Something More by Ella Jade

Title: Something More
Author: Ella Jade
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Beachwalk Press
Reviewer: Lacey Wolfe
Rating: 5/5
Buy: Amazon | B&N | ARe | Beachwalk

An affair and a shocking secret threaten to tear apart a rich and powerful family.

Claudia Samson, housekeeper to the privileged Callahan family, finds herself alone and pregnant after a brief fling with Gavin, the youngest Callahan son. When she informed him of the pregnancy he accused her of running a scam and made it clear that she was on her own.

Brody Callahan, Gavin's older half-brother, has devoted his entire life to running the family business. He doesn't realize what he's been missing by throwing himself into his work until he finds Claudia asleep in the family guest bedroom. He has discovered his very own Sleeping Beauty. Intrigued by the young woman, he vows to get to know her better.

Although Claudia is instantly attracted to the charismatic businessman, she knows her secret will destroy any chance they have for a future together, but Brody's awfully hard to resist.

Meanwhile, as Gavin watches Brody and Claudia's relationship develop, he begins to devise a plan to use the secret to his advantage. He wants full partnership in the business—something he was denied by both his brother and their deceased father—and maybe now he can finally obtain it.

Can Brody and Claudia survive the storm, or will the secrets and blackmail destroy both them and their love?

~Excerpt~

When Claudia made her way outside, the limo was there, but the driver wasn't. She looked around, but didn't see him. She decided to get in and wait for him. He'd have to come back for the car sooner or later.

She opened the door and slipped inside, placing her bag on the floor. She was grateful the air conditioning was on in the car, another perk the bus didn't have.

"Hello, sweetheart."

"Brody?" She looked up and saw him sitting next to her. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see you." He moved his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. "I missed you." He freed her hair from her ponytail and shook it out with his fingers so that it fell down her back and over her shoulders. "Much better, princess."

She laughed because she had just thought of him as The Prince. If he only knew.

"What is it?"

"I'm happy to see you." She giggled. "You make things much better."

"Hard day?"

She leaned closer to him, took his face between her hands, and kissed him. At first, she moved slowly, but the way he looked at her with those smoldering eyes told her everything she needed to know. He was just as excited to see her as she was to see him.

She ran her tongue along his lips, begging for entrance. He eagerly accepted as he parted them and slipped his tongue inside her mouth. His breath was hot and his lips were hungry as he kissed her with more force than she expected. She moved her hands up and twisted her fingers in his hair, moving him closer to her.

He pulled her onto his lap, pushed her hair to the side, and kissed her neck. She could feel his excitement pressing against her hip. His erection was trapped between his stomach and her side. He shifted his hips and rubbed himself into her. She sighed against his mouth, but then he pulled away.

"Claudia." The sound of his voice was both desperate and breathless. "I could take you right here, but that’s not what I want."

"It isn't?" She didn't mean to sound disappointed.

"Let me rephrase that." He moved her to sit beside him. "I would want nothing more than to have my way with you right here, but I don't think either of us intended it to be that way between us the first time."

"You think about our first time?"

"Every second of the day." He shrugged. "I'm a guy."

She laughed, but realized he was right. She'd gotten carried away. It was the way he looked at her, the scent of his body wash, all spice and cinnamon, that drove her crazy.

"It's your fault," she said. "You're irresistible."

"I was thinking the same thing about you."

She shook her head and looked down. She felt his fingers on her chin in an instant, and then she was gazing into his eyes. She loved those blue depths. They were soothing and made her forget everything she had on her mind.

"You really need to take my compliments better. I speak the truth." He kissed her. "I'll keep telling you how perfect you are and eventually you'll believe it."

She would never believe it. A perfect woman wouldn't lead a man like Brody on. A perfect woman would tell him the truth. She was far from perfect.

~Trailer~


Trailer is created by Tamaria Soana

~Review~
Something More is a novel, but its one of those novels that you will want to read in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. And Ella Jade ended each chapter in a way that I had to know what was going to happen next. The author has a tag line on her website : Get Lost In My Words . Mrs. Jade certainly delivers on that!

