Bewitching Book Tours July 2015 Magazine

Bewitching Book Tours Magazine Issue 37 July 2015

Bewitching Book Tours Magazine is a publication of Bewitching Book Tours and Bewitching Books.

Editor: Roxanne Rhoads Design Editor and Layout: Lisa McGeen

Contributors include Bewitching Book Tours Authors and Tour Hosts learn more at www.bewitchingbooktours.blogspot.com Ad space rates are: $40 full page ad $20 half page ad $10 quarter page ad You can subscribe to this magazine at http://issuu.com/bewitchingbooktours Š Copyright 2015 Stock images from www.123rf.com

Did you read last month’s issue?

What Makes Bewitching Book Tours Different From Other Virtual Book Tour Companies?

Bewitching Book Tours has been in business since 2010 making us one of the oldest virtual book tour companies around. We know book promotion.

Our authors are our number one priority. This is not a hobby or a side job in addition to the day job. This is our day job, which means we put our author s fir st.

Bewitching Book Tours offers multiple tour packages and services for authors- we have one day packages for cover reveals, release day blitzes, and one day tours. We also offer one week, two week and one month tours. Bewitching also offers Kindle Free Book Blitz tours to promote your Kindle free book for up to five days. Other services we offer are Twitter parties, Facebook parties, Press Release Writing, and radio interviews.

Custom packages are available.

Bewitching has optional special features including a monthly magazine, a BlogTalk Radio Show and we offer custom Bewitching Book swag creations such as bookmarks, keychains, purse charms and more.

The most important things about Bewitching is that your book starts receiving promotion as soon as you sign up with Bewitching. A media kit is created, tour banners are made, and a page goes up on the Bewitching Blog announcing your upcoming tour. An invitation is sent out to all the Bewitching Tour Hosts and your upcoming tour is shared throughout our vast network of social media which includes multiple Facebook pages and accounts, Tsu, Twitter, Google +, Pinterest, Tumblr, and other book social sites.

Immediately your book has been put in front of thousands of book lovers. And we don’t stop there. We continue to work on your tour scheduling tour stops, reviews and more depending on your tour package chosen.

Once your tour is set up we send you the tour schedule, materials and instructions so there is no confusion. You return requested materials to Bewitching and we handle the rest.

Once your tour has started we promote every single tour stop every day on multiple social media platforms several times throughout the day. Combine this exposure with the daily tour hosts’ and the author’s social media promotion of the tour stops and you have your book in front of thousands of readers every day.

An author will have quality content that can be used after the tour including a professional media kit with all the book and author information in one place that can be distributed to future

promotion locations. You’ll also have great quotes you can pull from reviews to help you promote your book.

If you wrote guest blogs or other promotional materials (character profiles, book soundtracks, the story behind the story posts, etc.) you now have content you can reuse on your blog or website as bonus material. Yes, your guest blogs and other tour materials that you created, are yours.

You retain copyright to them. Now if a blogger adds images, comments or other materials you cannot reuse the blog exactly as it appeared on their site. You retain the rights only to your original creations. I suggest waiting at least a month after your tour ends before reposting to your sites that way it does not hurt the tour blog traffic.

Interviews are not the same, not unless you provided both the questions and answers (for instance a character interview you created). If you wish to repost an interview you must ask the blogger who interviewed you if it is okay to republish their questions. Or simply post a link to the interview.

Even after the tour Bewitching continues working for you. Your name and web link will be listed on our blog as a client and your tour pages will be archived, not removed. So they will always be available for readers to access. If Bewitching has special events in the future like calls for submissions, holiday contests or other multi-author events you will be invited to participate.

Bewitching Book Tour Packages and Pricing Book sales will magically soar during one of our spellbinding virtual book tours Bewitching Book Tours specialize in tours for paranormal, urban fantasy, and paranormal erotica books with prices just right for any author's budget Every tour package includes:      

a custom media kit custom tour button and banners including a facebook header banner the option to offer review copies to bloggers- the number of reviews actually received during a tour are not guaranteed- they depend on blogger participation two tour pages at Bewitching Book Tours (one invitation tour page announcing the upcoming tour and one final tour page with schedule) distribution to our mailing list of over 600 tour hosts Daily promotion throughout the Bewitching social media outlets including multiple facebook pages and accounts, twitter, and google plus

A $5 Amazon Gift Card Tour Host Incentive- at the end of the tour one host will be randomly selected to receive a $5 Amazon Gift card. This gift card is included with the price of each tour and does not cost the author extra.

Giveaways are not necessary during tours but they are highly encouraged. Giveaways draw many more readers and viewers to tour stops plus they help increase your social media followers.

We utilize Rafflecopter entry forms so you can offer one prize package or several throughout your tour- winners are chosen at the end of the tour. $47.50 will get you the Release Day Blitz One day book release blitz includes  Posting on up to 20 blogs which will include- tour banner, your book info, excerpts, and fun tidbits (character profiles, music playlists, etc or whatever other materials you would like to provide)  a custom media kit  custom tour button and banners including a facebook header banner  the option to offer review copies to bloggers- the number of reviews actually received during a tour are not guaranteed- they depend on blogger participation  two tour pages at Bewitching Book Tours (one invitation tour page announcing the upcoming tour and one final tour page with schedule)  distribution to our mailing list of over 600 tour hosts  Daily promotion throughout the Bewitching social media outlets including multiple facebook pages and accounts, twitter, and google plus  A $5 Amazon Gift Card Tour Host Incentive- at the end of the tour one host will be randomly selected to receive a $5 Amazon Gift card. This gift card is included with the price of each tour and does not cost the author extra.

The release day blitz can be purchased alone or added to another tour package $50.00 will get you the week long Bewitched Book Blitz Tour Your will receive 1 week of tour stops     

  

Posting on approximately 5-7 stops which will include- tour banner, your book info, guest blogs, interviews, excerpts, and fun tidbits (character profiles, music playlists, etc or whatever other materials you would like to provide) a custom media kit custom tour button and banners including a facebook header banner the option to offer review copies to bloggers- the number of reviews actually received during a tour are not guaranteed- they depend on blogger participation two tour pages at Bewitching Book Tours (one invitation tour page announcing the upcoming tour and one final tour page with schedule) distribution to our mailing list of over 600 tour hosts Daily promotion throughout the Bewitching social media outlets including multiple facebook pages and accounts, twitter, and google plus A $5 Amazon Gift Card Tour Host Incentive- at the end of the tour one host will be randomly selected to receive a $5 Amazon Gift card. This gift card is included with the price of each tour and does not cost the author extra.

This tour is perfect for an author to get a taste of how a book tour works Great for new releases or for the backlist book that could use a sales boost

$85 will get you the 2 week Cast a Magic Spell Tour 2 weeks of tour stops  Posting on approximately 10-14 stops which will include- tour banner, your book info, guest blogs, interviews, excerpts, and fun tidbits (character profiles, music playlists, etc or whatever other materials you would like to provide)  a custom media kit  custom tour button and banners including a facebook header banner  the option to offer review copies to bloggers- the number of reviews actually received during a tour are not guaranteed- they depend on blogger participation  two tour pages at Bewitching Book Tours (one invitation tour page announcing the upcoming tour and one final tour page with schedule)  distribution to our mailing list of over 600 tour hosts  Daily promotion throughout the Bewitching social media outlets including multiple facebook pages and accounts, twitter, and google plus  A $5 Amazon Gift Card Tour Host Incentive- at the end of the tour one host will be randomly selected to receive a $5 Amazon Gift card. This gift card is included with the price of each tour and does not cost the author extra.

$140 will get you The Spellbinding Special 1 Month Tour

This is our most popular so far- with it you'll receive one month of tour stops 

Posting on approximately 20 stops which will include- tour banner, your book info, guest blogs, interviews, excerpts, and fun tidbits (character profiles, music playlists, etc or whatever other materials you would like to provide)  a custom media kit  custom tour button and banners including a facebook header banner  the option to offer review copies to bloggers- the number of reviews actually received during a tour are not guaranteed- they depend on blogger participation  two tour pages at Bewitching Book Tours (one invitation tour page announcing the upcoming tour and one final tour page with schedule)  distribution to our mailing list of over 600 tour hosts  Daily promotion throughout the Bewitching social media outlets including multiple facebook pages and accounts, twitter, and google plus A $5 Amazon Gift Card Tour Host Incentive- at the end of the tour one host will be randomly selected to receive a $5 Amazon Gift card. This gift card is included with the price of each tour and does not cost the author extra.

Kindle Free Book Blitz $50 Is your book going free on Kindle?

Get the most out of your Kindle free days with Bewitching Book Tours We are now offering a Kindle Free Book Blitz Tour- Up to 5 days of promotion just $50- this includes:  Posting on numerous blogs that will announce that your book is free is Amazon  a custom media kit  custom tour button and banners including a facebook header banner  the option to offer review copies to bloggers- the number of reviews actually received during a tour are not guaranteed- they depend on blogger participation  two tour pages at Bewitching Book Tours (one invitation tour page announcing the upcoming tour and one final tour page with schedule)  Daily promotion throughout the Bewitching social media outlets including multiple facebook pages and accounts, twitter, and google plus  A $5 Amazon Gift Card Tour Host Incentive- at the end of the tour one host will be randomly selected to receive a $5 Amazon Gift card. This gift card is included with the price of each tour and does not cost the author extra.

Cover Reveals are $45 Add a live Facebook party to any package for $100 A Facebook Party includes the coordination, set up and moderation of a live Facebook party (event) page. The party will last for about two hours.

A party page will be created and moderated by Bewitching Book Tours.

This is a great way to interact with readers. They can post questions and the author can answer in real time.

The author will be responsible for providing party content (book/author facts and links, quizzes, games, and prizes). Bewitching Book Tours can help with brainstorming ideas for content and prizes.

The Facebook party can be purchased by itself or added to a tour package.

Please understand Bewitching Book Tours is not responsible for missed your stops on your tour. After the tour is scheduled and all of the tour materials have been sent out, it is the responsibility of the Blogger who signed up for the tour to post materials on their designated day.

Bewitching Book Swag Bewitching Book Tours offers custom book swag creations that can be added on to tour packages or ordered separately.

We offer high quality, hand crafted, one of a kind items made to match your book. Currently we are offering beaded bookmarks, beaded keychains, purse charms, belt loop charms, wine glass charms, and earrings.

These items can be created with colored beads to match the colors in your book cover.

We can also add small charms to coordinate with book content- we have a wide variety of charms to choose from and if we don't have something that matches your book we can get it.

Some of the silver charms available are: vampire fangs, wolves, witch hats, keys and locks, books, hearts, haunted houses, bats, foxes, hamsas, dragons, sugar skulls, rhinestone skull and crossbones, high heeled shoes, Fleur de lis, masquerade masks, owls and many more.

You can also opt to have the items completely customized by adding your book cover to a metal charm. The book covers are encased in small metal photo frame charms and sealed in resin for a high quality charm that looks fabulous and is very durable.

Our goal is to create custom book swag that represents your book.

A Review of Vegan al Fresco by Carla Kelly Reviewed by Wenona Napolitano First of all I will confess, I am not a vegan, I’m not even a vegetarian.

Some people find it hard to believe that I am a green living guru without being a vegetarian. I could argue stats and facts all day long about pros and cons, history and health regarding whether or not being a vegan or vegetarian can contribute to saving the environment but the simple fact is, it all boils down to personal choice and preference. I like meat.

But…I also like my veggies and eating vegan dishes doesn’t bother me at all.

I always love to have options when it comes to food. Plus I have vegan and vegetarian friends so it’s nice to have some recipes on hand when they come over for a cookout or dinner party.

This book provides some great recipes and it covers everything- from seasonings to desserts. It has tons of recipes for dips and sauces, salsas and relishes (I love appetizers) there are even recipes for drinks.

Some of my favorite recipes are the Smoky and Salty Roasted Nuts…and the Pumpkin Corn Cakes…those are going to be a great autumn dish.

The salad recipes make my mouth water and the grilled dishes are creative and inspired. But it’s the desserts that my family really loves. Vegan Ice Creams (several flavors, all delicious but my husband is truly in love with the Coconut), Banana and Carrot Cake, and the cookies…even your little cookie monster will love these.

This book has a huge selection of recipes, everything you need if you’ll be hosting a cookout or get together with vegan or vegetarian friends.

One complaint about the book- not enough images, I like recipes to come with photos of the food. Not every recipe has a corresponding photo, though there are enough images that the book is not bland. I just like to see the food, it makes me want to make it (and eat it) that much more.

But reading the descriptions was good enough to make my mouth water with anticipation.

Whether you are a vegan looking for new recipes or a non-vegan like me who just wants to broaden their food horizons and have options when hosting vegan friends, this book is a must have for your kitchen.

Available at Amazon and most major book retailers

The Morrigna The Maurin Kincaide Series Book One Rachel Rawlings Genre: Paranormal Urban Fantasy ASIN: B003V4B6CI Number of pages: 326 Cover Artist: Joseph Eastwood Book Description:

I'm Maurin Kincaide, a psychometric, and until a few days ago I was working for Salem's Preternatural Task Force as an interrogator. I cracked more cold cases and got more confessions than anyone else in the department. Of course that was before I traded in my badge for an ancient Celtic sword. Now, I'm the Special Liaison for the Council, the governing body of the Others, and I take my orders from witches, werewolves and vampires.

I didn't just make a career change though. I'm not the same person I was before. I'm stronger, I can heal from wounds that would kill a normal person. I'm developing latent psychic skills at a breakneck speed. Oh yeah, and it would seem that a Pagan goddess has taken permanent residence in my body and mind. Crazy thing is, I'm starting to feel normal, like this is who I'm supposed to be.

Of course, there are those who don't agree. Morrigan and her sisters for example. Actually, I'm pretty sure they'd like nothing more than to see me dead. And if I can't stop them and the demons they've raised, they just might get their wish.

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/Y9g8FJKN2vM Free at

Amazon

Audible

BN

Excerpt: The Morrigna I couldn’t help feeling a little vindicated as the Captain told him his theory was pretty much paper thin, but he hadn’t even started on me yet. He dismissed Masarelli with a wave of his hand, but Masarelli didn’t move. He

just stood there like he was waiting for more instructions or perhaps to hear me get chewed out. He would get neither.

“Now, Masarelli.” The tone in Matthison’s voice had me sitting up straight. “Shut the door behind you.”

Captain Matthison waited until Masarelli closed the door and was sure he had walked far enough away not to overhear our conversation before he continued. Definitely not a good sign.

“You’re not going to like what I have to say, Kincaide, but I’m going to say it and you’re going to listen. I’m putting you on paid administrative leave. Effective immediately.” He was his usual calm self as he handed out my punishment.

“For how long? Wait a minute, what the hell did I do? I came in here, tried to do my job and now you’re punishing me because I didn’t get the desired results? You never said that there would be repercussions if I didn’t produce every time when you offered me this job!” He might be calm, but I was fuming.

He lowered his head and ran a hand through his short brown hair. “I realize every case can’t be easy, that there will be times when you simply can’t get the answers we need. That’s not what this is about and you know it.”

“No, I don’t actually, so why don’t you enlighten me.” It probably wasn’t smart to get flippant with the Captain, but I couldn’t have cared less in the heat of the moment.

“There’s something going on with you. I’ve noticed things over the last couple of weeks, ever since we’ve been dealing with this demon case. Even before that, if we’re being perfectly honest. There‘s no way that witch should have walked out of here like she did.” He was mussing up his hair again, like he didn’t want to finish, so I didn’t give him the chance.

“If the arresting officer had caught that witch’s charms, we wouldn’t even be talking about her right now! And you can’t seriously think I had anything to do with any of this? That my not feeling well is in any way related to the demon running loose? So why put me on leave?” I didn’t even try to hide my disgust at the thought.

“Would you shut up and let me finish. We both know it’s more than you ‘not feeling well’. ‘Not feeling well’ implies that you’re coming down with a cold or something. That is not what is happening with you. And of course I don’t think you had anything to do with the demon. As for being related? Who knows? From what Masarelli says, our best, though admittedly thin, lead had you in some kind of trance. You were catatonic in our interrogation room for Christ’s sake! That’s never happened before. Not once in the three years you’ve been here. You have been getting stronger. I’ve seen it. You spend less and less time with the suspects and walk away with more and more information. But the witch? Charms have never stopped you before. And then you face O’Neil and it’s like you’ve got nothing, no abilities at all. He should have been a cakewalk for you. He didn’t even register on any of our psychic scans. It’s like with more power comes less control. I don’t know what’s going on with you and you don’t either. So until you figure it out, you’re on leave. I just can’t risk you being injured or blowing a case - both of which are very real possibilities and you know it. I don’t want you near the station or anywhere near this case. That’s an order.” He didn’t have the same tone in his voice as he had with Masarelli, but it didn’t make it any easier to hear what he had just said.

“Do you want my badge too?” Okay, it was slightly juvenile, but I couldn’t help myself.

“Are you offering it to me? Because as much as it would disappoint me, I’ll take it if you are,” he said

Witch Hunt The Maurin Kincaide Series Book Two Rachel Rawlings Genre: Paranormal Urban Fantasy ASIN: B009YLODRW Number of pages: 316 Cover Artist: Joseph Eastwood Book Description: Maurin Kincaide is back in this action packed follow up novel to The Morrigna. No longer a member of Salem's Preternatural Task Force Maurin is the new liaison for The Council, governing body of Others.

During what should have been a routine meeting with her former Captain, Maurin is brought in on a murder investigation.

Three dead witches, three cryptic clues, no sign of the killers and the Salem coven is losing allies within the Council. If Maurin and her unlikely partner Captain Matthison can't stop the killers, the Witch City might be without its namesake.

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/ZwTNzVGJvxQ Available at Amazon BN Audible Witch Hunt Excerpt: Maurin Kincaide.” That was my professional greeting.

“It’s Matthison. You need to- ” I cut him off.

“Too late. You already approved the pass. You don’t get to change your mind now.” He wasn’t going back on the pass, not after I had already sent word that it had been approved.

“First, I only said yes to you. You don’t have my signature on the form yet. And second, I absolutely could go back on it if I wanted to, and there isn’t a damned thing that you could do about it. But that’s-” He didn’t get to finish.

“I could get someone to whip up a potion. I know people.” I interrupted.

I was almost to the corner. I pulled my coat a little tighter. It wasn’t officially winter yet, but the Solstice was only a week away. I could almost see the sign for the Daily Grind; coffee was almost within my reach.

“They wouldn’t and you know it. I didn’t call about the pass, Maurin. You need to come back in.” The friendly banter was over.

“Come back in? You make it sound like I’m wanted for questioning. Am I a person of interest, Captain?” I asked.

Something was up - so much for a decent cup of coffee. Looks like I’d be slurping down more of the sludge they keep in the coffee pot in the break room.

“You are one of the most interesting people that I know. I need to talk to you about a case.” I could hear him talking to someone, but his hand was over the receiver, muffling his voice.

“Wow! Sounds like you need to meet some more people. Don’t you have any cops working for you anymore, or did you transfer all of them too? Why didn’t you ask me about this when I was in your office?” Of course, I had already turned around. My curiosity was definitely peeked, but I didn’t want him to know that.

“I’m looking at it now for the first time. Just get your ass in here.” He hung up.

When I got back to Matthison’s office, he was gone. It didn’t take me that long to get there; I was right outside, for crying out loud. I scanned the desks outside his office and found him bent over a folder with my least favorite detective - Masarelli. The one good thing about not being on SPTF anymore was not seeing Masarelli’s ugly mug every day.

I walked over to Masarelli’s desk. “Captain.” I didn’t even bother acknowledging Masarelli, the prick. I did, however, try to look at the file on his desk.

Before I could get a good look at anything, Matthison scooped up the folder and waved me into his office.

Masarelli turned his best thousand-yard stare on me – as if I was intimidated by him. I was a better interrogator than he was and he knew it. Of course, he would say it’s because I have advantages that he doesn’t. While it is true that I have what I would call “helpful abilities”, it isn’t my fault that I have them. Besides, I was convinced that I would be a better interrogator than Masarelli even without those abilities. I gave him a wink and a smile over my shoulder, and then followed the Captain into his office.

He dropped the file onto his desk. “I need you to make a call.”

I shut the door behind me. “I’m sorry, what?” I hadn’t expected him to ask me to make a phone call. Talk to a suspect for old time’s sake maybe, but not a phone call.

“You’re the liaison. I need you to call the Council. Mahalia, specifically.” He started rubbing his forehead, which was always his tell that something was very wrong.

“Okay, and what is it that you’d like me to ask her?” I asked. It was never good when he reminded you what your job was. Something was definitely wrong.

He dropped down in his chair. “Tell her that I’ve got a dead witch on my hands and I need her to ID the body. She can meet us at the morgue. They’ve already finished processing the scene.”

“How are you so sure it’s a witch? If they only just finished at the scene, then there’s no way you have lab confirmation. What makes you say witch?” I was really hoping that he was jumping the gun on this.

There were lots of Norms who liked to masquerade around as witches in Salem. You could find a body in front of a cauldron with a broom in one hand and a wand in the other, and it still wouldn’t mean you had a real witch. True witches have a slightly different genetic make-up than Norms, but you’d never know it without the lab work.

He slid the folder across his desk, spilling its contents. “Besides the ‘thou shalt not suffer a witch to live’ carved into her abdomen, you mean?”

“Shit.” I picked up a photo off his desk. “Are her, are her hands cut off too?” Despite all the gross stuff I’d seen recently, I was still swallowing hard.

“Yeah, and her tongue was cut out too. Why would someone do that?”

He wasn’t really asking me, which was good - because I didn’t have an answer.

Wolfsbane The Maurin Kincaide Series Book Three Rachel Rawlings Genre: Paranormal Urban Fantasy ASIN: B00DAIILMS Number of pages: 78 Novella Cover Artist: Joseph Eastwood

Book Description:

Given the choice between her sister's wedding and witnessing the challenge for Alpha of the Salem pack, Maurin knows exactly where she'd rather be. Smack dead center in a pack of snarling werewolves wearing eau de filet mignon.

Until Francesca takes off the morning of her wedding. Being her sister's keeper will not excuse her from her job as the Council Liaison. Torn between obligations to a family she's avoided for almost a decade and the Council of Others, Maurin has less than twenty-four hours to set things right.

Available at Amazon BN Audible Wolfsbane Excerpt: I woke in a cold sweat to the sound of heavy gun fire. I grabbed the Retaliator from the empty side of the bed and bolted out of my room. My front door was open and I was out in the little stairway that led to my third floor walk up before I was awake enough to realize there was no danger. My first clue should have been Conry- a Cwnn Anfwnn, gift from my father and personal guard "dog"- just rolling over and burying his head beneath his massive paws. The sound of grenades and Dempsey's voice coming up the stairs told me it was just my new neighbor playing COD Zombies with the TV full blast at three o'clock in the morning again. I was still in boy shorts and a tank top but I didn't bother to go back in my apartment to change. He'd seen me in less.

I stormed down the flight of stairs to Cash's apartment with my sword in hand.

"It's going on four in the morning! Turn that shit off or I'll send some real zombies to your apartment!"

I yelled while I pounded on the door.

How the guy on the first floor slept through it I'll never know. But it had been me stomping on my floor and banging on Cash's door every night for the last month.

"What's the big deal? I figured a fanger like you would be used to staying up late." Cash casually replied upon opening the door.

"You can be such a jerk." I said with more venom than the insult commanded.

"Jerk? That's the best you could come up with?" Cash said through his laughter.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm not at my wittiest when I wake up to the sound of World War III at three in the morning." I said tartly.

"It's Modern Warfare, not World War III." He smirked.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not the only other person who lives here you know. I can only imagine what it sounds like downstairs. The poor guy probably has to sleep with ear plugs in." I scolded.

