring books like its food, loving the feeling of being lost in a world that another author has created.
Evangelene started writing her stories ten years ago to express and bring to life all the wonderful characters that inhabit her imagination. She writes for herself and invites readers to join her journey.
Book Tour & Giveaway - That's a Promise by Victoria Klahr
Pain isn't new to me.
I've been to hell only to find it never really leaves when you get back. It haunts me through nightmares, unrequited love, lies, broken hearts, and now death.
A monster almost took my life.
My best friend carries half my soul a world away.
My boyfriend broke my heart but refuses to let me go.
And my father is dead.
I don’t believe in fate and I don’t believe in happily-ever-afters, but for some reason, I still hope.
Live, even with a tainted spirit.
Long for my other half to come back to me.
Risk another broken heart, just to feel loved again.
And refuse to let another horror break me.
In the face of my most recent tragedy, I have to decide whether forgiveness is something I can give. But even if that’s an option, can I be forgiven?
September 2009
WHEN WE GOT OUTSIDE, Blake grabbed me and led me towards the wall where he caged me with a hand on either side of my head. He was breathing heavily, and for a moment neither of us said anything. Our breaths combined as if they weren't coming from either of us— as if we were one breathing being. He moved his hand to my face, traced down my cheek, and cupped my jaw.
“That was so stupid and reckless,” he said, anger and awe mixing in his tone.
He moved his fingers to softly trace my lips, and rested his other hand at the small of my back. His fingers grazed over the skin between my shirt and shorts, raising goose bumps all along my skin. It felt like I had been shocked and then reawakened with raw passion. With a gentle tug, he pulled my hips right into his.
“It was also the sexiest fucking thing I have ever seen.”
He crushed his lips against mine, and I moaned at the ferocity of the moment. I moved my arms to wrap around his neck and pressed my chest to his so we were as close together as we could be. My bottom lip was trapped between his. The light touch of his tongue hinted at more.
He grabbed the back of my head and put his other hand on the wall so he could grind his hips even harder against mine. I could feel how much he wanted me, and desire flooded me. With every lick of his tongue against mine, I could picture that same pressure against other parts of my body.
I moved my hands to rub his arms and his muscles tightened underneath my touch. Please, touch me more. My heart thudded and I arched my back, desperate. Blake moved the hand that had been in my long hair down my neck, and touched the cleavage that was spilling from the top of my shirt. He ran his hand down my ribs and then went under my blue top, to touch my bare skin. His hand, splayed against my stomach, made the heat that was building inside of me turn into a wildfire. I let out a loud moan, but I was too distracted by his lips to be embarrassed.
He pushed me harder against the wall and started trailing kisses and licks down the side of my neck. When the bricks scraped against the skin of my back, I was brought back to reality by the agonizing torment that would follow me around like a grim reaper looking for death.
With a hand around my throat, stopping my screams, he pushed my dress up to my neck.
“You make a noise, and I won’t let you get out of this alive. No one is coming for you, sweetheart,” he growled. He shoved me back against the brick wall. My bare skin scraped against the brick and blood trickled down my raw skin.
I gasped and pulled away from Blake. His brows knit in confusion, but once he got a look at my panic-stricken face, he backed away from me.
“We… I… no more.” I couldn't catch my breath and fought to calm the intense emotions that consumed me. I was rocking back and forth when I felt Blake slide down next to me. I don’t know how he knew, but he didn't touch me and I was grateful. His presence was enough. There were no tears. There hadn't been any tears since that night.
After a few minutes I calmed down enough to sit back against the wall. Blake rested with his knees pulled up, arms bent, and face in his hands. He looked up at me, and the anguish almost broke my heart.
“I’m s-,” he began.
“I’m so sor-” I said at the same time. “Blake, there’s a lot you still don’t know about me. I’m sorry I freaked out.” I looked back over at him and he sat up straighter and creased his brows together.
“Don’t ever say you’re sorry for wanting to stop or for needing a freak out moment. I will never force you to do something you don’t want to.”
I nodded, and felt a little better hearing his words. I wasn't ready to delve into the reasons behind my change in mood. It was enough to know that he understood, and wasn't going to press me for anything more than I was willing to give him.
Victoria Klahr (pronounced “Claire”) lives in Elizabeth City, North Carolina with her husband and daughter, Stephen and Alexis. She loves her chug (Pug/Chihuahua), Bandit, and daughter to pieces. She is a huge and proud book nerd who looks at her bookshelf in admiration daily. When she’s not daydreaming about book boyfriends and fantasizing about being a badass heroine like Rose Hathaway, she’s busy doing schoolwork for her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and writing the stories that speak to her in her head. She loves peanut butter with Oreos, good friends, amazing gossip, driving in the middle of merge lanes, comedies, crude humor, pretending like she can dance, pretending like she can kick major ass, and a really, really good laugh.
Release Blitz & Giveaway - Something Like Redemption by Monica James
Some secrets are best left untold...
