Spotlight: Beautiful Betrayal by J.P. Epperson

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It’s seldom quiet for long in heaven—especially when you’re a warrior angel like Belleeza.

Still recovering from the emotional turmoil of her last case, she and the gorgeous but tortured Colton are trying to find their way back to the passionate relationship they used to have. But when a brand new case wings its way into their laps, they’re suddenly forced to contend with a new set of problems. Belleeza is adept at striking down foes with her sword, whip, and the rest of her angelic weapons, but battling deception, intimacy, torment, and jealousy is a whole new challenge. At least she doesn’t have to fight alone. But sometimes even your friends aren’t what they seem, and danger lurks around every corner.

Watch your back—you never know who will be wielding the knife that stabs you.

About the Author

JP Epperson lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a lover of all things fantasy and paranormal. When not writing or sitting with her head in a book she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. JP is a lover of the outdoors and her second home is a tent in the woods curled up with a book next to a campfire.

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Spotlight: Trying it All by Christi Barth

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Order. Attention to detail. Never leaving anything to chance. These are the qualities that make Riley Ness such a terrific federal agent . . . and a pain in the ass to everyone else. The only time Riley lets loose is when he’s hanging out with his closest pals. So when he’s thrown together with gorgeous, flighty Summer Sheridan, Riley’s brain tells him she’s a ticking time bomb—but his body doesn’t want to play by the rules.

Riley has to be the most irritating man Summer has ever met. The brooding hunk thinks he needs to teach her a few lessons about real life, while she’d rather show him how to enjoy it. But her BFF’s all but engaged to Riley’s best friend, and besides, their intense physical chemistry is all too real. Summer just needs Riley to try to meet her halfway and take a chance with the one thing that matters: his heart

Excerpt

“Living forever’s only fun if you truly live.”

That jab stung. Because it was the same riff the guys threw at him, over and over again. “I live. I just follow the rules. Obey the speed limit. Turn off my phone before the plane starts to taxi.”

Summer tossed her cloud of hair back. Gave him a knowing look. No, a knowing smirk. “Oh, I get it now.”

“What?”

“You’re not uptight. You’re chicken.”

The woman had crossed a line. He’d gone through wilderness training and survival training. He’d climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Become a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He’d pushed himself to physical and mental limits most men wouldn’t be able to attain. Being sensible? In no fucking way was it comparable to being scared.

Riley’s long strides ate up the distance between them. Furious, he spat out, “You want me to try something risky?”

“Yes. Just once. But I don’t think you’ve got the balls,” she taunted.

Riley grabbed her face with both hands. Her lips parted in surprise. And he swooped right onto them.

Her lips were soft. So soft and pliable it almost deterred him. But then . . . they were so soft and pliable that he couldn’t possibly stop. Instead of holding her still, his hands curved to cup the back of her head, his thumbs caressing those impossibly high cheekbones that gave her the look of someone made to walk a runway.

Riley nipped at her wide bottom lip. Soothed it with a stroke of his tongue that savored the sweet, lingering tang of the orange cream cheese icing on the cinnamon rolls from brunch. He wanted to keep going. To nip and bite and lick down her neck, over the side of the breasts she flashed at him all day. To gobble down her sweetness and spice just like he had those rolls.

Her moan refocused him. This wasn’t just following through on a dare anymore. This was a real kiss. A real moment of pure, physical pleasure. So he dropped his hands to the small of her back and hauled Summer tight against him.

Thanks to her ridiculous—and ridiculously sexy—high heels, everything lined up right. The notch between her thighs ground right against his dick behind the suddenly too-tight fly of his shorts. Breasts plumped against his chest. Breasts he was pretty sure he could fit entirely into his mouth . . . since he might have pictured them a time or ten since meeting her in the spring. Tight nipples insistently poked at his pecs.

The kiss kept going. Ry slipped his tongue in as she let out a kittenish purr. God, it was the sexiest sound he’d ever heard. The soft, tiny mewl fired through his blood. Fired him up. His tongue tangled with hers. Like they were two swords, fencing for the win. Because there would damn sure be a winner. The way they were grappling at each other? It wasn’t just fun. It was about proving something.

Her mouth—made for kissing. And more. His tongue slid deep. Felt her wetness. And Riley couldn’t help imagining how all that warm wetness would feel locked around another part of his body. Summer’s hands came up to fist in his shirt. Shit—for a second, he worried she’d push him away. But then those fists pulled him even closer. One smooth calf twined around his. He wanted to walk her back ten steps to the nearest tree and just sink into her.

Which was crazy. Riley didn’t even like this woman. He’d kissed her to save his pride. To defend his honor. To get her off his back. And now he wanted to put Summer on hers, spread her thighs, and—

That was it. Riley let go. Let go of the sweet ass he didn’t even remember moving down to squeeze. Let go of those luscious lips. Yanked his head back and deliberately stepped out of the semicircle of her curved leg.

