RSS Feed

Category Archives: Excerpt Reveal

Sneak Peek at Promise Me Always by A.L. Jackson

Sneak Peek at Promise Me Always by A.L. Jackson

🖤 Promise Me Always Sneak Peek 🖤

NYT Bestselling Author A.L. Jackson has a sneak peek of her upcoming single dad, fake fiancée romance, Promise Me Always. Coming January 30th!

“Go, go, go!” Tessa jumped up and down, rooting on Remy who’d thrown the Frisbee and was currently rounding the bases.

I scooped Scout into my arms, and he and I raced toward the Frisbee that’d rolled out the right side of the baseball field.

Scout was bouncing all over, his laughter filling the air, my little guy kicking my sides like I was a horse. “Hurry, Dad, hurry, Remy is so really fast, and we gotta catch her before she gets all the way to home base.”

I dipped down to snag the Frisbee, holding tight to Scout as I tipped him upside down, making him holler and laugh uncontrollably while Tessa was shouting, “You’re almost there, Remy! Whoop, whoop! Team Remy-T Wreckers coming in for the win. Yeah, baby!”

Scout’s eyes went wide. “Go, Dad! We gotta catch her. Rocket speed!”

I shifted him, tucking his side to mine so he could stretch out his arms like he was flying, and I was supplying the rocket propulsion as we bounded back the opposite direction, a bunch of sounds bubbling out of my mouth as I found a lightness I hadn’t felt in a long, long time.

Remy rounded third base.

Tessa jumped up and down on the pitcher’s mound, waving her hands in the air and cheering on my kid. “Go, Remy, go!”

Both their faces were red.

Joy radiated all around.

Guessed it was my joy, too.

This feeling in the air that might have been the best thing I’d ever felt.

Scout kept himself rigid, still zooming through the air. “After burners, Dad!”

I increased my speed a fraction.

Remy screamed and laughed as she ran for home, my daughter soaring free when her steps were often laden with reservation.

Her load too heavy.

I made sure that we just missed her as she stomped onto the base.

“Ahh, dang, you’re too fast.” I feigned the grumbled complaint while my little girl squealed in victory and shouted, “I did it! I did it!”

Tessa ran her way, her arms in the air. “You did it! You are a rockstar, Remington Hendricks!”

They jumped, high-fiving each other with both hands.

“Oh, man,” Scout whined. “We got a tie. How do we even know who’s the best?”

I pressed my lips to the top of his head. “Means we’re all the best, little man.”

“That’s Rocketman to you,” he told me.

A chuckle got free, and Tessa was giggling nonstop, her smile so bright, happiness this glow of warmth that surrounded her.

She poked Scout’s belly where I’d shifted him upright. “Pure awesomesauce, I tell you.”

He jumped out of my arms and into hers.

She caught him like she was completely accustomed to pint-sized shenanigans. “There’s my Rocketman! You’re off to Mars!” she sang as she swung him around.

Peals of his laughter rang in the air, and Remy moved to hold my hand, grinning in a way I hadn’t seen her do in so long that I’d almost forgotten what it looked like.

God, I wasn’t even sure how to navigate through it when I kept getting struck with an urge to capture it.

Hold it and protect it forever.

“Okay, I think that’s my favorite game.” Remy was almost shy to say it, though it was adrenaline and glee rushing all over her face.

“So fun!” Tessa agreed.

Everyone was panting with the exertion, sweat slicking our skin, and we moved back to where we had the blanket set up in the shade.

Tessa flopped down onto her back on it, Scout still held in her arms. Remy flopped right down beside her.

Tessa rolled her head in Remy’s direction so they were staring at each other where they lie on their backs. “Thank you for being on my team.”

“Best team ever.” Timidity might have filled Remy’s voice, but joy shined in her eyes.

They just sat there for a second, smiling at each other, something special moving between them.

Scout climbed off Tessa, and he crawled to the cooler and tossed open the lid. “I spy with my little eye a blue Popsicle.”

Like he hadn’t spotted it earlier when we were passing out sandwiches and fresh-cut fruit.

He reached for one.

“You’re supposed to ask first, little man,” I told him.

“Is it okay, Tessa?” He beamed at her. I was pretty sure those full lips would be enough to swindle the last dollar out of a starving man’s hand.

I blinked at him. “Excuse me? What am I, chopped liver?”

Scout shrugged. “Tessa’s got my back.”

Tessa sat up, pressing her fingertips to her mouth like she was trying to keep back her laughter.

“What are you giggling about?” I asked, voice low as I climbed down onto my knees at the edge of the oversized blanket.

“I think I found myself a couple of new besties.” Her smile softened, pure affection as she glanced between the two of them.

Remy smiled, too, and fuck, my chest tightened.

I loved to see my little girl happy.

“I’ll be your best friend because you brought me a Popsicle,” Scout supplied as he grabbed a handful of them and started to pass them out.

“One for Daddy-Doo, one for Remy-Roo, one for Tessa-Too.”

My kid, he was a poet.

“Dad, you better kiss her if you’re gonna marry her,” Scout said so nonchalant as he peeled the wrapper and stuck the blue bullet into his mouth. “Because in a minute, she’s gonna have blue lips, and that’s gross.”

I knew we were going to have to get these displays of affection right, but my nerves decided it was a fine time to short-circuit.

To go zapping and zinging in all those places she kept bringing to life.

Shaking me down and tightening my guts in a flurry of want as I looked at the woman who watched me with such a tenderness that my spirit groaned.

“You’ve got love, Dad,” Remy whispered.

Soft encouragement that cut me to the quick.

My child’s belief filling me full after I’d lost it.

Warily, I crawled forward on my knees, already towering over Tessa where she sat on the blanket.

My friend.

My friend.

Curling my hand around the back of her neck, I drew her closer.

Fire flashed.

That feeling rising that I had to keep at bay.

But those blue eyes, they were so intense and deep and filled with this trust that spread like fingers through my senses.

The girl a lure.

Her lips barely parted as we sat there with an inch of space separating us.

Hovering.

Hesitating.

Unsure.

My heart thundered too loud, and I finally drew her the rest of the way in and pressed my lips to hers.

Somewhere between firm and soft.

A second.

Then two.

Breathing her in.

Torment and bliss.

Pre-Order on Amazon

Pre-Order on Audible

Add to Goodreads

Want a Signed Paperback or Promise Me Always Release Box? PRE-ORDER HERE

Can’t wait for the release? Be sure to vote for PROMISE ME ALWAYS as one of your most anticipated January reads on Goodreads!

Vote Here

Connect with A.L.

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART, FALLING STARS, and REDEMPTION HILLS novels. Watch out for her upcoming stand-alone, PROMISE ME ALWAYS, releasing January 30th!

