Category Archives: Excerpt

Excerpt: Yesterday’s Kiss by Carly Fall

19 January, 2014 2:31 am , Leave a Comment ,

19268230Yesterday’s Kiss
By: Carly Fall
Publisher: Westward Publishing
Published: Dec. 15, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance

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Is she really encountering her one true love from the past?

When Maggie Ramos signs her divorce papers, she’s determined to start a new life free from her ex-husband’s verbal abuse and unfaithful behavior.

As a new start and celebration, Maggie decides to take a trip to Bisbee and Tombstone, Arizona. Because of her fascination with history, the two places have always captivated her with their rich pasts.

During a tour of the Copper Queen Mine in Bisbee, Maggie’s encounter with a miner named Joseph leaves her questioning her sanity. Claiming that he is her dead husband from the past, he is determined to prove to her that their love was real. He takes her on a journey vacillating between the present and the early 1900s, leaving Maggie to wonder if her psyche is shattering, or if she is really encountering her one true love from the past.

Does true love transcend death?

Excerpt“Margaret?”

She jumped and stepped back, putting a hand over her heart. The miner she had seen earlier stood before her, and now that he was closer, a strong feeling of recognition overcame her. She tried to remember where she knew him from, but the information eluded her.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “Do I know you?”

The man smiled, his teeth bright against his dirt-stained skin. She guessed his age at twenty-five or so as he took off his hat and ran his fingers through a mop of chin-length black hair. His light blue eyes twinkled as he smiled. “It’s me, Joseph. I’m shocked that you’re here. I knew you’d come back, Margaret.”

Why was he calling her Margaret? The last time someone called her by her given name she had been in line waiting to be summoned by the worker at the DMV.

A cauldron of emotions swept through Maggie, and she took another step away from him. Her heart raced as she tried to put a name on the feelings: uncertainty, excitement, relief, fear, and . . . something else she couldn’t pinpoint. For the life of her, she couldn’t place where she knew this man. However, it was obvious he was very pleased and seemed excited to see her.

“I’m sorry, but it’s just not coming to me. Where have we met?” she asked.

“Margaret, I’m your husband, Joseph. Please try to remember,” he said.

Her husband? What he said resonated as truth deep within Maggie, and she felt the urge to run, but something held her there, standing in front the miner. She shook her head. Obviously, this man . . . Joseph . . . had her confused with someone else.

“I wasn’t sure it was you until you smiled at me,” he said, “but then I knew. Only you could smile at me like that and light a fire within my heart.”

Maggie swallowed, trying to wet her throat so she could set this guy straight.

“I’ve been waiting for you for so long, Margaret. I’m so happy to see you.”

 

author
carly

Carly Fall is a wife, a mother and a slave to Nicky the dog.

She loves to laugh, thinks chocolate and wine should be considered their own food group, and wishes Christmas happened twice a year.

She is the author of the award-winning and best selling Six Saviors series, as well as contemporary romances such as Time or Money, Against the Ropes and Chica Bella.

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Posted in: Excerpt, Paranormal Romance

Excerpt: The Kiss of a Viscount by Linda Rae Sande

6 January, 2014 1:36 am , Leave a Comment ,

17658532The Kiss of a Viscount
(The Daughters of the Aristocracy, #1)
By: Linda Rae Sande
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Published: March 4, 2013
Genre: Historical Romance

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Having inherited a viscountcy, George Bennett-Jones knows he must find a bride, preferably the daughter of an aristocrat. His mistress Josephine insists on it. Through a series of lessons, she instructs George on the finer points of meeting and pleasing a woman. Josie has the ear of a politically powerful marquess, and his daughter, Lady Elizabeth, would suit perfectly. Elizabeth, though, has her sights on the handsome Earl of Trenton. When he returns to London for the Little Season, she is sure he will propose. Elizabeth has secretly founded her own charity, Finding Work for the Wounded, using bribery to secure employment for ex-soldiers. The first beneficiary of her charity knows George. Knowing he has only one night to court Elizabeth, George enlists Josie to help make the evening s arrangements. She acts as a chaperone, assuring Elizabeth she is safe with George, and shares information she has learned from Trenton s mistresses.

 

Excerpt

“I must find Mr. Bennett-Jones for this dance,” Elizabeth stated as she heard the orchestra begin playing. She moved away from her friends, and then, sure no one was watching her, stepped out through the nearest door. Having been in Lady Worthington’s home several times, she knew exactly where to find the library. Certain she wasn’t seen, Elizabeth ducked into the room and quietly closed the door behind her. Holding the knob to lock it, she was dismayed to find it did not have a lock.

“I’m afraid we’ll have to make do without a lock.”

