Release Blitz: Neighbor Dearest by Penelope Ward

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Neighbor Dearest by Penelope Ward

(A Standalone Contemporary Romance)

Publication Date: August 15, 2016

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Neighbor Dearest is LIVE and on limited-time release sale for $3.99 (Changing to $4.99 after release. This will be the ONLY sale.) A sexy STANDALONE friends-to-lovers story that does NOT have to be read in conjunction with any other book.

Buy Links

AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS:
Kindle: http://amzn.to/2aUAN6J
iBooks: http://apple.co/29iqvtJ
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2aT108M
Nook: http://bit.ly/2b6hVkQ

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Synopsis

imageA STANDALONE NOVEL that does NOT need to be read in conjunction with any other book.

From New York Times bestselling author, Penelope Ward, comes a friends-to-lovers story with sexy new characters.

After getting dumped, the last thing I needed was to move next door to someone who reminded me of my ex-boyfriend, Elec.

Damien was a hotter version of my ex.

The neighbor I’d dubbed “Angry Artist” also had two massive dogs that kept me up with their barking.

He wanted nothing to do with me. Or so I thought until one night I heard laughter coming through an apparent hole in my bedroom wall.

Damien had been listening to all of my phone sessions with my therapist.

The sexy artist next door now knew all of my deepest secrets and insecurities.

We got to talking.

He set me straight with tips to get over my breakup.

He became a good friend, but Damien made it clear that he couldn’t be anything more.

Problem was, I was falling hard for him anyway. And as much as he pushed me away, I knew he felt the same…because his heartbeat didn’t lie.

I thought my heart had been broken by Elec, but it was alive and beating harder than ever for Damien.

I just hoped he wouldn’t shatter it for good.

Author’s note – Neighbor Dearest is a full-length standalone novel. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

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Excerpt

Read Chapter 1 Online

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About the Author

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Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family-friendly career. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 10-year-old girl with autism and a 9-year-old boy. Penelope and her family reside in Rhode Island.

Social Media Links: Facebook | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads

Additional Books from Penelope Ward

ROMANCE NEW RELEASES 08/14-08/20/16, Giveaways, Pre-Orders, Freebies & Deals

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New Releases

✿ROMANCE NEW RELEASES 08/14-08/20/16✿

✦Midnight Soul (Fantasyland Series Book 5) by Kristen Ashley (Fantasy Romance) (Releasing 08/15/16) ➢ Kindle $3.99 http://amzn.to/2aVYzOK

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✦Magic Steals (World of Kate Daniels) by Ilona Andrews (Paranormal Romance) (Releasing 08/16/16) ➢ Kindle $2.99 http://amzn.to/2aM2bW6

✦Stud for Hire (Stripped Down) by Sabrina York (Historical Romance) (Releasing 08/16/16) ➢ Kindle $2.99 http://amzn.to/2aUwBnH

✦Hero of Mine: The Men in Uniform Series by Codi Gary (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/16/16) ➢ Kindle $2.99 http://amzn.to/2aM2sbH

✦Curious Minds: A Knight and Moon Novel by Janet Evanovich (Mystery Romance) (Releasing 08/16/16) ➢ Kindle $13.99 http://amzn.to/2aM1I6A

✦To Kiss a Thief (The Runaway Desires Series) by Susanna Craig (Historical Romance) (Releasing 08/16/16) ➢ Kindle $2.99 http://amzn.to/2aW1xCC

✦Putting Out Old Flames (Pineville) by Allyson Charles (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/16/16) ➢ Kindle $3.99 http://amzn.to/2aS9pUi

✦A Beautiful Funeral: A Novel (Maddox Brothers) by Jamie McGuire (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/16/16) ➢ Kindle $5.99 http://amzn.to/2aUxnAW

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✦Chased by Love (Love in Bloom: The Ryders) by Melissa Foster (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/17/16) ➢ Kindle $4.99 http://amzn.to/2aW0nag

✦Neighbor Dearest by Penelope Ward (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/14/16) ➢ Kindle $3.99 http://amzn.to/2aUAN6J

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✿Link to Previous Weekly Release Lists: http://bit.ly/1jz5V8S

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Excerpt Reveal & Giveaway: WAIT by A. L. Jackson

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WAIT (A Bleeding Stars Stand-Alone Novel) by A.L. Jackson

Publication Date: August 23, 2016

Synopsis

ALJackson-WaitBookCover5x8_BW_HIGHFrom NYT & USA Today bestselling author comes a new Bleeding Stars stand-alone novel…

She is his strength and he is her weakness. And this time he won’t let her go.

Edie Evans is gorgeous.

Sexy.

Kind.

She’s also the definition of off-limits.

But that didn’t stop me from sneaking into her room to comfort her at night.

But guys like me? We destroy everything, so it should have been no surprise when I destroyed us, too.

The night I sent her running, I thought I’d never see her again.

Until I saw her standing like a vision in the crowd.

Austin Stone is dangerous.

Alluring.

Tempting.

He broke my heart and I refused to give him the chance to do it again.

It’s been years since I’ve seen him, and now I can’t do anything but stare at the gorgeous, tattooed man playing onstage. I should run. I know I should. But like a fool, I run straight back to him.

Our desire is overpowering.
Our need unrelenting.

She is my hope.
He is my weakness.

We should have known a passion this intense would burn us right into the ground.

ADD TO GOODREADS 

Pre-Order

Pre-Order on iBooks and get it a day early!

Be notified as soon as WAIT goes live everywhere August 23, 2016 

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Trailer

Excerpt

“Edie…please…just…wait.”

I gripped the railing as if it might propel me forward. Instead, my footsteps faltered and slowed. I stood facing away, my back heaving as his consuming presence swarmed over me from behind.

“Please.” This time it was a whisper. A plea.

Sincere.

Slowly I turned.

Drawn.

He’d always been my weakness.

Austin stood at the end of the walkway, just outside the reach of the lights, his body obscured in shadows.

Even larger than I’d imagined when I’d first seen him up on stage.

So foreign.

So familiar.

My heart ached. Because I was looking at the boy who’d been my best friend. The one person who I’d thought would completely understand. One who wouldn’t judge or make it hurt more than it already did.

He’d been my safety.

My haven.

Until he’d dragged me right back into hell.

“Why are you here?” My words cracked. “H-h-how…how did you find me?”

I saw the shake of his head, and he took a single step forward, out of the shadows and into the glow of the single lamp attached high on the exterior wall that lit the way.

It hit him like a spotlight.

The boy was so beautiful.

It was a threatening kind of beauty, a whorl of mystery and pain, sharp lines and corded muscle.

It almost dropped me to my knees.

He fisted his hands at his sides. The question was strained, hard as it pressed from his mouth. “You believe in fate, Edie?”

Old grief I’d bottled for so long burst. It came out as some kind of maniacal cry. Incredulous. Oozing disbelief. “After everything that happened…that’s what you’re going to ask me?”

“Edie…I—”

“Do you have any idea how badly you hurt me?” I cut him off, my own hands fisting as I took a single step forward.  “The damage you caused? Careless words, Austin. So fucking careless, thrown out there without a single thought to the repercussions, without any consideration of how they would affect me. How they would change my life. You promised.” My brow twisted with the accusation. “And now you have the nerve to stand there and ask me if I believe in fate?”

I swallowed hard, shook my head. “You can go to straight to hell, Austin Stone.”

He laughed, but there was zero humor behind it. “Come on, Edie. You can do better than that, can’t you? Considering you know hell is where I’ve been all along, and you and I both know I deserve so much worse. And yeah…those words were reckless, but you know they weren’t heedless. You couldn’t expect me to just stand there. Not with him. Not with what he was saying. Implying. I couldn’t.” The last cracked on the emphasis.

I felt as if every cell in my body was being crushed. Squeezed so tight there was no chance but for everything to implode.

“And because you lost it, I lost it all. You. My home. My future.”

His big hands fisted. “I know. I…I fucked it up, Edie. Warned you, I always fuck it up.”

But what he failed to say was he’d promised he wouldn’t fuck it up with me.

I couldn’t tell if I was relieved or terrified when Jed suddenly rounded the corner. His sister, Blaire, was hot on his heels.

“Edie,” Jed gushed out in relief when he saw me. He came to a stop a few steps behind Austin.

As if he’d just stepped into the bristling intensity and it tripped up his feet.

The stand-off.

The war.

Austin standing there? I knew that’s exactly what this was going to be.

“What the hell is going on here?” Jed demanded. His voice twisted into a threat. He glared at the back of Austin’s head, worried eyes flicking to me, hardening when they snapped back to Austin.

