Release Day Blitz: Dark Sacrifice by Angie Sandro

Blurb:

A GIFT AND A CURSE
Mala LaCroix sees dead people -really. After using her psychic gifts to catch a killer, she's locked in a psych ward and must strike a deal with the devil to secure her release. Apprenticed to a dark arts practitioner, Mala vows to free herself and save her loved ones from danger. But she doesn't know who to turn to when her crush on Landry Prince turns into something more serious.

A FATE WORSE THAN DEATH
Landry has sacrificed everything to protect Mala. A near-death experience changes him forever, and now he, too, possesses supernatural powers he doesn't understand. Mala and Landry must band together to defeat the dark forces-both human and otherworldly-who would use their abilities for evil. Even as they fall for each other, they must prepare to battle for their very souls . . . 

Excerpt

On Saturdays, the local farmers set up a market in Paradise Park. I plan to do my veggie shopping there since I didn’t get my garden planted this year. The streets bordering the park are packed. I’m lucky to find a spot in the parking lot of First National Bank kitty-corner from the Memorial Rose Garden. Colorful tents are lined up in orderly rows in the square. Each section is separated, with the organic foods in one row and regular folk who want to sell extra produce in the other. Local shops also set up booths selling everything from pastries, coffee and tea, handmade clothing and soaps, fresh eggs, organic meat, and toys and games. A freaktastic clown stands on the street corner with a tank of helium and a gaggle of kids around him. I’m tempted to buy Landry a balloon to cheer him up. 

The passenger door slams shut as soon as I shut off the engine. Landry wastes no time coming around to open my door and lift me to the ground before I can squawk in protest. He strides off while I grab my cloth shopping bag, leaving me to stare after his retreating back in shock. When he’s halfway across the street, he pauses and turns around. 

“This is your idea. Hurry,” he yells.  

“I’m coming.” I shut the door and run to catch up. When I reach him, he moves around me until I’m on his blind side. He starts forward again, but slows his steps so they match mine. If I didn’t know him so well, I’d think he didn’t have a care in the world, but I do. He walks like he did in jail—shoulders back and tight, chest slightly raised. He scans the area, alert for a threat. 

I take his hand, squeezing when he tries to pull away.

We blend into the crowd, strolling up and down the rows. It’s a mix of people of all ages. A few people say “hi.” Most don’t. A large percentage of them stare. I feel like I’m at the mercy of paparazzi. 

“Smile and wave,” I mutter from the corner of my mouth, jabbing Landry in the side with my elbow.

“Huh?”

“You’re acting like you’ve done something wrong, but you haven’t. Don’t let these fools see you sweat. Weakness breeds violence. Like a silverback gorilla in the jungle, you need to beat your chest and fling your poop at someone.”

His snort-laugh doubles him over, and I pat him on the back. “That’s perfect,” I say. “No worries.”

He turns and lifts me into a breath-stealing hug. “Thanks,” he whispers in my ear and presses a brotherly kiss to my forehead. Wish he’d move his lips a little lower. Would a few inches kill him?

My voice comes a little thick and raspy too, and I cough to clear my throat. “No problem.”

How long has he been standing here holding me? We have an even larger audience than before. Now we really are the object of paparazzi-like behavior as people snap pictures of our embrace with their phones. I wrap my arms around his neck and press my cheek against his. “Cheese,” I say, grinning for the cameras. 

A couple of high school kids start to laugh. 

One yells, “Give her another kiss, Landry.”

“Yeah, Landry. Give me a kiss.” I bat my eyelashes, whispering in his ear, “I swear if you drop me on my ass in public—”

I don’t have to finish the threat.

His mouth steals across mine. 

 I lean into him, head tilting. My arms tighten around his neck. His lips are soft and juicy, like peaches. Yum. My thoughts scatter and swirl, leaving only the sensation of his mouth on mine. 

He breaks free first and lowers me to my feet. He avoids my gaze. “Did it work?” he asks, running his fingers through his black hair so it falls forward to shield his eye again. He shifts from his forward foot to his back which somehow puts distance between us without him having to move.

I laugh, playing off the hurt. “Yeah, we gave our fans a titillating bit of new gossip to take the place of the old. Rumors about our relationship will be flying through town before lunch.” I glance around to be sure. The crowd drifts away, realizing there’s nothing more to see. Even better, nobody hurls insults or throws dead animals at our heads. “Let’s go.”