Elizabeth gasped and whirled around to find George leaning against a library table, his arms crossed over his chest and his face sporting a mischievous grin. Her breath caught again as she realized the man wasn’t as unattractive as she’d first thought. In fact, with his sable hair combed into a perfect Titus style and the close fit of his evening wear and the grin that lifted his eyes, and indeed, his entire face, Elizabeth thought him rather handsome. “George!” she whispered hoarsely, meaning to scold him for startling her.

“I’m sorry, my lady,” he said as he bowed. “I thought you would at least look about the room before you closed the door,” he teased, but then his breath caught as he took in the sight of her again. The auburn curls atop her head were dressed with satin ribbons and mother-of-pearl combs, a single strand of pearls graced the base of her long neck, and the satin gown displayed the tops of her breasts and a rather deep cleavage.

Curtsying to his bow, Elizabeth nearly rolled her eyes. “It is I who should be apologizing, George. I do hope you have not been waiting long,” she hedged as she moved to stand before him.

My whole life, he almost said. “Just a few moments. Enough time to read The Iliad and half of The Odyssey,” he added as he waved toward a copy of Homer’s epic poems left open on the table. Two glasses of champagne stood next to the book. “Will you join me in a toast?” he wondered as he picked up the glasses and held one out to her.

Smiling at his attempt at humor, Elizabeth felt the nervousness leave her body. This was George. Just George. She had nothing to fear from him. He was just going to kiss her. “Of course,” she finally said, moving a step closer to take the glass.

George’s eyes closed for more than a blink, as if he was saying a silent prayer. “To the art of kissing,” he stated, holding his glass out to touch hers.

 

author7008676

A self-described nerd and lover of science, Linda Rae spent many years as a published technical writer specializing in 3D graphics workstations, software and 3D animation (her movie credits include SHREK and SHREK 2). An interest in genealogy led to years of research on the Regency era and a desire to write fiction based in that time.

Now running the front office of a busy print shop, she’s developed an appreciation for pretty papers and spends time using them in her scrapbooks. She can frequently be found at the local cinema enjoying the latest movie. During the winter, she hosts several junior hockey players, and an indeterminate number of tropical fish live with her year-round. She makes her home in Cody, Wyoming.

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Posted in: Excerpt, historical romance

Excerpt: Shatter by Joan Swan

27 December, 2013 3:05 am , 33 Comments ,

shatter

shatter1Shatter
(Phoenix Rising, #4)
By: Joan Swan
Publisher: Brava
Release Date: Dec. 31, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance

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For seven years, Halina Beloi has been in hiding. But she’s never forgotten Mitch Foster, the long, lean man she had to leave behind. Until, that is, Mitch shows up with a list of questions and a 9mm in his hand.

All Mitch knows is that Halina broke his heart and disappeared. But new information has surfaced implicating her as a player in the deadliest game of Mitch’s life. This time, he’s not letting go without answers. Now terror, danger and heat will fuse them together or shatter the future. . .

 

ExcerptThe attacker’s mouth tipped in a knowing smile. “Sweetheart, I’m the new player in this game. Schaeffer is old news. All I need is the genetic research you took when you left DARPA. Then you can come with me, join a winning team for a change, live the life you deserve after all your hard work. Or I can go away and leave you with this pathetic loser to hash out all those nasty secrets from your past. It’s up to you.”

“If you expect us to believe you’re just going to let us go,” Mitch said, “you’ve been watching too much Hawaii Five-O.”

“I don’t give a fuck what you believe, Foster.” To Halina he said, “Nothing you or Foster can do will damage my plans. Everything is already in motion—way far away. You, on the other hand, can work miracles to enhance it. Either way, I’m solid, just behind schedule without your research. Foster is all drama.”

“Halina…” Mitch said from between clenched teeth, his voice filled with warning.

She didn’t look at Mitch. “If I give you the research, you’ll leave us alone?”

“Halina, don’t.” Mitch stepped forward.

“Stop, Foster,” the gunman said without removing his gaze from

Halina’s face. “Yes, Beloi. You give me the research and I’ll leave you and Foster alone. This doesn’t have to be difficult.”

Halina shifted closer to the gunman. She could take the weapon pointed at her forehead. Ten seconds and she’d have control over the military-style Beretta. Fifteen and the attacker would have a broken finger. Twenty, a broken nose.

But his other arm was extended well out of her reach, the weapon pointed steadily at Mitch’s chest. And she didn’t know how to get one weapon without triggering the other.

“It’s in the house,” she said. “In a safe.”

