The Clock Flower by Barbara Casey

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Barbara Casey will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Mackenzie Yarborough, one of the three FIGs—Females of Intellectual Genius—finds herself facing a terrifying death of an ancient evil dragon while in China working on a secret research project and trying to discover the truth of her birth parents.

Read an Excerpt:

Dara knew that once she started researching the ancient writing systems and language of Shandong Province, there was no way she was going to waste her time attending her required undergraduate classes when she could be working on her research. Therefore, with Dr. Chu’s permission and using the syllabi she received on the first day of classes, she simply completed all of the course work in advance and turned it in. Most of the professors only wanted a report anyway. “Now with that out of the way, I can turn my full attention to the Longshan period dating 2500-1900 BC and researching the early writing, language, and human sacrifice at the Shang Dynasty capital of Anyang,” she told Mackenzie, Jennifer, and Carolina during another one of their nightly visits by phone.

“I am so impressed, Dara,” said Carolina. “Not surprised that you could do it, but still impressed.”

Jennifer and Mackenzie agreed.

Dara had something else to tell them. “I was going to wait to talk to you about this once I had all of the details worked out, but since Mackenzie might be going to China over our winter break to visit the Yellow Sea Laboratories, I’d better go ahead and let you know what I am thinking.” Then she told them about Dr. Wu inviting her to the small village of Dawenkou in the Shandong Province over the winter break in order to meet the rest of the archeology team and see the dig site and their research facilities. “I was hoping the four of us could go together—check it out. Dr. Wu said you are more than welcome.” She hesitated, and when no one said anything, “Mackenzie, Dr. Wu said that the Yellow Sea Laboratories is also in the Shandong Province and near Dawenkou where the dig site is.”

“That’s right—Ling told me it is in the town of Puli.”

Carolina interrupted, “Did you say Puli?”

“Yeah, have you heard of it?” Mackenzie asked. “I don’t think it is a very big town—Ling calls it a village. It is located on the Yellow Sea, and it is near Qufu where Confucius lived. That is where her family and ancestors are from although she was born in Hawaii. And other than what I am doing at MIT, that is also where the research on the Clock Flower Project is being conducted.”

“Talk about coincidence,” Jennifer mumbled. “Well, I’m in,” but she couldn’t say anything else. The pounding in her chest, the painful heaviness of the rock, and the brilliance of the bright yellow and red took her breath. As the pain eased, she once again heard the delicate tones of the banhu—a little more distinct this time—a few more notes—another measure to be added to the symphony.

Carolina’s heart started to race, and it felt like all of the air had been sucked out of her lungs. Taking little breaths, she managed to say, “That goes for me, too.” Putting her hand on her chest and taking a deep breath, willing her heart to stop pounding, “I’ve never been to China, and this is too good of an opportunity to miss. Maybe they will let us tour the research lab, Mackenzie. And it will be great fun to see an actual working archeology site, Dara.”

But those weren’t the reasons she wanted to go; she knew when it concerned the FIGs, there was no such thing as coincidence. Larry had told her that he believed Mackenzie’s mother was from Puli and that is where she returned after giving birth. Something was happening which she didn’t understand. She had heard her mother’s warning, and she knew she needed to go to China. She needed to be with her girls. And she needed to protect Mackenzie.

About the Author:

Originally from Carrollton, Illinois, author/agent/publisher Barbara Casey attended the University of North Carolina, N.C. State University, and N.C. Wesleyan College where she received a BA degree, summa cum laude, with a double major in English and history. In 1978 she left her position as Director of Public Relations and Vice President of Development at North Carolina Wesleyan College to write full time and develop her own manuscript evaluation and editorial service. In 1995 she established the Barbara Casey Agency and since that time has represented authors from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Japan. In 2014, she became a partner with Strategic Media Books where she is involved in acquisitions and day-to-day operations and oversees book production.

Ms. Casey's two middle-grade/young adult novels, Leilani Zan and Grandma Jock and Christabelle (James C. Winston Publishing Co., Trade Division) were both nominated for awards of excellence by the SCBWI Golden Kite Award, the National Association of University Women Literary Award and the Sir Walter Raleigh Literary Award. Shyla's Initiative (Crossquarter Publishing Group), a contemporary adult novel (occult romance/mystery), received a 2003 Independent Publisher Book Award and also an award of special literary recognition by the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. The Coach's Wife (ArcheBooks Publishing), also a novel for adults (contemporary/mystery), was semi-finalist for the 2005 Dana Award for Outstanding Novel and listed on the Publisher’s Best Seller List. The House of Kane (ArcheBooks Publishing), released in 2007, was considered for a Pulitzer nomination. Another contemporary novel for adults, Just Like Family, was released at Christmas 2009 when it received “Special Recognition from the 7-Eleven Corporation,” and The Gospel According to Prissy, also a contemporary novel written for adults, received a 2013 Independent Publishers Book Award for Best Book in Regional Fiction.

The Cadence of Gypsies, a novel written for young/new adults, was released in 2011 and was reviewed by the Smithsonian Institute for its List of Most Notable Books. In 2012, The Cadence of Gypsies was expanded into a four-book mystery series called THE FIG MYSTERIES: The Wish Rider (2016), The Clock Flower (2018), and The Nightjar’s Promise (to be released in 2019).

Ms. Casey also writes book-length nonfiction for adults. Kathryn Kelly: The Moll behind Machine Gun Kelly was released in 2016 and has been optioned for a major movie. In 2018 her book Assata Shakur: A 20th Century Escaped Slave was released and it has been signed for a major movie.

Ms. Casey's award-winning science fiction short stories for adults are featured in The Cosmic Unicorn and CrossTime science fiction anthologies. Ms. Casey's essays and other works appear in The Chrysalis Reader, the international literary journal of the Swedenborg Foundation, 221 One-Minute Monologues from Literature (Smith and Kraus Publishers), and A Cup of Comfort (Adams Media Corporation). Other award-winning articles, short stories, and poetry for adults have appeared in both national and international publications including the North Carolina Christian Advocate Magazine, The New East Magazine, the Raleigh (N.C.) News and Observer, the Rocky Mount (N.C.) Sunday Telegram, Dog Fancy, ByLine, The Christian Record, Skirt! Magazine, and True Story. A thirty-minute television special which Ms. Casey wrote and coordinated was broadcast on WRAL, Channel 5, in Raleigh, North Carolina. She also received special recognition for her editorial work on the English translations of Albanian children’s stories.

Ms. Casey is a former director of BookFest of the Palm Beaches, Florida, where she served as guest author and panelist. She has served as judge for the Pathfinder Literary Awards in Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Florida, and was the Florida Regional Advisor for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators from 1991 through 2003. She is a frequent guest lecturer at universities and writers’ conferences around the country including the SCBWI Regional Conference, the Harriett Austin Writers Conference in Athens, SIBA (Southeastern Independent Book Sellers Association), Florida Writers Association, and the University of Auburn, Montgomery.

