Category: Book Spotlight

BOOK SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY: Sassing Saul by Gail Koger

6/24/2019

Annie used to believe in all that happily ever after crap, until the day she found out her Prince Charming husband was a conman with a wandering eye. On the same day she booted him to the curb, an alien fleet double-parked over Earth and life as she knew it ended. To survive she joined a militia unit and used her unique physic powers to fight off the alien invaders. She was so successful she earned the swell nickname of the Grim Reaper. Now she must fight for her own freedom because Saul Jones, a Coletti-hybrid warlord, has decided she’s his and he won’t stop until he possesses her.

General Saul Jones has his hands full. Not only is he a four-star Marine general, he’s also a Coletti warlord. To complicate matters, he’s the Coletti Overlord’s liaison to Earth and one of the patriarchs of “the” Jones clan. Raising his blood pressure even more is his teenage psychic daughter who has found her mate before she’s of legal age. Can you say raging hormones? Not to mention the headaches of dealing with all the interspecies head-butting and Central Command. He has a million and one things needing his attention and at long last he discovers the other half of his soul. Annie Russell aka the Grim Reaper. Instead of running into his arms, Annie’s running as far and fast as she can.

EXCERPT

General Jones released us, and his helmet slid back. “Annie Russell you’ve got some ‘splaining to do.”

I felt the color drain from my face. “What do you mean?”

“You, my dear, are psychic and I know for a fact you’ve never registered.” General Jones relieved me of my laser rifle and placed it on his desk. “That is a breach of penal code 245.”

I eyed the General’s muscular frame. In hand-to-hand combat, I’d lose. Good thing I cheated. Before I could attack him, Casey stepped in front of me.

“For God’s sake, leave her alone. Please. She’s done her duty.”

Anger flared to life in the General’s eyes. “You knew Annie was psychic and didn’t reported her?”

“Uh, I’ve been kinda busy lately. You know bailing out of a flaming C130 cargo plane, fighting the Rodan and locating my mate.”

With pure iron in his voice, the General stated, “I’m docking your pay five hundred credits for violation of penal code 451.”

Casey let out a squawk of outrage. “What? That’s not fair.”

“Back off.” I pushed Casey to one side and went to toe-to-toe with her uncle. “Casey has nothing to do with this.”

“She’s required by law to report any psychic females to Central Command.”

“This isn’t Nazi Germany or is it?” I gave her uncle the Nazi’s palm out salute, barely missing his nose. “Sieg Heil!”

The muscles bunched in the General’s jaw. “That smart mouth isn’t amusing. Get your butt down to registration. Once you’ve filled out the proper paperwork and been chipped you will report back to me.”

“No,” I stated.

General Jones bared his rather awesome fangs. “No?”

“You hard of hearing old man? I am not getting chipped like some fucking animal and I don’t care how many laws the Overlord has enacted since he took over.”

“You will do as I say,” General Jones growled.

“Think you can make me old man?”

“Are you challenging me?” The General was all predator.

“Holy shit!” Casey grabbed my arm and dragged me away. “No. She’s not.”

I broke free and turned to face the General. “Yes, I am. I can take this old fart.”

“No, you can’t,” Casey assured me. “Provoking a warlord is a really bad idea. Believe me, it never ends well.”

“They call me the Reaper for a reason,” I retorted, never taking my eyes off her uncle.

General Jones laughed like it was the funniest thing he had ever heard. “The Reaper?”

“Doesn’t Zarek need you back at Old Tucson? Just think of all the Rodan that still need killing,” Casey said desperately.

We both ignored her.

“Reaper, as in when I leave a battle field nothing remains, but the dead,” I answered.

“Why haven’t I heard of you?”

“The dead tell no tales.”

“A nice little fairy tale. Apologize suitably and go to registration. If you don’t, I’m putting you over my knee and tanning your behind. You’ll also spend the next thirty days in lockup.”

Casey took one look at my furious expression and backed way. Women were so much smarter than men.

General Jones advanced on me.

Dropping my shields, I summoned a psychic stun grenade and hurled it at the General. I felt it slam against his very impressive shields.

The General staggered backward as the mental concussion blasted his inner ear. and swayed unsteadily.

Upping the wattage, I hurled another grenade and waited for it to knock him on his ass.
“I will find you,” the General gritted, before falling to the floor.

“Oh, my God!” Casey kneeled by her uncle and checked his pulse.

“Relax, he’s not dead. I just rattled his brain a bit,” I reassured her.

“How long before he wakes up?”

I shrugged. “Ten to fifteen minutes.” I swiped a new recruit’s security badge off his desk and quickly stuffed it in my pocket.

Casey jumped up, grabbed my hand and tugged me out of the room. “You need to get far, far away from here.”

“I have a place to go. I’ve been preparing for this ever since the Coletti came to our world and started taking psychic women.”

“Shhh. Don’t tell me anything. The Overlord seems to know everything I do.” Casey herded me down the hallway and into the women’s locker room. “Good thing everyone’s at Old Tucson or you would be toast.” She opened a locker and pulled out some sweat pants and an over-sized t-shirt. “Put these on, you’ll attract too much attention in the saloon girl getup.”

I quickly changed. “I can never thank you enough.”

“Don’t thank me. All I’m doing is giving you a head start. Just remember, Coletti warlords never, ever stop hunting their prey.” Casey peeped out into the hallway. “The coast is clear. I can get you off the base, but after that you’re on your own.”

