InkSlinger PR Presents: Tricked

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We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Review & Excerpt Tour for TRICKED by Rebecca Zanetti, a novella in her Dark Protectors Series brought to you by 1001 Dark Nights! Grab your copy of this sexy  novella today!

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Rebecca Zanetti’s TRICKED – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:
October 26th
Letter Shelves Blog – Review & Excerpt
Marie's Tempting Reads – Review & Excerpt
October 27th
GraveTells – Excerpt
She Hearts Books – Review
Reese's Reviews – Review & Excerpt
October 28th
Natalie TheBiblioholic – Review & Excerpt
Booknista – Excerpt
The Escapist Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
October 29th
The Reading Cafe – Review & Excerpt
Becky on Books – Review & Excerpt
Vagabonda Reads – Review & Excerpt
October 30th
WTF Are You Reading! – Review & Excerpt
Sofia Loves Books – Review & Excerpt
October 31st
Reading in Pajamas – Review & Excerpt
Always YA at Heart – Review & Excerpt
Untamed Bibliophiles – Review & Excerpt
November 1st
Dog-Eared Daydreams – Review & Excerpt
Oh My Growing TBR – Review & Excerpt
Hannah's Words – Review & Excerpt
November 2nd
Bookaliciousbabes Blog – Review & Excerpt
Read-Love-Blog – Excerpt
Mistress of Romance – Review & Excerpt
Romance Book Nerd – Excerpt
November 3rd
The BookWhisperer – Review
British Book Binge – Review & Excerpt
November 4th
The Sassy Bookster – Review & Excerpt
Robinson Reviews – Review
   

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About TRICKED:
He Might Save Her
Former police psychologist Ronni Alexander had it all before a poison attacked her heart and gave her a death sentence. Now, on her last leg, she has an opportunity to live if she mates a vampire. A real vampire. One night of sex and a good bite, and she’d live forever with no more weaknesses. Well, except for the vampire whose dominance is over the top, and who has no clue how to deal with a modern woman who can take care of herself.
She Might Kill Him
Jared Reese, who has no intention of ever mating for anything other than convenience, agrees to help out his new sister-in-law by saving her friend’s life with a quick tussle in bed. The plan seems so simple. They’d mate, and he move on with his life and take risks as a modern pirate should. Except after one night with Ronni, one moment of her sighing his name, and he wants more than a mating of convenience. Now all he has to do is convince Ronni she wants the same thing. Good thing he’s up for a good battle.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU |  Amazon Canada

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 My Thoughts
Just  in time for Halloween, Paranormal Romance powerhouse, Rebecca Zanetti, and the 1001 Dark Nights novella collection have teamed up once again to bring you a story so vampirically steamy that your racing heart will be the only thing going bump on this All Hallow's Eve.

Ronni Alexander is a strong and independent woman determined to life her life on her own terms.  Even if doing so could cost her everything.  Right down to her last breath.  She didn't ask for the death sentence that the poison that is now coursing through her veins and ravaging her heart, has now given her.

Neither did she ask for the lifeline that a certain tall, dark, and very handsome albeit fanged, stranger is now offering her.  A lifeline with some rather permanent  and very binding previsoes.  The most shocking of which being the fact that, in order to live Ronni must be mated to Jared Reese for life.  Or, in her case eternity.

This is an utterly delicious vampire based read.  With lightening fast action and hotter than hell sensuality getting things going plotwise...right out of the gate.  There is no denying that this story though short, is definitely a winner.

Ronni proves that though her body may need saving, her will and fortitude do not.  She may not have fangs in the literal sense.  But please understand that when challenged, she is a formidable opponent who has quite a vicious bite behind her bark.

As for Mr. tall, dark, and fangly.  Seeing Jared have the walls around his immortal soul bulldozed by the fire and life flowing so freely from his new lady love.  Priceless!  His character is imbued with a rugged sensitivity that appeals to the reader on an almost instinctual level.  A level that translates very well into the expressions of shared passion that indelibly marks each love scene that he and Ronni share.

This is a story that will tease, titillate, and leave you both sated and hungering for just one last taste.



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 rebecca-zanetti-headshotAbout Rebecca Zanetti: New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and contemporary romances. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Her current series are: The Dark Protectors, The Maverick Montana Cowboys, and the Sin Brothers series. Upcoming series are: The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome.  

Website | Facebook | Twitter

    Father and Daughter Playing Together at the Beach at Sunset. Happy Fun Smiling Lifestyle   inkslinger-blogger-new

“Walt didn’t do drugs,” Lance snapped.
“Yes, he did,” Mabel countered softly. “We all know it. Walt was struggling after losing his wife two years ago, and we all know he drank and occasionally did drugs.”
Ronni intervened before Lance could explode. “We’re not knocking him, Lance. I agree, based on every session I had with him, that he wouldn’t have killed himself by such an overdose.” The amount shot into Walt’s veins was way too much to be accidental. “Let’s find out who wanted him, and then me, dead.”
Lance shoved a red folder toward her. “Walt was working an internal case regarding drugs that had disappeared from lockup six months ago.”
Ronni reared back. “We hadn’t discussed any internal case. You think a cop took those drugs?”
Lance shrugged. “Walt did. I found the notes in the bottom of his locker at the gym.”
That would make sense. A cop could easily get to her as well with the poison.
Mabel leaned forward. “You can’t let anybody know you’re better. They might try to take you out another way.”
But she didn’t know a thing about Walt’s internal investigation. Did she? “I need to go through all my notes and files from meeting with Walt.” She’d done so once, but her body and mind had been barely working. Who knew what she’d missed.
“I disagree,” Lance said slowly, his gaze hard. “Let’s get you out there and flush the bastard out.”
Ronni’s mouth opened and then closed. “That’s a great idea. Tonight is the retirement bash for the lieutenant, right? How about I show up and prove my health?”
Mabel sputtered. “That’s dangerous. You’re not a cop.”
Yeah, but she was flirting with immortality. “I don’t care. Somebody tried to f@cking kill me, and I want to know who it is. Make them pay.”

