Spotlight: Solo by Lauren E. Rico

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When graduate student Katherine Brenner walked into my class, I couldn’t stand her -- all perfect skin and big, blue eyes -- just like the woman who broke my heart.
 
If it wasn’t for that blizzard, if her car hadn’t broken down outside my house, if she hadn’t looked amazing by the firelight, I never would have kissed her. No matter how hard I try, every excuse I make not to see her comes up flat.
 
I can’t stop thinking of her lips. Or the way her curves fit perfectly in my hands. There’s a million reasons why this won’t work. I’m her professor. It’s against university policy.
 
And if this gets out, I could lose everything. 

Excerpt

        “Oh, my God,” she gasps softly, pulling the parka all the way out and holding it up so that it hangs its entire length.

        Katherine’s face tightens with growing alarm.

“Hey!” I say, my voice full of soft concern. “What’s wrong? Don’t you like it? I can return it.”

        “What?” she asks, looking confused for a moment. “Oh, no, I love it. It’s just that I – it’s so nice, is all. And I know this store,” she gestures toward the logo on the lid of the glossy black box that the coat came in, “It’s expensive. I can’t really afford to pay you back or anything,” she mumbles, looking down at the floor as she speaks.

          “It’s a gift,” I remind her. “A gift. That’s it. No strings attached. Honestly, it’s just that I hate that goddam hoodie you keep wearing!” I chuckle, standing up and taking the coat from her. I hold it up and open for her.

        “Here, try it on.”

        Reluctantly, she turns around and slips her arms into each sleeve as I hold them up for her. Her eyes are drawn downward as I squat and fasten the zipper at the bottom, following all the way upward as I pull the zipper closed, until our eyes lock. I reach around behind her and pull the faux-fur trimmed hood up, then I stand back so I can survey her with a critical eye.

        “Well?” she asks with the most naively sexy smile I’ve ever seen.

        “Well, I think you should only ever wear this color,” I say, my voice suddenly husky.

        When my lips find hers, they are soft and tentative. When she doesn’t push me away, they become more confident. I’m taller than her by a good six inches and she tips her face up, causing the blue hood to slip back off her head. And then my hands are in her hair and holding the sides of her face, pulling her into me. She doesn’t resist.

My lips are still connected to hers when I reach between us to unzip the coat, pushing it off her shoulders so that it hits the floor with a soft puff.

        I’m walking her back towards her bed, but she doesn’t seem to notice as her hands tug at my shirt, trying to free it from the waistband of my pants. When she succeeds, I hold my arms up and help her to pull the garments over my head. They join the coat on the floor. My pants follow close behind.

        “Wait,” she says, pulling back for a second.

        “What? What’s wrong?” I ask between ragged breaths.

        She gives me a mischievous smile before clapping her hands twice. As soon as she does, the lights go out, leaving us with only the glow of the moon to see one another by. I chuckle and shake my head, pulling her in close again.

        “Oh, Christ, I want you, Katherine,” I murmur against her neck as I kiss the hollow that attaches to her shoulder.

        “Then what are you waiting for?” she rasps.

        Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I have no intention of waiting a single second longer to be with this woman.

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About the Author

Lauren Rico was going to be principal French horn of the New York Philharmonic. That was HER plan, anyway. The New York Philharmonic had no idea of her intentions, and that's probably a good thing, since she wasn't an especially good French horn player!

Lauren was, however, an exceptionally good classical music radio host. Calling herself a "Classical Music Reanimator," she has made a career of demystify classical music for her audiences by taking it off a dusty old pedestal and putting it into a modern context.

It's only been over the last couple of years that Lauren has discovered a passion for writing, which she's managed to combine with her love and knowledge of the classical music world. That's when she had the realization that she had something special with this story of love and obsession and music.

You can hear Lauren Rico on SiriusXM's Symphony Hall Channel; on WSHU-FM in the New York metro; WSMR in Tampa/Sarasota, FL; WDAV in Charlotte, NC and KMFA in Austin, TX.

Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | SnapChat: @LaurenERico | Goodreads

Spotlight: The Dragon Rider by Mike Shelton

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Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: May 3rd 2017

The barrier is down, war is brewing and dragons fill the skies once more. 

