Spotlight: False Hope by Meli Raine

False Hope
Meli Raine
(False, #2)
Publication date: December 10th 2018
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

She thinks she’s fooled me. But I’ve known all along.

Almost.

Lily is hiding something, a secret so big, she came out of a year-long coma and her first instinct was to lie.

Who does that? Someone who is afraid. No—not afraid.

Terrified. And it’s my job to take that fear away.

My partner and I have spent countless man-hours hunting down the cold-blooded killer who did this to her. Meanwhile, Lily’s spent her waking hours recovering. Getting stronger. Getting smarter.

Staying beautiful.

Never get involved emotionally. That’s my dictate. Never get attached.

When you realize you’re caught in a triangle, it turns out there is no exit.

Crossing a line is easy. Holding a line takes strength.

Lily’s shooter knows that she’s my weakness.

One I have to get back.

No matter what it takes.

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EXCERPT:

If unicorns had a flavor, it would taste like kissing Lily.

Her essence is still on the tip of my tongue as I watch the layered response Lily has mastered. Observe her as that beautiful mind works to line all the pieces up and execute the subterfuge, living in two selves, one ever vigilant, one struggling to stay quiet.

For months now, I’ve felt it. Sensed it.

Now I can taste it, too. Lies have a flavor.

And God help me, I want more of the deliciousness of Lily.

But those lies come with an aftertaste, a bitter acrimony that has an overriding power.

My own words ring in the air like a gong as I wait: When were you going to tell me you’ve been faking the amnesia, Lily? Before or after I sleep with you?

“Sleep with me?” she squeaks, the words catching me off guard. I assumed she’d deny the lying.

Not talk about my fantasies.

“You want to talk about that?” I choke out, amused and sickened. “You’ve been lying to me for close to a year and all you want to talk about is sleeping with me?”

“You brought it up!”

She’s got me there.

“How about this fake amnesia bullshit, Lily? How about we talk about that before we discuss getting sweet between the sheets?”

She blushes.

I get hard.

This—this is why I should have recused myself from this damned assignment long ago. I knew this day would come. I knew I’d have to call her on the lying.

Worse than that—I knew I wouldn’t be able to help myself.

Author Bio:

Meli Raine writes romantic suspense with hot bikers, intense undercover DEA agents, bad boys turned good, and Special Ops heroes — and the women who love them. Meli rode her first motorcycle when she was five years old, but she played in the ocean long before that. She lives in New England with her family.

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Spotlight: The Duke of Distraction by Darcy Burke

Cover designer: Hang Le

Photographer: Period Images

The Duke of Distraction, an all-new historical standalone from USA Today bestselling author Darcy Burke, is coming February 26th!

After witnessing how love embittered his uncle and broke his father, Felix Havers, Earl of Ware vows never to love. He conceals his emotions behind a wall of wit and charm, and is celebrated as the master of entertainments—parties, picnics, races. When his best friend’s wallflower sister needs to find a husband, he promises to make her the toast of London... without losing his heart.

Miss Sarah Colton has given up on the pursuit of marriage. When her parents learn she intends to open a millinery shop, they give her an ultimatum: choose a husband or they’ll do it for her. She accepts Felix’s help, never imagining their scheme will ignite a mutual attraction neither of them dare indulge. But when tragedy strikes, can they heal each other or will the demons of Felix’s past consume them both?

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About Darcy

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Join her reader club at http://www.darcyburke.com/readerclub. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit.

Connect with Darcy:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans

Twitter: https://twitter.com/darcyburke

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/darcy-burke

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5823441.Darcy_Burke

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/darcyburkewrite/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darcyburkeauthor/

Website: http://www.darcyburke.com

Stay up to date with Darcy by joining her Reader Club today:

http://www.darcyburke.com/join-my-reader-club/

Spotlight: Until the Next Time (Give Me Shelter, #2) by Josie Kerr

Meghan Sullivan doesn’t have time for distractions, especially one like handsome veteran Jason Richards. She needs to concentrate on saving Foley’s Public House, and that means focusing all her energy on preparing for a huge local event that could make or break the struggling pub.

Jason Richards has a long history with Meghan. The two had been friends with benefits until Meghan put an end to things when her father got ill. Now Jason spends his time with his brothers, both blood and military, but wonders what would have happened if he’d gotten his act together earlier.