Barclay Publicity Presents: The Pacifist Book Blitz

31415825
Title: The Pacifist
Series: New Wave Newsroom #3
Author: Jenny Holiday
Genre: New Adult Romance
Release Date: October 25, 2016
Length: 36k words
Format: Digital/Paperback
Digital ISBN: 978-0-9950927-3-0
Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9950927-2-3
She’s done holding her peace…
Laraline Reynolds has spent her entire life as a certified Good Girl. The perpetual peacemaker in her volatile, conservative family, Laraline promises herself that she’ll spend her last year of grad school getting in touch with her inner rebel before she settles down and marries her family-approved long-distance boyfriend. But Laraline’s Year of Fun quickly turns into something more complicated, and she finds herself at the forefront of a movement to change her college’s sexual assault policy.
It’s the Year of No Fun for Tony Bianchi. A fifth-year senior, he needs to graduate, so he’s put a moratorium on his two favorite distractions: girls and photography. But when Laraline comes calling, needing some photos for her cause–and for her campaign for a seat on the college board of governors–Tony’s resistance comes crashing down.
They both fall hard. But while Tony is ready to give it everything he’s got, Laraline is afraid. She wasn’t prepared for her one-year rebellion to lead her to the life she truly wants. In order to break free from her family, she’ll need to do the scariest thing of all–follow her heart.
Get the book here:Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks



Excerpt:
“Tony, there’s someone here to see you.”
It was Beth calling through the door of the darkroom, though I had already recognized her knock. Beth was the editor of the Examiner and though she was a relentless newshound, she had a surprisingly tentative knock, at least compared to Jenny, her predecessor. Funny that I’d spent so much time in this darkroom over the years that I could distinguish between the knocks of my editors.
I wasn’t supposed to be here, working on the second issue of the year. I should have been in my apartment, getting a jump on my reading for the four classes I was taking this semester. I’d never successfully passed four classes in a semester before. If Jenny was still in charge around here, she would have kicked me out. Beth, who knew all about my self-imposed Semester of No Fun, had not. So, like a junkie in search of a fix, here I was, hunched over in the red-tinged darkness.
Beth’s knock was joined by another, more insistent one. More of a pounding, really. Definitely someone else.
The door shook. I moved quickly to shove the photo paper into its black plastic bag, lest my more aggressive visitor knock the door off the hinges and flood the room with light.
“Give me a sec!” Who could want to see me so urgently? My twin sister, Tanya, had graduated, as had Jenny and Dawn and most of my close friends who would know to find me here. That was part of the point. No friends left on campus meant no social temptation and should have made it easier to put my head down and plow through Introduction to Geology. (Yes, I had failed Rocks for Jocks the first time around.)
The pounding continued. “Hang on!” I double-checked that my paper was secure in its bag before closing the bag in its box. Then I swung open the door, blinking against the sudden brightness.
Blinking against the sudden beauty.
Because it was her. The girl from the picture. And, all warm medium-brown skin, flashing brown eyes, and scarlet-painted lips, she was gorgeous.
She was also not pleased.
“What the hell is this?” she yelled, waving a copy of Tuesday’s paper, which featured her courtyard kiss on the cover. The paper had an Overheard/Overseen on Campus section, and we sometimes ran a photo in it. Beth had, as I’d predicted, moved the feature to the front page and run my shot in color.
“Hey,” I said, flashing my trademark grin that was so popular with the ladies. Even though I wasn’t supposed to be deploying that grin this year, it might mitigate some of the tension rolling off this girl. “It’s nice to properly meet you. I’m Tony.”
I held out my hand for her to shake, but she looked at it like I was offering her a handful of shit. So I did a lame stretching/fixing-my-hair thing to cover the fact that my overture had been rebuffed, which was stupid, because as pretty as she was, what did I care what this girl thought of me? It was the Semester of No Fun, right?
“Well, Tony,” she said, her voice having gone quiet, which was jarring after the yelling. It did something to me, hearing my name on her lips like that, all breathy and intimate. It made me comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time, which made no sense, but there it was. “How about we start with the fact that you have ruined my life.”

