Awakening

EleneSallinger

This is the story of Claire Ryan and Evan Lang. 35-year-old Claire joins a local book club for romance readers in order to get over the breakdown of her 10-year relationship, there she meets book shop owner Evan, a dominant man who has never recovered from the sudden death of his submissive wife.

As their relationship develops and they embark on the path of Claire’s submission, it becomes harder and harder for Evan to keep his emotional distance. Claire is open and responsive and he wants her badly, but refuses to let himself go.

As Claire falls deeper in love with Evan, she realizes that he is holding back and decides to end their relationship, forcing Evan to confront his own past and his feelings in order to save his new love.

Winner of the New Writing Competition at the Festival of Romance 2011

About the Author:

Hailing from Washington, DC, EleneSallinger first caught the writing bug in 2004 after writing and illustrating several stories for her then four-year-old daughter. Her writing career has encompassed two award-winning childrens stories, a stint as a consumer-education advocate, as well as writing her debut novel, Awakening – a novel of erotic fiction that won the New Writing Competition at the Festival of Romance 2011.

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Excerpt:

‘I feel safe here.’ She waved a hand around to encompass the bookstore. ‘You make me feel safe. Despite your attitude, I don’t believe you would hurt me.’ Claire flushed such a sweet shade of pink as she spoke, her hazel gaze roaming the store as she looked everywhere but at him.

Safe. She thought she was safe with him. That he wouldn’t hurt her. Evan sat in stunned silence for the briefest moment before a red tide of fury suffused his body. Fury at Marianne for dying and leaving him alone when she had been the centre of his life. Fury at Claire for tempting him and reviving desires that he’d believed were dead and buried with his love. Fury at himself for being so damned foolish and afraid in the face of his temptation. In that moment, he knew himself for a coward and he snapped.

‘Safe. You think you’re safe with me?’ he all but sneered at her. ‘You know nothing.’ He spit the words at Claire as he leant, forward his hands clenched into fists on his knees. She shrank away from him, pushing so far back into the leather club chair her feet no longer touched the floor. Her eyes were wide with shock and the beginnings of fear. Shame crawled over his skin and he reached for self-control, only to lose it all over again when her small, white teeth bit into her trembling lower lip.

‘Damn you!’ He slammed a fist down on the arm of his chair, causing her to jump at the violence of his action. ‘You are anything but safe with me. Every time you walk through that door all I can think about is bending you over my lap and spanking that pretty little ass until it is shiny, red, and stinging. Then fucking you from behind so that the sting feeds the orgasm I give you. I fantasise about binding you and whipping those sweet little tits, your pussy, and your ass. Marking you everywhere so that each time you look in the mirror you remember me and how I put them there, and then beg me to put more on you when they heal. I want to drench you in my come, fuck you in every goddamn hole, and make you scream until you can’t speak.’

As the words died on his lips, he dragged in a breath and took Claire in, really saw her now that the apex of his anger had passed somewhat. She was glassy-eyed and panting. The knuckles of her slim, elegant fingers were white and she gripped the arms of her chair as if her life depended on it. She looked like she was having a panic attack.

Fear and shame overrode his anger and he lurched forward, coming around and sitting on the table before her. He took her face between his palms. She was so tiny, his hands seems to swallow her up.

‘Claire.’ He spoke softly, soothingly, as he rubbed his thumb over her cheeks. ‘Claire, please. Look at me.’

She turned just a fraction, closing her eyes and refusing to look at him. Her motion brought his thumb to rest on her lower lip. Quickly, so quickly he almost missed it, she licked his thumb. It was the barest touch, but the sight of her pink tongue against his skin was more than he could take. What control remained to him was lost.

‘Damn you,’ he repeated, but this time it was the hoarse whisper of a drowning man. ‘Suck it,’ he demanded as he thrust his thumb between her full, rosy lips. She obeyed instantly, enveloping the digit in wet, velvet heat. A shudder coursed through him at the silken feel of her mouth on his skin. She sucked gently in slow draws that he felt all the way to his cock, which surged violently to life.

