A Passion to Pursue by Kelsey Browning

Book Release

A PASSION TO PURSUE

by Kelsey Browning

Author of the Prophecy of Love & Texas Nights series

Co-author of The Granny Series

 

About the Book

Title:              A Love to Last (Prophecy of Love, #3)

Release:       March 31, 2016

Genre:          Contemporary Romance

Format:         e-book, print

Tags:            Texas, sexy, small-town, contemporary romance, southern, cowboy boots, bad boy, magical realism, Kelsey Browning

Book Links:   Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Apple / Goodreads

 

Book Summary:

What if a pair of cowboy boots could foretell true love?

For years, Texas gal Greer Maddox waited to inherit her legacy as the next prophecy bootmaker. But that day never came. Now, instead of living out her rightful destiny, she’s lost, restlessly jumping from one art project to the next.

 

Until the day leather tooler Alejandro Villanueva strolls into town looking like ten kinds of sexy trouble.

After surviving his dark and dangerous past, all Alex wants is a quiet future. Alone, where his former life and mistakes can’t hurt anyone else. Even casually screwing around with a girl next door like Greer—whose dulce de leche voice and curvy body make him sweat—is a bad idea. But when she gets involved in his attempts to win the Prophecy Boot Company’s tooling contract, waving adios is the last thing on his mind.

Their attraction flares hot and undeniable. He wants her, and even knowing he shouldn’t have her can’t stop him from indulging in the temptation she offers. But when his past comes calling, he is forced to choose between hiding from his sins, or saving the woman he loves.

 

Praise for A Love to Last, book #1 in the Prophecy of Love series:

“A LOVE TO LAST was an interesting, unique and fun start to Ms. Browning’s new series, and you can bet I’ll be requesting future books the second they’re available!”

– The Romance Reviews

“This story was a refreshing change of pace for me and so unlike anything else I have read in quite a while. It had everything a good second chance romance story should have and then some, and I think it is safe to say Ms. Browning has a hit on her hands with this one!!”

– Red’s Romance Reviews

“Kelsey Browning is one of my favorite authors because she pulls me so far into her stories, I don’t mind missing out on sleep to keep reading her story, or even waking up in the middle of the night to finish reading her story. She is an amazing storyteller and A Love to Last was another winner for me.”

– Blogging by Liza

“The story is well balanced with a lot of laughs, a few tears, a sweet and spicy, and deeply romantic love story, which is topped off by a fanciful atmosphere that gave the reader a feeling of anticipation and expectation, which kept it from becoming predictable. A solid beginning to what I hope will be a long running series.”

– The Book Review

“A+ rating. This book…I sat on my couch reading it one Sunday morning with my husband sitting beside me. I drove him crazy raving about just how good and creative this book is that entire morning. I loved it so much.”

– Smitten with Reading

“From the time I picked up A Love to Last, to finishing the final page, I was in my happy place.”

– Dee’s Book Blog

 

Review

Greer Maddox always thought she would be the next prophecy bootmaker, unfortunately fate had other plans. Now Greer is feeling unsettled wanting to find her place. When Alejandro Villanueva walks into her life though, the attraction is immediate.

Alejandro though has his own baggage and although he would love to be with her, but not only does he feel he is unworthy, he has obligations that no one can understand. Problem is though he under estimates Greer.

The second book in the Prophecy of Love series. I have liked Greer since the first book. Alejandro is a her total opposite and the chemistry between the two is explosive. I was thrilled with how this story unfolded, a complete surprise.

 

About the Author

Kelsey Browning writes sexy contemporary romances that readers describe as funny, sassy, and full of sizzling chemistry. She also co-authors humorous Southern women’s fiction with a sprinkling of mystery. Originally from a Texas town smaller than the ones she writes about, Kelsey has also lived in the Middle East and Los Angeles, proving she’s either adventurous or downright nuts. These days, she makes her home in Athens, Georgia, with her tech-savvy husband, her smart-talking son, a rescue dog from Qatar, and her (fingers crossed) future therapy pup.

Connect with Kelsey: Website / Newsletter / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest / Instagram / Join Kelsey’s Kicksass Fan Group

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Cover Reveal: Sun and Moon by Desiree Williams

Sun and Moon
Desiree Williams
Publication date: April 28th 2016
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

There is nothing in life that eighteen year old Zara craves more than her freedom. Stolen from her home in Cadrebia at the age of eight, Zara has spent more years than she cared to admit as a slave to the Tankadesh courts. Her days are filled with protecting the princess, while she spends nights entertaining the king and his officials with her mastery of weapons. Any spare moment in between, she plots escape.

