A collection of 20 Forbidden Love Novellas from some of today's bestselling authors.
AnaBelle Mason knew when she married an older man he might die before she did, she just didn't realize it would happen so soon. Less than five years after her fairy tale wedding to the man of her dreams, she was left all alone to run the ranch that had been in her late husbands family for years.Avery has one summer to clean out her parent’s lake house and move forward with her life. She can’t do it alone so her best friend of thirty-five years volunteers her son for the job. Bev’s worried about Tyson after discovering he’d spent his senior year of high school bedding any and every female that crossed his path. Fresh air and manual labor may help him gain a little perspective and responsibility.
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Title: Then There Was You (So Much It Hurts Series Book Two) Author: Melanie Dawn Cover Artist: B Design Cover Photographers: Positively Posh Photography Chris King never saw it coming… In some ways, closing the book on my first love was the worst day of life. I was gutted, and yet I was completely at peace with my decision. I walked away knowing that I did what was best for her, unsure if I could ever recover. Little did I know that one concert would change the entire course of my life. There I stood, signing autographs and snapping pictures with fans when a familiar face in the crowd catapulted my mind back in time—Salem Honeycutt, once a balm to my pain and a calm in my storm. Yet again, her smiling face gave me hope. Only one question remained: did she still see me as a wayward teenage boy who was completely off limits, or could she see the man I'd become…focused and driven, yearning for another chance at love? For Salem Honeycutt, postpartum bliss seemed like a lie... No one told me that I’d hate my baby when I brought her home from the hospital. No one told me that I’d want to put a pillow over my husband’s head and smother him in his sleep. No one told me that I’d want to slap every person who gave me the ever-so-cliché advice to ‘cherish every moment.’ No one told me that I’d despise my life the minute I became a mother, but I did. Then I met Chris King, the kid who made me want to pull myself up from the dark recesses of my mind and face each day. This kid, whose passion for life and talent for music, touched my soul deeper than I could ever touch his. Chris gave me a reason to live. I was once affectionately known as Mrs. H., Chris’s juvenile detention counselor. This is our story. Melanie Dawn is a thinker, a dreamer, and a hopeless romantic. When her head isn't in the clouds, she spends her time as a jack of all trades to her family. Melanie resides in the hills of North Carolina with her husband, her three children, and her cat. She enjoys lazy summer afternoons cruising around the lake on the pontoon boat with her family. Melanie graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a BA in Psychology and earned her MA in School Counseling from Appalachian State University. She spent the first six years after graduate school as a middle school counselor. Those were years she deems as some of the best years of her life. That is, until she had children of her own. The last seven years have been spent as a stay-at-home mom. She has learned some tough life lessons, like what the inner absorbent pellets of a diaper look like scattered in the washing machine. She has also learned the strength of the willpower of a two year old lacking a nap. Through it all, Melanie has learned how to roll with the punches and appreciate the time she has been able to spend at home with her children. Now that her last child has started Kindergarten, Melanie is ready to add a new chapter in her life. That chapter begins with her debut novel—So Much It Hurts. Book Title: Unfiltered & Unknown Author: Payge Galvin and Lynne James Genre: New Adult Release Date: February 14, 2014 Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions After a night-shift shooting of a drug dealer in The Coffee Cave, thirteen strangers each walk out with more than $100,000 in dirty money, a pact never to meet again, and the chance to start over… Dillon Varga has always craved the spotlight. Now, with his newfound riches, he jumps at the chance to leave his troubled past behind and take a shot at his future. With his best friend Savanah Miller by his side, Dillon hits the neon lights of Las Vegas for a chance at a spot on the hit TV show American Voice. As they both move up in the singing competition, feelings surface between them that make both singers wonder if there might be more to life than just fame and fortune. Together they'll have to dodge the perils of celebrity judges, sexy competitors, and the truth about the past to find the one thing they desire most -- each other. ON SALE FEBRUARY 14, 2014UNFILTED & UNKNOWN Payge Galvin & Lynne Jaymes Chapter 2 Dillon I wash my hair, the suds dripping down and stinging the tender skin on my forearm. The letters Adam tattooed there last night are a little less raised now, and I run my hand over the words. First there was sex, and then came death. What a crazy fucking night that was. It started as a regular Saturday, me picking up some coin singing at The