Release Day Blitz: Secrets of Whitestone Manor

Release Day Blitz: Secrets of Whitestone Manor

SECRETS OF WHITESTONE MANOR
Author: Brittany Jo James
Series: The Winters Family Series, Book #1
Genre: Young Adult Romance | Paranormal Romance
~ SYNOPSIS ~
Some secrets are too dark to ever be brought into the light.
At least mine are.
My name is Orson Winters, and you already know too much for me to let you walk away.
A decade has passed since my parents were killed, forcing my younger siblings and me to move in with our estranged uncle. Whitestone Manor in all its grandeur was overwhelming enough. Then, we learned the family secret.
There’s darkness in the world no one, besides a handful of fighting families, even knows exists. The Winters family is the most acclaimed of them all. However, power isn’t always pleasurable, especially considering that it’s my responsibility to keep my reckless brothers and sister from jeopardizing us all.
When an old enemy emerges from the shadows, Uncle Sebastian calls in another fighting family to assist. I didn’t need their help. I could independently protect my siblings and the rest of the world from danger. That was, until I met Lilith Shaw. Now I’m not even sure that I can protect myself.
I can’t focus on that, though.
I’m the last one standing between you and those who wait in the darkness.
If you can keep a secret, I’ll tell you my story.

 

~ PURCHASE ~

AMAZON



~ TEASERS ~

 

 

 

 

 

~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~

Brittany Jo James 

Brittany Jo James was born and raised in the small town of Idabel, Oklahoma. She is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Conlee, who is currently serving as an airman in the United States Air Force. They share two rowdy sons, Jagger and Jett. Her life revolves around living for God, caring for her family and writing, writing, writing. The James family is currently residing near Anchorage, Alaska until the USAF decides otherwise.
Social media links:
 
Cover Reveal: Alphas in Love

Cover Reveal: Alphas in Love

COVER REVEAL
 
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ALPHAS IN LOVE: Anthology
Books & Authors:
Marie Garner – Miss Congeniality
Elle Jefferson – At Death It Begins
Anne Jolin – Chasing Rhodes
Rochelle Paige – Hit The Wall
CP Smith – A Reason To Breathe
*all with bonus material*
 
 
 
~ COVER DESIGNER ~
Melissa Gill: MG Book Covers
 
~ RELEASE DATE ~
Valentine’s Day!
~ Blurbs ~
Miss Congeniality by Marie Garner:
Miss Congeniality doesn’t curse. Miss Congeniality doesn’t have tattoos. Miss Congeniality doesn’t drink shots. Miss Congeniality doesn’t ride motorcycles….Or does she?
When America’s sweetheart…
Brea Richards is America’s sweetheart. Dubbed Miss Congeniality by the media, Brea has spent years honing her current reputation. And being one of the leading stars of a prime time television show…priceless. It’s a long way from her humble beginnings, but that’s her secret to keep. Or at least that’s what she believes until she gets the phone call.
Meets America’s bad boy…
Lance Holder is America’s bad boy, the guy they love to hate. He lives life the way he wants, and makes no apologies, regardless of what anyone thinks. All everyone sees is the tattooed, motorcycle riding, reckless movie star, preventing anyone from looking beneath the surface. And that’s just fine with Lance. Until his new gig puts him right in the path of Brea.
Will either one escape unscathed?
Lance is the newbie on Brea’s show, and everyone is watching to see if America’s bad boy will influence Miss Congeniality. They don’t know Brea’s worst influences happened long before Lance entered the picture. And Lance seems to be one of the only ones to see beyond her current façade. Maybe America’s bad boy is just what America’s sweetheart needs…
At Death It Begins by Elle Jefferson:
Lendyn Hughes’ grandmother has kept a secret for thirty-one years, who Lendyn’s parents are. A devastating break-up following her grandmother’s death leaves Lendyn alone, confused and determined to find answers. Armed with only a name Lendyn attempts to unfurl the branches of her family tree never guessing it would put her life in danger.
For over two hundred years Englishman Callum Scott lived a life surrounded by beauty. A life free from all those annoying human emotions. That is until the American showed up. Lendyn flipped his world upside down and put him in the worst sort of jeopardy. He’s starting to feel things and a murderer can’t afford to feel.
Chasing Rhodes by Anne Jolin:
***Can be read as a standalone or as part of the Rock Falls series.
Hannah Rhodes has just gotten out of a long term relationship, and she isn’t looking for a new man in her life. But after a night out with the girls and one too many tequila shots, her plans to stay man free are blown all to hell. She finds herself in bed with the smoldering stranger from a party six months back and immediately knows she’s in trouble, big trouble. And the last thing Hannah needs is more trouble.
Her last relationship took her out like an emotional freight train, and she’s trying to piece back the stability her life once had.
Greyson Holt’s biggest fear in life is to end up like his father, like the man who left him as a child, and broke his mother’s heart. He vowed to never be responsible for that kind of carnage. Men could be cruel and that kind of brutality was in his blood. He never allows himself to get too close to anyone, until he meets Hannah.
Something about her makes him want to try, but a man can’t change overnight.
Will Holt be able to catch Rhodes every time he lets her go? Or will their chase end in heartbreak?
 
