Lone Survivor (Crescent City Kings) by Anya Summers

Anya Summers is back at Books to Light Your Fire with the first book in a new series, Crescent City Kings series! Check out an excerpt from Lone Survivor and let her know what you think! And then follow the rest of the tour for even more! Plus there's a great giveaway for you to enter!

Lone Survivor

She needed a fresh start…

ICU Nurse Sadie Montgomery moved to New Orleans after her entire world fell apart. The idea was borne of desperation as she sank further into a depression so deep and dark, she had stopped feeling. It isn’t until she crosses paths with Ram that she finally feels a spark of life return. The only problem is, she doesn’t want to be dependent upon anyone. The pain of losing it all is still too fresh. Not to mention, in Ram’s world, the women submit themselves body and soul.

He wasn’t looking for love…

Former Army Ranger, Ramsey O’Malley, is not looking for a long-term commitment from a woman beyond a scene or two at Club Underworld. He doesn’t have the time nor the inclination to begin something he cannot finish, not as a single dad with a thriving psychology practice. Except, he is drawn to his newest patient. She’s forbidden, like the apple in the garden of Eden, and all he wants to do it take a bite.

But they could not deny their desire…

When Sadie makes a surprise appearance at Club Underworld looking to take a walk on the wild side, Ram knows he cannot let another man have her. He wants to be the one to introduce her to submission. But can he convince her to submit to his brand of lovemaking? And will just one night be enough?

Publisher’s Note: This steamy contemporary romance contains elements of power exchange.

Read an excerpt:

Later that afternoon, Ramsey was at home putting together a lasagna for dinner.

“Dad.” Rocky sat at the kitchen table, a pack of colored pencils beside him as he worked on his latest comic book sketch. His dirty blond hair had grown in the two months he had been in New Orleans. Ram added getting him to the barber to his mental to do list before taking him and his sister back to Dallas.

“Yeah?” He slid the pan into the oven and then turned, leaning against the counter to look at his teenage son. Jesus, how could he be thirteen already? Ram could still remember how tiny he’d been, and just how terrified he’d been of taking care of a toddler on his own after he and their mom had split when Rocky was two. It did something to him, staring at the boy on the cusp of manhood, and thinking back over the years. He would hit a growth spurt in the next year or so and be as tall as Ram.

“Do you think it’s possible that aliens exist?” Rocky asked, never looking up from his drawing. Ram had no idea how the kid came by his artistic talent. Certainly not from him. Although Rocky’s Aunt Becca, Ram’s baby sister, was an artist. So it was definitely there in the family tree.

“I think it’s a distinct possibility.” This planet had enough problems without adding aliens to the mix. Talk about throwing the world into a panic.

“Then why haven’t they come to Earth yet?” Rocky asked, lifting his face. It always filled Ram with wonder when he looked at Rocky and saw a younger version of himself in everything but eye color. Rocky’s eyes were a clear jade, just like his mom’s.

“And how do you know that they haven’t?” he teased his son.

“Because we would know. With technology the way it is, someone would have gotten a picture or video that proves their existence.”

“Have you considered the possibility that if they flew billions of lightyears to get here, it’s more likely that their technology is much more advanced than ours and they would be able to hide from detection?” Ram said with a smile hovering over his lips.

“Yeah, for all we know, the aliens left you with us at birth. It would explain a lot.” Hurricane Angela waltzed into the kitchen, her smartphone in her hand, and grabbed an apple from the fruit basket on the counter. Ram sighed. His daughter was fifteen going on twenty-five, with enough sass to outlast Satan.

“Then you should watch yourself. We like to suck out human souls at night. It would explain a lot about you,” Rocky countered.

Angela rolled her eyes. “You’re such a dork.”

“Ang, watch it. You can talk to your friends for an hour and then screen-time is done for the night,” Ram stated, hearing echoes of his own dad as he said it. Ram didn’t know how, but he had turned into his father. He’d like to think of himself as much cooler, down to earth, and more level headed. But yeah, it had happened. And the thing was, Ram loved being a dad—although the teenage years were going to give him a head full of gray hair.

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About Anya Summers

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Anya grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Anya never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.

Anya is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance under the name Maggie Mae Gallagher.  A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.


Visit her website here:  www.anyasummers.com

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Don’t miss these exciting titles by Anya Summers!

Dungeon Fantasy Club Series

Her Highland Master, Book 1 https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Master-Dungeon-Fantasy-Club-ebook/dp/B01E9UB8SO/

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Two Doms for Kara, Book 3 https://www.amazon.com/Doms-Kara-Dungeon-Fantasy-Club-ebook/dp/B01GXGOAK0/

His Driven Domme, Book 4 https://www.amazon.com/Driven-Domme-Dungeon-Fantasy-Club-ebook/dp/B01IIUY8Y2

Her Country Master, Book 5 https://goo.gl/YWhLqm

Love Me, Master Me, Book 6 https://goo.gl/QlTE9u

Submit To Me, Book 7 https://goo.gl/Or8pYr

Her Wired Dom, Book 8 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRJY9TF/