In this story we meet Claudia who is the housekeeper. She is innocent and one of the brothers prays on that innocence and begins an affair with her, leaving Claudia pregnant. When she tells Gavin, he denies the child and leaves her to be. One evening, the pregnancy has began to wear her down and she falls asleep on the guest bed. I loved this part, because its when the hero of the story, Brody, gets his nickname for her, Sleeping Beauty. Brody is drawn to her from the beginning and has to have her!

Claudia and Brody begin a relationship, but the baby lurks between. Can Brody overcome the fact that she is carrying his brothers baby?

Brody is one of my favorite heroes that Ella Jade has written. He will make you swoon. In fact, I think he's flawless and perfect and I wonder if there is a Brody store somewhere where I can get one just like him. :) If you've read Ella Jade before, you will want this one. If you haven't, then I think this is a great book to start with!

Business & Pleasure by Emily Wood

Can mixing business and pleasure ever result in a happy ending?

When sexy, rich Lawrence Russo asks Mia to come and work for him in Italy for two weeks, she jumps at the chance. After all, it beats pole dancing, and the salary he offers her is practically obscene. 

A relationship quickly begins to develop between the two, but Mia can't help but wonder if Lawrence's feelings for her are genuine or if he feels he's just paying for a service.

Even if their relationship is strong enough to survive her insecurities, what will happen when somebody from her past shows up and threatens to reveal her deepest, darkest secret?

Excerpt:

Lucy looked around nervously. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"I…don't know," Mia admitted. Perhaps she was just being paranoid.

"Mia." She heard a familiar drawl coming from the shadows. Her heart raced in anticipation as she turned to see the speaker. He walked out of the shadows and toward them like a jaguar stalking his prey, but Mia didn't feel intimidated, only excited by his presence.

"You shouldn't go sneaking around in the darkness. You could give a girl a fright." Mia laughed.

"I could leave, if that would please you," he purred. She loved the way he emphasized please. He gave no indication that he was going to leave. Mia was glad.

"Er, maybe I'll just go wait around the corner," Lucy said awkwardly. Mia nodded to acknowledge her, feeling a little guilty, because she had actually forgotten Lucy was still there.

"So, what are you doing here?" Mia tried to seem nonchalant, despite the fact that her body was having some kind of chemical reaction to his presence.

As if from nowhere, the handsome man produced the bottle of champagne he had purchased earlier that night. "I do believe we have plans to share this." He took a step closer to her.

"Oh. I would, it's just we aren't supposed to socialize with the clients outside of the club," Mia said teasingly, although it was technically true.

"Tell me, Mia, do you always do what you're supposed to do?" It seemed as though he had expected her reaction.

"No, I guess not."

"I've been watching you, Mia."

"I've noticed." She took a step in his direction and looked challengingly into his dark eyes. "So, do you like what you see?"

They were close enough to touch, and Mia's every nerve was tingling, hoping to feel his fingers on her skin. He swayed forward and, for a moment, she thought he was going to kiss her, but he leaned toward her ear instead. "I have a business proposition for you," he breathed, sending a shiver through her body before he pulled away from her.

It took Mia a moment to compose herself, and his eyes sparkled with amusement, no doubt he was enjoying her confusion. "Business…a business proposition?" Mia attempted to sound as casual as she possibly could.

"I'm returning to my home in Tuscany tomorrow," he announced.

Mia felt her heart sink, but was determined not to let it show. "Oh, it must be beautiful in Italy this time of year. But what does that have to do with me?"

"I was hoping you would accompany me." 

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About the Author:

I have always believed that the best stories are the ones that you can't put down, the ones that transport you to a different place and make you believe in the characters. This is exactly why I write… I have always loved the escapism that reading and writing provides, and there is nothing more exciting than imagining your own set of characters, and then letting them practically write the story for you. Writing has always been a dream of mine, and I'm lucky to have the kind of people around me that have always nurtured and encouraged my passion.

