Spotlight: Locked-Down Heart by Tarina Deaton

Today we have the blog tour for LOCKED DOWN HEART by Tarina Deaton! Check it out and you’re your copy today!!

Denise Reynolds’s tightly controlled life is thrown off kilter when she’s given custody of her young cousins. There are days she has a hard enough time getting herself out of bed, never mind two precocious kids.

If that wasn’t enough, Chris Nolton comes strolling back into town as suddenly as he left it. She’d broken her own rules and given him a chance once before, only to have him ghost on her. But he’s not there for her this time. No, he’s leading the FBI Task Force intent on capturing the kids’ biological father. A man who was sent to prison for manslaughter. A man who was released five years too early. A man who wants his kids back.

The past has a way of repeating itself and once again, Denise finds herself defending the innocent against the evil of world. One wrong decision, one second guess, could have devastating consequences. To protect the most important people in her life, she’ll need to trust the one man with the power to break her.

Excerpt

Chris reclined the driver’s seat back a few more inches. He’d been sitting in his truck for almost three hours. Bree’s car had been in the drive when he arrived, so he’d parked a few houses down to avoid her spotting his truck. Denise had walked her to the door thirty minutes ago and a few lights had gone off.

Glancing down at this phone, he dimmed the brightness and opened his ebook app. Rereading Pet Sematary would keep him awake, even if it made him damn glad he didn’t own a cat.

The phone rang, Denise’s name appearing on the screen. “Hey.”

“Hey.” She didn’t say anything else.

“Everything okay?” He looked up the street toward her house.

“I’m not sure.”

He sat up straight and scanned around the house for anything unusual. “What do you mean?”

“I think I should call the cops.”

He couldn’t see anything from where he was parked. Was something going on at the back of the house? He thumbed the control to raise the back of his seat. “What’s going on?”

“I think there’s a creeper parked down the street.”

He paused with his hand on the ignition button. “A what?”

“You know…a creeper. Stalker. Weirdo.”

He relaxed back into his seat. “Why does it have to be a weirdo?” Guaranteed she’d spotted him and was fucking with him.

“Well, he keeps shifting around in his seat like he’s rubbing one out.”

“I’m—” A knock on the passenger side window interrupted him. Sighing, he ended the call and unlocked the doors.

Denise climbed inside and pulled the door shut. “Whatcha doin’?”

“Not rubbing one out.”

“So I can see.” She glanced down at his lap.

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About the Author

Tarina has spent her entire life in and around the military - first as a dependent and then as an enlisted Air Force member.

In 2015, a friend challenged her to complete NaNoWriMo. She dusted off one of the many stories she'd started over the years, threw it in the trash, and started all over.

Her debut novel, Stitched Up Heart, released in September 2016. The military gives her plenty of material to work with and she strives to create characters who authentically represent all facets of the military life - the good and the not so great.

Tarina is still active duty and a single mom of five-year-old twins. Her favorite hobby is sleep. She has delusions of retiring from the military and being a stay-at-home mom.

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Spotlight: Flowers in Winter by Mary J. Williams

A HART OF ROCK AND ROLL HOLIDAY ROMANCE

Tula Carson knows what her future holds. A good life. A secure life. Safe. Steady. Boring.
She has no one to blame but herself. She chose the path she's on. But, she wants something more. Something different. Now. Before it's too late.

Fleet Sherman is a Rock God. And he isn't afraid to enjoy the perks. Money. Fame. Beautiful women. As far as he's concerned, his life is perfect. Until he meets smart, funny, talented, frustrating Tula Carson. The one woman he can't resist. The only woman he can't have.

On the surface, Tula and Fleet seem worlds apart. She grew up loved. He just wants to forget his childhood. She's led a sheltered life. He's experienced everything life had to offer. Yet, from their first meeting, they clicked.

Tula has a chance to fulfill her dreams. But the first step is always the hardest. Will she jump, or play it safe?

Fleet doesn't believe he deserves a woman as good and sweet as Tula. For her sake, he has to let her go.

A love of music brought them together. Will their pasts tear them apart? Do they need a Christmas miracle? Or will they realize love is the greatest gift of all.

Grab this standalone book today.

Excerpt

Tula's heartbeat stuttered. Before she raced ahead, she had to make certain they were headed down the same road.

"You said you wanted me too much. What does too much mean?"

"I don't want to hurt you. I sure as hell know I'm not good enough for you. I don't take what isn't freely offered. But make no mistake, I'm no saint. If you want me? Say. The. Words."

The Irish in Fleet's voice whispered across Tula's skin like a warm summer's breeze. He left the rest up to her. If she wanted the heated promise in his eyes, she had to be the one to jump.

