Strictly Business
Grab book 1 – Whip Smart – for FREE for a limited time only! -- Are you a book reviewer? EXCERPT: Tera I’d been on edge all night wondering if Neal Drake was going to turn up at The Loft, and cursed myself mentally for acting like I expected Kellan himself to make an appearance. But there was no helping that constant low simmer of dread in my stomach, and I wasn’t doing myself any favors by torturing myself with frequent furtive glances over at Eric. Something had happened at the bar after I’d left, I could tell; he’d been as carefree as ever earlier, completely in his element with his skilled hands on the keys and a sexy half-smirk on his lips that I could pretend was meant for me. But since he’d arrived at the club tension had been on him like a heavy winter coat, and his tight smiles and stiff posture only added to my own unease. I’d fully expected him to take the opportunity to work out that tension by immersing himself in his other natural element, finding some willing sub to tie up and have his way with. But Eric was in total dungeon monitor-mode tonight, his rope bag sitting neglected in the corner as he observed the room with quiet seriousness and made surprisingly little small talk. Relief coursed through me briefly when I saw him turn down one of the girls who I figured was one of his regular play partners, only for a healthy dose of guilt to get sprinkled in with the roiling stew of dread. I let out a short sigh and dug my teeth into my lower lip. There you go again, making it all about you when he clearly has something on his mind and all your problems are the same old news as always, I scolded myself. Eric looked over at me before I could hide my grimace, and I felt my cheeks heat as something subtle about his already-perturbed face changed that I couldn’t quite read. Should I go talk to him? I gnawed at my lip as I debated whether or not to breach my self-imposed “no deep, personal conversations at play parties” policy, realizing belatedly that I’d been staring blankly in Eric’s direction and smearing lipstick all over my teeth for at least a good thirty seconds. I snapped myself out of it and quickly scrubbed my tongue over my teeth behind pursed lips. No, better to save any questions about his sudden brooding for a quick text tomorrow after we’d both gotten plenty of sleep and were safely removed from the sexually-charged atmosphere of the club. The rest of the night went by almost agonizingly slowly, my gut churning with anxiety more and more as the hours ticked by, until I almost felt physically queasy. By the time we closed the doors to new patrons at 1:00 Mr. Drake still hadn’t shown up, but the reassurance that I wouldn’t be seeing him that night did little to calm my nerves. The last stragglers cleared out fairly quickly after 2:00, and clean-up took hardly any time at all. The group of us—minus Megan, who was working the night shift at the hospital—all walked to the nearby parking garage together. I hesitated as I said goodbye to Eric as I got off the elevator on the floor where I’d parked, wanting to hold him back just a minute longer to ask what was on his mind. But I held back, telling myself that a real friend would just let him go home and go to bed. I let out the same mixed sigh of relief and heartache that I always did at the end of another night at the club deprived of what only Eric could give me, and rummaged around in my coat pockets for my keys and parking ticket. Shit, where was my ticket? “Motherfucker,” I cursed under my breath as annoyance flashed through me and threatened to dredge up my earlier anxiety once again. I allowed myself an exaggerated growl of frustration knowing that no one was around to hear me and hurried back to the elevator. I scanned the ground as I hurried back in the direction of The Loft, searching futilely for my lost ticket. There was still a chance it had fallen out of my pocket somewhere in the club, though. By the time I made it back to The Loft, my anxiety had morphed into general grouchiness, aggravated by the fact that the wind had picked up, rendering my skirt and thigh-high socks all but useless at protecting my legs against the biting cold. Thank God my parking ticket was on the floor of the office; at least the trip had been worth the trouble. I looked around the main dungeon one last time before leaving again, feeling like I was forgetting something else. Eric’s gear bag in the corner by the snack bar caught my eye. I frowned as I took out my phone to text him that I’d found it. Eric of all people would never neglect his rope like that; he must’ve had more on his mind than I’d thought. As I hoisted the heavy bag onto my shoulder, I noticed that a full trash bag had somehow been forgotten as well. Good lord, how distracted had I been that I’d overlooked so much myself? With a groan, I picked up the trash and headed back down to the first floor and out the back door to the narrow alley where the dumpster was. I had to set the massive duffle bag on the ground to lift the lid of the dumpster enough to dump the trash in. I let the lid fall again with a loud, rattling crash and crouched to pick up the bag, determined to get out of the creepy alley and back to my car as quickly as possible, only to stumble and fall flat on my ass at the sight of a pair of feet on the other side of Eric’s bag that hadn’t been there before. I was on my own feet again in a second, my heart fluttering erratically as I heaved the bag onto my shoulder and got a look at the guy who’d managed to sneak up on me. He was a young, scrawny guy, probably younger than me, with lank blondish hair and wearing a stained gray hoodie. He snickered. “What’s in the bag, sweetheart?” he taunted softly. Oh, shit…
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Title: Snapshot
Author: Rebel Farris
Genre: Romance Suspense Novella
Love stories don’t usually start with tripping over a dead body.
But mine did because that’s when I met him.
Xander Novak wasn’t like the guys from around here. The cowboy with a mysterious accent had secrets, sure. But he helped me escape certain death and welcomed me into his home.
Or did he? Because his home could be my safe haven… or it could be my prison.
And I could be walking straight into the arms of a killer.
