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BOOK TOUR ~ The Happy Endings Collection by L. Wilder

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Collection Title: The Happy Endings Collection
Titles: My Temptation ~ Bring The Heat ~ His Promise
Author: L. Wilder
Genre: RomCom

Release Date: February 20, 2018




Grace-


After one too many disappointments in and out of the bedroom, I’d all but given up on men. While I was doubtful that therapy would change anything, I had to try something.


As soon as I walked into Dr. Seth Michaels’ office, temptation set in. With his piercing green eyes and devilish smile, the handsome doctor was every woman’s fantasy, including mine.


He tempted me in ways that I never dreamed possible, but some lines just can’t be crossed. With a newfound libido, I left his office thinking I would never see him again, but fate and a meddling mother had other plans.






Kaci-


Tucker Michaels could bring the heat, striking out anyone who stepped up to the plate, and he was burning up the big leagues.


At least, that’s what I was told.


I had no idea who Tucker Michaels was, and I honestly didn’t care. From the moment I met him, I thought he was an arrogant, smart-mouthed jerk.

I’ll admit he was hot—if you’re into those gorgeous, athletic types, but there was no mistaking the way he looked at me, like I was about to be his next grand slam. 


Unfortunately for him, he was about to be the one to strike out. I had no interest in playing games, especially when he was helping my little brother’s baseball team. 


… But after a week from hell and one too many drinks, I was starting to see another side of the sexy, charismatic player.

 



After the devastating loss of my wife and daughter, I did everything in my power to guard my heart, making everyone, including myself, believe I no longer had one. I focused on my work and kept everyone at a distance. It was the only way I could face the day. 

I had no time for distractions, but the day Langley, my legal assistant, asked for help with her custody battle there was no way I could refuse. When I was at my worst, she was there to pick up the pieces, making sure I didn’t lose the only thing I had left—my career.

Now, it was my turn to ensure she didn’t lose the one thing she cared about most—her children. 

I promised to help, but I had no way of knowing that one promise would turn my entire world upside down. With the help of her two kids, she chiseled away at the walls I’d worked so hard to build, and I found myself wanting the one thing I thought was out of my reach—another chance at love.
EXCERPT FROM HIS PROMISE

I sat in my car and took several deep breaths, trying to collect myself before I headed inside. When I finally walked into the house, I found Beatrice sitting at the kitchen counter. She was still in her little, red flannel pajamas, and her curly hair was down around her face. She had a crayon in one hand and an oatmeal cookie in the other, and as soon as she saw me heading in her direction, she sat up in her chair and smiled. “Hi, Mr. Colton. I’m making you a picture for your refrigerator.”
And just like that, my bad mood started to falter. I walked over to the counter, and when I looked over her shoulder, I saw that she was drawing a picture of man wearing a suit. When I noticed the dark hair, I realized it was a picture of me.
“Looking good, kid.” “It’s you.”
“I see that, but you’re missing my beard.”
“That’s because I don’t like your beard,” she replied innocently.
“You don’t?”
She shook her head as she bit her bottom lip. “It makes you look a little scary. I like you better without it.”
“Scary?” I ran my hand over my chin, tugging at the bristles of my beard. “You really think so?”
“Umm-hmmm. And it makes you look kind of old.”
“Old? Really?” I asked with surprise.
“Yes, sir, but just a little. Not like Santa Claus kind of old.”
Damn. The kid knew how to hit a guy where it hurts. She looked up at me with those dark eyes of hers, and I couldn’t help but smile. “Gee … thanks, kid.”
She studied me for a moment before she asked, “I’m sorry. Did I hurt your feelings?”
“No, Beatrice,” I told her as I opened the refrigerator. “You can’t hurt my feelings, because I don’t have any feelings to hurt.”
Just as I reached for the jug of tea, she laughed. “That’s funny.”
“Why’s that?”
“Everybody has feelings, Mr. Colton.” She stood up and handed me the picture she’d been working on. “Even you.”
I glanced down at the picture and was surprised to see that she’d added my beard. When I looked back over to her, she was walking towards the stairs. “Thanks for the picture, Beatrice.”
She turned back just long enough to say, “Don’t forget to put it on the fridge, so everyone can see it.”
“You got it.”
I walked over to the refrigerator door and as I reached for a magnet, I took a moment to look at my portrait. There was something familiar about the man in the drawing, something that gave me a strange feeling when I looked at it. As I stood there staring at it, I suddenly felt overcome with emotion. After several moments, I realized that the man with big, dark eyes, a thick, bushy beard, and a goofy grin used to be me. It had been so long since I’d seen that side of me that I’d almost forgotten he even existed. I missed it. I missed having a reason to smile, a reason to be truly happy, and I wondered if I would ever have it again. I was lost in my thoughts, when Langley walked up behind me. “It turned out pretty good, don’t you think?”
Trying to collect myself, I cleared my throat before I replied, “The kid’s got talent. She made me look good, and that’s saying something.”
“I think she did a great job with your beard.” She snickered.
“What is it with you two and my beard?”
“I like your beard. It makes you look … distinguished.”
“Um-hmm,” I scoffed.