“How much trouble are you going to be in?”

“Trouble? Me? Nah.” Casey sniggered before adding, “Don’t worry, Hothar will protect me.”

“From what?” Hothar inquired from behind us. We both shrieked and jumped about a foot.

“Geezus! Don’t sneak up on us like that,” Casey gasped.

A worried frown knitted my brow. Why hadn’t I sensed him?

“What am I protecting you from?”

Casey and I exchanged worried glances and in unison said, “The Rodan.”

Hothar frowned. “There are no Rodan on this base.”

“See Annie, nothing to worry about.”

I clasped my hands to my chest. “Silly me.”

We speed walked toward the exit.

“Where are you going?” Hothar easily kept pace with us.

“Annie needs to check on her grandmother,” Casey lied.

“Yes! My grandmother. She has a heart problem. It upsets her when the sirens go off,” I improvised.

“The sirens didn’t go off in Tucson,” Hothar said.

“Really?” A hysterical giggle broke from Casey. “Imagine that.”

Hothar stepped in front of us. “What is going on?”

“Nothing.” Casey climbed him, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed Hothar hungrily. She made a shooing gestured at me.

Not being a dummy, I hurried out the exit.

A terrifying battle cry startled a flock of pigeons, sending them airborne.

The chase was on.

PURCHASE HERE

HUGE GIVEAWAY

Ms Koger is generously giving away a $25 STARBUCKS GIFT CARD AND A COLETTI DAGGER NAIL FILE!

The TBR Pile is giving away a $10 AMAZON GIFT CARD AND 2 books from our prize list!

TO ENTER: Comment below on what you liked about the blurb or excerpt. Have you read Gail Koger before? For extra entries share this post using the Facebook and twitter buttons below.

WINNERS

$25 Starbucks gift card: Rhonda
Coletti Dagger nail File: Robin
$10 Amazon card: Marie L.
Prize list book: Renee and Paula

We had so many entries we picked an extra winner for a prize list book:
Flchen

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY: Redeemed by Maggie Blackbird

6/11/2019

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Bridget Matawapit is an Indigenous activist, daughter of a Catholic deacon, and foster mother to Kyle, the son of an Ojibway father—the ex-fiancé she kicked to the curb after he chose alcohol over her love. With Adam out on parole and back in Thunder Bay, she is determined to stop him from obtaining custody of Kyle.

Adam Guimond is a recovering alcoholic and ex-gangbanger newly-paroled. Through counselling, reconnecting with his Ojibway culture and twelve-step meetings while in prison, Adam now understands he’s worthy of the love that frightened him enough to pick up the bottle he’d previously corked. He can’t escape the

damage he caused so many others, but he longs to rise like a true warrior in the pursuit of forgiveness and a second chance. There’s nothing he isn’t willing to do to win back his son–and Bridget.

When an old cell mate’s daughter dies under mysterious circumstances in foster care, Adam begs Bridget to help him uncover the truth. Bound to the plight of the Indigenous children in care, Bridget agrees. But putting herself in contact with Adam threatens to resurrect her long-buried feelings for him, and even worse, she risks losing care of Kyle, by falling for a man who might destroy her faith in love completely this time.

EXCERPT

“Heard you’re going to a meeting tonight.” The punk, Logan, plopped on the couch.

Adam rubbed his full stomach and checked the clock on the wall of the lounge. Six-thirty. The meeting started in an hour. Perfect timing, because he’d have a half an hour to return before his nine o’clock curfew. “Yep.”

“S’okay if I go with?”

Adam couldn’t say no. Part of the program was giving away what he had, and what he possessed was sobriety. Even so, looking out for someone and sharing his experience was still new to him.

“Yeah.” There, he’d agreed, when he normally would have told the punk to fuck off.

Logan was straight out of rehab for heroin abuse. Eighteen and a junkie. Adam wasn’t supposed to judge, but a guy had better luck stopping traffic on the Trans Canada than getting off the crap. Too many of his friends had died sticking needles into their veins or chasing the dragon.

“Got no ink?” Logan studied the bare parts of Adam’s skin. “Thought you would, ’cause I heard you were an—”

The silencing look Adam sent the punk shut down Logan fast.

He held up his hands in retreat. “It’s cool. It’s cool. Hey, check out mine.” Logan bared his forearm. “I’m gonna get more. My bud did this one. He can do one for you.”

“Nope.”

“Why not? Everyone gets inked.” Curiosity filled Logan’s blue eyes.

“Yeah. Everyone. Pass.”

“Oh? You think it’s too mainstream now?” Logan half-smiled.

“Yep.”

“Figured you weren’t the sort of guy who did mainstream. Go your own path, y’know? People follow you. You don’t follow them.” Logan balled up a piece of paper in his hand. “I…err…uh…I don’t wanna go to slippery places. Y’know? We gotta talk.”

“About what?”

“My uh…girlfriend. She kept…I gotta do it. Gotta do it.”

“Never mind your girlfriend.” Adam kept his arms and legs crossed and stared at the TV screen. “This is about you.”

“She’s dead.”

“Dead?” Adam turned to Logan’s stiller-than-glass eyes.

“She…she went missing when I was in ’hab. I told her to chill before I went in. Said I’d come and get her when I got out. She wouldn’t listen. She…they pulled her from the river. I know it’s her. I know it’s her.”

Cutter’s daughter was Logan’s girlfriend?

