Do we have a treat for you today! We are so thrilled to reveal the cover of USA Today bestselling author J.L. Berg's BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, which will be available September 13th! Check out the incredible cover below, read a sneak peek, and enter to win a $25 Amazon giftcard!Isn't the cover absolutely incredible?About BEHIND CLOSED DOORSMy name is Roman Cavenaugh and I’m kind of an asshole. Running a company isn't easy, especially when everyone expects you to fail, so being a jerk? It comes with the territory. I don't have time to mess around, and I sure as hell didn’t see her coming. Cara Hamilton—she was supposed to be off limits…a temporary employee brought in during my assistant’s maternity leave. But, in the blink of an eye, she became so much more. An obsession I couldn’t shake. So yeah, I may be an asshole, but now, I finally had a purpose, and soon, she would be mine. All’s fair in love and war…BEHIND CLOSED releases September 13th. Add it to Goodreads here! Be sure to preorder BEHIND CLOSED DOORS now at a special preorder price! Read a Sneak Peek!"Can I ask you something?" she said, drawing my attention away from the monotony on my computer screen. I looked up to find her eyes dead set on mine. It was unnerving. She usually tried to avoid direct eye contact with me. Maybe I intimidated her. Perhaps she found me attractive and the idea of lusting after her boss bothered her. Believe me, it bothered me too. In a very physical way. “Go ahead,” I answered, unwilling to break the intimate connection she'd started. "When you saw me… at the club that night," she said, her eyes wavering just slightly. "What was it you saw in me? I mean, was it just the clothes?" My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Even though I'd said we'd never speak of what happened that drunken night two weeks ago, I saw something in her eyes that needed an answer. That needed something more. "Why are you asking?" "It's nothing, sorry. I'm being stupid," she backpedaled, as she began fiddling with the hem of her skirt. Looking back at our few interactions, I suddenly noticed the difference in how she'd acted today. Her normal never-ending stream of word vomit was there, but behind it, there was an internal struggle going on. The hemline wasn't the first thing she'd fidgeted with. I'd watched as she'd pulled at the collar of her shirt and then, as if she'd realized what she had done was wrong, quickly lay it flat again. "Does this have something to do with the way you're dressed today?" Pink tinged her cheeks once again. "You noticed?" I simply nodded, not trusting myself with words in that moment. Because I’d more than noticed. It’d been damn hard not to think about anything but. "A gift from my boyfriend," she replied. "He said my old clothes didn't fit in with our new life style. It was a very generous gift," she added, never forgetting that politeness she'd no doubt been taught since birth. "But?" I questioned, waiting for her to continue. "But… I don't feel like me anymore," she finally admitted. "And I'm guessing the night in the club was another gift of his as well?" It was her turn to nod. I could see the indecision and worry gnawing at her. Someone like her, sweet, honest and good… she was meant for better things than a life with a man who didn't appreciate her. Leaning forward, I made sure she saw the sincerity burning in my eyes as I spoke. "That night in the club, I'll admit, I noticed the dress first." She opened her lips to speak but I held up my hand to stop her, wanting to make my point. "And today, when you walked in, I couldn't help but give a second… or third glance at the way that new skirt hugged your ass." Her eyes widened at my blatant honesty. "So yes, the clothes may grab my attention for a moment or two, but the fact that I'm still interested, two weeks later? That's you, Cara. That’s all you.” And just like that, I'd crossed the line. I’d hit on an employee. And there was no going back from that.Enter to WinWant to win a $25 Amazon giftcard? Simply enter via the Rafflecopter below! a Rafflecopter giveawayAbout J.L. BergJ.L. Berg is the USA Today bestselling author of the Ready Series, The Walls Duet, and the Lost & Found Duet. She is a California native living in the beautiful state of historic Virginia. Married to her high school sweetheart, they have two beautiful girls that drive them batty on a daily basis. When she's not writing, you will find her with her nose stuck in a romance novel, in a yoga studio or devouring anything chocolate. J.L. Berg is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC. Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Newsletter
