Excerpt, Interview & Giveaway! Cage of Deceit, Reign of Secrets #1 by Jennifer Anne Davis

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Jennifer Anne Davis’ best-selling True Reign series captivated readers from the very first page. Now, get ready to become entangled in the follow-up series, Reign of Secrets. In this new series, follow Allyssa, the daughter of the beloved Emperor Darmik and Empress Rema— and find out what happens after happily ever after.

Seventeen-year-old Allyssa appears to be the ideal princess of Emperion—she’s beautiful, elegant, and refined. She spends her days locked in a suffocating cage, otherwise known as royal court. But at night, Allyssa uses her secret persona—that of a vigilante—to hunt down criminals and help her people firsthand.

Unfortunately, her nightly escapades will have to wait because the citizens of Emperion may need saving from something much bigger than common criminals. War is encroaching on their country and in order to protect her people, Allyssa may have to sacrifice her heart. Forced to entertain an alliance through marriage with a handsome prince from a neighboring kingdom, she finds herself feeling even more stifled than before. To make matters worse, the prince has stuck his nosy squire, Jarvik, to watch her every move.

Jarvik is infuriating, bossy and unfortunately, the only person she can turn to when she unveils a heinous plot. Together, the unlikely pair will have to work together to stop an enemy that everyone thought was long gone, one with the power to destroy her family and the people ofEmperion. Now the cage Allyssa so longed to break free from might just be the one thing she has to fight to keep intact. In order to save her kingdom, she will have to sacrifice her freedom, her heart, and maybe even her life.

Allyssa despised sparring in a dress. However, that was the way her father had taught her to fight. He said if someone attacked her, she would be in a gown, so she had to be able to maneuver in heavy fabric.

“Faster,” Marek instructed. “You’re not focusing.”

She wanted to growl because he was right, she was too distracted. Putting all thoughts of the pretty prince out of her mind, she gave Marek her full attention. He swung his sword, hitting hers near the hilt, making her drop it. Not intending to lose their match so easily, she twisted and came in close to him. When he went to grab her, she rammed her elbow into his stomach. He hunched over and she yanked him down, slamming her knee into his face.

He dropped his sword.

“I win,” she declared.

Catching his breath, he wiped his forehead. “You seem to have gained a few new moves.” Not a question.

“Perhaps,” was all she said in reply. The training room was lined with her personal guards. She knew her father didn’t want her practicing—he’d rather she prepare for the ball. But in order to make it through dinner and dancing, she had to release her anger and frustration.

Marek took their wooden swords and put them back on the rack.

“I’m not ready to return to my rooms.” She still felt off balance and unsettled.

He glanced to the door where Mayra and Madelin were waiting for her. “I need to go over some security details with my father,” Marek stated.

“Then go.” She waved him away. “I’ll only be a few more minutes.”

He briefly spoke with the guards before he said, “Your Highness,” and left.

As soon as he was gone, she put leather gloves on and went to the hay figure secured to the wall. Taking a deep breath, she started punching it, imagining the dummy was the prince. Smiling, she started hitting it harder and faster, allowing all of her aggression to evaporate.

Someone started clapping, and she spun around about to yell at whoever had interrupted her.

Prince Odar stood there with a smirk.

“What are you doing here?” she demanded, wiping the sweat off her forehead with her arm. He was accompanied by two of his soldiers and the squire she noticed earlier in the Throne Room.

He clicked his tongue. “A testy remark from someone so delicate and lovely.”

Her eyes narrowed. She was dirty, smelly, and certainly not the picture of a princess at the moment. The squire clasped his hands behind his back, staring daggers at her. He must not approve of a woman who could take care of herself, knew how to fight, and who dared to sweat. She hated him almost as much as she hated the prince.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness,” she said, trying to keep the detest from her voice. “Please excuse me, I must prepare for this evening.”

Mayra rushed forward and placed a cloak upon Allyssa’s shoulders. The princess yanked the hood up, concealing herself so no one from the court would see her all sweaty. She swept out of the room, not looking back. She could have sworn she heard the prince chuckling as she hurried down the corridor.

