NEW RELEASE!! Life After Taylah by Bella Jewel

 

Title: Life After Taylah

Author: Bella Jewel

Release Date: May 26, 2014

   

Blurb

My mother's name is Taylah, and once, a very long time ago, she was my best friend - she was everything I wanted to be.

Until the night she disappeared.

Ten years on and my life, my families lives and the world around us has never been the same again.
How can it be when you are left not knowing?

No leads. No connections. Nothing. Just pure emptiness.

My dancing is the only way I can separate myself from the pain that lies in my home, in my father's eyes and in my brother's spirit. They need me and I'll fight with everything I am to be there for them, but who will be there for me?

Then I meet Nate.

Champion Motocross racer and everything my father doesn't want for me. He's forbidden, he's beautiful, and he's carrying a bundle of his own secrets.

When I step into his world, there is no turning back.

He will consume me.

He will teach me how to breathe again.

He will put a tiny piece of my broken heart, back together.  

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About the Author

Bella Jewel is an Aussie girl through and through. She spent her life in Western Australia, growing up in many different areas of the state. She now currently lives in Perth with her husband, children and mass amounts of pets. She's crazy, fun, outgoing and friendly. Writing is her passion, she started at the young age of 18 but finally got the courage up to publish, and her first novel Hell's Knights was released in August 2013.  

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COVER REVEAL!! Greetings From Sugartown (Sugartown #2.5) by Carmen Jenner

 

Greetings From Sugartown (Sugartown #2.5) by Carmen Jenner

Publisher: Independent

Contemporary New Adult

Release Date: August 2014

Cover Designer: Cover It! Designs

   

Synopsis

Life in Sugartown hasn’t always been easy, not for an ex-con like Elijah, and certainly not for Ana, who grew up desperate for a way out. Meeting Elijah changed all that; Elijah changed a lot of things. You’d think that after three years together and the worst behind them that life would be a walk in the park, but Sugartown’s sexiest couple may be about to face their biggest obstacles yet. Between failed marriage proposals, a trampy ex-lover and a tempting new biker, Sugartown is suddenly not so sweet. They’re head-over-heels in love. It should be simple—but it rarely is. Will they make it down the aisle to the happy ever after they deserve? Or are some relationships just destined to fail?  

Author Bio

Carmen Jenner is a thirty-something, USA TODAY Best Selling Author, doctor, pilot and CIA agent. She's also a compulsive, flagrant prevaricator who gets to make things up for a living. While Sugartown may not technically exist, Carmen grew up in a small Australian town just like it, and just like her characters, she always longed for something more. They didn't have an Elijah Cade, though. If they did, you can be sure she would have never left.  

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A Veiled Deception (Vintage Magic #1) by Annette Blair

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Synopsis

The right dress can be magic; the wrong one--murder!

Madeira, Maddie, Cutler, vintage clothing lover, and New York fashion designer, comes home to help plan her sister’s wedding. At the engagement party, the ‘Jezebel’ trying to steal Sherry’s fiancé is found strangled with a bridal veil, making Sherry the prime suspect. Besides seeking the real killer, Maddie alters Sherry’s vintage wedding gown, worn by generations of the groom’s family, and something odd happens. The gown gives Maddie visions, clues to the past . . . and the murder?

Maddie learns she’s psychometric, a psychic gift she inherited from her late mother, who was a broom-carrying witch, it turns out. What other gifts did she inherit? When not sleuthing, Maddie acquires the old Underhill Funeral Chapel Carriage House, including Dante Underhill, a chatty debonair ghost in tux and top hat, who can’t seem to leave the building. Watch out Mystic, Connecticut! Here comes Vintage Magic, a shop for vintage couture and designer originals, featuring a psychic sleuth, a hunk of a ghost, with a sprinkle of magic thrown in for ‘charm.’

Review

I loved this book, which really surprised me because much of it concerns fashion, both current and vintage, which I have no interest in.  [Hey, it's not entirely my fault - I grew up in a time and place where 'haute couture' meant your jeans and your sweatshirt were both clean at the same time...]  But the author sold it to me and I actually found it very interesting. 