Currently on sale for $0.99!
The Fixer: available at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

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The Gossip: available at  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks


All About Jenny
JennyHolidayJenny Holiday started writing at age nine when her awesome fourth grade teacher gave her a notebook and told her to start writing some stories. That first batch featured mass murderers on the loose, alien invasions, and hauntings. (Looking back, she’s amazed no one sent her to a kid-shrink.) She’s been writing ever since. After a brief detour to get a PhD in geography, she worked as a professional writer, producing everything from speeches to magazine articles. More recently, her tastes having evolved from alien invasions to happily-ever-afters, she tried her hand at romance. A lifelong city-lover, she lives in Toronto, Canada, with her family. She is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Greenburger Associates.
 See Her Socially : Website Facebook | Twitter Goodreads | Amazon


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Audio Awesomeness: J. Costa's Purgatory Is One Hell Of A Heaven Sent Audio Experience

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Title:  Purgatory
Series:  (Purgatory #1)
Author:  J. Costa
Review Format:  Audiobook
Length:  3hrs. 37mins.
Publisher:  Audible Inc.
Rating:  5 Stars

Dave - a serial killer, is tortured by memories of his lost love, Mya and by his obsession for the beauties of life. In 1997 he travels to East Texas with ill intentions for a priest responsible for the relocation of clergy guilty of child molestation. Kidnapping the guilty priest he nicknames "Judas", he persuades him through threats and a hollow promise, to help him locate and punish the deviant priests, thus avenging the innocents who could not defend themselves.

Dave's recklessness leads them on a convoluted journey across the country. As Dave drags Judas to what he feels is their final destiny, these two drastically different individuals begin to see they are more alike than not. Dave appears to be imprisoned in his past, as he claws away at his present. Judas thought he was at peace with his past actions, only to discover through his conversations with Dave that he is just as tortured.

An unlikely pact develops between the serial killer and the priest. Haunted by the loves and sins of one another's pasts, the two form a strange bond as their personalities dangerously influence one another. 



My Thoughts
To say that as a reviewer, I have read a great number of audiobooks.  Or, have had them read to me, depending upon one's perspective, would be quite the unremarkable understatement.  What one would be surprised to learn however, would be the surprisingly small number of these readings that would in my opinion, qualify as my having "experienced" the book in question.
Until now.

Author J. Costa and his cast, take readers on a vengeance fueled hell ride through the thoughts and actions of Dave.  A man driven by loss, pain, grief, guilt, and trauma, to do the unthinkable.
A man who some would vilify as a demon.  A man who others would canonize as a saint.  But a man, nonetheless.
Yes, Dave kills and kidnaps priests.
Yes, Dave has a relationship with his lost love, Mya, in his head.
Yes, Dave would be the first to admit that his actions could never be considered "right".
He would also be the first to say that he does "have his reasons".

Reasons that the dying priests, the hostage that he refers to as Judas, the reader, and even Dave come to understand, as the story progresses.
Reasons that bring the characters and the reader face to face with the terrifying knowledge that civilization really isn't all that civil.
That we are all just people.  One maybe two tragedies away from our own version of Dave.

The biggest reason that we as readers are able to make the leap into Dave's world has to be the all encompassing style of audio employed by Mr. Costa.  Who wisely chose to dramatize his work in the style of 1920's radio works.  Complete with sound effects, dialogue, and narration.  Achieving a near perfect balance between emotionally compelling character interaction, a dark, complex, and highly involved plot, and an overall story that is unafraid to address issues which are both socially relevant and disturbing on both conscious and unconscious levels.  This is a story that must be read, seen, discussed, pondered, talked about and experienced.  

About J. Costa
J. CostaJ. Costa is the author and narrator of the audiobook, Purgatory – Book One of the Purgatory Trilogy.

Prior to the audiobook release, Costa entered into a partnership with a production company out of Los Angeles, CA to have Purgatory brought to life as a major motion picture.

An avid outdoorsman and animal lover; when his fingers aren’t glued to the keyboard completing books two and three of Purgatory, he can be found exploring the wilderness with his most beloved companion, a five-year-old German Shepherd.

“I am inspired not only by the silence of solitude, but also by my loved ones, people who’s paths I cross and the events which unfold around us all.”

J. Costa

 Find J. Costa:  Web / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads 
    

Forever Romance Presents: The Billionaire Next Door Release Week Blitz and Giveaway



Title: THE BILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR
Author: Jessica Lemmon
Series: Billionaire Bad Boys, #2
On Sale: October 25, 2016
Publisher: Forever
Mass Market: $5.99 USD
eBook:  $5.99 USD

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It's Tag Crane's job to be the life of the party. Traveling from one exotic locale to another is just part of running the luxurious Crane Hotel empire. But even paradise isn't perfect. Devising a new business strategy is keeping Tag up at night-and so is the Great Dane barking at all hours in the apartment below his. To muzzle the problem, Tag charges downstairs . . . right into the most beautiful, blond distraction he's ever seen.

Dog-sitting by day, bartending by night. It's not exactly the life Rachel Foster dreamed of. But when Tag Crane rushes in, all mountain-man shoulders and obscenely sexy smile, needing her help for the Crane Hotels, it's a fantasy come true. What's the harm in a fun no-strings fling? Only a fool would give her heart to a billionaire player like Tag-until suddenly the one man who can't be caught is the one flirting with forever . . 