“Hands, Foster. Hands.” The gunman’s warning made her dart a look toward Mitch. He lifted a hand from behind his body, where he’d been reaching for something. “If I have to warn you again, it will be with a bullet.” Then to Halina, “Your boyfriend and your dog are the most annoying creatures I’ve ever run across.”

“Let Mitch take the dog and go. I’ll get you the research from the house.” Where she knew every inch of every room. Where she had built in traps. Where she could take this man down, knock him out and restrain him.

“Hell no,” Mitch said, “I’m not getting near Kujo.”

The gunman laughed and turned his head toward Mitch.

Get close. Take control. Tommy’s commands whispered in her head.

Halina stepped in, grabbed the gunman’s wrist in one hand, the muzzle of the weapon in the other. He immediately resisted, his muscles tensing. She used his rigid arm to pivot his body away from Mitch. Leaned on his wrist, shoved his arm. Underhand grab, twist, flip.

Snap.

The gunman screamed. Dex went insane inside the car. Halina’s stomach tweaked at the crack of bone. But she didn’t have time to dwell. She gripped the hand trapped in the weapon by a broken finger and yanked his arm down, pulling his face into her thrusting knee.

Crunch.

Mitch came into her peripheral vision, crouched, ready to jump in.

“Stay out of it,” she warned. He’d mess up her moves, her rhythm, her

The gunman jerked backward, but found his hand still locked in the gun. “You bitch!”

Halina shot a kick to his balls, but he evaded. Swung his free arm and slammed her temple with the other weapon.

Fire split her skull. She stumbled sideways, but kept hold of his injured hand. Something pulled at the man from the other direction, jerking his hand in the weapon and giving Halina the break she needed to gain her feet. He screamed. Almost went down on his knees. But didn’t. His boot rammed her hip. “You fucking bitch.”

She hit the ground and used her weight and momentum to pull him down with her. Caught sight of Mitch behind the gunman. Terror etched on his face.

She ignored him. She had this.

She twisted the gunman’s injured hand, bent it back and flipped him. Her energy dipped. Instead of giving Halina that shocked second to regroup and start a ground attack, the gunman immediately sat forward, his good hand swinging toward her head. Halina grabbed it. She had to end this fast, while she still could.

She pushed his arms wide. Tucked her chin. Used her legs to thrust her body upward. The crown of her head rammed his face. The sounds of impact—bone and flesh, the man’s grunt—registered a split second before pain exploded in her brain. Ricocheted beneath her skull. And her world blinked out.

 
authorJoan

NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Joan Swan writes sexy romantic suspense for Kensington (Phoenix Rising Series) and independently (Covert Affairs Series). She also works as a sonographer at a top medical facility in San Francisco and lives in magnificent wine country on the central coast of California with her husband and two daughters.

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Posted in: Excerpt

Excerpt: The Garnet Dagger by Andrea R. Cooper

13 November, 2013 2:35 am , 3 Comments ,

17364172The Garnet Dagger
By: Andrea R. Cooper
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Published: March 25, 2013
Genre: Fantasy Romance

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Forbidden to cross the Elvin barrier into human lands, Brock cannot sate his curiosity. Cursed by a vampyre bite that forces him to feed on the life-essence of others, he is unable to touch another without taking their life. Chained by prophesy, he must find a witch, pierce her heart, and draw her blood for his cure.

Celeste must escape the monks who have held her prisoner for years. Her magic has been kept dormant by her captors. An ancient powerful Warloc craves her powers. If he succeeds in devouring her magic, she and the world will die.

When Brock falls in love with Celeste before realizing her demise is his cure, will love triumph over his desire to be healed? Will he risk everything to save her from a Warloc, an oath breaker, who also wants her dead?

 

Excerpt

I’ve known death. For over half a millennia, I escorted many to death at the end of my sword. In the eyes of the dying, I watched it shroud them. Foolishly, I thought many more eras would pass before death came for me. It came so swiftly that I could not run; I could not escape. At a village, dressed in human clothes, I took in everything.

I delayed my return to my people as I watched human jugglers bounce torches and knifes. It was autumn equinox and the festivities would continue well into the night. Children laughed as they chased each other. A trail of leaves from their costumes twirled after them. It was dark when I reached the forest.

I hiked slower than my normal speed, so as not to startle whatever human called out. My leather boots crunched upon dried, diseased leaves and bark. Horrified, I glanced up. Branches twisted around each other to suffocating. Lifeless limbs cracked in the wind. Flesh of the trees sloughed off in layers, exposing its bones. Gashes hollowed out chunks of warmth. Fragments of leaves clung to finger tips, marking sepulchers of the dying trees. Trees mourned with wails like splitting wood, and I brought my hands over my ears. I must flee before I became infected, they told me. Flee before the stain of this defilement creeps into you, they warned. Trees spoke to my kind, always had. Yet these trees were in such agony of death that I could not breathe. Felt as though my lungs had folded in on themselves, like a moth unable to break loose from its cocoon.

