Blitz: My Best Friends Bride by Ginny Baird

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – My Best Friend’s Bride

AUTHOR – Ginny Baird

GENRE – Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy

PUBLICATION DATE – June 9, 2015

LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 72K

PUBLISHER – Winter Wedding Press

COVER ARTIST – Dar Albert

 

BOOK SYNOPSIS

From New York Times Bestselling Author GINNY BAIRD, a new laugh-out-loud romantic comedy...

 

Relationship expert Jillian Jamison is in a bind. While her first book was a successful bestseller, her second tome tanked. Now, her publisher wants a spin on the third book, Married Love: Keeping Those Home Fires Burning, that's up close and personal. With financial pressures mounting and sole responsibility for her aging grandfather, Jill feels forced into wedlock. But it's only for a year and she's devised a plan with her long-term friend. When Brad backs out, Jill fears she'll be left standing at the altar. Then Brad offers a solution: Jill can marry the one man on earth she despises...his handsome best friend.

 

Hunter Delany is a confirmed bachelor and that's how he likes it. When his best friend Brad approaches him with an unusual contract, he's determined to run for the hills, especially since the name on the paperwork is international celebrity Jillian Jamison, the woman who spurned him in high school. Hunter would rather do anything than spend twelve months of his life saddled with her. But he has a soft spot for Brad who's in a predicament, so Hunter agrees to consider Brad's proposal. When Hunter learns he's getting passed over for a job promotion, because the client only wants to work with those in a family way, this clinches the deal.

 

Hunter is "in" for as long as he can stand it. Jill is not thrilled with the arrangement either. But really, what choice does she have? Even if it has to look authentic on the outside, between her and Hunter it's just pretend. Besides, she reasons rationally, she's already got the dress...

 

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EXCERPT

Before Jill knew what was happening, he reached for her and clamped her against his chest in a big bear hug. His frame was rock solid and he smelled of musky cologne. Hunter’s arms wound around her securing her at the waist. “Sorry bud,” he whispered to Brad, “the press is watching.”

Jill stared up at him, her mind whirling. “Hunter! Just what are you doing?” She didn’t know why, but her knees felt weak and her mouth went dry. She was probably in a state of shock. It wasn’t like she recalled that old longing she’d held, when she’d hoped to be in Hunter’s arms, so many years ago. Then, she’d imagined him to be a different kind of guy…the sort who could really care for a girl, and sweep her off her feet with one kiss. Not that she’d let him try, especially after learning what sort of guy he really was. The type who was only in it for the moment, and wouldn’t have given her a second thought once she’d completely given him her heart. His dark eyes caught the sunlight as he dipped his chin toward hers.

“Making us public,” he said with a grin. At once, Jill felt transported in time and she was all of seventeen again, helplessly under Hunter’s spell. The next thing she knew, his mouth was on hers, all hot and heavy, his tongue sweeping in to taste hers. Jill sagged in his arms and he tightened his embrace. This was wrong. This is insane… But Jill found herself kissing him back, just a little at first—and then a lot. He felt so good and smelled so fine, she nearly forgot they were standing at the edge of a parking lot. Jill’s temperature spiked as her tennis racket crashed to the ground. Oh man, he was good. Better than good. Hunter’s skill was top-notch. Excellent. Why oh why, had she waited so long? Or perhaps it was good she’d waited, until the fruit of her desire had ripened to perfection. Was it Jill’s imagination, or was Hunter just as ravenous for her? Somehow her arms were around him, her wrists overlapping at the back of his neck. It was almost like she was enjoying this, wanting more of him... What? Hunter? Jill called herself up short and broke away, stepping back with a gasp. At least she hoped she was gasping and not panting. Whoa.

Hunter saucily cocked an eyebrow and spoke with a husky rasp.

“Can I take that to mean you missed me, too?”

 