With his other hand he untied the bow that held the halter of her dress together and yanked the barrier from her body so that it pooled at her waist in a lake of red silk. She faltered briefly, but continued to suck on his thumb as he squeezed her breast, massaging and shaping it in his large palm. She was small, tiny even; the entire globe barely filled his palm, but his mouth watered to taste her. He pulled his thumb from her mouth and trailed damp circles around each nipple before leaning down to suck the puckered tips into his mouth. He sucked hard, eliciting a cry of pained pleasure from her as she arched into his mouth.

He squeezed and pulled, sucked and bit at her nipples furiously, his mind blank except for the driving urge to mark her, claim her. Only when they were red and swollen, jutting out from the cream of her skin, did he leave her breasts. But he was far from done with her. He yanked her hips forward and roughly pushed the skirt of her dress up to her hips. She wore a brief, black silk thong which disappeared in a savage yank as he tore it from her. The fragile elastic snapped as easily as if it were an errant thread. He dropped the offending silk to the floor and threw her legs over the arms of the chair so that she was spread and open to him.

He didn’t stop to appreciate the sight she made, though the memory would haunt him later. Her eyes were half-closed and glazed with desire. Her rosy lips were parted and damp from her tongue. Her small, tight breasts were swollen and tipped with hard, berry-red pebbles from his earlier feasting. The scarlet silk pooled at her waist, framing and showcasing her plump hips and drenched pussy. The damp curls were trimmed close, just a shade darker than the honeyed brown of her tousled hair. No, in that moment, he only took in the sandpaper dryness of his throat and the need to taste her.

Title:

Author: Debra Kayn

Publisher: Crimson Romance

Buy Link: Buy Breathing His Air Here!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Rachell

Blurb:

She is love advice in a coffee shack, he’s protection in a biker bar. When her past meets his present, it’s a killer cocktail that might get them shot, stabbed, or otherwise dead.

Tori Baldwin spends all her time traveling the states, running a mobile coffee shack, and handing out love advice with every cup. She’s staked her rig in the parking lot of Cactus Cove – a local biker bar by all appearances – and plans to stay put for three months. Just long enough to make some money, without making any friends, before she moves to her next destination as she tries to stay ahead of a painful past.

Rain Brookshire is the leader of the Bantorus motorcycle club, and owner of the Cactus Cove in the small town of Pitnam, Washington. He wants the Lagsturns, a rival-bad-news motorcycle club, to leave town before they infect his town with trouble.

With bullets flying and the Lagsturns putting on the pressure, the only way to keep Tori safe – since she refuses to leave town – is for Rain to claim her as his woman. She has no idea that Rain’s played his hand for all to see in the biker world. It doesn’t help that Tori exhibits the three ideal classifications of his ideal woman – Classy, Sexy, and a total Goof – and he can’t help but posture and lay down the law. But, when it appears Tori’s life is in danger, and the Lagsturns are innocent, he isn’t going to let the law stop him from keeping his woman safe.

Sensuality Level: Sensual

Review:

I really liked this story, it was funny, romantic and exiting. I liked the fact that the biker life was brought to a new perspective the focus lay on the bond between them and them protecting their own.Though I do think the picture presented was also a bit romanticized, but hey it is a romance novel.

Meeting Tori was a real delight, the free spirited, goofy woman who was travelling alone gypsy style got to me. She was running from her past and the thoughts that were stamped into her head by her father. Due to that she made sure she never got attached to anyone. But that all changed when she parked her coffee shack in front of Rain’s bar.

I loved to read how she managed to get under the skin of the though biker. Rain although amused by Tori, originally didn’t want her around. He was certain she was trouble, and she was but as time passed he became accustomed to having her around. Tori got to him, with her spunk, her goofiness and cookie dough, yes even the tough Rain wasn’t immune to the power of cookie dough. Eventually he claimed her as his woman and he didn’t let her forget it either.

Rain saw beneath her goofiness and saw the woman underneath that needed protection. And protection is what she got. Whether she wanted it or not. But Tori wouldn’t be Tori if she didn’t fight him every step of the way.

