Title: Fated Bliss (The Bliss Series, #2)

Author: Cassie Strickland

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date:  June 15, 2016

Synopsis

Ben

Those gold eyes were the first thing I noticed. I wanted more than anything to get lost in them, drown in her, to let go of my fears and doubts my past had left behind. But it wasn’t just me I had to consider. My son came first. She's a force to be reckoned with, though. She was everywhere, in my dreams even, tempting me to throw caution to the wind. And I was weak. I gave into my clawing desire and let myself enjoy one night with her, having no clue she’d change me forever. Once wasn't enough. I became addicted. I craved her – her scent, her skin, her smile, her eyes…her love. I need Samantha. Samantha My life was uncomplicated. It was free and easy. Then I met him, the man with the blue-violet eyes that entranced me. I had a feeling I was making a big mistake when agreeing to one night of carnal bliss, but I was unable to walk away. I just couldn’t have foreseen how big of one it was. He turned my world upside-down, working his way into my heart until it beat only for him. Now everything is complex, and there are secrets he’s not telling me. Will he ever let me in? Time would tell, but one thing is sure – I’d walk through hell and back, feel the blistering lick of each flame against my flesh, for just the promise of Ben. Not intended for anyone under the age of eighteen due to language and sexual content. Note from the author: Fated Bliss is the second book in The Bliss Series, and though it is recommended to read Finding Bliss first, it’s not needed. Fated Bliss is a standalone novel with an HEA.  

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Excerpt

Without a word, Ben placed a hand in the center of my chest and pushed me backward. I cried out in surprise, almost falling over my feet. But I didn’t have to worry. As Ben followed me inside, he encircled my waist and hauled me against his strong body. My belly dipped and heated into a slow kindling. Guess we’re skipping to dessert. Ben kicked the door shut as his head descended. I heard plastic bags rustling and something drop onto my foyer table. Meeting him halfway, I stood on my tiptoes and wrapped my arms around his neck. His presence, his scent infusing the air, everything about Ben being in my home did something to me, something incredible. Our lips crashed together in total abandon. Using his tongue, he pried my lips apart, searching, exploring, and fisted my hair. My back collided with the wall, pinning me to Ben’s control as he kissed me. It was wicked and wet and unrestrained. Hot. My head was swimming, my skin tingling, when he tore his mouth from mine.  Mega hot. Dazed, I stared into his brilliant eyes, trying to gain control over myself. He’s a drug, I decided right then and there. One taste and I was euphoric, swept away on a wild ride. “I’ve waited days to do that,” Ben murmured and scattered kisses along my jaw to my ear. “You’re stunning tonight.” I had no idea what he was talking about. Because I knew we’d be doing something along these lines as soon as we saw one another, I wore blue jean shorts and a little tank top, nothing special. Still, I’d take the compliment. “Thanks,” I rasped and combed my fingers through his hair, tilting my head. “You’re not so bad yourself.” Ben’s mouth found mine again. “I missed you,” he expressed between kisses. Biting his lip, I teased, “You saw me two days ago.” “Not enough,” he rumbled and sucked my tongue into his mouth. Knees weak, I melded to him, letting him own me. He could do whatever he wanted to me as long as he kissed me like this. “Bedroom. Now,” Ben demanded.  

About The Author

Cassie Strickland lives in East Texas with her husband, her daughter, and her Jack Russell terrier. With the support of her family and friends, she recently changed her career path to something new and exciting, something she loves to do - writing.

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The Wendigo Witchling
B. Kristin McMichael
(The Skinwalkers’ Witchling #2)
Published by: Lexia Press
Publication date: June 7th 2016
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Cassie is part of it now. Turns out, she may not want to join the coven, but that’s exactly what she did when she bonded herself to Nate. Rather than face the ordeal of joining the clan, Cassie finds it’s time for a road trip with her best friend, Whitney. The road trip was to get away, maybe learn a bit more about night humans—it wasn’t to find a deep dark secret hidden in Whitney’s past, one that may hit a little closer to home than Cassie wants to admit. With their road trip cut short, it is time to confront everyone about the lies that had been their lives, but Cassie soon finds out home isn’t exactly how she left it.

Where have all the witches gone? She’s the only witch left in town when they return. Soon she is dragged into more than she bargained for and she has to make choices that will change everything. She’s finally given a choice: does she want to be a skinwalkers witch or a wendigo witch? Too bad there are more secrets than answers. Without all the facts, can she really choose her life’s direction? Time isn’t on her side as she has to make a choice. Now she just hopes it’s the right one.

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--

EXCERPT:

The boy glanced down. “Entry denied,” he read out on the machine.

“Denied?” Cassie asked in disbelief.

“You’re not just a day human,” the boy replied, pointing to the scanner which had just tried to eat Cassie’s hand. “Anyone who is part of a ruling family must seek permission to visit before coming so that the proper welcome can be made.”

“I’m not part of any ruling family,” Cassie replied. What is he talking about?

“Ugh,” Whitney groaned. “You’re Than’s mate and thus part of the ruling family. I didn’t think about that. I figured your family or mine had called ahead of us and wanted us home. They didn’t, but this …” Whitney shook her head like she should have guessed as much.

Cassie groaned, too. Their road trip was being cut short. She just wanted to get away, and now that was being foiled by Nate, and he wasn’t even there.

“Well, technically, she isn’t part of the family yet. She has yet to complete all the bonding rituals and right now is still under her own family,” Whitney added, batting her eyes and using her movie star looks to try to win over the guy.

“Completely true,” Cassie added, trying her best to imitate her friend and her “pretty please” face.

The guy glanced first at Cassie, and then at Whitney. He gave in. “I need to verify this with my boss,” he said before he turned and walked away.

Author Bio:

B. Kristin McMichael graduated with her PhD in biology at Ohio State where she worked as a scientist before taking her passion of writing full-time. Besides writing, she enjoys chasing her kids, playing outside, and baking cookies. She lives in Ohio with her husband and three children.

