Excerpt: Falling for the Highlander by Lynsay Sands

About the Book

If there’s one thing Lady Murine will not abide, it’s her virtue being handed over to the highest bidder. When her scoundrel brother does just that—in exchange for a few Scottish horses, no less—she’s appalled, but she refuses to stand by and let it happen. She’s determined to take matters into her own hands, even if it means braving the countryside alone—or worse, with a tempting Scot by her side.

Dougall set out to sell a few horses to an English lord; he never expected he’d help smuggle a beautiful fugitive back to Scotland instead. When her brother offered Lady Murine for a few horses, Dougall was disgusted and promptly turned him down. But encountering the runaway lass on the road out of town sets something pounding in Dougall’s heart. There’s something about this fierce woman that makes him want to do more than just help her escape. He wants to protect her—with his life and his heart. 

If Dougall’s not careful, this Scot might just end up tying the knot…

Excerpt

“Dougall,” Murine moaned in protest when he broke their kiss. She tried to shift against him again, but he held her still, trying to catch his breath and regain control of himself.

“Hush,” he murmured and turned sharply toward shore, intending to get them out of the water and set her away from him. He realized what a stupid idea that was when the supporting water fell away and she, probably afraid he would drop her, tightened her legs to keep herself up. Dougall stopped walking and dropped his head to her chest with a groan as her body slid against his again.

This had really been a bad idea, he acknowledged and took a couple of deep breaths, before saying, “I’m going to set ye down, lass.”

“But I don’ wan’ ye to,” she protested. “This feels good. I like it.”

The words made his determination falter. If it weren’t for the way she slurred her words, he might have taken her there and then. However, there was a definite slur to her words. Murine was in no state to think clearly on this. He had to think for both of them, and while he’d pretty much decided he was indeed going to marry Lady Murine Carmichael and bed her well and repeatedly, he would not have her waking in the morning and accusing him of treating her like the whore her brother had tried to turn her into.

“I like it too, lass, but—”

“Then why are ye stopping? Did I do something wrong? Tell me what to do and I’ll—” Her words died on a gasp as he suddenly dropped her into the water. It was a desperate bid to save them both. She was a tasty little bundle and Dougall could not fight himself and her too.

Leaving her to flounder back to her feet in the shallow water, he moved quickly back to shore, grabbed his tartan, laid it out, and knelt to begin pleating it with his back to the water. He didn’t do more than glance over his shoulder once to be sure she got out of the water safely, but then immediately turned his full attention forward again. He would give her time to dress and then escort her back to camp . . . and then he would not allow himself to be alone with her until they reached Buchanan and were safely married. He would not have her thinking he saw her through her brother’s eyes.

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About the Author

Lynsay Sands is the nationally bestselling author of the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series, as well as numerous historicals and anthologies. She's been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there's occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that's just a big bonus. Please visit her on the web.

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Spotlight: Troll Cries by Ashley C Harris

Synopsis

Abby thought that after magically escaping the world of bewitching trolls and killer knights her life could go back to normal. Too bad Michael, her stepbrother, has returned from his time underground with more than just terrifying memories; something is happening to him, he’s changing . . . .

Could the person who holds the key to helping him be Abby’s wicked cousin turned troll queen, Sofia? Making a bargain with her could bring on a hefty price. Or is the answer with Wilhelm, Abagail’s first kiss who she betrayed to a death sentence in order to save her school?

For Wilhelm, all seems lost as he waits, plotting and hoping to escape the knights. But are they unknowingly revealing a mystery to him? One that would lead him back to a new weapon, and the girl whose kiss changed everything….

The secret kingdom of the trolls, and those that hunt them, is about to get a lot more deadly.

Excerpt

WILHELM

Wilhelm only saw Abby, safe and sound for a mere second; she’d looked exactly how he remembered, so normal and innocent and yet, he knew she wasn't anymore… Then Wilhelm had felt it. Something irresistible, a gem from his world had appeared. What in all hades? Something most trolls would kill and slaughter for. So what is it doing appearing here? All his attention was pulled toward it like a cat to catnip. It was in the middle of the road, suddenly appearing in the blink of an eye as he’d watched an overgrown Halfling dive for the gem and then his Abby trying to rescue the kid and not the stone —a dumb human move considering the stone’s value over the Halfling, and so Abby. She ran into the road and he was about to watch the person who'd sentenced him to the knight world die. Yet something inside him rocked, and tore at his insides.