Pleasure Island Series

Her Master & Commander, Book 1 https://www.amazon.com/Master-Commander-Pleasure-Island-Book-ebook/dp/B06Y5SVVB9/

Her Music Masters, Book 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0711R9D1H/

Their Shy Submissive, Book 3 https://goo.gl/ufyJLn

Her Lawful Master, Book 4 https://www.amazon.com/Lawful-Master-Pleasure-Island-Book-ebook/dp/B073SRDNNT

Her Rockstar Dom, Book 5 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075VSGP8Q

Duets & Dominance, Book 6 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075TG9RYC

Her Undercover Dom, Book 7 https://goo.gl/HKhVba

Ménage In Paradise, Book 8 https://goo.gl/qce2BD

Her Rodeo Masters, Book 9 https://goo.gl/HDZw6v


Cuffs & Spurs Series

His Scandalous Love https://www.amazon.com/Scandalous-Love-Cuffs-Spurs-Book-ebook/dp/B079GBB57Z

His Unexpected Love https://www.amazon.com/His-Unexpected-Love-Carter-Beginning-ebook/dp/B07C2NBGLQ

His Wicked Love https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B661RP1

His Untamed Love https://www.amazon.com/Untamed-Love-Cuffs-Spurs-Book-ebook/dp/B07D9ZDHMH

His Tempting Love https://www.amazon.com/Tempting-Love-Cuffs-Spurs-Book-ebook/dp/B07HYT1GVQ

His Seductive Love https://www.amazon.com/Seductive-Love-Cuffs-Spurs-Book-ebook/dp/B07KXP3MMF

His Secret Love https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NKN5Y2S

His Cherished Love https://www.amazon.com/Cherished-Love-Cuffs-Spurs-Book-ebook/dp/B07SBDTVMV


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Taken by the Beast https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FYNT21L

Claimed by the Beast https://www.amazon.com/Claimed-Beast-Alcyran-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B07Q3HNP26/

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Seduced by the Beast, Book 4 – Coming Soon

Chosen by the Beast, Book 5 – Coming Soon


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Lone Survivor, Book 1: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X4JN5DX

Far Reaching Consequences, Book 2 – Coming Soon

The Right To Remain Silent, Book 3 – Coming Soon

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Boxed Sets

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Anya will be giving away a $15 Amazon/BN GC via Rafflecopter during the tour.

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The Devil and Dayna Dalton by Brit Lunden

Book 9: A Bulwark Anthology

Paranormal Romance

Date Published: September 30, 2019

Publisher: Chelshire, Inc.

Reporter Dayna Dalton’s reputation has been ruined since birth. The daughter of wild child, Becky Dalton, is expected to follow her mother’s footsteps; never given a chance to prove she’s different. Dayna’s been in love with Clay Finnes since she was a teenager. Her unrequited love for Sheriff Finnes leaves her empty.  He’s happily married and unavailable. Instead, Dayna finds herself stuck in the revolving door of bad relationships. But this is Bulwark, Georgia, a town where strange things are always happening.  Dayna is doomed to this loveless life until she can find someone who will appreciate the depth of her character. Can she overcome her fears and look beyond her own perceptions to accept a greater love?

*Contains Sexual Content*

Purchase Link

Amazon

Excerpt

Chapter 4

“The devil is in the details.”

It was a steady beep that woke her. Dayna struggled to open her eyes. Her lids were heavy, as if they had been glued shut. She panicked for a minute, thinking she might have died and they had sealed her eyes. She lifted a hand to rub her face and felt the tug of something tethering her. She pulled, then moaned from the sharp pain near her elbow.

Brisk hands tucked her arm under a sheet next to her side. She turned to find Jenna Finnes adjusting an IV line.

Their eyes met, and Jenna said in a flat tone, “Don’t yank the IV out.” She walked over to a whiteboard, erased someone’s name, and printed her own, her face grim.

Dayna cleared her throat. Before she got any words out, Jenna spoke without turning around. “They brought you in last night. Minor abrasions. Sprained ankle, nothing serious.” She turned around, and her face held no warmth. “Whoever you were rolling around in the woods with left you there.”

“I wasn’t…” Dayna coughed. Her throat hurt when she spoke. Jenna poured her a cup of water.

“Whatever.” Clay’s wife shrugged. “You were out for a long time. There’s a bump on your head, but the CAT scan was negative.”

Dayna took the water with one hand. The other cautiously touched a tender bump on the side of her skull.

“When can I get out of here?” Dayna asked.

“They’re not going to let you drive home, not that your car is here anyway. The doctor will give you more information when he stops by.” Jenna walked toward the door.

“Jenna,” Dayna called after her, “who brought me in?”

“Sherry and Terence found you.” Jenna answered without looking at her.

Dayna could feel hatred emanating from the rigid stance of the nurse’s body and closed face. She could not stop herself from calling her name again. “Jenna?” Jenna turned, her eyes unfriendly. “How’s Clay doing?”

Jenna pulled open the door and left without another word.