Buy Links

B&N: http://bit.ly/1u7MhF5

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1ohv1aX

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1sdcQJw

GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/Xq6YRS

***I do have a review of this book. However, I somehow made a mistake and read this book first, even though it is book 2. If you want to see my review anyways you can find it  here. I really did enjoy the book though even if I did read out of order and I didn't really feel lost with the storyline either. I just felt as if I needed more background which apparently is found in the first book ;) ***

About the Author:

Angie Sandro was born at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Within six weeks, she began the first of eleven relocations throughout the United States, Spain, and Guam before the age of eighteen.
Friends were left behind. The only constants in her life were her family and the books she shipped wherever she went. Traveling the world inspired her imagination and allowed her to create her own imaginary friends. Visits to her father's family in Louisiana inspired this story. Angie now lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and an overweight Labrador.

Angie’s social media

http://anjeasandro.blogspot.com/

http://facebook.com/pages/Angie-Sandro/

@AngieSandro

Review: Unteachable by Leah Raeder

Blurb: 

Maise O’Malley just turned eighteen, but she’s felt like a grown-up her entire life. The summer before senior year, she has plans: get into a great film school, convince her mom to go into rehab, and absolutely do not, under any circumstances, screw up her own future.

But life has a way of throwing her plans into free-fall.

When Maise meets Evan at a carnival one night, their chemistry is immediate, intense, and short-lived. Which is exactly how she likes it: no strings. But afterward, she can’t get Evan out of her head. He’s taught her that a hookup can be something more. It can be an unexpected connection with someone who truly understands her. Someone who sees beyond her bravado to the scared but strong girl inside.

That someone turns out to be her new film class teacher, Mr. Evan Wilke.

Maise and Evan resolve to keep their hands off each other, but the attraction is too much to bear. Together, they’re real and genuine; apart, they’re just actors playing their parts for everyone else. And their masks are slipping. People start to notice. Rumors fly. When the truth comes to light in a shocking way, they may learn they were just playing parts for each other, too.

Smart, sexy, and provocative, Unteachable is about what happens when a love story goes off-script.

My Review

You know those books that blur the lines between right and wrong? The ones that make you question your morals. Is it right? Is it wrong? Well this is one of them. I was drawn in from the start. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like Maise. She seemed so sure of herself and cocky. Even a little slutty- self proclaimed at least from the way she described herself. But the more I got to know Maise I realized she was none of those things. 

I was taken with Evan from the start right under the neon lights just like Maise. His interaction with her and the things he said. The bombshell of him being her teacher was less dramatic than I expected but it worked. This is such a taboo subject. I'm torn between how to feel. As a mom I think I would be livid but as a romantic at heart this taboo morally confusing story drew me in and I was rooting for them. But in the next breathe thinking, "Wait is this wrong? Should I be hoping for this?" I was conflicted at first. Every emotion hit me in this book. The push and pull of everything going on. Eventually I gave in to my feelings. I wanted these two to work. It is so hard to have a well written teacher/student relationship book but Leah Raeder accomplished it and it was even steamy. It wasn't tasteless. I never felt like it was a power thing and a lot of these type of plot lines struggle with that. I know that I will for sure read more by this author. I couldn't put this one down, it all played like a movie in my head, one I would watch over and over again.

BUY LINKS

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

LEAH RAEDER is a writer and unabashed nerd. Aside from reading her brains out, she enjoys graphic design, video games, fine whiskey, and the art of self-deprecation. She lives with her very own manic pixie dream boy in Chicago.

(And she still writes pretentiously lyrical fiction.)

Follow the Author:

http://www.leahraeder.com/

Twitter: leahraeder

Sale Blitz and Review: Escaping Me by Elizabeth Lee

Escaping Me by Elizabeth Lee will be on sale from August 2-9! Check out the excerpt below and grab the book today!

Title: Escaping Me

Author: Elizabeth Lee

Age Group: NA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: July 30, 2013

Goodreads

Description:

All she wanted to do was forget. Forget the memory of walking in on her boyfriend in the middle of, well, another girl. Forget how she had her entire life planned out. And, forget about being perfect all the time. Unfortunately, she was Whitney Vandaveer and despite the fact that she moved to the middle of nowhere – she couldn't.

He always knew he would never be more than nothing. No job, no money, no future. Cole Pritchett had accepted the fact that he would always be the screw up and he was okay with it. Until he met her.

Here's the thing they quickly found out – sometimes we all need a little help escaping who we think we are.

Excerpt:

I hold my head back and walk toward the delivery truck.  Cole's eyes are down on the clipboard he is holding in his hands as he double-checks what he has to take off the truck.