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter https://geni.us/ALJacksonBookClubB or text “aljackson” to 33222 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

Newsletter: https://geni.us/ALJacksonBookClubB

Facebook: https://geni.us/ALJacksonFBB

Reader Group: https://geni.us/AmysAngelsB

Amazon: https://geni.us/ALJacksonAmznB

Bookbub: https://geni.us/ALJacksonBookBubB

Twitter: @aljacksonauthor

Instagram: @aljacksonauthor

TikTok: @aljacksonauthor

EXCERPT REVEAL – The Rules of Dating by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

EXCERPT REVEAL – The Rules of Dating by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

EXCERPT REVEAL

Title: The Rules of Dating

Authors: Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance

Release Date: September 19, 2022

Excited about Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland’s upcoming release, The Rules of Dating?
Check out this SNEAK PEEK!

Crash!

Shit. Billie and I looked at each other. A devilish smirk spread across her face…and then she turned and bolted. 

I looked around. The coast seemed clear, so I ran as fast as I could while pushing a heaping cart full of crap. For the last hour and a half, Billie had been picking things out and holding them up to show me. If I agreed, she chucked them over her shoulder for me to catch with the cart. I’d been zigging and zagging, trying to scoop up all the merchandise she threw as I followed her around—both of us laughing like school kids the entire time. That is, until I missed that last toss and a glass bowl shattered on the floor.

IKEA was a giant maze, and both of us kept running, turning left and then right, until we finally arrived in the warehouse portion of the store, which was right before the checkout line. Billie leaned over with her hands on her knees, huffing and puffing.

“I think we’re in the clear,” she said.

“Pretty sure I would’ve rather paid for the twelve-dollar bowl than make a run for it. This cart is so full, it almost tipped like ten times.”

She laughed. “Did we get everything we need?”

“I’m not sure. But we definitely bought a lot of shit we don’t need. Like I think we could have done without the motorized ice cream cone spinners. The tenant can lick their own ice cream.”

Billie grinned. “Those are for me and Saylor. They light up, too!”

I snorted. “Come on, let’s check out before I’m completely broke.”

While we loaded everything onto the conveyor belt, I lifted my chin toward the in-store restaurant located just after the cashier stations. “You still up for meatballs?”

“Uh…hello? It’s the only reason I came.”

I clutched my hand over my heart. “Oww, that hurts. And here I thought you came for the company.”

After we were all checked out, I wheeled the cart over to a table for two in the corner of the restaurant. “Why don’t you stay here with the stuff, and I’ll go get us some meatballs.”

“Okay. But can you get me a drink, too, please? I’m so thirsty.”

When I came back, I set two big plates of meatballs on the table. 

“Did you forget the drinks?” Billie asked.

I grinned and lifted a finger. “Actually, I didn’t. I brought them.” My gym bag from earlier had been lying on the bottom shelf underneath the cart since we walked in. Taking it out, I unzipped and started to unpack. “Wine, madame?” I held a bottle of merlot over one arm, showing the label like a maître d’.

Billie cracked up. “You brought wine with you? I thought it was strange when you took your duffle bag into the store. But I figured maybe your wallet was in it and stuff.”

I shrugged. “What choice did I have? You won’t go out with me, so I have to make the best out of our undate at IKEA.” I unloaded two plastic wine glasses, white cloth napkins, and a candleholder with a red candle.

Billie picked up the candle and examined it before raising a brow. “A winter village scene?”

I shrugged. “They’re Christmas candles. I only had an hour to get out of the house with a four-year-old. Don’t judge.”

The looks we got from the people around us as we ate meatballs by candlelight were pretty comical. I was also pretty sure it was against the rules to have an open flame in IKEA, let alone an open bottle of wine, but evidently the people behind the counter hadn’t read the employee rule book to be certain. Either way, the smile on Billie’s face made it all worthwhile. After we were done eating, I blew out the candle and started to pack up.

“You know…” Billie shook her head. “I think you just snuck a date into our undate.” 

I shoved the cork back into the top of the wine bottle and zippered it into my duffle. “I did not.”

She squinted at me. “I’m pretty sure you did. What’s the difference between what we just did and a date? We shared a candlelight meal with wine and cloth napkins.”

I leaned down and whispered in her ear. “The difference is, you don’t get to come at the end.”

When I pulled back, Billie’s jaw was hanging open. I freaking loved that she looked so affected. She swallowed. “Is that the way all your dates end?”

I shook my head back and forth slowly. “No, but it’s damn straight the way ours would.”

Copyright © 2022 Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland

PRE-ORDER LINKS

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3b9I1G2 

Audio: https://adbl.co/3RT1bzS 

AMAZON LIVE RELEASE ALERT: https://www.subscribepage.com/2FreeBooks 

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61645755

BLURB

It all started when I hosted a little party for a bunch of new friends.  

Though “friends” might not be the right word since the invitees were all the women I’d found out my boyfriend was talking to behind my back. When the guest of honor walked in—aka my now ex—things took a turn…  

Unfortunately, a stranger witnessed the whole blowout. I was in a mood that night and ended up giving this gorgeous guy an attitude, too. As if my night could get any worse, before he stormed off, he informed me he was actually my landlord.

Colby Lennon, along with three of his friends, owned the building where my tattoo shop was located.  He and I were total opposites.  He wore a tie, oozed confidence that came with years of women falling at his feet, and wasn’t afraid to say what he wanted, which lately—was me.  

I hated that I found myself attracted to him.  Especially since I was supposed to be on a self-imposed dating hiatus. Yet the two of us couldn’t seem to stay away from each other. We started hanging out, as friends.  I even went as far as making rules for what he’d dubbed our “undates.”

But eventually, our explosive attraction became too much to bear, and we broke our resolve. I let my guard down and started to really fall for Colby.

Nothing could have prepared me for the ride he took me on. And I certainly wasn’t prepared for where I’d wind up when the ride was over.

All good things must come to an end, right?

Except our ending was one I didn’t see coming.

PENELOPE WARD

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism. 

With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over thirty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penelopewardauthor 

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PenelopesPeeps 

Website: http://www.penelopewardauthor.com 

Instagram: http://instagram.com/PenelopeWardAuthor 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@penelopewardofficial 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenelopeAuthor 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7105545.Penelope_Ward 

VI KEELAND

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles are currently translated in twenty-seven languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in the US, Germany, Brazil, Bulgaria and Hungary. Three of her short stories have been turned into films by Passionflix, and two of her books are currently optioned for movies. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/vi.keeland 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Vi-Keeland/435952616513958 

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ViKeelandFanGroup 

Website: http://www.vikeeland.com 

Instagram: http://instagram.com/Vi_Keeland 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vikeeland 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ViKeeland 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6887119.Vi_Keeland 

OTHER BOOKS BY PENELOPE & VI

Well Played

US: https://amzn.to/3z74Wtu
UK: https://amzn.to/3vECPBd
CA: https://amzn.to/3cKIxuF
AU: https://amzn.to/3vhHV66 


