THE KEY by Jennifer Anne Davis

 

The Key (The True Reign Series, #1)

by Jennifer Anne Davis

~SYNOPSIS~

Within these pages lie kingdoms with castles and princes who fall in love with fair maidens, but make no mistake−this is no fairytale.

His father’s kingdom is on the brink of upheaval and at the center of it all is an ordinary girl who could be the key to its undoing. When faced with the ultimate choice, will he choose the girl he’s falling in love with or the kingdom he has sworn to protect?

An ordinary girl with an extraordinary past. All she wants is to be free. What she doesn’t realize is that freedom comes with a price she can’t afford to pay. She’s forced to accept the proposal of a prince she despises, even though her heart belongs to someone else . . . his brother.

Seventeen-year-old Rema lives in a brutal kingdom where travel between regions is forbidden, people are starving, and looking at someone the wrong way can mean death. Nineteen-year-old Darmik is the king’s son and Commander of the King’s Army. He spends his days roving the island, doing his father’s bidding and trying to maintain control over the people.

When a chance encounter throws Rema and Darmik together, they share an instantaneous connection, but any sort of relationship between them is strictly forbidden. Darmik’s brother, the Crown Prince, notices Darmik’s interest in Rema and, in a calculated, political move, blackmails her. Faced with an impossible choice, Rema is forced to sacrifice her heart in order to save her family.

As Rema is taken to the palace with the Crown Prince, Darmik confronts the growing rumor that a legitimate blood heir to the throne exists and is trying to overthrow Darmik’s family. In Darmik’s quest to hunt down and kill the threat, he discovers that nothing is as it seems. Locked in the king’s castle, Rema finds herself a key player in a massive power struggle. When Darmik shows up, she’s not sure if she can trust him. The line between friends, enemies, and loyalty becomes blurred. As truths are unlocked, Rema understands that she just might be the key to finding the rightful heir and restoring peace to the kingdom… if she can manage to stay alive long enough.

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~ BOOK TRAILER ~ 

~EXCERPT~

Rema politely curtsied. Prince Lennek stepped forward, closing the distance between them. The music started and he placed his hands on her, expertly gliding her around the dance floor. At first Rema was afraid she would trip over her own feet and fall, embarrassing herself and probably meeting everyone’s expectations, but she didn’t. Surprise washed through her, especially since she hadn’t danced with anyone other than her aunt and uncle. But Lennek was dancing a basic four-step foot pattern of which she was well acquainted.

“We haven’t properly met,” Prince Lennek commented. His voice was soft and smooth, like butter. She had the urge to reach out and caress his handsome face. He looked very much like his brother, Prince Darmik. Even Prince Lennek’s tattoo was similar to his brother’s, although Lennek’s black swirls appeared more like knives than flames, especially when the light shone on the silver in the marks. Rema forced herself to focus on the prince’s face, instead of his body.

“No, we haven’t met, Your Highness,” Rema said sarcastically, wanting to stand her ground. She wouldn’t allow him to see the slightest amount of infatuation or intimidation on her part. “So I find it rather interesting that you would summon me here. You are aware that I am engaged to be married?”

He twirled Rema around and pulled her back to him, his eyes sparkling with amusement. Rema felt everyone watching and appraising her. She tried to focus on the dance and Lennek, not allowing the people’s silent judgments to overwhelm her thoughts.

“I am Prince Lennek and you are Rema, the local horse merchant’s niece.” His voice was seductive. “And yes, you are currently engaged.” His head bent forward, his lips only inches from her ear. “But things can change. Nothing is set in stone,” he whispered.

She wasn’t sure what he was implying. Did he know she secretly didn’t want to marry? His strong arm slid lower on her back. Rema stumbled, but Prince Lennek changed directions, keeping her upright. She quickly regained her footing, only missing one beat.

“Who taught you to dance?” he pleasantly asked.

Her thoughts refocused on Lennek. “My aunt.”

“Interesting. Most people in the merchant class do not know the dances of the upper class—especially dances done with royalty.” His eyes held a questioning look, awaiting her answer.

“We are dancing ‘The Courting Dance,’” Rema replied. “It was so named because it is only danced at court, also because it is usually done when a member of the royal family has decided to court someone. It reveals his intentions to his court.”

Lennek’s eyebrows lifted up, surprised. “Why do you know the dance, then?” he inquired.

Was he insulting her? Before she could think her response through, she said, “Perhaps my aunt thought such a beautiful dance shouldn’t be wasted on a select group of people who truly can’t appreciate it.” She smiled sweetly.

“Do you have an answer to everything?” he asked, amused.
“Usually,” she replied, holding her head high.

Prince Lennek laughed and twirled her around again. This time, he pulled her in a little closer. Rema’s chest touched his. His warm hand held her tight. Without meaning to, she glanced up into his eyes. There was something hypnotic about them, and she was unable to look away.

“I am so glad you wandered into my life.” Prince Lennek chuckled, like it was a private joke. “You are the key to everything.”

The music ended and the prince glanced away from her, breaking the spell. She stepped back, about to return to her seat when Lennek grabbed her arm.

Shocked, Rema stared at him. His smile vanished. His eyes were cold, as if a mask had been ripped from his face. She tried to step away, but his grip only tightened.

“What do you want?” she whispered.

“You.”

It felt like spiders crawling over her skin. “You can’t have me,” she said.

His features softened. “Really? We’ll see.” He snickered, his mask of charm instantaneously back on and the harshness gone.

Prince Lennek motioned for his steward.

“Rema is leaving the party now.”

MEET JENNIFER ANNE DAVIS

Author Bio:

The Official Version:
Jennifer graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. Afterwards, she finally married her best friend and high school sweetheart. Jennifer is currently a full-time writer and mother of three young children. Her days are spent living in imaginary worlds and fueling her own kids’ creativity.

