Monday, December 24, 2018

The River Street Bar by Nazarea Andrews - Surprise Release

Today we are celebrating the SURPRISE release of the RIVER STREET BAR Box Set by Nazarea Andrews. This is a contemporary romance series featuring 4 full-length novels and a novella

Purchase the set now while it's only $2.99

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AppleBooks (Coming Soon) ~ Nook (Coming Soon)

THE RIVER STREET BAR Box Set by Nazarea Andrews

Available Now for just $2.99!
Includes: Fireball, Rusty Nail, Sloe Screw, Whiskey Sour, and Blushing Kisses (novella)

Book Description:

In River City, love never takes an easy course.

Dempsey & Taite hate each other--but there's a fine line between love and hate...

Olivia & Aidric are defined by their mistakes and pulled together by the most unlikely of events, and might just build a family together...

Matteo & Vivian both have secrets and regrets, but are those enough to keep them apart...

Calvin & Davis & Ava are all a little bit broken, but sometimes broken pieces can make a whole...

Welcome to River City and fall in love all over again...

 Purchase Now for only $2.99! 


DON'T MISS EXCLUSIVE DETAILS!

Join Nazarea's READER GROUP.

You can get exclusive news, sneak peeks, giveaways, and more!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  

Nazarea Andrews (N to almost everyone) is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. Which means she writes everything from zombies and dystopia to contemporary love stories. When not writing, she can most often be found driving her kids to practice and burning dinner while she reads, or binge watching TV shows on Netflix. N loves chocolate, wine, and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. N is a self-professed geek and enjoys spending her spare time lost in her favorite fandoms and can often be found babbling about them on social media. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, spoiled cat and overgrown dog. She is the author of World Without End series, Neverland Found, Edge of the Falls, and The University of Branton Series. Stop by her twitter (@NazareaAndrews) and tell her what fantastic book she should read next.  
AUTHOR LINKS:
Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ 
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Monday, December 17, 2018

Roma King by Callie Hart - Spotlight!



Title: Roma King
Series: Roma Royals #1
Author: Callie Hart
Genre: Contemporary Romance with hints of Dark
Release Date: December 12, 2018


Free in Kindle Unlimited


Book Description:


“911. What is your emergency?”

Every night, Zara Llewelyn picks up the phone and assists people in distress. House fires. Assault. Motor vehicle accidents. Home invasions...

Between the hours of six and two, she is the answer to a thousand cries for help. But when the payphone outside Zara’s apartment building mysteriously begins ringing night after night, the very last thing she wants to do is pick it up. And yet, she can’t seem to help herself...

Pasha Rivin’s trying to outrun fate. He’s been running from it for years now, but escape isn’t in his cards. As the oldest son of the oldest Roma family in the country, he’s not just a member of a proud and fiercely traditional clan. He is their reluctant king...and now he’s expected to find a wife.

The fiery redhead that shows up on his doorstep, following a trail of breadcrumbs, hunting for a missing little boy, is the last person Pasha’s mother has in mind, however. She’s an outsider, an intruder, and as far as his family are concerned, she’s not welcome on their land, let alone in their king’s bed.

Pasha has never allowed his destiny to stand in the way of what he wants, however. And he’s never wanted anything more than he wants the girl with the burning red hair.

***

Zara Llewelyn picked up the phone and learned a secret.

Falling in love has never been so dangerous...














Author Bio

Callie Hart is a USA Today bestselling author of dark romance novels. She is an obsessive romantic who loves throwing a dark twist into her stories. Her characters are imperfect, flawed individuals who dictate when she eats, sleeps and breathes. She loves to travel, and often pens her books when she's on the road, drawing inspiration from her often unique and wild surroundings. 


If she's not writing, you'll undoubtedly find her with her nose buried deep in a book, or binge watching Game of Thrones.


Author Links




Friday, December 14, 2018

The Darkest Captive by Gena Showalter - Review and Excerpt


 

The demon possessed beast wants his beauty back, and he’ll do anything to win her. Even war with a god king.

From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Gena Showalter, comes THE DARKEST CAPTIVE, a new novella in her addictive bestselling Lords of the Underworld Series, brought to you by 1,001 Dark Nights! Be sure to grab your copy today

 

Amazon ~ AmazonUK ~ AmazonCA ~ AmazonAU


Book Description:

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Gena Showalter comes a new story in her Lords of the Underworld series…

For centuries, Galen the Treacherous has been the most hated immortal in the Underworld. With good reason! This bad boy of bad boys has lied, stolen, cheated and killed with abandon. Possessed by the demons of Jealousy and False Hope, he has always lived for a single purpose: destroy everything.