CHARACTER BIOS

Jillian (Jill) Jamison – The heroine from My Best Friend’s Bride, Jill Jamison, is a thirty-year-old relationship expert. She has shoulder-length brown hair and warm brown eyes with hints of honey around the irises. Jill’s first book, Love Like You Mean It, was an international bestseller. Her second tome, Long-term Love: Making It Last, tanked. Now, Jill’s under pressure to produce a third book, Married Love: Keeping Those Home Fires Burning, that’s up close and personal. The trouble is—though she’s experienced at giving others advice—Jill has never had luck in the boyfriend department herself. She has several ex-boyfriends, including Isaac who gave Jill her dog Fifi. Jill also has a Tom cat called Mimi. When hero Hunter hears about Fifi and Mimi, he refuses to live under the same roof with pets having such ridiculous sounding names. This makes Jill steamed, as does everything else Hunter says and does. When he unexpectedly lays a hot kiss on her while seeing her for the first time in twelve years, Jill’s absolutely furious! She’s also angry with herself for reacting so eagerly to Hunter’s advances. He’s the guy she’s hated since high school. Surely, a fake marriage will never fly with a dyed-in-the-wool womanizer like him! Forget that he’s more handsome than ever, and has that lop-sided smile that still makes her weak in the knees. And never mind that her deadline for marrying is only a few weeks away. Jill can’t imagine making things work with the type of cad she warns women about. Not Hunter Delaney! No way!

 

Hunter Delaney – Hero Hunter Delaney is also thirty and works for an advertising agency. He’s back in town after being away for more than a decade, during which he’s developed his skills on the job and failed at his numerous encounters with women. Hunter has his own reasons for guarding his heart, so emotionally he keeps females at bay. Ultimately, they become frustrated and walk out on him, just like Sabrina did when she almost clobbered him on the head with the three-inch high-heeled shoe she lobbed in his direction. Hunter has dark hair and eyes, a buff frame, and stands over six feet tall. He’s been Brad’s best friend since prep school, and has repeatedly come to Brad’s rescue by getting him out of trouble. This time is no different, except it involves that stuck-up brunette Jill Jamison, who was too good for Hunter in high school and now believes she’s better than the rest of the world. Okay, so Jill’s held up pretty well over the years and still has those pretty brown eyes Hunter mooned over as a teenager. But, deep down, she’s still an “ice princess” with that same chilly heart. At least, that’s what Hunter thinks until Jill’s fiery hello kiss has him believing she’s experienced a deep thaw…

 

Cassandra Evans – Cassandra Evans has been Jill’s nemesis since high school. For as long as Cassandra’s known Jill, Jill’s been a pain the neck, besting Cassandra again and again at every competition. Cassandra wanted to write novels, but instead she’s stuck working for a gossip magazine. And just look at Jill with her worldwide celebrity! Though Cassandra’s sneakily discovered that little-miss-prissy Jill isn’t always as successful as she claims to be. Cassandra takes pride in being the one who brought Jill’s second book down by publishing her exposé on the “fact behind the fiction” of Jill’s real dating life. Now, suddenly, looky here! Jill’s getting married! Not once, but twice! First, to her childhood friend Brad, which smelled fishy enough. Next, to famed womanizer Hunter Delaney, which stinks to high heaven! If anyone smells a rat, Cassandra does, and she’s extra good at getting to the bottom of things. Thank goodness she’s tall, blond and leggy, and has a way of influencing sources. She’s also got the wardrobe for tackling any undercover operation. A fact that comes in handy when she meets a nerdy—yet increasingly attractive—private investigator engaged in the same mission.

 

 

 

AUTHOR BIO

NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling Author Ginny Baird has published novels in print and online and received screenplay options from Hollywood for her family and romantic comedy scripts. She writes touching, often humorous, contemporary romance about single women facing everyday challenges. Known for featuring holidays and family themes in her work, Ginny frequently portrays the struggles of single parents or others who've given up on finding true love.

 

Ginny has two novella series, The Holiday Brides Series (holiday romance) and The Summer Grooms Series (summer romance), as well as additional single titles available. She is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling Author, a Top 10 Best Seller on Kindle, NOOK and iBooks, and a #1 Best Seller in several Romance and Women's Fiction categories. Visit Ginny's website www.ginnybairdromance.com to learn more about her and her books.

 

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Review: Liberty by Kim Iverson Headlee

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Liberty, second edition AUTHOR – Kim Iverson Headlee GENRE – Historical Romance (ancient Rome) PUBLICATION DATE – Dec. 2014 LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 462 pages/118K words PUBLISHER – Pendragon Cove Press COVER ARTIST – Natasha Brown BOOK INFO - http://kimiversonheadlee.blogspot.com/p/liberty.html

BOOK SYNOPSIS

They hailed her “Liberty,” but she was free only to obey—or die.

Betrayed by her father and sold as payment of a Roman tax debt to fight in Londinium’s arena, gladiatrix-slave Rhyddes feels like a wild beast in a gilded cage. Celtic warrior blood flows in her veins, but Roman masters own her body. She clings to her vow that no man shall claim her soul, though Marcus Calpurnius Aquila, son of the Roman governor, makes her yearn for a love she believes impossible.