Yet her hopes for freedom come to a crashing halt when a stranger arrives bearing the mark of her assigned lifemate, and he threatens war if she isn’t turned over into his care. But a lifemate is not part of the plan. Her dreams, of choosing her own path and being the master of her own will, weaken as her Moon seeks to claim his Sun.

Is it possible that this stranger, with gentle blue eyes and a ready smile, didn’t come to be her new master? That there could be more to his tale?

Zara soon finds that neither her captivity nor her parents’ deaths were mere random attacks. And by returning to Cadrebia, she may have put the future of the royal line—and her Moon—in jeopardy. While Zara breathes in her first taste of freedom, her enemies move in, seeking to rob Cadrebia of its blessed prophecy.

To keep what she holds dear, Zara must rise above the pain and uncertainty to claim the lifemate assigned to her, or more than her freedom will be stolen this time.

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EXCERPT:

“What’s going on here?” Dareh dismounted from his horse and with long purposeful strides worked his way toward them. His green eyes blazed. His jaw was set. Zara would hear about this later, but for now she would welcome his rescue.

The captain of the guard surveyed the scene. He closed his eyes briefly—probably praying for patience not to strangle her—and clamped a hand on her shoulder.

“I swear, Zara,” Dareh whispered low into her ear. “You attract trouble like a siren.”

She opened her mouth with a rebuttal, but Dareh narrowed his eyes, silencing her on the spot.

“Get to the palace before you’re recognized by my men. If Melchior learns you’ve been outside the palace walls you’ll spend the night in the flogging yard. Go. Take Essie with you. I’ll sort things out here.”

Zara opened her mouth once more, but a prickling over her palm stopped the words from flowing. Heat traced the lines of her mark. Goosebumps dotted her flesh. She shivered despite the heat from the desert sun. Oh, no. Please, no.

“May I be of some assistance?”

She jerked at the rich baritone that came from behind her. The world fell away in that moment. The merchants cursing over their loss were gone. Dareh’s men waving or shouting at the crowd gathered around them—gone. Even poor Essie, standing with her jaw dangling like a loon, faded.

Zara’s senses zoned in on the man behind her. She curled her fingers to close over the crescent shaped mark that had begun to throb. Her mind screamed for her to run. Her heart was all but having a seizure. But her feet somehow managed to turn her stunned body.

Pale blue eyes were the first thing she noticed. They reminded her of the moon with a ring of dark night around them. Sun-kissed skin followed with a splash of scruff along a strong jaw. Deep brown locks fell over his forehead and touched the tips of his ears.

“Hello, my Sun.” Full lips curved into a smile, revealing perfect teeth. And just like that, all their hopeful plans for escape blew away like grains of sand on the desert floor.

Her heart crumpled.

Would she ever be free?

Author Bio:

Desiree Williams is a dreamer by day and chocoholic by night. She lives in the beautiful state of Kentucky with her husband and daughter, where she juggles life as a wannabe supermom. Desiree is a lover of food and avoider of dirty dishes. She delights in making people laugh and strives to bring hope and love with her wherever she goes.

You can find out more about Desiree and her books at http://www.desireewilliamsbooks.blogspot.com

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Foolproof by A.J. Lape Blog Tour

Title:  Foolproof

Author:  A.J. Lape

Series:  The Darcy Walker Series, Book 5

Genre:  YA Mystery, Humor & Comedy

Cover Designer:  ’68 Zombie Comics

Release Date:  March 15, 2016

Jon Bradshaw needs a girlfriend stat. When he convinces Darcy Walker to be his wingman at a speed-dating event, one debacle leads to another, and before you know it, they’re the proud new owners of a dead body. Problem is, the body has a tie to Darcy…making her a person of interest in a murder.

Things quickly jump from bad to worse when someone hijacks the name of Darcy’s alter ego, framing “Jester” in a Hitchcock-like blend of crimes that leaves her head spinning.

In FOOLPROOF, Darcy battles an adversary who tests her IQ while she navigates the daunting worries of a high school senior. Add on the emotional fallout of her latest caper, a cop breathing down her neck, and a hot but stubborn boyfriend, and she’s at her wit’s end.

Can she find her zen and unmask the real murderer? Or get used to a life of prison orange?

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 Welcome to Darcyville 

The Amazon bestselling Darcy Walker Series has been compared to Veronica Mars meets Stephanie Plum meets The Black List. All novels are written as stand-alone novels, but a backstory is woven into each book. Reading order is Grade A Stupid, No Brainer, 100 Proof Stud, DEFCON Darcy & Foolproof.

Clean mature YA series for ages 13 and up due to graphic crime scenes.