B. Kristin is the author of YA and clean NA paranormal fiction. Her "Night Human World" includes the YA series "The Blue Eyes Trilogy" about a midwestern girl who comes of age in a world of battling vampire clans, the "The Day Human Trilogy" that takes place among the Appalachian Sidhe fairies, and "The Skinwalkers Witchling" trilogy that follows an apprentice witch in the Pacific Northwest. She's also the author of the NA paranormal time travel romance series "The Chalcedony Chronicles".

The Chalcedony Chronicles: http://bkmc.me/Book1Carnelian

Night Human World Series:
-The Blue Eyes Trilogy: http://bkmc.me/LegendoftheBlueEyes
-The Day Human Trilogy: http://bkmc.me/DayHumanPrince
-The Skinwalkers Witchling: http://bkmc.me/TheWitchlingApprentice

For more information on all of her books, visit http://www.bkristinmcmichael.com

Subscribe to her mailing list for new release notifications and deals: http://www.bkristinmcmichael.com/list

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Musings of an Earth Angel
by Suzanne Adams
Release Date: September 11th 2015

Summary from Goodreads:

""Musings of an Earth Angel" is a mystical story that's fresh, inventive and will linger with you long after you are finished reading. Spirit junkies will relish this exciting new adventure and hunger for more." -Gabrielle Bernstein, New York Times best-selling author of Miracles Now

ABOUT THE TRILOGY 22-year-old Samantha Kingston had the perfect job, perfect boyfriend, and perfect Friday nights. When disaster strikes she loses everything and is propelled into a journey where evil and good, dark and light are battling for her destiny. Will the Demon Brigade viciously destroy her? Or will her Angel team and the Divine help her to elevate and see her real truth as an Earth Angel?

BEAST

by Alana Albertson Publication Date: June 14, 2016 Genres: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Military Romance

Purchase (99c or #FREE with #KINDLEUNLIMITED!): Amazon

Synopsis: Love doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be true.

Isabella--Grady Williams is a national treasure, the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient, America’s scarred superhero. With tattooed arms sculpted from carrying M-16s, this bad boy has girls begging from sea to shining sea to get a piece of his action. When my father squanders away my college fund, I make a deal with this dirty-talking Devil Dog—I will pretend to be Grady’s girlfriend for the Marine Corps Ball, and my dad will write Grady’s war memoir. Grady is fearless. Hell, this badass jumped on a grenade to save his fellow Marines! As much as I crave him, I refuse to allow myself to become addicted to a dangerous man who will detonate my heart. Grady--Isabella Cuesta is an angel who can see beyond my mangled skin, a pawn used to repay her father’s debt, a woman who makes me feel like a man instead of a monster. But I no longer believe in fairy tales. She’s mine until our contract ends. I’ll take her hard and rough, listen to all her hopes and fears, lay down my life to protect her. This beauty will never let herself love a dangerous man like me—a man who has killed, a man who runs towards gunfire, a man who never backs down from a fight. But without her love, I’m not a man—I’ll remain forever a beast.

EXCERPT - BEAST

—Isa Guilt from my initial reaction to his injuries tormented me. At first I was determined not to stare at his face, horrified that he’d be insulted by my reaction. But the second his face came into focus, I held back a sob, and a lump grew in my throat. The right side of his face was mangled, taut raw flesh accented with blue and red scars. His jaw was uneven, and his right eyelid slumped, filled with what must’ve been a glass eye. The remnant of his ear was dappled and twisted. But the other half of his face was clean-shaven, handsome and rugged—a bright turquoise eye, strong chin, black hair shorn in a Marine Corps high and tight haircut. Flashes filled my brain, stored images I must’ve retained from newsreels and graphic war movies. Had it been a roadside bomb? An outmanned firefight? Some type of chemical attack? I wouldn’t ask him. For now, I was content with the trust he had shown me by unveiling his scars. “I guess I should’ve gone to the party as Two-Face,” he said, his voice somber.  “No, you’re beautiful. You make a sexy Hulk.” I caressed his face, my fingers tracing its divots. “Plus, then you’d be DC, and I’d be Marvel. We would’ve never had a chance.” He let out a small laugh, but flinched at my touch. “You’ve seen me now. You’re free to go.” This was my chance to end this night safely and in control. Or I could get wild—do what I’d only ever read about in my books. Cut loose. I’d always admired those women who owned their sexuality, like Marisol. Indulged in pleasure without any guilt or shame. I wondered what it would be like to live in the moment. I was picky, but I still had needs, and right now I needed some action—and sadly these days the warm glow from my eReader was about the closest that I felt to having any heat radiating on my body. But even the artificial afterglow of one hot night with my latest romance hero did little to warm my heart. After all, I hadn’t hooked up with a guy since winter break. I missed everything about being around men—their masculine scents, their non-subtle eye fucks, their rough hands. At least my book boyfriends were gorgeous, witty, and incredible lovers—but most importantly, they wanted more from their heroines than just a one-night stand. And I was sure this man wasn’t looking for anything more than a hookup. Isa, put on your clothes and get the hell out of here. This is not you. You are responsible, conservative, and goal-oriented. Faced with the opportunity to indulge in my fantasy of hot, wild sex with a hunky alpha male, I had to admit that the reality of the situation made me realize how rigid I’d always been. But somewhere deep in my soul I wanted to lose myself in this damaged man, give him pleasure to alleviate his pain, experience ecstasy and release. And maybe he could heal me too. The heat between us rose, and I erased the distance between us, like two magnets being drawn together. I traced his face with my fingers, running the tips over his lips. Rough, wild, and dangerous. As he remained still, my hands explored his incredible body—rock-hard muscles, deeply embedded scars, and intricate ink. All making him look like the sexiest badass alive. He bit his bottom lip, his pupil dilated. Hungry. Ravenous. Intense. His chest heaved, and the sight of this raw, ferocious man before me sent a shock between my legs. I ached for him to relieve the tension that consumed my body. I pressed my palm onto his chest, the green body paint staining my hand. “I want to stay. I want you.” Damn, did I just say that? My words betrayed my will. The left side of his mouth widened into a grin, although his right side remained frozen in time. With one arm, he clutched my ass and wrapped my legs around his waist. I gasped as his mouth covered mine. His lips were neither soft nor sweet—they were hard and hungry. The length of his cock and the hair on his chest let me know that, unlike my previous boyish lovers, I was about to be fucked by a real man. There was no turning back. I needed this Marine inside me in the worst way. His kisses were out of control. I’d never been kissed like this before, like I was an oasis in the middle of the desert. His mouth tasted minty and hot, and his manliness intoxicated me. He awoke a latent desire in me, summoning my inner wildcat. I kissed him back, kissed him everywhere. His mouth, his lips, his neck, his scars. My hands explored his insanely ripped body, stroking him like he was my personal sex toy. I gripped his hair and dug my nails into his back, kneading him closer to me, never wanting to let him go. I’d always been the good girl, living vicariously through my friends’ hookups, only indulging in my fantasies in the safety of my mind. Whether it was from a place of fear or control, I had never allowed myself to fulfill my desires. But tonight, with this nameless sex god in my grasp, I made a silent vow to not hold anything back. I was going to let him fuck me like it was the last night of the world.