The Long Version:
I graduated with Department Honors from the University of San Diego with a degree in English. While working to earn my teaching credential, I was a legal assistant for an attorney.That’s about the time I finally married my high school sweetheart. Once I received my credential from USD, I taught high school English until I had my first child.

Currently I am a stay-at-home mom. I have three kids, one large dog, a gecko, and a frog.

A couple of years ago, I entered a writing contest about motherhood and won. My essay “Caution: Warning Lable Not Included!” was published in the anthology Manual for Motherhood, reaching number one in the Parenting section of Amazon! This sparked my need to write on a daily basis, and I have been writing ever since!

My debut young adult novel The Voice was published by Lands Atlantic in January 2013. The Voice is nominated for three Novel Grounds Literary Awards: Best Indie, Favorite Five Star, and Best Book Boyfriend!

My second book,The Power to See, is a new adult novel and was released in October 2013.
My third book,The Key, is a young adult light fantasy novel, was released in November 2013.
I’ve always had a passion for reading and writing. Being transported into another world and experiencing things beyond my imagination – what could be better? Besides being an outlet and a love, I hope to write books that encourage all to read.

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR

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~GIVEAWAY~

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**RELEASE DAY BLITZ** DEVIL CREEK by Casey Bond

Blurb:

What is your greatest fear? For Aislin, it is the fear of being alone. She grew up in and out of foster care along with her brother, Declan. When he is killed by an IED blast while serving in Afghanistan, she leans on her brother's best friend, Gabriel. The two become inseparable. When she catches her fiancée in bed with another girl? She isn’t even that upset. Mad as hell? Yes. As angry as she should be? No. That's the moment she realizes that she isn't in love with her fiancée. She is in love with her best friend, Gabriel. The only problem is that Gabe doesn't think he should cross the boundary between friend and lover with his dead best friend's sister. He wants her. He just doesn't want to want her. And, therein lies the problem.

After Aislin is attacked by a man she tried to love with her head in an attempt to heal her heart from rejection, she and Gabriel have one night of bliss together. Only one though. Gabriel gets spooked and runs. He is afraid. Afraid that Aislin will hate him for taking advantage of her vulnerability. Three years and nine months later, Gabe comes home to find Aislin with a dark-haired wanna-be rock star and a three year old little girl with familiar blue eyes. Seeing her with Jude, makes his blood boil. But does Gabriel deserve her? No. Does he want her? With every fiber of his being. He will do anything it takes to win her heart. He wants a place in her life and in the life of her daughter. What is in the cards for Gabriel and Aislin? Can love survive without trust? Welcome to Devil Creek.

Excerpt:

Gabe drives to what appears, from the outside, to be a huge, modern-looking white metal barn, trimmed in hunter green. But, its outward appearance is deceiving. It is a massive bar in the form of an enormous barn, complete with a loft. The metal of the outside cannot be seen within. The walls, loft and ceiling are made with beautifully hand-stained dark wooden planks giving the place a rustic and authentic feel. High-top tables are set up around a wooden dance floor, even hay bales line the perimeter. A large wooden bar topped with marbled black granite with slices and slits of tan slashing through the exquisite rock, sits across from the expanse of dance floor and tables, opposite the entrance under the small loft area. The bar itself is well-lit and well-stocked. Aislin swallows nervously, suddenly aware of the extremely short skirt she is wearing. Glancing around, people seem already well on their way to intoxication. Thank goodness.

A lean shirtless guy clad in a huge white cowboy hat, boots and jeans smiles and moans loudly as he staggers by humping a stuffed-animal goat as he passes. Holy crap. What have I gotten myself into? She nervously looks over at Gabe, who is cracking up laughing at the apparent horrified expression on her face. He pushes his fake thick black glasses frames, taped in the middle, up onto his nose and grins. His hair is greased down as flat as his short haircut will allow. His khaki pants are hiked up way too high and fastened with a belt over his button-down white shirt, which is buttoned all the way to the collar. With his pants hiked up, you can see his mismatched socks and penny loafers. His pocket protector, filled with pens and his armful of books completes the look they’ve deemed “nerdy student.”

A pregnant nun waddles dramatically by next, dragging her priestly baby-daddy behind her. OMG. Gabe snaps the back strap of Aislin’s garter and that peeks from the too-tiny black skirt suit that she had borrowed from Ella. The differences between Ella’s height and Aislin’s means that Ella’s skirts ridiculously short on her taller frame. Smacking Gabe’s arm and giving him a stern look, Aislin makes a mental note not to bend over at any point tonight. Aislin’s outfit is rounded out with a silky pink shirt, unbuttoned to the point that her black lace bra peeks out and black suit jacket. Her long auburn hair is sleeked back into a bun, two number two pencils duel through its center. The six-inch black patent leather heels are already making her feet ache.

And, thus, Aislin is dubbed “the naughty professor.” A red pen is tucked behind one ear. Ella made Aislin promise to wear a smoky-eye and, as she described it, “whore-red” lipstick to complete the look. Aislin had complied with her friend’s request. And truthfully, she knows she looks hot. Slutty, but hot nonetheless. Gabe seems to have approved. He’s given Aislin the once over a few times and is giving anyone else who checks her out death stares. Knowing that his intentions are honorable and purely brotherly, she just hopes he loosens up and lets her have some fun. She wants to drink and dance and relax and attempt to have fun and forget about Ty. Maybe it will be possible. Maybe.