Tula had come so far. She'd be a fool to turn back now. She didn't hesitate. She said the words.

"I want you, Fleet Sherman." Confident and a bit cocky, Tula tipped her head to one side. "Now, what are you going to do about it?"

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About the Author

I love books, I always have and always will. Writing is an extension of that and though it has taken me a while to get here, I now can officially call myself a published author.

I grew up on a ranch in Eastern Washington, so I wanted to set my books on the Columbia River in Washington state. Harper Falls is completely fictitious, but I think anyone from the area will know right where it would be if it did exist.

My hobbies are gardening, reading, baking(fattening desserts are my favorite), exercise(I don't love it, but it is necessary due to the desserts), and animals. I had a dog but when he died I couldn't bring myself to replace him. That is why I wrote Edgar, the dog into "If I Loved You", I consider him my surrogate puppy until I can get a real one.

I love to get feedback on my books so I hope everyone will feel free to leave a question or visit my website(it is a work in progress, but I'm getting there).

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Spotlight: Baby Me by Lacey Silks

Baby Me
Lacey Silks
Publication date: November 28th 2017
Genres: Adult, Romance

Falling in love with Cameron Madden was the easy part.
Keeping that love… well, that’s been a challenge.

See, everything was taken away from me. My faith has been tested. I’ve grieved, I’ve cried, and I’ve screamed in anger. Cameron was the only one by my side, and now that I’ve healed, it’s time for me to give him all that love back.

But in spite of Cameron’s love, the past still haunts me.
It gives me nightmares.
It sends fear coursing through my veins.
When the time comes to face that fear, I’ll have to do it alone.
And if I don’t succeed, I’ll lose everything all over again.

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—

EXCERPT:

By the time we came up, the tub was full. Kate lit a few more candles and double-checked the lock on the bathroom window just as a stray twig snapped against the glass from outside. She jumped back with a fearful gasp.

“I’m going to chop that birch tree first thing in the morning,” I said.

“That scared the shit out of me.”

“I should have cut it down last year, but my father got sick, and plans changed.”

She walked over to the side of the tub. She tugged at the button on her jeans, and my gaze dropped to her fingers. I followed the downward path as she unfastened her zipper.

“You mean the ones after I blew up the Mafia’s warehouse and you were blamed?”

“What?” She brought my attention temporarily back to her eyes because now that she was shimmying her ass out of her jeans, wiggling that behind like a pro and slowly exposing her thighs, I couldn’t help but look down again. Her checkered shirt draped over her legs. My mouth watered and my dick hardened.

She waved her hand. “Never mind.” Her voice was sultry and full of lust.

“Sorry. I didn’t hear you.”

How did she expect me to give her a coherent answer when she was now in the middle of removing her bra from underneath the button-up shirt? One hand snaked inside her sleeve, caught the strap, and pulled it through; then she repeated the motion with the other strap until she could remove the bra through her collar.

That was the sexiest thing I’d ever seen in my life. Two naturally standing breasts curved underneath the shirt, and I wondered whether I could get any harder. As she stood there with nothing on but that shirt, I couldn’t believe how lucky I was. One day, once she healed and was ready, it would be my honor to give her the child and family she’d always wanted.

“It’s just that you’re making it a little difficult to concentrate. The past follows us, Kate, and we can’t escape it; but I can assure you that the only part of my past I love, is you.”

She bit her lip and then licked it.

“Kate, what are you doing?”

“I thought my intentions were clear when I took my pants off, but I guess they weren’t clear enough,” she teased, and hooked her fingers into her panties. She removed them in slow motion, and when they were at her ankles, flicked them away with the tip of her toe. They flew onto the counter by the sink, but Kate lost her balance and I caught her just before she fell back into the tub full of suds.

“Got ya.” I held her in my arms. One of her free breasts pressed against my chest and the other one against my arm, and I was sure I didn’t have enough patience to control the situation much longer. “And what may your intentions be?”

“To take a bubble bath?”

“You don’t seem to be sure about that.”

“Shut up and kiss me.”

I lowered my mouth to hers at the request. She was soft and tasted like the best fucking thing that had ever touched my lips. I cupped her face between my hands and pressed harder against her, savoring all the tiny noises and pleas that came out of her mouth. She not only tasted delicious but also smelled like a fond memory. It did something crazy in my head, something I couldn’t understand. I swept my tongue against hers, back and forth, all the while feeling my dick grow in my pants. The confinement of my clothes was becoming more uncomfortable by the minute. I clasped my lips around her upper one, sucking on it.