Dayna let her head fall back on the pillows. For all that Jenna had a sterling reputation, she was no Florence Nightingale. The pillows were flat and water had spilled, making the coarse sheet both damp and uncomfortable. Jenna hadn’t even asked if she could bring Dayna something for her aching head.

Tears filled Dayna’s eyes and slid down the sides of her face. “Stop that damn self-pity,” she admonished herself.

Outside, the overcast sky cast a dark shadow over Bulwark. Wind whipped the branches of the trees. It didn’t take a forecaster to know a storm was brewing.

Dayna’s stomach rumbled noisily. The bedside table was just out of her reach. While her clothes and purse were nowhere to be seen, her phone lay on the surface of the table. It buzzed, the noise making Dayna jump, reminding her of every ache and bruise. She stretched, her sore muscles protesting. Her fingers spun the phone in a circle, the momentum forcing it to fall onto the side of the bed.

It was the editor of the paper, Howard Bresen.

“Yes?” Dayna picked up the phone.

“What happened to you?” Howard’s brusque voice demanded.

“Nothing. I saw a wolf and followed—”

“You tie one on again? No wolves in this part of Georgia. Everybody knows that, babe.”

Dayna hated when he called her that. She took a steadying breath and tried to keep the resentment from her voice. “I know what I saw.” Did she? She shivered, thinking of those strange pupils. Dayna opened her mouth to say something, then snapped it shut. She touched the tender spot on her head. She banged her head. That explained it, didn’t it?

“Yeah, you and half the population of Bulwark must be on LSD or something.”

“I don’t use drugs, Howard.”

“No matter, Dayna. I need an obit on JB Straton by tonight. It’s going on the front page. But if you’d rather argue with me, I can find someone else to do it.”

Dayna sat up, her head pounding, but she ignored it. The front page. “No, I want to write it. Can you send someone to pick me up? I have to get home.”

Howard growled that he didn’t have a staff of chauffeurs at his disposal. Then the phone grew quiet.

“Listen, babe, you didn’t see a wolf.”

“Howard, I know what I saw.” She paused, then finished, “I want to write a story about it.”

“I said you didn’t see a wolf. Got it?” Howard’s voice was stern.

If he was this way about the wolf, he’d go nuts if she mentioned the man with the blood-red eyes. For sure, that made no sense. It had to be a hallucination.

Dayna sat mute for a minute. When she opened her mouth, her boss added, “You want that front page or not? I won’t offer it to you again. No wolf. I want a nice tribute to a stand-up guy.” He mumbled something to someone in his office and said loudly, “Okay, I’m sending Lemuel. He’ll pick you up in an hour.”

“I have to get the doctor to release me,” she replied, her mind already forming the opening paragraph about JB Straton.

“You’ve got one hour!” He hung up the phone.

Dr. Kent entered the room as the phone went dead.

“I have a deadline,” she told him, her palm outstretched in an appeal.

Dr. Kent had kind eyes. He was new to the town and had a reputation for being both warm and friendly to everyone he met. He sat on the edge of the bed and patted her hand. “How do you feel?”

“I’d feel better in my own home,” Dayna said with an edge of impatience.

“Uh-huh,” he said, shining a light into her eyes. He rotated her head, asking if anything hurt.

“Just a little sore,” she assured him.

He lifted the covers, then picked up her ankle. He had gentle hands with long, elegant fingers. His touch was cool and efficient. It calmed her.

“It’s not broken. Stay off it for the rest of the day,” Dr. Kent said while he wrote notes on a chart. She noticed he was left-handed and watched his hand curl unnaturally with the pen as he wrote.

“You’re releasing me?” Dayna asked hopefully.

“Are you asking or demanding, Miss Dalton?” He smiled.

Dayna grinned back, and the room was decidedly toastier than when Nurse Jenna Finnes was there.

“I have to write an article about JB Straton.”

Dr. Kent’s face darkened. “He was a nice guy. Helped me out just a few days ago. I ran into some trouble when I was jogging.” Dr. Kent caught himself and changed the subject quickly. “Well, no matter. It’s not exactly a tragedy. He was old.”

“Isn’t all death a tragedy?” Dayna asked.

“No.” He shook his head. “Not really. When a person is old or infirm, sometimes it’s a blessing.”

“I can understand the age part, but the infirm?”

“When a person can’t be healed or they are incurable, it may be for the best. Sometimes they want to go, as if they’ve finished their use here.”

“I thought your job was about saving lives,” Dayna said.

Dr. Kent looked up, his blue eyes piercing. “I assure you, Miss Dalton, I do everything within my power to save lives. It’s not always up to me.”

“Then who is it up to?” Dayna asked, her chin tilted.

He looked at her as if weighing how to answer. “That’s something I wrestle with all the time. I think that when it’s someone’s time, it’s their time to go.”

The reporter came to life in Dayna’s head. “Where do you think they go?”

“Who knows? The Elysian Fields, Heaven...”

“Hell?” Dayna asked.

“I don’t believe in Hell,” he said, then added, “Sometimes I think hell is here.”

“Well, that’s profound.” Dayna reached for her bag to get a pen, realizing she had neither. She stopped moving and looked up at him. “What makes you say that?”

