Spotlight: Under My Skin by Laura Diamond

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 12th 2016
Swoon Romance

Summary from Goodreads:

Bookish Brit Adam Gibson is one wonky heartbeat away from a fatal arrhythmia. He's torn between wanting to live and knowing that someone else must die in order for him to do so. He needs a new heart.

Adam stops talking to his friends, refuses to meet kids at his new school, and shuts his parents out entirely. His days are spent wondering if can cope with having a dead man's heart beating inside his chest, or if he should surrender to the thoughts of suicide swirling around in his head.

And then a donor is found.

Outspoken artist Darby Fox rarely lets anything stand in her way of achieving her goals. She also happens to be the twin sister to a perfect brother with good looks, good grades, manners, and the approval of their parents - something Darby has never had.

Darby's always had bad timing. She picks the worst time to argue with her brother Daniel. In a car with bald tires, on an icy road in the freezing cold, the unthinkable happens. In a split-second, everything changes forever.

When life forces Adam and Darby together, undeniable sparks fly, and a deep connection is made. But the secret inside of Adam may be the thing that pushes them apart forever.

Excerpt

ADAM:
I clutch my well-worn paperback of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein close to my heart. The doctor robbed graves, stealing body parts to create his monster. I suppress a shiver. In a way, the transplant surgeon does the same thing by harvesting a donor’s organs when they’re on the brink of death. If I get prioritized on the list, I’ll be waiting for that poor victim to arrive. Then I’ll steal his or her heart and with it, their life.

Then I’ll be the monster.

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About the Author

Laura Diamond is a board certified psychiatrist currently specializing in emergency psychiatry. She is also an author of all things young adult—both contemporary and paranormal. An avid fan of sci-fi, fantasy, and anything magical, she thrives on quirk, her lucid dreams, and coffee. When she’s not working or writing, she can be found sniffing books and drinking a latte at the bookstore or at home pondering renovations on her 225 year old fixer upper, all while obeying her feline overlords, of course.

If you’re interested in reading more about Laura, or interacting with her on the web, check out the following links:

Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Blog | Pinterest | Instagram

Excerpt: Lone Heart Pass by Jodi Thomas

Where family bonds are made and broken, and where young love sparks as old flames grow dim, Ransom Canyon is ready to welcome—and shelter—those who need it 

With a career and a relationship in ruins, Jubilee Hamilton is left reeling from a fast fall to the bottom. The run-down Texas farm she's inherited is a far cry from the second chance she hoped for, but it and the abrasive foreman she's forced to hire are all she's got. 

Every time Charley Collins has let a woman get close, he's been burned. So Lone Heart ranch and the contrary woman who owns it are merely a means to an end, until Jubilee tempts him to take another risk—to stop resisting the attraction drawing them together despite all his hard-learned logic. 

Desperation is all young Thatcher Jones knows. And when he finds himself mixed up in a murder investigation, his only protection is the shelter of a man and woman who—just like him—need someone to trust.

Excerpt

On the mile ride to the pass, Lauren and Thatcher stayed on either side of Jubilee giving her pointers but she bounced up and down all the way.  Charley had a feeling her shoulders wouldn’t be the only thing red tonight.
                As they entered the pass, Charley looped a lead rope from her horse to his saddle horn.  Within minutes they left the morning sun and rode into the cool twilight darkness of the passage.  The walls on either side shot toward heaven and the slice of light allowed in seemed to slide down the rock showing off the beauty of the stone that stood silent against the weather for a million years.
                When anyone spoke, the words echoed off the passage walls bouncing back and forth like dueling chimes.  
                Every time he glanced back, Jubilee looked terrified.  Her hands had a death grip on the saddle horn, her eyes wide.  But her back was straight and she didn’t cry out or demand they stop.
                “You’re doing fine,” he offered, but she didn’t look at him.
                Lauren’s calm voice whispered from behind them.  “I remember how frightened I was when I rode through this pass for the first time.  The night was cold, but I wanted to see the moon cross the opening above.  There is a fairy legend that if you see the full moon while in the pass your heart’s wish will come true.  Only that night I was too scared to wish for anything even though my Pop was with me.”
                From behind her, Thatcher added with a laugh.  “I’d be scared if the sheriff was with me right now.  I get the feeling he’s worrying his brain trying to come up with one more thing I’m doing wrong.”

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About the Author

A fifth-generation Texan, JODI THOMAS sets the majority of her novels in her home state. With a degree in Family Studies, Thomas is a marriage and family counselor by education, a background that enables her to write about family dynamics. Honored in 2002 as a Distinguished Alumni by Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Thomas enjoys interacting with students on the West Texas A & M University campus, where she currently serves as Writer in Residence. When not working on a novel or inspiring students to pursue a writing career, Thomas enjoys traveling with her husband, Tom, renovating a historic home they bought in Amarillo, and "checking up" on their two grown sons.

