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.@melissa_keir~ Take My Hart by L. Marie #bookspotlight

5/31/2015

Take My Hart: Hart Brothers 1
By L. Marie

Erotic Contemporary Romance Short Story
$2.99

Blurb

She had thought she’d lost him seven years ago. But he walked back into her life…and into her bed.

Shelby Detweiler had thought she’d gotten over Brandt Hart. Time had healed her broken heart. But a chance meeting in her office throws her off kilter and Brandt is there to steady her. She wants to trust him, to believe he’s relationship material once again. Soon passions flare but will she get burned?

Seven years earlier, a night of drinking and infidelity had destroyed his relationship with the woman he loved. Years later, he strolled into her office with business on his mind. But being close to her is enough to rock his world. Several sizzling moments in her office rekindles the fire. He wants her back.

Will an evening of passion drive them back into each other’s arms? Or will the flame blow out forever?

For the tenth time in the last five minutes, Shelby Detweiler checked her reflection in the full-length mirror. Nothing had changed. She was still wearing the same Donna Karan suit jacket and matching skirt in the shade of soft peaches. A silk, black tank top peaked from underneath the blazer. The fabric lay cool and light against her porcelain skin. Long, mahogany brown locks, held at the nape of her neck with a hair tie, fell over her shoulder and cascaded down her ample chest. Black, four-inch, Nine West heels added to her five-foot, seven-inch frame and complemented her shapely legs.

With a hearty sigh, she turned away from the mirror and paced her office. She glanced down to the floor. Nope, she hadn’t worn a path in the plush, tan carpeting. A nervous laugh bubbled up her throat.

Why am I acting like such a child? At the age of twenty-seven, she was beyond her college days. But those college days had scarred her, destroying her faith in relationships and men in general. Damn Brandt Hart all to hell! He had been her first—and last—true love. Her heart thudded hard against her breastbone. Any thought of him sent her pulse racing and her stomach summersaulting. No other man had the ability to fluster her so. She had dated in the past, but no one was Brandt.

But he had burned her.

They had talked about a future together. Marriage. Children. Then, he had slept with Dina. He had claimed he had gotten drunk at a party with a bunch of his teammates and the Haydensburg University cheerleaders and one thing had led to another. After, Dina had spread a rumor that Brandt had been the father of her child. Turned out to be a lie, but the damage had already been done.

Shelby had finished the semester at HU then transferred to another college. But she had never truly moved on. Brandt had still had an iron grip on her heart. She could deny it, but what was was. Nothing fazed the feeling she had once had—still had—for him.

Damn him!

And in about five minutes, he would be strolling back into her life. Not permanently, but she would see him again, and a flood of emotions would swallow her in their depths. She’d want him. Both mentally and physically. She would fight, and she would likely lose the battle.

Buy Links:

Amazon- http://amzn.to/1AxKwIR
Barnes and Noble- http://bit.ly/1Fg6f4Z
Secret Cravings Publishing http://bit.ly/1evlWP1
Bookstrand- http://bit.ly/1Fapr2V
All Romance EBooks- http://bit.ly/1Fg5d98

I live in Pennsylvania just a hair shy of the Maryland border. I live with a family I adore which includes two furry feline children and a furry canine daughter.

In my spare time, I'm more than likely watching television. I watch Bones, Blue Bloods, NCIS:New Orleans, or some sort of car show like Wheeler Dealers.

I'm a huge sports fan, football in particular. During the fall/winter, I'm watching Notre Dame or Penn State on Saturdays and the Saints or Colts on Sunday.

I've been known to have my nose buried in a book. Nora Roberts/JD Robb and Clive Cussler are favorites of mine. I know, I know...Clive Cussler isn't a romance author. The man can weave a tale of adventure like no other!

Find me at:
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.@melissa_keir~ Bookspotlight: Autumn Leaves by Barbara Winkes @SOR

5/28/2015

Genre: F/F Romance

With one revelation, her world will shift forever.

Rebecca has everything she ever dreamed of in life: a family, a beautiful home and good friends. When Callie moves into the house across the street, Rebecca is quick to welcome the young writer into the tightly-knit community of Autumn Leaves. She has no idea that Callie will confront her with a truth about herself she might not be ready to face.

All Callie wanted was to flee the big city and finish her latest book in peace, but life in the small town comes with unexpected temptation and danger.

~Excerpt~

“Let’s see, you bring me food and booze. You’ve known me for five minutes and still haven’t said I talk too much, and you’re fixing my faucet? You’re already my favorite neighbor.”

You could be mine, Rebecca thought, pleased. She set down her cup and got up. “All right, I need to get Maggie from practice in a little while, so I better get started.” She discarded the cardigan and hung it over a chair, stepped out of her pumps and put them underneath. The black T-shirt she wore and the slacks were fine for this kind of work. She could come up with a verdict quickly. “I think it’s just the mounting nut under the sink that needs to be tightened.”

“Um…” Callie didn’t seem to know what to make of that piece of information. “Whatever you say.”

“Don’t worry, it’s nothing serious. Cole’s prices are outrageous anyway. So what do you do?” Rebecca asked, still half-buried under the sink.

“I write,” Callie said.

“What kind of things?”

“Lesbian erotica.”

“Ow!” Getting upright, Rebecca promptly hit her head. Callie had some kind of humor. A good thing Betty wasn’t here or the story would have easily topped the no-name-Hollywood-actress one.

“You want me to work on your pipes and not mess up the job, don’t say things like that.” “Why? It’s true.”

Rebecca came out from under her temporary workplace to look at her neighbor skeptically. “There’s a market for that? Really?”

“I can afford to keep this house, if that’s what you meant.” Callie’s tone was somewhat guarded now.

“Sure. Whatever.” There was an indiscreet question on the tip of her tongue, and Rebecca thought she’d better finish here before it slipped out.

“I write all kinds of things.” Callie sighed. “This is just one section, you know. If you want to ask, just ask me already.”

“None of my business. The faucet should be okay now.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” Rebecca let the water run for a moment, then turned it off, satisfied that there was no more noisy dripping. “I’m sorry,” she said after a moment of hesitation. “It’s your life. I didn’t mean to judge.”

“Well,” Callie said somberly, “sometimes, when people say I talk too much, I suppose they’re right.”

“No, they’re not. I asked. If you want some advice, though, don’t tell everybody. News travels fast in a small community.” Realizing what she’d just said Rebecca shook her head. “Now listen to me. You’ve been here for a day and I’m already scaring you off. I’m sorry.”

“No harm done. I appreciate the warning. Besides, I write children’s books too. Oh, and, Rebecca…?” Her hand already on the door handle, Rebecca turned around. “Feel free to come over whenever you like. I’ll be here most of the time, writing, and I love distractions.”

