~~~BOOK TOUR WITH REVIEW~~~ BYE-BYE BABY by Morgana Phoenix

Title: Bye-Bye Baby
Author: Morgana Phoenix
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance 
Expected Release Date: Jan 31, 2015 
Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours

Blurb: Love has no expiration.

The morning Beth packed her bags and walked out of Cole’s life was the day he swore the only girl for him would be the six year old who called him daddy. He didn’t have time
for love, not between raising his baby girl and trying to figure out what the hell he was going to do with his life. But fate has a funny way of coming around and kicking you when you least expect it.
Cole’s new life was no exception.

 As a product of a severely broken home, Beth Doan knew better than to ever get married. She’d seen what that commitment did to people and she loved Cole McClain too much to let marriage destroy them. But the minute she boards that bus she knew she was making the biggest mistake of her life. Only maybe she wasn’t, not when she goes running back home to the only man she ever loved and finds him in the arms of another woman.

When an unexpected accident throws them together four years later, the last thing either anticipated was to become responsible for a little person who needs them a whole lot more than they need their bitterness and hurt feelings. Can Cole and Beth forgive and forget long enough to save the life of a child neither one of them predicted falling in love with?

Or are some wounds just too deep to heal?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24329416-bye-bye-baby

                               ~~~~~~~~REVIEW~~~~~~~~

OMG!! What an emotional ride this one was. WOW!!! Cole and Beth after a few years of being apart Cole and Beth reunite. Both of them have a heart of gold. Morgana did a wonderful job with this story. Between all the characters and how you can feel any love,hurt or anger the characters are going through. I did cry through some of the book due to some content in it. I love how Morgana pointed out in the book that family isn't just blood. Fantastic story!! Highly recommended!! Page Turner!! I did receive a copy in exchange for an honest review.



Author Bio:

Airicka Phoenix lives in a world where unicorns, fairies and mermaids run amok through her home on a daily basis. When she’s not chasing after pixies and rounding up imps,
also known as her four children, she can be found conjuring up evil villains, bad-ass heroines and swoon-worthy heroes to play with.

Airicka is singlehandedly responsible for her greatly anticipated collections, The Touch Saga, The Lost Girl Duology, The Regeneration Series, Games of Fire & Betraying Innocence. She also writes mature paranormal & contemporary romance under the dark guise of Morgana Phoenix. To date, she is responsible for The Sons of Judgment Saga, In The Dark Series, Forever His Baby & Bye-Bye Baby.

For more about Airicka and the realm she rules with an iron fist—and tons of chocolate—
visit her at: www.AirickaPhoenix.com https://www.tsu.co/airickaphoenix 
                                                 https://www.facebook.com/airicka.phoenix 
                                                 https://twitter.com/AirickaPhoenix


Buy Links: Amazon US * Amazon UK * Amazon CA * Amazon DE * Amazon FR * Amazon AU * Amazon IN * iBooks * B&N * Smashwords * Scribd * Inktera * Goodreads

Release Blitz for the Contemporary Romance, BEING JOLENE by Caitlin Kerry WITH GIVEAWAY

Being Jolene (Tell Me, #2)

Caitlin Kerry

Contemporary Romance – Can be read as a Stand-alone

Release Date: February 19, 2014

Blurb

The first time Jolene meets a mysterious man wearing flannel, it’s a case of mistaken identity. The second time, they end up against the side of a bar.

Third time’s a charm, right?

Jolene Hayes finds herself spending the summer in the picturesque mountains of Idaho in order to avoid a past fling. It’s a perfect escape, except for the one problem that keeps popping up: a sexy backcountry pilot named Ty Harrison. Jolene tries her hardest to resist his scruffy beard and flannel wearing ways, but eventually rationalizes that a summer fling would just be like the rest of them—love ‘em and leave ‘em and move on with her life.

Between these two are secrets that could tear them apart before they even get started, though. Life changes without warning, and dealing with the results leaves Jolene protecting her heart at all costs. Ty knows he is everything Jolene doesn’t want, but he can’t let go of the fiery siren.

Throw in the element of wilderness, a small town where secrets can’t hide and the past repeatedly showing up on Jolene’s front porch, the promise of a summer fling becomes complicated.

Purchase the Book!

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Excerpt

Yet, as I stood in the country bar in the middle of Gypsum, Idaho, I started to rethink my whole notion on the bar scene. What I was looking at was quite strange. All I could see was cowboy boots, wranglers, and granola type people. Lots of hats. I scanned the bar from the rickety wooden table I was perched at. This was one of those times where I knew heavy drinking was not a good idea so I slowly nursed my vodka cranberry and took in the crowd. The good ol' boys were out in full force tonight. I mean, yes I was from Idaho, but I rarely left Boise, a large city. I was used to the more outdoorsy type, Boise was full of them, but all the cowboys I was seeing reminded me that I did in fact live in Idaho. As I took another drink of the watered down beverage, my eyes caught made contact with the last person I wanted to see.

The lumberjack.

Shit. Of all my luck, of course Sexy Lumberjack would be here. I was known for being on top of my game. I always had a witty comeback and I never let anything affect me. Or at least that was the image I put out there. Sexy lumberjack threw me off my game that morning a month ago. Not okay. I scrunched up my nose as I took him in as he stood there, a bright smile on his face as he twisted the bottled in his hands.

Fuck me. What was I supposed to do for four months in this barely-there town with all of these cowboys. And one lumberjack. I didn't even bother to drink the rest of vodka cranberry. I threw a few singles on the table and grabbed my purse to head out of the bar. I was done with this night.

I was practically out the door when I heard, "Hey. Caleb's girl."

I stopped. His alluring soft, deep voice wasn't anything new. I had heard plenty of men whisper pet names in my ear because they couldn't remember my actual name. I smirked to myself and turned around to face him.

"Lumberjack," I addressed him.

He raised a brow. "I'm not a lumberjack."

I matched his raised brow. "I'm not Caleb's girl."