“Why is it you look like you’re thinking something sinister?” he asked, that eyebrow arcing higher. “And don’t lie to me, Dimples. I have a sixth sense.” She watched his slow smile, white teeth appearing as his trimmed beard parted. Her nether regions buzzed like she’d sat on a vibrating phone.
“I’m surprised . . .” she started, feeling daring. Must be the Kona coffee.
“Because?”
“Because I expected you to induct me into the Mile High Club by now. This is my first private flight.” She looked at him through her lashes, her coy smile in place.
Tag wore an all-out grin, which made her inordinately pleased. Where she was concerned, he wasn’t immune. And she liked that. A lot.
“Excuse me.” Smoothly, he shut his laptop, stood, and walked from cabin to cockpit.
Okay. That was interesting. She hadn’t expected him to leave. Maybe she didn’t have the same power over him as he had over her.
She turned to look out the window, but the nighttime landscape was nothing but blackness. She imagined a sea of clouds and blue skies once the sun rose, anticipating being someplace where the high was above freezing. She wondered what the temperature was on—
“Let’s go.” Her hand was snatched a moment later as Tag pulled her out of her seat and led her to the bedroom.
“Wait,” she said through her laughter as she hustled after him. “What are you doing?”
In the bedroom, he released her, closed the door, and whipped off his shirt. She gasped, her eyes eating up his tanned muscles and bulky arms.
“Making you a member.” He caught the back of her head in his hand and kissed her. She melted beneath his touch. She was hopelessly attracted to him. Just an absolute goner.
When she caught a breath of air, she said, “Where did you go?”
“Told the pilot to take the long way.”
“There’s a longer way to Hawaii?”
“There is now.”

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 My Thoughts
Taggart Crane has no idea what to make of the beautiful blond spitfire, with flashing eyes and the most adorable dimples in existence.  When he goes downstairs to soothe his neighbor's anxious Great Dane.  Only to be greeted by her very sleep rumpled self.

Rachel Foster is a woman looking to find her piece of solid ground.  After a two year relationship ends leaving her without the man that she trusted with her heart, and the job that she loved.
And...

With her best friend and current roommate coming ever closer to her 'happily...' with her special someone.  Rachael knows that she has to strike out on her own...and soon.  Babysitting the loveable companion of one of her favorite regulars from the bar where she works.  Just happens to be one of the ways that she goes about doing that.
For now!

Jessica Lemmon is shooting for the romantic Trifecta with her Billionaire Bad Boys series.  And this reviewer can say without the slightest hesitation, that if she keeps writing with a fraction the heart, passion, and fun found between these pages. She and her readers will cross the love story finish line winners every time.

Taggart Crane is that perfect example of quiet strength and deep intelligence that can often be over looked.  Especially if, like Mr. Crane, one is used to being overlooked.  Or worse, being valued for what is on the surface.  But Rachel's ability to see past the hunky package, to the man inside proves the perfect foil to this sensitive and misunderstood man's defenses.

It seems that this story is dishing out lessons about love all the way around.  For Rachel, 1+1 definitely seems to = "you're worth the risk".  As Tag endeavors to let this strong and confident lady into his world and his heart.

This book is so well written that there is not one page, line, or word that one would dare miss.  The pacing is a dream, and the transitions in mood, emotional depth, and plot development are seamless.
The steaminess of the love scenes is enhanced by the ease of the playful rapport that Tag and his lady establish early on.  Making their romance read as nothing less than authentic.

In short, The Billionaire Next Door is a story that readers will love to love.

Reviewer's Note:  This book is the second of a companion romantic series.  As such it may be read in any order within said series.
This review is provided based from an advanced reader's copy of the work in questioEntern.  All opinions are those of the reviewer, and are in no way effected by the positions of either its author or publisher.
Jessica LemmonA former job-hopper, Jessica Lemmon resides in Ohio with her husband and rescue dog. She holds a degree in graphic design currently gathering dust in an impressive frame. When she’s not writing super-sexy heroes, she can be found cooking, drawing, drinking coffee (okay, wine), and eating potato chips. She firmly believes God gifts us with talents for a purpose, and with His help, you can create the life you want.

Jessica is a social media junkie who loves to hear from readers.

You can also find her here:
Facebook: www.jessicalemmon.com/authorjessicale...
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/lemmony



THE SERIES

The Billionaire Bachelor, #1
The Billionaire Next Door, #2
The Bastard Billionaire, #3

Series Page on Goodreads



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Pocket Books Presents: To Love And To Cherish

28552677 TITLE:  To Love And To Cherish
SERIES:  (The Wedding Belles 3)
AUTHOR:  Lauren Layne
FORMAT:  Print
LENGTH:  320 pages
PUBLISHER:  Pocket Books
RATING:  5 Stars
AMAZON || BARNES AND NOBLE || KOBO

Sex and the City meets The Wedding Planner in The Wedding Belles, a contemporary and witty romance series about three high-powered New York City women who can plan any wedding—but their own.

Alexis Morgan has spent the past six years devoted to turning her tiny start-up into Manhattan’s premiere wedding planning company, The Wedding Belles. Now that her business is thriving, it’s time to turn towards her much neglected personal life, and Alexis approaches her relationships like she does everything else: with a plan. Not a part of that plan is Logan Harris, the silent partner in the Belles, and the one person who’s been there for her since the very beginning. But Alexis needs someone fun, and Logan’s all business, all the time—except when a late night at the office ends with an unexpected kiss that leaves the usually cool and together Alexis reeling.

Logan has lusted after Alexis since the day he walked into the tiny Harlem apartment that used to double as her office. But the ambitious wedding planner has always been untouchable...until now. Alexis has made it clear that she’s on the dating market—and equally clear that he’s not in the running. But when Alexis finds herself in need of a date for her sister’s last minute wedding in Florida, Logan knows it’s the perfect time to show Alexis that there’s more to him than numbers and spreadsheets—and beneath the pinstripes and glasses lies a hot-blooded heartthrob. As Florida’s sultry days turn into even hotter nights, Logan’s out to convince Alexis that the fling of a lifetime could just maybe turn into forever...