Dr. Kent looked out the window, his face distant. “Sometimes life is torment. I equate torment with hell.”

“Are you tormented?” Dayna asked softly, not wanting the moment to end.

Dr. Kent stood completely still, as if he was thinking of a way to answer. He shook his head as he looked at her. “No, I never said that.”

Dayna opened her mouth to ask another question, but he silenced her with a response.

“Stay off your foot for a few days.” He resumed writing notes on her chart. “You should be much better by tomorrow. If you have any vision issues or headaches”—he paused and added—” or strange thoughts, come back to the hospital immediately.”

He glanced out the window again, his eyes far away. Dayna looked in the direction of his gaze. He was staring, lost in thought, at the new diner that had opened recently. There was something going on here. She’d give her new Louis Vuitton bag to get to the bottom of that story. Now wasn’t the time, though. She needed that front page and to gain her boss’s trust to give her more leeway.

The blood-red eyes flashed in her mind, and she crushed the thoughts ruthlessly. She needed to get moving.

“Dr. Kent?” she prodded. “Can I leave now?”

He nodded absently. “Weather’s picking up. You know, I moved here because I hated the climate in New England.”

Well, that was strange, she thought. Neat change of subject. He was well skilled at diverting attention from things he didn’t want to discuss.

“Yes,” Dayna agreed, watching him. “We hardly had a summer last year.”

They both muttered, “Global warming,” at the same time. Dayna laughed. The doctor shrugged and moved to the door.

“Dr. Kent?”

He turned around.

“Has anyone said anything about seeing any wolves around town lately?”

“Wolves?” He shook his head.

“They’re extinct here. Why? Are you seeing wolves?” He looked at her closely.

“No, of course not. It’s just that there have been reports from several locals.”

“Bulwark has its share of crazies. I wouldn’t believe everything you hear,” Dr. Kent said as he left the room.

A different nurse arrived to unhook her IV. She handed Dayna a plastic bag containing her clothing and purse. Dayna dressed as quickly as her bruised body allowed. She opened the door to her room and walked into the hall.

Dayna walked furtively to the intensive care section at the end of the corridor. She waited until an orderly flashed his identification card to open the old wooden swinging doors. Trout Parker turned around and smiled at her when he let her follow him through the entrance.

“You’re not supposed to be here,” he told her, his voice low, his eyes raking her body. “Heard you went out with Skippy Benson.” He leered at her. “Maybe you want to go for a drink with me?”

Dayna shook her head. “Sorry, I’m kind of busy right now. I’m visiting an old friend,” Dayna finished with an edge of defensiveness in her reply.

Trout laughed and said slyly, “Sheriff Finnes is in the last room on the left.”

He pointed down the corridor and didn’t move. “You know he’s back with his wife, Dayna, but like I said”—he held his arms open wide, a wolfish grin on his face— “I’m available.”

“Yes, um...thanks, Trout. I’ll remember that.”

She felt his eyes follow her to the end of the corridor. That guy gave her a healthy dose of the creeps.

Dayna walked close to the wall. There was a window outside the room, and she could see Clay in the hospital bed. He was hooked up to machines, a bandage around his head. The bed was elevated, and Dayna could see he was awake. She touched the glass separating them.

The curtain that surrounded the bed twitched. Jenna walked in holding a cup of applesauce in one hand, a spoon in the other. Her cold eyes locked on Dayna, and with a sneer, she pulled the curtains across the window.

About the author:

Brit Lunden is a prolific author who’s written over 50 books in assorted genres under different pen names. Bulwark was her first effort in adult fiction and was chosen by several of her fellow authors as the basis for a new series, A Bulwark Anthology.  Using her characters, they are creating new denizens in spin-off stories to this bizarre town. Brit Lunden lives on Long Island in a house full of helpful ghosts.

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#NewRelease Dark Justice by Angela Smith with Giveaway

Romantic Suspense / Contemporary Romance

Date Published: September 17, 2019

She’s in love with her sister’s killer...

Lauren has loved Luke since first grade. They planned to marry—until he murdered her sister. The moment he was sentenced to prison, Lauren fled with her secret baby and made a new life. Now she’ll do anything to keep their daughter safe. But her hard won peace shatters when Luke is exonerated, and it sets her on a path of mixed emotions to discover the truth. Letting a killer into their tightly knit family is out of the question. Or is it?

She almost destroys her life by threatening his…

Prison stole his future with Lauren and twelve years of Luke’s life, so the last thing he needs from her is a knife in the back or a gun in his face. Lauren believes he killed her sister, and he has no plans to pick up where they left off. Luke can’t afford to trust her, but he wants nothing more than to convince her he’s worth fighting for.

Their daughter is in danger…

Luke is heartbroken when he learns they had a child together. Now his daughter is in danger. Lauren trusted the wrong person for far too long, but he hopes she’ll now trust him. Luke will risk everything to keep them safe. And Lauren will risk everything if she lets him into her heart.

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Excerpt

When Lauren strode through the door and saw Luke, she halted. A panic switch flicked on in her chest, heart pounding in fight-or-flight mode.