“Why didn’t you use the opportunity to speak with the prince?” Mayra asked, trying to keep up. “He obviously sought you out.”

Allyssa’s eyes sliced over to her lady-in-waiting. “Because,” she snapped, “I don’t want to talk to someone who flatters with pointless words.”

Mayra laughed. “He is rather charming.”

“He appears to be exactly as a prince should,” Allyssa said. “And I have no interest in princes.”

“Aiming a bit higher?”

“No,” Allyssa replied. “I’m aiming for someone a bit more real.”

What do you feel about the number '13'?

When I was in high school, the first date I had with my now husband, was on Friday the thirteenth! So instead of being freaked out over the number, I love it!! 

What's the best thing that happened after your book was published?

I love receiving messages from my readers telling me that my book has touched their lives. There’s nothing better than that!

Do you read reviews of your books?

Always. I want to know what my readers think. If they liked the story, I want to know why so I can make sure I keep doing it!! However, if there was a problem or something they didn’t like, I want to know so I don’t make the same mistake twice!

What is your best or most unforgettable moment with a fan?

I had a girl come up to me, in tears, saying that my book helped her get through some stuff she was dealing with personally. (My book deals with sexual assault, so hearing that I helped someone is beyond words.)

Share us one embarrassing moment you've had.

There’s been so many . . . how to choose only one? 

Favorite color? Blue

Favorite movie? Pride and Prejudice 

Favorite ice cream flavor? Mint Chip

Favorite song? Christina Perri, A Thousand Years

Jennifer graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. Afterwards, she married her best friend and high school sweetheart. Jennifer is currently a full-time writer and mother of three young children. Her days are spent living in imaginary worlds and fueling her own kids’ creativity.

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Release Day Blitz! Excerpt & Giveaway! Heart-Shaped Hack, Kate and Ian #1 by Tracey Garvis Graves

 

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When Kate Watts abandoned her law career to open a food pantry in Northeast Minneapolis, she never dreamed it would be this difficult. Facing the heartbreaking prospect of turning hungry people away, she is grateful for the anonymous donations that begin appearing at the end of each month. Determined to identify and thank her secret benefactor, she launches a plan and catches Ian —a charismatic hacker with a Robin Hood complex—in the act. Ian intrigues Kate in a way no man ever has. But after learning he’s snooped around on her personal computer, she demands retribution. Impressed with her tolerance and captivated by her spirit, he complies and begins to slowly charm his way past her defenses. Time spent with Ian is never boring, and Kate soon finds herself falling for the mysterious hacker. But Ian has enemies and they’re growing restless. In the hacking world, exploiting a target’s weakness is paramount, and no price is too high to stop an attack. And when Kate learns exactly how much Ian has paid, she’ll discover just how strong her love is for the man who has hacked his way into her heart.

