War's End by Imogene Nix

Genre: Sci-fiction Romance


Forced apart by war five years ago, Renjiro and Selina have another chance at love. Can they make it work or does fate have other plans?

Without the citizenship of the Federation, Indy pilot Selina Codecko is treated like a second-class citizen. When she gets caught up in a bar brawl she's arrested and finds herself in the hands of the Justice Officers.

Renjiro Ito has dreamed of Selina for five long years. As the Commander of the Justice Officers, the plight of this one woman will turn his life upside down.

But there's more going on than just the fate of one woman—there's a seething underbelly that wants to destroy their newly expanded Federation. The chances of a future together are slim, but they'll take any chances that come their way. Will it be enough?

"Sit down." Renjiro's terse words filled Selina with pain and sadness.

She acceded to his request in silence, holding her throbbing hand against her breast. He squatted before her, his face close to hers, his dark eyes shadowed. His touch was gentle as his fingers traced the line of her jaw. They shook a little and she felt the glancing caress. It warmed her.

He touched a raw spot on her chin and she hissed involuntarily.

"Where else are you injured?"

Selina shook her head.

"Captain Codecko? Selina?"

His gentle words nearly undid her. Tears burned in her eyes and she blinked, hoping to banish them. It didn't work though. They dripped down her face, scalding her frozen cheeks.

Now his hands dropped to her shoulders. "Where else are you hurt, Selina?" His gaze was hypnotic. It drew her words without thought.

"My hand, ribs, and the top of my head."

He frowned and started tugging at her shirt, pulling it free of the loose-fitting pants.

"What… What are you doing?"

He glanced at her, his face taut and strained. "I'm checking your injuries."

Selina blushed, the heat creeping over her face as she pushed at his hands. "No! You can't do that!"

"Just bloody watch me." His rough words surprised her and her hands dropped away. He continued his almost feverish work at her buttons and very quickly he had the shirt open. Selina thanked whatever had made her fasten a bra over her very tiny breasts. With gentle movements, he brushed the old material of her shirt to one side. He hissed through clenched teeth at what he saw. "You need a medic."

"I'm fine. I've lived through this before. Of greater concern to me is whether I'm going to be charged for causing the riot. I was just—"

"I know. Having a quiet drink. We checked the spy eyes. You will be free to go, so long as we can put together a suitable argument. But I have a proposition. One that would help you, I think."

In her experience, propositions never ended well, but she was desperate enough to listen to what he had to say. So she watched in mute silence as he rose. He backed away as she quickly refastened her shirt. Then he paced to the end of the room and back.

"I've just received a communiqué that there's some Indies about to plan an attack on this moon base. I need people I can trust to get information for me."

She waited. But as he started pacing again, it seemed she would need to ask the question. "What's in it for me?"

He stilled.

Selina held her breath. Waiting.

"I might be able to swing an official citizenship for you."

Just like that, he could brush away all the difficulties she had faced since the end of the war. But trusting people didn't come easily. Not for her. "You can just click your fingers and make that happen?"

He faced her again. His eyes shone almost feverishly bright under the lighting of the room. "No. But I know someone who might be able to make it happen, if you agree."

"Why? Why would you help me?"

He smiled. "Because I owe you."

Buy Links: Beachwalk Press     Amazon     Barnes & Noble

 

Imogene is a mother of two, compulsive reader, and bookstore owner. She lives in regional Queensland, Australia with her husband, two daughters, dog, cats, guinea pigs, and chooks. She has a particular fondness for vampires, star ship captains, and things that go bump in the night (especially vampire types).

Imogene has tried many varied roles in her working life including kindergarten assistant, teacher, principal, and kindergarten and child care director, but rates owning a bookstore and writing her own novels as the absolute highlight.

In her mother and wife alter ego, she has travelled widely and lived in some very unique places including Far Western Queensland, Cape York, and even Tasmania. She loves to travel and rates China and Hong Kong among her favorite destinations.

She blames Star Trek Voyager, Firefly, and the works of Alexander Kent for her interest in naval activities and later space fleet interest.

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Imogen is giving away 2 eCopies of Wars End.

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Destiny Unveiled by Laura DeLuca

Genre: YA

Gabriella and Darron thought their magickal battle was over when they defeated the evil warlock, Richard. When her Aunt Donna seeks Gabriella's help in rescuing her catatonic daughter from the Dark Coven, Gabriella discovers that her cousin holds a power within her that would be catastrophic in the hands of the evil witches.
Gabriella's coven sets out on a journey that may be their last. Along the way, they meet new allies, face devastating treachery, and battle not only the Dark Coven, but the darkness within themselves. When Gabriella finally comes face to face with the cousin she never knew existed, her true destiny is unveiled, and the fate of the mortal world is in her hands.

Darron was on the roof of a large building, elevated dizzyingly high over the road below. Other skyscrapers bordered it, but it was by far the largest building in the general area, standing several stories higher than it's neighbors. The few cars that dotted the street below looked like insects. Above him, the moon shone full, round, and red in the night sky. It was an autumn moon, a blood moon. By the light of that moon, Darron was able to see the practiced movements of six black-cloaked figures, who swayed to the steady beat of an invisible drum. Their shapes were obscure in the pale light, and it was impossible to determine if they were men or women because the dark, hooded robes they wore hid their features from view.

