Monday, April 13, 2015

A Ghostly Grave (Ghostly Southern Mysteries #2) by Tonya Kappes




Title:  A Ghostly Grave (Ghostly Southern Mysteries #2) 
Author:   Tonya Kappes 
Genre: Mystery & Detective / Cozy / Ghost / Woman Sleuth 
Series: Ghostly Southern Mysteries Series 
Publish Date:  March 31, 2015 
Publisher:  WitnessImpulse, an imprint of HarperCollins


~Synopsis~
 There’s a ghost on the loose–and a fox in the henhouse. Four years ago, the Eternal Slumber Funeral Home put Chicken Teater in the ground. Now undertaker Emma Lee Raines is digging him back up. The whole scene is bad for business, especially with her granny running for mayor and a big festival setting up in town. But ever since Emma Lee started seeing ghosts, Chicken’s been pestering her to figure out who killed him. With her handsome boyfriend, Sheriff Jack Henry Ross, busy getting new forensics on the old corpse, Emma Lee has time to look into her first suspect. Chicken’s widow may be a former Miss Kentucky, but the love of his life was another beauty queen: Lady Cluckington, his prize-winning hen. Was Mrs. Teater the jealous type? Chicken seems to think so. Something’s definitely rotten in Sleepy Hollow—and Emma Lee just prays it’s not her luck.


Purchase Links:  Amazon / Barnes & Noble

SBM Review

This is such a fun and suspense filled mystery. Kappes kept me guessing and surprised me at every turn. I just love Emma and Henry and can't wait to follow them on their next adventure. It's not very often I can find not only a series, but an author I can share with my daughter. Kappes writing is for all ages and I would encourage you to share with your younger readers. A great adventure to share with your children.


 
~ About the Author~
Tonya Kappes has written more than fifteen novels and four novellas, all of which have graced numerous bestseller lists including USA Today. Best known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters, her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews.
She lives with her husband, two very spoiled schnauzers, and one ex-stray cat in northern Kentucky. More than anything, Tonya loves to connect with readers, and has a ‘street team’ of fans and followers on social media. Be sure to check out her Facebook, Twitter, blog and newsletter!
Connect with the author:  Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads
 
Giveaway 
Five winners ~ free download of A Ghostly Grave.  Winner must have access to Bluefire Reader and have an Adobe account to receive free download.

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

True Violet by Vivian Winslow



True Violet by Vivian Winslow

The Violet Trilogy #3

The Gilded Flower Series #9

Genre: Erotic Romance


SYNOPSIS

In this final installment of The Gilded Flower Series, shocking secrets are revealed and the long-buried truth comes out.

Things are heating up for Vi in Dubai, and it's not just the desert climate. Vi is starting to come into her own—having the hottest sex of her life and poised to take over her father's multinational conglomerate. Yet, her suspicions are confirmed when she uncovers a plot to destroy not just her but her best friends' lives. With an unlikely ally, Vi seeks to ruin those behind the plot. Will Vi be able to have it all and find her lasting happiness in the arms of the man she loves?





Excerpt

Chapter 26
Relief spreads over Vi during breakfast as she politely engages in conversations with other division heads. It’s the last day, and her father’s closing remarks, scheduled after the breakfast, will mark the end. Despite the beautiful beach setting, the week has been long and tiring. She arrived in Muscat believing she could predict her future—well, at least the next month. But now, thanks to her father, it’s all turned upside down. She faces a monumental decision that will impact her life, and it’s not something she anticipated when she agreed to move to Dubai. She begins to bite her thumbnail nervously as Azahr invites their father to the podium to speak.
The theme of the conference was about divergent economic growth across global economies, which really meant how to ensure the continued success of Rai Industries. The senior Rai goes on about this, expertly discussing and even countering some of the claims made by the economists who spoke during the conference. He does it admirably, showing how sharp he remains at seventy.