"Mike works third shift. He doesn't get home until after seven in the morning. " He was still smirking.

"He's only lived here for like three weeks and I haven't even talked to him. You two are what, like best friends already?" I asked, irritated.

"What can I say? People just like me better than you." He was past smirking and into a full grin.

I probably shouldn't have but I couldn't help myself. I swung the Retaliator around until the tip of the blade pressed against his Adam's apple. "Just turn the TV down or we'll see how good of a gamer you are without your thumbs."

I stomped away. "And stop staring at my ass." I said as I started up the steps. If the challenge for Alpha of the Salem pack didn't happen soon Roul was going to start getting wake up calls at three in the morning. I didn't know what the holdup was anyway. He was too busy to help us with the Inquisitors and the demon they unleashed a few weeks ago because of his "pack business" and now it's delay, delay, delay. It's been unusually quiet in Salem but I haven't had a decent night's sleep in four weeks because of my new neighbor.

Well, it wasn't all Cash's fault. Aidan had a little something to do with it - too bad it was just talking.

Aidan made his feelings for me clear but was still insisting we take our time. Vampires could be very patient.

Having spent most of my life living more like a "norm" than an immortal I found it infuriating. He wanted to be sure the effects of Mahalia's spell were gone. I assured him that any feelings I had for Oberon died the minute I found out he hadn't. I thought I had killed him, pulling too much power through the tie that bound us. In order to save himself, he broke the connection and the false feelings for him Mahalia had spelled into my heart.

I tried on more than one occasion to convince Aidan that I hadn't felt more like myself since Mahalia's magic had been broken. That had been a monumental waste of time. It takes powerful magic to control someone's heart and mind, he explained during one of our all night conversations. I had had other things on my mind, things that didn't involve so much talking. I used all my feminine wiles to persuade him - unsuccessfully.

He was convinced lingering magic would try to latch itself onto the next person to vie for my affections. His conviction to determine my true feelings made for more than one long and frustrating night. Not to mention my temper was becoming increasingly short. Which might explain why I was down here threatening to cut fingers off my irritating neighbor's hands.

"No kiss good night?" Cash asked sarcastically.

I didn't bother with a response. Cash was one of the few people I knew who had as many smart ass comebacks as me. If I didn't walk away we'd be going at each other until the sun came up.

"How about a kiss for good luck then?" He called out as I was half way up the stairs. "The challenge is tonight."

I turned around slowly. How weird was that? I was just ranting to myself about how Roul was dragging his ass. If I didn't know better I would have thought Weres had suddenly developed the ability to read minds.

Thankfully they hadn't or my thoughts about Roul wouldn't have been the only thing Cash would have glimpsed. He didn't need any more ammunition when it came to aggravating my vampire. If Cash even suspected my frustration with Aidan it would be like arming a nuclear war head.

"The only lips she'll be kissing are mine, wolf." Aidan's voice carried up the stairway from the first floor. I'd hardly seen him over the last couple of weeks. Just hearing his voice sent shivers up my spine and I silently cursed him, knowing full well we wouldn't get further than second base again tonight.

I'm sure Cash knew he was there, hence the kiss comments but I hadn't been expecting him. So why had he suddenly shown up on my doorstep? Curiosity over his surprise visit quieted my suddenly raging hormones. He had been working every night on some new assignment that he couldn't talk about. It was starting to piss me

off actually - not the constantly working part, the not knowing part. To be honest, my increasingly bad mood may have stemmed more from being out of the action than Aidan staying out of my bedroom. Sure the time off from saving Salem from imminent danger was great. At first anyway, but it had been almost a month of peace and quiet. After only a week I found myself wishing for some sort of Armageddon. Whatever Aidan was working on seemed to be the cure for my doldrums - and pent up sexual energy - but Agrona had me on the sidelines with no intentions of letting me play in their vampire games.

Blood Bath The Maurin Kincaide Series Book Four Rachel Rawlings Genre: Paranormal Urban Fantasy ASIN: B00IJ16Z56 Number of pages: 202 Cover Artist: Joseph Eastwood Book Description: Bodies are piling up and all signs point in one direction. Rogue vampire. Except things aren't always what they seem, especially in a murder investigation.

With her current relationship on the rocks, her father playing match-maker and her neighbor tossing his hat in the ring, the body count isn't the only thing on the rise. Maurin is neck deep in magic, mayhem and murder.

Can she catch the killer before the killer catches her? One things for certain, when hunting vampires there will be blood.

Available at Amazon BN Audible Blood Bath Excerpt: "You need to come to the station with me." He moved to open my door, like that would get me into motion. Conry took interest in the detective again and Masarelli quickly removed his hand from the handle.

"Look, I was going to talk to you about the Salem pack. I'll spare you the bullshit excuses and just admit I forgot. Cash is the new alpha. If I promise to come in tomorrow and tell you about it can I go? I'm already late for an appointment." I glanced at the clock on the radio. It was the only unoriginal thing in the car, well that and the speakers. I was now ten minutes late for my meeting with Arawn.

"It's not about the wolves. It can't wait until tomorrow." He backed up enough for me to open the car door. up.

"I'm not getting out of the car until you tell me what the hell is going on." I started to put the window back

"I am not going to discuss this on the side of the road. Quit busting my balls and get out of the dammed car."

"Quit busting your balls?" I opened the door and stepped out in a rush, thrusting my hand out. "Hello, pot, my names kettle. It's nice to meet you. Why can't I just follow you?"

He ran a hand over his face, across stubble that was too long, even for him. "This is exactly what I was talking about. Because I know you won't follow me. Now would you please get in my car so I can take you to the station and get your expert fucking opinion on something?"

I relinquished any hope of salvaging my night, leaned inside the Camero, put the window up, grabbed the keys from the ignition and whistled for Conry. I glared at Masarelli over my shoulder as I walked to his car, daring him to question me about my dog. Masarelli locked and shut the car door, giving the Camaro one last approving look before heading back to his filthy unmarked patrol car.

Since I wasn't under arrest - at least not yet, the night's still young - I opened the car door myself and slid in behind the driver's seat. "Remember that movie we watched last week, Conry? The one where the dog ate the nice policeman's headrest?" I gave him a big belly rub as he stretched out over my lap and the rest of the back seat.

Masarelli gave me his best cop stare in the rear view and headed toward the station. "So you just forgot about the fact that a black ops merc killed the alpha and took control of the Salem pack? You got papers for this guy?"

"It's a pack not the AKC." I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Matthison approved his pass personally."

"It's expired." He blipped the lights and burped the siren to get through the intersection.

"Cash is Alpha now. The paperwork is irrelevant at this point. Unless of course you want to run him out of town on a technicality and create a power vacuum." I gave Conry a little nudge, my legs were falling asleep.

Masarelli spared a quick glance in the rear view mirror. "What happened to Roul? They eat him?"

"Eighteenth century France called. They wanted their superstitions back. How did you get this job again?

They buried him, following pack ritual." Not even ten minutes with him and I was already exhausted.

"And his mate?" He couldn't know, could he? Was this what the mysterious trip to the station was really about? He needed my expert opinion on some trumped up murder charge?

"Dead." I didn’t elaborate.

"Killing the mate isn't covered under the Meneur de Loupes agreement." He was fishing for something, anything to get rid of Cash.

My mouth was moving before I thought about the consequences. "It doesn't need to be covered by the Leader of the Wolves agreement since a werewolf didn't kill Olwyn. I did and it was self defense."

"And that's why you didn't bother telling us about it? I have to file a report and take your statement. I don't suppose you have someone to corroborate your self-defense story?"

Shit. "Besides the pack you mean?"

He shook his head. "What do you think?"

"No." If this sounded half as bad to him as it did to me I might actually be in trouble.

Mistletoe Meltdown The Maurin Kincaide Series Short Story Book 4.5 Rachel Rawlings Genre: Paranormal Urban Fantasy ASIN: B00RLUQ2GI Number of pages: 28 Book Description:

What do you do when you're out voted on hosting a holiday party, complete with gift exchange and all the trimmings?

Tie on the apron and deck those halls.

Self proclaimed Scrooge, Maurin Kincaide accepts the challenge and tackles the yuletide with all the determination she would a Council task.

But not everyone is brimming with holiday cheer. A blood coven threatens to bring the holiday festivities to an end.

Can Maurin stop the dark magic before the clock strikes twelve, signaling the solstice?

Available at Amazon BN Audible

Mistletoe Meltdown Excerpt: "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose. Yuletide carols being sung by a choir and folks dressed up like Eskimos." Nat King Cole's smooth voice blared from the outdoor speakers hidden in the greenery that turned the walking mall into a winter wonderland, soothing the savage holiday shopping beasts surrounding me. I tried not to overanalyze the lyrics but I'd met the Hoar Frost King once and he'd do a lot more than nip at your nose.

Besides, did anyone really have a Christmas like the ones people sang about?

The Kincaides, my adoptive family, practiced every holiday tradition from Midnight Mass to the extravagant family dinner to a house staged similar to something from a Martha Stewart Living magazine. It didn't change anything. The tinsel and twinkling lights only highlighted the hatred.

So imagine my enthusiasm when my real father Arawn suggested we have a Christmas/Solstice dinner.

With friends. At my apartment. I understood his need to create memories--he'd missed out on most of my life-but as a self-proclaimed Scrooge I'd avoided anything to do with the holidays since I'd left Beacon Hill at seventeen. But here I was layered up underneath my leather jacket, knit hat pulled down to my eyebrows, basically dressed like the aforementioned Eskimo.

The numbness in my hands increased with each block I walked back to my car. Not from the cold--my purple wool gloves did a decent job--but from the shopping bags cutting of my circulation. I loaded up the Rabriolet, an old metallic blue VW so named because the guy who sold it took all the Rabbit badges off and replaced them with Cabriolet, the convertible's small trunk barely holding my haul of gifts and groceries for tonight's festivities.

The temperature inside the car barely rose a degree above the outside temperature during the short drive back to my apartment. I pulled into the parking space I'd shoveled out this morning after the snow stopped but didn't rush to get out of the car. Two pep talks later I dragged myself and my multitude of bags up the three flights of stairs which led to my place.

Ill Fated The Maurin Kincaide Series Book Five Rachel Rawlings Genre: Paranormal Urban Fantasy ASIN: B00TI20TZC Number of pages: 270 Cover Artist: Joseph Eastwood Book Description: Some things are destined to end in death. After the first attempt on her life Maurin wasn’t scared. Hell, she was almost flattered. But someone put a price on her head and things are getting complicated. Trouble is brewing in the fae courts and it’s spilling over into Salem. The UnSeelie Dark Guard have answered the call for her head on a platter and people closest to her are disappearing.

Can Maurin master court politics and find her missing men before someone claims the bounty on her head?

Available at BN Ill Fated Excerpt:

"You're awake?" He sounded more than a little surprised.

"I'm not really sure the state I'm in qualifies as awake."

"Here I was, terrified to poke the dragon, and you're already drinking coffee and talking in complete sentences."

I snorted and took a sip of the aforementioned liquid gold. "Are you always like this in the morning?"

"If you'd let me sleep over you'd already know the answer to that question. Why aren't you asleep?"

In general or just tonight, I silently wondered. "Bad dream. I've been tossing and turning all night. I finally gave in and got out of bed."

Papers rustled in the background and when he spoke again, his voice was lower, intimate."You want to talk about it?"

"Something tells me my nightmares are the least of our problems."

"You have no idea. I need you to come down to my office."

I sighed. "Can it at least wait until after sunrise?"

"Would I be breaking the no phone calls before noon policy if it could wait?"

“There really is no rest for the wicked, is there?”

He laughed and the sound warmed me more than a hundred cups of coffee. "Apparently not, in your case. Now, there's a dirty chai latte and a croissant for you if you're here before Amalie. I can't promise real coffee and pastries will survive beyond five minutes of her arrival."

"It's four-thirty in the morning, Mas. If you know what's good for you, you'll make sure at least one dirty chai and croissant remain unmolested."

"I'll see you soon." He was laughing as he hung up the phone.

Three hours ago I’d practically crawled through the doorway, exhausted from cleaning up after a newbie vamp who’d broken the Jus Sanguinis Intergentes when she killed her donor. The blood pact between people and vampires had a clear no killing, no exceptions clause.

It was up to the maker to ensure their child was ready to feed unsupervised. If something went wrong and the Council found out about it, we cleaned up the mess and the sire was subject to heavy fines and possible revocation of their rights to expand their blood lines. She’d been quite literally a bitch to track and take down.

It had been a long night and it was shaping up to be an even longer day.

I wasted little time getting dressed, opting for a slip on black jersey dress, eighteen hole Docs and a leather jacket. Jewelry was a hindrance in my line of work. My meeting with Mason could easily turn into a run. Choked with my own chain? No, thank you. Unclasping the necklace, I set it in a glass dish on my bathroom counter. I ran a brush through my hair, a toothbrush over my teeth and slipped into the between. I stepped out of the alley two buildings down from the station and walked the last block and a half.

Amalie was swarmed by detectives trying to get at the goodies she brought over from the Daily Grind.

She greeted me with a warm smile, shaking her head when I offered to pull her out of the fray. She had managed to endear herself to the entire department in record time. All it took was real coffee and fresh pastries. I pointed to Mason's office. She'd make her way over once the starving masses had their fill.

Mason was so engrossed in the file on his desk he didn't hear me come in. He looked as tired as I felt too many double shifts. Despite an uptick in activity, SPTF was short staffed due to budget cuts. Without enough man power to staff the shifts properly overtime was mandatory.

"Is that for me?" I pointed at the to-go cup and white paper bag on his desk.

He finally looked up and gave me a smile which lit up his whole face. "As promised."

I stole a quick kiss, grabbed the coffee and croissant, and settled in the chair across from him. I took a long sip of my latte, savoring the delicious mix of tea and espresso. "Man, I needed this. Is that the case you're working on?"

"Yeah, we've got a real problem on our hands."

"Don't we always." I tried to peak at the file.

Mason closed the manila folder. "I'd rather wait until everyone is here."

"Who else is coming besides Amalie?" My curiosity was definitely peaked now. I reached across his desk, hoping to grab the file.

"You look exhausted. Tell me about your dream while we wait."

I narrowed my eyes and glared at him. "I see this for the obvious distraction it is but you're right.”

Sighing, I rubbed my temple.“However, I'm exhausted, too exhausted to argue. So I'll tell you. Prepare to be confounded."

He listened intently as I filled him in on the nightly visits from the weathered old woman who washed my clothes and hauntingly called my name. I expected him to laugh and tell me it was just a dream, that I had nothing to worry about.

I didn't expect him to look so stricken.

"Bean Nighe." He all but whispered the name.

"You've heard of her?"

"Of course I've heard of her. How long has she been coming to you?"

I stared at him curiously. "A few weeks. Why?" "A few weeks and this is the first I'm hearing of it?” He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, obviously struggling to control his temper.“We talked about this. No holding things back, remember?"

"I thought it was just a dream.” I shrugged.“Honestly, I didn't think it was a big deal."

"It was a big enough deal for you to research it." Agitation rolled off him in waves.

When I agreed to give this thing with Mason a chance I also agreed to some conditions. No more flying solo, no more rash decisions or rushing off to play the hero. We were a team, in everything. This was just one of many set-backs.

"I got curious, did a little digging. Until tonight, everything I found pointed to deep seated family issues, particularly with a mother figure. I've told you about my childhood, does that dream analysis surprise you?"

His growl told me he wasn’t in the mood for reasonable—at least to me—explanations. "When did you discover the true meaning of the dream? How long have you known about the Bean Nighe?"

"Tonight. This morning. Before you called me." I held up a hand to stop the tongue lashing I knew he wanted to give me. "I would have told you. I got the impression on the phone there were more pressing matters than my insomnia."

"Is this why you won't let me stay at your place?” His gaze roamed over my face, searching.“Why you never stay at mine?"

"Is that the real reason why you're so upset?" I arched my brows. “Because we’re not having sleepovers?”

"I stayed at your lovely apartment the first night we met."

I turned to watch Aidan glide into the room, stopping behind my chair. Rolling my eyes, I snorted and muttered, “In the closet.”

Mason's jaw twitched but he didn't take the bait. "Aidan."

"It's almost sunrise. Shouldn't you be hunkered down for the day?" I sighed, wondering what he was doing here. I was too tired to deal with Aidan and Mason and their combined testoserone.

Putting the three of us in a room together was like throwing lit matches at sticks of dynamite - eventually one of them will explode.

About the Author: Rachel Rawlings was born and raised in the Baltimore Metropolitan area.

Her family, originally from Rhode Island, spent summers in New England sparking her fascination with Salem, MA. She has been writing fictional stories and poems since middle school, but it wasn't until 2009 that she found the inspiration to create her heroine Maurin Kincaide and complete her first full length novel, The Morrigna.

When she isn't writing, Rachel can often be found with her nose buried in a good book. An avid reader of Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Horror and Steampunk herself, Rachel founded Hallowread- an interactive convention for both authors and fans of those genres.

More information on Hallowread, its schedule of events and participating authors can be found at www.hallowread.blogspot.com and www.facebook.com/Hallowread .

She still lives in Maryland with her husband and three children. www.rachelrawlings.com www.authorrachelrawlings.com

www.twitter.com/@rachelsbooks www.facebook.com/themaurinkincaideseries www.facebook.com/hallowread www.tsu.co/@rachelsbooks www.hallowread.com

How to Grow Great Tomatoes

by Wenona Napolitano Nothing beats the taste of a vine ripened tomato, except the taste of a vine ripened tomato harvested from your own garden.

Growing great tomatoes is relatively easy and a small garden can produce a lot of tomatoes.

The tomato originates from South America and Mexico. The Spanish explorer Cortez took the seeds to Europe after discovering the tomato being grown in Mexico in Aztec gardens. Italians were the first to eat the golden apple (early tomatoes were yellow not red) in the 1500’s but it still took more than 100 years for Italians to fully accept tomatoes and integrate them into their food. Can you imagine Italian cuisine without tomatoes?

The tomato is classified as a vegetable thanks to a Supreme Court ruling in 1893 that subjected vegetables to import taxes, however technically a tomato is a fruit and part of the berry family. This vegetable/fruit is actually a perennial if left to continuously grow in a warm climate, however most areas do not stay warm enough so it is treated as an annual that has to be replanted every year.

There are basically 4 categories of tomatoes: the slicing tomatoes which are the standard globe, round and Beefsteaks; small salad tomatoes like the grape and cherry varieties; the Roma or plum which is mainly used for sauces; and specialty or heirloom tomatoes.

Tomatoes are also available in a variety of colors; reds, oranges, yellows and more varied colors like purples and striped varieties (these are the heirloom tomatoes; you would need to special order the seeds). If you are planning to incorporate the tomatoes into your landscaping you can create visual interest by planting several different colors and sizes of tomatoes.

The heat loving tomato is very sensitive to cold so it should not be planted outside until all threat of frost has passed. The tomato plant can die if temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Soil temperatures should be around 65 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer for the tomato to thrive.

You can start tomato seeds indoors 4 - 6 weeks before the threat of frost has passed. Peat pots and pellets make starting seedlings very simple. By starting your own seedlings you may have more choices in the type of tomatoes to grow since local nurseries and outdoor centers for major stores usually only carry a small selection of tomatoes while there are literally hundreds of varieties to choose from. If you just want the basics or you don’t have the time or space to start seedlings early, buying plants from the local nursery to transplant will do quite fine.

Choose the best plants for transplanting. They should be 6-8 inches tall and look healthy and sturdy. Though a slightly wilted plant can usually be revived, it is best not to take the chance. Never buy tomato plants that are already producing fruit unless it is in a large and sturdy pot that you can leave it in. A plant already bearing fruit should not be transplanted.

Purchase plants when the weather is right for planting. Tomatoes can be grown in many ways; in pots or large containers, in greenhouses, staked, trellised, caged, or allowed to vine out. They can be planted in wet or dry soil

though they prefer rich soil full of organic matter with a pH around 6.5. If you plan to use lime in the soil, make sure to use a high magnesium lime.

When all threat of frost has passed and you are ready to transplant your tomatoes, water them 1-2 hours before planting. Dig a hole with a small trowel or your hands; it does not have to be very deep. The plant should sit 1-2 inches deeper in the soil than it was in the pot. You may have to pinch off bottom leaves when planting.

If the area you are planting the tomatoes in is a wet, boggy area, plant the tomato plants on a mound 4-6 inches higher than the ground. If the planting area is dry, plant each tomato plant in a depression - or plant them, then make an indented ring around the base of the plant to collect rain water. Disturb the roots as little as possible when moving the tomato plants from the container into the ground. If they are in peat pots, tear the pot to let the roots escape.

Firmly pack the soil around the plant roots and water immediately after planting.

An average of 3 square feet per plant is needed depending on how you grow them. Staked plants take up less space and are easier to work around but you have to stake them, tie them and prune off side shoots that grow.

Staked plants should be planted 2 feet apart in a row with 3 feet between rows. If you let the plants vine naturally and grow along the ground they need more space to sprawl out. I prefer to use cone shaped cages that allow the plants to grow naturally up and around the cage. The cages keep them up off the ground while still allowing natural growth. Tomatoes are also great for trellising; you could plant them along fences, arbors, arches or decorative trellises.

Wait 4 - 6 weeks before mulching to make sure the ground has warmed up all the way. Then black landscaping plastic can effectively be used to keep the ground moist and deter weeds from growing in your tomato garden. Not only will the landscaping plastic keep weeds at bay it can also help prevent blossom end rot and it will keep the tomatoes clean and out of the dirt.

Great companion plants for tomatoes are cabbage, celery, carrots, cucumbers, onions and peppers. Herbal companions include borage, mint and pot marigold. Avoid planting tomatoes near corn, dill or potatoes which can attract pests and diseases to your plants.

Tomatoes need a lot of water but avoid over doing it. Too much water can drown them while too little water can cause weak roots and shallow root growth. Water early in the day at the base of the plants; do not get the leaves wet. If plants yellow or become pale green they may need more nitrogen. Tomato plants can quickly deplete mineral stores in the soil and will need fertilizing, especially if they are in pots and containers (I like to use Miracle Grow for vegetables). Do not use nitrogen until flowering has started then you can side dress with an ounce or so of a 5-10-10 solution in a ring around the plant base, do not get it on the leaves, it can burn the plant.

Tomatoes do not need to be pruned unless you are training them to grow on stakes or trellises. Then you will want to pinch off side shoots.

You will see that growing great tomatoes can be quite easy and very rewarding. After the original planting, tomatoes need little maintenance except regular watering and weeding. So you can sit back, watch your tomatoes flower, grow and bear fruit. Then you can reap tasty rewards when it comes time to harvest your very own, home grown, vine ripened tomatoes.

The Dark Side of the Priestess

by Alayna Williams

I use Tarot cards a good deal in my writing, to give me ideas about creating characters and develop plot points. Sometimes, I pick cards on purpose that catch my eye, but more often, I deal them out at random. I let my imagination roam over the pictures to generate situations and connections.

One of the cards I used frequently in writing the ORACLE books is the Priestess. The Priestess sits on a throne, surrounded my the moon and shrouded in white robes. The black and white pillars to her right and left hands represent good (mercy) and evil (severity). She's about goddesses, mystery, intuition, and the subtle power of the moon.

In my stories, the Priestess represents a secret order of women, Delphi's Daughters. They are the descendents of the Oracle of Delphi. The title of Pythia, the leader of the oracles, is handed down through generations of women, all oracles with their own unique talent for foreseeing the future.

Delphi’s Daughters are a secret organization, nudging world events and gathering information through vast networks of helpers. Their behavior is sometimes sinister, sometimes pure, but always secretive. No one but the Pythia herself knows how the puzzle of world events fits together, and her priestesses are often left in the dark, guessing at her motives.