“Hello.”
The sexy British accented startled Alexis out of her thoughts, and she glanced up, both alarmed and intrigued to find that the face that awaited her was every bit as appealing as the voice.
The man was about her age—early, maybe midtwenties—and ridiculously cute. His hair was dark and maybe just a touch too long, as though he intended to get a haircut but kept forgetting. The eyes were brown and friendly, accented by trendy black-framed glasses.
The chunky cable-knit sweater with elbow patches—for real—bordered on dorky, but then, Alexis had always had a soft spot for dorky. He had a bit of the Clark Kent thing going on, which had always been far more her type than the overrated Superman.
“Hi,” she replied quickly, realizing that she’d been staring.
His smile grew wider as he extended a hand. “Logan Harris.”
Darn. Even the name was good.
“Alexis,” she said.
“Does that come with a last name?” he teased, lowering himself to the vacant barstool beside her.
“Not to strange men,” she retorted.
“I could buy you a drink. Get rid of the ‘strange’ part.”
Alexis’s smile slipped as she remembered that romance, even flirting, wasn’t part of her plan. She’d learned the hard way that she could have one or the other—her own business or a boyfriend—not both. And even if she wanted the latter, the latter didn’t want her back.
“No thanks; I’m fine,” she said, letting the slightest amount of chill enter her voice. The ice-princess treatment, Roxanne called it.
Logan shrugged, undeterred. “All right then. May I borrow your menu?”
She nodded, and he picked it up, perusing it for several moments and paying her no attention.
It was both a relief and also a bit of an insult, if she was being entirely honest, to be given up on so easily.
Alexis tried to turn her attention back to her laptop but watched out of the corner of her eye as he finally shut the menu, waiting patiently to catch the bartender’s eye.
“Hi there,” he said, when the bartender ambled back over. “I’d like a Stella, and a maybe bite to eat?”
Alexis didn’t miss the once-over that the bartender gave Logan before the curvy redhead leaned over the bar, displaying perky boobs as she clicked her pen and pulled a notepad out of her back pocket.
“Shoot,” the bartender said flirtatiously, looking a good deal friendlier than she had when she’d spoken to Alexis.
Not that Alexis blamed her. A cute Brit could do that to a girl.
“All right then,” Logan said. “I’d like the burger, medium, with Swiss. Fish and chips, extra tartar, and . . . how’s your chicken club?”
The bartender blinked. “It’s good. But you want all that?”
“I do. Thank you.”
“Suit yourself,” she said, scribbling Logan’s order on the pad.
“Hungry?” Alexis couldn’t resist asking after the bartender moved away.
Logan gave a sheepish smile. “I’m a recovering student. I sometimes get so wrapped up in my day that I forget to eat.”
“A recovering student. What does that mean?”
He turned slightly toward her. “Someone’s showing plenty of interest in a strange man.”
She bit her lip. “I’m sorry if I was rude before. I’m just not really in the market for . . . you know.”
He gave her an easy smile. “Everyone’s in the market for a friend, Alexis.”
She opened her mouth and then shut it as she realized he was right. She could use a friend. She’d spent her entire life in Boston and knew almost nobody in New York. This guy seemed nice and nonthreatening enough—what would be the harm in a little conversation over dinner? It had been too long since she’d had somebody to share a meal with.
Logan seemed to know the moment she capitulated, because he turned more fully toward her. “A recovering student, Alexis, is a recent graduate. One who hasn’t quite absorbed that there will be no more finals, no more requisite all-nighters, and no more dorm sex.”
Alexis laughed. “Undergrad, then?”
He gave her a wry look. “How young do I look, darling? MBA from Columbia. Just finished up end of last year.”
She felt a little stab of relief that he wasn’t twenty-two.
He leaned toward her slightly. “Twenty-five next month, just in case you were wondering. As a friend.”
She tried to hide her smile and failed. “Columbia, huh? You’re a long way from home.”
“Noticed that, did ya?” He winked. “I came out here for undergrad, also Columbia. Always figured I’d go back to London and maybe someday I will, but . . .” He shrugged. “Seems I have stuff to do here first.”
“Such as?” She took a sip of her wine, dismayed to see that it was half-empty.
“Well, this will probably shock you, given my vast amount of brawn, but I’m an accountant. Or at least I will be, once I get my business up and running.”
Alexis was impressed. “Your own business?”
Most twentysomethings, even those with an entrepreneurial bent, opted to get a few years of work under their belts for someone else before branching out on their own.
He nodded. “I’m working out of my flat for now, but I’m hoping to lease some office space soon, get some legitimacy. If nothing else to get my father off my back.”
“He’s not a fan of your plan?” Alexis asked.
Logan’s shoulder lifted, and for the first time he seemed a little sad. “Both parents have had it in their head that I’d come home. Run the family business in London.”
“Which is . . . ?”
He spun his beer glass idly. “Financial consulting firm. My father’s the CEO, Mum’s the COO.”
“Wow, that’s . . .”
“Scary?” Logan supplied.
“I was going to say impressive. That they work together—without killing each other, I mean.”
“They’re in love. It’s atrocious,” he said with a wink. “What about your folks?”
Alexis laughed. “Not in love. They divorced when I was in high school. Dad’s remarried and happy now, I think. Mom not so much.”
“And you?” he said. “Are you happy, Alexis?”
She pursed her lips, surprised and yet not entirely unsettled by the personal question. “It’s been a while since anyone asked me that. Since I even thought about it, really.”
“Think it out. I’ll wait,” he said with a wink.
She didn’t have to think that long. “I’m almost happy.”
“You sound quite confident on that.”
She shrugged. “Let’s just say that I need a few things to fall into place in my professional life, but once that happens . . . yeah. I’ll be happy.”
She’d make sure of it.
My Thoughts
Alexis Morgan.  Workaholic, straight arrow, always on point, and has no...absolutely...no...time...for...relationships.  At least not ones which do not involve other people's love lives.
This third installment of the Wedding Belles series, definitely seems to have taken the saying "saving the best for last" to heart in a big way.  With the new girl in town and her assistant having found love in books 2 and 3 of the series.  It would be very safe to say that  no single woman within a five mile radius of The Wedding Belles is safe.  A fact that, while glaringly obvious to everyone else.  Goes mostly unnoticed by this beautiful boss lady.
Alexis is indeed so ensconced in her effort to ensure everyone else's "happily..." that it takes the force of nature that is her sister's wedding in the sun and surf of Florida.  To even get her out of business mode long enough to realize that she is short a very important +1.
Not to worry though. Where there is an invitation, it seems that there is also a date.  A date that, if she knows what's good for her, our girl Alexis just might want to circle in red on her forever calendar.