Cave, a few stragglers in the café either working off their future hangovers or lurking around with nowhere else to go. Then that guy walked in and changed everything when he pulled Sugar over the counter and nailed her right in the face with his meaty fist. At first I didn’t even know who shot him in the confusion that followed, but I helped with the rest of it—cleaning up and disposing the body, giving Sugar the coke the guy had stashed in the trunk of his car and taking my share of the money. We were all in on it, and now we all have something to lose. But the money’s going to give me more than it’s going to take away. I don’t owe this town anything anymore, so never coming back here isn’t that much of a loss. I’m going to miss the guys, but the band hasn’t been doing much lately, having exhausted the campus circuit and the frat parties. It’s time to go out on my own. I’ve had the American Voice audition info bookmarked on my phone for years, watching as they travelled all over the country, never having the money or the means get there myself. Until now. This year, American Voice is filming in Vegas – 265 miles and 8 hours away on the Greyhound Bus. And this year, I’m taking my shot, packing up what little I have left and throwing it all out there. This time tomorrow, I’ll be standing on the strip watching the tourists throw down their money at the tables and getting ready for the biggest break of my life. My only job is to not fuck it up. The water’s growing lukewarm, so I shut off the shower and step out into the bathroom to the sound of my phone ringing. Still dripping, I fumble through the clothes on the floor and find it in the back pocket of my jeans. I know who it’s going to be even before I turn it over and I also know that I’m not going to answer it. There’s no point in explaining to Mr. Renfrow why I’m not coming in today. Why I’m not coming back any day. Training to be an electrician seemed like a good idea when I was a high school senior, but six years and four very large electrical shocks later, I’m over it. The money’s okay, and I feel a little guilty just bailing on him like this, but if I’m ever going to make a break for it, it’s got to be today. An hour later, I have all of my worldly belongings packed into a large backpack and the duffle bag, splitting the money between the two bags, with a few of the bundles tucked up into my guitar case for safe keeping. There are a few wire hangers still in the closet, three of them holding the hated khaki Renfrow Electrical shirts with my name embroidered over the left pocket. I don’t take any of the kitchen crap or the stuff in a lot of the drawers. My records and the ancient record player I inherited from my uncle are already at the studio, locked in the storage closet. The rent on the apartment’s paid until the end of the month, and I figure it’ll be another couple of weeks before the landlord figures out I’m gone. I’m not leaving myself any outs though—no job to come back to, no apartment in a rent-controlled stucco building. Having an out means that you don’t really believe you can make it, and I can’t afford to think that way. I set the two bags by the door—everything I own in the world in a size I can carry. I only have one last thing I need to do. Savannah usually works on Sundays, so I run a comb through my hair and grab the Gibson case. Triple-checking the deadbolt, I close the door behind me on over $100k and all of my worldly possessions. Aunt Mike’s is hopping at two o’clock on a Sunday afternoon because most college students don’t get around to breakfast until at least one o’clock on a Sunday afternoon. There’s a crowd near the patio entrance and a line leading out the door and halfway down the block. “Hey Dillon,” Alicia says as I approach, turning to give me a megawatt smile. Alicia’s always been more than nice to me, but I’ve never done anything about it because she’s too close to Savannah, and Savannah would kill me. “Hey,” I say, squeezing myself in past the throngs of sweaty, cargo-short wearing students. “Savannah’s working,” she says, not even waiting for my question. “But we’re awfully busy. She has a break in about ten minutes—want me to tell her to meet you out back?” “Yeah. Thanks.” It’s way too tough to push my way through the restaurant with a guitar on my back, so I walk around the bright yellow building to the alley that faces the tall adobe wall that separates the strip mall from the desert. There isn’t much shade out here, but the sun feels nice on my face as I lean against the wall. I’m starting to get antsy when the back screen door screeches open and Savannah walks out into the sunlight. Even in an Aunt Mike’s t-shirt and dirty black apron, Savannah is so pretty. I remember the first time I saw her singing on stage at The Hub at ASU Rio Verde. Some kind of open mic night, which is really just glorified karaoke, and out of all of the other people who got up there that night, Savannah killed it. I even remember what she was wearing—a blue and white striped sweater and a worn jean jacket that was covered by her long, wavy brown hair as she leaned over her guitar. Her voice isn’t maybe as strong as some of the divas who can belt out a ballad so loud that the nosebleed seats feel like they’re right there on stage, but