Then he met her.

Former demon turned human femme fatale — Legion Honey — sought to kill Galen, but ended up parting with her virginity instead. Afraid of their sizzling connection, she ran away…and ended up trapped in hell, tortured and abused in the worst of ways. Now she’s free, and a shell of herself, afraid of her own shadow.

Galen’s hunger for Legion has only grown. Now the warrior with nothing to lose must help her rekindle the fire that once burned inside her. But as desires blaze white-hot, will Legion run again? Or will the unlikely pair succumb to love at long last?

 

Grab your copy of THE DARKEST CAPTIVE today!



My Review:

I had so much fun reading his one from Gena Showalter. First thing you need to know is that The Lords of the Underworld is one of my all time favorite Paranormal Romance series, but I will be super honest I was worried going into this one with Galen and Legion. One, Galen has been the biggest jerk and two, Legion goes through something completely horrific. I didn't know how I was going to stomach it. Also, Legion was a bit of a weird one for me. She has had a pretty darn hard go of it ever since her introduction. She actually was a lot like Galen in that she caused a lot of strife and set herself up to bot be very liked. I was honestly scared, I couldn't figure out how Gena was going to pull it off in a novella and not a full length story. There is so much that has happened to these two, by these two, and between these two, that a novella couldn't possibly get there, but guess what it did.

As always there isn't a lot I can tell you about a 1,001 Dark Nights Novella because so much happens in so little time, but know that this book is chock full of story. The back story is there, the character development is there, the reasonings, the understanding, the romance. It is all there and the most loyal fans will walk away pleased and new fans to the series will walk away completely hooked. Don't be afraid to dive into this one because you think you can't possibly get the story these two deserve. We get it and so much more...hello next book, I can't wait to meet you!

Make sure this one is on your TBR you don't want to miss it, it is an exciting and emotional wrap up for one couple and a fiery beginning for the next!

~ HAPPY READING ~



   

Excerpt:

He teed up Aeron’s number and texted: Just a head’s up. I’ve got my girl. She’s well thanks to me. Hades would have let her get jacked. You’re welcome.

Aeron’s response came in minutes: H told me you saved her. For that, you do have my thanks. But you’re going to have internal body bling if you don’t return her to me ASAP.

Galen: Give me a minute to find the fucks I give…

Galen: Still searching…

Galen: Sorry. Can’t find a single one.

Aeron: I love her, and I want what’s best for her, even if I must pay for her happiness w/ my life. Can you say the same?

Galen responded with a gif he’d made for situations like this. In it, he made a lewd hand gesture while the words “Look what I gave your mother last night” flashed in the center.

Then he typed: Listen, Dr. Usuc Atfilosofee. I didn’t see you braving H’s wards to help L escape that bloodthirsty army. (Drop mic.) (Pick mic back up.) She’s safe, ok. And I CAN say the same. I DID protect her with my life. So be a good daddy and let your daughter spread my wings. Over and out, mo-fo.

He returned the cell phone to the nightstand. 

Legion gave a violent shake of her head and released another choking sound. “No. Please, no.”

He could imagine what images plagued her nightmares.

Uncaring about the flare of pain, he leaped off the bed to crouch in front of her chair. He lightly caressed her jaw, then lifted her hand to his face, holding her palm against his cheek. “I’m here, sugar.” His raw throat turned the words to smoke. 

A few months ago, Galen had made a deal with Hades. Every time Galen completed a task for the underworld’s top dog, he earned a reward. All he’d wanted? The demons who’d hurt Legion. He’d tortured and killed every one of the bastards but Lucifer.

“No. Please, no. Don’t!” Eyes rolling behind her lids, Legion panted and groaned. Every few seconds, her fingers twitched, as if she tried to deflect a blow. “No!”

He ground his teeth. One day, one day soon, this beauty would rest in the comfort and security of his arms. Fear would lose its hold on her, and contentment would become her constant companion. I’ll make sure of it.

“I won’t let anything happen to you,” he vowed. “Not now, not ever.”

She melted into the chair, a soft sigh leaving her. Pride suffused him. For once, he’d comforted rather than frightened her.