The heroine, Madeira [call me Mad] Cutler, head design assistant in a New York fashion house is called home to Mystic Falls.  Officially she's supposed to help her youngest sister plan her wedding and unofficially she's supposed to make sure there is going to be a wedding at all.  An old friend of the groom has shown up and is acting like SHE is going to be the bride.  Not good but Mad can fix anything - which turns out to be a very good thing when she stumbles over the corpse of the usurper strangled with Sherry's wedding veil and it looks like little sister is the prime suspect. Of course she plans to fix this by finding out who really did the deed.

To this end she snoops, she gossips, she pulls strings - all while going up against Detective-Sergeant Lytton Werner. The same Werner who in third grade she called 'little wiener' in the school cafeteria - a nickname he has never escaped even when he became a 6+ foot hunk.  And, yeah, he still blames her.  He considers her his own personal thorn...

And then her life gets really strange - it seems that besides being able to see ghosts [her family home is a haunted 250 year old inn] some vintage clothing gives her glimpses into their past owner's lives.  While she finds this spooky and disconcerting, it does help her solve the current crime [and sheds much needed light on past crimes as well.]  She finally breaks down and tells Nick, her on-again-off-again boyfriend, FBI agent and brother's partner, about the visions and eventually he comes to believe her.  The trick is how to get the good detective to look in the right places without explaining how she got the information and without a lick of proof - because she is definitely NOT telling him about the visions!

All this is going on while Mad is having her own personal crises - she decides to quit her job, buy the old carriage house/hearse barn and turn it into an upscale [very, very upscale] dress shop selling high end vintage clothing and her own designs which will be named Vintage Magic.  It comes complete with yet another ghost - one that is handsome, charming, and fond of chatting with those that can see him.

A word about the sex in this book - there's sizzle but all the actual contact takes place 'off screen'. The romance is part of the series story arc so the romance issues are NOT resolved.

Vintage Magic Mysteries

1. A Veiled Deception

2. Larcency and Lace

3. Death by Diamonds

4. Skirting the Grave

5. Cloaked in Malice

6. Tulle Death Do Us Part

COVER REVEAL!! Keep Me (Twist Me, #2) by Anna Zaires

Title: Keep Me (Twist Me, #2)

Author: Anna Zaires

Genre: Dark Erotic Novel

Release Date: September 30, 2014

Cover Design by Eden Crane Designs

 

Blurb

Abducted at eighteen. Held captive for 15 months. It reads like one of those headlines. And yes, I did it. I stole her. Nora, with her long dark hair and silky skin. She’s my weakness, my obsession. I’m not a good man. I never pretended to be one. She can love me, but she can’t change me. I can, however, change her. My name is Julian Esguerra, and Nora is mine to keep. ***Keep Me is the sequel to Twist Me, told from Nora & Julian’s POV.***  

Excerpt

Julian's POV

“Are you all right?” There is a concerned expression on Nora’s face as she reaches up to touch the area above my left ear. Her slender fingers are gentle on my scalp. “Does it still hurt?” Her touch sends pleasure streaking down my spine. I want this from her. I want her to care about my well-being. I want her to love me even though I stole her freedom—even though, by all rights, she should hate me. I have no illusions about myself. I’m one of those men they show on the news—the ones that everyone fears and despises. I took a young woman because I wanted her and for no other reason. I took her and I made her mine. I make no excuses for my actions. I feel no guilt either. I wanted Nora, and now she’s here with me, looking at me like I’m the most important person in her world. And I am. I am exactly what she needs now . . . what she craves. I will give her everything, and I will take everything from her in return. Her body, her mind, her devotion—I want it all. I want her pain and her pleasure, her fear and her joy. I want to be her entire life. “No, it’s fine,” I say in response to her earlier question. “It’s almost healed.” She pulls her fingers away, and I catch her hand, not ready to forego the pleasure of her touch. Her hand is slim and delicate in my grasp, her skin soft and warm. She tries to tug it away reflexively, but I don’t let her, my fingers tightening around her small palm. Her strength is insignificant compared to mine; she can’t make me release her unless I chose to let her go. She doesn’t really want me to let her go, anyway. I can feel the excitement rising within her, and my body hardens, a dark hunger awakening within me again. Reaching across the table, I slowly and purposefully unbuckle her safety belt. Then I stand up, still holding her hand, and lead her to the bedroom at the back of the airplane.  