Guest Post

My inspiration behind Being Jolene by Caitlin Kerry

When I start a story, or when I get an idea for one, usually there are three main points or themes that I want to explore. For Being Jolene, it was a few things. Jolene was a side character from my first book, Finding June, and I knew that her story would be next because in some ways, I didn’t really know Jolene and I wanted to know what made her tick. Here were the three things I focused on.

1. The first point was the idea of a HEA. Now, don’t worry there is a HEA in this book, but I wanted to explore the idea that maybe HEA isn’t just the house and the kids and norm. HEA can be complicated, they take work. Jolene struggles with wanting a different HEA than everyone else’s. I don’t want to say too much without spoiling the book, but that was one theme.
2. The Hero. Ty. Okay, so I live in Idaho and most of that time was spent in rural Idaho. There are a lot of cowboys here. I read about dreamy cowboys in books all the time. In real life? Yeah….a little bit different. And for me, a whole lot of no. I felt like there was a missing gap and that there are more than just the “western cowboy” in romance. For me, there is also the mountain man (outdoorsy type, lumberjack, ect) and that was my goal with Ty. And you guys, I swoon pretty hard over him. I can’t wait for you to meet Ty. He stole a little piece of my heart with his flannel and beard. (And he’s a freaking pilot! In the wilderness!)
3. Switching the stereotype was the third theme. You could throw a dart blind and find a book with an alpha male who sleeps around and is a pro in bed and the woman has no experience. I wanted to switch
   
   that a bit. In this, Jolene is known for short and hot romances with men. She is a serial dater. Ty, while he is experienced, is more on the conservative side and I loved watching these two deal with it. At times, it’s messy, but worth it in the end. I have to say, I think Ty is a bit of a feminist ;)

Those were my running ideas through Being Jolene and from there the story grew. I can’t wait for you to read Jolene and Ty’s story, coming to you February 19, 2015!!

Finding June (Tell Me, #1)

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Tell me your story....

June Rosewood followed the plan. College degree? Check. Longtime boyfriend who is possible husband material? Check. Finding a job after school? Working on it. Yet, it only took one emotionless conversation on a beach in Mexico for everything to fall apart. After running away for the summer, June’s back in Boise, can’t find a job and is stuck working as a waitress

When June runs smack dab into Reece Day, her new coworker, she knows to stay far away from him. After being away from the town Reece grew up in, his journey has brought him back to where it all began. Reece is searching for forgiveness, but also stumbles upon the lively and smart mouthed June, who is so clearly lost in herself. Reece catches June's attention with his uncanny ability to always get under her skin, leaving her questioning what she really wants in life.

Soon, June embarks on a journey of self-discovery to let go of the plan, because sometimes the unexpected surprises along the way are the most important and meaningful.

Finding June is recommended for ages 17+ due to adult matters.

About the Author

Caitlin Kerry is obsessed with the stories we tell. Her love of reading and writing led her to accomplish a goal she set for herself at the age of seventeen. She has a degree in History and Political Science and a Masters in Public Administration. Caitlin is an avid tea drinker, hopeful adventurer, lover of music and often finds the best medicine is the quiet of nature.

When Caitlin isn't writing or reading she usually can be found enjoying the great outdoors with her geologist husband, always looking for the next adventure. She currently resides in Idaho.

I love meeting new people. Feel free to say hi!

Connect with Caitlin

Website | Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest

Twitter: @CaitKerry | Instagram: Caitlove88

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

COVER REVEAL for ONE TO SAVE (One to Hold, #6) by Tia Louise

ONE TO SAVE (One to Hold, #6)

(Derek & Melissa)

By Tia Louise

Coming March 26, 2015! #SaveDerek

Cover Design by Steven Novak

Photography by Lauren Perry, Perrywinkle Photography

Blurb

Some threats come at you as friendly fire.

Some threats take away everything.

Family won’t let you go down without a fight.

The Secret isn’t as secure as Derek’s team originally thought it was, and a person on the inside of Alexander-Knight is set on exposing him, breaking him, and taking away all he holds dear.

Refusing to let anyone suffer for his crimes, Derek takes matters into his own hands. He’s exposed, he’s defenseless, but his friends are determined to save him.

A STAND-ALONE, ONE TO HOLD NOVEL. Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Pre-Order ONE TO SAVE Today!

Amazon | iTunes | Google Play | Kobo | Are | Nook: *coming March 26!

Exclusive Excerpt

One to Save

©Tia Louise

*unedited draft, subject to change*

Chapter 1: Secrets

Melissa

In the cool darkness of the semi-crowded bar, I study the glass in front of me and consider my journey, how many steps I’ve taken in the last two years, how far I’ve come. Memories of my old life fade like smoke in a glass. The shame that held me so tightly now dances at the edges of my mind like the whisper of a bad dream, a flicker of shadows that no longer make sense in my world.

Young women in shiny slip dresses twist and laugh on the dance floor, but instead of resentment, my lips curl into a smile. My old self—cynical, bitter, defeated—is a memory I have to work hard to recall. These days I could dance all night with them, but I’d rather spend my energy engaged in other activities.

The slim glass holds a pale amber liquid, and I can’t resist taking a sip. An involuntary wince pinches my eyes as I put it down. Seven and seven. Refreshing citrus dragged down by the heavy undertone of whiskey. So gross.

Sliding my palms over my thighs, I realize my outfit isn’t much different from those of the girls on the dance floor. The deep red silk is

fitted at my waist, and drapes loosely over my torso. My long dark hair is swept over one shoulder revealing a thin spaghetti strap. I lightly touch the delicate gold chain around my neck leading to the floating heart pendant that sits between my collarbones, and light glances off the thick gold cuff on my wrist.

Unlike that night, I’m alone. My best friend Elaine is miles away with her new husband, most likely indulging in that blissful honeymoon period of early marriage. Make that, most certainly indulging. I know those two well.