I really enjoyed reading “Breathing His Air” the only little thing I missed was dinner with Derek and his wife. Would have loved to read how Tori would have put her in her place.

HIGHLANDER’S HOPE

By

Collette Cameron

BLURB:  

Not a day has gone by that Ewan McTavish, the Viscount Sethwick, hasn’t dreamed of the beauty he danced with two years ago. He’s determined to win her heart and make her his own. Heiress, Yvette Stapleton, is certain of one thing; marriage is risky and, therefore, to be avoided. At first, she doesn’t recognize the dangerously handsome man who rescues her from assailants on London’s docks, but Lord Sethwick’s passionate kisses soon have her reconsidering her cynical views on matrimony. On a mission to stop a War Office traitor, Ewan draws Yvette into deadly international intrigue. To protect her, he exploits Scottish law, declaring her his lawful wife—without benefit of a ceremony. Yvette is furious upon discovering the irregular marriage is legally binding, though she never said, “I do.” Will Ewan’s manipulation cost him her newfound love?

Giveaway Details:  Collette will be awarding a gift basket that includes a 20.00 Amazon gift card, Cadbury Chocolates, Vintage-looking cameo pendant, Highlander’s Hope bookmark, blue rose china teacup and demi-spoon, blue rose soaps, notepad–all assembled in an attractive vintage decor box.to a randomly drawn commenter during the tours.

EXCERPT:

Highlander’s Hope Excerpt – Carriage Scene

Peeking at him from beneath her lashes, she reached up to straighten her bonnet. It hung askew off the side of her head, like a giant drooping peony. She shoved it back into place but the moment she removed her hand, it flopped over once more.

The stranger’s unrestrained laughter filled the carriage.

“Oh, bother it all.” Yvette’s patience with both her rescuer and the silly bonnet were at an end. She had no choice but to remove the dratted thing to reaffix it. Several strands of hair tumbled to her shoulders when she removed the cap from her head. Suppressing a shriek of annoyance, she placed the hat beside her. She then set about securing the wayward curls. Pinning the last strand in place, her eyes met those of her companion.

Momentarily forgetting her unanswered questions, she stilled, as did the world around her. The air hung suspended in her lungs. Her eyes widened in disbelief, her stunned gaze riveted on his face. “You exist?” Her voice was husky with awe.

Raising an ebony eyebrow, a flicker of humor softened the nobleman’s features. “So it would appear.”

A voice, deep and dark, caressed Yvette’s heightened senses. She stared. Her gaze roved across his handsome features returning, as if compelled by some unseen force, to his eyes.

Those eyes. Fringed by thick lashes, the mesmerizing turquoise pools gazing back at her sent her senses reeling in recognition. Her mouth dropped open. No, it couldn’t be. “Am I dreaming?” Giving a quick shake of her head, she lowered her eyelids for a moment. Lud, but she was befuddled. “Who are you?

Giveaway:  Collette will be awarding a gift basket that include a gift card, blue rose tea cup, blue rose soap, vintage looking cameo pendant, shortbread, tea, and other goodies to a randomly drawn commenter during the tours. http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/02/virtual-book-tour-highlanders-hope-by.html

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

A life-long Oregonian, Collette Cameron was born and raised in a small town along the northern Oregon coast. Today she makes her home in a rural community, 30 minutes west of Portland. Her Victorian farmhouse sits on a one-acre certified wildlife habit, interspersed with a plethora of gardens: English, rose, butterfly, rock, water, and of course, vegetable.

A voracious reader of romance since her teens, she even named her daughter after a heroine in her favorite romance novel. An enthusiast of times gone by, and anything related to romance, she writes Historical Romance, with a dash of inspiration, a pinch of humor, and a liberal portion of suspense.

Having dabbled in interior decorating in her youth, Collette returned to school, graduating summa cum laude from Oregon State University, and going on to obtain her Master’s Degree in Teaching. She is member of Romance Writers of America, Rose City Romance Writers, The Beau Monde, and Love Faith and Hope, Inc.