There was an altar erected in the center of a circle that was outlined in black charcoal. On that altar sat the normal tools of ritual: a black tipped dagger, a silver chalice, an incense burner, and multiple black candles. Darron owned similar items. They weren't frightening in themselves. But the altar, like the people who lingered around it, was outlined by a shimmering black aura. The vibrations they relayed were no less than evil. Their presence made Darron shudder. He watched in horror, as a silent and unwelcome spectator to the forbidden rights.

Four of the cloaked figures took up the elemental corners, preparing to call the Guardians. The Guardians answered their call, unable to ignore the summons because magick can't be divided into good and evil. It's both because nature is both, harsh and devastating yet beautiful and gentle as the need arises. It was just as easy for the dark witches to harness the destructive forces of nature as it was for Darron and his coven to call upon its life giving magick. Good or evil was in the heart of its master, not in the magick that was wielded.

A fifth cloaked figure, the apparent leader of the group, stood in the center of the circle with the dagger raised high above his head. The sixth and final coven member groveled at the feet of the leader, his head lowered in acquiescence. The hood of his cloak hid his face though he was no more than a few feet away from Darron.

"Brother and sisters," the leader proclaimed, his accented voice heavy with his foreboding presence. "Tonight in the wake of the blood moon, we come together to bring a new brother into our fold. He has completed the required tasks and proven himself worthy to join us in our work."

"So mote it be!"

The four other cloaked figures cried out in perfect unison. Their hands were raised to the sky in honor of the blood moon.

The leader picked up the chalice from the altar. He followed the path of the circle to all of the elemental corners, stopping at each of the robed coven members in turn. Each offered their willing hands to their leader, palm outward. Each welcomed the point of the black edged dagger as it dug into their open palms without so much as a gasp of pain. The high priest cut a clean line down the centers of the palms of his disciples, and they all squeezed their fingers against the open wound to allow the blood to drip into the waiting chalice.

After collecting the offering from his followers, the leader returned to the center of the circle and the waiting initiate. With one quick motion, he sliced open his own palm. He held his hand over the cup, letting his blood drip slowly into the chalice, until the wound miraculously healed before Darron's startled eyes. When the chalice was full, he carried it to the eager initiate who took the cup firmly into his hands and tilted it towards his lips.

"As this blood makes you one with our flesh, so your soul follows to become one with the darkness," the English voice intoned.

As the initiate drained the last of the liquid in the chalice, his hood fell away, revealing a blonde ponytail pulled back over a pale white face, made even paler by the outline of bright red blood around his lips. Darron watched in stunned, horrified silence as his own face turned to meet his gaze. Eyes turned as black as coals stared back at Darron with a grim smile of satisfaction.

"Rise Darron," the leader commanded. And as he spoke, he lifted the hood from his head. Rise brother of the Dark Coven."

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Giveaway is US ONLY. Laura DeLuca is giving away a Candle gift set, incense gift set, two collectible plate, infinity necklace, key chain, two crystal points, and amber box.

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Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and three children. She has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. Old high school friends would tell you she was always scratching in her notebook instead of paying attention in class and the children she used to babysit for always loved to hear her scary stories at bedtime. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. She loves writing young adult novels, because it keeps her young at heart. She is the author of three published works including Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, and Phantom, and has several more projects in the works.

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Caution: Filling is Hot by Tara Mills

Genre: Romance 

Some men should come with a warning.

Here's a recipe to share with friends. Take one prickly demonstration cook, handle carefully. Add one lonely widower, slightly beaten. Mix gently. Fold in two six-year-olds, one at a time to temper the batter and avoid scrambling. Then finally, add the mother with an agenda—but just a dash, because she's spicy. Whip into stiff peaks then spread over an ungreased sheet for best results. Method of cooking can vary, however—Caution: Filling is Hot.

Piper Frost is taking a break from men when contractor Chad Thomas crashes her cooking class and turns on the charm. His persistence annoys her but she's already melting, even without his sneaky mother and conspiring twins in the mix. But just when things are really starting to sizzle, disaster strikes. Can Piper save her recipe for happily ever after or is it already ruined? Grab your oven mitts and find out.

Content Warning: contains sensual sex and mild language

Note: This book has been previously published.

Time moved sluggishly while Piper and Chad sipped wine, their eyes locked. The space between them felt weighted. As it collapsed into itself, it drew them in too, until they were so close their breath mingled. The faint smell of the crisp wine seemed to be the only thing resistant to the pull. Piper's lashes drooped, suddenly heavy. Just when she felt the barest tickle of his lips on hers a sound as loud as a bowling ball crashing down the stairs jolted them both back to reality. They sprang guiltily apart right before Kenny stormed into the room.

"Missy's not out yet!"

Chad looked at Piper with a mixture of disappointment and apology. "Will you excuse me a second?"

"Sure."

When Chad walked back through the archway a few minutes later the pleasure Piper felt was so intense it terrified her. Shaken, she downed the last of her wine and bolted to her feet, setting the empty glass on the coffee table.