 

    

 

About Gena Showalter: Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the spellbinding Lords of the Underworld series, two young adult series–Everlife and the White Rabbit Chronicles–and the highly addictive Original Heartbreakers series. In addition to being a National Reader’s Choice and two time RITA nominee, her romance novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazine, she’s been mentioned in Orange is the New Black–if you ask her about it, she’ll talk for hours–and her books have been translated in multiple languages. She’s hard at work on her next novel, a tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who brings him to his knees. You can learn more about Gena, her menagerie of rescue dogs, and all her upcoming books at genashowalter.com    

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads




Gena Showalter’s THE DARKEST CAPTIVE – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:
December 5th
Booknerd1107 – Review & Excerpt
Diane's Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Kaidans Seduction – Review & Excerpt
NallaReads – Review & Excerpt
Read more sleep less – Review& Excerpt
December 6th
Bout-a-Book blog – Review
Dirty Girl Romance – Review
Milky Way of Books – Review
Rantings of a Reading Addict – Review & Excerpt
That Transylvanian Chick Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
December 7th
Binding Addiction – Review & Excerpt
Ilovebooksandstuffblog – Review & Excerpt
Kick Back & Review – Review & Excerpt
Reading in Pajamas – Review & Excerpt
The Romance Rebels – Review & Excerpt
December 8th
Canadian Book Addict – Review & Excerpt
Dreamer's Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Lo's Lo-Down on Books – Excerpt
Nerdy Chic – Review & Excerpt
Sip read love – Review
December 9th
NC 2 DC – Review & Excerpt
I Smell Sheep – Review & Excerpt
Mythical Books – Excerpt
The Book Branch – Excerpt
December 10th
Angela's Opinion – Review & Excerpt
Declarations of a Fangirl – Review & Excerpt
Nerdy Dirty & Flirty – Review & Excerpt
Rainy Thursdays – Review & Excerpt
December 11th
Echoing Books – Excerpt
Feel the Book – Excerpt
Ginreads – Review & Excerpt
Smut Book Junkie Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt
December 12th
Book Lovers Hangout – Review & Excerpt
Little Shop of Readers – Review & Excerpt
Ms. Me28 – Review & Excerpt
Ruby's Books – Review & Excerpt
Shirley Cuypers – Review
December 13th
All Things Dark & Dirty – Review & Excerpt
Book Addict – Excerpt
PBC – Excerpt
Reese's Reviews – Review & Excerpt
Somewhere Lost in Books – Review & Excerpt
December 14th
Beneath The Covers – Review & Excerpt
Book Nook Nuts – Review & Excerpt
Clare & Lou’s Mad About Books – Review & Excerpt
My Book Filled Life –Review & Excerpt
Reads All the Books – Review & Excerpt
Shahla's World – Review
The Reading Cafe – Review & Excerpt


   

 






Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Roma King by Callie Hart - Release Blitz



Title: Roma King
Series: Roma Royals #1
Author: Callie Hart
Genre: Contemporary Romance with hints of Dark
Release Date: December 12, 2018




$2.99 for a limited time!!

Free in Kindle Unlimited



Book Description:


“911. What is your emergency?”

Every night, Zara Llewelyn picks up the phone and assists people in distress. House fires. Assault. Motor vehicle accidents. Home invasions...

Between the hours of six and two, she is the answer to a thousand cries for help. But when the payphone outside Zara’s apartment building mysteriously begins ringing night after night, the very last thing she wants to do is pick it up. And yet, she can’t seem to help herself...

Pasha Rivin’s trying to outrun fate. He’s been running from it for years now, but escape isn’t in his cards. As the oldest son of the oldest Roma family in the country, he’s not just a member of a proud and fiercely traditional clan. He is their reluctant king...and now he’s expected to find a wife.

The fiery redhead that shows up on his doorstep, following a trail of breadcrumbs, hunting for a missing little boy, is the last person Pasha’s mother has in mind, however. She’s an outsider, an intruder, and as far as his family are concerned, she’s not welcome on their land, let alone in their king’s bed.

Pasha has never allowed his destiny to stand in the way of what he wants, however. And he’s never wanted anything more than he wants the girl with the burning red hair.

***

Zara Llewelyn picked up the phone and learned a secret.

Falling in love has never been so dangerous...












Author Bio

Callie Hart is a USA Today bestselling author of dark romance novels. She is an obsessive romantic who loves throwing a dark twist into her stories. Her characters are imperfect, flawed individuals who dictate when she eats, sleeps and breathes. She loves to travel, and often pens her books when she's on the road, drawing inspiration from her often unique and wild surroundings. 


If she's not writing, you'll undoubtedly find her with her nose buried deep in a book, or binge watching Game of Thrones.