In 2018, Ms. Casey received the prestigious Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award for her extensive experience and notable accomplishments in the field of publishing and other areas. She makes her home on the top of a mountain in northwest Georgia with her husband and Benton, a hound mix who adopted her.

Website: http://www.barbaracaseyagency.com/
http://www.barbaracaseyagency.com
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/697572.Barbara_Casey
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-casey-a9527667/

https://www.amazon.com/Clock-Flower-FIG-MYSTERIES-Book-ebook/dp/B078HSW97D/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1532012448&sr=1-1&keywords=barbara+casey+the+clock+flower

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Natalie's Wedding by K.T. Castle

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The book is on sale for only $0.99 for a limited time!

Kassandra never thought she’d be in another committed relationship, but now she’s living with her boyfriend Josh. Things can’t get any better. But they can get worse.

Natalie has dropped a major bomb on her, confessing she believes her husband is having an affair. Kassandra is always ready to help a friend, but accepting that one of their marriages isn’t working goes against everything she believes about the people she loves. Wanting to help their friend overcome this difficult situation and provide Natalie the support she needs, Kassandra and the girls pull a lot of strings to help Natalie uncover the truth. In the process, Kassandra discovers remarkable similarities between Josh’s recent changes and those in Natalie’s allegedly cheating husband. She’s always been an independent woman who prides herself on her own success, and when she digs up one dirty secret after another, she can’t help but wonder if her man’s womanizing days are really behind him.

Sometimes, love makes us twist reality to avoid hurting those we hold closest to our hearts. Join Kassandra and Natalie as they struggle to reconcile their fears in love with the truth.

Read an Excerpt:

Saturday morning, Josh headed out for a photo shoot he expected to last all day. He didn’t usually work on weekends, but it happened from time to time. It still bothered me a little that his job involved being surrounded by beautiful young women so he could capture that beauty, but whenever I dropped by for a visit, everyone knew who I was and what I meant to him. That made it easier for me, and I knew it made it easier for Josh. He loved working for himself and had grown JAG Modeling Agency from the ground up.

Since I’d be on my own for the day, I decided to take advantage of the situation and invite the girls over for a chat with Natalie. She had asked me not to intervene in her situation with Andrik, and while I respected her wish of me not talking to her husband, I knew she needed support from her friends.

I’d asked them to be at my place around nine and to leave the children at home with their fathers. We needed some girl time alone. Then I tried to cover all my bases with breakfast—fresh juice and fruit in case anyone was on a diet, spinach omelets without cheese for those who avoided dairy, and pancakes just in case someone needed something a little stronger. I also bought some high-quality steak cuts, potatoes, onions, and corn, thinking that if our meeting ran too long, my friends’ husbands would show up and turn our breakfast meeting into a barbecue. Even though all my friends had the space and furniture to throw these get-togethers in their own homes, Josh and I had taken on the role of hosting them every week since we’d moved in together a month ago. I wondered how much longer we’d be able to keep up that kind of consistency.

Marisol and Laura showed up early, and I gave them a small briefing on what the gathering was about. The news shocked them, too, and they wanted to try to convince Natalie that it had to be something else. While they helped me set up, I reminded them that we needed to be delicate and careful not to overwhelm her.

Natalie arrived not much later, looking far less than her normal, glamorous self. Her bleach-blonde hair was now long enough to pull back into a messy ponytail, and I wasn’t sure the look suited her; we were used to seeing her with a little more care given to her appearance. She wore beige capris with a floral, short-sleeve shirt—something much more suited to Marisol in her mommy role. The little changes Natalie made now leaned more toward comfortable and away from posh, and I knew it was because she was unhappy. She’d never let being a wife and a mother distract her from presenting herself as if she were about to make her way down a catwalk. She still looked good, but it wasn’t her.

We sat on my terrace around the glass table Josh and I had added to the patio furniture. I was happy to see that everyone seemed to enjoy the food, and the conversation was amicable. But it didn’t flow or feel comfortable. I guess we were all waiting to see who would bring up the elephant in the room first.

“I still can’t believe you let Josh adopt a dog,” Marisol said as she crossed her legs in her chair, doing her best to avoid the beautiful American Pitbull licking her toes.

“Let?” I asked. “This is his house. How could I say no? Besides, have you looked at this guy? He’s gorgeous!” I called the goofy mutt by offering him a piece of bread. Josh was adamant about only feeding him the holistic dog food and healthy treats, but I couldn’t resist. “Come here, Jagger.”



About the Author: K.T. Castle loves reading, writing, and painting. She's on a quest to find the words, forms, and colors to materialize the worlds and people of her imagination. She loves reading Romance, especially Young Adult, New Adult, Contemporary, and Paranormal. She never saw herself as an incurable romantic, but lately, that's what she finds herself musing about. Love is found everywhere, regardless of whether it comes from a nice person or an ass—mundane or even vampire.

When she's not busy with work, in front of a computer placing many thoughts in order, she does her best to be creative or relax with a good TV series and snacks. Some of her favorite characters are Lucifer, Jace, Clary, Affton, Cable, Poppy, Zack, Maleficent, and Ariel.

Social media links:

Facebook: @KTCastle.author https://www.facebook.com/KTCastle.author/
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Website: http://ktcastle.com/index.html
Blog: https://ktcastle.wordpress.com
Mailing list: http://eepurl.com/b8WO99

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Aries Red Sky by James Young

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. James Young will be awarding a 5x7 print of concept artwork from the Vergassy Universe to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The Confederation of Man believes all Humanity should be under Terra’s rule.

The Spartan Republic has spent seven centuries preparing to resist Earth’s tyranny.

The stars will burn as these two mindsets come into brutal conflict in Aries’ Red Sky, the newest novel by award-winning author James Young.

Read an Excerpt:

The problem with making plans is sometimes the universe feels the need to remind you that it has a sense of humor, Nathan thought to himself. He glanced once again at his watch, then at the single wooden door at the end of the long, narrow room. It did not help his mood that the room was gloomy, the only light provided by the floating holograms of ancient documents. These lined the red, carpeted walkway that led through the surrounding blue carpet like a scarlet runway.

The Magna Carta. The American Declaration of Independence. The American Constitution. The Freebooter Articles. All forbidden by the Hassan Empire.

Nathan turned to look at the final hologram hovering above the legislative chamber’s entrance.

All also located here with The Acts of Inception to remind a waiting Executive that they are far from all powerful.

“Mr. President, that door’s not going to open until the Chief Parliamentarian is damn well ready to have it open,” Andrews stated dryly. Despite the security officer’s laconic comment, Nathan could tell the man was not impressed with being in the darkened room.

Three Presidents have died in this location and its predecessor, Nathan thought. Sure, one of them was a heart attack, but no one ever says to the head of security, ‘Oh you poor dear, how could you have known his heart was going to explode?’

