The second book in the Heart of Stone series continues the sensual and emotional story of Tristan and Nina that began in Crash Into Me…
Wealthier and more powerful than most men his age, Tristan Stone merely has to give voice to his desires and whatever he wants is his. Money has given him the ability to say nothing and no one is beyond his reach.
Except for Nina. Stripped of her memory after an accident, she doesn’t remember the man who loves her. Now he must find a way to show her why she fell in love with him, but the past is always just a step behind, threatening to take her away forever.
Unsure of everything about the past four years, Nina believes Tristan loves her. But will the secrets he holds tear them apart just when she needs him most?
Excerpt
I didn’t want to hold back anymore. I wanted her to be mine again, body and soul. Cradling the back of her head, I drew her mouth toward mine and kissed her with all the desire I’d kept bottled up for all those weeks. Her lips were soft against mine but as eager and passionate as I slid my tongue into her mouth to find hers. When she sighed into my mouth, I couldn’t wait anymore.
My hands clawed at the zipper down the back of her dress, but it got stuck an inch from the top. Aching to be inside her, I tore the two halves of the dress apart, ruining the zipper and the dress.
“Tristan, my dress!” she cried as I pulled it from her body.
“I don’t care. I’ll buy you ten dresses just like it,” I panted as I unhooked her bra and slid the first strap over her shoulder. “Same thing with the bra. And if these panties don’t come off easy, I’m going to rip through them too.”
Nina’s fingers tore through my shirt buttons until it hung open, and I quickly shrugged out of it. She was as desperate as I was to be out of those damn clothes. In seconds, she had my belt off and my pants and boxer briefs off my legs, and I had her pushed up against the wall.
As I lifted her off the ground to wrap her legs around my waist, I pressed my forehead to hers and rasped, “I hope you weren’t expecting something slow and gentle. I can give you that, but tonight I don’t want to wait. I need to be inside you, Nina.”
Moaning, she pulled me close, but just then I remembered her sore ribs. Pulling back, I said, “I forgot about what the doctor said. Maybe we should go easy this time.”
She dug her heels into my lower back and pulled my mouth to hers in a deep kiss. Her voice husky, she groaned, “Please, Tristan. I’m not a china doll. I’ll tell you if something hurts.”
I gently slid just the head of my cock into her, still worried I might hurt her if I didn’t take it slow. My body was in agony wanting to bury myself inside her, but I didn’t want to risk bruising those already sore ribs. I could give her gentle, even if every part of me wanted much more.
Nina pushed her palms against my chest and held me away from her. Worried I’d already screwed this up, I opened my mouth to apologize but she touched her finger to my lips to stop me. “Don’t make me wait. I don’t want gentle now. I want you…all of you.”
Her fingers pressed into the back of my neck as I plunged balls deep into her wet and willing cunt. Nothing in the entire world ever felt better than that moment when our bodies joined together as one again. Her body was hot and enveloped me, taking my body to places I thought only existed in my imagination.
Well, I hope yer happy, Thayer. Ye ruined all our plans. Ye know, I did all of this for us, so we could be together. Ye and I are supposed tae be together. No’ ye and some foul human,” she snapped.
“Are ye daft, woman,” I asked incredulous. “Have I no’ fuckin’ made myself clear? I have told ye in every bluidy possible way that I want nothin’ tae do with yer arse and still ye continue pushing and pulling. Now even goin’ as far as tae torture my true Mate?” I strode toward her while I spoke, even as she backed away until her back was flat against the wall with nowhere else to go.
I had never hit a woman, but this one had pushed me so far that I was seriously considering it. I grabbed her shoulders tightly before continuing, “Rosalind, ye fuckin’ bitch, I have said it a million times, and I’ll say it again. I want nothing, nothing tae do with yer skanky, conceited, and conniving self. As far as I’m concerned, ye doona even exist. Yer nothin’ but my worst nightmare come tae life. Yer dead tae me. In fact, I’ll be pissin’ on yer grave when ye finally shrivel up and die. Doona look at me like that,” I said as she smirked.
I knew she was thinking that she would never allow herself to die. “Ye will die, Rosalind. Ye will either be killed by one of the others for just being yer nasty self, or ye will have chased everyone away with yer personality that ye will be so alone and beg for death. Honestly, for the first time, I wish we did no’ have that damn law about no’ killing within our pack because,” I leaned in close to her throat, “I’m just itching to tear into yer throat and end yer miserable excuse of a life.”
I shoved her to the floor and turned to walk over to where Tevin was now holding a limp Baylee. My heart dropped as I saw her battered face streaked with tears. She was unconscious, not dead. Thank ye, God, I thought.
“Ye will regret this, Thayer,” Rosalind screamed at my back. “I know ye will come crawlin’ back tae me. Ye will grow tired of havin’ tae be so easy with her. She’s breakable, no’ half the woman ye need in the bedroom.”
I laughed as I looked over my should at how pathetic she was. How had I never seen her for what she really was before? Was I really that blinded? Surely a part of me knew what a poisonous cunt she was. “Rosalind, lass, she’s a hell of a lot more of a woman in bed than ye ever were.” She glared at me and huffed as she got back on her feet and stomped past a struggling Sloan and out the door.