#AmericasBravestBeast

#SEXIESTBADASSALIVE

#DIRTYTALKINGDEVILDOG

ABOUT ALANA ALBERTSON

Alana Albertson is a multi-award winning author, current President of Romance Writers of America’s Contemporary Romance Chapter and the former President of both Romance Writers of America’s Young Adult and Chick Lit chapters. Alana Albertson holds a Masters of Education from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Stanford University. A recovering professional ballroom dancer, Alana currently writes contemporary romance, new adult and young adult fiction. She lives in San Diego, California, with her husband, two young sons, and four dogs. When she’s not spending her time playing with her sons, dancing, or saving dogs from high kill shelters through Pugs N Roses, the rescue she founded, she can be found watching episodes Homeland, Devious Maids, or Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team.

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How to Disappear 
by Ann Redisch Stampler
Genre: YA Thriller
Release Date: June 14th 206
Simon Pulse

Summary from Goodreads:

This electric cross-country thriller follows the game of cat and mouse between a girl on the run from a murder she witnessed—or committed?—and the boy who’s sent to kill her.

Nicolette Holland is the girl everyone likes. Up for adventure. Loyal to a fault. And she’s pretty sure she can get away with anything...until a young woman is brutally murdered in the woods near Nicolette’s house. Which is why she has to disappear.

Jack Manx has always been the stand-up guy with the killer last name. But straight A’s and athletic trophies can’t make people forget that his father was a hit man and his brother is doing time for armed assault. Just when Jack is about to graduate from his Las Vegas high school and head east for college, his brother pulls him into the family business with inescapable instructions: find this ruthless Nicolette Holland and get rid of her. Or else Jack and everyone he loves will pay the price.

As Nicolette and Jack race to outsmart each other, tensions—and attractions—run high. Told in alternating voices, this tightly plotted mystery and tense love story challenges our assumptions about right and wrong, guilt and innocence, truth and lies.  

The Forgotten (Zola Flash #2)
by T. Marie Alexander
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Release Date: June 7th 2016

Summary from Goodreads:

Title: The Final Chase (Final Love #2)

Author: Jessica Florence

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: June 21, 2016

Synopsis

I never thought a wallaby, Henley shirts, and a horse’s rectal exam would have anything in common. Turns out they did. Jake Wild. Owner of Wild rescue for exotic animals. He’s everything I’m not, my polar opposite. I’m heels and my salon, He’s dirt and his creatures. But much like the animals he cares for, he’s got that carnal edge He’s the type of man you crawl on your hands and knees for with your ass up in the air. He bites, he's on the hunt, and now I’m his prey A chance meeting and a bet started the undeniable attraction between us. But I’m not giving my heart and soul away that easy, he’s going to have to catch me first. It's the ultimate game of cat and mouse, But will it be the Final Chase?