“I still can’t believe Porter was the easier of the two of them to find,” Nathan said, giving Andrews a wry look.

“Porter has always been very good about his itinerary,” Andrews stated. “Nikephoros, not so much.”

The Chief Parliamentarian had finally been found with the help of a couple local kibbutzin. He and his two female companions had been far from the beaten path, having discovered a high mountain lake to avail themselves of.

Polyamory should be lethal at his age and that altitude, Nathan thought uncharitably. In either case, I’m sure that’s part of the reason we’re waiting—so he can remind me I’m not the boss of him.

The Spartan Republic’s Acts of Inception incurred a certain…tenseness between Executive and Legislative branches by design. First and foremost was the fact that the former served one six year term, period. Add to that no individual could serve in either branch for more than ten years combined, and it became readily apparent why the latter did not really give much of a shit what the former thought.

Walthers, Brown, and Menoit were no Washington, Marshall, and Madison, Nathan thought. But they got the job done. Longest any Republic has lasted in history.

About the Author:

James Young is a Missouri native who escaped small town life by attending the United States Military Academy. After being set free from the Hudson River Valley, Mr. Young spent the next six years of his life in the Army repaying his education the proverbial “nickel at a time.” Along the way he collected a loving, patient, beautiful spouse…and various animals that did not fit that description. Leaving the Republic’s employ, he returned to the Midwest to pursue his doctorate—a process which took twice the time planned but is finally concluded. Having now concluded two of the prerequisites to be a super villain, Dr. Young spends his time waiting for the inevitable origin story, winning writing awards (2016 United States Naval Institute Cyber Essay Contest Winner, among others), and writing an alternate history (Usurper’s War) and military space opera (Vergassy Chronicles) series. His latest book is Aries Red Sky, the first in a new Vergassy Universe trilogy.

James Young’s Blog: https://vergassy.com
James Young’s Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B00AVKCQZQ

https://www.amazon.com/Aries-Red-Sky-Vergassy-Universe-ebook/dp/B07DTC94MX/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

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Margaritas, Mayhem, and Murder by May Cunningham

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Mary will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Andi’s step-mother is a real piece of work! But is Ruby a murderer?

Andi Anna Jones, so-so travel agent/amateur sleuth, puts aside her resentment of her father’s widow and books a 60th birthday cruise to Cancun for Ruby and three friends. Never does Andi imagine the cruise will lead to the murder of a has-been lounge singer—or that Ruby will be the main suspect.

Flirting with more than danger after arriving in Mexico, Andi connects with the charming local sheriff, Manual Rodriquez. After an embarrassing night involving the sheriff, too many margaritas, and a Mariachi band, a chance to check out an eyewitness to the murder leads her to Las Vegas.

In Vegas, a mysterious meeting in the Bodies Exhibition, a body preserving in the prep-room, and an evasive owner of a dance studio, give Andi clues to help Ruby. But when Andi is mercilessly drugged and locked in a storage room, she realizes dear old step-mom isn’t the only one in jeopardy.

Read an excerpt:

“Señorita Jones?”

I know that voice. I was stupidly listening to the still-ringing phone when a tall man in a uniform slid a pair of aviator sunglasses to the top of his head and stepped toward me. I locked onto smoky hazel eyes. “Ye-yesss. I’m Miss Jones. But, how did you know?”

“Oh, we have our ways.” The corners of his mouth turned up as he pointed to his badge. “I’m Sheriff Gonzales. We spoke on the phone.”

I got nothing. Total loss for words. Even my wildest dreams couldn’t have pictured this square-jawed, golden-skinned, Aztec god, straight out of GQ Magazine. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Ruby.

“I was already in the area on official business, and finished in time to meet your flight. I’m parked at the curb. May I take your bag?”

I blinked a couple of times. “What? No, thank you, Sheriff, I can handle it myself. I appreciate the ride, but I could’ve taken a taxi, you know,” I lied and disconnected the phone call to Ellie.

“Considering the stressful nature of the situation, I thought it best someone pick you up. Finding transportation into the city can be confusing. I wanted to blurt out, you might be the most handsome man I’ve seen in my life, but I said, “That might be true for the average tourist, but I’m a travel agent, perfectly capable of finding my way through the city.” I adjusted the strap of my carryon bag, tossed my head, and walked into the side of a trashcan.

About the Author:

Author, Mary Cunningham, grew on the northern side of the Ohio River in Corydon, Indiana. Her first memories are of her dad’s original bedtime stories that no doubt inspired her imagination and love of a well-spun “yarn”.

Childhood experiences, and a recurring dream about a mysterious attic, inspired characters, Cynthia and Augusta Lee, for her award-winning middle-grade series, Cynthia's Attic. The setting is in her childhood home in Southern Indiana. Family stories and ancestors comprise the storylines. There are currently five books in the series: The Missing Locket, The Magic Medallion, Curse of the Bayou, The Magician’s Castle, and Legend of Lupin Woods.

Through a horrifying stint as a travel agent, the character, Andi Anna Jones, travel agent/amateur sleuth, inspired her latest adult mystery series. Book # 1, Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder was released Nov. 30, 2017. The author is currently writing Book # 2 of the series, along with another middle-grade series, The Adventures of Max and Maddie, a historical time-travel, and the biography of a former Army brat/University of Connecticut women’s basketball player who started a non-profit foundation to create scholarships for children of deployed veterans.

Cunningham is a member of The Georgia Reading Association, and the Carrollton Writers Guild.

When she gives her fingers a break from the keyboard, she enjoys golf, swimming and exploring the mountains of West Georgia where she makes her home with her husband and adopted, four-legged, furry daughter, Lucy.

Review Blurbs for Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder!

“If Evanovich's Stephanie Plum were a travel agent, she'd fit right in working this case alongside Andi, a wanna-be detective readers are sure to love.” —Regan Black, USA Today bestselling author of the Escape Club Heroes and Knight Traveler novels.

Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder...WOW. Snappy dialog, quirky characters, opens with a curious bang and yanked me through the pages. A fun, fantastic read. —Jean Rabe, USA Today Bestselling author, Piper Blackwell Mysteries.

“Grab a margarita and hold on tight; you're in for a wild ride.” —Karen MacInerney, Agatha Award nominee and author of the Dewberry Farms Mysteries

“Charming, lively, and unpredictable, Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder excels in a vivid story mystery fans will relish.”—Diane Donovan, Senior Editor Midwest Book Review

Purchase Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076N6KBM3
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/margaritas-mayhem-murder-mary-cunningham/1127355519?type=eBook
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/756600
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Mary_Cunningham_Margaritas_Mayhem_Murder?id=0jU8DwAAQBAJ%3C/a%3E%3Cbr%3E
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/margaritas-mayhem-murder

Find Mary on Social Media:

Website: https://www.marycunninghambooks.com
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/marycunninghambooks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MaryCunningham
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marycunningham1/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/367223.Mary_Cunningham
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002BLNEK4

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Heart Stopping by L.P. Maxa

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter will receive $15 in Boroughs Bucks. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour. Boroughs Publishing Group can't wait to give you a Xmas gift in July. Join the party: https://www.facebook.com/events/202551280465596/?active_tab=discussion

LOVE ETERNAL

Ten years ago Baze Carter fell irrevocably in love and knew he'd found his forever only to have her ripped from his arms, never to be seen again. Broken, and unable to find her, he made a life for himself as a baseball coach at St. Leasing School for Boys. Their secret, hidden for centuries, has been in peril for the past year, and now more than ever, Baze and his pack need to end the evil that plagues them. When Penelope Sutton is discovered bruised and battered lying in the road in front of his home, Baze is elated and murderous in equal measure. Anyone who dare harm his long lost mate will be made to pay, but not before Baze and Pen find their way back to each other.