Groomed to follow in his father’s footsteps and trapped in a politically advantageous betrothal, Aquila prefers the purity of combat on the amphitheater sands to the sinister intrigues of imperial politics, and the raw power and athletic grace of the flame-haired Libertas to the adoring deference of Rome’s noblewomen.

When a plot to overthrow Caesar ensnares them as pawns in the dark design, Aquila must choose between the Celtic slave who has won his heart and the empire to which they both owe allegiance. Knowing the opposite of obedience is death, the only liberty offered to any slave, Rhyddes must embrace her arena name—and the love of a man willing to sacrifice everything to forge a future with her.

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EXCERPT

FINGERS CRAMPING AND shoulders aching from having wielded the pitchfork all day, Rhyddes ferch Rudd tossed another load of hay onto the wagon. Sweat trickled down her back, making the lash marks sting. Marks inflicted by her father, Rudd, the day before because eighteen summers of anguish had goaded her into speaking her mind.

Physical pain couldn’t compare with the ache wringing her heart.

She slid a glance toward the author of her mood. He stood a few paces away, leaning upon his pitchfork’s handle in the loaded wagon’s shade to escape the July heat as he conversed with her oldest brother, Eoghan. She couldn’t discern their words, but their camaraderie spoke volumes her envy didn’t want to hear.

Her father’s gaze met hers, and he lowered his eyebrows. “Back to work, Rhyddes!” On Rudd’s lips, her name sounded like an insult.

In a sense, it was.

Her name in the Celtic tongue meant “freedom,” but the horse hitched to the hay wagon enjoyed more freedom than she did. Her tribe, the Votadini, had been conquered by the thieving Romans, who demanded provisions for their troops, fodder for their mounts, women for their beds, and coin to fill the purses of every Roman who wasn’t a soldier.

If those conditions weren’t bad enough, for all the kindness her father had demonstrated during her first two decades, Rhyddes may as well have been born a slave.

She scooped up more hay. Resentment-fired anger sent wisps flying everywhere, much of it sailing over the wagon rather than landing upon it.

“Hey, mind what you’re doing!”

Owen, her closest brother in age and in spirit, emerged from the wagon’s far side, hay prickling his hair and tunic like a porcupine. Rhyddes couldn’t suppress her laugh. “’Tis an improvement. Just wait till the village lasses see you.”

“Village lasses, hah!” Sporting a wicked grin, Owen snatched up a golden fistful, flung it at her, and dived for her legs.

They landed in the fragrant hay and began vying for the upper hand, cackling like a pair of witless hens. When Owen thought he’d prevailed, Rhyddes twisted and rolled from underneath him. Her fresh welts stung, but she refused to let that deter her. He lost his balance and fell backward. She pounced, planting a knee on his chest and pinning his wrists to the ground over his head.

Victory’s sweetness lasted but a moment. Fingers dug into her shoulders, and she felt herself hauled to her feet and spun around. Owen’s face contorted to chagrin as he scrambled up.

“Didn’t get enough of the lash yestermorn, eh, girl?” Rudd, his broad hands clamped around her upper arms, gave her a teeth-rattling shake.

When she didn’t respond, he released her and rounded on Owen. “As for you—”

“Da, please, no!” Rhyddes stopped herself. Well she knew the futility of pleading with Rudd. Still, for Owen’s sake, she had to try. Her father’s scowl dared her to continue. She swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. “’Twas not Owen’s fault. I—” Sweat freshened the sting on her back, and she winced. “The fault is naught but mine.”

“Aye, that I can well believe.” Rudd grasped each sibling by an arm and strode across the hayfield toward the family’s lodge. “Owen can watch you take his lashes as well as yours. We’ll see if that won’t mend his ways.” The thin linen of her ankle-length tunic failed to shield her from his fingers, which had to be leaving bruises. Rhyddes gritted her teeth. Rudd seemed disappointed. “I doubt anything in this world or the next will make you mend yours.”

“You don’t want me to change. You’d lose your excuse to beat me.” Sheer impertinence, she knew, but she no longer cared.

“I need no excuses, girl.”

The back of his hand collided with her cheek. Pain splintered into a thousand needles across her face. She reeled and dropped to her hands and knees, her hair obscuring her vision in a copper cascade. Hay pricked her palms. Owen would have helped her rise, but their father restrained him. Owen blistered the ground with his glare, not daring to direct it at Rudd for fear of earning the same punishment.

Not that Rhyddes could blame him.

Rudd yanked her up, cocked a fist… and froze. “Raiders!”

