Spotlight: Hinder by Kristin Ping

Hinder
Kristin Ping
(Guardian of Monsters #1)
Publication date: May 15th 2018
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Paranormal

Ethan Sutcliff seems like a normal seventeen-year-old—at least that’s what he’s trying to portray. In a secret society run by the Supernaturals, Ethan is what witches call a Bender. Benders are Witches’ Guardians, who are able to control a witches’ ability, bend it, or move it away from harming humans. In Ethan’s case, he is able to bend the Earth element. But at the age of fifteen, he lost all connection to it, and the reasons behind it could only mean one of two things: His Wielder is either dead, or hiding out somewhere.

Alex Burgendorf has been living in her aunt’s locket for the past sixteen years with her mother—a Fire Wielder, and her father—a Water Wielder. For sixteen years, her parents vowed to protect her, and they have, as she is the last Earth wielding witch. However, time is running out. Alex must find her Bender, or the fate of the Supernaturals might be at stake.

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Author Bio:

Kristin resides in South Africa with her husband, two beautiful girls and two bulldogs that tries to eat her house.
She has been writing for the past eight years and her first debut novel, Hinder: A Bender’s novel will be published 2018 by Fire Quill Publishing.

When she isn’t writing, she is spending her time with her family, or trying to teach her two bulldogs to not eat her house. You can find more about Kristin at www.authorkristinping.com

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Read an excerpt from Can't Get Enough by Gena Showalter

New York Times best selling author Gena Showalter returns with a sizzling Original Heartbreakers tale, featuring a rough, tough bad boy brought to his knees by... a kindergarten teacher?  

The king of one-night stands...
To inherit--and destroy--his father’s business at long last, Brock Hudson needs a temporary wife.  The ruthless ex-military heartthrob has always avoided romantic entanglements.  Women are sweet, but vengeance will be sweeter.  Or so he thinks. Only one woman will do, but the vulnerable beauty is more than he bargained for—sexier, wittier, and utterly irresistible.

The queen of the deep freeze…
After an abusive first marriage, Lyndie Scott has sworn off relationships.  But still she longs for a child of her own.  Turns out, the brawler who used to frighten her with only a glance is the answer to her problems.  She agrees to his proposal, with a caveat: spend every night in bed with her, then walk away for good when it’s time to divorce. Even if she’s pregnant.   

A marriage of breathtaking inconvenience... 
As the days pass too quickly and the nights heat up, Brock battles a sense of possession and obsession. Will the former commitment-phobe convince his wife they’re better off together, or will she pack her bags and go?

Excerpt

Ready to slay dragons, Brock faced his fiancée. However, the first words to leave his mouth? “You have the most beautiful eyes.” The absolute, unvarnished truth and much better than Please don’t leave me.

“Thank you,” she muttered. “My mother gave them to me. Um, why are we here, exactly?”

“And your wedding dress,” he said, continuing as if she hadn’t spoken. “My fetish is pleased.”

“You make the fetish sound like a separate entity,” she replied with a half-smile.

There. Now he felt comfortable enough to tackle her issues. “Are you having doubts about marrying me?” Even the thought of rejection sent panic spiraling through him, but sheer grit helped him maintain a neutral expression.

A wild gleam sparked in that golden gaze. “Are you having doubts about marrying me?”

“No. Now tell the truth. Are you having doubts?”

“Yes. No. Maybe? I’m just… I’m freaking out. Why aren’t you? Unless this is you in freak-out mode. Oh, my gosh. Is it? Do you have a fever? How many fingers am I holding up?” She extended her index finger directly in front of his face.

He rolled his eyes. “I’m in my right mind, doctor. You forget, I spent years as an Army Ranger. I’ve faced firing squads.” With his hands on her shoulders, he forced her to peer up at him. “We’re not trying for forever here. Just a month. Think of all the orgasms we’re going to have. Think of the little baby you’ll hold in your arms.” Manipulation? He sucked worse than he’d thought.

She’d thank him later. Maybe.