Excerpt

I don’t like dirt, and I don’t really have a fondness for animals, either. In my opinion, it was a testimony to my love for my niece, Natalie, that I was sitting at Wild Rescue, surrounded by both. Natalie, who was turning seven, loved animals, and wanted to have a cool birthday party with her friends. In her eyes, the exotic animal rescue center was the best thing ever. I was just waiting for an animal to escape and eat me. I had bad luck like that sometimes. Just a few days ago, I was standing outside my salon when a dog peed on my stilettos. I kid you not. The little thing lifted its little leg and leaked on me, then sashayed off with its bedazzled collar winking in the sun. It was traumatizing, to say the least. “Auntie Cammy! You have to come see this wallaby. You can feed it, too! Come on!” Little Natalie grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the little fuzzy creature. Although, what really caught my eye was the man squatting down next to the fuzz ball. Big, blond, and filled out his jeans and flannel pretty well. My little B-cup boobies perked right up. I could stand to pet him a little. He gave Natalie a handful of some sort of feed and held her hands out to the creature. It didn’t look too bad. Maybe I could give this a shot for her. “Here you go Mrs….?” The man trailed off, as if asking a question. My, my, he was quite flirty already. “No Mrs. here. The name is Cammy.” I squatted down as best as I could in my tea length dress. It was a birthday party, after all; who didn’t want to wear a pretty dress to a birthday party? “Just hold out your hand,” he said, with a hint of a country accent. Ooh, I liked that. My blue eyes connected with his brown. Yeah, I could totally tap that if I wanted to. I held out my hand and he placed some little pellets in my palm. Big hands. I wondered if he was big everywhere. My gaze drifted down to the little kangaroo-looking thing. I was getting a little nervous. It hopped from Natalie’s hand over to mine and sniffed it. I bit my lip, waiting to see if it would be a nice little creature and eat the food then move on, or if it would do something horrible. I felt its little muzzle touch my hand, making me audibly sigh my relief. “Wallabies are sweet creatures; this one here is named Dundee.” The man looked at me, then down at Dundee. Dundee probably wouldn’t be slaying any crocodiles soon, but he wasn’t so bad. Then the pain hit. “HOLY HELL! OW! OH MY GOD THAT HURTS!” That fucker bit me. Bit me hard. I fell back on my ass, bright pink panties on display for all the little kiddies to see. I didn’t care. I might not have a finger on my left hand anymore! I panicked. Somehow while holding my left hand with my right, I managed to get to my feet. “I need a doctor! Call the paramedics!” I screeched at the flannel man while he looked at me like I was crazy. “Let me see your hand please, ma’am.” He held out his to me. I looked at him in disgust. He told me that thing was sweet. Obviously not! “No, thank you. Just point me to where I can find a first aid kit, please.” I calmed my tone. I subtly felt that all my fingers were still attached, but I bet that bite broke some skin. I would fix myself up. I didn’t need some man in flannel who had dirt covering his shoes tending to my wounds. Yeah, I was not in a nice mood right now. Being bit to hell would turn anyone. “Just follow that trail to the lodge. Ask for Jake.” He threw his hands up in surrender and then turned his attention back to the vicious beast. When I turned to follow said trail, I noticed everyone at the party was looking at me. Shit. “I’m good, just going to the lodge. I have to wash my hands and pee.” I avoided the what the hell look coming from my older sister and fled towards the lodge in search of a man named Jake. I passed a tall fence that looked like it went on for a good acre or so. I wondered what lived in there. I got my answer when a pack of wolves ran by. I swear one looked at me like I was a juicy steak, but it could have just been me. I saw a house up ahead with a little sign that said The Lodge. It was a two story ranch-style home. Not really a lodge, but whatever. It supposedly held my salvation. I stepped up the wooden stairs, my heels clicking as I made my way to the bright red door. I knocked, no reply. I knocked again and called out a greeting. Nothing. Peeking in the window next to the door, I saw a table covered with papers but no one in sight. Voices hit my delicate ears, and it sounded like they were coming from around the house. I walked along the wrap-around porch and saw a barn. Those voices started up again, so I stepped down the stairs and walked the ten yards over to the red barn. It was cute. I really needed to get that first aid kit. “All right, let’s see if Ole Gemma here is having a foal. Jake, you can handle the exam. I’ve taught you and this will be good for the future if she is.” An older male voice told Jake. JAKE! I quickened my pace towards the voice, looking over the wooden fence at the men. “OH, HELL NO!” I couldn’t believe what my eyes were seeing. In the first second, time seemed to slow. I saw sexy brown hair, and a trimmed beard running along a chiseled jaw, and perfect lips. Oh, and one of the hottest bods I had ever laid eyes on. He was lean, but had big muscles bulging from his arms. In the next second, that is where everything went wrong. Those bulging muscles in his arms? Well one of those arms was elbow-deep in a horse’s ass. Ass. Yep, a horse’s ass. Eyes of both gentlemen turned towards me. “Why do you have your whole arm up a horse’s ass?” My injury was forgotten. I couldn’t understand what I was seeing. “We are doing a rectal exam to see if the lady is in the family way,” said the older man, who was not fisting a horse. I didn’t speak. I was still in what the hellmode. “We can feel the uterus this way and determine size and hardness to see if she is indeed pregnant.” He tried again. I understood him this time, but still wanted to take a Lysol dip after seeing that. Tearing my eyes away from the horse’s backside, I looked at the men. “I’m looking for Jake. The wallaby bit me and I need a first aid kit.” They stared at me. “Please.” I added for sincerity. The one man pulled his arm out from the horse. Thank God he was wearing a very long glove. But still.Ewww. “I’m Jake. Head into the lodge and I’ll be there in a minute. The back door is open.” Back door jokes flooded my brain after what I had just seen, but I held them back. Didn’t need to make this moment any more awkward than it already was. “Uh, goodluck with that.” I nodded and turned to go back to the lodge. This is what happened when a girl like me went out into the woods. I walked up the stairs and opened the back door. My mind was still reeling from that experience. The inside of the lodge was cozy, but seriously lacked organization. It looked like someone’s home. It was a fairly open floor plan. The dining table, like I had seen earlier, had papers scattered about. The living room had a couple of dog beds on the floor and one sofa. The kitchen was pretty nice, though, with commercial appliances. Someone must spend a ton of time cooking. I was looking around when the back door opened. I turned to see Jake,who had melt-your-panties blue eyes that were looking straight at me. “I didn’t catch your name, Miss?” Oh God, his voice. His voice sounded like rain during a summer storm. Soothing, but powerful. That power ran through my veins, making me shiver. Cue wet panties. I shook my head. “Cammy. Just Cammy. I need a first aid kit.” He took a couple steps toward me. Hello, gorgeous. “Because the wallaby bit you.” He stated. His eyes scanned over me, watching me. It was a little unnerving and arousing. Lord, I needed to get laid. “Yes.” I felt like we were in one of those scenes in a book where the heroine takes steps back while defying the hero, as he stalks towards her, pinning her against the wall. Why? It just seemed intense for such little words. “May I see your hand please, Cammy?” I won’t even dignify the feelings I got from hearing him say my name. I held my hands out to him and slowly unwrapped my right from my left. His larger, tan hands took hold of mine. Tingles shot up my arm and down the rest of me. Oh,my! Then a tinge of pain entered the picture. My middle finger had a bite mark around it. Nothing serious, but it should be cleaned. Maybe I had been a little over dramatic. “Looks okay. I’ll go get you some hand wipes.” He let go of my hand and headed into the kitchen. I took a moment to appreciate the fine specimen of manliness as he walked away. He had a nice ass. His jeans and Henley shirt did not hide what was underneath at all. When he came back, I continued my appraisal. He had nice hair,short and chestnut brown. Not styled. His skin looked pretty good, too. Tan. No freckles. Those eyelashes. Man, I had women in my salon spend tons of money to have eye lashes like that. “Here. I think you’re gonna live,” he teased. Normally I would have found that jab funny, but I was still traumatized from everything that had occurred in the past hour. My natural-born defiance reared its cute red head. “Yeah, well, you should teach your animals not to bite.” There. “They’re wild animals. Animals can bite. Maybe you shouldn’t wear such delicious-smelling hand lotion,” he commented back. His eyebrows rose and his lips grew into a smirk. I scoffed. My pomegranate and vanilla hand lotion was a staple in my life. Wait a second… “Why are you smelling my hands? Are you going to bite them too?” Why I said that was beyond me. Sometimes things just leap out of my mouth and I have no control over it. “I can; I am an animal, you know.” That was kind of hot. I bet this Jake would be an animal in the sack. Wild and carnal. With that thought, I decided he and I were too different. I was sundresses, high heels, and make-up. I didn’t like to get dirty. Jake was clearly about the animals, since he worked here. Probably was covered in dirt all day and wouldn’t know the first thing about a girl like me. “I can see that. Quite the little kitten, aren’t we? Well, I need to get back to the party. Thanks for the wipes, Jake.” I blew him a kiss in true Cammy fashion and strutted out the back door. Back doors were getting quite a lot of action around here, I giggled to myself.