What reviewers are saying

 

 

Darcy reminded me of a teenage Stephanie Plum. – Bex ‘N’ Books, Justine

“Defcon Darcy is my favorite in the series, but not only that, it is my favorite YA novel to date. A.J has the perfect voice to channel the perfect teen for pure entertainment, and to see it all come alive in this book was total joy!” – Lila Rose, USA Today Bestselling author of the Hawks Motorcycle Club Series.

 

“A. J. Lape has truly established herself as not only an extremely talented, 5-star mystery writer, but also a true master of romantic, gut-wrenching novel writing. I will go on record saying this book will knock any Nicholas Sparks book out of the water.” – Julie Cassar, Amazon Bestselling Author of the Ruby Blue Series.

 

The way she brings her characters to life really makes you feel as if you know them personally –Amazon Reviewer

Her brand of justification is awesome. She makes everything make so much sense in a warped way – Sheri Spell, Two Bibliophiles Guides to Seriously Awesome Books

Book 1

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AN AMAZON #1 BESTSELLER IN TEENS MYSTERIES & THRILLERS SPIES AND DETECTIVE STORIES! 

Fifteen years ago, Darcy Walker’s parents thought it was a good idea to give her a unique name: Darcy, meaning “dark walker.” Whether that was a stroke of genius or stroke of stupid, they definitely nailed the irony. She lacks direction, her grades stink despite a high IQ, she’s boringly average–although flirting admirers claim otherwise–and God help her, she’s infatuated with a bad-boy.

A bad-boy that her hottie best friend, Dylan, wishes would get acquainted with his fist.

And, oh yeah, there’s that tattoo that was a royally stupid idea.

With her life spiraling out of control, everything changes when she skips class and finds a dead body…in fact, it gets worse. It jump starts Darcy’s inner-verb, and her brain hardwired for action gets caught up in a situation she can’t let go.

Set in the fictional Cincinnati town of Valley, Ohio, Darcy falls into a world of threats, violence, and gangland exploits chasing down every clue to finger the murderer. When a fellow misfit is arrested for the crime, Darcy goes from zero-to-sixty trying to clear his name–constructing aliases, breaking the law, everything that makes perfect sense to her but reeks of Grade A Stupid to everyone else.

Trouble is…will she live to see sixteen?

 

Book 2

Available HERE

AN AMAZON #1 BESTSELLER IN TEENS MYSTERIES & THRILLERS SPIES AND DETECTIVE STORIES! 

Two weeks before junior year, Darcy hops a plane to Orlando for a little R&R with her best friend Dylan and his family. Fresh off the heels of solving three murders in Valley, Darcy plans to sit back and enjoy the vacation capital of the world…maybe if you’re a noun. Darcy Walker, however, is nothing but verb.

Before her feet hit the Orlando soil, she’s meddling in the disappearance of a five-year-old boy who vanished six months earlier.

With authorities still no closer to solving the case, Darcy is shanghaied by her impulsivity and runs headlong into that proverbial burning building, convinced she can bring him home.

She travels down a road that not only follows this missing child but branches off into the corrupt and sinister world of mob activity when she tampers in a case on which Dylan’s detective grandfather is working.

After a near disastrous midnight meeting in a warehouse and a date with a mechanical bull, Darcy realizes she might’ve bitten off more than she can chew. Add the boiling flirtationship with her best friend and the appearance of his romantic rival, and she is in over her head.

Will she survive a life of flirting with death too easily? Or will her flirtationship with Dylan become the actual death of her instead?

For a girl with a habit of finding dead bodies, No Brainer gives Darcy Walker more of the same…surprising twists and turns…and running for her life.

Book 3

Available HERE

AN AMAZON #1 BESTSELLER IN TEENS MYSTERIES & THRILLERS SPIES AND DETECTIVE STORIES! 

Sometimes life smacks you right in the kisser with a whole lot of ohhhh craaaaap.

Just ask Darcy Walker.

100 Proof Stud picks up four months after No Brainer’s cliffhanger ending, and Darcy discovers the aftermath pales in comparison to the crisis her heart is in. All of a sudden it’s raining men, and this teenage heroine’s personal life turns her inside out.

Before she can sort out her feelings, she chases a spray-painting vandal and stumbles upon a case of identity theft right in her own backyard. Darcy jumps into the fray headfirst to prove she can hang with the big boys.

But it’s not just to hang…nope, she’s chasing reward money.

Tapping her band of misfit brothers for help, she turns Valley upside down trying to unearth the criminals. Problem is, the cloak and dagger goes high-octane, and she raises the bar on “crazy” in the process.

Bullets ring out…dead bodies appear…and Darcy rubs shoulders with the ultimate sociopath. In the midst of murder and mayhem, will she finally follow her heart or build a fortress of lies around it? Will she even get the chance?

