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Musings From An Addicted Reader

Monthly Archives: July 2019

Book Blitz: Anything Between Us by Sarah Fine

31 Wednesday Jul 2019

Posted by ehmusings in Book Blitz, Contemporary Romance, New Adult

≈ 1 Comment

Anything Between Us
Sarah Fine
(Starving Artists, #3; Standalone Story)
Publication date: July 31st 2019
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Bestselling author Sarah Fine presents a powerful standalone romance sure to thrill new adult readers everywhere.

What if falling in love is the biggest risk of all?

Sasha decided a long time ago that she would only allow herself a single night each year to go out and be wild. The rest of her time is spent at her pottery wheel or taking care of her father, who has early-onset Alzheimer’s. She has plenty of reasons to avoid anything more than this: one guy, one night, and no names exchanged. But this year, the long and lean stranger she chooses turns out to be more than she bargained for. He makes her feel alive—when it doesn’t seem safe to feel that way at all.

Discharged from the army after a traumatic deployment, Nate returns to his hometown riddled with guilt and unable to envision a future. Everything starts to change during a night out with friends, when a beautiful stranger offers him a no-strings-attached encounter against the wall in the back room of the bar. He knows the deal, but when they run into each other again at the local artists’ co-op where his older brother works, he can’t help but crave more. She makes him feel alive—but he’s still trying to decide if he wants to live at all.

She’s not willing. He’s not ready. But with an unrelenting attraction that weakens their resolve with every passing minute, Sasha and Nate embark on a friendship. One that makes them both stronger. One that makes them wonder if the future might be brighter than either of them ever imagined—until a devastating turn forces them to decide: Is risking everything for love is worth the pain of losing it long before they’re ready?

**WARNING: This is a new adult novel and contains material which is sexual in nature. Content may not be suitable for readers under the age of 18.**

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

CHAPTER ONE

Nate

I know alcohol is inadvisable after getting new ink, but tonight I’m not in a rule-following mood. As I walk into the bar and look around for my buddies, I feel Sam’s initials on my arm; the sharp, hot reminder they’re meant to be. SLP. Never forget.

He should be here. And I probably shouldn’t.

I’m fifteen minutes late, but Brent and Aidan aren’t here yet. It kind of pisses me off—I drove all the way out here to Grand Rapids to meet up with them, nearly an hour from the lakeshore town where we all grew up. They both moved here while I was gone.

It’s approaching midnight and the place is already starting to empty out, so I snag a seat at the bar—facing the door—and raise a finger to get the bartender’s attention. He smirks as he saunters over. “Got some ID on you?”

He doesn’t look that much older than I am, maybe late twenties, but his cheeks are pocked with acne scars and he’s already balding on top. I slide my ID from my wallet and hand it over. His expression smooths out like I knew it would. “Thank you for your service,” he says as he hands it back to me. “First one’s on me.”

I thank him and order a beer, wondering if coming out tonight was a mistake. I don’t exactly feel public-facing. But I haven’t seen Brent or Aidan since before this last deployment, the last one I’ll ever have, as it turns out, and I figured reconnecting with them would be another way to slide into civilian life. That’s what the adjustment counselor at the VA said, anyway. He issued the advice like a prescription, right after he asked me if I had access to firearms. He seemed relieved when I said no, which was the truth.

I didn’t mention that I got my ten-day handgun purchase permit eight days ago.

The bartender hands over a pint, and I down half of it in one long swallow. “Looks like you needed that pretty badly,” he comments.

“You have no idea,” I mutter, glancing at the door and wishing my friends would arrive. My body jitters with a restless energy that I need to drown before it ignites. I’d check my phone, but Jen’s message from earlier is right there, waiting like a buried IED. And I can’t answer her yet. I just can’t.

I down the rest of the pint and raise my head. That’s when I see her. Black hair, dark eyes, and a green dress over some very dangerous curves. She’s at the other end of the bar, nursing brown liquor in a rocks glass, rolling that thing between her palms as if the heat from her skin could change its shape.

When she sees me watching her, she arches one eyebrow and raises her glass.

My heart picks up a hungry, urgent rhythm as I silently toast with my empty glass. She looks like she’s alone there, just her and that drink, but she’s made up like she wasn’t planning to be. And there’s something deep and sad in those eyes, despite the playful smile she’s aiming at me. Did her date bail on her? Maybe she’d like some company?

I’m considering offering her mine when a heavy hand claps me so hard on the back that I nearly face-plant on the bar. My muscles go rigid with the unexpected blow, but the familiar voice booming in my ear keeps me from reflexively throwing a punch. “Back on the home front,” says Brent, grinning as I turn to him. “Great to see you, man.”

Aidan stands next to him, and they make a funny pair. Brent is built like a bear and is a few inches taller than me—he has to be about six-five—with shaggy hair and a beard to match. Aidan is lean like me, only about five inches shorter than I am.

“How long have you been back?” Aidan asks.