“Oh, hi,” she said. “Imagine running into you here.” “This is quite a coincidence.” “It’s not a coincidence at all. I knew you were following me.” “You did not.” “I spotted you hiding behind the plant when I walked into the bank. Plus I could smell your perfume as soon as I stepped out here.” “Did you”—she used her fingers to make little air quotes—“appropriate money from this bank?” she whispered. “Of course not. I do all my work from the Batcave. Believe it or not, I actually bank here. I was just signing some papers.” Kate had never seen a man look so utterly scrumptious while wearing glasses. There was something about the combination of his hair, his scruff, and the semi-rimless designer frames that made him irresistible. “Are the glasses a disguise? Because I totally knew it was you.” “The glasses are real. I often suffer from eyestrain since I spend so much time on the computer, and I was up late last night, working.” “They make you look very smart.” She took a moment to imagine how his scruff would feel rubbing against her skin if he were to kiss her. “I am smart, but I think you mean devastatingly handsome. More so than normal, that is.” “You’re so humble.” “Ready?” He walked to the door and held it open for her. “Yes.” “Follow me.” He looked at her and laughed. “That shouldn’t be a problem for you.” They took the elevator to the basement, and when the doors opened to the parking garage, Kate followed Ian to a row of cars. He stopped beside one and pulled a set of keys from his pocket. She gasped. Ian smiled. “It’s a—” “1964 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe.” “’65. But color me impressed.” “My brother Chad was obsessed with this car. He used to have a poster of it on his bedroom wall. There were only six built between 1964 and 1965.” “A bit rare indeed.” The last authentic Shelby had sold at auction for around seven million. Ian’s was obviously a replica, of which there were quite a few, but it was still a very notable vehicle with a price tag that started in the low six figures. “Helena called it an old blue car.” He grinned, looking contemplative. “Technically, that is correct.” Kate could not resist running her hand lightly over the Guardsman Blue paint and the white racing stripes on the hood. The Shelby was unmistakably race-car-like in appearance with its aerodynamic design and unique body style. Chad was going to be so jealous. “For someone who values his privacy, isn’t this a bit ostentatious?” “How so?” “Rakishly handsome playboy who makes grand philanthropic gestures and drives a flashy car. Any of this ringing a bell?” “Rakishly handsome playboy?” “Well, if the Prada loafer fits. Wouldn’t you fly under the radar more easily in, say, a Ford Focus?” she asked. “A Ford Focus? You want me to tool around town in a Ford Focus? Jesus, would I still have my balls?” “No, they cut them off when they hand you the keys. Of course you’d still have your balls. What kind of question is that? This conversation has gotten way off track.” “You mean because we started out talking about my car and now we’re talking about my balls?” “Are we?” “I believe so.” “Maybe we should go back to talking about your car.” “You want to drive it, don’t you?” “Why would I want to drive your car?” “Why wouldn’t you want to drive my car? Can you handle a stick shift?” “Yes, and rather competently I might add.” “That’s an enormous turn-on. Truly.” She pretended not to hear him. “This is not a good car for Minnesota winters.” “Horrible, I agree. My other car has four-wheel drive, but it’s not nearly as fun to operate as this one.” Ian dangled the keys in front of her. He was right. Kate was dying to drive his car and couldn’t wait to see how it handled. She took the keys, opened the door, and reached over to unlock the passenger side for Ian. They belted up, and she started the car. “Please note that I’m already making good on my promise, Katie. Because I assure you, driving this car will be the opposite of boring.”

Tracey Garvis Graves is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. Her debut novel, On the Island, spent 9 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, has been translated into twenty-seven languages, and is in development with MGM and Temple Hill Productions for a feature film. She is also the author of Uncharted, Covet, Every Time I Think of You, and Cherish.

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Book Promo! Not Always a Saint, The Lost Lords #7 by Mary Jo Putney

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After the death of his sweetheart when he was at university, Daniel Herbert buried his grief in medical studies and his passion for healing. Viewed as a saint by those who know him, in his own mind he never quite manages to live up to his own high standards.

Most men would be thrilled to learn they’ve inherited a title and estate from a distant relative, but Daniel is appalled because the burden of wealth will interfere with his medical calling. Warily he accepts that he must enter society and seek a wife—a sensible woman who can oversee his properties, leaving him free to continue his work. He does not expect to become intoxicated by a woman called the Black Widow, who is as mysterious as she is shockingly beautiful…

Jessie Kelham’s looks have always been a curse. Now alone with a young daughter and a perilous secret, she is in need of protection. But dangerously attractive Daniel Herbert is not the kind of husband she has in mind. If he recognizes her, the demons of her past will surely erupt. Yet they cannot keep apart—and soon they are drawn into a union that may bring joy—or shattering danger…