Toward the end of his speech, he takes a turn Vi doesn’t see coming. She had asked him to give her a week to think over his offer, but clearly his grunt meant a ‘no’, not ‘yes’.
            “Now, before I close, I want to thank my son, Azahr, for all his hard work in coordinating this conference, and also for his years of loyalty to Rai Industries. I want him to know that his allegiance has brought pride to me and our family.”
            The audience erupts in restrained applause.
            Her father holds up his hands to indicate he isn’t finished. “I expect you all have also had the pleasure of meeting my charming daughter, Violet, this week. It was important to me that you have a chance to get to know her.”
            Suddenly all eyes in the room focus on Vi. She straightens and forces a reserved smile. This isn’t what she agreed to, but obviously this is her father’s way of saying there’s only one answer. Why did she ever expect him to actually listen to her?
            “Over the next few months, Violet will be transitioning to take over as CEO of Rai Industries.”
            Vi can feel her stomach tense. Her palms begin to sweat, and she quickly looks over at the Exit sign, gauging how long it will take for her to get out. This isn’t what she asked for, nor is it what she wanted. No, she wanted a position in Rai Industries, not any one in particular, just something that would give her closer access to her brother, to put her suspicions to rest.
            Now, the game has changed. Not only will Azahr be out for blood, but her father has exposed her to the scrutiny of her colleagues and anyone else who may want to find out more about the mysterious, illegitimate Rai daughter. She mentioned this to him over lunch when he first proposed this idea. His response echoed Samir’s. She was ultimately untouchable. Personal judgments be damned. Vi would be secure. But at what price?
            She gulps for air, trying to quell the chaos of emotions that are raging through her, uncertain of how to proceed. Her mind is in a fog. Her usual philosophy of following where the universe is pointing her seems to be failing her when it appears to be her father acting as her master.
            Vi squeezes her hands together, digging her nails into her palms to calm herself. When she hears her name again, she looks over at her father who is motioning for her to join him. Beside him, Azahr looks like he’s about to have a stroke.
            Her father moves the microphone closer to her. To Vi’s surprise, her words come out more composed and articulate than she would’ve expected.
            “Thank you, Father,” she says, nodding toward him. Then looking out onto the faces of the people who soon will consider her their boss, she says, “Thank you to all of you. I understand that it may take time to place your trust in me to fill the rather large shoes of my father.” Vi looks at Samir quickly. “I do not intend to replace him, because it would be impossible. Rather, I hope to continue his tireless work and devotion to Rai Industries and see it achieve his vision of success and growth in the coming years. My father and I have discussed what that means, and we agree that diversifying Rai’s portfolio as well as investing in the people of India will be the best course for our future.” She reaches out and takes her father’s hand. Together, they raise their hands in a sign of victory, a camera flash momentarily blinding them.
            Azahr walks out, wading through the throng of people coming up to congratulate Vi and her father.
            As soon as Samir approaches, she smiles at him and shakes his hand.
            “So last night was an interview of sorts,” he says.
            She shrugs. “Nothing was certain. I asked for time to decide, but he obviously had made up his mind.”
            “And you? Have you made up your mind?” His tone suggests hope.
            Vi cocks her head and smiles. “Perhaps. When I do, you’ll be the first to know.”