I glance over at the woman in the green dress, but she’s lost interest in me and is deep in conversation with the bartender. “Back from deployment for about six weeks, but I’ve only been home since last Wednesday.”

“And already sporting a new tat?” Brent gestures at my arm as he settles on the stool next to mine.

I move my hand to my lap, tilting my arm so that the bandage is concealed. “Just a small one.”

“Want to show it off?” Aidan asks as he takes the seat on my other side. “I remember when you got that one.” He tilts his head toward the tribal pattern that encircles my right biceps, a souvenir from one wild night with my older brother right before I deployed for the first time. “You kept flexing like a total idiot, trying to show it off.”

I suck a breath through my teeth. “This one’s still raw.” In so many ways. “I’ll show you once it heals.” Which it never will. “I need another drink,” I add, glaring at the bartender’s back.

“Hey! Buddy!” Brent’s voice fills up the whole place, despite the loud music. The sound turns a few heads, including the bartender’s. “Can we have a round here?” Brent’s meaty hand swirls around us, drawing invisible boundaries.

The bartender holds up a finger, signaling for us to wait as he finishes his conversation with the woman in green. Brent rolls his eyes. “He’s too busy trying to get laid, apparently,” he says, eyeing her. “Not that I blame him. I kinda wish I’d spotted her first.”

For some stupid reason, I don’t want Brent looking at her. “How’s Anna?” I ask.

The smile drops from his face. “She told me she’s thinking of buying another wedding dress.”

Aidan snorts. “And she has two already.”

With a groan, Brent says, “She’s turned into one of those bridezillas. I never thought she’d be like that. She always seemed so normal.”

I laugh. “Serves you right for settling down.”

Aidan clears his throat. “I guess I’m in for it, too, then.”

I whip around. “Seriously?”

“He popped the question a few weeks ago, and Lizzy actually said yes,” Brent tells me, sounding incredulous. “No accounting for taste.”

“You guys are killing me. I’m gone for a few years, and suddenly you’re old men?”

“She graduated from Calvin in May and was deciding whether to take a job here or in Lansing.” Aidan shrugs. “I figured this would seal the deal. Seemed as good a time as any.”

“You’re twenty-three,” I say in a flat voice.

“Twenty-four,” he replies. “I’m six months older than you are.”

“You’re both insane,” I say. I’ve known them since elementary school, but now they seem like strangers to me. From another planet. Except maybe I’m the alien.

Brent bumps me with his shoulder. “If we’re crazy, it looks like your brother might need to be committed soon, too. Have you met his girlfriend yet?”

I shake my head. “Daniel’s a player. He never lets anyone hang on for too long.” Even as I say it, I’m thinking this time might be different. My parents are both nuts over this girl, and Daniel … I’ve only hung out with him once since I got back, but he could barely wipe the woozy, shit-eating grin off his face when he talked about her. “Maybe he’ll come to his senses.”

“Still bitter about Carrie, huh?” Aidan says this cautiously, like he knows he’s on dangerous ground.

“Please.” It’s been nearly two years since she got bored of having a boyfriend in the military—the letters slowed, and Facetiming was hit or miss. Fourteen months since Aidan broke the news—he’d seen her and Cameron Bakker making out in the balcony of the movie theater on Main, like they didn’t give a shit who saw them. And almost exactly a year since I confronted her about it and broke up with her—while I was home on leave and about to deploy, for fuck’s sake. “She did me a favor.”

I believe that, but I haven’t been with anyone since we split. My eyes slide over to the woman in green again, and my stomach tightens. She’s staring at me again.

The bartender comes over and asks what Brent and Aidan want. Brent laughs when Aidan gets carded. I order another pint, and the bartender smiles. “This one’s on the lady,” he says as he serves it up.

I go still, blocking the impulse to look at her again. “Which lady would that be?” I sound like I’ve been punched in the gut, all breathless and stupid.

The bartender gives me a look. One that says I’m fooling no one. “Maybe you should go thank her.” His gaze cuts in the direction of the woman in green, but he’s blocking my view of her. He leans forward, getting in my space a little. “But if you do, I expect you to mind your manners, okay?” There’s a warning in his gaze, like she’s no stranger to him.

Brent slaps my back again. “Nate was raised right. Not an impolite bone in his body. Or maybe just the one, but only if she asks really nicely. Right?”

I jam my elbow into his flank, which is softer than it used to be. His grunt provides a brief moment of satisfaction.

Aidan pokes me from the other side. “Are you going to talk to her?” His lips are barely moving, but his wiry frame is tense with excitement. “She keeps looking over here!”

“Dude,” I snap. “Try not to wet yourself.” I take a few gulps of my beer. I need to feel that loose warmth unfurling in my bloodstream before I do anything. I don’t trust myself right now.

Jen’s last message is burning a hole right through my phone screen. I can almost feel the searing heat of guilt against my thigh. You owe this to him. Five words that gutted me.

“Fuck,” I whisper, and then I tilt my head back for another few swallows. I need something. I need this. Anything to push away the thoughts clamoring against the walls of my skull.