No!

One moment, a truck was speeding toward her and the next, Wilhelm hadn’t known what was coming over himself. This would foolishly expose him before he had a foolproof plan, but he couldn't help it. Feeling Abby’s emotions and the emotions of every human nearby, he pushed to use it all to propel his body. He shot out fast, past all the other Halflings, past Michael who was almost about to get hit too as another like him, a Halfling named Kayla, was pulling him back and screaming franticly. All of this was going down in the blink of an eye, as Wilhelm pushed to get between the truck and Abigail, with a big vehicle coming toward his flesh.

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About Ashley C Harris

Author and film director Ashley C. Harris resides in Florida. Ashley was first recognized for her edgy writing and unique film work when she wrote and directed the teenage film “Lines”. Lines was the first feature film in the world captured using only Mac Laptops.

In 2013 she teamed up with Barclay Publicity to release the first in a new young adult novel series, “Shock Me”. Ashley then went on to author eight other titles, in multiple genres, as she also worked behind-the-scenes on a morning news show that aired on ABC.

In 2014, four of Ashley’s books landed on the Amazon's Best Selling Top-Ten-List. In 2015, she received her first publishing deal for “Troll”, a KindleScout novel winner.

When Ashley is not dreaming up new manuscripts and working on film sets, she loves spending time with her family, obsessing about biblical mysteries, and watching lots of Doctor Who.

Keep an eye out for her newest releases!

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Excerpt: Welcome to Beantown by Elle Vanzandt and P. Marie

Synopsis

They say the college years are what really shape a person for adulthood, and although rare, unbreakable bonds of friendship can be made.

Gianna Moretti, Alexis Cole and Shelby Lansing are about to discover just how true that is.

When the three of them are thrust together in a new city and on their own for the first time at Boston College, none of them expected to click so suddenly despite their many differences.

They also didn’t anticipate how much their lives would be changed.

Forgotten dreams, family secrets and heartbreaking fears are revealed as they grow, learn and laugh together. What started as a bond of circumstance quickly becomes something they never realized they’d all been missing –true friendship.

However, when devastation strikes, will their friendship survive?

Excerpt

“Good morning, sweetie. How did you sleep?”

“Like a rock,” I admitted as I took in her warm, welcoming smile and returned it with one of my own.

“I’m glad to hear that,” she replied as I moved to take the seat beside Gia. “Now, if you’re anything like that growly monster of a daughter of mine, you’ll need your large cup of coffee this morning, too. You know where the mugs are, help yourself.”

Gia emitted her own version of a monster growl only proving Theresa’s point. Laughing, I got myself the biggest mug I could find. Despite being up at dawn for chores on the ranch my entire life, I still needed that caffeine jolt. Once poured, I moved back to the counter, patting Gia on the head.

“Easy now, Cujo,” I teased, laughing as Gia nipped her teeth at my hand, prompting Mama T to shake her head while she continued buzzing around the kitchen like she was cooking a meal for the Queen of England. Gia and I both continued to sit in zombie-mode until the full effect of the caffeine kicked in, careful not to get in the way of the crazy lady with a spoon.

“Be careful now, Shelby,” Theresa smirked from her place at the stove. ”She has rabies.”

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About the Authors

About Elle Vanzandt

Elle Vanzandt grew up a Navy brat who has had the privilege of living in many places but she will always call Illinois her home. A stay-at-home mom to two amazing children, a blogger, and a writer, she wears many hats. With determination and strength taught to her by her mother, she has made it through many obstacles, always sticking with the family motto ‘pull up your bootstraps and get it done’. Writing is an adventure she could have never predicted but is enjoying the ride all the same. In her free time you can find Elle with a book in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Background noise is a must, usually in the form of her kids, but Netflix and country music on Spotify come in a close second and third.

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About P. Marie

P. Marie lives in a small town outside of Boston where she was born and raised. She resides in the house she grew up in with her husband of 33 years and her two fur babies, Tek and Tessie. She is the proud mother of two adult children as well. While she is a corporate girl during the day, she has become both a writer and blogger by night. P. Marie says she owes her success to her mother who taught her that if you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything.

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Spotlight: Finally Fate by Tamra Lassiter

Publication Date: January 25, 2016
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Fate may take its own sweet time, but true love is worth the wait.