About The Author

Jessica Florence, Kaleidoscope of Romance Writer of Surviving Valentine. The of The Heart trilogy, Evergreen,Lights of Scotland Series, and The Final Love series. When she's not writing her next invigorating story. You can find her running her own business, and spending time with her husband and daughter in southwest Florida. Jessica loves to interact with her readers, find her on:

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Damnation’s Door
Amy Braun
(Cursed, #3)
Publication date: June 7th 2016
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

Demons are free. Angels are fallen. Hope is dying…

Constance Ramirez and her adopted sister, Andromeda, have stopped Lucifer’s plan– They have closed the Heaven Gate and kept the demons out. But their choice came with brutal consequences, and now every angel on earth is trapped in their mortal body.

All that remains is closing the Hell Gate and establishing a balance once and for all. That means returning to the city of Constance’s nightmares, which has become a haven for murderers and monsters. But even more dangerous than their hunt is that Andromeda’s powers and instincts are turning darker, and this time Constance doesn’t know how to protect her.

Constance is ready to fight for her life, but her enemies have plans she can’t begin to imagine, and they’re prepared to make her suffer…

Trust is lost and hearts are broken in the epic conclusion in Amy Braun’s Cursed trilogy…

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CHAPTER 1:

It was supposed to be simple.

I actually thought we would be able to step outside our shelter, get the supplies, and be back before anyone realized we’d been there.

This is what happens when my sister’s optimism rubs off on me.

But it wasn’t Dro’s fault that we walked into a damn trap. Hell just hated us.

That was fine. I hated Hell right back.

The cheap metal door was still clanging against the plaster wall of the store I’d just busted into. Max had looked into it when I asked, and told me there would be demons, but he couldn’t tell what kind because his precog was still blurred. I was expecting a couple Reds or ghouls, maybe a Shredder.

I was not expecting Possessors.

The possessed humans weren’t surprised to see us. Even in their human forms, the Possessors should have been able to sense my sister, because she was the most powerful half-demon known to exist. Since she was still on Hell’s Most Wanted List, we had a serious problem on our hands.

The Possessors looked like regular humans, except their irises were solid black. I held back my shiver, knowing just how much pain their souls must be in. Being possessed was one of the worst things a human could experience. I had barely survived it.

These Possessors had taken over a group of tall, bulky men in black clothes. Their hair ranged from shoulder-length to bald, and their arms were covered in tattoos. Each had the tattoo of a rose thorn that appeared to be weaving in and out of their skin, blood dripping from the points. I had the same one inked behind my ear.

This just keeps getting better and better.

Finally, we snapped out of our shock. I went for the hatchet on my hip and grabbed a knife from my inside jacket. Beside me, Warrick took out a handgun. Next to him, Sephiel drew two short swords. Max wisely stepped back, knowing he couldn’t fight half as well as the rest of us. Dro’s shoulders were tense and ready, but I moved in front of her not just to protect her, but to keep her from doing anything that would get all of us killed.

I started reconsidering this when all of the Possessors drew enormous handguns.

But they didn’t shoot. Why weren’t they shooting?

Because someone else was in the room with us. Someone bigger than the Possessors, who stalked out from the shadows into the dim light. My hand tightened on the grip of my weapons, and I expected Warrick to pull the trigger.

Drake Talbot smiled when he saw our anger. He was a huge bear of a man, about six foot three and probably two hundred and fifty pounds of muscle. He had on his black duster and dark pants, his hands on his hips to display the guns and the thick, blunt hilts of his knives easily visible next to his clothes. The top of his head and his chin were covered in dark stubble. Two abysmal black eyes stared at me, filled with sadism and malice.
“Well, look who showed their faces after all,” Drake sneered, standing confidently behind his bodyguards. “We didn’t think you’d make it to Party Town.”

Party Town. I supposed Drake would see it that way. I didn’t think a city full of murderers, rapists, and generally wicked people was a place to party, but Drake was the definition of a masochist. He would see a city of death as home, sweet home.

Warrick didn’t have a kill shot, and that was the only reason I could imagine for Drake to still be standing. All it would take was one missed shot to set off a chain reaction of bullets and blood.

I wanted to see Drake bleeding under my boot just as much as he did, but I wasn’t throwing my knife, either. Something wasn’t right.

“What are you doing here, Drake?” I growled.

He laughed. It was an awful, rasping noise. His black eyes met mine, the same way they had when he stabbed me twice and left me to die. I blocked out the memory, keeping away the phantom pain of a knife sliding into my stomach and ribs.

“Had to pick something up for the boss,” he said mockingly. “You can imagine how fussy he is.”

My blood went cold, and I barely heard Dro’s sharp intake of breath. I could picture Sephiel’s face tightening with anger. Drake looked at all of us, relishing the hatred, pain, and fear we radiated. I controlled it as best as I could, knowing answers were more important than revenge right now.

“What the fuck did you do?” I asked again.

His grin widened, and this time he only looked at me. “It isn’t what I did. It’s what I’m going to do.” He dipped his chin, fixing me with his black gaze. “He’s got plans for you, chica. Serious plans. So much detail has gone into them that even your ex isn’t allowed to intervene. Matt’s pretty pissed about that too.”

