Giveaway and Spotlight On: Private Release by Amy Ruttan

Title: Private Release

Genre: Paranormal/shifter Erotic Romance

Flame rating: Scorching

Released: 6/7/2013

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Word count: 30K

Blurb:

Jared Stevens hasn't been the same since he was shot. His duty is to marry a Mukswa woman and be a strong leader. He lets the elders of his clan choose his bride, because the woman he wants is only in his fantasies, the only woman who brings him to exquisite release.Adele Banks loved being a Mountie, but one shot ended her career and altered her world forever. Adele is determined to make a life for herself. She's hired to recover Beare Enterprises embezzled funds, but what she didn't count on is being extremely attracted to her client when meeting him for the first time as he's naked in his shower.Adele is Jared's mystery woman, but she's taboo. He bonds to her, but has to keep his society secret, as much as he wants to mark her as his own.As Jared fights his own inner beast, remnants of the prior chief's wrath is affecting the clan and Adele. To save Adele's life, Jared may just have to betray his clan's secret and risk his heart.

Buy link: http://www.ellorascave.com/private-release.html

Excerpt 4 R

The scent of the mystery woman was stronger and instinctively he knew the only way he could release was to thrust his cock into her tight pussy.

Only she was just a figment of his imagination. She wasn’t real.

“Fuck,” he roared and then slammed his fist against the frosted glass doors in frustration, shattering it. Blood gushed from his hand. He stepped over the broken glass and blindly grabbed a towel, wrapping it around his hand to staunch the flow of blood. As he tied it off there was a gasp of surprise and the voice was distinctly female, it was followed by shuffling and the thud of the door closing.

Jared’s head snapped up. The scent of that woman he’d been dreaming of was heavy in the air. Like his figment had materialized. It was clinging to the tendrils of steam from his shower.

He turned off the water and headed straight for the bathroom door, leaving a trail of water behind him. All he could do was follow the enticing scent of that intoxicating perfume.

Jared flung open the door. He was pissed someone had invaded his privacy, but he had to know where that smell came from. The perfume that drove his inner beast. “What in the name of…?” He lost track of what he was going to say when he caught sight of the beautiful human female bracing herself against the elevator doors.

It was the woman he had pictured countless times, only more in focus.

His instincts told him—screamed at him—that this was her.

Her scent carried her fear and he could see her pulse point pounding at the base of her throat. Her dark eyes were wide, her pink lips formed a perfect O of shock and his bear growled inside like thunder rolling, loud and clear.

This was the female his inner bear wanted, this human.

Human?

Jared took a step back. She was human. He couldn’t have her as a mate. His mate was chosen. The chief had to have someone pure blooded.

The bear growled again, displeased.

He wanted her.

Jared wanted her.

Red bloomed in her cheeks and she looked askance at him. Jared realized he was stark naked, with a hard-on, in front of a total stranger.

“I’m so…sorry. I thought…I thought it was a closet.” She was quaking.

Confused, Jared realized he was standing on her coat, which was now soaking wet. He noticed two crutches scattered on the floor leading to her and it dawned on him she wasn’t shaking from fright, she physically couldn’t support herself.

Not thinking about his nudity he rushed forward and caught her in his arms as her knees buckled from under her.

“Fuck,” she cursed as she clung to him. Her head plastered against his chest, his face was nestled in her dark hair, which smelled like green tea. Exactly like the woman from his dream. “Fuck. Dammit all to hell.”

She had quite the potty mouth on her.

“Are you all right?” He managed to ask, but still held her close against his body.

“Just embarrassed.” She pushed against his chest feebly. Jared helped her stand, but still held her up.

“What do you need?”

“My crutches.” Her cheeks were still pink and she wouldn’t look him in the eye. The poor thing was humiliated beyond all recompense and he didn’t know why, until he remembered he was still stark naked.

“I apologize for my lack of attire,” he offered, but he wasn’t that sorry. The inner beast in him was positively purring, begging to strip her down to nothing and make up for this indiscretion in other ways. He scooped her up and carried across the room to his overstuffed armchair and set her down. Then he turned and retrieved her crutches. She took them and held onto them, but still wouldn’t look him in the eyes.

“Can I do anything else for you?” Jared asked.

“You could put on some clothes.” A smile quirked the corner of her luscious, pink, full lips.

Author Bio:
Born and raised on the outskirts of Toronto, Ontario Amy fled the big city to settle down with the country boy of her dreams. When she's not furiously typing away at her computer, she's a mom to three wonderful children, who have given her another job as a taxi driver.

A voracious reader, she was given her first romance novel by her grandmother who shared her penchant for a hot romance. From that moment, Amy was hooked by the magical worlds, handsome heroes and sigh worthy romances contained in the pages and she knew what she wanted to be when she grew up.