No, I came by myself to the bar in Princeton after finishing my business with a client in town. My infant son is in Wilmington, spending the weekend with his grandmother. Studying my hands, I admire the deep blue sapphire ring on my finger, but I have no wedding band.

At thirty-two, I’m an unmarried mother of a beautiful little boy, and I wouldn’t change a thing… Yet. The tiny silver scar at my hairline reminds me of what a bad marriage looks like, and with my successful marketing business and the gorgeous cottage at the beach I own, I’m satisfied with my life. Calm, not desperate. I’ll take my next steps deliberately, with confidence.

All these thoughts preoccupy my mind when I blink up and catch him watching me from across the square-shaped bar. Blue eyes, strikingly blue because of the way they stand out beneath his dark brow, coupled with collar-length thick dark hair.

He’s massive, at least six-two, and elegantly dressed with a thick stainless watch on his wrist. I can spot his type a mile away—rich, powerful, accustomed to getting what he wants. I can’t deny the hum his gaze sets off under my skin. I know what he wants.

Catching my lip in my teeth to stop my grin, I also know what I want, and it’s no coincidence I happened to look up at that exact moment to meet his stare. Still, I’ll make him work for it.

He starts to move, his eyes never leaving mine. I don’t look away either. Thick cords of muscle ripple beneath the thin black sweater he wears as he glides past the oblivious patrons talking and laughing. Some are more animated than others, waving their arms and putting their drinks in peril.

Yellow lights hidden in the recesses above the bar illuminate rows of liquor bottles in all colors and shapes. Glasses hanging upside down above also catch the flickering light. It’s a raucous atmosphere, but this man and I are in our own secret place of longing and desire.

As he rounds the final corner, and I see him in full, my breath quickens. My eyes drift from his broad shoulders to his narrow waist, grey slacks and black shoes, then back up just as he reaches me. A close beard shadows his face, and the muscles low in my pelvis tighten at the thought of how it feels brushing the soft skin of my inner thighs…

#SaveDerek #March26

Books by Tia Louise

One to Hold (Derek & Melissa), 2013

Amazon | B&N

One to Keep (Patrick & Elaine), 2014

Amazon | B&N

One to Protect (Derek & Melissa), 2014

Amazon | B&N

One to Love (Kenny & Slayde), 2014

Amazon | B&N

One to Leave (Stuart & Mariska), Dec. 29, 2014

Amazon | B&N

One to Save (Derek & Melissa), coming March 26, 2015!

One to Chase (Amy & Marcus), coming May 2015!

SIGNED COPIES: http://smarturl.it/SignedPBs

About the Author

Tia Louise is the Amazon and International Bestselling author of the ONE TO HOLD series.

From "Readers' Choice" nominations, to picking up USA Today "Happily Ever After" nods, to winning a 2014 "Lady Boner Award" (LOL!), nothing makes her happier than communicating with fans and weaving new tales into the Alexander-Knight world of stories.

A former journalist, Louise lives in the center of the USA with her lovely family and one grumpy cat. There, she dreams up stories she hopes are engaging, hot, and sexy, and that cause readers rethink common public locations...

Connect with Tia

Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Website | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram: @AuthorTLouise | Tsu.com

Sign up for Tia's Book News: http://eepurl.com/Lcmv1

Get Exclusive Sale and New Release text alerts straight to your device: Text "TiaLouise" to 77948*

*Max 6 messages per month; HELP for help; STOP to cancel; Text and Data rates may apply. Privacy policy available, allnightreads@gmail.com.

Cover Reveal for FANGIRL by ANGEL LAWSON

Title: Fangirl

Author: Angel Lawson

Release Date: March, 2015

Published by Entertwine Publishing

Ruby Miller has her summer all planned out. Sitting by the pool. Babysitting for some extra cash. Packing for college. All of that changes when a fan video Ruby and her best friend, Iris, create goes viral gaining their little fansite a ton of hits and the attention of the big wigs in Hollywood.

Ruby and Iris fall into the world of actors, movie sets, teen stars and elusive artists. Not only is their friendship put to the test when Ruby's cast in the lead role of the newest zombie flick, she must straddle the line between fiction and reality, love and lust, and being true to herself.

Angel Lawson

Angel Lawson lives with her family in Atlanta and has a lifelong obsession with creating fiction from reality, either with paint or words. On a typical day you can find her writing, reading, plotting her escape from the zombie apocalypse and trying to get the glitter out from under her nails.

Website: http://www.angellawson.com

Twitter: @TheAngellawson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alawsonwrites

Release Blitz for CONTROLLING HER PLEASURE (Under His Command, #1) by Lili Valente

Controlling Her Pleasure (Under His Command, #1)

Lili Valente

Release Date February 16, 2015

Blurb

Blake Roberts has everything he’s ever wanted—fame, money, and ownership of the hottest chain of tattoo parlors in the country. But he’s haunted by his first love, the matching tattoo they share a constant reminder of who he was before he learned how to control his emotions, his desire, and a woman’s pleasure.

He needs to purge her from his heart, and he’ll do whatever it takes to be free.

Erin Perry’s been burned by love and she’s not ready to put her body under a man’s control, let alone her heart. But then Blake shows up, the only man she ever truly loved. Blake is ruthlessly handsome, and seething commanding energy that has her aching to submit.

To be pleasured, tamed, owned, and put under His control.

Warning: This book features a big, tattooed, Dominant alpha male—give him your trust and he’ll command your pleasure. All. Night. Long. Cliffhanger Alert: This steamy read ends in a cliffhanger. If you don't like being teased, steer clear. The entire Under His Command series, Erin and Blake's complete love story, will publish in February and March of 2015.

Purchase the Book

Amazon US | Amazon UK | B & N

Coming Soon

Commanding Her Trust (Under His Command, #2)

March 2, 2015

Blake Roberts is falling hard for his old flame and won't stop until Erin is his. He doesn't simply want her body; he wants her submission, her abandon, and the wounded heart she's trying so hard to hide.