“That stuff’s a little weak for liquid courage,” Brent comments, signaling the bartender again. “And you look like you could use some.”

A shot appears in front of me, and I throw it back without asking what it is. Tequila, it turns out. When a second one appears, courtesy of Aidan this time, I down it just as quickly. Now the heat is in my veins, tingling and buzzing. I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand and get to my feet while Brent and Aidan snicker. I ignore their jokes at my expense because I’m too busy plotting my course over to the woman in green, who is still rolling her palms over that glass, slow and deliberate.

I make it to her side, wedging myself in behind a tangle of sorority girls probably just back in town for the fall semester. I push down thoughts of how stupid I feel by reminding myself—she bought me the beer. Women don’t do that unless they’re interested, right?

“Hi,” I say. “Thanks for the drink.”

She looks up at me, so I get to see her face up close for the first time. Her eyes are so dark that they’re almost black, like her hair, and so big I almost get lost. “You look even younger up close,” she says, amusement lacing a voice that pings a chord somewhere south of my navel.

“Past the age of consent, at least,” I say, wishing I were wittier, but I guess Daniel got all of that particular genetic gift and pretty much left me with nothing.

“Are you on leave?” she asks.

“What? How—did he tell you that?” I jerk my head toward the bartender, who is now laughing with Aidan and Brent, hopefully not about how badly I’m flailing.

Without breaking eye contact, she reaches up and slides her palm along the back of my head, sending a hard shiver right down my spine and into my groin. “High and tight. Got it buzzed right before you left post, by the feel of it.”

I don’t breathe again until she lowers her hand, and I barely manage to resist the urge to ask her to touch me again. “Are you from a military family or something?”

“Or something.”

Her voice is doing things to me. It’s like honey, sweet and substantial. “What’s your name?” I ask.

“That’s not an interesting question.”

“Okay.” I draw it out, because what the fuck? “You’re here alone?”

“That one’s both obvious and uninteresting.”

“Did you want me to come over here and talk to you?” I ask, unable to keep the irritation out of my voice.

She doesn’t look put off by it. In fact, her eyes are glittering with a hot kind of mischief. “Now that … That is a more interesting question. And a complicated one.” She looks me over, catching her lush bottom lip between white teeth. All my blood rushes south. “Or maybe not,” she murmurs, so quietly that I almost miss it.

At a loss, I glance at her almost-empty glass. “Can I buy you a—”

“Not necessary,” she says, sliding off her stool and nodding at the bartender. He nods back. I try to translate whatever’s passing between them, but I’ve slammed four drinks in the space of about twenty minutes. Though I’m not a lightweight, I haven’t eaten since lunch, and my head is buzzing. I’d try to straighten myself out, but this disconnect between my brain and body is actually a relief. And when she takes my hand, I don’t even ask where we’re going or why. I let her guide me down a back hallway and into a room marked “Employees Only.” It turns out to be a storage room, cases of beer stacked five feet high.

She swings the door shut, leaving us with the glow of one bare lightbulb hanging overhead. I’m about to make a joke about her bringing me in here to murder me when her hands slide up my abs to my chest, scattering my thoughts like autumn leaves on a windy day. She pushes on me, backing me up. My shoulder blades meet the wall. Her eyes are on mine, and in them I see so many things, none of which I understand. But I feel her hands on me. Her fingertips slide under the neck of my shirt, and suddenly I’m all sensation, addicted and needing more. I grab her hips and pull her body to mine. There’s no finesse in what I’m doing. No technique or gentleness.

She seems to like that just fine. She pulls my face to hers and then her mouth is on mine and I’m completely gone. My hand slides down to her ass as my tongue thrusts, and her moan nearly makes me crazy. Her breasts are mashed against my chest. She’s got her hand up under my shirt, stroking up my back, feeding my frenzy.

How far does she want this to go? She doesn’t even know my name. She doesn’t know anything about me. Except that I want her, which is undeniable after her hand slips over the front of my jeans. I groan and catch her fingers, pressing them where I want, not nearly close enough. This feels insane, like it’s not really happening, but now she’s unbuttoning my jeans and dipping her hand inside. I gasp against her mouth, and I can feel her smile as she squeezes me.

“I-do you-I—” I’m stammering even as my fingers curl under the hem of her short, tight dress, inching it up. I should stop now. I should stop. But her thighs are so fucking smooth and—I pull back from our kiss and look down at her as the realization hits. “You’re not—”

“Wearing panties?” She smiles at me sweetly. In the dim light, she looks triumphant, but her eyes are shining. I want to ask her why she looks like that, but she’s stroking me up and down like she owns me.

Right now, that’s pretty much true.

“You can walk away,” she says, reaching into the low neckline of her dress. As I stare, she pulls out a little square, foil package. She taps it against my chest. “Up to you.”

My gaze flits from it to her face to her breasts, barely contained in that dress. I’ve never done this before, not like this. We’re in a dirty storeroom and I don’t even know her name. It’s not how I was raised to act. Not how I was raised to treat women.