Everything about her softened, a small smile curving the corners of her rosebud mouth. “Maybe a little boy with pale green eyes, dark hair, and a wicked grin guaranteed to melt the heart of every woman he encounters. You’re right. I can do this.”

Melt the heart of every woman he encountered? That was how Lyndie saw him? Brock’s heart melted. “You can. You’re not alone. I’m right there with you.”

Straight white teeth nibbled on her bottom lip—soon, his teeth would replace them. “You’re right,” she repeated. “This is one thing I don’t have to do on my own.”

Propelled by a cool tide of relief—and urgency—he led her back into the sanctuary before she could change her mind.

“—and that’s how I wrapped Jude around my finger,” Ryanne was saying. When she noticed the return of the bride and groom, she gave Lyndie a thumbs-up and raced back to Dorothea’s side.

A round of applause erupted, and twin pink circles painted Lyndie’s cheeks.

“Pastor,” Brock said with a nod. He met Lyndie’s stare, a bolt of lust hitting him like lightning, stealing his breath all over again. We’re doing this. It’s happening.

“Dearly beloved,” the pastor began a second time. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Brock Hudson and Lyndie Scott.”

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About the Author

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the spellbinding Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, two young adult series--Everlife and the White Rabbit Chronicles--and the highly addictive Original Heartbreakers series.  In addition to being a National Reader's Choice and two time RITA nominee, her romance novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan (Red Hot Read) and Seventeen magazine, she's appeared on Nightline and been mentioned in Orange is the New Black--if you ask her about it, she'll talk for hours…hours!  Her books have been translated in multiple languages.

She’s hard at work on her next novel, a tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who brings him to his knees. You can learn more about Gena, her menagerie of rescue dogs, and all her upcoming books at genashowalter.com or Facebook.com/genashowalterfans

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Read an excerpt from The Charmer's Gambit by Lexi C. Foss

He set his sights on the wrong girl.
Me.

Law school taught me a lot of things, but nothing prepared me to deal with this determined, hotter-than-Hell millionaire. Don’t get me wrong, I’m flattered. But resisting Will Mershano is harder than passing the bar. He’s everything: sexy, confident, intelligent. And he wants me.

When he hires my firm to represent Mershano Vineyards, I’m left with no choice but to work right alongside him—or forfeit my job. There’s only one problem. He doesn’t know about my past or how it stalks me at every turn. All he wants is a little flirtatious fun, but Will’s playing a dangerous game.

And there’s more at stake than just my heart. . .

Excerpt

“Enjoying the view?” he asked, drawing my attention to his full lips. They curled into one of those seductive grins that were becoming impossible to ignore. My tongue thickened in my mouth, rendering speech impossible. All I could do was nod. Let him make of that what he wanted. He clearly knew I found him attractive. No point in denying it.

When he stood and stretched his long arms over his head, my head spun. Oh yeah, definitely had the full package. Those boxer briefs left nothing to the imagination. It took more effort than I thought possible to drag my eyes up to meet his as he strolled over to me on the balcony.

“Did you sleep well?” he asked, voice low and intimate.

My lips parted, but my vocal chords weren’t ready, so I closed my mouth. I had no idea where my dignity went, but surely it would return as soon as he put on some clothes. Maybe. He dragged his fingers through his artfully messy hair and flashed one dimple at me in the process. Those muscles flexed with each move, highlighting his power and well-earned confidence.

“So this is you speechless?” he mused. “Mmm, I think I prefer the feisty Rachel more, but at least I know for future reference.” He took a step into my personal space, allowing the heat of his body to roll over my already too-hot skin. “For the record, I didn’t sleep well at all. Want to know why?”

I found myself nodding without thinking.

He lifted his hand to tuck one of my blonde strands behind my ear and lightly brushed the back of his knuckles down my neck to my collarbone, then back up. “It took considerable effort to stay in my own room last night, more so than usual.” His palm slid to the back of my neck. “And seein’ you look at me like that right now, darlin’, won’t make tonight any easier.”
I shuddered as he brushed his lips against mine in the lightest of caresses. It wasn’t nearly hard enough, or long enough, and did not at all live up to my expectations of how he would kiss me the first time.