To Love And To Cherish is the perfect example of the 'last chance at forever' kind of love.  Alexis Morgan the example of type A in overdrive.  She is a woman who will settle for nothing but the best for everyone around her.  All the while contenting herself with the lie that she is happy with nothing.
At least as far as her love life is concerned.

Logan Harris has been there for both Alexis and her company from day one.  A silent partner in Alexis business and in her life.  Logan realizes that the time has come for him to speak now, and have the woman and the life he wants.  Or hold his peace and go home to England to work for his family, and loose his dream forever.
Leading man Logan too seems a little shy on the get up and go.  When it comes to love.  So the circumstances that put these two in such close quarters that they become two literal orbiting planets.  Are indeed heaven sent.  The situational high jinx which ensue seem to loosen him up enough so that his inner bad boy Brit shows just enough to arouse more than Alexis' curiosity.

This book is smart, funny, surprisingly real, and highly relatable.  It is a read for those who are looking for love, have already found it, or who for whatever reason 'just like to watch others fall'.
It is a book that screams  'read me'.  From page 1, straight through to the acknowledgements.

lauren-laynePrior to becoming an author, Lauren lived in Seattle with a cushy job in e-commerce/web-marketing. On a whim, she quit her job and moved to NYC to pursue a writing career. A year later, she had an agent and two publishing contracts.
She now lives in midtown Manhattan where she writes full time, although has been known to be lured away from the computer by a well-made cocktail.
Contact Lauren:

Barclay PR Presents: Red Winter...An Exploration + Giveaway

Displaying ii_157c9e284fbec1e0 Title:  Red Winter
Series:  (Red Winter #1)
Author:  Annette Marie
Length:  346 pages
Publisher:  Dark Owl Fantasy Inc.
Rating:  5 Stars

Emi is the kamigakari. In a few short months, her life as a mortal will end and her new existence as the human host of a goddess will begin. Carefully hidden from those who would destroy her, she has prepared her mind, body, and soul to unite with the goddess—and not once has she doubted her chosen fate. Shiro is a yokai, a spirit of the earth, an enemy of the goddess Emi will soon host. Mystery shrouds his every move and his ruby eyes shine with cunning she can’t match and dares not trust. But she saved his life, and until his debt is paid, he is hers to command—whether she wants him or not. On the day they meet, everything Emi believes comes undone, swept away like snow upon the winter wind. For the first time, she wants to change her fate—but how can she erase a destiny already wrought in stone? Against the power of the gods, Shiro is her only hope … and hope is all she has left.

Buy The Book  
Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon AU |  Amazon CA

 My Thoughts
Red Winter is one of those books that you simply fall into.  Unlike most books however,  those whose points of interest are limited to one or two main catagories.  The list for reasons that one is utterly captivated by this read is an endless one.

Let's start with the world building shall we?  This is the perfect blend of modern Japan wrapped in timeless tradition, and tied with a magical bow. This is a place where cars, cell phones, and modern convenience exists along side majestic Shinto temples, and you never know when a devilish yokai will pop out from behind the nearest tree.


Characters.  While our heroine may not wield a sword.  (Ahem...she has people for that!) Her compassion, intuition, and problem solving skills put Emi ahead of the world saving pack time and time again.  More importantly, her self determination in the face of a seemingly impossible fate, is a message that will speak to the hearts and minds of readers of all ages.

Shiro...quiet...strong...watchful...intelligent...ever present...Shiro.  There is so much about this character to love.  Surprisingly, what just may appeal to readers most about him however, is what we don't know.
That is to say...
What we along with Emi have the pleasure of discovering about this most enigmatic of heroes and heart melting of romantic leads.

As far as baddies.  Well let's just say that there is one here that you are sure to hate to love.
Intrigued?
Read the book!
It becomes quite clear from the first interactions within this book's opening pages, that no matter the character, or how big or small their role.  They each possess a unique nuance tailor-made to add color, spice, and drama to each scene, chapter, or sentence.

The writing.  What we have in Red Winter is a story written as a feast for the imagination.  This is by no means a meal to be rushed or devoured in a few bites.  The moderate pacing of this book ensures that readers take the time necessary to fully experience each facet of character development, character metamorphosis, and plot maturity.  The words and phrasing found here are an effortless composition of image, sound, motion, and emotion that come together to build a somewhere and introduce readers to someones that they want to know forever.     