Author Links




The Girl in the Closet by Michelle Heard - Chapter Reveal












Book Description:


BIRDIE

Escaping an unthinkable nightmare, I’m given a second chance at life. Cole Trenton is the first person to look past the broken girl. But the moment I give him my heart he leaves.


Secrets never stay buried, and mine returns with a vengeance.
Cole walks back into my life when I need him most. He shows me how to be strong, that monsters only have the power you give them.

But my biggest fear remains.

How do I silence the girl in the closet before I lose Cole again?


COLE

I always knew Birdie Liles was different, but that didn’t stop me from falling for her.
After years of being away, I return home to bury my best friend,
only to learn that Birdie’s in trouble.

If I had known about the monster from her past, I never would’ve left.
I went to fight someone else’s war while I left the woman I love unprotected.

But I’m here now, and I’m ready to send Birdie’s demon right back to hell.






PROLOGUE
‘rattle them bones’
BIRDIE


Since grandma died Daddy’s been smoking more, and it’s stinking up the trailer we live in.
Knowing I’ll be in trouble if he finds out, I steal his lighter while he’s in the bathroom. I run outside and quickly bury the lighter in the patch of sand behind the trailer. With a pounding heart, I glance over my shoulder and hearing the toilet flush, I begin to panic. If Daddy finds out what I’ve done, he’ll give me a beating.
As fast as I can, I dig up the lighter, but when I try to make it work there’s not even a spark. Scared of how angry Daddy will be, I shove it back into the hole and cover it with dirt. Not wanting to be caught, I run back into the trailer and hearing him whistling in the bathroom, I quickly rush into the bedroom. Frantically, I look for a place to hide, and when I hear the bathroom door creak open, I duck under the bed. Dust motes tickle my nose, and I place a hand over my face so I won’t sneeze.
“Where the fuck’s my lighter?” Daddy roars, and it scares me so badly I crawl further under the bed until I press against the wall. Seeing an old suitcase, I pry it open and squeeze myself inside it. Curling into a small ball so I can close the lid, I try to slow my breaths so he won’t hear me.
As the minutes tick by, my fear grows. Daddy’s gonna be so mad.
After a long time of hiding, I drift off to sleep, but when the suitcase moves, it startles me awake. The lid gets thrown open, and Daddy glares down at me with a mean look.
“You little fuckin’ cunt,” he hisses angrily. Grabbing hold of my arm, he hauls me out of my hiding place. “’Cause you like small spaces you can live in the fuckin’ closet.”
I start to shake my head and pull back against Daddy’s hold on me. My heart’s beating hard in my chest, and it makes my body tremble.
“No, Daddy. I’m sorry.”
He yanks the closet door open and forcefully shoves me inside. The smell of old shoes and dirty clothes fill the air. He slams the door shut and locks it, leaving me in the tiny, dark closet.
“Fuckin’ stuck with the kid ’cause the ole’ bitch croaked,” Daddy grumbles from the other side of the door. He slams his hand against the closet, then growls, “I’m gonna make you a skeleton like your momma ’cause you killed her. Fuckin’ evil little bitch.”
The words are scary, and I crawl to the corner of the closet. Shoes dig into my body, but as I hear him moving outside the door, I’m too scared to shove them away from me.
“Yeah, the evil cunt deserves to stay in the closet,” he chuckles darkly.
There are a few minutes of silence, and I strain my ears to hear where Daddy is when music comes from somewhere in the house.
The song is creepy, and I pinch my eyes shut, wondering when Daddy’s gonna give me a beating for being naughty.


There are different shades to black. There’s normal black, then there’s the kind where it’s so dark you see things.
Things children shouldn’t see.
You see the Boogeyman. It’s the one Daddy whispers about through the door. “Here comes the Boogeyman. The Boogeyman’s comin’ to get you.”
It’s so dark you see monsters in every speck of dust.
The Boogeyman’s real.
The Boogeyman’s my daddy, and every day he sings to me, “I’ve got a skeleton in the closet and she ain’t ever comin’ out.”