Not as pissed as he would be if he heard you calling him ‘Matt.’

“See, I found something really, really special.” Drake continued. “It’s the last thing we need. But don’t worry, sweetheart. You’ll get introduced to it very, very soon.”

My stomach turned. I expected him to say something about wanting Dro. My sister was the real supernatural force in our group. I was human, born and raised. I’d never been anything but. I didn’t want to be.
Whatever was being planned for me by Drake, my former lover, and the creature I feared above anything else could only involve pain. A substantial amount of it.

I’d been on the receiving end of their tortures before. I had no intention of going through them again.

Though if they wanted me for something, they wouldn’t risk shooting me. They would take me alive.

No, they’re not. They’re going to try. And they’re going to fail.

I took a risk myself, and threw my silver knife at Drake.

I didn’t miss–I hardly ever miss–but I didn’t hit my mark.

The thin silver blade slammed into the neck of the Possessor standing beside Drake. The huge bounty hunter had stepped to the side so the blade wouldn’t get anywhere near him. He stepped so far I was a little embarrassed at how off my aim had been. Deep down, I knew better. Drake was fast for someone his size, but it looked like he’d gotten quite a bit from his deal with the Devil.

The man lurched, blood gushing from the wound in his neck. He opened his mouth as though to scream, but a spiral of thick black smoke shot out of his mouth. The Possessor’s true form screeched and twisted away in the back room. Then room exploded into action.

At first I thought the Possessors were going to shoot us. At their cores, they were still gangsters. Yet as soon as I surged forward, I saw them hesitate.

They were here to stall us, not kill us. At least not me, and probably not Dro.

Everyone else though… they were fair game.

Two shots cracked in rapid succession. None of the bullets hit me, though two of the possessed Blood Thorns dropped from the bullets that crashed into their skulls, scaring the Possessors out of their vessel’s dying mouths. Warrick had exceptional aim, and shooting demons with blessed silver bullets was good way to keep them from returning to rip us apart.

I went for Drake, who was backing away to escape through the storeroom exit. Fucking coward.

Two Possessors blocked my path. They tucked their guns away and threw out their fists. I skidded to a stop and stepped back, one of their clenched hands brushing along my temple.

Admittedly, I didn’t think this whole plan through. Seeing the man who murdered my mentor, kidnapped my sister, tortured and tried to kill me sparked my already short temper. So it wasn’t long before they got their shots in.

The man on my left jabbed his fist into my ribs. I winced, giving the man on the right the chance to loop his arm around my throat. I was pinned to his back, my neck straining painfully as he wrenched it up. I used one hand to claw at the meaty arm on my throat, leaving my front completely exposed to the second man. He grinned, thinking he was going to get some revenge on me for the sake of his employers.

Stupid bastard forgot I was still armed.

He pulled back his fist to hit me, and even as his fist was flying for my face, I was moving. I kicked him in the knee with one foot, making him stumble. His fist brushed over my shoulder and into the chest of the man choking me. I kicked his stomach with my other foot, making him double over. Then I sliced the blade of my hatchet into his exposed neck.

Blood squirted out of his severed carotid artery, painting the dirty floor before he collapsed onto it.

The man behind me growled and slammed his fist into my kidneys. I winced at the crushing pain. He was so much stronger now that he was possessed. His grip tightened on my neck, causing black spots to dance in front of my eyes. The Possessor’s free hand shot out to catch my wrist and keep the hatchet away from him. He squeezed until I thought he was going to break my hand.

Then he stiffened and released his hold. A warm liquid peppered my neck, filling the air with the coppery smell of blood. I pitched forward, touching my throat and coughing to get back the oxygen I’d missed. Assured that my neck wasn’t broken, I turned around to see what had saved me.

My little sister stood over the Possessor, the knife in her hand dripping fresh blood onto the floor. The man crab walked away, blood oozing from his fingers as he tried to put pressure on the wound in his throat. He looked terrified of my sister.

At first glance, Dro wasn’t the kind of girl anyone would be afraid of. She was sixteen, and utterly beautiful with the face of a saint. Her skin was flawless and paper pale. Long white hair rested in a braid along her back, ending at the base of her spine. But over the last few weeks, there was a darkness lurking behind her ice blue eyes. A danger that needed to be avoided at all costs.

A malevolence that reminded me of her father.

“What did Drake steal?” she demanded in a cold voice that didn’t belong to her.

“We– we never knew,” the Possessor pleaded. Usually these were the kinds of demons that toyed with their prey. The demon that possessed me had felt Dro’s power, which meant this one must have been sensing it too. I started to understand why he was so afraid.

“We were just told to wait here. They knew you’d be looking for him, and we were supposed to keep you from killing him.”

I glanced at the back door. It was open, and Max was beside it, keeping Warrick from going through. He was likely trying to explain that the revenge-crazed demon slayer wasn’t going to be able to find his nemesis tonight. Warrick was standing profile to me, though I could only imagine the anger burning in his neon green eyes.

“You’re lying.”

Dro’s hollow tone made me look at her again. My eyes flicked down when I saw the light coming from her left hand. Blazing white flames were curling around her wrist, clawing their way up her arm. The Possessor’s eyes widened as he stared at the hellfire she was controlling. He’d probably seen what it could do, and I didn’t blame him for being scared.

“I’m not!” the Possessor cried, snapping me out of my thoughts. His voice was becoming hoarse from the blood loss. “I’m not, I swear!”

I’d been in this situation before. You accused someone of lying, they said they weren’t, and then you started beating the truth out of them. Eventually, you got the answer you wanted. I could tell when someone was putting on a façade, and when they were being honest.

This demon didn’t know shit.

“Dro,” I croaked. I muted my cough. She still didn’t hear me. The fires continued to rise up her arms.

“Dro, that’s enough,” I warned her.

She didn’t listen to me, clenching her fist and increasing the light from the flames until I could no longer see the outline of her hand.
“Andromeda,” I half shouted.