“You let me know when you want more,” he whispered, his nose briefly touching mine as he started to pull away. I grabbed his wrist on reflex, and he cocked a brow. “Yes?”

Words were still an issue, so I responded by closing the small gap between us and looping my arms around his neck. He didn’t hesitate. His mouth claimed mine in a kiss so carnal that I felt it down to my toes. This was what I anticipated. All dominance, strength, and passion packed into a powerful meeting of tongues as he vied for control of my mouth. I moaned in response, unable to hold back the need brewing deep inside, and rubbed against him in the most inappropriate of ways.

©2017 Lexi C. Foss, All Rights Reserved

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About the Author

Lexi C. Foss is a writer lost in the IT world. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and their furry children. When not writing, she’s busy crossing items off her travel bucket list. Many of the places she’s visited can be seen in her writing, including the mythical world of Hydria which is based on Hydra in the Greek islands. She’s quirky, consumes way too much coffee, and loves to swim.

Connect: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bookbub

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Spotlight: The Billionaire’s Secret by Mika Lane

The Billionaire’s Secret
Mika Lane
Publication date: December 6th 2017
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

He’s straight as an arrow on the outside. And crooked as sin on the inside.

By day, Varden Gallagher goes to work at One Market Street, where he’s manager of a big, successful hedge fund. He’s powerful, wealthy, and can have any woman he wants. But at night he slides into a secret world. One where wealth and power count for nothing, and all that matters are your desires, and how you control them. Or don’t.

When he sees his business associate’s daughter—fresh out of college reporter Saffi Bartlett —at the secret Club Silk, he decides to have some fun. Little does he know, the joke’s on him, and it looks like his sinful ways won’t be hush-hush for much longer.

After all, isn’t it the straightest arrow that eventually breaks?

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—

EXCERPT:

Why the mask? Well, it wasn’t for style. I could give a crap about looking like I was a refugee from Carnivale. No, it was to disguise my identity. No one, and I mean no one, in the club knew who the hell I was. And I planned to keep it that way. The twelve hours a day I worked my hedge fund firm were not exactly relaxing. But the few hours a night I spent at the most secretive sex club in San Francisco allowed me to be a different person, something I craved the way a man needs air. Here at Club Silk I had no responsibility, no fortune, and no celebrity as San Francisco’s wunderkind financial brain. I didn’t even have a goddamn name. For a few miraculous moments, Varden Gallagher didn’t exist. And it was fucking amazing.

But like the saying went, you gotta keep your dick out of the company inkwell. Of course, Silk wasn’t my company, per se, but it was my home away from home. I wasn’t about to risk any drama with the one person who could keep me away from it. I’d seen her pissed before, and rain down her wrath on some dumb fuck who didn’t mind his place.

Author Bio:

Writing has been a passion of Mika’s since a young age (her first book was "The Day I Ate the Milkyway"), but erotic romance is now what gives purpose to her days and nights. She lives in magical Northern California with her own handsome alpha dude, sometimes known as Mr. Mika Lane, and an evil cat named Bill. A devotee of the intelligent and beautiful, and lover of shiny things, she’s a yogi, hiker, traveler, thinker, observer, and book worm. She has been known to drink cheap champagne and has way too many shoes.

A National Reader's Choice Awards finalist, Mika always deliver a hot, sexy romp, often with imperfect characters, and a promised happily ever after (or at least happy for now).

She LOVES to hear from readers, and can be found at www.mikalane.com, and facebook.com/mikalaneauthor, when she's not dreaming up naughty tales to share.

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Spotlight: The Obsidian Gates by C.R. Richard

The epic tale continues.  A new covenant has been forged in the chaos of war. Its price is nothing less than the Bearer of the Lion Ring's soul.

The rivalry for dominance over the continent of Andara has taken a dark turn. Eternal enemies - the Jalora and the Sarcion - pit their forces against one another in bloody battle. Good weakens, betrayed by the very humans it has sworn to protect. Valdeon, its stronghold on Andara, falls to sword and flame. The fires of its destruction are set alight by barbaric invaders from across the sea. Their brutal hand conquers the land in a night, exiling the Lords of Valdeon - Sacred Guard of the Covenant. Cut off from the center of their power, the Jalora's greatest heroes are helpless to defend their homeland.