Stay. Don’t run. She forced her erratic breathing to slow.

Laramie stood beside her. Laramie. Why hadn’t she picked up the car later, when Laramie wasn’t around? Oh yeah, because she never expected to confront Luke at the same body shop he recommended.

Jim Edwards approached. She didn’t know him well, but enough to know he was a good man and ran a good shop. He and his wife owned and managed it together. Despite Luke’s recommendation, Jim’s reputation made it her first choice. Knowing Luke worked here would have changed everything.

Jim was tall but squatty, with a permanent curve to his back, a twinkle in his eyes, and salt and pepper hair. Grease covered his clothes. He rubbed his hands in a towel but didn’t offer a shake.

“Ms. Cooper, good to see you again. Your vehicle is ready. You wanna look it over first?”

The shop was full of grease and tools and contraptions expected to be in such a workplace. A sign to her right pointed to the office. That’s the direction she should have gone. If only she had known to avoid Luke.

“Um.” She wet her lips, swallowed, and ignored Luke’s gaze from the other side of the garage. “Who handled the repairs?”

“Oh, that’d be Luke Fuller. Great technician. He’s standing right over there if you’d like to talk to him.”

Jim pointed, but she knew exactly who Luke Fuller was.

What kind of joke was this? A joke with destiny? How had Luke been the one to repair her vehicle? It was practically his fault she had wrecked. Not directly his fault, but indirectly. She had been running from him and from all the emotions he’d wrought in her.

He should have told her he worked here.

“Luke,” Jim called, waving him over. She hadn’t answered, so he must have thought that meant she wanted to talk with the technician.

She didn’t. She wanted to get into her car and run away. She’d have to force herself to go slow and easy so she didn’t wreck. Luke’s long strides ate up the distance between them.

“That’s okay, we’re good to go,” she told Jim, but he kept waving Luke over.

She had wanted to talk to him. Tell him how sorry she was about everything that happened. But now wasn’t the time. Her whole body shook, weakness assailing her when her daughter gasped beside her.

“Laramie, get in the car,” she whispered.

Laramie was busy studying the man coming toward them, blatantly curious. She undoubtedly recognized Luke from her online search.

He stopped in front of them. Lauren tried to turn Laramie away, but Jim spoke.

“Can you go over the Escape with Ms. Cooper? I’ve got to run. Great to meet you and do business with you, ma’am. You can settle up your deductible in the office there. Claire will take care of you. Or Luke can take care of it, too.” He nodded toward the door and offered his hand. “Have a great day, little lady,” he said to Laramie. The man walked away, and she stared at his disappearing back, her mouth opening but no words formed.

I don’t want to talk to Luke, she wanted to say.

She avoided his gaze and eyed Jim’s retreating back as if he was her lifeline. But when she turned back to Luke, his brows creased and his head swiveled between Laramie and her.

She planted her hand on Laramie’s shoulder. “Get in the car. I’ll be there in a minute.” Her voice was shaky, empty, and way too tactless not to sound suspicious. She couldn’t have him studying Laramie too long. She didn’t need him to figure things out. And she damn sure didn’t want Laramie questioning anything.

 “As you can see, ma’am, we replaced the passenger door and fixed the front fender. The bumper was a bit skewed, and—”

She whirled on him, her eyes flashing fire. “And what else did you do?” Her whisper was a silent but scorching scream, only meant for his ears. But not silent enough Laramie wouldn’t hear the irritation. Her daughter continued to stand beside her, but she was too shocked to do anything about it.

He gave a slight headshake as if confused by her outburst. “Excuse me?”

“I’m supposed to get into this vehicle now? After you’ve touched it?”

He took a step back, his mouth opening.

“I replaced your fender and repaired your passenger door. Your bumper needed a bit of adjustment, too.”

Angry fire clogged her throat, her voice an eerie grumbling twang. Laramie stood silent beside her, watching her, observing her reaction. Lauren bit back on her fear.

This was Luke’s daughter. Luke’s daughter, and he didn’t know it, didn’t need to know it. She never would have brought her if she’d known he was working here. But now her best interest was to know everything she could about him, including his daily routine and where he worked, so she never had to run into him again.

Best to stay composed and avoid attention. She didn’t need her daughter wondering, or Luke studying her daughter too much.

She needed to get out of here.

His gaze flipped to hers, then to Laramie’s. She shielded her by shifting ever so slightly in front of her, but the question in his eyes revealed his curiosity.

“Mom?” Her daughter’s voice held that tween-angst-trust-no-one-and-question-everything tone.

“Get in the car,” she told Laramie, biting back her name. She refused to speak her name in front of Luke, as if that made everything real.

“You have a daughter?” Luke’s voice rose in a choppy wave of aggression.

No one besides them was in the shop. What would Jim’s reaction be if he knew he’d left her alone with the man who had sired her child and gone to prison for murdering her sister?

Her belly tightened. The car stereo fired up, jolting her back to reality. Laramie had climbed into the car, doing as asked, and a boomy bassy song blared from the speakers. The rumble resonated in her heartbeat.