Free in Kindle Unlimited

ALSO AVAILABLE IN PRINT & AUDIO

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3cI8mJJ 

Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3vhgPMo 

Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3cEPTj9 

Park Avenue Player

US: https://amzn.to/2GDend0
UK: https://amzn.to/2SENwzy
CA: https://amzn.to/33IJCvU
AU: https://amzn.to/3nyXtwy 

Free in Kindle Unlimited

ALSO AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK & AUDIO

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3d9ndee 

Audiobook: https://amzn.to/34BTO8J 

OTHER BOOKS BY PENELOPE WARD

Moody

US: https://amzn.to/3K8ht53
UK: https://amzn.to/3px0lwv
CA: https://amzn.to/3wfUFL1
AU: https://amzn.to/3Cjzvzt
B&N: https://bit.ly/3Aq6twM
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3QH6NfC
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3uRdDXM
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3C7pMMm
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3uNMnsY 

Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3zxua4w

The Aristocrat

US: https://amzn.to/3yoPp65

UK: https://amzn.to/3js1bYR

CA: https://amzn.to/3kIPGMq

AU: https://amzn.to/3mPEkZt

B&N: https://bit.ly/3D3qKHK
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3AQ5hjs
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3iigYYL

Google Play: https://bit.ly/2XB7QaN

Paperback: https://amzn.to/2TgxM9T

Audiobook: https://adbl.co/3g9L7Jh

OTHER BOOKS BY VI KEELAND

The Boss Project

US: https://amzn.to/3vg534G
UK: https://amzn.to/3J4SVJy
CA: https://amzn.to/3cwFndG
AU: https://amzn.to/3cwuKYi
B&N: https://smarturl.it/TheBossProjectBN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/TheBossProjectKobo
Apple Books: https://smarturl.it/TheBossProjectApple
Google Play: https://smarturl.it/TheBossProjectGPlay
Paperback: https://smarturl.it/TheBossProjectPB
Audiobook: https://smarturl.it/TBPUSAAudio

The Invitation

US: https://amzn.to/35NPG7b
UK: https://amzn.to/39CRC3f
CA: https://amzn.to/3qySjlf
AU: http://amzn.to/39E8BCq 

B&N: https://fave.co/3s1hfmT 

Kobo: https://fave.co/38mUou3 

Apple Books: https://apple.co/390y226 

Google Play: https://fave.co/2MzcikO 

Paperback: https://amzn.to/32TqSsE 

Audiobook: https://smarturl.it/w3bj77 

Find more books at http://www.penelopewardauthor.com and http://www.vikeeland.com

EXCERPT REVEAL- Moody by Penelope Ward

Posted on
EXCERPT REVEAL- Moody by Penelope Ward

EXCERPT REVEAL

Title: Moody

Author: Penelope Ward

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 22, 2022

BLURB

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone novel.

The day I showed up to Dax Moody’s sprawling home, I had no idea what was coming. 

As a traveling massage therapist, I was used to entering the houses of strangers. 

But this assignment was different from any before it. 

From the outside, I’d correctly assumed the owner was rich. What I didn’t realize was that he would be younger than I’d imagined, single, stunningly gorgeous, and mysterious.

Despite the fact that Dax had booked a massage, it never actually happened, since our first appointment was unexpectedly cut short by a comedy of errors. 

Certain I’d never see him again after that day, I’d done nothing but think about the captivating man. 

To my surprise, he called a second time. That appointment, we talked a lot, developing a stronger connection. But once again, there was no actual massage. 

The man I now affectionately called “Moody” kept calling me to come back. 

It took three times before I finally gave him the massage he’d ordered. Let’s just say it was challenging to keep things professional. I was extremely attracted to Dax, and by that time, I was falling hard. 

Eventually, I’d find out why he’d been so aloof, the reason why he and I could never be together. 

Our story was supposed to end there, but it didn’t. 

Instead, I was left perpetually longing for a forbidden man.

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61440501 

BOOKBUB LINK: https://www.bookbub.com/books/moody-by-penelope-ward 

PRE-ORDER LINKS

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3uRdDXM
B&N: https://bit.ly/3Aq6twM
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3QH6NfC
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3C7pMMm
Audible: https://adbl.co/3P1L3dr
Amazon Audio: https://amzn.to/3zxua4w 

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3uNMnsY 

Sign up to be alerted when it goes live on Amazon here: https://fave.co/2KoLPUN 

**No Amazon e-book preorder. Will go live on/around release day.

EXCERPT

Copyright © 2022 Penelope Ward

“What do you do exactly?”

“I…stand beside you and rub my hands into your skin and work to get some of the knots out of your muscles.”

He shook his head. “No. I meant, what do you do? Is this your full-time gig?”

Is that an insult? “Yes. I went to school for massage after college, and I make a good living. Being a massage therapist is not something you do on the side. It’s a great, fulfilling career in and of itself,” I said defensively. 

“I didn’t mean to imply it wasn’t.” He fidgeted with his watch, which looked like it cost more than my car.

I blew out a breath. “I do have other aspirations, but this pays the bills and allows me to put some money away, too. I’m currently saving for a trip to Europe.”

“I see.” He stared out the window, almost looking as though he wanted to escape.

What’s with this guy? “Look…I can leave if you’re not comfortable.” 

“No.” He walked over to a cabinet and took out a bottle of some kind of liquor. “I just need something to take the edge off.” He poured himself a glass of amber-colored liquid. 

I stared at his big, masculine hands. “Well, this is a first.”

“A first what?” he asked.

“The first time a client has ever had to relax before a relaxing massage.” When I laughed, I accidentally snorted.

His eyes narrowed. “What the hell was that?”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to snort. That happens sometimes when I’m nervous. It just comes out.”

“Why are you nervous?”

“Maybe your attitude is rubbing off on me.” 

He chugged the alcohol and slammed the glass down. “I’m sorry. I don’t know how to relax. It’s my nature. Even when I’m supposed to be freaking relaxing…the thought of relaxing stresses me out.”

I nodded. “That’s actually a real thing. It’s called relaxation-induced anxiety.”

He chuckled. “Thanks for the diagnosis.”

“I used to be like you. I’d get panic attacks from the quiet when I tried to meditate.”

He licked the side of his mouth. “I suppose that defeats the purpose.”

“Exactly. And sitting still, like in the hair salon or dentist’s chair, used to make me panicky when I was younger.”

“Younger? You’re pretty young. How long have you been doing this massage thing?” he asked.

“A couple of years.”

“What made you get into it?” 

“I wanted to make people feel good. And it doesn’t bore me. I never have to be in one place.”

“Does it pay well? How much of the fee do you get to keep?”

My eyes narrowed. “You ask a lot of questions.”

“Well, maybe I need to get comfortable with you before I let you put your hands all over me.”

For some reason that comment rubbed me the wrong way. Let me put my hands on him? As if it was a privilege? (As if he could read my mind and sense my attraction? Ugh.)

I raised my voice. “I thought you told the company someone recommended me. Why are you so apprehensive?”

“Okay.” He sighed, scrubbing his hand over his face. “Let’s get this over with. What do I do?”