it has a clarity and a purity that I haven’t heard before or since. Such a shame to see her waste it here, taking orders for eggs and bacon. I wanted Savannah bad that night, and many nights since then, but she’s made it perfectly clear that I’m not her type, and I’ve been put squarely in the friend-zone since that first night. After all this time, I’m not exactly sure what her type is, but at least I got her to sit in with the band a few times. Savannah walks over and gives me a quick hug before sliding down the wall to sit on the dusty asphalt, her black Docs peeking out from her green khaki pants. Nobody in the history of the world does casual as sexy as she can. “God, I hate weekends,” she says, a strand of hair escaping from the loose knot on top of her head and trailing across her face. I want to reach out and touch it, tuck it behind her ear and run one finger down her cheek. But I don’t. Because that would wreck the carefully cultivated friendship it’s taken all this time to cement. “Looks busy in there,” I say, sliding down to join her on the ground. I turn away from her for a second, because the sight of the freckles that are sprinkled across her nose and her intense green eyes have planted a seed of doubt I can’t afford to nurture. “We’re slammed,” she says, popping a stick of gum in her mouth and fishing around in her pocket for her phone. “Listen,” I say, staring at a tiny lizard that is sunning itself on the top of the wall. “I’m leaving. And I wanted to give you something.” Savannah stops texting and looks up at me. “Leaving? For how long?” I shrug and hope it looks casual. “Forever. Tonight. I’m catching the Greyhound just before midnight, and I’m not coming back.” A flicker of shock and what I hope is maybe a little sadness crosses her face. “Forever? Where in the world are you going that requires it to be forever?” I pick up a pebble off the ground and bounce it in my hand. “Vegas.” I look up and meet her eyes. If there’s any sign of doubt or laughter, I’m out of here. “I’m going to audition for American Voice.” Her eyes widen. “Seriously? That’s awesome!” She reaches over and gives me a hug, her hair smelling of bacon and shampoo. It’s all I can do not to bury my face in it. “You think so?” “Oh my God, yes!” She pulls back and swats me on the arm. “With your voice you’ll be America’s Sweetheart in no time.” “America’s Sweetheart is for girls,” I say, relieved that she thinks I can do it. “America’s Next Hot Guy then,” she says with a grin. “You’ll sing the hell out of that place. Nobody can beat you. Nobody.” I smile at that. ‘Hell’ is as close as Savannah ever gets to swearing. I know I’m going to replay her words in my head over and over again as the audition gets closer. “Thanks.” Savannah sits up straighter. “Have you figured out what you’re going to wear to the audition? I think something clean but casual, you know, like you’re confident and not trying too hard. What are you going to sing for the audition? Probably a ballad, right?” I laugh at her enthusiasm. “I haven’t thought that far ahead.” “What do you mean you haven’t thought that far ahead? This is important Dillon, not something you pull out of thin air at the last second. My God, have you thought about this at all?” I realize that I haven’t imagined anything past the moment that I get on the bus and see the lights of Phoenix receding in the distance. “I’ll be fine.” I shift the guitar closer to her. “I brought you this. To keep.” She puts one hand on the black case and stands up, so I do too. “The Gibson? Why in the world would you give up your Gibson?” “I told you; I’m out of here. I’m taking the Martin, but I can’t take both, and I know you’d give this a good home.” Savannah leans the guitar back to me. “I can’t take this; it’s worth thousands of dollars.” “I need you to have it,” I say. “I’m not kidding when I say I’m not coming back. You’ll be doing me a favor.” I see her hesitate, but she wraps both hands around the case. “Okay.” She nods slowly. “Thanks. I love it. I’ll take good care of it, I promise.” She glances toward the screen door. “I should probably get back.” I don’t want her to go. Don’t want this last moment to end. Savannah is the one thing in this whole town that I’m going to miss. That I’m going to miss so much it already hurts. “Okay,” is all I say. There’s a heaviness between us. In the movies, this would be the moment when the guy leans down and pulls the girl toward him in a long embrace. Except this isn’t the movies. This is a guy saying goodbye to his best friend in an alley behind a diner. “Guess I’ll see you on TV,” she says, taking a step toward the door. The thought rushes through my brain and out of my mouth before I can stop it. “Come with me!” Savannah stops and turns back toward me. “What do you mean?” I can feel my heart pound in my chest. What the fuck am I doing? “Come with me. Come to Vegas. Tonight. I’ll buy the ticket, I’ll pay for everything.” She shakes her head. “I can’t come with you. I’ve got stuff to do…my apartment…Aunt Mike’s…” I can see that she’s thinking about it. That this crazy idea might not be so totally crazy. “It doesn’t have to be forever,” I say quickly. “Just come for a week. Help me out, pick out a shirt for me to wear to the audition. Choose the song I