But this woman … She seems to want it. And she came here, to this bar, on this night, to get it. So many questions spill into my thoughts, tumbling over each other, but the only one that actually escapes my mouth is:

“Why me?”

“Does it matter to you?” She stands on her tiptoes and kisses me, slow and deep, kindling the fire inside me. She pulls her hand from my pants and puts it over mine, guiding it between her legs. She whimpers when my fingers meet slick, hot flesh.

I curse and spin us around, so she’s the one with her back to the wall and I’m looming over her, caging her body with my arms. Maybe trying to scare her a little, though I’m not sure why. But she’s right there, unafraid, giving me a knowing smile, those black eyes deep and fathomless.

“Does it?” she asks again. She’s still holding that condom against my chest. An invitation. A question. A challenge.

I push her against the wall and give her my answer.

Author Bio:

SARAH FINE is the author of several books for teens, including Of Metal and Wishes (McElderry/Simon & Schuster) and its sequel, Of Dreams and Rust, the bestselling Guards of the Shadowlands YA urban fantasy series (Skyscape/Amazon Children’s Publishing), and The Impostor Queen (McElderry, January 2016).
She is also the co-author (with Walter Jury) of two YA sci-fi thrillers published by Putnam/Penguin: Scan and its sequel Burn. Her bestselling adult urban fantasy romance series, Servants of Fate, includes Marked, Claimed, and Fated, and was published by 47North in 2015, and her second adult UF series —Reliquary (and its sequels Splinter and Mosaic) was published 2016. When she’s not writing, she’s psychologizing. Sometimes she does both at the same time. The results are unpredictable.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Amazon / Bookbub


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Cover Reveal: Phoenix Rising by Giulia Lagmarsino

31 Wednesday Jul 2019

Posted by ehmusings in Contemporary Romance, Cover Reveal

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Phoenix Rising
Giulia Lagomarsino
(Reed Security Series, #16)
Publication date: August 26th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Phoenix Rising is book 16 in the Reed Security Series and it is suggested they be read in order.

The men and women of Reed Security are back, but after all the turmoil of the past year, how do they adapt and move forward? For some, it’s easy, but others, the past year is only the beginning of what they will have to deal with. Some of them were shot and almost died. Morgan and Chance were taken and tortured in their own respects and now must deal with the after effects. Payton was torn from her mother and spent a year and a half without her. The wives lost their jobs, and many had to run from their families and friends to keep them safe. But one thing remained the same through all of this, they are each others’ family and will do anything to help each other through. They are Reed Security, and they will rise from the ashes.

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order


Author Bio:

I’m a stay at home mom that loves to read. Some of my favorite titles are Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Horatio Hornblower. I started writing when I was trying to come up with suggestions on ways I could help bring in some extra money. I came up with the idea that I could donate plasma because you could earn an extra $500/month. My husband responded with, “No. Find something else. Write a blog. Write a book.” I didn’t think I had anything to share on blog that a thousand other mothers hadn’t already thought of. I decided to take his challenge seriously and sat down to write my first book, Jack. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed writing. From there, the stories continued to flow and I haven’t been able to stop. I hope my readers enjoy my books as much as I enjoy writing them. Between reading, writing, and taking care of three small kids, my days are quite full.

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Book Blitz: The Rogue King by Abigail Owen

31 Wednesday Jul 2019

Posted by ehmusings in Book Blitz, Paranormal, romance

≈ 3 Comments

The Rogue King
Abigail Owen
(Inferno Rising #1)
Published by: Entangled: Amara
Publication date: July 30th 2019
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Kasia Amon is a master at hiding. Who—and what—she is makes her a mark for the entire supernatural world. Especially dragon shifters. To them, she’s treasure to be taken and claimed. A golden ticket to their highest throne. But she can’t stop bursting into flames, and there’s a sexy dragon shifter in town hunting for her…

As a rogue dragon, Brand Astarot has spent his life in the dark, shunned by his own kind, concealing his true identity. Only his dangerous reputation ensures his survival. Delivering a phoenix to the feared Blood King will bring him one step closer to the revenge he’s waited centuries to take. No way is he letting the feisty beauty get away.

But when Kasia sparks a white-hot need in him that’s impossible to ignore, Brand begins to form a new plan: claim her for himself…and take back his birthright.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

—

EXCERPT:

The only warning she got that she was being followed was the flick of a shadow in the headlights. Before she could react, a massive golden dragon slammed down on the road in front of her about half a mile out. She almost expected the ground to shake with the force, but the act was near silent.

Dammit.

She gritted her teeth and tightened her hands on the wheel. Rather than stop, Kasia hit the gas, pushing the car to go faster. He wasn’t taking her without a fight, that was for damn sure.

The dragon’s deep golden scales glittered in the oncoming headlights. He didn’t budge. But he did growl, his tail slashing back and forth.

“Move, you scaly bastard,” she muttered.

But she didn’t let up on the pedal.

He lowered his head and let loose a growl of warning, which she responded to by stomping harder on the gas.

