Saturday, November 8, 2014

Second Sentence Saturday: Once Upon a Christmas Scandal


SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jess of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

  • Grab the novel/novella your currently reading
  • Open to the first page of Chapter 1 or its Prologue
  • Share the SECOND sentence from that page
  • Share the novel/novella's title & its author, so that other participants can add that novel to their TBR Lists if they want



MY Second Sentence Saturday :

"Once Upon a Christmas Scandal" [within Christmas Brides] & [Lords of Vice Series, Book 7.5] by Alexandra Hawkins -- MY REVIEW

What were you and Father thinking?



PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT to share either the link to your own SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY post or share the sentence in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thank You!

Friday, November 7, 2014

Blog Tour - Coming Home To Love by Katie O'Boyle | Spreading the Word & Novel Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Katie O'Boyle author of "Coming Home To Love," which is second book in her Lakeside Porches Series.

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY!! [Blog Tour & Giveaway will run from November 3 - 21, 2014]




"Coming Home To Love"
[Lakeside Porches Series, Book 2] by Katie O'Boyle

Author's Book Description :
    With his health deteriorating and his spirit dying, Justin Cushman has come home to the Finger Lakes to assist his injured nephew Joel. Sick of accumulating wealth for its own sake, Justin knows that his life is meaningless without a loving relationship and a purpose for his billions. On a whim, he visits Joel’s spa, looking for a massage to relieve his pain. Gianessa Dupioni is a gifted masseuse who starts the boss’s irritable uncle on a journey of health and happiness. Too bad for Justin that Gianessa is devastated by personal losses and strictly focused on rebuilding her career. Justin may be a master strategist in the financial world, but can he persuade Gianessa to let love in?

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **



About the Author :

Born in the upstate-New York village known as the Birthplace of Women’s Rights, Katie O’Boyle loves the Finger Lakes in every season. She enjoys lunch with friends at charming inns, and she cherishes the lakeside porch as a place for intimate sharing, laughter, and inspiration. To the outside world, she is a tech-savvy college professor. In her soul, she is a passionate author of warm-hearted romance. She is hard at work on book four of the Lakeside Porches romance books and novellas.



Book Excerpt :

“You know,” Gianessa said, as she stroked his palm with her thumb, “I was prepared not to like you. Look how that turned out.”

He blustered. “Not like me?” He winked.

“The first time I saw you, you were badgering Grace.” She leaned forward, leading with her breasts. “That ticked me off.”

“And you wore your hair in that French braid, which ticked me off.”

She gathered her long, toffee tresses behind her shoulders. “You never said you didn’t like my braid.”

“I wanted from that first moment to get my hands in your hair. I plotted six ways to Sunday to get rid of the braid.”

“My braid is perfect for work. It feels elegant and simple, and it makes me feel put together and focused.”

He caressed her cheek and jaw and neck with eager fingers. “But you’re elegant and complex, and I prefer you undone.”



Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... COMMENT on this post & TWEET away on twitter!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!



Find Katie O'Boyle :

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Made the Grade: The Jorda Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 509 KB | Expected Release Date: August 1, 2014 | Publisher: Harlequin : Escape Publishing | Obtained: NetGalley/Escape Publishing

"Loving The Prince" [The Jorda Series, Book 1] by Nicole Murphy (aka Elizabeth Dunk)

Author's Book Description : Cassandra Wiltmore is the heir to the throne of Rica, but it’s unlikely she’ll be stepping up any time soon. So she spends her days managing and building the Rican Balcite Mining Company. The company has made her family wealthy beyond imagination, but that kind of power needs careful control, and Cassandra is just the Wiltmore to control it.

When a new bid for the mining license is announced, Cassandra is determined to squash it. Then the thefts and threats begin, and every step she takes seems to be wrong. Taking on a new protector seems like an indulgence Cass can’t afford, but she equally cannot afford to be caught off-guard. If only the best man for the job wasn’t also the best-looking man she’s ever seen.

Kernan Radaton has ambition, and as protector to Cassandra Wiltmore, he’s well placed to reach all his long-held goals. If only his new all-business boss didn’t make him think of only pleasure. With the company, the heir and the family under attack, the last thing anyone needs is a distraction. But once everything is safe again, Kernan is developing new ambitions — ones that involve a lot of very personal time spent getting to know his boss on a very personal level.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! A woman finds a man who might be her perfect match if only threats, relatives, and obsessed "fans" don't get in their way.