“You're a little late to take me up on the drink offer,” I tease as I cross the gravel drive toward him, shuffling my flip-flops against the rocks.  I am hoping that maybe he is a morning person and will be in a better mood than the last time I saw him.  No such luck.  He looks up at me quickly, adjusting the bill of his hat to shade his face, and then back down at his clipboard.  Not even the hint of a grin on his lips. Wow.  His expression is as cold as it was last night when he walked away from me.  He shakes his head, albeit subtly, but to me it is like a flashing neon sign that says, “Go away.”

He sets the clipboard down on the hood of the truck, his eyes never once drifting back to mine.  Instead, he turns his back and walks behind the truck.  He lowers the gate and pulls the pallet lift, loaded up with whatever it was my mom ordered.  As he lowers the lift to the ground, he keeps his focus on what he is doing.  It is painfully obvious that he is avoiding looking at me.  Maybe I should have looked in the mirror again?  I thought my fitted pink t-shirt and black cotton shorts were cute pajamas. Maybe I was wrong.  Do I look that horrible this morning?

“Just put it outside the barn doors over there,” I say between clenched teeth.  Who the hell does this guy think he is?  Never in my life have I been so callously ignored.  I glance over my shoulder at my mother and Mallory, who are still watching from the kitchen window.  I roll my eyes at them and turn back to see if Mr. Personality has finished what he came here to do.  As infuriating as this situation is becoming, I can’t help but notice how fantastic his ass looks in his jeans.  The worn denim hangs from his narrow waist perfectly—not cowboy tight and not gangster loose.  The gray t-shirt that is stretched across his back reads Wilson Lumber Yard with their catchy slogan underneath—“We Got Wood”.  I fight back a giggle.  At least someone has a sense of humor.  He unloads the pallet and has the lift back in the truck, all while managing to completely not acknowledge my existence.

“I'll just go ahead and sign for this so you can be on your way,” I say as he climbs out of the back of the truck.  This time, the icy tone of my voice catches his attention. I can feel his eyes on me as I walk to the front of the truck.   “I'd hate to keep you from the obviously more important things you would rather be doing.”  Leaning over the hood, I pull a pen from the holder on the top of the clipboard.  My frustration with his attitude is made perfectly clear as I furiously click the plunger on the top of the pen.  My eyes are busy scanning for the space I am supposed to sign when a sudden shadow is cast over my shoulder.  I can feel his breath on my neck and his body resting behind mine.  It must be the nature of the position we are in because I have to fight the urge to back into him.  To feel his hard body against my backside.  My skin is on fire and my brain immediately tries to reason that it is anger as opposed to something else.

“Do you mind?” I snap, turning to tell him to back off.  But he doesn’t. Instead, he places his hands on the truck, catching me between his muscled forearms and pinning me between his delicious body and the truck.  Even under the bill of that hat he is always wearing, I can see his shaded eyes narrow in on mine.  It isn’t with contempt or agitation—it is something else.  Yes.  He is looking at me like he wants to tear my clothes off, and I would let him. 

He closes the distance between us.  Here we are, chest to chest.  The air around me instantly thickens, making it nearly impossible to breathe.  His eyes go to mine and then to my lips, the same way they did at the bar.  He takes in a shallow breath, and I can tell he is having a hard time breathing, too.  I’m not sure if I should duck out from under him and run or throw myself against him.  I've never been so intimidated or so turned on in my life.  It is infuriating.  He licks one corner of his lips and I think for sure he is going to kiss me.  Seconds tick and he still hasn’t moved.  Is he waiting for me to give him the okay?  Does he really want to kiss me?  I raise my chin slightly and let my eyes close.  I hold my breath, waiting for his lip to fall on mine, and forget every reason I should be mad at him for.  That is until he utters three words that manage to remind me. 

“No signature required.”

Purchase links:

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/l656rfq

B&N: http://tinyurl.com/psb8kom

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id903598255

Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/pg4vzft

My Review

 I adored this book! First of all... My book boyfriends are going to have to start fighting each other for the top for real! Anyways--

Whitney's life has never really been her own. She has always done what everyone else wants her to do. Her dad and the asshole Wes she has been with since high school have always made decisions for her. But that changes when she walks in on Wes screwing a girl he said she "had nothing to worry about." After deciding to drop his ass she moves in with her mom and sister, who I ADORED by the way. She then pretty much falls into Cole's life. 