 Book 4
Available HERE

Fisher Stanton, Valley High School’s Nantucket wannabe, has a cheating girlfriend. When he hires Darcy Walker to chase her to a local club, in true Darcy fashion she stumbles upon a dead body. Thing is, this body has secrets…and Darcy’s mysterious friend, Jaws, and the reporter, Tito Westbrook, have a vested interest. Both enlist Darcy to find the person responsible who has eluded them for years, but Darcy doesn’t solve crimes for free anymore–especially where Jaws is concerned. Knowing Darcy’s Achilles heel, Jaws blackmails Darcy into working for him.

In a true test of wills, Darcy and Jaws battle head-to-head–Jaws needs Darcy to help him end a bitter grudge war; Darcy needs Jaws to divulge the mystery surrounding her mother’s death. Haunted by a past that shapes her present, Darcy will stop at nothing to get answers. Even if it means breaking the law and being disloyal to her new boyfriend, Dylan Taylor, in the process.

DEFCON DARCY gives Darcy’s demons a name and ties up loose ends that make Darcy into the verb that she is. What she thinks she knows as truth, isn’t. What she wishes wasn’t true…is.

The problem is, when your life goes DEFCON 1, not everyone lives to tell about it.

Website | Twitter for A.J. | Twitter for Darcy | Facebook | Fan Club & Street Team

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A.J. Lape is the author of the Darcy Walker Series which has stayed on Amazon’s teen’s mysteries and thrillers bestseller’s lists since its debut in 2012. She lives in Cincinnati with her husband, two daughters, an ADD dog, a spoiled hamster, and an unapologetic and unrepentant addiction to Coca-Cola–plus a lifelong love affair with bacon she has no plans to sever.

A graduate of Morehead State University with a Master’s degree in Communications, she’s a PI wannabe and recently joined the Citizen’s Police Academy in her hometown but daily stops crime and kills bad people through the fictional ADHD character of Darcy Walker.

If the FBI ever checks her computer, she’ll be wearing prison-orange due to the graphic and disgusting “wiki” articles she looks up…all in the name of career research, of course.

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The Lightbound Saga by S.G. Basu Book Blitz

Title:   Maia and the Xifarian Conspiracy

Series:  The Lightbound Saga #1

Author:   S. G. Basu

Published:  January 18th, 2014

Genre:  YA Science Fiction Fantasy

Content Warning:  Mild Violence

Recommended Age:  13+

Synopsis:  She wants out, but destiny has other plans . . .

Thirteen-year-old Maia sets out denying the existence of her turncoat mother and ends up finding out a truth that makes her wish her mother was just that–a treacherous double-crosser she could hate. Because sometimes, knowing a hero can be more terrifying than knowing a villain. And being part of a lofty cause can come at a terrible price.

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Be sure to check out the other books in The Lightbound Saga!

Read FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

 

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Excerpt from The Lightbound Saga by S.G. Basu:

Three Cylopedes burst into the cave, blinding her with their blazing white lights. A trio of figures alighted from the crafts.

“We finally caught up with you,” Karhann roared.

“And look . . .” There was no mistaking Loriine’s lazy, pampered voice. “The gate is still open for taking.”

The third person did not speak, but Maia knew it was Yoome. The quiet girl had helped them once, but if anyone could help Maia now, it would have to be herself.

“I hope you’re not going to try to stop us,” Karhann said. “You see, there isn’t much point in you fighting all three of us.”

Maia gripped Bellator tightly by the hilt and pulled it out. She had to keep fighting to protect the entrance until the communicators worked again so she could call for help.

“The midget dares to challenge us,” Loriine sneered.

There was a raspy sound of weapons being drawn and cautious footfalls as her opponents stepped closer.

“Are we allowed to fight three to one?” Yoome spoke, forever the voice of hope.

No one replied. Maia tried hard to recall that code of honorable combat, and then figured that it did not matter anyway. For even if she did remember, this bunch was not going to listen to her when they chose to ignore Yoome’s question. She backed up against the half-closed gate, Bellator firmly clutched in her hands. As she stepped away from the glare of the headlights, she could see them more clearly. Loriine stood to the left holding a whip sword, its tip skimming the stone floor. Karhann stood next to Loriine holding a basket-hilt broadsword. On the right stood Yoome, both hands clasping a long, tapered pole that was studded all over with small spikes.

The first blow came from Loriine, surprising Maia a little. The whip sword lashed out like a dragon’s tongue and danced dangerously close to her left arm.

About the Author:

S.G. Basu is an aspiring potentate of a galaxy or two. She plots and plans with wondrous machines, cybernetic robots, time travelers and telekinetic adventurers, some of whom escape into the pages of her books. Books have been an important part of Ms. Basu’s life. Even before she had learned to read on her own, she spent hours wandering in the stories her mother read to her. Soon enough, she was weaving a tapestry of magical tales of her own. Once upon a previous life on planet Earth, S.G. Basu trained to be an engineer, and her interest in science and her love of engineering shows up time and again in her books. She shares her home with a large collection of Legos, a patient husband, and resident inspiration and entertainer, her daughter.