Hope still lingers. Seth D'Antoiné, Bearer of the Lion Ring, journeys to the great Obsidian Citadel seeking a magical relic, the Book of Ancients. Its power could hold the key to Andara's defense. He alone can open its pages, sparking the magic into life and restoring the Jalora's waning power. Finding the book won't be easy. Elusive Obsidian Gates - appearing and then vanishing again by their own will - keep the secret of the book's location well hidden.

In the depths of the mountain fortress, he finds treachery and intrigue hiding within its walls. Can Seth open the Book of Ancients before the Sarcion's men find him? Or will the power of Good leave the land forever? Andara's future awaits behind the Obsidian Gates…

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About the Author

A huge lover of horror and dark fantasy stories, 

C. R. Richards enjoys telling tales of intrigue and adventure. Having began writing as a part-time columnist for a small entertainment newspaper, Richards has worn several hats: food critic, entertainment reviewer and cranky editor. She has now published a handful of novels, including Phantom Harvest - book one in The Mutant Casebook Series - which took home the EPIC eBook Award for Fantasy in 2014.  Richards beat out entries from the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and other English speaking countries.  

The youngest of five army brats, Richards was born on a military base in Utah.  She spent much of her childhood in the back of her family’s sky blue station wagon on trips to see her grandmother - who would show her how to spot faeries in the backyard.  “Sometimes she’d put candy in small silk slippers and tell us the pixies had done it,” says Richards. “She’s the one who gave me my love of fantasy creatures.” 

Her most recent literary projects include the horror short story, Lost Man's Parish and the newly-released dark fantasy thriller, Pariah. She is an active member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and Horror Writers Association. 

In November, Richards releases her epic dark fantasy novel The Obsidian Gates, the second installment in the Heart of the Warrior series. Through her storytelling, Richards aims to reach lovers of fantasy who are exploring alternatives to the traditional status quo. Her message is simple: One person can be a catalyst for change.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter: @CR_Richards | Instagram: @authorcrrichards | Goodreads

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Spotlight: Forevermore by Cristiane Serruya

Forevermore
Cristiane Serruya
(Ever More, #2)
Publication date: December 7th 2017
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

A father desperate to save his little girl. A doctor fighting for a cure. And two broken hearts that can only be healed together.Ava Larsen is too busy finishing her pediatric oncology residency to find love… and she knows what it feels like to have a broken heart. She assures herself that kissing the gorgeous alpha stranger the night before was nothing more than a dangerous yet delicious mistake— one she won’t repeat.

Widower billionaire Aleksander Maximilian is one of the most powerful men alive, but he’s helpless to save his daughter Olivia from cancer. Doctors have assured him it would be best to enjoy her last days at home. To make Olivia’s wish to spend her last Christmas on Lake Tahoe come true, he hires the best home care team in the business.

It turns out the head of the team is the breathtaking woman he shared an unexpected kiss which ignited sparks. But this is the worst time for Aleksander to have finally have passionate feelings for someone, not to mention it’s strictly forbidden to Ava to get involved with her patient’s father.

Tragedy brought them together. A miracle might rip them apart.

An emotional gripping love story of hope, redemption, and never giving up, Forevermore is the second book in USA Today bestselling author Cristiane Serruya’s EVER MORE Series. If you enjoy romances by Nora Roberts, Danielle Steel, Sylvia Day, and Maya Banks, then you will cherish this heartwarming, steamy contemporary erotic novel.
Sequel to So Much More, FOREVERMORE stands on its own, but reading in order guarantees a more enjoyable time.

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—

4 reasons why I LOVE to write romances!
Guest post by Cristiane Serruya

Hello and thanks for hosting me. I’m so happy to be here with you and your readers today.
Since 2011, I’ve been immersed in the written word—penning romance novels, to be exact. The process of crafting and getting a work through the publishing machine—especially the indie world—can be a lonely and hard path but when my new imaginary friends walk out of my romances, they’re worth all of grueling pain I submit my wrists and fingers to. Here are four reasons why I have been hooked by love stories.