I live a cozy little life in Wales, and when I'm not writing I'm taking care of my young family, studying for a degree in Classical Studies, and training to become a nail technician. I love traveling to new places, meeting new people, and experiencing new things…it's all great inspiration for my books!

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A Hearts Endeavor

There are times when it's best to allow your heart to overrule your head.

Being diagnosed with depression not only messed up Melanie Manning's life, but her marriage as well. Her husband made it very clear that he considered her "damaged goods" and he didn't have time to coddle a mentally ill wife. After his sudden death, Melanie knew she was destined to be alone. Loneliness sounded a hell of a lot better than exposing her illness to another man. Her self-esteem couldn't survive another blow.

When state trooper Jack Horan meets Melanie, the attraction is immediate. Her deep blue eyes make him weak in the knees, but those eyes also hold a hint of sadness. Jack is determined to wipe away her pain, but how can he do that when Melanie refuses to let him get close to her?

Can Melanie learn to face her fears and trust her heart in the hands of another man?

Content Warning: some strong language, spanking, and sex play with a piece of fruit wielded by a hot guy in uniform.

Excerpt:

Melanie poked her head under the table piled high with Kaiser rolls, paper plates, and plastic utensils. She swept the candy into a neat pile. There. That should be the last of them. She rested on her heels and arched her back. Geez, I'm getting too old for this.

A low hiss sounded from above and she twisted at the waist. The first thing she saw was a pair of black shoes spit-polished to a shine. Dark, charcoal gray slacks covered a pair of long legs. Her gaze continued upward and a gun came into view. Great, a state trooper. It would be her luck to meet one in this undignified position. If the poor guy had been standing there the entire time the upper half of her body was underneath the table then he sure as hell didn't get a view of her best side. Not that she had one.

Melanie recognized a flashlight and radio tucked in the utility belt hugging his lean waist. Other unfamiliar items were strapped to it too. The belt looked heavy enough to weigh a pound or more. How in the world did his pants stay in place if he had to hit the ground at a run? Her cheeks warmed. Of all the things that could've popped into her head, why did she always think of the most inane?

She purposely avoided looking at the impressive bulge peeking between his fingers. Oh, and what a bulge it was. Stop it, Mel. You're here to work and get your mind off your problems.

She tilted her head. Her heart skipped a beat. The man was gorgeous. Square jaw, firm lips, hawk-like nose, and forest green eyes framed by ridiculously long lashes mixed well with his short, black hair. A touch of gray at his temples sexed him up all the more. Powerful shoulders stretched the seams of a meticulously pressed light gray uniform shirt. The name tag pinned to the right of his broad chest read Horan. Her eyes rested on his face. Stone face. The noise she heard hadn't come from this guy.

Embarrassed to be caught in such an awkward position, and by a state trooper no less, Melanie scrambled to her feet. She hurried to the sink and washed her hands. She did her best to act the professional employee, but the pulse hammering at the base of her throat threatened to cut off her air supply. Her lips trembled and the palms of her hands grew moist with sweat.

"W-what can I get you, officer?" Way to go, now you're stuttering.

A dark brow arched, but he remained silent. She bit her bottom lip in consternation. Okay, not a talker. But how was she supposed to know what he wanted?

After a second or two had passed he said, "I'd like something hot."

Melanie blinked and her breath hitched. She wouldn't have minded being on the menu. He means food, you dolt. No way can you be considered hot. She tossed a dish towel over her shoulder and gestured toward the two crockpots on the table behind her. "Um, we have homemade chili and pulled pork barbecue, plus hoagies made to order." Her voice rose to a nervous pitch. Her first impulse was to run, but she stood there and waited for him to decide.

She shuffled her feet. Men in uniform always made her pulse leap. A leaping pulse she could deal with, but the throbbing between her legs threw her for a loop. As far as she was concerned that pulse just didn't…pulse anymore.

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About the Author:


Mary Wehr has always been an avid reader of romance novels and dreamed of someday writing one of her own. After years of dreaming about it, she finally did it.