Rebecca felt ridiculously relieved that Callie didn’t begrudge her the earlier misunderstanding. “I’ll remember that,” she said. “Don’t forget to call off the plumber.”

Amazon Buy Link

~About the Author~

A psychologist/trauma counselor by training, Barbara Winkes left her native Germany to live with her wife in Québec City. Telling stories has always been her passion. She loves to write suspense and romance with female protagonists who try to solve the puzzle of their love life, a murder case, or sometimes, both.

Author Links: Blog Twitter Facebook Pintrest Goodreads Eternal Press

~Giveaway~

Barbara is giving away an eBook of Autumn leaves during her tour. For a chance to win please fill out the rafflecopter below.

For a chance to win please fill out the rafflecopter below.

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.@melissa_keir~Book Release: Reflected

5/26/2015

When Alison was stuck in Mirrorland, all she wanted was to be alive again. Now she’s gotten her revenge by inhabiting Piper's body and trapping her behind the mirror. But pretending to be Piper is more difficult than she imagined it would be.

On top of that, the borders between Mirrorland and the real world are crumbling. Danger abounds, demons appear in high school, and if wasn’t for the help of a new mysterious guy, Alison might not have escaped. But there’s more to this guy than meets the eye, and she’s determined to find out what, especially since it might be related to her own supernatural problems.

Meanwhile, Piper tries to convince the Horseman of Death to help her return to her own world, but he's got his own hidden agenda, which may cause more serious risks. Can Piper find a way to restore the balance before both worlds collide?

Piper had died and gone to Hell. That sounded like the only logical explanation as to why a four-legged, three-headed monster, engulfed in flames, and easily five times her size, was chasing her.

She ran for her life. The flames nearly torched her back, so she increased her speed. Drops of sweat dripped down her forehead and her breathing became ragged and difficult. I can’t go on like this much longer.

Zigzagging helped. The monster was a lot bigger than she, and hence it had trouble maneuvering, changing directions. However, that also meant that it only had to take one jump where she had to take five or six steps.

The land around her was barren and empty. Besides her and the monster, which eerily resembled the three-headed hellhound protecting the portal to the Underworld in the Greek myths, she didn’t spot anyone or anything else. Her screams echoed all around her, but nobody could hear her.

The fire caught her shirt, scorching the fabric. Instinctively, Piper let herself fall down on the ground and rolled around, trying to extinguish the flames. When she looked up, the monster’s gigantic mouth loomed over her. The creature’s breath stank terribly, like rot and decay, and she wondered how many humans he’d eaten before, and if the nauseating smell came from their rotting flesh inside its belly.

BUY LINKS:
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.@melissa_keir~ Seduced by His Desire #lostsisters #SOR

5/25/2015

Buy Links: Beachwalk Press Amazon Barnes and Noble

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: The Lost Sisters Trilogy, Book 3

Saving her is going to be one of the toughest jobs of his life, because instead of his mind ruling his heart, his heart is ruling his mind.

Security expert and ex-Navy Seal Kent Lloyd steps onto British soil wishing he was anywhere else. But when Jasmine Owen refuses to visit her sisters in Washington, giving them one lame excuse after another, even Kent knows something is seriously wrong.

The last person Jasmine expects or wants to see at her door is the super sexy man who walked away from her bed after one wild night. But when her sisters suspect something is wrong, they send Kent to check on her. Jasmine hasn't told her family about the stalker who's making her life a living hell and has her in a constant state of fear, but it looks like she might not be able to keep the truth from them any longer.

Both Kent and Jasmine agree on one thing—they want him to leave England and return to the US as soon as possible. However, he refuses to leave until she's safe, which means he has to track down her stalker first, and Jasmine has no clue who it is or why the person is obsessed with her.

As Kent struggles to solve the mystery, he also struggles to keep Jasmine at a distance, which is proving to be difficult. The woman stirs his toughened soul, and if he has to spend too much time around her she just may squeeze her way into his heart.

Content Warning: contains adult language and explicit sex

~Excerpt~
The security at the apartment complex was laughable. Kent had found it very easy to enter the building. The front desk where the security guard was supposed to be was vacant. As he walked toward the elevator and waited for the doors to open no one stopped him or asked who he was. It took him to the top floor, and he walked to Jasmine's apartment.

When he knocked, there was no answer, so he thumped louder. A crash came from inside, but still there was no response at the door. He called out Jasmine's name, but it was silent. His gut was telling him something wasn't right, and he pounded his fist against the door again, the wood rattling in its frame. Without hesitation, he shouldered the door, and it crashed open.

There was a slight whooshing noise to his left, which sent him into combat mode. He used reactions that had been sharpened during his school days when he'd had to protect himself from a bully who used to wait on every corner. Until he'd beat the guy up, giving him a taste of his own medicine. Needless to say, he hadn't bother Kent again. During his time in the Navy SEALS Kent had perfected those skills.

Swinging toward the noise, he lifted his arm to block the blow that was heading his way. He grabbed the unplugged lamp before it connected with his head and had the person in a headlock before he realized it was Jasmine.

He tossed aside the lamp and spun her around to face him. Her long red hair was covering her face. "Jeesus, what in hell's name do you think you're doing?" he asked.

She shook the hair from her face and large peridot green eyes stared back at him, the fear all too obvious as her breath came in pants and her body trembled so hard that he felt it right through to his bones.

"Why didn't you answer the door?"

She stared back at him, her eyes filling with tears.

"Jas, honey, speak." He shook her gently and a tear slipped down her cheek, filling him with something that stabbed at his heart. "Damn it." He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to him.

He'd scared the living daylights out of her. He should have realized that before he knocked her door in. Her whole body shook against him, and he felt like a jerk.

"I'm sorry, honey. I didn't mean to scare you."

Jas dug her hands beneath his jacket and wrapped both arms around him. Her fingers gripped at his back, holding onto the material of his shirt tightly. Her face lay on his chest as she burrowed in close to him.

"Kent?" It was the first word that had come from her since he'd made his entrance.

"Uh-huh."

"What are you doing here?"

"You haven't been to see your sisters. You missed Emily coming into the world, and you told Daisy you weren't going to be coming for Thanksgiving either."

Jasmine shivered. "I couldn't go. I explained that to her. I'm getting over another cold, and I've got no one to look after the shop."

Her usually perfectly spoken voice was strained, and he frowned. There was something very off with her. This was not the Jas he knew. He brushed his hand up and down her back, comforting her, until he felt her relax and release the tight hold she had on his shirt.

He kept whispering to her in a soft, comforting voice, assuring her that he would take care of her and everything was going to be okay. When her trembling had almost stopped he stepped back to look at her, and he was shocked at what he saw.

Her usually beautifully coifed hair was untidy, her skin was so pale it was almost alabaster, and the dark circles beneath her eyes told him something was going on, and he wasn't moving until he got to the bottom of it.