Bakari is the first dragon rider in centuries but he alone cannot subdue the growing tensions among the kingdoms around Alaris. He begins a quest to find more dragon riders -- the only way to secure peace in the fractured lands around him. 

In this second book of the Alaris Chronicles everyone is forced to choose sides in the battle for the governance of Alaris. Roland Tyre seizes control of the Citadel and carefully plays both sides -- but his immense charm and considerable wizard powers may prove useless against a deadly and hidden enemy. Battle Wizard Alli Stenos is in the thick of every fight she can find and only wants to secure an end to the violence. 

The three young wizards, Bakari, Roland and Alli have become more powerful than many of their elders. But will that be enough to keep Alaris, and the surrounding kingdoms, from descending into all out war? 

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About the Author

Mike was born in California and has lived in multiple states from the west coast to the east coast. He cannot remember a time when he wasn't reading a book. At school, home, on vacation, at work at lunch time, and yes even a few pages in the car (at times when he just couldn't put that great book down). Though he has read all sorts of genres he has always been drawn to fantasy. It is his way of escaping to a simpler time filled with magic, wonders and heroics of young men and women.

Other than reading, Mike has always enjoyed the outdoors. From the beaches in Southern California to the warm waters of North Carolina. From the waterfalls in the Northwest to the Rocky Mountains in Utah. Mike has appreciated the beauty that God provides for us. He also enjoys hiking, discovering nature, playing a little basketball or volleyball, and most recently disc golf. He has a lovely wife who has always supported him, and three beautiful children who have been the center of his life.

Mike began writing stories in elementary school and moved on to larger novels in his early adult years. He has worked in corporate finance for most of his career. That, along with spending time with his wonderful family and obligations at church has made it difficult to find the time to truly dedicate to writing. In the last few years as his children have become older he has returned to doing what he truly enjoys - writing!

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Spotlight: Wine Not by D.L. Gallie

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Sarah Bryant had it all: great friends, amazing job, perfect boyfriend. Quickly everything changed; her friends suffered a horrible tragedy, she lost her job, her ever-loving boyfriend left her…for a man and kicked her out. She’s desperate and all alone, when along comes Victoria with an offer that’s too good to refuse. In a moment of desperation, she makes a deal with the devil herself.

Logan De Biers is a broken man; the love of his life was using him, his best friend has disappeared, and now he’s alone. Sure he has money, a lot of money, but he wants companionship without complication. By chance one night, he crosses paths with Sarah and sparks fly. Taking a risk, he reaches out and makes an agreement with the devil herself.

Both Sarah and Logan are miserable until a chance meeting one night changes everything. Their worlds collide, sparks fly, and finally they are on the path to happiness. What they don’t count on is a hurdle named Victoria. She refuses to let her best girl go and she will do anything to keep her…even if means taking everyone down with her.

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About the Author

I’m from Queensland in Australia but I have lived all around the world. I’m currently living in Gladstone with my husband and two kids. I’ve been with my husband since I was 16, and even though we drive each other nuts at times, I couldn’t imagine my life without him.

I got back into reading just after I had my son and with some encouragement from my husband I started to write, and now the voices won’t stop.

I enjoy listening to music, drinking white wine in Summer, Red wine in Winter, beer all year round, I won’t say no to a cocktail either (specifically a margarita), reading and now writing.

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Cover Reveal: Hope For Christmas by Stacy Finz

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This Christmas in snow-capped Nugget, California, the gift of a second chance is all anyone can wish for . . .

Sparkling lights, sugar cookies, a fragrant tree—Emily McCreedy is checking off her list for a perfect holiday with a new baby on her hip, two adorable stepsons hunting for presents, and her husband’s love shoring up the life she rebuilt after the unbelievable tragedy of losing her young daughter to abduction seven years ago.

But the merriment dims when Emily receives a strange note alluding to her daughter’s disappearance. Emily’s sure Christmas miracles are only for TV movies, but with each new communication, she finds herself face to face with the one thing that matters most—hope.

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About the Author

Stacy Finz is an award-winning reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle. After more than twenty years covering notorious serial killers, naked-tractor-driving farmers, fanatical foodies, aging rock stars and weird Western towns, she figured she finally had enough material to launch a career writing fiction. In 2012 she won the Daphne du Maurier Award for unpublished single-title mystery/suspense. She lives in Berkeley, California with her husband.