Buy Links: Amazon Kindle $2.99 http://www.amazon.com/Devil-Creek-Casey-L-Bond-ebook/dp/B00HHCGZTE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387850188&sr=8-1&keywords=devil+creek%2C+casey+bond

Author Bio:

Casey resides in Milton, West Virginia with her husband (high-school sweetheart and love of her life) and two beautiful daughters. She loves God, her awesome family, her crazy friends, writing and reading! Her favorite color is teal! Casey is a wanna-be Italian and loves all Italian food. She loves the fall, but a piece of her heart is always at the ocean. She loves the beauty and majesty of the hills and mountains of her home state of West Virginia. Marshall University is her alma mater, and if you cut her, she will bleed Kelly Green!!! Go Herd!!! She graduated Magna Cum Laude from MU in 2003 with a B.A. in Criminal Justice, Legal Studies.

Follow author Casey Bond at the links below!

Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorcaseybond

Twitter @authorcaseybond

Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/CaseyBond007

Website: http://caseybond.tateauthor.com

LOVE WATER MEMORY by Jennie Shortridge

Title: Love Water Memory

Author: Jennie Shortridge

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Publication Date: January 14, 2014

Publisher: Gallery Books

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

If you could do it all over again, would you still choose him? At age thirty-nine, Lucie Walker has no choice but to start her life over when she comes to, up to her knees in the chilly San Francisco Bay, with no idea how she got there or who she is. Her memory loss is caused by an emotional trauma she knows nothing about, and only when handsome, quiet Grady Goodall arrives at the hospital does she learn she has a home, a career, and a wedding just two months away. What went wrong? Grady seems to care for her, but Lucie is no more sure of him than she is of anything. As she collects the clues of her past self, she unlocks the mystery of what happened to her. The painful secrets she uncovers could hold the key to her future—if she trusts her heart enough to guide her.

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Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

About the Author

Jennie Shortridge has published five novels: Love Water Memory,When She Flew, Love and Biology at the Center of the Universe,Eating Heaven, and Riding with the Queen. When not writing, teaching writing workshops, or volunteering with kids, Jennie stays busy as a founding member of Seattle7Writers.org, a collective of Northwest authors devoted both to raising funds for community literacy projects and to raising awareness of Northwest literature.

Connect with Jennie: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

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SILENT NO MORE by N.E. Henderson

Title: Silent No More (Silent #1)

Author: N. E. Henderson

Release Date: December 3, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Silent series

Hosted by: Love Between the Sheets Promotions

Buy the Book: Amazon Worldwide | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

 

Synopsis

Shannon Taylor thinks she has the picture perfect life. Engaged to marry her college boyfriend and a best friend who’s more like a sister, life is almost perfect. That is until her world is tilted by two of the most important people in her life. A chance encounter leads Shannon down a path that will force her to confront a past she has meticulously ignored for ten years. Nicholas Lockhart, renowned bachelor, has a reputation for his cold eyes and icy heart. Meeting a woman who can turn his world upside down is not in the cards; that is until Shannon. When Shannon's world crashes, she wonders if it's possible to crack Nick's icy heart. A web of lies and twisted truths soon leaves both bare and vulnerable. Silence no longer offers her protection or safety. Will remaining silent cost Shannon the real love she's finally found? Or will she stay silent no more?