Blaire tugged at his arm. “Jed…I told you to give her a minute. Sometimes you need to let people sort out their own issues.”

Jed just grunted and shrugged off her arm.

Refusing to budge.

Austin swung his head to look behind him. When he did, his face shifted to the side, all those hard, beautiful lines exposed in profile, his expression winding into a bitter sneer. “Nah, man. All’s good here. Just telling an old friend hi. Isn’t that right, Edie?”

Aggression curled between them.

Alive and raging.

Jed was a burly, beefy, hulk of a man, a full beard covering most of his face, his brown hair cut short at the sides and longer on top.

Had I ever imagined him and Austin going toe to toe, I would have put all my money on Jed.

Now I wasn’t so sure.

Jed lifted his chin, as if for the moment he was standing down, turning to me as his tone softened. “You okay, Edie?”

I nodded. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

Lie. Lie. Lie.

I was shaken to my core.

“I just want to go home.” It left me on a desperate breath.

Jed pushed around Austin and stalked my way. “All right, let’s get you out of here.”

As she passed by Austin, Blaire cast a searching glance in his direction, before her attention flickered over to me, a ton of worried questions moving across her expression.

Questions I didn’t know if I had the strength to answer.

With an arm wound around my shoulder, Jed spun me, breaking the spell Austin had me under, and tucked me into his side.

Protecting and shielding.

He began to lead me away, down the planks and toward his car waiting in the parking lot out front.

With each step we took, I could feel the heat of Austin’s stare. That burning intensity I wasn’t sure I could ever escape.

The hurt and hatred.

It was a hatred I couldn’t tell who it was directed at.

If it was aimed at him or me or the rest of the world that had threatened to choke the life out of us.

The world we were supposed to take on together.

Just as we started to round the corner, I paused because I just couldn’t stop myself, turned to look back at the man who stood there staring back at me.

Emotion gripped his expression just as tight as the clench of his fists.

Hard and tortured.

As if I was the one inflicting the pain.

I choked down the sorrow that rose like a cyclone, spinning and spinning, whipping up the old affection that longed for that soft, understanding boy to take me in his arms and sing in my ear.

Dangerous.

I searched inside myself for the shelter that secured my heart. The flimsy cover I wore that just barely kept me together. I forced myself to speak the words I knew would drive him away, as much of a lie as they were. “And for the record…no, Austin, I definitely don’t believe in fate.”

~*~*~*~

Wait_24

Giveaway

Coach Wristlet + A Stone in the Sea & Drowning to Breathe Duet Signed Set

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About the Author

aljacksonphotoA.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, as well as the newest BLEEDING STARS novels. Watch for the next installments, WAIT and STAY, coming in 2016.

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter http://bit.ly/NewsFromALJackson or text “jackson” to 96000 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

 Connect with A.L. Jackson online: www.aljacksonauthor.com

Snapchat: aljacksonauthor

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Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Reaper’s Fire: Reapers Motorcycle Club by Joanna Wylde

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Reaper’s Fire: Reapers Motorcycle Club by Joanna Wylde

Publication Date: August 9, 2016

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imageimageNew York Times bestselling author Joanna Wylde returns to the “wild and raw”* world of the Reapers MC with the story of Gage and Tinker…
The club comes first.

I’ve lived by those words my whole life—assumed I’d die by them, too, and I never had a problem with that. My Reaper brothers took my back and I took theirs and it was enough. Then I met her. Tinker Garrett. She’s beautiful, she’s loyal, and she works so damned hard it scares me sometimes . . . She deserves a good man—one better than me. I can’t take her yet because the club still needs me. There’s another woman, another job, another fight just ahead.

Now she’ll learn I’ve been lying to her all along. None of it’s real. Not my name, not my job, not even the clothes I wear. She thinks I’m nice. She pretends we’re just friends, that I’ve still got a soul . . . Mine’s been dead for years. Now I’m on fire for this woman, and a man can only burn for so long before he destroys everything around him.

I’m coming for you, Tinker.

Soon.

~*~*~*~*~

Excerpt

“I can’t believe how late it is,” Tinker said, yawning, and I realized the movie had ended. Now she stretched upward, the blanket falling to her waist as her boobs pushed forward.
God, how much should a man be expected to take?
I should’ve stayed away from her completely—that’d been the plan—but something had snapped when I’d seen her out in the courtyard. Couldn’t remember the last time I’d met a woman like Tinker. She was smart and sexy and funny, and she worked damned hard to take care of her family and business. Sure, I wanted to fuck her—you’d have to be gay not to—but I respected her, too.
“I should probably get going,” she said, offering me a smile so sweet I wanted to bite her lips. “I like to check on Dad before going to sleep, and I’ve got to be up early in the morning. I’ve got to package orders for the courier tomorrow—if they aren’t ready by two p.m., I’m screwed.”
I considered rolling over on top of her. Pushing her down into the couch cushions, shoving my leg between hers, and showing her what a real man feels like.
“Cooper?” she asked, looking confused. I blinked a couple times, forcing myself to focus on her face.
“I’m going to watch another one,” I told her, because I’m a goddamn masochist. “You sure you’re ready to head out?”
She frowned, and I could almost read her thoughts. Yes, she should leave. But she wanted me as much as I wanted her. And yeah, I realize that makes me sound like an egotistical ass, but this wasn’t my first rodeo. I saw the lust in her eyes, and the way she licked her lips and stared at my mouth. This wasn’t a one-way street, not even close.
“I guess I could stay a little longer,” she whispered. Christ, she was so sweet and soft. I wanted to bite her even more now. Suck that pouty lower lip into my mouth and shove a finger up her ass.
Break her.
You’re one sick fuck.
Why yes. Yes, I am. Thanks for noticing.
I managed to control the urge, catching her hand instead, giving it a friendly squeeze like some kind of pathetic tool. Her fingers tightened on mine, then she pulled away and snuggled back down under the blanket, raising her feet to rest on the coffee table. I grabbed the remote and clicked through the menu.
Tomorrow I’d do my job. I’d fuck Talia and spy on Marsh and look for any kind of weakness that might end this situation, the faster the better. Tonight, though . . . Tonight I’d pretend this wasn’t a waste of time.
Goddamn, but my dick hurt.
The next hour was torture.
Tinker sat next to me, all cute and classy and absolutely refusing to make any kind of eye contact. I don’t know how she felt, but to me the sexual tension hanging in the air was thick and heavy. I kept thinking about her hand in mine—small, but strong. The hand of someone who knew how to work hard. So far as I knew, Talia had never held down a job, let alone supported herself.
The couch shifted, and I glanced over to find Tinker sliding deeper into the cushions, drawing the blanket up to her chin. Our legs were maybe six inches apart. She shifted again, and then her hand bumped mine under the blanket. She jerked it back quickly, and I caught the hint of a flush on her cheeks. That was another thing I liked about her—her skin was so pale that I could see every hint of arousal.
Grabbing her hand, I pulled it over to rest on my thigh. This was a really bad idea, so I pointedly refused to think it through. Her hand tensed at first, then relaxed into my strength. My cock swelled against the fabric of my jeans, just inches from her fingers—it’d be so easy to push her hand toward it, wrap it around my painfully swollen dick, and just go to town.
Tinker’s fingers gave a quick squeeze—almost more of a spasm—and I bit back a groan.
Yeah, okay. Really, really bad idea. I should get off the couch and shut this shit down right now, because I couldn’t afford to blow things with Talia just yet. Instead I found myself leaning toward Tinker, bumping shoulders.
God.
I’d grown a pussy. No other explanation, because I couldn’t figure out why the hell else an adult man would sit holding hands under a damned blanket like a kid.