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Giveaway Details:

There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:

• A Kindle copy of the entire Lightbound Saga series!

Giveaway is International.

Ends April 3^rd at 11:59 PM ET

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Fear: Falling In Love With An Alpha Billionaire by Amarie Avant

Fear: Falling in Love with An Alpha Billionaire
by Amarie Avant
Publication Date: March 8, 2015
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense, Interracial

Purchase: Amazon

22-year-old Luxury Whitson is a romantic at heart. Yet this florists only grasp at love is listening to a customer’s sentimental story while he purchases a beautiful bouquet of roses for a significant other. When Lux crosses paths with Victor, his presence commands her attention. From a tailor-made suit that drapes over 6 feet of muscles to aqua blue eyes that hold her siege, Lux falls fast.

Victor exudes sex, and a plethora of other emotions. The most intense one being… fear. Victor has a strict policy: work now, play later. With a sharp and twisted mind for murder, this billionaire doubles as a hitman. Victor always takes assassinations seriously until meeting Luxury, the daughter of his next mark.

Now he has a new challenge. Tame Luxury and keep the Whitsons’ alive….

Purchase: Amazon

Luxury’s sole desire is to love Victor, a man that cannot love her. She once feared him. Mysterious and dark, Victor’s cerulean eyes hypnotized Luxury’s mind and commanded the drumming of her heart. The Duke has claimed her. Victor will keep Luxury against The Queen’s order.

As the palace echoes with footsteps, the English dare to whisper the horrible truths. Suspense crescendos along with intoxicating sex. The beast has made it clear who Luxury belongs to and how much of him he will allow: Money. Sex. Nothing more.

The stakes are high. Now fear… love.

Purchase: Amazon

What once was yours is now mine… Those very words are death to the ears of Victor D’Ross, Duke of Arlington. A royal. A billionaire. A man skilled in the art of murder. He is accustom to getting exactly what we wants. The mastermind desired Luxury Whitson while preparing to carry out a hit on her father. Instead of an assassination, his side hobby, Victor fell for the young woman with a kind heart. Victor has enemies and through revenge Luxury has been taken. Now, she’s the “property” of another.

Murder, mystery, and intrigue will up the stakes. Only time can tell if Victor will save Luxury before her abductor slowly stakes claim to her mind, body, soul…

About Amarie Avant

Mother of two. Wife of one alpha. And alpha to his alpha. Lover of thrills and enticingly sexy chills.

Azusa Pacific University alumni where God comes first. This dyslexic and highly attention deficit author has received two Bachelors and a Masters in Counseling. Though sociopaths are very interesting, and coupon shopping is just as thrilling as action or cartoon movies, Amarie Avant has taken on romance. Beware anytime you open an Amarie Avant novel: This is not your ordinary love story…

Catch up on Amarie’s debut series FEAR (also an Amazon best seller) while you wait.

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The Undoing by Shelly Laurenston

The Undoing by Shelly Laurenston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having been given a choice of life as a crow or continued death, Jace Berisha took the chance as a crow. Her second life has been good so far, but she could live with a little bit of quiet. The crow women are a talkative bunch and most think she is shy, however that is far from Jace is. Jace would rather spend her time reading a book and cuddling with her puppy Lev.

Protector Ski Eriksen, a Viking Clan, needs Jace’s help. They have acquired books that need translation, but Jace has declined the job offer. Ski though is persistent because his interest is not only in Jace taking the job, it is also to see if he can get close enough to ask her out. When push comes to shove and Jace is ordered to take a job, she runs to Ski.

Heaven, that is what Jace feels like she is in when she realizes that Protector’s are more like her than the crow’s. It is a wonderful balance, but her loyalty as always is to her fellow sister crows. As danger seems to be ramping up and her assignments becoming more brutal, it becomes clear that the clans need to join together to protect not only the humans but the world. Ski and Jace grow closer but can they fight off the god who is out to destroy everything?

Loved this, there are several laugh out loud moments. All the favorite characters from the first book are involved plus a few added surprises. Loved Bear, he is a hoot and so literal. Jace was a surprise because you don’t really know her story when the book starts and it is a shocker. Ski is adorable, he has a natural need to protect and is very sweet when it comes to Jace. Excellent read, author always exceeds expectations, can’t wait to see which characters are getting their book next.