"What's going on, Jas?"

"Nothing. Everything is fine." She turned around to go further into the room, but he stopped her by placing his hands on her shoulders and whirling her around so that she faced him. Her chin was dropped to her chest and he raised it with his fingers.

"Honey, you're lying."

She shook her head and smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Trust me, Kent, you don't want to know."

"Why not?"

"Because it has nothing to do with you."

"Get your stuff together. The jet is on standby, and I'm taking you to Washington. On the way there you can tell me why it is you look so awful."

"No." She twisted away from him and walked toward the window.

Buy Links: Beachwalk Press

~About the Author~

My home is on the beautiful island of Anglesey on the west coast of North Wales. Anglesey has been my home since the age of eleven after moving here with my mum and dad and three sisters from Scotland.

I'm the proud mother of two grown children. My daughter Emma is a primary school teacher, and my son Christopher is part of the family business.

I'm a health freak and a vegetarian. Pilates class combined with visiting the gym at least four times a week keeps me fit. I love clothes, makeup, and having my nails and hair done. I'm just a girl's girl.

If I'm not in my office pounding the keys I'm sitting in my favorite chair reading books and discovering new authors on my Kindle.

As a young child I loved to write. I always carried a notebook and pen around with me and wrote about everything. I never thought for one moment I would ever be able to pick up a book with my name on it and say "I wrote that". It was a dream come true when I signed with a publisher for my first book in November 2012. So, dare I say at the young age of fifty I think it's time for me to see if those dreams are everything that I hope they will be.

Author Links: Site Facebook Twitter

~Giveaway~

Dilys is giving away a $20.00 Amazon GC during her tour.

For a chance to win please fill out the rafflecopter below.

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.@melissa_keir~ Secrets of the Moon by Kristy Centeno @NBT

5/23/2015

Secrets of the Moon
by Kristy Centeno
Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository
Published by: InkSpell Publishing
Genre: Paranormal / Young Adult
Release Date: July 4, 2013
Length: 418 Pages
ebook and print

Teenager Marjorie Emery eluded death. As she struggles to get her life back on track, she believes her efforts are paying off. Yet, when a black dressing, unfriendly, and incredibly handsome hottie walks into her classroom, she’s forced into a tailspin. Marjorie has no idea how much his presence is going to shatter what little tranquility she’s achieved.

Kyran Rousseau’s gloomy nature has a name, one that is potentially fatal under the right circumstances. His family harbors secrets and does everything to protect Kyran. While, he doesn’t want to ruin Marjorie’s normal life, love has a way of changing his plans.

Falling for Kyran is the least of Marjorie’s worries. With a faceless threat hunting her and a boyfriend who's as dangerous as he is good looking—how can Marjorie and Kyran keep all hell from breaking loose before it’s too late?

The look he gave me then made me want to laugh. Before making a fool of myself, I bit my lip and turned away from him before I burst out laughing. I didn’t think he would appreciate me for laughing at his expense.

He cursed in French and it took a lot for me to refrain from chuckling. It sounded comical and at the same time it was incredibly sexy.

The feel of Angela elbowing me drew my attention away from Kyran. “What’s this all about?” she whispered.

“I wish I knew.” I didn’t even know why we were arguing, or why he was mad, for that matter. “When I find out, I’ll fill you in.”

“He’s one to talk.” Kyran finally spoke in a much more controlled tone. “He’s the biggest weirdo in our family.” Was it just me or did that sound very childish?

“He really didn’t say anything I hadn’t noticed already.”

We leered at each other then, each holding our own. But as I stared into his eyes, I could have sworn they changed colors, from silver to gray. Before I could take a second look, Kyran turned his face away.

“So, you think I’m not normal?” he asked nonchalantly.

“That depends on how you define normal,” I said while trying to take a second peek at his eyes, but he wouldn’t look directly at me. “I don’t know what to think of you, really. You confuse me.” Confused was an understatement. Here we were, arguing, after only knowing each other for a grand total of twenty-four hours. The sad part was I really wanted to know why he was angry. What had I done to make him snap at me? I barely even knew him!

“I bet I do.” He sighed heavily and placed both hands on top of the table, which I took as an invitation to inspect them with my eyes.

Kyran had big hands that appeared as strong as a pair of bricks. It was hard not to stare as they lay atop the table. Something, aside from how big and strong his hands appeared, caught my immediate attention. I noticed what seemed to be a tattoo on his right hand, between his thumb and index finger.

At first it seemed to be just a circle, but upon closer inspection, I noticed it wasn’t just a simple round-shaped tattoo on his hand. The tattoo resembled the shape of a full moon; the details were very vivid and realistic, almost like seeing the moon from one’s

backyard at night. As he moved his hand, the tattoo seemed to move too. The gray and blue colors of it blended in with each other giving it a very realistic, almost real life appearance.

“You confuse me too. I’ve never met someone like you before. I don’t know what to make of you.” He kept speaking without looking at me, and that annoyed me.

Why couldn’t he just look at me as he spoke?

“Yeah, well, likewise.”

“You’ve a very strong personality, Marjorie. This could be a good thing sometimes, but other times, it could get you killed.” Finally, he turned to look at me and I immediately noted that his eyes were the same silver color they normally were.

About Kristy Centeno
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Kristy Centeno is an author of paranormal romance, young adult, new adult, horror, and contemporary romance.

She has always had a passion for books and after years of being an avid reader, she decided to transform her desire to write into a reality and thus, her first novel was born. In her journey to create memorable reads, she has delved into several genres, creating fictional characters meant to entice readers and captivate the mind.

She is currently working on finishing off the Keeper Witches series among other projects, which include sequels to her published work. When she’s not busy taking care of her five children or holding down the fort, she finds time to sit and do what she loves the most: writing.

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.@melissa_keir~Book Spotlight: Help Wanted by Barbara Valentin #BTG

5/22/2015

Help Wanted

An Assignment: Romance Novel #2

Barbara Valentin

When Claire Nelson decided that her happily-ever-after lay not in marriage but in a spot on the New York Times bestseller list, she vowed never to tie the knot. But that was before she met Paul Mendez, handsome and charming enough to have her breaking said vow and marrying him shortly after college.

Almost fifteen years and four sons later, Claire is now a burned out breadwinner ready to ditch her quest for happily-ever-after, and Paul has traded his dream of chairing corporate board meetings for volunteering at PTA meetings as a stay-at-home dad. Feeling trapped in a demanding job, Claire's repeated attempts to get Paul to return to work fall flat. Contemplating divorce, she drafts a letter to the Plate Spinner, a popular advice columnist, asking for help. But when the reply contains an offer that may just put her bestselling author dreams back on track, Claire's only question is: will Paul be on board? Or does her charming husband make a surprise move of his own?