When outside forces conspire against Meghan, she reluctantly turns to Jason for help. The two vow to keep things professional, but serious chemistry and years of bottled up emotions make it impossible for them to keep their distance. When the actions against Meghan turn personal, Jason will do everything in his power to keep her safe.

 Excerpt

“J-Jason, you asshole,” Meghan stammered against his chest.

She looked up at him, expecting him to be flashing that mischievous, sexy grin of his. Instead, she found him as serious as she’d ever seen him look.

“Jason,” she whispered. “You scared the shit out of me.”

“Sorry, babe.” He wiped a droplet of water off her cheek with his thumb and smoothed her soggy hair back from her face. “I didn’t mean to.” He stepped away from her, his eyes blazing.

“You’re soaking wet, Meghan.” His voice was hushed, intense, and his gaze practically burned her. His eyes swept her from head to toe, pausing where her nipples jutted through her thin T-shirt, which was now transparent.

“That’s what happens when you spray yourself with water.” God, Meghan. You are an idiot.

“You should probably get out of these wet things.” His lip twitched, and his familiar grin appeared.

Meghan snorted. Maybe Jason was the idiot.

What wasn’t idiotic was the way he ran his hands over her body, first on her shoulders and down her arms, then to her waist. He plucked the T-shirt from her waistband, exposing the strip of skin at her waist.

“Do you need some help?” he whispered even as he worked her shirt over her head.

Meghan heard the plop of wet cotton on the floor, but she didn’t take her eyes off him. Her thoughts raced through her head. He’d pulled back yesterday, which was definitely reasonable, although disappointing. But now? Now, he looked like he wanted nothing more than to take her every way imaginable.

And Meghan had a very vivid imagination.

He stepped into her space and pulled her to him, his big hand splayed across her back.

“What about the thing we talked about yesterday?” Meghan was horrified the moment the words came out of her mouth. What the hell was she doing?

He froze, but he didn’t take his hands off of her. In fact, she could feel him fiddling with the clasp of her bra. “I haven’t started working on your project, so I’m not technically your employee yet.”

“Oh. Well.” Meghan swallowed hard. “That’s a totally different situation, then, right?”

“Right.” The clasp sprang open, and Jason’s hands were all over her bare back and then at her shoulders, slipping the straps down her arms. Meghan panicked for a split second. She could think of only two times when Jason saw her completely topless, but by his appreciative look, he approved. Then, in a flash, he had her up in his arms and had carried her over to the empty dry-goods table which was a height where her breasts just happened to be at the perfect level for him to suck one peak into his hot mouth. She groaned as his tongue circled her nipple while he thumbed the other.

He was so good at this. So, so good.

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About Josie Kerr

Josie Kerr is a transplanted West Texan now living on the edge of both metro Atlanta and North Georgia Mountains.

She has an M.Ed. in Secondary English Education, but discovered that she hated high school more the second time than she did the first, so she decided to meld her love of technology with her education background and became an Instructional Designer. When not writing articles about how to fire someone without getting sued or why you should really not apply for jobs using your SexxyStud99@aol.com email address, she writes steamy romance novels that feature grown-up Heroes and Heroines.

You can find Josie on social media at:

Website: http://www.josiekerr.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJosiekerr

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AuthorJosieKerr

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AuthorJosieKerr

Spotlight: Santa Baby by J.C. Valentine

Sunny’s outlook on the holidays isn’t so merry, but when she gets roped into playing Mrs. Claus for the local hospital, she discovers Christmas miracles aren’t just reserved for the children.

Note: This is a standalone short story with plenty of heat to chase away that winter chill, an HEA, and NO cliffhangers! 

Excerpt

Chapter One 

How did I get talked into this? Looking back, I know exactly where things went sideways. I should have skipped that last mimosa.

It started with Roberta’s retirement party. She wasn’t exactly the likable sort—kind of stodgy, rigid. But she was also like everyone’s grandmother, which is why everyone tolerated her. That and she made an amazing pineapple upside-down cake that made everyone look forward to the monthly potluck.

I would miss those cakes, but Roberta was eloping with some Polynesian guy she’d met in one of those outdoor yoga sessions, and apparently, it was love at first downward dog.