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House Hunt by Jackie Keswick Book Blitz

HOUSE HUNT
by: Jackie Keswick
The Power of Zero, #3
Publication Date: March 30, 2016
Genre: Adult, MM Romance, Romantic Suspense

Purchase: Amazon | Amazon PRINT | B&N | Kobo | ARe | Dreamspinner Ebook | Dreamspinner PRINT

Synopsis: Jack Horwood hates owing favors. But when a simple day out to treat Gareth to the best oysters in England leads to a discovery of drugs and counterfeit money—things that neither Jack nor Gareth have the jurisdiction to handle—he has to call in help. Help that doesn’t come cheap, and that forces him to do something he promised himself he’d never do again—walk away from Gareth and the family he’s starting to make for himself.

Three months undercover is a long time. After missing Gareth’s birthday, Jack is determined not to miss their first anniversary. But coming home and being home are two very different things. So when he is asked to assist with a corporate espionage investigation, Jack can’t say no, despite knowing it will impact his already straining relationship.

Except, of course, he’s walking into a trap….

EXCERPT

When the car’s growling engine stopped, Gareth found himself surrounded by woods in a corner of the Weald he’d never been to before. The small car park was deserted except for a handful of cars, and Gareth heard only birdsong, the rustle of the breeze in the trees, and the faraway drone of a plane. They hadn’t passed any villages or farms during the last leg of their drive, and nothing around him hinted at human habitation.

The car park didn’t even have a sign.

“You know where we are, right?”

“Would you believe me if I said we’re eight miles from Canterbury?”

It was hard to imagine that a city full of tourists, bars, and shops was in hiking distance of this deserted corner of Kent. The air held the bitter, musty scents of pine and damp leaves and—barely detectable—the savory smell of mushrooms. Most of the oak and beech trees surrounding the small, graveled car park were just starting to unfurl their leaves, giving the afternoon sun almost unhindered access.

Jack unlocked the boot, ready to get out of the car and retrieve the TVR’s roof. Before he could move, Gareth wrapped a hand around his neck and pulled him closer until the center console got in the way. Jack didn’t fight. He braced his elbows on magnolia leather and leaned across the barrier into Gareth’s touch. Their kiss was slow and languid, more teasing than enticing.

“Really not the car for that,” Gareth commented when he leaned back to put space between them. “Though I could imagine spreading you across that bonnet.”

“Yeah, let’s scandalize the locals,” Jack agreed and popped the doors.

It was the third time and Gareth still hadn’t figured out how it was done. Not that he’d been paying particular attention to the TVR’s doors. Though now that he’d started thinking about the acres of bonnet, he could see that the car had potential. He turned to look for Jack, but despite having opened the boot, he wasn’t anywhere close to the car. He stood in the center of the car park, staring at a beat-up green Rover.

“What’s the matter?”

“Not sure.” Jack’s voice was distant. “Thing gives me the creeps.”

“How?”

Gareth couldn’t see anything that might have set off Jack’s warning bells. The N-plated Rover 400 showed every one of its seventeen years of hard work. Flaking paint marred the sides, hinting at rust-eaten bodywork, and one of the car’s wings had been replaced with one of a slightly different green. It wasn’t a car that invited a second look from anyone, but somehow it had immediately drawn Jack’s attention.

“Jack?”

He stared a moment longer before he shrugged and turned back to Gareth. “I don’t know,” he said, sounding apologetic. “Probably nothing at all. Fancy a walk?”

“Since that’s what we came here for….” Gareth wanted to reach for Jack, whether to distract him or shake him hard enough to rattle some sense back into that busy brain of his, he couldn’t have said. “Was there anywhere in particular you wanted to go?”

“Just… around,” Jack said as he found a narrow path that led into the surrounding woods.

“Liar. And crappy at it, too. How’d you ever make it as a spook?”

Gareth had merely meant to tease, but a dark flush crept up Jack’s neck, and he hunched forward. “I wasn’t that kind of spook,” he mumbled when Gareth caught up with him.

“No?” Gareth wrapped his arm around Jack’s shoulders and felt him flinch at the contact. Jack was suddenly so tightly wound he was close to taking off. And that wasn’t something Gareth wanted to deal with right then. He cast around for something, anything, that could serve as a distraction.

“So, what’s going on with you and that Dave character?” he settled on, glad when Jack’s head shot up and he stared, caught out.

“Nothing’s going on. He’s straight.”

“Bullshit. He was all over you.”

The vehemence in Gareth’s tone brought Jack’s head around. The frown dissolved and the smirk appeared. “That jealousy I’m hearing, Flynn?”

Gareth felt the rush of heat in his neck sweep up the sides of his face. He held Jack’s disbelieving gaze regardless. “Would you blame me?”