1. The characters
The men! Handsome or scarred, funny or brooding, overbearing or supportive. Dark-haired, blond, paled skin, tanned and everything in between! Now put them together with blondes, brunettes or red-heads; thin or curved or toned; opinionated and bold or delicate and shy! Oh, my! To make it even better, throw in a couple of kids—I love stories with smart kids! Of course, makes it even funnier if we have a few criminals in the story, too. There, I have a bunch of new friends—and enemies—for me to play with for a while.

2. I get to create stories
Imagine those said characters meeting over a business meeting, as in The Complete TRUST Series; or fighting for a cure for a sick child, as in Forevermore, and the sparks flying over a heated argument or a nice gesture.
And then imagine them doing it. Yeah! And some revengeful ex-partner or dark secret, which threatens their relationship. I decide who loves and hates; who lives and dies! I can totally transform a person I know in a good or a horrible character. I can even take my revenge on the ones I don’t like much and create a whole new ending for a situation gone wrong. It’s freeing!

3. The research
Learning is a passion of mine. In order to create believable characters, research is necessary. For example, Tavish Uilleam MacCraig, the lead male character of Love Painted in Red, who appeared on my first release Entwined Fates, TRUST Series #1 and was supposed to be a secondary character, grew so much as a character during TRUST Series that he demanded his story to be told. As it unfolded, and from it I have already Damaged Love, which features Tavish’s best friend, Lord Richard Smith, and after comes the story of Richard’s older brother, Lord Hugh Smith.
All the three of them are veterans of war—I am always in awe of those men and women who sacrifice themselves to make this world safer.
We don’t have a strong military here in Brazil and I wanted them to be believable veteran dealing with PTSD, living with disabilities, having invisible scars, for the readers to feel their pains. So I interviewed many veterans online. It was an enlightening and heartbreaking experience and it helped me make Tavish and Richard come out beautifully—or so I like to think—with their physical and psychological scars and yet full of life strength and vigor.

4. The happily ever after
With all the horrible things happening in the world, unnecessary killings, religious and racial strife, it’s great to be able to escape to a world where my characters have survived bad things and are still able to find a fulfilling and healing relationship with a happy ending—and don’t forget the steamy sex I got to create. But sometimes, I get out of a story emotionally tired; so tired, I need a break.
It was exactly the case of Forevermore, Olivia, Alek, and Ava’s heart-wrenching and heart-warming story that I needed a break before I jump into the skin of Benedict, who is blind, and Natalya, from Evermore. Ah, what did I do during my break? I wrote a light, funny and suspenseful romance. So, pre-order already Royal Love, Last Royals Series #1.

Last, I want to share some good news. Almost all my books are on KindleUnlimited, so visit Cristiane Serruya’s Amazon Page and read them for free!
I love to connect with readers, so feel free to stalk me online: Facebook Author Page, Twitter, Instagram, Instagram. And follow me on BookBub, Amazon, and Goodreads.
Those who want to receive my very, very sporadic emails about new releases and promotions can sign-up here: Cristiane Serruya Website and win a free romance, free cookbooks, and so much more!
Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts here and helping me promote my work.
Love,
Cris, author

Author Bio:

USA TODAY and AMAZON best-selling romance author, Cristiane Serruya lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with her six-foot-six husband, two teenage daughters, and Loki, her Shetland sheepdog. Cris is a writer, a lawyer, a reader; a woman, a mother, and a wife. Not necessarily in this order. Or in any order…

She has a Master's in Business Law and a BA in Fine Arts. In 2012, after twenty-two years of practicing law, Cris decided to give writing a go. And--amazingly--it was just the piece that was missing in the puzzle of her life.

She loves to hear from readers so fell free to stalk her online and visit www.crisserruya.com to win a freebie left there only for you.

Those who want to receive Cris's very sporadic emails about new releases, giveaways, and promotions can sign-up on http://bit.ly/CS-VIPlist

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