 

“Seriously. I like the beard.” As I watched the corners of her mouth curl into a smile, I found myself thinking of the kiss we’d shared the night before. There was this moment, just before our lips touched, where I felt the world stop spinning, and for an ever-so-brief moment, anticipation hung in the air. It was just a moment, a mere blink, but it was so intense I could feel it pulling me towards her. When our lips finally touched, that feeling didn’t dissipate. Instead, it grew stronger as I felt her warm, soft mouth pressed against mine, and when I finally released her from our embrace, I had to fight the urge to reach for her and kiss her all over again. I felt an unexpected connection between us, and I couldn’t help but wonder if she’d felt it, too.
  
Leslie Wilder grew up in a small town in West Tennessee. A country girl at heart, she’s always thought that life is too short, but she had no idea how short it really was until her brother passed away in 2014. She’s always been an avid reader, loving the escape only a great book can give, and wondered if she had what it took to write one of the wild romances she’d come to adore. With the support of her family and friends, she published Inferno: A Devil Chaser’s MC, one year after her brother’s death. With him in mind, she fulfilled her lifetime dream of writing. Since then, she’s completed the Devil Chaser’s Series and continued on with the Satan’s Fury MC Series. She has so many stories in her head, and can’t wait to share each and every one.

Leslie has been blown away by the support of her readers, appreciating every message, review, and encouraging word she’s received over the past year. She looks forward to continuing this journey with them for years to come.

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RELEASE DAY! ~ Four Hearts by Belle Brooks

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Title: Four Hearts
Series: The Game of Life Series #4
Author: Belle Brooks
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Release Date: February 28, 2018




Nerdy, Dirty & Flirty – “Son of a gawd doggit!!Mother flucker!!WHY?!?!?!”

Between the Bookends – “The writing remains awesome. The pace perfect. The plot continues to intrigue me.”

Cee Cee Houston – “OM Freaking G!!!!! Noooooooooo!!!!!That was my reaction at the end of Four Hearts by amazing, mind-blowing, throw your hands in the air in utter disbelief that she could do this to me, Belle Brooks.”




“The Wolf can break my bones, but he can’t destroy my heart.”

I will never lie down and say die because there are four hearts that beat for me, including my own, and it’s the strongest weapon I have. I will defeat the Wolf. I will take his life. He’d better sleep with one eye open, because I’m coming for him. 

Who is the Wolf? He’s one dead son-of-a-bitch in my eyes. He underestimated me and now he has no clue where I am. I’ve found my place to hide, and it’s only a matter of time until I see my freedom.

“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, burn in hell, Red, because I’ve had enough.” – The Wolf

The game isn’t over yet. For me, it’s just begun.












Five Fights (The Game of Life Series #5)




Born in Australia, Belle Brooks has always had a passion for books and creative writing. She loves exploring the different ways stories can be told through the use of text and in-depth characters. Since she was a child her strong talent and interest in creative writing was evident, explaining that her favourite class in school was English. Despite her love for all things books, she decided the world of advertising and marketing was where she could put her talents to use in the business realm, well that is until now. Belle enjoys creative writing and creating fictional stories that leave a valued message inside the pages.





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A Twisted Love Story by Ace Gray ~ PRE-ORDER TODAY!