Rosie’s Mix Tape
Pictures of Matchstick Men by Camper Van Beethoven
Blister in the Sun by Violent Femmes
Heroes by David Bowie
Love Shack by The B-52s
Stand by R.E.M.
So Alive by Love and Rockets
Whip It by DEVO
Hazy Shade of Winter by The Bangles
Sunglasses At Night by Corey Hart
I Melt With You by Modern English
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins
Kiss by Prince
She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals
Faith by George Michael
Xander’s Record Collection
The Most Beautiful Girl by Charlie Rich
Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’ by Charlie Pride
Oh Lonesome Me by Don Gibson
He Stopped Loving Her Today by George Jones
Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys by Waylon Jennings
Stand by Your Man by Tammy Wynette
You Never Even Called Me By My Name by David Allen Coe
I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry by Hank Williams
Good Hearted Woman by Willie Nelson
Crazy by Patsy Cline
I Walk The Line by Johnny Cash
Your Cheatin’ Heart by Hank Williams
Pancho and Lefty by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson
Rebel Farris is a romantic suspense author. She's also the mom of three lunatics plus two perfect pups (Spike and Snakefinder) currently residing in Austin, TX. A native Texan and former military wife, she spent three years living in Seoul, South Korea (where part of her heart will always belong) and every corner of her home state before settling down. One day she hopes to live out the dreams of her nomadic soul, by traveling the world. All while pouring out the myriad of stories that fill her not-so-normal mind. She'll just have to wait until her brats graduate and leave the house first.
When she's not busy writing her newest project, she can probably be found curling up with a good book, hiding behind a lens of one of her many cameras, or going on adventures with her kids. Champion of the anti-hero, Rebel loves to write suspenseful and unpredictable stories while making people fall in love with the bad guy and the broken souls.
Can two souls to save each other in this festive, second-chance, small town fairy tale. Doctor Ethan Brennan wants to ignore Christmas. With the anniversary of his wife and childâs death looming, he's buried himself in his work. Hopeless romantic Noelle Conroy returns home for the holidayâs only to find no where to stay. When the blizzard leaves Noelle snowbound in Ethanâs cabin, he starts to open up to her magicâbut is love enough to overcome a tragic past?
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Award-winning author Lyz Kelley resides in a small community in Colorado with her husband and several four-legged family members. Sheâs a lover of board games, gardening, and painting, a disaster in the kitchen, a compulsive neat freak, and tea snob. She loves writing about strong women who have endured challenges and the men who enrich their lives.
A healing love is at the heart of her book series. Creating wounded yet amazing charactersâdiscovering what drives them, frightens them, heals them, makes them laughâis what gives her joy. Lyz is pleased to share that joy through her masterfully written stories.
Website: www.LyzKelley.com
Newsletter Sign Up: www.LyzKelley.com
Why would I want to read the Elkridge Series? Each book in the Elkridge series is a piece to a puzzleâa suspenseful mystery involving the murder of a small-town sheriff. You get six contemporary romance books to figure out the mystery and a bunch of happy ever after (HEA) endings. Two novels in this fiction seriesâBlinded
Where is Elkridge, Colorado? Elkridge exists only in my mind. On any given day, I can stop at River Creek Café for Jenna's fresh baked cinnamon rolls, or shop for a birthday present at Mara's Blooms, or get my nails done at Kymâs nail salon. Sitting in the park eating lunch, I can watch the kids play and hear the latest gossip from neighbors. Later, if I want, I can stop at Mad Jackâs to hear a local band play and get some dinner. Elkridge is a great small town where the sun shines 360 days a year and people do their best to make ends meet.
Would you tell us about your writing process? It takes me awhile to write each stand-alone story because I am passionate about creating the very best stories for my readers. These contemporary romance books have complex plots and sub-plots and include suspense romance threads, with deep emotional womenâs fiction elements, humor and even a bit of quirkiness. Iâm so excited to see the 5-star ratings because it means Iâve created the ideal mix to provide readers with a few hours of enjoyment.
Today we have the cover reveal for DIRT and SEED by Cassia Leo! Check them out and pre-order your copy of DIRT today!
Title: Dirt & SeedAuthor: Cassia LeoSeries: Evergreen SeriesRelease: January 12, 2018
About Dirt
(Seed Synopsis to be revealed later) A hard-hitting, emotional new series from New York Times bestselling author Cassia Leo.Jack and I had everything. Then, in one brutal instant, the universe tilted on its side, discarding us into black nothingness. Now, I have a cocky a**hole for a husband. The only way we communicate anymore is when we’re fighting or f**king. With nothing left to lose, I write Jack a goodbye letter and head for Portland, where I quickly meet a neighbor who helps me find a job. My new neighbor—broody, tattooed ex-soldier Isaac Evans—is complicated. Nevertheless, we form a fast friendship, bonding over our mutual desire to create something beautiful from the wreckage of our lives. But despite the distance between us, Jack and I are still trying to make things work—fighting and f**king dirtier than ever. And he doesn’t appreciate my new friendship with Isaac. Not one f**king bit.