The punk’s skinny body trembled. His long, blond hair cut into a seventies-like feather hung in front of his thin face.

“I dunno if she was still using. She told me when I last saw her that she wasn’t. But being at the bar…the news said that’s where she was last seen. It’s my fault. All my fault.” Tears rolled from Logan’s big eyes, and he swiped at them. “I’m no pussy.”

Adam hadn’t said as much. “Keep on.” He made sure his command was soft—well, as soft as his deep voice allowed.

“I gotta find out what happened. The cops don’t care. Nobody cares. It’s what Sheena said. But I care even if her fam don’t. Her ol’ man, he’s in the pen. He don’t care. Her mom’s six feet below. Drank herself to death.”

Adam shuddered. If he hadn’t straightened out, this could be Kyle as a teenager, shit-talking his parents.

“The counselors at ’hab told me to stay away from slippery places. How am I s’posed to find out what happened if I don’t go to those…places?”

The same for Adam. Both he and Logan were from the streets, though. “Were you in the system?”

“Yeah.” Logan sniffled. “’Aid helped me get into treatment. They got this program that helps me until I’m twenty-one. Some transition thing. I’m…I’m gonna get my high school. A lady from the university teaches at the Kitchi-Gaming Friendship Center at night.”

“You Métis?”

“Yeah. Through my dad. He’s Métis. Whatever that is.”

Many kids had no clue about their heritage. Neither had Adam before he’d begun hanging out at a The Red Sky Friendship Center in Winnipeg, determined to find out what the heck Ojibway was and meant. He’d never even set foot on his home reserve, an hour and a half northeast of Winnipeg. He’d been born and raised in the city. The streets of the North End were all he’d known, growing up in North Point Douglas.

“What should I do? I gotta go there. Gotta check The Gator.”

The punk wasn’t old enough to get in the bars. Not that The Gator was famous for checking ID. Still, Adam had promised Cutter he’d find out what had happened to Sheena. If Kyle had gone missing, Cutter would do the same for Adam.

But if his parole officer found out…they’d ship him back to the clink.

GIVEAWAY

Ms. Blackbird is giving away an ecopy of Redeemed!

The TBR Pile is giving away a $5 gift card to eXtasy Publishing!

TO ENTER: Comment below on why you want you liked about the excerpt from Redeemed. For extra entries share this post using the Facebook and Twitter buttons below.

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY: Daring Daniella by Pippa Greathouse and Ruby Caine

6/4/2019

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The newest set of brides has arrived in Golden River, and it seems the town is more unsettled than ever. Convinced she’s mousy and unattractive, Daniella is terribly worried that Caleb is no longer interested in her – so much so that she takes matters into her own hands and misreads his feelings for her.

The newest set of brides has arrived in Golden River, and it seems the town is more unsettled than ever. Convinced she’s mousy and unattractive, Daniella is terribly worried that Caleb is no longer interested in her – so much so that she takes matters into her own hands and misreads his feelings for her.

And she’s nothing if not daring.

Caleb, on the other hand, is the strong and strict deputy of Golden River. In love with little Daniella since the very first time he laid eyes on her stealing his clothes as he swam in the river, he’s been determined to correct her mischievous streak. Now, however, the town is after him and determined to push him into marriage. His plan to distance himself from Golden River – and from Daniella – almost succeeds. Almost.

Will Danny discover the truth about his feelings for her? And can she accept it if she does? Will Caleb admit his love for her? What happens when she runs away from him right after the ill-fated wedding?

When Pippa and I decided to try our hand at writing a western, a tom-boy heroine immediately captured our attention. We knew we wanted a pampered widow with big dreams and a beauty hoping to marry into money, but Danny sort of jumped out at us as a daring, adventurous young woman who was not afraid to work hard to gain what she wanted in life.

Our Danny has an impulsive nature. When she first meets the man of her dreams, he is bathing in a creek. She steals his clothes, leaving him stranded with the town’s preacher until the sheriff arrives. Caleb is not just any resident of Golden River, though. He is a deputy, and he knows exactly who stole his things. When he confronts Danny, she refuses to confess. Only later does he find proof of her crime when he sees she has altered his clothes to fashion herself a set of trousers. All of this happens in book one, long before her real story begins.

The mail order brides get to pick the man they want to marry. Danny’s heart has settled on Caleb. His kisses send her heart soaring. But the closer they get, the farther away the man of her dreams seems be. Wires get crossed, and an impulsive Danny soon follows her man when he leaves town, thinking he wants to elope.
What happens when she shows up in Sacramento?

She learns what her impulsiveness can cost.

He learns how it feels when he believes he’s lost her forever.

And they both learn a lot about how to love as their adventure

Giveaway:

Ms Caine is generously giving away 3 copies of the first book in the series: The Unsettling of Golden River!

The TBR Pile is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card!

To ENTER: Tell us why you love western romance!
For extra entries share this post using the Facebook and Twitter buttons below.

Winners

Amazon Gift Card: Lisa
Ecopy of The Unsettling of Golden River: Chris

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT and GIVEAWAY: Karma City by Gardner Browning

5/29/2019

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A microscopic parasite has crippled humanity with night terrors and paralyzing anxiety. In this world of increasing dystopia, hope yet remains in Karma City. But when mercenary drifter, Jameson Shoals, learns that a famous scientist has created a stronger parasite to kill the original, it isn’t until the bodies litter the streets that he realizes the horrifying truth: the new parasite is a killer with a mind of its own, and upon dominating Patient Zero, this killer acquires legs, hands, and eyes. It falls upon Shoals and his partner, a deadly female mercenary, to stop PZ and his mob before they can overcome and supplant humankind.