Tara Sheridan, estranged from Delphi's Daughters, uses Tarot cards to solve crimes. Her relationship with the Pythia is contentious. She often feels the Pythia's hand in her cases, interfering, moving people around like chess pieces. Whenever Tara draws the Priestess card, I wanted her to see both the light and shadow sides of the card.

Interpreted in the upright position, the Priestess is the card of secret, supernatural power. She represents all the psychic talents Delphi's Daughters: cartomancy, astrology, pyromancy, geomancy...she is mistress of all the hidden arts. Used for light, as represented by the white pillar, they can be a force for immense good in the world. The Priestess can reveal secrets by the moon's light and teach magic to the initiated.

But the Priestess can also be a force for evil, twisted by her own power and shadows. Reversed, the Priestess represents keeping secrets and abusing power. She can lean too close to the black pillar of severity, becoming ruthless. She can forget the compassion of her intuitive teachings, amassing power for its own sake.

Tara questions these things about Delphi's Daughters. She sees that they are a force for good, sheltering the weak and seeming to work toward mankind greater good. But she also sees their shadow side...the ruthlessness,

the ends justifying the means. She knows the brutal tests that Oracles must endure, has seen the Pythia kill in a cold, calculating fashion.

Not only will Tara need to fight to solve her current case - a spy killer who's selling nuclear secrets on the international black market - but she will also need to look over her shoulder. The Priestess can be her greatest ally or most devious enemy, putting Tara and those she loves in harm's way, seeking to sacrifice them all in the service of a larger goal.

ROGUE ORACLE Delphic Oracle #2 The more you know about the future, the more there may be to fear.

Tara Sheridan is the best criminal profiler around - and the most unconventional. Trained as a forensic psychologist, Tara also specializes in Tarot card reading. But she doesn't need her divination skills to realize that the new assignment from her friend and sometime lover, Agent Harry Li, is a dangerous proposition in every way.

Former Cold War operatives, all linked to a top-secret operation tracking the disposal of nuclear weapons in Russia, are disappearing.

There are no bodies, and no clues to their whereabouts. Harry suspects a conspiracy to sell arms to the highest bidder. The cards - and Tara's increasingly ominous dreams - suggest something darker. Even as Tara sorts through her feelings for Harry and her fractured relationships with the mysterious order known as Delphi's Daughters, a killer is growing more ruthless by the day. And a nightmare that began decades ago in Chernobyl will reach a terrifying endgame that not even Tara could have foreseen…

ROGUE ORACLE is available at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

Dark Oracle Delphic Oracle #1 Alayna Williams

TARA SHERIDAN HAS A GIFT . . . AND IT ALMOST KILLED HER. As a criminal profiler, Tara used science and her intuitive skill at Tarot card divination to track down the dangerous and depraved, including the serial killer who left her scarred from head to toe. Since that savage attack, Tara has been a recluse. But now an ancient secret society known as Delphi’s Daughters has asked for her help in locating missing scientist Lowell Magnusson. And Tara, armed with her Tarot deck, her .38, and a stack of misgivings, agrees to try.

Tara immediately senses there is far more at stake than one man’s life. At his government lab in the New Mexico desert, Magnusson had developed groundbreaking technology with terrifying potential. Working alongside the brusque but charismatic agent Harry Li, Tara discovers that Magnusson’s daughter, Cassie, has knowledge that makes her a target too. The more Tara sees into the future, the more there is to fear. She knows she has to protect Cassie. But there may be no way to protect herself—from the enemies circling around her, or from the long-buried powers stirring to life within. . . .

Memory of a Victim

By Wenona Napolitano She was once a doll of sweet porcelain, A blooming soul to penetrate A memory that would drive him insane Now she was nothing more than an evil stain, on a collar that threatened to suffocate.

She was once a doll of sweet porcelain, that he had fantasized to obtain.

Her innocence he chose to adulterate, A memory that would drive him insane Remembering the vision of a pulsating vein, a marble white neck so delicate She was once a doll of sweet porcelain, but she joined the list of those he had slain It was a memory that could stimulate, A memory that would drive him insane Every last drop of her blood he did drain Her soul was gone, no longer to illuminate She was once a doll of sweet porcelain, A memory that would drive him insane

The Writing Process with Vicki Crum I’m Vicki Crum and I write contemporary romance, contemporary romance with futuristic elements, and paranormal romance.

I’d like to talk a little bit about the writing process. For me, writing is very much like reading in that it is a journey of adventure and discovery. Discovering new worlds, meeting new and interesting people, visiting places and doing things that I would never be able to do outside of a book.

Writing allows me to create my own worlds and populate them with characters from my imagination. It can be quite a heady feeling sometimes---when it’s not frustrating the heck out of me. As odd as it sounds, once I’ve breathed life into a character, they often take on a personality all their own and go off in directions that I don’t even anticipate. It’s a very strange phenomenon, but I know every writer understands exactly what I mean. It’s kind of like having children. You breathe life into them, but you don’t always have as much control over them as you’d like.

Take the hero from my latest release, Once in a Blue Moon. Jake Benedict has it all. He’s tall and strong, handsome as sin, has a to-die-for-smile, an excess of natural charm, and a really hot Harley Davidson motorcycle. Jake has all the physical characteristics of a great romantic lead. Then there’s his hefty bank account. Jake is the co-owner of a multi-million dollar advertising agency, so money is clearly not an issue for him. But Jake wanted more. Not money or possessions, he wanted to be more…more mysterious, more unique and potentially dangerous in the right situation. So I created a major aspect of Jake’s character that was completely new to me. I made him a werewolf.

But still he wasn’t satisfied. He wanted more for Casey, too, the woman he was destined to meet and fall in love with.

For her part, Casey wants nothing to do with Jake. He’s just one more version of the macho, adventuredriven, alpha male prototype that has been her Achilles heel for as long as she can remember. She’s taken a vow to stay as far away from men like Jake as she can. Unfortunately for Casey, the dynamic attraction she feels for him is stronger than any willpower she can muster. Why? Because Jake saw something in Casey that even I didn’t see until the last moment, starting with an unusual birthmark partially hidden behind one ear that identifies her as a rare and elite breed of werewolf. A stubborn case of recessive genes is responsible for Casey having never experienced her first transition into wolf form.

Who would have known?

My character, Jake, did.

Then he left it to me, the lowly author, to explain where Casey’s werewolf heritage came from, and why no one in her family ever bothered to tell her about it!

And that’s how a character of my own creation can sometimes push me around---and immensely enrich the story at the same time. Thanks, Jake!

Once in a Blue Moon Vicki Crum Genre: Paranormal romance Publisher: Rebecca J Vickery Date of Publication: May15, 2015 ISBN: 1512032964 ASIN: BOOXPWMWXS Number of pages: 171 Word Count: 70,000 Cover Artist: Joshua Shinn

Book Description: Casey Montgomery’s lifelong addiction to “bad boys” has brought her nothing but heartache. Just as she swears off alpha males forever, a brief, torrid encounter with one of the hottest, Harley-riding, leatherjacketed hunks she’s ever seen leaves her reeling---and worse, jeopardizes her carefully laid plans to meet and fall in love with a nice, dependable nerd.

Jake Benedict has been around the block enough times to recognize his mate when he meets her, a gorgeous werewolf with a case of latent genes who doesn’t have a clue about her true identity. Jake is just the were to teach Casey about her ancient heritage and coax her feral side into revealing itself.

While Casey can’t resist the intense physical attraction she feels for Jake, she’s determined to freeze him out emotionally. Can Jake break through Casey’s defenses and prove to her once and for all that he’s one bad boy who’s playing for keeps?

Available at BN & Amazon Excerpt: Casey Montgomery snapped to attention, her gaze darting toward the street, as the snarling roar of a motorcycle engine ripped through the tranquil morning. There were two things guaranteed to make Casey sit up and pant like a puppy. One was the deep musky scent of well-worn leather, and the other was that sound—the sound of speed and power that had her blood sizzling like hot oil and a wicked vision of vibrant, seductive man shimmering in her brain. It was a conditioned response she didn’t seem to have any control over.

Casey’s gaze latched onto the bike, and the broad, leather-jacketed back of the guy who guided it deftly through traffic as though he and the bike were one. She ached with the need to see him better, to learn something about him…where he’d come from and where he was headed. To climb up behind him and hang on tight, feel the warm wind caressing her face and whipping through her hair.

Heaving her purse into the back of her lime-green VW convertible, Casey slid behind the steering wheel, cranked up the engine, and squealed backwards out of her parking spot. It was fortunate that someone was waiting to pull in behind her, slowing the flow of traffic on the busy downtown Manhattan Beach street.

What madness spurred her to dash in and out of traffic for the next half-mile or so until she was directly behind the motorcycle, pursuing it down the coastal road out of town, she would never know. But pursue it she did, as if every last brain cell she possessed had turned to rot. For as long as Casey could remember, she’d had a weakness for bad boys. Her affliction went beyond mere feminine curiosity, or even a fascination with what

some might call the masculine mystique. No, what Casey suffered from was a serious case of throw-your-good -sense-out-the-window-and-jump-right-in syndrome when it came to this particular brand of men.

The stranger sat the bike with the confidence and poise of a man certain of his place in the world. He had an aura around him, something indefinable, some kind of mysterious X factor that filled Casey with a wild, reckless yearning to be near him.

When the road widened, she hit the gas and swung out into the left lane, drawing abreast of him just as a red light up ahead forced them both to slow to a stop. All she wanted was a look at his face. She willed him to turn and look at her, and when he did her breath got all balled up in her chest. His eyes were hidden behind mirrored sunglasses, but what she could make out below the line of his helmet—lean cheeks and a strong, masculine jaw—Casey had to bite her lip against a raw, almost feral surge of attraction.

The light turned green, and he shot Casey a smile as he revved the powerful engine and took off. She was so rattled by the brief encounter, it was all she could do to keep the VW in her own lane as she stomped on the gas pedal and shot forward after him.

Dear Lord, what was happening to her? She’d suffered through enough disastrous relationships with alpha-male types that she’d long since sworn off anyone who could even remotely be classified as a bad boy, a maverick, a renegade. A man whose inbred machismo blinded him to any other needs but his own. Even at her lowest point, she’d never behaved quite this irrationally.

Releasing her death grip on the steering wheel, one shaky hand at a time, Casey dried her sweaty palms off on her skirt. As she did so, she spotted a place to pull off the road in a secluded little turn-out and regroup.

With her heart still careening along like an out-of-control bobsled, she steered the tiny convertible over into the right hand lane and off the road.

After bringing the car to a too-sudden stop, Casey turned off the engine and flipped down the sun visor to squint into the small rectangular mirror. Sure enough, her cheeks flamed as bright as a blood-red sunset.

What a mortifying turn of events. Dare she hope the man hadn’t observed her chasing him down like a wild beast?

Casey fanned her face with one hand, while taking a surreptitious glance around. She was parked in a shady nook across the road from a popular local beach. The lure of the ocean and the warm Southern California sun had drawn the usual crowd out to enjoy the early summer day. Ripples of laughter could be heard from across the way, mingled with the occasional bark of a dog and the ever-constant roar of the surf tumbling against the shore.

Casey’s pulse rate had almost returned to normal when her stomach leapt at the familiar purr of a finetuned Harley coming from over her left shoulder. The powerful machine came to a halt about fifteen feet away in a rolling cloud of loose dirt. Casey wet her lips as she watched the most gorgeous man she had ever laid eyes on swing one denim-clad leg over the leather seat and dismount. Her mouth fell open as he ambled toward her, pulling off his helmet to reveal a healthy head of sable brown hair highlighted by an occasional streak of gold. The streaks in his hair and his deeply tanned skin testified to what she already knew—he was accustomed to spending a lot of time outdoors.

“You all right?” he asked, casually dangling his dark blue helmet from long, lean fingers.

He stood not three feet from her car, hip cocked to the side, tall and solid and so strikingly handsome Casey thought he must be a mirage.

Easy enough to find out, she thought, opening her door and stepping out. She’d come too far. There would be no retreat from this humiliating predicament, so she might as well bluster her way through. She reached up with the intent of removing his sunglasses and quickly found her wrist caught in a firm, yet gentle grip. The sharp sound her breath made as it got stuck in her throat echoed loud in the silence.

“I just wanted to see your eyes,” she said, her voice nothing more than a faint puff of air.

One dark eyebrow rose above the thin metal rim of his shades. “Yeah? I was wondering why you nearly ran yourself off the road back there.” He punctuated his teasing comment with a deliciously sexy grin.

Who cared about his eyes? That smile was enough to turn her insides to pureed squash. That and the aroma of leather that jumped out and blind-sided her as he moved in close. Leather and something even more feral. Whatever it was invaded her bloodstream and set every cell in her body on fire.

He let go of her wrist to cup the side of her face. Casey was ridiculously touched by his gentleness even as her desire to be as close as humanly possible to this man raged out of control.

His need suddenly seemed to rear up and collide with hers. Yanking into his arms, he pressed close, close enough that she could see every minuscule line and tiny freckle on his face.

Then his mouth crashed down over hers.

her

About the Author: Vicki Crum writes both contemporary and paranormal romance. She lives with husband of 40 years in a small, enchanted seaside community in Southern California. She has two grown daughters and two adorable grandchildren, Bella and Jackson, whom she loves to distraction. Vicki loves to talk to her readers.

Connect at: http://vickicrum.wix.com/author www.facebook.com/vickicrum.author https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8422368.Vicki_Crum

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The Do It List Book 1 Jillian Stone Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance Publisher: Jillian Stone Date of Publication: June 19, 2015 ISBN: 978-0-9963459-1-0 Number of pages: 334 Word Count: 90,000

Cover Artist: Jillian Stone Book Tagline: 10 sexual encounters. No strings attached.

Book Description: Hotshot copywriter Gracie Taylor-Scott has a reputation—for her artfully edgy ads. A rising star at Darcy Wexler Dean, New York, the long hours are perfect cover for Gracie’s fear of intimacy issues.

handsome stranger.

Great job. Great pay. No life—including her on again off again sex life. Then one night, she is plunged into darkness with a

Bradley Craig is the new head of DWD’s research division, and this ad man has secrets of his own. Much lauded in his field of consumer behavior, there’s a darker side to the attractive ad man—his erotic, list-maker side.

Gracie and Bradley are assigned to work on the biggest new business pitch Darcy Wexler Dean will be in all year, and the two tangle immediately, battling copy concepts and focus group findings along with their explosive attraction to each other.

Bradley has a proposition: they make a list. Ten erotic sexual encounters, no strings attached. What’s at stake?

Two Super Bowl spots and two fragile hearts.

Excerpt:

Amazon

“Close the door, Gracie.”

I checked the hallway through the floor-to-ceiling glass by the exit. No one was about. Coworkers were in their offices, filling out time sheets, getting ready to call it a day.

I shut the door with a soft click.

“I believe there’s a light switch on the wall.” He used a huskier voice, more like the elevator Bradley.

I pressed the controls, and the conference room dimmed enough not to be seen by passersby, as long as we kept things quiet. Nose to the door, I stared at the smooth, matte-black surface.

“I know things got a little heated––” I stopped myself and cringed. Was I talking about last night or the testy words between us several minutes ago? And since when weren’t things heated between us? I sucked in a calming breath and exhaled silently.

It occurred to me, this attraction to Bradley might well be the hottest, most erotic experience of my life.

I pivoted away from the door to face him.

“Sorry I can’t be more enthusiastic about creative testing, it’s just that I’ve been screwed by research in the past, and not in a good way.”

Bradley flopped down on the sofa and raked me over with his gaze. He patted the seat next to him.

“You and I need to build some trust.”

I approached slowly. “Have you any idea how many focus groups I’ve sat through where smirking research geeks underlined every word or phrase that didn’t test high enough—some of them the best words and phrases I’ve ever written in my life?”

I dropped my bag on the floor for emphasis. “Just once, I’d like to believe research has my back.”

He clasped my wrist and tugged. “Since we’re going to be working closely together…” He pulled me lower.

I settled a knee to each side of his thighs and straddled him. It was about time I climbed on the man.

“How close?”

“Intimate close.” He easily worked through the buttons of my pants.

“You’re staring at my belly button.”

“You have a piercing.” His gaze turned darker, hungrier—as if I were a mocha chocolate truffle and he had a craving for Godiva.

About the Author: Jillian Stone was born a storyteller. A skill that got her into considerable trouble as a youth until she solved the problem by becoming an advertising creative. And the career did seem to suit her as she won many national ad awards including the Clio and the New York Art Director’s Club Gold. What more could she ask for? Create her own worlds? Become goddess of her own universe? Yes! So, she began to write fiction. Her Victorian Romantic Suspense novel AN AFFAIR WITH MR. KENNEDY won the 2010 Golden Heart and sold to Pocket Books. Her sexy, controversial steampunk novel THE SEDUCTION OF PHAETON BLACK won the 2010 Romance Through The Ages Erotica category and sold to Kensington Brava. Jillian lives in California and is currently writing a new spin-off novel to the Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series as well as book #2 in the DO IT LIST series.

Website: http://jillianstone.com Twitter: @gJillianStone https://twitter.com/gJillianStone Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JillianStoneBooks

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4946569.Jillian_Stone

Madison's Song Cassie Scot Spin Off Standalone Christine Amsden Genre: Paranormal Romance Publisher: Twilight Times Books Date of Publication: July 15, 2015

ISBN: 978-1-60619-283-2 ASIN: Number of pages: 272 Word Count: 90,000 Cover Artist: Tamian Wood Book Description: Her voice is enchanting; his soul is black…

Madison Carter has been terrified of Scott Lee since the night he saved her from an evil sorcerer – then melted into a man-eating monster before her eyes. The werewolf is a slave to the moon, but Madison’s nightmares are not.

Despite her fears, when Madison’s brother, Clinton, is bitten by a werewolf, she knows there is only one man who can help. A man who frightens her all the more because even in her nightmares, he also thrills her.

Together for the first time since that terrible night, Scott and Madison drive to Clinton’s home only to discover that he’s vanished. Frantic now, Madison must overcome her fears and uncover hidden strengths if she hopes to save him. And she’s not the only one fighting inner demons. Scott’s are literal, and they have him convinced that he will never deserve the woman he loves.

*Stand-alone companion to the Cassie Scot series Excerpt-Prologue Madison couldn't move. The only muscle in her body capable of stirring at all was her heart, and it felt like it was trying to make up for the rest. No ropes bound her. Nothing visible pressed her back and legs into the coarse beige carpet of her new rental home. Yet even as she writhed and twisted against unseen restraints, she knew she was trapped. Tied to the ground in a way that made her feel like a virgin sacrifice atop an altar.

The man looming over her, chanting spells and arranging crystals, didn't look like a powerful sorcerer.

David McClellan had too weak a chin and beady little eyes. Those eyes, brown as mud and just as compassionate, told her without words that they would be the last thing she saw.

She didn't even understand why! Not that it would make a difference if she did. But she wasn't anyone special. She wasn't important. She was just an elementary school music teacher – or would be after she finished a semester of student teaching. This kind of thing didn't happen to her. To her friend, Cassie, scion of a powerful family of sorcerers, maybe. But Madison had no family connections and almost no magic aside from her beautiful, subtly enchanting voice. Why would anyone hurt her for a song?

A tear fell sideways into her sweat-dampened hair, joining countless others and doing exactly as much good. How long had she lain here, helpless? Minutes? Hours? It might only have been seconds. The box of “Card and Board Games” she had been carrying into the house lay on its side a foot or two away, some of its contents now strewn across the bare living room floor. There hadn't been any warning. One second she was on the way to her new bedroom to unpack her tenth or eleventh box, the next instant she was on the floor. Immobile. Helpless. Confused. Terrified.

Oh Lord! Why hast thou forsaken me?

There was magic in the air, growing stronger with each new crystal David arranged into a pattern only he could see. Cold, deadly magic that reinforced her every childhood fear. Her father had told her that magic was from the devil. Was this what he'd meant? Was this her punishment for brushing up against the world of sorcery, no matter how lightly?

David placed one last crystal before ceasing his chant. The silence felt ominous, like a lull before the storm, and when he moved away, out of her sight, a fresh wave of panic seized her. She strained anew at her bindings until the scent of incense filled the air. She had a sudden, vivid memory of Palm Sunday Mass, and of Father Owen making the sign of the cross as he wafted the same scent over his congregation. Father Owen didn't believe magic was evil; he had told her more than once not to listen to her father's “superstitious nonsense.”

The time had come to pull herself together. To think. She wasn't helpless. She had a little magic of her own, even if the thought of using it made her feel sick inside. God had not forsaken her. He had given her a tool if only she could rein in her stampeding heart rate long enough to search her memory for what little knowledge she possessed.

First, she had to find her quiet place. Madison drew in a deep, shuddering breath and started to close her eyes, when a glint of something metallic caught her attention. She stared at the long, lethal dagger in David's hands, an ornate golden hilt largely hidden within his iron fist. His eyes drifted up and down the length of her bound body before settling on her midriff. He lowered the blade.

He was going to cut her. She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing herself against the expected pain. Or worse.

Think, Madison. Focus!

She took one last steadying breath. Then she counted. Breathe in one ... two ... three ... four ... breathe out ... five ... six ... seven ...

Her concentration snapped when cold metal bit into warm flesh. Her eyes popped open, her muscles strained once more against invisible bonds, and she screamed.

Wait, she could scream? She had a voice?

“Silence,” David commanded.

Her throat continued to work, but no sound emerged. She felt like a fish being gutted, choking and spluttering as David returned to the work of cutting into the soft, sensitive flesh of her belly. Yet even as tears refilled her eyes and fear devoured her heart some part of her recognized that her guts remained intact. Whatever David was doing to her with the dagger involved tracing shallow patterns across the surface of her skin.

Fight the pain. Take deep breaths. Ground and center. She was not in the empty living room of a house she had not quite moved into yet, she was at church, singing in the choir. Above her, Jesus hung from a cross, a crown of thorns atop his head, a soft glow surrounding him. She usually found the magic within that glow.

She reached for it...

“Stop that!” David slapped her hard across the face.

Once again her eyes flew open. She saw the dagger dripping with blood – her blood. Had her feeble grab for magic actually made a difference? David seemed to have noticed something, but what?

“You're just making this harder on yourself,” David said.

“What do you want?” Madison tried to ask. Her mouth moved, her lips forming the question, but no sound emerged.

She didn't think he would answer; he couldn't even have heard the question, but to her surprise he only hesitated a moment before saying, “Your soul.”

About the Author: Christine Amsden has been writing fantasy and science fiction for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and relationships, and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone.

At the age of 16, Christine was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a condition that affects the retina and causes a loss of central vision. She is now legally blind, but has not let this slow her down or get in the way of her dreams.

In addition to writing, Christine teaches workshops on writing at Savvy Authors. She also does some freelance editing work.

Christine currently lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Austin, who has been her biggest fan and the key to her success.

They have two beautiful children.

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Shades of Vengeance Jude Magdalyn Series Book Five L.M. Pruitt Genre: PNR Publisher: SP Press Date of Publication: 04/30/15 ASIN: B00U1I18CA

Number of pages: 61 Word Count: approx. 20K Cover Artist: Kendra Egert Book Description: In moments of pain, we seek revenge.--Ami Ayalon My home is compromised.

My children are gone.

My husband is dead Every inch of my life is in ruins.

The only thing I have left is vengeance.

And no matter what it takes--no matter what tool must be used--no matter the cost--I will have it.

Available at Amazon

Excerpt Shades of Vengeance: “This life isn’t salvation, Jude.” St. Germaine leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Look at Williams. He is gnawing on your wrist like some sort of savage animal, doing his very best to drain you dry.” He glanced over my shoulder, his features hardening. “He is going to kill you if something isn’t done very soon.”