He wants all of her and he's pulling out all the stops--in the bedroom and out--until she surrenders.

For Erin, what started as a charade has become all too real. She's never experienced anything like the savage bliss she's discovered in Blake's arms. He tests her, dominates her, and if she doesn't gain her freedom, soon he'll own her--body and soul.

She has to escape even if running from Blake feels like running from the only home she's ever known.

Claiming Her Heart (Under His Command, #3)

Releasing March 16, 2015

Blake has what he thought he wanted--Erin's submission, her trust, and the woman he loves back in his bed. But with her submission comes protection of her secrets. Erin is in trouble and an innocent life hangs in the balance.

Blake knows he can help her break free of the past, but he doesn't know if a man like himself belongs in her future.

How can he swear to protect her from danger when he has a dark side of his own?

About the Author

Lili Valente has slept under the stars in Greece, eaten dinner at midnight with French men who couldn’t be trusted to keep their mouths on their food, and walked alone through Munich’s red light district after dark and lived to tell the tale.

These days you can find her writing in a tent beside the sea, drinking coconut water and thinking delightfully dirty thoughts.

Lili loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her via email at lili.valente.romance@gmail.com or on Facebook

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal for PRETTY PINK RIBBONS by K.L. Grayson

Title: Pretty Pink Ribbons

Author: K.L. Grayson

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: March 24, 2015

Cover Design: Perfect Pear Creative Covers

Photographer: Tomasz Zienkiewicz Photography

Synopsis

Dying . . .

Dead . . .

Deceased . . .

It doesn’t matter how many times I say it or how many different names I give it, it still means the same thing. One of these days I’ll be nothing but a passing memory, a familiar face in a forgotten photo. But there's three things I need before this life of mine ends . . .

I need to tell him I love him more than life itself.

I need to feel the strength of his arms wrapped around me just one more night.

Most of all, I need him to forgive me.

Eight years ago I broke the heart of the only man I’ve ever loved and today I’m moving home in hopes that he’ll let me put it back together. I’m not sure how many breaths I have left, but I’ll use each and every last one fighting for what I destroyed.

My name is Laney Jacobs and this is my journey.

Prologue

“Levi?” Her soft voice rings through the bar, effectively kicking my heart rate up a couple hundred notches, and I take a deep breath. This is what she does to me. When she’s around, my entire universe shifts and I know—I know—that this woman is it for me.

“Coming.” I rush to light the last of the candles, taking a quick inventory to make sure I didn’t forget anything. I’ve known for several months that Laney is different … special. But the other night when her warm body was curled up in my arms, head tucked under my chin, I realized just how perfectly she fits. And not just with me, but into my life.

A loud thud followed by a faint “shit” catches my attention and I run across the patio, through the door, toward the dining room. “You okay in here?”

Laney is bent over, rubbing her knee. She lifts her head and her dark hair slides away from her face, putting her hazel eyes—the eyes that I love—on display. Her nose crinkles and she cocks her head. “Why is it so dark in here? You know I’m afraid of the dark.” I laugh, bending down to inspect her knee. “Are you laughing at me, Mr. Beckford?” I glance up in time to see a sly grin split her face and I return it before focusing my attention back on the bruise that is now marring her flawless skin. Leaning forward, my lips graze her knee and she sighs, threading her delicate fingers through my hair. “When you act all sweet like this, it’s hard to be mad at you for laughing at me.”

I look up and she places a soft kiss against my lips. “I have a surprise for you,” I whisper, pulling away, knowing good and well what her sweet innocent kisses can turn into. Sliding a hand along her back, the other under her knees, I lift her off the ground and she squeals, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. Burying her face in my neck, she starts peppering kisses along my jaw.

“I love surprises.” Her voice is low and sexy as shit, and if she says one more word, I’m certain we won’t make it out to the patio. Soft lips encircle my earlobe and she nips it playfully before sucking the sensitive flesh into her mouth. I swat her ass and she moans, the vibrations sending a rush of blood straight to my dick. Fuck … the things this woman does to me.

Stopping in front of the patio doors, I lower her to her feet. “Close your eyes.” Her gaze snaps to mine and her eyes widen with excitement before she slaps a hand over her eyes. Gripping her free hand in mine, I gently lead her across the threshold into the warm summer air.

I couldn’t have asked for a better night to do this. My dad closed Flame for the weekend to celebrate my cousin’s wedding so we have the entire restaurant to ourselves, and the weather is absolutely perfect. I blow out a slow breath, hoping that this perfect night gets a little bit more perfect when I tell Laney just how much she means to me. “Open your eyes.”

She smiles wide, her sparkling white teeth lighting up her face. Her hand remains locked across her eyes and I can’t help but laugh. “Laney.” I tug at her arm, but she doesn’t budge. “Open your eyes.”

“Wait,” she laughs, pushing me away with her free hand. “I’m prolonging the moment. I haven’t had a surprise since I was seven years old and my mom bought me a Cabbage Patch doll for my birthday.” Laney’s smile falters and something inside of me clenches. Laney doesn’t have a lot of memories of her mom, and she has even fewer good memories of her dad. “It wasn’t even new.” I stood there, my hands hovering at my sides, at a complete loss for words. “I think she got it from a garage sale, but I didn’t care … I loved that doll.”

Stepping toward her, I lace my fingers around the back of her neck, drawing her to me. “Laney, I didn’t—”

“No.” She buries her covered face in my chest and takes a deep breath. “It’s okay. I’m sorry I got carried away. I’m just really excited for your surprise, even if it’s nothing … I’m not saying it’s nothing, but if it was, I’d still be just as excited.” She pauses, pulling away from me. “Wait. That didn’t come out right.”