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Man of Mysteryby Lorelei Moone Publication Date: July 6, 2016 Genres: Adult, Romantic Suspense, BBW#PREORDER: Amazon (#FREE with #KindleUnlimited)Synopsis: What would you do if on your way home from your boring work, all of a sudden a handsome stranger leaps into the back of your car and asks you to drive him to the airport? Be terrified? Threaten him and hope he gets out and leaves you alone? Those were my first instincts as well. There was something in his eyes, something in the words he said that made me pause though. What if this beautiful man really did need my help? What if my refusal meant not only that his safety hung in the balance, but that of the entire country? So I drove him to Heathrow Airport, and my adventure began…MAN OF MYSTERY - CHAPTER 1What a day. I sigh and rest my forehead against the steering wheel. After getting called in for my semi-annual appraisal and having all my achievements from the past six months swept under the rug because Karen took credit for them, I can’t imagine how today could get any worse. Of course, traffic can always worsen any day. It’s warm, too warm to be driving a twenty-year-old rust-bucket without air conditioning. And opening the window does nothing except let in more hot air and fumes from the thousands of cars surrounding me in what has got to be a record for west London. The traffic is spectacularly horrible for a Thursday. Can’t I catch a fucking break? I pick up my mobile and after scanning the surrounding vehicles, I figure it’s safe enough to make a call. No coppers around at the moment. The last thing I need is another ticket. “Hey, Maggie?” I say, greeting the groggy voice on the other end of the line. “Yeah, Tess, what’s up?” “Nothing. Same old, life’s a bitch. Shall we go out tonight? I could use the distraction.” The car ahead of me moves but I decide it’s not worth the effort to put mine in first gear, just to creep ahead four feet. “Sounds great, but I have a date, and then straight to work. Another day perhaps?” Maggie yawns on the other end. Typical, ever since she’s started working the midnight shift at the airport, her routine has been all over the place. “A date, huh? I’m jealous. Who’s the lucky guy?” I ask, even though I already suspect it’s that guy she works with, Alec, whom she’s been going on about nonstop lately. “I finally decided enough is enough and asked out Alec. You know nowadays you can’t sit back and wait for men to make the first move. That’s all in the past. The dating scene is all about equal opportunities.” “Mhm, if you say so. I guess I’m a bit old-fashioned that way.” Which is probably why I haven’t had a date in months. “Say, you wanna talk about what’s going on? I have a little while before I need to start getting ready.” “Thanks. Well, as I said. Same old.” I sigh, and squeeze the bridge of my nose to get rid of the beginnings of a tension headache. “Your boss, Frank-something still bothering you?” “No, I mean yes. Sort of. I had my appraisal today. Can you believe it? Of all my suggestions which were actually implemented these past six months, none of that was mentioned. That tart I told you about, Karen, presented everything like it was her idea, after making me do the groundwork. And now it looks like I’ve been doing fuck all and I’m not pulling my weight,” I rant. “I see. Same old indeed. What can you do? People like her will do anything to get ahead, even if it means trampling those in her way. Keep calm, bide your time and return the favor or find another job. No other option.” “Another job where? I ought to be grateful I have one at all with the way things have been going.” I take a deep breath and grip the steering wheel tighter until my knuckles turn white. I wonder if things ever get easier. “True. If you ever change your mind on shift work, I could ask around at work?” “Thanks, Maggie. That’s very sweet. I’ll let you know.” I’m getting desperate, but I’m not ready to work nights. Yet. “Sure thing, Tess. OK, I’d better have a shower and all. I want to look my best for tonight.” “Break a leg. And if he turns out to be a dick, I’ll break both of his.” “Cheers. I’ll let you know how it goes.” I put down the phone again, feeling slightly better after venting to Maggie. What are friends for, eh? The space in front of my car has opened up even further and I finally do pull ahead. Metal boxes in all shapes and sizes as far as the eye can see. Perhaps there’s an accident up ahead. It’s going to take at least an hour to get to the motorway from here in this mess. That means I won’t make it home until God knows when. Urgh. I rest my head back on the steering, wondering if anyone would notice if I had a short nap behind the wheel. The click of my rear