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Title: A Twisted Love Story
Series: A Twisted Fairy Tale
Author: Ace Gray
Genre: M/M Romance

Release Date: March 1, 2018 

Boy meets girl. Boy falls for girl. Boy marries girl. And they both live happily ever after. Right?

 Not quite.

I fell for the boy. So slowly I barely noticed then all at once. I loved my best friend with my entire heart, letting him fill up the holes my family had dug. But boys don’t fall for other boys. Just ask him. 

So my story turned into boy meets boy. Boy falls for boy. Boy gets rejected. Boy meets girl. Boy meets boy. Boy loses them over and over and over again. 

Pretty twisted, right?

My life story was really just a screwed up love story. A search for the one person that understood the darkness inside me. The monster I’d become. But sometimes the holes are too deep and far too bloody, for anyone—boy or girl—to fill.


“I’ve read all of Ace Gray’s books and this one is the highest, most stunning quality I’ve seen out of her.Don’t get me wrong about the beauty of this… the beauty is only seen with open eyes and an open mind. Do NOT pick up this book if you are a prude in any way (that is not an insult), this book gets nitty-gritty and ugly and sex… holy shit, lots and lots and lots of sex (i.e., “fucking”) – primarily M/M. But if you’re game for some dark ugliness that turns into a true love story… giddy-up.  This is the deepest, darkest, purest, most well-written book I’ve seen this year. Ace has my full-hearted, hefty five-star rating on this. Devil’s in the Ace.” ~  Love N. Books

“I wont go into the plot, you need to read it to get the full effect. But trust me when I say that this book is utterly gripping. It’s deliciously dark and twisty, but the love that shines through that dark? wow, it’s beautiful. Ace is a genius at writing these dark tales, but making them heart warming in a way not many can manage. Her writing is a kind of gritty poetry at times, and ATLS is her best work to date.” ~ EmmBooks

 

Just be with me.

 God, the thought had never occurred to me. It was even more foreign than dating. Mickey commanded, Siobhan made me bleed, Cole took, even Callum had made me his. Only Elle was ever unselfish. Unselfish and uninterested in being mine. 

But here was Conrad. Between my knees, telling me the reasons he liked me, looking past the monster I’d become. He was the definition of extraordinary and my heart had seen that coming somehow. 

I wanted to touch him. I wanted to explore. I wanted to go slow and tremble and travel someone else’s skin. 

And a part of me still wanted to say stop. That I wasn’t ready.

My hands shook as I pushed them through his hair. He closed his eyes and leaned into my touch with a perfect, husky purr. I let them wander down the back of his neck and my thumbs rubbed along his hairline. When they made their way to his jaw, I tilted his head. 

His lips shone and I let my eyes trace them, their shape and the soft sheen from the light of the movie still playing in the background. Mine parted as I sucked in a deep breath without taking my eyes from his mouth. Blood coursed through my body, shooting anticipation through my veins like a drug. Nerves too. 

Normally I’d crash land into him—I mean I wanted him desperately and was so afraid of where anything more could go—but instead, I moved slowly, inching toward him and pressing a tender kiss to that shimmering pout as a thank you for the words that felt special against my soul.

 

Ace Gray is a self-proclaimed troublemaker and connoisseur of both the good life and fairy tales. After a life-long love affair with books, she undertook writing the novel she wanted to read, which culminated in her first release STRICTLY BUSINESS and followed with, well, quite a few more. When she’s not writing, she works in craft beer. Originally a small town, Colorado girl, she now loves rainy days, shellac manicures, coffee shops and bourbon—all of which are bountiful in her adopted home of Portland, OR where she runs amok with her chef husband and husky pup.

 

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY OVER ON ACE GRAY’S FACEBOOK PAGE!

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HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!! ~ The Happy Endings Collection by L. Wilder

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Collection Title: The Happy Endings Collection
Titles: My Temptation ~ Bring The Heat ~ His Promise
Author: L. Wilder
Genre: RomCom

Release Date: February 20, 2018

Grace-


After one too many disappointments in and out of the bedroom, I’d all but given up on men. While I was doubtful that therapy would change anything, I had to try something.


As soon as I walked into Dr. Seth Michaels’ office, temptation set in. With his piercing green eyes and devilish smile, the handsome doctor was every woman’s fantasy, including mine.