"I'm sorry, but I really need to get going. My work schedule is changing and I've got an early day tomorrow," she said in a rush, practically stumbling over her excuses.

He looked disappointed, but didn't argue. "Okay. I'll get your purse."

She followed him back to the kitchen and waited impatiently while he pulled it out of the drawer. Handing it over, Chad followed Piper back down the hall to the foyer. She wanted nothing more at that particular moment than to put some distance between them, fast, before it was too late.

Her pulse quickened when she realized his intentions. "You don't have to walk me out."

"Of course I do," he said. She could see there was no discouraging him.

They reached her car and Piper moved to open her door, but Chad's palm landed flat against the window, holding it closed. Startled, she faced him, acutely aware of just how close he was to her.

"Listen, I should have thanked you for tonight. I had a nice time." Piper's lame attempt at defusing the tension was obvious.

Chad nodded, his heavenly eyes considering her thoughtfully.

Nervous perspiration started to trickle from her pores. "And you have two really great kids. Say goodnight for me, would you?"

He nodded again. "Why are you running, Piper?" His voice was so soft, so low it was almost a whisper. He leaned closer, forcing her to look up at him.

Her eyes darted to the right when she tried to deny it. "I'm not."

"Oh, that was convincing." He chuckled. "Can we cut the bullshit? You do something to me. Clearly, I'm affecting you. I think we owe it to ourselves to explore it—together."

Piper couldn't formulate a single coherent thought when he was practically touching her, crowding her like this. Chad was much too close, too warm. Way too appealing. The intoxicating smell of him insinuated itself into her nose like a drug and pumped her already careening blood flow even faster through her body.

His control astounded her. There she was, practically firing flames from her fingertips, and he was the definition of cool. She held her breath when he slowly tipped her chin up then lowered his mouth to hers. Piper found herself responding, unable to do anything else. When he eased back his eyes held hers, a captured thing. She only had enough time for one quick intake of air before he dove again and swallowed the breath right out of her.

This kiss was harder, more demanding, and Piper rode the curve of the car like a chamois cloth as he bent her backward. Chad's body molded itself to hers, pressed tight while his fingers combed through her hair. When he finally moved back, he brought Piper with him, returning her to an upright position. Her legs buckled.

"Whoa there," he said, catching her.

He pulled her door open and Piper dropped weakly onto the seat and stared up at him with dazed eyes.

"Where are your keys?" Chad's question barely penetrated her mental fog.

Piper pulled them from her purse and started the engine.

Chad watched her, concern etched on his face. "Hey, are you going to be okay?"

She nodded, completely rattled and not entirely sure what he just asked.

"Open your window. I think you need the air." He smiled and closed the door for her.

Piper lowered the glass and looked up at him, her fog of confusion beginning to clear.

He leaned in. "Be safe. I'll call you."

"Okay," she mumbled.

Piper stared in confusion at her steering wheel. She'd lost her marbles! Where the hell was she going again? Oh right, home, she needed to get home. She hoped she could find her way back from here. She couldn't believe how he'd completely rearranged her gray matter with a kiss.

Buy Links:  Beachwalk Press    Amazon     Barnes & Noble   

I write stories I like to read--contemporary romances with identifiable characters and themes. Life is hard. Love makes it bearable. If you enjoy stories with heat and humor, I have a title for you.

I'm a pampered wife, lucky mom to three amazing sons and one wonderful daughter-in-law, and I recently became a very young grandma. I should probably underline the word very. Oh heck, why not the word young too? Nah, you get the picture. I'm also the daily monitor of one naughty dog with attitude.

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Tara is giving away to a lucky winner any eBook of her backlist!

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Destiny by Laura DeLuca

Genre: YA 

Gabriella is a witch. The problem is, she doesn't remember. She repressed the memories of her powers years ago when her mother was murdered. Now, the warlock who was responsible for her mother's death has set his sights on Gabriella. He is determined to use her fear to turn her to the dark side of magick…even if it kills her. Her mother's spirit is reaching out to warn her, but even that she pushes away. Desperate to save her daughter, the spirit finds a male witch–one that just happens to be in love with Gabriella. Darron is more than willing to help but the two young witches will have way more to battle than just an evil warlock. There are overbearing jocks and petty rich girls who get tempers flaring and often set Gabrielle and Darron at odds.

There is more to the story than Gabrielle and Darron could even imagine. There are terrible secrets to be revealed, battles to be waged, and lives will be lost. Only after Gabrielle and Darron both come to terms with who they really are, and open themselves up to the true meaning of magick, can they have any hope of fulfilling their destiny.

Her eyes scanned the room, from the pale blue sofa to the bloody dent in the wall. But she didn’t need her eyes to know Darron was there. Her heart sensed his presence before her eyes saw him lying in a heap on the ground. His body shuttered with occasional spasms, and even though he wasn’t fully conscious, his lips were twisted in a grimace of pain.