door followed by a gust of air causes a cold shiver to creep down my spine. Someone’s behind me! “What the hell?” I instinctively snatch up my handbag and phone from the passenger seat while turning around as best I can to face the intruder. “Shh…” The man cowering half on the back seat makes a calming motion with his hand, but doesn’t look directly at me. My heart is hammering in my throat, threatening to make me freeze up, but I react almost on autopilot anyway. “Get out! Get the hell out of my car!” I shout, while rummaging furiously in my purse. “I have pepper spray.” My fingers grasp a small deodorant bottle. “And I’m not afraid to use it!” “Be careful with that, if you blind yourself we’re both done for.” His gentle and calm tone surprises me. If he’s trying to mug me, he’s got a strange technique. “I… what do you mean, we’re both done for?” I’m still pointing the deodorant bottle in his general direction, but am suddenly not so sure I want to spray him with it. “I need you to drive. I swear I have a good reason to get into your car. Also, you’ve got that the wrong way around.” My fingers shake even more intensely as he reaches out for the can, and twists the nozzle in his direction. “There.” “Shit. I’m sorry. Thanks. I mean…” Why the hell am I apologizing to this criminal? Still, I feel like a total idiot for threatening to spray him with what is essentially perfume. I suppose it would hurt if it ends up in his eye, but it’s not quite mace, is it? I lower my hand and take a proper look at him. The stranger is still sort of hiding half in the foot well and half on the seat, skittishly looking out the window, while sneaking glances in my direction. He doesn’t look like a mugger. But then, I’ve never been mugged, how would I know what a mugger looks like? Still, his suit and shirt make him look more like a businessman than a criminal. Or a waiter perhaps. “Good thing you’re no longer intent on making me smell like… Lush Lavender, is it? Yeah. Not really my style,” he says with a subtle smile on his face. A joke, really? Now? “There’s no accounting for taste,” I respond, while keeping my gaze fixed on his eyes. Green, bright, focused. “Now, if you don’t mind explaining yourself.” “Of course. What would you say if I told you that there are some very bad people heading to Heathrow right now with a cargo that could destroy the world as we know it?” he says. “I would ask if you’ve been drinking.” I continue to stare at him, but he’s unfazed by my reaction and smiles again. How is he so calm? This whole thing has got to be a joke.ABOUT LORELEI MOONELorelei Moone is an up-and-coming author of paranormal romance & romantic suspense novels based in London. Her first book, Scottish Werebear: An Unexpected Affair has hit the virtual shelves on Amazon on 25 September 2015, and her second, Scottish Werebear: A Dangerous Business a month later on the 25th of October. A lover of all things sweet, and caffeinated, when she’s not writing about sexy bear shifters and their strong-willed curvaceous love interests, Lorelei can be found baking cookies or cakes for her family.Website • Facebook • Twitter • Newsletter • Goodreads • Amazon Author Profile GIVEAWAYInside the Book:
Title: Constantine
Author: Heather Grothaus
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Ecopy
Evil is everywhere, and General Constantine Gerard has witnessed more than his share. Yet he never dreamed the ugliness that darkened the castle at Chastellet would cost him his wife and child. Now he has nothing left to lose—and nothing to live for, save the vengeance he vows to unleash on Glayer Felsteppe, the man who destroyed his family. Theodora Rosemont, too, has suffered at Glayer’s hands. When Constantine finds her, she is barely alive, and desperate to find her baby, who was snatched away by Glayer’s men mere moments after his birth. Bonded by their common enemy, Constantine and Dori embark on a treacherous journey, determined to rescue the child and vanquish the father. But as emotions run high and secrets are revealed, passion could compromise their quest, leaving more than just their hearts in peril . . Meet the Author
Heather Grothaus has published eight medieval romances since 2006, which have been translated into several foreign languages. She fell in love with historical romance after reading a Kathleen E. Woodiwiss novel when she was far too young to be doing so, and has never looked back, building a reputation for crafting twisting adventures, laugh-out-loud dialogue, and heart-wrenching emotion. When she’s not writing, she spends her time homeschooling her children, gardening, listening to music, reading, and watching Sherlock. She lives on a small farm in Kentucky with her family.