“And Theo is going to die if you keep standing there, trying to talk me out of this decision.” I finally took that deep breath the Comte had recommended and pulled out the big guns. “You promised Madame Henries. You promised me. Please, please, please do this.”

The Comte stared at me for so long I began to wonder if he’d turned to stone. Finally, he sighed, stepping back and raking a hand through his hair, disheveling the carefully coifed locks. “Fine. Fine. Danie, go to my wine cellar, it’s directly off the kitchen. Bring back two—no, three bottles.”

“Do you really think you should be drinking right before you do something this major?” Lies didn’t sound confrontational or condemning. If anything, she sounded curious. “I’m assuming this is going to be more than a little taxing, otherwise everybody would do it, so wouldn’t you want to have a clear head?”

“My head is quite clear, child.” St. Germaine snorted, somehow managing to make the rude nose sound ridiculously elegant. “Because the process is, as you said, taxing, I’m going to need more than a little bit of sustenance to get through this evening. The wine is fortified with blood.” He shot me a disgruntled look. “Is nobody teaching the children their history these days?”

“I’ll make sure to integrate you into my daughters’ education.” I shifted my gaze to Williams, watching him suckle on my wrist like a baby at a breast—one more thing Hart and Elizabeth had taken away from me.

I’d be damned if I let them take away the person I’d spent my entire life waiting for. “Williams, can you hear me?”

He didn’t answer.

I took a deep breath and dug my nails in to his cheek.

He hissed and jerked away.

I bit back a scream as I felt my wrist rip open, blood spurting high in the air. “Oh, fuck. Someone go get Bridget, now. Hurry, hurry, hurry.”

“I’m sorry.” Williams’ voice sounded rusty from disuse but I was still able to detect a note of repentance. “I’m sorry, the hunger was just too much. I tried, truly, but--.”

“You can apologize for your lapse in mental judgment later.” St. Germaine once again sounded bored and urbane and I turned just in time to watch him perch on the edge of the bed. He glanced over at me, his face shifting in to concerned lines. “I must ask again. Are you certain--?”

“Do it.” I flinched when someone pressed a bandage to my gushing wrist but didn’t break eye contact with the Comte. I slipped my hand in to Theo’s, squeezing it tight. “Save him, please.”

St. Germaine sighed. Bent over Theo. And sank his fangs into Theo’s neck.

Shades of Loss Jude Magdalyn Series Book Four L.M. Pruitt

Genre: PNR Publisher: SP Press Release Date: February 17, 2014 Print Length: 116 pages

ASIN: B00IICVD44

Book Description: We have to distrust each other. It is our only defense against betrayal. Tennessee Williams Fact--Hart is back from the not-quite-dead.

Fact--His ultimate goal is my death.

Fact--He'll use anything--and anyone--to help him reach that goal.

The only way to save myself--my family--the entire Covenant--is to find the answer to one simple question.

Who is the traitor?

Available at Amazon

Shades of Blood Jude Magdalyn Series Book Three L.M. Pruitt Genre: PNR Publisher: SP Press

Book Description: If it's not one thing, it's another.

Felipe, one of New Orleans's most infamous--and crazy--vampires is back in town. And to say he's unhappy is an understatement.

Duprees and Williams have to track down Felipe, fast, before he claims any more victims. If that means making a deal with the Devil--otherwise known as St. Germaine--and using an untrained dhampir, so be it.

If that wasn't enough, I've also got rebellious teenagers, feuding couples, and a suddenly full social calendar.

The more things change....

Available at Amazon Excerpt Shades of Blood “I’m going to kill her.” I didn’t throw the phone across the room like I wanted to, but instead, set it down gently on the coffee table. I took a deep breath and held it for a long moment before releasing it. “I’ll just have to owe Williams another favor.”

“That would put you at owing him three times, which is three times too many.” Theo slid the phone out of my reach. I’d already thrown two phones this month, so I didn’t begrudge him the action. “What exactly did Danie do this time?”

It’d been almost a month since Williams had shown up in the foyer and left his niece—Hart’s daughter—in my care. Not that I really wanted her here or that she wanted to be here. Things were just getting back to normal after the terror of Halloween, after darting around the city trying to find Hart’s other psychopathic brother. Having Hart’s daughter under my roof made me more than a little uneasy, even though he was still at the bottom of the Mississippi.

I’d argued with Williams. Danie had argued with Williams. Even Mickeal, Williams’s second-incommand and currently stationed at the Crossroads, had argued with Williams. He refused to budge. And my conscience wouldn’t let me throw her out without a definite place to go.

So Danie stayed. And did her best to make all our lives a living hell.

“Shoplifting. Again.” I drummed my fingers over my stomach, then stopped when one of the bumps kicked a little. Theo and I still called them the bumps, even though it was starting to look like I’d swallowed a small beach ball. At the rate I was going, I’d be as big as a cow by the time I delivered in May. “Down at that tourist shop.”

“Which one? There’s only half a million or so.” Theo made a little circle motion with his finger and I gave him my back. I always seemed to have a knot between my shoulder blades these days. Whether it was from Danie or from the bumps, I couldn’t begin to guess.

“Voodoo Blues. The owner recognized her, so instead of calling the police, he let her go and called me.

I’ll send Elizabeth down tomorrow to take care of it.”

“Have you ever thought about letting her get picked up by the police? Seeing if having the law come down on her would actually make her see how stupid she’s being?” Theo pressed a kiss against my bare shoulder. I shrugged half-heartedly, tapping my fingers on my knee.

“Maybe it would work. Or maybe she’d go nuts on them and then we’d have a serious problem.” Restless now, I stood up to pace in front of the fireplace. It was just now ten p.m. and most of the house had been up long enough to start getting into trouble. Any minute now, someone was going to knock on the parlor door and tell me they needed help with something.

I wasn’t psychic. It had happened often enough that it was a given.

Shades of Desire Jude Magdalyn Series Book Two L.M. Pruitt Genre: PNR Publisher: SP Press

Book Description:

All I wanted was a little peace and quiet.

Instead, I've got dead Covenant members and a steady stream of letters from the new guy in town. His beverage of choice? A 2002 Merlot, with a shot or two of powerful virgin blood.

On top of that, I'm breaking in a new police liaison, failing at playing matchmaker, and fighting nausea like it's a full time job.

Did I forget to mention that I've also got enough girls living at the Crossroads to start my own boarding school?

Peace and quiet? Out the window.

--Jude Magdalyn Henries

Available at Amazon Excerpt Shades of Desire “If someone doesn’t get me a lemon in the next five minutes, everyone will suffer. A lot.”

“Jude, I love you. Which is why I can say you’re being just a little overdramatic.” One look at my face and Theo changed his tune. “But then again, you could say pregnancy is dramatic and you’re just getting into the groove.”

“Nice save.” I tried to sit up again. Halfway through the upward movement greasy waves of nausea rolled over me and I eased back down onto the pillow. Strands of black hair clung to my sweaty face and I closed my eyes, exhaling slowly. “Not as nice as that lemon would be right now, but nice.”

“Elizabeth will be here in a moment. No doubt she’ll have a lemon. And tea. And toast.” Theo turned over to face me, laying one hand over my still mostly flat stomach. If you looked close, you could see the smallest of bumps.

I know, because I checked. Every other day or so.

If anybody told me three months ago, that the week before Halloween, I’d be lying in bed with a man who absolutely adored me—even the crazy parts—I’d have asked them what the hell they were smoking. If they’d thrown in being pregnant, I would have punched them in their jaw. Then gone to the store and bought a dozen pregnancy tests and prayed for them all to be negative.

But that was before the Covenant.

In two weeks, I’d gone from being an orphan raised by nuns, to the latest in a long line of only daughters. Women charged with the protection and well-being of hundreds of people with unique powers. Some made flame burn for hours, while others called the wind to knock you flat on your ass. They were a group of people who came together over two-hundred years ago, bound by a prophecy. One with no past, lost in the present, will bring in the future, through gifts of both this world and the next.

And lucky me, I’d passed the job interview.

I’d sent Hart to a muddy, watery grave-literally. Unless something went crazy wrong, he’d stay under the Mississippi until the Final Judgment. Williams ruled the vampires of the city now and kept his distance as much as possible.

And I, Jude Magdalyn Henries, led the Covenant. Maybe I wasn’t terrific at it. But Gillian would be proud.

All things considered, I think I came out with a pretty good deal.

Shades of Gray Jude Magdalyn Series Book One L.M. Pruitt Book Description: Jude Magdalyn Henries lives what many would call an unconventional life.

Orphaned at birth, raised by nuns, a teenage runaway living on the streets... she now earns a living at odd jobs, including one as a fake tarot card reader. Very little about Jude's life appears normal, by any scale. When she accepts a gig to do a private reading, unconventional takes on an entirely new meaning. Life as she knows it ends when she's thrust into a world she never knew existed-one filled with magic, vampires, and her beloved New Orleans on the verge of an underground war. To make matters worse, she's got two men in her life vying for attention, Williams and Theo. Both call to a different part of her, but one scares her just a little bit. Can she step up to the challenges set before her and make the right choices for the "greater" greater good"?

Available at Amazon About the Author: L.M. Pruitt has been reading and writing for as long as she can remember. A native of Florida with a love of New Orleans, she has the uncanny ability to find humor in most things and would probably kill a plastic plant.

She knows this because she's killed bamboo. Twice. She is the author of the Winged series, the Plaisir Coupable series, Jude Magdalyn series, the Moon Rising series, and Taken: A Frankie Post Novel. http://www.lmpruitt.org https://www.facebook.com/pages/LMPruitt/364776895104 https://twitter.com/lmpruitt http://www.amazon.com/L.M.-Pruitt/e/B00427WOW4/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/ show/4320796.L_M_Pruitt

Winning Glory GenTech Rebellion Book 1 Ann Gimpel Dream Shadow Press 60K words Release Date: 4/21/15 Genre: Military Romantic Suspense

The line between hunter and hunted thins, blurs, and finally shatters.

Series Backstory: Sometime between the interminable wars in the Middle East and 9/11, the United States moved forward breeding a race of super humans. Clandestine labs formed, armed with eager scientists who’d always yearned to manipulate human DNA. At first the clones looked promising, growing to fighting size in as little as a dozen years, but V1 had design flaws.

Seven years ago, a rogue group turned on their creators, blew up the lab, and hit all the other breeding farms, freeing whomever they could find. In the intervening time, they’ve retreated to hidden compounds and created a society run by men. Women are kept on a tight leash because the men fear if they discover their innate power, they’d launch their own rebellion.

Book Description: Being a genetically altered human without a name grew old, so Glory named herself. Surrounded by a maze of unpleasant alternatives, she makes a bold choice and ends up a fugitive in the midst of a Minnesota winter.

Once she’s on the run, she discovers how unprepared she is for life outside her protected compound.

CIA agent, Roy Kincaid, devoted his career to hunting super humans who staged a rebellion seven years before. He’s not making much headway, so he goes deep undercover. One blustery night, a striking woman staggers into the café where he’s catching a late meal. Part waif, part runway model, the half-frozen woman arrows straight into his heart.

Glory’s flat out of alternatives, but death in the storm might be preferable to telling the tall stranger looming over her anything. Sensing Roy is dangerous, she pushes into his head seeking clues and discovers he hunts those like her. Maybe she can fool him, just for tonight. Get a hot meal and dry motel room out of the deal. If she’s lucky, he’ll never find out she’s on the run from the same group he’s targeted for death.

The thing she didn’t count on was falling in love.

Amazon Barnes and Noble iTunes Kobo Excerpt Winning Glory: …“Dessert, hon?” The waitress sidled back over to him, and Roy realized he was her only customer.

“Sure. What do you have?”

She rattled off a series of pies and cakes. He chose apple pie with a scoop of ice cream, and she left with his dinner plate. Roy slumped against the chair. He had to keep going. No choice. Not really. A good night’s sleep, coupled with the first adequate meal he’d had in a couple days might make a big difference in his attitude. At least he hoped they would.

He’d just begun on the pie, which had a surprisingly flaky crust, when a rush of cold air yanked his attention toward the door. A tall woman walked in. Long, dark hair caked with snow swirled around her, and she held her body tightly as if she were really cold. Roy glanced at her feet and was shocked to see a pair of tennis shoes with holes in them. Good God, had she been outside with such inadequate footwear? Didn’t she understand she could freeze to death? Even his stout boots didn’t do much to divert the cold.

Keeping her gaze downcast, she made her way to the counter and sat.

“Coffee, hon?” The waitress asked.

“How much is it?” the woman inquired.

“Two bucks.”

“Oh.” The woman’s shoulders drooped, and she swiveled the stool around, getting ready to go back out into the storm.

“No, you don’t.” The waitress’s voice sharpened. “I’ll stand you a coffee. You look about done in.”

The woman’s even features melted into what looked like relief before she turned back to face the counter. “Thank you. That’s really kind and I appreciate it. My wallet was stolen, and—” “Never you mind.” The waitress patted the woman’s shoulder. “Bet you’re hungry too.” She poured hot coffee into a mug and handed it to the woman, who drew the steaming liquid to her lips.

“Maybe a little,” the woman ventured. She clasped the cup with fingers white from cold.

By now, Roy knew he was staring, but he couldn’t make himself turn away. There was something waiflike and alluring about the tall woman with long, black hair. Snow dripped off her, creating puddles around her stool. All she wore against the winter weather was a thick, gray sweater and worn jeans. No scarf.

No gloves. No hat. He was close to certain her wallet hadn’t been stolen. She looked more like an abuse victim on the run to him. Maybe he could help her get to her intended destination, if it wasn’t too far out of his way.

He pushed his chair back and made his way to the counter. “Say—” he began, but she started and drew away as if she expected him to hit her.

I was right. Abuse victim for sure.

“I’m not going to hurt you.” He kept his voice low, soothing. “Order whatever you want, and I’ll pay for it.”

She kept her gaze on her hands clutching the coffee cup. “I can’t let you do that, sir. I’m all right. Truly I am.”

Without waiting for an invitation, he took the stool next to hers and called to the waitress. “Bring her the same meal I just had.”

“You got it, hon,” rang from the direction of the kitchen.

“You are not all right,” Roy said. “You’re thin as a rail, and you were shivering when you came in here.

In fact, you still are. I’ll bet your shoes are wet clear through.” When she didn’t respond, he ploughed on. “Let me help you.”

She shook her head. “Don’t want your kind of help. It always comes with strings.”

“Mine doesn’t.”

He pushed a little with his enhanced mental ability to get her to look at him. If she did, maybe she’d see truth in his eyes. A shudder ran down her thin frame, but she dragged her gaze upward reluctantly. Roy felt bad for forcing her, but he didn’t have time to soothe her wounded places, which he suspected ran deep.

Eyes a shade of green he’d never seen inspected him. Long, thick lashes framed those eyes, and they were set in a face with high cheekbones, a high forehead, and black eyebrows winging a track over porcelain skin.

“Who are you?” The words tore from him. He hadn’t meant to say them. She was nervous as a feral cat as it was.

She shook her head sadly. “No one. I’m no one. You’ll forget all about me when you leave here.”

Something shifted in his mind, but he fought it. Before he could determine if something real had just happened or if he were imagining things, the waitress showed up with the woman’s dinner.

“Here you go, hon. Hope medium’s okay for that steak?”

“Fine, thank you.” Before the words were out, the woman picked up the fork and knife and shoveled food into her mouth.

Roy congratulated himself on a good call. Even though she’d been reluctant to admit it, she really was starving. He had no idea what she’d do tomorrow or the next day, but it wasn’t his problem. While she ate, he observed her from the corner of his eyes. In addition to being hungry and underdressed, she looked young.

Maybe twenty. He’d be surprised if she were much more than that.

He shook a mental finger at himself. The country was full of abused women running from the men who used them as punching bags before they raped them. It was one part of law enforcement work he’d never understood: why the women kept going back for more.

“There are safe houses for girls like you,” he said, and could’ve kicked himself. What the hell was wrong with his mouth tonight? He couldn’t seem to keep words on the other side of it.

She stopped chewing long enough to glance at him. “What’s a safe house?”

“A place where women like you can go so whoever’s after you can’t get to you.”

“What makes you think someone’s after me?” Color splotched across her white cheeks.

Roy took a deep breath. “I was a cop for a long time.”

Her entire body tightened, and he wondered if he’d been wrong about why she was out in the storm.

“You said was.” She swiped a paper napkin over her lips. “Are you still?”

“No. Not anymore.”

She took another bite, clearly thinking about what he’d said. “These people you think are after me.

Could they still find me in a safe house?”

He wanted to lie to her, but didn’t. “Sure. Anyone can find anybody with the Internet and all, but the people who run the safe houses won’t let anyone who might hurt you inside.”

She drew her arched brows together and drank some coffee. “I’d have to go outside sometime. Work.

Earn my way.”

He nodded. Those things were all true. He scratched his head and pushed too-long hair out of his eyes.

“Sometimes, when a man is really persistent, there are ways of setting you up with a different identity in a different part of the country.”

Interest lit her features, and she cut up the last of her steak. “Where would I go to have that happen?”

“I’m not sure, but we could check with local agencies in the morning.”

A blank expression washed over her face, as if someone had shut out a light. She shot him a look she might have given yesterday’s overripe trash. “Morning, huh? You’re just like all the rest of them, mister.

Means I’d have to spend the night with you.”

Roy winced. He hadn’t been thinking. Of course she’d make that connection. “No.” He shook his head emphatically. “I’d buy you your own room for the night. You can clean up, get some sleep, and we’ll regroup in the morning after breakfast.”

She narrowed her eyes, and he felt himself drawn into their depths. “My own room with a locked door?”

He nodded solemnly, willing her to believe him. If he could just do one decent deed, it would make up for the last two weeks of beating his head into a brick wall. Maybe it would give him enough juice to keep hunting for the scientists who were a bunch of Houdini fuckers.

“Mmph.” She started on her potato, taking large bites. In between them, she said. “I’m trying to figure out your angle. If I’ve worked my way around to believing you won’t hurt me by the time I’m done eating, I’ll accept your offer.”

It was the best he was likely to get. Roy stood. “Fair enough. I’m going to finish my pie.” It was sitting in a pool of melted ice cream, but he didn’t mind. “If you’d care to accept my help, just stop by my table on your way out. If you walk past, I give you my word I won’t bother you.”

“Deal.” She said around a mouthful of food. Swallowing, she twisted to look at him.

It felt as if she were staring straight through him, but Roy held his ground even after he identified a zing of power withdrawing from his mind. What the hell was she, anyway? When she returned to her dinner, he retreated to his pie, thoughts racing a mile a minute. What the fuck was he doing? If he were smart, he’d forget his offer, throw enough money on the table to cover both meals, and run like hell for his car.

There was something about the woman, though, an appeal that drew him, snared him, and wouldn’t leave him be. He ate mindlessly, not tasting the pie. He knew the feel of freak mind control. Was that it? Had he inadvertently stumbled onto one of them?

Impossible. They’re never by themselves, and whatever she examined me with didn’t feel quite right.

Plus, she didn’t resemble the ones he’d killed before. They had dark hair, but animal eyes. Amber, not green like hers. Of course they’d been men, but simple genetics argued they’d all look much the same if they came out of the same petri dishes.

Were there other augmented humans beyond those he already knew about? The thought fascinated and chilled him at the same time.

He scraped his fork over the plate and realized it was empty.

Slugging back long-since-cold coffee, he dug for his wallet and extracted what he was certain would cover dinner, laying bills on the table and placing his empty mug atop them.

The woman looked almost done with her meal. What would she do?

What would he do if she walked by him and out the door? Would he be able to keep his promise and not go after her?…

Honor Bound GenTech Rebellion Book 2 Ann Gimpel Dream Shadow Press 63K words Release Date: 6/9/15 Genre: Science Fiction Action Adventure Romance

We have to trust to fight side by side, but love’s so unexpected—and so irresistible —it trumps everything.

Book Description: Honor takes a huge chance and flees her compound one wintry night. A genetically altered woman, she has no memories from before her kin staged a rebellion seven years before. Because of her enhanced physiology, she finds a home working for the CIA alongside four other women just like her. There are still plenty of rules, but they’re different, and she’s figuring out how to blend in.

Milton Reins burns through women and marriages. After the third one implodes, he swears off hunting for a replacement. Running the CIA is a more than fulltime job. There’s no time for anything else in his life, which is fine until Honor comes along. Training in the gym throws their bodies together and makes him remember the feel of a woman in his arms. Milton aches for her, but she’s a freak—the CIA term for test tube humans designed by scientists.

Honor wants Milton with every bone in her body, but it’s a terrible idea, especially after she delves into his head and sees his ambivalence toward her kind. Need drives them together, but their differences create roadblocks every step of the way. Fueled by anger and fear, she shuts him out. So what if the sex was great, she’s done.

Or is she?

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Excerpt Honor Bound: …“How about this?” Honor finished her drink and twirled the glass between her hands. “The other women and I are on top of things. We’ll make sure nothing…unexpected happens.”

“What if I pull rank and order Charity to stay here?” he demanded, not liking her answer. spect.”

Honor shook her head. “That’d be a bad idea.” After a pause, she added hastily, “Sir. With all due reMilton chortled. “You’re learning. Why is it a bad idea?”

Honor closed her teeth over her lower lip. “Like all of us, she’s finding her way. Figuring out where she fits in here. Even though we lived in the western United States, we may as well have been in Bangladesh for all the differences between living here and where we were after the rebellion.”

“You still haven’t told me why it’s a bad idea.”

“She needs to trust you. If you ride herd on her, treat her like the Nameless Ones treated us, she never will, and this…problem of hers will just get worse.”

Desperation flared, a glowing nimbus she nipped quickly, but he’d been paying close attention, plus he’d been inside her mind. Milton pushed forward with a combination of intuition and his augmented ability.

“You’re worried it will get worse anyway.”

Her gaze skittered away. “Yes. No. Possibly. These things are hard to predict. Please.” She leaned forward this time and placed a hand over his where it lay atop his leg. “Let us handle it our way. I give you my word we’ll ask for help before it gets out of control.”

Her touch was warm, electric. Before he could stop himself, he set his other hand over hers, and turned the bottom hand upward, capturing her flesh between his. His mouth was suddenly dry, and his groin tightened with a rush of sexual energy so intense it stole his breath.

Words became a struggle, but he forced them out anyway. “Doesn’t sound very smart to me. Is there any chance she’ll switch allegiance?”

Honor’s eyes widened. “Oh hell, no. You mean fight for the Nameless Ones?” When Milton nodded, she was even more emphatic. “No. That’d never happen. She hates them just as much as we do.”

It was the main thing that had worried him: that he’d been playing host to a double agent—again.

Some of the tension drained out of him, and he rubbed his fingers over Honor’s where they lay clasped between his.

“I really should go, sir.” She tried to pull her hand back, but he didn’t let go.

“Do you always do what you should?”

Honor looked away. “Not a fair question, sir.”

“Stop calling me that!”

“But you are my commanding officer.” Honor kept her voice soft, but the meaning in her words slapped Milton squarely across his forehead.

He released her hand. “Sorry.” He spoke stiffly. “I forgot myself. You’re free to go.”

The sadness he’d sensed earlier was back in spades. It flowed from her in slow, tired waves. He pushed, surprised when she let him inside her mind. Not far, but enough for him to view the loneliness she’d lived with all her life. Her only safety zone had been the dozen women in her dorm at the compound, and seven of them were dead. No wonder she needed to do everything possible to protect Charity.

Milton got to his feet and offered her a hand. She took it and stood too. “Thanks for helping me understand you a little,” he said.

“You’re welcome. Sometimes that way is easier than talking. Thank you for not insisting Charity stay here.”

“She’s important to you,” he said. “I didn’t fully appreciate how much you depend on each other until you allowed me into your thoughts.”