Friday, March 27, 2015

Give me all of you by FL Jacob

unnamed (2)
Beth Emmons would not allow herself fall in
love. She’d been burned in the worst way possible, leaving her with a secret that made her the black sheep of the family.
Jake Martin wasn’t looking for love. After his ‘true love’ married another, he kept to himself and lived the life of a bachelor.
When their paths crossed in Mexico, they couldn’t get enough of each other. Beth kept to her ‘friends with benefits’ plan, while Jake wanted more. A pregnancy scare caused Beth to run from Jake. Jake gave Beth the space she needed even if it was going to kill him. Christmas at the Black Hollywood Club reunited them and made them stronger.
Now, the family Beth wanted to forget pops back into her life needing her full attention. All the while, Beth’s secret is busting at the seams causing her to once again distance herself from Jake. Jake decides enough is enough and vows to fight for the love of his life, his real true love.
Will Beth be able to give herself to Jake? Can Jake’s love give Beth the strength she needs, or will her secrets cause them to fall apart again, leaving them shattered . . . unable to pick up the pieces.
*Give Me All of You is book 3 is the Black Hollywood Series. It can be read as a standalone.
GMAOYTeaser2
1de41-excerpt The lightening shines again in our room and she rolls to face me. Her beautiful lips are puckered and her cheeks are stained with tears from earlier. I slide into bed and pull her close to me. She snuggles right up and my heart feels like it is going to explode. This is so right. How can she not realize it?
My eyes slowly shut and I’m off into a peaceful sleep with the love of my life.
It feels as though my eyes just shut when I am jolted awake by Beth screaming out into the night. The blood curdling sound has me on my feet before I even know what is going on. I try to blink the sleep from my eyes and focus on the room.
That’s when I see her. In bed curled into a fetal position shaking uncontrollably. “Beth, Beth baby, what’s wrong?” She doesn’t loosen the grip on her legs. I don’t want to scare her any more than she is.
She jerks away from me when I place a hand on her shoulder trying to calm her. If it’s possible I think she actually curls into herself even more. I need her to focus on me. Moving swiftly around the bed to be in front of her, I crouch down to her eye level.
“Beth, I need you to look at me.” I move the matted hair away from her eyes. It takes a few minutes before I see her white knuckles move and start gaining color. Then her eyes meet mine. They seem so empty and scared.
When she finally seems to focus, she lunges at me. I move quickly to catch her body flying at me. If I didn’t know she was truly scared out of her mind, I would have laughed because she knocks me on my ass.
I just hold her. Caress her back and hair. She isn’t crying. If I had to guess I’d say she is in some sort of shock. Time seems to stand still. Then her body starts shaking again. “Beth, shhhhh, it’s going to be okay. Please talk to me. I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.”
Her breathing seems to calm down and the shaking slows. “Where’d you go baby? Come back to me.” Feeling like I can move without scaring her, I cradle her to my chest and move to the bed again. Siting her on my lap, I rest my back on the headboard.
She looks up and tries to back out of my embrace. “Oh God, Jake, I’m so sorry.” Her hands try to cover her face. “That hasn’t happened to me since I was in school. Fuck how embarrassing.”
Grabbing her hands I pull them away. “You said you wouldn’t shut me out. Elizabeth look at me. What happened?”
Her face falls and she looks away.

c5ce0-buy2blinksAMAZON * AMAZON UK * B&N * iBOOKS

GMAOYTeaser1

GMAOYTeaser2
giveaway
I am a mommy of two, wife to an amazing man, and full time employee. Life is crazy and busy! I started writing again during a darker time in my life in a group write in a Facebook group. They brought back my passion for writing that I haven’t felt since high school and helped me through hard times.
Starting this process was tedious and nerve-wracking, but my amazing ladies and my fabulous husband have inspired me to take my love for writing to the next step.
My current books are Have I Told You, I Won't Give Up on You, A Very Merry Black Hollywood Christmas, all part of the Black Hollywood Series. Coming Soon will be Give Me All of You, book 3 in the BH Series.
Coming later 2015, One in a Million. New Characters, New story, Standalone! More information coming soon.
Hosted By:

UtopYA

writeyourfuture

Have you got a story in your heart simply bursting to be told? Or characters in your head who never stop whispering their secrets? Maybe you're a devoted reader who wants to tell the world about your favorite books. No matter your goals, UtopYA will envelop you with open arms as well as inspire you beyond belief! The book conference brings female writers of contemporary and supernatural YA and NA fiction together with their fans. Book lovers from far and wide, including authors and readers as far away as the UK, Scotland, and South Africa. This year’s expected attendance of 700-1,000 will be its highest ever.
Those who are interested in a thriving book community will enjoy panels and camaraderie. Readers will not only meet some of their favorite authors (and even do karaoke with them!), but they'll attend educational panels to learn about honing their craft. Whether it's writing or editing a book, designing covers, developing marketing strategies, blogging - they've got a panel for that and more! Keynote speakers Denise Grover Swank, Lauren Miller and Kim Holden will kick off each day followed by educational panels, games, screenings and more. These panels contain expert advice to aspiring authors and book bloggers, plus open discussion for audience participation. Over 100 exhibitors will showcase their work and meet readers; a B&N and indie bookstore are also on site. In addition to the cosplay karaoke on Friday night, the highly anticipated UtopYA Awards will take place Saturday evening, where nominees are honored thanks to their peers and fans. We'll get dressed up and dance the night away as we fangirl over our favorite book boyfriends ;) In addition, there is a book signing on Saturday that is open to the public - all UtopYA asks is a book donation or $5 to their charity Book 'Em. In return, you'll meet bestselling authors, plus a chance to discover plenty of new ones! More than a few women have called this event a life-changing experience! The event is already at 75% capacity, so get your tickets here or hurry over for more information at www.utopyacon.com.