Standing in front of Tevin, I held my arms out to take Baylee from him. He handed her over gently, taking care to lean her head softly against my shoulder. My eyes roamed over every part of her I could see, taking in all the bruises, cuts, and wet and dried blood covering her tiny body. A deep growl erupted from my chest as I looked over at Sloan. He did all of this to her. I wanted nothing more than to march over there and rip his head from his body, but that would be too good for him. He deserved so much pain, torturous drawn out pain.
“Ye will pay for this, Sloan. This is no’ the end. Watch yer back.”
Adjusting Baylee as gently as possible, she whimpered against my shoulder, and her face contorted with pain. I had to swallow down the cry that threatened to burst from inside me. “My poor sweet, Baylee, please stay with me. I promise I won’t let anythin’ else happen tae ye. Just please…please doona leave me,” I whispered softly against her hair.
Here is an excerpt from book two in the series, Exiled From Midnight Cove. This has not been posted before. You are the first one’s to see it. Enjoy!
I couldn’t believe my eyes. I followed Baylee’s scent to this location and saw her pressed against a building laughing and kissing Logan. I swallowed hard and blinked my eyes several times hoping against hope what I’d seen wasn’t real. My eyes had to be playing tricks on me, but my sweet Baylee was indeed in the arms of another wolf. The wolf I had entrusted her life with while I fought for mine. While I fought for us.
Anger swept through my body completely taking over all of my senses. I growled and knew my eyes were flashing. I felt my teeth lengthen, and my face contort. I narrowed my eyes as he spun around to look in my direction. There was immediate recognition in his eyes, and he was terrified. Rightfully so too because I was going to rip him to pieces until there was nothing left to identify as a person or wolf.
I briefly registered Baylee trying to get around him and him trying to keep her behind him. Did he think I would actually hurt her? Or did he think I didn’t know that it was, in fact, her he just had his paws all over?
I lunged forward and grabbed him by the front of his shirt, throwing him several feet into the air before he landed about ten feet behind me. I didn’t allow him recovery time and pounced on him. I grabbed his head and slammed it into the concrete parking lot, stunning him furthermore. He dared tae touch what was mine? Another head slam to the concrete. He dared tae put his lips on My Mate? I punched his face repeatedly. Never again will he be able tae take what was mine! He managed to shove me up enough for him to get a good punch to my left eye. I was temporarily stunned, and he took advantage pushing me to my back. He grabbed the front of my shirt, and landed several more punches to my face. I grew angrier that he dared to fight back when he deserved to be punished for touching my Mate. Using my feet, I kicked him off of me, and climbed on top of him. I grabbed his arm and bit into his wrist, tearing his hand from him. I snarled and tore his other hand off. Try tae touch her now, ye bluidy bastard!
Baylee screamed, startling me out of my rage for a moment. I turned to see her with wide eyes, tears streaking her face, and her hands covering her mouth. I felt a brief feeling of regret. Not for what I did, but because I did it in front of her. It’d been months since we’d seen each other. She’d had plenty of time to actually fall in love with Logan. What if she was in love with him?
My eyes traveled hungrily over her. She looked beautiful. I had craved the sight of her for months, had begged God to let me smell her one last time, to feel her again. This had not been the reunion I had in mind. The reunion I’d imagined was me finding her, her jumping into my arms, and then me kissing her senseless. Instead she had been with the wolf, I sent her away with. It was my own stupidity really. What kind of male sends his Mate away with another male? I only had myself to blame if they’d fallen for each other.
“Get off of him, Thayer! What is wrong with you,” her beautiful mouth yelled at me. Something was wrong. I wasn’t hearing just our heartbeats. Someone else was near. They’d probably called the police already. It registered in my mind we were out in the open for all to see. I looked down at Logan, who was still howling in pain, but the bleeding had already stopped. Stumbling a bit away from them both, I looked around for the other heartbeat I was hearing. Where was it coming from?
I closed my eyes, and heard Baylee run to Logan. The wolf in me growled with satisfaction when I heard him telling her to get away from him and not to touch him. The heartbeat had moved when Baylee moved. Realization hit me, and my eyes sprang open. Baylee was pregnant? I’d fuckin’ kill him for sure!
Lots of Love and Happiness,
x Brittany Kayla
Exiled From Midnight Cove is coming soon!!!
Like my Facebook page to be one of the firsts to know when it’s published!
In an attempt to save his sister, Emily, from becoming a breeder, Devon Harris defies his alpha and flees his home with his sister. They seek refuge at his Uncle Rick’s ranch, unintentionally laying the foundation for a war between the packs. There he meets the fiery human Lark. In the midst of a war, does he dare let himself fall for her?
Rick Harris has been like a second father to Lark Davies since her parents died
in an accident three years ago. As the sole guardian of her younger sister and
the owner of her own bakery, Lark doesn’t have time for a social life. When
Rick’s nephew comes to town, sparks immediately begin to fly as Lark finds
herself drawn even further into the werewolf world.
Excerpt
Lark opened her eyes, taking in the pitch black hotel room, illuminated only by the moonlight. Sweat beaded around her neck and brow. Hair stuck to the nape of her neck. She sat up and looked around at the barely visible furniture. Movement by the window caught her eye.
Devon stood at the window arms crossed over his chest. His broad shoulders accented by the bright white of the moon. Lark stared at the fine plains of his bare back. She licked her lips taking him all in. Her body shuddered recalling the way he’d felt pressed against her – the way his lips had caressed hers a day ago.