Some of Collette’s favorite things include unique blends of coffees and teas, trivia, Cadbury Milk Chocolate, inspirational quotes, and scented candles. Her Christian faith, husband, three adult children, and five miniature dachshunds round out her life quite nicely! When she’s not teaching or writing, she enjoys amateur photography, bird watching, gardening, interior decorating, rock-hunting, boating or fishing on the Columbia River, and reading.

LINKS:

Book URL: http://smpauthors.wordpress.com/meet-collette-cameron/highlanders-hope-by-collette-cameron/

This is not a “buy” link.

My Links:

Website: http://collettecameron.com/

Blog: http://blueroseromance.com/

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/collettecameronauthor

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/collette.cameron.5

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Collette_Author

Google+: https://plus.google.com/110459897284342875390#110459897284342875390/posts

Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/collette-cameron/60/17a/667

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/colletteauthor/

Soul Mate Publishing Author’s Blog: http://smpauthors.wordpress.com/

Title:

Author: Karen Benjamin

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing

Buy Link: Buy Creole Moon Here!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Rachell

Blurb:

Lucas Blackmane has no illusions about himself. He’s Wulfren and on the cusp of turning feral. He may be the most powerful werewolf on two continents, but without a mate, his days are numbered. Hey, but that’s okay. He’s accepted that finding his mate just isn’t in the cards. Which is why he’s totally blindsided when a witchy woman with blood in her eyes and a heavenly scent walks into his casino and turns his world upside down.

Alisha Leveau is Sosye, which is just another way of saying she’s a badass witch with attitude. She doesn’t like the Wulfren, even if her adopted brother is one, and the hairy-ass predators had better hand him over or she’ll give them plenty of reason to howl at the moon.

So how the hell did she end up in Blackmane’s bed?

Review:

The cover and the blurb attracted me to read this one, and I feel like my expectations were met. “Creole Moon” is a steamy, fast paced paranormal read that held me in its grip.

Reading the dialogue between Alisha and Lucas’ was really funny, loved the love/hate relationship that was going on between the two. And how their characters personality clashes as they both wanted to be in control. The search for evidence to prove Alisha’s brother’s innocence added a little adventure to the story, which I appreciated.

I really liked the playful way this book was written; my only ‘complaint’ is that I expected more steamy scenes between Alisha and Lucas. Other than that was I one happy bunny. I’m secretly hoping Vic will get his own story too loved the guy, but only time will tell. Nevertheless am I curious to read more from this author.

The Cracked Slipper

by Stephanie Alexander

 Stephanie will be awarding a $10 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

When Eleanor Brice unexpectedly wins the heart of Gregory Desmarais, Crown Prince of Cartheigh, she’s sure she’s found her happily-ever-after. Unfortunately, Prince Charming has a loose grip on his temper, a looser grip on his marriage vows, and a tight grip on the bottle.

Eight years of mistreatment, isolation and clandestine book learning hardly prepare Eleanor for life at Eclatant Palace, where women are seen, not heard. According to Eleanor’s eavesdropping parrot, no one at court appreciates her unladylike tendency to voice her opinion. To make matter worse, her royal fiancé spends his last night of bachelorhood on a drunken whoring spree. Before the ink dries on her marriage proclamation Eleanor realizes that she loves her husband’s best friend, former soldier Dorian Finley.

Eleanor can’t resist Dorian’s honesty, or his unusual admiration for her intelligence, and soon both are caught in a dangerous obsession. She drowns her confusion in charitable endeavors, but the people’s love can’t protect her from her feelings. When a magical crime endangers the bond between unicorns, dragons, and the royal family, a falsely accused Eleanor must clear her own name to save her life. The road toward vindication will force a choice between hard-won security and an impossible love.

The Cracked Slipper is a book club friendly fairytale retelling in the vein of Gregory Maguire, with a dash of romance. Set in a pseudo-renaissance, corset-and-petticoats enchanted kingdom, The Cracked Slipper brings a magical twist to women’s fiction.

Excerpt One:

“He tugged at his earlobe. “I can’t, Mistress, and I would, just to get you out of this hallway, but Prince Gregory is not here.”