Daniel Herbert, brother of Laurel, the heroine of Not Quite a Wife, was shocked and not pleased to learn that he inherited a title and property from a distant cousin. A dedicated surgeon who runs a free clinic, he has no desire to become a landed gentleman, so what he needs is a wife who is an experienced manager. Reluctantly he goes to London to find such a woman. His sister and her husband, Lord and Lady Kirkland, undertake to introduce him to society. Daniel's brows arched as they joined a line of coaches waiting to discharge passengers at the Mayfair townhouse. "Are you sure this rout is necessary?" His sister laughed. "An hour spent here will simplify your life later. You'll have a chance to be seen and to meet others. Once it's known that you're an eligible lord, you'll be receiving invitations to every fashionable function in town." "Kirkland warned me about that," Daniel said dourly as their carriage stopped in front of the townhouse. A footman opened the door and flipped down the steps. "I'm beginning to wish I'd refused Kirkland's excellent tailor and worn my unfashionable Bristol attire instead. Looking shabby might give some of the huntresses pause." "Since you're titled and eligible, you could wear untanned bear skins and be considered delightfully original rather than unsuitable," Laurel said with amusement. "James and I will defend you if necessary, but I've seldom seen you lose your composure under any circumstances." "You don't want to look shabby and provincial," Kirkland remarked. "Superb tailoring is a kind of armor because people see your surface, not the real you. Better to appear worldly and formidable rather than vulnerable." Intrigued, Daniel asked, "Is that why you're always so impeccably turned out? Yes, of course it is. You're hiding in plain sight." "And very effective it is." Kirkland climbed from the carriage, then turned to assist Laurel, who was graceful in a flowing green silk gown that only hinted at her pregnancy. "I've learned to do the same," Laurel said seriously. "If I dress like a countess, few people will look more closely. Tonight you look intimidatingly grand and rather unapproachable. Not like easy prey." Daniel's mouth quirked as he joined them at the entrance to the house. "You're making me feel like a sheep being tossed into the middle of a wolf pack." "If so, you're a sheep with well-developed defenses," his sister said with a smile. "But it won't be that bad. You can eliminate the misses just out of the school room right away since most would bore you senseless. But you'll meet young women who are more mature. Or you might find a suitable widow who knows more of the world." "I'm keeping my expectations low," Daniel said as a footman admitted them to the crowded foyer. "If I meet a woman who can run the Romayne properties and leave me free to practice medicine, I may make her an offer on the spot." Laurel shook her head. "I do hope that reality makes a hash of your sober intentions." Kirkland laughed. "That so often happens. I was sure I wouldn't marry until I was old, over thirty, until I met you. But I think Daniel is more likely than most to keep his head despite the social whirl." Daniel agreed. Low expectations. All he needed was a pleasant, honest, capable woman with whom he might have a family. Children. He glanced at his sister's expanding waistline. He knew how much she wanted this baby, and he was startled to realize how intensely he wanted children himself. He'd been too busy to consider that in the past, but now--the time to start a family had arrived. If he didn't do it now, he'd slide into permanent bachelorhood. Daniel's tension increased as they joined the receiving line, the three of them one small part of a flowing mass of chattering people. Shyness wasn't part of his nature. In Bristol, he moved easily in every rank of society. But this was a new phase of life, one he wasn't yet reconciled to. The main drawing room was packed almost solid with chattering humanity. Elaborate chandeliers added to the heat and the atmosphere was thick with the scents of bodies and perfumes. Laurel said grandly, "Daniel, welcome to the lion's den!" He laughed. "The Biblical Daniel survived, and so shall I. Though I'd prefer real lions. They're cats, after all, and I like cats." "Lions are more benign than some of the guests here," Kirkland observed. "There are refreshments in the room to the right, but the tables will be mobbed and there's better food at home. I advise moving steadily toward the exit at the far end. Along the way, we'll introduce you to anyone we know. Once we reach the exit, we can escape." "A good plan," Daniel replied as he wondered how long it would take to move through the crowd. Unfortunately, Kirkland knew everyone, which made