The yokai didn’t move, just held her in place with a strength she couldn’t fight. She tipped her head back to see his face, to gauge his intent. His gaze traveled across her room, intent and analyzing. Then his eyes flicked down and he appeared almost surprised to see her staring up at him. His mouth curved into a sly grin, flashing pointed canines.
His amusement at her terror sparked a tiny surge of anger. “Let me go!”
“Ah, little miko, didn’t anyone ever tell you not to run from yokai?” His deep, purring voice sent a shiver across her skin. He leaned down as his hand on her throat forced her head back. He brushed his nose along her jaw, from her chin up to her ear. “It’s the surest way to make us pounce,” he whispered, his breath tickling her ear.
Goose bumps raced down the back of her neck and she clenched her jaw. “Get your hands off me.”
He hummed as he pushed his face into her hair, inhaling through his nose. “But didn’t you put your hands on me first?”
“I was treating your wounds.” She summoned her most commanding tone, desperately hoping her voice wouldn’t quaver. “You’re proving that your kind’s reputation is well deserved with such disrespect and ingratitude toward the person who saved your life.”
His head came up and fear shot through her that she’d offended him, that he would surely kill her now. Instead, he made a thoughtful noise, and his hands fell away, releasing her.
She almost leaped out of his lap but remembered his comment about running from yokai. With more self-control than she’d thought she had, she carefully stood, walked four steps, and turned to face him. He stayed where he was, lounging on the bed with his feet on the floor, casually propped up on one arm. His head tilted to one side as he watched her, and that slight, knowing grin played about his lips.
She sank down to kneel on the floor, mostly because her legs were shaking so badly she was afraid he’d notice. As nonchalantly as possible, she slid her hands into the opposite sleeves of her kimono and pinched her hidden ofuda between two fingers, ready to pull the paper talismans out.
“No need for that, little miko,” he remarked, each word almost caressing her. How could he have such an otherworldly yet still human voice? “I will not harm you.”
She flushed, embarrassed she’d been so obvious, but didn’t let go of the ofuda. “What was that—that assault then?”
“Assault, you call it? That little embrace?”
“You—” She broke off with a small shake of her head. If he was determined to ignore the inappropriateness of forcefully holding a woman against him and rubbing his face on her, nothing she said would change his mind. “You have the manners of a dog.”
“What did you expect? The ritual greetings of the imperial court?”
“Some respect for the person who saved your life would have been welcome.”
“Ah, yes, you did save me, and I am very grateful.” He idly tugged at a lock of his hair as his gaze slid down her and back up again. “I am in your debt. Tell me your desire and I will fulfill it.”
“My—my desire?” she choked.
He smirked again. “A favor, little miko. I am saying I owe you a favor.”

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Inline image 5About Annette Marie
Annette Marie is the author of the Amazon best-selling YA urban fantasy series Steel & Stone, which includes the 2015 Goodreads Choice Award nominee Yield the Night. Her first love is fantasy, a limitless realm of creativity where she can break all the boring rules of real life, but fast-paced urban fantasy, bold heroines, and tantalizing forbidden romances are her guilty pleasures. She proudly admits she has a thing for dragons, and her editor has politely inquired as to whether she intends to include them in every book.
Annette lives in the frozen winter wasteland of northern Alberta, Canada (okay, it’s not quite that bad). She shares her life with her remarkably patient, comparatively sensible husband and their furry minion of darkness—sorry, cat—Caesar. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in one art project or another while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.
To find out more about Annette and her books, visit her website at www.authorannettemarie.com


Find Annette Marie: Website Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads

: a Rafflecopter giveaway

St Martin's Griffin Presents: Moon Chosen

Title: Moon Chosen
Series: Tales Of A New World
Author: P.C. Cast
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Shifter
Publisher: St. Martins Griffin
Release Date: 18th October 2016
BLURB supplied by St Martins Griffin
Mari is an Earth Walker, heir to the unique healing powers of her Clan; but she has cast her duties aside, until she is chosen by a special animal ally, altering her destiny forever. When a deadly attack tears her world apart, Mari reveals the strength of her powers and the forbidden secret of her dual nature as she embarks on a mission to save her people. It is not until Nik, the son of the leader from a rival, dominating clan strays across her path, that Mari experiences something she has never felt before…

Now, darkness is coming, and with it, a force more terrible and destructive than the world has ever seen, leaving Mari to cast the shadows from the earth. By forming a tumultuous alliance with Nik, she must make herself ready. Ready to save her people. Ready to save herself and Nik. Ready to embrace her true destiny…and obliterate the forces that threaten to destroy them all.

EXCERPT
Mari braced herself, and as she had so many times before, felt her mother stiffen while energy surged through Leda and into Mari, sizzling through her palm, down her arm to swirl around and around inside her, growing in power with each second that passed.  Mari’s heartbeat began to hammer and her breathing suddenly increased until she was panting as hard as was the pup.  In her arms, Rigel whined uncertainly.

“Focus.”  Her mother’s voice was only a whisper, but Mari could feel it through her whole body.  “You can do this.  The power is not yours to keep – your body is merely its channel.  Borrow serenity from the image of the Earth Mother.  Though you may be surrounded by chaos or sickness or injuries, find the true you within. Release that which belongs to the world –fears, worry, sadness, so that the silver stream may wash unimpeded through you. It is a waterfall at night. Rigel is the basin that must hold it.”