This intense dynamic novel keeps readers on their toes as they follow Cassie & Kernan's search as to who could be planning to hurt her company while watching them fall in love at the same time. I enjoyed its plot, especially when it came to the mystery of who was trying to take down Cassie's company. In addition, I liked how Kernan & Cassie's relationship was pretty much instantaneous and how they dealt with it. Basically, the last six chapters of this novel were my favorite because I loved how everything gets wrapped up!!

I recommend this novel to those who like sci-fi suspenseful romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Loving the Prince - Overview | Loving the Prince - Deleted Scenes | Flash Fiction – new WiP | Announcement – new books sold! | Where I’ve been | Flash Fiction Friday – Loving the Prince preview | Flash Fiction Friday – heroine and hero meet! | All about promotion | Flash Fiction Friday – and the book is go! | Musings on writing – early versions of Loving the Prince | Musings on writing – early versions of Cassandra | Time to boast – reviews! | Musings on writing – early versions of Loving the Prince | Musings on writing – early versions of Loving the Prince | Musings on writing – early versions of Loving the Prince

Author's Series Extras : The Jorda Series - Overview | Celebrating the end!

Book Teaser(s) :
'Well, if the pace is too much for you, say the word and I'll find something calmer.'
Kernan grinned. 'Work me hard. Whip me. I'll enjoy it.' ~ within Chapter 7
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Nicole, then please check out her website.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Blog Tour - The Gladiator's Bride by Nhys Glover | Spreading the Word & Gift Card Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Nhys Glover author of "The Gladiator's Bride," which is fifth book in her 1st Century CE Imperial Rome Series.

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY!! [Blog Tour & Giveaway will run from November 3 - 7, 2014]



"The Gladiator's Bride"
[1st Century CE Imperial Rome Series, Book 5] by Nhys Glover

Author's Book Description :
    Crippled by shyness, shunned for being not-right-in-the-head, gifted artist and Roman noblewoman, Marcia Mica, has only two people in the world who truly love her – her teacher, Daedalus, and her childhood friend, Asterion, both slaves in her father’s household. But when forbidden love blooms between the unlikely friends, only disaster can come of it. That disaster leaves Marcia horribly scarred and Asterion sold into the arena as a gladiator.

    Years later, Daedalus brings a broken Marcia to Britannia, and Sabrina, the healer who saved his life when he was a boy, works miracles on the scarred girl. However, not all scars are physical and those Sabrina has no ability to heal.

    When Sabrina and Marcia are kidnapped by a Celtic leader bent on revenge, Asterion must depend on the dreams of a Celtic Seer to find the love of his life and help foil a revolt that threatens the fragile peace in Roman Britannia. But even if he and his friends succeed, can scars that are more than just physical ever really be healed and can those whose lives are owned by others ever truly be free to follow their hearts?

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

Author's Book Trailer :



About the Author :

After a lifetime of teaching others to appreciate the written word, Aussie author Nhys Glover finally decided to make the most of the Indie Book Revolution to get her own written word out to the world. Now, with almost 100,000 of her ebooks downloaded internationally and a winner of 2013 SFR Galaxy Award for "The Titan Drowns," Nhys finds her words, too, are being appreciated.

At home in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales of England, Nhys these days spends most of her time "living the dream" by looking out over the moors as she writes the kind of novels she loves to read: The ones that are a little bit steamy, a little bit different and wholly romantic.




Book Excerpt :

That was when he saw it. That was when he knew this wasn’t a dream. Or if it was it was, it was his worst nightmare: The whole right side of her face and body were covered by red, ugly burn-scars.

He gasped and dropped to his knees, his legs unable to hold him up a moment longer.

Daedalus came to his side and rested a hand on his shoulder. ‘It’s a bit of a shock the first time you see it. But after a while you don’t notice it.’

He stared up at the man who had been like a father to him; the man he blamed for being right about Marcie and him. How could he say this was a bit of a shock?

But before he had a chance to snap out a retort, Marcie’s body began jerking as the healing commenced. Though he couldn’t see anything happening, he could sense it. And so it seemed could Daedalus.

‘It’s her... By all the gods, it’s her,’ Daedalus whispered in awe as he watched Sabrina’s face, transformed by the Urge that had taken control of her.