Rhyddes whirled about. Picts were charging from the north to converge upon their settlement, the battle cries growing louder under the merciless afternoon sun. One of the storage buildings had already been set ablaze, its roof thatch marring the sky with thick black smoke.

Rudd shed his shock and sprinted for the living compound, calling his children by name to help him defend their home: Eoghan, Ian, Bloeddwyn, Arden, Dinas, Gwydion, Owen.

Every child except Rhyddes.

She ran to the wagon, unhitched the horse, found her pitchfork, scrambled onto the animal’s back, and kicked him into a jolting canter. The stench of smoke strengthened with each stride. Her mount pinned back his ears and wrestled her for control of the bit, but she bent the frightened horse to her will. She understood how he felt.

As they loped past the cow byre, a Pict leaped at them, knocking Rhyddes from the horse’s back. The ground jarred the pitchfork from her grasp. The horse galloped toward the pastures as Rhyddes fumbled for her dagger. Although her brothers had taught her how to wield it in a fight, until now she’d used it only to ease dying animals from this world.

But the accursed blade wouldn’t come free of the hilt.

Sword aloft, the Pict closed on her.

Time distorted, assaulting Rhyddes with her attacker’s every detail: lime-spiked hair, weird blue symbols smothering the face and arms, long sharp sword, ebony leather boots and leggings, breastplate tooled to fit female curves . . .

Female?

The warrior-woman’s sword began its descent.

From the corner of her eye Rhyddes saw her pitchfork. Grunting, she rolled toward it, praying to avoid her attacker’s blow.

Her left arm stung where the sword grazed it, but she snagged her pitchfork and scrambled to her feet. Unexpected eagerness flooded her veins.

As the Pict freed her weapon from where it had embedded in the ground, Rhyddes aimed the pitchfork and lunged. The tines hooked the warrior-woman’s sword, and Rhyddes twisted with all her strength. The Pict yelped as the sword ripped from her hand to go flying over the sty’s fence. Squealing in alarm, the sow lumbered for cover, trying to wedge her bulk under the trough.

With a savage scream, the warrior-woman whipped out a dagger and charged. Rhyddes reversed the pitchfork and jammed its butt into the Pict’s gut, under the breastplate’s bottom edge, robbing her of breath. She reversed it again and caught the raider under the chin with the pitchfork’s tines. As the woman staggered backward, flailing her arms and flashing the red punctures that marred her white neck, Rhyddes struck hard and knocked her down.

The warrior-woman looked heavier by at least two stone, but Rhyddes pinned her chest with her knee. She dropped the pitchfork and grasped her dagger, yanking it free. Grabbing a fistful of limed hair, she wrestled the woman’s head to one side to expose her neck.

The Pict bucked and twisted, trying to break Rhyddes’s grip. ’Twas not much different than wrestling a fever-mad calf.

Rhyddes’s deft slice ended the threat.

Blood spurted from the woman’s neck in sickening pulses.

Rhyddes stood, panting, her stomach churning with the magnitude of what she’d done. ’Twas no suffering animal she’d killed—and it could have been her lying there, pumping her lifeblood into the mud.

Bile seared her throat, making her gag. Pain lanced her stomach. Bent double, she retched out the remains of her morning meal, spattering the corpse.

After spitting out the last bitter mouthful and wiping her lips with the back of her hand, she drew a deep breath and straightened. As she turned a slow circle, her senses taking in the sights and sounds and stench of the devastation surrounding her, she wished she had not prevailed.

The news grew worse as she sprinted toward the lodge.

Of her seven brothers, the Picts had left Ian and Gwydion dead, her father and Owen wounded, the lodge and three outbuildings torched. She ran a fingertip over the crusted blood of her scratch, and she couldn’t suppress a surge of guilt.

Mayhap, she thought through the blinding tears as she ran to help what was left of her family, ’twould have been better had she died in the Pict’s stead.

The surviving raiders were galloping toward the tree line with half the cattle. The remaining stock lay stiffening in the fields, already attracting carrion birds.

Three days later, the disaster attracted scavengers of an altogether different sort.

 

Review: I was really torn if I liked this book in the beginning. However as I read more of the story and got to know the characters more I really enjoyed it. For me this wasn't your typical story. The author did a great job of making the story very real. Just like life its messy and people are unhappy and have to make choices between bad decisions and go with the best thing they can. I really loved that the main character turns out to be a tough women. Reading this story I imagined that it was just like what it would have been in the past. I was sucked in and couldn't put it down!