Jameson forced open the car’s door and yelled over the train’s grinding wheels. “Luna, let’s go!” The wind grabbed at him. The train raced over a towering trestle spanning the East River. In the distance, a cluster of high-rises raked the stars. The Karma City skyline shined in the night. For Jameson, it felt like a lifetime had passed since he had seen the majesty of Karma, the city of hope. He snorted a wad of phlegm and hocked it over the blur of the rails.

Bullshit. The city is a lie.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Gardner Michael Browning is an award-winning author and professional wrestler. In addition to receiving a New Hampshire Literary Award, two of his novels were part of an international English literacy program for middle grade readers. Browning enjoys classic literature, fishing, playing guitar and spending time with his family.

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AGardner+Browning&s=relevancerank&text=Gardner+Browning&ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Author/G-M-Browning-217364741662041/

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Karma-City-Gardner-Browning-ebook/dp/B07PJXQ7PB/ref=sr_1_1

The book will be on sale for $0.99.

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY: Virama by Gabriella Bradley and Taryn Jameson

5/14/2019

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She is an emotionless killer, a virama. Her mission—eliminate the traitors.

Seventeen knew no other existence but the Institute and its training program. Trained as an assassin since she was a toddler, she must now face the ultimate test—locate the traitors, Two and Four, and exterminate them.

For years, Seventeen has longed to escape the Institute, but a one-way ticket to Brevona was not her idea of freedom. To make matters worse, her targets were two of their own—Two, a young woman she

considered family, and Four, a trainee from the male division. Sometimes you had to take what you could get, and a life outside the Institute was worth it, no matter the cost.

Sneak Peak:
Virama by Gabriella Bradley and Taryn Jameson

The view was breathtaking from the sky. So many different terrains, the green of the forests, sparkling blue lakes, and craggy mountains. Even the cities were beautiful. She longed to fly free and just ignore her mission, but she couldn’t. Earth, the WLO, and the Institute were relying on her to do the right thing. Eliminate the traitors. She activated the tracking device again, hoping it would finally home in on her targets. Nothing. Frustrated, she shoved the malfunctioning equipment back into her pocket. What the hell is interfering with the signal?
She turned her attention back to the landscape. Below her, a small speck appeared, gradually growing larger and larger. At first, she thought it was a large bird, but soon it became huge, and she had to do a double take. Was that a dragon? Her mind had to be playing tricks on her, but there was no mistaking the reptilian shape of its body or the golden scales that glinted in the sunlight.

Oh my God! I’m going to be his next meal! It never said anywhere in the archives that there were dragons on this planet. Or giant monkeys. Or little people. Maybe they sent me to the wrong planet. No. Don’t be stupid. You spoke their language, and they understood you. You just didn’t read enough last night.

It freaked her out when the beast soared up toward her. She knew she was a goner, that the beast would gobble her up at any moment. She tried to fly faster, but it was no use. The dragon dwarfed her. He didn’t ingest her but used his gargantuan body to force her down onto a field. Shaking inwardly, she retracted her wings and took out her phaser, aiming it at the brute. “Don’t come anywhere near me or I’ll shoot.” Yeah, like dragons can understand what I’m saying...

The dragon laughed.

What the hell? A laughing dragon?

Suddenly, the dragon was gone, and in its place, stood a very tall, handsome man. He was taller than any of the men at the Institute. He had long auburn hair, and the most incredible eyes she had ever seen. They were golden with flecks of emerald green. His lips were full and perfectly formed, and when he grinned, her skin heated, and an odd fluttering started in the pit of her stomach.

He crossed his arms over his chest and clucked his tongue. “Your weapon cannot harm me or my dragon, lady.”

She cast him a sidelong glance. Had she really just witnessed a dragon turn into a man, or was she hallucinating? “And you are sure of that? It can turn anything into dust, including whatever in the hell you are.”

He chuckled, his gaze traveling the length of her body and then back to her face. Her skin began to prickle, and her blood rushed through her veins. It was almost as if she had an adrenaline rush like when she was flying, but this was so much different. Her body was flushed with heat, and all she wanted to do was to reach out and touch him. Focus on the mission Seventeen!

“What is your name?” That crooked smile was still on his face, and his eyes sparkled with mirth.

Did he sense the havoc he was creating within her body? Him? No, it had to be an after effect of the plasma. She was sure of it. “What business is that of yours?”

“My name is Edrian. You can put your weapon away. I will not harm you.” He stepped forward and placing his hand around her upraised arm, he lowered it.

His touch was like a jolt of electricity sending hot molten lava straight to her groin. She sucked in a deep breath to slow her pulse and placed her phaser back in its holster. I’m losing it. I’m actually going to listen to this hallucination. Hell, maybe the illusion can answer my questions.
“Nice to meet you. I am searching for a man and a woman from my planet. Have you seen them?”

“Tell me your name.”

Fuck. Okay, I’ll play the game. “It’s Seventeen.”

“That is not a name. It is a number.”

Was that a look of compassion that crossed his face? From the time she could remember, she had always been called Seventeen. What difference did it make anyway? That was the only name she had ever known.

“Then I am a number, but that’s who I am.”

His expression changed, his gaze becoming hard as steel. “My friends told me you are here to kill the man and woman you are seeking.”