Life got in the way, and after the birth of her second child, she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a romance author.

Amy loves to hear from readers. It makes her day, in fact. You can find out more about Amy at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.ruttan.3?ref=tn_tnmn
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ruttanamy
Website: http://www.amyruttan.com
Blog: http://amyruttan.blogspot.com

Giveaway!!!!

Legal Information:

- Entering this contest means you have read, understood, and agree with all rules and regulations stated.- Entrants must be 18 or older (or age of majority in your country) to enter and to win.- No purchase necessary.- Void where prohibited.- All stated rules are subject to change without notification or reason given.- Chances of winning vary widely based on the number of entries received.- Prize is as stated. No substitutions or exchanges.

- Contest host/organizer is not responsible to misrepresented/mis-typed email addresses, spam filters, mailer demons, and other internet wackiness that may crop up at the time of winner notification.

- Winners are final.- Contest Starts 00:01EST June 7, 2013 and Ends 12:59EST June 28, 2013 and open to International participants- Winners will be notified via email, twitter, or facebook no later than 12:00EST July 1, 2013 -Respond by date to collect prize is 14 days from notification date

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Sunday Spotlight and Review On: The Secret Seekers Society and The Beast of Blandenboro by J.L. Hickey

Title: The Secret Seekers Society and the Beast of Bladenboro

Author: J. L. Hickey

Genre: YA/Fantasy/Paranormal

Publisher: Self Published

Release Date: Dec 31 2012

Edition/Formats Available In: Ebook

Synopsis:

Secret Seekers Society and the Beast of Bladenboro follows the young protagonists Hunter Glenn, and Eliza Lynn through an adventure ripe with adversity, paranormal monsters, secret societies, and most haunting of all, a life without their parents.

It all happened one fall afternoon when they learned that their parent’s plane had gone down overseas, never to be seen again.

The book follows the siblings as they are dropped off at their new guardian’s home, an ancient and creepy mansion known only as the Belmonte Estate. Here they unravel the secrets of their parent’s true identities, the origin of the mysterious Mansion, and their inheritance into an ancient secret society of monster hunters known as Seekers

Book Links

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Goodreads

J.L. was born in Saginaw, Michigan where he has a Bachelor's Degree in Creative Writing through Saginaw Valley State University. He has written and is currently self publishing two novels, the first entitled The Deity Chronicles: Origins was released in 2008.

His recent release, The Secret Seekers Society and the Beast of Bladenboro was released 12/31/12 and has garnered a decent amount of momentum in its initial release.

You can follow J.L. Hickey's works at www.secretseekerssociety.com

He also dabbles in literary short fiction, and poetry.

When J.L. is not writing, he heads up a local paranormal investigation group in his home town.

Social Media Links

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Blog

Facebook Author Page

Goodreads

Twitter

Website

Excerpt 

"The taxicab weathered its way through a thick storm down the country road. Raindrops the size of quarters fell onto the windows as Hunter peered out the passenger side lost in a daze of melancholy. The rhythmic splashes created natural harmonic sounds—their father would say it was Mother Nature’s way of creating natural musical harmony. Lightning streaked through the dark pale sky, briefly illuminating the overcast roadway, the thunder making Elly jump slightly. She never did like storms…

The ominous weather was fitting for the siblings’ current mood. Despite its treachery for the cabdriver, who tried his best to safely navigate through the intense rain and howling winds. Hunter and Elly welcomed the raging storm; if anything, it was a small distraction from the current dark reality that summed up their lives.

“Well,” the cabdriver spoke once again, trying to break the awkward silence, “not sure where it is you two are going. These directions they gave me sure aren’t taking us down the beaten path. I don’t think there’s a paved road for miles down this way.”

Hunter didn’t reply to the friendly gesture. Elly also ignored him, quietly humming an old tune her mother used to sing her to sleep, making it apparent she wasn’t interested in any type of conversation with the strange man. It had been a long drive already, and the only thing keeping the cabdriver awake was his trusty coffee mug filled to the brim with the bitterest coffee imaginable."

Harry Potter fans will love this.  This book dips more into the creature lore and helping society, then into wizardry and witches.  The mansion is a sight to behold, filled to the brim with magic and wonder. Any child would love to explore the seemingly endless floors and hide-aways associated with this new and wondrous place, if the two children in question weren't so sad.  Tragedy has struck our two main characters, which is why our book begins on such a dreary note.  But don't this deter you from an incredible story.  Hunter and Elly have much to learn, not only about their parents past, but their own bloodline and the incredible events about to take place during this magical time.  But for every light, their is also a dark.  In this story the dark presents itself as the arch rival of the Professor, and he is scary indeed.  This book was chalked full of adventure and wonder!  I highly recommend to all YA paranormal lovers!!  This is one adventure you don't want to miss out on!!