CHARACTER BIOS

I am Rhyddes ferch Rudd, which in your tongue means Freedom daughter of Red. The blood of ancient Celtic warriors flows in my veins, though I am a farmer's daughter by the circumstance of my birth. My life spans much of the reign of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, one of a very few men ever to claim that title who did not abuse his power for personal gain—but I care not who rules and who dies in this gods-cursed empire.

More than anything—even more than my freedom—I yearn to be my lover Aquila’s equal. As a foreign slave in an empire where citizenship stands paramount, where an arena fighter such as I can only be considered the equal of other gladiators, actors, undertakers, and whores, this goal seems impossibly remote. Although Aquila is the son of a powerful Roman, he has declared that he would renounce his aristocratic status, wealth, and power for me, but I cannot in good conscience allow him to destroy himself on my account.

And yet the gods have granted the impossible to other mortals. I pray that I am worthy to receive such a boon from them, for surely divine assistance is the only way for Aquila and I to bridge the vast social chasm that separates us from enjoying a future together.

 

AUTHOR BIO

Kim Headlee lives on a farm in southwestern Virginia with her family, cats, goats, and assorted wildlife. People & creatures come and go, but the cave and the 250-year-old house ruins—the latter having been occupied as recently as the mid-20th century—seem to be sticking around for a while yet.

Kim is a Seattle native (when she used to live in the Metro DC area, she loved telling people she was from "the other Washington") and a direct descendent of twentieth-century Russian nobility. Her grandmother was a childhood friend of the doomed Grand Duchess Anastasia, and the romantic yet tragic story of how Lydia escaped Communist Russia with the aid of her American husband will most certainly one day fuel one of Kim's novels. Another novel in the queue will involve her husband's ancestor, the seventh-century proto-Viking king of the Swedish colony in Russia.

For the time being, however, Kim has plenty of work to do in creating her projected 8-book Arthurian series, The Dragon's Dove Chronicles, and other novels under her new imprint, Pendragon Cove Press.

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Blitz: Wicked Lustful Tales by Maria Cox

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Wicked Lustful Tales, Complete Collection SERIES – Wicked Lustful Tales AUTHOR – Maria Cox GENRE – Sensual Romance PUBLICATION DATE – 5/2014 LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 53,724 words PUBLISHER – Melange Books COVER ARTIST – Lynsee Lauritsen

BOOK SYNOPSIS

**There are 6 short stories in this book.**

Stranded During a group cycling vacation in the Caribbean Shana White learns that her boyfriend is moving to New York to further his career without her. With no intention of sulking Shana opts for a day excursion with former beau and fellow cyclist Nick Marino. After a biking accident leaves them stranded the rekindling of an old friendship and memories of their torrid past emerge leaving Shana to struggle with conflicting emotions. Now on the rebound can she afford to seek solace in Nick's arms and risk heartache all over again?

The Charity Event With a career in photography about to take off Adam Baxter is at the top of his game. Office buddy Jennifer Silva has been a supportive friend from the start and the two have an easygoing platonic relationship. But when Adam's assistant Nellie singles out Adam's jealous behavior he's forced to analyze his true feelings for beautiful, caring Jennifer. Adam knows all too well that a romantic involvement can complicate matters. So, is Adam ready to put it all on the line and take their friendship to the next level?

Snowed In When Nina Bates discloses her pregnancy she's soon shunned by her boyfriend and her mother. Alone and confused Nina turns to her grandmother who suggests she leave her hometown of Seattle and move to Alaska. In Anchorage, divorcee Dexter McIver hires Nina as live-in nanny to his son. An emotional bond develops between them and after Nina delivers her baby the smoldering attraction that existed for months threatens to boil over. With so much at stake should Nina and Dexter go out on a limb for a brief liaison?

Phone Sex Advertising executive Gina Blanchard has her hands full with not only a busy conference schedule, but a difficult employee too. Fatigued, she calls her boyfriend Dylan Jessup. He encourages Gina to unwind and experiment with a one of a kind sexual experience.

Summer Love Bryn Banks, a city girl at heart, travels to North Dakota for a summer program in rural Coleharbor, North Dakota. There, she works with biologist Kyle Norman, a small town guy. As they work closely together, the relationship becomes intimate. When the summer draws to a close, Bryn urges Kyle to come with her, but he resists.

Married and in Lust After three weeks on the road, professional hockey player Ethan Lewis returns home for Thanksgiving. When he sees another man approach his wife Whitney as she waits for him, jealousy and desire take over. Ethan conjures a wild intimate encounter but is he able to persuade a reluctant Whitney to take part?