their progress slow. Daniel was impressed at how confidently his quiet, reserved sister moved among the chattering masses. She'd grown comfortable in her role as a countess. She'd also been right that this crowded, noisy rout would be a good place to meet London society. Daniel was introduced to politicians, dandies, social leaders, and those who apparently cultivated eccentricity as a way of life. As with Lord Childe, the politicians tried to discern his political leanings and females evaluated him for his romantic potential, marital and otherwise. The eccentrics dismissed him as too dull to be competition for creating the next sensation and hence unworthy of attention. Despite the noise and crowding, Daniel enjoyed it more than he expected. He found people endlessly fascinating, whether rich or poor, and this parade of humanity offered entertaining material for study. But he didn't like being an eligible titled gentleman, which was indeed defined as "prey." He found himself automatically retreating into cool detachment. He was polite, but made sure he said nothing that could be construed as encouragement. For tonight, he'd concentrate on memorizing names and faces for future reference. They were barely halfway across the room before he began to cast longing glances toward the exit. At this rate, it would take another hour to reach it. Repressing a sigh, he shook the hand of a man Kirkland had just introduced. The fellow was a member of Parliament from Yorkshire with a blunt, witty way of speaking. They exchanged a few words before moving in different directions, but Daniel was sure they'd meet again and speak at greater length. He mentally rated about forty percent of the people he'd met as interesting and worth knowing better. This promised well for his future time in London. During a brief lull while both Kirkland and Laurel were chatting another couple, Daniel scanned the room. Though his height meant he regularly banged his head when he visited patients in cramped hovels, being tall was an advantage in these circumstances. Was that Lord Castlereagh, the foreign minister, engaged in earnest conversation on the left side of the room? Kirkland would know, and would probably want to introduce them. Daniel was bemused by the fact that the most significant aspect of his unwanted inheritance was not money or property, but the political power that came with a seat in the House of Lords. In some circles, that was more valuable than rubies. He repressed a sigh. Estate management could be delegated to capable stewards, but not his political responsibilities. Britain needed reforming in many areas, and it was being driven home to him that he was in a position to make a difference. His gaze again shifted to the exit where people were trickling out. Most were probably heading to another entertainment. His eyes narrowed. Was that Alexander Randall from the Westerfield Academy? Randall had been a class ahead, but they'd sometimes been confused with each other because of similar height, build, and blond coloring. Given the uneven lighting in the drawing room, Daniel wasn't sure of his identification, but if the man was Randall, he looked a lot happier now than in his student days. He'd planned to enter the army, and Daniel wondered how that had worked out. Kirkland was a classmate of Randall's and presumably would invite the other man to the promised old boys' dinner. Daniel looked forward to catching up on the lives of men he'd known when they were all boys. Daniel started to turn back to Laurel and Kirkland, then paused, his gaze caught by the profile of a woman standing near the exit, mostly surrounded by men. Her glossy dark hair was knotted up to reveal her graceful neck and the ivory perfection of her features. But there were other lovely women here. As he tried to analyze why she caught his attention, she turned a little, bringing her face into the warm light of a chandelier. Coup de foudre. A lightning strike burned through him, paralyzing every fiber of his being. She was truly beautiful, with striking light eyes edged in darkness and a lithe figure what would shatter a stone saint, but what made her stunning was more than physical beauty. She radiated mystery and sensuality. And danger. She looked like original sin--and he craved that promise of reckless passion as intensely as Adam had craved Eve's apple. As his heart hammered in his chest, he knew that he was officially insane. How could the sight of a woman he'd never met affect him so? Then she turned her head further as if she felt his stare, and their gazes locked. Lightning struck again, swift and fierce, setting his heart afire and searing through his veins. She was exactly the sort of woman he didn't need, yet he wanted her. Insane. 