Prologue

“What the fuck does the bastard want now?” I huff out, glaring down at the name displayed on my cell phone. If I never have to speak to him again, it’ll be too soon. Jerking my right hand off the steering wheel, I reach over, turning the volume down on the stereo that’s blasting Avenged Sevenfold’s "Nightmare" through the speakers. My Father. The person I hate most in the world. If God existed, the motherfucker’s life would have ended by now. But that hasn’t happened, and I don’t see it happening any time soon. I’m the type of guy that prays for his dad to get a brain-fucking hemorrhage that will take him straight to Hell, where he belongs. “Yeah?” I greet the fuck as I turn into the underground parking garage at Lockhart Publishing in my silver Audi R8. Way to ruin my day, Dad! “Nicholas, is that any way to answer your phone? You’re the CEO of a company for Christ’s sake. The least you could do is act like a professional.” Two companies to be exact, but what the Hell does being a CEO have to do with professionalism when the person on the other end of the line is the sorry excuse I get to call father? The man should know by now, I’m going to do and act any damn way I want. I’ve never been the “do as you’re told” type, so why start now? “I wasn’t aware this was a professional call.” My tone is sarcastic, but I don’t give a shit. The dick-fuck knows I hate him. Nothing is ever going to change that. We will never drink a beer together. We will never have a strong father/son bond. Hell, the only bond we do have is blood. The simple fact that his blood runs through my veins and that it will forever link us disturbs me. “Son, let’s not argue today. I called for a specific reason, so I won’t keep you any longer than necessary.” I can tell by his clipped tone he doesn’t want to be on the phone with me any more than I do with him. “Fine, then please tell me what you want so I can get back to work.” I breathe out in annoyance. My father was a well-known Defense Attorney in LA when I was growing up. He made a living getting criminals out of jail for many years and now he’s a prominent judge. There is some real fucked-up irony in that. The man should be locked up for the shit he has done to my mother over the years. Why the woman stays married to him is beyond me. It’s not like she needs his money. In fact, my father has benefited from her inheritance more than she has. Rotten bastard. “As you know, Thursday is Thanksgiving, and your mother would like you and your sister present for lunch.” He knows I’ll do anything for my mom. I think I proved that to him a long time ago. “Do you think you can do this for her?” he adds. He knows I’m going to say yes. “What time?” I ask on a sigh as I open my car door, stepping out into the dark, musky air under my building. To my annoyance, I slam the door harder than I intend. Fuck! Why do I let this man get under my skin so easily? Just the sound of his voice tends to set me off. “Noon,” he responds. A few hours in the company of my father is sure to piss me right the fuck off along with adding additional renovations to my house for my handyman to fix. Not that I can’t fix the damage I create myself, but why go through all that trouble when I can hire someone to do it for me? I’m sure the guy already thinks I’m a raging alcoholic who comes home and punches holes in walls for fun. I’m not, of course, or at least I’m not yet. If he knew all the damage was the result of my frustration with my father, he would understand. Yeah, so I have anger issues. “Okay, but if you want Nikki there, then perhaps you should call your daughter yourself.” I make my way to the elevator pressing the “up” button. As I wait, I check the time on my Rolex. It’s 1:14pm. I have plenty of time before my meeting with Teresa. Why I ever made that woman Vice President of my company, I’m still not sure. She’s great at business and a brilliant editor, but damn, I wish she would stop trying to get into my pants every time we are alone. Now that she’s my VP, I see her more often than I like. It’s not like she isn’t attractive, because she is, with blonde hair, big tits, and a tiny waist, but I don’t sleep with people who work for me. And well…she annoys the fuck out of me, plus she is too bitchy. It’s a big fucking turn off! The sound of my father’s voice brings me back to our conversation. I really need to wrap this up. The longer I speak to him, the longer I’ll be at Knocked Out tonight, kicking the shit out of my best friend’s ass. Jase is one of the few people who knows about my relationship with my father and why I hate the man. He and I share a common hatred for our fathers. Everyone that works for my father thinks he’s an outstanding judge and wonderful family man. What a crock of shit! “Nicolette is being her usual immature and childish self. It would be easier for all of us if you ask her to come. She listens to you, Nicholas.” He sounds annoyed with his last statement and I silently laugh. My sister isn’t immature or childish. She would just rather ignore his calls than deal with the man. She hates the heartless bastard as much as I do. Any man, who lays a hand on a woman with the sole intension of hurting her isn’t much of a man at all in my book. That’s the kind of fucked-up shit my father loves to do to women. We watched him physically and mentally abuse our mother for years. The day I turned twenty-one, I made sure my father never laid a hand on my mother again. That’s not to say he’s stopped hurting women because he hasn’t. Now, he has a mistress to abuse. He doesn’t know I know about her, but I do. Surely my mother has to know too. As the elevator door opens, Matt, my senior editor and good friend, is exiting. I pin him with my signature icy stare. I can tell by the look that crosses his face he knows I’m in one of my moods, so he wisely says nothing and passes me quickly. These moods only happen when I have to communicate with the man on the other end of my phone. “Nicholas,” he stresses, "just call your sister for me. I don’t have time for Nicolette right now. I’m walking into court as we speak.” He has never had time for Nikki or me for that matter. Not that I care. I stopped caring about my father before I learned to write my own God damn name. “Sure, Dad!” I force out through clenched teeth. “I’ll handle it. We’ll be there on Thursday at noon. Is there anything else? I have a meeting to get to.” I’m not totally lying. I do have a meeting to attend, but it’s not for another hour. “No, there isn’t. I’ll see you then.” He ends the call, not bothering to say goodbye. This is nothing unusual. He thinks everyone around him is there is serve him. I enter the elevator and I press number eleven. As I ride up, I send Nikki a quick text letting her know the plans for Thanksgiving. This is sure to brighten her day as much as it has mine. My sister is the female version of myself. But perhaps Nikki controls her anger a little more than I do. As I move my hand to store my phone in the breast pocket of my jacket, I hear the alert telling me I have a text message. I look down; it’s my sister’s reply. FUCK! The corners of my mouth turn up as I shove the phone back inside my jacket just as the elevator reaches my destination. My smile fades; I’m not looking forward to the rest of my day. Dealing with Teresa is one thing, but after dealing with Judge James ‘Asshole’ Lewis, I’m sure I’ll take out my anger on her at some point today. As I exit the elevator, something, or rather someone, catches my eye. She is standing at my receptionist, Rachel’s desk, with her back facing me. The legs catch my attention first. They are toned and her skin is fair. Her body turns a fraction as my eyes travel up, seeing a side profile. She is slender, but not at all skinny. My eyes continue its path up her body. Fuck me, Sunday! My eyes land on her hair. It’s a stunning shade of red. Darker than strawberry-blonde, but lighter than auburn. It’s shiny and bright; unique and exotic like a rare pet. Damn, did I just compare a woman to a pet? That’s a new one even for you, Lockhart. I can’t see the color of her eyes from where I’m standing, but that mouth…those pink fucking lips are made for sucking cock. I allow my eyes to drop. She’s wearing a navy dress and it’s a little on the short side to be considered business attire, but it looks good on her body. Fuck! Get a hold of yourself, Lockhart. You’re at work, man. My eyes glide back up her body, back up to those fucking beautiful drapes that fall down her back. She looks like an angel…an angel I’d like to tie down and fuck. But God damn, that hair is making my dick hard!

 

About the Author

I write because I love it and because I have to get all these damn charaters out of my head that just pop up out of the blue.

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**COVER REVEAL** ANGELS IN LEATHER by Bella Jewel

Title: Angels in Leather

Author: Bella Jewel

Expected Release Date: February 15, 2014

Model: Miles Logan

Photographer: Jennifer Tanner Photography

 

Synopsis

A girl on the run.

Her father gave her one task before he died. To deliver a package. Now she has the baddest biker in the state after her. He wants what she's got. Secrets in both the past and the present threaten to destroy what she is working so hard for. He threatens to ruin her heart. Two worlds will collide to make something explosive.