 

 

author

6934877

Growing up in Houston, Texas, Andrea has always created characters and stories. But it wasn’t until she was in her late twenties that she started writing novels.

What happened that ignited the writing flame in her fingers? Divorced, and disillusioned by love songs and stories. They exaggerate. She thought. Love and Romance are not like that in the real world. Then she met her husband and realized, yes love and romance are exactly like the songs and stories say. She is now a happy wife, and a mom to three kids (two boys and a girl).

Andrea writes paranormal and historical romance. When not writing or reading, one may find Andrea dancing in Zumba.

She believes in the power of change and counting each moment as a blessing. But most importantly, she believes in love.

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Posted in: Excerpt, Sci-fi

Excerpt: The Pieces We Keep by Kristina McMorris

9 November, 2013 6:03 pm , Leave a Comment ,

17166248The Pieces We Keep
By: Kristina McMorris
Publisher: Kensington
Release Date: Nov. 26, 2013
Genre: Historical Women’s Fiction

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Two years have done little to ease veterinarian Audra Hughes’s grief over her husband’s untimely death. Eager for a fresh start, Audra plans to leave Portland for a new job in Philadelphia. Her seven-year-old son, Jack, seems apprehensive about flying—but it’s just the beginning of an anxiety that grows to consume him.

As Jack’s fears continue to surface in recurring and violent nightmares, Audra hardly recognizes the introverted boy he has become. Desperate, she traces snippets of information unearthed in Jack’s dreams, leading her to Sean Malloy, a struggling US Army veteran wounded in Afghanistan. Together they unravel a mystery dating back to World War II, and uncover old family secrets that still have the strength to wound—and perhaps, at last, to heal.

 
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Excerpt & Guest Post: Bad Reputation by P.W. Creighton

1 November, 2013 2:55 am , 5 Comments ,

18481793Bad Reputation
(North Shore, #1)
By: P.W. Creighton
Publisher: Self-Published
Published: Sept. 5, 2013
Genre: YA Mystery/Romance

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The North Shore Sheriff’s Department has a bit of a problem. Someone contacted the local radio station last night and left an alarming confession.

Logan and his friends may be gossiping about it but their only concern is getting through the last day of school before summer vacation. After all, tonight is the party of the year. No one wants to miss it.

But the weight of secrets will have a costly price…

 

Excerpt

Through the trees I could just barely make out the practice field ahead of me. Another little secret Sara had let me in on. The truant officer tended to make his rounds on the half-hour and kept a close eye on the path through the woods to the parking lot. If I came in from the practice field, no one would bat an eye.

“Then again,” I said aloud.

I thought about grabbing my jacket, but it really wasn’t cold enough. My phone on the other hand, I needed. Checking the screen, it was only a little after nine. Tardy, but not something that would stand out.

There was still a chance to ditch the entire day. My phone gave a brief buzz of notification. I checked it to find a text waiting. It was Hailey again.

“Where R U?”

I groaned. She was pissed at me. If I bailed, not only would Sara and Mom freak on me, Hailey would jump down my throat. I could avoid them, but I needed to take Hailey to the party tonight. I could just stand her up. I let out a heavy breath. I wanted to go though, and if I didn’t take her, she would still find a way to get there. It was just better to deal with her now than to put it off till the end of the day. Maybe she wouldn’t be too pissed.

“5 Min” I texted back and started walking towards the practice field. Old leaves and branches crunched underfoot, keeping my mind off the fact that Hailey was going to rip me a new one, and I had no clue what she was going to want.

The girl could hold a grudge better than anyone I’ve ever known.

I emerged into the open near one of the maintenance sheds. Why was I still with Hailey? She was constantly pissing me off, and she didn’t even hear me most of the time. I turned right to follow the maintenance path. I dumped Jamie for less than what I was putting up with now. I opened the texts from Hailey to scroll back. There had to be some reason.

A few days back through the texts was all I needed as a reminder. It was a ‘selfie’  shot from Hailey angled down at her. She was giving me a playful smile. Straight, platinum blonde hair, a tight low-cut top and a teasing attitude, she was hot. Knowing how she felt silenced any objections my brain could come up with at the moment.

I smiled to myself.

Tucking the phone in my front pocket, I crossed into the parking lot. I couldn’t see anyone over the cars but I didn’t need to push it. I quickened my pace towards the end of the science building.