99¢ iBooks Pre-OrderSign up for Release AlertsAdd the Evergreen Series to Goodreads
Check out the DIRT trailer Enter the Facebook GiveawaySpotify PlaylistAbout Cassia LeoNew York Times bestselling author Cassia Leo loves her coffee, chocolate, and margaritas with salt. When she’s not writing, she spends way too much time re-watching Game of Thrones and Sex and the City. When she’s not binge watching, she’s usually enjoying the Oregon rain with a hot cup of coffee and a book. Find her on… Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Giveaway
Jo&Isalovebooks Promotions Proudly Presents:
Release Blitz & Chapter Reveal
Traitorous Toys
A Cozy Corgi Mystery
by Mildred Abbott
Traitorous Toys (Cozy Corgi Mysteries #2) is NOW LIVE!
Read FREE with KindleUnlimited.
OR DOWNLOAD FOR ONLY 99c!!!!! It’s Christmas in Estes Park, Colorado: cozy fires, twinkling lights, soft snowfall, and… murder. The winter holidays in charming Estes Park lulls Winifred Page and her corgi, Watson, into thoughts of spiced chai and gingerbread as they settle into their new home. Fred’s dream bookshop is becoming a reality, and with Christmas only days away, her only concerns are spending time with family, enforcing Watson’s diet, and finding the perfect gifts. The toy store beckons Fred and her friend Katie, who dash in out of the cold, during a shopping spree to discover handmade toys, cuddly stuffed animals… and a dying man on the floor. When Katie’s desperate attempts to save the man ends in her being taken in for his murder, Fred once again dons her detective hat. She puts aside her Christmas list and—with Watson sniffing around—begins a list of suspects. But as quickly as clues point to one person, new discoveries shift the spotlight to another. With Katie’s freedom in the balance, Fred has little time to think about gifts or to enjoy the holiday lights and music. A killer is on the loose, one who became violent in a picture-perfect Christmas toy shop, and Fred and Watson can’t begin to predict what might happen next…
Add Traitorous Toys to your Goodreads Shelf
CHAPTER REVEAL
Despite Watson’s sensitive nose, and the smell of recently varnished floors, we spent the entire day in the Cozy Corgi bookshop. When the motherlode of all deliveries arrived before noon, the majority of the books were at least within the walls of my store, and I now owned more than an empty building. Progress!
After having the sign hung, the floors and walls refinished, and all of the bookcases installed, I’d thought my dream shop was becoming a reality. But with mountains upon mountains of boxes of books taking up most of the large center room, it finally began to feel real. And that realness doubled down. Transforming the place seemed nearly impossible, especially considering the timeline I’d set for myself, but even so, excitement thrummed. It was happening. Finally.
I spent the rest of the afternoon pushing boxes to the center of the smaller rooms that ran around the perimeter of the main floor. The more I worked, the more manageable it seemed. I already knew my favorite space. The corner room in the back left side of the shop. It was the one with the largest river rock fireplace. My uncles’ store had a Victorian sofa and antique standing lamp with an ornate fabric shade I’d been eyeing. Those would go there, and it would be my mystery-themed room. Each little nook would have its own genre. The largest offshoot would be the children’s book area, and while I was going to make every inch of the store as spectacular as I could, the mystery room was going to be just a touch more special.
By the same time next year, I’d have the entire shop decked out for Christmas. As it was, I used some of my illusive time to cut out paper snowflakes and tape them to the windows looking out on the tourists passing by. Next year, lights, trees, and maybe I could even brew some spiced cider for customers. But, for now, wonky snowflakes would have to do for holiday cheer.
“If you keep glaring at me like that, I’m going to leave you home tomorrow.” I glowered at Watson, who peered up at me as I taped the final snowflake on the glass. His corgi eyes doubtlessly did a better job of glowering than mine. “It’s not like you’d be unsafe. With the fortune I just paid for your dog run, the abominable snowman himself couldn’t break in.”
The threat to leave him home was an empty one, and we both knew it. Even with the Fort Knox of dog enclosures, I’d worry about him the entire day and get absolutely nothing done. Never mind the fact that since he’d waddled into my life a little more than a year ago, we’d been inseparable.
Watson’s intense look was interrupted by a sneeze, a second one, and then he went right back to glaring.
“You know, buddy, the Cozy Corgi bookstore is named after you. We’re going to have to work on your disposition before we have living, breathing customers.”
I was fairly certain his brown gaze darkened. Watson was persnickety about which strangers he would allow to fawn over him.
A few seconds longer of our staring battle and I admitted defeat. We had both known I would. The only way I could change his disposition in the moment was to offer him a treat. And I’d already given him five since coming to the store a few hours ago. Since moving to Estes Park, Watson had steadily required more treats, and he was just a bit “fluffier” than was healthy. Not that I had much room to judge. My newest friend, Katie, was a baker, and I felt fairly certain she was intent on me buying an entire new wardrobe, with all the fresh carby goodness she continually shoved my way.
“Fine. You win. But this bookstore isn’t going to put itself together, you know.” I strode to the counter, slipped into my jacket, and grabbed my purse and an incorrectly delivered letter. It seemed I got someone else’s mail every other day. I wondered how much of my own ended up somewhere other than with me. At least all the books had come to the right place.
I couldn’t blame Watson. The smell of stain, varnish, and all the other chemicals used to refinish the wooden floors of the two-leveled shop a couple of weeks before had finally faded. We’d had an entire day and a half of getting the Cozy Corgi ready without runny noses and stinging eyes before the newly installed bookcases that filled nearly every room on the main floor had their turn at a beauty treatment. I was planning on opening the store in January, but that was only two weeks away. If I started stocking the books on the shelves too soon, I feared no one would buy them due to their absorbing the chemical smell.