Hit The Wall by Rochelle Paige:
Jackson thought he knew what love was and feels like he missed his chance at happiness. He realizes he wasted his chance by chasing after one-night stands instead of going after what he really wanted.
Kaylie knows what loss feels like and doesn’t want to take a chance on love. She puts up walls to keep her heart protected from experiencing that kind of pain again.
What happens when a guy who refuses to lose out again meets a girl who resists him as much as she can? Will Jackson be able to hit the wall Kaylie has put up and knock it down?
 
A Reason To Breathe by CP Smith:
WARNING: Author believes in soul mates and insta-love, proceed with caution if you’re not a romantic at heart.
Love at first sight never was so dangerous.
Jack Gunnison has a problem, well, two, actually, one is 5’5″ and the other…A killer.
Jennifer Stewart needs a change after losing her husband and sending her daughter off to college.
Moving to the high country of Colorado to restart her life and, follow her dreams, Jenn gets more than she bargained for when she attracts the eye of a killer.
Together, Jack and Jenn must figure out his identity, before he strikes again.
Mature readers only due to erotic content and language.
~ Connect with the authors ~
Marie Garner
 
Elle Jefferson 
Anne Jolin 
Rochelle Paige 
CP Smith 
 
 
~ GIVEAWAY ~

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Tour Host ~
HEA Book Tours, PR & More: http://heabooktours.blogspot.com/
 
 
 
Release Day Blitz: THE BOOK AFFAIR Vol 1

Release Day Blitz: THE BOOK AFFAIR Vol 1

THE BOOK AFFAIR, Vol. 1
Anthology
Genre: Romance
~ BLURB ~
Fall in love with a host of swoon-worthy men in THE BOOK AFFAIR. This collection ranges from the very naughty to the super nice—so there’s bound to be something to suit your every mood.
Eleven talented authors, including New York Times and USA Today bestsellers, have come together to bring you their full-length novels for one low price, with the line-up consisting of Belinda Boring, Melanie Codina, L.P. Dover, Jessica Gibson, Lisa M. Harvey, B.J. Harvey, S.M. Knowles, Lauren K. McKellar, Heidi McLaughlin, J.D. Rivera and Crystal Spears. 
Get it while it’s hot, and meet your next eleven book boyfriends today.
It’s not cheating when it’s fictional …