Read an Excerpt

“Hey, you okay?” She came out of the bathroom, steam escaping through the open door. Baze was bent at the waist, clutching the high-backed armchair next to the bed she’d slept in. She could see the tension in his posture. “Do I still smell like—”

“Please, Pen, please don’t say his name.” He turned to look at her, his eyes pleading. “I can’t handle it right now.”

She lifted her arm, smelling her skin. She thought she smelled like the soap she’d used in the shower. But her nose wasn’t the nose of a shifter. “Do I, uh, smell okay?”

He nodded. “You smell like me.” He took a step toward her, his hands reaching.

She wanted him to touch her, so her heart sank when his palms dropped back to his side. Penelope stood still, not sure what to do next. She’d showered like he’d asked; she was wearing his clothes. Now it was time for them to go downstairs and meet his pack. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t nervous. Packs weren’t common, not in this day. But from what she knew, shifter packs were closer than family. They were tight-knit, protective, and they didn’t take to outsiders all that well.

She may have been Baze’s whole world when they were kids, but they were basically strangers at this point.

“When you meet them, my friends, you can’t touch them.”

Her eyes snapped to his face. “What?”

He shook his head, his gaze weary. “I feel…on edge. I feel possessive of you, and I can’t seem to shake it.” He licked his lips. “I’ll get it under control. But in the meantime, please don’t let them touch you. Especially the young guys, they’re not bonded.”

Was everything they’d gone through as kids coming back full force? Would the pain come back too? And the million-dollar question: what would they do about it if it did?

She nodded, letting him know that she’d heard him and she understood. And when he gestured for her to step in front of him, she waited in the hall to let him lead her down the stairs and into what appeared to be a massive living room.

The first thing she saw was the mounds of Chinese food on the large, long walnut coffee table. She put her hand on her stomach when it growled loudly. It’d been days since she’d had a real meal. She was starving, and now everyone knew it. “Sorry.”

A girl with long blonde hair, a shade lighter than Pen’s, stepped forward. “Don’t apologize.” Her smile was kind and she held a plate out, piled high with lo mein and orange chicken. “I’m Molly, Keller’s mate.”

“Thank you.” Pen took the food, not able to resist the smell any longer.

Molly kept standing, pointing around the room at each person in turn. “That’s Corey, Dominic, Lincoln, Madden, Jasper, Jace, Riley, and my mate Keller.” Molly laughed lightly. “Don’t worry about remembering everyone’s names. We won’t quiz you until tomorrow.”

Pen sent the group a wave. “Penelope. But you can call me Pen.” She glanced to Baze, gauging his reaction. He’d been the first person to ever call her Pen, but it’d stuck even after they’d been separated. Maybe it was her way of keeping him with her, even when there were oceans between them.

“You can call me Dom, and that skinny guy over there goes by Linc.” The man who’d addressed her stood, holding his hand out.

She looked at it but took a step away. “Sorry, I um…” She let her words trail off. She was normally a friendly person; she was a hugger. But she believed Baze when he’d said he was on edge and he didn’t want anyone to touch her. She may not be one hundred percent certain what the future held for the two of them, but she didn’t want to make the present any harder than it needed to be.

“Don’t touch her, any of you.” Baze grabbed her arm and gently hauled her behind his body and onto a vacant chair that looked like it had been pulled in from an unseen dining room. “I can’t handle it.”

Dom held his hands up in surrender. “No problem, man. I know how that feels.”


About the Author:

L.P. lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, daughter, three rescue dogs, four chickens, two dwarf goats, and one adopted cat. The fish died. She is a full-time writer, and part time business owner. L.P. says she loves to read as much as she loves to write, and reading a good book is her reward after writing one. In her spare time, she fosters puppies for a rescue organization based in Austin.

https://www.lpmaxa.com
https://www.facebook.com/lpmaxa
https://twitter.com/lpmaxa

Buy links:

http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/heart-stopping
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F5N6WGM
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/heart-stopping/id1406272849?mt=11
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heart-stopping-lp-maxa/1128988658?ean=2940155319047
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/heart-stopping
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/872284

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Fall Beside You by Riley Parks

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. $15 in Boroughs Bucks will be awarded to a randomly drawn commenter. Also, Boroughs Publishing Group can't wait to give you a Xmas gift in July. Join the party: https://www.facebook.com/events/202551280465596/?active_tab=discussion.

Gideon Valsecchi had done the impossible when he busted out of the grueling poverty and pre-ordained existence his life had been on the South Side of Chicago. His free ride at college is the stepping stone to a career with a professional soccer team. And when his dream comes true it's not what he expects—sacrifice shouldn't taste this bitter, especially when the love of his life is what he's missing and can't seem to hold on to.

Elijah Tucker wants to give Gideon Valsecchi the world on a silver platter. And he has the means to do it. But Eli is learning the truth of the maxim that the way you hold onto the thing you want most is to let it go. And while his heart breaks into a thousand pieces, he doesn't come apart even when the worst happens. Because, even as cliché as it sounds...true love does find a way.

Read an Excerpt:

“Are you feeling a’right?” Gideon asked finally, unable to hold out any longer. He sighed when the only response he received was the quiet, even breaths of a sleeping Elijah. He stared up at the ceiling fan, noticing a reflection in the chrome accents of the city lights that lay just beyond the window. 



Gideon knew he needed to sleep. His day had been long and he anticipated that the next one would be even longer. Regardless of how much he attempted to halt its activity, it was difficult to calm his brain down as it tried to wrap itself around Elijah’s out-of-the-ordinary demeanor. 




“Are you asleep?” he whispered, though he already knew that he was. Biting his lip, Gideon decided to be brave, although he wasn’t sure how courageous it actually was to speak to a sleeping man. “Elijah,” he began, attempting to wrap his lips around words that seemed too big for his mouth. “I love you.”

 



It felt strange to admit, even though he knew it was true. Elijah gave him things that he’d never had before, and none of them had anything to do with money. He anchored him with stability, security, and love. “I love you,” Gideon repeated, thinking that it wasn’t that difficult after all. He’d said it and he felt better, lighter, like he passed a threshold of demons who had sought to keep him from moving forward. 