Tour ScheduleShaman’s Curse
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Inside the Book:
Title: The Girl He Wants
Author: Kristi Rose
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Genre: Romance
Format: Ecopy
Boutique owner Jayne Grandberry may be great at getting customers to treat themselves, but she’s even better at resisting her own desires. For her, love is like a sinfully rich dessert—a fleeting pleasure that will just make her crash in the long run. She has no time for such distractions, especially since she’s trying to open up a second shop in Atlanta. But she finds herself tempted like never before when her friends set her up with Stacy Cunningham. A financial wizard, Stacy gives off a definite nerdy vibe, but he has skills that a businesswoman like Jayne can appreciate—and an indulgent one-night stand shows her a wildly different side of him. There’s nowhere for them to go from there, since Stacy, a single father, has complicated written all over him. But he’s not willing to settle for second best. And he’ll have to wait for Jayne to discover what he’s known all along: that when you open your heart to love, there will be room in your life for anything . . . Meet the Author
Kristi Rose was raised in central Florida on boiled peanuts and iced tea. She’s lived by an active volcano, almost fallen off a mountain, and was married in Arkansas by a J.O.P in flip flops named Earl. No matter where she is, she enjoys watching people and wondering what’s their story? That’s what Kristi likes to write about: everyday people, the love that brings them together, and their journey getting there. Kristi is a member of RWA. You can follow Kristi at kristirose.net, like her Facebook page: Kristi Rose, or send her a tweet @krosewrites. The Girl He Knows is her debut novel.
Tour ScheduleComing June 12th Emma’s had it bad for Professor Faraday all semester. Despite her best efforts, Luke Faraday seems immune to the brilliant blonde who sits enthralled in his lecture hall every day.
When Emma decides to confront her enigmatic professor and confess her feelings, Luke has a confession of his own to make. Will his confession send her running? Or will it send her running straight into his arms? Either way, Emma’s about to get more of an education than she bargained for.
***This is a Dark Fantasies Novella, fantasy being the key word. Get lost in the story, hold off jumping to conclusions, and brace yourself for the sweet surprise waiting at the end.*** Kat Austen is the secret pen name of a New York Times and USATODAY bestselling author. Kat writes short and steamy reads that leave hearts (and other parts) satisfied.
Angelic Anarchy
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Release Date: September 6th 2016
Summary:
About the Author
JP Epperson lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a lover of all things fantasy and paranormal. When not writing or sitting with her head in a book she enjoys spending time with your husband and two sons. JP is a lover of the outdoors and her second home is a tent in the woods curled up with a book next to a campfire.
Title: Bad Apple
Series: The Uncertain Saints MC
Author: Lani Lynn Vale
Genre: MC Romance
The road to hell is paved with good intentions… Apple “Core” Drew needs The Uncertain Saints MC like he needs air. He is barely making it through the day, and each one that goes by takes him closer and closer to hell. Literally, not figuratively. He’s a half breath away from killing himself—maybe not by taking his own life, but he’s not against making someone else do it for him. Then he meets her. One of his club member’s sister, and his whole outlook on life changes. And not for the better. Just as surely as he ruined his life, he ruins her life, too. One lapse in judgement on his part, and his one night of happiness turns into the worst nine months of his life. Which he would’ve thought was damn near impossible with the things he’s done and seen. She never saw it coming… It was the beard. The beard made her do it. That is a good excuse for having sex with a man she barely knows, isn’t it? Yeah, who was she kidding? It wasn’t the beard. It was the way he looked so dejected and solemn. The sad look in his eyes pulls her in, and the way his rough hands touch her makes her stay. All she wants to do is take that look out of his eyes, but the consequences to her actions only make things worse, not better. One day is all she gets, and he’s not willing to give her more. Until she dies, that is. Then it’s too late.