He didn’t know what Daedalus meant. He didn’t care what he meant. This man had had his Marcie all this time. She’d been alive, all this time, and no one had told him. They’d let him leave the Estate thinking she was dead. And he’d died that day because of it.

‘You bastard. Why didn’t you tell me?’ he sobbed out, his voice breaking on the last word.

‘Tell you?’ Daedalus looked at him as if he’d grown a second head.

‘That she lived. They told me she was dead. Her sister told me she was dead.’



Giveaways!! :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... COMMENT on this post & TWEET away on twitter!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!



Find Nhys Glover :

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Made the Grade: Martin's Crossing Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 224; Kindle Edition - File Size: 324 KB | Expected Release Date: November 18, 2014 | Publisher: Harlequin : Love Inspired | Obtained: NetGalley

"A Rancher for Christmas" [Martin's Crossing Series, Book 1] by Brenda Minton

Author's Book Description : A Family for Christmas

Raised on the run, free-spirited Breezy Hernandez has never stayed in one place too long. But now that she has joint custody of her late brother's twin daughters, she's determined to give them a stable home. Even if it means cooperating with the twins' bossy uncle. Texas rancher Jake Martin learned the hard way that women can't be trusted. But as he and Breezy care for the orphaned girls, Jake begins to open his heart. Is Breezy ready to put down roots in Martin's Crossing, or will she run from the one thing she's always wanted: A family?

Martin's Crossing: In this small Texas town, every heart finds a home

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, a man (Jake) who has raised his siblings ever since their mother ran out on them now has joint custody of his twin toddler nieces with a woman (Breezy) who has a history of being a drifter after the parents of his nieces unexpectedly die. Will they be able to find a way to raise the girls in a loving home even if they aren’t together or will their hearts show them what is waiting for them if only they are willing to trust one another?

This intriguing suspenseful contemporary romance will charm you from the beginning. I liked how Breezy & Jake came together while trying to overcome their pasts and dealing with what seems like someone trying to tear them apart. In addition, the parts with the twins (Rosie & Violet) in them were very sweet and I thought the part where Breezy tries to corral a herd of cattle by herself was pretty funny too!

The only thing that I wish could have been better was if this novel could have held my interest more. It wasn’t that the plot was bad or that the characters weren’t interesting as it all was good but there is a lot of back-story and sub-plots that look to be building up for other novels, which while usually can be helpful, I found at times it made my mind wander instead of keeping my attention. Therefore, I hope if you read this, it’ll hold your interest more then it did mine.

Nevertheless, I still recommend this novel to those who like contemporary romances based around the holidays!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series/Connected Series Here :

Book Teaser(s) :
"Back in the field. If you please, Sir Loin."
She shooed him with her hands. He shook his massive head. She started to run at him, slipping a little on the frosty glass.
"Listen, hamburger, I was giving you the benefit of the doubt when I thought you were a gentleman, now go." She charged at him, waving her arms.
He snorted and took a few quick steps away from her before turning back to face her again. It clicked in her city-girl brain that she wasn't going to win a battle against a one-ton animal. ~ within Chapter 4
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Brenda, then please check out her website.

Idolizing In: A Marietta Christmas Novel & Montana Born Christmas Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 297 KB | Expected Release Date: October 13, 2014 | Publisher: Tule Publishing : Montana Born Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"Blame The Mistletoe" [A Marietta Christmas Novel & Montana Born Christmas Series, Book 1] by Dani Collins

Author's Book Description : Liz Flowers has never enjoyed Christmas, but this one is shaping up to be the worst by far. She let her ex take her daughter to Mexico while she stays behind in a strange town, sitting her former mother-in-law’s high strung little dog. It’s an opportunity to meet new people, but this California girl doesn’t have much in common with the ranchers in small town Marietta.

Blake Canon perks up with male interest when he sees a new face at his friend’s Christmas cocktail party. His son is away and a light affair would take his mind off his financial troubles. Then he realizes he knows Liz. She was once married to the brother of his ex-wife.

Their children might be cousins, but Blake and Liz do the kissing—under the mistletoe. It’s the beginning of a new view of Christmas for Liz, but when their children arrive home unexpectedly, and family secrets are revealed, Liz isn’t sure she’ll stay in Marietta for Christmas after all.