 

Chapter 1

Unedited and subject to change. You can run but you can’t hide, I know what lies deep inside. I lower my glasses and rush across the road, head down, hoodie covering my head and face. A small woman standing outside of the door, watches at me as I dart around behind the gas station, backpack tightly wrapped around my shoulders, clipped at the front. My sneakers are worn, and they squeak on the pavement as I scurry into the ladies toilets. I rush into the small, crappy room, kicking in the doors, and when I realize it’s empty, I lower my hood. My long blonde hair tumbles out when I remove the cap from my head that was sitting firmly under my hoodie. It’s my usual look these days. Jeans, sneakers, singlet top, hoodie and a cap. It’s the easiest look to disguise who I am when I’m forced to get out in public. I lower my face, and turn on the tap, filling my hands with water and splashing it on my skin. I close my eyes, letting the cool feeling calm my nervous, frightened body. They’ve found me. It’s only the third time Axel Wraithe has managed to catch up with me in just over a year, which isn’t bad considering he’s got sources and I don’t. He’s the President of the MC club Angel’s In Leather, and he’s been chasing me since the moment my father sent me running with a case containing information on USB Drives. I’ve never plugged the drives in to see what’s on them. Whatever is, though, I imagine is extremely important. They wouldn’t be chasing me like this, if it wasn’t important. Axel wouldn’t have let his men kill my father if it wasn’t something he needed. Would he? I still don’t know what went down that day, all I know is that whatever my father has in this case, Axel wants. Axel and my father used to be best friends, until my father started up his MC club Joker’s Runners, and they had a falling out. They became sworn enemies, and were constantly at war, but more often then not, it was kept at a certain limit. Then that one day, it went over. I found out after I started running that the Angel’s In Leather took out the Joker’s Runners in a war that stopped the entire town just after my father died. They were looking for the case. The case I’ve been running with for just over a year. The case that’s clearly been more important than anything else that’s come up in that time, because Axel hasn’t stopped looking for me. Which means I haven’t rested. There have been times I’ve wanted to just give in and let him take it from me, but then I think of my father’s face the day he died in the front of our SUV, and the desperation when he made me promise to run, and deliver this case. If I let him down…I’ll never live happily. This is my mission, and sadly, it’s become my life. I don’t have anything else. Without this…I’m nothing. I have nothing…no one. I am struggling to find this Raide fellow, without recoursces, it’s very hard to locate him, and until I do I can’t stop. So here I am, in a women’s bathroom, trying to calm myself down and figure out a way to escape Axel a third time around. He’s not an easy man to escape. He’s a god damned genius and he’s managing to get closer and closer to me no matter what I do. I have to think of something new. Maybe I’ll cut all my hair off and dye it red, or purple, something crazy. I pat my face dry with my sleeve, and stare in the mirror at the empty blue eyes looking back at me. Most girls my age would be out partying, being in love, enjoying their life, their jobs, their friends….but me, I’m running, living a criminal life that I never chose. On the rare days I get where I manage to relax, I find myself imagining what it would be like to just be normal. I shake my head. It’s never going to happen. I hear the distinct rumble of Harley Davidson’s outside, and I know they’ve stopped. I feel my palms become clammy, and my heart speeds up. I have to get out of here and into the trees behind the gas station. They’re thick and lush, and I can run for miles through them. The problem is getting out. This was the closest place I could find to gather myself, and it took Axel a matter of minutes to locate me. It’s never a coincidence with him. Never. I swallow, and lift my hair up onto the top of my head again, tucking it under my cap. I pull my hoodie back over and grip the straps that are sitting around my waist. My bag is strapped on as good as I can get it, because I don’t want it to be taken from me. If it gets taken, then all this has been a waste of time for me…and my father. I pull my sunglasses down over my eyes, and I peer out the window. And there he is. I feel my body tingle with fear as I lay my eyes on Axel. He’s standing out the front of the gas station, speaking to the young woman, flashing a photo at her. I know it’s a photo of me. She nods, and points to the bathrooms. God dammit. Axel lifts his head, and his eyes turn in my direction. I gasp. The years…they’ve been kind to him. The last few times he got close to me, it wasn’t close enough for me to get a good look at him. To see how the years have changed his face. Axel Wraithe is a gorgeous man, he always has been, but he’s got a heart of steel. I remember as a little girl, in the years before he and my father had a falling out, I used to think he was one of the most handsome men I’d ever met. He was just a young man back then, but he had the kind of face that women would drool over. Now…now he’s older, and more defined, and even more breathtaking. He has this thick black hair that sits messily on his head. His body is huge, tall and well built, yet unlike most bikers, not covered in tattoos. He has a few, but not many. His shoulder’s put most body builders to shame. His eyes are the color of turquoise water, and are the prettiest eyes I’ve ever seen. He’s got a few days growth of stubble on his face, and his ears are filled with silver hoops. His body is covered in all black clothes. Large, chunky black boots. Black jeans. A black shirt covered with his black jacket, with, what I know, has a large angel surrounded in fire on the back. Their club’s patch. He wears chains around his neck and leather bands around his wrists, hanging off his jeans, he has silver chains, topping off his look. Axel is about forty years old, and while he was my father’s best friend, he was ten years younger than him. They met a few years after my parents had me. I know my father helped him out of some bad things, and felt a connection to him. Things went well right up until I was about ten, and that’s when my father created his club and he and Axel had a massive falling out. I never saw Axel again…until the night he saved my life. Now, he’s standing, staring at the bathroom’s, a small, deadly smirk on his face. Sweat trickles down my face as I turn, peering around the bathroom for an escape. There’s a small, narrow window above the far toilet. It’s not locked, and I could squeeze out of it with enough effort. I glance back out the window and see Axel still staring at the bathroom, nodding to the lady as she speaks. I have minutes. My adrenalin spikes as I rush towards the toilet. I peer up at the window, and use the toilet and basin to launch myself upwards. I take hold of the window sill and use my free hand to rattle the window. It’s rusty, but it dislodges itself easily enough. I shove it out, and it lands with a crash on the ground. My heart begins to hammer. I unclip my backpack, there’s no way I can get through with it on my back. I peer out the window, and when I see it’s clear, I shove the bag through and let it drop down onto the ground. That’s when I hear the rattling on the toilet’s main door. My heart lurches and I feel my jaw begin to tremble. “Meadow, you didn’t honestly think you could hide in a toilet, did you?” Axel’s voice has me freezing, but only for a split second. I’ve been running long enough now to know how to keep myself from freezing for long enough to cause a problem. I lift my leg up and try to be as quiet as possible as I jump three times, and shove my body through the small gap. I lose my balance when I push through too hard, and land on the dirt the other side with a thump. I roll, gripping my bag and throwing it on quickly, before leaping to my feet. And there he is. I scream and leap backwards as he appears around the side of the building. Up close, he’s powerful, huge and dominating. He has a tattoo of a bird on his neck, and it seems to be staring at me, taunting me. I lift my eyes to meet his, and I gasp softly. Beauty, it just doesn’t cover what he is. He can’t be classed as beautiful. There is only one word I could ever use to describe him, and that is…devastating. “Hello Cricket,” he purrs, using a nickname for me that he used to use when I was a little girl. “Long time, no see.” I swallow, and grip my backpack. “Axel.” He smiles, showing me a row of perfect, white teeth. Two dimples appear in his cheeks. “And here I was thinking you’d forgotten about me, I mean, you’ve been running for me now for…what has it been, Cricket? Over a year?” “One year, three months and six days,” I whisper, shuffling backwards. He chuckles. “And you know I was going to catch up to you eventually, so we could have avoided all this