She lives in northeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, pet dove, and guinea pig. She has one grown daughter.

Mary has a soft spot for animals and works part time at a doggie bakery, making treats for our four-legged friends. She’s a nature lover and when the weather is warm she can most often be found outdoors.

She'd love to hear from you. You can e-mail her at mkwehr@verizon.net

Something More by Ella Jade + Giveaway

An affair and a shocking secret threaten to tear apart a rich and powerful family.
Claudia Samson, housekeeper to the privileged Callahan family, finds herself alone and pregnant after a brief fling with Gavin, the youngest Callahan son. When she informed him of the pregnancy he accused her of running a scam and made it clear that she was on her own.
Brody Callahan, Gavin's older half-brother, has devoted his entire life to running the family business. He doesn't realize what he's been missing by throwing himself into his work until he finds Claudia asleep in the family guest bedroom. He has discovered his very own Sleeping Beauty. Intrigued by the young woman, he vows to get to know her better.
Although Claudia is instantly attracted to the charismatic businessman, she knows her secret will destroy any chance they have for a future together, but Brody's awfully hard to resist.
Meanwhile, as Gavin watches Brody and Claudia's relationship develop, he begins to devise a plan to use the secret to his advantage. He wants full partnership in the business—something he was denied by both his brother and their deceased father—and maybe now he can finally obtain it.
Can Brody and Claudia survive the storm, or will the secrets and blackmail destroy both them and their love?
Content Warning: graphic sex and some explicit language
Beachwalk Press Buy Link

Excerpt
As Claudia placed the last throw pillow on the bed, she couldn’t help but think how inviting it looked. It was a little after three o’clock, and she still had an hour to work, but she was so tired, and her back was sore. She just needed to sit for a moment. She knew Angela was down at the stables and wasn’t due back for a bit, so she sat on the edge of the bed and closed her eyes.
She was only eleven weeks pregnant, but that little baby was sucking every last ounce of energy from her body. The afternoons were the worst. All she wanted to do was cuddle on the couch in her tiny apartment and sleep for an hour or two. She leaned back and sunk deep into the soft mattress. Her bed at home was nowhere near this comfortable. Everything was spotless and pretty in the guest bedroom. The sunlit room smelled like fresh-cut roses. The soft pink tones adorning the walls and curtains lulled her into a deep state of relaxation.
The last thing she remembered was the white of the ceiling before she heard a voice pull her from her unintentional slumber. She felt a warm hand on her arm. As soon as she opened her eyes she realized what had happened.
She’d fallen asleep, on the job, in a guest bedroom of a home she was hired to clean. As she gazed into his stunning blue eyes she tried to recover from her nap. She’d never noticed how clear his eyes were. Then again, she’d never been this close to Brody Callahan before.
“Is everything okay, Ms. Samson?” He pushed a strand of his thick, dark hair from his forehead. He and Gavin had almost the same messy kind of haircut, but Brody’s hair was darker and tamer.
Claudia stood from the bed much too quickly. The room swirled around her and then she lost her balance, falling against his hard, muscular chest.
“Whoa.” He caught her by the forearm, staring down at her with concern. “Are you okay?”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Callahan.”
Could my day get any worse?


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About the Author:
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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Ella is giving away a digital copy of her book. To enter for a chance to win please fill out the Rafflecopter!
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Forsaken Norse Wind by Ciara Lake + Giveaway

A troll, a mortal, and a love hot enough to melt ice.

Trapped in a vicious life, Breanna Devion survives only by the strength of her heart. Determined to have more than what her abusive stepfather has planned for her, she's willing to risk everything to be free.

Axel Venrick is a troll who has spent centuries alone, isolated in his castle in Iceland. At the insistence of others, Axel crafts the ultimate tool to find his soul mate. He creates a beautiful ring which is bespelled, blessed by a god, and sent forth to locate Axel's other half.

The ring finds Breanna just in time to prevent her stepfather's disastrous plan from taking place. But angry gods, vengeful parents, and an evil lurking in the immortal world all conspire to destroy the love of the jaded troll and his innocent mortal. Can their love free them or will the evil spreading from the bowels of the earth destroy them first?