Author Bio:

*** USA Today Bestselling Author ***
Lacey is an Author of Erotic Romance. Her stories come from her life, dreams and fantasies. She's a happily married wife with two kids. Lacey likes to make her readers blush and experience the story as if they were the characters. Drawing on the reader's most sensitive emotions through realistic stories satisfies her more than... ...ok not really, but you get the point;) She likes a pinkish shade on a woman's cheeks, men with large feet and sexy lingerie-especially when it's torn off the body. Her favorite piece of clothing is a birthday suit.

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Spotlight: Always You by Denise Grover Swank

First love is better the second time around.
 
Matt Osborn had no idea coaching his five-year-old nephew's soccer team would get him so much attention from the mothers-attention he doesn't want now that he's given up on love and having a family of his own. Yep, Matt's the last of his bachelor buddies, and plans on staying that way. That is, until he finds himself face-to-face with the woman who broke his heart.
 
Single mom Anna paused her life in England to help her father recover from an illness. She can't afford complications, and too-hot-for-his-own-good Matt Osborn-her almost former fiancé-is definitely a complication. He's a reminder of what might have been-or should have been. That irresistible pull between them isn't over. Not even close. But if she's not careful, she'll break both their hearts . . . again.

Excerpt

What would make her happy was standing right in front of her, and she was struggling to remember why this was a bad idea. “I have an appointment at one,” she said. “Another assisted living center tour. With the friend you recommended.”

“We can work around it.”

She should turn him down. She knew she should, so why was she saying, “Okay.”

He smiled, looking more like good-natured Coach Matt and not Alpha Male Matt, the man she’d gotten to know well in her bed twelve years ago.

Damned if she didn’t want Alpha Matt.

He was less than two feet from her, watching her with an intensity that suggested he knew he was making her squirm and loving every minute of it.

“Great,” Matt said, as though he hadn’t made the air temperature rise twenty degrees just from the timbre of his voice. “If you want, Toby can stay with us when you go to your appointment, and then we’ll all go after you’re done.”

“Yeah.” It was a great plan, but standing this close to him made her nervous. She didn’t trust herself to walk out the door without doing something foolish, like kiss him, because right now that seemed like a real possibility. “I should go.” She took a step back and lost her footing.

Matt reached for her, snaking an arm around her back and pulling her upright against him.

Anna sucked in a breath at the contact. Her hands rested on his chest, and she realized it was just as solid as she’d remembered. Shivers ran up her arms and she found herself molding her body to his.

His hand stayed in place on her back, pulling her even closer.

She knew she should back away, but she wanted this, wanted him, and that was dangerous. She was a mother now. Her son had to come first.

“I can’t stay, Matt,” she said again, feeling like a broken record, but she had to make sure he didn’t feel deceived by her again. He deserved full honesty. “I have to think about Toby. I can’t hurt him.”

He looked surprised. “Anna, I would never willingly hurt Toby.”

“But this…us…if we do this…” Did she confess her son’s deepest desire for a father to love him and her worry that this would only confuse him? Was it her secret to tell? “I have to think about Toby. And Ethan.”

“We’re not going to hurt them, Anna.”

“We might. If we get too close.” I might get hurt if we get too close.

Too late for that…

He kept his hand on her back, and lifted the other to the side of her neck. He didn’t answer, at least not with words. He lowered his face, his lips gently brushing hers.

Her breath caught. His touch was like a jolt of electricity to her heart, bringing her back to life.

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About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states and ten houses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English and smattering of Spanish and Chinese, which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period. Her hobbies include witty (in her own mind) Facebook comments and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.) Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to perform many unspeakable tasks. She has six children and hasn't lost her sanity. Or so she leads you to believe
 
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Read an excerpt from Second Chances by Kimberley O’Malley

Dr. Charlotte Avery is the newest resident of Windsor Falls, North Carolina. Just back from the war-ravaged plains of Africa, Charlie only wants to settle into her new life and to reconnect with Elizabeth Fitzgerald, her best friend from residency. What she doesn’t expect, or need, is the instant attraction she feels for Elizabeth’s brother-in-law, Brendan. A single dad, Brendan Fitzgerald isn’t interested in anything that will further complicate his life. Will they be open to a second chance?

Excerpt

Charlie locked the door and came down the driveway. She carried a duffel bag over one shoulder. “Where do you want this?”

He pulled his head out of his ass and got out of the truck. He walked towards her, reaching for the bag. “I’m sorry. I would have gotten that. Where’s the rest of your stuff?”

She grinned at him. “For two days?” She handed the bag to him. “This is it.”