~*~*~*~

Cori 5 Stars

I loved this book! I love this entire series, but I think this one is one of my favorites. I not only loved Gage, I loved Tinker too. Tinker and her friends were so much fun and Tinker herself was someone I would want to be friends with. I was rooting for her throughout the whole book. I wanted sit on her front porch with her and watch Gage mow the yard shirtless and drink wine. Joanna Wylde creates characters that feel so real that the reader feels like they’re in the story too. Reaper’s Fire was an exciting, emotional and sexy read that kept me flipping the pages from start to finish. Each book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend you start at the beginning to fully enjoy the series and characters. I highly recommend the entire series. Joanna Wylde delivers hot bad boys in beautiful love stories. Reaper’s Fire is going on my Top Favorites of 2016 list.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Kindle: http://amzn.to/1SAZswv
Amazon PBK: http://amzn.to/1OPlDcb
iBooks: http://apple.co/1JUbzxl
Nook: http://bit.ly/1mzrJaD
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Uu6bXu

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✿Reapers Motorcycle Club Series by Joanna Wylde✿
✦#1: Reaper’s Property (Re-Released for $3.99)
✦#2: Reaper’s Legacy
✦#3: Devil’s Game ➢ Review 5 Stars 
✦#4: Reaper’s Stand ➢ Review 5 Stars 
✦Silver Bastard (Silver Valley) ➢ Review 5 Stars
✦#5: Reaper’s Fall ➢ Review 5 Stars
✦#6: Reaper’s Fire (Releasing 8/9/16)

Amazon Series Link: http://amzn.to/1OPnuOl

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imageHave you heard?
Reaper’s Property by Joanna Wylde has a NEW COVER!

Meet Horse & Marie for ONLY $3.99 (normally $7.99)
Author’s Note: This book was originally released through a small publisher in 2013. This independent edition has been lightly edited, and contains a bonus short, “Sticky Sweet” (originally published on the author’s website) and a Q&A with the author.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1UFmvDA
iBooks: http://apple.co/2a26FZ2
Nook: http://bit.ly/2a26zRw
Kobo:http://bit.ly/29NmSxQ

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Giveaway

Signed copy of Reaper’s Fire

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Joanna Wylde is a New York Times bestselling author and creator of the Reapers Motorcycle Club series. She currently lives in Idaho.

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 Check out this Guest Post from Joanna Wylde:

 ✦S.I.L.V.E.R. Bastard Blog Tour – V is for Villain Guest Post from Joanna Wylde http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2hk

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Release Blitz: THE MATCHMAKER’S REPLACEMENT by Rachel Van Dyken

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THE MATCHMAKER’S REPLACEMENT (Wingman Inc. Book 2) by Rachel Van Dyken

Publication Date: August 9, 2016

Synopsis

imageWingman rule number two: never reveal how much you want them.

Lex hates Gabi. Gabi hates Lex. But, hey, at least the hate is mutual, right? All Lex has to do is survive the next few weeks training Gabi in all the ways of Wingmen Inc. and then he can be done with her. But now that they have to work together, the sexual tension and fighting is off the charts. He isn’t sure if he wants to strangle her or throw her against the nearest sturdy table and have his way with her.

But Gabi has a secret, something she’s keeping from not just her best friend but her nemesis too. Lines are blurred as Lex becomes less the villain she’s always painted him to be…and starts turning into something more. Gabi has always hated the way she’s been just a little bit attracted to him—no computer-science major should have that nice of a body or look that good in glasses—but “Lex Luthor” is an evil womanizer. He’s dangerous. Gabi should stay far, far away.

Then again, she’s always wanted a little danger.

~*~*~*~

Excerpt

“So,” a familiar voice said above the music. “New job?”
Damn it! “I didn’t even say your name three times!” I whined, turning around to face Lex. He was wearing a tight vintage black T-shirt with low-slung jeans on his hips and the ever-present sex-oozing smile.
“Three times?” He smiled wider. “You said my name three times out loud? Is it your new curse word? You know, like ‘Oh, Lex! Good Lex! Mighty Lex . . .’” His eyebrows drew together. “Somehow all of those sound like very familiar noises women make in my presence.”
“Die, Lex,” I said in an annoyed tone. “How about that one?”
“That’s new.” He snapped his fingers. “But it’s growing on me. Maybe it’s the way you say it, like you want me to die in your arms all Romeo and Juliet style . . .”
“Wow, ten at night and you’re already wasted.” I slapped him on the shoulder. “Take a cab.” I tried to move past him, but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back, pressing us together. Whether it was on purpose or not I wasn’t sure, but he was warm.
And he felt . . . safe, familiar. My body was playing tricks on me; it was because I was vulnerable.
Like that night when . . .
I locked down my memories, especially that one, and threw away the key. “Lex, what do you want?”
“You,” he said in a serious tone. “Now get up on stage and take off your clothes. I paid for a show.”
I rolled my eyes. “Waitress, Lex. You’ll have to call one of the many numbers on your phone to get a free lap dance.”
“What if I pay?” His breath tickled my ear as my eyes burned with unshed tears. Normally, I wouldn’t let what he did affect me. Normally, I brushed him off, but my armor had already been stripped. Call it exhaustion or maybe just the last remnants of pride I had toppling to the floor.
But I couldn’t hold them in any longer.
One tear fell.
Then another.
I tried to wipe them, tried to jerk free from Lex’s strong arms, but he turned me so abruptly that all I managed to do was soak the front of his shirt with my tears and smear it with mascara.
“Gabs?” His voice rasped as he hugged me tighter. “Come on, we’re going.”
“No.” Panic surged through me as I tried to pull away. “You don’t understand!” I’d given the last of my paychecks to my mom so she could pay the bills at the house, leaving me completely broke for this week’s rent check. I was hoping to make enough money in tips for the rent.
Lex’s eyes crinkled at the sides as he took one look at me and the rest of the seedy bar. I knew what he saw: girls dancing on poles, guys getting drunk and shouting at the girls while they threw dollar bills onto the stage, and a scared, stupid girl clinging to him like her lifeline.
Finally, he released me. “Gabs, I’m sorry, I was joking. We always—” He licked his lips and glanced down at the filthy floor, cursing. “Where’s the money going?”
“Money?”
“New girl!” Dean, my boss, never called me by name, the idiot. “You working or flirting? If he wants time with you, he’s gotta pay.”
“Still a waitress?” Lex’s eyebrows shot up.
I held up my fingers to indicate I needed a few more seconds, but Dean was apparently in a mood and stomped over to us.
“Problem?” he asked, crossing his arms over his skinny chest. The guy was small; Lex could probably break his face blindfolded.
“Yeah,” Lex said, surprising me. “Your waitress just refused to dance with me because you guys are out of private rooms . . . so.”
Dean’s eyes narrowed. “You her boyfriend?”
“Do I look like a man who wants to commit to crazy?” Lex fired back. “But I do have this . . .” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out what looked like at least six hundred dollars in cash. “How long will that get me with your waitress?”
Dean’s eyebrows kissed his hairline as he sputtered out, “At least three hours.”
“I’ll add in another six hundred if I can have table service and a private room, no interruptions.”
“Done.” Dean snapped his fingers above his head as one of his security guards came barreling over. “Please take them to the Diamond Room, no interruptions. Stand outside the door. One waitress goes in and out to provide drinks.”
The security guard nodded.
And five minutes later I was stuck in a personal nightmare. A bottle of champagne rested on ice; two glasses were left on the table. Music pumped through the speaker system. A small stage was set up in the middle of the room, with two poles and some sort of swing that dropped down from the ceiling. I seriously didn’t even want to know what it was for.
“That will be all,” Lex said in a gruff tone. The waitress—I think her name was Holly—bobbed her head, then looked at me out of the corners of her eyes as if scared to leave me alone with the giant.
“It’s fine.” I waved her off and forced a smile.
The door closed.
“Stop pacing.” Lex grabbed a bottle of champagne. “And that ass better give you part of that money . . .”
“Huh?” I turned. Lex had his feet up on the table and was texting. TEXTING!
He glanced up. “What? Something wrong?”
“Uh . . .” I lifted my arms into the air. “You sick bastard, you just paid for private dancing! From me!”
“No I didn’t,” he said calmly. “Nobody knows what goes on in here. Take a nap for all I care, drink some champagne—or you can shock the hell out of me and cry again, but fair warning, I only had one hug in me tonight and you stole it, so . . . I’ll be reverting to the back pat.”
“Who are you?”
“Lex Luthor, philanthropist by day and rescuer of hot waitresses by night.” He smirked and held up the bottle. “Champagne?”
“Unbelievable.” I choked out a laugh. “You just paid over one grand to sit in a crappy club and drink champagne with someone you hate.”
“It’s my good deed for the decade. Just don’t tell Ian. He’ll think I’m sick or something, and the last thing I need is Mother Hen helicoptering around my inner sanctum. He’ll get pissed all over again if he finds out that I’m hacking.”
My skin felt sticky and sweaty, and my feet ached. With slow movements, I made my way over to the couch and sat, not even wanting to know how many germs were on the leather.
“So,” Lex said above the music. “Champagne? Or want me to order you something else?”
“Champagne’s good.” I swallowed and looked down at my hands. “I’m sorry I cried.”
“As you should be. Big girls don’t cry . . . they kick ass. Don’t freak me out like that again, it’s not good for my heart.”
“Finally admitting you have one?”
Lex spread his arms wide. “Clearly, otherwise you’d still be waiting tables.”
“Or dancing,” I muttered.
“Hah.” Lex laughed, actually laughed as if it was funny. “No offense, Gabs, but you’re not like those girls on stage. You can’t . . . you just can’t.”
“I can’t?” Why the hell was I getting offended? “What do you mean I can’t?”
Lex laughed harder. “Gabs, look, there’s nothing wrong with being innocent. Lots of guys dig a girl who has fields that have never been touched, watered, planted, plowed—”
I held up my hand. “I get it.”
“But those types of girls, the good girls, the ones who’ve never been . . .” He smirked. “Conquered? They don’t typically know how to use their bodies in a way that mimics sex on stage. Get it?”
“No.” I crossed my arms. “I don’t get it! Dancing is dancing! A two-year-old can do it!”
“Bad example, bad mental picture all around, Gabs, again solidifying my point. Good girls don’t dance, not like that.” When I didn’t say anything, he added, “Embrace your goodness, don’t get pissed. It’s a compliment.”
“The hell it is!”
“Damn, I love it when you swear,” Lex murmured, taking a long draw of champagne. “See, at least you do that right.”
“I can’t last in here for three hours,” I muttered, jumping to my feet and starting my pacing all over again.
“Want to play games on my cell phone?”
“Like a child!” I blurted. “That’s it! You’re treating me like I’m . . . a toddler! Like I should be thankful you just saved me from hell. Be honest: if you had a sticker and a sucker, would you give them to me if I shut my mouth the entire time?”
Lex gave me a guilty look.
“I’m a woman!”
“Well, if you were a dude, we’d be having a different conversation and you probably would have punched the guys grabbing your ass earlier . . .”
Without thinking, I grabbed my glass of champagne, chugged it, poured another, chugged that one, then with shaky hands grabbed the little remote, turned up the music, and jumped on stage.
I expected Lex to say something inappropriate or at least roll his eyes. Instead, he looked . . . panicked.
“Gabs!” he yelled above the music. “Look, I’m sorry! Just get down!!”
“Oh, I’ll get down!” I grabbed the pole with one hand and leaned back. “Just wait.”