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Read an excerpt from Tempting Tessa by Samantha Lind

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After losing her high school sweetheart to an accident at work, Tessa doesn’t know how to move on in life even though life is moving on all around her. She’s caught up in trying to figure out how to survive without her husband, raise their son and keep his memory alive. When things literally start falling apart all around her, will she be able to accept the help being offered and love again?

Jake has pulled his life back together after living through hell while being injured in the Army. It takes him years to recover and he’s still dealing with the emotional pain. When Tessa enters his life, and turns it upside down, can he tempt her to fall in love with him and find her new forever?

Excerpt

I walk back into my bedroom and realize she can’t get the zipper open on her dress. My dick twitches in my pants at the thought of taking that dress off her body. I slowly walk toward her, never taking my eyes off hers. It only takes me a few strides to reach her, and she turns so her back is against my front. I slowly trace my finger along her shoulder blade and down her spine until I grasp the zipper and slowly pull it down. I have to stop myself from helping the dress from falling from her hot as fuck body. Just as I’m about to step back and leave the room, she looks me in the eyes again from over her shoulder.

“Please don’t go.” She says on a whisper

That is the opening I needed, I spin her around so she is facing me. The motion makes her dress fall down to the floor and she’s standing before me in a skimpy black lacy bra and matching panty set that makes my mouth water. She is so fucking beautiful.

“You are so fucking beautiful,” I growl out to her.

I cup her face again and bring my lips to hers. She lifts up on her toes to deepen the kiss and I swipe my tongue across her lips looking for access to her mouth. She opens for me and I deepen the kiss and take complete control. I lift her up and she wraps her legs around my waist. I can feel her heat and arousal through her wet panties and fuck, that’s hot and makes my cock hard as steel. I could devour this woman all night and never tire from it.

I gently lay her down on my bed, her legs still wrapped around me and grind myself into her. This makes a deep moan escape from her. I can feel the moan form deep within her. I move my lips to kiss along her jawline and down her neck. From the moans leaving her, I am going to guess she likes what I’m doing and keep working my way down to her collarbone. I then kiss my way back up to behind her ear and graze my teeth across her earlobe. I whisper in her ear, “Is all this ok, do I need to stop?”

“Don’t stop,” she says between moans. “Don’t you fucking stop.”

Roger that! I continue to kiss my way down her neck and across the tops of her full breasts. They have been on display tonight and I’ve been dreaming of when I could get my hands and lips on them. I quickly locate the clasp of her bra and flick it open and drop it to the floor. I kiss my way down one breast, sucking her nipple into my mouth and use my hand on her other one rolling her nipple between my fingers. This extracts a few louder moans from her and has her arching her back to thrust her breast into me even more. I release her nipple with a pop and look up at her. The look of desire on her face tells me everything I need to know.

“You have too many clothes on,” she says to me pulling at my shirt.

I reach behind my head and grab my shirt and rip it over my head. Her hands run down from my shoulders to my abs, tracing a few of my tattoos along the way. She also traces over one of my scars from one of my many surgeries. “Does that hurt when I touch your scars?” she asks tenderly.

“No, they haven’t hurt me in years. The only scars that I get pain in sometimes are on my leg along my stump.”

I lean down and capture her lips again with mine while I explore her body with my hands. I lift her higher up on the bed and then kiss my way back down her body. I love the feeling of her muscles twitching beneath my fingertips and lips. I am sure my few days’ worth of stubble is adding another layer of stimulation. Once I reach the top of her panties, I hook my fingers in the sides of them and slowly pull them down off her hips and down her toned sexy legs. I toss them behind me once I have them off of her. I can see her arousal glistening and can’t help but need to taste her.

As I lean down, I kiss her inner thighs first on her left leg and then the right working my way toward her center. I flick out my tongue and swipe her slit. “Fuck you taste fucking amazing,” I moan into her pussy before sucking her clit into my mouth. I slip my hand around and run my finger along her opening and then press one finger in. Her body immediately pulses around my finger and the moans and encouragement coming from her spur me on. I add a second finger and rotate them until I find that perfect spot that has her lifting off the bed. It only takes a few more seconds before she’s coming all over me. I can’t get enough of her. I slowly kiss my way back up her body allowing her time to come down from her orgasm.