Kennedy Simms has grown weary of love passing her by, and she’s tired of her well-meaning but overprotective brother meddling in her life. When fate brings Kennedy a handsome, intelligent, and wealthy boyfriend, she thinks it’s finally her turn. But if William is her one and only, then why can’t she stop thinking about someone else?

Bryce Chambers has liked Kennedy from afar for too many years. She’s smart and beautiful and unfortunately, the sister of his very good friend and boss. Bryce abides by the Guy Code and tries to keep away from Kennedy, but when he can’t suppress his feelings any longer, Kennedy’s with the perfect William. Will Bryce find a way to move on with his life, or will fate finally bring him the love he’s been waiting for?

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About Tamra Lassiter

I live outside Washington, D.C. with my wonderfully supportive husband and two daughters, one of which is approaching her teenage years. Help us all! If that isn’t enough, we have a Great Dane and an English Bulldog to keep us on our toes. It’s crazy around here, and I love every minute of it!

Writing is my third career. I didn’t set out to be a writer, it was just meant to be. My Mechanical Engineering degree from Virginia Tech prepared me well for my first career as an Engineer/Program Manager. My second career was in Human Resources. Long story, but I figured it out. I believe the best start for a writing career is to be a reader first, and I’ve been an avid reader my whole life. I’ve loved to read ever since I picked up my first Nancy Drew mystery in the fourth grade. Now, I love reading just about everything, but I don’t read sad books. I don’t watch sad movies either for that matter, no matter how many awards they’ve won. Life’s too short, and who needs all that strife to bring us down?

Many of my words have been penned late into the evening, which explains why I’ve never viewed whatever television show you recommend to me. I would, however, love to hear your recommendations for a great read!

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Spotlight: In His Eyes by Barbara Lohr

Synopsis

A reckless romance brings Diana Prescott to Gull Harbor. Pride makes her stay but locks her heart tight. Then she meets Will Applegate. Too perfect and way too good for Diana, given her history. But what woman can turn down an ice cream tour of southern Michigan?
 
Will brings out the best in her. She even volunteers for Sunday afternoon dances at the nursing home where he’s the administrator. Men over seventy with bowties and bald spots feel safe. Of course, Will hangs around, wanting more than a dance. She begins to melt under the heat of his blue eyes, hotter than a July beach day.
 
Turns out Diana and Will are good together, like turkey and cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy...until an accident robs her of the one thing her missing mother left behind. Her delicate blonde beauty. She shuts down and Will is at a loss. Not a good time for his sister to dump a surly niece on him. But Diana recognizes teen-age abandonment. She steps up to help with resources honed by experience. Love takes them deeper than the surface‑‑ a lesson Will and Diana might learn together.

Excerpt

After a few turns on the dance floor, Will slowed down. Heat burned through Diana’s body when his hand tightened on her waist. “So why me?”

She blinked. “What do you mean?”

“Why did you ask me to dance for the lady’s choice and not your date?” His left arm remained rigid, keeping his distance. She liked that. Needed that separation right now.

“Cole and I were fixed up.” How embarrassing to admit it.

“Really? A beautiful woman like you could have anyone.”

His matter of fact tone made her smile. “You think so, huh?”

“I know so, not that I’m complaining. I’m kind of new here, trying to learn the ropes.” He whipped her around and broke into a brisk two-step. She welcomed the diversion.

Then he slowed down. Diana caught her breath. “So you’re not mad that your date’s interested in another man?”

He trained those all-knowing eyes on her. “Look, I may be a country boy, but I didn’t just fall off the turnip truck. The dance sounded like fun and I felt like coming so I asked Kate. I don’t meet many women at the nursing home... I mean, not under the age of sixty.”

With a rueful smile, he did a back step and she followed. “California swing, right?”

His eyes widened. “You know the steps?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact.”

“Game on.”

What followed was exercise enough to glue Diana’s dress to her body like a leotard. When they passed under an overhead fan, she squeezed one firm bicep and stopped. “Stay. Just for a minute.”

“Right. Let’s rest.” Will cupped her right hand on his chest. They swayed in place. She felt the steady thud of his heart under his damp shirt.

But just when her resolve was weakening, he spun her out and whipped her back again. “What was that?”

“I like to surprise people.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” She laughed at his pleased smile. Really, Will was a trip. This guy might be fun. But she couldn’t let her guard down. Not after what had happened last time. “I don’t usually act like this. Don’t take me seriously.”

“What if I want to take you seriously?” Will pulled her even closer.