BUY LINKS

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EXCERPT

Excerpt from Stranded:

“My sex life is none of your business.” It was a neutral answer, wasn’t it?

He pulled her toward him with a light tug. “That long, huh?” Nick said with a smug smile.

At that moment, all she wanted to do was to wipe that self-satisfied smirk off his face. Instead, she broke free of his hold and resumed her walk, desperate to reach the pond’s edge.

“I’ll have you know,” she explained, “That Lance and I…we have an intellectual bond.”

“Right,” Nick interjected. “Translation, he’s a lousy lay.”

“I never said that!” she wailed and turned to face him.

He waited a second. “You’re not denying it either.”

Finally, the boiling point. “You know,” she said keeping her voice from shaking, “I happen to think on a higher plane than just the physical attraction.”

“Bullshit!” He laughed. “You sound to me like a woman whose well is dry.”

Shana was aghast. Dry well? Her well was fine and dandy thank you very much!

When Nick said nothing else, she stared at him, her eyes sending death rays his way. Inside she was crumbling, falling apart. She was tired, angry and spent, physically and emotionally, and at that moment, she teetered with what to do next, slap Nick across the face or throw herself in his arms.

“Pompous jerk!” Shana declared and stepped back intent on rushing to the edge even if it meant running. In her haste, she slipped on a mossy rock and her legs gave out. “What the…” In a split second, Nick was by her side holding her securely in his arms.

AUTHOR BIO

Maria Cox has a degree in Business Administration with a Minor in Computer Applications. She also has an accreditation from the Project Management Institute.

Maria has been writing stories since she was a young girl. She picked up her first romance novel when she was just eleven years old and has loved the genre ever since. Her first published novel, Wicked Lustful Tales, Vol. 1 was released in October 2013.

Maria enjoys reading different genres but writes primarily sensual romance, stories that showcase characters that are funny, sassy, and sexy.

When she’s not writing, Maria works a technical writer. She reads, exercises, and also volunteers. She lives in Queens, New York.

Maria is a PRO member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) and a member of RWA-NYC & RWA Desert Rose. She is also is the past President of the Phoenix Writers Club.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

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eCopy of Jungle Fever by Maria Cox

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Cover Reveal: Returned by Mia Fox

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Returned SERIES – Romani Realms AUTHOR – Mia Fox GENRE – Paranormal Romance PUBLICATION DATE – June 13 PUBLISHER – Evatopia Press COVER ARTIST – Eden Crane

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Returning to the Romani Realms was the last thing they wanted...

Samantha defied death and returned home from the Romani Realms, but a piece of her heart remained. She never expected to find love in the forsaken purgatory, but meeting Daniel, a permanent resident of the Realms, was a salvation she cherished.

Charlotte wants nothing more than to make a life with Phineas, the demon gypsy who holds her heart dear. They have finally put past atrocities behind them, along with Phineas’ allegiance to his former lover, Raven. But their future depends on finding their way back to Shadow, the infant that will one day be born from their union, but for now resides as a young child in the Romani Realms.

As a genie, Suki has watched over Samantha and Charlotte, while James, her Shade and supernatural protector, has patiently supported her. But his duty to her and their entire relationship threatens to end when one Releasor is discovered to harbor corrupt wishes.

Each one has reasons to stay, but is equally justified in wanting to go back. Their choice may be an irrevocable one, but ultimately they decide to be...Returned.

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EXCERPT

“Daniel, don’t take any stupid risks...not for me.”

“What do you mean? ‘Not for you’ I don’t offer these superior surroundings to just anybody.”

“Seriously, Daniel. I heard what you did. Be careful.” Raven looked him in the eye, and then, surprising both of them, tears started to slide down her cheeks. “Oh, not again. Damn I hate how this place wreaks havoc on one’s emotions. It...it doesn’t mean anything.”

Daniel reached a hand and ever so slowly wiped the tears off her cheek. But then, he was unable to just remove his hand. He couldn’t bring himself to break the contact with Raven. “It’s not true, you know.”

“What’s not true?” Raven punctuated the question with a hearty sniff and slurp of her tears.

Daniel chuckled at the lack of her normally reserved demeanor. Normally so in control of her emotions, Raven sobbed once more. “You’re crying because you care for me.”

AUTHOR BIO

Mia Fox is a Los Angeles-based novelist who writes across varied genres including Contemporary and Paranormal Romance, Chick Lit, and Satire. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from U.S.C.

Before writing full time, she worked as an entertainment publicist, a career she chronicles in her novel, “Alert the Media.” However, she is happy to leave that world behind her, preferring that any drama in her life is only that which she creates for her characters.