Content Warning: graphic sex, some violence

EXCERPT
"How can you be a troll? They don't really exist." Breanna shook her head. "You're too
handsome. At least now you're handsome. You're like a warrior and very clever. That's not a
troll."

"So you've heard stories of trolls, and you believe these stories are true? Yet you think trolls are
fiction?" He chuckled. "That's not consistent logic."

"Yes." She nodded. "I mean, no." She shook her head, confused. "I don't know. Sometimes, it's
hard to know what's real."

"Well, there are trolls. I'm testament to that. I am a master craftsman, an artisan among the troll
peoples. Axel Venrick at your service." He bowed, then took her hand. She did not resist. He
kissed the back of it, and heat rushed to her face. From where his lips touched her hand, a
powerful sensation traveled through her, much like the ring's effect.

"Good day, Axel Venrick." She curtsied, her heart pounding in her chest. She was not afraid.
Instead, she felt enamored. "It's been an experience meeting you." She'd never been close to a
handsome man. Not only was he handsome, he was powerful. She liked his power. She knew she
should be fearful of him, but she yearned for the excitement he brought. Waves of reassurance
seemed to vibrate from her ring, relaxing her, helping her trust him.

"I'm not always as you just witnessed, it's only when I allow myself to transform to frighten
others or to serve whatever purpose I need. But most think trolls to be ugly and monstrous. It's
what they remember. Plus, I'm hardly dim-witted." He grinned. "I like to think I'm rather clever.
Those tales you've heard are only tales. All tales have bits of truth mixed with fiction. They've
been made and spread by humans. Humans are often inaccurate."

"Trolls are mean," she challenged. "Right?"

"Yes, at times. Humans are as well. All beings can be mean. Look at Hugh. He's a monster, just
not a very powerful one."

"Yes, he is." She played with the rose Axel had given her. It smelled wonderful on this winter's
day.

"I don't deny trolls are selfish, territorial, predatory, and scheming, or at least we can be. Doesn't
it sound like Hugh?"

"Yes." She nodded. "You admit those things about trolls?"

"Would you wish me to lie? I'm not a saint or even close. As I said, the tales are mixed with truth
and fiction. Trolls do have a reputation for being unpleasant at times. I can be unpleasant if need
be."

"You can be unpleasant? I don’t believe it," she teased him, grinning.

"What's your name, lass? I like your quick wit." He smiled down at her.

"Breanna Devion."

"Lovely name. It's a great pleasure to have found you, Breanna Devion." Again, he bowed at the
waist. "You're lovely beyond words. I can tell you have a tender heart. May I come in to visit
more with you? Will you serve me a drink at your table? I wish to know you, and I want to
answer all questions you may have."

She studied him for several moments. "I don't know." She backed further into the house, the door
still open, just looking at him.

"Breanna, if I intended to harm you, I would have done it by now. This door cannot stop me.
You've seen my power. I intend you no harm. I wish only to bring you pleasure, to keep you
safe. I've looked for you especially. My heart as well as my body has been lonely." At his words,
her heart raced more.

"Go wait out there." She pointed out into the yard a distance from the house. "I need to think.
You make me…nervous."

"Out there?" He nodded to where she'd pointed.

"Yes, I'll think about it. Your closeness confuses me." She stepped forward and closed the door.

"Breanna. Breanna Devion, open your door to me."

"I said I want to think about it," she yelled through the door. "If you are as you say, you will
wait."

About the Author:

Reading and writing is a wonderful diversion from an often-difficult world. I love to create my own
stories and have control over how things will end. It's exciting to create brand new worlds and
characters. My imagination can come alive.

In sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal stories, I can invent wonderful places and people. Anything is possible
in these genres, it's limitless. I'm able to create an escape into a special world filled with unique and
fantastic things and there is always a happy ending.