After slipping on his leash, I stepped outside with Watson, paused long enough to lock the front door of the shop, and then began walking down the sidewalk. The two stores on either side of the Cozy Corgi had been candy shops, but now sat empty, waiting. While some of the stores had closed for the winter season, these were the only ones that felt desolate. I was certain it wouldn’t last for long.
“One more stop, and then it’s family dinner night.”
Watson turned his unimpressed gaze on me again.
“Barry, buddy. You get to see Barry.”
And with that, his eyes lit up and he gave a little hop. My stepfather was Watson’s favorite human in the world, outside of myself. And there were times I wasn’t entirely certain I outranked Barry.
Though it was barely four thirty in the afternoon, the sky was dark and only a small pink glow remained over the rim of the mountains. Snow fell in thick soft flakes, and while it was cold, there was no wind, so it was a crisp pleasant sensation. The weather mixed with the garlands, light-festooned streetlamps, and the ropes of glowing tinsel across the street made me marvel at my new life.
When we first moved to Estes Park from Kansas City the month before, I’d felt like we’d landed inside a snow globe. Now, with the holiday barely a week away, I was convinced we lived in a Christmas village. The sensation was compounded by the endless rows of shops on Elkhorn Avenue, all of which were either vintage fifties and sixties mountain style or those, like mine, that looked like small log cabins.
Within five minutes, we walked close to the end of the next block, and I checked the address on the envelope. The return address showed that it was from a Denver law office. There was no business name, but the numbers matched those under the silver script that read Rocky Mountain Imprints on the glass door.
A bell chimed as we walked in, and Watson let out an irritated snuff seconds before the smell hit—not overly unpleasant, and less harsh than what my own shop currently smelled like, but it was a weird mix of heat, plastic, and something I didn’t have a name for. Endless racks of T-shirts and hoodies filled the store, and every inch of wall space was papered in square designs, ranging from cute forest animals, to Smokey Bear, to borderline risqué logos about hiking naked.
“Welcome, and Merry Christmas!” A cute blonde woman waved at me from behind the counter.
I nearly jumped at the sudden sound of her voice. I hadn’t noticed her amid all the cacophony of fabric colors and images. Not to mention she was nearly pixie small.
“Thank you! And Merry Christmas to you.” I motioned down at Watson. “I hope you don’t mind that my dog is with me.” Estes Park was extremely dog friendly, but Watson and I had encountered the rare shopkeeper who didn’t appreciate animals in their store. In their defense, Watson tended to leave a cloud of dog hair wherever he went, as evidenced by every article of clothing I owned.
“Of course not!” The woman’s bright voice was nearly as cheerful as a pixie. “He’s adorable. We actually sell T-shirts for dogs.” Her eyes narrowed as she inspected Watson. “He’s… a basset hound, right? I don’t think we have any of those, but I do a lot of the art myself. I can custom-design something for you. Maybe a basset hound wearing reindeer ears or something for the season?”
I shook my head and managed to smile instead of grimace. “Thank you, but no. Watson would murder me in my sleep if I tried to put clothes on him. Once in a while, he’ll let me get away with a little scarf, but even then he gives me attitude for days after. And he’s a corgi.” A basset hound and a corgi both were long and short, but really couldn’t look more different, with basset hound ears nearly dragging the floor, and a corgi looking for all intents and purposes more like a chiseled fox.
“Well, if you change your mind, let me know. I’ll happily create something for a corky. I’ve never tried to do anything with scarves, but it could be a fun adventure.”
A corky? I was going to have to remember that one. Maybe that could be a new nickname when Watson was being a snot.
As we walked closer to the counter, the woman seemed to get smaller. Granted, that wasn’t an unusual sensation for me upon meeting petite women. I was a healthy five foot ten, which seemed like a good size to me, but anytime I was around women the stature of my mother, I grew the tiniest bit self-conscious. At thirty-eight, I’d expected to outgrow that particular insecurity. Maybe by the time I was forty….
“I am actually not here to shop. Sorry.” I held out the envelope. “This was delivered to my store by accident. It’s addressed to a Sarah M. Beeman, but it had your shop’s address.”
The blonde’s eyes narrowed as she took the envelope, and then she glanced toward the back of the store before flashing me another smile. “Thank you. I’ll see that she gets it.” She cocked her head. “Wait a second. You said it was delivered to your store? I don’t think I’ve met….” Her gaze left me once more, flicked to Watson, and then I saw understanding. “Ah! The Cozy Corky, the bookshop that’s coming. I saw your sign. It’s adorable.”
She might not know her dog breeds, but with that comment, she won my approval. I was particularly proud of the wooden sign above my door with a corgi sitting on a stack of books. I held out my hand. “That’s me. My name is Winifred Page, but everyone calls me Fred.”
“Fred! That’s almost as adorable as your shop sign.” She slipped her tiny hand into mine. “I am Peg Singer.” She tilted her head toward the back. “My husband, Joe, and I own the shop.” She broke our hands’ embrace and then gasped. “I have the best idea! That logo would be amazing on T-shirts and hoodies, we can even put them on hats. If you buy them in bulk, I’ll give you a discount, and then you can mark them up and sell them at your store.” She gestured behind her at a row of trophies. “Each summer we locals have a softball season. There were so many shop owners by the end of last year, we talked about splitting into two teams. You could lead the new one, and your little dog could be the mascot. Joe does really wonderful things with jersey imprints.”