Alright time to swoon.. Enter Cole.. Tall, dark buzzed hair,dark eyes, oh and did I forget to mention tattoos.. and a body to die for.. *wipes drool off face* 
 Cole

But that's not all he is. Inside that hot package is a good man, that doesn't know he is good. I fell hard for Cole and I really wanted to punch anyone that didn't treat him right or love him like he deserved. 

Whitney can't help herself, she wants him and has never went after what she wants. 

"I am the proverbial moth to his flame. I want- need -to be near him and find out everything I can."

So she approaches him in the context of being friends even though they both want more.

"You think I'm some charming country boy. I'm backwoods, baby. The sooner you figure that out, the better off we will both be." 

Cole doesn't think he is good enough for Whitney. But I think together they are amazing. This is a beautiful story of finding love when you don't expect it, being true to yourself, and trusting love to bring out the best of you.

They have issues to overcome but doesn't every relationship? Be prepared to cry at times too.. There was a few times I was really upset with Elizabeth Lee :) then I had to remind myself there is no cliffhanger and I will get my HEA and she did not disappoint!! Though I admit I wouldn't mind more of Whitney and Cole! 

The steam level is pretty hot,like clenching your thighs together hot in some scenes.. ;) 

Bottom line: Read it! Oh and for Caisey Quinn fans (raises hand), a mister Trace Corbin also makes a somewhat appearance. :) Okay read it!! :)

Author Bio:

Born and raised in the middle of a Midwestern cornfield (not literally, that would be weird), I’ve spent my entire life imagining stories. Stories where the right guy always gets the right girl, first kisses are as magical as they are on the big screen and anything is completely possible if you believe.

Although this journey began years ago, it recently took on a whole new life. After years of devouring hundreds of Romance, YA and New Adult novels, I had an epiphany... I should write a book. And I did it!

If I’m not reading, writing, enjoying drinks with my amazing group of girlfriends or chasing around a sarcastically funny kid, I’m probably watching television shows that were created for teenagers, while my husband teases that I’m too old to watch them.

Connect with Elizabeth:

Facebook | Twitter | Website

Cover Reveal: Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista by Aven Ellis

COVER REVEAL

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CHRONICLES OF A LINCOLN PARK FASHIONISTA

Author: Aven Ellis

Genre: Chick Lit

~ SYNOPSIS ~

Recent college graduate Avery Andrews is ready to begin a new life in the big city. She’s landed an apartment in Chicago’s famed Lincoln Park neighborhood–and has her eye on the cute commodities trader just a floor above.

If Premier Airlines knew about her fear of flying, they never would have hired her to be their marketing assistant—but it’s not like Avery wants a lifelong career. Right now she simply wants a job to pay her bills…and fund a few little shopping excursions, too.

Her new lifestyle comes with a price tag, as Avery is not only faced with paying a ridiculous rent but finds she’s perceived as one of the vacant, husband-hunting fashionistas who live in the area. Avery resents this stereotype—so she doesn’t want a lifelong career, and she loves fashions she can’t afford, but that doesn’t mean she is empty-headed and spoiled, does it?

When an opportunity to participate in a documentary at work arises, Avery finds a two-fold solution to her problems. She’ll earn extra money for it, and the documentary will show her as a serious career woman, enabling her to shed that husband-hunting fashionista label for good.

When the camera is on, Avery attempts to be a motivated professional woman. But when she is challenged by Deacon Ryan, the videographer assigned to cover her story, Avery finds herself wanting things she was never supposed to want—like a lasting career—and Deacon. And Avery might just gain more from the experience than a perfect career image and extra cash to put in her Tory Burch wallet…

~ Cover Designer ~

Christy Caughie

~ Release Date ~

September 10, 2014

~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~

Aven Ellis

Aven Ellis has been writing fiction since she was sixteen. She studied communications at a large Midwestern university, and after graduation, Aven worked as a reporter for a community newspaper, followed by a stint at a public relations agency.

But writing about city council meetings and restaurant franchises was not as much fun as writing for young women trying to figure out their careers and potential boyfriends. So Aven got herself a job in television that allowed her to write at night. Connectivity is Aven’s debut novel; Waiting For Prince Harry and Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista (New Adult romantic comedy) will be published next year.

Aven lives in Dallas with her family. When she is not writing, Aven enjoys shopping, cooking, connecting with friends on social media, and watching any show that features Gordon Ramsay.