Jesus. He’s wound tight. “Take off your shirt and lie down on the table. You can leave your pants on or take them off.”

He let out a guttural laugh. “Take my pants off?”

“Yes. That’s actually customary. But it’s always the client’s choice. I can leave the room, if you wish, while you undress. There’s a towel to cover yourself. But you can totally leave your pants on, too.”

“I will be leaving my pants on, thanks.”

“Okay. Just make sure you take the stick out of your ass one way or the other.”

He glared at me but finally cracked a slight smile. I’d take it.

I laughed. “In all seriousness, just breathe. That’s all you need to worry about.” I took a deep breath in, willing myself to take my own advice. 

Dax slowly pulled his shirt over his head, once again granting me a view of his rippled muscles. There wasn’t an inch of anything soft on his body. I turned away suddenly when I caught my eyes lingering a little too long. 

He then lay down stomach-first on the table and within seconds, I heard the pitter-patter of paws and the clanking of a metal collar coming from down the hall. 

A large English sheepdog pushed through the door and entered the room, barking profusely at the sight of me. Then he jumped up on the table and landed on Dax’s back. 

“Damn it, Winston!” Dax yelled.

I didn’t even know a dog that big could jump so high. The dog shot me the evil eye. This house is just full of welcoming people.

“Hello,” I said awkwardly.

He growled. It seemed Doggy was just as extra as his owner.

“Get off me, you fluffernutter!” Dax groaned. 

The dog kept growling at me while I covered my mouth to keep from laughing. “Why is he so angry?” I asked, trying to stifle my amusement.

“He’s protective to a fault. He was napping upstairs when you arrived. I hoped he’d stay sleeping. I hadn’t planned on him coming down, although I should’ve.” 

Dax sat up and somehow got the beast of a dog off him. He hopped down off the table. “I’ll be right back,” he said, guiding Winston out of the room and down the hall. The sound of the collar disappeared into the distance. 

Left alone for a moment, I exhaled and wandered over to a shelf that displayed various things, including a large, white seashell that seemed completely out of place, given the room’s otherwise masculine vibe. It was beautiful. Remembering what my mother had told me when I was little, I lifted the shell and placed it against my ear in an attempt to hear “the ocean.” Met with the ambient noise that resonated from within, I closed my eyes and smiled. 

“Please don’t touch that,” Dax called from behind me.

Shaken by his abrupt tone, I jerked, and the shell slipped from my fingers and crashed to the ground.  

He let out a jarring shriek.

My hands shook. “I’m so sorry… I…” I bent to clean up the pieces, but he bolted to stop me.

“Don’t touch anything!” His tone was grating.

“Why? It’s my fault,” I insisted.

“Please just get up,” he commanded in an even harsher tone. 

Burning with embarrassment, I stared down at the mess. That’s when I realized something had fallen out of the shell.

AUTHOR BIO

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism. 

With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over thirty books. Her novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.

AUTHOR LINKS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penelopewardauthor 

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PenelopesPeeps 

Instagram: http://instagram.com/PenelopeWardAuthor 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@penelopewardofficial 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenelopeAuthor 

OTHER BOOKS BY PENELOPE WARD

The Assignment

US: https://amzn.to/3za9ikQ
UK: https://amzn.to/3z8kP3Z
CA: https://amzn.to/3aP8EzI
AU: https://amzn.to/3cnJwkk
B&N: https://bit.ly/3s8fBle
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3p4M3mO
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3ntne3e
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3IdIAd5
Audio: https://amzn.to/3uLX2Ft 

The Aristocrat

US: https://amzn.to/3yoPp65
UK: https://amzn.to/3js1bYR
CA: https://amzn.to/3kIPGMq
AU: https://amzn.to/3mPEkZt
B&N: https://bit.ly/3D3qKHK
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3AQ5hjs
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3iigYYL
Google Play: https://bit.ly/2XB7QaN
Audio: https://adbl.co/3g9L7Jh 

The Anti-Boyfriend

US: https://amzn.to/32IqJra 

UK: https://amzn.to/3lBeoho 

CA: https://amzn.to/3lyC2ek 

AU: https://amzn.to/31HFHyl 

B&N: https://bit.ly/3jbsTX7
Kobo: https://bit.ly/32hslrV 

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3j9rGQC 

Google Books: https://bit.ly/2EpJYgX 

Audio: https://adbl.co/3l3jjr6 
See more books here:http://penelopewardauthor.com/books

Sneak Peek: True North by JB Salsbury

Posted on
Sneak Peek: True North by JB Salsbury
He said he’d never fall in love.
Never say never.

True North, an all-new mistaken-identity contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author JB Salsbury is coming August 8th, and we have your first look!

The North name is a heavy burden. Two things I learned young—the best way to keep my head on is to keep my head down, and… never fall in love.
But I’m a sucker for a damsel in distress.

Lillian came into my life swinging. Mistaking me for my abusive twin brother, she greets me with a swift kick to the balls and a busted lip. Then she really shakes up my world.

She needs her job, but she needs a break just as much. And nothing silences my demons as efficiently as playing the hero.

To protect her from my jerk twin—her boss—I take her on a business trip and quickly learn that she’s different. Blunt. Honest. Intriguingly strange. I’m transfixed, so when she unknowingly sinks a multimillion-dollar deal, I don’t speak up. Something my family won’t forgive.

Now, I have a choice to make. I can go against my own blood and burn the North legacy to the ground, or play it safe, commit to my self-imposed rules and predestined future. Choosing her would ruin my life as I know it, but I’m starting to wonder if a life without her is worth living.

Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/37GpaAM
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/TrueNorthJB
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/38Yya4K
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3P7G0JH
Nook: https://bit.ly/3yuI2gZ

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3xsrvcB

Start the Wild North Series of standalones now!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3a4T53v
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/WildNorth
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3s9EkCB
Nook: https://bit.ly/3eazOip

Keep reading for your first look inside True North!

Lillian

An hour and a half later, we’re in the backseat of a minivan, trying to figure out how we’re going to smuggle a bag of double cheeseburgers and fries into the hotel without anyone seeing.
“Here, you take the fries and fill your pockets.” I hand him the containers of fries and pop a couple in my mouth in the process. “Oh, these are so good.”
“Stop eating them all.” He carefully slips the sleeve of fries into the inner pocket of his coat and then eyes me. “What about the burgers?”
Turns out, our meal at the restaurant was delicious. The meat was tender and juicy and full of flavor, but even after we ate blue corn cakes with elderberry syrup for dessert, we were still hungry. We also had two more drinks and a glass of dessert wine from the local winery, which may have directly contributed to our current situation.
Because the entire staff saw us eat in the restaurant, and we don’t want to insult anyone, we’re sneaking food back to our rooms.
I grab a burger and shove it into my clutch. Then I stuff another into my cleavage.
“You can’t do that. It’s too obvious,” Hudson says without looking at me. “Give it to me. I’ll tuck it under my arm.”
“Eww, I don’t want your armpit touching my burger.”
He shoves his hand out again. “Then it’ll be mine. Give it.”
“No, this works.” I pat the burger between my boobs. “Women do this all the time. Look. You can’t even tell.”
His gaze drops to my chest and then darts away. “Uh, yeah. You can.”
“It’s fine. I got this.”
“What do you mean women do this all time?”
I do a doubletake. Is he joking? “You didn’t know that women use their cleavage as a pocket?”