I shook my head, a little more emphatically than I’d intend. “I’m so not a sports person. Any team I’d be on would be guaranteed to lose. And Watson is about as athletic as a beached whale.” I reminded myself I needed to get off to a good start with the other business owners, so I paused, considering. “The Cozy Corgi logo on shirts and stuff might be cute, though.”
“I promise you it would be.”
“Let me think about it, but….” I fished around in my purse for my newly printed business cards “Let me leave you my information and you can send me the details. Will that work?”
“Absolutely!” The card went the way of the letter. “I’ll send you some options and quotes in the next couple of days.”
I hadn’t figured out what I was going to do with the top level of my shop, it had been an apartment before—and the scene of a murder. I hadn’t wanted to extend the bookstore up there, preferring to keep it more of an intimate space, but maybe Cozy Corgi merchandise could be fun.
Watson pulled on his leash, obviously done with another smelly location. I followed his lead. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Peg. We should probably get going, though. My little guy is getting hungry.” I loved Watson for all that he was, even his often grumpy disposition. But one of my favorite parts of puppy motherhood was always having a ready excuse to leave.
“It was great to meet you as well, Fred.” She gave a finger-wiggling wave to Watson. “And you too, Walter.”
I truly did like the idea of the Cozy Corgi merchandise, but I made a mental note to double and then triple check spelling on any proofs she might send my way. The Cozy Corgi could easily end up being the Grumpy Goat or some such nonsense.
The snow had picked up, and as Watson and I stepped outside, the cold fresh mountain air was such a contrast to the plasticky smell of the T-shirt shop that I stood there for a second to luxuriate.
I turned back the way we’d come, and the store next to Rocky Mountain Imprints caught my eye. I wasn’t sure how I’d missed it to begin with. Toys filled the window, and like my shop, the outside was a log cabin façade. The arched wooden sign over the door read Bushy Evergreen’s Workshop. Unlike the T-shirt store, even from my spot on the sidewalk, it was easy to see the place was completely decked out for Christmas. I gave Watson an apologetic grimace. “One more stop before Barry. But this is the last one. I promise.”
Before he could sit down and refuse to move, I pushed open the door and ushered him inside.
Sure enough, the place was as charming as it seemed from the outside. I’d toured all the stores when we first moved, but I’d been so focused on all the drama, I hadn’t paid too much attention to aesthetics. Bushy Evergreen was an unfortunate name choice, but workshop was appropriate. It felt like Watson and I had stepped through a portal and landed in Santa’s workshop in the North Pole. The tiny place practically overflowed with toys. For a second I couldn’t figure out what was unusual about it, but then it hit me, only increasing the sensation of being in a place owned by Santa. Most of the toys—much like Estes Park itself—seemed to be from a time long ago. Tops, jack-in-the-boxes, wooden train sets and cars, and endless rows of stuffed animals. Many of the wooden toys and figurines looked expertly hand carved. In all the chaos of toys, three different Christmas trees were stuffed here and there, twinkling brightly. Garland was roped around every available surface, looping over the perimeter of the walls and outlining the shelves and tables.
“Wow.” I stood in awe and forgot that I was nearly forty. This place was Christmas morning—smells of hot chocolate and molasses, the feeling of rushing down the stairs to find brightly colored packages under a sparkling tree.
There was a warm chuckle from somewhere to the left. “Never get tired of seeing that expression on people’s faces. I don’t think I’ve ever noticed one on a dog before, but even your furry friend appears enchanted.”
I glanced at Watson. Sure enough, Watson’s gaze flicked from one thing to another and he seemed captivated by it all, rather than irritated at keeping Barry waiting. Talk about a Christmas miracle. Maybe we really had stumbled upon Santa’s workshop.
Catching myself, I looked toward the voice, and seemed to misplace my own. The man standing behind the counter was no elf. Nor was he Santa. He was a tall, rugged mountain of a man. Dark red hair and stunningly handsome. Where Peg had made me feel like a giant, this man made me feel like… well, probably how Peg had felt next to me, I assumed.
He flashed a bright white smile, somehow increasing his good looks, which shouldn’t have been possible. “You all right?”
I nodded and had to lick my lips so I wouldn’t drool, more than anything. I pointed to the garland strewn magically over the store. “Yes. I’ve just never seen garland that lights up before.” That much was true, the crystalline garland was a constant shifting rainbow of colors. It almost looked like it was made from shards of glass or snow, and somehow glowed in countless sparkling hues.
His thick brows creased. “Yeah, it was my idiot brother’s idea. Pretty spectacular stuff, unless you’re the one hanging it. I think I bled for a week.” Whatever irritation he felt vanished. “Looking for a gift?”
I shook my head. I was not looking for a gift. Although, since I was in a toyshop… “Yes, though I have no idea what to get. I have nieces and nephews. Two who are fourteen and two who are eight. Two boys, and two girls.” He had a small dimple in his chin. Not too deep as to be distracting, but just enough to highlight how chiseled his jaw truly was. “Well, they’re my stepnieces and stepnephews actually. I’m not very good at this whole aunt thing. My stepfather has two daughters; they’re twins.” His blue eyes might actually be made from sapphires. “And of course they married twin brothers, because Verona and Zelda weren’t identical enough, they had to marry twins. And they each have a fourteen-year-old and an eight-year-old, and I have absolutely no idea what I’m supposed to do for presents. Judging from the way they reacted the last few Christmases, I’m a horrible gift giver.”