Mia Lee escaped to the sleepy little town of South Boston, Virginia with the intent to be normal, and to find a place she could call home.
Sadly for Mia, her past has come back with a vengeance, and forced her to flee yet again.
This time, however, she’s not alone…
Mia and Quinn are on the run, fleeing for their lives, while attempting to prove their innocence for a crime they did not commit.
But with a tainted past like Mia’s, it was inevitable that one day, it was going to catch up to her in a way she never fathomed.
One ill-fated decision leads to an explosion of unimaginable events, and now Mia and Quinn are not only running for their lives, but also, for their redemption.
Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare and Emily Dickinson.
When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two.
She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers, and her inspiration comes from every day life. She is an Amazon best selling author in the US, UK, Canada and Australia.
Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals.
She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.
Double Release Day Blitz & Giveaway - Bittersweet Duet Series by Melissa Jane
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Little Doll
Bittersweet Duet Book One
Release Date: August 11, 2014
Laila had already overcome many heartbreaking obstacles in her twenty-five years… but none compared to this. With her brother missing and no other family to speak of, Laila has no idea of the evil that shadows her every move. Now in the hands of a notorious cartel family, she quickly learns that trust and betrayal are a deadly mix.
Aiden had a plan. One that was operating smoothly until Laila surfaced in his father’s mansion. With time against him, he must work night and day to right the wrongs that threaten to expose his ultimate betrayal.
Juan and Aiden share many differences, but the one thing that threatens to tear their family apart is the one thing they want to claim as their own, no matter what the costs.
This series continues with Part Two: Crimson Desert (Bittersweet Duet)
WARNING: This book contains violence, and sexual themes. Intended for readers 18+
“Please don’t let him come near me again,” I sobbed, sitting forward. I knew it sounded like I was pleading and I was at peace with that. Maybe he could be further swayed into helping me.
“If I had stayed, he would not have laid a finger on you to begin with and he knows it.” There was sincerity in his words as his eyes met mine. “Like I said, it won’t happen again.”
Aiden reached over to the basin and grabbed a washcloth. Submerging it into the bath, he wrung out the excess water and, cupping my chin, gently wiped the tears and mascara from my cheeks. I closed my eyes and allowed the heavenly warm water to caress my skin. I relished Aiden’s soft hands that made me want to melt into them and his breath sweet on my face. Perhaps the stark comparison between the touch of both men was playing tricks on my mind.
My eyes shot open to find him staring intently back, a faint frown marring his features. Our faces were no more than eight inches apart and an unfamiliar magnetic pull existed between us.
Aiden cleared his throat and pulled his eyes away from mine, a sense of discomfort settling between us.
“Has there been any news about my brother?” I asked, aiming to be more professional in this game of kidnapping while struggling to ignore the vibes between us.
Aiden’s head snapped to face mine, this time I knew the look of reproach was directed at me. I watched, feeling slightly reprimanded as he tossed the washcloth on the tub edge and turned to the towel rack to dry his hands.
“I have to go,” he said coldly, his tone a stark contrast from moments earlier. It felt like a slap in the face from a man I was beginning to place my trust in. It was a foolish notion.
I was the fool.
Crimson Desert
Bittersweet Duet Book Two
Release Date: October 16, 2014
Now back across the border, LAILA realizes that all had not been as it seemed at the Florez mansion. Learning to trust the man she wanted dead was going to take time. Time was not on her side.
For AIDEN, the damage was done. There was no going back. Except for one thing… revenge.
Giving up was never an option for JUAN. Not even now when everything had changed. He lived and breathed the thrill of the chase and this time the end prize was too great to lose.
This is a dark story where the taste for love and revenge clash in the most unforgiving ways.
“We are only a few men against hundreds who are happy to see us all die, even though they have never met us. They have never even met Hector or Juan, yet they would do almost anything for them. It’s hard to compete against that. All things considered, we have done well to stay alive.”
Danny was right and I had only made it harder for Aiden to look out for me. “So what happens next?”
“What did Juan say to you when we were shooting at him?”
“That he would come back for me. That I belonged to him and that he would be watching everything I do.”
“Do you believe him?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Cos he has done well so far.”
Danny looked to window lost in contemplation. “We go after him.”
“What? That’s crazy.”
He looked back to me, not a hint of humor in his chocolate brown eyes. “Not crazy. It’s survival. We can’t keep running forever. The whole goal was to keep you safe and out of harm’s way, then go back for the kill.”
“Kill?” This had never been mentioned before.
“Aiden wants Juan’s blood and he will stop at nothing.”
A recent bloomer in the writing world, Melissa Jane has delved into a complex world where light and dark clash in unforgivable ways. Romanticism takes on darker influences while malevolence attempts to interfere with courage. Jane knows no boundaries when it comes to discovering the endless personalities that exist within our world. No one is exempt from love, not even those condemned to a life of pain and betrayal where revenge is the only safe passage to true freedom.