Spotlight On: A Celtic Tapestry

Blurb The wheel of the year turns, bringing the joy of spring, the warmth of summer, the richness of autumn, and the merriment of winter. But eight Celtic festivals link these seasons together, bringing with them romance, lust, danger, and even magic. From a city under threat from night-time creatures at Ostara, to a selkie caught by the light of the Lughnasadh moon, to a writer caught in the flames of a fiery goddess at Imbolc.
Eight authors have come together to give their own twist on these festivals, weaving each story with a blend of myth, magic, and contemporary telling…to create A Celtic Tapestry.

Crimson Beat--Elle J Rossi In Nashville, Ostara night is filled with monsters...and only one woman can take them on. Beltane Fires--Livia Ellis Deep in the Irish countryside, a witch takes over as Mother of her coven. Will a 'wink at the moon' love spell give her what she most wants? Blade's Magic--Carolyn Wolfe Midsummer celebrations are going as usual for one magical young woman, until she comes into contact with Max Blade--a man from another dimension. Shore's Edge--Tara S Wood Lammas beckons in Ireland in the year 1170, bringing with it war. Will one feisty young woman have to marry the man she hates most, or will the Gods bring her another answer? The Picnic--Elodie Parkes The woods near Morgan's home are under threat. But will salvation come for the woods--and himself--in the form of a beautiful environmental officer? Shadows in the Dark--Miranda Stork A surprising past life regression opens up a new world for one young woman...but it also throws her at the mercy of an unknown Shadow Man. Magic in Memphis--Hunter S Jones Memphis. The favourite place of a hard working public-relations employee, whose life is good, but without surprise...until she has a chance meeting with James Wellington on Yule night, throwing her world upside-down. Brigid's Flame--Laura DeLuca A writer, depressed at the turns of his career and losing his relationship with his girlfriend, looks to the Gods for inspiration at Imbolc...and finds the goddess Brigid answers his prayers.
Buy the Book Amazon | Goodreads Amazon.co.uk Barnes & Noble www.moonrosepublishing.com  

Giveaway and Spotlight On: Tristan's Lyceum Wolves

Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves  (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 3) Genre:  Erotic Paranormal Romance Publisher:  Independent Date of Publication:  March 28, 2013

Blurb/Book Description: An erotic paranormal romance... Charismatic and powerful Lyceum Wolves' Alpha, Tristan Livingston, is out for revenge after a devastating attack on his pack. Not only did he survive a building collapse, he orchestrated the rebuild of his chic, state-of-the-art nightclub within a week. Determined to mete out justice, he rescues a beautiful witness who may be the key to helping him find the perpetrators. Dr. Kalli Williams, dedicated veterinarian, is hiding a secret that endangers not only her own life but the lives of wolves across the country. After being tortured by a savage vampire, she's reluctantly agrees to help the sexy Alpha in his quest to identify suspects; ones who'd kill her on the spot if they knew she existed. As Kalli places herself in the hands of the dominant wolf, she soon finds she wants nothing more than to submit. Tristan, committed to ruling his pack as a lone wolf, is inexplicably drawn to the mysterious and enticing woman, who seems more than human, but not quite supernatural. As he discovers her secret, he teaches her the meaning of trust, helping her learn how to be true to her nature. After living a lifetime alone, will he succumb to the visceral need to claim her, acknowledging the soul binding connection between an Alpha and his mate? And will he prevail against the menacing enemy who threatens to destroy Lyceum Wolves?

Warning:  This book contains several erotic love scenes, including m/f/m menage, and is intended for adult readers only.

Purchase Links for Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves:   AMAZON US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C3KCYOU AMAZON UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tristans-Lyceum-Immortals-Orleans-ebook/dp/B00C3KCYOU/ref=la_B007P8DNSQ_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1364830031&sr=1-3 AMAZON CA:  http://www.amazon.ca/Tristans-Lyceum-Immortals-Orleans-ebook/dp/B00C3KCYOU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364830147&sr=1-1

Author Bio: Kym Grosso is the author of the erotic paranormal romance series, The Immortals of New Orleans. The series currently includes Kade's Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 1), Luca's Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 2) and Tristan's Lyceum Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 3). In addition to romance, Kym has written and published several articles about autism, and is passionate about autism advocacy. She writes autism articles on PsychologyToday.com and AutismInRealLife.com. She also is a contributing essay author in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum. Kym lives with her husband, two children, dog, cat and guinea pig. Her hobbies include autism advocacy, reading, tennis, zumba, traveling and spending time with her husband and children. New Orleans, with its rich culture, history and unique cuisine, is one of her favorite places to visit. Also, she loves traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow-covered mountains. On any given night, when not writing her own books, Kym can be found reading her Kindle, which is filled with hundreds of romances. Connect with Kym: • Website: www.KymGrosso.com • Email: Kym.Grosso@AutismInRealLife.com • Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KymGrossoBooks • Twitter: https://twitter.com/KymGrosso • Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5785692.Kym_Grosso Other Books in Series:

Kade’s Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 1) Purchase Links: Amazon US:  http://www.amazon.com/Kades-Embrace-Immortals-Orleans-ebook/dp/B007P6JJFY/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1 Amazon UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kades-Embrace-Immortals-Orleans-ebook/dp/B007P6JJFY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353453115&sr=8-1 Amazon CA:  http://www.amazon.ca/Kades-Embrace-Immortals-Orleans-ebook/dp/B007P6JJFY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1357517676&sr=1-1

Luca’s Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 2) Purchase Links: AMAZON US:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009SFWOM0 AMAZON UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lucas-Embrace-Immortals-Orleans-ebook/dp/B009SFWOM0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351373180&sr=8-1 AMAZON CA:  http://www.amazon.ca/Lucas-Embrace-Immortals-Orleans-ebook/dp/B009SFWOM0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355949232&sr=8-2 TRISTAN’S LYCEUM WOLVES EXCERPT Julie poked her head around the corner in time to see Tristan making his way down the long hallway.  She quickly got back to work, annoyed that he’d gone so far with his investigation.  Their voices had carried well into the kitchen during the heat of their argument.  She’d been tempted to intervene, but knew better than to interfere with Alpha business.   Padding into the room, Tristan eyed Julie standing next to the stove, pouring the broth into Tupperware containers. “She sleeping?” Julie asked, already aware of the answer.  He’d been down in her room for well over an hour, sitting in total silence, watching Kalli sleep, and she found it curious that he was taking such an interest in the injured human woman. “You didn’t bring the soup,” he commented. “You were busy,” she curtly replied. “What gives, Jules?  Just say it.” “I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that you don’t take direction well, Alpha.  Although I guess you’re more used to giving directions than taking them,” she huffed.  “I could hear the ruckus all the way in here.  No disrespect intended, but I did say not to upset her, didn’t I?” “Yeah well, it’s not easy being king,” he remarked with a smart-assed inflection, grabbing a bowl of soup.  He sat down at the counter and began eating while she finished working. “Sorry, I don’t mean to be so hard on you.  I know you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do.  It’s just that seeing her like that….all those scrapes and bruises and bite marks.  My God, she was a mess.  I suppose I’m going a little mother hen on you.  I’m not used to having to deal with such violence.  You are good to us, here.” “No worries.  We worked it out.   She’s a tough one, you know.   Believe me; she’ll be right as rain, soon. My spidey sense tells me so,” he joked.   “All right then, I’m going to leave you some crackers and ginger ale to put next to her bed in case she wakes up in the middle of the night starving.  I was able to get a little bit of the electrolyte fluid into her before she woke up all the way.  I have to say that it’s unusual for a human not to be dehydrated.  I guess she must have been really, really healthy before this happened to her.  It’s almost as if…well, never mind.” Tristan stopped eating and stared over at Julie, who looked deep in thought.  “What is it?” “Oh, I’m just being crazy.  I was just going to say that it’s almost as if she had the constitution of a wolf.  Silly, huh?”  “Yeah, silly.” Tristan bit into a cracker, considering her assessment.  Silly?  Or right on target?  He felt it too.  Something about that woman wasn’t exactly human, but then again, she wasn’t at all supernatural.   Julie gathered up her purse and gave Tristan a quick hug and kiss on the cheek.  “Okay, hun, well, call me if you need anything.  I’ll stop by tomorrow to check on our girl.  Maybe bring up some clothes for her, too.  Get some rest, okay?  Love ya!” she chirped as she entered the elevator and the doors slid shut. Tristan reveled in the quietness surrounding him.  He needed to think about his next steps, his strategy.  He planned to bring in a sketch artist, so they could put a face to the arsonists.  The meeting with Jax Chandler was in another two days, and he needed to get his shit together before it all went down.  Throwing his bowl in the sink, he went to take a hot shower.  He needed to think, without his libido interfering.  It was as if he’d just been given a few more pieces of a jigsaw puzzle for which he didn’t have the picture.  But he was cunning, and that’s what he did best, work with the impossible to make the possible happen.  He was Alpha. TRISTEN'S LYCEUM WOLVES Book Blast Schedule June 1 - 30 6/01- Darker Passions  http://darkerpassions.net/ 6/02- Toot's Book Reviews http://tootsbookreviews.blogspot.com/ 6/03- The Jeep Diva http://www.thejeepdiva.com/ 6/04- Larissa's Bookish Life http://www.larissaslife.com/ 6/05- Bianca2b http://bianca2b.wordpress.com/ 6/06- Cocktails and Books http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/ 6/07- Curse of the Bibliophile http://curseofthebibliophile.blogspot.com/ 6/09- Urban Girl Reader http://www.urbangirlreader.com/ 6/10- Mimmi's Musings http://mimmismusings.blogspot.com/ 6/11- Book Monster Reviews http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/ 6/11- Literal Addiction http://www.literaladdiction.com/ 6/12- United by Books http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/ 6/13- Close Encounters http://closeencounterswiththenightkind.blogspot.com/ 6/14- Page Flipperz http://pageflipperz.blogspot.com/ 6/15- Mad Hatter Reads http://madhatterreads.blogspot.com/ 6/16- Book Lovin Mamas http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com// 6/18- Wicked Readings by Tawania http://www.wickedreadingsbytawania.blogspot.com/ 6/19- Booked & Loaded http://bookedandloaded.com/ 6/20- I Smell Sheep http://www.ismellsheep.com/ 6/21- Vampires, Werewolves & Fairies, Oh My! http://vampireswerewolvesfairiesohmy.blogspot.com/ 6/22- Bookin It Reviews http://www.bookinitreviews.com/ 6/23- My Reading Obsession  http://4myreadingobsession.blogspot.com/ 6/24- Ramblings From This Chick http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com/ 6/25- For the Love of Reading http://niinas-reading-and-reviewing.blogspot.com/ 6/26- Bitten by Paranormal Romance http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance.com/ 6/28- You Gotta Read Reviews http://yougottaread.com/ 6/30- Reading Between the Wines http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.com/ TOUR GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Kym is giving away the following prizes at the end of her tour: GRAND PRIZE:   $50.00 gift card to Amazon and an autographed copy of KADES DARK EMBRACE (Book 1) Open to International Readers - *International winner will receive the gift card and an eBook* RUNNER UP: signed paperback of KADES DARK EMBRACE (Book 1), a Mug, signed bookmarks and a Harley Davidson (Men's Large) Wolf Shirt.   Open to International Readers - *International winner will receive a $10.00 gift card *