Social media links:

Facebook | Website | Twitter | Goodreads 

Cover Reveal: Lasting Fate by Charisse Spiers

"Lasting Fate" by: Charisse Spiers Cover Reveal

Lasting Fate Excerpt:

Preston I pull into the drive and the garage is open. I've told Kinzleigh to keep it shut. It's a nice area, but that doesn't mean we don't get strays from time to time looking for easy access to steal. Kinzleigh's mom should be here soon to help her with the baby for a few days. Maybe she's already here. I could use her help so I can get some work done. I'm swamped with projects and a new baby is more work than I thought. I try to give Kinzleigh a break when I get home.
Pulling under my garage door, I park and kill the engine. I grab my satchel that I take back and forth from the office and step out of my beamer. It's been a long day. I grab the knot of my tie and pull, loosening it. When I get to the door my heart drops to my stomach. It's cracked. My first thought is that someone has broken in. I push it open and walk inside.  I drop my bag at the door and pick up pace when I hear Bryce screaming at the top of his lungs. A fear I've never known races through my body. What if she's hurt? "Kinzleigh," I call out throughout the house. I get no response. When I make it to the living room Bryce is lying in his bassinet screaming and Kinzleigh is lying on the couch staring off into space like a zombie, ignoring him. His face is blood red like he's been crying for a while. I reach over and pick him up, pulling him to my chest. "Hey, buddy. Shh, shh, shh. It's okay," I say as I rock him. It's not helping. He's obviously hungry or wet. Hell, I don't know. I've never had a baby before and I'm a guy. I would get cranky if I was hungry. Kinzleigh is breast-feeding, so I don't know what I'm supposed to do.
"Kinzleigh, when is the last time you fed him?" I look over at her, still attempting to calm him down. My ears are stinging from his constant crying. I can't think. She has not even acknowledged I'm in the room. "Kinzleigh, what the fuck?" The only type of response I get from her are tears that fall from the corners of her eyes and they trickle down her nose before dropping onto the leather of the sofa. "I can't," is all she says and goes back to staring off into space. What the hell does that even mean, she can't?
"You can't or you won't? What happened to you? Are you sick?" He is still screaming, so I reach in the bassinet and get his pacifier, hoping it calms him a little until I can figure out what the hell I'm supposed to do now. "I can't," she says again. She's not even looking at him. I begin walking towards her in an attempt to see what's wrong and get her to feed him. She closes her eyes before I get there. "Please don't. I can't hold him. Please, take him somewhere else. Please..." I don't understand. She was fine when I left for work. I try to give him his pacifier. We don't have any formula, because she wanted to feed him naturally. How does everything change so drastically in twelve hours?
He takes it for a second before he figures out nothing is coming out of it and spits it back out, now mad as hell. I can't deal with this shit right now. I'm worried about her, because she's not acting right, but I have to get him calmed down first. Pulling out my phone from the pocket of my slacks, I hit one of the contacts in my immediate access list. It rings for a minute before the line picks up. "Preston? It's seven thirty and the sitter just left. Do I need to call her back? Is that Bryce? Is he okay?" Her voice is drowned out by his crying. I walk out of the room with the phone up to my ear. "Hey, Macie. I need your help. It's an emergency. It's about Kinzleigh. You can bring Talon." "Anything, Preston. Is she okay?"
I peek my head back in the door. She's still lying on the couch in the exact same position she was when I left. She is still staring at the wall blankly, no emotion registering on her face. "I don't think so. I came home and Bryce was screaming in his bassinet. She's just lying on the couch in a vegetative state. She won't hold him. I have no idea when she's fed him last. Can you bring some formula?" "I think I know what's wrong with her. I'll be right there. Give me fifteen minutes." She doesn't wait for an answer before disconnecting the call. I slide the phone back in my pocket and begin bouncing him slightly while I pat his back. His tiny head is resting against my cheek.
"It's okay, buddy. We'll get your mama fixed, okay? Don't worry. She must have a reason for letting you cry, she has to. You'll love her. She's kind of hard not to love." His cry is dying down, from the exhaustion I'm sure, but not stopping completely. I stand in the doorway watching her. I've never in my entire life seen her like this, not even when her grandmother died. It's like her soul has been sucked from her body, leaving nothing but a hollow woman lying in this big house. I'm scared to know what that means. I need to talk to Macie. I have a strange feeling I'm losing her. I've never been in love with a girl like I'm in love with Kinzleigh, and I never will be again, but I can't stand seeing her like this. If this is going to be the girl she becomes, then I'll have to make another choice, one that is going to forever destroy me for a woman. I won't trap her. We were happy before he came back. I won't watch her disintegrate and become lifeless to preserve my own happiness.
The realization occurs that if she doesn't get better I may have to let her go. Watching her lay as if she is alive, but dead, is killing me inside. I've never been an emotional guy until I went back to Mississippi that night and saw her the way I did. Something changed in me that night. From that point forward it wasn't about me, but her. I learned that when you love someone, you do what's best for them, even if it isn't what's best for you. I want to walk over to her right now, but I have to take care of Bryce first. I made a promise to love and take care of both of them. I'm going to keep that promise for as long as I can. Right now I'm scared and I don't know how long I'm going to get to hold onto what has become my family. Just because this child doesn't share my blood, he still shares a piece of my heart. I kiss the top of his head. He finally cried himself to sleep, but he won't be asleep long. Macie should be here soon. I can tell his diaper needs to be changed anyway.
I stare at the girl that captured my heart from the time I was just a teenager. I've really grown into a man from then to now. I rub my thumb back and forth on Bryce's head, above his ear. "I need to leave you for a minute, but I promise I'll come take care of you," I whisper into the air in her direction. "I love you, Kinzleigh." My eyes fill to the brim with tears, but I close my lids before they have the chance to fall. She doesn't have room in her life for someone that can't contain his emotions. I kiss the top of his head; his baby smell fills my nostrils. "I love you also, buddy." I hold him close to me and begin walking in the direction of the stairs and towards his room. I'm going to savor every moment with the two of them. My brain wants me to believe that I still have them forever, but my heart is preparing me for the worst.