should sing.” I need you to be there with me. That’s what I don’t say. That I don’t want to do this alone. I gesture toward the door. “Aunt Mike’s isn’t going to fire you—you’re the best waitperson they have. Just take a little break.” “I don’t have any money,” she says, and at that moment I know that I’ve got her. “I’ll pay for everything,” I repeat. “I got…an inheritance. We’ll get two rooms, I promise. But let me pay for it all. Kind of like I’m hiring you to be my consultant.” “This is crazy,” she says. “I know. But that doesn’t mean it’s wrong.” “When are you leaving?” “The bus pulls out of the station at 11:15 tonight.” I wait, my nerves tense. Please God let her say yes. In the past two minutes it’s gone from an idea to a necessity. I can’t do this without Savannah. I see her quick nod before I hear the words. “Okay. I’ll do it.” “You will? That’s great!” I pick her up and swing her around. “Sorry,” I say, setting her back on the ground. “I’m just happy you’re coming with me.” Savannah picks up the guitar case. “You’re sure you want me to?” “More than anything,” I say, knowing that it’s true. PAYGE GALVIN has always wanted to be a writer. She also loves spending time with her friends, so after a few cosmos at the pool with her friends, the idea for UNFILTERED was born. Together the group wrote twelve books about a group of strangers who share a dark secret.. . and who all want to find love (because, really, who doesn't?). LYNNE JAYMES likes sexy guitar players and a hot love story, which is why she jumped at the chance to write both in the Unfiltered series. She’s grateful to good friends who encourage her to break out of her shell and try new things. When she’s not writing, she’s taking long walks with her big hairy dog and thinking about writing. You can follow Payge on Twitter at @PaygeGalvin or Lynne at @lynnejaymes or at her website at www.lynnejaymes.com, or keep up with all the latest news on the Unfiltered series at www.unfilteredbooks.com. a Rafflecopter giveawaySeries: Perfect #2 Release Date: February 20, 2014 Cover Designer: Robin Harper, Wicked by Design; photography by Abigail Marie, NON`PA*REIL photography Hosted by: Wordsmith Publicity In Present Perfect, Brad Johnson was sexy, cocky, rich and a complete Smurff**ker. He could afford anything he wanted and could charm any girl he set his eyes on. Everything was laid out in front of him, all for the taking except the one thing he craved and needed. A tragic event forces him to reevaluate his life. When he tries to change, will the people in his life let him move on from his past or will they constantly hold him to the life altering mistakes he’s made? Mabry Darnell is intelligent, ambitious, beautiful, and sassy. Secrets from her past haunt the present causing her to question her actions in order to shield her heart and protect her life. From the moment Brad and Mabry met, their connection was strong, intense, and electrifying. Both knew they had found the one person who could satisfy what the other ached for. When their pasts collide with their present, will it prevent them from having a future together or will love be strong enough to conquer their demons? Present Perfect (Perfect #1) About the author Alison was born and raised in Charleston, SC. As a child she used her imagination to write additional scenes to TV shows and movies that she watched. She attended Winthrop University and graduating with a BA in Theater. While at Winthrop she began writing one act plays which she later produced. Throughout the years she continued writing and producing several one act plays, but then life got in the way and she hung up her pen for a while. On the advice of a friend, she started writing again. In January 2013, Alison sat down at her computer and began writing her first novel, Present Perfect. Alison lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband, Jef, and their two furry children (dogs). She’s addicted to Diet Pepsi and anything with sugar. Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads Body, Ink, and Soul Blurp: Phoenix Silverstone more commonly known as Nix, is a twenty-one year old that has finally discovered her freedom. After living under the strict rules and protection of her mother, Nix moved out with her two best friends in a quaint little Seattle apartment. For the first time Nix is finally able to spread her wings and breathe. Together, they get a job working at a bar and for the first time everything is perfect. Freedom, friendships, a great job and fantastic man on the verge of becoming hers. Tristan is the suave, intelligent, not to mention gorgeous law student that Nix has her eyes and heart set on. For the first time, she has her life together; that is, until her path crosses with Levi. The charming, tattooed and downright sexy bad boy that Nix knows she needs to avoid. But when one of her friends moves out she is shocked to find that her new roommate is none other than Levi. Flirting. Desire. Undeniable temptations. Nix can’t deny the chemistry surging between them but she can’t forget her mother’s extreme hate towards bad boys. Will Nix have the strength to listen to her heart? Or will her mother’s rules cost her everything? About the author... Jude was born and raised in a small village named Lacolle. She now lives in Montreal, Canada. She is the proud mother of a beautiful five year old son, Isaac and has spent the last twelve years with her boyfriend, Cedric. French is her native language, but she prefers to write in her second language, English. She has a passion for books, both reading and writing them. Also by Jude:
To learn more about Jude Ouvrard, here are her links: Website/blog: www.judeouvrard.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/JudeOuvrard Twitter: @JudeOuvrard @AuthorJude_O Street Team: www.facebook.com/groups/judesbooks Excerpt:
''Can I get you anything?'' I asked him, while taking all the empty plastic glasses off the counter. ''A smile. Give me that and you’ll get the biggest tip tonight.'' The slow seductive tone rolling off his shapely lips told me he wasn’t just fooling around. His green eyes were staring at me like I was dessert. This guy was hot and he knew it. The way his tousled light brown hair went every which way, hanging down onto his forehead, told me right away he didn’t care about his looks. He didn’t have to. He wanted a smile? I shook my head. ''You don’t want a drink? Just water, maybe?'' ''No, just a smile. You're the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and it's just a smile I want.'' He brushed his hand through his hair, making it even more distressed. I knew I was blushing and biting my lips in embarrassment. His eyes refused to stray from mine, pinning me in place. I smiled, but not because he asked. No, this was solely because this very random man had pulled one out of me on his own. I saw the humor in his eyes. He slid fifty bucks out of his pocket and onto the counter. ''Thank you, Princess. You just made my night.'' He got up and walked away. I could see the hint of tattoos peeking out of his neckline and rolled up sleeves, but I was too astonished to call after him or say anything. He was wearing simple black converse, washed out jeans and a black long sleeve henley. There was something about him - mysterious and inscrutable. If he wanted to get my attention, well - he got it. Who the hell was that? I kept asking myself as he walked away. I knew he was the guy Tyler had been excited to see, but I had never seen him around here before. I knew I would have remembered that piece of man candy. He didn't give me his name and I didn't give him mine. Not that he had to ask - I had a name tag with my name on it. It was the strangest thing that ever happened to me. My eyes remained trained on him until he opened the door of the club and left. I found myself still watching the door, even after it was closed, like I wanted to chase after him – which was insane. I shook my head, willing myself to move on. I began wiping the counter, pausing to watch Val entertain her groupies at the station next to me. As I turned to grab more lemons, my eyes were drawn again to the door. Tristan walked in with few of his friends. I had never seen Tristan here before and even after our dinner date tonight, I still didn’t expect it. I couldn’t tell if I was excited by the surprise visit or nervous about it. I felt like he was parading a bunch of his buddies around my bedroom, looking through all my dirty laundry. This was my home away from home and I wasn’t sure if I was ready to let him in—yet. Not to mention I was still shaken up from Mr. Mysterious. Book Title: A Good Man's Life Author: Barbara Cutrera Genre: Fiction Release Date: February 1, 2014 Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions Daniel Nash struggles to reconcile his feelings of betrayal with his desire to understand his life. His hopes of uncovering the secrets revealed in his father’s journals are quickly dashed, and he works with a private investigator to discover the truth. Worry about his wife, Sarah, combines with his efforts to cope with his childhood trauma, an unexpected death, and the recent revelations. His obsession with the past threatens to destroy his stable life. Meanwhile, Sarah and her father, Tristan, continue to combat the lingering discord that developed between them years before but refuse to take their main focus from Daniel. As he reviews his biological father’s efforts to be a good man, Daniel searches for a way to comprehend shocking disclosures. He questions his own goodness as he fights not to emotionally withdraw from those around him, especially the two people he knows will always love him, Sarah and Tristan. “Grandma Lillian and I were talking about swimming, ‘cause Amanda goes to a pool in her own backyard. Amanda says her daddy doesn’t wear a shirt in the water. I asked Grandma how come you never take your shirt off, and she said that you had another daddy before Grandpa Max and that he hurt you a lot. Will he come and hurt me, too?” Lowering himself onto the edge of the bed, Daniel said soothingly, “Never, Kris. He wasn’t my real daddy, and I haven’t talked to him in over twenty years.” “Why did he hurt you?” “Because he was a very bad man.” “You would never hurt me, would you?” Daniel swallowed the lump in his throat that threatened to choke him. He was trying rather unsuccessfully to swallow the anger that was about to render him speechless. “Never, ever.” “Is it really terrible on your tummy? Is that why you don’t want people to