Want more? Continue reading here >>> https://bit.ly/3RPd4ar

About JB Salsbury
JB Salsbury, New York Times Best Selling author of The Fighting Series, lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband and two kids. She spends the majority of her day lost in a world of battling alphas, budding romance, and impossible obstacles as stories claw away at her subconscious, begging to be released to the page.

Her love of good storytelling led her to earn a degree in Media Communications. With her journalistic background, writing has always been at the forefront, and her love of romance prompted her to write her first novel.

Since 2013 she has published six bestselling novels in The Fighting Series and won a RONE Award.

Connect with JB
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3stLCRV
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mZRQaR
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3stsCms
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3dtpF0X
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3x7WCbh
Website: http://jbsalsbury.com/

Sneak Peek: Influenced by Kelsey Clayton

Posted on
Sneak Peek: Influenced by Kelsey Clayton
Welcome to the Swype House,
where the secrets are bigger than the…

Influenced, an all-new enemies-to-lovers rom-com standalone from USA Today bestselling author Kelsey Clayton is coming June 10th, and we have the FIRST look!

From USA Today bestselling author Kelsey Clayton comes an addictive, laugh out loud romcom that will have you falling in love with more than just the main characters.

Welcome to the Swype House,
where the secrets are bigger than the…

The rules are simple:
Fake it for the cameras.
Do it for the views.
Don’t kill each other.

It felt like an easy yes when I was invited to change my bio from, “Kaia Blakely, college student,” to “Kaia Blakely, newest influencer at the Swype House.”

Then I met Declan Royce. His profile highlights his looks and his humor, but it ought to read, “Owner of an ego so large, it was given its own zip code.”

Suddenly, not killing each other feels like an impossible task.

So yes, it was death threats we were whispering in the background of that viral video, not sweet nothings. So no, there’s zero reason to keep the #Kailan hashtag trending.

Except that it’s our job. So it looks like we’re adding another rule to the list:

Don’t let anyone find out the truth.

Reserve your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3wcKV4n
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/InfluencedKC

Check out the first chapter of Influenced herehttps://bit.ly/3yPppEG

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3LFI61L

Meet Kelsey
Kelsey Clayton is a USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary Romance novels. She lives in a small town in Delaware with her husband, two kids, and dog.
She is an avid reader of fall hard romance. She believes that books are the best escape you can find, and that if you feel a range of emotions while reading her stories – she succeeded. She loves writing and is only getting started on this life long journey.
Kelsey likes to keep things in her life simple. Her ideal night is one with sweatpants, a fluffy blanket, cheese fries, and wine. She holds her friends and family close to her heart and would do just about anything to make them happy.

Connect with Kelsey
Website: https://bit.ly/3DsOofS
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3EpVov3
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3lyBjLz
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3xTlhkk

Excerpt Reveal: Say It’s Forever by A.L. Jackson

Posted on
Excerpt Reveal: Say It’s Forever by A.L. Jackson

Say It’s Forever

A Close Proximity, Single Parent Romance from A.L. Jackson

Coming March 28th




“You matter, Salem. You matter. Look at you, darlin’.”

There was the charm all mixed up with the disorder that was at the heart of this man. 

My chest squeezed and the blood thundered through my veins. 

“Beauty. The meaning of it.” The words fell on a harsh exhale from his lips, and the air that was barely skating up my throat died right there when he slowly toed off the dress shoes he wore. 

Obsidian eyes flashed like a rush of the darkest night, rough as they devoured me from across the space.

Without looking away, he leaned down and peeled the socks from his feet.

I gulped, then I was nearly passing out when he ticked through the buttons on his shirt and peeled that off, too. 

The man was nothing but wide, wide shoulders. Muscle everywhere, bulky on his arms and chest, his abdomen packed, tapering down and narrow at the waist. 

Most all of his skin was covered in ink that seemed to scream the same as the walls, though it remained indistinct in the minimal light cast down from the rafters. 

But I could make out enough to get the intonation.

The pure intimidation. 

Menace and peril and life. 

The mountain of a man stood there for a moment, then he took a step forward. 

Energy rushed across the floor.

He approached like a phantom. Like a painting that had come to life. 

It covered me whole and caressed me in shadows. 

I was right. This man was definitely, definitely dangerous.

There was no question about it then.

And still, I remained there, held in his gaze, feeling the safest I’d ever felt. 

I thought he was coming for me, only he slipped by on his bare feet. 

Desire rippled through on his wake. 

God, that was sexy, too. 

Jud Lawson was an anomaly.

Conflict and peace.

Harmony and dissention. 

A blinding light in the longest night. 

Stealer of heart and sanity and good sense.

Because remaining there on the ground like an offering? 

Posing for him? 

There was no question I’d lost my mind.

His aura rippled through the room as he moved over to the wall that I faced. He pulled an easel closer, and the canvas he set on it looked like it’d been painted over a thousand times. He knelt to open a few jars of paint. 

He picked up a brush and studied me.

I trembled beneath his watch.

“Beauty,” he rumbled. “Second I saw you out in the rain. Thought I had to be imagining things. Hallucinating.” 

“I was terrified,” I admitted, our voices dancing through the condensed air. 

Louder than they should be. 

The thrumming of our hearts was palpable.

Frantic beats that echoed against the other. 

A smirk ticked at the corner of his sexy mouth, then it slipped when he glanced at me then to the canvas. He began to paint. Quick, sweeping strokes, as if the images fell from him without thought. “I felt your fear, Salem. I felt your desperation. Wonder if I felt it then, that we were bound to be more than strangers. Wonder if I knew you were supposed to be on the back of my bike that night. Wonder if I knew you were going to become something that mattered in my life.” 

Pre-Order on Amazon

Add to Goodreads 

Audio Pre-Order

Want a Signed Paperback or Say It’s Forever Release Box?  PRE-ORDER HERE 


Can’t wait for the release? Be sure to vote for SAY IT’S FOREVER as one of your most anticipated March reads on Goodreads!

Vote Here


“If you want a book that will wreck you in the best way possible than grab this UNPUTDOWNABLE, HEARTBREAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL story that will leave you with ALL THE FEELS!” 

— Melissa, Book Addict Fanatic




Pre-Order on Amazon

Add to Goodreads 

Audio Pre-Order

Want a Signed Paperback or Say It’s Forever Release Box?  PRE-ORDER HERE 


The Alternate Cover is Here!




Not only do we have the AMAZING release boxes up, but the alternate cover is now available to pre-order as well. I am IN LOVE with both covers and can’t choose a favorite!