“Your brother’s gonna kick my ass you know,” I said.
“Why?” she asked.
I snorted.
“A, because he doesn’t like me. Two because he doesn’t like me,” I explained seriously.
“My brother’s suspicious,” she amended. “And he doesn’t hate you. If he hated you, you’d be treated like my brother.”
“And how’s that?” I asked in confusion, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Like a common criminal,” she expounded. “Ridley keeps him under surveillance, and he doesn’t get to come around me, him, or any of the club members.”
“Hmm,” I started walking faster. “Interesting.”
She nodded.
“He’s not here,” she informed me.
“Okay,” I said, my eyes following the movement of her finger as she brought one manicured finger up to her mouth and bit lightly on the nail.
“Do I have to spell it out for you?” She lifted her brows, her finger still rubbing lightly across her bottom lip.
I rebalanced my weight on both feet as I readied myself for whatever was going to come out of her mouth next.
I wasn’t disappointed. It was quite shocking, to say the least.
“I want you to fuck me,” she said.
She didn’t lead up to it or anything, just blurted that shit out there.
Which might’ve been why I couldn’t think of anything to say to that.
“I’m…” I hesitated.
“You’re a pussy,” she said, brows raised.
My eyebrows lowered.
“That’s certainly not what I was going to say,” I informed her. “Which you would’ve known had you not interrupted me.”
“Most people finish their sentences in a timely manner,” she said stiffly.
She was getting pissed.
Interesting.
“Desperate much?” I asked her. “You have to proposition guys that don’t want you in an attempt to get what you want?”
Her mouth dropped open in affront.
“You’re shitting me right now, aren’t you?” she asked, hurt evident in her voice.
“Yes,” I said, contrite. “But you surprised me is all. And I’m not a pussy.”
“Well, what are you?” she asked primly.
“Honestly?” I asked.
She nodded.
“Yes.”
“I’m trying to get into a club that my father thinks’ll be good for my PTSD and anger management,” I answered. “And to do that, I need to not piss off the members; for example, your brother.”
Her mouth thinned.
“My brother’s already let you know that he doesn’t like you. What’s sleeping with his sister going to change?” she challenged.
I paused, unsure how to answer that.
“Well…” on one hand she was correct. He wasn’t going to hate me any less if I slept with his sister.
And I did find her attractive.
Extremely attractive.
She was gorgeous.
And I’m not talking in a girl next door kind of way. I’m talking about a ‘keep her locked down in baggy pants and a sweat shirt’ kind of way and still beat the men off with a stick.
She’d be hell on the heart, that was for sure.
Her long, black curly hair came to about mid back, and her porcelain white skin seemed almost luminescent under the light of the moon.
She had long legs that looked fucking superb in those tight jeans she had on, not to mention the black Jack Daniel’s t-shirt she was wearing, cut up in that fashion that women seemed to like now-a-days, was only accentuating her curves.
And what little denial I tried to hang on to by the tips of my fingers slipped away, leaving only one thing in my mind.
I couldn’t pass this opportunity up.
Not after I’d been lusting after the woman for so long, even though she didn’t know that.
“You really want this?” I asked her, crowding her so close that she started backing up out of reaction.
She licked her lips, and then nodded.
“Yes,” she said surely. “Or I wouldn’t have brought it up.”
“You know who I am?” he asked. “You’re not intoxicated and asking for things that you shouldn’t be asking for in this condition.”
She laughed in my face.
“Oh, honey. Now you’re just trying to think up an excuse to back out, aren’t you?” she glared.