His grin answered hers. “I might be falling in love with you.”

Both stood in the driveway, less than five feet apart, staring at each other. Brendan swore he could hear her heart thudding. Or maybe his. What was wrong with him? First thoughts of her living in his home. Then this. At least the thoughts had been just that. Thoughts. He stared at his sneakers, unsure what to say, or not, next. “Uh, what I meant was…”

“Should I pick a date?”

“What?” If it was possible for him to swallow his own tongue, he would have. Then he heard her laugh. At him.

“If you could see your face!” Laughter bubbled up from her.

Brendan stood there, annoyed with himself. “When you’re through, we can go.” Great! Now he sounded like a pouting teen. “I meant to say, we have a long drive. We should go.”

She stretched up and kissed him. He felt it to his toes. “I’m sorry, Brendan, but I couldn’t resist. Of course, you don’t love me yet. You don’t even know my favorite flavor of ice cream.” Leaving him scratching his head at that one, Charlie walked around his truck and got in.

Brendan did the same. “Mine’s mint chocolate chip. In case you were wondering. And what does favorite ice cream flavor have to do with anything?”

She buckled her seat belt, grinning at him. He backed out of the driveway. “That’s what I call it when you’re getting to know someone. The ‘what’s your favorite flavor of ice cream list.’ You know, like when’s your birthday? What’s your favorite holiday or season? Dogs or cats? Things like that, superficial but fun facts about someone that you don’t know yet.”

They came to a red light. He turned to look at her. “September 15th, Thanksgiving, winter, and definitely dogs.” He grinned.

“I’m more of a December 1st, Memorial Day, summer kind of gal. You get points for dogs though. Dogs rule, as everyone knows.”

“Memorial Day? I had you pegged for more of a Christmas or Valentine’s Day kind of girl.” The light changed, and he continued on.

She stuck her tongue out at him, making him wish he wasn’t driving. “Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer, my favorite season. It became very important to me when I lived in Chicago. By Memorial Day, I knew I wouldn’t be cold again for a while.  I hate being cold.”

“Noted.”

“And Valentine’s Day is a Hallmark holiday. I want flowers because it’s Tuesday and someone thought of me. Not because it’s a national holiday and there’s a marketing campaign. Of course, I do love Christmas. Who doesn’t? From the day after Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day. I love the decorations, especially the over the top, ridiculous ones. The ones my parents looked down on. And gifts are fun of course. But more than anything, I love the way people are a little bit nicer to each other.”

Brendan couldn’t stop the grin if he tried. Charlie was unique. “It’s a shame you’re so shy about expressing your opinions,” he quipped, tongue planted in cheek.

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About the Author

Kimberley O’Malley is a recent transplant to Charlotte, North Carolina from the frozen North. She is learning to say y’all but draws the line at sweet tea. Sarcasm is an art form in her world. When not writing, she is a full-time nurse and part-time soccer Mom, but not necessarily in that order. She shares her life with an amazing husband of more than twenty years, two teenagers, and one very sweet Shetland Sheepdog, Molly.

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Spotlight: Of Bells and Thorns (The Rose Master #2) by Valentina Cano

Readers fell in love with Anne Tinning, a maid in 19th century London, and Lord Grey, the master of a haunted manor. THE ROSE MASTER sequel continues their journey in another hauntingly beautiful tale.

Rosewood Manor has been ashes for weeks. 

Left with no post and no home, Anne Tinning never expected to find herself in a luxurious carriage, dressed in the finest of clothes, pretending to be the wife of Lord August Grey. The search for Miss Bellingham, however, will require them to blend into the very height of London society, a class Anne has only ever served, and which August despises. But August insists that the ruse is the only way. For although they’ve vanquished the wraith that called for August’s life, they will never be safe unless they find a way to stop the woman he scorned.

There are traces of Lily Bellingham the length and breadth of London, but when Anne and August investigate the gruesome disappearances in a factory she has just purchased, they realize that Lily is more powerful than either of them. And she has devised a new way to take her revenge.

With another curse placed upon August’s head, Anne must find a way to defeat Lily, and this time, she will have no help from the young man she has grown to love. This time, the curse is more insidious, twisting him into someone unrecognizable. 

This time, August Grey is the one she must fear.

Lush, lyrical, and layered in horror-filled suspense, Of Bells and Thorns evokes the feel of classic Gothic literature, blending the magic of a beautiful fairy tale against the rich backdrop of history.

About the Author

Valentina Cano is a student of classical singing who spends whatever free time she has either reading or writing. She also watches over a veritable army of pets. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and her poetry has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and Best Of the Web.

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