~ PURCHASE ~


~ BLURBS & TEASERS ~
Belinda Boring ~ Loving Liberty 
Liberty Montgomery is many things: 
A dutiful daughter. 
Perfect wife-in-training. 
Easy to manipulate. 
Compliant. 
But secretly she wants more. 
For years, Liberty has dreamed of a life filled with opportunities—a life where she makes the decisions, living by her own rules. Unfortunately, her parents have other plans for her, ones that involve her submission and total obedience. Every attempt to break free from their control is met with threats, leaving her feeling trapped. Just when all seems hopeless, Liberty meets Oliver Nichols. With just two words, be brave, he stirs up her secret longings for more . . . friendship, fun, and independence. He almost has her believing her dreams are possible. However, taking a stand can be terrifying when you’ve spent your entire life pleasing others. 
Are some chances worth taking? What would she risk for freedom?
Melanie Codina ~ Love Realized
Jake and Gillian have been friends since high school. As friends, they have supported each other through all the typical life changing events such as marriages, births, divorces and even death. Gillian couldn’t be more thankful for the bond she shares with Jake than she is when all the shameful secrets of her marriage appear front and center, demanding attention. The emotional support she has so freely given to her friend over the years is returned in full force as she nurses the wounds of her failed marriage. But when she starts to notice there might be more to her feelings than just friendship….is she willing to risk what they already have, for what might be???
For Jake, it has always been Gillian. If only she knew she has owned his heart since the day he met her. After watching her fall in love with one of his best friends, he accepted his fate of being one of her closest friends and locked up the deeper emotions he felt for her. So when he watches her marriage fall apart before his very eyes, he knew she would turn to him for support. What he wasn’t prepared for was the return of those emotions he had long ago locked away. It didn’t take long for him to figure out that this was his chance and he wasn’t about to let her slip through his fingers again. He only needed to make her realize, his love for her was real.
L.P. Dover ~ A Fighter’s Desire
Two is always better than one.
What would you do if you were given the chance to spend the night with not one, but two fighters? Would you do it? Could you open yourself up to the pleasures they offered and do exactly what they said in order to pass on to the next round?
It was common knowledge that Ryley and Camden Jameson, well-known MMA fighters and identical twins, were just as aggressive and passionate in the bed as they were in the ring. The only problem was that if you didn’t pass their test on the first night, then you didn’t proceed to the next round. They loved a good fight, and that’s what they got when they met Ashleigh Warren.
Ashleigh knew what was going to happen when the twins approached her with a proposition, and needless to say, she knew exactly how to handle them … or so she thought. The rules had changed, and in order to get them both she had to first spend one night with each and last until they were done with her. It was a proposition she couldn’t refuse, but she knew it wouldn’t be easy to win. However, it was one that she was going to enjoy.
Jessica Gibson ~ The Deeper We Get 
Chad Langer was always running. Running from his past, afraid of letting himself be happy and free. College was going to be his new start. New city, new school, new people. 
Scarlett would be his undoing. He knew it the moment he saw her. Something in her eyes called to him. She was just as broken as he was. 
Sometimes the past doesn’t stay in the past. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles set in their path?
Lisa M. Harley ~ Destined to Change 
Destiny…it’s really an interesting thought isn’t it…destiny.
Loralei Harper’s destiny was determined before her birth. It was very simple. She was expected to graduate from high school, marry Declan Sharp, and have two kids. She would stay at home with them, while her husband worked on the family farm. But the funny thing about destiny is…it can change in the blink of an eye. Now Loralei has to figure out what to do when everything changes.
Declan Sharp, a sweet country boy, grew up with Loralei. Their parents couldn’t have planned their relationship any better. Loralei was the love of his life and their future was bright, but sometimes life gets in the way of your plans.
Jaxon Daniels, a pierced, tattooed, badass with a gentle soul, just wanted to get out of the city and relax in the country for a little while. The last thing he was looking for was right in front of him. With skeletons in his closet, will he be able to hold on to the woman he loves, when the past comes out to play?
Cade Walker, a cocky cowboy, never gave love a second thought. Sex? Now that was a different story. After a drunken night, all of that changes when he feels something for Loralei…with his heart. This good ole boy learns that alls fair in love and war.
What happens when all of these lives cross paths? Whose destiny will change and who will get their happily ever after?
B.J. Harvey ~ Blissful Surrender
This is a story of Sean Miller, a dom that will have your panties diving for cover with an eyebrow quirk. That will have even the strongest woman dropping to their knees in submission with a piercing stare, and Samantha Richards, a female cop who’s tough, seemingly impenetrable shell is strong enough to resist everyone except the one man it was build up to protect her against. 
**Disclaimer – If you thought the first two Bliss books were hot, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Creative use of handcuffs, batons, a club scene you have to read to believe, and a tough as nails dominant who is blindsided when the one woman strong enough to disarm him threatens his resolve not to let his past dictate his future.** 
Like the other books in the Bliss series, this book can be read as a stand alone. There are common characters in the books but it is not necessary to read the first two books in the series to read this one.
S.M. Knowles ~ Runaway
At seventeen years old, Courtney Apuzzo is fed up. With a dead mom and an alcoholic father that beats her every chance he gets, Courtney decides that enough is enough. Packing up only what she needs, Courtney leaves home without telling a soul and heads off to find her new life. 
Life on her own is not exactly as she thought it would be. With nowhere to stay, Courtney finds herself sleeping on an old stoop in an abandoned apartment alleyway. A chance meeting with a new group of friends seems like a great beginning to her second chance at a real life. But everything is not as it seems 
Tricked into a life she never wanted and fears, Courtney needs to run away, again. She needs to find a way out of this new and dangerous life. With the help from a man she barely knows, will Courtney find her way out? Or will she find herself on the run from a dangerous past, and a hopeless future? Faced with a choice that will change her life forever. 
Lauren K. McKellar ~ The Problem With Crazy
The problem with crazy is that crazy, by itself, has no context. It can be good crazy, bad crazy … or crazy crazy—like it was when my ex-boyfriend sung about me on the radio. 
Eighteen-year-old Kate couldn’t be more excited about finishing high school and spending the summer on tour with her boyfriend’s band. Her dad showing up drunk at graduation, however, is not exactly kicking things off on the right foot—and that’s before she finds out about his mystery illness, certain to end in death. 
A mystery illness that she could inherit. 
Kate has to convince everyone around her that her father is sick, not crazy. But who will be harder to convince? Her friends? Or herself? 
The Problem With Crazy is a story about love and life; about overcoming obstacles, choosing to trust, and learning how to make the choices that will change your life forever.
Heidi McLaughlin ~ Forever My Girl
I was never supposed to be a rock star. I had my life all planned out for me. Play football in college. Go to the NFL. Marry my high school sweetheart and live happily ever after. 
I broke both our hearts that day when I told her I was leaving. I was young. I made the right decision for me, but the wrong decision for us. I’ve poured my soul into my music, but I’ve never forgotten her. Her smell, her smile. 
And now I’m going back. 
After ten years. 
I hope I can explain that after all this time. 
I still want her to be my forever girl.
J.D. Rivera ~ Defensive
The follow-up novel to the novella Guarded. 
Once you find the love of your life, it’s all sunshine and roses, right? 
Not for most relationships and definitely not for Vanessa Smith and Jackson Berrios. 
Vanessa Smith is finally divorced from her ex-husband and is in a committed relationship with basketball star, Jackson Berrios. Someone from Vanessa’s past comes back into her life just when she needs a friend but could complicate the relationship between her and Jackson. Will the couple be able to get through their pasts coming back to the surface? Can two different circumstances tear them apart or sear them together? Will they iron out their problems and have a happily ever after…?
Crystal Spears ~ Seize Me
Winter Belov was the sweet innocent one in her crime family, the dutiful daughter that never disappointed her father. One day, her father does the unspeakable. When he turns his back, Winter flees across the country, taking her life savings with her, determined never to enter that sort of lifestyle again. 
No longer innocent, she now lives in Nevada. Lana is her best friend and the only family Winter has. Together, they are two of the best exotic dancers in the county. While working a shift, Pyro, Lana’s long time crush, propositions Winter. He begs her to do a private gig at Breakneck. She accepts, with the condition that Lana dances with her. 
When Winter’s eyes lock with Braxxon Breaker’s, the President of Breakneck, she realizes she is no longer free; she has been seized. He is everything she is running from but at the same time, everything she wants. Braxxon will not take no for an answer, and purposely disrupts Winter’s life. 
Rivals of Braxxon’s club are vicious and they do something that will have him out for blood. Winter’s and Braxxon’s relationship is anything but a normal one. If they want to be together, crimes must be committed, friendships will be broken and people are going to die. 
What happens when all that chaos mixes with Winter’s father locating her? It will be a bloodshed when Winter and Braxxon seek revenge and take no prisoners. 
For readers 18 & up only!
~ Connect with the authors ~
Belinda Boring