At the far end of the concrete and faux wood building I walked around the corner to the concrete steps and black railing. I took one last breath of the free air before climbing the stairs to the heavy fire-door. It was always left unlocked so teachers could duck out to the parking lot or students could get to the athletic fields. The cold handle slipped from my grasp as I tried to open the door. I finally noticed the grease and dirt on my hands.

“Ugh,” I groaned.

 

guest post

A Matter of Perception

“The Boldest Actions Often Conceal The Darkest Secrets…”

While high school feels like it was an eternity ago, a statement one of my teachers made has been a defining influence on my life. When one student was concerned with how everyone was going to see them, the teachers stated that- “Everyone is too caught up in their own drama to even notice. Why waste your time wondering what they think when they’re wondering what everyone else is thinking?”

It’s that sentiment that we always fail to recognize.

There are motivations for everything. Why that one person is a bully, why that girl is a cheerleader, why that boy is a geek, and even why that teacher is being so mean.

It’s all about how we perceive it.

That very thought is at the heart of all of my novels. It was also really prevalent in our high school days because most of us just wouldn’t question the motivations, nor would we look at it from any perspective but our own. It’s in our nature to just accept what we see and filter it through our own beliefs and ideals rather than attempt to understand.

Looking at that cool guy from high school: we only saw him from our perspective. We saw that he always seemed to be mouthing off to teachers, getting in fights in the hall, skipping class, going to all of the parties and even getting in trouble with the police. Everyone knew him but no one ever questioned just why he did the things he did.

The same is true of everyone that we knew, everyone that we currently know. We perceive the actions but we never really know the motivations unless we seek to understand. Even then, the more bold the action, the more guarded the motivation.

Everyone has secrets that drive their motivations and actions.

 

authorprofile_pic

Born in California, I have spent most of my life traveling throughout the US. I draw inspiration from my many adventures, turning my strange reality into fiction.

Over the years, I’ve found myself in many unusual situations, ranging from hanging off an 80 foot cliff-face in New York, to sailing off the coast of Salem, Massachusetts. I have had an opportunity to work at an archaeological excavation, and have even reported from the middle of a police stand-off.

When a teacher asked me in the second grade what I wanted to be when I grew up, I didn’t have an answer. To be honest, I still don’t know. I let my characters make that decision for me.

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Excerpt: Friends to Lovers by Christi Barth

14 October, 2013 3:43 am , Leave a Comment ,

18366205Friends to Lovers
(Aisle Bound, #3)
By: Christi Barth
Publisher: Carina Press
Published: Oct. 14, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance

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As florist and co-owner of a successful Chicago wedding planning business, Daphne Lovell has been there for the happiest days of other people’s lives. As for her own life? Well, it’s hard to be perfectly happy when you’re carrying a torch for your sexy, womanizing and oblivious best friend. So when the lights go out on New Year’s Eve, she seizes the opportunity to kiss him senseless.

British expat Gibson Moore has a lot on his plate. The hotel he manages is being bought out, his family is crazy and someone just kissed him in the dark. When the lights go on, he searches the room, trying to find the mystery pair of lips. Only, he never thinks to ask the woman standing by his side. He’s shocked when he discovers that Daphne is the woman he’s been searching for. But Gib’s also eager to act upon the attraction for her he’s always fought to ignore.

It takes trust to move from friends to lovers, and as Gib’s work situation worsens, he is no longer sure he can risk the friendship he relies on most. It’s up to Daphne to convince him that some things are worth fighting for…

 

Excerpt

“How long are you going to make me wait?” Daphne asked, her voice low and breathy.

Gib gave a swift glance up and down the hallway. Had anyone else heard her plea? She couldn’t be asking what he thought. Could she? He tried to back away, but his heel barely moved before hitting the kick guard on the bathroom door. “Pardon me?”

Closing the already-narrow gap between them, Daphne put both hands on his lapels. Then she stroked around in a tight circle. “Come on, Gib. Are you really going to make me beg for it?”  Her right hand dropped to his hip. It slid down his thigh, moved inward just enough that in another second she’d feel his cock twitch at the unexpected visit.

Enough was enough. Daphne was his best friend. Of course he wouldn’t make her beg—unless she was naked. Different rules applied in bed. Now that she’d opened this particular Pandora’s box, the possibilities raced into his brain. In fact, he’d like nothing more than to lick her all over until she begged him to crawl on top of her. Crawl into her.

But for right now, he’d settle for a taste of her. Enough to take the edge of the lust rampant enough to drive Daphne to feel him up in the hallway. Gib grabbed her neck with one hand, her waist with the other, and reversed their positions. He drove her against the wall. Tried not to notice how well he fit into the notch between her thighs. And then he kissed her. Just like she wanted.