see?” Kris persisted. “Does it still have pain?” “If I don’t exercise, then my body hurts. I have scars, like when you cut your lip and it made a scar. Understand?” “Can I see your scars?” “Maybe when you’re older.” “Did you cry when you got hurt?” “Yes, I did.” Kris pulled the covers up around his neck and asked, “Will you and Mommy stay with me until I go to sleep?” “Sure.” “Are the windows and the doors locked?” “Yes,” Daniel said firmly. “You’re perfectly safe.” The combination of the decongestant and the Tylenol took affect within minutes. The moment Daniel was certain Kris was sleeping, he leapt from the bed and stalked towards the front of the house. Sarah darted out after him, moving quickly but quietly in an attempt to keep up with her husband. “Daniel, wait!” “I’ll be at Lillian’s.” He hadn’t been this enraged about anything since he’d been a child. He drove too quickly and too recklessly all the way to the house. Screeching to a halt in the driveway, Daniel parked and wrenched the key from the ignition. Jumping out, he slammed the car door behind him and stormed to the back door. In his anger, it took him three tries to insert the key into the keyhole. Finally, he unlocked the door and charged into the kitchen, just as Lillian flicked on the lights. “Daniel! What on earth?” “Why did you do it?” he cried, as tears of frustration and rage welled up in his eyes. “You had no right to tell Kris about my scars!” Lillian asked calmly, “What was I supposed to do? Lie? I thought you were upset that we lied to you before.” “He’s five years old! He’s too young to even comprehend what happened and why!” “You tell me what I could have said,” she retorted belligerently. Daniel was dumbfounded. This was not his mother talking. This was insanity. “You could have told him I get sunburned easily on my shoulders,” he replied evenly. “You could have told him everybody has a different way of doing things.” “That wouldn’t be the truth.” “Goddamn motherfucking son of a bitch! Do you remember what the truth is, Lillian?” His fingers tore at the buttons of his shirt. “Do you?” “Daniel! Don’t you use language like that! Don’t you take the Lord’s name in vain!” Flinging his shirtfront wide, Daniel yelled, “Do you remember this, Mom? You think Kris needs to know about this kind of horror and fear at his age? Damn you for taking his sense of security away!” He ran from the house, his shirt unbuttoned, his feet thudding on the concrete steps. When he got to the Mazda, he roughly twisted the key in the ignition then sped back down the long drive that extended to Highland Road. A half a mile away, he pulled into the empty parking lot of the Victorian Doll Mansion and shut off the engine. Then, he pounded the steering wheel until the side of his hand throbbed. Raw and shaken, Daniel drove home. Barbara Cutrera has been a writer since childhood but didn’t begin writing novels until 1999. Her first novel to be completed was Over, Under, Across & Through, which is the initial book in her Real World fiction series. Not satisfied to be limited by writing in only one genre, she next penned a mystery called In a Manner of Speaking. Cutrera took a dare from friends who suggested she write a romance and wrote The Healer’s Gift, a fantasy romance. Her fourth book to be released was True: 3 Short Stories. A Good Man’s Life, Book 2 in The Real World Series, has a release date of February 1, 2014. Novels in queue for publication include Mercy, Book 3 in The Real World Series, A Lovely Dream, a romantic thriller, A Lovely Reality, the sequel, Prim and Proper, a contemporary romance with a touch of mystery, and Lucky, a thriller set in the not-so-distant future in post-plague Earth. Cutrera has also completed another work of fiction entitled Compromising Positions and a new contemporary romance entitled Sight Unseen. She has begun work on a sequel to The Healer’s Gift, which she has decided to call Jordan’s Way. Cutrera, a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Florida Writers’ Association, and the Tampa Area Romance Authors was born and raised in Louisiana and moved to Florida with her family in 2004. She works with the visually-impaired and is visually-impaired herself. She firmly believes that our minds are only limited by the restrictions we place upon them. Her literary credo? “Transcending reality by exploring it one story at a time….” a Rafflecopter giveaway Title: Dirty Little Lies Author: Clare James Cover Design: Berto Designs Release Date: January 27, 2014 Here's what others are saying about the opening chapters to DIRTY LITTLE LIES ★★★★★ Scorching Hot Stars!!! “T.E.A.S.E. WOW. Clare really wasn’t joking when she said this is way steamier than her other work! Ladies…I have a feeling this this is going to be a series your men will want you to read…and then re-read!” – Jelena’s Book Blog “Clare James is such a tease, but she is a genius! Stevie Sinclair wants to get her life back … and the first night of her quest is scorching! That’s all I’m going to say. This was an insanely hot encounter and I need more of it now. Stevie is awesome! I love Gabe! He is the epitome of sexiness!”