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Buy Links

Kindle: http://amzn.to/2aJ3O22
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/2aKK8wC

Amazon Author Page

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Giveaway

5 KINDLE FIRES

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*~*~*~

About the Author

imageRachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

Want to be kept up to date on new releases? Text MAFIA to 66866!
You can connect with her on Facebook or join her fan group Rachel’s New Rockin Readers.

Author Links: Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Release Blitz: Reaper’s Fire: Reapers Motorcycle Club by Joanna Wylde

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Reaper’s Fire: Reapers Motorcycle Club by Joanna Wylde

Publication Date: August 9, 2016

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Are you ready for Gage and Tinker’s story? I loved this book! I’ll be posting my review on Thursday (part of the blog tour). I love this entire series but I think this one is one of my favorites. Check out the book info and teasers below. The first book, Reaper’s Property, was just re-released as a self published book and if you haven’t read the series you can grab it for $3.99.  -Cori

~*~*~*~

imageimageNew York Times bestselling author Joanna Wylde returns to the “wild and raw”* world of the Reapers MC with the story of Gage and Tinker…
The club comes first.

I’ve lived by those words my whole life—assumed I’d die by them, too, and I never had a problem with that. My Reaper brothers took my back and I took theirs and it was enough. Then I met her. Tinker Garrett. She’s beautiful, she’s loyal, and she works so damned hard it scares me sometimes . . . She deserves a good man—one better than me. I can’t take her yet because the club still needs me. There’s another woman, another job, another fight just ahead.

Now she’ll learn I’ve been lying to her all along. None of it’s real. Not my name, not my job, not even the clothes I wear. She thinks I’m nice. She pretends we’re just friends, that I’ve still got a soul . . . Mine’s been dead for years. Now I’m on fire for this woman, and a man can only burn for so long before he destroys everything around him.

I’m coming for you, Tinker.

Soon.