“Get out of the way!”

She had no intention of playing chicken. If he didn’t, she’d ram this car down his fire-breathing throat. The hell with it. She didn’t want to go back to that cabin in Alaska anyway. Maul would miss her, but he’d be the only one.

Only the dragon didn’t move. Okay then. Kasia braced for impact.

At the moment she should’ve slammed into him, the beast heaved himself into the air, and she zoomed past, fishtailing underneath him from the force of the wind his wings caused.

He must’ve backed up, because he landed on the road in front of her again.

“You want another go, you oversized flying iguana?” she shouted, and bore down on him.

And again, he hopped out of her way only to land in her path.

Damn. Kasia held in a scream of fear-tinged frustration. They could keep this up all night, getting them nowhere fast. He wasn’t going to let her go.

With a growl of aggravation, though not defeat, Kasia stomped on the brakes. The tires squealed in protest, and the unpleasant odor of burning rubber followed her as she skidded the car to a stop broadside of the dragon, only a few feet away. If she rolled down her window, she could reach out and touch him.

The terrifying creature moved around the car, his movements more of a glide, like golden water flowing around her. He lowered his head to gaze in at her with an eye the size of her entire thigh. He snorted, and smoke trailed from his nostrils as he glared at her.

Please let this be Brand, and not some other phoenix-stealing dragon shifter.

Kasia glared back but raised her hands off the steering wheel in a gesture of surrender.

Author Bio:

Award-winning paranormal romance author, Abigail Owen, grew up consuming books and exploring the world through her writing. She attempted to find a practical career related to her favorite pastime by earning a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing). However, she swiftly discovered that writing without imagination is not nearly as fun as writing with it.

No matter the genre, she loves to write witty, feisty heroines, sexy heroes who deserve them, and a cast of lovable characters to surround them (and maybe get their own stories). She currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own personal hero, her husband, and their two children, who are growing up way too fast.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest / Bookbub


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Book Blitz: The Cave by Amanda McKinney

31 Wednesday Jul 2019

Posted by ehmusings in Book Blitz, romance, Suspense

≈ 3 Comments

The Cave
Amanda McKinney
(A Berry Springs Novel)
Publication date: August 1st 2019
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

After getting trapped in a remote cave, two strangers must work together to survive while being hunted by a ruthless killer…

Life is full of surprises, rescue swimmer Owen Grayson knows that better than anyone, especially when he’s forced to take an indefinite military leave and return home to pick up the pieces of his dad’s latest mistake. As Owen struggles to settle back into his roots, he is called to a remote cave where he discovers the mysterious death of his uncle wasn’t an accident at all. As the clues begin to unravel, it becomes apparent that the cave is hiding secrets worth killing for… and everyone on site has a target on their back.

Coming off a bad break up and an even worse few days, Forensic Anthropologist Dr. Sadie Hart is brought in to excavate human remains found deep in the treacherous mountains of Berry Springs, in a cave rumored to be haunted, nonetheless. When her team stumbles upon a dead body before they even reach the cave, Sadie quickly realizes this is going to be no ordinary job—especially when she meets a particularly bull-headed Adonis who claims to be related to the victim.

A storm hits, trapping Sadie and Owen inside the cave with nothing but a flashlight and a small backpack with provisions… and someone who wants them dead. As the odds stack up against them, Sadie begins to fear she and Owen will become the next pile of bones found deep in the catacombs of Crypts Cavern…

THE CAVE is a standalone romantic suspense novel.

Goodreads / Amazon

Only 99¢ for a limited time!

—

EXCERPT:

SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL. Alluring, magical. A commanding force who had a way of reminding you how little and vulnerable human life really was. How she could chew you up and spit you out without so much as a happy ending. She was powerful, relentless, unforgiving, and tonight, she was in one hell of a mood.

Owen knew her well. He loved her, respected her, and had found a home with her even though she’d take everything from him in a moment’s notice, then build him back up, only to destroy him again. She was addictive, an adrenaline rush second only to jumping out of a MH-60 Jayhawk at a hundred feet, then getting pelted with a 120-knot rotor blast. He’d seen the bodies she’d devoured in her wake, watched the friends and families cry. But the truth was, he’d be nothing without her. She’d made him into the man he was today. For better or worse.

She was a bitch of a mistress, and Owen’s gut told him they were in for a helluva fight tonight.

Owen buckled the waist belt, giving it a quick tug before moving onto the chest straps. The helicopter dipped, dropped, then slowly lifted again causing him to glance up at the pilot, Lieutenant Potts, who was laser focused on the controls glowing through the dark night. A flash of lightning streaked the sky in the distance, sparkling off the rain-streaked windshield. Up ahead, the lights of a capsized sailboat—the only light in the black, swirling water—swaying back and forth on its side, at the mercy of her angry waves.

Yeah, she was in one hell of a mood tonight.