Buy Links: Amazon Nook iBooks Kobo Smashwords

Excerpt:

"Dear Plate Spinner—I need your help."

After reading the plea out loud, Mattie Ross, the Chicago Gazette's reluctant advice columnist and marathon-runner-in-training, cringed.

Another letter from a frazzled working mother, seeking direction and hope— commodities she herself was in dire need of ever since her coach walked out on her, taking her heart with him.

Nick.

Her heart squeezed in her chest and she closed her eyes. After hiding behind the same I'm married with kids lie she her perpetuated with her publisher and readers for the eight months he had spent training her, she could hardly blame him for being upset.

With a heavy sigh, she texted her editor, Dianne Devane. Any openings in Metro yet?

Almost before she hit Send, she got her response. Sit tight, sweetie. I'm working on it.

Emitting a quick growl, Mattie turned her attention back to her computer screen and skimmed the brief account of the weary woman's conundrum.

"The salary of my demanding, soul-sucking job is holding me hostage. I haven't had a vacation in over five years (maternity leaves do not count). I see my kids so infrequently, that if I don't keep their pictures on my desk current, I tend not to recognize them in passing (their resemblance truly is jarring). Any friends I have left have given up hope of ever seeing me in person again, especially when I had to cancel my appearance at an intervention they were staging on my behalf, because I had to meet an absolutely critical deadline. As it is, I'm spread so thin, I make plastic wrap look opaque. My only hope is to convince my husband, a stay-at-home dad to our boys, to return to the corporate world. Chances of this happening, though, are slim to none—especially after he machine-washed yet another one of my dry-clean- only sweaters, and I leveled him with a 'does not meet expectations' on his most recent performance review (I mean, seriously—can you blame me?).

Needless to say, it did not go over well. He has since relocated to the man cave-slash-office down the hall and has barely spoken to me since.

So, tell me. Should I force his hand and quit my job, or file for divorce and offer him a job as a live-in nanny (because he looks a hell of a lot better in an apron than I do)?"

It was signed "Burned Out Breadwinner."

Mattie didn't know whether to send the writer a list of local marriage counselors or encourage her to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian. Staring at the ceiling above her cubicle for a moment, the advice columnist tried to think of a fitting response.

About the Author:

Barbara is an award-winning, best-selling novelist. A member of RWA's Windy City chapter, she still dreams of the day when her to-do list includes "Accept Godiva's request to be a taste-tester." False Start, the first book in her Assignment: Romance series, was published in 2014 (Gemma Halliday Publishing).

Giveaway: $10 Amazon Gift Card

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.@melissa_keir~ Matronly Duties by Melissa Kendall #newrelease

5/20/2015

Release Date: May 21 , 2015

Published by The Writers Coffee Shop

Genre: FICTION / Romance / General / Science Fiction ISBN e-book: 978-1-61213-369-0

Available from: Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and TWCS PH

~~SUMMARY~~

Hundreds of years after an asteroid slammed into Earth and sent it into a new ice age, what remains of the human race lives on in underground sanctuaries. Now, as the bicentennial anniversary of the impact approaches, a new leader prepares to take her place at the head of the government. At least, that’s what she thinks.

Bethanie Greene’s life has been planned out for her since the age of thirteen. Beautiful and intelligent, she’s spent the last twelve years training to become the next Matron of the underground nation of Oceania. But when Bethanie is kidnapped by rogue extremists just six weeks shy of taking office, her world is turned upside down by the handsome stranger who rescues her.

Howard James’ life has been the polar opposite of Bethanie’s. Struggling to survive in a world where those in power wished he didn’t exist, he harbors a deep-seated resentment of the government and all its representatives. Together with his unconventional family, he shows Bethanie a life she never knew was possible, while at the same time, opening her eyes to the injustices of the government she is meant to lead.

But can she trust a stranger? And can a few days change everything she believes and desires? Against all odds, Bethanie must decide if her heart and her duties can coexist.

ADD TO GOODREADS BOOK SHELF

~~EXCERPT~~

My body shakes at the thought of what could have happened to me yet again. I’ve heard stories about the slums, and I have to take a few deep breaths to calm myself.

“I was silly running away, I get it. I just couldn’t stay in your home any longer.”

Howard sighs. “Just because my parents raised us with traditionalist values doesn’t mean we are anything like the Trads. You accused us of being a drain on society, but you don’t even know us.”

“You’re right, I don’t. But you don’t know me either. If you did, you would understand why it’s hard for me to understand your way of life. It goes against every law, moral, and convention I’ve been taught. So I can’t be sorry for what I said, even if I’m sorry I ran out of the house.”

Howard takes a deep breath, then exhales long and slow. The expression on his face looks a bit like pity but with a dash of guilt mixed in. “Look, maybe I’ve judged you unfairly based on preconceived notions, but—”

A loud bang echoes outside. Howard glances at me with a panicked look on his face, and then pulls me off the crate onto the floor behind. I sit up, and turn to yell at him, but male voices outside keep my mouth closed. I instead huddle closer to Howard as he puts his hand around my shoulders. He pulls me in until I’m tucked against him.

“Did you see where she went?” a man’s voice asks.

“Nah, she just vanished.” The voice of this one sounds young.

“Damn, the boss isn’t going to be pleased about this.”

The crunch of shoes against pavement indicates they are on the move again. The sounds trail off until they’re no longer audible. I sigh in relief, all the tension fleeing my body.

“Are you okay?’ Howard asks, rubbing my shoulder.

I glance up, only then noticing how little space is between us. His blue eyes have flecks of grey in them, and there’s a smattering of freckles covering his nose and cheeks. His warm breath tickles my cheek almost like a caress, and his jaw has the barest hint of a five o’clock shadow. He really is captivating.

“I’m fine,” I eventually say, the words a mere whisper.

The butterflies in my stomach return with a vengeance. Howard licks his lips as they turn up ever so slightly in a smile.

“Good.”

I can’t stop the sigh that slips past my own lips. Howard leans forward a little, then moves closer still until his mouth is pressed against mine. I don’t dare move. A zing of something, I’m not sure whether it’s pleasure or fear, shoots through me. His lips are soft and wet, and the sensation is unlike anything I’ve felt before. I can’t even decide if I want him to continue or stop. When he pulls away though, a feeling of disappointment bubbles up inside me.

My first kiss.

Goosebumps cover me from head to toe, and unbidden, my fingers move to my lips. Glancing at Howard, he stares at me for a minute, then moves to sit further away.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

I shrug. “It’s okay.”

Howard frowns and then looks across the room.

Part of Matron training is learning not to form close relationships. It doesn’t mean it never happens. I’ve heard the odd story here and there from the other women, and I realise that’s probably what Gail was trying to tell me at breakfast the other day. But in all honesty, I can’t remember the last time I had real physical contact with anyone, above all with a man.