Milton didn’t know if he moved toward her, she toward him, or both of them simultaneously, but Honor ended up in his arms. He tightened his hold, enjoying the feel of her sleekly muscled body against his. She matched his six-foot height and fit perfectly in his arms. His cock hardened against her belly, and her eyes widened in surprise.

“Of course you’d be a virgin,” he murmured, stroking his hands down her back.

“We were off-limits to the Nameless Ones, but we talked about sex among ourselves.”

Arousal flashed deep inside him. Even though he knew he shouldn’t, he asked, “What did you talk about?” He cupped his hands around her high, firm buttocks and snugged her against his erection.

Desire apparently trumped discomfort, and she pushed against him. “Men. We talked about how penises get hard, and how one might feel inside us.” She licked her lips, and heat flickered in her eyes. “Sometimes we’d touch ourselves and mind link, so we could feel each other come.”

He’d never considered that possible use for his enhanced senses. The feedback loop from feeling what his partner felt right along with his own arousal intrigued him and made him hotter than hell. Honor pressed closer against him and kneaded his back.

Milton traced her full lower lip with his thumb. “Has anyone told you what a devilishly attractive woman you are?”

She shook her head.

He couldn’t resist the siren call of those lips. Milton angled his head and closed his mouth over hers.

He kept the kiss tentative in case he wasn’t reading her signals right, but she ran her tongue over his mouth, tasting him. He licked, nibbled, sucked, and she kissed him back with growing fervor as her body radiated need. Her nipples hardened where they pressed into his chest, and she rubbed against his ridiculously erect cock.

About the time she pushed her tongue into his mouth, and he sparred with it, loving the taste of her, common sense intruded. He pulled back, his breath coming unevenly. He wanted to strip her clothes off, unwrap her, worship the amazing body he’d scuffled with in the gym, but tonight wasn’t the time. Not before a major offensive, and not with her in a direct line of command, with him functioning as her team leader. The women ended up his responsibility to remove Glory from reporting to Roy, but here was the same problem all over again.

Reluctantly, he placed his hands on either side of her head. “Honor, we can’t do this.”

“I know it’s wrong, but I’ve never been kissed before, and I…” She looked away. “…didn’t want it to end. I’m sorry, sir. I’ll do a better job of—” “Goddammit, Honor. You’re not listening.” Frustration vied with desire and feeling like a shit for letting the situation get out of hand in the first place.

“Yes I am. You said what we did was wrong.”

“No, I didn’t, but the timing’s bad.” He paused a beat. “And you work for me, which means—” “I know exactly what it means. I may have been sequestered in that compound, but I’m far from stupid.”

She wrenched away from him and stumbled toward the door.

“Honor, please.”

She spun to face him. “This was a mistake.” Hurt carved furrows around her eyes. “I’m used to being by myself. Taking care of myself. Don’t worry. I won’t be a burden on you.”

“That’s not what I—” She turned and fled out the door. Milton considered going after her, but recognized it was a bad idea.

The attraction between them was so strong, there’d be no way to have a rational conversation.

Until they’d shared an orgasm or two…

Claiming Charity GenTech Rebellion Book 3 Ann Gimpel Dream Shadow Press 60K words Release Date: 6/9/15 Genre: Science Fiction Action Adventure Romance What does it take to move past a lifetime of hating?

Book Description: Charity’s luck never ran strong because her original configuration was unstable. Her handlers designed experiments to fix the problem, but only made it worse. Sick to death of living under their thumb, she jumps at a chance to escape her compound. She’s no sooner settled in as a CIA special operative—a role where she can put her augmented mind and body to use—when her wobbly genetics escalate.

Tony’s a freak—a genetically altered human waging war against the government. He snaps up an offer of amnesty, walking away from his role as a genetic researcher to work for the CIA. When Charity collapses in a severe seizure, he labors to save her life, but nothing’s working. In a last ditch effort, he joins his mind to hers and discovers he wants her more than he’s ever wanted anything. Only problem is she hates every single male freak for how they treated women in the compounds.

Charity recovers from her medical crisis, but all she can think about is Tony. Furious, determined to never let anyone like him near her, she blocks him from her mind, but he seeps back in anyway. Loving someone like Tony is a huge risk, a gamble that could throw her already precarious genes into a tailspin.

Knowing all that, why the hell is she considering it?

Excerpt Claiming Charity: …Tony dialed his night vision up another notch and paced Frank as they ran hard around Langley’s perimeter. After being cooped up for hours in a plane, both men needed to burn off some steam. As Tony ran, scenes from his computer-like brain flashed before him.

After his petri dish birth on one of the breeding farms set up by the U.S. government, he’d been groomed from adolescence to work as a genetic researcher. None of them attended school; their knowledge was downloaded directly from huge mainframes operated by government scientists. He lived a comfortable life at his breeding farm near Portland, Oregon, but it blew up in his face seven years ago. He was twenty-two then and knee-deep in research to perfect those like him. Each successive strain was a bit better than the last, but problems still cropped up.

He’d been close to a major breakthrough—at least he thought he was, but it could’ve been a dead end like so much of his research—when a cadre of renegade freaks, genetically engineered humans just like him, staged a rebellion. They hadn’t cared for the decision to scrap the earlier prototypes, so they blew up every breeding farm they could find. After that, they created hidden compounds, like the one in Keyser, West Virginia where Tony ended up.

He hadn’t bought into the violence, but there wasn’t a hell of a lot of choice once it began. Normal humans shot them on sight after the rebellion, so he went along with the program and moved his genetic research to his assigned compound. He didn’t have nearly the access to materials he’d had prior to the rebellion, but at least he was still alive.

“You’re pretty quiet, buddy,” Frank observed.

“Sorry. I was thinking.”

The other man snorted. “Always dangerous. About what? Did you come up with something we missed on those hard drives Milton swiped from our headquarters?”

“Nah. Wish it were that straightforward.”

Frank slugged him in the arm. “Watch that esoteric stuff. Our programming’s not designed for it.”

“Maybe not, but do you ever wonder what will become of us?”

“The probability of that line of thought producing something of value is—” “Not what I asked,” Tony snapped. “We’ve thrown in our lot with normal humans, V0 as it were. We can’t undo it.”

“So? You and I discussed this before we showed ourselves and requested amnesty. We could’ve remained hidden. They would have found Charity without our help, and then they’d have left. We didn’t take that route. Are you having second thoughts?”

“Not really. We didn’t fit in with the other Nameless Ones—except it was a ridiculous moniker, since we had names, we just didn’t tell them to the women.” Tony slowed when they came to a perimeter fence and turned to face the other man. Because of the physical strength built into his genetics, he wasn’t even slightly winded.

Frank stopped and tossed his hood back. Shaggy black hair fell to his shoulders, and he examined Tony through his amber, animal-like eyes with vertical slit pupils. All the men looked very much the same due to shared genetics. Tall, rangy, muscled. Both of them wore regulation issue CIA field gear they hadn't changed out of yet.

“What aren’t you saying?” Frank asked.

“Not sure. Except I’m feeling like a man without a country. We didn’t fit in there, but we don’t fit in here, either. They don’t trust us. I saw it in Milton’s eyes that night you and I saved Charity’s life.”

Frank grimaced. “Shit, bro. We’re machines. We’re not supposed to have feelings. Who cares if they trust us, so long as they continue to offer us a place to work and live? When did you fall off the wagon?”

Should I? Tony weighed the advisability of confiding in Frank, but if not him, then whom?

“Talk, or I’m going back to my apartment. I’m fine when we’re moving, but I’m getting cold. Can’t be much more than fifteen degrees out here. In fact,” Frank sent a short blurt of power outward, “it’s eighteen point three Fahrenheit, but there’s a five knot wind, which brings the ambient temperature to—”

“Never mind that. I know it’s cold without a weather report. I have a problem that runs deeper than the humans not trusting us. They made a commitment to us, same as we did to them. The odds of them welching on the deal—so long as we don’t fuck them over—is under twelve percent.”

Frank furled his brows. “Okay. So you have a problem. Is it something we could hash out inside where it’s warm?”

“I think better when I’m cold.”

“Fine.” Frank gestured with a gloved hand. “Whatever it is, get it out, so we can chase down something to eat and find our beds.”

Tony unclenched his jaw. It was either spit it out or shut up. Running probabilities about Frank’s reaction wouldn’t alter his choices. He squared his shoulders and began to talk. “I spent a long time—hours—linked to Charity when she was so compromised. I was the one who sent my energy into her.”

“I haven’t forgotten. So?” “I developed a fondness for her during that time.” Very unmachine-like feelings tightened Tony’s gut.

Frank’s eyes widened. “Oh ho! You want to fuck her. I’m not seeing where that’s a problem. The women were off limits to us at the compounds, but the CIA doesn’t have those kind of rules.”

The unmachine-like feelings intensified, and Tony felt his face grow warm. “Yeah, I want her that way, but it’s more than that. I like her. She’s a bitch, sure, but she’s fresh and funny and spunky. We drummed the spirit out of so many of the women, but not her.”

“Have you talked with her about any of this?”

Tony shook his head. “No.” “Why not? Seems to me that’d be the logical place to start.”

A snort blew past Tony’s lips. “Yeah, huh? Problem is I got a pretty good look inside her head. She hates us.”

Frank drew back. “Why? She never even met us before she and her group attacked our compound.”

Tony shook his head again. “It runs deeper than that. She hates all of us men—for how we treated her and the other women. Even if that weren’t there, it must’ve been appalling for her when she discovered the V4s slaughtered the females in our compound. Her team planned to rescue them. The V4s figured it out and beat them to the punch.”

“Yeah, but none of that was personal—” Frank began.

“Try telling her that. I’m sure it felt goddamned personal. Christ! The women’s bodies weren’t even cold when Charity stumbled onto them.”

“I’m not sure Charity found them, but the women who did certainly told her about it.” Frank jerked his chin in the general direction of their apartment building. “Let’s get moving.” When Tony fell into step with him, he went on. “Seems to me you’ve really only got two choices. One. You suck it up and keep quiet. We weren’t exactly designed to have mates. All our babies were created in test tubes—even after the breeding farms.”

“That was because we were afraid the women would pick our brains during sex, discover how powerful they were, and demand equality.”

“It doesn’t matter why,” Frank replied. “Even though I was a minority, I never believed it would’ve been the end of the world if the women discovered their innate power, but they didn’t. Regardless, over time, we got away from intercourse as a primary source of procreation.”

“We’re getting off course. What’s my second option?”

“Sit down and talk to her. Tell her how you feel.”

Tony rolled the probabilities of how that would go through his brain. “Less than an eighteen percent chance she’d be open to it,” he muttered.

Frank didn’t respond, and they ran the rest of the way to their building in silence. Once they were inside, Tony said, “Thanks.”

“For what? I didn’t help much. See you tomorrow at zero seven hundred.” Frank turned down the hallway that led to his apartment.

Tony climbed a flight of stairs to his quarters and let himself in. If getting something going with Charity was such a crapshoot, why couldn’t he let go of the idea?

When the answer came, he didn’t like it much. He’d broken protocol to save her, blending his energy with hers in an intimate pattern that wasn’t in any of the manuals. Apparently she’d gotten under his skin during the process, and now he was stuck. When he wasn’t busy, she was all he thought about.

He stripped out of his heavy field coat and tossed it over a chair. The rest of his clothes ended up in a heap on the floor. Everything could stand a tour through the washing machine, but not tonight. He headed for the bathroom and a shower with his cock standing out like a ship’s prow. He was hard almost all the time now, despite jacking off two or three times a day. Hard because he wanted her.

Crap!

He pulled the shower curtain aside. Once he got the water going, he stepped over the high rim of the tub. Even though he tried not to, his hands found their way to his engorged flesh, and somewhere between the soap and hot water, he made himself come with visions of what he thought Charity’s perfect, naked body would look like plastered behind his eyes…

About the Author: Ann Gimpel is a mountaineer at heart. Recently retired from a long career as a psychologist, she remembers many hours at her desk where her body may have been stuck inside four walls, but her soul was planning yet one more trip to the backcountry. Around the turn of the last century (that would be 2000, not 1900!), she managed to finagle moving to the Eastern Sierra, a mecca for those in love with the mountains. It was during long backcountry treks that Ann’s writing evolved. Unlike some who see the backcountry as an excuse to drag friends and relatives along, Ann prefers solitude. Stories always ran around in her head on those journeys, sometimes as a hedge against abject terror when challenging conditions made her fear for her life, sometimes for company. Eventually, she returned from a trip and sat down at the computer. Three months later, a five hundred page novel emerged.

Oh, it wasn’t very good, but it was a beginning. And, she learned a lot between writing that novel and its sequel.

Around that time, a friend of hers suggested she try her hand at short stories. It didn’t take long before that first story found its way into print and they’ve been accepted pretty regularly since then. One of Ann’s passions has always been ecology, so her tales often have a green twist.

In addition to writing, Ann enjoys wilderness photography. She lugs pounds of camera equipment in her backpack to distant locales every year. A standing joke is that over ten percent of her pack weight is camera gear which means someone else has to carry the food! That someone is her husband. They’ve shared a life together for a very long time. Children, grandchildren and three wolf hybrids round out their family. www.anngimpel.com http://anngimpel.blogspot.com http://www.amazon.com/author/anngimpel http://www.facebook.com/anngimpel.author @AnnGimpel (for Twitter)

Catch My Breath The Breathless Series Book 1 Lynn Montagano Genre: Contemporary Romance Publisher: HarperImpulse Date of Publication: April 17, 2014 ISBN: 978-0007591749 ASIN: B00IR2J2BQ Number of pages: 275 Book Description: Lia Meyers' plan for a relaxing Scottish vacation is short-lived when one uncharacteristic moment of clumsiness lands her in the arms of a dangerously attractive Englishman.

The perfect opportunity for a much needed holiday romance? Wrong! Lia’s still reeling from the mother of all bad breakups, and she really doesn't have the patience for Alastair Holden – despite his effortless charm and sexy British accent.

Arrogant and totally inscrutable, he's exactly the sort of guy she wants to avoid but can't: the man behind the mystery proves just too tempting to resist.

Drawn to him, Lia is forced to battle with her own insecurities, and the closer they become, the more she recognizes her own weaknesses as she peels away his layers with every night they spend together. Discovering the past Alastair is so desperate to conceal, Lia must decide if they can heal one another together or if their deepest fears will tear them apart.

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Google Play Nook iTunes Books 2 and 3 Also Available: Unravel Me Effortless Excerpt “You’re quite lovely, Lia. Pity you’re leaving soon. I’d like to take you—” he paused, tracing his thumb over my lower lip. I shuddered. “—out. Again.”

“You would?” I asked hoarsely.

Nodding, he stroked the curve of my cheek. “Are you coming back to Glasgow after the wedding?”

“Yeah…yes. Saturday.”

Backing away from him, I bumped into the arm of the couch. I almost toppled over it, but managed to steady myself. Being in his presence made me so damn skittish, it was frustrating.

“I’m supposed to make an appearance at a cocktail party for my grandfather’s company.”

Oh good, he’s busy.

“You should come. Or we could go out to dinner.” Like an apparition, he was in front of me, stroking his fingers along my arm. “What do you say? Fancy spending the night with me?”

The unspoken promise behind that question nearly shattered me on the spot. This was supposed to be an easy trip across the pond. Go to the wedding, hang out with the family and go home. Not fend off an amazingly sexy, impossible-to-resist guy.

“Stop overthinking,” he ordered.

Stormy, dark eyes carved a path through my skull. I wilted beneath the strength of his stare. A shaky breath escaped my lips as he traced his finger along my jaw and down my neck. He drew me into his hypnotic orbit with such ease. I was powerless to resist.

“This is inevitable, Amelia. Don’t deny it.”

Inevitable? Each stroke of his fingers left a fiery trail in its wake. The smooth, soft skin of his cheek brushed against mine.

“Come with me.”

Oh Jesus, those three words. I jolted out of his seductive haze like I was on fire, trying to avoid his eyes. His expression was one of pure lust.

“No,” I whispered.

His mouth fell open slightly in surprise. “No?” “No,” I repeated, louder. “Do you not hear that word very often?”

Impassivity dominated his features. He studied me as though I was the most confusing creature on the planet. We stood so close to one another I was overcome by his intoxicating scent.

“Why not?”

“Because,” I sighed. “I’m not interested.”

“In what, Lia? Food or drinks?”

“You know what I mean.”

About the Author: A fresh, new voice in contemporary romance, Lynn is a former TV news writer who decided to take the plunge and write a novel. She's thrilled that her debut series has been published by Harper Impulse. Catch My Breath, Unravel Me and Effortless were released to rave reviews.

Lynn grew up in a small town in Rhode Island before venturing out into the world. She's lived everywhere from Los Angeles to Boston to Orlando. An avid traveler, Lynn's been as far away as Australia and as close as Canada. Her favorite place to visit is London.

The small town girl is back on the east coast after a brief stint in Northern California. Lynn currently resides in Massachusetts, comfortably close to her beloved football team.

Website: www.lynnmontagano.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLynnMontagano Twitter: https://twitter.com/LynnMontagano

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Top 5 Angsty Wizards with Robyn Bachar With great power comes great responsibility. No one understands that better than a wizard. With the right spell a wizard can do great good--or great evil. I've always had an admittedly unhealthy fascination with evil wizards. As much as I love a good hero's journey, I wonder about the bad guy. Protagonists do the right thing because it's the right thing to do, so why do antagonists do the wrong thing? What drives them to the dark side?

In The Sephra's Tear, Cordelia comes from a family of dark wizards that are like an unholy union of the Malfoys and the Corleones. Until now she has never crossed the line into dark magic, but the temptation of just one spell to finance her freedom is hard to resist. Is it bad to do the wrong thing for the right reasons?

Below I’ve picked five of my favorite troubled, power-hungry wizards. Who would you add to the list?

1. Loki (Marvel Cinematic Universe) When Tom Hiddleston’s Loki demands that the people kneel in Avengers, legions of Hiddlesfans squeal “yes” (and I’m one of them). I love watching him in the first Thor movie because there are so many close-ups of him watching something and you can almost hear the plot wheels turning in his mind. Would we be better off under Loki’s rule? Oh hell no. But it’s fun to watch him try to take over the world. ;) 2. Ursula, the Sea Witch (Disney's "The Little Mermaid") Where Loki sees ants, Ursula sees poor, unfortunate souls. The sea is a mess, and she just needs to rule it! If nothing else, she’s definitely a creative problem solver.

3. Raistlin Majere (Dragonlance Chronicles) Oh man, I have so much inappropriate lust for the hourglass mage. And while I know that, much like Loki, Raistlin Majere would squish me like an insignificant ant beneath his boot, it doesn’t stop my obsession.

4. Anders (Dragon Age II) Really Dragon Age II should be called, “Damn it, Anders!” He just wants freedom for mages! Even if it means blowing up an entire chantry in the process and starting a war between mages and templars. Sigh. He does have an interesting character arc though, watching him go from kitten-loving goofball in “Awakening” to vengeanceobsessed abomination.

5. Ravenna ("Snow White and the Huntsman") Charlize Theron is made of awesome. I would watch her do anything (and mud-spattered Chris Hemsworth too), and really, if K-Stew is the only thing standing between you and ultimate power, wouldn’t you be all about cutting her heart out too? …okay, maybe not. But I did enjoy watching this take on the Snow White story.

The Sephra’s Tear

Just One Spell Book One Robyn Bachar Genre: Fantasy Romance

Publisher: Robyn Bachar Date of Publication: 06/01/15 ISBN: Ebook 978-0-9963490-1-7 ISBN: Print 978-0-9963490-0-0 ASIN: B00YPRRYGM Number of pages: 318 Word Count: 63,770 Cover Artist: Amygdala Design Book Description: Just one spell will change their fates…

Cordelia is a pawn of House Dorchada—a notorious noble family comprised of thieves, assassins and dark wizards. Desperate to avoid their poisonous politics, Cordelia plotted her escape for years, but her carefully laid plans are jeopardized when her father commands her to marry an aged lord of Frostever.

With only a few short months left before her wedding, Cordelia’s salvation hinges on creating a Sephra’s Tear—a forbidden amulet that causes overwhelming lust in its victim. A black market buyer promises a lifechanging amount of coin as payment for the Tear, but being caught creating it carries a death sentence.

Two wizards are needed to produce the passion to fuel the erotic spell, so Cordelia recruits the aid of peasant wizard Nathaniel Ravenwood. Nathaniel has long denied his desire for the beautiful Cordelia. As a noblewoman and a Dorchada she is as dangerous to Nathaniel as a viper, but the fortune she offers is a temptation he can't refuse.

Dealing in dark magic comes with a price, and Cordelia and Nathaniel risk losing their freedom—and their hearts. Their fates depend on the one spell that will free them, or destroy them.

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Excerpt: “Have you made your decision?” she blurted.

“I have. I see you have quite a few books on Majera.”

Cordelia frowned at the change in subject. “And here I thought I’d done a good job of hiding them. I don’t want to appear too interested, lest they look for us there.”

“What will you do there? They are strict about punishing wizards who cast illegal spells.”

“The Tear will be my first and last illegal spell. I imagine we’ll do much the same that we do here—sell potions and robes.”

“You won’t live like this if you do.” Nathaniel waved a hand at their opulent surroundings.

“All this is a gilded cage. I’d rather starve as a wizard than live comfortably as a bored lady of the house.”

He shook his head. “I doubt you’ve ever gone hungry.”

“Would you give up your magic and live a life where you’re expected to only concern yourself with the goings on in the kitchen and the quality of the linens? Oh, and be expected to pleasure a stranger forty years your senior whenever he wishes, for the express purpose of providing him with mageblooded children? Children who will undoubtedly be sold one day to seal some political deal, just as you were?”

“I’m sure it’s not so terrible.” His expression was skeptical, and she shook her head.

“Spoken like a man. Most noblewomen are little more than broodmares in a luxurious stable. I want more than that.” Cordelia pushed the thoughts away, determined not to dwell further on Lord Eben. Nathaniel studied her with a thoughtful expression, and she was distracted by how tall he was—even taller than her brother Alexander, who had loomed over her like an ill-tempered mountain since they were children.

“Are you going to help me create the Tear?” she asked.

“Yes, I am.”

She breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

“Do not thank me, my lady. My poverty has overwhelmed my better sense, otherwise I wouldn’t agree to this. But I have done some research these past few days, reading about similar lust spells, and as I understand it the Sephra’s Tear is quite unique. We can’t approach this like any other simple spell or potion.”

Cordelia’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Oh? Why not?”

Taking her hands in his, he drew her over to the divan. Nathaniel ran his thumbs across her knuckles and she shivered at his touch. “A Sephra’s Tear is more than just a lust spell. That is part of what makes it difficult to cast. Any pair of wizards can manage the basic…physical requirements of a lust spell, but a Tear needs the intense pleasure that results from truly understanding your partner’s needs. It requires intimate knowledge. Not just of how to please each other, but how to prolong the experience enough to create a potent Tear.” Nathaniel paused, as though searching for the right words to explain before continuing. “If you’ll forgive the example, it is the difference between having a lover and visiting a whore.”

“I see.” Cordelia licked her lips, her mouth suddenly dry. “I hadn’t considered that.” She had never let anyone know her so intimately—Cordelia’s previous lovers had only seen the polite facade of the Lady Dorchada. She had never trusted any lover enough to be completely honest with them.

“Are you certain you still wish to do this?”

About the Author

Robyn Bachar enjoys writing stories with soul mates, swords, spaceships, vampires and gratuitous violence against the kitchen sink. Her books have finaled twice in the PRISM Contest for Published Authors, twice in the Passionate Plume Contest, and twice in the EPIC eBook Awards. As a gamer, Robyn has spent many hours rolling dice, playing rock-paper-scissors, and slaying creatures in mmorpgs.

You can find Robyn online at www.robynbachar.com and on Twitter at @RobynBachar.