The room was still, but he was floating, high above the internal struggles he’d unnecessarily doomed himself to. He repeated it a few more times, feeling better every time he said it, like he’d found a release he never knew he’d needed. “I really fucking love you,” he said with a yawn, letting his heavy eyelids fall. 





“I love you too,” Elijah whispered sleepily, grinning up at Gideon, whose eyes shot open in response. 





“Asshole,” Gideon muttered, feeling his cheeks flush warm. “I asked you if you were a’right and you didn’t answer.” 





“I was sleeping. You woke me up when you said you love me.” He shrugged. “I don’t know if you realize, but I’m hyper tuned in to anytime you say ‘love.’ I’m obsessed with hearing it, even when you’re just talking about chicken nuggets.” 





 “That’s weird,” Gideon chided without malice. “You’re so weird.” 





 “Yeah, well, you love me.” 





 “I do.” 





“Maybe you’re weird, too.” 





“Or maybe I’m not weird at all,” Gideon reasoned. After all, loving Elijah made all the sense in the world. 





“Okay, Captain Confession. Go to sleep or you’re going to tell me you can’t sleep over when you’re too tired tomorrow.” 





Groaning at the stupid nickname, Gideon tilted his head down to kiss his boyfriend’s forehead. 





 “Tell me one more time though,” Elijah requested, drawing a laugh from Gideon. 





 “I love you.” 





And damn did it feel good. 




About the Author:

Riley has always loved to write, believing that life has the possibility to be its most beautiful when it’s portrayed on the pages of a book. Feeling the need to create and liberate in the midst of the political landscape, Riley writes novels that focus on LGBTQ protagonists, wanting to honor a community that deserves better representation depicting lives, loves and triumphs in all facets of fiction.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17307417.Riley_Parks
https://twitter.com/WriteRileyWrite
https://www.facebook.com/riley.parker.3766

Buy links:

http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/fall-beside-you

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F23MTV8
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/fall-beside-you/id1404629972?mt=11
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fall-beside-you-riley-parks/1128975657?ean=2940155313823
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/fall-beside-you
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/870650

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Undercurrents of Time by Pamela Schloesser Canepa

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Pamela will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

What if time travel proved you were meant to be together? Sometimes the very things that bond two people can drive a wedge between them. Tabitha and Milt have been through a lot together, but they find themselves pulled in very different ways.

Tabitha longs for a getaway, while Milt is busy with his responsibilities. She embarks on an unplanned journey. With this attempt to pull herself out of the rut, how will she handle the unknown dangers she faces and return her life to normal?

Read an exclusive excerpt:

“Yes, that’s right. Sorry, Tabitha.” He smiled and looked at the notepad in his pocket. He decided to let her win that one and instead turned to his notes and ideas. Sitting on the couch, he turned on some relaxing jazz music. He was imagining how she’d look when she came out of that room. The very last thing on his mind was the dismantled car in his garage and the part he had taken to a friend earlier, a trusted friend who stood next to him as they watched it burn in a huge bonfire, never asking a question about the made up story of its origins and importance. He thought of Peter, sleeping in the next room. The doorbell rang, and he opened the door to welcome the babysitter. Milt sat on the couch and made small talk. Peter started moving about in his crib, probably awakened by the noise and sensing that his parents would be leaving the house. After visiting Peter in the nursery, Milt came back out, and an hour had passed.

She was ready. Milt had made the reservation for seven o’clock and now it was six. Everything seemed to be running smoothly so far.

Tabitha came out with a floral dress that hit just below the knee and strappy sandals. Since it was a last minute invitation, her best option was to put her hair up, framing her face. A smile came across Milt’s face.

“I can’t believe I’m wearing this,” she remarked. “It sure is stretched tight over my belly!”

“I didn’t even notice. I’m sitting here thinking you have the best pair of legs I’ve ever seen! Of course, the rest of you is breath-taking.” He kissed her cheek.

Tabitha blushed again. Not often did they do things like this anymore. Their new identities as parents had really changed things. This was almost like a first date. Now, hopefully the rest of the night would go this way….

About the Author:

Author Pamela Schloesser Canepa had a childhood full of travel and moving, fueling her writing of poems and stories as a child to provide entertainment for long trips. When her family settled in the southeast, writing provided an outlet for private thoughts and emotions for years, until she decided to self-publish fiction in 2016. Pamela's genres include science fiction, paranormal fiction, and poetry of all types. The "Made for Me" series was Pamela's first published fiction series with a futuristic flavor. Pamela plans to continue to write a spinoff with one of the characters in “Undercurrents in Time,” and her next project is another installment in the “Made for Me” series.

Website: http://pamelascanepa.weebly.com
Social media: https://www.facebook.com/pamelacanepablog (Author Facebook)
https://twitter.com/PamSCanepa1
Amazon Author site: http://amzn.to/1t3BYGU
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15166012.Pamela_Schloesser_CanepaIndependently Published

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Laura's Legacy by Lilli Carlisle

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. A randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter will win $15 in Boroughs Bucks. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A GIFT BOUND BY LOVE

While Laura was attending the annual omega celebration, a ruthless ogre attack destroyed her village and wiped out her family. Heartbroken, lonely, and adrift, she was forced to rely on the kindness of the Black Ridge wolf pack alpha for a home. And so were many others, including members of the small Newton pack, and their handsome, strong alpha, Dedric. One brief interlude was all it took for Laura to know she would choose him as her mate.

Alpha Dedric Newton couldn’t believe his good fortune. Beautiful and powerful, Laura was the omega of his dreams. Worried he had so little to offer, he insists she spend time with his small pack as they rebuild their village and homes. Laura and Dedric’s time in Newton strengthens their bond while evil works to undo all of Laura’s gifts, especially her legacy. After finding the greatest love an alpha could dream of, Dedric will do anything and everything to keep Laura safe from harm.

Read an Excerpt

Dedric stormed back to his temporary house where his beta, his parents and the head of the women’s auxiliary waited in grim silence. Mary and Wilhelm, Samson and Rayanne followed him into his office. He sat behind his desk trying to calm the rage burning inside of him before speaking to the group squeezed into the room, all of them wearing the same pissed-off expression. It wouldn’t do to start ripping heads off to find out who was responsible for this insult, but Dedric was so angry he now understood what people meant when they said their blood boiled.

“Answers,” Dedric ordered. “I want answers as to why what should have been a happy and joyous occasion could have turned into chaos and insult. If we weren’t lucky enough to have Laura’s abilities this would have turned out to be a disaster.”

“Son, I can’t think of one person in our pack who would do something like this,” his mother said. “Everyone was overjoyed when they found out you had attracted the attention of an omega,” she assured him as she poured him a cup of coffee from the machine on the sideboard.

