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Saturday, May 4, 2019

BOOK BLITZ: I Spy the Boy Next Door by Samantha Armstrong #GIVEAWAY


I Spy the Boy Next Door
Samantha Armstrong
Publication date: May 25th 2019
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Four p.m. spy sessions are the highlight of Mallory Taylor’s day. Observing the boy next door—one with a body and an attitude to match—has her perched beside her window so often it can’t be healthy.
When she finally convinces her mom to let her go to public school, Mallory comes face to face with her neighbor, Troy Parker. And he makes it clear he wants nothing to do with her. His rejection awakens a newfound tenacity and maybe even a touch of recklessness. But when Troy starts to show up when she needs him the most, Mallory can’t help but wonder if there’s more to him than he’s let on.
Taking chances, breaking rules, and following her heart is all new to Mallory. And no one warned her just how fickle hearts can be. When she discovers that Troy isn’t at all the guy she imagined him to be, secrets rise to the surface that will change her life forever.
**This is a standalone mature YA/new adult contemporary romance.
—
EXCERPT:
We’re about ten minutes into the lesson when everything around me stops and spins. I don’t know which because all I can see is him.
“Mr. Parker, nice of you to join us,” Mr. Brown says.
I stalked him a few years ago on Facebook to see if we were in the same grade, but I wasn’t expecting to be in the same class.
My day just got a hell of a lot better.
I press my palm to my chest, feeling the familiar beat. I press harder, hoping the pressure will soften the racket inside of me.
He slides a note onto Mr. Brown’s desk, barely acknowledging him before returning his attention to his phone. His fingers fly across the screen as he walks down the aisle.
Please look at me. Please look at me. Please look at me, I silently chant, but when he turns and heads directly for me, my prayers abruptly change. Don’t look at me. Don’t look at me. Don’t look at me.
My heart’s thumping so hard against my ribcage, I’m losing air.
This is the moment.
I don’t know what to do. I’ve been envisioning it for so long, and now that it’s about to happen, everything I’ve ever planned I would do or say has gone out the window. I start clicking my pen, then tapping my foot. I should be focusing on the lesson at the front of the room, but I can’t take my eyes off him. He’s wearing a hood, but I can see his hair slipping out from under it. Dark jeans hang low on his hips, and a bag sits snug on his back.
He’s only a few steps away. I swallow.
He’s in front of me. He looks up.
My breath catches in my throat.
His eyes widen, then narrow. All these years later, he still doesn’t smile at me.
And I realize, I sat in an already claimed seat.


Author Bio:
Samantha Armstrong's novels incorporate all of the feels--from swoon-worthy heroes to sweet-but-mostly-sassy heroines, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty melting-heat. She has written in multiple genres, but never strays far from romance.
Born and raised in New Zealand, Samantha Armstrong prefers to be tucked away writing whenever she can -- or, rather, whenever her adorable yet demanding baby boy allows.
A normal day for her includes diapers--lots of them--walks with both babies (i.e. human baby and dog baby), writing between naps, and staying up late to write even more. Then somehow fitting all the other stuff in between.
To sign up for information on upcoming releases, giveaways and more: https://www.samantharmstrong.com/subscribe


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Friday, May 3, 2019

BOOK BLITZ: Lotus Effect by Trisha Wolfe #GIVEAWAY


Lotus Effect
Trisha Wolfe
Publication date: April 29th 2019
Genres: Adult, Suspense
Lakin Hale, true crime writer and victim of an attack that left her for dead, helps crime solvers and victims close cold cases, yet there is one crime she hasn’t been able to solve:
Her own.
As she embarks on a new case, working closely with Special Agent Rhys Nolan, the details of the murder begin to eerily resemble the event that nearly ended her life. A silhouette of a man haunts her dreams, but there were only two people there that night—Lakin and her murderer. Is the phantom hero who pulled her from the water a delusion, or is he the only one who can unlock her dark memories?
Buried in a watery grave of lotuses, the victim calls out to Lakin, unearthing painful memories of what was stolen from her that fateful night. For those that played a part, it’s now time to answer for their sins.