Want to know who will be there? Here’s a PARTIAL list of authors, experts, models, and vendors who are ready to meet YOU:

Denise Grover Swank • Kim Holden • Lauren Miller • Marissa Meyer • Myra McEntire • Tammara Webber • Rebecca Donovan • Amy A. Bartol • Jessica Sorensen • Ella James • Cameo Renae • Elizabeth Kirke • Amanda Jones • T.A. Kunz • Chelsea Fine • Whit & Ware • Mae I Design • Indie-Visible • Teal Haviland • Kristie Cook • Clean Teen Publishing • CHBB • Timid Monster • Tia Bach and Indie Books Gone Wild • The Paisley Reader • Delphina Henley • Shana Benedict • Book Junkie Not So Anonymous • Michele Madow • Courtney Stevens • C.J. Redwine • #NALitChat • Chanda Hahn • RK Ryals • A.M. Hargrove • B.J. Sheldon • Cambria Hebert • Tessi Conquest • Nathan Weller • Kendra Malcolm • Madison Daniel • Mindy Ruiz • Bryna Butler • Curiosity Quills • P.K. Hrezo • Rysa Walker • Mary Ting • Bella Roccaforte • Raine Thomas • The Rebel Writers • Michele G. Miller • Raye Wagner • Heather Hildenbrand • S.M. Boyce • Rebecca Yarros • Rachel Harris • Tammy Blackwell • Plot Ninja • Helene Dunbar • Lila Felix • Lizzy Ford • A.G. Henley • Toni Lesatz • Nikki Jefford • Katie McGarry • Stormy Smith • Amy Miles • Rick Miles • Jon Miller • Misty Provencher • Kallie Ross • Stacie Wilson • Morgan Wylie and so many more. Check the web site for full list of authors, exhibitors, panelists and more!

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Where One Goes by B N Toler [Release Blitz]





Title: Where One Goes
Author: B N Toler
Editor: Marilyn from Eagle Eye Reads
Copy Line Editor:  Rae from 77 Peaches for Proof
Published:March 18, 2015



I was never one to believe in spirits—until six years ago, when a bone-chilling accident changed my life…forever.

My name is Charlotte, but most people call me Char…and I have a special gift. 
 

I talk to the dead. 

Make no mistake, I can’t summon them. I’m only able to see and speak to the spirits that linger when they’re unable to crossover. They’re somehow weighted to the world with unfinished affairs. And for the last six years, I’ve relentlessly used my gift to help their lost souls.

But it’s come at a price. My life is dark. Feeling despondent, I’ve begun to give up. And in helping the dead, I’ve realized I haven’t allowed myself to live. With no money, no place to go, and most importantly… no hope, I’ve decided there is only one option—to end it all.

But fate is a funny thing. One minute, I’m about to leap to my death, and the next, I’m saved by Ike McDermott. The strong, striking soldier stopped me from putting an end to my despair. He’s the kind of man that smiles and brightens an entire room. Sweet and gentle.

He is my savior. 

And he’s dead.

We’ve made an agreement. He’ll help me find a place to stay and a new job if I’ll help him with his unfinished business so that he may crossover.

Ike’s unfinished matter involves his twin brother, George. George has been falling apart since Ike’s death and Ike has not been able to compel himself to crossover in peace until he knows George will be okay.

When I agreed to help, little did I know that I’d fall in love with the charming folks of Bath County, and…Ike and George McDermott.

Now, as both brothers own equal parts of my heart, I am faced with a cruel and unfair predicament. In saving George, I must let go of Ike. 
 