If you can’t choose either – I also have hardbacks that feature both!

 

Want a Say It’s Forever Release Box? It includes a signed paperback, premium merchandise, and goodies! This box is even better than the last and I CAN’T WAIT for you all to see what’s inside!!!

Quantities are limited and boxes sell out fast, so reserve yours now!

SAY IT’S FOREVER PAPERBACK & RELEASE BOX PRE-ORDER


GIVEAWAY

Signed Give Me a Reason & Absolution Gift Set




ENTER HERE

Pre-Order on Amazon

Add to Goodreads

Audio Pre-Order

Want a Signed Paperback or Say It’s Forever Release Box? PRE-ORDER HERE


 


A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART, FALLING STARS, and REDEMPTION HILLS novels. Watch out for her upcoming stand-alone, SAY IT’S FOREVER, releasing March 28th!

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson or text “aljackson” to 33222 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

Connect with A.L.

Newsletter: https://geni.us/ALJacksonBookClubB

Facebook: https://geni.us/ALJacksonFBB

Reader Group: https://geni.us/AmysAngelsB

Amazon: https://geni.us/ALJacksonAmznB

Bookbub: https://geni.us/ALJacksonBookBubB

Twitter: @aljacksonauthor

Instagram: @aljacksonauthor

TikTok: @aljacksonauthor

Excerpt Reveal: His Hollow Heart by Rachel Leigh

Excerpt Reveal: His Hollow Heart by Rachel Leigh

HIS HOLLOW HEART by Rachel Leigh

Release Date: November 4th

PRE-ORDER IS AVAILABLE: http://mybook.to/hishollowheart

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/gr_HHH

Excerpt:

“I want you to play the piano for me,” I mutter into her mouth.

I’ve waited twelve years for this. Twelve long years wishing I could watch the way her fingers dance across the keys. The way her mouth parts slightly as she concentrates, every now and then her tongue sweeping across her top lip to wet it. The lust behind her eyes as the passion of playing consumes her.

She pulls back, peering up at me. “You want me to play the piano?”

My fingers slide underneath the spaghetti strap of her dress. “Take this off and play me that piece you wrote when we were kids.”

Her pupils dilate with her fixed gaze. “You want me to take my dress off and play the piano?”

“Not just your dress. I want it all off—now.” I pull the strap down, exposing her shoulder to me, then the other, until they’re both hanging freely on her arm.

Bella clears her throat and runs her hands down her dress. “You’re kidding, right?”

She should know by now that I don’t joke, especially not when it comes to matters of her obedience. “No, I am most definitely not kidding.”

She will do what I say, or the repercussions will be much worse than her ridding herself of her clothes and pouring her heart into a song that I demand to hear.

Her trembling fingers attempt to adjust the strap of her dress, but I grab her hand and shake my head. “Now, Bella.” I press.

“Cal,” she takes a calming breath, avoiding eye contact as her eyes stay affixed to the door, “I’m not taking my dress off. That’s absurd.” She takes a step forward as if she’s planning to make an escape, but I throw my arm out, grabbing her around the waist.

“Then I’ll take it off for you.”

Blurb:

Bella 

A pact made. 

Two orphans who vowed to never part. 

I was selfish—for once, I had to be. 

The last time I saw Callum he was standing at the dormer window as I sat in the back seat of the car. 

His dark eyes foreign to me. 

The hatred that radiated from his glare shot through me with more force than a silver bullet. 

In a matter of minutes he had become a stranger.  

No longer my best friend. 

He was now a boy with a hollow heart who was headed down a dark path. 

A path I knew I’d never cross again. 

Or, so I thought. 

Callum

We had a deal—always stay together. 

The day Bella left, I vowed I would find her. And when I did, she would feel what I felt as I watched her pull away into a new life, with a new family. 

Leaving me behind to endure a life that was wrapped inside the hands of a monster.

It’s been twelve years, but I’ve finally found her. 

Now it’s time for her to bask in the darkness she’s created inside of me. 

About the Author:

Rachel Leigh is a USA Today bestselling author of new adult and contemporary romance. You can expect twists and turns, bad boys, strong heroines, and an HEA. Rachel lives in leggings, overuses emojis, and survives on books and coffee. Writing is her passion. Her goal is to take readers on an adventure with her words, while showing them that even on the darkest days, love conquers all.

Connect w/Rachel:

Website: www.rachelleighauthor.com

Bookbub: bookbub.com/profile/rachel-leigh

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19155638.Rachel_Leigh

IG: https://instagram.com/rachelleighauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelleighauthor/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Leigh/e/B07SSK8P2F

Readers Group: http://bit.ly/rl_ramblers

Rachel’s Ramblings Newsletter: https://bit.ly/rl_news

Excerpt Reveal: Rise by Cassandra Robbins

Excerpt Reveal: Rise by Cassandra Robbins

RISE (Rock God Series #1) by Cassandra Robbins

Release Date: September 9th

Genre: Age-Gap/Second Chance/ Rockstar Romance

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55809277

Cassandra Robbins has a new Rockstar Release coming September 9th. RISE is a standalone, second chance, sexy as sin tale that’s jam packed with bad decisions, first kisses and filthy forevers…

Preorder is AVAILABLE!!!

Amazon US: amzn.to/36s8gS0

Amazon AU:  amzn.to/2UFlqZ9

Amazon UK: amzn.to/3xvWRwh

Amazon CA: amzn.to/3k1fGnc

Follow The Stuffed Muffins on IG for some sneak peeks into Rhys, Ammo, Cash and Nuke’s world!

bit.ly/TheStuffedMuffinsIG

Excerpt:

“You’re my muse, you know.” My thumb rubs her lips. Her eyes close as if my words are too painful for her to hear, but she was honest, so I’m gonna give her my truths. Trust her.

“Open your eyes, Brat,” I growl into her mouth. She does, and all I need is in her eyes. My hands tighten on her hair, and I take

her lips. I want to be gentle, to cherish her. But the moment her mouth opens, and my tongue finds hers, I’m lost.

Blurb:

I know what I want.

So when opportunity knocked, I took it. I grabbed my shot, willing to do anything to make it happen.

From the beginning, I knew I was destined to be with the six-foot-four, bourbon-eyed Rock God.

Only back in the early days he wasn’t a god.

Rhys Granger was my brother’s friend, the boy next door who wrote verses and played his guitar in our garage. He was talented. Exciting. Damaged. The kind of guy who made all the girls cry…

Except for me. I thought I was special. Turns out I’m not.

And now… I despise him.

He’s the lead singer of the Stuffed Muffins, one of the biggest bands in the world, with dark hair, full lips, and a body to die for.

Unfortunately, he’s a dick.

Not, that I care anymore. I have my own career. I’m successful in my own right. So, when offered another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I turn it down.

But the universe has other plans, and I’m forced back into the savagely glamorous world of rock ‘n’ roll. Thrust into battling his seductive smile, his dangerous kisses, and my own addictive needs.