He tempted me in ways that I never dreamed possible, but some lines just can’t be crossed. With a newfound libido, I left his office thinking I would never see him again, but fate and a meddling mother had other plans.








Kaci-


Tucker Michaels could bring the heat, striking out anyone who stepped up to the plate, and he was burning up the big leagues.


At least, that’s what I was told.


I had no idea who Tucker Michaels was, and I honestly didn’t care. From the moment I met him, I thought he was an arrogant, smart-mouthed jerk.

I’ll admit he was hot—if you’re into those gorgeous, athletic types, but there was no mistaking the way he looked at me, like I was about to be his next grand slam. 


Unfortunately for him, he was about to be the one to strike out. I had no interest in playing games, especially when he was helping my little brother’s baseball team. 


… But after a week from hell and one too many drinks, I was starting to see another side of the sexy, charismatic player.

 



After the devastating loss of my wife and daughter, I did everything in my power to guard my heart, making everyone, including myself, believe I no longer had one. I focused on my work and kept everyone at a distance. It was the only way I could face the day. 

I had no time for distractions, but the day Langley, my legal assistant, asked for help with her custody battle there was no way I could refuse. When I was at my worst, she was there to pick up the pieces, making sure I didn’t lose the only thing I had left—my career.

Now, it was my turn to ensure she didn’t lose the one thing she cared about most—her children. 

I promised to help, but I had no way of knowing that one promise would turn my entire world upside down. With the help of her two kids, she chiseled away at the walls I’d worked so hard to build, and I found myself wanting the one thing I thought was out of my reach—another chance at love.
  
Leslie Wilder grew up in a small town in West Tennessee. A country girl at heart, she’s always thought that life is too short, but she had no idea how short it really was until her brother passed away in 2014. She’s always been an avid reader, loving the escape only a great book can give, and wondered if she had what it took to write one of the wild romances she’d come to adore. With the support of her family and friends, she published Inferno: A Devil Chaser’s MC, one year after her brother’s death. With him in mind, she fulfilled her lifetime dream of writing. Since then, she’s completed the Devil Chaser’s Series and continued on with the Satan’s Fury MC Series. She has so many stories in her head, and can’t wait to share each and every one.
Leslie has been blown away by the support of her readers, appreciating every message, review, and encouraging word she’s received over the past year. She looks forward to continuing this journey with them for years to come.

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99¢ SALE!!!! ~ Blackest Gold Series by R. Scarlett

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Series Title: Blackest Gold Series
Novels: Vein of Love ~ Body of the Crime ~ A Vow of Thorns ~ To Crown a Beast 
Author: R. Scarlett
Genre: Romance
Release Date: Available Now

 


VEIN OF LOVE



 

“Darkness isn’t all one shade, sweetheart.”

Three centuries ago, Molly Darling’s ancestors signed a contract in blood—daemon blood—to protect themselves from harm. On the eve she turns nineteen, Molly leaves for her birthday party against her parent’s wishes, sick of their warnings about her “betrothal to a demon.”

Except that she’s very much betrothed, and he’s very much a demon—one who’s only agreed to the nuptials to steal Molly’s ancient daemon powers. Brash, arrogant, and built like a Greek god, Tensley Knight keeps showing up to save Molly from otherworldly attacks, only to insult her a moment later.

As Molly learns more about the demon world, she realizes two things: that her family’s safety depends on a successful marriage, while any chance of freedom she’ll ever have calls for Tensley’s demise.

Yet sometimes Molly spots a tortured soul beyond those liquid grey eyes, and there’s no denying the way her skin tingles when Tensley touches it. In Vein of Love, safety requires sacrifice, foe becomes lover, and one must decide whether to kiss…or to kill.

        _____________________________________________________

 Body of the Crime


 Never trust a demon.

Never trust your heart.

And never trust the woman who holds it.

In Body of the Crime, a beast craved a beauty and oh, how she ravaged him.



        _____________________________________________________


A Vow of Thorns

Never disobey the court.


 Never disobey the crown.

 And never tame that vicious heart.

 In A Vow of Thorns, sacred laws are broken when a beauty holds an iron heart.





 


        _____________________________________________________

To Crown a Beast

She tasted his sweetness, his power, and his love, and it destroyed him.