But how does one let go of half of their heart?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24323918-where-one-goes?fb_action_ids=708360282614926&fb_action_types=books.reads&fb_ref=Default&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=[969093066441657]&action_type_map=[%22books.reads%22]&action_ref_map=[%22Default%22]&fb_collection_id=14&ref=profile




Ike and Charlotte



It’s nine in the morning and Charlotte is still sleeping. She looks different with dry hair in the light of day. Her dark hair is shiny and soft, fanned out over the pillows. Her lips are now pink, not blue as they were last night. She’s on her stomach, the blanket just barely covering her ass. Her skin looks so smooth and creamy, I’d give anything to touch it. I know I shouldn’t be staring at her like this, but I can’t help it. I may be dead, but I’m still a man—I like to look at beautiful women.





I have to get her up. She needs to get to her truck, and we need to get her a job immediately.



Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!” I yell, and clap my hands in front of her face. She jolts up, her eyes frantic. I get a great shot of her breasts, and dear God, they are beautiful, I mean, call me an asshole, but I have no shame in staring at her before she jerks the blanket up, covering herself. Man, I miss the feel of a woman. Their softness, their warmness.



I’m going to kill you!” she shouts.



Little late for that, babe,” I reply and jerk my chin. She tosses a pillow at me. It goes right through me and lands on the floor.



I yawn. “Ouch.”



Don’t wake me up like that ever again!” she shouts. “I don’t have any clothes on!”



Really? I hadn’t noticed,” I mock confusion.



Asshole!”



My, my, we’re grumpy in the morning,” I chuckle as she stands, wrapping the blanket around her. The dead can still get hard-ons. I have to turn from her, so she doesn’t see mine as I mentally lick her long, lean body. Damn!



She grabs her bag and scurries into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. Apparently, mornings are not her forte. When she exits the bathroom, she’s wearing worn jeans with holes all over and a black tank top. Her dark hair is down and she’s put on a little makeup. Although she still looks tired and frail, she looks refreshed, and that makes me happy. I don’t know her well, but I hope when all is said and done, I can help her find some happiness.



How much did you see?” she asks as she zips her backpack up.



Not much.” I shrug and she sighs with relief. “Just your breasts,” I add nonchalantly, and she throws a hair brush at me, which zips right through me and hits the wall.



Thought we already established that won’t work.”



You suck,” she huffs and flings her backpack over her shoulder.



They were really nice, Charlotte.” I compliment her and she blushes, but she can’t help but smile.



You’re lucky my gift is limited to seeing and hearing you. If I could touch you, you’d be talking in soprano right now.”




BUY LINKS

http://amzn.to/1LOcK4Fhttps://www.smashwords.com/books/view/516528?ref=OHVAsoccerMomhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/where-one-goes-b-n-toler/1121173808?ean=2940046558265


PLAYLIST

 


Author Bio
B N Toler lives in Virginia. When she's not reading or writing, she's thinking about reading or writing. Before she became a self-proclaimed writer, she worked as a real estate agent and as an orthodontic technician. **She will notice your teeth before your eyes or hair or anything.**
She enjoys shopping (way too much) and is on a first name basis with several employees at the local Target in her town.
She loves music,(bluegrass, country, 80's, actually she loves most music ~her favorite song is American Pie by Don McLean and she worships anything that is Elvis and Johnny Cash and Eric Church) dancing, (even though she sucks at it)reading, writing, eating (too much) sleeping late, (which she rarely gets to do) and laughing. If you can make her laugh, she will love you forever.


http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/where-one-goes-b-n-toler/1121173808?ean=2940046558265https://twitter.com/BNTOLERhttp://www.bntoler.com/http://www.tsu.co/BNToler


Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Steady Burn by Nichelle Rae [Excerpt Tour & Giveaway]



Steady Burn
by Nichelle Rae


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

BLURB:

Steady Burn is the 3rd book in the epic white warrior series.

Hathum has left Azrel for dead. Seemingly a long way from recovery after his attack, Azrel suddenly gets a vision of Yarin, the true leader of the Gleo'gwyns. He is being held prisoner in a decrepit dungeon and being mercilessly tortured by a Shadow solider.

Azrel realizes in that fearful instant that the world would share Yarin's fate if Hathum and the Shadow Gods defeat her.