Uttering a gasp of surprise, Gabriella flew to his side. She knelt beside him, and choked back a sob as she took his hand in her own. She saw his chest rise and fall and was glad to know was alive, but she felt helpless as she watched his face contort in pain. She noticed something wet and sticky on her fingertips. She gently titled his head and saw a large gash that looked like it needed medical attention. The skin around the gash was so deeply bruised it looked almost black.

“Darron, what happened to you?”

He didn’t move or reply. Gabriella moved her hand from the cut on his forehead, and her fingers dripped with blood. She bit her lower lip with fear. She knew enough about head injuries to know that the wound could be serious. She grabbed a few tissues from a box on the coffee table, and tried to apply pressure to the wound, but it was useless. The tissues were soaked through in seconds.

“Darron?” She squeezed his hand, and fought back tears of fear and frustration. “Darron, please open your eyes. Please be all right!”

He squirmed and groaned a little in response. Looking at his contorted features, Gabriella felt incompetent and useless. She didn’t know what to do to help him. The cut must need stitches. The blood was gushing through her fingertips, and she was sure his life was slipping away just as quickly.

More than anything, Gabriella wanted to help Darron, to end his suffering. Her thoughts, her desperation, caused something deep inside of her to stir. Something that had long been napping was awoken. The power she had fought so hard to deny was forcing its way to the surface. This time she didn’t struggle against that power. Her instinct to hide from it was finally overcome by the thought of losing someone else she cared about.

Gabriella was pulling strength and warmth from the earth, as though her legs were tree roots taking nourishment from the element. A tingling sensation began in the tips of her toes and spread slowly though her body as she breathed in the essence of the element of air. Her blood flowed and grew warm, the element of water, bringing the power to the surface. She was overcome by a vigorous strength as she envisioned her spirit encircled by the element of fire. She felt so powerful that she thought she could stop the world from churning if that was what she wished. Gabriella focused the power, remembering for a moment her mother’s lessons. She looked down at her battered friend. She willed him to open his eyes and look at her. She demanded it of him.

Gabriella would have thought it was impossible, but she felt herself grow warmer. Her face dripped with perspiration. The power within her reached a climax. Then finally, when she thought she might burst, she felt the energy release. It seeped through her fingers, and shined with an illumination that only she could see. She heard herself chanting unfamiliar words, and scarcely recognized her own voice.

“By the power of earth, water, fire and air,
Heal this man who’s in my care.
Goddess, hear your daughter’s plea.
As I will it, so mote it be!”

Gabriella repeated the words three times. Three was the number of power. Then she watched as the wound on Darron’s forehead healed before her eyes, becoming smaller and smaller, until finally it was gone. The blood was still warm and sticky, but beneath the blood, the skin was smooth and unmarred. Even the horrible bruise had vanished. Gabriella stared in open astonishment, marveling at the work she had done.

Buy Links:  Amazon Kindle      Amazon Print     Barnes & Noble

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and three children. She has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. Old high school friends would tell you she was always scratching in her notebook instead of paying attention in class and the children she used to babysit for always loved to hear her scary stories at bedtime. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. She loves writing young adult novels, because it keeps her young at heart. She is the author of three published works including Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, and Phantom, and has several more projects in the works.

Author Links:  Site      Twitter      Facebook      Goodreads

Laura is giving away  a Candle gift set, incense gift set, two collectible plate, infinity necklace, key chain, two crystal points, and amber box.

US Only

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Reveal by Brina Courtney

Title: Reveal (Cryptid Tales #1)

Author: Brina Courtney

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

You think seeing ghosts is weird? Tell me something I don't know.

Shay Tafford's childhood has been fatherless, filled instead with memories of speaking to the
dead. She is forced to hide her unique ability from those living around her. That's why it's been comforting to have Jeremy, a child ghost, as her confidante. But recently he's been absent, perhaps lost as her father is. When Shay meets Hugh, the guy she's had a crush on for weeks, and finds he can speak to ghosts too, she's just starting to find a normalcy in her life.

But as Hugh reveals the truth to Shay, about who she really is and about what it is she can do, he erases all chances she had at a normal existence. Turns out talking to ghosts is just scratching the surface of her genetically engineered gifts. Shay learns she may be part of an age old prophecy that could save the entire race of cryptids. But can she?

Quotes

"So here I am with a dead girl in my car, in a super creepy forest, stalking a potentially dead father…yeah, not one of my brightest moments."

"She sighs, “Shay you can’t live your life in fear. If you do there’s just no point in living."

"He turns and leaves, heading towards the math building and though I hate to see him leave, I do love to watch him walk away."

Guest Post 
Why have ghosts become this scary object we’re supposed to fear? I’ve never been afraid of ghosts, I’ve just always felt that they’re spirits who have unresolved business. I had never thought they wanted to hurt us until I started to watch scary movies. Then I, and I deduce you, became fearful of these translucent beings.

So here is what I have to say about that, don’t fear ghosts. Think about all the wonderful people who have died, I really don’t believe they’d be haunting you in such a horrible way. Ghosts have been turned into these gruesome monsters, by television and movies when really I think they’ve been misinterpreted. But Hollywood is what it is and we can’t deny the American public seems to like watching people be chased by bloodied figures flying down the hall in the dark chasing the victim to their untimely death. We like the gore and the spooky feeling it gives us. Why? I really can’t tell ya. But how many times have you hidden under the covers because of a ghost story?