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Milan Harbor of Lost Souls Book 1 Jordan Ashton Genre: Erotic Alternative, MM Paranormal, Werewolves, Romance Publisher: Siren Publishing Date of Publication: June 2014 ISBN: 978-1-62741-905-5 ASIN: B00LSZXDM8 Number of pages: 94 Word Count: 24,103 Cover Artist: Harris Channing Book Description: Milan Ambrozi has hidden from the world and from love for far too long. After he receives a letter from his sister, Ari, that their father is dying, he decides to finally face his inner demon and go back to be with everyone he loves who he left behind.

Carlos Hernandez has been picking up the pieces ever since his ex-lover, Milan, suddenly disappeared from everyone’s life five years ago. Carlos has been helping Ari and her terminally ill father through this trying time.

When Milan returns, Carlos lashes out at him with pent-up anger and hurt he’s kept bottled all of these years.

Milan explains he had no choice, that he had to leave to keep them safe. Yet he refuses to say why. They decide to set aside their differences and try to be friends. But that passionate fire Carlos and Milan had never died. It’s alive and hotter than ever, so is their love they keep denying to each other.

When people in the city start dying from spontaneous combustion, Carlos uncovers that Milan’s involved somehow. Will Milan tell Carlos the truth or will his inner demon lash out at everyone he loves?

Available at Bookstrand Kobo BN Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Excerpt: Never in a thousand years would Milan Ambrozi have expected this. He leaned on the door to his room and stared at the letter in his hands. Father Theosis had hand delivered it to him just minutes ago. As he turned the folded manila envelope, he frowned. It was from his sister Arianna.

Five years had passed since Milan last saw her. It was a day Milan could never forget and wished had never happened, because it was the worst day of his life, the day the world as he knew it ended.

The images of elongated, sharp fangs, black fur, and demonic red eyes seared his eyes as the haunting memories of that night returned. They were still as painful now as they were five years ago.

He released a long breath and tapped the letter on his chin. A part of him wanted to open it and find out what Arianna wrote, but another part of him dreaded it.

They hadn’t kept in touch all of these years. Arianna had tried and so had his father, sending him letters to the sanctuary’s P.O. Box, but Milan had never replied. He read every single one of their messages and his heart ached with each breath he took. He missed and loved them so much. Just as he missed and loved his one true love, Carlos Hernandez, whom he’d abandoned that night just like he did them.

It was supposed to be the first night of the next chapter in their relationship. Carlos had popped the question before the nightmare ever occurred that ripped Milan from him and everyone else he loved.

Not a day went by that Milan didn’t fantasize or reminisce about their love and what he had left behind.

Carlos was and would forever be his soul mate. No one would ever replace him in his heart.

If only he could turn back time to the way things were. Back to a time when he and Carlos were madly in love and having passionate sex every waking hour, and his baby sister was still in pigtails, and his father was happy and not angry with him.

But unfortunately that wasn’t an option. Time only moved forward, not backward, and so must he.

Sooner or later he needed to step forward and out from this shelter he had immersed himself, and return to his family and friends and his past life.

But how could he ever face them again? How could he tell them the truth?

Casting his thoughts and fears aside, he sighed and slumped onto the edge of his bed. The springs in the mattress creaked under his weight. He combed his wavy black locks out of his eyes and tore the envelope open in one swift and smooth movement.

The scent of rose water drifted into the air, tickling his nose. He closed his eyes and sniffed the folded letter he extracted. It smelled of his baby sister. Tears filmed his eyes as memories of her in pony tails, smiling at him in a wide, dimpled grin flooded his mind. Her sixteenth birthday had passed three months ago. He

wondered how much she had changed in these past five years. Not only had he missed all of her teen years so far, but her sweet sixteenth birthday, as well. He’d never regain those lost precious moments, ever.

He unfolded the paper and began to read, preparing himself for a back lashing, words of hatred, of resentment at being abandoned and forgotten. But what he read took him completely by surprise.

Dear Milan, This letter will probably never reach you as my other letters before this haven’t, but I had to send it just in case you do get it and read it.

I don’t know how to write this. What words can I use to make this any less painful for you? I know they’ll break your heart and make you cry, but there is no good way to pass on bad news.

A few months ago Daddy was diagnosed with lung cancer. Treatments haven’t helped. The cancer spread. We found out yesterday that he has only a few weeks or months to live.

Please come home. We really need you.

Love always, Ari His grip on the paper slacked and it drifted to the carpeted floor as the silence in the room ended with his cries. He covered his face with his hands and leaned his elbows on his knees. He cried for his father, for his sister and their suffering. He cried for his damnation and the cruel God he had come to know all too well.

Life wasn’t fair, and the good always suffered undeservingly. His father, a kind and generous man who had loved and nurtured him and his sister all of his life, was suffering a slow and painful death. And there wasn’t anything anyone could do to stop it.

He let the sorrow and despair flow out, until there were no more tears or energy to spare. He lay back on the bed and stared at the twirling ceiling fan, being mesmerized by its simple and constant spinning motion.

Now that this detrimental blow had been delivered, he knew without a doubt that the time for hiding had passed. He needed to face his inner demons and conquer them.

The letter screamed its purpose in his ears. His father and baby sister needed him. Now more than ever. It was time to go home.

About the Author: Jordan Ashton is a writer and wife whose passion for reading romance novels led her to writing them, too.

She believes love can conquer all and that it makes the world go round, not money. Her heroes, heroines, and the worlds she creates bring this belief to life. She is and will always be a true romantic at heart.

Website: https://authorjordanashton.wordpress.com/ Blog: http://authorjordanashton.blogspot.ca/ Bookstrand: www.bookstrand.com/jordan-ashton Twitter: https://twitter.com/Author_J_Ashton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006608238654

Naughty In Nature A Collection of Outdoor Erotica

By Roxanne Rhoads Available at Amazon Book Description: Eight erotic tales of love in the great outdoors Naughty Little Forest Nymph Logger Sam encounters more than he bargains for when he finds himself up against a group of tree hugging environmentalists, intent on saving the trees he’s due to cut down.

Cassie, the free-spirited wild child who has chained herself in protest, finds herself unexplainably drawn to him, despite her initial disgust of his work, and the two discover they have more in common than they first realized – leading to an erotic and heated attraction neither of them expected Restless in the Storm Angie feels the heat in a very unique way and when it storms her ache for release is even worse. Now a thunderstorm is coming and Angie’s husband isn’t home to help her through it. She’s going wild trying to wait for him – he almost doesn’t make it in time. Thankfully he arrives home just before the rain starts pouring from the sky and that’s when the sparks really start to fly...

Welcome Spring Tom is scouting a forest area for his land-developer boss when he encounters a beautiful woman naked in the forest performing some kind of ritual. He is intrigued and highly aroused so he hides in the shadows watching her with complete fascination. Ardwinna, the Earth witch and protector of the land, knows Tom is watching and takes extra delight in his arousal as she performs her spring fertility ritual that includes bringing herself to climax, while he watches. When she invites him to join her, he gladly accepts her offer...

Something More Than Friends

A clandestine hookup in the front seat of a car is anything but casual as two friends simmer with emotion while hiding their secret affair from the rest of the world.

Sun Worship The heat brings out carnal urges in Gina, urges she can't control as the hot summer sun beats down upon her bare skin. You won’t believe the naughty things she does to appease her needs...while her neighbor, Joe, secretly watches.

The heat brings out carnal urges in Gina, urges she can't control as the hot summer sun beats down upon her bare skin. You won’t believe the naughty things she does to appease her needs...while her neighbor, Joe, secretly watches.

Lawn Service Serena's loneliness and the relentless summer heat have her aching for something sinful. Her wishes are granted when Rob, a sexy lawn service technician, shows up to get her yard in shape for the annual 4th of July party.

A Hot and Sticky Summer Night It’s a hot summer night and a young couple is plagued by boredom. They drive around looking for something fun to do. They end up making love in the woods... and it's anything but boring.

Not Another One Night Stand Rebecca has been watching Damon at the nightclub for weeks. One night she finally works up the courage to approach him...and he goes home with her. Will it be just a one night stand or could it be something more?

Sophie Avett’s Witches Who Stitch Interview with Brom from Paranormal Pleasures II: No Place I’d Rather Be

There is a boutique hiding out between the fractured, narrow storefronts lining New Gotham’s foggy docks. The shingles are ribbed and black. Washed, peeling paint and displays offering views into wicked leather and lace studded glam. The mannequins are ghoulish beauties stitched together from whatever was left from the last fool to cross one of the sinister witches.

Welcome to Sinister Stitches “…apparel for a wicked fairy tale.”

A spicy trinity of black magic sisters breathe star-dusted dreams to life with their gothic apparel boutique. They are schooled in the old ways of “fabric-bending” by the Needlewitches of old. With this knowledge, they’ve created an entire line of clothing that all share the same basic design element: one-size fits all. Each garment will magically tailor itself to its wearer once worn. Last time the Witches-Who-Stitch, hosted a literary catwalk, heroines were called from all walks of life and genres to challenge their seamstress skills. This time, their men have joined the fun—apparently, they’ve been sent to the boutique. (Whether they like it, or not.)

The witches were NOT expecting men. Their expertise is usually limited to DEMANDING their husbands NOT wear that in public, and, of course, the fashioning of fantastic clothing for all of literature’s heroines. (New Gotham’s men usually get their goods from Rumpel’s Twisted Threads, BUT that’s beyond the point, the girls put a quill to their interview, changed some bits, and rose to the occasion.)

To enjoy the hilarity, please check out some of the questionnaire Roxanne Rhoad’s Brom from No Place I’d Rather Be (Paranormal Pleasures II) was asked to fill out after he stalked into Sinister Stitches.

THE WITCHES WHO STITCH QUESTIONNAIRE

Please provide the witches with your name: Brom

Please provide the witches with the following: Hair Color: Blond Hair Length: [ ] Short and Sharp, [ ] Shaggy and Sexy, [x] Lush and Long Eye Color: Blue Skin Tone: [ ] Ghoulish, [x] Snow White, [ ] Cina-baby, [ ] Mochalicious, [ ] Dark Chocolate, [ ] Other:_________ Please provide the witches with your measurements and body-type a.) Height: 6 foot b.) Body Type: [ ] Skeletal, [ ] Lean and Tender, [x] Lean and Tough, [ ] Ripe and Edible Do you have any extra extremities? Place an “X” to all that apply. [ ] Horns or [ ] Halo [ ] 20 ft. of Hair or More [ ] Gills and Fins or [ ] Hooves [ ] Wings (Span: ) [ ] Tail (How many: ) How many heads do you have? (Your boy bit doesn’t count!) Just one.

Do you have arms and legs? If so, how many? Normal, 2 of each.

How dead are you? [] Living, [X] Undead, [ ] Astral Form What are you? (Species/Breed) Vampire What is the occasion? (Ideas include: Wedding, Funeral, Sabbath, etc. Oh, and seduction is a valid occasion. The more details, the better.)

Seductive date night with our poly triad (m/f/m) vampire/witch/human What’s the occasion setting? (Beach, haunted castle, grand ball, etc.)

Fancy dinner party Will you be fighting for your life at some point in the evening?

Possibly, one should always be prepared Will you be set on fire? Better yet, will you be setting other people on fire?

I hope not

Will you be grave-robbing? (Dirt is a tailor’s tedium.)

Definitely not What are you wearing right now? Who picked that outfit out? (Basically, wh o let yo u leave the crypt in those?)

After a couple centuries, I think I am capable of dressing myself though occasionally I do love a magical touch Do you hope to be naked at some point in the evening? (All righ t, dirty birds. Su ch qu estions are actually intended toward the weres and shifters in regards to their transformations.)

You did say weres and shifters but as a vampire bent on seduction, nakedness is always on menu Describe your last brush with Death in two sentences. (Helps us plan for the unexpected.)

Stupid jealous human with a wooden stake tried to best me, it didn’t work Do you need a secret compartment for gigantic swords? Guns and condoms? Eyeliner, maybe?

No, not at all.

What are your three favorite colors?

Red, black, midnight blue What two colors ninja your brain, sweetie?

Anything bright and sunny, vampires and bright colors just do not mix Please pick a style that you feel embodies you the best. If none apply, feel free to surprise us by providing your own brilliant description in the “other” slot. [ ] Dark Angel: This is for the spoonfuls of charming. The good-natured and naughty boys next door types. Thoughtful and sensual. Loyal and intelligent. More often than not, his head is in the clouds, but those dreams and that smile holds hope for all of us. Our philosophers.

[ ] Beast King: This is for the warlords and alphas. The type of men who walk into a room and their presence hushes out the sun. They live in their bodies, but their minds are searching for the next challenge. Hands for fighting and these boots for ass-kickings. Our protectors. [ ] Smooth Criminal: This is for the bad boys. You know, the types---mother’s worse nightmares. The kind of man that makes your skin itch every time he devours you with that hundred yard stare.

Chances are his senses of humor is as wicked as his tongue. To hold him, isn’t to catch him. Our scheming rogues. [x] Black Knight: This for the mysteries. The ones no one can quite make heads or tails out off. He’s a mixture, a melting pot of strong, sinister, and sweet. He might be Dark Angel one day, and a Smooth Criminal other days. Our brothers.

[ ] Other: _____________________

Who is your favorite comic/storybook villain?

Villain…Loki If you could be any comic/storybook book hero, who would it be?

Superman, yes he is the best superhero because he was born that way, not made.

Now, tell us who you love the most.

Sonora is my everything.

Anything else you’d like to add…

After many barrels of chocolate, a dash of magic, and furious sewing…

Sinister Stitches’ Gothic Dame Madame Mari presents Brom’s Completed Threads “Count Classic”

The fey lingering in the shadows is old, monarch-like butterfly wings dwarf her face in dark shadows, and her flowing Mortisha gown was spun from cobwebs and spider

tears. All you can see are her eyes. Slanted, glowing and violet. They’re almost… arachnid. If you’re a woman, you’re just a little disturbed. If you’re a man, you are most intrigued (If you’re LGBT, you’re lovin’ it). After all, a Muse never ages. She motions toward the ghoulish mannequin, and a smile pinches her wrinkled, red mouth: Capable of dressing yourself? Ha, don’t make me cackle, boy. First of all, I ain’t sure what you’re doin’ here, shugah. Why on earth did you come here? There is another store in New Gotham that does nothing but tailor threads for men. Be sure to grab a Twisted Threads business card from the counter before you go. Of course, we’ll fashion something for you to wear to the dinner party. Does no good to turn down good business, and, you, sir vampire… *uses the tip of an African blackwood wand to lower her glitter purple granny shades on the bridge of her sleek nose* Are good, good business. What? What’s that face for? *cackles happily* Goodness, relax. I haven’t the wings for that kind of thing anymore. Besides, we’ve got some stitchin’ to do, eh?

You’re a classic, so we’ve made sure to keep things sharp and neat. I’ve had Brenda brandish those killer scissors of hers, and she’s snippet you an elegant “American” style three-piece sinful black suit.

It is meant for those with wider frames, it will give you flawless lines. It isn’t tapered down the sides either, but it is tailored tight to the shoulders. We don’t want your single-singled breasted jacket hanging loosely. And frankly, we’ve decided to do away with shoulder pads. You don’t need ‘em, shugah. The gorge between the lapels is a little higher than normal, but we wanted to draw the proper attention to your neckpiece.

A simple Cary Grant bow tie. Timeless.

Oh, and we’ve also given the suit “Doctor Cuffs.” They were originally used when designing suits for Victorian doctors, allowing them to roll up their sleeves without having to take off their jackets while tending patients. We thought that might come in handy, should things get…well, a little bloody.

We suggest pairing this suit with a Dracula fan-collared cloak, or a Helsing leather duster. The inner lining should be red, but white might be an interesting contrast. Likewise, Astrid insists you tie back all that blond hair into a single tail at the nape of your neck. You know, so the ladies have easy access to that throat for…bloody kisses.

Now, why don’t you go find yourself a tall bite to drink? (Or two.)

IMPORTANT BULLETINS from THE PIXIES:

For more information about Roxanne Rhoads and Brom the Vampire’s adventures in No Place I’d Rather Be (Paranormal Pleasures II), please check out her author website.

Care to check out the last round of Sinister Stitches interviews? Check out Sophie Avett and Jennifer Blackstream’s paranormal den, the Brimstone Pub. All SS interviews are retired there after their tour until the release of the SS e-book.

Fancy a tour of New Gotham? Check out New Gotham’s Survival Guide! It might save your life!

For more information about Sophie Avett’s New Gotham Fairy Tales, the Sinister Stitches series, and recent releases, please check ou t her website.

Image Credit(s): Handmademedia Image Editing Credit(s): Elaina, For the Muse Design

Paranormal Pleasures II Ten More Tales of Supernatural Seduction

By Roxanne Rhoads Genre: Paranormal Erotica Publisher: Bewitching Books

Award winning author Roxanne Rhoads brings you ten more tales of supernatural seduction featuring demonic desires, wanton witches, voluptuous vampires, and ghosts with grave needs…

Four brand new, never published short stories have been combined with six previously published, freshly edited tales to give you a collection of hot paranormal erotica you can really sink your fangs into.

Available at Amazon BN Smashwords Scent of a Vampire Aidan has searched several human lifetimes for his perfect mate. Now that he’s found her, he refuses to let go. He must make Gabrielle see they were destined to be together.

Immortal Flame An off duty fire fighter encounters a sexy vampire in what he thought was an abandoned house.

The flames that ignite will leave them both scorched…and aching for more.

An Unexpected Evening Samuel is a centuries-old vampire who prefers to be a recluse. He is always afraid of losing control and becoming the monster he once was. Falling in love with a young witch has pushed his boundaries and pulled him out of his comfort zone.

Katerina always encourages Samuel to be more open, to let loose, and to really "live" instead of only existing in the shadows.

One night, he finally grants her wish . . . in ways she never imagined.

Underneath the Fangs Samuel is being framed for murder. Katerina knows he is not guilty but she has to convince Samuel that he is not a monster and that he is worthy of her love.

Cemetery Seduction

Abby, a half witch, half vampire whose powers go awry in a club, has to run, afraid that the Others, who are policing all human/magick interaction, might put her in jail. She ends up in a cemetery, jumps behind a bush and lands right on top of a very sexy ghost hunter.

No Place I'd Rather Be Sonora is torn between a human and a vampire. How can she choose between the man who makes her feel safe and the vampire that makes her blood race? Sonora prays to the Goddess for guidance while harboring secret desires that her broody vampire, Brom, and her brawny human, Avery, can get past their jealousy and be willing to do more than just share the witch in the middle.

Can the Goddess grant Sonora's wish, or will she be stuck making an impossible choice?

Contains m/f/m and m/m Blood, Lust and Shadows Vampire/succubus hybrid Allana is on the prowl looking for a bloody snack and a sexy energy boost. While strutting her stuff in a dark parking lot she encounters a yummy Latino who makes a lovely meal. She also encounters something else that puts her senses into overdrive.

Complete Circle Lissette is a vampire who has lived with her succubus girlfriend, Cassandra, for a long time. She swore off relationships with men after being viciously raped by the vampire hunters who killed the love of her life and left her for dead.

Lissette and Cassandra only use men to get what they need, blood for Lissette and sexual energy for Cassandra. They are completely satisfied with their lives- until a mysterious stranger comes along.

For the first time in centuries Lissette wants a man. Why is she so drawn to him? What is he?

Much more than a mere mortal, Gabriel has been searching for Lissette and Cassandra for a very long time.

They have what he needs, what no one else can give him.

But will they be willing to share?

Contains f/m/f, f/f , and f/m/m scenes A Package Deal Chloe needs to get out of the city- fast. So she buys an old farmhouse out in the middle of nowhere- with one stipulation. The caretaker gets to stay. She readily agrees thinking it’s an old man that won’t give her any trouble.

Ash is definitely not what she expected.

My Demon Valentine

Elita wants to give her demon boyfriend a Valentine’s Day to remember. Connor was built for giving pleasure but Elita wants to turn the tables on that.

This time the pleasure will be all his.

Cover Models: Victoria Nightshade and Sugar Monroe Cover Photo By RSII Photography Book Cover Design by Dawne Dominique

About the Author: Story strumpet, tome loving tart, eccentric night owl...these words describe book publicist and erotic romance author Roxanne Rhoads.

When not fulfilling one the many roles being a wife and mother of three require, Roxanne's world revolves around words...reading them, writing them, editing them, and talking about them. In addition to writing her own stories she loves to read, promote and review what others write.

Roxanne is the owner of Bewitching Book Tours and operates Fangtastic Books, a book blog dedicated to paranormal and urban fantasy books.

When not reading, writing, or promoting Roxanne loves to hang out with her family, craft, garden and search for unique vintage finds.

Visit her online Author Website http://www.roxannerhoads.com Book Blog www.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com Bewitching Book Tours www.bewitchingbooktours.com Facebook www.facebook.com/RoxanneRhoads http://www.facebook.com/BewitchingBooktours http://www.facebook.com/RoxanneRhoadsAuthor http://www.facebook.com/FangtasticBooks Twitter @RoxanneRhoads Roxanne can also be found on Linked In, Goodreads and Google+

All Bite, No Growl Out For You Jenika Snow

Genre: MMF Paranormal Publisher: ARe Books Date of Publication: 6/1/15 ISBN: 978-1-943576-01-2 ASIN: Word Count: 20,000

Cover Artist: Erin Dameron Hill

Book Description: Forget the foreplay. For the truly committed, it’s all bite.

Willow has loved Devon and Case for as long as she can remember, but as lion shifters they will eventually find their mates. When she allows herself to be with her two lions after a drunken party, she fears she’s ruined a lifelong friendship and flees before morning.

Devon and Case have been inseparable since they could walk, but they can’t tell anyone that they are mates.

The pride of shifters they belong to won’t accept a same-sex mating. There’s no way they’ll accept their love for Willow?

When a shocking revelation brings Willow’s world crashing down, she has no choice but to tell Devon and Case how she feels. Will they be able to accept what fate has thrown at them? Do they want to?

Available at ARe Excerpt: Case let go of Willow’s shoulder and poured them all another shot. He wanted to get out of here, wanted to be alone with his mate and the female he cared about more than anything else in the world. He stared at Willow, took in her long brown hair that curled at the ends, the color of her amber eyes, and her innocent expression.

She was so damn pretty, but she didn’t think she was, didn’t see herself as anything more than chubby and ugly no matter how many times they told her the opposite. Willow was smart, quiet, and timid, and so unlike the other lionesses in their pride, but she was theirs, had been part of their lives for as long as they could remember.

He loved her more than just as a friend, and he’d spoken about those feelings with Devon. It hadn’t been a surprise when his mate had said the same thing. But it wasn’t smart or fair to be with her as anything more than friends. She’d find a mate one day, and if they were physical with her, a lot of emotions would get sticky in the mix. It was better if they kept things platonic even if it was hard as hell.

He watched his mate throw back the shot, took in the strong six-foot-six height of his mate, the long black hair that fell over his forehead, and the light green eyes. His mate was a gorgeous bastard, but it pained him to keep their connection from others. He wanted to shout it loud and proud, but it wasn’t safe or smart to do so, not until everyone was more accepting of two males mating. As it was he didn’t know what would happen to them, or how they would be treated if they came out now.

Case had always liked males, had always jerked off to thinking of their hard bodies, long cocks. But he loved women too, loved the soft curves, soft voices. He couldn’t lie and say he hadn’t thought about being with another male throughout his life, about how muscle against muscle would feel, but they had only been thoughts, up until he’d been seventeen and seen Devon as his mate. He just wanted to let go, be who and what he wanted to be, and not worry how it would affect the pride, or who would care. But that wasn’t reality. What he knew for damn sure was he wanted to fucking take Devon and Willow, even if she wasn’t his mate by bond, hard and fast, get lost in them, and fuck up anyone who told him it was wrong.