Author Bio:

Amanda McKinney is the bestselling and multi-award-winning author of more than ten romantic suspense and mystery novels. She wrote her debut novel, LETHAL LEGACY, in 2017 after walking away from her career to become a writer and stay-at-home mom. Set in small, southern towns, Amanda’s books are page-turning murder mysteries packed with steamy romance.

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Book Blitz: The Prince’s Prisoner by Klarissa King

31 Wednesday Jul 2019

Posted by ehmusings in Book Blitz, Fantasy, New Adult

≈ 4 Comments

The Prince’s Prisoner
Klarissa King
(Feared Fables #2)
Publication date: February 15th 2019
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Retelling

A dark fae prince. A stolen human girl.
And an unwanted marriage.
Not all beasts can be redeemed…

Callie doesn’t believe in fairy tales. Too bad they believe in her.
The fae whisk Callie and her friend off to be prisoners of an eternal dance. But Callie is stolen again.
Maybe the eternal dance wasn’t so bad after all…
A lethal fae has taken her as his unwilling bride, and she has to balance between life and death in his castle, while finding a way out of the dangerous fae realm. Only, she’s playing games with the Prince of War.
The Prince learns just how far Callie will go to save her friend from a lifetime of torture—and just what she will do to save herself from his clutches.
Callie must escape the wicked prince before she turns from prisoner to prey. But as the prince himself tells her, ‘Sacrifice is no noble thing in the fae realm.’
Everything in the fae realm comes at a price…

The Prince’s Prisoner is a Dark Fae Retelling of the original Beauty and the Beast, and is the second book in the anthology series, Feared Fables. Can be read as a stand-alone. Please be aware of themes.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

His eyes touched to hers in the reflection of the mirror.

As he slipped off his shoulder pads, he said, “You should not have touched them.”

Callie shoved forward, away from the arch. Her feet slapped against the floor. “What do you want from me? We made a deal, but I’m still trapped.”

Rain removed metal chains from his torso. He kept his back to her, but his eyes followed her in the mirror.

“I want to go home,” she said. “Tell me how to do that—”

The chains crashed to the dressing table.

Callie flinched, and suspected that he’d meant to throw them down hard.

The danger clutching to his words when he spoke confirmed it. “This is your home now.” He turned to face her and leaned back against the table. “We had a deal. It is final.”

“But—” Callie blinked at him, her brows knitting together. “I promised you something in return for helping me. You haven’t set me free yet.”

“I released you from the dance,” he said. “And while you rested, I took your part in the bargain.”

Thoughts of the shared bed sprung to Callie’s mind. A twist of bile coiled in her belly. “What do you mean you took my part?” she whispered, horror wiping her face clean.

Rain’s eyes flashed with outrage. His chin raised, and he looked down his nose at her.

“It is not what you accuse,” he said darkly. “I made you my wife.”

Callie choked on a gasp. “You—you did what?”

Rain’s face remained impassive. “I married you. That was the price of your freedom from the eternal dance.”

“You married me?” shrieked Callie.

Rain folded his arms over his chest. His biceps pressed against the thin black leather of his armour.

Callie’s hands furled into fists.

“You don’t know me! You don’t love me!” Her fingernails cut into her palms. “Are you insane?”

Rain pushed himself from the dressing table and moved toward her.

Callie recoiled and stumbled back.

He might have strolled, but there was a lazy danger in the way he moved, like a tired beast, ready to attack at any moment.

She only stopped backing away from him when she connected with the wall.

He followed, caging her between the wall and his body, his eyes fuelled by a silent fury.


Author Bio:

When not writing, Klarissa can be found in bed poring over a great new release, or reluctantly walking her demanding dogs who pretty much run the house.

She is the writer, Isla Jones. Isla uses the pen-name Klarissa for fantasy, while using Isla Jones for her darker, grittier horror works to help separate the styles and genres for her readers.

To contact Klarissa King, find her here: https://www.facebook.com/Klarissa-King-1005484536303985/?modal=admin_todo_tour

For Isla Jones’ author page, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Isla-Jones/e/B07856GGDF

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram


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Audio Book Blitz: Legend of Song de Light by Kaitlynzq

31 Wednesday Jul 2019

Posted by ehmusings in Audiobooks, Book Blitz

≈ 2 Comments




Guest Post

an inside sensory view of all-time by Kaitlynzq


rhythmic

subtle

nature’s vital heart beats
lyrics of lovecontu
a stream of words

ballads of adoryu
gentle breezes
delicate
emanates from inside
soft, quiet pulses

In the series Lovecontu Song de Light Lovecontu

A series that interweaves interior elements from the stories together like gentle hugs to one’s heart from Ancient Script of Lovecontu audio poem, a vocal surround of unique instrumental notes from Legend of Song de Light audio book, layers of quiet a cappella from inside of Legend of Song de Light audio play, to petal soft pink glows that hum throughout the hours held within Lovecontu Song de Light Lovecontu audio set.

The following links will guide you to the audio streams of the vocal recording of the extended and expanded upon scenes for several of the characters of moments within the sensory imagery in Legend of Song de Light audio book, and Legend of Song de Light audio play.