—


Author Bio:
USA Today bestselling romantic thriller author Trisha Wolfe. From an early age, Trisha Wolfe dreamed up imaginary worlds and characters and was accused of talking to herself. Today, she lives in South Carolina with her family and writes full time, using her imaginary worlds as an excuse to continue talking to herself.
For more information on Trisha Wolfe and her works, please visit: TrishaWolfe.com
To be the first to hear about new releases and sale events, sign up for Trisha Wolfe's Newsletter: http://bit.ly/1rXTKI7


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BOOK BLITZ: Taming the Bad Boy by Jolie Moore #GIVEAWAY


Taming the Bad Boy
Jolie Moore
Publication date: April 30th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
From up here on stage, I can see her. Even with her First Lady hair and Sunday school shoes, I can’t take my eyes off of her.
The music starts. I swing my hips to the thumping bass. Oh-so-slowly I slip one button through a hole, then another, then another. I ease the black silk from my shoulders and toss it right toward her.
I watch her pale glossy lips form a big ‘O’ before she catches it like a major league baller. The flashing lights blind me. Between beats I can see her blue eyes zeroed in below my waist.
I know what she wants. I give it to her. With a zip and a tug, the leather pants join the rest of my clothes. In my skin tight briefs, I dance just for her. With the last chord of the song the stage goes dark.
I know when the lights come up, another guy will be dancing in my place because this is my last time. I’m not doing this ever again. It’s too bad I didn’t get her name. I really liked that shirt. But not enough to go back and claim it.
If she wants me bad enough, she’ll have to find me.
—
EXCERPT:
“The shirt sailed toward the table. I dreaded it touching the alcohol that had spilled on the wood. Real silk wouldn’t survive it. So I stood and caught it in mid-air. I was rewarded with a broad wink. I pulled the shirt to my chest, and I couldn’t help noticing the heady scent that rose from it. Nari glared at me. After sending a brief apology to the dry cleaner who was going to have to fix it, I balled the shirt up and pushed it deep into my lap.
Lyrics got suggestive. The tight ribbed black tank Rafe was wearing close to his skin, came off as well. I didn’t try to grab for it this time. I was already in for a stiff lecture.
Bumping and grinding, Rafe was butt down on the platform undulating to the beat, the tight leather pants obscuring nothing. The names of movie and sports stars blasted from the speakers. The top two buttons of his pants came undone. Hollywood’s female icons thumped with the bass. The zipper came down.
I knew what was coming. How could I not? I couldn’t look away. I could look all day. Looking was okay. Like the black and white video of the song, lights pulsed, throwing the club into black and white relief.
A quick black out, and the pants were gone. I must have missed the shoes and socks, because Rafe was gyrating on the platform almost as naked as the day he was born, save for some black boxer briefs shot through with silver threads.
Those threads were only on the front center, and back of the shorts, highlighting what was underneath. Before I knew it, he was letting his body go with the flow. It was a nice flow. His skin was golden, and bathed in a sheen of sweat. The lights cast blue, red, and ended in gold on him. Silence. A single beat. And it went dark again.
I didn’t care if Nari thought I was crazy. I clapped and hooted as loudly as his friends and those around me. The lights and music started again, but Rafe was gone.”



Author Bio:
I write crazy, beautiful love stories because I believe storytelling is magic. I love complicated heroines with secrets, strong heroes who fall hard, and a long winding road to happily ever after. When I'm not writing, I love to travel to witness the diverse tapestry of humanity, photograph the beauty of the world, visit museums, and watch live theater. I live in West Hollywood, California ten miles from the nearest airport.
I haven't found my own happily ever after, but I'm not done trying. This year I'm going to go on fifty first dates. Join me as I try to find my Mr. Right or maybe Mr. Right Now.
#50firstdates #joliemoore #crazybeautifullove


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Thursday, May 2, 2019

BOOK REVEAL: Jackson by Giulia Lagomarsino #ReedSecuritySeries


Jackson: Book 2 of a 3 book arc
Giulia Lagomarsino
(Reed Security, #14)
Publication date: May 27th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
This is the 14th book in the Reed Security Series and the 2nd book of a 3 book arc. The arc books need to be read in order and it is suggested that the rest of the series is read in order as well.
Jackson Lewis saved Raegan Cartwright from a terrible situation and has been keeping her and her parents safe. Raegan knows she can trust the sexy man she’s staying with, but her confidence has taken a beating. Still, she refuses to be the wilting flower that everyone expects of her. If only she could get Jackson to see that. He sees only what he wants to, sure that her refusal to talk about what happened as a sign she couldn’t move on. But when all hell breaks loose at Reed Security, Raegan is pulled into one dangerous situation after another. When it is discovered that Raegan isn’t just an innocent bystander but directly linked to Reed Security’s current situation, she finds herself even more intertwined and is fully prepared to face her issues head-on. But this is more than just an abusive ex. This is something that involves innocent people and deadly consequences. But Reed Security is relying on her and she won’t let them down.