—Liz, Romance Addition “I LOVED it. I loved Stevie. Gabe was broody, gorgeous, enticing, and delicious … left me wanting and craving more. It was fun, serious, angsty and refreshing. –Rachel Brookes, New Adult Author of Just Breathe “Things get very hot and steamy with these two but maybe not exactly the way you would expect… Let me just say you will not be disappointed! This was a very sexy, funny story with great characters.”—Romance Book Junkie Twenty-nine-year-old Stevie Sinclair has just lost everything: her boyfriend, her apartment, even her ugly bird named Free. (Yeah, she knows it’s stupid name, so don’t start.) But most importantly, Stevie’s lost herself. As she shuffles through her days in worn-out Hello Kitty PJs—eating ice cream, sipping wine, and contemplating her next move—a magazine article catches her attention. Blaring black letters read: "How to Get Your Sexy Back in Six Easy Steps." Stevie studies the article in the trashy magazine like the good student she is and immediately knows what she has to do. With the magazine article in hand, and a bottle of red in her bag, Stevie embarks on a journey to reclaim her life and win back her ex. Until she meets Gabe Shannon. Gorgeous, single, and on a quest of his own, Gabe introduces Stevie to a club that is sure to help get her sexy back and then some. If she doesn’t chicken out … (Oh, you know where this is going.) What follows is a story of self-discovery, romantic gestures, erotic encounters, and following one's heart--even if it leads in unconventional directions. Clare James is the author of steamy contemporary romance and new adult novels: BEFORE YOU GO, MORE, and DIRTY LITTLE LIES. A former dancer, Clare still loves to get her groove on--mostly to work off her beloved cupcakes and red wine. A fan of spunky women, gorgeous guys, and super-hot romance, Clare spends most of her time lost in books. She lives in Minneapolis with her two leading men--her husband and young son--and loves to hear from her fans. Before You Go Series #1 Before You Go #2 More Book description Two years ago, Emma Preston walked away from Jesse Daniels. It is a decision she has regretted ever since. Plagued with the knowledge that Ally’s lies tore them apart, Emma enlists Jesse’s former best friend, Andy, to help her search for him. When he left California, Jesse was determined to start over in West Virginia with his mother. Now, the past is determined to catch up with him—first, with the appearance of Ally, and when Emma and Andy come back into his life. Just when Emma thinks she’s found Jesse, a dark secret and misunderstandings force them apart before they can even reconnect. Jesse is torn between his love for Emma and protecting his childhood friend, Ally. Ally has an agenda of her own, and she’s not about to let Emma get in her way—even if that means getting rid of her… permanently. Can Emma and Jesse’s relationship survive all of their twisted ties? Book 2 of 2. Goodreads link: http://bit.ly/1dhfqmQ Buy Link for Book 1 The Ties Series: Shattered Ties: http://amzn.to/1dhVZk2 Author Bio: K.A. Robinson is the New York Times and USA Today Best Selling Author of The Torn Series and Shattered Ties. She lives in West Virginia with her husband and toddler son. When she isn't writing, she loves to read dystopian, zombie, and New Adult books. She has an addiction to Caribou and Starbucks coffee. Author Links: www.facebook.com/karobinson13 @karobinsonautho authorkarobinson.blogspot.com Novelisting: http://bit.ly/1fThlls Mailing list: http://bit.ly/18Ec6X7 Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance Release date: 17th February Cover reveal: 11th January Title: Lost in Us Author: Layla Hagen Serena has learned to live with her past, locking her secrets and nightmares deep inside her. But when her boyfriend of six years abruptly leaves her, sheâs catapulted back into pain, nursing a broken heart. When indulging in mountains of chocolate doesnât work, Serena decides the best way to deal with her shattered heart is to indulge in something else. A rebound . . . The night she swaps her usual Sprite for tequila, she meets James. The encounter is breathtaking. Electrifying. And best not repeated. James is a successful entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. A man who has amassed a fortune by taking risks. A man who has shunned commitment completely, and still does. Heâs the exact opposite of Serena. But sometimes opposites attract. Sometimes they give in to burning passion. Sometimes opposites are perfect for each other. James is everything her damaged soul could want. His kisses are intoxicating, his touch out of this world. He makes her forget. He grants her peace from her pain. But as they grow closer, Serena discovers she isnât the only one with a past. James carries the scars of a past much darker than hers. One that has left him damaged, hurt, and wary of love. A past that gives him the power to shatter her. Now James and Serena must find a way to mend one another. Or risk losing each other forever. Welcome! My name is Layla Hagen and I am a New Adult Contemporary Romance author. I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later. I write romantic stories and canât wait to share them with the world. And I drink coffee. Lots of it. Website: Goodreads: a Rafflecopter giveaway Title: An Exceptional Twist (Intertwined Hearts #2) Author: Kimi Flores Release Date: Jan. 30th, 