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! LOVED, love, loved it!! It was hard not getting sucked into this sweetly steamy romance about an ex-brother-in-law & an ex-sister-in-law falling in love and dealing with their unique challenges! Blake & Liz were a hard couple not to root for, their romantic and self-deprecating ways were very charming to read about. Plus, I enjoyed reading their banter!

I highly recommend reading this novel to those who like contemporary holiday romances!!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series/Connected Series Here :

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 2

Author's Novel Extras : Blame The Mistletoe - Overview & Notes | #TeaserTuesday - Blame The Mistletoe | #TeaserTuesday - Blame The Mistletoe (2) | #TeaserTuesday - Blame The Mistletoe (3) | #TeaserTuesday - Blame The Mistletoe (4)

Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: Montana Born | Pinterest: Mistletoe Wedding - Tyler and Meg | Hometown Hero - Overview & Notes | Mistletoe Wedding - Overview (with links to more) | A Welcome from Marietta Chamber of Commerce | Release Day for Mistletoe Wedding | A Marietta Christmas: Alissa Callen’s The Mistletoe Cowboy | #SampleSunday - Hometown Hero (3) | #SampleSunday - Hometown Hero (4) | Mercury Retrograde - *Why* | #TeaserTuesday - Sneak Peek


Book Teaser(s) :
As she talked, he found himself staring at her lips. Not a wide mouth. Kind of set in a permanent almost-invitation to kiss. She had a dot of birthmark on her bottom lip, slightly off center. "I thought it would be good for me---Do I have something on my mouth? Sometimes people think I do, but it's just a freckle . . ."
"What? No, you're fine," he rushed to assure her, wits dulled by a sucker-punch of thinking about running his tongue over that little dot. Which was okay. They weren't related. It was just maybe unwise and yeah, possibly fueled by irony and a desire to mow down the Flowers.
And desire for Liz. She was classy and pretty and intriguing. He would love to tear up the sheets with her.
Which would start to show if he wasn't careful. He made himself catch up to the conversation. "What do you mean that coming here is good for you?"
"You know. I thought I should mingle with the natives."
"You're eating your social vegetables?"
"Kind of," she agreed, flashing straight white teeth. "Yes, I suppose that's exactly what I'm doing. Chewing community kale to stave off a bad case of isolation rickets."
He nodded, liking that she could be playful. ~ within Chapter 2
For more information on this book, series and/or any other books by Dani, then please check out her website.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Talk to Kirsten Campbell -- Do you have any questions for her?

Yesterday -- HALLOWEEN 2014 -- Ms. Campbell "took over my blog" with my blog tour post and she asked to be more one-on-one with you ... so here's her note to you...



Hey Jessica,

Thanks for having me on your blog! This is SO exciting! It's a special day, one of my favorites, Halloween!

I just love Halloween. Don't you? I mean, its a lot of work getting those lil ones into their costumes in the morning for the school parade, but they are sooooo cute! And I think all the dancing and hugs are worth it in the end. (Of course, there's nothing like sticky kisses from the little ones.)

Anywho, I just wanted to let everyone know that I am available for any questions about "Blood Master" - Book 1 of The G.O.D.s Series, the writing life and craft or anything else that one might find pertinent to the days activities. Come on, I'm easy. Let's get this party started! :)




So if you want have any questions and/or comments for Ms. Campbell please comment on this post or on my blog tour post!! Have a good day!

Friday, October 31, 2014

Blog Tour - Blood Master by Kirsten Campbell | Spreading the Word

Today I'm turning my blog over to Kirsten Campbell author of "Blood Master," which is the 1st novel in her G.O.D.s Series. [Blog Tour will run on October 29 - November 12, 2014]




"Blood Master"
[The G.O.D.s Series, Book 1] by Kirsten Campbell

Author's Book Description :
    2052 : Two-thirds of the human population has been killed by the Great War, the Clover Virus and the Death Plague. Only one man survived the Death Plague, an albino man named Griffin Storm. He’s the only albino in existence. No one knows what happened to the other albinos, but most believe the rumors that they were eliminated by the Guild Faction’s deadly experiments.

    Griffin is hiding out in Underground Atlanta. He has special abilities. He can manipulate crystal and glass. He uses these abilities for good, raiding warehouses and old buildings for food and medical supplies to give to the abandoned children that live in the Underground. During a raid, he meets Tassta Vinetti. She’s a resident of the legendary Brotherhood Fortress. Griffin is taken to the Brotherhood and chaos ensues as Tassta, her twin brother Penn and her Uncle Lerin Sanctobous keep their new visitor and his untold powers secret. They can not disclose that the only albino in existence is now at their fortress or they could all be in great danger.