His thoughts were interrupted when Willow tossed back the shot. She was not acting like her reserved self right now, but she was drunk. He’d only ever seen her like this on a couple other occasions, and it always made her more outgoing, less hidden.

She leaned in close so only he could hear her say, “Case, I think maybe I had way too much to drink.” She leaned against him and he held her close, looking over her head at Devon. His mate looked worried.

“Let’s get you home, sweetheart.

“No, my parents will kill me. Can I stay at your place?” She pulled back. “My parents won’t care.

They loved you too, and I know your parents are gone for the weekend.”

He smiled and pushed a stray piece of hair off her forehead. “Yeah, sweetheart. I wouldn’t want you to be alone anyway.”

He led them out of the party, Devon behind, his anger still tangible. Case wanted to comfort Devon, because even if he was enraged, someone wanted to take advantage of their Willow. Now was not the time.

About the Author: Jenika Snow is the pseudonym of a mother, wife and nurse. She lives in the too hot northeast with her husband and their two daughters, and was able to have her dream come true in 2013 by writing full-time.

Jenika started writing at a very young age. Her first story consisted of a young girl who traveled to an exotic island and found a magical doll. That story has long since disappeared, but others have taken its place.

For more information on other books by Jenika, visit her official website: www.JenikaSnow.com Facebook author page: http://www.facebook.com/jenikasnow Facebook personal page: http://www.facebook.com/jenika.sow

Can’t Hide My Love Out For You Sara York Genre: MM Contemporary Publisher: ARe Books Date of Publication: 6/1/15 ISBN: 978-1-943576-07-4 ASIN: Word Count: 23,500 Cover Artist: Erin Dameron Hill Book Description: When desire is this strong, there’s no running from it.

Alec Harper has had a thing for Preston Gentry since high school. The one taste he got of the man only whet his appetite, now he has the opportunity to slake his need and get over the jerk. Preston isn’t walking away, though, and Alec can’t hold back. Their lust drives them into each other’s arms, but something hotter, and purer has developed beneath the surface. And it’s something neither Preston nor Alec can let go.

As a college football coach, Preston can’t afford to be gay. His job is on the line, but his heart knows what it wants. Being with Alec means he’ll be outed and he could lose his job. But some things are more important than pleasing the public…like love…

Available at ARe Excerpt: The door closed behind them and Preston turned the lock, securing the door to the small room that served as the boys’ public restroom at the park. The evening was warm, the scent of flowers and fresh cut grass filled the night, and in here, antiseptic burned his nose along with the dull scent of piss and something else darker.

Preston laughed again but he didn’t move away. Alec’s back was pressed against the cold tile and Preston positioned his hands on the wall beside Alec’s head. Preston’s laugh change as he leaned in close, almost touching Alec. He tried to calm his racing heart, but his body was having none of it. Alec’s dick had responded the closer Preston got, getting harder than ever before. But Preston was straight, very straight, and Alec was exceedingly gay.

“We should go,” Alec said, his voice crisp.

“Na, let’s wait out the round. They’ll run off to the other side of the park once they realize they can’t find us.” Preston was even closer and Alec swore he heard Preston sniff him.

Alec stiffened and tried to move away, but Preston closed the distance, his chest pressing against Alec’s. The world spun as his blood raced then stalled in his veins. How could Preston be doing this to him?

He didn’t think Preston was homophobic, but maybe this was some big setup to destroy him. Alec started shaking then he felt Preston’s fingers trail down his arm, scarcely grazing over his sensitive hairs.

“Preston, we should—” “Kiss.”

Frozen in place, he let Preston Gentry—only the hottest guy in school—kiss him. It was wonderful and terrible all at the same time. His dick was so hard he’d never be able to hide what he was feeling. This had to be some joke to Preston, but it was real for Alec. What if Preston’s friends were recording this? The thought sent panic racing down Alec’s spine and he pulled away, but Preston was right there, his body pressing against Alec’s, his hands insistent as he exposed skin by pulling up Alec’s shirt.

Before he could say no, Preston had Alec’s shirt pulled up to his armpits and one hand down Alec’s shorts, caressing his dick. They both gasped as Preston stroked him, their lips separating, allowing him to gulp in air. The air didn’t stop his head from spinning or his dick from throbbing.

Preston acted like he knew what he was doing. He was calm and confident, his hands manipulating Alec like he’d already done this a hundred times. Alec had no idea where to put his own hands or how to touch Preston. Lost to the sea of emotions and lust, he stood with his arms at his side, feeling more dorky than ever before.

He’d only really seen one other guy’s erect dick and that was on a porn site. He’d caught a few quick glances of soft dicks in the bathroom at school, but he sure as hell had never touched another guy’s prick.

Preston pushed both of their shorts low, and then their dicks were touching as Preston stroked them together. Alec clutched at the wall, then clung to Preston, squeezing the guy’s shirt so hard he feared he’d rip it. Preston’s breath was hot on his neck and loud in his ears. Alec’s mind started to buzz and his legs shook.

“I’m gonna—dammit, Preston.” Alec was shaking like a leaf, his balls pulled so tight he wondered if they’d ever go back in place.

Preston was doing something with his hand, reaching away, then his touch was back just before Alec blew his load. Preston was smart and had grabbed napkins. The harsh paper scratched the tip of his dick, but he didn’t mind. He’d just come with Preston—freaking hot Preston—star of the football team, Preston Freaking Gentry.

How the hell had this happened?

About the Author: Sara York's life is writing. The stories fight to get out, often leaving her working on four or five books at once. She can't help but write. Along with her writing addiction she has a coffee addiction. Some nights, the only reason she stops writing and goes to sleep is for the fresh brewed coffee in the morning. Sara enjoys writing twisted tales of passion, anger, and love with a good healthy dose of lust thrown in for fun.

For more information on other books by Sara, please visit her official website: www.SaraYork.com https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSaraYork https://twitter.com/sarayork

Can’t Stay Away Out For You Lexxie Couper Genre: MM Contemporary Publisher: ARe Books Date of Publication: 6/1/15 ISBN: 978-1-943576-04-3 ASIN:

Word Count: 33,000 Cover Artist: Erin Dameron Hill Book Description: He’d walk through fire for the doctor who once broke his heart.

Six months after having his heart broken, Australian firefighter Flynn Boomer is ready to live again. As part of a firefighter exchange program, he finds himself in New York. The last person he expects to see on his first day with Ladder Co. 42 is the man whom Flynn came out for: Dr. David Ennis—who left him without a word after their first public kiss.

Flynn makes David feel more alive, more real than he’s ever felt before. But can David deal with the rest of the world knowing? Determined to deny Flynn’s existence, David fights his own feelings. But no matter how terrified he is at the thought of his secret being discovered, he can’t stay away from the Australian

Flynn can no more deny David than he can deny breath, but the thought of living a lie with him tears him apart. Love is powerful, but will it be enough?

Available at ARe Excerpt: “Welcome to New York.” Warm, calloused fingers engulfed Flynn’s freezing hand, followed by an enthusiastic pumping. “I’m Chief Tanner May. Sorry the weather’s not treating you well.”

“G’day, Chief.” Flynn returned his grin, even as what felt like a million shards of ice lashed at his face and hair. “No worries on the weather, although I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking of the beach back home right now.”

“Ah, that’s right.” Tanner laughed, seemingly oblivious to the crypt-like air and wind assaulting them. But then, Flynn thought, a New Yorker wouldn’t be fazed by such weather. In the same way Flynn wouldn’t think twice about heading outside back home on a day even Satan would consider too hot. “It’s summer in Australia, isn’t it.”

“It is, sir.” Flynn suppressed a shiver. Well, tried to. He failed.

Tanner laughed again. “I saw that. C’mon, let’s get you inside so you can meet the rest of Ladder Co. 42. And no calling me sir, got it? It’s Tanner or Chief.”

Flynn grinned, falling into stride beside the massive man. “Got it, Chief. Is it always this cold?”

Tanner cocked him an eyebrow, a jovial smirk dancing beneath his moustache. “You’ve arrived just in time for a history-making cold snap, Boomer.”

Flynn’s laughed. “That’d be right.”

Tanner chuckled. “Think my boy got the better end of this here exchange program. You get to freeze your ass off while he gets to soak up the summer on the beach. Y’know, I don’t think Bromwich’s ever seen a beach. We may not get him back.” He slapped a hand on Flynn’s shoulder. “What are your thoughts on staying permanently?”

Before Flynn could answer, they crossed the threshold of the door leading into the stationhouse and the cold vanished. Replaced by a heat that had nothing to do with the windows and walls keeping the New York winter at bay, and everything to do with the man currently taking the blood pressure of a firefighter almost the same size as Tanner.

Flynn’s mouth went dry.

His chest constricted.

His gut clenched. So did his jaw.

His balls—a few heartbeats ago shriveled to the size of walnuts thanks to the icy wind—throbbed with a memory Flynn had worked fucking hard to erase.

Jesus, what the fuck was David Ennis doing here?

“Guys.” Tanner’s booming voice echoed around the stationhouse like a canon, making Flynn jump.

“This is the Aussie taking Bromwich’s place. Here to teach us how they do things Down Under while our boy shows them how it’s really done.” He laughed, the sound far from mean.

Flynn took in all the hellos and welcoming nods from the men who were about to become his colleagues for the next twelve weeks, men whose lives were in his hands as much as his life was in theirs.

Took them all in, tried to memorize the names thrown at him with casual ease by Tanner. Tried to appear like they were the sole focus of his attention.

He could only hope he was better at the illusion than he’d been at suppressing his earlier shiver out on the footpath.

Because what he was really doing was fighting the need to stride over to the man with the honey-auburn hair, blue eyes and impossibly square jaw and kiss him senseless.

About the Author: Lexxie Couper started writing when she was six and hasn't stopped since. She's not a deviant, but she does have a deviant's imagination and a desire to entertain readers with her words. Add the two together and you get erotic romances that can make you laugh, cry, shake with fear or tremble with desire. Sometimes all at once.

For more information on other books by Lexxie, please visit her official website at: www.LexxieCouper.com http://twitter.com/lexxie_couper

http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3876769-lexxie-couper

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lexxie-Couper/231663340180702

Far From Hollywood Out For You Daisy Harris Genre: MM Contemporary Publisher: ARe Books Date of Publication: 6/1/15 ISBN: 978-1-943576-03-6 ASIN: Word Count: 52,000 Cover Artist: Erin Dameron Hill Book Description: Pretending to be someone else is easy. The hard part is keeping it real.

Sheriff Jack Francis finds the last thing he would expect in the small town of Pookataw Valley, Idaho—a gorgeous yet troubled movie star on a bender. Though Jack is intrigued, he can’t afford to draw attention to his sexuality and risk a scandal.

Former teen idol Blake Tyler thinks hiding in Pookataw Valley is perfect—it’s isolated, beautiful, and comes with a sexy sheriff eager to share Blake’s bed. When Hollywood arrives in Pookataw Valley to film a reality show, Blake embraces the chance for a comeback, but Jack struggles to know what is real and what is faked for the camera.

If Jack wants to date America’s Sweetheart, he’ll have to make his private life public. Is he ready to share the spotlight?

Excerpt: Blake shivered in the April wind, rubbing his arms and wishing the sequins on his G-string weren’t chafing his ass. With quick and frozen fingers, he picked at his wedgie. Barefoot, he hopped from foot to foot on the fake wood porch where he was hiding from the party. Vail Village surrounded him and the Western facades were faded in the moonlight, but with a warm glow coming through their windows. If he didn’t get inside the party soon he’d get hypothermia, and any hope he had of avoiding a media frenzy would disappear.

He could imagine the headline—“Oh, how the mighty have fallen! Teen Scene star, Blake Tyler, raced to the hospital…after an orgy at elite Vail hotel.”

Of course, the party raging just on the other side of the sliding door wasn’t an orgy at all. The invite had said, “Dress like a porn star,” but while most of the B-list guests milling around with cocktails in their hands

wore leisure suits or puffy jackets over shorts or bikinis, Blake had been an idiot. Trying to get attention, or maybe convince a director that he no longer was the seventeen-year old heartthrob from Teen Scene, Blake wore nothing but pink underwear and nipple tassels—a mistake on his part. On his nearly-thirty-year-old body, the sequins looked ridiculous.

Anyway, Blake should have known there’d be at least one gossip blogger at the party waiting to strike like a snake. Since Blake’s contract for the Teen Scene franchise included a morality clause which prohibited scandalous behavior and revealing his true sexuality, one picture of Blake in a sparkly G-string would be enough to ruin his whole career.

He peeked through the window, where the shades were parted just enough for Blake to see a prominent blogger stalking the room like a hyena. He wore a pair of aviator sunglasses and a crooked sneer.

Fuck. Blake couldn’t go back inside.

Glancing around at his options, he spotted a trellis not far from the porch. Though he might scrape his hands, Blake could probably climb down. Maybe the exercise would warm him, too.

Next to the lone lawn chair sat a plastic crate, and Blake opened it. Inside there was a pink Snuggie. He rolled his eyes. Perfect. I’ll match. Blake draped it around his shoulders and tied the sleeves around his neck.

Then, like a travesty of a superhero, Blake clambered onto the porch’s railing and stretched to reach the trellis nearby. It was close, but not close enough. Blake said a prayer and launched.

His fingers scraped wood, but with panted breaths he managed to get a hold of the trellis. Unfortunately, his Snuggie flapped in the wind and there wasn’t anything Blake could do about it.

Below in Vail Village, people were milling around in the streets, but Blake tried not to peer down. They probably couldn’t spot him in the dark. Instead, he focused on putting his toes into the prickly holes in the trellis and feeding his body lower, hand over hand. He told himself he was imagining the shouts and gasps he heard from below. After all, he could barely focus on anything besides the sound of his breath and his slow progression downward.

When a siren broke through the night, Blake couldn’t deny that someone must have reported they’d seen him. Hurrying, he shuffled lower, ignoring the splinters in his hands and the cuts on his feet. It wasn’t until an authoritative voice called through a loudspeaker, “We’re coming to help you, sir, stay where you are,” that Blake twisted and looked behind him.

A dozen cell phones were raised, their flashes sparkling like snowfall in the night. Above the other voices, Blake heard a squeal of, “Oh my God, it’s Blake Tyler!”

And then his arms went weak, and he fell.

About the Author : Daisy Harris was born into the psychedelic wonder that was the 70s and has had an interesting life so far. She's been to Catholic school and Ramones concerts; danced to MC Hammer and Lady Gaga; and been a hair's breadth from shipwreck twice. (Three times, if you count sea kayaks!)

As far as Daisy's concerned, the best things in life happen by accident. Though she's gotten better at planning over the years, she still writes, lives and plays by the seat of her pants. Her books are a happy mix of romantic comedies and coming of age stories, more often than not, inspired by the great films of the 1980s.

Daisy lives in Seattle in a house full of dogs and children. When she's not writing gay romance, she can be found experimenting with new ways to cook kale. Every once in a while, she goes out to pay homage to the party gods of her youth—and maybe to find a little trouble.

For more information on other books by Daisy, visit her official website at: www.TheDaisyHarris.Tumblr.com Website: www.thedaisyharris.com Twitter: @thedaisyharris

FB: https://www.facebook.com/daisy.harris.31

Gemstone Out For You Anastasia Vitsky Genre: FF Contemporary/BDSM Publisher: ARe Books Date of Publication: 6/1/15 ISBN: 978-1-943576-06-7 ASIN: Word Count: 50,000 Cover Artist: Erin Dameron Hill Book Description: Can lies build a foundation for love?

Gemma Parquin has a secret. By day, she’s the center of her church’s social life. By night, she’s Mistress Lorelei on Kinklife, online disciplinarian of babygirls and all who need spanking, whipping, and—her personal favorite—figging.

No one suspects, until neighbor Celine Daniels comes across Gemma’s Kinklife profile. Stunned and nursing a secret crush, she creates an account under the name starrygirl793 and “catfishes” the Mistress…and gets more than she bargained for. Before she knows it, Celine is also leading a double life.

Meanwhile, Gemma’s best friend sets her up with an online dating service. Enter Stella, who is everything Celine is not—sophisticated, successful, and straightforward. But she doesn’t understand the kink Gemma holds dear.

How can Gemma trust Celine, who has lied to her? Or give up Mistress Lorelei in order to be with Stella?

Should Gemma give up on love altogether, or can she still find happiness?

Excerpt:

Available at ARe

When Gemma peers around the white-painted screen door, I duck behind the box hedge. She rubs the edges of the door as if expecting a note, and she reaches toward the yard. Can she see me?

Calm down, Peeping Tomasina.

I should have left the flowers and run, or I should have summoned the guts to knock on her door the way I did yesterday. I practiced the lines inside of my head, the ones I never dare to say.

Hi, Gemma. These flowers are for you. The cookies didn’t work, helping you with church projects for the past year didn’t work, and brushing a hand against yours didn’t work. Are flowers enough to make you see me as a potential suitor and not a work group buddy?

At last, she tilts her head toward the front step, stiffening and looking around in shock. She stares at the flowers once more, as if she expects them to disappear. Will she find the card? No, she isn’t touching the flowers. Why won’t she touch the flowers? Does she think they’re poisonous?

Yes! She picked up the card! Does she recognize the blue sky, the heaven? Celine, meaning “Heavenly.”

I wait for recognition to wash over her face, but fear crosses her features instead. Does she fear me? Does she consider me crazy to drop flowers in front of her house like a lovesick, out-of-season, May basket girl? No, that’s not it. She looks spooked or unnerved. As foolish as I feel for watching her from afar, curiosity overcomes me. When she retreats but leaves her front door open, I take it as an invitation.

Heck, it’s not as if another year of waiting will make her notice me.

“Hi, Gemma!” Think fast. What would explain showing up at her house now? Knocking on her door, I clear my throat in an effort not to squeak. I can keep calm and confident at work or in my daily life, but Gemma’s starry eyes reduce my knees to jelly every time I see her. I dream about her at night, and I think about her all the time.

I’ve tried to give in to this silly crush, but I don’t know how. I tell myself that a good friend is better than a bad ex, but my heart thumps with delight and my arms ache to hold her.

Idiot. Grow up and act thirty-three instead of thirteen.

“Oh, Celine! You startled me!” Gemma glances up from her computer, and her slight frown relaxes into a smile. “Sorry, you wanted the lesson plans for Sunday. Thanks for taking the adult forum this week. Pastor Mark said to stick to the lectionary. Every time we try to bring up something topical, Nate gets on his soapbox.”

Indeed he does. Milly’s husband has an opinion about everything and wisdom about nothing. He is certain immigrants are ruining America, kids these days are spoiled brats, and everything would be solved by returning to good old-fashioned times when everyone knew the rules. “Poor Milly. She loves him so much and yet at every class she wants to stuff a sock into his mouth.” As long as I focus on Milly and Nate, I can keep calm. I try, but I can’t help fishing for a response. “Oh, you got flowers!” I don’t say how pretty they are.

“Yes!” Gemma’s eyes light up before she frowns once more. “I wish I knew who they’re from. I just sent a...” She blushes.

My heart leaps in my chest. “What did you send?” Did she know it was me? Did she send an email already? Had she guessed my intentions? I want to shake my head at my overeager, pathetic desperation. No wonder Gemma doesn’t notice me. If I ever earn her respect, I need to stand strong and confident. Gemma likes powerful women. She’s not as intimidating in real life as she is online, but she’s unapproachable in a different way.

About the Author: Anastasia Vitsky –cookie queen, wooden spoon lady, and champion of carbs - specializes in F/F fiction.

She hates shoes and is allergic to leather. When not writing about women who live spankily ever after, she coordinates reader and author events such as Spank or Treat, Love Spanks, and Sci Spanks. Her favorite event is Ana’s Advent Calendar, a month-long celebration of books, community, and making a difference.

She is too afraid to watch Doctor Who, but she adores The Good Wife and anything with Audrey Hepburn. In her next life, she will learn how to make the perfect pie crust.

For more information on other books by Anastasia, visit her official website: www.GoverningAna.Wordpress.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnastasiaVitsky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anastasiapvitsky Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/anastasiavitsky/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+AnastasiaVitsky Amazon Author Page: http://amazon.com/author/anastasiavitsky Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6643486.Anastasia_Vitsky Authorgraph: http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/AnastasiaVitsky

Master Takes a Name Out For You Sean Michael Genre: MM Contemporary/BDSM Publisher: ARe Books Date of Publication: 6/1/15 ISBN: 978-1-943576-05-0 ASIN: Word Count: 26,700 Cover Artist: Erin Dameron Hill

Book Description: Before he can embrace his future, he must accept himself.

Kael is happy with his life. A consummate sub, he’s out, proud, and surrounded by good friends. Then he hears about Master L, a new Dom who has all the twinks aflutter. Kael’s curious, but not unduly so, until he and the stud do a scene. Then he understands the commotion. But since Master L only ever tops a sub once, when it’s over Kael is determined to forget him, even if he has to go on holiday to do it.

Liam is deep in the closet, but the Dom known as Master L also has needs. So far, he’s kept his identity a secret by never choosing the same boy twice, and frequently changing venues. After his scene with Kael, Liam finds himself fixating on the sub and willing to break his one-time only rule. But will it lead to heartache or happiness?

Available at ARe Excerpt: “You want some water, honey?” his best friend asked, coming to lean against the bench Kael had been bent over.

“Thanks, Ben.” Kael stretched, showing himself off to his best advantage under the lights. “I love the stage you guys built. So cute.”

“We try. I know we're an underground group, but we try to make it nice.” Ben offered him the sealed bottle of water. “You looking for something more tonight?”

“Sure. I mean, I don’t want to offend... uh...”

Ben brought their hands together. “The newby?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Don’t worry about it. He’s riding a high from topping you. And he’s going to be snapped up by the twinks here tonight. He’s just what they’re looking for.”

“Rock on.” Kael leaned against his best friend for a second. “So, is the new guy here? He’s got everyone’s panties in a knot.”

“You mean Master L? I don’t think he’s new. He only comes in once every month or so. Well, he used to. He’s been here more often lately.” Ben chuckled. “He’s gone through quite a few boys. Doesn’t do repeats, from what I can see. He is a dream, though.”

“Yeah? Roger let you play with him?” Kael knew the answer to that. Roger didn’t share. Ben was his and happy for it. It was fun to tease, though.

“I never even asked!” Ben rolled his eyes. “Man, I fell for that one, didn’t I? You want me to find out if Master L is here tonight?”

“You totally did. It’s cool. I’ll wander. If I’m supposed to find him, he’ll find me, right?”

“God, you’re so Zen, it’s disgusting.” Ben laughed and rubbed noses with him. “You’ll know him when you see him. His eyes are like lasers.”

“Oooh. Sexy!” He smooched Ben playfully. “Breakfast tomorrow, yes? Before the rally?”

“Master Roger and I will be there.” Ben squeezed his hand and headed off, no doubt to make sure the next couple on the little stage had everything they needed. Ben was so handy.

Kael wandered from the stage area to the rooms in the back, checking out who was there. He wasn’t really looking for Master L. At least that’s what he told himself. He was just looking for a good time.

Something in him tightened when he caught sight of a big man in the corner. The guy had a commanding presence, for all you could only half see him in the dark. Yummy. He’d take six.

Kael headed slowly that way, threading through the crowd. When crystal blue eyes found him, he almost stopped, feeling pinned in place. Mmm. The new-to-him Dom. He let himself ease over, stand close enough to see. This guy was a stunner, tall and boasting some great muscles. He had short blond hair that was styled into a pseudo mohawk that was all the rage right now.

And those eyes were indeed blue, the Dom staring at him.

“Good evening, Sir.” Kael offered a smile.