A high school teacher inspired me to write. However, instead of initially pursuing my writing career I
became a lawyer. I work in divorce court, so erotic romance is a great escape. There can be true love
and happy-endings, at least on my pages.

My two children and I have two good-humored dogs that share our home and ease our stress. I have
traveled and lived all over the world, and these experiences have given me great creative ideas. I look
forward to creating many more adventures in romance.

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Forsaken Paradise by Elise Whyles

Title: Forsaken Paradise
Author: Elise Whyles
Publisher: Beachwalk Press
Pages: 125
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What could be more dangerous than loving a rogue?
Condemned as a rogue and punished by his master, Angrail, one of the Seven Paradise Walkers, has wandered mortal and immortal worlds for centuries. He's determined to find those responsible for killing an innocent woman and the child she carried, no matter the cost to himself.
Ephynia, a demoness with scars, has spent a lifetime serving Nerafail, Lord of the Dead. When she unwittingly stumbles upon the one being who can end her loneliness, the battered Angrail, her life changes forever.
Unknown to Angrail and Ephynia, evil lurks in the shadows. There are those who believe Angrail and Ephynia are the key to preventing a coming war—a war that they need to take place—and they seek to end their lives.
Can Angrail find love in the arms of a demoness at war with herself? Or will the secrets hidden within the bowels of their worlds destroy them before they can find peace?

EXCERPT
Ephynia froze, a touch unlike anything she’d ever felt washing over her. Turning her head, she scanned the battlefield. Pockets of gray mist navigated the fallen as other demons and demonesses stalked their prey. All of Nerafail and Seraphine’s forces were out due to the numbers of dead and dying. Souls had to be collected, penance delivered…yet there was something tugging at her.

“Please, give me pity and I swear on my lord’s head I will honor it. Do not—”

“Silence.” Ephynia lifted his head. “Else I bind your mouth shut with your own tongue!”

Shaking the head, she ignored the vibration of the soul. Instead her attention remained on her search. Something was there. Someone who called to her.

“Where or what are you?” Ephynia tensed at the suffocating feeling of power around her.

“Why do you not return him to me?” Nerafail’s voice filled her mind.

“I cannot, master.” Ephynia closed her eyes. “Something holds me to this plane.”

“What?”

“I do not know. He comes even now. I shall return as soon as I have killed the one who binds me here.” Opening her eyes, she caught the gaze of another demoness of her sect.

“Ephynia, what is it?” The other demoness adjusted her bow.

“Take this bottom-feeder to Nerafail. He has been condemned.”
“What of you?”

Ephynia shrugged, she could not explain what kept her there, but she would. “I’ve a new hunt.” Ignoring the prickle of unease at Nerafail’s displeasure, she turned back to the battlefield.

* * * *
Angrail groaned, agony washing through him with the force of the tides. The mangled body next to him wheezed with his dying breath, his spirit confused. Cursing Nerafail for his binding, Angrail closed his eyes. He could do nothing to aid the warrior, to carry him to his rest. Instead he lay, trembling, freezing in the heat of the desert sun. Sweat pooled on his abdomen, blood congealed beneath him.

The tip of an arrow wiggled with each wracking cough of his body’s protest. He could feel the agony within the form he was bound to, and the gnawing pain had him wishing for death.

Gasping at the icy touch of one from his order, he opened his eyes to stare at the man above him. Compassion lay in those blue eyes as they drifted over Angrail’s body before moving onto the man next to him.

“Please.” Angrail swallowed against his swollen tongue. “Please, Thantos.”

“I cannot.” He guided the mortal’s soul to its feet. “Only Nerafail can release you from your torment.” Turning, he led the confused soldier toward the massive barge floating up to the battle.

“Your peace will come, brother.” Thantos’s words offered little comfort.

“Nay.” Angrail groaned, rolling toward his sword. His wounds would fester, the poison would consume him, but he would not die. No, his fate lay in the hands of one who had long ago forsaken him.