“Not here? What do you mean? It has to be—”

“Two in the morning.”

“Two in the morning,” she said. Something icy formed in her chest, and it wasn’t from the cold tiles beneath her feet. “I see. Well, I’ll be going.” She turned slowly.

“I’m sorry, Mistress.” The gruff voice followed her, but she didn’t want to turn around and see the sympathy on his face. She started up the steps but stopped midway.

There must be an explanation. She could not face tomorrow not knowing. She would wait and see, and it would all be revealed. Probably just some late-night meeting with his advisers, a problem that must solved before the wedding. She would wait until he returned, and then go back to bed happy.

Exhaustion caught up with her and she sat on the bottom step out of view of the guard. She wrapped her arms around her knees and in spite of the cold she nodded off. After some time, maybe ten minutes or maybe an hour, she heard voices. She sat up.

They were male voices, and some of them sounded familiar. She rocked forward on her numb toes and peered around the corner again.

She recognized Dorian first, and then Brian, Raoul, and several of Gregory’s other friends. Dorian struggled to hold someone up. Her heart sank as she recognized Gregory’s auburn hair.

He could barely stand. His legs kept buckling underneath him. Each time they crumpled he reached up with both arms. He grabbed Dorian’s neck and nearly dragged them both to the floor. The other men kept up a constant stream of harassment. She lost track of who said what, but their words rang painfully clear.

“What’s that Gregory? Those two Talessee girls where too much for you?”

“We should have quit after the redhead. She took care of him quite nicely.”

“Did you see the tits on that one?”

“Old Greg was probably seeing four of them. He was so smashed he was already falling over.”

“But his flagpole was standing up!” They all roared with laughter.

“A fine tribute to Cartheigh!”

“Tell me, Gregory, how will your sweet little maid compare with those last two?”

Gregory’s head swung up. “See, what you boys don’t realize…is I can have the sweet little maid and still bang as many whores as I see fit. Benefits of the crown.”

Eleanor could barely breathe. She head Dorian’s voice for the first time. “All right, all

right, let’s get you to bed or you’re liable to pass out on the altar.”

Gregory spoke again. “And you know, boys, little Eleanor is not quite as sweet as you may think— I’ve already had my hands on her—”

“Enough, Gregory,” Dorian said. He thrust the stuttering prince off on Brian and Raoul. He took the keys from the guard, who gazed resolutely at the wall.

“Tonight was just practice for tomorrow—”

“Enough!”Dorian exclaimed.

Eleanor couldn’t take any more. Without any further thought she stepped out into the hallway.

They all froze, a bunch of possums blinded by a woodsmen’s torch. Eleanor couldn’t speak. She simply stood there, staring at Gregory strung between Brian and Raoul like a pair of wet stockings left out to dry. Her hands clenched at her sides in tight fists. Blood roared in her ears, but her eyes were dry.

Dorian finally broke the silence.“Eleanor.”

Gregory cocked his head. “Sweetheart, how good to see you.”

His body jerked and he vomited. It covered his boots, and the sentry’s. The guard never moved. The acidic scent hit Eleanor’s nose and broke her paralysis. She fled up the steps. She heard Dorian calling after her but she didn’t stop. She brushed past her own sentry, threw the door open with both hands, closed it and drew the latch. She leaned against it. She had left her candle in the hallway, but she’d built the fire well and it still burned. She jumped at a gentle tap on the door behind her.

Dorian’s voice through the thick wood loosened the tears that had not come downstairs. “Eleanor,” he said, “please open the door. Let me explain.”

“No, go away.”

“He’s just drunk. It’s just talk among men. He didn’t mean any of it.”

“So where were you all? You weren’t out pitching lawn bolls!”

“I don’t deny it, or defend it. But Gregory loves you. He never meant to hurt you. ”

She leaned her head against the door. There was no way she could open it. “I don’t know what to believe,” she said. And then, louder, “Please go away, Dorian. Please.”

“As you wish.”