“How old is she?” Luke asked. Why was she still here, her feet planted into the concrete floor as if stuck? His eyes flashed, lips curled. Her entire body shook. Curled into knots.

She squared her shoulders. “Thank you for the repair,” she said, then turned on her heel toward the car.

About the Author

Angela Smith is a Texas native who, years ago, was dubbed most likely to write a novel during her senior year in high school. She always had her nose stuck in a book, even hiding them behind her textbooks during school study time. Her dream began at a young age when her sister started reciting 'Brer Rabbit' after their mom read it to them so often. She told her mom she'd write a story one day and never gave up on that dream even though her mom was never able to see it come to fruition. By day, she works as a certified paralegal and office manager at her local District Attorney's office and spends her free time with her husband, their pets, and their many hobbies. Although life in general keeps her very busy, her passion for writing and getting the stories out of her head tends to make her restless if she isn't following what some people call her destiny.

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Kingdom Cold by Brittni Chenelle

Welcome to the blurb blitz tour for Kingdom Cold by Brittni Chenelle! I have an excerpt for you to enjoy today. And then if you want more, you can follow the tour to read those. Let the author know what you think in the comments! And then of course, take advantage of multiple opportunities to enter the giveaway!

Kingdom Cold
The Complete Collection

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Book I: Kingdom Cold
Book II: Kingdom Soul
Book III: Kingdom Untold
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Beware: a binge awaits. 

Deliciously dark, romantic and gripping, the Kingdom Cold trilogy now can be yours in a dazzling collection. 

Kingdom Cold follows the impulsive, teenage princess, Charlotte, as she attempts to murder her betrothed. But an arranged marriage is only the beginning of her problems, for the world as she knows it is falling apart. Her kingdom faces total destruction at the hands of Merlin and Lancelot, leaders of power-crazed Camelot. 

Will wicked King Arthur prove, once and for all, that ruthless deeds create the legend? Can Princess Charlotte sacrifice love to save her home?

Only one can reign.

Read an excerpt:

A thud sounded on my door. My shoulders tensed. I hoped it was one of my maids—I needed to get out of this thing. I hurried to the door and pushed it open. Prince Young stood in my doorway.

"Charlotte," he said. I looked into the hall behind him to see if someone else was passing, anyone who could help me—but it was only him.

"Please pardon me for coming to your chamber. I wondered if I might be able to have a word with you before the—"

Grabbing him by the shirt, I pulled him into my chamber. "Get in here," I said, shutting the door behind him. I took two steps toward the center of my room and said, "Quick, untie it. Help me take this off."

"Well... this is going better than expected," he said, half under his breath.

"Hurry, I can't breathe," I shouted.

Young's hands moved clumsily over the ribbons. "Sorry, I've never done this before," he said, "Uh-uhm. I mean—"

"That's okay. Neither have I," I said without thinking. What did I even mean by that?

"How do I do this?" he whispered.

I said, "Just try to loosen it. I just need a deep breath."

He pulled at the ribbons and I felt a slight release around my waist. I exhaled. "So, what was it that you wanted to talk about?" I asked as he continued pulling aimlessly at strings behind me. He let my question hang there. I wasn't sure if he would answer.

"I wanted to know if you're happy with Emmett."

I opened my mouth to answer. "A-"

"No, that's not what I wanted to say. I guess what I mean is, do you still want to marry me? No, I guess you never really did want to. What I'm trying to say is, I miss Vires."

My heart thudded and I felt my corset tighten.

He continued. "Now that I'm free, I can return there, but for some reason, I can't—and I think that reason is that I want to marry you. Still."

My heart slammed into my ribcage. Was this a proposal? I turned to face him, holding the front of my dress up with my arm. It made no sense. "Why? There's barely a kingdom left. You know what Emmett will do if I don't go through with this."

"I don't care." He stepped closer. My eyes disobeyed me and my gaze slipped to his lips for a fraction of a second. His eyebrow raised slightly. He'd noticed. As if he was reading my curiosity, he leaned in.

The door swung open, "Brother! Emmett is headed this— Oh," Minseo said, eyeing my half-untied dress. I sprang back from Young in a panic. Minseo grinned. "Wow, that really went better than I expected." My face exploded with heat.

"Minseo, she can't breathe. How do I untie this?" Young said, gesturing to my back. With three quick fluid motions, Minseo untied my entire corset. One thing was clear: Minseo had done this before.

Get it on Amazon

About Brittni Chenelle

BRITTNI CHENELLE currently lives in Seoul, Korea which inspires her multicultural fantasy books. Her favorite genres to read and write are Young Adult Fantasy, Young Adult Romance, Fairytale Retellings, and Young Adult Dystopian novels. She's very passionate about equal representation and makes a point to include characters from different backgrounds and cultures in her Fantasy stories.

Social Media

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/brittnichenelle

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Blog:  https://brittnichenelle.blogspot.com/

Website:  www.brittnichenelle.com

Brittni Chenelle will be awarding a free e-book version of the box set to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Wearing the Greek Millionaire's Ring by Jennifer Faye Book Tour Grand Finale and Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Wearing the Greek Millionaire's Ring

By Jennifer Faye

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops

you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

Hi. :-) Thank you for joining me with the launch for the third and final book in the Greek Island Brides trilogy ~ WEARING THE GREEK MILLIONAIRE’S RING.