Watson yanked at his leash, pulling my attention to him. He cocked one of his puppy brows at me and sat down.
He’d just earned himself another treat.
If I’d kept going, I probably would’ve told the man my entire family history. I turned back to him but focused on a carved bear over his shoulder. Maybe he was like an eclipse, you could function if you didn’t look directly at him.
“I can definitely help you out with the eight-year-olds, but I doubt we’ll have much to offer the teenagers. They seem to want nothing more than cell phones, iPads, and cash.” He gave another chuckle, proving that the sound of his voice was just as distracting as his appearance, no matter where I looked. “Depending on what they’re into, I just got a new shipment of….” His voice trailed off momentarily, causing me to look him full in the face again. “Wait a minute. I recognize you, and your dog. You’re—” He snapped his fingers a couple times. “—Fred Page, the one opening the bookshop where the old taxidermy place used to be. Where Opal was killed.”
For a moment I was beyond flattered that he had not only recognized me but recalled my name. Then I quickly realized chances were he’d been much more captivated by the murder and investigation that had swirled around me upon my arrival in town than he was about me personally. And that, more than keeping my focus away from him, helped me to quit acting like a complete fool. “That’s me. For better or worse. Watson and I are the ones opening the bookshop. You must be… Bushy?”
Even as I said it, I knew it couldn’t be. A man like that didn’t have the name Bushy.
He shook his head, and once more there was a flash of irritation like there’d been about the garland. “No. This was my father’s store originally. He still carves a lot of the toys, but it’s mine now. Bushy Evergreen was one of Santa’s original elves. He was a woodcarver and was in charge of the toyshop. My father felt a kinship with him. I would love nothing more than to put a sensible name on the place, but we’ve been here for over fifty years. Doesn’t make good business sense to change it now.” His charm was back. “My name is Declan, thankfully, not Bushy.”
Before I had the opportunity to somehow put my foot in my mouth again, there was a slamming of a door, and a voice rang out from somewhere in the back. “Declan, you’re never going to believe what I just found. I was just driving back from the grocery store and there was this old chest sitting beside a dumpster.” A man rushed through the doorway carrying a wooden box that looked like it had been kept at the bottom of the ocean for the past century. At a glance, I almost thought he was Declan’s twin, but it was a fleeting notion. He had the same height, coloring, and hair, but even though he had similar features to Declan, everything seemed off somehow—not malformed, just not as pleasing. Even so, he was very clearly related to Declan. “I was thinking I can clean it up, and Dad could—” His words fell away as he noticed me, and halted. “Oh, sorry. Didn’t mean to be so loud. Didn’t realize we had customers.”
Two other figures emerged from the back. I wasn’t sure if they’d been there the entire time or if they’d arrived with the strange Declan look-alike. An ancient-looking man with snowy hair, who was clearly Declan’s father, and a raven-haired woman, who was just as beautiful as Declan. Both of them halted as well.
“Yes, imagine that. A toy store having an actual customer at Christmastime. Shocking.” The coldness and shift in Declan’s voice drew my attention away from the other three people. His handsome features were suddenly hard. But a heartbeat later, he was charming again, his voice warm and pleasant. “Might as well make introductions while we're all here. This is Fred Page, the one who’s opening the new bookshop.” He gestured from me toward the three individuals. “This is my father, Duncan, my brother, Dolan, and my wife, Daphne.”
“That’s a lot of Ds.” I wasn’t sure if it was the residual effect of Declan’s stunning appearance or his abrupt shift from warm and inviting to cold and harsh, but whatever it was, I chose to say that instead of hello, nice to meet you.
Dolan gave a maniacal laugh, the father’s brows knitted in an expression which reminded me of Watson in his grumpy moments, and Daphne smiled as she spoke. “That’s true. I’ve often wondered if Declan married me simply because of my name. My mother-in-law’s name was Della, believe it or not.” She shrugged and patted her flat stomach. “We won’t know if it’s a boy or a girl until the little one arrives, but I can guarantee you the name will start with D.”
Dolan let out another wild laugh. It wasn’t exactly off-putting, but a little crazed or something. Actually there was something off entirely. I couldn’t figure out what it was. I only knew that the Christmassy cheer of Santa’s workshop had morphed into something else. And probably sensing it himself, Watson once again pulled on his leash, this time making it very clear he wanted to go.
“Well….” I attempted to force an easy-breezy tone, but was fairly certain I failed. “It’s lovely to meet all of you.” I refocused on Declan, this time not mesmerized by his appearance. “I’m running late for dinner with my family. Mom’s making a big spread. I’ll drop in before Christmas and find something good for the eight-year-olds.”
And once more, Declan was all handsome charm and pleasant voice. “Please do. I’m sure we’ll find something perfect for them. It was a pleasure to meet you, Fred. We’ll look forward to visiting your store when you open.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.” I gave a wave that hopefully encompassed everyone. “We’d best get going. Merry Christmas.”
Dolan and Daphne responded as I turned and hurried out the door. I paused in the cool air once more, but this time it wasn’t refreshing. Just cold. I glanced down at Watson.