My hand glides down her back and I pull her to my chest. I want to spend the rest of my life making her happy. Logically, I know it’s way too early to talk about marriage, what with the both of us still in college, but the thought lingers in the back of my head. “I know what you meant.” She nods and I kiss the top of her head. “I’m going to give you lots of surprises, Laney.” She nods again. “I’m going to spoil you rotten. I promise, one of these days you’ll be sick of surprises.”

She lifts her face as though she is looking for a kiss, but her hand is still covering her eyes and she isn’t anywhere close to my mouth. I grin. She looks so damn cute with her pouty pink lips puckered and ready. “Where’s your mouth?” she huffs, lifting up on her toes. “Levi?” Slipping my arm under her butt, I lift her up and she instinctively wraps her legs around my waist. Gripping the

back of her head in my palm, I guide her smiling face toward mine and her lips part, granting me access. Our tongues collide, sliding and pushing against one another. Kissing Laney is like getting a taste of heaven. If she’d let me, I’d probably spend most of my days walking around with my lips connected to her in some way, shape, or form.

“Can I have my surprise now?” she mumbles against my mouth, biting at my bottom lip. I groan and she smiles against my mouth, knowing good and well what she’s doing to me. “Did that turn you on?” She waggles her eyebrows above her hand, her knowing smile completely infectious. If her eyes were open, I’d adamantly deny any such thing. But they’re closed so I smile back, loving this playful side of her.

“Nope.”

“No?”

“Not even a little.”

She tries to pull back and my arms lock around her middle and she giggles. The most perfect sound in the entire world. “I don’t believe you.” She wiggles her free hand between us until she finds the swollen bulge busting at the zipper of my jeans, causing her to burst into full-on laughter. “I knew it. I knew it. Good God, you’re easy.” I have no comeback because she’s right. This girl can fucking breathe on me and I’ll get hard.

“What do you expect? You’re fucking gorgeous, Lane.” I run my nose up the side of her neck and back down. Her laughing morphs to giggling and she scrunches up her shoulders when I suck on the spot just below her ear. How easily she forgets that I know how to make her squirm too. “What’s a man supposed to do? You’ve got these perfect tits rubbing all up on me.” My hand roams up her side, my fingers grazing the outside of her breast. She’s no longer laughing … or giggling. I inch my hand up a little bit higher, tangling my fingers in her hair. Wrapping her dark waves around my hand, I give a firm tug and her head leans back, a small whimper falling from her lips. But I know my girl and that was not a whimper of pain. I just turned the fucking tables.

“Did you like that, Lane?”

“Mmm-hmm.” My cock throbs at the sight of her, skirt bunched up around her hips and neck stretched, begging for my mouth.

“You look turned on, Lane. How turned on are you?” My nose slides down her neck until my lips hit the swells of her breasts and her breath hitches.

“A five. I’m a five.” Bullshit, she’s a five. Letting go of her hair, I slip my fingers in the top of her shirt, yanking it down. Laney’s breast pops free, her nipple tightening when it meets the warm breeze. My mouth waters at the sight and I lean down to suck her sensitive bud into my mouth. My tongue swirls and my teeth nip, and within seconds she is writhing against me.

“A five, huh?” I blow on her wet nipple and she moans.

“I hate you,” she pants. “A ten. I’m a ten.” Her eyes flutter, but I’m not quite done with her yet.

“Did I tell you to open your eyes?” I swat her ass and she grinds into me, shaking her head furiously. “You haven’t seen your surprise yet. Do you want your surprise?” She squeezes her eyes shut and nods.

“Is it you? Can I have you?” Her words slam into me and suddenly our little game is so much more. “I just want you.” That last part sounded more like a plea and my throat constricts. I can’t wait any longer. I need to tell her … she needs to know.

I push down on her hip, and she reluctantly untangles her legs and slides to the ground. I fix her shirt and attempt to adjust her bra. She laughs at my awkward movements and reaches up with her free hand to help. When her clothes are righted, I entwine our fingers, bringing her hand up to my mouth.

“You have me, Lane.” I kiss her knuckles and she takes a step toward me. “I’m already yours.”

“Levi? There’s something—”

“Wait.” I press a finger to the center of her mouth. “Open your eyes first, Lane.” She obeys and I spin her around. Her mouth drops open on a gasp, her hand flying to her mouth.

“Oh my God.” She turns to look at me, and then back to the patio, then back to me. “Levi,” she sighs. “This is … it’s … you did all of this?” Her golden eyes glitter under the pale moonlight.

“I wanted to do something special for you. It’s not much, but—”

Laney turns, stepping into me. She grips the collar of my shirt with her manicured hands and pulls my face close to hers. “What do you

mean not much?” She glances over her shoulder and my eyes follow, taking in what she’s seeing.

Flame sits on the banks of the Mississippi River and the patio overlooks a wide expanse of rippling water, providing a magnificent view of the Arch riverfront. Lanterns are strung along the railing, emitting a soft ethereal glow, and a round table is tucked in the corner adorned with her favorite flowers.

Laney’s grip loosens on my shirt and she twists around, taking off toward the table. “You made me dinner?” She lifts the silver cover that’s hiding one of the plates, then quickly replaces it. She turns to me with a brilliant smile. “My favorite.” I nod, watching her reach toward the bouquet of Calla lilies. She pulls one from the bunch and raises it to her nose. Her eyes close and she sniffs, her entire chest rising and falling on a slow inhale. Her face is the perfect picture of serenity.

This is it … here’s my cue.

“Laney?” I stand in front of her and she smiles, slowly peeling open her eyelids. My heart is pounding against my ribcage, and if my palms get any sweatier, I’ll be embarrassed to touch her. Come on, Levi, do it. The words are stuck in my throat, threatening to choke the shit out of me if they don’t come out. I rub my hands along my thighs and take a deep breath. “You like the lilies?”

What the hell was that? I was supposed to confess my love, not ask if she likes the damn flowers.