About the Author:
Born in a small community, Elise Whyles lives in Canada with her son and husband. She’s currently working on the next book in the Canadian Heros Trilogy as well as the next book in the paranormal romance series Forsaken. Elise writes in multiple genres, paranormal, contemporary, erotic, m/m. To learn more about her or to drop her a note please stop by her website.

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The Monster of Fame by Aimee Duffy

Can the voice of an angel heal a tortured soul?

Annabelle MacIntosh enters a reality singing contest to save her family from their mounting debt. Miles Oliver, celebrity judge and the owner of the biggest record company in the UK, doesn't think she has what it takes. She sings like an angel, but when she performs all he can focus on is the terror in her eyes. It's a look he knows only too well. After the pressure of fame destroyed his wife, Miles swore he'd never let the same thing happen to anyone else. Driven by the guilt he's carried for years, Miles tries everything in his power to make sure Annabelle doesn't succeed, because he doesn't believe she'll survive it.

Annabelle needs that prize money, and she's determined to win it. As she fights to make it through each round of the contest, an attraction begins to develop between the two adversaries. The longer Annabelle remains in the competition, the deeper her attraction grows to the man who's trying to prevent her from reaching her goal. Can she convince Miles she's strong enough to fight the fame monster and win?

Excerpt
"We only have white. I hope that's okay," Annabelle said as she pulled a bottle from the fridge.

"White's fine," Miles assured her.

She reached for the top shelf of one of the cupboards, pulling out two glasses. A strip of pearly skin flashed at her waist as the top rose. His attention was drawn to the creamy concave of her stomach. His throat grew tight. Every part of him itched to be closer to her.

"Here we go." She carried the glasses over to the work surface he was leaning on. Her floral scent engulfed him.

"Annabelle," he whispered.

She looked up at him, surprise crossing her features until she looked harder. She must have seen the feral hunger in his expression, known that when his attention dropped to her plump lips it was because he wanted to taste them. When his gaze locked hers, a flush stained her cheeks, but this time it wasn't embarrassment.

Her cobalt gaze dropped to his lips and she moistened hers. Miles doubted anyone could resist this kind of desire. This feeling went beyond lust to an almost carnal level. It was all-consuming and he didn't have the strength to fight it.

Worse still, he didn't want to.

With his mind filled with nothing but her, he dipped his head down and brushed his mouth against pink lips as soft as rose petals. He intended to pull away after a second, but need sped through his veins with a force he couldn't control. Instead of pulling back, he cupped the nape of her neck with his hand and deepened the kiss.

Annabelle's mouth opened and he could taste her sweet breath on his tongue. She melted against him as she snaked her hands around his neck. Every part of his body that touched hers burned, and for the first time in six years, he was harder than granite.

He pulled back and feathered her jaw with kisses. She gasped when he reached her neck, igniting his desire to an inferno. "Annabelle," he groaned against the skin at her collarbone. She shivered all over.

He closed his eyes and nibbled her silky skin. Just as he was about to move back to her lips, Cassie's face—gray and lifeless—flashed to the forefront of his mind. His heated blood morphed into cold sludge in his veins.

Miles released her, instantaneously jumping back as if her touch burned him. Annabelle's skin flushed and her eyes were so dark they were no longer blue. Confusion colored her expression, and he couldn't speak. Guilt lay heavy in his gut, threatening to travel up his throat and choke him.

Closing his eyes, he pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. Cassie's face—cold and lifeless—was ingrained against his lids and the sick feeling came back, the same as it had when he'd found her dead in their apartment.

"Miles?"

He opened his eyes to Annabelle's crestfallen face. His was so numb he couldn't imagine what kind of expression he wore.

"I…can't," he choked out and started toward the door, pushing away her outstretched hand. Once outside he gulped in a breath of cool night air and jumped into his car. What had he been thinking? He was supposed to befriend the girl, not kiss her until he became drunk with desire.

Miles barked out a hard, humorless laugh. There really wasn't any point in bothering to kiss anyone at all, especially since he couldn't take things further with anyone, let alone with Annabelle. No matter how much he might want to.