She raised her chin and repeated the lie she had told the elves. Her mission came first. She had to complete it, then she could be free. But why did the thought of killing Two and Four make her feel sick to her stomach? It shouldn’t. She had been trained to push her feelings aside. Emotion had never been permitted unless it was anger. Anger could be used to your advantage.

“I have to take them into custody. They have committed treason, which is a serious crime on Earth.”

“You are lying. You are here to kill them. You cannot lie to a dragon.”

Yes, she was. And she was trained to use whatever means available to succeed. “Have you, or have you not, seen them?”

“What makes you think this couple has committed treason?”

“Look, I am here to do my job. I didn’t ask anyone questions when I was sent here.”

Well, she did, sort of. She questioned herself. She wondered why she had to kill them. Schultz had said they’d completed their mission successfully, so what proof did Schultz have that they had committed treason? That they had defected? To what? To the governing royals on this planet? Not likely.

Giveaway:

Ms Bradley is giving away a bundle of these three books! The first three stories in the Crimson Realm series.

The TBR Pile is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card and a book from our prize list (1 each).

TO ENTER: Comment below on why you liked the sneak peek of Virama. For extra entries share this post using the Facebook and Twitter buttons below.

WINNERS

$10 Amazon card: Melissa
Book Bundle: Linda
Prize List: Lisa

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY: Exile in Darkness by Annalisa Carr

5/2/2019

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This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Annalisa Carr will be awarding a $30 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Heritage and magic matter to the London covens. Aristocratic witch, Isabella Pethany, has heritage but not magic.
Underworld powerbroker, amnesiac vampire Maldit, has magic but no heritage.
Lukas Sindis, coven sorcerer and famous psychopath, has both.

Isabella’s null magic status makes her an embarrassment to her family, but since her sister was murdered, she is all they have left. Guilt makes her willing to do almost anything to compensate for her lack of value, but her grandmother’s proposal to match her with Lukas, in a bid to bring strong magic back to their bloodline, is a step too far.

When Maldit rescues a strange witch from hunting vampires, his main concern is to limit trouble in his territory. Witches are notoriously troublesome, and this one is no exception. Her proximity slashes through his damaged memory, allowing him to catch glimpses of his forgotten past.

Drugs have suppressed Lukas’s magic for almost twenty years, filling him with a reservoir of trapped power. When he escapes, his magic bursts free, falling like a tidal wave on Maldit and Isabella, sweeping away the spells paralysing both of them.

The dark secrets of the London coven are about to explode into the light of day.

Read an Excerpt:

“What do you think you’re doing?” As soon as they were in the taxi, Daisy started on her.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Isabella folded her arms, hunched her shoulders and huddled in her corner of the back seat.

“Don’t lie to me. You let that vampire kiss you. Are you insane?” Spiralling strands of pale hair rose like a halo around Daisy’s face. “And he came to your house. He knows where you live.”

“Your ponytail’s coming undone.”

“Isabella!” Daisy’s voice rose to a screech.

“I like him.” She hadn’t even reached the stage of admitting it to herself yet. Daisy was a pain in the ass. Isabella had never understood how such loud noises emerged from such a small person.

“He’s a vampire.”

“Maybe.”

“A vampire, Izzy. The same species you just told me killed your sister. What happens if he bites you again? What happens if you get addicted? What if—”

“Daisy—”

Daisy blew out an impatient breath. “I can see he’s absolutely gorgeous. Those cheekbones… I’d like to paint him, but for goodness sake, Izzy. You kissed him.”

“All right. I get what you’re saying.” Daisy’s rapidly rising voice made her head ache. “But he’s not like that. And he might help find out who killed Natalie. I need to know.”

“So you’ll see him again? Even if he’s likely to kill you?”

“He’s not going to kill me. He saved my life and anyway, like I said, it might as well be him as Lukas Sindis.”

“And what do expect to get from him? That kiss wasn’t about your sister. Are you looking for a fling?”

“I—”

“Vampires don’t do sex. Remember? Xenobiology level 1? They bite.”

About the Author:

Annalisa Carr lives in the English Lake District with her two cats. She writes in multiple genres, but has a weakness for paranormal romance and urban fantasy.

As a child Annalisa wanted to be a scientist, wear a white coat and explore outer space. She worked as a scientist for a very long time, but never got to fly a spaceship or even travel beyond the solar system. This was a huge disappointment given the reasons for her career choice, so eventually she made up stories instead. Probably just as well, as she is claustrophobic.

Exile in Darkness is set in the same world as the Children of Poseidon series; a slightly skewed version of London.

Annalisa also writes dystopian science fiction under the name ‘Anne Cleasby’.

https://annecleasby.com
http://www.annalisacarr.com
https://www.amazon.com/Annalisa-Carr/e/B00T1H0CQ0
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10798535.Annalisa_Carr
https://www.facebook.com/Annalisa-Carr-1626840070925992

Buy link for Exile in Darkness: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P1JLVF7/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY: Lie to Me by Christine Anna Kirchoff

4/29/2019

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(This isn't your average angel story. It's based on Buddhism.)

This blood, this death, this war … is because of me.

My name’s Tevy and you’ll find me staring out the window of a psychiatric center. I’m not crazy, I don’t think. I see angels. Not the sweet faced, flowing robe kind either. I see sword wielding, flying over our heads and killing each other angels. Everyone thinks I’m nuts, which is why I’m in here. For a while, I thought maybe that something went wrong in my head, maybe from my parents dying. But I was wrong, terribly wrong about everything: my parents,

the angels, who I truly am or rather, what I am.