After changing his diaper, I sit in the rocker and start to rock him. Macie walks in with a bottle in hand. She takes one look at me and gets a saddened look in her eyes, more like a look of pity. "You've gotten attached to him, haven't you?" "Yeah." I am not one of those guys that talk about the emotions fighting against each other deep inside. I prefer to keep to myself. Revealing parts of yourself to others sets you up for gossip and judgment. Coming from a family in the media that was something you didn't do. Kinzleigh is the only person I've ever let in.
"I hope I'm not overstepping any boundaries, because I really like you as a boss and a person, but you know there is only way to fix her, right?" I continue rocking back and forth, staring at the wall before me. I want to know, but at the same time I don't. I'm not sure I want to know the answer, because I think I already do. "What's that?"
"Preston, you can't fight soul mates. I know you love her, and I really believe she loves you in return, but she's meant for him. His return has changed the rules of the game. Her soul is fighting her, mourning for its other half. A doctor is going to tell you it's postpartum depression, but we both know what's really wrong with her." I'm getting mad. Things were going great before he came back. I'm not going to be an asshole and say I wish he would've died, because I don't, but she's the only girl I've ever wanted. That should count for something. "So, you think I should just hand her over to him? What kind of a man hands over the only thing he wants in life. I've only ever loved her..."
"I'm saying you should set her free. She made you a promise, and I don't think she's going to break it. Her soul is turning against her, rebelling until she gives it what it wants. As silly as it sounds, I really believe someone can die of a broken heart. Would you rather keep her alive and well or allow her to suffer slowly? If you really love her, prove it, and set her free her from the ropes that bind her. Selflessness, that's the ultimate sacrifice in love." I look down at the bundle in my arms. I can't let them go yet. I need a little more time. She could still get better. She has to get better. I'm trying to convince myself, but it's not working. Bryce wakes up crying. "Here, give him to me. Talon is watching television in the spare room downstairs. Go tend to her. She needs someone. She looks horrible."
I stand and hand him to her. I watch her sit in the chair, but I can't quit looking at him. "Preston..." I glance up at her. "We'll be fine. I've raised one baby. Go on." I nod and follow instructions, leaving the room. When I get to where Kinzleigh is, she looks worse than she did before. It feels like someone has a hold on my heart and squeezing as hard as they can until it pops. I get to her and squat down so that I'm at her level. "Kinzleigh," I whisper. Her eyes are void of all life and emotion. She doesn't look at me. It's as if she can't even hear me. Fuck it. I can't take this anymore.
I slide my arms underneath her and lift her, pulling her against my chest. "I'll do whatever I have to do to fix you, Kinz. I promise." I walk her upstairs and into our bathroom, sitting her on the toilet. She slumps slightly, but holds herself up. "Lift your arms," I state. She does as I say. I remove her shirt and she lowers them back down. I unclasp her bra and remove that too. She is now sitting in just her underwear. I unbutton my shirt and let it fall to the floor. Grabbing the collar of my undershirt, I pull it over my head and toss it down on the other one, forming a pile. I work quickly to unfasten my belt and pants, letting them drop to the floor as well. Stepping out of my shoes and pants in unison, I kick them to the side. Wrapping my arms around her waist, I pick her up and she wraps her legs around me, and then lays her head against my chest. I walk over to the large round tub and step in. Reaching forward and down, I turn the nozzle and adjust the settings until the water is warm.
I sit down as the bathtub fills with water. My eyes fill with moisture again, but this time I let them fall. My heart is breaking, shattering is a more appropriate word. The only things at the forefront of my mind are the things Macie said. I hold her wrapped in my arms and silently cry. My heart is trying to convince my mind that it's wrong, duking it out on what's best for her. I don't want to let her go. I want to love her each and every day for the rest of my life. I want to give her the world, and be her world, but after seeing how she reacted to him at the hotel that day and seeing her when she told him goodbye, and looking at her now, my mind is overpowering my heart. It's clear that what I want and what she wants are two different things.
I could hold onto her if I wanted, but my love for her guilt’s me, and won't let me do this to her. I feel like I'm being gutted at the realization of what I have to do. I'll never be the same after this. I'll never give my heart to another woman. When I do this I'm defying everything I was taught by giving in. I'm sacrificing my happiness for hers. When her and Bryce go, my heart goes with them. After holding her in the bathtub and trying to convince myself to go back on my decision, I bathed her and gave her some sleeping medicine from the cabinet. I lay her in the bed and pull the covers over her. It doesn't take her long before her eyes begin to roll in the back of her head and her lids close.
Her cell phone on the nightstand starts to ring. I notice it's an unsaved number. Trying not to wake her, I answer the call. "Hello." The line is silent. "Can I talk to Kinzleigh?" I look down at her. She is sleeping and looks peaceful for the first time since I got home from work. I'm not waking her. Besides, I'm about to give her over to the bastard anyway; he can let me have a few more hours.
"Now's not a good time," I say. "Are we really going to play it this way?" He breathes and I walk out of the room, quietly shutting the door. I move far enough away she can't hear me if she wakes.
I need him to stop calling, because what I have to do has to be done in person and I don't need him to worry Kinzleigh until this is done. "She doesn't want to see you, Breyson. Please stop calling." I disconnect the call and throw the phone at the wall, leaving a crack and a now shattered phone. I run my hands through my hair and rest against the wall, sliding down until I'm sitting on the floor. Leaning my head back I close my eyes.