“Holy shit, that was hot baby,” I whisper to her.

“I need you inside me right now,” she pants back to me.

I stand needing to drop my jeans and remove my prosthetic as well as grab a condom from my nightstand. Sex with my prosthetic on is uncomfortable. It just gets in my way. I have never been insecure about people seeing either my prosthetic or my leg without it on. It is just a part of who I am. I look down at her; beautiful, open, and ready for me. I give a couple tugs to my cock before sliding the condom down into place. I crawl back up her body sucking a nipple into my mouth as I make my way back up to take her lips in mine. I drag my cock along her wet slit and along her clit, dragging moans out of her as I do. I break the kiss to pull back and look in her eyes.

“Are you sure you’re ready?” I ask. I would hate for her to regret this in the morning

“I am sure, please get inside me now.” She moans back to me, doing her best to press me into her with her legs that are wrapped back around my waist.

“Yes ma’am,” I tell her as I gently slip the tip of my cock into her warm folds. I stop for a few seconds to let her adjust and then thrust the rest of the way inside her. Holy fuck, she is perfect. So fucking tight. It’s almost like her body was created to fit mine. I’m not going to last long at this rate. I find our rhythm and within a few minutes we are both on the brink of orgasm. I reach down between us and flick her clit and she explodes around me. I follow her over the edge and have the best orgasm I have ever had in my life. I kiss her and then roll so I’m not crushing her and pull her so she is beside me with her head on my chest. I wrap my arms around her and just melt into the bed.

I need to take care of the condom, so I slip out of bed and into the bathroom. I come back out with a warm washcloth to help clean her up and then climb back in and pull her into my arms.

“That was amazing baby,” I say into her hair.

“Best birthday present ever,” she sighs back to me.

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About the Author

Samantha Lind is a contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls Iowa home where she lives with her husband and two sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey, and listening to country music.  She can be contacted via Email or found on Facebook
 

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Spotlight: The Beautician’s Notebook by Anne Barnhill

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WHEN WILLA JO TEMPLE IS FOUND STABBED THROUGH THE HEART ON THE FLOOR OF HER BEAUTY SHOP, THE GOOD FOLK OF SUMMERSET, NC ARE SENT INTO A TIZZY.

It’s up to her ex-husband, Sheriff Tal Hicks, to investigate. Evidence points to four possible suspects: Willa Jo’s business partner; a town socialite; a preacher’s wife; and Willa Jo’s live-in lover.

Willa Jo kept a notebook containing all the secrets she’s learned while doing hair. Rumor has it Willa Jo is going to write a book, exposing everything. But now, Willa Jo is dead and the incriminating notebook is missing, leaving the sheriff with very little to go on. As he interrogates the suspects, he finds himself attracted to newcomer, Clarissa Myers. He delves into her past only to discover she has deeper ties to Summerset than anyone imagined. Before the sheriff can complete his interrogations, however, another suspect, Avenelle Young, confesses.

The sheriff is skeptical about Avenelle Young’s guilt because she refuses to discuss what happened with Willa Jo. Her statement is a terse declaration of guilt, with neither motive nor method explained. The sheriff has no choice but to incarcerate Mrs. Young.

During the investigations, as the secrets of Summerset are slowly revealed, each family touched by Willa Jo’s death must come to terms with the new information being unearthed. The repercussions are far-reaching, and forgiveness hard to come by. However, at the heart of the book is the possibility of reconciliation among the town folk as they learn the real ‘truth’ about one another.

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About the Author

Anne Clinard Barnhill is an award-winning, internationally published writer who has published two historical novels (AT THE MERCY OF THE QUEEN and QUEEN ELIZABETH’S DAUGHTER), a short story collection (WHAT YOU LONG FOR), a memoir (AT HOME IN THE LAND OF OZ: Autism, My Sister and Me) and a poetry chapbook (COAL, BABY). She has also written hundreds of articles, features, book reviews and essays published in a variety of newspapers, magazines and blogs. Ms. Barnhill has received four regional artist grants, one writer’s residency and has taught writing and creativity workshops in various places across North Carolina, West Virginia, South Carolina and Mississippi. She has three grown sons and lives on the NC coast with her husband and a very energetic dog.

For more information please visit Anne’s website. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.