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

EXCERPT




The storm of Shadow and Light that swirled around the inside of my chest was so volatile that I stumbled a little at the top of the stairs from the shocking feeling of it. The Shadow feeling pushed outward from the inside of me so forcefully I thought it would rip right out of my chest, and then there was the calming breeze of Light that seemed to swirl around the Shadow and calm it down so I didn’t explode. I couldn’t make sense of who was Light and who was Shadow in the turmoil. I swallowed and had to take my eyes off the crowd, which eased the storm.

All eyes were on us, particularly me, as the back end of the cage was opened and Rabryn, Acalith, and I were forced inside. I took in a deep breath and made my way to the front, keeping my eyes on the ground. I gripped the cage bars firmly in my hands when I got there and waited a few moments. I needed to prepare myself because this was going to be difficult. Taking a deep breath, unsure if it was even going to work, I forced my eyes up and let the raging storm ensue in my chest.

I examined the attending crowd, my eyes jumping around like a nervous animal’s. I knew I had to look at them all. I had to see all of their eyes. I wasn’t sure yet what I was going to do with this jumbled mess that took place in my chest, but I just knew I had to look at them all. The White Warrior would be able to make sense of what I was seeing, I knew she would. But she needed me to look.




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


AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Nichelle Rae, fantasy’s newest author, was born and raised in Massachusetts. Her love for writing began when she was 14 years old and she wrote short stories about meeting her favorite music group. She received so much praise and complements on her writing ability that it quickly became a passion of hers. Throughout the years she has gotten much praise from peers, professors, and professional author’s she’s had a chance to work with about her writing and ability to put emotions into text.

The White Warrior Series is her debut fantasy series she’s publishing as an independent author which will consist of seven books total. Nichelle already has begun three more fantasy series that she hopes to publish in the future after The White Warrior Series.

Social Media Links –

Website http://thewhitewarriorseries.com/
Facebook www.facebook.com/TheWhiteWarriorSeries
Twitter @Nichelle_Writes

Buy links –
Kindle USA http://www.amazon.com/Steady-Burn-White-Warrior-Book-ebook/dp/B00L9EGKZU/
Paperback USA  http://www.amazon.com/Steady-Burn-Warrior-Series-Volume/dp/0988336057/
Paperback UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Steady-Burn-White-Warrior-Novel/dp/0988336057/
Kindle UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Steady-Burn-White-Warrior-Book-ebook/dp/B00L9EGKZU/





GIVEAWAY


Nichelle will be awarding $30 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Packet for Fight For You by Charisse Spiers [Blog Tour]


Note from the author: 18+ please

To fight and win means the control is his and only his. The last man standing proves it all. Never again will he be on the losing end of the blow, the one lying broken and bloody wanting to die.

Control. Dominance. Aggression. Competition. Each represent a means to survival, a necessity to stay alive, and to suppress the demons that lie inside; the very ones clawing and attempting to break free from the bar that holds them at bay. Every day is a struggle to stay away from the darkness and evil that lurks deep within. Those are the things that it takes to keep those secrets in the realm of his mind in which they belong, forever buried so far there is no chance to break through the barrier he’s built.

Haddox Hayes has spent the last nine years getting by. He’s worked hard to forget that bloodthirsty night he left behind. The monster that exists within his veins will never be released again if he keeps a clear mind, and free from the debris he knows triggers his instinct to kill. He knows what can happen if it’s unlocked from its cage.

Fuck that. It can go to Hell along with the bastard that is the cause of his eternal torment. Eighteen years paid his sin, and at the age of twenty-seven the guilt still resides in his very core.

There is only one place he sets the monster free, but restricted: the ring. Playing by his rules has kept it on a leash for nine years and he doesn’t intend to break his rules now. The rage, the anger, the buildup, it’s all turned out in the confinement of the ropes against another traitor.

Stay in control. That’s the only thing that keeps his urge to annihilate smothered. Dominate the mind and the memories it holds. Fight aggression with fucking aggression. Be the best there is and lay his ass on the ground before the favor can be returned. Compete to win and to survive, or else the evil that is trying to consume will take over and turn him into the one thing he can’t become. If he becomes that, it has to be paid by death, the most ultimate rule.

A blackened heart isn’t allowed to partake in something as pure as love. He embraces the sweet nectar that a woman holds, sampling a little at a time. Never has he taken the same woman to bed twice. The only way to ensure he doesn’t harm another. A Dom in the ring and a Dom in the bed, his only way to cope within.