“You and I both know that was the riskiest damn thing I could possibly do today.” Riley looked at her still unfocused eyes, her kiss-swollen lips. Proof that she’d enjoyed it every bit as much as he had. “Oh, and you also know now that I’ve got the balls. I’ve got the whole package.”

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About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage. A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes award-winning contemporary romance, including the Naked Men and Aisle Bound series. 

Christi can always be found either whipping up gourmet meals (for fun, honest!) or with her nose in a book. She lives in Maryland with the best husband in the world.

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Spotlight: Bound By Steel by Connie Lafortune

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Lyra Harper
I was driving home to spend the holidays with my family.
But I lost control of my vehicle on an icy mountain road.
I slammed into a tree on the edge of Lake Lucerne.
I barely remember writing my name on the frosted windowpane.
The darkness had swallowed me whole.
I spiraled toward oblivion.
When I awoke from the gloom
I found myself in an old log cabin
With the devil’s eyes piercing fiercely into mine.

Ryker Steel
Up until four days ago, my life was tedious and tiresome.
Until, I rescued a dainty girl with golden hair and hazel eyes.
She looks just like the one I’m trying to forget.
Now my life has turned upside down and inside out.
You see, I inadvertently revealed my true identity.
Now, she can never leave.
We will live in hell, until we take our last breaths, together.
Lyra was the one who insisted on playing the game.
But I have a gut feeling, I will be the one to lose…

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About the Author

Connie is a true believer in love conquering all... This being the reason why she loves writing romance novels. She wants to create a story based on strong, believable characters. One's that will make you laugh, cry and feel every emotion under the sun. Connie wants to leave you breathless and begging for more...

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Read an excerpt from Trusting Tanner by Lexi Lawton

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Tanner Collins is the embodiment of perfection—tall, dark, sinfully sexy—and completely out of Juliana Shea’s league. Knowing she’d never survive a repeat of her last disastrous relationship, she parks Tanner firmly in the friend zone. But man, he’s hard to resist.

Juliana is exactly what Tanner wants, and he’s determined to win her over with his kindness and humor… But one night—a night he can’t even remember—threatens to take it all away.

With the flick of a “send” button, their hope for a future together is shattered. But Tanner isn’t the type to give up on what he wants—and he wants Juliana.

Excerpt

The swarm of butterflies from earlier reappeared in her belly, and she took a slow breath. She’d never been on a non-date with a guy she liked as much as she liked Tanner, and she had no idea what was supposed to happen now. A hearty handshake and a good night? A pat on the back and a see ya later?

“When you get lost in your thoughts, your brows furrow.” He tilted his head, studying her intently. “Not a lot, but an adorable little pull right here.” He ran his finger between her eyebrows and down her nose. “Want to tell me what you were thinking about?”

“No.” Absolutely not. No way in hell.

“Hmm.” He pursed his lips thoughtfully. “It’s really a shame this isn’t a date.”

Don’t ask. “Why?” Seriously, what was the point of having a rational inner voice if she was never going to listen to it?

“Because if this were a date, I could give you a kiss good night. And believe me, you want a taste of this.” He swirled his finger around his lips. “But I should warn you, one taste won’t be enough. They’re like potato chips.”

“Did you just compare your lips to potato chips?” She had to have misheard him. But the upward curve of his mouth told her she hadn’t. She laughed. “You really ought to seek some professional help for your lack of self-confidence.”

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About the Author

Born and raised in Central New York, Lexi Lawton is an only child who found companionship in books. When she was old enough to put pen to paper, she began writing her own stories of love, suspense, and heartbreak. She hasn’t stopped since. Represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency, Lexi is actively pursuing her dreams of publication. 

Today, Lexi lives in Michigan with her husband, three kids, three pit bulls, and two cats. When she’s not writing, she enjoys going to the gym, spending time with her family and friends, and obsessively listening to anything by Luke Bryan.

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Read an excerpt from Awaken My Heart by Maria K. Alexander

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Lies have a way of coming back to haunt you—a lesson Ashley O’Neil learns the hard way when she runs into the man she shared a steamy night with over fourteen years ago. Now tangled in a web of deception, she’ll need to right a wrong and chance losing her heart to the very man she deceived. 

An unexpected encounter with the woman he had a one-night stand with has thrown Detective Nick DiFrancesco for a loop. Recently divorced, he’s cautious around women, but one look at Ashley has him considering taking a chance. Until he learns her secret…one that impacts him where it counts most—family.

When Nick’s drug trafficking case goes south, a lead puts him in Ashley’s path. With his family in danger and his heart on the line, he’ll need to fight for justice and risk it all to the woman he’s never forgotten.