—

OTHER BOOKS IN THE POWER OF ZERO SERIES…

JOB HUNT
by Jackie Keswick
The Power of Zero #1
Publication Date: May 13, 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBT, M/M, Romance, Suspense

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Synopsis: You don’t greet your new boss dressed like an underage rent boy. But when Jack Horwood—ace hacker and ex-MI6 operative—opens the door to Gareth Flynn, he’s too busy to worry over details like that. And anyway, his potential new boss is his former Commanding Officer – the same guy Jack has had a crush on since he was seventeen. So he should understand, right?

When he applied for the job in Nancarrow Mining’s corporate security division, Jack had hoped for peaceful days repelling cyber attacks. Maybe a bit of corporate espionage on the side. His plans didn’t include rescuing abused children, hunting pimps, or dealing with his overly protective and hot-as-hell boss, Gareth Flynn.

Walking away is not an option. Jack never takes the easy way out. More than that, meeting Gareth raises old ghosts that Jack needs to put to rest. Rescuing kids. Taking risks. Saving the day. Jack can do all that – but deciding what to do about his attraction to Gareth isn’t the sort of cloak-and-dagger game Jack plays well. Yet Gareth, strong and smart and always on hand when needed, might be Jack’s salvation.

GHOSTS
by Jackie Keswick
The Power of Zero #2
Publication Date: February 10, 2016
Genres: Adult,Contemporary, LGBT, M/M, Novella, Romance, Suspense

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Synopsis: Jack Horwood doesn’t do families. Or Christmas. From the time his mother sold him to her pimp to the moment he walked out on the man he loved, Christmas has always been about change and painful choices. This year seems no different. Helping Daniel and Nico recover from their imprisonment and hunting down those responsible puts Jack in a frame of mind he doesn’t want to inflict on anyone. Least of all Gareth and the tentative relationship they’ve started to rebuild.

But Gareth, for whom Christmas is all about new beginnings, won’t let Jack take the easy way out. He makes him face his ghosts instead. Even when said ghosts invade their bedroom.

When Daniel’s parents are found, Jack is determined to settle the matter without involving Daniel at all. But fate decrees otherwise, and it’s Gareth who helps him finally understand that the strongest bonds are those forged together. Once he gets that, Jack can step up and make a decision designed to lay his ghosts to rest—for good.

ABOUT JACKIE KESWICK

Jackie Keswick was born behind the Iron Curtain with itchy feet, a bent for rocks and a recurrent dream of stepping off a bus in the middle of nowhere to go home. She’s worked in a hospital and as the only girl with 52 men on an oil rig, spent a winter in Moscow and a summer in Iceland and finally settled in the country of her dreams with her dream team: a husband, a cat, a tandem, a hammer and a laptop.

Jackie loves stories about unexpected reunions and second chances, and men who don’t follow the rules when those rules are stupid. She has a thing for green eyes and tight cyclist’s butts and is a great believer in making up soundtracks for everything, including her characters and the cat.

And she still hasn’t found the place where the bus stops.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Better Left Forgotten by Lisa Helen Gray

Better Left Forgotten by Lisa Helen Gray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caitlyn Michelson has done everything in her power to keep her four year old daughter safe, from a monster who killed her sister and possibly her parents. Caitlyn doesn’t get involved with anyone knowing it could lead to danger for those that want to help. She didn’t expect to meet Cage, a biker, who is determined to protect her and her daughter.

This had a lot of layers to the story. Caitlyn is a single mother trying to do the best she can for her daughter while protecting her. Cage is a biker bad boy whose last relationship ended with a lying woman he couldn’t stand. Something clicks immediately with Caitlyn and he wants to protect her. He tries to go slow, but circumstances have him moving in quickly. However he is trying to put some normalcy into their relationship while protecting her. I liked all of the side characters, had one storyline that shocked me. Loved the interaction between everyone and look forward to the next movie.

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Dodging Trains by Sunniva Dee Book Blitz

Dodging Trains
Sunniva Dee
Publication date: March 29th 2016
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

I was twelve when a stranger at a train station taught me the meaning of ugly. He forced himself on me and threatened to kill my family if I told.

I stayed silent and the ugliness grew.

Now, that word rolls in film clips through my mind. All I’ve done since my best friend, Keyon Arias, left town is cement how ugly I am. Ugly on the inside—deep down to my core. On the outside… I am a Vixen. I flash men a smile and make them moan out pleasure I control.

Not them. Never them.

After five years of being away, my beautiful boy has come back to town for his father’s masquerade ball. He’s different. Hard muscle supersedes the skin and bone of his once boyish frame. One thing hasn’t changed though: the murderous look in his eyes when he slaughters his opponents. In the ring, I see the bullied boy, all grown up, dominating in ways he couldn’t in high school.

He’s the mayor’s son. The rising MMA fighter. The beautiful one.