I think our biggest mistake is we consider demons and ghosts the same entity, but really they’re totally different. Demons are evil spirits or fallen angels and trust me, those are people I would be afraid of. Get your blankets friends, and keep the lights on if you have a demon attached to you!
But for now, light a candle and welcome the ghosts into our world.


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About Brina Courtney

Brina Courtney is a young adult author obsessed with chocolate, crime shows, and fantasy movies. She's spent the last few years as an elementary teacher and a high school cheering coach. She lives in a small town in Pennsylvania with her husband and two very loud, small dogs.

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Giveaway: Stealing His Heart by Ella Jade

Genre: Romance

Will the bad-boy pitcher strike out when it comes to love?


Shy music teacher Sophia Ballis has sworn off men. After a bad experience with a college jock she decided it was better to be alone than to get burned again. She focused on her education and now her new job at a local private school.

Professional baseball pitcher Paxton Hughes is a player both on and off the field. He's signed to the Kingston Crushers to bring home the coveted championship title. Nothing can get in his way. Serious relationships don't mix with a life on the road and he never loses focus on the game. One-night stands are his specialty for a reason.

While out jogging one spring morning, the two collide, setting their course in motion. Pax is immediately drawn to the unassuming beauty. Sophia is aware of his reputation and decides one night of meaningless sex with the attractive Texas charmer is just what she needs to get over her self-imposed dry spell. Pax has more than a one-night stand on his mind, but will his bad-boy persona and demanding schedule ruin any chances of a happily ever after?

Content Warning: contains explicit sex and adult content

"Can I walk you to your car?" Pax asked.

"Thank you." Sophia got up from the table and took his hand. "I'm parked right out front."

He led her across the dance floor, waving to the few people who were left, and then out to the parking lot.

"It's that one." She pointed to her beat-up car, the one she'd bought her freshman year of college. It was used then but it still managed to get her where she needed to go. "Probably not as nice as what you drive."

He leaned her against the car and wrapped his arms around her waist. Her heart pounded hard against her chest, strumming loud between her ears. She could smell the beer that lingered on his breath. His hazel eyes narrowed as he swiped the tip of his tongue along his top lip before tilting his head.

"I have a feeling I'm going be seeing you in my dreams tonight."He sighed as he brought his mouth to hers. "Give me something to remember these next few days."

She nodded as she placed her hands on his broad shoulders and guided him to her, closing any space between them. When his warm lips touched hers, she thought she would explode. A burn coursed through her and settled between her legs. The mild tingling she'd experienced when they danced was nothing compared to the intensity she felt now.

As he deepened the kiss, his tongue massaged hers. Increasing his hold on her hips, he pinned her between the car and his massive thighs. She tightened her grip on him when his erection grazed her center. Every nerve ending in her begged to be satiated. The ache inside her stomach moved lower until the dampness invaded her panties. Her nipples poked against the thin material of her silk bra.

When she moaned into his mouth, he placed one last kiss on her lips before pulling away. He looked at her for a moment, pressing his forehead to hers as he stuttered a few words.

"That was…well, I've never…" He ran his fingers through his hair. "You have me tongue-tied, sugar. That doesn't happen often."

Now she wanted to know what else he could do with that tongue.

"You best get in that car and drive away before I…"

She'd never wanted to have a one-night stand more than she did at that very moment. Maggie had said if there was ever a guy to have one with, Pax would be the one. He was a no-strings-attached player. Why hadn't he asked her to go home with him?

"Be safe driving home." He reached for the handle and opened her door. "You have some sweet dreams. I know I sure will."

Sleep? That was the last thing on her mind.

Buy Links:  Beachwalk Press    Amazon        Barnes & Noble 

Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped.

Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy writing, attending PTO meetings, kickboxing, and scrapbooking. She hopes you'll get lost in her words.

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Cannibal Planet by M.E. Brines

First they destroyed his ship, and then they killed his partner and marooned him on a planet of cannibals. But that last one was their mistake. You don’t kill one Space Ranger and leave his partner alive.

Lieutenant AYA is an attractive woman in a man’s world, commander of a mercenary regiment’s artillery. She confuses masculinity with effectiveness, and denies her femininity. Women are soft, sweet and therefore ineffective. Romantic relationships are for the weak.

Marooned on a planet of cannibals as the clock ticks down on the deaths of billions, can a couple who avoid relationships, work together to save the people of the Cannibal Planet from certain death? Find out in Cannibal Planet!


~Excerpt~

I knew it was going to be one of those days when the warning panel lit up like a holiday display before we’d even been in-system ten seconds. Missiles were blossoming into existence all around us and we’d been painted by at least a dozen sensor beams before I even had a chance to swear.

As my hands danced across the control panel bringing the thrusters on line I called to my partner.

“Hey, Kid! Fire up the laser turret in point defense mode, will ya?”

He threw some switches on the weapons panel and asked, “But where are they all coming from? We’re the only ship around.”