“Well somebody did,” Wilhelm groused. “It was plain to see the leg of the table had been cut. It wasn’t a failure due to the weight of the cake and it wasn’t because the table was old, because they’re new. Someone is responsible.” Wilhelm stared out the window. “I think you need to say something to the pack.”

“I will in the morning,” Dedric agreed.

“Oh, I think it’s going to have to be a bit sooner than that,” Samson said as he looked out the window and into the yard in front of the house.

Dedric got up, rounded his desk and looked through the window to find what looked like the whole pack standing in front of his house. Looks like I wasn’t the only one worried about how this affected Laura. “Right. I’ll go speak with them.”

About the Author:

Lilli Carlisle, lives outside Toronto, Canada. She’s a member of the Romance Writers of America and its chapter, Toronto Romance Writers. Lilli is a mother of two wonderful girls, wife to an amazing man, and servant to the pets in her life. Lilli writes both contemporary and paranormal romance and believes love should be celebrated and shared. After all, everybody needs a little romance, excitement, intrigue and passion in their lives.

Buy links:
http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/lauras-legacy
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DYHGSTN
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/lauras-legacy/id1402875024?mt=11
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lauras-legacy-lilli-carlisle/1128944914?ean=2940155308119
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/laura-s-legacy-1
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/844080

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Freaking Fast by David Pereda

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. David will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The city is Asheville, North Carolina, and the year is 2066. As renowned mathematician Alexandra Martin travels in her self-driving car to assassinate the love of her life, she reminisces about how they met and fell in love fifty years earlier in middle school when she was a thirteen year old poor math whiz and he a wealthy teenager. Alex recounts her struggles to be admitted to the best private school in the county, her happy teenage years running track, and her close relationship with three handsome and charming boys: Xavier, the intellectual; Andrew, the golden boy; and Vitali, the suave foreigner. One by one, she visits the three boys of her youth, now successful professionals in their sixties, one of whom is her intended victim.

Read an Excerpt:

The road curves away but Andrew keeps the car on a straight line, riding on the well-manicured lawn, heading at dizzying speed toward the trees. I glance at the speedometer. We are going at 135 miles an hour already and gaining speed. We’re going to crash. My heart is beating so fast I think it’s going to break through my ribcage.

The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry, I’m thinking. I’m never going to carry out my plan. In a few more seconds I’m going to be dead, together with Andrew.

Fifty meters from the trees, Andrew pulls on the stick shift and, suddenly, we are flying. What? Wings have sprouted from the door panels and a tail has emerged from the rear. Andrew pulls hard on the stick, so we can clear the trees. I quickly calculate the angle of ascension as my head flattens against the back of the seat. Estimating the distance to the tree line and the height of the trees, I use the Pythagorean Theorem to gauge the hypotenuse: the angle of ascension is forty-five degrees, maybe even a tad more. That’s steep.

Are we going to make it?

We do, barely, but we do.

‘Yeah!’ Andrew yells with excitement as he steadies Kitty. ‘Was that a rush, or what?’ He glances at me and starts laughing. ‘You look pale, Alex.’

I don’t remember Andrew being this crazy. He was always a little bit on the wild side, but this is not a little; this is a lot. I gasp for air and try to recover my composure. I can’t talk just yet. We are flying at about 500 feet above the ground. The lake looks beautiful below us. I check the speed – 220 miles an hour. Kitty is slicing through the air with hardly a sound, like a gust of wind.

‘This baby has a cruising speed of 300 miles an hour,’ Andrew says, as if reading my mind. ‘And a top speed of 400. This is the latest prototype.’

My heartbeat has slowed down enough for me to speak.

‘Impressive.’

About the Author:

David Pereda is the award-winning author of nine novels, including Havana Blues and However Long the Night, as well as the Havana Series of thrillers featuring the dashing Doctor Raymond Peters and the beautiful but deadly Cuban assassin Marcela. He has traveled to more than thirty countries and speaks four languages. Before devoting his time solely to writing and teaching, David had a successful international consulting career with global giant Booz Allen Hamilton, where he worked with the governments of Mexico, Venezuela, Peru and Qatar, among others.

A member of MENSA, David earned his MBA from Pepperdine University in California. He earned bachelor degrees in English literature and mathematics at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

He lives in artistic Asheville, North Carolina, with his youngest daughter Sophia, where he teaches mathematics and English at the Asheville-Buncombe Community College. He loves sports and is an accomplished competitor in track and show-jumping equestrian events.

Author’s Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/David-Pereda/e/B002BML17Q
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Freaking-Fast-David-Pereda/dp/198750061X/ref=la_B002BML17Q_1_1

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Tempting Beat by Brooklyn Ann

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly drawn commenter will receive $15 in Boroughs Bucks. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

YOU NEVER KNOW…

Bleeding Vengeance’s drummer, Roderick Powell knows he’s a sod for feeling glum, especially after moving into a beautiful new home in a smart Denver suburb. But all his mates are partnered or married, and dreadfully happy. It’s enough to make a rockstar rethink his options. And even though his sexy neighbor has given him the brush-off, he’s decided to have another go – at this point he has nothing left to lose, apart from his heart.

WHAT LIES BENEATH

Gwen Mason’s romantic past has been bumpier than most – twice divorced by thirty, she’s had enough of broken promises. An ER nurse who keeps a brutal schedule, she’s happy to become known as the neighborhood crazy cat lady. But…the most delicious man has moved next door. He’s British, he’s famous, he’s a rockstar. And, hard as she tries, Gwen can't keep Rod Powell from breaking all her rules, and suddenly she sees a future she never believed possible.

Read an Excerpt

When Gwen stepped out onto her porch, it seemed her neighbor, Mrs. Kersh, had the same idea. Gwen saw her striding across the street before Gwen looked over and saw the moving truck next door.

“Our new neighbor has finally arrived,” Mrs. Kersh said in a somewhat scolding tone, as if the new homeowner was tardy in taking up residence. “I do wish I’d been home to see more of the prospective buyers touring the property.”

Gwen nodded. As an ER nurse, she worked twelve-hour shifts alternating between three and four days a week and almost always on the weekends, when most people perused houses for sale. She’d been working during the open house, and also missed the people who came after to look at the home. “I hope whoever bought the place is a nice person.”

Mrs. Kersh huffed. “I hope they’re quiet and don’t have a dog. The last people were atrocious, leaving that mutt in the yard to yap all the time.”

The last people were also major jerks, Gwen thought as she watched the movers pile out of the truck and begin unloading furniture. Their barking dog and loud children had cost her precious hours of sleep. Still, she couldn’t help but give Mrs. Kersh a sideways smile and glance down at Molly, the little terrier that was ever at Mrs. Kersh’s side.

Mrs. Kersh’s eyes widened with blatant terror. “Oh no.”

An older silver Honda CR-V pulled behind the moving truck and a man got out with a happy smile and a proprietary gleam in his eyes as he met the moving truck with a fob of jingling keys.