Title: Living Out Loud
Series: The Living Series Vol. 2
Author: Melody Dawn
Genre: NA/Contemporary Romance
Connor Reece knows he isn't safe for any woman.
For six years, he's kept everyone at a distance, until the day his twin brother finds his soulmate.
When Connor is introduced to her best friend, Madison McKinley, she becomes the light in his dark world.
Both are attracted to each other, but neither believe in love.
Until they receive news that changes everything.
Can Connor convince Madison to take a chance on him?
Or will their trust issues deny them the chance at an epic love story?
Prologue
Connor
Sitting here alone on a Friday night drinking whiskey…how times have changed. My bitter musings are interrupted by the sound of the back door opening and I look over to see Jayson and Chloe walk in. They are completely oblivious to anyone but themselves and so much in love; it’s a little ridiculous. Actually, I’m happy for them…I just don’t want to see the evidence of it tonight.
I watch as my mirror image wraps her up in his arms and kisses the hell out of her. As the kiss grows more heated, I feel sort of like a voyeur. They don’t even know I’m here and although I love to harass Chloe about being a “closet freak,” I need to get out of here before they see me, not because I’m a noble guy, but because I don’t want to answer the 2,000 questions they will throw at me.
Taking care not to disturb them, I climb the back stairs to my room and get ready for bed. Once, I’m lying down, I reach for my phone without thinking and send a text.
Connor: What are u doing?
Madison: I thought u weren’t talking 2 me.
Connor: I’m not. Never mind
Madison: U could come over. I miss u.
Connor: I’m not having this convo again. You had a choice…and you didn’t choose me.
Madison: Maybe I was wrong. Come over and let’s talk about it.
I don’t bother responding. She knows where I stand on this issue and her request to “talk about it” means she wants to distract me with sex.
With a mirthless laugh, I wonder at the absurdity of the situation. Connor Reece, Mr. Commitment-Phobe, is shutting a girl down because she won’t have a relationship outside of casual sex. I’m betting Karma is having a huge laugh at my expense for every time I was a huge asshole to the girls who wanted more from me than just fucking.
Shame fills me when I think of what a bastard I’ve been to some of the girls I hooked up with in the past. Jesus, if I had known what rejection feels like, I would have become a monk and saved everyone some grief and pain.
I always thought just being a hook-up guy was the right way to go. I got my needs met and the women stayed safe. That’s been my biggest priority: not exposing a woman to the darkness that rests inside me…the darkness I discovered at age 17.
Sure, I’ve let hints of it come out with a few partners, but I made sure to keep a tight rein on myself. Years ago, I swore I would never put myself in a vulnerable situation with a girl again. I can hear Karma laughing even louder in my head…looks like I’m the one that needed protecting…maybe not my body, but the heart I thought was on lock down…the one Madison McKinley crushed to pieces with two words, “I can’t.”
Hoping to extricate her from my mind…at least for the night, I turn over, punch my pillow, and try to sleep…waiting for the alcohol to numb my brain. Unfortunately, that’s not the case…even though sleepiness begins to overtake me, my mind is working overtime.
Soon my eyes begin to droop, but the memories push through…ones that I thought I buried years ago. Flashes from that night swoop in and my jaw clenches in reaction. The alcohol as well as the situation with Madison is just the right combination to bring back memories I would rather not have right now or any time actually. The harder I try to keep them back, the quicker they come. Finally, I give in and the last 6 years of my life play out like a movie in front of me.
Melody Dawn is an aspiring contemporary romance author residing in the southern part of the US. She started reading romance novels when she was a teenager and became addicted to Happily Ever After’s. She got her own HEA when she met her soulmate 20 years ago and they have been together ever since. They have two furbabies who think they are Kings of the Castle and require a ton of attention. When she is not reading or writing, she loves to refurbish old furniture into new pieces, scrapbook, and most of all spend time with her main guy.
Saved by a Soldier
*Cover designed by Deranged Doctor Design*
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