Meet Charisse Spiers

I developed a passion for reading I never knew I had in November of 2012 when I decided to give eBooks a try. Since then I can't go a day without some form of a book or character running wild through my mind. For almost a year I constantly had a book pulled up on my Kindle app for my iPad. The beauty of self publishing is that you can interact with the authors, which is how I started writing. I never knew I had the creativity to write a novel until I began conversing with another Indie author. If you ever think that Indie authors don't like getting feedback from readers, you are very wrong. I began editing for a fellow author and because she took a leap of faith in me and told me to give writing a shot, I am now an Indie author myself. I cannot tell you how amazing this journey has been. It is hard putting yourself out there for the public eye with all of the reviews that come through, but it's also amazing. I have met some of the most genuine people and people I would consider friends even though I've never met them face to face. I have now published the first two books in the Fate series, Accepted Fate and Twisting Fate and I am starting book three Lasting Fate to be released November 2, 2014. I cannot wait to see where this journey takes me and feel free to interact with me here or on social media. I will respond. :)

Buy Links: click on the image

Watch The Fate Series Trailers

BLOG TOUR: Iron Sinners by H.J. Bellus

IRON SINNERS

Author: H.J. Bellus

Series: Sinners Never Die, Book 1

 ~ SYNOPSIS ~

Griff, aka Grizz, the ideal Iron Sinner, rides hard and dedicates his all to the club. 

A job needs done…he does it. 

Men idolize him. 

Women love him. 

Never shy and always up for a good time, Grizz finds himself jumping from mattress to mattress and digging grave after grave. You want to take a bullet? Cross the club. 

One night, rival MC, Devil’s Idol, do just that. Grizz and Animal are sent to straighten shit out while leaving no witnesses. What Grizz faces that night changes his life forever… 

Piper Jones is in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The ruthless business woman, finds herself captive by the MC club. But she’s not one to go down without a fight. 

She slowly destroys Grizz, from his bad boy persona, to his ride or die motto. He should want nothing more than to do away with her with a single bullet. Instead, he finds himself giving his all just to be with her. 

Will Grizz be able to walk away from the one thing he swore he never wanted?

Add on Goodreads

~ PURCHASE LINKS ~

Amazon | Paperback | B&N

~ EXCERPT ~

“Who the fuck do you think you are,” I yell as the large man throws me onto the bed.