if you had just given me what I wanted back then.” I don’t say anything, I just grip my backpack straps tighter, and let my eyes dart around behind my sunglasses to look for a way out. I see a thick mass of trees behind him, probably about fifty meters. If I could get to them, I could hide myself…I also see a pile of rusty metal poles in the corner, leaning against the wall. I turn my body slightly toward them, and begin very slowly backing up. Axel steps forward, suddenly gripping the side of my face. His other hand grips my backpack. I snarl and shove, pushing hard enough to get him to let go. He stands back with a smirk. “Don’t touch me!” I hiss. His smirk widens. “Nice disguise you have there, but you know, when you live in a disguise, people start looking for it. Should have changed it, Cricket.” “Don’t call me that,” I growl, gripping the straps on my backpack even tighter. “Take off your hoodie, Meadow,” he rasps. “Let me see you. Let me see the girl who has fucked my life up for the past year. It’s been so long, hasn’t it? Last time I saw those baby blue eyes, you were jumpin’ off a bridge tryin’ to end your life.” I flinch and anger builds in my chest. I let go of my backpack and grip my sunglasses and I pull them off, then I lower my hoodie and rip my cap off. I want him to see me. I want him to look into my eyes and see the determination there. He won’t beat me, it doesn’t matter how hard he tries – I’ll try harder. I lift my face and I stare him right in the eyes. And it’s because of that, I notice his reaction. His body flinches, only just barely, and his eyes widen. He hasn’t seen me since that awful night. Our interaction after that, was done with me being fully covered. I stand on trembling legs as he takes me in, letting his eyes move over my body. I notice when he narrows his eyes, that he has small lines beside his eyes, the only indication of his age. “Well fuck me, Cricket. You grew up and became a knock out, and here you are, wastin’ it by runnin’ when all you have to do, is give me what I want and you can go on your way. Wouldn’t it be nice to be a normal girl?” “Do you think I’m stupid?” I say, trying to stop my voice from trembling. He glares at me. “You are fuckin’ stupid, because you’ve been wastin’ your time running for me for the past year.” “And I’ll continue running from you, Axel. I won’t stop. And if you think I’m going to fall for your promises of freedom for me if I hand over the goods, then you know nothing about me. I’ve lived with bikers before, remember? I’ve seen the promises made. You’ll not get your hands on me…” His eyes harden and he takes a step forward. I brace myself to run. “Is that so? Funny, because you’re the one trapped against a toilet wall with no where to go.” “Again,” I whisper, reaching around behind me and gripping the long metal poles I’ve been edging closer to. “You don’t know me, if you knew me, you’d know that I know what I’m doing by now, and no one traps me against a wall.” I swing the pole. His body moves to block it, but it hits his hands so hard he goes reeling back with a roar. I swing it again, connecting with his kneecaps. When he drops to the ground, I run. It’s one thing I do know how to do. I put my head down, my arms by my side and I run as fast as I can move. I hear Axel’s bellow, and I know he’s calling for his men. I have seconds. I hit the trees just as I hear the shouts beginning to grow louder behind me. I skid to my left, running through a narrow set of tall trees, in an attempt to get into the thicker shrubs. My sneakers crunch, and I know there’s no way I can pull this off quietly, but I will pull it off. I hear the sounds of boots crunching in the distance, and I have no doubt Axel has his entire group of men spreading out to chase me. My adrenalin spikes, and I pick up my face, ignoring the sweat pouring down my face, or the branches scratching into my skin. I won’t let him beat me now, not after everything I’ve fought for. I pick up my pace when I come to a clearing, running hard and fast. It’s never good to be caught in a clearing, I’ve learned that. I put my head down, and run as hard as I can. I can hardly breathe through my panting, it’s so intense. The sweat begins to fill my eyes and it burns. I blink rapidly, lifting my hand to swipe it quickly across, trying to remove some of it. It only makes it worse. “Stop, Meadow, do yourself a favor!” Axel bellows. I look over my shoulder to see him and six other men running towards me. My adrenalin spikes and I focus my attention in front of me. The only thing I can see is a large river off what looks like a small ledge. My heart skitters. Can I jump off that? “Stop now and I’ll make it easier for you.” I don’t have a choice. I have to jump. I run to the edge, and skid to a stop as I look down at the flowing water. My entire body stiffens and my breath hitches. Memories of that night on the bridge flash through my mind. My skin begins to prickle, and it becomes even harder to breathe. It’s not the same, you can swim now and the water is nice, clear and safe. You won’t die. You just have to get over the other side. “She won’t jump,” I hear Axel yell. “Hurry it up!” someone else bellows. I hear the sound of boots crunching coming closer. God, if they get hold of me now, all this has been for nothing. I stare down at the water, and goosebumps break out over my skin. I can’t breathe, I can hardly concentrate. I know they’ll get me any moment. I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. “Promise me, Meadow…” My father’s words spring back into my mind and I know I have to do this. So, without opening my eyes, I jump. It happens in what feels like slow motion, my entire body plummets to the water below. I hit it flat on my stomach, knocking the wind out of me. I sink quickly, even though I can swim now, the panic has my body stiffening in fear. I begin to struggle. My backpack is too heavy. I shake my head from side to side, keeping my mouth clamped shut, kicking my legs as hard as I can. I feel a set of hard arms go around me, and I sieze. I’m slowly being pulled to the surface, on that surface I’ll be taken somewhere I don’t want to go. At the realization of that, I start kicking harder, until I hit the person holding me. When I surface, I gasp a breath of air in, and I kick hard towards the other side. I hear Axel’s crackled voice sound out behind me. “Stop fuckin’ running Cricket, we’re not going to keep doing this.” Oh yes we are. I kick harder, using everything inside me to get to the other side. I reach the bank and launch myself up, gripping the sides with my hands. I’m about to pull my body up, when those arms go around me again and yank me back down. With a scream, I go crashing back into the water. Axel has me, and he spins my body around so I’m facing him. Up close I can see his eyes, and I hate that he makes my heart flutter. I’m supposed to hate him. “Quit this fuckin’ bullshit and just give in.” “No,” I growl, shoving at his chest. “I won’t play this game with you any longer, Cricket. If I have to, I will hurt you.” I lean in close. “Does it look like I care?” He growls and pins me tighter against his body. When I’m this close to him, and my body is pressing against his, I can feel every part of him. His powerful form is twice the size of mine, and a good solid foot taller. His arms tighten around me, and I know I have to think quickly. I stare up at him, meeting those devastating eyes. “Please,” I whisper. “Don’t do this to me.” His eyes soften a touch, but only a touch. “Then give me what I want.” I’m playing, only he doesn’t know it. “I cared about you Axel, can’t you just remember that and let me go. Remember how once, you cared for me too.” He shakes his head. “Nice try, Cricket. It ain’t gonna work.” I let my eyes fill with fake tears. “He was all I had left and you took him from me, now you’re going to take the last of him and leave me with what?” He narrows his gaze. “You’ll find a way, that’s what strong people do.” “No, Axel, that’s what you would do. I’m not you.” “Girl I knew wouldn’t have a problem being that strong.” “I’m not the girl you once knew, I grew up, Axel. Or hadn’t you noticed?” I press myself harder against him and he growls. I want to lean up and kiss him, I can smell his masculine scent and it’s killing me that it’s affecting my control. I realize I’m staring at his lips, and I quickly turn away, biting mine. “Stop fuckin’ doin’ that,” he murmurs. I look back up at him, and slowly I lean up so my lips just graze his ear. I’m having him on, I need to escape, but my body is betraying me, because it’s enjoying the feeling of being in his arms. “Doing what?” I murmur. “Fuckin’ hell, stop,” he growls. I let a warm puff of air tickle his neck, and then I lean down, and I bite him so hard I draw blood. His bellow of pain as he reels backwards is enough to let me know it fucking hurt. I spin quickly, not looking back. I launch up onto the bank, and without stopping, I run into the line of trees. “I’ll fuckin’ find you, Willow,” Axel roars. “Mark my fuckin’ words.” I have no doubt he will. But like always, I’ll find a way to escape him. I always do.  