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About the author For as long as I can remember, I've had a good book in my hands. In primary school I loved Roald Dahl. In high school my English teacher introduced me to Charles Dickens, Stephen King, Jane Austin, Emily Bronte, and Shakespeare. It was then that I discovered my love for romance and I've wanted to pen my own imaginary heroes and heroines for others to enjoy ever since. Only in the last few years was I lucky enough to meet some fabulous and encouraging people to help me gain the skills to make that dream possible.

I live in sunny Scotland in a small town near the Ochils and work nine to five in a solicitors office. In my free time, you'll find me on Facebook, stalking *cough* following friends on Twitter, and may even catch me shoe shopping.
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Bound by Pleasure VBT + Giveaway

Can Megan let her guard down enough to experience the pleasures Greg has to give?
Megan thinks she knows all about the BDSM lifestyle. Her best friend is active in it and she is an erotic romance author who writes about the lifestyle. So when Megan decides to explore it first hand, she learns quickly that everything she thought she knew, she didn’t.

Greg isn’t your typical Dom. He’s an artist and his life is anything but organized. He likes Megan from the start. She’s honest and he sees something in her. The more time he spends with her, the more he finds himself acting in ways he never has before. He decides to see if she might feel the same way, but the more he pushes to get her to open up, the more it seems she’s stepping away.

Can Megan sort out her feelings before it’s too late?

Turning off the car, Megan grabbed her purse. She quickly checked her makeup and hair in the rearview mirror. It was now or never. Taking a deep breath, she climbed out of her car and headed for the front door. The house was gorgeous and the yard was well taken care of. Once she made it up the stone walkway, she saw that the door was ajar. Strange.

She pushed it open and called out and was greeted by a deep voice that echoed from somewhere in the back. He directed her to go to his study which she would find to her left.

Well, she had made it this far, and he knew she was here—there was no turning back now. Once again she took a deep breath, and she made her way to his study. The door was closed when she found it, so once inside the room she made sure to shut it back.

Megan couldn’t believe the sight of his office. It was in complete disarray. Not one bit of organization. There were half started paintings on canvases scattered here and there, and piles of paper stacked on the bookshelves and desk. Perhaps it was best to get out of there. She couldn’t understand why Dawn had recommended him. This was not what she’d expected at all.

Right as she was about to leave she heard the doorknob jiggle. Her eyes widened as she wondered what to do next. Should she meet him on her knees? Or simply take a seat in a chair since this was only an interview? She opted for the chair and sat just as he walked in.
It took every ounce of Megan’s self-control not to let her mouth drop open when she saw the man who presented himself in front of her. Once again, this was not what she had expected. In strutted a man in loose, ripped jeans and a baggy t-shirt. He had sandy brown hair that was long and tied back in a ponytail. His eyes were crystal blue. A gorgeous smile was plastered on his face as he took a seat directly in front of her on a bar stool.

“You must be Megan,” he said.

“I am.” She had no idea how to address him or what to say.

“I apologize for keeping you waiting.” He reached over and took a piece of paper from the pile on his desk. “I looked over your application, and I see that you only have a little experience in this lifestyle. Have you ever had a Master?”

“No,” she responded.

Greg’s eyes drifted up and down her body. If she wasn’t feeling self-conscious before, she definitely was now.

“Is something wrong?” he asked.

“No, why?”

“You have to be honest with me or else I won’t even consider you. Trust is very important in a relationship such as you’re wanting to enter into.”

Taking a deep breath, she blurted out, “To be frank, you’re not what I was expecting.”
He chuckled. “Continue.”

“You’re so laid back, your office is not organized, and well, as I said, you are not what I was at all expecting.”

“Tell me then, what were you expecting?”

“A businessman with a powerful job.”

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Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it’s getting lost in a

book or writing her own. From the time she was a child she would slip away to

write short stories about people she knew and fantasies she wished would happen.

It has always been her dream to be a published author and with her two children

now of school age, she finally has the time to work on making her dream come

true.

Lacey lives in Georgia with her husband, son and daughter, their six cats and one

black lab who rules the house.

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