My adopted sister turned her head slightly at the sound of my voice. Her eyes locked on mine, and I was amazed at all the anger she was holding back. It softened when she saw me, but not nearly as much as I wanted it to.

“He doesn’t know anything,” I told her. “We’re done here.”

Dro twisted her head back to the dying Possessor, white hair swishing against her back. The hellfire dulled and evaporated from her fist. She looked at the bloody knife in her hand, then went still.

This was the first time Dro had ever killed a human on purpose with her bare hands.

I walked to my sister. I gently placed my hand on her shoulder. She jumped under my touch, glancing back at me. I saw the terrified, ashamed little girl who would never forgive herself for this. I wasn’t happy with that, but it was better than seeing the look of a cold-blooded murderer.

These days, I took what I could get with Dro.

“Go outside with the guys. Make sure Drake’s not waiting to trap us, and that Warrick doesn’t chase after him.”

Dro’s light eyes held my dark ones. “I don’t need to go outside. I can do that from in here.”

I clutched her shoulder just a little harder. “No. You don’t need your powers for this.”

“But–”

“No.”

One look at her narrowed eyes and harsh frown told me that we were going to fight about this later. Probably the moment I saw her again outside.

Regardless, Dro put her knife on her belt, glanced at the dying Possessor one last time, and stormed to the front door. Her guardian and ex-angel Sephiel gave me a small nod. He would protect her from anything while I wasn’t there. As he followed my aggravated sister, I watched Max hesitantly show Warrick the front door. He was smart not to touch him. Warrick looked ready to punch the lights out of the first person that crossed him.

Once they were gone, I picked up my silver throwing knife and sheathed it in my jacket. The other Possessors had vacated their human vessels, leaving behind their dead bodies. Usually Possessors put up more of fight than this. I couldn’t help but remember that they were fodder for something much more sinister. I stood by the dying Possessor, who was now flat on his back and choking on his own blood. Possessors hated to leave their vessels, but I wasn’t going to exorcise him. I didn’t have the time, and even if I did, he was a dead man. The wound in his throat was too grievous. The Possessor was the only thing keeping him “alive.”

I knelt beside his head, dangling the hatchet in front of my knee. When my eyes locked onto his, they weren’t filled with the pain I’d expected them to be. If anything, he seemed proud. Whatever his goal had been, he appeared to have accomplished it.

“Tell me something useful, and I’ll end it,” I told him.

The Possessor made a noise between a rasp and a gurgle. It took me a moment to realize he was laughing.

“Not… long… now,” he choked out. “She’ll be… his… soon…”

He grinned, blood staining his teeth. I decided against the mercy killing. I slowly pushed myself up, ignoring the aches and pains in my body. I walked around the shop, looking through the cabinets and drawers to salvage anything I could. I found some packets of dried and canned food, as well as some bottles of lukewarm water. I never once looked back at the dying Possessor, knowing it couldn’t take me over since I had an anti-possession sigil tattooed over my heart.

Yet I couldn’t shake the foreboding words the Possessor had given me. As I walked out of the store and back into the dark, bloody streets, I recalled what Drake said.

See, I found something really, really special. It’s the last thing we need. But don’t worry, sweetheart. You’ll get introduced to it very, very soon.

There was only one reason Drake, Mateo, and Lucifer himself would target me.

They wanted to capture my sister.

Author Bio:

Amy is a Canadian urban fantasy and horror author. Her work revolves around monsters, magic, mythology, and mayhem. She started writing in her early teens, and never stopped. She loves building unique worlds filled with fun characters and intense action. She is the recipient of April Moon Books Editor Award for "author voice, world-building and general bad-assery," and the One Book Two Standout Award in 2015 for her Cursed trilogy. She has been featured on various author blogs and publishing websites, and is an active member of the Writing GIAM and Weekend Writing Warrior communities. When she isn't writing, she's reading, watching movies, taking photos, gaming, and struggling with chocoholism and ice cream addiction.