Excerpt

She licked her lips. “Is that an order, detective?”

The corner of his mouth lifted. “A request.”

When his gaze slid to her lips, Ashley felt the tingling in the pit of her stomach move lower.

He stepped closer until his shoes brushed the tips of hers. “Twice in two days.”

She could smell the musky male scent of him, sexy and pungent. “What?”

“It’s the second time in two days we’ve run into each other,” Nick said.

“Coincidences,” Ashley said.

“Or a sign you should go out with me.”

Oh, how she wanted to. It would be easy to give in to him, to slide her hands up his firm chest, and lose herself in his embrace. In heels, she was only a few inches shorter, and her mouth was dangerously close to his.

She sucked in a breath. “I told you, I can’t.”

“Can’t or won’t?”

“It’s the same thing.”

“It’s not, and you know it.” He leaned closer, and his warm breath brushed her face. “You can’t tell me you don’t feel what’s happening.”

She lifted her chin and stared at warm brown eyes. “I don’t.”

“Liar.”

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About the Author

A romantic at heart, Maria K. Alexander spent hours as a young girl getting lost in and wishing to be one of the heroines in the stories she read. Books gave her the ability to go to another world where she loved meeting new characters, learning about their problems, and watching them fall in love.

Maria is an award-winning author of contemporary romance. When not writing, Maria loves to read, bake, downhill ski, visit the beach, and watch romantic comedies. Maria lives in New Jersey with her husband and children, and writes in her “spare” time between juggling a full-time job and her kids’ busy schedules.

You can keep in touch with Maria at her Website.

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Spotlight: It's Me Again, Baby by Katie Reus

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She lost him once…

Years ago Samantha made a mistake and lost a chance at something real with Maguire O’Connor. Now that she’s living in Holly again, she knows seeing him is inevitable. But the last thing she ever expected was to take him on as a client.

Now they have a second chance…

Maguire never got over Sam. Thanks to a meddling family member, he mistakenly hires Sam as his real estate agent. With her in his sights again, he’s not letting her go. But someone from her past followed her back to Holly with a sinister intent. Now Maguire will do whatever it takes to protect the woman he intends to claim as his forever.

Excerpt

Copyright © Katie Reus 2017

Outside in the sunshine, a cool spring breeze rolled over them, making the hem of her dress flutter slightly. May was one of her favorite times of the year. Not too hot, not too cold. Perfect. Everything was coming back to life; a time for new beginnings.

Maguire had sunglasses on so it was impossible to read his expression as he stepped up onto the sidewalk. “Sorry I’m a little early.”

“It’s okay,” Ethan said before she could respond. He held out a hand for Maguire. “We’re done here, but I was just telling Sam that I was looking for someone to restore an old Morgan. Your name keeps coming up.”

Maguire gave a neutral smile as he nodded. “My team and I do a good job. If you’re interested in a quote feel free to call the office. Harper will set you up with a consult and we’ll see if we’re a fit.”

Ethan nodded and the two men didn’t bother making small talk, just shook hands.

“I’ll call you in the morning,” Ethan said as he turned back to Sam. “I’m pretty sure I want to put in offers on a couple places. Need to run some numbers tonight.”

“I’ll talk to you tomorrow, then.” She’d ended up gaining Ethan as a client because he’d been unhappy with his last Realtor. Called the guy lazy. And considering Sam’s brief interactions with the man, she couldn’t disagree.

“I got your text, and the address you sent me is closer than the places I found so we can start there if you’d like,” she said to Maguire as Ethan slid into the driver’s seat of his car.

Maguire pushed his sunglasses back on his head, and when she locked gazes with him she felt the full force of those beautiful blue eyes. They seemed electric out in the sunlight, pinning her in place. “You look beautiful today.”

She blinked, taken by surprise at his words—both the bluntness and the sweetness of them. “Thank you. You look pretty good yourself.” Oh, boy. This was not business talk, not even close. What the heck was she doing? She should keep this purely professional. For reasons that eluded her right now.

He gave her a slow, wicked grin, completely erasing the business professional mode of his expression when he’d been talking to Ethan. The transformation had another rush of heat surging through her. It didn’t matter that it was spring and cool outside—her internal temperature skyrocketed to about a thousand degrees.

“Is that how you talk to all of your clients?”

“Only the ones who I’ve seen naked—and you’re the only one, for the record.” She tacked on the last part when she realized how it would have sounded. Apparently she’d decided to throw her professional mode out the window along with her sanity. Right now she was pretty certain she was playing with fire.

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About the Author

Katie Reus is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Darkness series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.

For more information on Katie please visit her website: www.katiereus.com. Also find her on twitter @katiereus or visit her on facebook at: www.facebook.com/katiereusauthor.