CHAPTER 1

‘oh, rattle them bones’


BIRDIE


(17 years old.)
“You almost ready, dear?” Mom calls.
“Yeah, just a second.” Sitting on the floor with my back against the side of the bed, I don’t miss the flash of sadness as Mom takes in the sweater I’m wearing.
“You sure you wanna wear that? It’s hot out. Why don’t you wear one of those pretty t-shirts we got you last week?” she tries again.
I know she’s looking out for me, and I love her for it, but I wish she’d let it go. This is what I want to wear, and it makes me feel better knowing my scars aren’t visible for the whole world to see.
It’s been twelve years since I was rescued and adopted by Pastor and Mrs. Liles, and even though my father is currently serving a fifteen-year sentence, the memory of him still haunts me every night.
“Nope, I’m good,” I mumble while sticking a picture on the page I’m busy with. I have a weird hobby of writing out the lyrics to every song I like then surrounding them with matching pictures. Today’s song is Cross That Line by Joshua Radin, and I’ve just finished sticking a picture of Cole Trenton next to it.
Ever since the day Cole stood up for me, I’ve had a crush on him. Grayson Chambers was just being his usual mean self and had me cornered against my locker. Cole yanked him back and told him to leave me be.
Yeah, that was the day I knew for sure I was in love with Cole. One look at his icy blue eyes and chocolate brown hair, and I was a goner. He’s the only one who’s able to stir a happy feeling inside of me.
“Good, let’s go then. We don’t want to keep the people waitin’,” Mom says, yanking me out of my thoughts.
I slip the page into a plastic sleeve and place it on my desk before running after Mom.
Usually, Clay and I take turns accompanying Dad and Mom when they go to visit one of the families from the church. I know Clay hates it so most of the time I end up going along. I can’t let them down after everything they’ve done for me. They took me in without asking for anything in return.
Personally, I feel Clay should make more of an effort. When his father went to jail for selling drugs, the Liles’ took him in. He was only nine and had nowhere else to go. Clay’s momma died when he was still a baby, and apparently, they couldn’t find anybody on his momma’s side to take him. That’s how he ended up under the Liles’ care. It was the same with me. My momma died when I was still a baby, and there’s no one left on her side of the family.
As I step out onto the porch, Dad gives me an encouraging smile. He knows I don’t like going along for the visits, but he appreciates it.
“Thanks, Kiddo. I owe you one,” he says as we walk toward the car. The only thing keeping the station wagon together is a ton of rust.
“I get to choose the next movie,” I say while getting into the back.
“It’s a deal,” he laughs.
Most of the town calls him Pastor Doug and loves him. I know I got lucky when they adopted me.
A few minutes later when Dad turns up the street Cole lives on, my heart begins to beat faster. Automatically, I start counting down the houses until we reach his, but instead of driving by, the car slows down.
Oh my gosh, we’re visiting the Trenton’s?
I’m not sure whether I should be excited or anxious. The mixture of feelings makes me clench my hands on my lap as my stomach tightens with nerves.
Most of the time I see Cole at school. This will be the first time I’ll actually be inside his house.
“The Trenton’s? We’re comin’ to the Trenton’s?” I ask from the back.
“Yes, and the Mason’s will also be here. You know the boys, don’t you, dear? They’re seniors from your school,” Mom replies, unaware of the mini nervous breakdown I’m about to have in the backseat.
“Yeah, they’re friends with Clay. I hardly ever talk to Cole and Hunter.”
A simple ‘hi’ is the most I’ve ever said to either of the boys. But it’s one thing to admire Cole at school where we’re surrounded by other people. It’s a different ball game when I have to be around him with no one to hide behind.
It’s not that I’m scared of being around Cole. Not at all. It’s just… what would I even say to him?
Ugh, I’ll probably only make a fool of myself.
“You’ll have fun. The evenings you never plan are the ones you enjoy most,” Dad says.
I love his sayings, but tonight they’re not going to be of much help. Maybe I can slip away when no one’s watching?
The front door opens, and Mr. Trenton steps out onto the porch.
When we’re out of the car and walking toward the front door, I peek out from where I’m hiding behind Mom, but the second I see Cole standing next to his dad, I quickly duck back.
I can’t hear anything above the blood rushing through my ears. Sucking in deep breaths, I try to calm my racing heart.
“Pastor Doug, thank you so much for comin’,” Mr. Trenton greets warmly.
Mom and Dad walk inside the house, and I have to force my feet forward. Climbing the stairs to the porch, I glance up and lose my breath when I see Cole waiting to close the door behind me.
Breathe, Birdie. Act calm.
“Hi, Birdie.” Cole shuts the door, and as he turns back to me with a crooked smile on his face, my mouth dries up.
“Hi.” It pretty much sounds like I sucked on a balloon filled with helium.
Following everyone to the living room, I’m incredibly aware of Cole walking right behind me. Glancing around the room, I notice the Mason’s sitting on a comfy looking couch. Mrs. Tenton gets up to greet us.
Before I can go to Mom’s side, Mr. Trenton says, “Cole, why don’t you show Bridget the entertainment area?”
My lips part and I stand frozen like a deer in oncoming traffic.
“Sure,” Cole says, then he places his hand on my lower back and my heart all but stops beating. “This way, Birdie.”
It’s a miracle when I manage to take a step without falling flat on my face.
Cole’s touching me.
I immediately feel self-conscious about the scars on the right side of my body, even though I know he can’t see them. Folding my right arm around my waist, I cover it with my left.
A chaotic mess of emotions spreads through me. I’m elated that Cole is touching me, but at the same time, I feel on edge because of the scars.