Holy hotness. Gwen almost breathed the words aloud as her belly tilted at the sight of the man striding up the walkway of the house next door. Shoulder-length chocolate-brown hair framed a face that was worthy of a magazine cover. Gray eyes danced with a touch of mischief. His lips were arched and full, making it impossible not to think of kissing.

Which was something Gwen could never do, because aside from that not being neighborly, he was clearly too young for her. If he was older than twenty-five, Gwen would eat her scrubs.

About the Author:

Formerly an auto-mechanic, Brooklyn Ann thrives on writing Romance featuring unconventional heroines and heroes who adore them. After writing historical paranormal romance in her critically acclaimed “Scandals with Bite” series and urban fantasy in her “Brides of Prophecy” novels, she now explores the chaotic realm of heavy metal music— a difficult world to find love in.

She lives in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho with her son, her cat, and a 1980 Datsun 210.

Buy links:

http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/tempting-beat
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DJ9MCXM
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tempting-beat/id1394524050?mt=11
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tempting-beat-brooklyn-ann/1128870245?ean=2940155281757
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/tempting-beat
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/836518

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In The Assassin's Arms by Katherine Hastings

Katherine Hastings is visiting with us to celebrate yesterday's release of her newest book In The Assassin's Arms. Enter here for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

Five Things You’d Probably Never Guess About Me

1. In the summer, I’m usually found floating in a big, inflatable raft at the beach during the day. Every time I floated I got an idea for a book, but by the time I came back to shore, the idea or the inspiration was gone. So, I got a waterproof case for my iPhone and I now write while I’m out floating on the water. There’s something about being on the water that turns on my creative faucet, so I figured out a way to write while it was flowing. Almost every word of “In the Assassin’s Arms” was written on an iPhone while I floated in a raft.

2. I once moved to Arizona from Wisconsin when I was twenty-one. After spending two weeks there, I realized they didn’t have cheese curds (a Wisconsin staple!), there was nowhere to swim (I’m a water baby), and I felt like I was living in a Stepford Wives movie. I rented a U-Haul, filled it up with my recently unpacked stuff, tossed my French Bulldog in the front seat and drove back across the country to Wisconsin after only thirty days.

3. I have a terrible singing voice, yet for some reason, and much to the dismay of my husband, I sing-song sentences at him all the time. Sometimes I don’t even realize I’m doing it until I notice him staring at me with wide eyes and I can almost see his eardrums rupturing.

4. I love terrible B movies. The worse they are the better. You can be certain if there is a bad shark or zombie movie on Netflix, I’ve watched it. Last week I found “5-Headed Shark Attack” and almost bounced off the bed with excitement waiting for it to load.

5. I name everything. My car is named Moby after the whale because it’s a huge white SUV. My new lawnmower is Sir Chop-A-Lot. My hot tub is Tubbatha. Literally everything I own, including my favorite shoes, has a name.

John Douglas may be a well-trained political assassin, but he has met his match in the woman he once called a friend. When his childhood playmate reenters his life, she's not looking to rekindle their friendship... she's out for blood.

With a vendetta to settle, Charlotte Cornewalle isn't stopping until she finds the man who killed her father. All signs point to Robert Douglas, the leader of the opposing faction of assassins... and John's father. To get her revenge, no one will stand in her way... not even the boy she once adored.

Fate forces them together as they fight to prove their innocence and right the wrongs they have suffered. Sparks fly from more than just their swords, but will they be able to put the past behind them? Will they be able to find the truth before it destroys them both?

About the Author:

Katherine Hastings loves love. It’s why she writes romance novels. Getting lost writing a romantic adventure is one of her favorite pastimes. When she’s not on an adventure in her mind with her characters, she can be found at her home in Wisconsin snuggling her husband, two Boston Terriers, and the world’s naughtiest cat. Two things make Katherine want to leave her happy home these days... going for rides on her dressage pony or floating at the beach in her big inflatable raft. Writing her novels while floating in the lake is one of her ultimate pleasures... that and Fried Wisconsin Cheese Curds, of course.

Website: http://www.katherinehastings.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/katherinehastingsauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/khastingsauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherinehastingsauthor

Buy the book at Amazon.

His Untamed Love by Anya Summers

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Anya will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Visiting the Black Elkhorn Lodge and Resort is Mia Evans’s last option. She’s bordering on a nervous breakdown. Everyone in her life she thought she could count on deserted her. And, to make matters worse, she has the foulest case of writer’s block in the history of the world. She figures getting herself out of the prison her apartment in Chicago has become will help jar her life and her writing out of the rut they are in. But she isn’t prepared for the surly, sexy cowboy – who looks like her every dark fantasy come alive – riding into her life on his trusty steed.

Cole Stewart only loved one woman in all his thirty-five years, until he lost her forever and swore he would never love another. Since then he’s had a revolving door with the subs at his lifestyle club Cuffs & Spurs, all with the unwritten rule that he doesn’t get involved or do relationships of any kind, period. That is, until Mia Evans, the burned-out, anxiety ridden author, needing to get away from her real life, nearly runs him over with her car. Seeing the haunted expression in her gaze and a body he craves, the Dom in him knows he must have her, must taste her and feel her writhing beneath him. But will he be willing to risk his heart for the untamed passion he finds in her arms?

Read an Excerpt

Mia shoved the gear shift into park and opened her car door. She stumbled out. Her knees trembled. Her belly performed somersaults. She sputtered, with a hand to her chest as she took in the scene, “Are you all right? I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you, I—”

The horse snorted at her and stomped a hoof. And, oh my goodness, it was a gorgeous black stallion with a small teardrop of white fur just above his eyes. The horse was absolutely huge. But the beastie didn’t show any fear or anxiety at almost being struck by a car. It was more like he was annoyed that he had been forced to stop. He vibrated with energy.

Her gaze rose. The man in the saddle had an air of calm authority about him and obviously extended that serenity to the beast. The man was large, or maybe he just seemed intimidating on top of the horse. He was wearing blue jeans and a gray flannel shirt, as well as a brown leather coat in deference to the chill. He tipped his black Stetson up as he studied her, his rich, dark sable hair grazing his impressively broad shoulders. There was a good week’s worth of dark stubble lining his firm, square jaw that was currently clenched tightly. He had high cheekbones and thick black brows that were scrunched in an irritated scowl. But it was his eyes—the intensity of his direct, forthright, charcoal gaze which blazed in fury—that made her feel like he’d peeled away every one of her pretenses and layers to reveal the scared ninny at the center.

“You need to be more careful, city girl,” he chewed out. Displeasure laced his husky voice that made her think of roaring fires and brandy.

Mia flinched like she’d been struck. She hated confrontations of any kind. She always fumbled and never held her own. Her anxiety bounded to new heights and she prayed she didn’t make more of a fool out of herself. “I’m really sorry. I’ve been driving all day and am a little tired. You came out of nowhere.”

The man shook his head and replied, “Just be more careful, city girl.”