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Giveaway and Review: Remnant by Roland Allnach

Good Morning all my sci-fi lovers!!  Do I have a treat for you!  Today we have Roland Allnach's book the Remnant.  Let's take a look at the book details:

Title:  Remnant:  An Anthology Author:  Rolnd Allnach Publisher: All Things That Matter Press (November 11, 2010) Length: 218 pges Subgenres:  Sci-Fi /Fantasy

BLURB:   A stirring, thought provoking anthology of three novellas within the speculative/science fiction genres. The stories are linked in theme by characters seeking self- truth, redemption, and their moral center.   The novellas, in order ofappearance, are: “All the Fallen Angels”, in which a convicted war criminal attempts to make peace with his past; “Enemy, I Know You Not”, in which a military officer that was captured and tortured tries to find his loyalty in an abyss of suspected betrayals; and “Remnant”, in which the survivor of a global pandemic is confronted with the prospect of making peace with hismemories when other survivors attempt to bring him back from self-imposed isolation.

EXCERPT: …there she stands, among the whispers of ruin, caught between so much anger and hurt and betrayal. So dark, that night: the whisper of the wind, the patter of the rain, the steam of humid air; it had the feel of dissolution, of tears and loss and futility. And there she stands among it all, among the whispers, dehumanized, for what is her life—any life—but the lost murmur of whispers in the dark? She was only nine. I shot her anyway. The nightmare snapped away as it always did, stunning the mind of the man that had been held in its sway. He rose up in bed—not bolting, but more a slow, steady bend at the waist to sit upright, like some undead creature of old. The comparison, he thought distantly, was not all that off the mark. He turned in the darkness to let his feet slide out from under the sheets of his bed. There was no curious glance over his shoulder to look upon his wife; he knew by now that she was a heavy enough sleeper, and that she had grown accustomed to his often troubled sleep. Yet it bothered him nonetheless, waking a petty notion in the lonely recesses of his heart, a petty notion of jealousy to sleep in apparent peace. With a sigh, he departed the bed and staggered with the stiffness of his bad leg towards the little kitchen of their captain’s cabin. He moved with familiarity, not turning on any lights, yet still able to silently gather his customary mug and the hot water to make his tea. Then he settled himself at the small table beside the portal of their cabin, one hand on his mug, the other on his com. He looked out to the cold points of starlight in the black void. He blinked. The sound of water, the soft tinkle of running water, came to him. He looked to the sink, but he had turned off the faucet. He closed his eyes. The com vibrated under his hand, startling him. His arm folded like an old mechanism to bring the little black communicator to his ear. He could hear the breathing on the other end of the call. He knew who it was, but not how she knew to call, and she always knew; she always called when he woke, but she never spoke. Too many bad things dwelled between them, he knew. Where does one start? When all that’s left is broken, which piece do you pick up first, and more important, why that particular piece?  But then something changed: she spoke his name, her voice a thin rasp in his ear. “Stohko?” He blinked. His lips parted. He put the com down and keyed it off, but stared at it for several seconds, his face settling to stone. His eyelids slid shut, and when he opened them, he was looking to his side to see his wife standing by the teapot, arms crossed on her chest, her long blue nightshirt hanging to her knees. “Nightmare?” she said through a long yawn. He stared at her. She rubbed her face before walking around the table to hug him from behind, her arms wrapping around his shoulders. Her dark hair slid forward to brush against his cheek. He barely breathed. His eyes had not moved, holding where he had seen her, as if she still stood there. He laid his hand over the com. “Stohko—” “It’s my burden, Pallia, not yours.” “But it’s here, with both of us.” She let her breath go. “You took your pill?” He shifted in his seat, uncomfortable at once, but nevertheless confessed to her. “Last two days. Something’s changed. I don’t know. I’ve been sleeping well for the last few weeks. No headaches, no nightmares, no calls—” She straightened, her dark hair trailing across his neck as she receded from him, but her hands remained on his shoulders. “Those pills are old, you know. Expired, I would think. Maybe you should see Piccolo tomorrow. At least you could sleep then.” He frowned. She said nothing. After several moments she went back to bed, the only remaining imprint of her presence the sudden chill of his skin where she had touched him. He crossed his arms over his chest to lay his fingers on his shoulders, sensing the dissipating warmth of her hands. He looked over his shoulder, but as he expected, she was gone.  