Lark blinked the images away. Thankful for the darkness that hid the heat creeping across her face. Her throat parched, she pushed the covers back to get a drink of water from the sink.
The cool water alleviated some of the heat, and glided down her parched throat. She pushed the wet strands out of her face and walked to the window. Devon hadn’t moved. Preston and the three other guys lay sound asleep on the floor. They’d been kind enough to give her the only bed.
“Do you not sleep?” Lark joined him at the window. Her eyes glued to the door across the street. To think, her sister was in that room. Lark wondered if Sarah was okay. Was she sleeping? In pain? Would they hurt her? The list went on and on.
“It’s my turn to keep watch. Daniel said they wouldn’t leave till morning, but I don’t want to risk it.” Devon looked over at her for a moment his eyes slipped down to take in her plaid pants before he turned back to the window.
She’d gone with Preston to the store earlier to pick up a few things. They’d both needed the distraction. She normally slept in boy-shorts, but after her run in with Devon the other morning, and considering she was sharing a room with five guys, she had thought better.
“Oh, I didn’t realize you guys were keeping watch. I can keep a look out if you want to rest.”
“It’s okay. Preston will take over in another half hour.” Devon shrugged. “I’m used to the late nights; it’s actually been a little bit of shell shock to get used to days. As an EMT I worked the twelve hour night shift. Most incidents happen at night, you get used to being up all night. My nights off I usually spent out too. Vincent likes to party. I went along for something to do and keep him out of trouble.”
“I can see that about Vincent. I bet you’ve seen some interesting things on your job?”
Devon smiled, the moonlight lit his hazel eyes. “People never cease to amaze you. I’ve seen the traumatic to the dramatic.”
Lark laughed. “I can imagine. You see stories on the news every so often, where someone calls 911 for a cheeseburger, or something ridiculous like that.”
“Those are the people who don’t understand the absorbent bill they get in the mail for our services either,” Devon chuckled.
The smile lit his entire face. It gave her a rare glimpse of him. Lark wondered what had happened in his past to make him so distant. Slowly, he seemed to be opening up to her. She hoped he continued to do so.
“I’m sure you get interesting characters in The Cookie Jar.”
“Yeah, about half my customers are regulars. It’s kind of nice getting to talk to everyone. You’d be amazed what people tell you though. I’ve heard so many things that I really didn’t want to know.” Lark placed her hands on the windowsill, leaning forward. She peered out the sheer curtains.
Her thoughts drifted back to Sarah and Emily; at least they had each other.
“They won’t hurt her.”
Lark looked up at him surprised, taking a moment to register his words. She nodded and sighed, eyes darting back to the door across the street. The street seemed to stretch endlessly. It felt like miles separated them instead of mere feet. She would feel better once she could hold Sarah in her arms again.
“Have you ever thought about becoming a doctor or a nurse? You know taking your training to the next level?” Lark needed a distraction and she was curious about Devon.
“My bedside manner sucks.”
Lark met his smile. “But would you?”
Devon leaned forward before rocking back on his heels. “I don’t know. I never really thought about it.”
Lark nodded. “I always enjoyed baking. I never in my life thought I’d own my own bakery. But I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
“I do like the blueberry muffins.”
“You guys do seem to have a sweet tooth. Well, actually, I’ve noticed you guys eat just about anything.”
Devon laughed. “It’s our metabolism. Especially when we shift a lot; it makes us hungry.”
“I can tell.” Lark looked over at him. “Do you do it often? Shift I mean?”
“I try to once a day; some days, like when I worked, I couldn’t. The wolf is a part of who we are. Shifting is important for our mental well being. As a rule, we try to shift three to four times a week. The only exception is when women are pregnant. The shift is harmful to the fetus since the body transforms from a human into a wolf.”
“Does it hurt when you change?” Lark couldn’t stop herself from asking.
“It’s a pleasure pain.”
“I imagine it’s exhilarating.”
“You really are genuinely interested aren’t you?” Devon turned to her eyes locked on hers.
Lark swallowed at the intensity of his gaze and lowered her eyes to the floor.
“I…I’m not trying to be rude.”
“I know.” Devon’s fingers grazed her chin, tilting it back up. “I’ve never met someone who’s been so understanding – who’s wanted to learn more.”
His thumb cupped her chin softly eyes glued to hers. She licked her lips in anticipation.
Slowly his face inched toward hers, their breath mingled. Her heart raced, and body scorched with arousal. His woodsy scent filled her nostrils. Eyes closed, his lips grazed against hers. Devon’s stubble scratched her chin; his lips so soft against hers.
Gene has taken on the role of alpha after the devastating loss of his father. A war is on the horizon and Gene is determined not to fail his pack. He makes an unlikely alliance with Natalia, the woman his enemy is hunting. The more time they spend together, the more Gene finds himself drawn to the sexy, mysterious, she-wolf.
Natalia has lost faith in her kind. After being rescued from her captors by Gene’s pack, she wants to take her son and run far away from everyone. But, she knows she wouldn’t get far with her psychotic family chasing her. She agrees to team up with Gene in an attempt to end her family’s tyranny. As they attempt to work together, she finds herself wondering if she can truly trust him, or will his betrayal be the greatest yet?