    Fact is, the Guild is hunting Griffin. He is the only survivor of their deadly experiments and his survival will have dynamic consequences. The Guild believes Griffin will transform into a G.O.D., a Genetically-enhanced Omni Dimensional being. If he transforms, he will have inter-dimensional doors within his body, doors that lead to heaven and hell. Griffin will become a Blood Master and he’ll be able to control the demons from the Dimension of Blood.

    Will Griffin save the children of the Underground from their tragic life? Will he transform into a G.O.D. and become the Blood Master? Only time will tell...

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **



About the Author :

Kirsten Campbell is the author of several short stories and poems that have been published in Bewildering Stories, Ascent Magazine, Beauty Talk, The Fairfield Review, Poets-Artists & Madmen, Interracial Voice, Sagazine Online, The Write Gallery, The Pittsburgh Quarterly Online, COBRA, The CoffeehousePress Journal and several other magazines.

Kirsten was abandoned by both mother and father at six-years-old and she somehow survived a very devastating childhood. She found strength and courage through reading and writing and she graduated from school, got married and raised four wonderful children. She also cared for several children that were abandoned by their parents and by society, (a few were literally left on her doorstep.) She fed and clothed them and sent them to school and taught them to be upstanding, decent members of society.

Kirsten wrote "Blood Master" several years ago and it developed into The G.O.D.s Series, a series of books that deal with Griffin Storm, a hero with feet of clay, a hero that saves the lives of several people, but most importantly, he saves hundreds of children from abandonment and neglect; takes them to a better life, (something of which Kirsten always wished for when she was a child.)

Her short story, "Dark Matters," was published in Bewildering Stories and a character from the G.O.D.s Series made a special appearance in the story. Said character appears in the second book of the G.O.D.s Series, "Blood Storm."

As a side note, Ladybug Press published her chapbook, "Poetry from the Covert Bourgeoisie," in 2006 and her chapbook, "The Abandoning Kind," was published by Pudding House Publications in 2009. She lives in Brewster, NY., with her daughters and her five unbelievably beautiful grandchildren!




Book Excerpt :

Prologue

It’s 2052 and earth has lost a third of its population to the Great War. Many more lives were lost to earthquakes, the Clover Virus and the Death Plague. Years later, survivors are clumped into factions on the East and West Coast of America. Over the years the factions developed laws and a barter system that is in place, even now.

I am Tassta Vinetti and I live in the Brotherhood Fortress, an underground dwelling that houses three hundred and ten souls. We are a cultural soup that has thickened to a receptive stew of every race, creed and color known to mankind. Yet, there is a missing factor in our equation of humanity. There are no albinos at the fortress and as far as I know, there are no albinos anywhere in 2052. Where did they go? How did they disappear? I have no idea. All I know is what I’ve been told and what I’ve read.

The old text books say that in 2012 albinos were numerous, what with 1 albino birth in every 17,000. Yet, even then it was rare to see an actual albino walking the streets. Now, they are never seen and most people believe they were wiped out in the Great War or killed by earth quakes or the Death Plague. It’s a mystery that has plagued my people for decades, mainly because of a prophecy. It is written in our Master Scroll Books that an albino man with untold powers will come to the fortress. This man will rid the fortress, and eventually the world, of a great evil, the Guild Faction. (That’s a tall order, even for a legend.) I never believed in prophecies or legends, especially since in all my travels and all the raids I’ve ever gone on for the fortress, I’ve never once come upon a single albino-until now...



Find Kirsten Campbell :

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Blog Tour - The Heart of Christmas by Brenda Novak | Spreading the Word, Gift Card Giveaway, & 12 Days Of Christmas Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Brenda Novak author of "The Heart of Christmas," which is seventh book in her Whiskey Creek Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY!! [Blog Tour will run on October 28, 2014 -- Giveaway #1 will run until October 29, 2014 -- Giveaway #2 will run until November 30, 2014]



"The Heart of Christmas"
[Whiskey Creek Series, Book 7] by Brenda Novak

Author's Book Description :
    Just call her Christmas Eve...