Once I’m out, I have to dodge the angels without raising anyone suspicions including the boy next door that has some secrets of his own. Dylan soon learns I’m not as normal as I pretend to be but will he tell? Crazy or not, I can’t go back to the isolation ward. I’m thrust into a world I didn’t know existed. A world with angels and monsters … and they’re all after me.

There’s a war coming and it’s time to pick sides.

SNEAK PEAK:

Lie. Lie. Lie. I opened my lips to do that but a truth actually bubbled out. “You were right!” No! Crap.

“I was? About what?”

Think of a lie, think of something believable. Suddenly, everything poured out of me. All the terror and fear that had been building up since last night. “I’m still seeing angels.” I clapped my hands over my mouth. What have I done? What have I done!

Dylan jerked the wheel and pulled us to the side of the road.

“There was no cat in the road before,” I said from between my fingers. “I sleep in the closest because I’m afraid I’ll see them when I wake up and scream. If my aunt finds out she’ll send me back to the crazy place.” Wet, slow tears dripped down my cheeks. “I can’t go back there. I can’t. The straitjacket. The screaming. The bars. I can’t.” A shiver spread through my whole body. “I did like you said. I went into the treehouse last night. I yelled at them and … and…” I stared into Dylan’s brown eyes. “One of them looked down at me.” I covered my face with my hands. My confession would damn me. “I’m crazy.”

Dylan wrapped his arms around me. “It’ll be okay.”

His musky scent made me want to bury my nose in his shirt and never come up. “How? How!” I laid my head on his shoulder and felt the overwhelming urge to scream.

“Tevy. I’m not going to say anything. I can help … holy shi—”

“What?” I picked up head and jerked. There was one of them, the angels, right there. He stood in front of us with huge, black shimmering wings and some kind of metal armor on. “You … you see that?”

“I see that.”

“You really see that?”

“I really see that.”

I’m not crazy! Wait, I’m not crazy? Then the angel drew out his sword and smiled.

“Saw that too.” Dylan let go of me and jammed his Jeep into reverse.

I grabbed his leg, holding in a scream as we spun around and then charged forward. He saw my angel! What the hell did that mean? “It’s following us!” I could see it in the rearview mirror, the wings shimmering in the sun as it flew behind us. I grabbed the dashboard with both hands as we took a corner too fast.

“Where’d it go?” he yelled, still driving down the lonely stretch of road.

“Behind us!” I screamed as it slashed its sword at the back window. The blade missed and suddenly there were more glints. More angels. “Oh, my God.” I counted ten with glittering rainbow wings as we swerved to the right and down some no-name, one-lane road. We bounced around wildly before coming to the end where it met a suburban street, quiet in the early morning hours. “They’re gone.” I spun in my seat to stare back. I didn’t see anything now. “How did you see them? Why did you see them now of all times?” My eyes went wide and I stared down at my hands. “Touch.” I’d been touching Dylan when he saw them. When I let go of him, that was when he asked me where they were. Could it be that simple? How did any of this make any freaking sense? “Dylan.” I turned to him. “They’re real. They are real. I’m not crazy.” Sort of.

Dylan sat in the driver’s seat, breathing fast. His chest rose and fell so quickly I thought maybe he was hyperventilating or something. “Dylan?”

He grabbed the steering wheel and kept gasping.

“Deep breaths. Deep breaths.” I place a hand on his back. He was hyperventilating. “Listen to my voice. Calm. Down.” I pressed my other hand on his chest. “There you go. Easy.” He was freaking out worse than I was. Of course, I’d seen them before. I tried to remember what I did when I first saw them. Oh, right, ran screaming. “You okay now?”

He shook his head but let go of the steering wheel to face me.

“They’re gone.”

He took a shaky breath and then another. Dylan leaned forward, surprising me by pressing his forehead to mine.

“Keep breathing,” I whispered. “We’re safe.”

“Sorry.” He kept staring into my eyes. “Wasn’t expecting that.”

I knew that feeling. “Okay now?”

“I saw an angel. An angry angel. An angry angel with a sword.”

“Welcome to my world.”

GIVEAWAY:

If you’ve posted a review of Lie to Me please post your link in the comments. You’ll be entered to win one of two, $5.00 Evernight gift cards from Christine Anna Kirchoff.

Comment below on why you want to read Lie To Me and enter to win a book from our prize list or a copy of Lie To Me!

You can absolutely enter both!

You can also get extra entries by sharing this post using the Facebook and Twitter buttons below.

Winners

Gift Card Winner: Diane
Copy of Lie to Me: Christine and Lisa

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY: Night Silences by Pippa Greathouse

4/23/2019

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Big Crime in a Small Town…

Abandoned in an airport thousands of miles from home with no way to get back, Emmy finds herself dependent on an officer from the Highway Patrol to get her there. She’s stubborn, sassy, and determined to do it alone but he gives her little choice; she can accept a ride with him and get home safely, or she can sit in the airport all night with him and wait until someone comes to get her.

Jackson Collins has been called on for a transfer to Pike’s Bluff to do some investigating. Human

trafficking is taking place there, and girls are disappearing from the local hospital. He doesn’t expect that this young lady will be involved. Incredibly drawn to her, he realizes he’s fallen deeply for her before he even gets her home. Love at first sight, just like his own parents?