Gib unzipped her lips with a single swipe of his tongue. She opened to him, giving access to the hot silk of her mouth. The firm grip he had at her neck allowed him to angle her head up to meet him. Fingers thrust deep into the dandelion-soft glory of her hair. He heard the soft, mewling noise coming from the back of her throat, the rasp of her god-awful skirt against his trousers, the muted buzz of the meeting trickling into the hallway.

But mostly, Gib felt. Felt his cock swell. Her pulse galloping beneath his thumb. The slick mating dance of tongue against tongue a tease for what he now knew to be inevitable. Every stroke a fiery arrow straight to his crotch. Every new inch of her flesh he tasted thickening him, exciting him. Her arms cinched tight around his back, pulling him impossibly closer. This wasn’t a hi, how’s your day kiss. This was a launch sequence countdown begun kiss. Neither of them held back anything.

If Gib didn’t stop right now, he’d push her through that bathroom door. Hitch up that oh-so-handy skirt. Hike her legs around his waist. Take her in a stall until she screamed so loud the front desk would have to come investigate. And Gib was fairly certain that didn’t fall under the parameters Milo had laid out for treating Daphne to a real date.

So he backed off. Reluctantly. With a final, bruising brush of lips. Enough to swell her mouth so she’d run her finger over it in an hour, and think of him. Gib planted one hand on the wall, boxing her in to keep Daphne right where he wanted her. With his other, he stroked the edge of her cheekbone, following the path of summer freckles that refused to fade. “Is that what you wanted?”

She blinked a couple of times. Fast. “No.”

The woman was insatiable! Just the way he liked it. “I can’t give you any more, pet, unless we blow off this meeting. There are about five hundred hotel rooms on top of us. Not as good as mine, naturally. But they’ve all got locks on the doors, which is all we’ll need.” Gib regretted the offer immediately. Now it hung out there, like an X-rated thought balloon over a cartoon character.

The agenda for tonight, for once in his life, did not contain sex. He and Milo had laid out a painstaking plan. A decent amount of flattery as a base. A tip of the hat to their close friendship. Cap it off with the dazzling offer to wine and dine her. No mention of the kiss they’d shared. Milo predicted his roommate to be incapable of physical restraint if it came up. After all, an old dog can’t learn new tricks in a day. Gib had tried to resist. But when a woman rubbed herself on him, why wouldn’t he kiss her?

“Whoa. Did you just offer to do me? And in a rival hotel, of all places?” She cocked her head to the side. Wrinkled her nose. “I’m not sure which I find more insulting.”

 

 

Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage.

A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes contemporary romance.

Christi is President of the Maryland Romance Writers and lives in Maryland with her husband.

Posted in: Excerpt, Romance

Excerpt: Almost Demon by AJ Salem

10 October, 2013 2:07 am , Leave a Comment ,

18586128Almost Demon
(Chamber One of the Sigil Cycle)
By: AJ Salem
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: Oct. 31, 2013
Genre: Paranormal YA

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The last thing Gemma Pope expects to study in the after-school book club is demon etiquette but that is exactly what she has to do to succeed as a summoner and save her hometown.

Since taking the blame for the car accident that claimed the lives of her twin brother and two of her best friends, she s been seeing things. Dark shadows, opaque, menacing, multiplying.

The clock starts ticking when the local mild-mannered librarian suffers a psychotic break and pulls a gun on her reading circle. People are dying in disasters and wars all over the world. Gemma s dad is getting weird, her classmates are becoming violent, and the darkness surrounding Harrisport is getting thicker.

Does she trust hot English Lit teacher Mr. Flynn or Ian, the mysterious new kid in town, who has knowledge beyond his years and access to other dimensions?

It is only when the gates to hell are opened, that Gemma learns who her real friends are.

Discover what lies just beyond the veil of humanity in the sleepy town of Harrisport.

 

Excerpt
The loudspeaker interrupted and let out the single tone meant for school-wide announcements. There was some reverb followed by a pert female voice.

“Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. This is Principal Kelly speaking. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all back to another productive year of higher learning.However, we must all take a moment to reflect on those who will  not be returning to these halls. Please join me, as well as the esteemed members of the faculty, in a memorial dedication in honor of three shining stars that were extinguished too soon in a senseless car accident: Mimi Yin, Jenny Goodwin, and Brian Pope. We will commence before first lunch in the auditorium. There are also additional counselors on staff this week for anyone who needs it.”

My pulse sped up to a break neck speed. I couldn’t believe it.

“Freak!” I felt something wet hit the side of my cheek. I wiped off the wad of paper encased, no doubt, with a million germs, and kept my eyes on my planner.