That iron heart has turned to ashes, leaving only a heartless beast.


One she vows to tame.

One she vows to save.

Before he rips her own heart out.


 

 


        _____________________________________________________








R. Scarlett lives in a small quaint town in Southern Ontario, Canada and has an unhealthy obsession with mythology and romance. 

From studying English literature and minoring in History, she loves losing herself in a good book and snuggling up to her Brittany Spaniel. 

When she’s not writing or plotting a delicious novel, she can be found hanging out with friends and family, going on long car rides, exploring small towns, or watching reruns of Sex and the City.

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First and Last by Rachael Duncan JUST 99 pennies!

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Mia’s my best friend.
We’ve been inseparable since she moved next door when we were six years old. Then it all changed.
I don’t know when or why, but suddenly I want more. I want her. The problem was she didn’t.
At first.
But everything changes when you cross that line between friends and lovers.
I thought convincing her to give us a chance would be my biggest hurdle. Little did I know that was only the beginning.
Mia consumes all of my thoughts when we’re apart, and all of my senses when we’re together. There’s no going back to the way things were and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she isn’t just my first, but also my last.
Will we be able to hold on, or will our relationship go up in flames?
☆★☆★ For the first time EVER First and Last by Rachael Duncan is #OnSale for #99Pennies★☆★☆
Barnes & Noble → http://bit.ly/2Fb3fif
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💜💞COVER REVEAL!! ~ Broken Love by Tracie Redmond 💜💞 +#freebie

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Title: Broken Love
Series: The Prick Series
Author: Tracie Redmond
Genre: NA/Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 5, 2018
Cover Design: Melissa @IndieVention

 


 

Guided by emotions.

Weathering the storms.

With love comes heartbreak.

Carrie Davenport knows the highs and the lowest of lows. She’s never really belonged. Family: she didn’t understand how good that could feel until she fell into life at the shop, Two Pricks.

When she lets herself get too comfortable, when she allows herself to feel, to fall and to believe, she remembers. And what she remembers about herself, about her past, sends her fast away.

She walks away from the illusion of what she so badly wanted. To come to terms with who and what she really is…nothing.

Sometimes, in the end, we find love. Sometimes all we can find is a broken mess. Carrie isn’t so sure where she will find herself when she removes all the layers to reveal the truth.

In love, there is always pain.

                                #FREE

Tracie Redmond had a passion for reading that she turned into a passion for writing. She lets her characters guide the way as she lays out every book she writes with emotion, passion, and inspiration. Tracie currently lives in Northeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, three children, and two dogs. She loves all things ducks. Most of all, Tracie loves connecting with anyone wanting to discuss books with her.

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PRE-ORDER SALE!! ~ A Dangerous Game by Eden Rose

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Title: A Dangerous Game: A Bad Boy MC
Series: Masters of Chaos MC #1
Author: Eden Rose
Genre: MC Romance
Release Date: March 1, 2018 

 

Sometimes you meet the right one at the wrong time.

 

*Hulk*
The first time I laid eyes on Sinclair, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I needed her. Our chemistry is amazing. We are on fire in the sheets… on the bike, the garage, the restaurants, everywhere. I’ve become addicted to her. She became everything to me and I would have done anything for her even if that meant sacrificing my happiness for her. Sinclair wanted more than being a biker’s ol’ lady and she never let us forget it. Her dad is the club’s president and he’s pissed as f*ck that his daughter wants away from the lifestyle and wants me to go with her. I made a vow to the brotherhood and I’m going to see it through.
Leather in, never out.
I pushed her away. I pushed her so far away that I might as well have driven her to college in the next state over myself. I keep telling myself that I did it for a reason. That I did it for her. I sacrificed everything for her to chase her dream.
I just didn’t realize that her dream was to be a porn star.
The love of my life is now a porn star and is back in my life to track down who is trying to kill her family. Can I fight the temptation? Will I be able to get past the idea of her banging all these guys on camera? Can she trust me not to push her away again?
I promised myself to keep her safe. Even if that means from me.
Only time will tell but I made a deal with myself that no matter what, she will be safe even if that means she’s not with me. Even if that means my heart will be broken.