She stuffs the lily back in with the bunch and squeezes my hand. “I love them.” Damn it. I was really hoping she was going to say ‘I love you’ … then I wouldn’t have to be the first. Ever so gradually, she lifts herself up and when our lips meet, something stirs inside me. I feel like I’m home. She is my home. She kisses me softly several times, never deepening it. “This is beautiful. It’s wonderful.”

Now would probably be a good time to spit it out … get it off my chest. If only I could concentrate—or breathe. I should probably breathe first; that would be good. My lungs fill and I blow out a big breath.

“Are you okay? Do you want to sit down?” Laney pulls me to a chair and shoves me in it.

“I have to tell you something,” I blurt, catching her off-guard. She clears her throat and pulls out the chair next to me.

“I have to tell you something too.” She looks away and then down at her hands, which are fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. She’s nervous. What the hell is she nervous about? I’m the one about to lay my heart out on the line. Alas, my dad always told me ladies first.

“You go first.” I scoot my chair forward until our knees are touching and she glances up at me, blinking rapidly. She wrings her hands together, her eyes searching my face. “No.” She shakes her head adamantly. “You planned this amazing surprise. You go first.”

“No, really—” She shakes her head jerkily, dismissing me, and we both sit there … staring at each other. Neither one of says a word and the air grows thick with awkward tension.

Damn it.

This is not how I wanted this to go. I wanted to tell her I loved her, hear her say it back, eat dinner and then make love to her under the stars. But really, I just want to tell her I love her … and hear her say it back.

Both of us, obviously disturbed by our lack of communication, start talking at the same time.

“I love you.”

“I got in!”

“What?” she gasps, her face beaming. She moves closer, which is funny because suddenly I’m wanting to move away.

“What did you say?” My stomach hardens as a wave of nausea rolls through me. My mind is working desperately to try and figure out what she’s talking about, but I’ve got nothing.

“You got in?” I ask, brows furrowed. “You got in where?”

Her eyes sparkle with excitement. I want to be excited with her, but the pain I have gnawing inside my gut is telling me that this is going to change everything. Her knees are bouncing at a fast clip and she bites back a smile. “Do you remember when I applied to the CIA?”

I nod once, vaguely remembering her talking about some scholarship for the Culinary Institute of America. She never said anything else about it, so I just assumed it was a passing thought. I was wrong, obviously.

Laney loves to cook. In fact, that’s how we met. She started to waitress and hostess for my dad at Flame, and I bartend for him on the weekends and occasionally during the week. She told me once that she wanted to be a chef and working in a restaurant was her first step in that direction. I’m not going to lie, the girl can cook. There were a few times when my dad even pulled her back to the kitchen to help out if someone called out or left sick.

“I got accepted, Levi.” She catapults forward, throwing herself into my arms, but I can’t move. I’m in shock. What is this going to mean for us? Where is the school? I never once considered the fact that she may move. She can’t move, I love her. “Levi? Did you hear me? I got accepted!” Her eyes are gleaming, but for the life of me I can’t find the strength to smile back.

“So, what does that mean?” I manage to stutter out.

She sits up, her hands locking on mine. “It means I get to go to college. On a full scholarship. I don’t have to pay for anything, Levi.”

“But you’re in college.” I don’t see what the big deal is. What can she do there that she can’t do here? Her whole life is here. She can’t possibly think it’s a good idea to just pick up and leave. And what about Luke? She can’t leave Luke … she can’t leave me.

Her smile fades, the light in her eyes dulling a fraction, and she stares at me. “I’m going to a community college, Levi.”

“There’s nothing wrong with a community college,” I insist.

She shakes her head. “No, there’s not, but I’m not doing anything there. This isn’t where I want to be.” Her words are a punch to the fucking gut and I stand abruptly, sending my chair toppling backward. “Wait”—she reaches for me, but I pull away—“I didn’t mean it like that.” Slowly, she stands. “There is nothing for me here.” Another fucking punch. “My life is going nowhere, Levi … you know this.” Jesus Christ, screw the punch, she’s using a jagged-edge knife. I rear back at her harsh words and she hangs her head, a tear slipping down her flushed cheek.

Laney’s mother died of cancer when she was ten years old, and a few months after her passing, Laney’s dad became a raging alcoholic. Laney spent her entire childhood raising her brother. The only good thing

her poor excuse for a dad ever did right was give Laney access to any money he ever had. I’m not sure where he got his money, considering he could never keep a job for longer than a few months at a time, from what Laney told me. But he got it from somewhere, and it kept food in her and Luke’s bellies and a roof over their heads.

“What about me, Laney?” I yell, jamming my finger into my chest. “What? I’m nothing to you? Your life with me won’t ever go anywhere?” My arms are held out to the sides, but she doesn’t answer. Her head snaps up and she moves forward.

“No.” Her voice is high and frantic. She looks bewildered at why I would say that. “That’s not it at all. You’re everything. You mean everything. This doesn’t mean we’re over, it just means I’m going away to school for a while.”

My eyes lock on a barge floating slowly down the river—what I wouldn’t give to drift away right along with it. “Where is it? Where is the school?”

“St. Helena … California.”

My eyes snap to hers. “California?” She nods and my stomach twists. “When would you leave?”

“The semester starts in six days. There was a last-minute cancellation … that’s how I got in. That’s why it’s so sudden.”

Tears are swimming in her eyes, but that does nothing to subdue the anger that is boiling up inside me. She bites down on her bottom lip, a small quiver taking root in her chin, and I grip my hair tightly, spinning away from her. “Christ, Laney,” I growl, my voice echoing into the empty night.

As hurt as I am by what she’s just told me, it’s what she didn’t say that’s bothering me the most. Those three little words that I was dying to tell her were not reciprocated and that slices right through me. Did she even hear me say it?

“This doesn’t have to change anything.” I can feel her body behind me, the familiar scent of her perfume wafting through the air. I hang my head in defeat. What am I going to do if I can’t see her every day? She has become my life. I go to bed thinking about her, I wake up thinking about her … hell, I probably even dream about her.