Then there’s Piper…the girl that could cause his control to evanesce. Will she be his downfall or his reparation? The entertainment is in the fight. Fight for love, fight for light, fight for her, or end in flight.

A girl with a ban against love, allowing men to bed her to numb her mind from the one that left her behind. Can the girl that won’t submit and the man that requires control find paradise in each other?
 
We finally get in the bar after standing in that long ass line. The music is bumping and there are bodies everywhere, grinding against each other. I let my body subtly sway to the music as I make my way to the bar in the back of the club. 

The first thing I notice is the hot, shirtless bartender making drinks as I push through the never ending people surrounding it. The bar is always more crowded than any other spot in the building. I love this place. It's crawling with hot guys and they have the best music around, not to mention the staff is oozing sex appeal, because their uniform is jeans hanging low on the hips with the elastic brief band of underwear peeking out the top, spelling out the brand they represent. 

This one, in particular, is yummy. His torso is chiseled to perfection and covered in tattoos placed perfectly against his skin. He's definitely worth a second look. I want to nibble on that lip ring in the corner of his mouth. As I study each line of muscle, I find myself wondering if Haddox's body looks like this. 

What the hell, Piper?

Hot bartender notices me ogling him and walks over with a smirk, leaning forward on his forearms against the top of the bar in front of me. "What can I get you, beautiful?" His eyes rake down my body as if he's already undressing me with his eyes.

I smile. This one's in the bag. "Well, how about Pineapple and Vodka, light on the pineapple," I say in my most flirtatious voice as I sit on the stool next to me that just became free. "Start me a tab," I ask, biting my lip. 

"Anything for you, gorgeous," he says and reaches down for a glass, preparing to mix my concoction. Moments later, he sets it before me, smiling. "What you doing later?"

"I don't know. Why don't you tell me," I say seductively as I press the rim of the glass to my mouth.

"She'll be with me," a sultry voice interrupts in a close range behind me. 

The bartender looks over my head and starts to back away from the bar. "Sorry, man, I didn't know she was taken. No disrespect."

Pussy. I don't need you anyway if you can't even ask my relationship status to the one person that knows. Me!

I feel like banging my head against the bar. I'm going to need to be intoxicated for this. I press my lips to the glass and drain the contents. Goose bumps start to form as I can feel breathing on the side of my neck. I don't need to look to know who it is. "I thought I had until midnight," he barks outside my ear. 
I can barely breathe with him this close to me. How am I supposed to speak? I don't think I want to at risk of sounding like a crushing schoolgirl. 

Put on your game face, Piper. 

I need more alcohol and fast. I choose to ignore the sexy as shit control freak next to me. Where is Alyvia when I need her? She was only supposed to have been going to the restroom, but knowing her she's already in the middle of the dance floor, covered in sweat. The girl doesn't even need alcohol. She usually sips beer, but comes for the music. 

The Rumple Minze from earlier is calling out to me. "Rumple Minze, two shots," I call out to the female bartender as she passes.

The girl is badass. Not even a minute and the shots are patiently waiting for me to consume them. "What can I get for you, sweetie," she asks, but her line of vision is directly beside me. It doesn't even seem to faze her that she is staring at the sexiest man alive. Hard-core is what that means, because even girls in the coffee shop had their eyes glued to him. 

"Same as usual, Britt." She smiles at the sound of her name.

Wait a minute. Hold up...they know each other? I come to this bar frequently and I've never seen him until the fashion show.

She grabs a bottle from the tub of ice, twists off the cap, and sits the bottle of Bud Light down in front of him. "My mistake, babe. How you been? Same ole broody Haddox, I'm guessing?"

"Something like that," he replies, saying nothing more.

"And as vague as usual too. Maybe we can catch up once the bar slows down. Enjoy your night," she winks and glances over at me. 

I consume one shot, followed by the other. My nerves are going haywire. The alcohol is finally coursing through my veins, leaving me in a more relaxed state of mind, though not much.
I feel a hand wrap around my thigh, not far from my girly area. Oh my...

He spins me around on the stool until I'm facing him. He's so close to my face that I reflexively lean against the edge of the bar. "Are you going to answer my question," he asks, placing his free hand on my other thigh, now holding me in place. 