About the Author: Sean Michael, often referred to as "Space Cowboy" and "Gangsta of Love" while still striving for the moniker of "Maurice," spends his days surfing, smutting, organizing his immense gourd collection and fantasizing about one day retiring on a small secluded island peopled entirely by horseshoe crabs. While collecting vast amounts of vintage gay pulp novels and mood rings, Sean whiles away the hours between dropping the fbomb and pursuing the Kama Sutra by channeling the long lost spirit of John Wayne and singing along with the soundtrack to "Chicago."

A long-time writer of complicated haiku, currently Sean is attempting to learn the advanced arts of plate spinning and soap carving sex toys.

Barring any of that? He'll stick with writing his stories, thanks, and rubbing pretty bodies together to see if they spark.

For more information on other books by Sean, visit his official website: www.SeanMichaelWrites.com Blog: http://seanmichaelwrites.blogspot.ca/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeanMichaelWrites Twitter: seanmichael09

Somebody To Love Out For You Shannon West Genre: MM Contemporary/BDSM Publisher: ARe Books Date of Publication: 6/1/15

ISBN: 978-1-936387-97-7 ASIN: Word Count: 30,500 Cover Artist: Erin Dameron Hill Book Description:

If you love someone…don’t let go.

Lonely and miserable, A.J. Tucker lives a life of quiet desperation. When he’s chosen to assist an awardwinning author booked to speak at his school, the teacher realizes the shameful secret he harbors could be revealed. And it’s one that could destroy his quiet, private life if his family and school board find out.

Logan Williams has come to this small North Carolina town for one reason only: to get revenge on the submissive who left him with little explanation. The powerful Dom plans to do whatever it takes to convince Tucker to resume the lifestyle and relationship he left behind.

When these two men come together in a powerful clash of wills, the love between them resurfaces. Ultimately they are forced to reexamine everything they thought they knew about one another and themselves.

Available at ARe

Excerpt: “Quite a storm we had last night,” Tucker said to break the awkward little silence that had fallen between them. “I wasn’t sure my Jeep would make it here this morning.” He turned to smile at Logan politely and his face froze. Logan was gazing at him like a predatory cat—like Tucker was a juicy meal and he hadn’t eaten in a month. He felt his cock twitch in his pants, and he glanced quickly away.

It had been almost six long years since they had been together in the same room alone like this, and Logan still made him as nervous as a teenage girl on her first date. His cock was suddenly so hard he felt like it might rip right through his pants, and he was glad for his long overcoat that helped hide it. What the fuck was wrong with Tucker thinking about how good-looking Logan was or what color his damn eyes were, for Christ’s sake? He had to get a grip on his emotions.

He took the chair across from Logan, sternly telling himself to cool it. He sank too far down into its luxurious depths almost at once. He pulled out and perched on the edge of the chair, glancing over at Logan irritably, as if he were somehow the cause. Logan gazed back at him serenely, though the fact that his gaze was roaming up and down Tucker’s body hadn’t been lost on Tucker at all. As a matter of fact, it was making him almost unbearably hot.

Sweating a little, he thought about taking off the coat now that he was sitting down. He shrugged out of it, glancing over at Logan. “Warm in here. Mind if I take this off?”

“No, not at all. I want you to be comfortable.”

Tucker glanced at him sharply to see if he was teasing him. The words were perfectly proper, but Logan had always had a knack for keeping him off-balance. He pulled out the essays from his briefcase and then dug for his pen. Damn it, he felt like he was coming off as an idiot here, awkward and inexperienced, when he wanted to be smooth and professional—typical when he was around Logan, just like in the old days.

He felt himself blushing hotly as he realized he couldn’t find his pen.

“Do you, uh…I don’t suppose you have a pen I could use?”

Logan didn’t comment, but he did quirk up one imperious eyebrow and then nodded. Logan rose with a languid grace and rummaged through a piece of furniture by the bed before coming up with a pen.

Tucker’s complexion had always been the white, milk-fed kind that showed his every strong emotion clearly by staining his cheeks bright pink, and he felt like they must be blazing now. Once, long ago, Logan had told him it was an endearing trait. Trying to pretend he hadn’t been checking out Logan’s rather spectacular ass in his well-fitting jeans as he bent over the drawer, Tucker quickly returned his gaze to the notebook in his hand, glancing up when Logan stood over him.

“Thanks,” Tucker said tersely, taking the pen and numbering each paper. “I didn’t get a chance to do this before I arrived. I think that numbering them would be the easiest way, don’t you? That way you won’t be swayed by names or anything. Not that you would be…I mean, I’m sure you don’t know any of our kids. And even if you did, I didn’t mean to imply…that is, I’m sure you wouldn’t…” Tucker knew he was babbling but couldn’t seem to stop. Finally, he thrust the small stack of essays out toward Logan, who was staring calmly back at him.

“Do I make you nervous, Aubrey?” he asked softly.

About the Author: Shannon West currently lives in the South with her husband and family. A lover and avid reader of M/M romances, she began writing them a few years ago and now has over sixty short stories, novellas, and novels to her credit. Shannon is a 2013 and 2014 ARe top ten bestselling author. She loves men and everything about them, and believes that love is love, no matter the gender. Though there is never enough time, she tries to work every day, giving in to the demanding men in her head and writing their stories. She writes shifters, sci-fi and BDSM along with contemporary, and loves, traveling, reading and watching scary movies on TV. For more information on other books by Shannon, please visit her official website: www.ShannonWestBooks.com https://www.facebook.com/shannon.west.399

The Changing Years Out For You Amber Kell Genre: MM Paranormal Publisher: ARe Books Date of Publication: 6/1/15 ISBN: 978-1-936387-99-1 ASIN: Word Count: 25,500 Cover Artist: Erin Dameron Hill Book Description: The most important show of strength is to embrace one’s true nature.

The death of his ex-wife grants Shaun McKellan custody of his only child, and the chance to know his son after years of separation. Now a full-time father, Shaun thinks his life is finally complete…then he meets the Alpha running the town where his son attends school.

Grant Thornlin has always resisted the temptation of other men. As the Alpha, he must be strong and give his pack the impression he has invincible power. Falling for a blond, blue-eyed artist with a half-shifter son has bad idea written all over it.

How can Shaun show Grant that loving another man doesn’t have to affect his position as Alpha?

Available at ARe

Excerpt: Grant Thornlin poured over the paperwork before him. Shit, he had too much going on to deal with a human trying to get his kid into the pack school. Each time he added a new member it seemed to triple his number of headaches. If it were just the kids it would be one thing but the parents tended to be the ones that needed all the attention. Dealing with a new parent, much less a human one, could only lead to trouble. He’d only agreed to meet with Mr. McKellan because he couldn’t resist his curiosity. Half shifters were incredibly rare. Most shifter/human bondings ended in no children. It was difficult for shifters to get pregnant by their true mates, much less by someone not bound in the way of the shifter.

He hoped McKellan didn’t take the rejection too hard. Grant had taken over the principal’s office for this visit. He visited the school regularly to check up on younger pack mates. The principal Dan Sonlan and all of the teachers had taken the day off for some sort of in service training, allowing Grant to usurp his space. It was only him and a skeleton staff.

The phone buzzed.

He pushed the intercom button.

“Mr. McKellan is here for you sir,” Joyce, the school receptionist said. She’d been in that seat for twenty years and Grant didn’t think she’d ever taken a day off. He offered her a vacation day once and from her expression he might as well have offered to skin her wolf. The subject was never brought up again.

“Send him in.” He pushed the button to disconnect the call.

The door opened and Grant’s breathing stopped. It took him a few minutes to get it started again.

Damn.

A slender man with dirty-blond hair and pale-blue eyes entered the room. Grant had never seen that color in a human before. His inner wolf howled its approval. Pushing the beast down, he fought for control. Never before had a man drawn his wolf’s attention. Sure he’d looked at a passing gorgeous man or woman but not like this. Not with the urge to pounce, mark and call a man his own.

“Hello, are you Alpha Thornlin?” His soft melodic voice rolled across Grant, stroking his inner wolf.

Would it be bad form to fuck him against the wall?

“Yes, you must be Mr. McKellan.” Grant cleared his throat then stood, grateful for his long suit jacket. If he’d dressed in more casual clothes his erection would’ve been visible. He walked around the desk and held out his hand. A roller coaster of nerves did loop de loops in his stomach.

“Nice to meet you.” McKellan slid his hand into Grant’s. Desire shot between the palms, a lightning bolt of need and want. A whimper threatened to come out but he beat it back into submission. Alphas didn’t make pitiful, needy noises like newly shifted wolves.

“Please have a seat.” He motioned to the chair opposite from him and quickly took his seat, mindful of the comforting barrier of the desk. The more things between them the less likely he’d take the innocent human to the floor and start humping him.

Crap, this isn’t good!

About the Author: Amber Kell has made a career out of daydreaming. It has been a lifelong habit she practices diligently as shown by her complete lack of focus on anything not related to her fantasy world building.

When she told her husband what she wanted to do with her life he told her to go have fun.

During those seconds she isn't writing she remembers she has children who humor her with games of 'what if' and let her drag them to foreign lands to gather inspiration. Her youngest confided in her that he wants to write because he longs for a website and an author name—two things apparently necessary to be a proper writer.

Despite her husband's insistence she doesn't drink enough to be a true literary genius she continues to spin stories of people falling happily in love and staying that way.

She is thwarted during the day by a traffic jam of cats on the stairway and a puppy who insists on walks, but she bravely perseveres.

For more information on other books by Amber, visit her official website: www.AmberKell.com Blog http://www.amberkell.wordpress.com/ https://twitter.com/amberkell

https://www.facebook.com/amber.kell.7

The Sweetest Dare Out For You Leigh Ellwood Genre: FF Contemporary Publisher: ARe Books Date of Publication: 6/1/15 ISBN: 978-1-936387-98-4 ASIN: Word Count: 27,000 Cover Artist: Erin Dameron Hill Book Description: Sugar's sweet, but sex tastes better‌ Kit Cheever is more than eager to welcome her new co-worker, Sidney Campbell, to Tish’s Riches, the best chocolate shop in Virginia. While the long days on the job hardly exhaust them for long nights of play, Sidney hopes for more in their relationship than candy-coated orgasms. Is dinner out too much to ask?

Kit would oblige, but she likes her privacy. The people of Dareville don’t need to know she and Sidney are anything more than co-workers. Why be “out” when it’s so much hotter and safer indoors?

Kit won’t even hold her hand in public, which upsets Sidney. She’s not asking Kit to march in a parade, just to acknowledge her feelings to the people she loves. What will it take to get Kit out of the closet and into Sidney’s heart?

Available at ARe Excerpt: “Nice getup,” Kit said, and twirled her finger downward to guide Sidney to move away. “I have to see the shoes.”

Sidney laughed and offered the full model strut. She whirled around and sashayed along the bar a few steps, wiggling her slim hips, then returned with an exaggerated en pointe of one high-top sneaker, which was actually designed to look like a red Uno playing card.

“How come they don’t match?” Couldn’t be too difficult to find checkerboard-patterned shoes.

“The shoes that go with this outfit are worn out. I haven’t had time to make another pair.”

“Really? You don’t buy these?” Kit asked. Baking, sewing…this girl was a one-woman craft bazaar.

Sidney smiled. “What can I say? I’m good with a glue gun and a pastry bag, so long as I don’t get them mixed up.”

“Cool. Uh, what brings you here?” Did Sidney know this was a lesbian bar? The décor didn’t outright advertise it—no rainbow bunting or pink triangle beer coasters. Yeah, framed posters of semi-nude women hung on the walls, but Kit saw those at other places.

“I heard this was the best place to meet women in town. Rather, close to town. We’re kind of in between Dareville and the beach, huh?”

“Yeah. We were thinking of calling it West Vagina.”

Sidney snorted up a sip of her drink. “You have to warn me when you make a joke like that.” She waved over the bartender for some napkins.

She attracted many an appreciative stare from other patrons, too, leaving Kit to think of the right words to get Sidney to a more secluded place to chat.

Luckily, though, Sidney shared her idea. “This music is so damn loud, how do you stand it?” she called out. “Wanna sit out on the patio?”

Kit nodded, and a minute later they found two Adirondack chairs on the concrete, screened-in patio that abutted the alleyway behind the club. Kit had heard, when the building had housed an Italian restaurant, this area served as a smoking lounge for the wait staff. Nobody lit up here now due to new laws, but the folks at the Den tried their best to make the patio look pretty. Fake palms trees wrapped with white twinkle lights adorned

each corner, and standing space heaters kept the area comfortable. Though no door separated them from the club interior, Kit noticed that the distance did mute the music’s volume to a low, steady boom.

“What were you drinking? Refill’s on me,” Sidney offered, and flagged down a server making the round to others lounging on the patio.

“You don’t have to do that, I’m good.”

Sidney smirked away Kit’s reluctance. “Please. I’m a working woman now. I can afford it,” she said with a wink. Kit couldn’t argue with that.

“I usually get the Key Lime Pie martini. It’s their signature drink.”

“Ooh, that sounds good. Two, please,” Sidney told the waitress, and Kit watched the silent exchange between them that followed. Well, she counted the seconds the waitress lingered, shuffling backward with her eye on Sidney, before finally retreating to the bar to place their orders. Petite blonde with Eighties fetish proved tonight’s favorite flavor, and Sidney no doubt tempted many an appetite. Kit placed a hand on her growling stomach.

Sidney crossed her legs and turned in her seat, squeezing her arms close to her body as though to preserve warmth. “How does a key lime drink become the specialty of the house here? Rather unusual choice.”

“Not really. The person who owns the Den is from South Florida. She used to run a lesbian bar down there. I guess they’re a dime a dozen, so she came up here to find a captive audience. Before that she taught English at some college, so that’s where the Woolf came from.” Kit crooked her head toward a poster of Virginia Woolf’s profile on the brick wall. Several artistic renditions of the famed author decorated the establishment, in places where one didn’t find the semi-nudes.

“I would love to have had a place like this in Wyoming to go to.”

“Yeah?” Images of gorgeous women in tight blue jeans, bouncing in saddles as the horses they straddled galloped in some wide prairie, filled Kit’s mind. One rarely ran into country girls in town, and suddenly Kit pictured Sidney in a Stetson the color of her geektastic shoes.

Sidney in a cowgirl hat, stripped down to a Rubik-colored thong, straddled over her hips and bucking with one hand in the air… yee-haw.

About the Author: Leigh Ellwood writes erotica and romance, particularly M/M and F/F pairings. She is a two-time finalist for the Gold Crown Literary Society Award and an EPIC Award finalist and winner.

When Leigh isn't writing, she reads. She enjoys all genres, especially historical fiction.

For more information on other books by Leigh, please visit her official website: www.LeighEllwood.com Blog http://leighwantsfood.blogspot.com http://twitter.com/LeighEllwood http://www.pinterest.com/LeighEllwood

To Overthrow Evil Out For You Sam Crescent Genre: MM Paranormal Publisher: ARe Books Date of Publication: 6/1/15 ISBN: 978-1-943576-02-9 ASIN: Word Count: 20,600 Cover Artist: Erin Dameron Hill Book Description: Before they can be out together, they must rid their pack of the evil within.

Sean Ridge, the Alpha’s son, harbors a dangerous secret about his long-time best friend. Ben, the son of their pack’s Beta, also happens to be Sean’s destined mate.

However, same-sex matings are forbidden by pack law and those who defy tradition risk death. To survive, Sean and Ben must live a lie. But they’re not the only two who want pack law to change. A group of wolves are planning an uprising to overthrow the evil Alpha.

Will Sean and Ben choose to run and forever look over their shoulders? Or will they take a stand and fight for the right to choose their mates and live in the open?

Available at ARe

Excerpt: Sean Ridge and Ben Frizz stared out of window toward the forest while the rest of the pack ran. It was a full moon, and only those of the pack who were unable to change stayed indoors. The hairs on Sean’s arm stood on end as he thought about what he’d just witnessed.

“I don’t know if I can stop being sick,” Ben said, putting a hand to his stomach. They were both seventeen and the best of friends. Their fathers were the alpha and beta of the pack. When they were both old enough they’d take their places, bringing protection and guidance like both of their fathers before them.

Sean no longer looked toward the thick forest but down at the town square where two men had been made an example of. The very sight of them, hung up on posts, sickened him. There were a couple of people who were admiring the death before them. His own father had done this before his very eyes. He’d never known and never wanted to know anything like it again.

“How could they punish them, Sean?”

“I don’t know.”

“When you’re mates, it shouldn’t matter. Both men were mates.” Ben shook his head stepping away from the view. “I can’t look. I don’t know how those people can even stand to look at it.”

“Both our fathers did that, and those people agree with it.”

“They’re outlawing same-sex mates. If they don’t leave the pack, they’re going to kill them.”

He didn’t know what to say. Leaving the sight, Sean sat on the bed, drawing his knees up against his chest. He didn’t know if another pack allowed same-sex mates.

Closing his eyes, he tried to hold in the shudder as he recalled his father’s disgust.

“I will not have this disgusting order in my pack. If any of you wish to fuck one of your own sex get the fuck out, or you will end up like these two dirty bastards.” His father had spat on the floor, the disgust inside him clear for all to see.

“Mates don’t have a choice, Sean. Those two men lost their lives because the fates decided they were supposed to be together.”

“And our fathers made sure they couldn’t. I don’t know what to say, Ben. We can’t allow ourselves to worry about it. Our mates will be women, and we won’t have to deal with our fathers’ wrath.”

Ben came to sit beside him. “I’m not worried about our mates. I don’t want to be part of a pack that can do that to fated loved ones. We’re a pack. There shouldn’t be any law above mates, and yet we’ve just witnessed two men humiliated and murdered.” can’t.”

Shaking his head, Sean rested his chin on his knees. “I can’t think about this right now. I really

In one quick move, he left the bed to rush toward the bathroom. He brought up all of his dinner until there was nothing left. Sean heard Ben enter the bathroom while he was throwing up.

“It’s okay,” Ben said, rubbing his back.

Resting his head on the side of the toilet, Sean didn’t know how much more he could take. He loved his family, but his father had very strict beliefs. Over the last couple of months he’d witnessed a vile destructive quality to his father.

“Is it okay?”

“They might be the only two out there.”

“I doubt that. Dad is going to tear this pack apart. There’s something different inside him, Ben. An evilness that unleashes near every full moon.” Tears filled his eyes, which he tried to force down. It wouldn’t do him any good to cry.

“We can survive this together. I swear.” Ben grabbed his head, and Sean didn’t do anything to fight his touch. This was his biggest secret. Every time Ben put his hands on him it sent warmth throughout his entire body. Lately his dreams had been consumed by Ben. Every time he closed his eyes, Ben was there, talking to him, guiding him, kissing him, loving him.

The hotter the dreams, the more excited he became.

Licking his dry lips, he pulled out of Ben’s hold. He couldn’t hurt his best friend and, the way his feelings were going, he could easily do it.

About the Author:

Sam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011.

She loves creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.

For more information on other books by Sam, visit her official website: www.SamCrescent.Wordpress.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamCrescent

Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/sam.crescent

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sam-Crescent/395370360612256

Stretching The Rules Out For You B.A. Tortuga Genre: MMF Paranormal Publisher: ARe Books Date of Publication: 6/1/15 ISBN: 978-1-943576-00-5 ASIN: Word Count: 21,700 Cover Artist: Erin Dameron Hill Book Description: When the rules force you to deny whom you love, it’s time to break them.

Jonah is sick and tired of hiding his lovers, Olivia and Hank, from his wolf pack. But being second in command to the Alpha means he has to follow them, right? His pack would reject him if they knew his lovers were a jaguar and a coyote…a man and a woman.

When danger threatens Liv and Hank, Jonah comes out to his Alpha. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to bring his two families together, and keep everyone safe.

Available on ARe

Excerpt: “I can’t spare you tonight, Jonah,” Boothe said. “We have a pack meeting tonight, and there’s unrest about the territory being invaded by those fucking coyote hybrids.”

Jonah stopped on his way out the door, his shoulders pulling up around his ears. “I told you I was out of pocket this weekend, Boss.”

“You’re my second. I need you there. Those damned coyotes are skulking around, stealing from the homes around the perimeter.”

He gritted his teeth, clenching his hand around his jacket, which he hadn’t even had time to put on before the pack Alpha had caught up with him. The urge to whine hit hard, and he stuffed it back down in his chest. He was no cub, begging for scraps.

“Sure. Okay. I’ll text my buddies and be there in a few minutes, yeah?” He hated the idea of disappointing his “buddies.” Again.

“It won’t take long. A couple of hours, tops. Tell them to keep their panties on.”

If Boothe only knew.

Boothe didn’t know, though, and Jonah intended to keep it that way. How could he possibly explain Olivia and Hank to his pack? there?

There was a text waiting for him when he opened his phone. She’s dancing at 11. Headlining. Meet us

Will try my best. Eleven he might be able to do. Drinks at eight had been the plan, and God knew he wouldn’t make that.

Cool. Ready for our weekend. So ready.

Me too. Soon. He would get his time in with Hank and Olivia if it killed him. Which it might.

Jonah sighed when Boothe bellowed his name.

This was bullshit. Utter fucking bullshit. He thought Boothe pulled these emergency meetings just to test him. His loyalty to the pack. The easy answer would be to choose a female, fuck her, and get her heavy with pups. Protect, procreate, and pretend to be happy as shit.

Problem was, he wasn’t sure he could lie so deeply.

Not with Hank and Liv waiting for him, his lovers made of pure sex, pure need.

The thought made him pant, made his cock try to rise. No. No hard-on. Meeting. Wolf politics.

Pack rules. Hierarchy. Position.

Fuck, he got tired of that shit. He was never gonna be the one to take over the pack. Not with his… boy and girl on the side.

Liv and Hank—they’d been together since they were teenagers, had been this wild, fierce pair who had seduced him without even trying. Once they’d drawn him in, he hadn’t been able to let go.

He was ashamed that he didn’t really even want to try. They made him happy, so much more than when he was with the pack. Oh, he loved his Alpha, his friends, but they would turn on him if they knew what he was.

He turned the sound off on his phone, then headed into the meeting. Hopefully he’d get to see Liv dance. He’d walk out early if he had to.

Someone had to be there to assure everyone remembered, burlesque, not stripper. No touching. Hank could tear up anyone who tried to get their girl, but his smaller stature made people more willing to start shit.

Jonah’s brute strength drove them away. it.

Not that Ms. Olivia couldn’t defend herself. That woman would kick a man’s ass and make him love She’d done it more than once to Jonah.

Hell, she’d fucked Hank so hard he screamed.

Jonah grinned, thinking about that night, and his fellow enforcer Cory clapped him on the back.

“Come on, man. Quit grinning like a fool.”

“Why? Oh, yeah. I get it. That’s your job, right? The fool part.”

“Ha ha. You suck. Come on.” Cory dragged him into the meeting, and he groaned when he saw Alan Markman and Henry Law in there. Long night, ho.

Maybe if he stood next to the door…

“Let’s get this show on the road!” Alan shouted, and Boothe beckoned to Jonah. No such luck.

Damn it.

Surely they’d be done by ten.

He might even make it if it was over at ten-thirty.

About the Author: B.A. Tortuga Texan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy's Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her basset hounds, getting tattooed, texting her sisters, and eating Mexican food. When she's not doing that, she's writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting, and surfing Pinterest in the name of research. BA's personal saviors include her wife, Julia Talbot, her best friend, Sean Michael, and coffee.

Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.

Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to hard-core cowboys to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which was raised in Northeast Texas, but has heard the call of the

high desert and lives in the Sandias. With books ranging from hard-hitting GLBT romance, to fiery menages, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.

For more information on other books by B.A., visit her official website: www.BATortuga.com twitter @batortuga www.batortuga.blogspot.com https://www.facebook.com/BATortugaBooks

http://www.batortuga.com