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: Letting Love Change Me by Katharina LeBoeuf #GIVEAWAY


Letting Love Change Me
Katharina LeBoeuf
(Damaged Heart Series)
Publication date: April 29th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
More than half of Brody’s life has been filled with abuse and torment. He ran away from home at a young age, deciding that life on the streets would be safer. With no one to hold him back, he spent the summers in California and winters in Colorado, seeking the adrenaline rush he got from shredding waves and fresh powder.
He never expected to fall for a woman who had everything he didn’t know he needed or wanted.
Paige had everything she ever wanted. With the perfect family and a loving boyfriend, life couldn’t be better. When her life is unexpectedly turned upside down, she suddenly finds herself immersed in death and deceit.
In an attempt to make some sense of her now disheveled life, Paige escapes to Aspen where she reconnects with Brody, the surfer with a bad boy persona that she’s been secretly attracted to for years.
When tragedy strikes, Brody’s past collides with his present, ultimately threatening the plans he has for his future. Turning his frustrations on Paige, he allows his self-deprecating past to consume him, and he pushes her away.
Can Paige break through Brody’s walls and convince him that the love they have is enough to conquer the past? Or will the diversity of their lives prove to be too much for even love to break through?




Author Bio:
Katharina LeBoeuf grew up in New Orleans water skiing on the bayous and getting her fill of Cajun food. She graduated from LSU School of Nursing and currently works as a Registered Nurse.
She loves sitting in her hammock and reading a good book. On the rare occasion there isn't a book in her hand, she's watching her favorite shows like Friends, Seinfeld, The walking Dead, and Criminal Minds on Netflix. She loves cheering on her boys during their baseball games and attending plays her daughter performs in. Oh Yeah! She loves writing too!
Katharina lives in Orlando with her high school sweetheart, three children, a smelly cat named Chester (it's not his fault) and two dogs named Rhett and Koda.


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BOOK BLITZ: Raven Acoustics by Grace Harper #GIVEAWAY


Raven Acoustics: Rock Star Romance
Grace Harper
(Red & Black Series, #3)
Publication date: April 9th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Errol Thomas has a tortured soul, always has had.
Errol is out of rehab and is set on world domination. His record label is only too happy to pull his puppet strings to get him to the top of the soul music charts.
But it comes at a price, a price Errol doesn’t find out until it is too late.
He seeks solace in a local candle maker’s shop where Jane, the owner listens to tales of woe. When Ivory walks into the shop that has been his home away from home for over ten years, he is knocked sideways.
It’s only when he meets Ivory that he vows to keep his sobriety promise.
Just when Errol is on an even keel, falling in love with Ivory, her past comes knocking to reveal her secrets. In turn, his cover story at the label starts to unravel.
Will Errol be able to keep focussed on the end game or will he be collateral damage?
Red & Black have their own issues to deal with and become involved with Errol’s music career even if they don’t want to.
This is the third standalone romance novel in the Red & Black Series.