Excerpt: Into the Unknown *Unedited*
“Wow,” Natalia breathed as they reached the top of the peak. She closed her eyes as the cool breeze ghosted against her face. Pine and oak fragranced the air, causing a smile to slide across her face. Opening her eyes, she surveyed the landscape.
Trees spread out for as far as the eye could see. The sun hung low, filling the sky with an orange pink hue. She spun around relishing in the fresh scent and the complete seclusion the trees offered. Crickets chirped and she could hear wildlife scuttling about. “This is amazing,” she said, focusing her gaze on Gene.
“My father worked hard on the landscape back home, but I don’t think it will ever be this secluded.”
“It is nice at your ranch,” Natalia commented. “I grew up in the city anything outside the city limits is rustic to me.”
“And you weren’t around any other wolves?” Gene questioned.
“No. My mother taught me what she knew. Which was not much. Her only experience was with my father, Luis.”
“I meant what I told you. I want to help you – teach you are ways.”
Natalia moved to the edge of the hill and stared down over the edge. Taking the chance and trusting him was about as appealing as jumping to the rocks and brush below. Still, she wanted to believe him.
“How do you do it?”
Swallowing she held her breath as he came to stand next to her. “What?”
“The partial shift. How do you do it?”
Natalia turned to look at him quirking her brow up as he came to stand in front of her. His heels touched the edge of the cliff and she blinked surprised how vulnerable he was allowing himself to be.
Her breath caught in her throat as he placed his hands on her shoulders, his chocolate eyes meeting hers. Her pulse spiked and a shiver ran up her spine as anticipation rolled through her.
“Close your eyes,” he said quietly.
Her eyes widened, heart accelerated and she fought the urge to lean into him. The innocent touch seemed anything but to her.
“You need to focus, close your eyes,” he urged, seemingly oblivious to her discomfort and arousal.
Clearing her throat, she closed her eyes, needing to escape his gaze.
“Now, think about your wolf. Your sight specifically. Imagine you are running. The wildlife and trees are whirling by you as you survey your surroundings. Everything is clearer, sharper. Inhale the pine and oak, the dirt and leaves.”
Natalia forced her breathing to even out, letting his voice guide her as she imagined what he was saying. Warm puffs of air hit her face as he spoke. She let his voice soothe her until she found herself lost in his words.
“Open your eyes, Talia,” Gene said softly.
Fingers grazed her cheeks and gently cupped her face. Startled, she opened her eyes, gasping at their close proximity.
Blinking, she stepped back taking him in. His face appeared clearer, stubble poked out from his pores. Gene’s brown eyes stared at her allowing her to see her goldish eyes reflecting off of them. Turning away from him, she took in the leaves noticing the fine lines of each of them and the tiny insects that gathered on the trunk of a tree.
“All you have to do is focus. How do you feel?” Gene asked.
“Good,” Natalia beamed. In fact, she felt better than she had in weeks.
“If you follow the same mindset when you transition I think it will help. The important thing to remember is you are still in control even if you are the wolf. Embrace who you are don’t fear it.”
“I’m not afraid of-“
“Yes, you are. You’re afraid of what we are because you don’t want to be like Juarez. You can be the wolf and still be yourself,” Gene said. He took a step to the side. “The wolf doesn’t make us do anything we wouldn’t already do. It’s just like with humans there are humans that are just evil. The same rule applies to wolves. There are wolves that are just bad too. On the flip side, there are good humans and wolves. It’s what we do that defines us not what we are.”
Gene sighed as he looked over the edge of the cliff. “I’m heading back. The house is a quarter of a mile that way,” Gene said pointing as he turned in the direction they’d come. “You should try shifting.”
Natalia nodded waiting until she heard the dirt and gravel crunching beneath his feet to turn around. He’d helped her. Swallowing, she watched as he disappeared into the trees. Satisfied she was alone, she undressed and prepared to transition.
32 year old Sebastian Vanwell, was a very successful yacht broker, who always loved the design and architecture of a luxurious boat. His only addiction was being on the water. He loved it, he thrived on it, and he needed it in his life. After a very stable, loving child hood with only a few bumps, Sebastian married the love of his life. The one person that he knew would always be there. Julia was his rock, and he loved her more than life itself. Sebastian kept his addiction to the water under control, wanting to keep his time with his wife and son his number one obsession, that was until he saw her. This new addiction haunted him, the one compulsion that he couldn’t control no matter how hard he tried. Ysabelle Telle hit him hard, knocking the wind from his lungs. Coming from worlds apart, beautiful, dark complexion Ysabelle Telle didn’t have the rich, protected background that Sebastian Vanwell had. Ysabelle lived a life of hell, in poverty, growing up with a drug addict mother that never cared, and horrific living conditions. Ysabelle lived for one person and one person only; herself. She was pure perfection, her beauty along with a flawless body had men lined up, driveling over her insuring her success as a VIP. There are too many words that describe the effects when two diverse worlds like theirs collide. They both have too much to lose to get caught in the forceful pull, which could destroy them both. Warning sex/drugs/language. Mature readers only.