He might be a Rock God, but he’s also a man. And I’m the woman he never saw coming.

About the Author:

Cassandra Robbins is a USA Today, Amazon Top 100, KDP All-star and International bestselling author. She threatened to write a romance novel for years. Robbins finally let the voices take over with her debut novel, The Entitled. She’s a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic driven to create obsessive, angst-filled characters who have to fight for their happily ever after. Cassandra resides in Los Angeles with her hot husband, two beautiful children, and a fluffy Samoyed, Stanley. Her family and friends are her lifeline but writing is her passion.

Connect w/Cassandra:

Website: https://www.cassandrafayerobbins.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cassandrafayerobbins

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cassiessassycrew/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CassFayeRobbins

Instagram: http://instagram.com/cassandrafayerobbins

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/scarllettt

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17753407.Cassandra_Robbins

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cassandra-robbins

Amazon: https://amzn.to/308y5WK

Newsletter Signup: https://www.cassandrafayerobbins.com/newsletter

Excerpt Blitz: Give Me a Reason by A.L. Jackson

Posted on
Excerpt Blitz: Give Me a Reason by A.L. Jackson

Give Me a Reason

A Single-Dad, Enemies-to-Lovers Romance from A.L. Jackson

Coming August 30th

“Speaking of hot guys…” She angled her head in the direction of a white Porsche Panamera that pulled into the parent pick-up line on the other side of the wrought-iron fence. “There he is.”

And I wondered if I was seeing things.

Hallucinating.

If this was some kind of cruel, sick joke or if I’d just done something really terrible in another life and this was my punishment.

Because there was no mistaking the smoldering eyes staring me down through the windshield where he came to a stop at the curb.

The way shock blanched his unbearably gorgeous face before his jaw clenched in what appeared hatred.

Or maybe glee.

With the man, I was sure they were one and the same.

My hand tightened on the child’s.

Instinctual.

A gut reaction to protect him.

Shivers raced. This unsettled feeling that something was coming. Something I didn’t understand, but something I should fear.

The man climbed from the driver’s seat of the flashy car that I wouldn’t have thought would fit him at all but somehow right then looked like the perfect accent piece.

He straightened to his full, menacing height.

“There he is! There he is!” The child started jumping up and down and waving his hand in the air. “Hi, Dad, hi! Over here!”

That seething intensity flashed through the air. My head spun and my knees knocked, my mouth going dry.

Trent Lawson strode toward the gate, all dark swagger and don’t-give-a-shit attitude, even though there were at least fifteen signs asking parents to stay in their cars and their children would be escorted out.

I got the sense the man wasn’t exactly one to follow the rules.

Because there he was, dressed a lot like he’d been last night, black jeans and a black v-neck tee and black boots that were unlaced. All that exposed, inked flesh somehow appeared obscene.

I had the urge to wrap the child up and take him into hiding. Run to the rest of the children and usher them to safety.

Emergency evacuation. 

But I just stood there.

Dumbfounded.

Finally, I mumbled, “That’s your dad?”

Gage Lawson.

Of course.

This really was some cruel, sick joke, and I was the very brunt of it.

“Yep! That’s him.” Gage was jumping and pointing. “Tell him I got an A, Miss Murphy! He’s gonna be so proud!”

Trent Lawson strode toward the gate with the clear intention of barging in.

Finally, I found my voice, calling out before he made it through the barrier. “Sir, you need to wait in your car. School isn’t over for a couple minutes, and we will bring your child to you. Parents aren’t allowed in this area without signing in at the office first.”

With his hand on the gate latch, he paused, an arrogant smirk ticking up like a threat at the corner of that plush mouth. “That so?”

I lifted my chin, still clutching his son’s hand. “Yes.”

He eyed me as if I were the enemy. “So, let me get this straight. I pay an ungodly amount of money for my son to come here, and you get to tell me when I can and cannot pick him up?”

“You’re paying for your child’s education, Sir, not for me to order you around.”

“Huh…would have been mistaken.”

My chin lifted higher. “It seems you are very, very mistaken.”

A war waged in the exchange. That same tension that had existed last night clear and present, his outright animosity unchanged. But there was something else lining it, too.

As if I’d gained some sort of power as we stared each other down.

“You’ve got to wait, Dad! I told you I got to get all the As, and you’re gonna ruin it by not followin’ the rules. Sheesh.”

Tessa giggled beside me.

One second later, the bell rang. It jarred me out of the trance the man held me under, my entire being jolted with the sound, as if time had been set to pause and it’d begun to speed to catch back up.

Children screeched their excitement and ran to grab their bags that were lined up against the wall.

“Please remain in your car tomorrow,” I called out, the words roughened shards as I reluctantly released Gage’s hand.

“I’ll see what I can do,” he returned, just as smug and cocky and infuriating as he’d been last night.

Gage went running that way, that giant backpack bouncing all over. He glanced at me, running backward for two steps, nothing but grins and belief. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back to see you tomorrow, Miss Murphy!”

When the child made it to him, Trent stretched out a hand for Gage to take.

For a flash, his entire demeanor shifted when he looked down at the child and the child smiled up at him.

Soft. Kind. Protective.

I had to be seeing things.

Then he turned to leave on those ridiculous boots, but not before he tossed out from over his shoulder, “See ya soon, Kitten.”

Anger rushed, my cheeks hot and my pulse wild and that irrational rage taking hold.

All mixed up with that feeling.

That impossibility.

They walked back to the Porsche, and I remained rooted to the spot as he helped Gage into the backseat and into a booster before he rounded the front of the car and slipped into the driver’s seat.

The man glared at me before he tossed his car back into drive and pulled from the curb.

Fingernails curled into my upper arm. “Holy shit, Eden Jasmine Murphy,” Tessa hissed. “What was that? And you better fess it up now, because I can already feel your denial coming on, and there is no denying whatever the heck that was.”

She waved a turbulent hand through the air as if she could capture that feeling.

Something unattainable but real.

“That?” I let my eyes follow the car that whipped out of the drive far too fast. “That was my new boss.”

Pre-Order on Amazon

Pre-Order on Audible

Add to Goodreads

GIVE ME A REASON SURPRISE RELEASE BOX – reserve yours or an individual signed paperback here: PRE-ORDER HERE

Can’t wait for the release? Be sure to vote for GIVE ME A REASON as one of your most anticipated August reads on Goodreads!

Vote Here

“Pure, unadulterated fire. Trent and Eden have a connection that is so rough and beautiful you can feel it bleeding off the pages! You’re not going to want to miss this one!”

— NYT Bestselling Author, Molly McAdams


Pre-Order on Amazon

Pre-Order on Audible

Add to Goodreads

Want a Signed Paperback or Give Me Release Box? PRE-ORDER HERE


GIVEAWAY

Signed Set of The Falling Stars Series Paperbacks

ENTER HERE


Pre-Order on Amazon

Pre-Order on Audible

Add to Goodreads

Want a Signed Paperback or Give Me Release Box? PRE-ORDER HERE


A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART, and FALLING STARS novels. Watch out for her upcoming stand-alone, GIVE ME A REASON, releasing August 30th!