—
EXCERPT:
Deadline day had arrived.
The intimidating man sitting across from me in his ivory tower office had given me plenty of time to decide.
“What’s it to be, Errol?” Quinn said. His attention was squarely on his phone. I could be forgiven for thinking he couldn’t care less about my answer.
Today, I needed to sign the recording contract with The Dark Side record label or walk away. Quinn Saunders who owned the label had a plan that had played out to perfection. I’d won a talent contest, with my real name and my true passion for singing soul music. Transforming from Casey Lowe, rock band front man to Errol Thomas, solo soul singer was the best move I could have made and it was all thanks to Quinn.
When I saw Donovan Carter in the recording booth at my old label, a year ago, singing a Fragile song, I knew I had to leave Red & Black. When I watched Donovan sing the track, I could see Erin’s reflection in the glass wall of the studio. She’d given me the same proud smile years ago. That was when I was her favourite, before her husband Alex and long before Donovan.
The Dark Side record label building had stunning views across London. I loved coming up to the city to see Quinn. He’d coached me in the ways of the business and how to make a splash. His genius idea to use my real name and have the big reveal at the contest completely blinded all of them at Red & Black. For a moment, seeing Erin’s face when I shouted at Donovan about his sister made it all worthwhile. She doubted him and his innocence in what had happened. For a moment Erin was on my side. I hadn’t felt that in years, not since she danced with Alex Devlin at Green’s Music Venue. The night she left our friendship on the floor and went to him.
“Hell yes, I want this contract, pass me the pen.”
I jumped up from the leather sofa to reach for the contract. Quinn slapped his hand down hard on the stack of papers.
“Are you absolutely sure Errol? I’ll make you a worldwide sensation, but you’re going to have to play a role to get it.”
“I don’t care. All I want to do is to perform on stage and for everyone to know my name. I can sing, I’ve got the looks, and I don’t care what else I need to do.”
“Good lad,” Quinn said, flashing me a conspiratory smile. He took the pen from his inside jacket pocket and handed it over. The pen cost more than everything I owned. Everything about Quinn screamed wealth, and I wanted some of that money.
I scrawled my signature, using my real name in all the places the yellow sticky tabs told me to sign. The deal was done.
“What happens next?” I asked.
I’d retaken my seat on the sofa, watching the boats sail up the Thames river. Quinn had moved to the other side of his office into the gloom. The sun shone brightly in through the windows but only reached half of the floor space. Quinn’s black suit enabled him to blend in with the darkness, and I couldn’t see what he was doing.
“You wait for my call, lad. My PR people will be in touch soon with our game plan.”
“Am I going to lay down some tracks today?”
“Not yet.” I heard his irritation, I could have kicked myself for being over eager. Playing it cool never came easily to me. “We need to get everything in place first. We can take our time, get it right to make you a superstar.”
Quinn turned his back to take a call, dismissing me from the conversation. It wasn’t until he slipped through a side door in his office and his PA came in to collect the signed papers that I understood I was dismissed for the day.
“Have a great day, Errol,” she said with a smile that told me it had been many years since she’d had a good day.
I muttered my thanks to her retreating back, drank the glass of water in front of me and took one more look at Quinn’s office. Over the last couple of years, this had been our HQ for planning. Quinn discussed with me the next step in getting away from Maverick and Red & Black label. Years of planning and here I was, the ink still wet on the contract that would take me to superstardom.
Rubbing my closed fist against my chest as I left Quinn’s empty cold office, I looked for any familiar faces to chat with. I was still used to the Red & Black mansion where everything was open plan. Here at The Dark Side head office, all offices had doors with no windows to peek in. The grey slate coloured carpets marked my exit to the elevators and down to the security desk.
Quinn hadn’t told me what would happen in the coming months. I trusted him to keep me on the path to fame and fortune. Now that I’d signed the contract, I had faith in him more than ever to get me to household name status.



Author Bio:
British author who loves to write about strong women and handsome men. She writes steamy romance novels that will warm your heart.
Writer of the Brodie Saga and the Geary Series, Grace immerses you in stories of love, or rather, love's pursuit to bring together two people who were meant for each other. It's not always quick or easy but it will happen eventually.
When Grace is not writing, she can be found mooching about in stationery stores. Grace might have a Maltesers addiction but is not ready to stand up and own that just yet.



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Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Recapping the 2019 Bluebonnet Book Bash


This past Saturday found me in Killeen, TX for the second (and last) Bluebonnet Book Bash. Just as they did in 2017, our fearless leaders Stacy Pritt and Beth Diaz did an amazing job organizing the madness. From VIP goodies to a full on smörgåsbord of a luncheon, from handwritten cards to the authors to the best group of volunteers I've seen gathered... the Bluebonnet Book Bash will always be one of my favorite events. That being said, this signing will be my last one for a while. It was absolutely wonderful seeing old friends, and making new, but I've come to the decision that until I have some new novels for my readers, I need to stay off the event circuit. I've got two tales underway, Austin Ink and Wanted, and hopefully I'll be back to share them with y'all in the next couple of years. In the meantime, thank you to everyone who has stopped by one of my tables... y'all make the indie book world turn. Okay, enough of the sappy, let me share some of the fun!
My setup... and my assistant (who happens to be my favorite daughter).

One of the "new friends" I made. Introducing Gibbly the Hip Hippo (he's J.T. Lozano's sidekick and is a lot of fun!) He got a tad frisky when he stopped my table.

One of the things that makes these events fun is getting to put together neat and cool raffle baskets for readers to win. This time was no different as I went for a beach themed goodie bucket to highlight Kah Key Honeymoon by my alter ego, Ima Synner. Tricia was my lucky winner!
                        
 
Imagine my surprise when the lovely Jenifer Krall of Dragonheart Swag swung by my table with this amazing surprise! Custom badges representing my and The Divine Trilogy. I may have teared up. She's a doll, and if you're looking for custom swag, y'all totally need to look her up:
https://www.facebook.com/dragonheartswag/





And if the day wasn't exciting enough, there was one more surprise in store for me when Monique Brand of the Killeen Daily Herald visited the event. Since we were holding the event to support Operation Stand Down Central Texas, she did an awesome write up about the event and supporting our veterans. Y'all, she'd heard of the Trilogy. Totally made my day!

"R.E. Hargrave, known for her works in the erotica The Divine Trilogy, presented the audience with a military romance titled “Unchained Melody,” about a United States Air Force fighter pilot."

Read the article HERE 





Until next time... #LongLiveKink





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