Is she at risk? Or is she involved in the scheme? What do the FBI and the HP want with her? Will their worlds collide, or will they come apart?

Publisher's Note: This action-packed, steamy contemporary romance contains themes of power exchange.

SNEAK PEAK:

He shook his head and took them, moving inside the kitchen to set them down. When he turned back, she had stopped just inside the doorway. He crooked a finger at her. "Come here."

Her eyes, already large, grew wider as she slowly approached. He reached for her, holding her around the waist with one arm. With the other, he planted a hard swat on her bottom. She shrieked.

"That," he said firmly, "is for leaving the house without telling me. And this," he brought his hand down again," is for doing it the second time. After what happened yesterday in Denver and then in St. Louis, I would have thought you'd know better than to take off without letting me know." He released her, and she took a step backward, rubbing her bottom.

"Ow," she said in a small voice.

Looking at the bags he'd set on the counter, he reached for her. Putting his hands on her waist, he set her up on the kitchen island.

"Look, Emmy, I do appreciate you going and bringing back something to eat. But when I awakened and you were missing, I swear, it took ten years off my life. Can you understand that?"

She nodded. "I'm sorry."

His hands moved to her sides as he leaned forward, shaking his head. "Just don't do it again. All right? I'm utterly serious."

The expression on her face changed suddenly as she tilted her head at him. "Really?"

His own countenance grew wary and his eyes narrowed. "What does that look on your face mean?"

She wiggled forward on the counter and kissed his cheek. "It's nice to have someone worry about me."

His brows knit closer. He took hold of her waist and set her back down so her feet touched the floor, feeling as if he'd lost control of the situation. But she was rifling through the bags now and handed him a package of something, still warm, and a cup of coffee.

When he took it, she gave him a huge smile. Her dimples were showing again.

"Good morning," she said brightly.

"Good morning. Emmy, you do realize—"

"Yes, sir. I do. I won't do it again. There's a bar stool on the other side of the island, if you want to sit down. And there's a potato patty in the bag for you."

He shook his head and moved to sit down. Setting out the other stool next to him, he pointed to it. "Sit."

She shoved her food over in front of the other spot. "I didn't have any eggs, and everyone should have a good breakfast, so I thought..." She frowned at his expression. "Want me to take them back?"

He shook his head. "No, Emmy. I just want to make sure I made an impression on you,
that's all. Because if you take off like that again, I'll put you over my knee and spank you."
She blinked up at him, pausing just out of his reach. "But—you said you weren't taking me to raise—I don't understand why I should have to ask permission to leave my own house and run errands."

"I also said I wasn't going to abandon you, if you remember correctly. Your safety is
important, and I don't want you taking unnecessary chances with it. Do you understand me?"
Her expression was incredulous.

"Emmy?"

"No," she said softly. "I don't."

GIVEAWAY:

Ms. Greathouse is giving away a copy of the first book in this series, DOUBLE TAKES.

The TBR Pile is giving away a book from our prize list.

TO ENTER: Comment below on why you want to read Night Silences. For extra entries share this post using the Facebook and Twitter posts below.

Winners

Ecopy of Double Takes: Marlene
Prize List Book: Melissa

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY: The End of Hatred by Rebecca Hefner

4/3/2019

4 Comments

These are dangerous times on Etherya’s Earth…

Miranda, princess of the Slayers and heir to the throne, has hated the Vampyres for a thousand years. Since the Awakening, she has fought to protect her people choosing to be a warrior more than a royal. When a female Vampyre washes up on the shore of her compound’s riverbank, she seizes the moment to take the offensive.

Sathan, King of the Vampyres, distraught at his sister’s disappearance and captivity, agrees to travel with Miranda to

resect the Blade of Pestilence, also hoping to change his people’s state of endless war. Although the woman hates him due to the constant raids on her compound for the Slayers’ life-giving blood, he can’t help but admire the stubborn and strong princess.

As their journey progresses, both begin to understand that they are aligned in their hatred of Crimeous, leader of the Deamons, as well as their hope for peace between the Slayers and Vampyres. Determined to fight their growing attraction, they forge a tentative truce. But old wounds run deep and trust is scarce. Their faith in each other must remain strong or all will be lost…

Interview with Rebecca Hefner

Thanks so much for stopping by! I’m really excited to introduce you to the first book in my Etherya’s Earth series, entitled The End of Hatred. It’s a new paranormal romance series that re-imagines the age-old story of Vampyres and Slayers.

How long have you been writing?

The End of Hatred is my first published book, although I’ve been writing for years. For twelve years I worked in corporate America as a medical device sales rep. Or, as I like to say, I played a doctor on TV. At night, when I would come home tired from the day, I would always love to curl up with a good romance novel.

Who inspires your writing?

I discovered romance novels when I was young and would sneak into my mother’s bedroom to read the stories of Judith McNaught, Nora Roberts and Sandra Brown. More recently, I’ve discovered many more great authors such as Lisa Kleypas, JR Ward, Julie James and Kit Rocha, to name a few.

What themes were important to you when writing the series?

I’m a huge Star Wars and Game of Thrones fan but also love a good romance novel. It was difficult for me to find novels that had all of the fantasy and action themes I loved (including a good twist!) as well as a satisfying romance. Therefore, I hope my books will take readers on an adventure, while giving them all the feels and satisfaction of a satisfying central romance and HEA.