She sensed him standing on the other side, and then his footsteps moved down the hallway.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Stephanie Alexander grew up in the suburbs of Washington, DC, the oldest of three children. Drawing, writing stories, and harassing her parents for a pony consumed much of her childhood. After graduating from high school in 1995 she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the College of Charleston, South Carolina. She returned to Washington, DC, where she followed a long-time fascination with sociopolitical structures and women’s issues to a Master of Arts in Sociology from the American University. She spent several years as a Policy Associate at the International Center for Research on Women, a think-tank focused on women’s health and economic advancement.

Stephanie embraced full-time motherhood after the birth of the first of her three children in 2003. After six wonderful years buried in diapers and picture books she returned to her childhood passion and wrote her own fairytale. Her family put down permanent southern roots in Charleston in 2011. Stephanie is an adjunct professor of Sociology at the College of Charleston.

www.thecrackedslipper.com

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twitter: @crackedslipper

http://www.amazon.com/The-Cracked-Slipper-Series-ebook/dp/B007FLG8KS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1364778060&sr=1-1&keywords=the+cracked+slipper

Stardust Summer

by Lauren Clark

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BLURB:

Single mom Grace Mason doesn’t believe in miracles, magic, or love at first sight. She likes the quiet life, complete with her eight-year-old son, their tiny house, and her teaching job. For Grace, happiness means that nothing much ever changes in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Then, one thousand miles away, tragedy strikes. A massive heart attack leaves Grace’s estranged father comatose in an Upstate New York hospital. While a team of doctors fight to keep Henry Mason alive, Grace and Evan rush to his bedside to say their final goodbyes.

Henry’s passing brings little closure for Grace, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to her new surroundings. What begins as a short trip results in an entire summer spent with Henry’s second wife, Kathleen, and her next-door neighbor, Ryan Gordon, the town doctor. When a series of unlikely events lead to Evan’s disappearance, Grace must face her worst fears to find her son and bring him back home.

Stardust Summer explores the complexities of forgiveness, what it means to be a family, and the fabulous possibility of falling in love—again.

Giveaway:  Lauren will be awarding winner’s choice of either Dancing Naked in Dixie or Stay Tuned (in .mobi .pdf or .epub) to a randomly drawn commenter at each stop. Also, a $20 gift card to Amazon or BN.com (winner’s choice) will be awarded to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour and a signed paperback copy of Dancing Naked in Dixie and Swag will be awarded to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour (USA ONLY).

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/03/virtual-book-tour-stardust-summer-by.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Excerpt One: Chapter One

In the rush to escape the scorching rays of the swollen Mississippi sun, the plain brown package could have been missed all together.

As she fumbled with her keys, Grace wished for the faintest hint of a breeze. It was ninety-five in the shade, she noted, as a bead of sweat tickled the back of her neck. Nearby, her son kicked a loose stone on the concrete, his face flushed the color of his canvas backpack.

Grace jiggled the lock one more time, and the door finally swung open, releasing a welcome blast of chilled air. Evan slipped by, and she heard the bump of his bag as he dropped it on the wooden floor; the thud-thud as he kicked off his tennis shoes.

It was then she noticed the small package, tucked in the corner of their white wooden porch swing. Adrenaline pumped through her veins as Grace knelt down and reached for the delivery.

“Mom? Did you hear me?” Evan called out.

Startled, Grace looked up. “No. I’m sorry, honey. What is it?”

Her son stuck his head out the door, brow furrowed. “Can I go over to Adam’s?”

Attempting a wide smile, Grace nodded. “Sure, sweetie. But, before you go, I think Papa sent you a surprise.” She tossed the box to her son.

With a whoop of joy, Evan caught the package in both hands and ran back inside. Grace followed close behind, holding her breath. After peeling off rows of tape, Evan pulled out a small card with several bills tucked inside. Below that, beneath layers of tissue paper, his grandfather had also included a pair of swimming goggles.

Evan unfolded the note and scanned the lines. “Papa wants us to come to the lake,” he said, grinning and examining his new treasure. “Can we, Mom, this time, please? School’s almost over.”