Melanie Codina

L. P. Dover

Jessica Gibson

Lisa M. Harley

B.J. Harvey

S.M. Knowles

Lauren K McKellar

Heidi McLaughlin

J.D Rivera

Crystal Spears

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Tour Host ~
HEA Book Tours, PR & More: http://heabooktours.blogspot.com/










Not Looking for Love Episode 1 Chapter 1 Excerpt

Not Looking for Love Episode 1 Chapter 1 Excerpt

Here is an excerpt from the first chapter of my new steamy NA romance serial Not Looking for Love. I’m super excited to finally start sharing some excerpts since the serial is now complete and ready to be enjoyed in its entirety! All 5 episodes are now available for purchase at Amazon and can also be read for free by Kindle Unlimited (KU) members. I hope you enjoy the read! I’d also love to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to comment below.

Episode1CoverNEWSmall

Not Looking For Love Episode 1
Chapter 1 Scene 1

Mom’s coughs, raspy and urgent, wake me. Her room is at the far end of the hall, five doors down, yet the sound rips through my chest like she’s lying right next to me. Leaving me, saying goodbye. The too many cocktails I drank at Kate’s party no longer make my thoughts fuzzy, instead they buzz around in my stomach, churning, making me sick. The coughing doesn’t stop, changes pitch until it sounds like she’s screaming. I bolt out of bed and run to the door, the sudden movement making the room spin around me. Dad’s footsteps pound down the hallway as he rushes to my mom’s room, so I sit on the chair by my makeup desk and turn on the sidelights, willing the room to stop spinning.

I’d only be in the way now, if I go to my mom. Then my dad will think he has to take care of us both: comfort my mom and keep me safe. Only he can’t, because my mom is dying, and there is no one who can change that. Twenty-two years old is too young to lose a mom. Cancer. Such a whimsical word for such a terrible disease. My birth sign. Bile rises in my throat as I struggle to chase the thought away, thinking of anything but that. That my birth sign is killing my mom, that I’m killing my mom. It’s childish, and it’s stupid to think it, but the idea still feels like I’ve swallowed broken glass.

I grab my wrist, hoping to clutch the charm bracelet she gave me on my 21st birthday just over a year ago. She gave me all of her jewelry for my birthday this year. Tiny charms dangle from the bracelet: a little princess, a colorful egg, and a golden coin. But all I feel is my racing pulse, a tiny ball bouncing in my vein that might break free at any moment, making me bleed out. The bracelet is gone.

I had worn it to Kate’s party, since I never take it off. I’d only gone to the party for a little distraction, and because Kate’s house is just next door, I could be back with my mom in a few minutes if she needed me. It was a total disaster. Brandon wouldn’t stop pestering me, and he ended up throwing me in the pool for a laugh. After that, I ran home, very nearly crying.