“Your worst fucking nightmare, sweetie pie.”

“Just let me go, please.”

“Not happening,” he says as he sits on the bed and begins to untie his boots.

“I didn’t see anything. I don’t know names or places. Let me go. I have a very important meeting in the morning,” I beg.

“Not happening,” he replies again.

“Let. Me. Fucking. Go,” I roar, as I sling the Bible from the nightstand and nail him in the back of the head.

“Listen here, bitch, you’re now property of the Iron Sinners motorcycle club. You ain’t fucking going nowhere without one of us. Got it? You witnessed a fucking crime that could put a fellow brother away for life. You’ve been spotted with us by a rival club. You are now marked as a motherfucking Sinner. You leave our side and the Idols will put a really shiny bullet straight through your skull. You’re a walking, talking dead bitch just waiting to get popped. So shut the fuck up.”

Did I just really hear him he say property of the sinners? Bullet in my head?

“So, you’re telling me I have a ticking death threat that could expire at any given moment?”

The man stands, faces me, baring all of his ink and replies, “And I forgot to add shut the fuck up.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

He comes closer in an intimidating stance and bends down so we are face to face. “Does any of this read as if I were kidding you, bitch?”

His minty breath reverberates off my skin and envelops all of my senses. He was the bad guy and I, the victim, but god damn he’s gorgeous.

“Let me fucking go. I don’t care about any of that shit.”

I lunge forward off the bed, catapulting myself into his chest and begin my fight to escape. My surprise assault knocks him off balance and he falls back on the bed. I run for the door. Fuck! My bag. I take three steps back, grab my bag, and run.

Halfway out of the parking lot, I'm brought down by my hair.

“You dumb cunt. What part of my speech didn’t you get?” the man growls in my face.

He rips me up by the hair and drags me back to the room.

“I’m done playing nice. You want to run and piss me the fuck off, then you’re going to be treated like a fucking piece of trash.”

My Review

So this is the first Motorcycle Club book I think I have read( I say think because I have read so much in the past 11+years that it is hard to remember) and this is the first HJ Bellus book I have read! I was NOT disappointed!

I am pretty sure I have never read something like this and I enjoyed it! I hated it and loved it at the same time.Much how Piper felt ;) I say hate and I really mean I was appalled at all the things happening and the way the men talked to their women and about women in general. But at the same time I knew that it all wasn't disrespect it was just how these men are. Men can be assholes.. Men that are expected to be assholes, that are really secretly softies? Even bigger assholes. :) It's all about the image!

On to the book!! Piper is a successful business woman who has quite literally fucked and sucked her way to the top. She is one of the biggest bitches you will run across and you will despise her a little at first... Then you really get to know her. Remember that thing I said about men and feelings? Yep, Piper is the same way. But I actually admire her for it. She is one tough bitch! Being that way won't save her when she is in the wrong place, at the wrong time though. When she witnesses something going down that she shouldn't have she's taken and now belongs to the Iron Sinners.

The Iron Sinners are no joke. The are rough, tough, cruel and even downright disgusting pigs. But one thing remains- they are loyal. The ride together, fuck together and will die together. It's part of the MC rulebook.

Grizz is just as tough as the rest of them and honesty his behavior seriously pissed me off. I knew going in how he would probably be, but dang it still hurt my heart and this is when I still hadn't decided if I liked him or not! Once I was sure I was head over heels, it broke my heart. His past hasn't been easy and his present isn't either. I have to say I think Grizz and Piper together are something else. They bring out the best and the worst in each other. But in the end no matter how gritty the story gets or how painful things are, they power through. This will not be my last MC book or my last HJ Bellus book! I look forward to reading more of both.

BTW... I LOVED Digger and hope that HJ Bellus writes his story. I think I will love him more than Grizz!

***Copy kindly provided via the author for the blog tour in exchange for an honest review***

~ TEASERS ~

~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~

H.J. Bellus

I am just a simple country girl getting one story out of my head at a time. I was raised in small town, USA and still reside there with my husband and children. I am a huge country music fan and am inspired by it everyday. I live and love country life, and you will find those elements in my books. I also adore strong and brave lead female characters, and strive to be a courageous and independent woman in everyday life. In my opinion, life is no fun without a good sense of humor, sprinkles, cheese whiz, and candy. It is the simple things that warm my heart. 

Live life your way, HJ Bellus 

Social Media Links

Facebook | Website

Tour organized by: HEA BOOK TOURS, PR & MORE: http://heabooktours.blogspot.com/