Starting over can be one of the hardest things in life. Routines are comfortable. A set goal is reassuring. But when it’s all ripped away. What do you do? . . .

Thoughts of a Blonde - Excerpt

“What am I supposed to do with this?”

Stasia held up a cruise ship ticket while sending her big brother a puzzled look. She didn’t have time for a vacation. Now that she was on her own, with no husband and no other family besides Xander, who now had a wife and baby, she needed to pull herself together and carve out a life for herself. That had to be her priority. As it was, she’d put it off for too long.

“Use the ticket and go on vacation.” Xander frowned at her as though he was concerned about her.

Hallie Reads - Review

"Wearing the Greek Millionaire’s Ring is a sweet story, featuring a trope I always love, so of course, I enjoyed this third addition to the Greek Island Brides series. Contemporary romance readers in need of a quick, fun story, check this one out."

It's All About the Romance - Excerpt

She glanced down at her now bare finger.

She was on her own. Each step had taken time. Some steps were big and some were tiny. Each of them had pulled on her heartstrings.

“I… I worry about you.” Xander’s voice cut through her thoughts.

“I know you do.” And she knew it wasn’t easy for him to admit it. Xander had always held his feelings close to his chest. “And I appreciate it. But it’s okay. I’m okay.”

Paulette's Papers - Excerpt

And then a movement out of the corner of her eye caught her attention. It was a tall man with dark hair. Though she could only see the back of him, there was something familiar about the way he held himself and the way he moved with sure, steady strides.

She told herself she shouldn’t stare even if it was from across the deck, but she couldn’t turn away. Or maybe she was using this distraction to keep from thinking about what her brother was saying. Did Xander really think she was incapable of caring for herself?

She knew then and there that she had to prove to him—to herself—that she could stand firmly on her own two feet. She’d thought she’d been doing that ever since Lukos passed, but it seemed that wasn’t so clear to everyone. She promised herself that by the time the cruise ended, she would have a firm life plan for herself.

Jypsylynn - Review

"Wearing The Greek Millionaire's Ring is a happy and sad story of fake love turning into something real. . . . This is a charming story with warm hearted characters, lovely descriptions and fun. I read it fairly quickly. This is a good light read that will make you smile. . ."

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

Yaya arched a penciled brow. “Don’t hide in some corner. Or worse, go to your cabin to work. This is a vacation. Look at all these lovely ladies. I’m sure you’ll find someone to spend your time with.”

While wearing a forced smile, he inwardly groaned. He was in so much trouble. They’d just pulled out of the dock and they were to be at sea for two weeks—two weeks of matchmaking torture.

“Yaya, I’m fine. I don’t need to find someone to spend time with.”

Andi's Book Reviews - Excerpt

Roberto was on his way to an open table off to the side when he spotted her again. This time he was certain he knew her. It was Stasia Marinakos. No other woman carried herself quite like she did, with her slender shoulders pulled back, her head held high and a warm smile on her face. How she could smile after all that she’d been through was beyond him. But she hadn’t lost her zest for life. And he applauded her.

“Stasia?” he called out. When she paused and looked around, he called out to her again.

At last, their gazes met. Her big brown eyes widened. He waved her over to join him at the empty table. It took her a moment or two to work her way through the crowd of people all eager to enjoy the morning sun.

Two Points of Interest - Review

"Two years after her husband's death, Stasia Marinakos is trying to learn to enjoy life again. . . The novel was a quick and light-hearted beach read. . . . Overall, it was an enjoyable book for a quiet afternoon."

E-Romance News - Excerpt

Roberto glanced away. Under her gaze, he felt exposed and vulnerable. That was a first for him. He’d sat through a lot of tense meetings with some of the toughest businessmen. They’d all sized each other up for the other’s weakness, but none had made him feel like an open book.

He cleared his throat. “Actually, I’m here at my grandmother’s request.”

The twinkle of surprise showed in Stasia’s eyes. “Your grandmother is on the ship?”

He nodded. “So are a number of my family members.”

“That must be so nice.”

He remained quiet. He knew Stasia only had her brother these days. She didn’t know what it was like to have a bunch of well-meaning but intrusive family members delving into her personal life.

Onemused - Review

"WEARING THE GREEK MILLIONAIRE'S RING is a fake-relationship-turned-real story set on a Mediterranean cruise. . . . The characters were really fun in this, and the meddling family was an added bonus that adds some extra life into this romance. A quick read, this is a great beachy book with light-hearted fun and a sweet couple. Highly recommend for people who like fake relationship romances."

Harlie's Books - Excerpt & Review

He was about to take a drink when he noticed she didn’t have anything in front of her. “Can I get you anything to drink or eat?”

“Actually, yes. I’d love an espresso. I need the caffeine.”