So yeah…

Seventy-year-old Roberta found love, and here I am, thirty-four, single as a Pringle, and not a prospect in sight. Hence the drinking. And also why I’m standing here in front of the storage closet while Travis rummages through dusty old boxes to find the Santa outfit I somehow got roped into wearing.

I am severely displeased.

The first thing I did when I arrived at the office this morning while nursing a hangover was tried to get out of it. Travis wouldn’t hear of it. Apparently, every year they get some poor schmuck to agree to dress up and play Santato the kids down at the children’s hospital, and it usually falls to the newest member of the team.

Since I was hired in just after the New Year, that poor, unsuspecting fool happens to be me.

Plus, I’m the only one, supposedly, who doesn’t have out-of-town plans. I’m “it” by default on more than one level.

Lucky me.

“Found it!”

I snap to attention as Travis climbs over boxes on his way over to me, holding a mass of red fabric over his head like a trophy.

I groan, depressed at the thought of having to put that thing on. I can already smell the mothballs. “Just what I need to make it look like I put on an extra fifty pounds instead of ten.” It’s a holiday tradition, eating cookies and fudge and pies. My sweet tooth cannot be denied, so every year I pack on a little extra insulation to get me through the cold winter months.

Travis gives me a flirty smile and wink as he hands over what I now realize is a lot less red than I’d originally thought. “You’ll look anything but fat in this, trust me.”

The way he said that makes me completely distrustful of him. Narrowing my eyes, I reluctantly accept the offering, shaking it out as I say suspiciously, “What is that supposed to me—oh…”

This is not the Santa suit I’d expected. It’s…well… “I think you went to the wrong costume shop, little buddy,” I say sarcastically, because this has to be a joke. “I think you need to go back in there and find the rest of it.”

Travis’s smile is positively wicked now. “That is the rest of it.”

My eyes widen, and I look at it again. “Where did you find this thing, Strippers R Us? I can’t wear this!”

Like the asshole big-brother-type that he is, Travis playfully pokes the end of my nose. “You sure can, hon, and you’ll do it with a smile on your face and merry little laugh, too.” Closing up the closet, he locks it back up and brushes by me. “Make sure you dry-clean that thing before you put it on. It’s been around the block a few times.”

His mockingly jolly laugh makes me want to sprint after him, tackle him to the floor and jab my elbow into his ribs a few times. But as much as we were all family, office violence was just as frowned upon by human resources as workplace romances.

I’d just have to find my revenge another way. Until I did, it looked as though I was cursed to play Mrs. Santa.

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About the Author

J.C. Valentine is the USA Today and International bestselling author of the Night Calls and Wayward Fighters Series and the Forbidden Trilogy. Her vivid imagination and love of words and romance had her penning her own romance stories from an early age, which, despite being poorly edited and written longhand, she forced friends and family members to read. No, she isn’t sorry.

Living in the Northwest, she has three amazing children and far too many pets. Among the many hats she wears, J.C. is an entrepreneur. Having graduated with honors, she holds a Bachelor’s in English and when she isn’t writing, you can find her editing for fellow authors.

Sign up for J.C.’s newsletter and never miss a thing! http://bit.ly/1KxXWWB

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Pinterest • Google+ • Amazon Author Page • Goodreads

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Spotlight: Christmas on a Mission by Hannah R. Conway

Hannah Conway is a military wife, mother of two, middle school teacher, best-selling author, and popular speaker.

Her novels are a deployment experience of their own, threaded with faith, and filled with twists.

Hannah is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and My book Therapy. 

She and her family live in Tennessee.

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Audria Rylatt is the school system’s liaison for homeless students. She strives to make Christmas bright for hundreds, while the season brings only heartache after her fiancé was killed in combat nearly two years ago. So when her family decides to play matchmaker, she is less than thrilled. To make matters worse, they’ve invited a soldier friend of her deceased fiancé to the family cabin for the holiday.

But she’s surprised to find this soldier, Quinton Nolan, standing at the door of heart. Faced with painful memories, the despair Christmas brings her, and the fear to love again, Audria is in desperate need of a Christmas miracle. Or at least some of the hope Christmas seems to offer so many. Can she embrace a new mission? If so, Christmas may stand to deliver a lifetime of magical memories.