She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, three children, Casey, the Wonder Westie, and Bean, his brother.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

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A signed copy of “Released,” the first book in this series.

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Release Day Blitz: Everlost by Candace Knoebel

*The book contains adult content and is appropriate for ages 17+*

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This isn’t going to end well. She isn’t supposed to be here, outside this house, across the yard, staring at me like I’m a two-headed vampire about to suck the life from her veins. Her words aren’t supposed to be so intoxicating. Her gaze isn’t supposed to be the kind that glues you in place, turning your brain to mush and your instincts to that of a moth to a flame. Evangeline Gramm… the woman who escaped the infamous Gramm Curse. The mother who so easily abandoned her two boys. The Witch who has passed under the Primeval Coven’s radar longer than anyone ever thought possible. She could be our worst nightmare… or she could be the key to finding our salvation.

Blitz: The Para-Portage of Emily by Muffy Wilson

The Para-Portage of Emily

The Shadow Seduction Series

By

Muffy Wilson

@SexyMuffyWilson

Emily Macque, a young, beautiful junior partner in her father’s law firm, is but a heartbeat away from love or destiny. Duty brings Emily to a frozen Island estate two hundred and fifty miles north of Chicago. Devotion requires she delve into the property history to settle an estate probate. Death lures her into the arms of the shadows seduction created by the flickering light and dark shadows.

What flames the timeless passions spanning the decades? Love, desire or obsession?

Colin Jorgenson, once a Great Lakes mariner, is a strong man haunted by love and loss. How long will he return each night, gripped by desire, hoping to find the woman he has loved for a century?

Beneath the pristine Island beauty, passions hungered, lingered in the ardent darkness. His passions, fueled by decades of loneliness and longing, could no longer be denied. Will they face eternity together or love in secret as dark things are to be loved between the shadows and the soul?

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Loved it!

I just finished The Para-Portage of Emily. Quite the page-turner!! 

I was gifted a free copy by the author and found it to be a cleverly woven plot with descriptive characters you won’t soon forget. I’m not one to give out spoilers, 

but if you like paranormal intrigue, hot romance, and mystery, you will love it. Looking forward to more works by Muffy Wilson as I’m sure they will be just as brilliant. 

~ By Love To Read

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“Tell me what you know about Mariner’s Maiden please, Kirby.”

Kirby took a long draw on his beer before he began his narrative.

“It was years ago, around 1800 Miss Emily, when the original land owner arrived on the Island with settlers from Norway. He’d claimed five hundred acres on this southern point of the Island for himself. He became wealthy in cattle, wheat, timber and cheese. As his family grew and were educated on the Mainland, they moved, one by one, off Island. They were a wealthy, hard-working lot, but needed less and less of the acreage they owned.

Much of the original plot was donated to the Town throughout the years. Some sections were sold. “It got down to the last hundred acres when Colin Jorgenson bought the property, around 1890 or 1900. I am not exactly sure. The main house was much smaller and less grand than it is now, for sure.

“Now, Colin was a Maritime Captain and often he’d be gone

for months at a time. He sailed the Great Lakes several times a year with supplies, spices, fancy goods and ‘fortunes of bounty’. That’s what they called it then. It was for sale to rich settlers throughout the Great Lakes. He’d earned all his wealth in trading by the turn of the century. He came and went for several years until, in his mid-thirties, he met and married a much younger woman, Amalya, and came back to the Island with her.”

Kirby sat back, drained his beer and continued. “The property was called Mariner’s Cove then. He spent two years with Island tradesmen rebuilding this house for his wife. To honor her, and before his return to the water, he commissioned a maritime woodcarver to create the figurehead of Amalya you saw yesterday on the tree marking the entrance.

He had the figure of Amalya mounted on the bow of his ship and apparently felt she was always with him in his travels. She died one summer, pregnant with their first child, shortly after his returning from his last trip of the season. He shut himself away in this house—a broken man, left forlorn and alone, to die years later of a broken heart as a recluse. It’s said he returns night after night trying to find his Amalya, his beloved.”

“But that’s just old folklore, Miss Emily, there’s nothing to it but made up stories from the past by gossips and romantics. This place has never been haunted—no one has ever said it was, anyway. Even though he was long dead, this property was held in Old Colin’s estate until your uncle bought it around 1955, I think. I suppose there is more you can find out at the Archives office in the Island library at the town offices, if you want. That’s about all I know and it ain’t much.”