“What in the world was that?”
He didn’t bother to respond, only took off down the sidewalk, pulling me with him.
Before I’d taken two steps, loud voices reached my ears, and I glanced through the window, past the toys, to see Declan shaking his fist as he yelled at Daphne. Dolan jumped between them, shouting something as well, though I couldn’t make it out.
Duncan’s old eyes met mine through the window and clearly told me to mind my own business.
I hesitated despite his stare, wondering what I should do.
With another tug on his leash, Watson made the decision for me.
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Reading the Cozy Corgi series is pretty much all you need to know about Mildred. In real life, she’s obsessed with everything she writes about: Corgis, Books, Cozy Mountain Towns, and Baked Goods. She’s not obsessed with murder, however. At least not at her own hands (nor paid for… no contract killing here). But since childhood, starting with Nancy Drew, trying to figure out who-dun-it has played a formative role in her personality. Having Fred and Watson stroll into her mind was a touch of kismet.
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Title: Close
Author: Fen Wilde
Genre: Erotic Romantic Suspense
Release Date: December 21, 2017
Blurb
Clara Black.
Therapist. Stripper. Loner.
Sultry, secretive and not looking for love.
Lucas Evans.
Businessman. Playboy. Showjumper.
Seductive, charming and used to getting the girl.
As long as she doesnât try to get close to his heart, that is.
Drawn together by an attraction that defies their guarded hearts, theyâre soon caught up in secrets, lust and lies.
A meeting that wasnât accidental.
A death that isnât as it seems.
A craving to get closer.
Everybody has a dark side.
But sometimes, the biggest lies are the ones we tell ourselves.
CLOSE is a dark erotic romantic suspense that explores the terribly ordinary events that break us and the beautifully ordinary things that make us whole.
Excerpt
Prologue
Lucas
June 2016
When my mother showed me a picture of his body, the thing that struck me first was not how grey he looked, how at odds with his habitual golden glow.
Nor was it how small he lookedâhis six-foot frame and broad chest somehow diminished. Childlike and vulnerable. Rendered irrelevant by death.
It wasnât even the feelingsâthe tsunami of feelings that would rush in later and blindside me. Given that I had barely seen him in years and had never been close to him to begin with, the feelings were surprisingly ferocious.
Those things came later. They came and hit meâless like the proverbial sledgehammer and more like a subtle self-combustion. Invisible to an observer. But damaging nonetheless. Suffocating me. Crushing me from the inside out.
But not then. Not at first.
The thing that struck me initially was that she had coolly snapped a picture. As though this was another moment in time to capture for posterity. More striking because what other mothers might have captured, she had never bothered with.
First tooth. No snap.
First step. No snap.
First birthday. No snap. No cake, either, for that matter.
But first death?
Snap, snap, snap.
Author Bio
Fen Wilde writes gritty contemporary erotic romance novels exploring the darker elements in our lives.
She is a qualified social worker and works part-time as a mental health clinician for young people, and also as a private clinical consultant. She is particularly interested in the complex things that drive us toward or keep us out of connection with each other: how fragile, how beautiful, how flawed we all are. Fen lives in Melbourne, Australia with her partner, two children, and Burmese cat.
Author Links
TRUE, the final book in The Temptation Series by Ella Frank and the highly anticipated wedding between Logan Mitchell and Tate Morrison is LIVE!Synopsis:True - adjective: That which is accurate or exact. I dare you to try. I think you’re my truth. Terrify me. Marry me. Marry me. Marry me... Four years ago, Logan Mitchell walked into Tate’s life and challenged him to see it differently. He dared Tate to try a kiss, when normally he wouldn’t have. He begged him to take a chance, when he probably shouldn’t have. But most importantly, he asked Tate to trust that he would love him, and he did. From that moment on, Tate realized exactly what his life had been missing—Logan. Happily-ever-afters come in many different forms. But for Tate Morrison, there’s only one ending he wants. The one where the guy marries the guy and true love conquers all. Now all he has to do is tell Logan. Join Logan and Tate as they finally realize what the rest of us knew all along. That they belong together for better or worse—always. Read Today!(Free in Kindle Unlimited) Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2BGfsty Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/TRUE Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2ApV7rB Start the Series Today!(Free in Kindle Unlimited) Try (Temptation #1) Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2ofZBK0 Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/TryTemptation Take (Temptation #2) Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2pjBImm Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/TakeTempation Trust (Temptation #3) Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2pgcYOT Amazon Universal: http://myBook.to/TrustTemptation Tease (Temptation #4) (Free in Kindle Unlimited) Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2qTddg1 Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/TeaseTempt Tate (Temptation #5) (Free in Kindle Unlimited) Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2gU40UT Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/TateTemptation About Ella Frank:Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction and lives with her husband in Portland, OR. You can reach her on the web at www.ellafrank.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ella.frank.author Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips. Connect with Ella:Join Ella’s Newsletter – www.bit.ly/1hEYtgn Bookbub - http://bit.ly/29d67dD Website – www.ellafrank.com Twitter – @EllaFrank2012Facebook - www.facebook.com/ella.frank.31 Reader Group - www.facebook.com/groups/TheBrellas/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/ellafrank1/
Title: Possessing Beauty
Series: Possessing Beauty #5
Author: Madison Faye
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 18, 2017
Blurb
Itâs time to teach this royal brat a lesson sheâll never forget.