“All right then. Let me call roll before you all run out of here.” The familiar drumbeat of panic began throbbing in my head. No way was I going to survive the assembly.

“Gemma Pope.”

“Here,” I replied.

I looked up at the clock perched above the threshold and groaned. It was only forty-five minutes into the school day and I was already fuming. Someone could have warned me about the production the school was going to make, starring my dead brother.

 

authorauthorpic

AJ Salem was born in Haifa, Israel to parents who immigrated from the other side of Dracula’s mountain. She was just a toddler when her family picked up and made the big move to New York where necessity had her learning English from Sesame Street and weekly trips to the public library where her mother encouraged her to stock up on books.

When she isn’t writing or reading, AJ is rearing her four children, crocheting and watching too much British Television.

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Posted in: Excerpt, YA Fantasy

Excerpt: Winter Solstice Winter by E.J. Squires

19 September, 2013 1:24 am , 7 Comments ,

Final Cover WSW-2Winter Solstice Winter
(A Viking Saga, #1)
By: E.J. Squires
Publisher: Self-Published
Published: July 8, 2013
Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance

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Seventeen-year-old Ailia has vowed to find out if her recurring mare dreams, of what she thinks are glimpses into her previous life, are real. In her dreams, she is married to her soul mate, and an evil Empress named Eiess pursues and kills her.

Lucia, the heir of the Northlandic Kingdom, will be crowned Sun Queen – the Queen responsible for shifting the seasons each solstice. The eve before Lucia’s eighteenth birthday and coronation, Eiess storms the castle, taking Lucia and her Father prisoner. Eiess immediately instigates the prophesied three-year winter before the end of Midgard when she usurps the throne.

One day, and unbeknownst to her – nearly two years later – Ailia wakes up in a glacier cave cold, beaten, and far away from home. She doesn’t remember how she ended up there or even that she was abducted by the ruthless Vikings. When a healer named Soren rescues her, Ailia can’t help but think that she knows him from somewhere, and that they were fated to meet – and destined to fall in love.

And when Ailia, Lucia and Soren discover a shocking secret that intertwines their destinies, one of them betrays the other two – a betrayal that ultimately puts their lives, and the lives of humanity, in which they had sworn to protect, in grave danger.

 

Excerpt

“Are you the girl who is cursing Bergendal with all these Mare Demons?” A young redheaded boy, wearing a dog mask came up and asked.

“What?” Ailia said. She was stunned.

“My big sister says you are a bad omen, and she says that you are cursing Bergendal by bringing all these Mare Demons here,” the young boy continued.

Now Ailia recognized the boy. He was one of Ailia’s friend’s younger brothers – Siri’s brother. “I am not cursing Bergendal with anything,” Ailia said. She folded her arms across her chest and frowned. “It was just a scary dream.”

“My dad says mare dreams are messages from the dark realms, and that you are attracting beings from the dark realms here to Bergendal. He says you’re cursed.” He pointed his finger at her.

“Stop that!” Ailia said. “You’re embarrassing yourself, and you’re embarrassing me!”

“You are cursed!” he yelled, still pointing his finger at her. A few more people had arrived, stopping to stare. Ailia thought it strange that no one came over and reprimanded the misbehaving boy or came to stand up for her. Finally, Siri came over. Her light ash brown hair was pulled up in a braided up-do.

“Is it true? Did you really tell your brother that I’m a bad omen just because of my dreams?” Ailia asked her.

“I thought you knew by now, Ailia. We all believe that,” she said, stepping next to her brother. Her light brown eyes squinted. “You are a bad omen – and cursed.”

“What are you talking about? I’m still the same person. I can’t believe how shallow you are, if you are going to hold my dreams against me,” Ailia said.

“My Father has told me to stay away from you. I should have realized that you are cursed sooner. I mean, even your name is so strange,” Siri said.

“My name?” Ailia looked around the hall, and everyone who had arrived was staring at her. Even the musicians had stopped warming up their instruments and glared at Ailia across the murky room. Ailia smiled nervously. “I’m not cursed,” she said. “I’ve just been having some frightening dreams. That’s all.”

“And you said you believed that you have lived before, too. Our Chieftain probably wouldn’t be too happy to hear about that. He’ll be here later tonight, and if you stay here for the dance, I’m afraid I’ll have to tell him everything you told me,” Siri said.

Ailia couldn’t believe that Siri had ever claimed to be her friend. How could she do this? They had known each other for five years, and Ailia had worked so hard to help her feel welcome in Bergendal when Siri’s family moved here from another town. She didn’t want to continue to make a scene, so she decided to go home. Heading for the exit, she heard Siri yelling after her.