© 2015 Mary Jo Putney

Mary Jo Putney was born in Upstate New York with a reading addiction, a condition for which there is no known cure. After earning degrees in English Literature and Industrial Design at Syracuse University, she did various forms of design work in California and England before inertia took over in Baltimore, Maryland, where she has lived very comfortably ever since.

While becoming a novelist was her ultimate fantasy, it never occurred to her that writing was an achievable goal until she acquired a computer for other purposes. When the realization hit that a computer was the ultimate writing tool, she charged merrily into her first book with an ignorance that illustrates the adage that fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

Fortune sometimes favors the foolish and her first book sold quickly, thereby changing her life forever, in most ways for the better. (“But why didn’t anyone tell me that writing would change the way one reads?”) Like a lemming over a cliff, she gave up her freelance graphic design business to become a full-time writer as soon as possible.

Since 1987, Ms. Putney has published over forty books and counting. Her stories are noted for psychological depth and unusual subject matter such as alcoholism, death and dying, and domestic abuse. She has made all of the national bestseller lists including theNew York Times, Wall Street Journal, USAToday, andPublishers Weekly. Five of her books have been named among the year’s top five romances by The Library Journal, while three were listed in the Top Ten Romances of the year by Booklist, published by the American Library Association.

A ten-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America RITA, she has won RITAs forDancing on the Wind and The Rake and the Reformer and is on the RWA Honor Roll for bestselling authors. She has also been awarded two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards, four NJRW Golden Leaf awards, plus the NJRW career achievement award for historical romance. In 2013 she was awarded the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award.

Though most of her books have been historical romances, she has also published three contemporary romances, several paranormal historicals with strong fantasy elements, a young adult historical fantasy trilogy, and numerous novellas and short stories. She is currently writing the New York Times list bestselling Lost Lords historical romance series for Kensington.

Ms. Putney lives near Baltimore, Maryland with her nearest and dearest, both two and four footed. She says that not least among the blessings of a full-time writing career is that one almost never has to wear pantyhose.

Mary Jo Putney is the recipient of the 2013 RWA Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award

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Promo: Excerpt & Giveaway!! The Vampire, the Hunter, and the Girl (The Vampire and the Hunter Trilogy #1) by Martin Lastrapes

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Adam and Jesus (the vampire and the hunter) have an innate antagonism, which is only heightened once they discover they’re competing for the affections of the same girl. Olivia (the girl) is an aspiring author struggling to write a vampire novel. What none of them yet know is there’s a menacing force looming that will change the course of their lives forever. With the first installment of The Vampire and the Hunter Trilogy, Martin Lastrapes has created a vampire tale that is scary, funny, thrilling, and satisfying to the very last drop.

Chapter Three

The Girl

In a matter of seconds, Olivia was in the sandbox, beneath the jungle gym, cradled in the powerful arms of a handsome man with pale skin and fangs beneath his lips. Her silver crucifix hung from her neck, causing him to yelp in pain as it touched his hand. Yanking it from her neck, he tossed it into the sand, before pressing his lips to her flesh. She moaned as his fangs entered her, blood trickling out. With the moment finally upon her, Olivia found that it didn’t hurt nearly as much as she thought it might—as it so often happens, the anticipation was far worse than the reality. 

It had all begun as such an average day, sleeping in until noon, before going to the donut shop with her roommate, Elowyn. Elowyn was a stripper at Tropical Lei. Olivia also worked at Tropical Lei when she wasn’t working at the Brunswick bowling alley, just down the way from Memorial Park. Elowyn hadn’t slept all night and was up watching TV when Olivia got out of bed. They lived in a pleasant apartment complex adjacent to a Vons shopping center, across the street from DN Top Donuts, which was a family owned shop that Olivia and Elowyn frequented almost daily. Soon after eating their donuts and coffee, Elowyn fell asleep, leaving Olivia to get on with her day.

Part of getting on with her day involved sitting in front of her computer with the intention of beginning her first novel. She’d been trying for weeks—unsuccessfully—to begin this novel, giving up each time when she could no longer stand the taunting presence of the blank page. Olivia had what she assumed was inspiration, as well as a chosen genre. Vampires. What she lacked was a compelling story to tell. She’d assumed all along that writing a vampire novel would come easily to her, given how much she loved watching vampire shows on TV, namely Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Any time she sat down to write her vampire novel, however, Olivia invariably allowed herself to be distracted with checking her email and perusing eBay, with the occasional detour into YouTube, which inevitably led her into the rabbit hole of Internet porn. But, she always forced herself back to the blank page, beginning the whole process over again. When she finished staring at her blank page for the day, Olivia went to Brandon’s Diner for lunch, eating a veggie burger and fries. She took along a Tom Robbins book to read while she ate, hoping that it might massage the beginnings of a story out of her clenched imagination. By the time Olivia got home from lunch, Elowyn was back on the couch watching TV. Olivia joined her on the couch, passing the next few hours like that until it was time to start her shift at the bowling alley. On her way to work, despite running late, she stopped to get gas; even if it meant getting chewed out by her boss, it would be worth it when she didn’t have to stop for gas in the middle of the night, leaving herself vulnerable to whatever dangers might be lurking. 

MARTIN LASTRAPES won the GRAND PRIZE at the 2012 PARIS BOOK FESTIVAL for his debut novel INSIDE THE OUTSIDE.