We sit in uncomfortable silence for a few minutes. Tension rolls off Howard in waves.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Come on,” Howard whispers. “We need to get to the house before those guys come back.”

~~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~~

Melissa Kendall is an almost forty-year-old mother of two from Perth, Western Australia, the second-most isolated capital city in the world. Predominantly a stay-at-home mum, she works a few hours a week as a software support consultant. She has always loved to read and write, and spent most of her teens writing poetry and short stories. Over the years, daily life got in the way and she lost the passion for it, but after the birth of her first child, Melissa discovered e-books and her interest in writing rekindled. She is now the author of two published short stories. Matronly Duties is her first full-length novel.

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~~CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR~~

Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Website

.@melissa_keir~Bookspotlight: Changing the Rules by Fran Lee #sexy

5/19/2015

Haley has a husband she still loves, but who has the Saturday-night, three-minute orgasm—his—down to a fine art. She has been married for over ten years, but her bedroom experience is virtually nil. She wants her man to try something exciting, something new. Like actually giving her an orgasm instead of falling asleep. But Harry seems to be quite content with their once-a-week, damn near choreographed, and very vanilla sex.

When her closest friend tells her she should think about livening up her pathetic sex life, and offers a swap...or maybe a threesome, Haley is utterly shocked, and in total denial that there is a problem with her marriage. Yet despite her amazement that she has been so naive that she had no idea her best friend was interested in taking a test drive on her husband, or that her friend's husband had expressed his wish to get into Haley's pants, another more intriguing suggestion catches her off guard.

When her best pal suggests she hook up with her younger brother, Josh, Haley can't get that totally shocking idea out of her head. Josh! The hot, younger kid she'd had a "sorta-crush" on back in high school?

The last time she'd seen Josh was before graduation. The kid had followed her around like an overgrown puppy through high school...three years her junior, but already showing the delicious promise of what he would become as a man. And her pal tells her that her little brother still harbors his X-rated teen-aged crush on her, and hopes she might be interested in renewing old acquaintances. Oh, my...

Josh has been crazy about Haley since he was just a kid. But he isn’t a kid anymore. He’s come back home for one thing only—for a shot at the girl he'd fallen for when he was too damn young to do much about it. His big sis has told him that Haley's husband isn't exactly taking care of his wife's needs...and he is more than ready and completely willing to step up to the plate when the stupid jerk strikes out.

But Haley has been laboring under a major misconception about the man she married right out of high school...and they both have one hell of a lot to learn.

An amazing one-night stand with beautiful, delicious Josh Barnes opens Haley's eyes to what a man needs...and what she needs in bed. The "kid" takes her for a hot, delicious ride beyond her wildest dreams, and opens her mind and heart to what she has always thought was out of her reach.

The rules have been changed...and now she has two hot men who are willing to give her anything...ANYTHING...she desires.

BUY LINK: AMAZON

.@melissa_keir~ Summer Lovin' Box Set #newrelease #Bookboyfriend

5/18/2015

14 Full-length Novels & Novellas

Available as a boxed set for a limited time - on sale now for only .99!

Regular Price $6.99 Buy Links

Amazon: http://indi.uno/1JlFwr0

iTunes: http://indi.uno/1DgZbre

Kobo: http://indi.uno/1NS3rPq

Google: http://indi.uno/1GlC7tG

B&N: http://indi.uno/1JtFltd

A savings of more than 75% if the books were purchased separately

Summer is heating up with 14 traditional romances from USA Today, national bestselling, and award-winning authors, brought to you by Book Boyfriends Cafe. Foreword by USA Today bestselling author, Leanne Banks. Cora Rules by Mel Curtis, USA Today Bestselling Author. NBA coach Trent Parker is a stickler for the rules, until he meets Cora Rule, the biggest rulebreaker of the Rule clan. Surrender to Love by Raine English, USA Today Bestselling Author. When Tara Spencer agrees to spend the summer caring for her ailing grandmother, she has no idea how her life will be changed by the handsome stranger next door. The Merry-Go-Round by Author Donna Fasano, USA Today Bestselling Author. When Lauren divorces her husband, her life quickly turns into a 3-ring circus. Will she step off the merry-go-round--or reach out and grab the brass ring? Twist of Fate by Patti Forsythe, USA Today Bestselling author. Rebecca Perris is on a dangerous quest to find her sister, but when she meets Aaron al-Rashid again, it’s her heart that’s at risk. Her French Count by Mona Risk, USA Today Bestselling Author. A Da Vinci Code in a French Chateau. The lovely American architect has turned his life upside down, but are his chateau and a missing statue worth endangering her life? Love Me Forever by Ari Thatcher, USA Today Bestselling Author. Escaping to Maui to get over her divorce, Jen runs into her first love, who blew her off at the end of her vacation. Matt had given up hope of ever finding her again. Can he convince her to give him a second chance? Playing the Rookie by Rachelle Ayala, National Bestselling Author. A rookie pitcher and a sports intern on the rebound connect to get over their exes. Will their fling turn into true love or destroy both of their careers? Duke of Devonwood by Carly Carson, National Bestselling Author Sparks fly as Miranda plots to gain control of her inheritance from a modern day Duke who tries his best to resist her wiles. Can both of them win? True North by Kelly Collins, National Bestselling Author. Alexa leaves Los Angeles with a scarred heart, a beat up car and a secret. She’s fleeing her hopelessness to find her future. Can a sexy stranger mend her heart and be her compass? Fashion Victim by Suz deMello, best-selling, award-winning author: Hot isn't a hot enough word to describe corporate raider Fletcher Wolf, but since he's suing couturier Cara Fletcher for, oh, a gazillion dollars, she figures she shouldn't hit on him…at least not too hard. Season, Unforgettable by Keta Diablo, National Bestselling Author. He promised his mother he'd wrap up the Pine Bay project, and he would have if not for a nature lover who can't be bought at any price. Now he's fighting for the other side, fighting to recapture his abandoned dreams, and fighting to win her heart. Most Likely to Turn up the Heat by Cheryl Harper. Sue Walker’s “no soldiers, no cops, no coworkers” policy doesn’t stand a chance against injured cop turned high school security guard Max Holt. His mission to return to Dallas and danger could be the deal breaker. My Favorite What If by Lyssa Layne, National Bestselling Author. Jacob "Smitty" Smith and Sloan Talbott have both have been hurt. Neither is looking for love. Will one week in paradise be a fling to remember or could it possibly lead to something more? Relay For Love by Susan Ann Wall, National Bestselling Author. A cancer survivor who celebrates in silence…a widow who remembers the man she lost…a fight back where two hearts battle to be together.

20892_1090103657672235_4553324294976730868_n(1)

Facebook Party

Don't miss out on the fabulous Facebook party on May 19!!