What are your favorite characteristics of the two main characters in The End of Hatred?

Miranda, the heroine, is so kick-ass. I want to be her when I grow up. It is very important to me that I write strong female characters who represent all of the amazing women I’m surrounded by in my life. We all have such power and strength and I love writing characters who embody that. Sathan, the hero, is the perfect equal to Miranda and challenges her when she needs it. He’s also a sexy-as-sin Vampyre, so that leads to some steamy action for both of them!

Giveaway

Ms. Hefner is giving away an ecopy of The End of Hatred.

The TBR Pile is giving away a $5 Amazon gift card and 2 books from our prize list (1 each).

To ENTER: You must comment below on what you thought about the interview with Rebecca Hefner. For extra entries, share this post using the Facebook and Twitter buttons below.

WINNERS:

$5 gift card: Melissa
Ecopy of The End of Hatred: Ashley
Prize list book: HB and Elf

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT and GIVEAWAY: Extrication by Gabriella Bradley and Taryn Jameson

3/11/2019

5 Comments

Excerpt

“I hate to see you go, Two. I am very reluctant to send you on this mission, but you are our best operative, and this is a delicate situation.” He turned his attention to the office door when it opened and shut again. “Schmidt…you have the details of the mission?”

“Of course.” Schmidt settled himself into a chair, then gave her a nod. “Two.” She held her breath as he securitized her for a moment, a note of approval lighting his blue eyes. “She is an excellent choice for this exercise.”

Exercise? I am being forced into a deathtrap with a one-way ticket. She sighed.

At least Schmidt was a little easier to deal with. Although the two men had worked together for many years, he lacked the cruel edge that emanated from his partner.

“Sir, may I ask the objective of the mission and to which planet I will be sent?”

“Brevona, in the Alderan Galaxy. Your mission is highly classified and important to Earth’s survival. Do not share any of this with the other trainees.” He placed a tablet on the table and pushed it toward her. “Here are the details of your assignment.”

I’m not allowed to talk to the other girls. How on Earth would I share any of the details? Loser…

Two swiped her finger across the screen scanning through what were mainly photos. No names, no written details. Several of the pictures were of the planet, Brevona, another of a castle and the royal family, then one of a grossly overweight man with greasy hair, wearing a uniform. “The target?”

Schultz walked behind her and rested his hands on the back of her chair to peer over her shoulder, his face uncomfortably close to hers, his breath on her neck.

“That is General Nimera Xalo. He has led his army to revolt against the king and queen and has captured the royal family. They will be executed this week if the maniac is not stopped. WLO has informed us that Nimera is hosting a large party to celebrate his ascension to the throne. Many dignitaries have been invited, including several from Earth. You will infiltrate the celebration and seduce the general.” Schultz lightly caressed her jaw, then withdrew his hand. “Beautiful women are his weakness, and you are the most exquisite and elegant of all my girls.”

I suspect women are your weakness, too, the way you touch me. She wrinkled her nose in disgust at both the idea of seducing the general and the touch of Schultz’s hand.

She shook the revulsion from her body to focus on her assignment. “Sir, isn’t the portal untested on humans? Why not allow me to travel with the Earth delegation to ensure the elimination of my target?”

Schmidt leaned forward and patted her leg. “You have nothing to fear. The portal is stable, and we can promise you that you will reach your point of destination. A return trip is another matter entirely.”

Purchase Here

GIVEAWAY

Ms. Bradley is generously giving away the first 3 books in the Veiled Eliminators series!

The TBR Pile is giving away a $10 Amazon card and 2 books from our prize list!

To ENTER: Comment below on why you liked the excerpt and if you've read Gabriella Bradley before. For extra entires, shared this post using the Facebook and Twitter buttons below.

WINNERS

$10 gift card: Lisa
The first 3 books in the Eliminator series: Tammy
Prize list book: Linda

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY: Sassing Saul by Gail Koger

EXCERPT

HUGE GIVEAWAY

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY: Redeemed by Maggie Blackbird

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY: Daring Daniella by Pippa Greathouse and Ruby Caine

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT and GIVEAWAY: Karma City by Gardner Browning

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY: Virama by Gabriella Bradley and Taryn Jameson

Sneak Peak:
Virama by Gabriella Bradley and Taryn Jameson

Giveaway:

WINNERS

BOOK SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY: Exile in Darkness by Annalisa Carr

BOOK SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY: Lie to Me by Christine Anna Kirchoff

SNEAK PEAK:

GIVEAWAY:

Winners

BOOK SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY: Night Silences by Pippa Greathouse

SNEAK PEAK:

GIVEAWAY:

Winners

BOOK SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY: The End of Hatred by Rebecca Hefner

Interview with Rebecca Hefner

Giveaway

BOOK SPOTLIGHT and GIVEAWAY: Extrication by Gabriella Bradley and Taryn Jameson

Excerpt

GIVEAWAY

WINNERS

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EXCERPT

HUGE GIVEAWAY

WINNERS

GIVEAWAY

Giveaway:

Winners

GIVEAWAY

Sneak Peak:Virama by Gabriella Bradley and Taryn Jameson

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SNEAK PEAK:

GIVEAWAY:

Winners

SNEAK PEAK:

GIVEAWAY:

Winners

Interview with Rebecca Hefner

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Excerpt

GIVEAWAY

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Sneak Peak:
Virama by Gabriella Bradley and Taryn Jameson