Twist Me (Twist Me, #1)

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About the Author

Anna Zaires fell in love with books at the age of five, when her grandmother taught her to read. She wrote her first story shortly thereafter. Since then, she has always lived partially in a fantasy world where the only limits were those of her imagination. Currently residing in Florida, Anna is happily married to Dima Zales (a science fiction and fantasy author) and closely collaborates with him on all their works.

After graduating from the University of Chicago with a degree in Economics, Anna spent eight years on Wall Street analyzing stocks and writing research reports. In 2013, she became a full-time author, pursuing her lifelong dream of writing romance novels.

Dima Zales is the love of her life and a huge inspiration in all aspects of her writing. Every book Anna writes is a product of their unique collaborative process.

In addition to reading and writing, Anna enjoys drinking tea (coconut oolong, anyone?), watching addictive TV shows, and discussing book ideas during long walks with her amazing husband.

She loves hearing from her readers, so please don't hesitate to contact her through her website or connect with her on Facebook, where she hangs out way too often. Also, please visit her husband and collaborator, Dima Zales, at www.dimazales.com and check out their fantasy & science fiction books.

 

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NEW RELEASE! Holding Aces (The Kingdom #1) by Nikki Groom

Title: Holding Aces (The Kingdom #1)

Author: Nikki Groom

Release Date: May 29th 2014

Genre: Adult contemporary romance

 

Blurb

They say that time heals all wounds. But mine are set in so deeply, they’ve taken on a life of their own, lurking in the shadows at every turn and haunting my thoughts. The girl I once was has been replaced by a stranger. I don’t even know who I am anymore. I run. And I hide. Pretending to be someone I’m not… Until I meet Denham King. My burst of color in an otherwise grey world. And for the first time in my life, I find myself running towards someone instead of running away. But fate can be cruel, and I can’t escape my past. Can I?   **Holding Aces is part one of a two part Adult Contemporary Romance series that contains mature sexual content and language and is not intended for readers under the age of 18.**    

Excerpt

The ding sounds on the elevator, bringing me back to reality from my daydream and when the doors open, I instinctively step forward, my feet thinking before my brain, and walk straight into the person exiting. My hands fly up to correct myself, landing on a hard, wide, chest, and I look up to apologize. Time stops. I take in the features of the very cute guy in front of me. Wrong. Cute is not the word I’d use to describe him. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this kind of handsome and I lived in freakin’ LA. This guy is not botoxed or surgically sculpted, but he is chiseled—all natural. There’s something...just something... His hands grasp my shoulders to steady me, strong but gentle at the same time. He must be about 6’2 as he stands a head above me, and is dressed in a slate gray suit, with a crisp white shirt which is unbuttoned twice, giving me just a peek of his flesh at my eye level. As my gaze slowly travels upwards, I notice his dark hair is damp and falls gently across his forehead. His lips curl into a sexy little grin, and that simple movement breaks the trance-like state I seem to have put myself in. I blink twice and shake my head.  

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About the Author

Nikki Groom is a hopeless romantic, lover of all things happily ever after and firm believer that love makes the world go around. In her spare time, you will find Nikki laughing with her very treasured family, walking with her beloved dog in the hundred acre wood or curled up in a cosy corner with words and wine. She lives in East Sussex with her husband and two children. Having turned her hand to many things over the years, Nikki is now proud to add ‘author’ to that list. Having always been a dreamer, Nikki’s imagination stretches far and wide, which enables her to get lost in faraway places and imaginary people.

Nikki loves to chat, especially about books! You can find her here…

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Lying with Scorpions (Memory of Scorpions #2) by Aleksandr Voinov

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Well written, tightly plotted and filled with action and excitement.  The characters are strongly delineated and each player has his own ‘voice’. The action has a gritty honesty; whether that action is physical, emotional or political.

Honestly? It kept me turning the pages but I probably won’t reread it. I’m not a big fan of political intrigues and I found the shift [especially in Adrastes] from warrior to politician appropriate but not enjoyable.  But that’s me. The bestseller lists are peppered with political thrillers so I’m obviously in the minority.