Refusing a second beer, Kirby was off to finish his chores. “Thank you, Miss Emily,” Kirby said as he stood to leave.

Emily walked him to the door with Barkley in tow.

“Oh, there is one more thing” he added. “There is supposed to be a crypt on the property somewhere. I heard tell that Old Colin buried his Amalya in there and when he was dying, he crawled into it to die on her casket. Creepy, but no one’s ever found it to my knowledge—and between me and my dad, we’ve covered this property as caretakers for over fifty years.”

Emily extended her hand in gratitude for the information and company. “Thank you, Kirby. All of that is so very interesting. He must have been deeply in love with Amalya.”

Kirby, a middle-aged man, stood and shook Emily’s hand.

He turned to leave, stopped and dropped his head as he hesitated at the bottom of the steps. A simple country man, this time was no different.

“Miss Emily…” He looked up at her rather sheepishly, and stuttered slightly, “Forgive me, Miss Emily, if I offend you. I have been a bachelor all my life and never had a way with women or much of a need for them.

Oh, don’t get me wrong, I like ‘em well enough, but I never was able to pick the right words in their presence. If…if you don’t mind my saying…you look an awful lot like those paintings in the house of Miss Amalya.”

“Oh my word, Kirby, how you flatter me! It is purely a coincidence, I assure you.” Emily smiled, as she dismissed the compliment and waved good-bye at Kirby. As he left, she thought about the love shared between  these two remarkable people, Colin and Amalya. Amalya and Colin.

She had forgotten to ask what became of the baby…

Fall in Love with the Island and Mariner's Maiden

This is a story to savor. Ms. Wilson's descriptions are poetic and enthralling, 

placing the reader in the midst of the story, and the relaxed pace of the story does not lessen the power of suspense. Shrouded in mystery, romance, and eroticism, "The Para-Portage of Emily" is a treat for the senses, 

a haunting indulgence. Despite hints throughout, the ending still surprised me, and though satisfied, 

I regretted the literary journey's end. Highly recommended.

I look forward to more from this promising series.

~ By Jordan Stringfellow

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Muffy, author of erotic, romantic stories about love, sex, hope and passion, was born in San Antonio, Texas, to traditional parents. With  two older brothers, she was the youngest, the family "princess,"  indulged and pampered. She adored her older brothers, following them everywhere  and was surrounded by love, stimulation, and pets. Her father was a career Colonel and pilot in the U.S. Air Force which required the family to travel extensively. The family lived in most points between Alaska and France. Muffy spent her formative years in Europe and came of age in France.

Returning from France with her family, Muffy finished high school in Northern California and attended the University of California, Davis, and majored in Business Management. 

Muffy entered the work force, independent with a fierce work ethic, and retired at 39 from IBM as a Mid-West Regional Director in the  Real Estate and Construction Division. She and her husband moved to a small  Island in northern Wisconsin where they owned a historic tavern, restaurant and  resort business which they since have sold. They now live a charmed life by the water in SW Florida. Muffy pretends to be a serious real estate business person but, in real life, indulges her private interest in writing sexy novels and sensual romantic literotica ~ Live, Laugh, Love with Passion.

                  I really enjoyed the Para-Portage of Emily

I really enjoyed the Para-Portage of Emily... a skillfully and imaginatively told tale of love, lost and found. Mysterious twists kept me turning the pages until the end. 

Love conquers all, AND it was hot! 

~ By Barbara A. Lyle

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Previously Published:

Secret Cravings, Oysters & Chocolate, Decadent Publishing, Ravenous Romance, Yellow Silk Dreams

Coming Soon:

Moonbeams of Unintended Consequences ~ TBA Spring 2015

Cheerleaders in Heat ~ TBA Summer 2015

Other Novels and Contributions:

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Cross Genre Paranormal Erotic Mystery

Should John Grisham and EL James have a secret love child, she would no doubt pen legal thrillers with a luscious layer of the erotic. They would name their child Muffy Wilson and send her to Stephen King for some pointers in the paranormal.

Wilson, in the obliquely titled "The Para-Portage of Emily", interweaves these three diverse genres into a compelling, magic carpet of a novel that takes Emily Macque from Chicago to a bitter island estate two hundred miles north in the frozen sea. Emily is the striking junior partner in her father’s law firm, her mission, to settle the probate on an estate, her destiny to fall into the arms of Colin Jorgenson, a seaman haunted by a past love that torments his life.

Intelligent, well-written, with fully fleshed out characters and a story with more twists than a spiral staircase, "The Para-Portage of Emily" had me gripped until the very last page. 

~ By Chloe

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