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.@melissa_keir~ Jivin' Tango by Connie L. Smith #newrelease #YA

5/14/2015

Lila and Austin have known each other since she befriended his younger brother when she was a toddler. In fact, since her parents moved from her hometown, Lila’s lived with Austin’s family. The two are friends, though more of the teasing, taunting breed than the BFF variety.

But all it takes is one moment for everything to change…

For Austin, that moment comes when Lila performs a rumba in the school’s auditorium to qualify for the state dance competition, the young woman on stage so far-removed from the little girl in his memories.

For Lila, the moment is a reflected image of Austin preparing for prom, the guy standing in front of his mirror hardly resembling the child that spent so much of his youth pestering her.

Will they find a way to admit to themselves and their families that their feelings are deeper than friendship? And can Lila focus on this building relationship – and deal with her unstable ex – and still win the dance contest?

“I kind of have a thing for this other girl.”

She smiles a bit. “Anyone I know?”

“Yeah, you know her.” I lean closer to her, not moving my stare from her face. “She’s beautiful, and smart, and funny, and quirky. The sad thing is, I didn’t notice any of those things until about a week ago.”

“What happened a week ago?”

“Well, she did this dance. One she hates, by the way.” I pause to let her laugh. “She wore a blue dress, and her hair was flowing down her back. She was elegant, and gorgeous, and I couldn’t look away.” Reaching out, I play with a strand of her hair that’s fallen forward, one that’s dripping water from her shower. “And I couldn’t push the attraction back. I tried, because it was so confusing.

“You see,” I continue, “I’ve known her since she was just a pesky girl who hung around mostly for my kid brother, and being attracted to her took some getting used to. But I had to deal with it, since I couldn’t look at her the way I used to anymore. Once I saw her as the beautiful woman she’d grown into, I couldn’t step back from that.”

“Austin—”

I put a finger to her lips to stop her comments. I need to get all of this out. Now. “I tried, Munchkin. I tried to keep myself from wanting you, but I can’t. I figured that out at prom. You’re what I want, what I need, and the one girl I have to be with. If you don’t want to be with me like that, I’ll take friendship. I’ll take just about anything because you’re the one part of my whole life I can’t let go of.”

She reaches up so she can move my finger away from her mouth. “I wouldn’t have kissed you if I didn’t want to be with you.”

Relief fills me, and I let out a long breath. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