Grace stiffened. She would call her father with regrets tomorrow between classes. Grace earned a tiny salary—barely enough for the two of them to live on—but working as a teacher’s aide allowed her to stay close to her son.

“We’ll see,” she said, trying for a casual response.

Undeterred, Evan hummed to himself and stuffed the cash into his pocket. After setting the goggles on the table, he headed for the door. “There’s something else in the box for you. Later, Mom.”

The door closed tight with a bang.

Grace stared after her eight-year-old son and blinked. Later, Mom? When had Evan become such a little man? So grown up?

So much like her own father.

Evan possessed Henry Mason’s easy smile, his throaty laugh, and smart sense of humor. Her son had the same head of thick, dark hair, identical bright, inquisitive eyes, and an even jawline that matched her father’s.

For two people separated by fifty years in age, a dozen states, and one time zone, the similarities were remarkable.

They barely knew each other, though her father called every week and mailed gifts once a month without fail. Henry had moved from Mississippi shortly after Hurricane Katrina; he’d taken a new job on a Wednesday in August and moved the following Friday, assuming the role of Vice President of Keuka College easily. To Henry Mason, the change was no more complicated than shrugging on a new sport coat and tie.

Grace squeezed her eyes shut. He’d invited them to visit a dozen times. It didn’t matter. Henry Mason could send round-trip, first-class plane tickets, a million dollars, and Santa Claus with his sleigh and reindeer. She still wasn’t coming. And Evan wasn’t either.

Which was why Grace rid the house of reminders, anything extra her father mailed. In fact, she’d do it right now. With a shaking hand, she reached for the cardboard package and tissue paper.

As Grace tilted the box to one side, an embossed invitation, a letter, and photograph spilled out. She stared, willpower evaporating, and unfolded the loose, white page. At the mention of Kathleen’s name, her spine stiffened.

Grace, I officially retired yesterday—for good this time—can you believe it? I’ll be staying busy with my boat and the house, and, of course, driving Kathleen crazy.

Hope you’ll make it to the Mason Library dedication…it’s your name on the building, too.

I found this photo the other day. Doesn’t this beautiful girl look happy? Give Evan a hug.

Love, Dad

Gingerly, Grace picked up the picture. It was faded, the edges yellowed. In the image, she was about as old as Evan, with dark pigtails, hair curling up at the ends, and a huge smile that showed gaps in her teeth.

Thick rows of Mississippi sugarcane, jointed and dense, filled the background. Grace caught her breath. She could almost smell the sweet, earthy fragrance, and she imagined the green fronds waving in the breeze, like an army of soldiers marching home.

Grace pressed the photograph to her chest, hoping Evan wouldn’t burst through the door. He didn’t need to see his mother sobbing over a silly memory.

What was her father doing? Trying to convince her that they were still a family? That she should come to New York for a big reunion?

Grace wiped her cheeks. Henry Mason charmed everyone, even total strangers. He was always the life of the party—and would be at the Mason Library Dedication—with his jokes and fantastical stories. By the end of the night, he’d sing a line or two from ‘Stardust.’

Just like when she was little. He’d convince her that everything would be fine.

This time, not a chance.

Henry Mason made his choice. She’d made hers.

Mississippi was home. Nothing would change that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Lauren Clark writes contemporary novels sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets. A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. Her big loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends.

Lauren is a member of the Gulf Coast Writers Association, the Mobile Writers Guild, and a regular contributor to Parents & Kids Magazine’s Mississippi Gulf Coast Edition. Check out her website at www.laurenclarkbooks.com.

Stardust Summer for Kindle

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFZVW1K

Stardust Summer for Nook

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stardust-summer-lauren-clark/1114565578

Stardust Summer for KOBO

http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=stardust+summer

Stardust Summer for Smashwords

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/285619

Lauren Clark Books Website

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Title:

Author: Alexandra O’Hurley

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Buy Link: Buy Falling For Him Here!

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars You Want/Need To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

A fateful childhood accident changes the course of Olivia Owens’ life. Her body left broken by a fall, she becomes a near recluse. She chooses to hide from society by pursuing a writing career, never stepping into the spotlight. Her loving parents coddle her, which only makes it easier to withdraw from the life around her.