Connect with Jodi: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Spotlight: Incapable by Marie Skye

Emmalin

Gone.

Everything I ever had is gone. Ripped away, taken before I was ready. So I just hid. Hid in the shadows, hoping to disappear, blending in, fade away. I didn't want to be found, and I sure as hell didn’t want, to be discovered.

But one man did. He saw me. Saw right through me.
He's overbearing, egotistical, and did I mention a total asshole?
When I'm with him, I want to scream, Punch him,
And then have him rip my clothes off.

I gave him one night.
He wants more.
And so do I.
I'm his.
Grayson Mandrake owns me.

Grayson

I take, because I can.
I claim, because I can.
She was mine the moment I saw her,
And I will destroy her soul to keep her. Have her. Own her.

I'm ruthless,
And relentless,
A total asshole.
And I will do anything for her.
Emmalin Ross is mine.

We rode back to headquarters discussing how the rest of the day was going to pan out. I tried prying some information out of Chace regarding him and Isabella, but he remained tight-lipped. As we stopped at Glenda's desk to retrieve messages before our meeting, our attention was diverted to a woman walking out of Grayson's office.  

Her designer heels made her at least 5'10, and the V-neck dress she wore, which barely held her breasts in, matched the blood-red lipstick she wore perfectly. She spotted Chace and strolled over as if she was on a runway. She looked me up and down as if I was no more than trash before placing her hand on Chace's chest and purring.

"It's been a while.”

Chace took a half step in front of me, as if blocking me from view. Grayson came walking out of the office, his hair a mess and collar mussed. It didn't take much to put together what had been going on here. He stopped at Glenda's desk.  

"Please have security escort Mrs. Stewart out of the building."  

She withdrew her hand from Chace and turned, a scowl creasing her brow. "Is that necessary, Grayson?"   

He looked past her and made immediate eye contact with me. He glanced at Chace, almost as if he were silently pleading.  

Chace lightly grabbed my arm. "You have that meeting."  

I pulled my arm away. "He means well, right?"  

The blonde stood there and watched us back and forth before widening her grin. "Wait, is this her?"

"I would choose your next words wisely, Ashley," Grayson said through gritted teeth.

Just then, the elevator dinged and security entered. I wasn't going to wait around for the drama and strolled right past all of them to the conference room.

Sitting there, I willed myself not to cry. I felt like such a damn fool. I didn’t know how much time went by before someone else came in, and I realized I had a job to do.  

Right before our meeting was to start, Grayson walked in. I immediately diverted my eyes, and noticed how everyone sat straighter in their chairs, as I willed mine to swallow me whole. He stood directly behind me. That masculine scent overpowered everything as he leaned over.

"Ms. Ross, may I have a moment of your time?"  

Keeping my eyes on the doodle I was drawing, I answered, "No."  

He paused. "I'm sorry?"  

I cleared my throat, and I glanced across the table at Edith, who only gawked at someone saying no to the CEO of the company. "I said no, Mr. Mandrake. No, you may not have a moment of my time. You may, however, request to schedule a moment of my time, and I'll be sure to pencil you in at my earliest convenience."  

Holy shit! Did that just come out of my mouth? Okay, keep it together. You are officially speaking out of anger. Hold your ground.

He placed his hand on my shoulder, his eyes never leaving mine. "On second thought, I think I'll stay for the meeting after all.” Of course, the chair next to me was free. He slid in closer than one needed to, not respecting boundaries at all. I tried turning my chair in the opposite direction, but a firm grip on my thigh stopped me instantly.  

Pursing my lips, I turned toward the beginning of the presentation as much as I could, or as much as Grayson would allow me. Just when I thought there was a possibility this might go well, the lights dimmed. Grayson’s ironclad grip started traveling up my thigh. I made a mental note to start wearing pants. I tried everything to get my chair to move without causing a distraction. His fingertips grazed the outer edge of my panties. He wouldn’t dare do this here. I was torn between trying to be pissed at him and trying to keep myself from being turned on.  

As I attempted to shut my legs again, I swore I heard him smirk.  

Hooking a leg around my ankle, he pried my legs apart before pushing the lace of my panties aside and lightly grazing over my clit. I jumped immediately upon contact.  

So he was going to do this here. I was trying to retain my composure, and just when I thought I had it under control, he slipped two fingers past my folds, and I suddenly gripped the table. In the distance, I heard my name being called.  

I glanced at the front of the room where Edith stood with Kevin, looking my way. I cleared my throat. “I’m sorry, could you repeat that?” My voice came out higher than I intended.

Edith started speaking again, but I didn’t hear a word that came out of her mouth the moment Grayson’s thumb started circling my clit. I was focusing hard on trying to keep my breathing under control.  