~*~*~*~*~

Excerpt

Tinker

It was almost seven that evening when I felt the AC kick back on. I’d been lying on my back on the (relatively) cool tile floor behind the counter, staring up at the pressed-tin ceiling and trying to remember why I hadn’t already moved back to Seattle.
In Seattle it rained.
Cool breezes blew off the bay and the lush greenery covered everything with its shaded canopy. People didn’t really need air-conditioning, but if they happened to have it and it broke, there were lots of repair men available.
Of course, Seattle also had Brandon. Not only that, my dad didn’t want to move, and I’d come to realize I couldn’t leave him here alone. It wasn’t safe for him, not since Mom died.
Ugh.
At least the AC was working again, blowing down from the ceiling vent across my sweaty body, reminding me that while the world might not be crawling with perfect men, at least there were still a few useful ones running around. Cooper Romero was a keeper, and it had nothing to do with how sexy he was . . . although the fact that he was sex on a stick—make that sex with a stick—didn’t exactly diminish his appeal.
When I’d dragged him up to the black tar roof to show him the ancient AC, I’d expected him to make a run for it. Any sensible man would. Instead, he’d spent the whole afternoon busting his ass to save my chocolates—Oh God, I wish that were code for something more exciting—officially qualifying him as a superhero in my book.
As for me, there wasn’t much I could do once I got all the sweets safely downstairs into the basement. There weren’t any customers walking in off the street, and seeing as I couldn’t make or ship candy in a 102-degree shop, I’d alternated between attempting to read a book, looking over orders I couldn’t fulfill on my laptop, and bringing Cooper glasses of iced tea. I’d been nervous around him at first, but you can only stay nervous for so long when you’re sweating like a pig—there’s a certain freedom in knowing you look like hell and there’s no saving your hair. I’d thrown my arm across my eyes in a pathetic attempt to block out reality toward the end.
When cold air started flowing into the room, I could’ve cried with relief. He’d never had a chance to fill out the application form, and I’d long since decided it didn’t matter. Unless he was an ax murderer, I’d give him the apartment and the job.
Might give it to him even if he was, to be honest.
“It’s working again,” Cooper announced, and I jerked, startled. Shit, had I fallen asleep? Opening my eyes, I looked up to find him standing over me. Dear God in heaven—that was one hell of a bare chest.
Holy. Shit.
I’d taken note of his build when he first walked in the shop, but everything under his shirt had been theoretical. Now there was six-foot-plus of raw sex appeal right there, all sweaty and sculpted and . . . well, let’s just say I’d be stopping off on the way home to pick up some fresh batteries.
That’s when the situation hit me—Cooper Romero was the hottest man I’d met in forever, and he’d just found me lying on the floor in my own sweat and filth like a dog. Typical luck. I scrambled to my feet, pretending I wasn’t totally embarrassed (I was) and not in the least bit freaked out by how unspeakably attractive this guy was. Okay, “attractive” wasn’t quite the right word, because it implied a certain level of polish and class that just didn’t fit Cooper at all.
Brandon was attractive.
Cooper?
I’d lick him all over and massage his butt if he asked. He stared down at me, his eyes carefully blank, making it very clear he wasn’t asking. Story of my fucking life. Sitting up, I pushed myself to my feet without bothering to dust off. Lost cause at this point.
“Not sure how much life the AC has left,” he said slowly. “I managed to get it going, but fixing it right would cost more than it’s worth and then some.”
Of course it would.
“I just need to get through the summer,” I told him, wiping a finger under my eye. My perfectly applied, vintage-style makeup had melted, leaving me with a clown face. Fortunately I’d (mostly) given up on caring three hours ago, right around the time I’d discovered the floor tiles were cooler than the rest of the room. “After that, I’ll worry about the furnace and by next summer I might not even be here anymore.”
“Really?” he asked, cocking a brow. “You selling out?”
“Not sure,” I told him. “I’m not thinking that far ahead right now. Things are very iffy with my dad . . . I think he’s got some—”
No. I couldn’t say it. Saying it out loud made it too real, plus the last thing I needed were a bunch of rumors flying around town. So far we’d kept dad’s situation mostly to family and friends.
“Tinker?”
Shaking myself, I smiled at him. “Thank you so much for fixing that. I’m not even sure what I would’ve done—I can’t afford to miss a week’s worth of orders. Not only would it put me behind, it would burn my customers.”
He nodded, studying me thoughtfully. God, he really was beautiful . . . Nothing like Brandon’s polished sophistication. No, Cooper gave off more of a warrior-tossing-you-over-his-fearless-steed kind of vibe. Yeah, like that would end well, because my track record with men was so fucking perfect, right?
Pull your head out of the gutter. He probably has a girlfriend.
At least I could finally lock up this hellhole of a shop and get a shower.
“Thank you so much—you have no idea how much I appreciate it.”
“No, but the whole throwing yourself at my feet thing was a subtle hint,” he said, and I realized he was teasing me. Was he flirting? I couldn’t decide if that kicked ass or scared the shit out of me.
“Anyway, it’s getting late,” I told him, feeling suddenly awkward. “I’m going to grab some dinner down the street, and then I could take you over and show you the apartment.”
A small, knowing smile crossed his face, and I realized he thought I was hitting on him.
“No,” I said quickly, mortified. “I wasn’t asking you out. Omigod, this is weird.”
“What, you aren’t turned on by a man who smells like old socks?” he asked lightly, raising his arm and giving a sniff. He was joking, but the sweat wasn’t a turnoff. Nope. Not even a little bit. “If that’s not enough for you, the roof tar on my ass should be a big attraction.”
Closing my eyes, I bit back a groan. He started laughing. Not in a cruel way, but companionably, which I guess made sense because both of us were disgusting as hell. Of course, now I wanted to check out his ass, but I managed to keep my eyes on target (mostly) when I answered him.
“Well, it’s sexy but I’ll manage to control myself somehow. I do want to grab dinner, though, and we need to figure out the apartment details.”
“I’ll take the place, doesn’t matter what it is,” he replied. “I’m in a hotel and it’s getting old. I’d love to move in on Sunday, but I can’t go look at it right now—gotta get my ass cleaned up. Meeting up with someone later.”
Of course he was, because men who looked like Cooper didn’t spend Friday nights alone.
“Sounds great,” I told him, refusing to show any disappointment. “Just text me when you’re ready, and I’ll get you the key.”
He opened his mouth to say something, but a sudden pounding against the locked shop door caught us both off guard. I spun around to find Talia Jackson glaring at me through the glass. Talia and three of her skankier friends, including Sadie Baxter, a girl I used to babysit when I was in college.
A girl who was now twenty.
Damn.
“Cooper!” Talia shouted. “What the fuck are you doing?”
I glanced at my new handyman, startled. Talia Jackson and her brother, Marsh, were two of the nastiest people I’d ever met. Marsh was president of the local motorcycle gang, a group called the Nighthawk Raiders motorcycle club. The club had been around most of my life, but it was only in recent years that they’d turned really bad. I mean, they were never the kinder, gentler sort of bikers, but I’d never been actively afraid when I’d heard a motorcycle, either.
Now? Let’s just say we’d all gotten a little edgy.
“That’s my girl,” Cooper said, and something deep down inside of me died a little. Of course he’d go for someone like Talia. She might have the heart of a deranged circus clown—you know, the kind that survives by eating the souls of innocent children—but she was hot.
Really hot.
Not only that, she was slutty, and while I wasn’t into the whole slut-shaming thing (like I had room to judge after the bachelorette party debacle . . . ugh), I wasn’t naive enough to think he was attracted to her personality. Cooper Romero might have a sweet smile, and he’d fixed my AC, but now I had proof positive that he’d never be into a girl like me.
Specifically, a grown-up with curves.
All righty, then. Probably for the best anyway.
“Just a sec!” I called to her, determined to take the high road, then I grabbed my keys so I could open the door. She pushed inside with her posse, and I do mean pushed. Little bitch shoved me so hard I nearly knocked over the display of antique Russian teacups my mother had lovingly collected. (So far as I knew, she’d never sold a single one of them, but it’d made her happy.)
“Careful,” I warned, and Talia turned on me.
“What did you just say to me?”
“Babe, let’s talk,” Cooper said, catching her arm and pulling her into his body. She squealed, going from aggressive to flirty in an instant.
“You’re all sweaty. It’s sooo disgusting.”
I noted she wasn’t trying to get away. Cooper smiled down at her, a hint of something feral in his eyes. Yeah, okay—whatever smile he’d been giving me, it hadn’t held any of that kind of intensity.
Yours truly was officially chopped liver.
“I was just about to head out and grab a shower,” he told her. “Wanna come with me?”
She pouted. “I can’t. The girls and I need to get fixed up. I’ll see you at the bar, though, right?”
He looked down at her, offering a sexy, indulgent smile. “Can’t wait.”
“Perfect,” she said, reaching around to grab his ass for a quick squeeze. Then she turned and strutted back out without a word to me, her gaggle of girls following like well-trained geese. Sadie gave a little finger wave on the way. The door closed behind them with a cheerful little jingle, and I wondered why the hell I even bothered with Hallies Falls.
I missed Seattle.
So what if it had Brandon? I could drown him in Lake Washington. Problem solved.
“Sorry about that—Talia is a little high-strung,” Cooper said.
“Oh, I know all about her,” I replied, hoping I didn’t sound as catty as I felt. Cooper didn’t seem to notice.
“I’m new to town, but she’s been showing me around,” Cooper continued, stepping over to stand in front of me, hands shoved deep in his front pockets. “I should get going.”
“Of course—don’t let me keep you. What time do you think you’ll be in touch tomorrow?”
“Afternoon work?”
“No problem. Looking forward to hearing from you.”
He nodded and pushed through the door, walking down the street without a second look back. I locked up behind him, wondering why all the hottest guys were douchebags. Not that Cooper had acted like a douche, but he had to be my age or older—late thirties—and Talia was the same age as Sadie. She was also a raging bitch. There was only one reason a man like him would date a girl like that, and it had nothing to do with personality or character.
Cooper Romero might be beautiful, but obviously he was shallow. Suppose it was too much to hope for a man who could fix an air conditioner and have a soul at the same time.
Pity.

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Buy Links

Kindle: http://amzn.to/1SAZswv
Amazon PBK: http://amzn.to/1OPlDcb
iBooks: http://apple.co/1JUbzxl
Nook: http://bit.ly/1mzrJaD
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Uu6bXu

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✿Reapers Motorcycle Club Series by Joanna Wylde✿
✦#1: Reaper’s Property (Re-Released for $3.99)
✦#2: Reaper’s Legacy
✦#3: Devil’s Game ➢ Review 5 Stars 
✦#4: Reaper’s Stand ➢ Review 5 Stars 
✦Silver Bastard (Silver Valley) ➢ Review 5 Stars
✦#5: Reaper’s Fall ➢ Review 5 Stars
✦#6: Reaper’s Fire (Releasing 8/9/16)

Amazon Series Link: http://amzn.to/1OPnuOl

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imageHave you heard?
Reaper’s Property by Joanna Wylde has a NEW COVER!

Meet Horse & Marie for ONLY $3.99 (normally $7.99)
Author’s Note: This book was originally released through a small publisher in 2013. This independent edition has been lightly edited, and contains a bonus short, “Sticky Sweet” (originally published on the author’s website) and a Q&A with the author.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1UFmvDA
iBooks: http://apple.co/2a26FZ2
Nook: http://bit.ly/2a26zRw
Kobo:http://bit.ly/29NmSxQ

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Joanna Wylde is a New York Times bestselling author and creator of the Reapers Motorcycle Club series. She currently lives in Idaho.

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 Check out this Guest Post from Joanna Wylde:

 ✦S.I.L.V.E.R. Bastard Blog Tour – V is for Villain Guest Post from Joanna Wylde http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2hk

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Cover Reveal: EVERY LITTLE THING by Samantha Young

COVER REVEAL

EVERY LITTLE THING by Samantha Young

Releasing March 2017

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We’re excited to be part of the cover reveal for EVERY LITTLE THING by New York Times bestselling author, Samantha Young! The second book in the new Hart’s Boardwalk series returns to the picturesque Delaware beachside town for another heartfelt and sexy story…

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Synopsis

Hartwell, Delaware—the perfect place to get away from it all, and find what you never knew you needed…

Bailey Hartwell has many reasons to feel content—her successful business, a close circle of friends, and her steady boyfriend…even if their romance feels staid after ten years without a serious commitment. The only challenge in her life comes in the form of sexy businessman Vaughn Tremaine. She thinks the ex-New Yorker acts superior and that he considers her a small-town nobody. But when Bailey’s blindsided by a betrayal, she’s shocked to discover Vaughn is actually a decent guy.