One Click these Novels today, and ENJOY the READ… I AM! Anna
Review
The first book in this series by Mandee Mae is Distant Myles.Both novels can be read as stand-alone and that is how I am currently reading,
A New Face to Love. In both novels Amelia and Jamie are best friends. They are traveling nurses and met through their job. Both characters
have a wonderful sense of humor and are as close as sisters. Apparently two years ago, Amelia and Jamie visited Galveston, Texas for vacation. While there they
met two attractive guys. Their job was able to relocate with them, so for the past two years Texas has been there new home. During vacation Jamie was picking up some groceries and felt watched, and she was. Now two years later and at the same grocery store, she tells Amelia that Mystery Man is back. They quickly pay for
their purchase and leave the store as fast as they can. Both are freaked out. Amelia takes Jamie home, then goes to her own home (where apparently vacation love turned into serious love for Amelia and Myles). Jamie calls Caleb over and he stays the night.
Around a month or so later Jamie is out taking a walk in the park and feels that odd feeling of being watched again. Then she sees Mystery Man coming toward her. While trying to get away, she trips. After a few short words with this man, whose eyes look so familiar, she faints and wakes in his home.
Now she feels that pull toward him that she felt in High School. Yet, what about Caleb? She knows that both men care for her. But which one will she choose.
The love she thought she had lost forever or the one that is such a good friend ?
I give the novel 3 1/2 roses. Story-line is straight forward, Characters are interesting and entertaining. There are a few grammar/spelling errors, but if you are enjoying the read, those can be overlooked.
Romance in the novel receives 3 1/2 lips/roses. It was awhile before romance actually happened in the novel. When it does, Jamie is confused on who she actually loves. When she finally made her decision, I was surprised at who she choose. You will have to read the book to find out if who she chose. Will it be Gerrit or Caleb?
The novellas written by the 12 NA’s of Christmas will be on sale beginning December 1st! From December 1st-11th, each day one of the novellas will be highlighted around the book community. Today, the novella spotlight is Winter Kisses (3:AM Kisses Book 2) by Addison Moore. Check out the excerpt and enter the giveaway!
You can buy any of the 12 NA’s of Christmas titles on Amazon.
Synopsis
Laney Sawyer used to believe in love and all of the trappings that happily ever after could provide until Ryder Capwell crushed her
heart. When Laney is auctioned off as a prize at the drama department fundraiser the last person she expects to trade cold hard cash for her company is Ryder.
Ryder Capwell is in love with Laney Sawyer. One year ago she walked out of his life and took the light of his world right along with her. Ryder would do anything to have another chance with Laney, including purchasing her for the evening courtesy of Whitney Briggs University, and he does just that.
One thing leads to whiskey, which leads to a one-night stand. She thinks it’s revenge sex—he thinks its make up sex. Things can only go wrong from here.
EXCERPT
“Capwell”—he gives the ghost of a smile—“Ryder, Capwell,” he rumbles in his deepest octave and my stomach pinches tight. “I’ve always wanted to say that.” He smolders into me without even
trying, and good God almighty I’m way past the point of being seduced. It’s obvious this night is going to end with a bang, and now I feel like an idiot for putting myself within shooting, or rather bedding range. Face it. Those cobalt blue eyes of his cast a spell over me, and now, I’m voluntarily striding into his penthouse just hoping for some perversion.
He comes in close, and I’m terrified he’s going to kiss me and we’ll be tearing off one another’s clothes before I even get to berate myself properly for letting my vagina follow his happy trail right to his promiscuous penthouse.
You can buy this book or any of the 12 NA’s of Christmas titles on Amazon.
About the Author
Addison Moore is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author who writes contemporary and paranormal romance. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine. Previously she worked as a therapist on a locked psychiatric unit for nearly a decade. She resides on the West Coast with her husband, four wonderful children, and two dogs where she eats too much chocolate and stays up way too late. When she’s not writing, she’s reading.
The 12 NA’s of Christmasauthors are Marquita Valentine, Zoe Dawson, Chelsea M. Cameron, Tiffany King, Breena Wilde, Sawyer Bennett, Magan Vernon, Sarra Cannon, A. Meredith Walters, Shelly Crane, and Addison Moore.
The novellas written by the 12 NA’s of Christmas will be on sale beginning December 1st! From December 1st-11th, each day one of the novellas will be highlighted around the book community. Today, the novella spotlight is Wide Spaces by Shelly Crane. Check out the excerpt and enter the giveaway!
You can buy any of the 12 NA’s of Christmas titles on Amazon.
Synopsis
Emma knows better than most that life can change from one second to the next. Mason knows that guilt can make you change so much, that you don’t even recognize yourself in the mirror.
When they found each other, they knew that life had given them a second chance.
But can one night, one second, one misunderstanding change everything?
A life together that saved them will become a life they think is lost.
Excerpt
For the first time in a long time, I felt like I could breathe. I felt like I wasn’t being smashed and pressed, draining me of any and everything. For the first time, I felt like my life wasn’t a testament to my guilt and shame; it was a testament to how love finds you in the strangest places, and hope clings to us in the nooks and crannies we never think to look.
You can buy this book or any of the 12 NA’s of Christmas titles on Amazon.
About the Author
Shelly is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author from a small town in Georgia and loves everything about the south. She is wife to a fantastical husband and stay at home mom to two boisterous and mischievous boys who keep her on her toes. They currently reside in scorching North Florida. She loves to spend time with her family, binge on candy corn, go out to eat at new restaurants, buy paperbacks at little bookstores, sightsee in the new areas they travel to, listen to music everywhere and also LOVES to read.
Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn’t go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, when her best ideas are born.
The 12 NA’s of Christmasauthors are Marquita Valentine, Zoe Dawson, Chelsea M. Cameron, Tiffany King, Breena Wilde, Sawyer Bennett, Magan Vernon, Sarra Cannon, A. Meredith Walters, Shelly Crane, and Addison Moore.
The epic romance between an all-American beauty and her Aussie continues in this final installment of The Beauty Series.
Jack McLachlan is fulfilled by more than he dared to dream possible. He finds everything he never knew he wanted—or needed—in Laurelyn Prescott, his last and final companion. Life is beautiful with his beloved by his side but their post-wedded bliss is cut short when his dark past springs into their present happiness. He wants to shelter Laurelyn but keeping her untainted by his previous life proves impossible when yesterday’s sins insist on returning to haunt him. Will it be possible for them to find happiness in their forever with a past like his?
Beauty From Love is an adult contemporary novel and is not intended for younger readers due to mature content.
Georgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an author and hasn’t looked back yet.
When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. When she’s being domestic, she’s listening to her iPod and visualizing scenes for her current work in progress. Every story coming from her always has a song to inspire it.
Author A. Meredith Walters 12 NA’s of Christmas Sale
New Adult Genre
.99 Pennies Sale
The novellas written by the 12 NA’s of Christmas will be on sale beginning December 1st! From December 1st-11th, each day one of the novellas will be highlighted around the book community. Today, the novella spotlight is Warmth in Ice (A Find You in the Dark novella)by A. Meredith Walters. Check out the excerpt and enter the giveaway!
You can buy any of the 12 NA’s of Christmas titles on Amazon.
Synopsis
It’s Maggie and Clay’s first Christmas together…
***Spoilers for those who have not read Find You in the Dark or Light in the Shadows***
Clay and Maggie have gone through the dark and come out on the other side. For the first time, they are on this journey together. Fighting for something they both need and can’t live without…each other.
But a long distance relationship is hard. Particularly for two people who are still trying to build something solid on a shaky and troubled foundation. Clay is finally out of treatment and is living in an out patient halfway house. He struggles with what he wants to do and where he wants to go. Questions he worries he will never have the answers to. Maggie is trying to transition into college life and learning how to create a future with someone who is over a thousand miles away.
As the months pass and they struggle with being a part, old insecurities and fears take root and threaten a love that has come so far.
When Maggie decides to fly to Florida as a surprise for Clay on Christmas, she is unsure whether it will be the first step toward what they both desperately want or whether it could possibly be the end of it all.
But with the holidays approaching, Maggie and Clay are reminded that even when the days are coldest, you can still find the warmth and that hope and love are the greatest gifts of all.
EXCERPT
“Let’s not make each other any promises we can’t keep right now. I’m not sure I can handle the disappointment,” I said, laughing humorlessly.
I was a trip wire set to detonate. These moments were a bitter reminder of the dark, twisted places my mind could go. Of where it still wanted to go.
I picked at the skin around my thumb, drawing blood. Seeing the bright red against my skin I stilled, gripping my hands into fists. “I’d better go.” I strangled out.
“Clay…” Maggie began. She shook her head, her face hidden by a long curtain of hair.
“You know I love you, right?” she asked and I hated how it felt like she was trying to convince both of us.
I nodded, still clenching my fists as tightly as they would go.
“Yeah, Mags. I know. I love you too,” I replied, the words as brittle as glass between my teeth.
Maggie was distracted by a knock on her door and I heard voices that had become unwelcomingly familiar.
“Just give me a minute to finish up and I’ll meet up with you,” Maggie was saying, her back to me as she spoke to the guy at her door.
The hateful coil of jealousy reared its head and without another word, and before Maggie could turn back around, I disconnected the call. I quickly logged out of my computer and slammed it closed with a decisive bang. I pulled the plug from the wall and then picked up the laptop and shoved it in my desk drawer as if I could shove away the ugly emotions burning a hole in my gut.
My breath came in painful bursts.
I had come so far. Yet how easy it was for me to lose all of that at the thought of Maggie disappearing forever.
You can buy this book or any of the 12 NA’s of Christmas titles on Amazon.
About the Author
The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary and New Adult Romance.
A. Meredith spent ten years as a counselor for at risk teens and children. First working at a Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault program and then later a program for children with severe emotional and mental health issues. Her former clients and their stories continue to influence every aspect of her writing.
When not writing (or being tortured with all manner of beauty products at the hand of her very imaginative and extremely girly 7 year old daughter), she is eating chocolate, watching reality television that could rot your brain and reading a smutty novel or two.
The 12 NA’s of Christmasauthors are Marquita Valentine, Zoe Dawson, Chelsea M. Cameron, Tiffany King, Breena Wilde, Sawyer Bennett, Magan Vernon, Sarra Cannon, A. Meredith Walters, Shelly Crane, and Addison Moore.
Kate will be hosting a contest on her Facebook page in honor of Say You Will‘s release! If you would like to check it out,please visit her page.
Over 3 million readers have fallen in love with the women of Kate Perry’s bestselling Laurel Heights series… Now meet her Summerhill sisters.