    Eve Harmon has always enjoyed Christmas, but this year it reminds her of everything she doesn’t have. Almost all her friends are married now, and that’s what Eve wants, too. Love. A husband and kids of her own. But the B-and-B she manages and even Whiskey Creek, the small Gold Country town where she was born and raised, suddenly seem...confining.

    As Eve turns thirty-five, she’s worried that her future will simply be a reflection of her past. She’s dated all the eligible men in the area. There’s no one she could even imagine as a husband—until a handsome stranger comes to town. Eve’s definitely attracted to him, and he seems to have the same reaction to her. But his darkly mysterious past could ruin Eve’s happily ever after—just when it finally seems within reach. Just when she’s counting on the best Christmas of her life!

This book is available to order on :

Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **



About the Author :

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Brenda Novak is the author of more than fifty books. A four-time Rita nominee, she has won many awards, including the National Reader’s Choice, the Bookseller’s Best, the Book Buyer’s Best, the Daphne, and the Holt Medallion. She also runs an annual on-line auction for diabetes research every May at www.brendanovakforthecure.org (her youngest son has this disease). To date, she’s raised over $2 million. For more about Brenda, please visit www.brendanovak.com.

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 0.5 (Prequel) | Book 1 | Book 3

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Bastard / Honor Bound | Coulda Been A Cowboy

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013



Book Excerpt :

Moving slowly to compensate for her hangover, she managed to prop herself against the headboard and, once there, frowned at her bedmate.

Who the heck was he?

She had no idea, but she was relieved to see that he was no bum off the street. He wasn’t even one of those “he looked a lot more attractive last night” kind of pickups everyone joked about. This guy was so far above average that she began to wonder why he wasn’t already taken. Heaven forbid that was the case! She didn’t see a ring on his left hand, which rested on the pillow above his head. But he had to have some story. If he looked this good sleep-tousled, she could only imagine what he’d be like once he had a chance to clean up.

It was his bone structure, she decided. Those pronounced cheekbones. The narrow bridge across his nicely shaped nose. The distinct ridge of his upper eye sockets. He also had a strong chin and a manly jaw, which certainly didn’t detract.

So maybe she couldn’t point to just one or two features. With his long, sandy-colored hair spread across his pillow, he resembled a fallen angel—and his body further enhanced that image. Although bedding covered his lower half—thank goodness—she could see his torso. He was built like a greyhound or panther, lean and sinewy and ideally proportioned with very little body hair. What body hair he did have was golden and downy, as appealing as his tanned skin.

He’d make a nice subject for a painter, she mused, someone looking for refined masculine beauty—a man who could even be called elegant.

But not everything about him was elegant. When she looked closer, she could see that he had some very unusual scars....

What types of injuries could’ve caused those? she wondered. It seemed to her that he’d been shot, and more than once. Several round, bullet-size marks dotted his chest. Then there was a long, jagged scar on his side that must’ve come from something else....

Out of nowhere—he didn’t open his eyes first, so she had no warning—he grabbed her wrists in a crushing grip and slammed her onto her back.

Eve gasped as she stared up at him. Gone was the image of an angel, fallen or otherwise. Shocked at being so easily and unexpectedly overpowered, she couldn’t even scream. His fierce expression, as if he was intent on causing her bodily harm, made it worse.

Had she brought home a homicidal maniac? Was he about to kill her?

The terror that surged up must’ve shown on her face because he suddenly came to his senses. He gave his head a shake. His expression cleared and, letting go, he eased off her and slid back onto his side of the bed.

“Sorry about that. I thought...” His words trailed off, and he covered his eyes with one arm as if he needed a moment to pull himself together.

Her heart was now pounding in unison with her head. But once she could speak somewhat normally, she prompted him to finish his sentence. “Thought what?”

His lips turned down. “Never mind. I was dreaming.”

She pressed a hand to her chest as though she could slow her galloping pulse. “It couldn’t have been a pleasant dream.”

“They never are,” he muttered.



Giveaways #1 :

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... COMMENT on this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!



Giveaways #2 :

CLICK HERE to ENTER Brenda's 12 Days Of Christmas Contest

Prize Details






Find Brenda Novak :

Teaser Tuesday: The Parchment Scroll


"The Parchment Scroll" [Highland Secrets Trilogy, Book 3] by C. A. Szarek -- MY REVIEW

Book Teaser:

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