“Minefield,” I said, twisting the ship out of the way of a missile, then corkscrewing down towards the planet’s surface. The kid was thrown from his chair.

“Kid, I keep telling you to strap in whenever you’re in a control chair.”

He crawled back toward his position. “Yeah, I know. But how was I to know that we’d fly right into a shooting war four seconds out of jump space in a supposedly peaceful star system?”

“That’s why you always use the restraint harness. By the time you know you’re going to need it, it’s too late.” I shook my head. It was so much easier just to work alone.

We dodged to port and a missile shot past us, its exhaust leaving scorch marks on our hull. He’d almost reached his chair but was thrown again by the sudden movement, rolling across the little control room of the scout ship. Our inertia-dampeners just weren’t quite up to the violent maneuvering I was putting them through.

The sensors displayed an automatic distress signal from a coastal location near the spaceport. Somebody else must have had trouble with the mines. I turned our nose towards our compatriots in misery and punched the thrusters, diving into the atmosphere.

The tracking board began screaming and flashed three missiles closing the range on converging tracks.

“Frack!” I said. “Hold on!”

We spun like a drunken dancer, dodging one. Our laser took out the second but the third punched right through our hull with a dull bong I could feel through the deck. The damage control panel switched its primary color scheme from green to red and my control stick went limp. I hit the release button on my harness, grabbed my suit’s helmet and headed for the door.

“Abandon ship, kid.”

He scrambled to his feet. “But we’ve still got power.”

“Yeah, but the maneuver drive’s toast. That means we’re a sitting duck. It’s only a matter of time before a missile gets past our point defense to finish the job.”

I twisted my suit’s helmet in place over my head and activated both the radio and the outside speakers, then slid down the ladder to the deck below without bothering with the rungs. The kid snapped his own helmet in place and followed me down, but then made a move toward his cabin.

I ran the opposite way toward the cargo hold. “No time!” I called back. “We’ve only seconds to get clear.” And if the next missile took out our fusion bottle this planet would suddenly find itself with a bright, shiny new sun, but not for very long.

Inside the hold I grabbed the backpack I kept stocked with emergency supplies and tossed it into the cargo compartment of the air raft.

“Evacuate the cargo hold.” I told him and started releasing the restraints holding the vehicle to the deck. He punched buttons in a sequence on the control panel by the hatch, then ran to the open cab of the air raft and hopped into the passenger seat.

I threw off the last restraint as the outer hatch began to slide open, sucking the final wisp of atmospheric pressure into the void. Outside, the planet whipped by twice a second as we spun out of control into the atmosphere. If it hadn’t been for the dampeners we’d have been pinned against the wall like insects waiting to be swatted by the next missile. I threw myself into the control seat, hitting the start button with one thumb while my other hand buckled the restraint harness across my body.

“Hang on, kid.” I punched the accelerator and that was the last I ever saw of him.

The air raft shot out of the cargo bay like a missile from a launch tube but when we hit the slipstream roaring past at thousands of kilometers an hour we began tumbling like a leaf in a typhoon. He hadn’t buckled up and vanished from the passenger seat, taken by the wind and the forces of gravity.

I was alone. Again.

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~About the Author~
M.E. Brines spent the Cold War assembling atomic artillery shells and preparing to unleash the Apocalypse (and has a medal to prove it.) But when peace broke out, he turned his fevered, paranoid imagination to other pursuits. He spends his spare time scribbling another steampunk romance occult adventure novel, which despite certain rumors absolutely DOES NOT involve time-traveling Nazi vampires!

A former member of the British Society for Psychical Research, he is a long-time student of the occult and a committed Christian who sees himself as a modern-day Professor Van Helsing equipping Believers for battle against the occult Principalities and Powers that rule a world in darkness. (Ephesians 6:12)

The author of three dozen books, e-books, chapbooks and pamphlets on esoteric subjects such as alien abduction, alien hybrids, astrology, the Bible, biblical prophecy, Christian discipleship, conspiracies, esoteric Nazism, the Falun Gong, Knights Templar, magick, and UFOs, his work has also appeared in Challenge magazine, Weird Tales, The Outer Darkness, Tales of the Talisman, and Empirical magazine.

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The Witch and the Werewolf by Zerlina Valinski

Genre: Paranormal Romance 

 After a harrowing night Tasia Redcape runs frightened to the core from her family's mansion, right into the arms of the handsome werewolf, Conall McKnight.

As Alpha wolf, Conall knew almost right away Tasia was special. His instinctive reaction to her was powerful. With the pressure from his pack to find a mate and settle down can he ignore the desire he feels for the woman who has come...or will he find himself at the mercy of the witch in red?

Tasia froze, her heart racing. The whistle of the wind echoed in her head as she stared at the incredible sight before her.

A fierce wolf shifted in the darkness, eyes glowing. Flesh stretched over bones, twisting, turning, the joints cracking until a man stood before her.

She wanted to flee from him and the craziness of her situation, yet she remained fixed to the ground. He was mystical, magical…nothing could describe what she’d witnessed. “This whole night’s a dream. No, a nightmare.” She glanced up at him.

“It’s no dream. I’m very real.” His eyes glistened brighter as he took her hand. “Welcome to our mountain.”