So far, I’ve been lucky, and only Mom and Dad know about my scars, but I know the day will come when I won’t be able to keep my ugly secret buried beneath layers of clothes any longer.
Cole steers me into a room, which looks twice the size of the living room. A pool table stands in the middle, and a TV is mounted on the left wall. On the right side, there is a floor to ceiling window and a sliding door which opens onto a patio, looking out over a big swimming pool.
The entertainment area is right next to the living room which makes me feel a little better, knowing that Mom and Dad are close by.
I remain standing just inside the door as Cole walks to where Hunter is sitting at a bar area.
“Hey, Birdie,” Hunter says, giving me a friendly smile.
I give him a lame wave as I shyly whisper, “Hi.”
For a moment I think about how my best friend, Reece is going to freak out when she hears I spent the night visiting with Cole and Hunter. She’s had a crush on Hunter for the longest time.
With Cole and Hunter graduating soon, next year is going to be very boring at school without them there.
My eyes drift back to Cole’s face, and when our gazes lock, a blush creeps up my neck.
“Would you like somethin’ to drink?” Cole asks.
Feeling awkward, I just shake my head. Interacting with people is really hard, but when it comes to Cole, it’s near impossible.
I freeze when Mrs. Trenton’s voice drifts into the entertainment room. “Bridget’s become quite the beauty under your care.”
Yep, I’m officially dying.
“She was such a tiny thing when she came to Lyman,” Mrs. Mason says.
Knowing Cole and Hunter can also hear what their mothers are saying, makes me feel like I’m spiraling from embarrassment right into a pit of mortification.
It’s no secret the Lyles’ adopted me. It’s what happened before I came to live with them that petrifies me, and I don’t want people talking about it.
“Pastor Doug, I just want to let you know how grateful we are for what you’re doing for the boys,” Mr. Mason says. My shoulders sag with relief, glad that they’re stepping off the topic of my appearance.
I watch as Cole pours a glass of coke, but can’t keep myself from listening in on the adult’s conversation.
“Of course,” Dad says. “It’s nothin’ I wouldn’t do for any of the other kids in the congregation.”
“You’re really the pillar of Lyman,” Mr. Trenton compliments Dad. “If you have any problems with Trevor Slater again, you just say the word, and I’ll sort him out.”
My world stops at hearing my father’s name.
Trevor Slater.
The Boogeyman.
All the blood drains from my face as the walls close in on me.
“Birdie?” I hear Cole’s voice as I turn around and rush towards the front door.
I don’t want to hear anything about my biological father. I’ll never be able to deal with how he tortured me.
I just need to get outside so I can get some fresh air. With every step I take my breathing speeds up, bringing me closer to a panic attack. After all these years, I still haven’t learned how to control the crippling waves of panic. My therapist says it will get better with time. I hope so because these suffocating feelings are awful.
“Birdie,” Dad calls out as I race through the living room. “Let me explain.”
I manage to take a few more steps when Mr. Trenton stands up. “Bridget, you weren’t supposed to hear that. Where’s Cole?”
The fact that Mr. Trenton knows about my father creeps through the anxiety. Why was he talking about my father? What does he know?
My need to know what’s going on overshadows the dreaded fear. I stop and turn back to the adults. “Why were you talkin’ about him?” My voice sounds thin, and I try to breathe faster as the darkness begins to creep up on me.
I can’t have a panic attack here. Not in front of all these people.
Dad takes a step toward me, a concerned look on his face. “It’s nothin’ to worry about, Birdie. He just tried to send you a letter, but we stopped him.”
“He did what?” I whisper horrified. “He knows where I am?”
“He can’t hurt you.” Dad takes another step toward me as terror slams hard into my chest, ripping the air right from my lungs. I turn and run as if I’m running from the devil himself.
He knows where I am. He’ll come for me. He’ll finish what he started all those years back. He’ll kill me this time.
I pull open the front door and take the porch steps in one jump. I race across the lawn to get to the road but only make it half-way when an arm wraps around my waist, and I’m yanked off my feet.
The person swings me around, and I come face to face with Cole, as he jogs towards us.
“I’ll take her, Hunter,” he says just as Hunter sets me back down on my feet.
All the adults follow right behind Cole. They stand on the porch with similar looks of concern on their faces, which only makes me feel more claustrophobic.
Cole’s fingers wrap around my wrist and only then does Hunter let go of me.
I take a step away from them and try to pull my arm free, but Cole doesn’t let go. Instead, he steps right into my personal space, and placing his other arm around my shoulders, he pulls me against his chest. Feeling how muscular and steady Cole’s body is against mine, I realize how badly I’m trembling.
I’m terrified that my father knows where I am but not wanting to have a total meltdown in front of Cole, I close my eyes and suck in deep breaths in an attempt to calm myself.
“I’ll stay outside with Birdie,” Cole calls to the others. “She just needs some air.”
“Birdie, will you be okay?” I hear Mom call.
Just needing some space so I can gain control over my rampant emotions, I nod.
When I hear the front door close, I take a step back from Cole, hating that the first time I got to be in his arms is tainted by my past, even if he was just holding me to comfort me.
Instead of making me go back inside, he says, “Let’s go for that walk.”
Cole reaches for my hand, and when his fingers interlace with mine, a firecracker explodes somewhere between my left lung and my heart, leaving my insides a chaotic mess.