Buy Links:
~~~

All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-jivin039tango-1768456-176.html

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/jivin-tango

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XJTWERG

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jivin-tango-connie-l-smith/1121906598?ean=2940151530965

Connie L. Smith spends far too much time with her mind wandering in fictional places. She reads too much, likes to bake, and might forever be sad that she doesn’t have fairy wings. And that she can’t swing dance. Her music of choice is severely outdated, and as an adult she’s kind of obsessed with Power Rangers. She has her BA from Northern Kentucky University in Speech Communication and History (she doesn’t totally get the connection either), and is currently working on her MA.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clsmithbooks
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/conniel0194/
Blog/Main Site: http://clsmithbooks.blogspot.com/
ReadWave: http://www.readwave.com/connie.l.smith/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7257320.Connie_L_Smith

Come to our Facebook Party for a chance to win prizes and meet some wonderful authors!!
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.@melissa_keir~ A Good Kind of Trouble by Ellie Ashe #BTG #bookspotlight

5/10/2015

A Good Kind of Trouble

Ellie Ashe

A Trouble in Twin Rivers Novel

Released May 6, 2015

100,000-word humorous romantic mystery

Her recent streak of bad luck continues when Lindsey finds herself facing a bogus contempt charge—and attorney Ben Gillespie is appointed to get her out of the slammer. They once had a bad date of epic proportions—stilted conversation, food poisoning, burglary, towed car. Then there was the incident with the pepper spray. Lindsey never believed she’d see the sexy lawyer again.

Ben can totally believe that Lindsey is behind bars. The woman is trouble. Now he has to get his new client out of jail, keep her out of the grasp of a crazed bike messenger and a shady P.I., help her save her job, and convince her to put down the pepper spray and give him another chance.

Available exclusively at Amazon until August 6^th, 2015.

Temporarily priced at $2.99 for a limited time.

Free to Kindle Unlimited Subscribers for 90 days.

Also available in Print.

* * * * *

Excerpt:

Beacon news reporter Lindsey Fox is on the verge of breaking a huge story of political corruption that will make her career and make her famous journalist parents proud—or she could be thrown in jail and fired. It really could go either way. Her recent streak of bad luck continues when Lindsey finds herself facing a bogus contempt charge—and attorney and former bad date Ben Gillespie is appointed to get her out of the slammer.

Ben can totally believe that Lindsey is behind bars. The woman is trouble. Now he has to get his new client out of jail, keep her out of the grasp of a shady P.I., help her save her job, and convince her to put down the pepper spray and give him another chance.

Here’s a look at Ben and Lindsey from A Good Kind of Trouble.

"We don't know they're trying to harm me. Maybe they're just trying to scare me."

If so, that plan wasn't working. From what Ben could see, she was more determined than ever.

"Lindsey, they've already hurt you," Ben said, reaching up to trace the knot on her head. Her eyes widened at the light touch and he had the urge to continue tracing a path down her face, her neck, and then...

Get a grip. Kath was standing right next to him, but still his finger and his gaze lingered on Lindsey's face.

She pulled away first, averting her eyes. "I doubt he meant to. Probably just wanted my bag, or something that was in it. Or just to intimidate me."

"Doesn't matter, Lins. As long as you're on this idiot's radar, you cannot stay at your house," Kath said. "At least not alone."

Kath let that suggestion hang in the air and excused herself to help an incoming customer, leaving Ben alone with Lindsey amidst the lingerie.

"She's right, Lindsey. This is serious," Ben said, watching Lindsey turn back to the stack of filmy negligees. He picked up a light green silky number by the thin straps, imagining it on Lindsey. She snatched it out of his hands and hung it up to steam.

"It's been serious for a long time," she said, whirling around, steamer in hand. "It's been serious, but no one believed me. I can take care of myself. I think I've proven that."

She was furious and Ben didn’t blame her. "Of course you can. I'm not saying that. No one is. But you have friends willing to help you."

Lindsey set the hand steamer down. She ran a hand through her hair, her face troubled. "I don't want you to—"

She met Ben's eye and his breath caught in his chest. God, those eyes. A man could get lost in them.

"I don't want you to get the wrong idea about the other night," Lindsey said, her back stiff.

"Well, what part about that night?" Ben asked, his own anger rising. "The part where I helped you figure out the contracts so you could do your job? Or the part where we nearly got naked and—"

Lindsey's hand slapped over his mouth quickly. "Shh!"

He grabbed Lindsey's slender wrist and held her hand, turning it over, kissing her wrist, but not releasing it. "I think Kath has figured out what's going on between us," he said, leaning in close to her ear.

"I don't even know what's going on between us," she protested.

He smiled. Me, either. Then he ducked his head to kiss her, brushing his lips along her jaw, then lower, tasting the soft skin and relishing her shiver at the contact.

"Don't do that," she said. Her voice trembled, but her hands gripped his shirt and pulled him closer.

"I think I will do that," he said, tightening his grip on her body and taking her earlobe between his teeth. She groaned and he pulled her around the corner to the dressing rooms, shutting a door behind them.

* * * * * * *

About the Author:

Ellie Ashe has always been drawn to jobs where she can tell stories—journalist, lawyer, and now writer. Writing quirky romantic mysteries is how she gets the "happily ever after" that so often is lacking in her day job.

When not writing, you can find her with her nose in a good book, watching far too much TV, or trying out new recipes on unsuspecting friends and family. She lives in Northern California with her husband and three cats, all of whom worry when she starts browsing the puppy listings on petfinder.com.

Author contact info:

Ellieashe.com

Twitter.com/ellieashe

https://www.facebook.com/EllieAsheBooks

Newsletter sign-up: http://bit.ly/EllieNews

* * * * * * *

Follow along with Ellie's Tour HERE

* * * * * * *

Giveaway: 2 Signed print copies of

A GOOD KIND OF TROUBLE

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.@melissa_keir~ Review: The Hardest Love by Liza O'Connor

5/7/2015

Don’t Mess with the DeCannons

You’ve been warned

Meet Theo DeCannon and his demented daughter Coco. He ran NYC’s mafia until --

Pay attention, this is a complicated tangle:

DeCannon told Trent Lancaster he had to marry his precious Coco or he’d destroy everything in Trent’s life, starting with Carrie Hanson.

Trent, realizing he’d be killed the moment they had control of his billions, gave all his money to Sam and Mars, nothing to Carrie, in hopes they would believe she had never meant anything to him, then he got a new identity/face via plastic surgery and became Trevor Campbell. Channeling Carrie, his new town loved him so much they made him mayor.

To discover all the changes required to alter his face check out this former blog

http://www.scifiromance.info/2014/05/liza-oconnor-climbing-out-of-hell.html

He became best friends with Sam, who thought him the nicest guy he’d ever met.

But Sam hated the rest of the town so he left and got himself some prison time. But that actually turns out to be a really good thing, since the DeCannon’s show up shortly after Sam left.

They must have tracked him down and intended to personally torture him for his 20+ billion dollars. Fortunately, he was safely tucked in a work camp in a different state, so their plan against Sam were thwarted, but they had other people to go after as well.

Coco hired several assassins to kill Carrie, even when they were being monitored by the feds, but now hidden in Denton Iowa, Theo hires a deadly gang to take out Carrie. Why?

Because his precious daughter intensely hates Carrie. If he doesn’t take care of the matter, his only child will continue to hire incompetent hitmen and get herself in trouble.

In the Mafia, you never insult a Don, and never, ever, insult his beloved daughter.

The Hardest Love

A Long Road to Love Series

By Liza O’Connor

BLURB

THE HARDEST LOVE IS TO LOVE YOURSELF.

Sam has a new theory as to why his relationships with women never work. The problem is he’s constantly falling in love with women that he rescues from serious situations. He reasonably believes saving one from great harm should result not only in good sex afterwards, but never ending gratitude.
But it hasn’t been working out that way.
Sam’s conclusion: damsels in distress are incredibly ungrateful. So he decides the next woman he gets involved with will not require rescue. She will be strong and self-reliant.
Only problem: he’s never met a woman like that.

They do exist Sam. They really do. And just maybe, she’ll just rescue you instead.

EXCERPT

Gun fire exploded nearby. Not again! Carrie dove to the floor and burrowed into the trash, curling into a tight ball. For once, she was very glad she was only 4’ 6” and 80 pounds so she could fit in small places that no normal human could.

Glass shattered above her as bullet after bullet slammed into the ‘oh so not bullet proof’ car. Dear God, she must be caught in a gang fight!

This was it. She was going to die, just when her life had turned out so well. Dan, her beloved husband, and Destiny, his adorable daughter, would be broken-hearted. No, she had to get help. Extracting the phone, her first instinct was to call 911, but that never went well for her.