All of a sudden, Grayson started contributing to the conversation while continuing his agonizing torture, while I sat there and bit my bottom lip to prevent myself from moaning. Every time a question was directed toward me, Grayson intercepted and I would nod in agreement. I was so close, and he knew just what to do.  

“Well, I think this should call for an early dismissal for the day if everyone agrees, and if everyone is satisfied with this proposal?” Grayson flicked my clit and pleasure shot through me as I tried to stay as still as possible. He looked around the room as everyone nodded in response to the early dismissal. “Ms. Ross, for clarification, were you satisfied?”  

That bastard. I nodded, since that’s all I could do. Everyone started to clear out of the room, but I just sat there.  

When I finally got up and headed for the door, he grabbed my arm.  

“I’m pissed at you. You had no right to do that.” I tried jerking my arm away, but he gripped it harder

He cocked his head. “Is that so?”  

“Are you kidding me right now?”  

“No, I’m not kidding you right now.” He thrust me against the wall, his erection digging into me, and I found myself grinding into him. “You refused me, and in your defiant attitude, said you would pencil me in. Not only did you manage to piss me the fuck off, but you made me so fucking hard, I was prepared to throw you over this damn table and fuck you in front of everyone. So now we’re going to talk my way. I think it’s time I introduced you to orgasm denial. I’m going to fuck you, redden your ass, and then fuck you again, and maybe then we can talk.”

I opened my mouth to talk.

“Don’t say a word. I don’t want to hear a fucking word out of your mouth.” He dragged me out of the conference room.

As pissed as I was, I was unbelievably turned on.  

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About the Author

Marie Skye currently resides in Austin, Texas. She's always wanted to be a writer, and one day decided 'why not?' She's a sucker for all things romance, but also loves those stories that are dark and twisted, and makes you think to yourself "what would people say if they knew I read stuff like this?" They would be jealous. 

Author Links:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads  | Instagram

Spotlight: Fear The Heart by Hettie Ivers

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Reconciling the mind and heart often provokes inner conflict. Throw in the whims of an emerging inner she-wolf entering her first heat cycle and the revenge demands of an ancient blood curse, and all bets are off!

All Milena wants is to rescue her brother and return to her life in Santa Cruz. Unfortunately, her situation in Brazil grows increasingly complicated as she uncovers more startling truths kept from her since birth–leaving her at a loss as to whom to trust and what to believe.

Caught in the crosshairs of a vicious blood feud between two rival covens, Milena finds that guarding her heart is no simple feat … not when it’s the fearsome heart of an ill-fated blood curse that’s blossoming to life within her–threatening to unlock a long-prophesied reign of darkness upon the world with the power to destroy them all.

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Purchase: Amazon

About Hettie Ivers

Hettie Ivers is a dedicated office drone by day and a smut storyteller by night. In early youth Hettie indulged in excessive Barbie doll play with her sisters where the complex, character-driven, twisty plot lines often went on for days and frequently involved gratuitous lava explosions, jetpack rescue missions, and very racy scenes between Babs and Ken. Over time she ditched the lava and the jetpacks. Hettie favors stories in which realistic, relatable characters must navigate fantastical, larger-than-life circumstances. She’s a sucker for sexy antiheroes, underdogs, and flawed protagonists, and she enjoys fresh spins on classic tropes with a sprinkling of satire.

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Excerpt: Deep Dark by Laura Griffin

A gripping new romantic thriller from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Griffin...

The moment detective Reed Novak steps onto the crime scene, he knows the case is going to rock his world. A beautiful young woman murdered at home. No sign of forced entry. No motive. She’s obviously not the killer’s first victim, and Reed’s instincts tell him she won’t be his last. Reed’s first clue comes via a mysterious text that links to a dating profile, but even more intriguing than the clue is the person who sent it.

As a white-hat hacker in the Delphi Center’s cyber investigation unit, Laney Knox sneaks into some of the deepest, darkest corners of the Internet looking for predators. Laney would prefer to stay away from Austin PD’s most recent murder case, but she can’t ignore the chilling similarities between that crime and her own brutal attack years ago. Laney offers to help the sexy lead detective, but he wants more from her than just a promising tip—Reed wants her trust. Laney resists, but as their relationship deepens she’s tempted to reveal the closely guarded secrets that could make her a key witness…or the killer’s next victim.

Reed watched her, and she had that frustrated look in her eyes again. Every time she started to open up to him, he did something to tick her off. She shook her head and glanced away.

    “Laney?”

    “What?”

    “I’m a detective. It’s my job to ask questions. To push.”

    She looked at him again and her expression softened. “No, you’re right.” She glanced down at her beer bottle and picked at the label. “I’m glad she has you.”

    “Who has me?”

    “April. You seem--” She paused, like she was searching for the right word. “--committed.”