“It can’t be real.” She shook her head. “I was chased from the mansion by a vile spirit, and into the clutches of a shape shifting wolf pack and their leader. You.” She pointed at him, her hand shaking. “Don’t tell me this isn’t a dream.” A shiver raced up her spine as she recalled the encounter. “I know I’m gonna wake up.”

“Tasia, you’re not dreaming.” He leaned down, warm lips brushing against her cheek. “I’m real.”

“So you’re Conall, the man I met at the diner? The sheriff?”

“Yes.” He nodded just as the clouds moved, allowing silver moonlight to penetrate the leafy canopy and illuminate the area, making him look even more surreal. He stood proud, the contours of his perfect physique emphasized by the wash of moonlight.

Tasia could barely look at him without blushing. She’d seen many naked men in her life, but this one was magnificent. “Perhaps we should get you some clothes." She suddenly had a hot flash, and hoped that her hood hid her thorough approval.

Conall looked at her. “I can tell you’re uncomfortable with my state of undress. I can shift back into my fur-covered self, if it would make you feel better?”

“No, that’s okay.” Out of the corner of her eye she admired how large he was all over. Even his flaccid penis was enormous.

“You’ll have to tell me more about what sent you fleeing from the mansion in such panic. The entire forest heard you coming. You sounded like…”

“The hounds of hell were after me.” She twisted her lips, making a silly face.

“I suppose it’s an appropriate analogy for what we heard, then saw as you rushed toward us.” He pushed a curl back from her face. “The hounds weren’t after you, but the wolves were waiting on you.” He chuckled. “Good thing we aren’t from hell.”

She looked directly into his eyes, surprised to see her reflection in his large, now dark, orbs. For some reason his gentle gestures made her want to cry. She stifled the urge. “Oh my.” Tasia touched her mouth. “I hope Bella’s okay. She slept through the whole thing. Unless she woke up when I left. ” She glanced around. “Bella!” she called out. “I hope she didn’t follow me out and get lost in this wilderness.”

Conall touched her arm. “She’s fine.” He took her hand. “We’ll find her. She’s probably still in the house waiting for you. Dogs don’t wander far from their masters."

“I hope you’re right. I don’t want to lose her. She’s my best friend."

“Come on. My cabin isn’t far from here. You’ll have to tell me what Bella slept through when we get there. I’m very curious to know what sent you from the mansion.”

“We’re going to your cabin?”

“Yes. I’m taking you some place safe. I hear thunder again, and we’d best move or we’ll be soaked."

“You hear thunder? I don’t hear it.”

“I have good hearing. Now come on, let’s make haste before the storm gets to us.”

They walked for what seemed like at least a half an hour.

Goodness, this can’t be real. I can’t be walking beside a naked man who was a wolf…that doesn’t even sound real. She stopped. This is a figment of my overworked imagination. “None of this has really happened, right?”

“I can’t tell you about what sent you flying from the mansion. But I know I’m real, I guess the wolf’s out of the bag on that one.” He smiled widely at his play on words. “I’ll have to trust you with our secret. I think we can.” His expression grew serious.

“Of course. No one would believe me anyway. I’m glad you haven’t eaten me."

“I had a full dinner, remember? Was I on your mind so much you would dream of me?” He moved closer.

“Stop teasing me.”

“All right.” He tugged on her hand to move her along.

“I guess you were on my mind.”

“Come on, the rain is coming. I can smell it. We’re almost there.” He led her around a wide tree trunk. About a hundred feet ahead sat a two-story log cabin in a clearing. His black pickup truck was parked out front, and floodlights lit the yard and paved driveway. Compared to the old Victorian mansion she had inherited, his home appeared very simplistic. “Let’s run, we’ll make it to the porch in time.” Seconds after they stepped up on the porch, the rain arrived, pouring down.

“Wow,” she panted, “it was hard keeping up with you, but we just made it.”

“Yeah, timing’s everything.” He scooped up a pair of jeans which had been draped over the arm of a rocking chair.

Tasia looked away, taking in his comfortable cabin. Despite her efforts to appraise his home, she could not help but admire his powerful body. His cock was no longer flaccid, it stiffened up against his taut stomach. It struck her then: he knew she was appraising him. As soon as she noticed his awareness, Tasia strode to the edge of the porch to look out at the rain and forest instead.

“Do you want to go inside?” He asked from right behind her. His voice had a deep timbre, making her insides quake with nerves and desire. “Hey, I didn’t mean to frighten you. I often move silently.” He put a warm, comforting hand on her shoulder.

“It’s okay.” She shook her head.

He had all of his clothes on now. “Or would you like to sit out here for a few minutes? You can tell me what caused you to leave the Redcape mansion in such a hurry.”

Tasia turned her attention to the rain instead of answering. Droplets pattered the leaves, creating a symphony of sound. The woods were beautiful, a truly magical place. She knew someday she would love it here. This place was her home, she could feel it in her bones, and she was going to have to fight the monster who threatened her happiness. The monster, her grandfather, had been a stranger to her in life, and she didn’t need to know him dead either. Stay dead and stay away, you foul man. She inhaled deeply. The breeze relaxed her.