He grew up in the Inland Empire, has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Composition from Cal State San Bernardino, watches his favorite movies over and over again, learned many a lesson from professional wrestling, wonders if he’ll ever be famous enough to be on “Dancing With the Stars,” thinks good stand-up comedy is rare and under appreciated, is scared of Vladimir Putin, wonders if it’s too late to learn how to play the guitar, gets depressed when he hears the theme song from “M*A*S*H,” wonders why Teen Wolf never made it to the NBA, and wants Morgan Freeman to narrate his life.

He is also the host of THE MARTIN LASTRAPES SHOW PODCAST HOUR. Subscribe on iTunes or listen on the official website MartinLastrapesShow.com. New episodes every week.

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Cover Reveal & Giveaway! Ultimate Deception, Harden #2 by Lynn Stookes

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In a matter of months, Dani Delaney's world drastically changed. Now, she faces the toughest challenge of her life and is determined to handle it on her own. 

Detective Sawyer Woods will do anything to be with Dani, the woman he's dreamed about since he first laid eyes on her, but she'll have nothing to do with him, no matter how much charm he uses. 

It isn't until Dani receives threatening messages and criminal activites happen around town that she's forced to accept the help of the one man who can bring her to her knees. Can Sawyer protect the one woman who doesn't want him and convince her to give him a shot? Or can one lie destroy it all?

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Lynn Stookes was born and raised in the amazing state of Texas, where she currently resides with her husband of five years. They have one rambunctious two year old son and three furry children, who create the chaos she couldn’t live without. One day, Lynn took her passion (maybe obsession is more apt) for romance books and mystery shows and wrote her first romantic suspense novel, Fatal Obsession, Book 1 in the Harden Series. When Lynn isn’t writing or working her day job, you can find her reading on her Kindle, spending time with her family and friends, or playing on Facebook. She loves running, coffee, and country music in no particular order. She's currently working on the next book in the Harden Series. Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads

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Release Day Blitz! Seductive Nights Box Set by Lauren Blakely

   

We are thrilled to bring you the release day launch for Lauren Blakely's SEDUCTIVE NIGHTS: The Standalone Novels. This box set features both standalone novels from the New York Times Seductive Nights Series, NIGHTS WITH HIM and FORBIDDEN NIGHTS in one place!

A Message from Lauren:

Surprise! I've packaged the two standalone novels in the Seductive Nights series in a box set for the first time! This limited time, three-day sale is a savings of 80% off the cost of the two books if purchased individually and the first time to get these books on sale! So if you've been wanting to read one or both of these titles, now is your chance! The price of this box set goes up in just a few days! Don’t miss your chance to grab both of these sexy, passionate books for just $.99 each while you can!

The Seductive Nights: The Standalone Novels Box Set will be at its lowest price ever as an introductory rate at just $1.99 for a limited time only, but this price will go up following its release!

   

The Standalone Novels Box Set: Seductive Nights: The Standalone Novels is a box set of the two New York Times Bestselling standalone novels in the wildly popular SEDUCTIVE NIGHTS series by bestselling romance author Lauren Blakely. 

NIGHTS WITH HIM Jack Sullivan is a Sex Toy Mogul. An extremely eligible bachelor in New York, he's the full package, right down to his full package. Hell, this man could be the model for one of the toys his company, Joy Delivered, peddles. Instead, he's the powerful and successful CEO and he's got commitment issues a mile-long after the tragic way his relationship with his fiancée ended. He's looking for a way to erase the pain and that arrives in the form of Michelle Milo. From her pencil skirts to her high heels, she's his perfect fantasy, especially since she has no idea who he is the night they meet at a hotel bar. He doesn't have a clue either that she's the brilliant psychologist his sister has arranged for him to see to help him get over his past. His touch helps her forget that other man. When he shows up at her office door the next day, there's no way in hell she's going to treat him after they've slept together. Jack isn't willing to let go of the first woman he's felt anything for in years so he proposes a deal - share her nights with him for thirty days. At the end of one month of exquisite pleasure, they walk away, having helped each other move on from their haunted pasts. But soon, all those nights threaten to turn into days as the lines between lust and matters of the heart start to blur. Can two people so terribly afraid of love truly fall head over heels? 