Not to mention, she’s bound to get noticed. A girl like her catches the eye of every hot-blooded male within a five-mile radius. I’m going to go insane not being able to be there, and it very well might kill me not knowing who she is talking to or what she’s doing at any given time. And when am I going to see her? It’s not like either one of us can afford to travel back and forth.

“This changes everything.” There has to be somewhere closer for her to go to culinary school. This can’t be the only option. “I don’t want you to go. I don’t want to be away from you.”

Her eyes soften, but something about that pisses me off. Reaching out, she grips my forearm and gives it a gentle squeeze. I don’t pull away, mostly because something inside of me is screaming that this may be the last time we touch. “It’s only for a couple of years. I have to do this, Levi.”

“I can’t do a couple of years.” My words come out surprisingly calm considering I’m about two seconds away from punching the goddamn wall.

Her hand falls from my arm as she takes a step back. “What do you mean you can’t do a couple of years?” Her words are slow and careful.

I need her to pick me. I need her to pick us. If she just gives us a chance—a real chance—one where she isn’t thousands of miles away, we can make this work. I just need to finish school, then we can work at getting her into culinary school and I’ll happily follow her wherever she wants to go. If she leaves now, we’ll never make it. I won’t survive it. Jesus, I probably sound like a fucking pussy, but I need her. When she’s not around, I feel like I can’t even breathe. Right now I need to know that she feels the same way about me. I close my eyes and take a deep breath.

When I look up, big doe eyes are watching me … waiting. As much as I want to pull her to me and tell her everything is going to be okay, I can’t. My stomach clenches hard and tight as rejection and a ton of other emotions that I can’t even name rip through my body. “If you leave” —I glance over her shoulder, unable to look her in the eye— “we’re over.”

“You don’t mean that?” She lunges toward me, but I step back. Tears streak down her face and my hands itch to make this right, to somehow make it work.

“But I do.” She sobs, frantically wiping the tears from her face. “We can make this work. You’re making this into so much more than it is. Please, Levi, you have to understand that this is my chance to get out of this town and start a new life.”

“A life without me.”

“No,” she says, shaking her head vehemently.

“Really?” I yell, throwing my hands out to the side. “How do you suggest we make it work? You won’t be able to afford to fly home, and I can’t afford to fly to California.” Her mouth snaps shut. She knows I’m right. “What are we going to do, talk on the phone every night? Sure, that might work in the beginning, but what happens when school starts to get busy and those calls start getting missed? What happens when I start wondering where you are and who you’re spending time with? Or vice versa … what if you start wondering where I am or who I’m with?”

Laney crosses her arms over her chest. She’s frustrated. Good, so am I. “You don’t trust me?” she scoffs. “You think I’m going to go away to school and just forget about you … forget about us?”

“I don’t know, Laney, you tell me!” Adrenaline is coursing through my body. My lungs are heaving, my heart racing.

“I trust you, Levi.”

“Well, maybe you shouldn’t.” I don’t mean it. I don’t. But I’m hurt, and this is what fucking happens when I’m hurt. I’m stubborn as hell and I feel the need to hurt back, which judging by the look on her face, I hit my mark.

Her eyes are like daggers shooting straight through me, but I don’t budge. “So what’s it going to be, Laney?”

“You want me to choose? You want me to give up my dreams, my one chance to get out from under my dad?”

It kills me that I’m doing this to her. Lord knows I don’t want to give her an ultimatum, but I know me, and I know I can’t do long distance. I know that if she just chooses me, I’ll move heaven and earth to make every fucking dream of hers come true. “Yes. I’m asking you to choose.”

Laney’s hand covers her face. Her shoulders bob several times as soft cries float from her mouth. A few minutes pass and then she straightens her back, wipes the remaining tears from her face, and looks at me sadly. “I’m sorry.” She hiccups on another sob and her shoulders hunch forward. “I’m so sorry, but I have to do this, Levi.”

Her words slam into me like a freight train. My mind goes blank, everything around me dissipating into a mass of emptiness. Without thinking, I reach for the vase and hurl it across the patio. Hand-painted glass shatters against the wooden deck, sending two dozen Calla lilies into the air. A faint scream echoes through the air, but my mind blocks it out as I grab one plate and then the other, slamming them into the side of the restaurant. A loud roar rips from my lungs, echoing through the quiet summer night.

“Levi, please.” A shaky hand touches my arm and I whip around, wrenching free from her grip. The sight of her tear-streaked face rips open my heart and infiltrates my soul, a place that I will never allow another woman to ever go again. I can feel large steel walls slam down around my heart, effectively closing it off.

My eyes fall on hers, which are full of fear and anxiety. I don’t want to scare her. That wasn’t my intention, but she hurt me. And I’ve already been hurt by another woman, one who walked away from me without a second glance. Chose a different life … one I didn’t fit into. Unfortunately, I was only twelve and didn’t know not to trust and love another woman again. Well, this time I’m older, wiser, and I’ll learn from my mistakes.

Swallowing hard, I turn to look at the destruction my anger left behind. Closing my eyes, I grip my hands behind my neck, tilting my head up to the sky. “You need to leave.” My voice is soft … resigned.

“Levi, plea—”

“GO,” I snap, just wanting her gone. She doesn’t say another word. I’m not sure how much longer she stands there, but I know the minute she walks away because she takes my heart with her.

About The Author

K.L. Grayson resides in a small town outside of St. Louis, MO. She is entertained daily by her extraordinary husband, who will forever inspire every good quality she writes in a man. Her entire life rests in the palms of six dirty little hands, and when the day is over and those pint-sized cherubs have been washed and tucked into bed, you can find her typing away furiously on her computer. She has a love for alpha-males, brownies, reading, tattoos, sunglasses, and happy endings…and not particularly in that order.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Blitz for Over the Line by KC Stewart

Over the Line

                                                Adirondack Pack 0.5

by K.C. Stewart

Publication Date: February 16, 2015

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Synopsis

The truth is in the evidence. Follow your nose, keep an ear to the ground and don’t believe everything you hear. Tyson Cartwright has always known who he was and becoming the Adirondack Pack’s Enforcer was the goal from the very start. He loves his job, but not today. Someone in the pack isn’t who they say they are. It isn’t the first time and it won’t be the last that Tyson has to rid the pack of a spy. These are the people he calls his friends and family and one of them is lying to him. His gut has an idea but is it just because he doesn’t like the man his sister has taken up with or is there something more to Jack Naughton? For Jenny’s sake he better know for sure it’s Jack before dispensing justice because once a wolf goes over the line, there is no coming back.