    He didn’t answer. It wasn’t really a question, but the way she looked at him gave him the feeling she wanted a response.

    She drained her beer and plunked down the bottle. “I should get home.” She stood up.

    Reed stood, too. He left a tip on the table and followed her through the throng of people. The bar was packed, and the music had gotten louder since they’d first walked in.

    They stepped into the warm, muggy air. It was dusk now, and a neon Lone Star Light sign cast a blue-and-red glow over the sidewalk. As they walked in silence, he thought of what she’d said about her job being meaningful. It was refreshing. Maybe he’d been a cop too long, but he didn’t know anyone who talked about things being meaningful anymore. If they thought about work in those terms, they kept it to themselves.

    Maybe he was jaded.

    No, he definitely was jaded. But it had more to do with his failed marriage than anything he’d seen on the job.

Reed spotted her little white car and felt a twinge of regret. He’d enjoyed talking to her, enjoyed being near her. And he couldn’t remember the last time that had happened with a woman. Having a beer with Laney had been the highlight of his crap week. Hell, the highlight of his month.

    She looked around. “Where are you parked?”

    “Around back.”

    She gazed up at him. He couldn’t read her expression.

    “Thanks for the drink,” she said.

    “You bought it.”

    He couldn’t read her tone either. The thrum of music seeped through the thin walls of the bar as they stood there in the light of the beer sign.

    She stepped closer, and a jolt of heat went through him. She looked up at him with those bottomless brown eyes, and he knew he was in trouble. It was a bad idea to involve this girl in his investigation. Whatever useful info she might have was outweighed by the fact that she was young, and edgy, and he wanted her. And she must have seen something in his face because her eyes sparked.

She went up on tiptoes and kissed him.

##

Copyright 2016 Laura Griffin

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Author Info

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author LAURA GRIFFIN started her career in journalism before venturing into the world of romantic suspense. She is a two-time RITA Award winner as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award. Laura currently lives in Austin, where she is working on her next book.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Excerpt: Behind the Mask by Linda Joyce

Behind the Mask Synopsis

Former model Chalise Boudreau returns to Louisiana after ten years and faces an uncertain future. Watching her budget, she’s living with her mother and plans to open a luxury salon, but she fears the community sees her homecoming as a failing, and she knows any malicious gossip will jeopardize her success.

Once bad-boy, now entrepreneur Chaz Riboucheaux is home and trying to rebuild his old reputation. He believes one of his companies, the Magnolia May, a pirate ship, can make Ascension a tourist destination, but the mayor refuses to grant him a lease at the city’s dock.

Chalise and Chaz come face to face at a Twelfth Night party. Years ago, he stood her up and left her brokenhearted. Now her brain is at war with her heart, but her body has a mind of its own. As Chaz leads her across the dance floor, he knows when the music stops it won’t be the end of their waltz. He has questions only she can answer, and he won’t stop until he gets what he wants.

Excerpt

Now he was back. She was home.

The pain of the past stabbed at her. Her chest tightened. He could live anywhere. Why had he picked Ascension? His nearness created a tension she couldn’t avoid. She would die of a thousand little cuts. No one need ever know how much she still cared for Chaz. Including her mother.

He was an enigma. An aloofness replaced his tough outer shell. He moved with confident masculine grace—much more appealing than any male model she’d ever dated. He looked way too sexy in a pirate costume. And then there were his business connections. The boy had savvy and brains.

Back in high school, teachers had underestimated him. She once got a glimpse of his grades—stellar. He possessed a razor-sharp mind hidden under his renegade veneer. Now he sported a fancy Harvard degree. She, on the other hand, never graduated from college. Modeling got in the way. Life had taken them on different journeys and handed them a reversal of fortune. What would he want with her now?

Secretly, she was happy for Chaz. He had accomplished much. After all, he somehow finagled the great Salanger to headquarter his business in Ascension.

She touched her lips. Chaz’s stolen kiss came ten years too late.

And that broke her heart a little more.

She wanted nothing from him, except for him to stop haunting her dreams.  

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About Linda Joyce

Linda Joyce is an award-winning and Amazon best selling author who writes about assertive females and the men who can’t resist them in her Fleur de Lis series and Fleur de Lis Brides series. Linda’s a big fan of jazz and blues. She attributes her love of those musical genres to her southern roots, which run deep in Louisiana. If you walk-through several New Orleans cemeteries you’ll find many of her people buried there. She penned her first manuscript while living in Japan, the country where her mother was born and raised. Now she lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and four-legged boys—Beau, Jack, and Renior—who think she’s their pet.  

Connect with Joyce: Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram | Google + | Twitter

 

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Celebrating the release of Behind the Mask! 

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Anyone who shares this post between 5/17 and 5/31 will be entered to win an eBook copy of Behind the Mask.

Winners will be announced on Facebook on Saturday, June 4th.

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