About the Author

Bella Jewel is an Aussie girl through and through. She spent her life in Western Australia, growing up in many different areas of the state. She now currently lives in Perth with her husband, children and mass amounts of pets. She's crazy, fun, outgoing and friendly. Writing is her passion, she started at the young age of 18 but finally got the courage up to publish, and her first novel Hell's Knights was released in August 2013.

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WEAK FOR HIM by Lyra Parish

Title: Weak for Him (Weakness #1)

Author: Lyra Parish

Genre: New Adult

Release Date: January 11, 2014

 

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Synopsis

"Have you heard the saying, 'sex sells'? Well, I'm the supplier."

Finnley Felton sells sex. Jennifer Downs is a virgin. With the help of lady luck, the two meet. Money. Bright lights. Sex. Jennifer is made an offer: sell her virginity to the highest bidder and transform into one of Finnley's girls. But she finds herself weak for him, and doesn't fully realize what she's agreed to until it's too late. Will she rise to the challenge and play by the rules in a land where money is king and love is prohibited? Or will she lose herself and values in the attempt? Weak for him is not considered a "dark" read, but does have unlady-like language, adult subject matter, and s-e-x-ual situations. Weak for Him does not have a cliffhanger. There is resolution but the story does continue on. "If you think I am bluffing by when I say that "Weak For Him" will give you the ride of lifetime, then I say, take a gamble and see for yourself." –Tiffany @ The Naughty Book Dames"  

 