This may be considered a bit of spoiler so be warned:

The book has essentially a cliff hanger ending. Truths are unclear, loyalties are in flux, and the future balances on the edge of a knife. Needless to say there’s another book coming…

Memory of Scorpions series

#1 Scorpion

#2 Lying with Scorpions 

#3 A Taste for Poison [author’s website shows a release date in fall of 2014]

Copy received from Netgalley and publisher for an honest review.

NEW RELEASE!! Spike (Spark, #2) by Jennifer Ryder

Title: Spike (Spark, #2)

Author: Jennifer Ryder

Release Date: May 28, 2014

Series: Spark 

 

Synopsis

I, Aidan Stone, got the girl.

My beautiful Eevie is sweet and sassy, and she owns my heart like no other. I promised her, I’d always protect her, and I meant it, but shit just got serious.

Blackmail. Extortion. And Eevie is the target.

Sometimes the past comes back to haunt us. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to distance yourself from it, it comes back and bites you on the arse. And in walks Mr Hotshot Detective, Ryan Clark, thinkin’ he can save the day and take my girl.

Well, I’ve got news for him

 

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Spike (Spark, #2)

     

Spark (Spark, #1)

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Excerpt

Today, I feel like a king with a convincing win under my belt, and the beauty on my arm is the envy of most of the guys here. Life can’t get any better.

I introduce Eevie around. She shakes hands like she means it, holds her own in conversation, and gets the occasional laugh out of guys I didn’t think had a sense of humour. She must’ve been taking note of some of the ins and outs of motocross, having the balls to ask some interesting questions.

Take note, people: funny, intelligent woman with the guts and looks to match. That confidence is heartbreak material. They’re practically drooling over her. It’s almost pathetic. If they thought they had half a chance, they’d be down on their knees in a millisecond begging for a shot.

Boys, it ain’t gonna happen. Every delectable inch of her is mine, including her heart.

Talking with some of the support crew, Jones edges his way into the conversation, standing a little close to Eevie for my liking. He puffs out his chest, and hooks his thumbs through the front loops of his jeans. Blonde hair and a baby face, he’s a pretty boy. A mummy’s boy. From the way he carries on, he probably got everything he ever wanted as a kid, and had all the latest gear. Mum could barely afford to buy my jerseys, and when she did, I wore them until I outgrew them. I had no choice but to make them last. Last round Jones threw a tantrum like a three year old over something stupid. He got what he wanted, though. Disgusting. Not that I give a shit where he’s come from; at least I know I don’t carry on like a fucking twit.

My eyes are on Jones, and he knows it. Damn it, if he doesn’t like pushing my buttons, and having Eevie here he’s gonna do anything he can to push. If he weren’t on my team I’d barely give him the time of day. He’d be half an alright bloke if he wasn’t so self-absorbed.

He acts like he’s engrossed in what Eevie’s talking about, but his eyes travel down her chest, and even lower, as if he’s trying to rip her clothes off purely with the power of his mind. It heats my blood more than it should.

“When you’re ready for a real man, Eevie, come knockin’ on my door,” Jones says. His eyes dart in my direction before resting back on Eevie’s tits. Fucking douchebag.

Eevie frowns, and purses her glossy lips. “Sorry, I don’t understand. If I’m ready for a real man, why would I knock on your door? Wouldn’t I just go home?” She bats those long lashes. That’s my girl.

Everybody erupts into a fit of laughter, me louder than most. Jones shakes his head, and playfully punches me in the arm. “You’re killin’ me, Aidan. You win today, and I hate you for it, and now your woman’s gonna break my heart,” he says, faking a southern American accent. He clutches his chest as if wounded, and winks at Eevie.

I take a long swig of my beer. “Life’s a bitch, Jones.” Now fuck off.

 

About the Author

New Adult and erotic romance writer, and author of the Spark series. The second book in the five part series, Spike, is to be released on 28 May 2014.

A sexy imagination, a life-long love of books and a sucker for romance, Jennifer Ryder couldn't stifle her creativity any longer.

Writing steamy adult romance has become her new focus. Living on a rural property in New South Wales, Australia, she enjoys the best of city and country.

Her loving husband is ever willing to provide inspiration, and her two young cherubs, and sheep that don't see fences as barriers, keep life more than interesting.

Jennifer placed third in the International Stringybark Erotic Short Fiction Award 2013.

 

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