“Guess we’ll just have to see about that.” She licked her dry lips.

She couldn’t. She wouldn’t. But maybe.

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About the Author

Barbara Lohr writes contemporary romance, both adult and New Adult. A flair for fun and subtly sexy love scenes is her trademark. Her Windy City Romance series presents dynamic women, hot heroes, and heartwarming stories. The Man from Yesterday series launched with Coming Home to You, a nostalgic backward glance at past relationships in Gull Harbor, a small Michigan beach town.

In Barbara’s books, feisty women take on hunky heroes and life’s issues. Travel has always been a passion and foreign lands often provide settings for her work, along with Michigan beaches. She likes to cook and makes a mean popover, although dark chocolate is her favorite food group. She lives in the South with her husband and a cat that insists he was Heathcliff in a former life.

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Spotlight: At Close Range by Laura Griffin

About the Book

New York Times bestselling author Laura Griffin “delivers the goods” (Publishers Weekly) again with the eleventh title in the gritty, heart-pounding Tracers series.

When a lakeside tryst ends in a double murder, police detective Daniele Harper arrives on the scene determined to get answers. Clues are everywhere, but nothing adds up. Dani turns to the Delphi Center crime lab for help, but soon regrets it when her secret attraction to their chief firearms examiner threatens to distract her from the most important case of her career.

As a ballistics expert and former Navy SEAL, Scott Black knows firearms, and he knows he can help Dani unravel her case. Scott has managed to hide his interest in his best friend’s younger sister for years, but when her investigation brings them together, the sparks between them quickly get out of control. Scott resolves to keep his hands off Dani and his eyes on the goal—identifying a killer. But when that killer zeroes in on Dani, all bets are off. There isn’t a line Scott won’t cross to convince Dani to trust him so that he can help her take down a ruthless murderer who has her in his sights. 

Excerpt

Dani watched him. Scott stood beside the car, his back to the victim as he skimmed his flashlight over the ground. The firearms expert was tall and broad-shouldered, with the super-ripped body of a former Navy SEAL. Instead of his usual tactical pants and combat boots, he wore jeans and a leather jacket tonight, so maybe he’d been out when he’d gotten the call. Dani knew from experience that his jacket had nothing to do with the weather and everything to do with the Sig Sauer he carried concealed at his hip.

Something glinted in the grass, and Scott crouched down to tag it with a numbered marker. Two minutes on the scene and already he’d discovered a piece of evidence. He stood and squared his shoulders, and Dani felt a pang deep inside her as he approached.

He stopped and towered over her, and for a moment they just stared at each other.

“Was the passenger door closed when you got here?” he asked.

“That’s right.”

“Where’s the girl?”

“No sign of her.” She nodded at the woods. “One of our officers is searching near the lake with Travis.”

He watched her for a moment with those cool blue eyes. His gaze shifted to the woods. “You need a K-9 team.”

She bristled. “I know.”

He strode over to his truck and opened the toolbox again. He took out a metal detector, which would help him locate shell casings or bullets, and maybe even the second victim if she was wearing jewelry or a belt.

Then again, the killer might have taken her somewhere else. Dani glanced back at the road and got a queasy feeling in her stomach. Where was she? She turned her attention to the lake, visible just beyond the trees. It was a scenic spot, usually--a tranquil little oasis for couples. But not tonight.

She glanced at Scott again, and he was watching her closely--so closely it made her wonder what he was thinking.

“You coming?” he asked.

She nodded at the body. “I’ll stay with him until the ME shows.”

Scott walked off, and Dani let her gaze follow him until he disappeared into the woods.

The medical examiner’s van rolled up, followed closely by Ric, and Dani’s stomach tightened as she thought of everything she didn’t like about this case. And it wasn’t even an hour old yet.

Ric walked over, his expression grim as he took in the scene. “The media has it.”

“That didn’t take long.”

“It was all over the scanner,” he told her. “I give us ten minutes, tops, before they roll in here with their cameras. We need to barricade the road.”

“Daniele.”

She turned toward the sound of Scott’s deep voice calling her from the woods. He was a tall silhouette at the edge of the trees, and from his tone Dani knew it was bad.

“What is it?” she yelled back.

“I found her.”

##

Copyright 2017 by Laura Griffi

 

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About the Author

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 (for the books Scorched and Whisper of Warning) as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award (for Untraceable). Laura currently lives in Austin, where she is working on her next book.

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