Excerpt

Mr. Felton stood facing the windows in a neatly pressed suit. The black tie complemented the black suit, designer from head to toe. His green eyes met my brown gaze, and I smiled, but only received the ghost of one in return. Once the secretary left us, I searched the room, trying to take in every little detail: abstract art on the wall, a conference table in the back, and a lounge area in the middle. The afternoon light cast a yellow glow in the room. A large oak desk, which screamed business executive, had two chairs tucked in front. The room looked comfortable, welcoming, but also professional. The red velvet curtains that overlooked the atrium were jerked closed. "Hi, Finnley. Thank y—" "It's Mr. Felton." My face flushed. How could I be so inconsiderate and unprofessional? I immediately felt stupid. "Mr. Felton. Thank you for allowing me to interview. I've brought my resume and a list of recommendations. I'd love to join your accounting team if you'd allow me." I outstretched my hand and he left me standing there, awkwardly. The smile faded from my face as he leaned against the wooden desk with his arms crossed. "Take off your clothes." His voice was low and silky. "Excuse me?" The words hit me like cool water. I don't think so, asshole. "The interview has begun, Ms. Downs. If you'd like to join my team, you will do what I say and if you'd prefer not, you are more than welcome to turn around and walk that tight ass through the door, and we can pretend as if this never happened." The fierce tone behind his English accent made me cower. I froze as I calculated my next move. What the fuck? The way he looked at me, exploring my body as if he were undressing me, made my stomach flip. No one had ever observed me that way. With a sprinkle of courage, I searched the blank matter-of-fact expression that covered his face. This man was all business. As his long eyelashes hit the tops of his slightly sun-kissed cheeks, I closed my eyes to regroup my thoughts, then opened them quickly. I couldn't let my nerves get the best of me. He moved his messy hair behind his ears, and then sat on the desk, waiting, wanting, daring me to make my move. "Have you decided? Or are we going to waste the good portion of my time daydreaming?" I swallowed. All I ever wanted to do was live in Vegas among the lights and fast-paced city. How did I get myself into this? Take off my clothes? I wasn't some cheap whore to be bossed around. The thought of undressing in front of him disgusted me… or did it? My heart sped as he watched with a lust and want so fierce I shivered. It was now or never, you only live once, right? I peered behind him and stared at the Vegas strip in the distance. With perfect plump lips, and straight white teeth, Mr. Felton smiled at me. In that very moment, I decided to gamble. I didn't know why because I wasn't much for risks. If anyone was a play-it-safe type of girl, it was me. But in that moment, I wanted to be someone different. I wanted to know the outcome of what waited on the other side. I played with lady luck to see what hand she dealt. Maybe I would get lucky.  

About the Author

Lyra Parish loves to write, travel, and sing obnoxiously loud at the top of her lungs in the shower. Sweet love stories (along with the dirty ones) make her gush. She is a firm believer that a person can never have to many cats, cups of coffee, or read to many happily ever after's. When she isn't busy writing, she can be found sipping various beverages from her non-alcoholic drink buffet, pimp slapping excel spreadsheets, or riding her bike. Weak for Him (Weakness #1) is Lyra's debut novel. Weak Without Him (Weakness #2) will release Spring 2014. Lyra currently resides in Texas with her husband and black cat. For more information or to contact, please visit: lyraparish.com

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**RELEASE DAY** SHELTER YOU by Alice Montalvo-Tribue

Shelter You

By: Alice Montalvo-Tribue

Release Date: January 14th

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She's mine.

That was the first thought that came to my mind when I held my baby in my arms at seventeen. I didn't care that my parents had already promised to give her to a wealthy family. That they were forcing me to give her away.

She was mine.

I ran away from that hospital, from that family, from the only life I knew. I planned to start over with what little money I had, determined to make something of myself despite the odds.

Then Logan Tate came along.

Gorgeous and controlling, he claimed he was trying to help me, and he didn't care that I was just another teenage pregnancy story.

But I don’t trust him. I don't trust anyone. And if Logan knew the real secrets and lies I was keeping inside, he wouldn't dare try to shelter me.

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Alice Montalvo-Tribue lives with her husband and daughter in New Jersey. She has a bachelors degree in communications and is currently working on her masters degree. She spends most of her free time reading, writing, and when the weather permits lounging out on a beach.

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**BLITZ** ARV-3 by Cameo Renae

Title: ARV-3

Author: Cameo Renae

Genre: YA Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian

Release Date: November 26th 2013

Publisher: CHBB

Cover Design: Regina Wamba at Mae I Design Photography

Blitz Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Blurb:

June 6, 2014: The beginning of the end. The Apocalypse.

A nuclear fallout wiped out every living thing on the planet, except for a few thousand of us who took shelter in underground bunkers across the globe. Now, after thirteen long years, we were finally able to return to the topside to begin to rebuild.

We thought we were alone. We were never more wrong.

Before the fallout, scientists had worked on creating an anti-radiation vaccine (ARV). The first two attempts failed, but despite the incomplete tests and results, the government approved and distributed the third serum to the masses in an effort to aid those who had no shelter.

It worked, keeping those who remained on the topside alive, but it also altered and mutated them. This new and infectious threat had completely outnumbered us. Now, we not only had to rebuild our planet. We would have to fight for it.

My name is Abigail Park. I’m seventeen, and this is my story.

Author Bio:

My family is what keeps my heart beating, and my world a happy place to be. I love reading great books that whisk me away from reality, even if for a little while. :) Writing is my passion. I love creating new worlds and new characters, and taking wondrous adventures with them. In My Dreams & Hidden Wings were both recently published through Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing. Descent (A Hidden Wings novella) will be released May 15, 2013, and Broken Wings (Book 2 in the Hidden Wings Series) will be released June 1, 2013. One day I will find my magic wardrobe, and ride away on my magical unicorn... ♥ Until then... I'll keep writing! ;)

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Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/ARV-3-The-After-Light-Saga-ebook/dp/B00GWTXJH4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388598307&sr=8-1&keywords=ARV-3