Who should she call? She couldn’t call Dan and get him killed. She needed someone who had experience rescuing civilians caught in a gang war. A smile tugged at her quivering lips. Joey the cop! He was the only one who actually listened to her and didn’t accuse her of being a terrorist in her prior ‘not a bomb’ fiasco.

She needed to speed dial him, but she couldn’t remember if he was 41 or 42? She tried 42, just as more bullets exploded into the trunk of the car.

“What?” an angry voice demanded.

“Joey, sorry to bother you, but I need help. I seem to be caught in the middle of a gang war,” she whispered.

“Carrie?” A familiar, but not Joey’s voice replied.

“Sam? I thought you left town?”

More bullets pounded into the car.

“Where are you?”

She almost replied ‘in the floor board’ but realized he probably wanted an address. Carrie gave him the crossroads and added the junky green car was parked by the coffee shop. Then Sam hung up without a ‘goodbye’ or better yet, ‘I’ll save you’.

Still as rude as ever!

BUY LINKS

Released May 5, 2015

A Long Road to Love
The Hardest Love

Amazon
Book Five

Other books in the A Long Road to Love series

Book One
Worst Week Ever

Amazon
“Love this book and couldn't stop laughing from beginning to end.” 5 stars – Alves - Amazon

Book Two
Oh Stupid Heart

Amazon
“Be warned though, this book is completely different from The Worst Week Ever. Yes, there is still humor, dry wit, situations that you would think...NOT AGAIN but this one humanizes Trent more.” 5 stars - Brian’s Mom – Amazon

Book Three
Coming to Reason

Amazon
Once again, Ms. O’Connor has written a brilliant book about the complexities of relationships, good and bad. Again, to me, the book is the best break up book EVER and it left my heart singing in the end. Best.Book.Ever…

Book Four
Climbing out of Hell

Amazon
“In typical @Liza0Connor fashion, crazy things happen which make you laugh outloud.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Liza O’Connor

Liza lives in Denville, NJ with her dog Jess. They hike in fabulous woods every day, rain or shine, sleet or snow. Having an adventurous nature, she learned to fly small Cessnas in NJ, hang-glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania. She’s an avid gardener, amateur photographer, and dabbler in watercolors and graphic arts. Yet through her entire life, her first love has and always will be writing novels. She loves to create interesting characters, set them loose, and scribe what happens.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT
LIZA O'CONNOR & UPCOMING BOOKS:
Liza's Blog and Website Facebook Twitter

Sam has been a part of Ms. O'Connor's series from book one. I've always found this character to be intriguing as more and more was uncovered about his life. He seemed like a hero from the get-go and I'm glad we finally got a chance to read his story.

Sam's anger issues get in his way. He can't seem to have lasting relationships with anyone but Mars, his former military captain. He falls for Carrie but she was with his brother at the time. Then he falls for another woman that he'd rescued from a bully. Unfortunately, she fell for someone else. Now Sam has returned to New York and the only person he can count on, Mars. But mysteries surround The Sanctuary, a rehabilitation center for injured vets.

Sam learns more about himself and begins to truly let go of his pain while at The Sanctuary but learning to love yourself is a challenge. Ms. O'Connor reunites all the characters from the earlier books and so while you can read The Hardest Love as a stand alone, it is more meaningful read in order (even though that wasn't what I did).

As you can expect from a Liza O'Connor story, there's hilarity and amazing coincidences as well as factual knowledge like about Vermont's gun laws and prison work crews. I believe this to be the most touching of all of her books and really enjoyed getting to know Sam better. No that wasn't tears in my eyes, just a touch of allergies (and if you believe that....). A must read! I give it 5 stars!

.@melissa_keir~New Release: Seeking Redemption by JM Maurer

5/5/2015

Seeking Redemption (Emerging From Darkness Book 2)
By: J.M. Maurer

Publish Date: May 2, 2015

Blurb:
After surviving a bitter divorce and emerging from a darkness that became all too familiar, Jessica finds herself on top of the world, her soulful awakening allowing her to feel again, trust again, and even love again. Her painful past, however, is relentless, both physically and emotionally, bombarding her daily and not allowing her to overcome the lingering demons that ultimately control her life.

As Matthew lovingly guides her toward a healthy future, his own secrets become known, threatening to destroy the trusting relationship that had quickly grown between them. But despite what life throws her way, Jessica pledges to put the past in the past, accepting that events are often out of her control. She fights for a future with the man who drew her out of the darkness, steering her onto a healing path . . . seeking redemption.

Buy Links:
Amazon US: bit.ly/amznSkR
Amazon UK: bit.ly/SkRamznUK
Amazon CA: bit.ly/SkRamznCA
Barnes & Noble: bit.ly/SkReBN
iBooks: bit.ly/SkRiBks
Kobo: bit.ly/SkRKobo
Smashwords: bit.ly/SkRSW

  Grandma O flipped the light switch to what she called my office and stood just inside the door, her soft features and gentle smile inviting me in. I shivered, poised one step away, with a strange yet familiar emotion rushing through me—an awareness that the instant I entered, my life would be forever changed. Again.

    Was this Matthew’s plan all along? They all seemed in on it, the thought making me feel railroaded and agitated, yet oddly aroused and enchanted too. Unsure how to deal with such conflicting emotions, I moved forward, looking to Grandma O for answers as I walked through.

    The office was spacious, slightly smaller than Matthew’s, with a mahogany desk in the far corner and in front of an expansive bank of floor-to-ceiling windows. I ran my fingertips along the colorful wall of psychology books and periodicals as I walked along, passing a leather couch on my way to the desk, my desk, and paused in front of an empty nook within the bookcase.

    It struck me as odd, the cold wooden surface needing something to spruce it up, make it mine. I had to think about that, my anxiety making it difficult to ponder the issue, my restlessness preventing me from staying in one place.

    I moved to the windows and stared out the tiny cracks between the blinds, the world outside just as complicated as the one I had chosen to live in.

     “We all read your master’s thesis,” Grandma O said, her voice pulling me out of my thoughts. “It’s obvious you have a natural gift for research and writing.”

    I turned and looked at her, questioning how they’d gotten their hands on a copy.

    Sedation in the ICU: Patient Accounts of Their Dreams, Their Pain, Their Fears; I hadn’t published it. As it was, after countless hours revisiting old charts and conducting hundreds of interviews, I’d never been more nervous or scared the instant it was pulled from my tight grip to be placed into the hands of someone who would actually read it. There was no way I’d ever publish it, opening myself up to a world filled with critics.

    “If you’re wondering, Dr. Moi is a personal friend of Professor Marienetti. The sexual fantasies accounted for and described within your research were fascinating, probably more so than Dr. Marienetti could digest. We’re baffled as to why you chose not to publish. The results, Jess, are far reaching, from ICUs to dentists’ offices. You have a special gift; embrace it.”

    She walked toward me and leaned her back against the wall, her gaze drinking in the room.

    “This office has been vacant, just waiting for you. You could do great things here.” She patted my arm, her grandmotherly smile telling me it would all be okay. “I’m next door if you need anything.”

    Embrace it, I thought, watching as she walked out the door. I’d heard that advice before—from Matthew. I sighed and looked down upon the desk, the one I knew would take me a while to start calling my own.

    My desk, my office, my couch, it all sounded quite foreign. I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not.

J.M. Maurer lives with her family in Chicago. She makes it a point to never work on a full moon and cringes when a coworker uses the “Q” word—never, ever say, “It’s a quiet day today," at her day job.

Known for being overly superstitious, she can usually be found scraping at the remnants of a Nutella container, screaming at a hockey game, or putting pen to paper, allowing the “real” crazy voices in her head to come alive. And after all this, it’s no wonder she’s an incurable romantic and loves escaping the rat race of life to immerse herself inside the world of a really good romance book . . . because, after all, what’s better than a happily-ever-after?

Find J.M. Maurer Here:
Website: http://jmmaurer.com
Blog: http://jmmaurer.com/blog.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JMMaurerAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JMMaurer1
Goodreads: bit.ly/GoodreadsJMMaurer
tsu: http://www.tsu.co/JMicheleMaurer
Amazon Author Page: bit.ly/AmznJMMaurer

Seeking Hope (Emerging From Darkness Book 3 ~ Fall/winter 2015)

The conclusion to the captivating romantic trilogy where love came easy, forgiveness came with time, but healing from devastating loss proved daunting. Together, Jessica and Matthew pursue an extraordinary future . . . seeking hope.

Buy Links:~~~

Seeking Hope (Emerging From Darkness Book 3 ~ Fall/winter 2015) The conclusion to the captivating romantic trilogy where love came easy, forgiveness came with time, but healing from devastating loss proved daunting. Together, Jessica and Matthew pursue an extraordinary future . . . seeking hope.

Melissa Keir

Archives

Buy Links:
~~~

Seeking Hope (Emerging From Darkness Book 3 ~ Fall/winter 2015)

The conclusion to the captivating romantic trilogy where love came easy, forgiveness came with time, but healing from devastating loss proved daunting. Together, Jessica and Matthew pursue an extraordinary future . . . seeking hope.