“Don’t think this is over, Ailia. You must turn from your ways, or I’ll make sure you’ll be banned from Bergendal for good.”

authorEvelyn Pic

Evelyn Squires was born in Norway, the land of the Midnight Sun. In 1992, she moved with her parents and seven siblings (!) to the USA. She completed High School and continued College, majoring in Ballet and Comparative Literature. After marrying Aaron, she moved with him to Florida, where they currently reside and are raising their three children.

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Posted in: Excerpt

Excerpt: Wicked Heat by Nicola Marsh

2 September, 2013 12:33 am , Leave a Comment ,

WH500Wicked Heat
By: Nicola Marsh
Publisher: Brazen
Published: Sept. 2, 2013
Genre: Romance

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Competitors by day, lovers by night…
Allegra Wilks has had the worst month of her personal and professional life. To save her company, she must go on her would-be honeymoon and land the luxury eco-island resort’s lucrative advertising account. But when a lingerie mishap leads her into the arms of a wickedly distracting Australian, Allegra’s tempted to skip the trip and explore the most sensual kiss she’s ever experienced. Too bad their chance encounter at the airport is just that.

Having recently lost his company to his former best friend’s shady business tactics, Jett Alcott is headed to a South Pacific resort to secure an advertising account that will resurrect his reputation and career. Realizing the tantalizing Allegra Wilks is on his flight, Jett envisions a week filled with business and pleasure. But Jett doesn’t know Allegra’s fighting for the same account, or that there’s more at stake than his heart.

 

 

Excerpt

“You should do that more often,” he said, reaching out to trace her bottom lip with his fingertip. “You’re beautiful, but when you smile? Wow.”

Uncomfortable with his overt compliments, Allegra sat there and let a guy she’d just met touch her lips with a slow, sensual caress. His fingertip traced her bottom lip in a butterfly-soft sweep that left her breathless.

Their eyes locked as he lowered his hand, and what she saw made her wish she could ditch Palm Bay and travel to Australia.

Blatant lust. Strong. Sexy. Seductive. His eyes deepened to an incredible green that matched a favorite jade pendant she wore often. He wanted her, and in this crazy moment, the feeling was entirely mutual.

He raised his beer to his lips and took a long swig, his heat-filled stare never leaving hers.

Damn, she had no idea what to do in this situation. Make a joke to diffuse the tension? Acknowledge it? Flirt?

She hated feeling out of control, had instigated steps her entire life to avoid it. Yet in a loaded thirty seconds, Jett had made her damp with just one look and made her flounder.

“Is the blatant charm an Aussie thing or is it just you?”

Thankfully, he blinked, and broke the scorching stare that made her want to grab a napkin off the bar and fan herself. “It’s me.” He leaned in close. “Time you fessed up.”

Yikes. Was her reaction to him that easy to read?

“To what?”

His lips almost brushed her ear. “You’re battling an incredible urge to drag me into the nearest janitor’s closet and ravish me.”

She laughed at his outrageousness. “Sorry. I don’t do sex in cleaning closets. Too many hazardous chemicals.”

“Yeah, those pheromones can be killer.”

She loved his quick wit and for the second time in as many minutes, wished she’d met him at a different place, different time.

“Pity.” He reverted to a smoldering stare that had her wishing she’d ordered a vodka shot chaser. “Sex in confined spaces can be fun.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” Heat crept into her cheeks and she signaled the waiter for a glass of water. To douse herself with.

“Not the answer I was hoping for,” he said, shifting his barstool closer so their thighs brushed. “Would’ve been better if you’d said, ‘Sounds good, Jett, let’s go try.’”

She cleared her throat and gratefully accepted the water from the waiter, drinking it all and wishing she could run the cool beaded exterior across her forehead. “How did we get onto this crazy topic?”

“Started with you wanting to ravish me.” He clinked his beer bottle to her empty glass. “Seriously. There’s no need to hold back. I can take whatever you want to dish out.”

 
author583990

USA TODAY bestselling Aussie author Nicola worked as a physiotherapist for thirteen years before she tired of saying “I’m going to write a book one day” and actually did it. She started writing late 2001 and found once she started she couldn’t stop!

Nicola loves the hip, vibrant, cosmopolitan vibe of her home city, Melbourne, where she’s set the bulk of her novels, highlighting fabulous cultural and food havens like Acland Street (St. Kilda), Brunswick Street (Fitzroy) and Lygon Street (Carlton).

When she’s not writing she’s busy raising her two little heroes, sharing fine food with family and friends, cheering on her beloved North Melbourne Kangaroos footy team or her favourite past time, curling up with a good book.

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Posted in: Excerpt, Romance

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