Vaughn admires Bailey’s free spirit, independence, and loyalty. As his passion for her has grown, his antagonism toward her has only worsened. Every little thing Bailey does seduces him. But when Vaughn’s painful emotional past makes him walk away in fear he will hurt her, it opens an old wound in Bailey, and she uncharacteristically retreats.

Once Vaughn begins to realize he’s made the biggest mistake of his life, he has no choice but to fight like he’s never fought before to convince Bailey that the love they’ve found together only comes around once in a lifetime.

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We can’t wait for Bailey and Vaughn’s story! But while you’re waiting, the first book, The One Real Thing, goes on sale September 6th!

Pre-Order: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

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About the author

Samantha Young is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the On Dublin Street series, including Moonlight on Nightingale Way, Echoes of Scotland Street, and Fall from India Place, as well as the standalone novel Hero. She resides in Scotland.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Spotlight, Top 10 List & Giveaway: As Rich as a Rogue by Jade Lee

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As Rich as a Rogue (Rakes & Rogues, #3) by Jade Lee

Publication Date: August 2, 2016

Synopsis

imageThird in the saucy, vibrant Rakes & Rogues Regency romance series from USA Today bestselling author Jade Lee

A most unusual wager

Mari Powel’s fiery Welsh temper is up. Peter Norwood, Lord Whitly, is back in town after six years romping around India making his fortune. Mari blames him for her social downfall and has spent all this time clawing her way back into the ton’s good graces. How dare he show up on his first day back and publicly embroil her in a bet involving long-awaited apologies, illicit kisses, and Lady Illston’s unruly parakeet? Mari is outraged, and is going to show him—and everyone else—what she’s made of. Little does she know, the unrepentant Lord Whitly has been dreaming of her all this time. Now he’ll do anything to win the wager—along with Mari’s heart.

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Author Guest Post

Top 10 Fun Facts about As Rich as a Rogue

1. As Rich as a Rogue was inspired by Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin. Can you say, duh? Everyone who writes and reads regency romance loves Austin’s work. But I was listening to an audio copy of Pride and Prejudice when I had the strongest desire to write a story based on an absolutely rude incident at a party. Just like in Austin’s book, the heroine overhears the hero being awful, but then I made it more confrontational. She chastises him face to face and both of their lives are forever changed. Each spirals in a different way from that one incident. So, in short, P&P was the basis for my book!

2. This series has an animal character in every book. 50 Ways to Ruin a Rake features a turkey that gets mistaken for a dodo bird. I wanted the publisher to put pictures of little turkeys in between every scene, but they refused. L One Rogue at a Time features a pig who gets drunk and forces all sorts of mishaps in the mud. I just love bathing in the creek scenes. And then As Rich as a Rogue features a bet about a rude parakeet. Hero and Heroine are racing to see who can teach the parakeet an appropriate phrase first. So in my mind (and because I’m awful with titles) the books were the turkey book, the pig book, and the parakeet book.

3. I am notoriously terrible at titles. In fact, my editor once called my title suggestion the worst she’d ever heard in 30 years of publishing. Guess what the original title of this book was.

a. The Duke’s Cunning Plan
b. That Nobody Chit from Hull
c. Of Birds, Brides, and Men
d. Megan and Peter’s Book

Answer: C and D – Option A, The Duke’s Cunning Plan was the original title for 50 Ways to Ruin a Rake. (Damon Suede changed that to the Duke’s Cunning Linguist which made my editor blush). That Nobody Chit from Hull was dubbed the worst title ever and became One Rogue at a Time. Birds, Brides and Men was just a cute thing I made up and used in my brain interchangeably with Megan and Peter’s book.

4. I’ve had lots of great covers in my career. After 50 books, some of them have been absolutely stunning, but As Rich as a Rogue is probably my favorite. Guess why.

a. Red and gold were my high school class colors. So of course, this would be my favorite cover!
b. Doesn’t the hero look hot? Enough said!
c. Her facial expression. She looks wickedly mischievous and I love that!
d. My name. Big, bold, and gold! Yes sir, I do have an ego!

Answer: C – The colors are awesome, but that has nothing to do with my class colors. The hero looks hot, but without man chest, it’s just nice. And I do have an ego, so it’s great to have my name so large, but that’s not why I love the cover. It’s all about her face.

5. One scene in As Rich as a Rogue was built directly from my Downton Abbey imagination. Guess which one.

a. The love scene of course. I’ve built lots of love scenes in my imagination with the handsome male cast of Downton Abbey.
b. The scene where the Cook and Housekeeper share tea with the hero and give him important information on the villainous things his father is doing. I set the scene in Mrs. Hughes’ tiny office and imagined her and Mrs. Patmore trying to tell Matthew Crawley something sensitive.
c. In my mind, the ball was set in the Downton Abbey ballroom. Where else would it be?
d. We’re able to visit a few lower class pubs in Downton Abbey and in my book. My imagination grabbed the seediest pub and put it into my book.

Answer: B – In my imagination, the hero’s Cook and Housekeeper worked in Downton Abbey’s belowstairs. So that setting was lifted directly into my book (minus certain appliances). All the other options above didn’t quite translate to the Regency time period.

6. All of the Rakes and Rogues books have a silly side to it. A part of the plot that is designed for humor and inevitably spirals out of control. In 50 Ways to Ruin a Rake, every person in the book has a plan that goes horribly awry. A zillion competing agendas clash in hilarious ways! In One Rogue at a Time, the heroine believes something that no one else does. Her insistence becomes funnier and funnier until the world aligns with her. In As Rich as a Rogue, I played with all the things we do to maintain or fight appearances until it becomes incredibly silly. Great fun to read, but OMG it was hard to write. Finding that spot of funny without becoming too silly is a difficult target to hit. I think I managed it, but you’ll have to decide for yourself.

7. True or False: I wrote this book without benefit of coffee.
TRUE! I hate having to search for coffee when travelling. Sometimes I have to get up incredibly early during conferences (well early for me), and adding in time to find a café for a soy latte is a real challenge. So I decided to go coffee free and see how I felt. Answer: TIRED! They say everyone has a drug of choice, and mine is caffeine. This book took a month longer than usual to write and I felt like I had to work twice as hard to be witty. All of that was magically solved the minute I went back on a morning cup of joe!

8. My very first published regency romance, Rules for a Lady, featured a young street boy adopted by the heroine. He was a delightful source of a disagreement between hero and heroine. It works because the heroine has a very soft heart and picks up strays all over the place. In As Rich as a Rogue, I turned that around. The very practical-minded hero ends up adopting a street boy and trying to justify his tender heart. Plus, this street boy is a great deal more savvy than in my first book, so there’s a few more challenges there. Great fun!

9. The first sexual encounter (more than a kiss) in As Rich as a Rogue had to be completely re-written several times. That’s extremely unusual for me. Normally love scenes are relatively easy for me. By the time the characters get sexual, I’ve built up the tension so high that the hero and heroine just implode together. But in this case, I couldn’t get the tone right. In the first go round, what started as a funny scene becomes hero dominant fast. That wasn’t right, so I lessened the funny and it just didn’t work with the lighter tone of the book. I tried fully funny and ended up with slapstick. OMG it was a mess. Finally, I just stopped and re-read the book from beginning again. I flowed deeper into the heroine’s mindset and managed a balance. My editor didn’t have one correction on the scene, so I think I finally got it right!

10. Mari, the heroine of As Rich as a Rogue, appears in an earlier ebook novella titled Winning a Bride. In fact, that’s my favorite novella of all that I’ve ever written, but it has a significant error. It features a character named Megan when that name didn’t come into use until the twentieth century. Oops! So rather than perpetuate the error, I changed her name to Mari and wrote her story with that name.

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Excerpt

“I never imagined that I would have to fight so hard for the woman of my choice.”

“Because you are a wealthy lord?”

“Yes.”

She sighed and kicked idly at a stone. “If you wish to pursue this, you need only speak to my father. He will put me on bread and water and lock me in a dungeon until I accept your proposal.”

His eyes narrowed. “Your father would do that?”

“Probably,” she said with a laugh. Her expression was easy despite what she was suggesting.

“So your father is a harsh man,” he pressed. This was something he needed to know.

“What? Papa? Well, no more than the usual, I suppose. He’s considered merciless in business.”

“How merciless?” In his experience, a man’s business practices could be very ugly indeed. “I need particulars, Miss Powel.”

She faced him squarely. “Then you should talk to my father.”

He took a deep breath. “Very well,” he said. “I will.” It took her a moment to process those words and then another breath before she grabbed his arm in alarm. “Oh no. I misspoke. My father is the gentlest man in the world, and you should definitely not speak to him.”