Michelle Heard is a Bestselling Romance Author who likes her books hot, dirty, and with a touch of darkness. She loves an alpha hero who is not scared to fight for his woman.

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Return of the Lykan King - Candace Blackburn - Excerpt and GiveAway


 

The biggest fight for the new Lycan King is convincing his Queen that he is committed to her forever. Darren has already fought to convince Cass to give him a chance, but a new Monarchy is just the beginning of the changes to the Lycan Kingdom. 
But as secrets and challenges to Darren's crown emerge, his inner circle must close ranks to protect their Kingdom, and to make sure the newly-returned Lycan King keeps his crown. 

Candace Blackburn returns to the world of the Lycan King in this epic, edge of your seat third installment!




Book Description:

Darren chases Cass to Ireland, determined to make up for his mistakes. When they return to North Carolina to build their lives together, nothing is the same. Darren has already fought to convince Cass to give him a chance, but a new Monarchy is just the beginning of the changes to the Lycan Kingdom. Secrets and challenges to Darren's crown emerge, and his inner circle closes ranks, to protect their Kingdom, and to make sure the newly-returned Lycan King keeps his crown.




Excerpt:
Copyright © 2018 Return of the Lycan King: Book 3 Darren and Cassandra 
Candace Blackburn 


Chapter One 

Liam's completion of flight training had rather fortuitous timing. Liam was one of the members of Lex's security team before Darren moved in. Darren snagged the other Lycan on the way to the airport with the subtle threat to "move your ass and don't breathe a word to anyone." Darren looked out the window of the Konstantine jet and didn't see ocean, but he didn't know how close they were to Dublin Airport. 

Reading Liam's thoughts would have been easy enough, if Darren hadn't happily discovered that he could block that ability. So, he hadn't been subjected to the "have you lost your fucking mind" lecture that Liam likely received from Lex. Or the "you let anything happen to him, I'll kill you, myself" that undoubtedly followed said lecture. 

Darren spent the entirety of the flight thinking of his mate. The pain in her voice, on her face, and the tears in her eyes, all as a result of Darren not claiming her. Pain, he had his own. Not claiming her was a physical, mental hell--it was pain from head to toe. But, he had reasoned that he'd rather live with that pain, than put Cass through one second of his impressive--or not--collection of screw-ups. Not to mention, all the bullshit that came with being King. 

I'd rather cut off my own head than cause her pain like I saw that day. 

Which is why they were over European airspace, because Cass was in Ireland. She left to escape him. 

Because seeing me hurt her. 

"Darren, we're ten minutes out from Dublin." 

Liam's voice cleared his guilt-filled thoughts. He ran his hands through his hair and realized he needed to go splash some water on his face. "Thanks." 

"No problem." 

A minute later, he stood in front of the mirror and frowned. One of his buddies in college looked like he was in a perpetual hangover. Darren's roommate used to tease the guy, telling him that he looked like he'd been ridden hard and put away wet. That saying pretty much summed up the reflection in the mirror. 

Maybe I should stop off and get a haircut, buy a new shirt and jeans. 