Mari stared at the beautiful image of the Earth Mother that Leda pruned and cared for so lovingly.  But, as always, the figure was only foliage and art to Mari.  She couldn’t feel the divine presence her mother revered.  She could not find her true self – her center.  “Mama, I c-can’t.  It’s s-so c-cold.  It- it hurts.” Mari stuttered through chattering teeth.

“Only because the healing power is not meant for you.  Release the fears of your body, Mari.  Focus!  Find your grounding and become a channel for the moon’s energy.  Tonight you must succeed.  If you do not, your Rigel will surely die.”

Her mother’s words exploded through Mari’s body.  “No!  He can’t die.  I won’t let him.”  She gritted her teeth against the cold and tried to focus past the pain – to release the cacophony of emotions that swirled through her body unimpeded – and to be the channel for the moonfall of water.  Yet, still the power was a whirlpool within her.  It terrified Mari and threatened to suck her down to drown in its freezing depths. 

This was when she usually failed.  This was when she dropped her mother’s hand and allowed sickness to claim her so that she vomited, dry heaving misery and moonlight while Leda stroked her back, consoling her with calm, loving words that reminded Mari there would be a next time – she would do better the next time.

But there was no next time for Rigel, and Mari refused to lose him.  Think!  Focus!

“Mari, slow your breathing.  Calm your heart.  This is no longer practice.  You either heal Rigel, or fail and he dies from shock and blood loss.  This is your reality.”

“That’s it, Mama!  I need to make this my reality!”  Mari squeezed her eyes closed.  Could that be the answer?  Could it really be that simple?  Mari imagined that she was in their burrow, alone, sitting at her desk preparing to create a sketch.  Her gulping breath slowed.  Her hammering heart quieted.  Mari found her grounding as she envisioned a blank sheet of paper.  On that paper her imagination began to quickly, easily, sketch an image of herself, sitting crossed-legged with Rigel spread across her lap.  From above her silver light cascaded into her lifted palm, washing through her body in a glistening wave to spout from her other palm, which was pressed against the pup’s bloody chest.  Eyes still tightly shut Mari worked on the scene, creating a picture of Rigel’s body that was washed clean of blood by the liquid light, leaving behind wounds that were neatly closed and already healing.

Suddenly the cold tide within Mari was controllable.  Instead of drowning her, it used her as a conduit, passing through her harmlessly as she let go of the energy.  I’m doing it!  I’m doing it!  And just that quickly her concentration shattered.  The picture she’d been creating disappeared along with the tide of power within her.

“No!  No!  Get it back!  I was doing it – it was working,” Mari gasped, gripping her mother’s hand like a lifeline.

“It’s too late.  The sun is fully risen.  Even with your help I cannot call the moon back to me,” Leda knelt beside Mari, gently disentangling her daughter’s hand from hers.  “But it was enough.  You did it, sweet girl.  I knew you could.  Praise the Earth Mother and the blessed Moon!  You have saved him.”

Feeling dizzy and disconnected, Mari looked down at Rigel.  The pup wagged his tail animatedly and sat up, licking her face.  Even though she felt light-headed, she laughed weakly and put her arms around him.  He nested there, curled against her body and, sending her waves of contentment, Rigel fell sound to sleep in her arms. With a trembling hand, Mari brushed aside the blood-matted fur on his chest.  What had only moments before been deep, seeping, whip-like lacerations were now pink lines of newly joined flesh that had ceased bleeding.

“I knew it was true.  You do have my powers and more.” 

As a child of both the Earth Walker and Companion clans, 18 year-old Mari is a young woman straddling two worlds.  The sun lit, golden world of her Companion heritage apparent in her blonde locks and the beautiful patterns that its rays bring to life on her skin.
But as the daughter of The Earth Walker Clans Moon Woman, and heir to the sacred post herself.  Mari's golden secret is one that she and her mother must guard with their lives.

Living among The Earth Walker Clan, the sun loving Mari is forced to live as a servant if the night.  Working with her mother and channeling the silver magic of the moon. With only her mother at her side.  Until Regiel.  The pup who braves the dangers of the night to make Mari his own.  Opening her heart and bringing her face to face with her destiny.

Nik is the son of The Guardian of his clan.  But he has no Companion, and he has lost a valuable pup.
Little does he know that his loss will change his life, and the lives of his people forever.

This first book is an epic undertaking.  Though the 600+ page volume does seem daunting at first glance; the detail and world building found here is astounding.  Mari is a wonderful protagonist, but she is never allowed to fully take center stage at any given time.  There are many characters and scenarios that ebb and flow throughout the book like water in a brook.

This is a book that will appeal to all ages, all peoples, and all socioeconomic levels.  A book about unity, that is sure to unify.



P.C. CAST is the #1 New York Times and USA Today Best-Selling author of the House of Night Series and a member of the Oklahoma Writers Hall of Fame.  With more than 20 million copies in print in over 40 countries, her novels have been awarded the prestigious: Oklahoma Book Award, YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Prism, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Booksellers’ Best, and the Laurel Wreath. 

Ms. Cast was born in the Midwest, and grew up being shuttled back-and-forth between Illinois and Oklahoma, which is where she fell in love with Quarter Horses and mythology.  After high school she joined the United States Air Force and began public speaking and writing. After her tour in the USAF, she taught high school for 15 years before retiring to write full time.  Ms. Cast lives in Oregon surrounded by beloved cats, dogs, horses, and family.

AUTHOR LINKS