Now they were getting somewhere. “Afraid of bread and water, are you?”

“Yes! Well, no, not literally. Good God, why are we speaking of my father? You are correct, he is the one who wants the title and would do a great deal to see me wed to you. But after the vows are exchanged, you would not be shackled to him. It would be me in your bed. Day in and day out with a wife who spends most of her time wanting to throttle you.”

He heard her words, but most of them were lost under the fantasy of her in his bed. Of her beneath him night after night and well into the morning, when he could wake her with sweet kisses and bold thrusts. “My lord?” she pressed when he had been silent too long.

He forcibly drew himself out of his reverie. “So what is it that you want in a man, if it isn’t a title or money?”

She glanced at him but quickly looked away. “Shall I name for you the countless well-heeled peers who would be a nightmare as a husband? There are exactly fifty-three.”

“Are those the eligible gentlemen?”

She shuddered. “Goodness, no. The unmarried or widower titles number thirty-seven. Beyond that, there are over a dozen in my acceptable column, and exactly none who wish to court me, a wayward Welsh cit.”

“Lord Rimbury is courting you.”

“Well-heeled, my lord.”

“I am courting you.”

“You are in my nightmare category.” He turned to her. “Why?”

“And here we are full circle. I have explained to you that we do not suit. We fight constantly. You make me want to do violence. Every single one of my good intentions fly to the boughs the moment you enter a room. You make me insane, my lord, and—” He did not allow her to say more. He knew her words were meant to dissuade him, but he heard what she didn’t say. He heard that she lost her careful plans when he was around. That she was mad for him. And if they were wed, she would be this creature who challenged him at every turn to speak better, to think more clearly, and to act in every way better than the lummox he had been. That he often still was.

So he kissed her.

He jerked her into his arms and put his mouth on hers. He wrapped her tight against his chest, knew the glorious feel of her breasts flush against his torso, and when her mouth opened on a gasp of surprise, he thrust his tongue inside.

~*~*~*~

Buy Links

Amazon | B&N | Books-A-Million | iBooks

~*~*~*~

Giveaway

10 Copies of 50 Ways to Ruin a Rake by Jade Lee

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About the Author

imageUSA Today bestselling author Jade Lee has been crafting love stories since she first picked up a set of paper dolls. Ballgowns and rakish lords caught her attention early (thank you Georgette Heyer), and her fascination with the Regency began. An author of more than 40 romance novels and winner of dozens of reader awards, she brings laughter into the sexy nights of England’s elite. Quirky characters and sexy banter are her hallmarks. Find out more at her website http://www.JadeLeeAuthor.com, or check out her wild contemporary half at http://www.KathyLyons.com.

AUTHOR LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Excerpt Reveal: Neighbor Dearest by Penelope Ward

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Neighbor Dearest by Penelope Ward

(A Standalone Contemporary Romance)

Publication Date: August 15, 2016

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Synopsis

imageA STANDALONE NOVEL that does NOT need to be read in conjunction with any other book.

From New York Times bestselling author, Penelope Ward, comes a friends-to-lovers story with sexy new characters.

After getting dumped, the last thing I needed was to move next door to someone who reminded me of my ex-boyfriend, Elec.

Damien was a hotter version of my ex.

The neighbor I’d dubbed “Angry Artist” also had two massive dogs that kept me up with their barking.

He wanted nothing to do with me. Or so I thought until one night I heard laughter coming through an apparent hole in my bedroom wall.

Damien had been listening to all of my phone sessions with my therapist.

The sexy artist next door now knew all of my deepest secrets and insecurities.

We got to talking.

He set me straight with tips to get over my breakup.

He became a good friend, but Damien made it clear that he couldn’t be anything more.

Problem was, I was falling hard for him anyway. And as much as he pushed me away, I knew he felt the same…because his heartbeat didn’t lie.

I thought my heart had been broken by Elec, but it was alive and beating harder than ever for Damien.

I just hoped he wouldn’t shatter it for good.

Author’s note – Neighbor Dearest is a full-length standalone novel. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

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Excerpt

Read Chapter 1 online: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/653a5a8a7ab1ee6768e90841e/files/ND_FIRST_CHAPTER.pdf

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Pre-Order
Available for Pre-order on iBooks, Nook and Kobo now!
iBooks ➜ http://apple.co/29iqvtJ
Nook ➜ http://bit.ly/2akQ2aq
Kobo ➜ http://bit.ly/2axt1SY

***Available for purchase on Amazon on release day.
Receive an alert when it’s live on Amazon ➜ http://bit.ly/2apKX0x

Add to your TBR on Goodreads ➜ http://bit.ly/29R29a2

Sign up for Penelope’s mailing list now and be the
first one notified of releases! http://eepurl.com/MnXoH

Join Penelope’s Peeps for early news of books, fun chats and giveaways!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PenelopesPeeps/

~*~*~*~

About the Author

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Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family-friendly career. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 10-year-old girl with autism and a 9-year-old boy. Penelope and her family reside in Rhode Island.

Social Media Links: Facebook | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads

Additional Books from Penelope Ward

ROMANCE NEW RELEASES 08/07-08/13/16, Giveaways, Pre-orders, Freebies & Deals

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New Releases

✿ROMANCE NEW RELEASES 08/07-08/13/16✿

✦REAPER’S FIRE by Joanna Wylde (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/09/16) ➢ Kindle $5.99: http://amzn.to/1SAZswv | Amazon PBK $12.96: http://amzn.to/1OPlDcb | Amazon Series Link: http://amzn.to/1OPnuOl

✦Ruthless (A Lawless Novel) by Lexi Blake (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/09/16) ➢ Kindle $7.99 http://amzn.to/2aul9Ra

✦Kayden/Simon: Bayou Heat Novellas by Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright (Paranormal Romance) (Releasing 08/09/16) ➢ Kindle $2.99 http://amzn.to/2aul1AS

✦Challenging the Center (Santa Fe Bobcats) by Jeanette Murray (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/09/16) ➢ Kindle $4.99 http://amzn.to/2aul000

✦Three Sisters, Three Queens by Philippa Gregory (Historical Romance) (Releasing 08/09/16) ➢ Kindle $14.99 http://amzn.to/2aF68ar

✦Hard Rules: A Dirty Money Novel by Lisa Renee Jones (Romantic Suspense/ Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/09/16) ➢ Kindle $4.99 http://amzn.to/2aum2sK

✦Insidious (An FBI Thriller Book 20) by Catherine Coulter (Romantic Suspense/ Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/09/16) ➢ Kindle $12.99 http://amzn.to/2aF72n0

✦Close to You: A Fusion Novel by Kristen Proby (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/09/16) ➢ Kindle $4.99 http://amzn.to/2aF77ai

✦Swear on This Life: A Novel by Renee Carlino (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/09/16) ➢ Kindle $7.99 http://amzn.to/2aulDqb

✦The Matchmaker’s Replacement by Rachel Van Dyken (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/09/16) ➢ Kindle $4.99 http://amzn.to/2aFZfHI

✦Family Tree: A Novel by Susan Wiggs (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/09/16) ➢ Kindle $12.99 http://amzn.to/2aun4Vy

✦Where Love Lies: A Novel by Julie Cohen (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/09/16) ➢ Kindle $9.99 http://amzn.to/2aF87vr

✦Burn Down the Night by M. O’Keefe (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/09/16) ➢ Kindle $4.99 http://amzn.to/2aGjczs

✦Wanting It All: A Naked Men Novel by Christi Barth (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/09/16) ➢ Kindle $2.99 http://amzn.to/2aG0x5G

✦Monsoon Summer: A Novel by Julia Gregson (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/09/16) ➢ Kindle $11.99 http://amzn.to/2aG3bs1

✦Sunset Shadows by Bronwyn Parry (Mystery/ Romance) (Releasing 08/09/16) ➢ Kindle $7.99 http://amzn.to/2aG2Vtd

✦WAR: Opposition: (WAR Book 3) by Vanessa Kier (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/08/16) ➢ Kindle $4.99 http://amzn.to/2aG0nLl

✦The Best Friend Bargain (Kisses in the Sand) by Robin Bielman (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/08/16) ➢ Kindle $3.99 http://amzn.to/2aGjq9N

✦Text Me, Maybe by Jolyse Barnett (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/08/16) ➢ Kindle $3.99 http://amzn.to/2aGk4Ux

✦Blind Spot by Katana Collins (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/08/16) ➢ Kindle $3.99 http://amzn.to/2aF9wSt