I know the rules
I know sweet, sassy little princesses like her are strictly off-limits to rough and tumble, non royals like myself. I know that even though Iâve made billions with nothing but these two strong hands and an iron will, theyâll say Iâm no good for her.
They might be right, but that wonât stop me.
Iâve been watching Princess Colette for longer than she knows. The mouthy little spitfireâs been tempting me, and a man can only take so much.
Iâve waited patiently, hungering for her sweet curves. Iâve told myself that sheâs too young for me, or too innocent â that sheâs too untouched for me to touch.
But when I find out about this âsuitorâs ballâ in the next kingdom over, and about some snot-nosed little prince thinks he can marry her up instead of me, Iâm not waiting any longer.
Fuck the rules, and the hell with what theyâll say. Iâve denied myself long enough, and itâs time to show this princess how a man takes whatâs his.
Iâll treat her like a princess, but Iâll claim her like a queen.
*Please note that each of the Possessing Beauty books are completely standalone stories centered around one couple, with no cliffhangers.
Hang onto your jewels - itâs finally here! Possessing Beauty is a quick and steamy modern fairytale involving an utterly obsessed alpha hero and enough insta-love, kindle-melting steam, and sugary-sweetness to make you swoon for more. If you love over-the-top, slightly unrealistic, and wildly dirty stories, this oneâs for you! HEA with NO CHEATING!
Purchase Links
99c for a limited time
Books 1-4 of the Possessing Beauty series included for FREE!!!
Free in Kindle Unlimited
Author Bio
#1 bestselling contemporary romance author Madison Faye is the dirty alter ego of the very wholesome, very normal suburban housewife behind the stories. While she might be a wife, mom, and PTA organizer on the outside, thereâs nothing but hot, steamy, and raunchy fantasies brewing right beneath the surface!
Tired of keeping them hidden inside or only having them come out in the bedroom, theyâre all here in the form of some wickedly hot stories. Single-minded alpha hero, sinfully taboo relationships, and wildly over-the-top scenarios. If you love it extra dirty, extra hot, and extra naughty, this is the place for you! (Just donât tell the other PTA members you saw her hereâ¦) Join the mailing list for author updates, special prices, and a **FREE BOOK!** http://eepurl.com/b-b5Pz
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From New York Times and #1 International bestselling author J. Kenner comes a new full-length novel in the wildly popular Stark Saga that’s left millions of readers breathless.Title: Lost With MeAuthor: J. KennerGenre: Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: October 23rd, 2018SynopsisHis touch takes my breath away. Our passion feeds my soul... My love for Damien fills me, and the intensity of our bond brings me to my knees. There is no burden I wouldn’t bear for him, no decadent punishment to which I won’t submit. The dark days seemingly behind us, we have carved a life out of adversity, chiseling away pain to reveal strength and beauty. Now, all I want is to laugh with our children in the sunlight, then surrender myself to Damien’s embrace in the dark. But lingering secrets and hidden menace threaten our family. Now, Damien and I must forge a new strength from our shared passion and hope the fire between us will burn away the darkness and protect everything we hold most dear. This sexy, emotionally charged romance continues the story of Damien Stark, the powerful billionaire who’s never had to take “no” for an answer, and his beloved wife Nikki Fairchild Stark. Preorder Today!Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2j0LStW Amazon Universal: myBook.to/LostWithMe iBooks: http://apple.co/2j10SrL Nook: http://bit.ly/2jtFUyW Kobo: http://bit.ly/2AASrts Google Play: http://bit.ly/2A2Pyyo Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2B0r9h2 About J. KennerKenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres. Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit. JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development with AwesomenessTV/Awestruck. Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages. In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.Connect with Julie:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JKennerBooks/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliekenner Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/juliekenner/ Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/+JulieKenner-author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliekenner/ Tumblr: http://juliekenner.tumblr.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/juliekenner Newsletter: http://juliekenner.com/contact/subscribe-to-the-julie-kenner-newsletter/ Website: http://juliekenner.com
Today we have the teaser reveal for The Bitterroot Inn by Devney Perry! Be sure to preorder your copy now!
Title: The Bitterroot Inn Author: Devney Perry Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Day: January 16th
About The Bitterroot Inn:
Her past. His secrets. They have more in common than she knows.
Maisy is happily content with the life she’s built for herself and her young son in small-town Prescott, Montana. Her child is thriving, her business is growing, and her family is as close as they’ve ever been. But when a handsome stranger walks into the lobby of her motel, her simple life is swept up in a wave of affection for his gentle heart. None of those feelings can be trusted, though. She made that mistake before with another man. The man she murdered.
Hunter was a different man when he first saw Maisy Holt from afar. He took one look at her and ran in the opposite direction. But years later, he’s back in Montana and unable to keep his distance. He shouldn’t have tried to find her but he never was good at rejecting temptation. The promise of the good she could bring into his life is too hard to resist. Maybe if he can disguise the lies and hide the deceit, he can keep her from learning the truth. Because his only chance at a future with her is by burying his past.
Preorder Today! Check out the trailer:
About the Author:
Devney lives in Montana with her husband and two children. After working in the technology industry for nearly a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to enjoy a slower pace at home with her kids. She loves reading and, after consuming hundreds of books, decided to share her own stories.
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