FORBIDDEN NIGHTS She has been the star of his dirty dreams for years. Sexy hotel CEO Nate Harper has lusted after his good friend Casey Sullivan for a long time, and she's cried out his name in pleasure countless times in his fabulously filthy fantasies. But even though he's quite skilled at pleasing a woman, he won't act on his intense desire because he knows he's no good for her. After the kind of hurt his ex inflicted on him, he's a committed playboy for life, and Casey only wants true love. All that changes one hot night when she comes to him with a proposition he can't resist -- she wants him to teach her to be submissive in the bedroom. Casey soon learns how very much she likes letting go of control to him. She's never been more turned on in her life than she is in Nate's arms. And he's never been more taken by a woman. The only trouble is as she experiences what it means to let go, he starts to experience what it means to feel again...And the lessons in seduction threaten to turn into so much more than either one bargained for... What happens when years of desire and lust ignite a passion that can't be denied?

✦ Amazon US➙ ✦ Amazon UK➙ ✦ Amazon CAN➙ ✦ Amazon AUS➙ ✦ Amazon Paperback➙ http://amzn.to/1hmv5v5 ✦ iBooks US ➙ ✦ iBooks UK ➙ ✦ B&N ➙ ✦ Kobo ➙ http://bit.ly/1E7Fftu ✦ GooglePlay ➙

 

Finished the Seductive Nights Series and need more of Lauren Blakely’s smoldering men? Check out her Sinful Nights Series for more steamy nights! The second book, SINFUL DESIRE, is headed your way on September 22nd and you won’t believe what Lauren has cooked up for you! Check out this amazing SINFUL DESIRE contest!

Feeling the Desire to have a Sinful night of your own? Then you’ll want to take the Sinful Nights quiz and answer fun trivia questions about the Sinful Nights series! To celebrate the release of SINFUL DESIRE on September 22nd, Lauren is giving away a $500 gift card for a stay at the Ritz Carlton nearest you!*

Everything you need to turn your fantasy into reality and enter the Sinful Nights contest during release week can be found in the back of the SINFUL DESIRE eBook, including the short quiz on the book that you have to complete to enter the contest. The SINFUL DESIRE eBook is the ONLY location with the link to the quiz. The release week contest runs through Saturday, September 26, ONLY, so you’ll have to make this read a quickie to enter to win this awesome prize! In addition to the grand prize, there are several other great prizes in the giveaway!

So preorder your copy of SINFUL DESIRE today and mark your calendars for September 22nd! Get ready to ignite your passion and dive into SINFUL DESIRE on release day!

*Please note: If you are the winner and there is no Ritz Carlton near you, you may opt to receive a $500 gift card to any Marriott property, or Marriott-owned hotel.

** If you purchase the paperback and would like to participate in the contest, please contact me at lauren@laurenblakely.com for instructions.

Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and she has had eight books on the New York Times Bestseller list and fourteen on the USA Today Bestseller list. Like the heroine in her novel, FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. She loves hearing from readers! Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire. She recently released SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS, the first novel in her new sexy romance series Sinful Nights that became an instant New York Times Bestseller. Her new adult forbidden romance, 21 Stolen Kisses, hit e-readers in May and landed on the USA Today Bestseller list. In September, she'll release SINFUL DESIRE, her next title in the bestselling SINFUL NIGHTS series. 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 ** Lauren Blakely Goodreads

   

Excerpt Reveal! The Shadow, The Florentine #2 by Sylvain Reynard

Amazon B&N

Release Date: February 2nd, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I did. What’s more, I meant it.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

His fingers brushed her zipper. “Let me.”

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

Her bra followed. She was as naked as he.

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

His gray eyes met hers.

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

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

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

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

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

She wiped the water from her face.

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

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

“Is the pain terrible?”

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

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

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

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

He was hers.

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

He loved her.

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

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

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

Raven looked up into blazing gray eyes.

“Are you certain?”


She nodded.

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

“I want you.”

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

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

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

William was not a tame lover.

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

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

His eyes burned into hers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

William’s expression grew even more fierce.

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

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

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

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

Not that he needed the encouragement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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