✦Dance With Me, Baby: A Yeah, Baby Novella by Fiona Davenport (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/08/16) ➢ Kindle $0.99 http://amzn.to/2aF96LW

✦Random Acts of Marriage (Wedding Favors) by Boone Brux (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/08/16) ➢ Kindle $3.99 http://amzn.to/2auphQS

✦Summer Girl by A.S. Green (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 08/08/16) ➢ Kindle $3.99 http://amzn.to/2aF9fPC

✦The Scoundrel and I: A Novella by Katharine Ashe (Historical Romance) (Releasing 08/07/16) ➢ Kindle $0.99 http://amzn.to/2aGkFWy

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✿Link to Previous Weekly Release Lists: http://bit.ly/1jz5V8S

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Giveaways

✦Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Reaper’s Fire: Reapers Motorcycle Club by Joanna Wylde http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-67G
►Enter Rafflecopter (SIGNED COPY OF REAPER’S FIRE) ➢ http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/09964f03880/
(Ends 8/15)

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: THE MATCHMAKER’S REPLACEMENT by Rachel Van Dyken http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-66t
►Enter Rafflecopter (5 KINDLE FIRES) ➢ http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/651102d3103/
(Ends 8/12)

✦Spotlight, Top 10 List & Giveaway: As Rich as a Rogue by Jade Lee http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-64p
►Enter Rafflecopter (10 Copies of 50 Ways to Ruin a Rake by Jade Lee) ➢ http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/54ca7af7386/
(Ends 8/14)

✦Teaser Excerpt Blitz + Giveaway: FURIOUS RUSH by S.C. Stephens http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-61J
►Enter Rafflecopter (5 ARCS of FURIOUS RUSH by S.C. Stephens) ➢ http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/26635ce2351/
(Ends 8/11)

✦Spotlight, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway: Reckless in Texas (Texas Rodeo, #1) by Kari Lynn Dell http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-62y
►Enter Rafflecopter (10 Copies of Kari Lynn Dell’s Reckless in Texas) ➢ http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/54ca7af7385/
(Ends 8/20)

✦Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: DARE TO STAY (The Sons of Steel Row #2) by Jen McLaughlin http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-5Zo
►Enter Rafflecopter ($5 Gift Card) ➢ http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/726d2572278/
(Ends 8/30)

✦Spotlight, Guest Post & Giveaway: Every Time with a Highlander (Sirens of the Scottish, #3) by Gwyn Cready http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-5Wx
►Enter Rafflecopter (5 Copies of Gwyn Cready’s Just in Time for a Highlander) ➢ http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/54ca7af7387/
(Ends 8/14)

✦Spotlight, Review, Guest Post & Giveaway: HEART STRIKE by M. L. Buchman http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-5Sd
►Enter Rafflecopter (10 Copies of Target Engaged by M.L. Buchman) ➢ http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/54ca7af7388/
(Ends 8/14)

✦Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: GONE TOO DEEP (Search and Rescue) by Katie Ruggle http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-5Nb
►Enter Rafflecopter (The first 2 books in Katie’s Search & Rescue series) ➢ http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/54ca7af7384/
(Ends 8/16)

✦Spotlight, Excerpt & Giveaway: TROUBLE WALKS IN by Sara Humphreys http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-5P7
►Enter Rafflecopter (3 Copies of BRAVE THE HEAT By Sara Humphreys) ➢ http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/54ca7af7381/
(Ends 8/31)

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Pre-Orders

✦Wild Embrace (Psy/Changeling Collection, A) by Nalini Singh (Paranormal Romance) (Releasing 08/23/16) ➢ Kindle $11.99 http://amzn.to/1Udt7vg

✦Shadow Falling (The Scorpius Syndrome) by Rebecca Zanetti (Paranormal Romance) (Releasing 08/30/16) ➢ Kindle $5.99 http://amzn.to/1WjpWFY

✦Guardian’s Mate: A Shifters Unbound Novel by Jennifer Ashley (Paranormal Romance) (Releasing 09/06/16) ➢ Kindle $7.99 http://amzn.to/1QinRWB | Amazon PBK $7.99 http://amzn.to/1QinX0x

✦LOVING YOU EASY by Roni Loren (Erotica/ Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 09/06/16) ➢ Kindle $11.99 http://amzn.to/1Qio2kO | Amazon PBK http://amzn.to/1TIGQMA

✦The Protector by Jodi Ellen Malpas (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 09/06/16) ➢ Kindle $7.99 http://amzn.to/20Bv7iE

✦WAKE A SLEEPING TIGER by Lora Leigh (Paranormal Romance) (Releasing 10/04/16) ➢ Kindle $12.99 http://amzn.to/1LiKlGT | Amazon HBK $23.40 http://amzn.to/1TIGS7a

✦DOWN SHIFT: A Driven Novel by K. Bromberg (Contemporary Romance) (Releasing 10/11/16) ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/21xgpe7 | Amazon PBK $7.99 http://amzn.to/1TIGZ2C

✦LOVE BETWEEN THE LINES: An Adult Coloring Book for Book Lovers by Christina Collie (Releasing 11/8/16) ➢ Amazon: http://amzn.to/28JePjW | Cover Reveal: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-5tk

✦BLOOD VOW (Black Dagger Legacy #2) by J.R. Ward (Paranormal Romance) (Releasing 12/06/16) ➢ Cover Reveal: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-4NG | Kindle: http://amzn.to/1RxpiwG | Amazon HBK: http://amzn.to/1Rxpjke

✦Rock Chick Reawakening (1001 Dark Nights Novella) by Kristen Ashley (Releasing 01/03/17) ➢ Kindle $2.99 http://amzn.to/28LIgnL

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Freebies & deals
*Be sure to check price before 1-clicking. Prices may change at anytime.

✦FREE ➢ Wild Things: Shifters Unbound by Jennifer Ashley http://amzn.to/1OXPbsP

✦FREE ➢ Dirty Sexy Saint (A Dirty Sexy Novel) by Carly Phillips & Erika Wilde
Kindle http://amzn.to/28ISBhB

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B&N: http://bit.ly/1LIWZf1
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Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-3cx

✦FREE ➢ THE PROPOSITION (THE PLUS ONE CHRONICLES) by Jennifer Lyon
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✦REVIEWS: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-II

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✦FREE ➢ Reckless (Renegades, Book 1) by Skye Jordan
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~*~*~ BOOK 1 IS FREE~*~*~
Black Knights Inc. by Julie Ann Walker – AMAZON SERIES LINK: http://amzn.to/1OoYH3w
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Kindle http://amzn.to/1b5WVpQ
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Kindle: http://amzn.to/1dAwPNH

✦FREE ➢ A Cold Dark Place By Toni Anderson
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✦FREE ➢ Love Beyond Time (Morna’s Legacy Series, Book 1) by Bethany Claire
(A Scottish Time Travel Romance)
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Amazon Series Box Set $7.99: http://amzn.to/1OGL9Rw

✦FREE ➢ The Edge of Courage By Elaine Levine
Kindle http://amzn.to/1xXmYMc

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Book 1 is also on SALE
✦FREE ➢ Hot Pursuit (A Hostile Operations Team Novel #1) by Lynn Raye Harris
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Kindle: http://amzn.to/1C5UrQi

✦FREE ➢ Reckless (Renegades, Book 1) by Skye Jordan http://amzn.to/1U9ybRi

✦$1.99 SALE ➢ How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire (Love at Stake, Book 1) by Kerrelyn Sparks
Kindle: http://amzn.to/1OXg122

✦$1.99 SALE ➢ A Quick Bite (Argeneau Vampire Book 1) by Lynsay Sands http://amzn.to/1U0VAm0

✦$1.99 SALE ➢ Dark Prince: Author’s Cut (The ‘Dark’ Carpathian Book 1) by Christine Feehan http://amzn.to/1U0V87e

~*~*~BOOKS 1 & 2 ON SALE FOR $1.99 Each~*~*~
Amazon Series link: http://amzn.to/1PZd7fe
✿The Hard Ink Series by Laura Kaye✿
✦Book 1: Hard As It Gets ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/13UC9GX | Review 4 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-QY
✦Book 2: Hard As You Can ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1cWiyvV | Review 4.5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-138
✦Novella: Hard To Hold On To ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1JqQlY7 | Review 4.5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1wB
✦Book 3: Hard To Come By ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1Gg7shN | Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1Ox
✦NOVELLA: Hard To Be Good ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1FumL2i
✦Book 4: Hard to Let Go ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1SVE3gb | Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2F

~*~*~*~

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~*~*~ Amazon Devices~*~*~
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