Enemy, I Know You Not Book 2 The dying fires of Tropico smoldered in the night, peering like little red eyes from the darkened face of the planet. Sergeant Ellister frowned as he stood in the viewing lounge of his troopship. His gaze lingered on the planet, his mood sinking as the planet’s sun began to illuminate an arc of daylight across its rim. He blew out his breath and shook his head before thumping a fist on the bulkhead next to him. “So after everything, you’re telling me it’s a matter of trust?” He tipped his head. “All right, I trust him,” he said, his frown resuming its hold on his face. He looked to his side. “You know, this whole thing with Hovland, I thought it was Security’s business. It’s not up to me to clear him, so why bring me down here?” Training Officer Sheffield, slouched against a bulkhead across the lounge from Ellister, shrugged. “This is the only quiet place to talk. Don’t forget, it’s celebration time.” He glanced at the planet beneath them. “The campaign’s over. This insurgency—this part of the rebellion—it’s over. We won. Time to cut loose.” Ellister’s frown did not relent. “Then leave my platoon alone.” Sheffield smiled. “As it happens, I’ve got replacements for your platoon.” He looked to Ellister. “Security says everybody’s a green light.  You too, by the way—you’re officially cleared, even though the papers haven’t gone through all their channels just yet. I wanted to let you know. That was some little show you pulled down there,” he reminded the sergeant as he nodded his head to the planet. Ellister looked away. “I was justified.” Sheffield waved a hand. “We can justify anything if we try hard enough, but that’s a threat to our standards, and in those messy gray areas, that’s where questions and doubt live. Order—to maintain order— things have to be black or white. Clear lines, distinctive boundaries; it’s the only way to keep things sane. Remember that.” He leaned off the bulkhead. “I’ll go talk to Hovland. Now do yourself a favor and get drunk like everybody else.” BUY LINKS:   Autographed print copies: http://www.rolandallnach.com/Bookstore.htm Direct from publisher (All Things That Matter Press): https://www.createspace.com/3496763 Amazon print: http://www.amazon.com/Remnant-Roland-Allnach/dp/098462970X/ref=sr_1_94?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1289485044&sr=1-94 Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Remnant-An-Anthology-ebook/dp/B004BSH1LI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1289766466&sr=1-1 Barnes & Noble: http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=roland+allnach&page=index&prod=univ&choice=allproducts&query=roland+allnach&flag=False&pos=-1&box=roland+allnach&box=roland%20allnach&pos=-1&ugrp=2 About the Author: Roland Allnach has been writing since his early teens, first as a hobby, but as the years passed, more as a serious creative pursuit.  He's an avid reader, with his main interests residing in history, mythology, and literary classics, along with some fantasy and science fiction in his earlier years.  By nature he has a do-it-yourself type of personality, and his creative inclinations started with art and evolved to the written word.  Since making the decision to pursue a career as an author, he's secured publication for a number of short stories, received a nomination for inclusion in the Pushcart Anthology, built his own website, and in November 2010 realized publication for an anthology of three novellas, titled Remnant, from All Things That Matter Press, followed in 2012 by his second anthology, Oddities & Entities, also from All Things That Matter Press. Both books have gone on to receive a number of national awards, including National Indie Excellence Awards, Readers Favorite Book of the Year Awards, and USA Book News Best Book Awards. His writing can best be described as depicting strange people involved in perhaps stranger situations. He prefers to let his stories follow their own path. His writing is sometimes speculative, other times supernatural, at times horror, with journeys into mainstream fiction, and even some humor- or perhaps the bizarre. Despite the category, he aims to depict characters as real on the page as they are in his head, with prose of literary quality. His literary inspirations are as eclectic as his written works - from Poe to Kate Chopin, from Homer to Tolkien, from Flaubert to William Gibson, from Shakespeare to Tolstoy, as long as a piece is true to itself, he's willing to go along for the ride. He hopes to bring the same to his own fiction.   - Social Media Links: website:  www.rolandallnach.com Facebook:   http://www.facebook.com/roland.allnach Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5181360.Roland_Allnach  