His enigmatic eyes pierced through her. The sexy, surly cowboy could obviously tell that she didn’t have her ducks in a row. In fact, she didn’t even have ducks—more like a band of kittens doped up on catnip.

About the Author:Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Anya grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Anya never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.

Anya is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance under the name Maggie Mae Gallagher http://www.maggiemaegallagher.com/. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.

Visit her website here:

http://www.anyasummers.com
Visit her on social media here:

http://www.facebook.com/AnyaSummersAuthor
http://www.twitter.com/AnyaBSummers
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15183606.Anya_Summers
Sign-up for Anya Summers Newsletter
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Anya-Summers/e/B01EGTVRKC/
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/anya-summers
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/anyasummersauthor/

Don’t miss these exciting titles by Anya Summers and Blushing Books!

Dungeon Fantasy Club Series

Her Highland Master, Book 1 https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Master-Dungeon-Fantasy-Club-ebook/dp/B01E9UB8SO/
To Master and Defend, Book 2 https://www.amazon.com/Master-Defend-Dungeon-Fantasy-Club-ebook/dp/B01FNG23HI/
Two Doms for Kara, Book 3 https://www.amazon.com/Doms-Kara-Dungeon-Fantasy-Club-ebook/dp/B01GXGOAK0/
His Driven Domme, Book 4 https://www.amazon.com/Driven-Domme-Dungeon-Fantasy-Club-ebook/dp/B01IIUY8Y2
Her Country Master, Book 5 https://goo.gl/YWhLqm
Love Me, Master Me, Book 6 https://goo.gl/QlTE9u
Submit To Me, Book 7 https://goo.gl/Or8pYr
Her Wired Dom, Book 8 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRJY9TF

Pleasure Island Series

Her Master & Commander, Book 1 https://www.amazon.com/Master-Commander-Pleasure-Island-Book-ebook/dp/B06Y5SVVB9/
Her Music Masters, Book 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0711R9D1H/
Their Shy Submissive, Book 3 https://goo.gl/ufyJLn
Her Lawful Master, Book 4 https://www.amazon.com/Lawful-Master-Pleasure-Island-Book-ebook/dp/B073SRDNNT
Her Rockstar Dom, Book 5 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075VSGP8Q
Duets & Dominance, Book 6 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075TG9RYC
Her Undercover Dom, Book 7 https://goo.gl/HKhVba
Ménage In Paradise, Book 8 https://goo.gl/qce2BD
Her Rodeo Masters, Book 9 https://goo.gl/HDZw6v

Cuffs & Spurs Series

His Scandalous Love releasing March 8, 2018
His Wicked Love releasing May 8, 2018
His Untamed Love releasing July 9, 2018
His Tempting Love releasing September 6, 2018
His Seductive Love releasing November 8, 2018
His Secret Love releasing January 8, 2019
His Cherished Love releasing March 8, 2019
Purchase Links

Amazon https://goo.gl/6KLva3
Nook https://goo.gl/2kZhzM
iBooks https://goo.gl/aJ1E2B

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A Maiden's Honor by Josanna Thompson

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Josanna Thompson will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

I write historical fiction. I majored in history, and I love learning about different people and cultures around the world. Many amazing stories have come about from doing this research.

What research is required?

Building a world for a historical fiction novel requires LOTS of research. As a historian, I go through great lengths to present an accurate portrayal of the people and the parts of the world about which I am writing.

Name one thing you learned from your heroine.

Sarah Campbell is one of my favorite characters. (I like most of them, but Sarah has a soft spot in my heart.) I like her because she constantly surprises me. Even though the world beats her down, she’s always gets back up. Sarah is also the kind of character who does the right thing even if it’s a detriment to her.

Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

Me? Na, I’m boring. Although, I always read through the writing I did the previous day. When writing a blog or something that I need to publish, I will write my piece and let it sit for several days to a week. This approach helps me to review the work with a fresh view. I also make use of a software called Natural Reader. It translates your work from text to speech. This software has also helped me to spot mistakes like missing words or wrong words. It's also helped me to iron out sentences that sound choppy or simply don't read well.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

Yes. I’m a little of both. I always work from an outline. My stories often take a life of their own as I start writing them. I always love when this happens.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

I’m going to look to my left because It’s more interesting. I sit in a winged back chair in my family room. I have a white wicker shelf to the left of me. I use it to store pencils, pens, and other supplies. I also have a few small amusements on the top shelf like a water toy, and a few small stuffed animals. They always bring a smile to my face when I look at them.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

I’m currently working on the sequel to A Maiden’s Honor. The story continues with my protagonist, Sarah Campbell’s journey through Western civilization. This time she lands in Regency England. She’s only there for a month. Her travels will take her to the United States and the West Indies. Sarah learns a lot in the process.

Do you have a question for our readers?

I would love to know what they enjoy in a book. In other words, what is it that makes a book good, and what makes a book bad?

Sarah Campbell is a rarity among women in her time. Raised by her Scottish father and the natives of a remote island in the South Pacific, Sarah and her father embark on a perilous journey to Scotland. Their crew betrays them and murders her father for the purpose of selling Sarah into slavery. She is rescued by an unlikely hero, Hassan Aziz, the most feared pirate on the Barbary Coast. She quickly discovers that she is unprepared for the complex world that is suddenly thrust upon her. Sarah must find a way to survive in a world that intrigues and terrifies her.

Read an Excerpt:

Cora studied Naa’il. “May I ask you a personal question?”

“That depends on the question.” Naa’il’s posture stiffened.

“Do you love your second wife?”

“Yes,” Naa’il said without hesitation.

“Don’t you owe it to her to investigate whether or not she was telling the truth?”

“I know what I saw. Our laws are clear, Cora. Samina must be punished,” Naa’il said bitterly.

“Then I suppose that I should be put to death too.”

“This is different,” Naa’il snapped.

“Why? We are not related, yet we are alone. We have even shared a bed.”

“You are my slave; you must obey me.”

“I see.” Cora grimaced. “Regarding your wife, permit me to give you something to ponder.”

“Continue.” Naa’il flicked his hand in the air.

“Why do you post a guard outside your wife’s door?”

“He is there to protect her.”

“Precisely. When a soldier hears a scream from the person that he is assigned to protect, he is not going to hesitate to ascertain why, for he fears that delaying, even for a moment, may kill her. Likewise, when a woman is frightened, she is not going to delay her scream long enough to cover herself, especially if an intruder is attacking her. My point is Your Excellency, if you love your wife, love her enough to try to confirm her story. If she is truly innocent, then perhaps she and her guard deserve mercy.”

About the Author:

Josanna Thompson is the author of A Maiden's Honor and The Woman from Eden series. She has lived in many different places in the United States, including the Southeast, the Midwest, California, and the Northeast. When she is not writing; she enjoys traveling, exploring, and scuba diving.

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Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Maidens-Honor-Woman-Eden-Book-ebook/dp/B076FQ27S8/

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