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We're celebrating the audio book release of Songbird by Sydney Logan! I love this contemporary romance and I’m so thrilled to share it with you!! Check out the book and grab your copy today!   Songbird Synopsis: One bridesmaid. One groomsman. One classic wedding hookup. But for Callie and Devin, their weekend of passion is anything but typical. Callie Franklin doesn’t do one night stands. Ever. She’s far too responsible and focused on her career to ever let herself give in to temptation. But, on the eve of her best friend’s wedding, she meets that temptation . . . And his name is Devin McAllister. Devin, on the other hand, has no problem with meaningless hookups. The very last thing he needs—or wants—is a relationship. Relationships come with strings. Relationships come with heartbreak. A late-night encounter in the hotel’s piano bar finds the two unable to resist each other. With her angelic voice and bright blue eyes, Devin’s sure he’s never met anyone as beautiful as his Songbird. Six weeks later, when two pink lines confirm Callie’s worst fears, she and Devin have to face the consequences of their wild weekend. And they have to deal with each other—whether they like it or not. With a love story that’s far from traditional, Callie and Devin begin to wonder if their one-night stand could turn into something neither of them anticipated. A happily ever after.   Buy Links: Audible | Goodreads     Exclusive Excerpt: Traffic’s insane, but I finally make it to Callie’s apartment just after two. I anxiously knock on the door, ridiculously eager to get my hands on her. Maybe she’ll be wearing some flimsy lingerie. Maybe she’ll be naked. My mind’s busy conjuring all the possibilities when she opens the door . . . wearing a sweatshirt and jeans. “Hey,” she says softly, stepping aside to let me in. “Hey. You okay?” She looks pale as a ghost. Is she sick? She looks sick. Maybe I should call an ambulance. Or my dad. “I’m okay.” Callie leads me over to the sofa. “Look, Devin, I know you probably have some plans for us for tonight, but that won’t be happening.” “Oh.” Disappointment floods me, but if the nauseated look on her face is any indication, it’s probably best. Besides, there’s the next night. And the next. “But we need to talk, so I’m glad you’re here. I have something I need to tell you.” She abruptly jumps to her feet and walks toward her kitchen. “Would you like something to drink?” I can’t tell if she’s being a good hostess or simply stalling, but I ask for a beer. It looks like I’m gonna need it. I hadn’t pegged her for the kind of woman who needs to talk about her feelings. When she returns to the living room, Callie hands me a bottle and sits down next to me. I notice she only brought one. “You’re not drinking?” She curls her feet beneath her. “Unfortunately, no. I won’t be drinking for a long time.” I’ve had it with the riddles. “All right, what’s going on? My brother and his girlfriend threatened to murder me if I make you cry. Something’s obviously up with you because you just want to talk.” Her forehead creases. “Don’t you ever just talk to a woman?” “Not if I can help it.” “Why not? The girls you usually date don’t have enough sense to carry on an intelligent conversation?” “I don’t date, Callie.” “I see. You just sleep with them.” “Sometimes. Is there something wrong with that?” “And are you careful?” “Careful?” “Safe,” she says softly. “We didn’t use protection. I just wondered if that’s typical for you.” Oh. It’d be easy to blame the alcohol, but honestly, using protection was the very last thing on my mind that night. “No, that’s not typical. I’m sorry about that.” “So am I.” Callie seems far more relaxed after my apology. Maybe this night won’t be an epic failure after all. I slide closer to her, but she raises her hand in warning. “We’re not finished.” I groan and lean back against the couch. “Devin, I need you to listen. Something happened that weekend. I’m almost positive you won’t want to sleep with me after you hear what I’m about to say.” “I seriously doubt that.” “I don’t.” Callie sits up a little straighter and squares her shoulders. “I want you to know I expect nothing from you. Our weekend together was a mistake, and I’ll deal with the consequences of it. I don’t know exactly what I’m going to do at this point, but I thought you should at least know what’s going on.” “What’s going on?” Her eyes flood with tears. “Devin, I’m pregnant.” Pregnant. Pregnant? I stare at her. She stares at me. I watch her closely, hoping that at any moment she’s going to burst out laughing. But she’s not laughing. She’s crying. I hear Lorie’s voice in my suddenly throbbing head. Don’t make her cry. “Why . . . why are you telling me?” She wipes her eyes. “What do you mean?” “You’re assuming it’s mine?” “Of course it’s yours!” I snort. “Really? How can you be so sure? Maybe it was that bartender in the hotel’s piano bar. Or maybe it was the guy who sat with you at the reception. Or maybe—just maybe—it was the photographer you were with tonight. You two seem pretty close.” Even as the bitter words drip off my tongue, I know better. Her face is just too furious . . . her eyes too heartbroken. Suddenly, Callie stops crying. Her eyes flash with fury just seconds before she slaps me across the face. Despite the ringing in my ears, I can hear my brother’s warning. Don’t be an asshole tonight. Too late.   Sydney Logan Bio: Amazon best-selling author Sydney Logan holds a Master's degree in Elementary Education. She is the author of five novels - Lessons Learned, Mountain Charm, Soldier On, Once Upon a December, and Pros & Cons. Sydney has also penned several short stories and is a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul. A native of East Tennessee, Sydney enjoys playing piano and relaxing on her porch with her wonderful husband and their very spoiled cat. Visit her website at www.sydneylogan.com. Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads   Enter Sydney’s Giveaway! a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Artist Vince Russo wants to advance his career but his devout mother, Diana, wants grandchildren. Vince lives in Niagara Falls, the Romance Capital of the World, and he doesn’t even date! Diana joins the Moms on Missions (“MOM”), who strive to better the lives of their clients’ kids. MOM installs Vince’s fantasy girl upstairs in the duplex where he lives. Their pick for Vince is sick of dancing to her mother’s tune, so she certainly won’t admit she finds her sensitive, playful neighbour sexy. However, she’d love to make him her pseudo-boyfriend to get MOM off her back. Will these young rebels come together organically, or is there no hope for their moms? “Fuck you!” Drum Boy slams Mrs. P.'s door in his superintendent’s face. Vince stares open-mouthed at the door in front of him, then turns on the landing to find Paeng at the foot of the stairs, dressed for bed, with no glasses. Steaming, Vince tromps back down the stairs, in time to hear the drumming start again. “What a nerve this guy's got! Little shit.” Now Drum Boy is singing, too. Badly. Vince stops, wondering whether to turn around and march back up there to rattle his teeth. Instead, he stomps back into his unit, Paeng at his back, and calls Damon. “Vince, hey, how’s it hangin’?” Damon asks cheerfully. “Want to hit The Hill for a few beers? I’m dying to get out for a bit.” “No. Do you hear this?” Vince holds up his phone to the ceiling, hoping it picks up the noise. Boom boom chuck budda boom boom chuck budda “I don’t need a frickin’ girlfriend!” Boom boom chuck budda boom boom chuck . . . “My neighbour is an asshole!” “What is that?” Damon asks stupidly. “It's your new tenant,” Vince growls. “He drums twenty-four seven. I have explained this to you, Damon. Twice. The last time Paeng and I had two minutes’ peace was the day before he moved in. I am losing it, man. I’m going to go postal soon. If I do, you are going to have to explain why to our mothers, and you are going to have to comfort them both while I’m getting corn-holed in Kingston Pen for capping the little bastard, capisce?” “Whoa-ho-ho, there Vince! Did you say there's a guy living up there? It was supposed to be Mrs. Maggione’s friend Gloria’s daughter, Mary. She’s gor—” Damon checks himself, and Vince scowls. “Um, I mean uh . . . Trudy?” he calls to his wife. “Get me another beer!” Vince counts to ten. “Did Moms on Missions set this up?” There is silence for a couple beats. From Damon, not Drum Boy. The noise from above is as obnoxious as ever. Damon sighs. “Yeah, you know it. I didn't even meet the Chiclet.” “No, no, it’s a guy! And the name on the mailbox says D. Darren, not M. diGiordano. Why didn’t you come to check out the tenant?” “My mother wouldn't put a crackhead in there, ya know?” “And a drummer makes a better tenant because . . .” Social Media Links