It was only then that he noticed the shadows beneath her eyes. They were faint, as though they were covered up, and you wouldn’t even notice them unless you were looking for them. Something was keeping her up at night. And then he realized what it might be. She was still grieving for her husband. Sympathy welled up in him.

“I’ll be right back with caffeine.” He got to his feet and walked away.

"This friends to lovers book was spot on. Ms. Faye wrote a slow-paced, sweet romance about moving on and finding yourself separate from the death of a spouse. It is about loss and dealing with moving on but remembering, too. Roberto and Stasia romance is the perfect bookend for the series. I’m so happy that I rediscovered the Harlequin Romance line. Ms. Faye is one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait to read what she writes next."

I'm All About Books - Excerpt

Had that just happened?

Stasia resisted the urge to touch her cheek where just moments ago Roberto’s lips had been. They’d known each other for years, but they’d never shared a hug, much less a kiss. Usually, it was a passing hello or a nod of recognition.

And it wasn’t like he was the first man to kiss her cheek. Why was she letting it get to her like this? When he’d kissed her, her heart had pounded, her mouth had gone dry and her palms had dampened. Sheesh! She really needed to get out more.

She assured herself that it was just the shock of Roberto acting like her significant other. It had caught her completely off guard. Everything would be fine now.

janicesbookreviews - Review

"I enjoyed this book a lot. I loved the setting of the book, where they are on a cruise. . . . I loved how instead of chapters there is Day one, Day two, etc. It was interesting to know which day of the cruise they were on."

My Devotional Thoughts - Excerpt

“Hey, Stasia.”

She turned.

Roberto rushed to catch up with her. “Did you make plans for dinner?”

Her forehead scrunched up. “Is this something I should check on my app?”

He chuckled. “I meant to say, do you want to have dinner with me? But if you don’t want to or you have other plans, that’s fine—”

“No. I mean no, I don’t have other plans, and yes, I’d enjoy having dinner with you.”

Locks, Hooks and Books - Review

"Jennifer Faye does it again in her third installment from her Greek Island Brides series. . . I give Wearing the Greek Millionaire’s Ring a well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend this book, as well as, the others of the Greek Island Brides series for readers who enjoy sweet, romantic and clean reads."

Readeropolis - Excerpt

“What just happened?” Stasia’s eyes reflected her confusion.

“That was my cousin. She’s kind of like a force of nature.”

“But she thinks you and I...that we’re a couple. Why didn’t you correct her?”

He smiled. “Because she wouldn’t care what I said. She likes to come to her own conclusions. She’s a lot like our grandmother. She’ll figure out the truth eventually.”

Teatime and Books - Review

"Oh wow, what can I say about this amazing book! A truly stunning tale of such deep love and passion and so very sweet! I absolutely loved it! . . . This was such a well-written book, the characters are fully and well-developed and there are many twists and turns . . . If you love a sweet romance, then you are going to love this book!"

Jorie Loves A Story - Spotlight

Red Headed Book Lady - Review

"I loved it and I even snickered in some places of the book. It's truly delightful!! . . . Jennifer has done a fabulous job with writing this story. I love when an author can make me feel like I'm part of a book.

I strongly truth this book! You won't regret it!!"

Baroness' Book Trove - Review

"I love the way that the chapters were days and places where the cruise took them. I thought that was pretty cool and very unique. Loving the way that Stasia and Roberto got “together.” . . . Wearing the Greek Millionaire’s Ring by Jennifer Faye is a fantastic end to a wonderful trilogy. . . . I am giving Wearing the Greek Millionaire’s Ring by Jennifer Faye, a five-star rating and recommending it to all romance readers out there."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

Wearing the Greek Millionaire's Ring

(Greek Island Brides #3)

By Jennifer Faye

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages

September 1st 2019 by Harlequin Romance

A convenient engagement…

An inconvenient attraction!

In this Greek Island Brides story, widow Stasia Marinakos is learning to enjoy life again aboard a Mediterranean cruise. Her chemistry with gorgeous Greek tycoon Roberto Carrass is a pleasant surprise—until she’s mistaken for his fiancée! Nevertheless, the guarded bachelor asks Stasia to continue the charade to stop his family from matchmaking. As their attraction grows, their fake romance feels ever more real…but what will happen when the vacation ends?

Goodreads│Amazon│AmazonUK│AmazonCA
B&N│Harlequin│Kobo│iBooks│GooglePlay

Freebie

Go to Jennifer's Contact Page HERE and order your bookmark(s)!

The Greek Island Brides Series

Finding love that lasts to infinity!

All marriages that take place on renowned wedding destination Infinity Island are guaranteed to last forever!

And the picturesque Greek island is about to weave its magic for friends Lea, Popi and Stasia. They dream of finding their own happy-ever-afters... And they’re about to meet three billionaires who will sweep them off their feet—and down the aisle!

About the Author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

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Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a signed print copy of Wearing the Greek Millionaire's Ring (print if US, ebook if international)

- 1 winner will receive signed print copies of the entire Greek Island Brides series (US only)

- 1 winner will receive a signed print copy of  Wearing the Greek Millionaire's Ring (US only)

- Ends September 12, 2019

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