Conall stood next to her. He put his arm around her shoulder, pulling her against his warm body. “I’m sorry if I’m being too touchy. My people are affectionate when we like somebody."

“And when you don’t like somebody?”

“Well.” His eyes twinkled. “It depends. But, that’s why I have big teeth.” He grinned, showing his teeth. “And big claws.” He held up one of his hands, and it transformed instantly into a clawed paw.

She gasped.

“It makes it easier to eat you with, my dear.” He hugged her closer. “I’m kidding you, I hope you know.”

Tasia looked up at him. “Should I be running for my life?” Their eyes met.

“No, I’ll let you know if you need to. I’ll even give you a head start.”

“Thanks.” She looked down at her hands, then laughed. “It seems as if I’ve known you for years, even though I only met you a couple hours ago. I feel as if I’ve lived a whole lifetime since then.”

“It’s been five hours, actually.” He grinned. “And if you weren’t a Redcape, I’d say it was odd you’re not afraid of me. But, it’s in your blood to accept things which aren’t typical or easily explainable.”

“The mansion isn’t the Redcape mansion. From what I can tell, it’s very much Rayford Flemings’ home. And I’m having a crash course in what it is to be a Redcape woman. But why would that make me accept things better?”

“All magical beings accept these types of situations better, because you know innately within your soul what to believe.” He touched his chest, just over his heart.

“I’m not magical.” She shook her head.

“Really?” He raised his eyebrow. “Why don’t you tell me what sent you running from Rayford’s mansion?”

“When you left, I went to the room you said was prepared for me. There, my grandmother had left a note attached to this cape. She explained it was a gift, passed down through the family. I really like it.” Tasia caressed the velvet.

“I do, too. You make it look beautiful. ”He squeezed her close for a second.

“Thank you. I’ve never had such a lovely cloak. It’s all fascinating to me. This red cape has been in my family for so long.”

“I can understand. It must be hard to grow up not knowing who you are.”

“Yes, it is. I was so excited to find out about this place, it was like a dream come true to know I was part of a family.” She sniffed. “Anyway, I got into bed.” She moved her cape to show him her satiny nightgown.

“I noticed you were dressed for bed when you ran through the forest.” He grinned.

“Yes, I went to bed. Bella found a comfortable place on the floor and she was out. She didn’t even wake when I called to her, or when everything else happened. It was odd.”

“Interesting.” He rubbed her back in a soothing motion.

“I fell asleep. Then I woke to the sound of the piano playing. When I sat up in bed, the candles all flamed to life. I thought I was dreaming.” She shook her head. “And then I saw it. I saw it all. I felt it all. At least, what Rachel felt.”

“What?”

“I saw Rachel and Hunter. Rayford killed them both in that room. He tore out Hunter’s heart, then turned Rachel to ashes. Rayford look directly at me. He actually saw me. He told me to be gone from his house. He called me a whore, and said I’d lain with an animal, betraying him. He turned into more of monster, his face distorted into something hideous. I ran as fast as my feet could carry me.” She leaned her head against his chest. For several minutes, they stood there listening to the sounds of nature.

“So, you saw history play out for you?”

“I guess. But, Rayford saw me. He talked right to me.”

“I have no doubt. He was a warlock of great power. His anger allows him to haunt the place.”

“Did you know he was haunting the place?”

“No.” He shook his head. “Not really. Not like you describe. I’ve never encountered him, although, I’ve never spent the night there either. ”

“Hunter was your brother?”

“Yes.”

“He would have been a lot older than you, right?”

“Yes, he was older than me.”

“I’m not going to let Rayford scare me away. But I don’t want to stay there either. At least, not until I put him to rest somehow. I don’t care if he was a warlock of great power. He told Rachel much of his power had come from the Redcape women. So, there must be a way I can send him back to hell.” Her jaw was tight with fury. “Is there a place I can stay while I’m here working this all out?”

“Yes.”

“Where?” She looked up at him.

“Here.”

“With you?”

“You’re here tonight. I have an extra room.”

“Why are you helping me?”

“Do you want the truth?”

“Always.”

“You’re a beautiful woman. I like your company.”

“Are there any strings attached to me staying here?”

“Strings? Like cooking or cleaning for me? Or maybe having sex with me? Hmm, sounds tempting.” He watched her, then grinned.

  

Buy Links:  Crimson Frost Books    

I am Zerlina Valinski. I am weaver of tales of sensual erotic romance. My stories will take you to places you have never been. You will see fantastic places and people. I will tantalize you with stories of Weres, Shape shifters, Witches, Warlocks, Fairies, Imps, pagan gods and goddesses and more mystical creatures. I will invite you into their sensual worlds where they don't shy away from the carnal as humans do. They indulge their passion and they love without mortal confines of the human mind.

I invite you to partake in these sensual adventures. They will keep your interest.

The world is old and there are many beings here. Human's ignorance doesn't eliminate this reality. Humans are frozen in their ways, their beliefs. But not the creatures of old, they're fully aware of the hidden world around us. Come with me to meet them and see their domains. To live with them and to love with them.

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