Digging through my makeup table, I send creams and blushes, hairpins and lipsticks toppling to the ground, searching frantically for the bracelet, even though I don’t remember taking it off. I run back to the bed, throwing the sheets, the pillows on the ground, checking the nightstand. The bracelet isn’t anywhere.

I’m outside on the patio before I can think.

Mornings are chilly this late in August, and dawn has hardly broken. All I’m wearing is a white tank top and the silk boxers I sleep in. I run across the lawn barefoot, not thinking of what I may be stepping on. I have to find the bracelet; I have no time to put on shoes.

I crawl through the hole in the fence that separates my garden from Kate’s. It’s a tight fit, now that I’m no longer five years old. Chairs and towels, empty glasses and discarded clothes are still strewn across the lawn, but, thankfully, no one is around. Likely, the cold dawn chased the last of the party away. I glance up at the house to make sure no one is watching. All the windows are dark. A light reflects in the first floor windows, and I drop into a crouch reflexively, but it’s just a passing car.

I find my dress near the pool where I took it off to take a dip. Right before Brandon tossed me in. I just left it lying there when I ran home. Everyone must think I’m completely mental now. I hope Brandon does too. Why won’t he just take a hint? Brandon is Kate’s brother, and since she’s like a sister to me, he’s like a brother to me. I can’t be dating my brother. Besides he’s the love ’em and leave ’em type, and all he can give me is a broken heart. Like he did with his last five girlfriends. As if my heart could take any more breaking.

I look around, tossing things aside, not caring where they land, hoping to find the bracelet. It’s not anywhere. The sun’s not up yet, but birds are chirping something awful all around me, and the sky is more white than grey now. Dawn is my favorite time of day. I love watching the colors of the sky change from inky black to grey to lilac blue and finally yellow, the new day being born, bringing new hope. Today, I just wish the sun would come up.

If the bracelet is not in the grass, it might be in the pool. The thought of going back in the water makes me shiver, but my desperation to get the bracelet back right away is stronger.

I ease myself off the side of the pool in roughly the spot where I went in before, feet first, trying not to make any sound that could wake Kate’s family. It’s like slow torture to do it that way, and my whole body cramps up, but the last thing I need is to cause a panic. I could just go back home and come back once the sun is up, but I can’t. I need that bracelet, or else I won’t sleep.

The cold water grips my body like a vice and I take shallow breaths until the worst of the pain passes. The lights in the pool are off already, they’re connected to the porch lights, and someone thoughtfully turned them all off after the party ended. Too thoughtfully. I could really use those lights right now.

After a final deep breath, I submerge my head, fighting the overwhelming urge to gasp as the cold water goes straight to my brain, which is what it feels like. I can almost see the steam coming off, but at least my heart is no longer pounding. I let myself float on the surface, scanning the floor of the pool. Lucky really, that Kate’s pool is saltwater. I can float, eliminating the need to tread water to keep myself on the surface.

Shadows play upon the mosaic floor of the pool, all blues, whites, yellows, and pinks. I turn slightly to adjust my angle of view. No silver gleams against the tiles anywhere. I only come up for air once my lungs start burning and dip my face back in immediately. Grey is giving way to white in the sky now, so the visibility should soon improve. I’m enjoying the silence, the serenity of floating in the water, with my long hair plastered down my ears, blocking out the chirping birds.

The eerie silence is almost like diving, only without the crushing weight of the water pressing against me. But I can’t see my bracelet anywhere, and no doubt the servants will be out cleaning up soon. I adjust my angle again and am just about to come up for more air when something grabs my waist and flips me over in the water.

I scream and flail, gulp water instead of air, with visions of a shark attacking vivid in my mind. Beating and kicking, I paddle hard to get out of the water, my hair obscuring my vision.

Whatever grabbed me is no longer touching me, but I kick back to the side of the pool frantically anyway, still coughing, still seeing nothing. My knuckles collide with the wall of the pool, but I ignore the pain, scraping my knees as I struggle out of the water. My arms are shaking so badly I can’t lift myself up to get out of the pool

“Calm the fuck down!” a man yells behind me. “You’ll hurt yourself. It’s alright.”

He places his hands on my hips and lifts me from the water.

I’m panting now, but at least I’m not swallowing water anymore. I brush my hair from my eyes and stand up, though my legs are shaking so hard I’ll probably just topple back down even if I succeed.

The guy is still in the water, eyeing me like I’m insane. “Are you alright?”

I nod as I finally manage to stand.

He hoists himself from the water in one fluid motion. His white t-shirt is plastered against his chest, and his grey pants hug his legs tightly. He’s all muscle, from his biceps, to his shoulders, chest, and stomach that ripples in a neat six-pack. And not those chiseled for-show muscles that otherwise thin guys have. He’s bulky, twice as wide as any guy I know. Even his legs. No wonder he had no problem tossing me out of the pool.