He starts to rub my inner thighs with his thumbs and my muscles are flexing down below. How can I concentrate on anything he's saying if he's going to do that? He roughly pulls me to the edge so that he can align his body between my legs. It's really a good thing that I'm not modest, because my dress is hiked up. If his body wasn’t pressed to mine, I would be flashing everyone. 

In my hesitation he speaks again. "I don't like to be toyed with, Piper, nor do I like to be kept waiting."
He's starting that controlling bullshit again, pulling me out of my hormonal haze. I press my palms against his chest and push, but he doesn't budge. The alcohol is bringing out my bitchiness. "Maybe I don't like to give myself to a man that hesitates when given the opportunity. I basically put my pussy on a platter and extended it to you, only for you to have to consider it. That's not good enough for me. I may not be the girl to take home to mom, but I'm better than that."

A growl sounds within his throat and he clamps down on my thighs, jerking me closer to him. His cock is bulging through his jeans, aligned between my legs. Fuck, does it feel marvelous. He grinds me against him, his body flush with mine, and his lips just outside my ear. "Does this answer your question?" His voice sounds angry. "Do you want to know how hard you make me? Huh? Do you want to know how much you push the limits of my control? Well, get ready baby, because tonight you're all mine."

I can't think of anything but how much I want this. I don't think I've wanted anything this much in a really long time, possibly ever. Something about him takes me out of my head, allowing me to escape into someplace else. I can't explain it, because I don't understand it myself. I feel like such a whore right now, but I don't care. I'm never like this; given the fact that what happened last night did, but that's also more reason I want to. I want to rid my body of the toxins it holds. I don't want anything left behind of Cole tainting me.

"Okay," I state in a breathy voice. "Where?"

"My place. Meet me outside and don't tell Alyvia where you're going. I'm not dealing with her shit tonight."

He reaches down and adjusts himself, separating us. The distance makes me feel naked. I instantly hop off the stool, attempting to fix my dress. I look around, but no one is paying us any attention. They are too worried about getting laid themselves; the beauty of a bar. "Give me ten minutes?" 

He nods and takes a step back before halting. "Oh and Piper?" I look at him, waiting on what he has to say. "I'll give you what you want, but just remember darkness and light can't coincide. You have to pick a side. Don't say I didn't warn you..."

He turns and walks in the direction of the exit. I'm not exactly sure what he meant by that, but I don't care. Sometimes, I feel like I don't fit in trying to be this girl that I am from day to day. Maybe I'm living a lie. When choosing either sinner or saint, I'm definitely not a saint, but I strive to be a decent person. Perhaps the darkness is where I belong. 

I may not know many things about Haddox Hayes, but I know one thing: You can't force someone in a place they aren't already willing to go. Something is pulling me to him, making me want to explore whatever he has to offer. It's just a hunch, but I get a feeling, I'd choose darkness with him every time.





"Never let anyone tell you that true love doesn’t exist, because it does. The world may be leaving romance behind, but it can still live in our hearts if we let it. To lose romance would be one of the greatest tragedies. Keep it alive. If it dies the world will be a darker place." - Yours truly
I found books when I was going through a hard time in life. They became my means of escape when things got bad. I realized quickly how much I loved to take a backseat to someone else's life and watch the journey unfold. That began my journey with books in November of 2012. I constantly had a book open on my Kindle app. Never in a million years would I have imagined myself as a writer, because I never thought I was creative enough. I'm living proof that things will fall into place when they're meant to be. People will make their way into our lives when we don't expect it, setting the path for what we are meant to do. Never give up on people. Never stop taking a chance on others. Someone took a chance on trusting me with her work when she didn't know me from a stranger on the street and gave me the opportunity of a lifetime as our relationship progressed, which led me to editing and writing as well. This is my dream I never knew I had. As soon as I sat down and gave writing a shot, it was like the floodgates opened. Now, I am lost in a world of fiction in my head, new characters constantly screaming for their stories to be told. Continue to dream and to go for them. No one ever found happiness by sitting on the sidelines. Sometimes we have to take risks and put ourselves out there. Thank you for all of your support, and may there be many books to come. XOXO- C