Synopsis
Summerhill, Book 1
Rosalind Summerhill is on the verge of becoming the next Vera Wang, as far away from her family and their drama as she can get. The last thing she wants is to leave San Francisco for London, especially not to deal with her father’s latest scandal—dying in his mistress’s arms. At least she can find comfort in knowing she can leave after the memorial.
Little did she know.
Not only is her father’s will missing but, according to his lawyer, her mother will lose everything if it’s discovered. Reluctantly joining forces with her sisters to seek and destroy the will is the only way of ensuring her father doesn’t win in the end.
Enter Nick Long, the one bright spot about being in London. Nick’s everything she’s ever dreamed of in a man—supportive,
eager to help, and bone-meltingly hot. But Nick’s motives aren’t as pure as they seem, and the secret he’s keeping may tear Rosalind’s family and fortune apart.
About the Author
Kate has tangoed at midnight with a man in blue furry chaps, dueled with flaming swords in the desert, and strutted on bar tops across the world and back. She’s been kissed under the Eiffel Tower, had her butt pinched in Florence, and been serenaded in New Orleans. But she found Happy Ever After in San Francisco with her Magic Man.
Kate’s the bestselling author of the Laurel Heights Novels, as well as the Family and Love and Guardians of Destiny series. She’s been translated into several languages and is quite proud to say she’s big in Slovenia. All her books are about strong, independent women who just want love.
Most days, you can find Kate in her favorite café, working on her latest novel. Sometimes she’s wearing a tutu. She may or may not have a jeweled dagger strapped to her thigh…
Gene has taken on the role of alpha after the devastating loss of his father. A war is on the horizon and Gene is determined not to fail his pack. He makes an unlikely alliance with Natalia, the woman his enemy is hunting. The more time they spend together, the more Gene finds himself drawn to the sexy, mysterious, she-wolf.
Natalia has lost faith in her kind. After being rescued from her captors by Gene’s pack, she wants to take her son and run far away from everyone. But, she knows she wouldn’t get far with her psychotic family chasing her. She agrees to team up with Gene in an attempt to end her family’s tyranny. As they attempt to work together, she finds herself wondering if she can truly trust him, or will his betrayal be the greatest yet?
Excerpt
Into the Unknown *Unedited*
“Wow,” Natalia breathed as they reached the top of the peak. She closed her eyes as the cool breeze ghosted against her face. Pine and oak fragranced the air, causing a smile to slide across her face. Opening her eyes, she surveyed the landscape.
Trees spread out for as far as the eye could see. The sun hung low, filling the sky with an orange pink hue. She spun around relishing in the fresh scent and the complete seclusion the trees offered. Crickets chirped and she could hear wildlife scuttling about. “This is amazing,” she said, focusing her gaze on Gene.
“My father worked hard on the landscape back home, but I don’t think it will ever be this secluded.”
“It is nice at your ranch,” Natalia commented. “I grew up in the city anything outside the city limits is rustic to me.”
“And you weren’t around any other wolves?” Gene questioned.
“No. My mother taught me what she knew. Which was not much. Her only experience was with my father, Luis.”
“I meant what I told you. I want to help you – teach you are ways.”
Natalia moved to the edge of the hill and stared down over the edge. Taking the chance and trusting him was about as appealing as jumping to the rocks and brush below. Still, she wanted to believe him.
“How do you do it?”
Swallowing she held her breath as he came to stand next to her. “What?”
“The partial shift. How do you do it?”
Natalia turned to look at him quirking her brow up as he came to stand in front of her. His heels touched the edge of the cliff and she blinked surprised how vulnerable he was allowing himself to be.
Her breath caught in her throat as he placed his hands on her shoulders, his chocolate eyes meeting hers. Her pulse spiked and a shiver ran up her spine as anticipation rolled through her.
“Close your eyes,” he said quietly.
Her eyes widened, heart accelerated and she fought the urge to lean into him. The innocent touch seemed anything but to her.
“You need to focus, close your eyes,” he urged, seemingly oblivious to her discomfort and arousal.
Clearing her throat, she closed her eyes, needing to escape his gaze.
“Now, think about your wolf. Your sight specifically. Imagine you are running. The wildlife and trees are whirling by you as you survey your surroundings. Everything is clearer, sharper. Inhale the pine and oak, the dirt and leaves.”
Natalia forced her breathing to even out, letting his voice guide her as she imagined what he was saying. Warm puffs of air hit her face as he spoke. She let his voice soothe her until she found herself lost in his words.
“Open your eyes, Talia,” Gene said softly.
Fingers grazed her cheeks and gently cupped her face. Startled, she opened her eyes, gasping at their close proximity.
Blinking, she stepped back taking him in. His face appeared clearer, stubble poked out from his pores. Gene’s brown eyes stared at her allowing her to see her goldish eyes reflecting off of them. Turning away from him, she took in the leaves noticing the fine lines of each of them and the tiny insects that gathered on the trunk of a tree.
“All you have to do is focus. How do you feel?” Gene asked.
“Good,” Natalia beamed. In fact, she felt better than she had in weeks.
“If you follow the same mindset when you transition I think it will help. The important thing to remember is you are still in control even if you are the wolf. Embrace who you are don’t fear it.”