 

I always think it’s funny when people refer to themselves in third person- “Eden likes this” or “Eden likes that!”


Hi, I’m Eden Rose! I absolutely love criminal justice and history. I’m full of useless information but I’m great at trivia. I’m also a big Marilyn Monroe fan to the point where my wedding was themed 1950’s.

I’ve lived in three countries and a whole bunch of states. Needless to say, I’ve got gipsy blood in me. I grew up in Michigan after my family decided to plant some roots. As a professional new kid in school, I was able to fabricate interesting stories about my previous life and entertain myself with the stories that I came up with.

I’m a big story teller, I love sharing my ideas with everyone and until about two years ago, I just kept it to my immediate circle. One day, Savannah and Vincent popped in my head and didn’t leave me alone. I knew they needed a story. After much deliberation, I decided to publish my story and then the rest was history.

Stay tuned because I have a ton of ideas that are dying to be written down for you to devour and obsess over. My books are full of alpha males and sassy women who give as much as they take. Thank you for all your support and love given to me to help me pursue my dream.

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A Force of Nature by Kara Liane PRE-ORDER NOW!!!

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Title: A Force of Nature 
Series: A Tryst of Fate Series #2
Author: Kara Liane
Genre: Contemporary/Military Romance
Release Date: February 20, 2018 
TSgt Brenneth “Brent” Peters moves through life like a storm—it’s just his way. From the moment he met captivating and complicated Everly Reynolds, he moved through her too. His years in the military have shaped him and led to this path of upheaval and turmoil in love and life. What he and Ev share, though, is an unstoppable force. But can he hold onto her, or will he lose her along the way? Find out in this steamy contemporary romance novel. For to love is to consume—it’s just the nature of it.

Enter to Win Giveaway ~ 3 Winners from Author Kara Liane

In celebration of A Force of Nature deploying 02/20/2018, Author Kara Liane is offering a huge giveaway for 3 lucky winners.* Prizes: – 1 Winner receives a brand new blue 8GB Kindle Fire 7 tablet – 1 Winner receives a $25 Amazon e-giftcard – 1 Winner receives an Author Swag Pack (signed paperback, bookmark, jewelry set, cosmetic bag, emoji keychain, and tote) Author Kara Liane was inspired to write this steamy-military-contemporary-romance because of her real-life hero hubby.

Kara Liane is a lover of all things romance. She holds several degrees, including a Master’s in Management from Wayland Baptist University. Her husband of 15 years proudly serves in the military, and together with their twin elementary-age sons and two adult dogs, reside in New Jersey. Kara works full-time as a Lab Tech in the wastewater field. In her spare time, she reads and writes various things including poetry, stories about her kids, and her new novels. As a family, they love to go camping. Kara loves to hear from her readers, so be sure to stay connected with her!


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Re-Release ~ Carnal Beginnings by Reily Garrett

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Title: Carnal Beginnings
Author: Reily Garrett
Genre: Dark Romance Suspense
Release Date: February 5, 2018

A split-second decision can alter the course of your life.

Adara’s enigmatic and sexy boss asks a simple question. 

“How will you celebrate your twenty-first birthday?” 

Adara’s plan to escape the lie she’s lived since her parents’ death is so close she can inhale freedom. Days away, it holds the key to her survival. Finagling a job at a private investigation firm has added the final touches to her strategy to live under the radar. Her hunters are as sadistic as they are persistent.

Julien Crofton, an ex-Special Forces, private investigator, is unable to forge a connection with his beautiful personal assistant. Submissive by nature, she holds a will of steel underneath the haunted exterior. When he learns she comes with her own psychopathic stalker, determination to keep her safe tests his skills.

Passions ignite while evading her perverted family and a psychopathic stalker. 

Warning: adult content and ramifications of rape discussed.

Prologue


Cell phones equaled the bane of Julien’s existence, except when they saved a life. His client, a woman targeted by her monstrous ex, hadn’t answered all afternoon.

With his attention divided between a staff meeting and the difficult client who ignored logic, his frustration skyrocketed. He’d fired off several texts before calling her house. The repetitive drone of her dial tone sent his paranoia level to DEFCON 1.

A homebody, her adventurous streak ranged the scale between knitting and collecting scarves. She should have been home.