2013 Hosted By: The Book Avenue What’s a girl to do when the one person she’s been forewarned about is the only one that her heart desires? Leah Valdez is a sassy, intelligent, hard-working woman whose beauty shines from both inside and out. Friends and family have always come first, but it's time for her to start thinking about her own future. Stefen Hunter is a rich, charming, sexy playboy. With seemingly no effort on his part, countless women flock to him. That is, until he meets Leah. He can’t understand why it’s so difficult to win her over or what it is about her that intrigues him so much. When an unfortunate event intertwines their lives, Leah finds herself in a war between her thoughts and desires. To forgive, and ultimately trust, Stefen, she will have to put her heart on the line. After what he’s put her through, she’s not sure she’s willing to do that. As compassion meets resistance, will Stefen be able to step out of his comfort zone and accept that he can become the redeemed man worthy of Leah’s love? Is Stefen and Leah’s connection strong enough to withstand An Exceptional Twist? "Why are you so upset over this, Leah? What’s really going on?" He lifted her chin with his fingertips, hoping she didn't pull away this time. "Why are men attracted to girls like that? Is it because they put out without any effort on the guy’s part?” She looked at him through black mascara tears. "Why do you like women like that, Stefen?" This was a loaded question. Pausing a minute to contemplate his answer, he inhaled a deep breath without removing his eyes from hers. He wanted Leah to really hear what he had to say. "I can’t speak for all guys, but right now, I need a distraction. I’m so tied up with feelings that I don’t understand for someone who won’t have me. I’m losing my freaking mind every damn day. I have to do something, and this is the only way I know how to take my thoughts off of the constant ache I feel, knowing I cannot be with the one I love.” With wide eyes that were still filled with tears, but now showed sparks of optimism, Leah stood, forcing him to back up a little. "You love someone? You've never said anything. Does she know? Why can’t you be together?” Looking down at the gravel covered ground under his feet, he admitted. "No, and I'm not going to either." He interlaced their fingers and brought their joined hands up to his chest. His blood pumped vigorously under her touch. Grasping on even tighter to his hands, she moved in closer. The hope in her eyes was evident. "Why can’t you tell her, Stefen? Maybe she loves you too?" Could she be talking about herself? That was just wishful thinking on his part. Leah wasn’t interested in a relationship right now and knowing that, he wasn’t willing to take the risk he’d been eager to before. He had to move his eyes away as well as her hand. "Leah, I dug my hole a long time ago and won't be getting out anytime soon." Looking deep into her waiting eyes again, he felt his heart constrict and had to fight the urge to clench onto his chest. Before he could stop it, his admission came tumbling out of his mouth. "I’m simply not the guy for her. We could pretend for a while, but ultimately, I don't have what it takes to be her perfect guy.” He used the phrase she had when they’d first met to express the insecurities he’d thought he already overcame. Kimi lives in So Ca with her high school sweetheart, prom date, and now husband of over 20 years as well as with her two boys that bring so much joy and laughter to her life. There is never a dull moment in Kimi's day with these three guys by her side. They are happily involved in volunteer work with several local non-profit organizations and believe that everyone needs to do their part, so a portion of her sales will always go to charity. At an early age, Kimi discovered the magical world of imagination. Many stories were written as well as illustrated by her as a child. Not realizing at the time that she had dyslexia, schoolwork became extremely difficult, and her confidence as a reader and writer dwindled. Thanks to a high school teacher who took the time to invest in her, Kimi found a love for literary legends such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Washington Irving and Jane Austen. This teacher helped Kimi create one of the happiest school memories she holds. Discovering in college that she had the learning disability was terribly discouraging since help was not readily available and her reading and writing confidence fell once again. Needing to find a distraction when her husband unexpectedly ended up in the hospital for a week, Kimi explored the indie reading world. Jumping in with everything she had, Kimi pushed herself to read over 150 books last year. During that process, many characters reappeared in her imagination and insisted that their stories be told. Putting all self-doubt and barriers aside, she started writing the outlines and drafts for the four books in her Intertwined Hearts Series as well as bits and pieces of the three books in her next series, Down by the Bay. Her message to you is similar to that of pop icon, will.i.am's: ~You can focus on your problems or you can focus on your dreams ~ Amazon Author Page | FB | GR Pinterest | Twitter Amazon | B&N | Smashwords |