“I’m not afraid of-“
“Yes, you are. You’re afraid of what we are because you don’t want to be like Juarez. You can be the wolf and still be yourself,” Gene said. He took a step to the side. “The wolf doesn’t make us do anything we wouldn’t already do. It’s just like with humans there are humans that are just evil. The same rule applies to wolves. There are wolves that are just bad too. On the flip side, there are good humans and wolves. It’s what we do that defines us not what we are.”
Gene sighed as he looked over the edge of the cliff. “I’m heading back. The house is a quarter of a mile that way,” Gene said pointing as he turned in the direction they’d come. “You should try shifting.”
Natalia nodded waiting until she heard the dirt and gravel crunching beneath his feet to turn around. He’d helped her. Swallowing, she watched as he disappeared into the trees. Satisfied she was alone, she undressed and prepared to transition.
Other books in the series, Werewolf Wars:
Book 1
Out of the Shadows
Synopsis
In an attempt to save his sister, Emily, from becoming a breeder, Devon Harris defies his alpha and flees his home with his sister. They seek refuge at his Uncle Rick’s ranch, unintentionally laying the foundation for a war between the packs. There he meets the fiery human Lark. In the midst of a war, does he dare let himself fall for her?
Rick Harris has been like a second father to Lark Davies since her parents died
in an accident three years ago. As the sole guardian of her younger sister and
the owner of her own bakery, Lark doesn’t have time for a social life. When
Rick’s nephew comes to town, sparks immediately begin to fly as Lark finds
herself drawn even further into the werewolf world.
Bethany Shaw is happily married to her husband of nine years. She has two children ages five and two and enjoys being able to stay home with them and pursue a writing career. Writing has always been a passion of hers and she has been writing for as long as she can remember. Mornings are usually when she gets her muse and she enjoys listening to music while her dog curls up at her feet. Paranormal romance and dystopian romance are the genres she prefers to write but she loves to read and reads just about everything.
The novellas written by the 12 NA’s of Christmas will be on sale beginning December 1st! From December 1st-11th, each day one of the novellas will be highlighted around the book community. Today, the novella spotlight is A Season for Hope by Sarra Cannon. Check out the excerpt and enter the giveaway!
You can buy any of the 12 NA’s of Christmas titles on Amazon.
Synopsis
Being dumped just before the holidays was my worst nightmare. I’d spent so many years thinking Preston Wright was the one for me that when he told me it was over, I thought I’d rather die than face the future.
I never expected someone like Judd Kohler to come crashing into my life. Literally. He was coming out. I was going in. My face got in the way. You get the picture. It was an accident. Running into him twice in one day, though? It started to feel like fate.
My mother always says Christmas is a magical time of year. A season for hope. All I know is that just when I thought I’d lost mine, hope somehow found its way back to me.
Just in time for Christmas.
EXCERPT
“I lean into his hand, my flesh burning under his touch. His fingers twitch slightly, as if he wants to pull me closer.
I want to kiss him, but I’m scared. I don’t want to be rejected again. I don’t want to misunderstand. And I don’t want to fall too fast just because I’m so hungry for something to heal my broken heart.
But I’m helpless to stop it.
When he leans down, he stops short, waiting for me to make a decision. I lift my head ever so slightly and he closes the space between us, his fingers tangling in the hair at the nape of my neck. He takes my mouth more forcefully than he did last night, and my body lights up at the first meeting of our lips.
Our lips open and explore. Our tongues dance, tasting for the first time.
My hands slip around his waist. I’m so aware of the fabric at the edge of his shirt, wanting nothing more than to slide my hand under and up. To feel the warm skin underneath and the hard muscles I know I’ll find along his back.
I want it so badly, I almost can’t control the desire.
He releases my lips and moves his kisses along the line of my chin. When he gets closer to my ear, he whispers, “You’re so beautiful.”
I immediately want to tell him he’s wrong. That he must not see me for some reason. But I hold it in, letting myself hear him. Not quite believing, but for the first time in a long time, wanting to believe.”
You can buy this book or any of the 12 NA’s of Christmas titles on Amazon.
About the Author
Sarra Cannon writes contemporary and paranormal fiction with both teen and college age characters. Her novels often stem from her own experiences growing up in the small town of Hawkinsville, Georgia, where she learned that being popular always comes at a price and relationships are rarely as simple as they seem.
Her best selling Young Adult paranormal series, Peachville High Demons, has sold over 140,000 copies and been featured on Amazon’s Top 100 eBooks for Children & Teens. The first book in the series, Beautiful Demons, will be adapted into a graphic novel by Sea Lion Books later this year, and a spin-off series will begin in 2014.
She is a devoted (obsessed) fan of Hello Kitty and has an extensive collection that decorates her desk as she writes. She currently lives in North Carolina with her amazingly supportive husband and her adorable son.
The 12 NA’s of Christmasauthors are Marquita Valentine, Zoe Dawson, Chelsea M. Cameron, Tiffany King, Breena Wilde, Sawyer Bennett, Magan Vernon, Sarra Cannon, A. Meredith Walters, Shelly Crane, and Addison Moore.
4 out of 5 read-ologists recommend this WordPress.com site. ups and downs of writer's insanity and day to day life. I will write whatever makes the voices happy, for a writer that ignores her inner voices is merely a mental breakdown waiting to happen. Keeping the voices happy and creating new worlds for them to play in is my main goal.
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