He understood the type of man she’d married, weak-minded, controlling, and abusive, puppeteer to her marionette. From the first and only meeting where she sought his help, fear had radiated from her pores, exhaled in every breath until cloaking her damaged spirit.

Purple, blue, and maroon hues splashed the western sky, the color of the bruises she failed to conceal when slouched in the office chair. Soon, darkness would bleach all color from the sky, the same way death bleached color from soulless bodies. He drove faster, the wheels drumming on the asphalt, chasing headlights forever out of reach, just like her reasoning for going back to the house of horrors.

The setting sun reminded him that her husband would return from work soon and carry his rage home in search of a target. Similarities with memories from childhood provoked a shiver despite the meager light converted to heat via the windshield. Childhood flashbacks served no useful purpose.

Ignorance and nonchalance had twined to frame a bull’s eye on her forehead. He’d advised her to leave home two days prior, yet fear prevailed, dominating courage and hope. They could handle legalities later, but not if she lacked a pulse. The frightened woman insisted on returning to the dirtball in hopes of—something better.

The late morning call had demonstrated her new vein of determination, a declaration she was ready to pack it in and start a new life. Failure to arrive at his office either meant the scales of indecision favored the familiar—or she’d arrived at her decision too late.

As a private investigator, he’d seen the scenario rehearsed and unfold many times. For reasons unknown, human nature’s broken record played out on the Mobius strip, fate having trapped him in the loop.

The steady slap and scrape of windshield wipers whisked the few drops of rain from his windshield, evidence of heaven mourning its angels. He stomped the accelerator.

His Mazda ate up the miles as he tried to focus on the facts. The closer he got to her house, the more his mind screamed with recriminations…Too late. You should’ve come earlier.

Stones skittered into the grass bordering her driveway as the car slid to a stop in front of the bungalow. The one with the front door ajar.

 

Oh God, I’m too late. Not again. With little recollection of exiting the car or racing through the doorway, he knew in his gut what awaited. He’d promised her help, and failed. It didn’t matter that she’d ignored his advice.

 

In the middle of the living room floor, she lay face down, naked, remnants of pain still etched in her expression. Blood pooled under her abdomen in an ever-widening arc. Spatters of red adorned the surrounding wall cabinets, TV, and sofa. Her hair, burnt copper in the fading light and streaming through the bay window, didn’t cover wide staring eyes.
His heart pounded and sweat beaded his forehead. With shaking fingers, he bent and touched her neck to find a pulse, weak, fast, and thready. She’ll never make it, his subconscious roared as he snatched up his cell to dial nine one one.
The universe absorbed his bellowed pain, now perceived as colder than her body.
The warmth of her soul flowed out to stain the carpet in wild abandon. Air redolent of copper and the residue of gunpowder propelled the sour wad of acid to the back of his throat. The yapping of her ankle biter at his feet didn’t register until he saw its footprints surrounding the woman’s thin frame, written in her blood.
There were no second chances to avoid catastrophe. His excuses wouldn’t comfort her now.

 

 

Reily is a West Coast girl transplanted to the opposite shore. When she’s not working with her dogs, you can find her curled up with a book or writing her next story. Past employment as an ICU nurse, private investigator, and work in the military police has given her countless experiences in a host of different environments to add a real world feel to her fiction. 

Over time, and several careers, many incidents have flavored the plots of her stories. Man’s cruelty and ingenuity for torment and torture is boundless, not contained by an infinite imagination. Witnessing the after-effects of a teenager mugged at knifepoint for a pair of tennis shoes, or an elderly woman stabbed repeatedly with a screwdriver for no apparent reason, left an indelible impression that will forever haunt her subconscious. In counterpoint, she has observed a woman stop her vehicle in severe, snowy weather to offer her own winter coat to a stranger, a teenager wearing a threadbare hoodie. Life’s diversities are endless.

Though her kids are her life, writing is Reily’s life after. The one enjoyed after the kids are in bed or after they’re in school and the house is quiet. This is the time she kicks back with laptop and lapdog to give her imagination free rein.

In reading, take pleasure in a mental pause as you root for your favorite hero/heroine and bask in their accomplishments, then share your opinions of them over a coffee with your best friend (even if he’s four-legged). Life is short. Cherish your time.
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