Purchase Links

ONLY $0.99

Amazon US | UK | CA 

Spark (Hailey Holloway #1)

Amazon US | UK | CA || Barnes & Noble || Kobo

Singe (Hailey Holloway #2)

Amazon US | UK | CA || Barnes & Noble || Kobo

Scorch (Hailey Holloway #3)

Amazon US | UK | CA || Barnes & Noble || Kobo

Excerpt

There wasn't much that could put that look on Owen's face. In all their years together as quasi-brothers, best friends and pack mates, Tyson had only seen that particular look a handful of times and he knew there would be no time off for him for the foreseeable future. As pack enforcer it was Tyson's job to find the reason for the look on his Alpha's face and bring justice. He was protector, detective, judge and jury. His hands were bloodier than anyone else's in the Adirondack Park and maybe even in the state of New York. Justice often meant death because once a wolf went over the line, there was no coming back.

Tyson could see the line. He knew where it stood and where those in his pack stood in relation to it. Being feared and often times hated was just one of the downfalls of the job. Neither of which bothered him.

Owen was alpha. He was the most dominate wolf in the pack and that meant he was the one they relied on. The one they turned to for help. The one who would protect them with everything he had. The pack was his family’s legacy but that didn’t mean it was his birthright, he was just right for the job. When someone was born to do something, nothing not even being an outcast, could stop them from being who they were meant to be.

Tyson was meant to bring justice and protect the pack.

Owen was meant to lead.

"I can tell by your expression that you have good news for me," Tyson strolled into Owen's office and took one of the seats in front of the massive oak desk.

Owen glanced up from the newspaper he had spread out. Usually a remark like that would have gotten a rise out of him but Owen was too far lost in thought to do much more than show mild interest. Whatever it was had caused his best friend to suppress the man and the alpha wolf to take charge.

"Just tell me," he said this time.

A snarl was just barely being held back. "There was another one." For a guy who usually spoke in low, soft tones he knew how to add venom when needed. Tyson reached across the desk and turned the newspaper around. Another body ravaged by animals. But it wasn't just an animal that had torn and bit into the flesh of the dead man, it was one of them, a werewolf, shifter, lycanthrope. The killing was a message, just not one the human population could read. The message, like all the rest, was for them.

Humans are fodder. Nothing more, nothing less.

A radical group of wolf shifters who liked to call themselves "Canidae," believe that between the two halves of the lycanthrope soul, the wolf is the stronger half and they should lean towards the way of the animal. Their kind has evolved. At one point, they had leaned heavily on the wolf side of their instincts but in the world as it is today, they rely on the human rather than wolf.

"Canidae?" he asked but only for confirmation.

"What do you think?"

That would be a yes. “What are you thinking, Owen. Obviously something if you called me in here."

"I haven't wanted to make waves with Canidae."

"I know." Everything Owen did, he did for the good of the pack. Keeping his head down in this debate may have been seen as submissive by some, but Tyson knew it had kept many of them alive.

"I've kept middle of the line even though I think they are a bunch of ass sniffing dogs who only want a reason to kill freely. This though," he tapped the newspaper, "this is their way of telling me to pick a side. Three dead in the last month. We can't have that. Many more and the police will start connecting the dots."

Government intervention was the very last thing any of them wanted. The government knew about their kind unlike the rest of the human population. They had yet to do any more than make idle threats. However giving them bodies, gave them a reason to make nice on those threats.

"I think we have a mole. Someone is feeding Canidae leaders pack information. I've been talking to the White Mountain pack and they were having the same problems. Turns out, someone from their pack was in Canidae and they were slowly gathering followers. I don't want to believe any of ours would go against me like that but..."

"Yeah, but." Tyson saw just how honest and honorable wolves could be. He had no doubts that there were some in their pack that were capable of espionage and brutal human killings.

Owen folded up the paper and filed it in his desk, probably with all the other articles from the past year on animal killings and attacks. There was something else that was bothering him. Tyson saw anger and exhaustion in Owen's face. Canidae was the cause behind the anger, but he never lost sleep over it.

"Everything ok?"

His laugh was half sigh. "No. Lee's on her kick again."

"Jesus," he groaned. "After almost two years you'd think she would get it through that thick doctor scull of hers that you love her."

"You'd think," he agreed. "I can't really blame her though. I quell the gossip when I hear it but it always gets back to her."

"Those old hags can go fuck themselves. So she can't have kids. It's not like it's the end of the world."

"No, just the end of my line." He wasn't bitter per se, but Tyson heard the accusation. They had been dancing around their mutual attraction ever since they were pups. Unable to have kids wasn’t a deal breaker for Owen but it was always there between them. They worked together as long as Lee couldn't hear the gossip.

The clock in the corner of the room struck three with long deep gongs. Both of them looked and waited for the sound to end. Tyson hated that clock. He needed to be going anyway. Jenny was expecting him soon. "What do you need of me?" he asked referring to the Canidae problem.

Owen looked him square in the face. "To do your job."

Meet the Author

K.C. Stewart lives in central Pennsylvania with her three cats. She is currently attending college online for Library Science while working full time as a photographer.

In her spare time, which isn't easy to find, she reads an obnoxious amount and writes in between everything else.

K.C. has a very real addiction to gummy bears and talking to her cats when no one is around. 

 Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blogs Participating