He probably would do that, if it didn't take much time. His primary objective was to find Cass and get them back to the plane as soon as possible. Hell, he might as well tell Liam to file a return flight plan for, what, five hours from now? Yeah, that should do it. He hated the thought of claiming his mate in the bedroom on the plane, but damned if he was going to wait to get back to Raleigh. And, they wouldn't be in Ireland for very long. Oh no. In and out, that was his plan. They'd be back in no time. 


*** 

Liam kept up with Darren's footsteps, barely. 

"Still don't understand why you wouldn't want another beer. That may have been the best I've ever had. We should take a European beer tasting trip, just for comparison, though. German ales are pretty damned good." They'd only gone in the last bar because Darren caught Cass's scent. 

"Not interested." Glancing around the crowded Temple Bar section of Dublin, Darren wondered why Cass would be there. She was private, definitely not the type to hang out in tourist spots. 

"Or we could just stay here and sample whiskey. All the whiskey." 

Technically, that didn't sound like too bad of a plan, if he weren't searching for his missing mate. "You should get on your knees and thank God that you can't get cirrhosis." 

Liam snorted just as Darren thought he'd, again, picked up on Cass's scent. He froze mid stride and almost took out a group of people. Peering inside the closest bar, he inhaled deeply and looked for her glossy black hair. Nada. 

Shit. 

Darren turned, making a complete circle so he could visualize everything around him. His frustration was growing. Cass was so close, and he needed to see her. Feel her. Wrap her in his arms. Drop to his knees and apologize for being a colossal ass. Spend the next century begging her forgiveness. Then spend the rest of his life making her happy. 

The sounds of barf splattering the pavement shook him out of his thoughts. 

"This"--he pointed down at the moaning human in front of him--"is what all the whiskey gets you." 

Liam glanced down with disdain as they stepped around the human. "Not me." He waved a negligent hand. "Higher tolerance and all that." 

"Mmm hmm." Looking around, again, Darren barely restrained a growl. Cass's scent grew fainter, and he was no damned closer to finding her. 

Going to lose my motherfucking mind. 

Material brushed his arm, and Darren snarled as his head snapped around. "Hey, do you mind holding my jacket while I tie my shoe?" 

What the fuck? Darren snatched the jacket and Liam bent, after casting a pointed glare toward Darren's hands. Claws had already punched through the tips, and if he were a betting person, he'd put money on his eyes glowing. Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, he slipped on his polarized Ray Bans, covered both fists with the jacket and willed himself to calm. 

"No problem." 

Biggest white lie ever. If Darren spent two more seconds out there without Liam's assistance, he'd likely have shifted and torn a bloody path through the Temple Bar district. 

They needed to get out of public, check into a room and Darren needed to sleep off any jet lag. Then come sunrise, he'd try again. 

Liam stood and cast a worried glance at Darren. "Okay?" 

Not in the slightest. "Fine. Let's get something to eat, go find a room, and search again tomorrow." 

Liam almost seemed to slouch in relief. "Sounds good. We'll hit the roads in the morning." 

He confirmed that with a small nod. And I'll spend another sleepless night without her.




Other Books in the Return of the Lycan King Trilogy:


Return of the Lycan King: Book 1 Nicholas and Kristen







One life, one mate. Nicholas Konstantine has been waiting over a thousand years for his mate. But when he finds her, she's completely unaware of her Lycan biology, and she's battling her own personal demons.

Kristen O'Connor is a recovering addict, with some major trust issues. By not letting anyone get close, she won't get hurt. Yet after one meetiing with Nicholas, her walls are crumbling, and she wants more with this man.

But Nicholas reveals his Lycan side, and hers as well. In addition, ghosts from both of their pasts come back to haunt them. Will they face everything together, or will Kristen's fears be stronger than her love?



Return of the Lycan King: Book 2 Lex and Elizabeth



Available at:  Amazon |  Barnes and Noble |  Goodreads




Lex thought he'd lost her, but Elizabeth is back and she is his mate. But between her getting used to life as a Lycan, threats from dangerous elements looming over their heads and very odd changes in the Lycan kingdom happening all around them, nothing will be easy. Lex and Elizabeth's love has to be the strength to pull them through.




Candace is offering two lucky winners their choice of either a $25 Amazon Gift Card of $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below:






Candace makes her home in North Carolina with her high school sweetheart husband and their two sons. She's an indie author who has published two previous romances (with a bit of fantasy in each), Tristan's Redemption and Nate's Forgiveness. Her current works are all paranormal romance (her favorite genre to read!) and are set in her home state. She loves coffee, cold weather, the Boston Red Sox, the Carolina Panthers, and hearing from fans.




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