There were stories grouped together in this anthology, all of them unrelated, except perhaps the theme.  Even though the stories and situations were fantastical, they were all focused on the main character finding himself, or recovering and forgiving himself for past sins.  These stories spin a relative light on the darker and brighter sides of human nature.  In our first story, we learn about a man who tried to fix a planet.  To many things were going on down there with no one doing anything about it.  This planet held its own sway over the population due to a type of euphoria caused by the vegetation there.  It made people ignore what was going on around them and stay in a constant state of...almost like numbness to goings on.  All except for one man.  He was able to escape the effects and try to better the planet.  A tragic accident unseats this mans sanity causing him to lock down the planet, as per orders.  But he goes too far and attempts to make things right by undergoing countess hours of torture.  This is his story and his return trip to the planet in an unknown effort to right all the wrongs done there. In the second story, we encounter an advanced line of soldiers.  They train through simulation, but in this instance the computer system locks up, and everything goes wrong..or does it?  This is quite a fascinating story of the soldiers taking a deeper look at themselves, and some startling discoveries. Our third story was perhaps my favorite.  Its a post-apocalyptic look at one mans journey through surviving the world as it is now, and living with the situations he was forced to react to.  We have all wondered what would happen if this situation occurred, and what would happen if the end really did occur.  This is a look at man who struggles with morality and ends up finding that he is initially a good man. This was an interesting collection of stories that aspire a deeper thought.  Its one of those books that have you questioning life and taking a deeper look inside of yourself.  I enjoyed this and recommend this book for book-lovers that like a deeper look.

There is a giveaway associated with this book!!  The author is giving away a $50 Amazon card and an autographed print copy of the book!  Just fill out the rafflecopter!! a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Release: Been Loving you too Long by Seraphina Donavan

BLURB

Ophelia Broulliard’s life has always been linked to the wealthy and powerful DuChamps family. The granddaughter of the family’s housekeeper, she’s worshipped Vincent DuChamps from afar--the ever unattainable prince in her fairy tale dreams. Little does she know that Vincent harbors his own secret feelings for her, but other darker secrets that he sees as an insurmountable obstacle to ever being the man she deserves, have prompted him to avoid her altogether.
 When Thomas, the family patriarch dies, his will bears some unpleasant surprises for them both. Thomas wants nothing more than for Vincent and his siblings to be happy, and in his final act as the only father figure they’ve ever had, engineers a series of contingencies in his will that require them each to face their demons.  Only too aware of what Vincent really feels for Ophelia, Thomas creates a situation that will force Vincent to confront his feelings.  Unless, Vincent and Ophelia marry, Vincent and his siblings will lose everything, including the family business.
 Forced into such close proximity, denying their attraction for one another becomes impossible.  But even as they grow closer, other threats to the future of DuChamps Hotels and all that Vincent holds dear threaten to destroy their burgeoning relationship. Ophelia has played it safe her whole life. Taking a risk on Vincent is a frightening prospect. Will it be worth it, or will his secrets break both their hearts?
 

EXCERPT

The girlhood crush had never quite vanished, but this almost painful need was too much to bear.  She could smell his cologne, the scent light and subtle, but wholly masculine.  It made her want to rub against him like a cat, just so she could smell his scent on her. 