I’m not the Paislee Cain of before, not the sweet girl he once knew, the one who chased away his bullies. I’m the town slut. The dirty girl whose shame will never fade no matter how many men I use. He’d disown what I’ve become.

Because beautiful can never love ugly.

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EXCERPT:

I’ve been on a one-track rail to landing Paislee in my bed since she got off the plane. Not that it’s been planned, but I convinced her that Pizza Pazza in Tampa is better than Mamma Lucia’s in Calceth. I told her about Simon during dinner, one thing led to another, and here I am unlocking the door to my duplex and letting her enter first.

She hasn’t commented on how we took my car from her hotel, how she’s basically dependent on me and my whims. But hey, I’m fucked too; it wasn’t my choice to have someone fill my head, and I didn’t ask that person to come to Florida.

We haven’t talked about tomorrow’s schedule, but I’m going to the rich dude’s house with her. He could be a total freak for all I know, so she’s not facing him alone.

“Oooh,” she whispers through a reverent puff of air like she’s never seen a cat before. Simon’s playing it up too, slinking around the corner with all the grace in the universe, stroking the doorjamb with a hip before he meanders over to us. “He’s soooo beautiful.”

“He’s just a regular old black street cat,” I say, but by the wink she shoots me, she doesn’t buy it. She read me back when too. “’Kay, fine: Simon’s awesome. Straight up the best pelt ever.”

“Pelt? You ass,” she giggles as she pets him from the top of his head and down the length of his body to his tail. Simon lifts it, happy. Any minute now, he’ll crank the volume on his purr-machine.

“Wow, he purrs loud.”

And there. For a cat, he’s being unexpectedly predictable.

“He loves the ladies,” I say, which makes her giggle more. I love to make her giggle. When she stands up again, I pull her in with one arm, fingers splayed across her spine. Firm breasts press against me, and I groan a little.

She puffs another laugh, all Simon’s fault. He’s gotten to the part of the agenda where he’s going to cramp my style. His purrs reach us from the floor, and he’s scissoring in and out between both of our legs.

“Never mind him. Look at me,” I whisper. Let my thumb and forefinger slide over her chin. The amusement recedes from her eyes when she sees that I mean business. I’m hardening. She yelps. Then she laughs out loud.

“Simon, quit it!” I say, exasperated, and bend to unhook his claws from the fabric over her knees. “I’m sorry. You see how it is now, right?
Simon’s the ass in this house. I should sell him to the highest bidder. Fifty cents flat will do. Come to think of it—I’ve got fifty cents in my pocket,” I say, kissing her down the corridor. “I could pay someone to take him. ‘Perfectly good cat with a year’s worth of free cat food.’”

Obviously, I’m digging my own grave here. There’s no hot lovemaking when your girl’s laughing so hard she’s about to pee herself.

 

Author Bio:

Between studies, teaching, and advising, Sunniva has spent her entire adult life in a college environment. Most of her novels are new adult romance geared toward smart, passionate readers with a love for eclectic language and engaging their brain as well as their heart while reading.

Born in the Land of the Midnight Sun, the author spent her early twenties making the world her playground. Southern Europe: Spain, Italy, Greece–Argentina: Buenos Aires, in particular. The United States finally kept her interest, and after half a decade in Los Angeles, she now lounges in the beautiful city of Savannah.

Sometimes, Sunniva writes with a paranormal twist (Shattering Halos, Stargazer, and Cat Love). At other times, it’s contemporary (Pandora Wild Child, Leon’s Way, Adrenaline Crush, Walking Heartbreak, and Dodging Trains, coming in late March 2016).

This author is the happiest when her characters let their emotions run off with them, shaping her stories in ways she never foresaw. She loves bad-boys and good-boys run amok, and like in real life, her goal is to keep the reader on her toes until the end of each story.

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In The Dark by Lila Rose Release Blitz

With love comes sacrifice and then pain.

Title: In the Dark

Author: Lila Rose

Genre: NA Paranormal Romance

Cover Designer: Wrapped Pages

Editor: Hot Tree Editing 

Release Date: March 29th

Mothers were supposed to love unconditionally. Mine didn’t. In fact, she tried to kill me on my thirteenth birthday, when she saw just how different I was. My dad saved my life that night. He also took her away on an extended vacation, leaving me with an ever-absent uncle.

Five years later, solitude was something I lived by. I had to because I was different and people tended not to cope well with the unusual. In fact, they hated me for it, were even scared of me because of it.

I thought I was meant to live alone, until Isaac Grey took notice of me. He changed my life, taught me I wasn’t the only one who was different, and I didn’t need to be alone.

But with love comes sacrifice and then pain. Could I ever escape living in the dark?

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