Tied together by pain and guilt, they must break free of their past if they’re ever to have a future together.

Review:

Olivia and Liam have been tied together for twenty years without the other realizing it. Olivia has had a crush on Liam all this time, and Liam feels personally responsible for the accident that caused Olivia to walk with a limp and live in pain every day. Now that they are adults, Liam is determined to fix the problem that he caused and help set Olivia on the path to complete well being. Little does he know that he is the answer to Olivia’s happiness.

First of all, let me say that I have come to really enjoy most of Alexandra O’Hurley’s books. This story is no different in that I love the plot, I love the character development, and the setting was perfectly laid out in clear detail. On occasion, however, there is a book that does not get a good scrub before publishing, and this is one of them. There are way too many typos and grammatical errors for me to give the book a 4 star rating, even though I really loved the story itself.

Overall, it is a heartwarming and very entertaining tale. I am looking forward to the next book in this series where Bastian gets his girl.

Where do you hail from and what do you love most about your hometown?

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?  A writer! A superhero! A wild sexy woman. Well two out of three isn’t bad.

Tell us about your latest book.  My book Sweet Cravings, release from Decadent Publishing in March, is about a plus-sized woman with a craving for pastry and something more… she finds that something more in pastry chef Max, but it takes her a while to accept it. At first, she can’t really believe her luck! Then, she’s also afraid she doesn’t deserve it. Max shows her how truly wrong she is for thinking that way. He likes her just the way she is.
Do you have anything new in the works and can you tell us a bit about it? I am working on a bull riding Western series. Who doesn’t love a sexy cowboy? I also have a M/M story set in Mumbai, India that will come out from Decadent Publishing later this year. I am so excited about that since it’s a multi-cultural love story. I also am working on (2) self-published works rights now. One is a M/F science fiction romance about a captain with memory loss after his Mars Mission, the other is a F/F series about a hooker with secrets and the accountant that loves her.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing? Keeping from starting too many projects at once. I seem to have many going at the same time. I can’t help it. But if I don’t finish one, I can’t turn it in!
What advice would you give to writers just starting out? Make sure you read a lot. Read out of your comfort zone. I personally don’t read a lot of BDSM but I’ve read it. I’ve explored it. Taken some things from it. I almost always throw a spank or two into a story! It’s hot! But I’ve never actually tied up a character … yet.
What tools do you feel are must-haves for writers? A vivid imagination and a dirty dirty mind. : ) In that order. Heh.
Where do you as an author draw the line on gory descriptions and/or erotic content? Hmm I am not a fan of blood and gore onscreen and I’m not a fan of murder or mayhem in general. That said, I have a high tolerance for the spooky eerie type stuff. Hauntings are good. Alternative universes. Etc. I rather fancy the erotic as well. As you can probably tell if you’ve read any of my work! I even work erotic into the horror!

Bio:

Eva Lefoy writes and reads all kinds of romance, and is a certified Trekkie. She’s also terribly addicted to chocolate, tea, and hiking. One of these days, she’ll figure out the meaning of life, quit her job, and go travel the galaxy. Until then, she’s writing down all her dirty thoughts for the sake of future explorers.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eva-Lefoy/344907072265234

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Eva_Lefoy

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6656950.Eva_LeFoy

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Eva-Lefoy/e/B00CE0EY0G

Blog: http://writery.wordpress.com/

Reflections on the Cassie Scot Cover

Join Christine Amsden, author of the paranormal mystery novel, Cassie Scot: ParaNormal Detective, as she tours the blogosphere May 13 – August 16, 2013 on her first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book! This tour is part of a huge Kindle Fire HD Giveaway. If interested in signing up for a review, interview, guest post, or book spotlight, please let us know by contacting Tracee at tgleichner (at) gmail.com or leave a comment below along with your contact information.

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ABOUT CASSIE SCOT: PARANORMAL DETECTIVE

It is now time to vote for your favorite cover in the May 2013

You Gotta Read Reviews Cover Contest.

One Vote Per Person.