For the audio version on my audio streams:

https://soundcloud.com/kaitlynzq/extended-expanded-upon-scenes-one-for-legend-of-song-de-light

https://soundcloud.com/kaitlynzq/extended-expanded-upon-scenes-two-for-legend-of-song-de-light


https://soundcloud.com/kaitlynzq/extended-expanded-upon-scenes-three-for-legend-of-song-de-light

And, for the audio streams and text version on my blog:

https://kaitlynzq.com/blog/extended-amp-expanded-upon-scenes-one-for-legend-of-song-de-light

https://kaitlynzq.com/blog/extended-amp-expanded-upon-scenes-two-for-legend-of-song-de-light


 https://kaitlynzq.com/blog/extended-amp-expanded-upon-scenes-three-for-legend-of-song-de-light






Reviews for Legend of Song de Light audio book


“…This stunningly original composition is heartbreaking yet uplifting and not to be missed…” by Lynda with Books Direct https://www.booksdirectonline.com


“Kaitlynzq puts together a magnificent “song” with her words of Legend of Song de Light…The music in the background was chosen perfectly as it almost danced around her words…” by Amy with Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews http://writeramyshannon.wixsite.com/bookshelfreviews


“Wonderful imagery and compelling tales!…Kaitlynzq’s storytelling technique in Legend of Song de Light is quite unique. …There is an artistic take on fiction, heightened by the effects of poetry, photography and ballet expressed in each tale…” by Marie with Writing in the Modern Age http://marielavender.blogspot.com



Available to Purchase at: 

https://kaitlynzq.com

https://kaitlynzq.boutique





#lovecontusongdelightlovecontu

#kaitlynzq

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Book Blitz: After She Fell by Amber Laura

31 Wednesday Jul 2019

Posted by ehmusings in Book Blitz, Contemporary Romance

≈ Leave a comment

After She Fell
Amber Laura
Publication date: July 30th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

She’s tried for years to convince herself that she isn’t in love with him. If it hasn’t worked, at least she’s managed to convince him of it, anyway.

A tragic love affair from her past had shattered Christina’s illusions of romance—it’d shattered her entire world, left her utterly broken and blamed. She’s fallen once before. She isn’t about to make the same mistake twice!

Jason Gordman is off-limits. Charming, playful, confident—he’s everything dangerous to her defenses. Worse yet, he’s the boss’s son. Hiding behind antagonism and indifference, Christina manages to keep him at a careful distance. That is, until one fateful night when she finds herself snowbound with him in a blizzard and she slips, allows herself one, forbidden kiss…

Struggling to reconcile her feelings, Christina is entirely unprepared for where that one stolen moment will lead her.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

—

EXCERPT:

“Try not to overthink it okay, Jas? It was only an idea. Clearly, a stupid one.” Letting out a weak laugh, Christina walked toward her kitchen.

She didn’t need anything in there, didn’t, in fact, know what she’d do once she made it inside the small space. All she knew was it was the only room in which she wouldn’t have to stare into his knowing eyes. It was little more than a stall tactic, a way to expedite his no doubted hasty exit.

Her stride never wavered, not even when she flapped a dismissive hand back toward the bottle of whiskey still on the floor. “Hell, let’s blame it on the alcoh—ah!”

With a gasp of surprise, Christina felt two hands grip the backs of her arms, and then she was being spun around, and before she had time to get in a proper breath, she felt her body being pushed backward, forced up against the wall separating her living room from the kitchen. Her chest heaved at the abruptness of it all, her frantic eyes clashing with Jason’s stormy glare.

His body was pressed up tight to hers. She could feel his quick breaths. She could feel the muscled proximity of his thighs crowding against hers. That, for some reason, calmed her a little.

“Shut up, Christina,” he said, his voice gruff with the words, erratic. His eyes traveled over her face, his gaze stopping curiously over her parted lips. “Give me a damn minute to catch my bearings.”

In control again, Christina laughed up at him coquettishly. “You need a minute to decide if you want to kiss a woman?”
His eyes narrowed. “You have a way of confusing me.”

She licked her lips, her body tingling at the intensity in his eyes, at the feel of his weight enveloping her. “Then, by all means, tell me what you want.”

“Hell—” With little more than that rough word hanging in the air between them, Jason’s head dipped, his lips crashing into hers. It wasn’t a light kiss. It didn’t linger over her lips, playing teasingly there.

No, it was almost desperate in its heatedness. No sooner had his mouth touched hers than Christina felt his tongue skimming against the seam of her lips. With little more urging than that, she obliged him. Moaning at the insistent pressure, at the feeling of his lips twisting, biting, sucking against hers, his tongue plunging into the recesses of her mouth, Christina sank against the wall behind her.