“Are you alright?” he asks again, standing right in front of me now.

I quickly look up into his face, hoping he didn’t notice me checking him out before. He can’t be much older than me, I see now. His short blond hair looks black near his scalp, but stands up in light colored spikes all over his head. His eyes are either blue or grey—the kind of eyes that change color according to the light. And deep. I could stare at his eyes all day long just to see what I could see.

“Are you high?” he asks. I shake my head a little too sharply and feel my boobs bounce around under my tank. My wet white tank, which isn’t covering me up at all right now if the state of his shirt is anything to go by. A thought to cover myself up flitters through my mind, but it’s distant and sounds ridiculous.

His eyes leave my face and travel down, taking me in. He likes what he sees, and I can feel it. It’s like his gaze is fire, and whatever he’s thinking is bringing my blood to a boil, warming me.

His eyes return to my face, my parted lips. His are slightly parted too, like he’s breathing hard, but I don’t hear it.

“What were you doing in the pool? You scared me to death,” he says, his eyes soft now, and his lips curl into a sheepish grin. “I thought you were dead.”

I shake my head again, this time catching my boobs under my arm. “I thought I lost something in the pool. My bracelet… but I can’t find it.”

He turns back to the pool. The ripples from my flight have still not died down completely, and the surface is an opaque white now, reflecting the sky.

“I doubt you’ll find it in there, not now at least. Wait ’til the sun comes up, maybe,” he says and shrugs like he doesn’t think I’ll ever find it.

“I have to find the bracelet,” I say too loudly, too shrilly.

He holds his hands up like he’s wading me off. “Alright, alright, I’m just saying, wait ’til the sun comes up.”

I look up at the sky, checking to see if the sun is anywhere near up. “Everyone will be up by then.”

He smiles at me again. “I can help you look, I guess.”

I let my arms fall to my sides and turn to the pool. My boobs bounce and that hungry look is back in his eyes. They look brown now, almost black. It’s like he’s touching me with his look, and my nipples, erect and clearly visible through my tank prickle like he’d just run his fingers over them. A ball of heat erupts between my legs, heavy and urgent. Somehow, all I can think of are his arms around my hips, and his cock, so plainly outlined by his wet pants, pressing into me. I really want to go for another dip in the pool with him. I can’t remember any other guy ever turning me on so fast, so hard.

“Gail!” Brandon’s whiny voice rips through my fantasy of me and this pool boy entwined in the water. “What’s happening? Is he harassing you?”

Brandon’s footsteps thump through the grass toward us, and the pool boy takes a step away from me, crossing his arms over his chest. I mimic his motion, and face away from Brandon. Likely, his yells have awoken the whole house. A dark shadow passes over the pool boy’s eyes, and he’s staring at Brandon, but he stays quiet.

“I’m fine,” I say and turn to Brandon. He picks up a towel and wraps it around my shoulders, keeping his arm there too like he owns me.

“Your girlfriend lost something,” the pool boy says. “You should keep a better eye on her.”

I shake off Brandon’s arm. “I’m not his girlfriend.”

Somehow, it’s very important that the pool boy knows this. Softness flashes across his eyes but is gone again in an instant.

He turns and walks toward the gardening tools he tossed on the ground by the pool when he thought he had to save me.

I take a step after him, my arm stretched out like I want to pull him back. I have no idea what I’m doing, but I was warm before, when he was looking at me, and now I’m cold.

I cover the gesture by wrapping the towel tighter around myself. “Do you need some dry clothes? I can bring you something.”

He bends over and picks up a hoe off the ground. “Don’t worry about me. I have a change of clothes in my truck.”

Brandon’s next to me, trying to place his arm around me again. I step to the side, and his arm flails through the air. I could swear pool boy chuckles a little seeing it, but I’m not sure. Maybe it’s just what I want to see. I want him to want me.

The sun finally peeks over the fence, and something glimmers a few steps away from me in the grass.

I lunge for it, making both Brandon and the pool boy start.

“My bracelet!” I ‘m clutching it so tightly the charms dig painfully into my palm. I know my face is a mask of deranged glee, but I can’t help it.

The pool boy picks up the rest of his tools and shakes his head, muttering something that could be ‘crazy rich chick,’ but I may be wrong.

“Do you want to go inside? Get warmed up?” Brandon asks. He’s hovering next to me again, standing between the pool boy and me. Going in with him is the last thing I want to do. Pool boy is already at the far side of the garden.

I shake my head and run  toward the hole in the fence, wishing Brandon never showed up and I was dipping in the pool with, well, pool boy. I need to find out his name. Pool boy is a dumb nickname. Especially since he’s obviously the gardener.