  

“Christmas on a Mission” is a delightful story of hope, life, love, and second chances, filled with all the joy and cheer Christmas brings."

~ Universal Amazon Link ~ 
 

Q&A With the Author:

1.  Describe yourself in 50 words or less.

            I’m high energy. A go-getter, a dreamer. Sometimes I bite off more than I can chew, but have learned to ask others for help and trust in their abilities. Definitely optimistic, loyal almost to a fault, and have this irritating need to understand everything, and see things from all aspects.

2. What do you love most in the world?

            My initial response is my family. As I think on it, it’s more like I love being in their presence. When we’re sitting at dinner, or playing a board game. I love watching their faces, their smiles, hearing their voice and listening to them share about their day.

3. What inspired you to become an Author?

            The thrill of creating is compelling, and I felt that tug from a very young age. First grade…so around the age of six or seven. I began drawing and writing, telling and making up stories for fun.

4. What is your favorite Winter / Holiday tradition?

            Our family really enjoys going to our Church’s Christmas Eve Candle Light Service every year. It’s a beautiful experience.

5. What is your trick for getting past writer's block? And what advice do you have for other authors who are struggling to tell their story?

            Writer’s block is no fun, but I find if I sit down and just begin typing what’s on my mind, soon the words start flowing. My advice: sit and write what’s on your mind.

6. Now that we've gotten to know each other, tell me a story. It can be long or short. From your childhood or last week. Funny, sad, or somewhere in between. Just make sure it's yours. What's your story?

            I’ll share a sweet memory.

            I grew up in Kentucky on a handful of acres outside of the quaintest and most charming little town. When our barn wasn’t filled with tobacco, my brother and I transformed it into the most magical of playing places. It became a mansion, a racetrack, arena, jungle, Gotham city, and on some occasions, a theater.

            When the light was just right, streaming rays of sunshine would shine through the barn slats and create a lovely ambiance fit for any theater performer—such as I. My child voice was lovely—or so I thought. The equivalent of any Disney Princess. So I danced and twirled, my bare feet pounding on the dirt floor of the barn. My voice was loud, hands raised, eyes closed, and I would sing until my throat gave out. When my songs had finished, I’d bow to my make-believe crowd and hurry back to the house for supper.

            Now I’m grown and a mother to a singing, twirling, dancing little girl. She captures my attention, and I’m in awe of her innocence, and purity—how she truly is this wonderful creation, and how lucky I am to be her mother.

           

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour 
visit our Part 2 Official Event page
    

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Spotlight: A Season to Dance by Rebecca Heflin

Seasons of Northridge, Book 1

Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Rebecca Heflin Books, LLC

Release Date: December 13, 2018

Olivia James and Zach Ryder were high school sweethearts, but at age eighteen, she left small-town Georgia for the bright lights and satin pointe shoes of Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet. Seventeen years later, Olivia’s come home for her mother’s funeral, nursing an injury that could likely end her meteoric dance career. Being back home stirs up old heartache, and seeing Zach again is not on her to-do list. Her best bet is get in, get out—a week at most. Then she’ll return to Chicago to rehabilitate her injury and salvage her career. But best laid plans often go astray . . .

Zach has never really recovered from Olivia’s departure, even though he always knew she was destined for fame, while he was destined for small-town life. Now Olivia’s back and he’s determined to protect his heart. But when he learns she’s staying in town longer than originally planned, Zach knows they are going to have to face the past to move on. He’s just not prepared for the beautiful woman she’s become or the effect she still has on his heart.

Small towns being what they are, Zach and Olivia are constantly thrown into one another's paths, and it soon becomes apparent they still love each other. Will they give in to their rekindled desire and seize a second chance at happiness?

About the Author

Rebecca Heflin is an award-winning author who has dreamed of writing romantic fiction since she was fifteen and her older sister snuck a copy of Kathleen Woodiwiss' Shanna to her and told her to read it. Rebecca writes women's fiction and contemporary romance. When not passionately pursuing her dream, Rebecca is busy with her day-job at a large state university.

Rebecca is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), Florida Romance Writers, RWA Contemporary Romance, and Florida Writers Association. She and her mountain-climbing husband live at sea level in sunny Florida.

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