Author Bio:

Amber Laura’s biography, also known as “Five Fun Facts about the Author”:

  1. As a writer, Amber Laura does her best daydreaming as a window-gazing passenger on long car rides.
  2. If there’s creamer, she’s drinking coffee. When she edits, there’s always creamer.
  3. A blogger, she also writes web fiction—(free stories updated chapter-by-chapter, week-by-week). Check it out at www.litliber.com.
  4. Psst! Her debut novel, Topaz and Lace, a contemporary romance set in a fictitious Texas town, got its start on that same blog.
  5. While she may physically reside in the beautiful country of Northern Minnesota, in her imagination, Amber Laura lives all over the world. She considers it one of the best perks to being a writer: easy, cheap travel. That and the oddball characters she meets along the way….

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter


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Cover Reveal: The Face of the Seal by Jennifer Cumiskey

30 Tuesday Jul 2019

Posted by ehmusings in Cover Reveal, Historical, Suspense

≈ 1 Comment



Historical Suspense
Publisher: Windchime Press
Date Published: 8/8/2019

 photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png

When Gerel Garnier, Paris’ up-and-coming jewelry designer, is commissioned by Britain’s famous art patron William Blackwell IV to create a replica of the 19th Century Qing Dynasty Empress Seal, she believes that her artist’s dream is finally coming true. Blackwell’s name and fortune could catapult her to the status of crème de la crème in the world of couture art design. Little does she know that the dream job will lure her into a web of treachery, deceit and murder.

While attending the unveiling of the original Empress Seal at the Forbidden City, Gerel stumbles on a startling secret about her family roots, and she is a woman on a mission ever since. From the Forbidden City back to Paris, she careens from dark secrets to illuminating revelation as the truth of her lineage emerges. An enlightening epiphany hits her: She Gerel Garnier, is the heir of the face of the Empress Seal–a rare gemstone that has witnessed centuries of love, hatred, faith and bloodshed.

Now the face of the seal has fallen unexpectedly into her hands. What is she going to do with the gemstone that seems to be a curse to whoever possesses it yet still hunted by the dark forces of the world?


About the Author

Jennifer Cumiskey was born and grew up in Shanghai, China. She immigrated to the United States in 1986. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English literature and an MBA in finance. After a career in corporate finance and management consulting, she now writes full-time as an indie author. Her writings often explores the theme of clash of civilizations and illuminates the tenderness of the human heart by shining a light on its darkest corners. She resides with her husband Paul in Vienna, Virginia. She can be reached at http://www.windchimepress.com


Contact Links

Facebook
Goodreads


Purchase Link

Amazon


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Book Blitz: Out To Find Freedom by Lila Rose

30 Tuesday Jul 2019

Posted by ehmusings in Book Blitz, Contemporary Romance

≈ 4 Comments

Out to Find Freedom
Lila Rose
Publication date: July 30th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Death and pain.
They surround me. Hold me hostage, refusing to let go.
But I want to survive. Want to fight. I just don’t know if I have it in me.
Maybe dying would be better.
It’s the break in the shadows that gives me hope.
When I look at him, all I can see is light.
So now I’m out to find freedom.

Private investigator Ryan Warden doesn’t know he’s moved next door to people he would put behind bars in an instant. Nor does he realise a sleepless night could lead him on the right track with the case he’s working on.
He certainly doesn’t expect Emerson Spence.
What he does know is he has to stay away from her. She’s been beaten and broken. She deserves to live freely while learning and experiencing things in life like any young woman should.
He’s too old for her. It’s better to stay away.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

—


Author Bio:

Lila was born in Brisbane Australia, her step-dad was in the Army which caused them to move around a lot. They finally settled in country Victoria, Australia. Being the youngest of four children she admits she was spoilt a bit. Even drove her mum crazy when she refused to eat meat at a young age.
Now, Lila lives with her husband and two children.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter


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New Release: Quill by Esther E. Schmidt

30 Tuesday Jul 2019

Posted by ehmusings in New Release

≈ Leave a comment

OUT NOW: QUILL WICKED THROTTLE MC
Title: “Quill”
Series: Wicked Throttle MC #3
Author: Esther E. Schmidt
Cover Design: Esther E. Schmidt
Cover model: Andre D’Cruz
Photographer: James Critchley Photography
Release: July 30, 2019 Buy links:
books2read.com/Quill

There’s a legend amongst members of the Wicked Throttle MC. Something that’s rooted deep into their DNA. Once a soul finds its other half, there is no going back. Only one option; Love and claim at first sight.

The danger lurking at every turn in her life has left Adley alone and on the run. That is until a certain biker finally tracked her down and is determined to help her.

Quill can’t get the woman who he couldn’t hold onto out of his head and heart. Dead set to pull her out of the danger she’s wrapped in, he stumbles into a web where not only Adley, but others are tangled in as well. Can they take one day at a time to explore their connection and save those around them? Or will a shift of direction spiral into a lost chance in love and life?

Quill can be read as a HEA standalone but does have a cliffhanger involving the next character (book four in this series). For a greater reading experience, recommended reading order:
FREE!! books2read.com/Corban books2read.com/Zerox books2read.com/Barlow books2read.com/Quill

Add to goodreads: goodreads.com/book/show/46815513-quill

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