Dad is standing on the patio and sipping his coffee, his eyes glazed. I’m not even sure he sees me approach.

“How’s Mom?” I ask, forestalling any questions from him and making sure he knows I’m sober and ready for bed.

“She’s asleep now. Try not to wake her.”

I slip past him, not wanting to share his grief. It multiplies when we’re together, breeds, grows, and expands until it’s all there is, and I can’t breathe. A week or so is all Mommy has left. All the doctors agree. I hope they’re wrong. Every second of every minute, I hope they’re wrong. And right now, I’d rather loose myself in the fantasy of pool boy and me in the pool than hope for anything at all.

~

Want to read on?

Not Looking for Love Episode 1 is now available for purchase @ Amazon US | Amazon UK

Winter Warm-Up #BlogHop #HopswithHeart #Romance #Giveaway

Winter Warm-Up #BlogHop #HopswithHeart #Romance #Giveaway

Young couple embracing

Winer is here, and what better way to spend it than by curling up under the covers with a great romance story. And that’s what this blog hop is all about. That’s why I’m taking part in the Winter Warm-up BlogHop to promote debut steamy NA romance serial, Not Looking For Love, is almost finished, with Episode 4 due to be released this week, and Episode 5 due out by Christmas, at the latest. This is my first foray into the NA romance genre and I’m having the best time writing it!

As part of the blog hop, I’m giving away a paperback copy of my book Not Looking For Love: Episode 1, since I’m really proud of it and would like as many people as possible to know about it 🙂 Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

Also, please scroll down to the end of this post for a chance to win even more prizes by other bloggers participating in this hop!

Here is a brief synopsis of Episode 1 of Not Looking For Love, the book up for grabs in my giveaway:

Episode1CoverNEWSmall

Sometimes, what you want is not really what you need.

Gail is only twenty-two years old and her mom is dying. Not just dying, she will be dead in a few days, if the doctors are to be trusted, and Gail is certain she herself won’t survive that. After a run in with Scott, the hot gardener from next door, Gail begins to see him as the perfect distraction from her unbearable life. It’s not love Gail wants. She just wants to feel good with someone who makes her forget, if only for a little while, and Scott fits that description perfectly.

Scott just got back into town and he’s still trying to get his life back together. He already has more problems and regrets than he can ever hope to live with, and the last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who is clearly a little unsettled, if not downright insane. But the fact that Gail is very attractive and keeps throwing herself at him makes it impossible to keep sending her away. Which he should, for Gail’s sake more than his own.

Warning: This book is intended for people 18 years and older, since it contains hot, explicit sex between consenting adults, and all the bad words associated with it.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit www.hopswithheart.blogspot.com for a chance to win a $75 gift card!

The Twelve Days of New Adult Giveaway Hop

The Twelve Days of New Adult Giveaway Hop

The-Tweleve-Days-of-New-Adult-Giveaway-Hop

From December 1 – 12 I’m taking part in a great giveaway hop organized by StuckInBooks, aptly named The Twelve Days of New Adult Hop. My debut steamy NA romance serial, Not Looking For Love, is almost finished, with Episode 4 due to be released this week, and Episode 5 due out by Christmas, at the latest. This is my first foray into the NA romance genre and I’m having the best time writing it!

As part of the blog hop, I’m giving away a paperback copy of my book Not Looking For Love: Episode 1, since I’m really proud of it and would like as many people as possible to know about it 🙂 Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

Also, please scroll down to the end of this post for a chance to win even more prizes by other bloggers participating in this hop!

Here is a brief synopsis of Episode 1 of Not Looking For Love, the book up for grabs in my giveaway:

Episode1CoverNEWSmall

Sometimes, what you want is not really what you need.

Gail is only twenty-two years old and her mom is dying. Not just dying, she will be dead in a few days, if the doctors are to be trusted, and Gail is certain she herself won’t survive that. After a run in with Scott, the hot gardener from next door, Gail begins to see him as the perfect distraction from her unbearable life. It’s not love Gail wants. She just wants to feel good with someone who makes her forget, if only for a little while, and Scott fits that description perfectly.

Scott just got back into town and he’s still trying to get his life back together. He already has more problems and regrets than he can ever hope to live with, and the last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who is clearly a little unsettled, if not downright insane. But the fact that Gail is very attractive and keeps throwing herself at him makes it impossible to keep sending her away. Which he should, for Gail’s sake more than his own.

Warning: This book is intended for people 18 years and older, since it contains hot, explicit sex between consenting adults, and all the bad words associated with it.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Not Looking For Love Episode 3 Available Now

Not Looking For Love Episode 3 Available Now

Just wanted to let you know that Not Looking For Love Episode 3 is now available for purchase at Amazon. You can also get it for free through Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited program. This one is a little longer than the first two (which is why it took a little longer to write), but I do hope you enjoy it.