While he stared down at her hand, applying the small bandage, she stared at his face, noting the dark shadows beneath his eyes.  They told the truth of how difficult it was for him.  It wasn’t just that he and Thomas were family.  Thomas had been his mentor, his friend, and the only father he’d ever known.  Vincent respected and admired him, but more than that, he needed him. 

“You look tired, Vincent.”

He quirked an eyebrow, his expression sardonic.  “So I hear.”

It had slipped out, an admission that she shouldn’t have made.  Acknowledging to anyone how frequently Vincent crossed her mind or how often she studied his face was dangerous. 

When he looked up at her, their gazes locked and Ophelia’s breath simply froze.  Her lungs seized and she could do nothing but stare into his coal-black eyes and pray that everything she felt for him wasn’t written all over her face.

It was only when he drew her hand up and placed it against his chest, directly over his racing heart that she realized he’d even still been holding it.  The firmness of muscle and the springy mat of chest hair beneath the cotton of his shirt was too much temptation to resist.  She caressed that muscle lightly and watched as his eyes blazed with lust. 

His expression changed to something she could only describe as carnal, predatory even. He stepped closer to her, backing her against the island. 

She let out a sigh, savoring the sensation of his closeness, of the heat from his body scorching her.

His mouth was only inches from her and the anticipation of waiting for the kiss that seemed so inevitable was agonizing.  “Tell me to stop,” he demanded. 

“You shouldn’t,” she whispered, unable to find her voice. 

“I shouldn’t stop or I shouldn’t kiss you, Ophelia?  Which is it?”

She knew the right answer, the answer she ought to give.  Instead, she sank against him, savoring the heat, the hard planes of his body against hers.  Her eyes closed softly as she raised her lips to his. 

The heat between them sparked, flared, then raged out of control.  She might have initiated that first tentative touch of their lips, but he quickly seized the reins.

His lips were firm as they settled over hers, demanding.  When his teeth scraped her bottom lip, nipping roughly and then soothing with his tongue, she couldn’t hold back the low moan.  Each gentle tug and pull as he sucked at her lips, the sensual glide of his tongue against hers as he swept it into her mouth was overwhelmingly intense.

It was as if he’d peered inside her and knew what she wanted even before he she did.  Heat suffused her, spreading throughout her body.  He tasted of bourbon and the spice that was simply him.  Sliding her hands up and over the breadth of his shoulders, she clasped her hands behind his neck, bringing them even closer. 

His hands moved over her back, down to her hips, pressing against her.

Release Date 6-11-13, only at Amazon.  Priced at 2.99.  Next book in the series will be out in August!

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Been-Loving-DuChamps-Dynasty-ebook/dp/B00DBN9F9A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370996928&sr=8-1&keywords=been+loving+you+too+long+seraphina+donavan

Review: The Dacian by Kresley Cole

Shadow's Claim features Prince Trehan, a ruthless master assassin who will do anything to possess Bettina, his beautiful sorceress mate, even compete for her hand in a blood-sport tournament—to the death. He won't be denied... Trehan Daciano, known as the Prince of Shadows, has spent his life serving his people, striking in the night, quietly executing any threat to their realm. The coldly disciplined swordsman has never desired anything for himself—until he beholds Bettina, the sheltered ward of two of the Lore's most fearsome villains. She's bound to another... Desperate to earn her guardians' approval after a life-shattering mistake, young Bettina has no choice but to marry whichever suitor prevails—even though she's lost her heart to another. Yet one lethal competitor, a mysterious cloaked swordsman, invades her dreams, tempting her with forbidden pleasure. A battle for her body and soul... Even if Trehan can survive the punishing contests to claim her as his wife, the true battle for Bettina's heart is yet to come. And unleashing a millennium's worth of savage need will either frighten his Bride away—or stoke Bettina's own desires to a fever-pitch...

My Review:

I must admit...in the beginning Bettina got on my nerves a little and I wanted to smack her around.  I can understand puppy love..but she had it to an extreme.  But without her annoying obsession with the other  demon, the story line wouldn't have been so satisfying.  Bettina was the essence of innocence as far as love went, and she was in love with her childhood hero.  They grew up together, both orphans and struggling to make it in their new found roles and relying on each other for support.  So I can understand why Bettina loved him...even though she knew he wasn't her mate and kept fighting against it.

Trehan was drawn to her from the beginning and was my absolute favorite character.  He was everything a haunted honorable hero should be.   He also had so much to overcome to win her heart.  The odds are stacked against him at every angle and he must fight everyone to claim his bride...even Bettina herself.

Bettina grows throughout the story and in the end I enjoyed her character as well.  She wasn't the tough bad-ass female character we are used to from Kresley...but in the end..it didn't make her any less enjoyable.  Not to mention the scorching hot sex scenes, and a story line that blows you away.  Everything you would expect from a great author!!

1/2