NLFL3CoverSmal

Book description:

***This book continues the story started in Not Looking For Love Episodes 1 & 2, and is not intended to be read as a standalone.***

Running away is usually not the answer.

Gail is back at school, and all she wants to do is spend her days studying and not thinking about anything else. But things keep piling up until running away and burying her problems is no longer a viable option. Will Gail realize she needs to confront her feelings head on, or never be whole again? Or will she continue to deny love?

~

Buy Now @ Amazon US|Amazon UK

Blog Hop: Books I’m Grateful I Read

Blog Hop: Books I’m Grateful I Read

Books-I'm-Grateful-I-Read-Hop

Perhaps the title of this post, at least as far as I’m concerned, should be “Books I’m Grateful to Write”. Let me elaborate a little…I’ve spent the last two years writing fantasy and science fiction books, and forsaking the genre I love above all, namely contemporary fiction with a strong focus on romantic relationships. In the middle of October I finally decided to put my fantasy/sci-fi penname on hold, while I pursue writing the type of fiction I really love to read.

To date, and two and a half books into my New Adult romance serial, Not Looking For Love, I have to say that this has been the best decision I’ve made in something like the last 5 years. I finally love sitting at the computer and writing everyday, because I just have to get this story out of my head and into a book. Mostly so I can get started on the next one. I’ve regained the pure joy of writing, which I haven’t really felt for quite a while now. I love writing about people who come to life on the page, and the hardships and challenges they face as they struggle to achieve their Happily Ever After!

Anyway, here’s the book I’m talking about…

Episode1CoverNEWSmall

Description:

Sometimes, what you want is not really what you need.

Gail is only twenty-two years old and her mom is dying. Not just dying, she will be dead in a few days, if the doctors are to be trusted, and Gail is certain she herself won’t survive that. After a run in with Scott, the hot gardener from next door, Gail begins to see him as the perfect distraction from her unbearable life. It’s not love Gail wants. She just wants to feel good with someone who makes her forget, if only for a little while, and Scott fits that description perfectly.

Scott just got back into town and he’s still trying to get his life back together. He already has more problems and regrets than he can ever hope to live with, and the last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who is clearly a little unsettled, if not downright insane. But the fact that Gail is very attractive and keeps throwing herself at him makes it impossible to keep sending her away. Which he should, for Gail’s sake more than his own.

Warning: This book is intended for people 18 years and older, since it contains hot, explicit sex between consenting adults, and all the bad words associated with it.

~

What about you? Which are the books you are most grateful to read or write? Comment below with your answer.

Since this is a giveaway blog hop, I also have some awesome prizes you can win. Enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card and one of the 2 paperback copies of the first episode of my NA romance serial, Not Looking For Love (both prizes are available internationally). Oh, and just a warning, the book is pretty hot, so it’s intended for mature audiences only. And don’t forget to visit the other blogs participating in this hop for a chance to win even more great prizes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Not Looking For Love Episode 2 eBook Available Now

Not Looking For Love Episode 2 eBook Available Now

The second installment in a hot and edgy New Adult romance serial  is available now from the Amazon Kindle Store!

Not Looking For Love Episode 2 Steamy NA Romance serial

When you push someone away hard enough there will always be consequences.

Gail’s mom is living out her last days. Beyond that, Gail can’t hold onto a single coherent or comforting thought. Except maybe that Scott’s the only person who can still make her feel better, despite it all. And why shouldn’t he? What is the point of running from someone who keeps returning, ready to take you as you are?

But every action has its reaction, and Gail is about to experience that truth for herself, whether she is ready to or not.

Buy Now @ Amazon US|Amazon UK|Kindle Unlimited

Not Looking For Love Episode 1 eBook Available Now

Not Looking For Love Episode 1 eBook Available Now

The first installment in a hot and edgy New Adult romance serial  is available now from the Amazon Kindle Store!

Not Looking For Love Episode 1 Steamy NA Romance serial

Sometimes, what you want is not really what you need.

Gail is only twenty-two years old and her mom is dying. Not just dying, she will be dead in a few days, if the doctors are to be trusted, and Gail is certain she herself won’t survive that. After a run in with Scott, the hot gardener from next door, Gail begins to see him as the perfect distraction from her unbearable life. It’s not love Gail wants. She just wants to feel good with someone who makes her forget, if only for a little while, and Scott fits that description perfectly.

Scott just got back into town and he’s still trying to get his life back together. He already has more problems and regrets than he can ever hope to live with, and the last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who is clearly a little unsettled, if not downright insane. But the fact that Gail is very attractive and keeps throwing herself at him makes it impossible to keep sending her away. Which he should, for Gail’s sake more than his own.

Buy Now @ Amazon US|Amazon UK|Kindle Unlimited

 

Warrning: This book is intended for mature audiences.