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson or text “aljackson” to 33222 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news. 

Connect with A.L.

Newsletter: https://geni.us/ALJacksonBookClubB

Facebook: https://geni.us/ALJacksonFBB

Reader Group: https://geni.us/AmysAngelsB

Amazon: https://geni.us/ALJacksonAmznB

Bookbub: https://geni.us/ALJacksonBookBubB

Twitter: @aljacksonauthor

Instagram: @aljacksonauthor

TikTok: @aljacksonauthor

Excerpt Reveal: Jegudiel by Tillie Cole

Posted on
Excerpt Reveal: Jegudiel by Tillie Cole

Amazon – mybook.to/JegudielTCole

Goodreads –  https://bit.ly/3vzD5Pz

Cover design by Hang Le. 

Synopsis

They are the Fallen.

A brotherhood of murderers whose nature compels them to kill. But guided by their leader, Gabriel, the Fallen have learned to use their urges to rid the world of those it is better off without.

Control. Diel has spent his entire life under it. His childhood years were spent in the sadistic captivity of the Brethren. Now the Fallen are free, but the monster that lives inside Diel is not—can not be. The darkness within is curbed by an electric collar, the only thing that stops Diel from killing everyone in his path.

Diel’s monster yearns for freedom—the freedom to tear apart Brethren priests, as many as possible, one after the other in a frenzied, liberating spree. When Diel is granted a taste of that freedom, he expects bloodlust, violence, death.

He didn’t expect to find her.

The Fallen are not the only ones chasing the destruction of the Brethren. They were not the only ones to suffer at the priests’ hands. This Diel discovers when he stumbles upon Noa, second in command of the Coven, a group of women who are intent on bringing the Brethren down.

From the second they collide, Noa seems to understand Diel in a way that no one ever has before. She is unafraid of his rage, the bloodthirsty monster that dwells within him.

Because there is a darkness inside Noa too, and it recognises the one in Diel as if it is the missing half of her soul. For years she has tried to suppress it, but as she is inescapably drawn to the fury-filled man in the collar, she starts to wonder if she can keep up the fight.

She starts to wonder if she even should…

Dark contemporary romance. Contains sexual situations, violence, sensitive and taboo subjects, offensive language, and topics some may find triggering. Recommended for age 18 years and up.

Excerpt

Diel opened his eyes, his hazy gaze traveling down the damp gray stone wall around him. His cheek was cold as it pressed against the freezing floor. His neck ached, the throbbing ghost of numbness snaking over his bare shoulders and the top of his spine. His head twitched, and he flitted his eyes to the iron bars that trapped him inside the cage.

The cage he knew all too well.

The monster within him rippled under his skin, waking from the forced sleep it had been plunged into. A spear of anger soared through Diel’s veins, overriding the aches and numbness and the lethargy of his muscles. Again. They had grounded him again. Lamed his monster again.

Jaw clenched and hands fisted, Diel used his waning strength to lift his torso off the slick ground and sat up. His pulse thudded faster and faster at the fact that he was in the fucking cage. But his pulse had no sooner started to race than the metal collar around his neck crackled against his already scarred and scalded skin. The electricity sizzled its warning, a sharp-fanged serpent, ready to strike the minute he lost control of his senses.

Diel breathed deeply and forced his body to still, the darkness within him to rest. Every inch of him became a statue, and the hiss of the collar lessened to a low-grade hum.

He fucking hated the collar. It was the bane of his existence. But it was a necessity.

Diel closed his eyes and thought back to how he’d got to the cage in the first place—a dream. Another fucking dream that had ripped him from sleep and had seen him racing through the manor looking for someone to tear apart, to sate the bloodlust of the monster living inside him.

No. Not just someone. His monster yearned for some very specific someones.

The Brethren. The motherfucking Brethren that he and his brothers had recently destroyed after they’d captured Maria, Raphael’s woman. The Fallen had headed to Holy Innocents, the school that had robbed them of their childhoods and fucked with their bodies and minds. They had descended, for the final time, to Purgatory, the place where they had been held as kids.

And they had burned it to hell.

The flames may have destroyed Diel’s childhood tormentors, but the rage following the inferno remained. The monster that lived inside him, seeking blood and pain and death, only grew stronger, thirstier, more intolerant of the collar that wrapped around his neck like a leash, denying both of them what they craved—death. Such beautiful, sadistic deaths by their hands.

Diel heard the sound of a pencil scratching on paper and turned his head to see Sela sitting on a chair at the side of the Tomb. He was sketching on a pad of paper, eyes fixed on whatever he was creating.

“Upper hallway, left wing,” Sela said, without taking his eyes off the pad. His long dark hair curtained his face as he concentrated on whatever picture he was purging from his creative brain onto the page. “Gabriel had us bring you down here until you awoke.”

The tendons in Diel’s neck corded. The darkness inside was more than pissed at being handled in such a pathetic way. He ground his jaw so hard that the sound of teeth on teeth made Sela lift his eyes and meet his stare.

Sela’s pencil stilled. “Third time this week.”

Diel inhaled deeply through his nose and exhaled slowly. He mentally wrestled the monster back until its presence was a dull ache at the back of his head, throbbing like the very worst of migraines. Diel sat back on his ass and laid his arms over his bent knees. His head twitched as he fought the everlasting battle to keep his anger in check.

“The Brethren,” Diel said, voice raspy with exhaustion. Sela twirled the pencil in his fingers as he listened to his best friend, the stick of wood and charcoal practically an extension of his artistic hand. 

Diel’s eyes lost focus as he bathed in the memory of his collar being turned off in Purgatory. Anger had filled his veins, and Diel and the monster he kept at arm’s length had become one, united in violence and death, twin dark souls synced and, for once in their lives, calm and at peace as they plunged their twenty-inch blades into the men that had destroyed their childhoods.

Destroyed every single part of them.

“D?” Sela said, pulling Diel from his stupor.

His temples throbbed, his ever-present migraine pounding like iron bars being slammed into his brain over and over again. His migraines had always been bad, the monster never sleeping long enough to grant a reprieve. It was constantly pacing at the back of his mind, desperate to finally be freed of the collar’s stringent control.

Diel rubbed the back of his neck. “I keep replaying that night in Purgatory.” Memories of killing the Brethren flashed like a highlight reel in his mind. “When the collar was off and we finally got to end them …” His cock stirred as he recalled the feel of his blades slicing into flesh, of hitting bone when they plunged too deep. But his excitement misted away to vapor when he remembered the familiar buzz of the collar being reignited and his monster being lashed and gagged once again. “And then Gabe switched it back on.” It had been like a junkie getting his fix, the most hedonistic drug cocktail of his life, only to be abruptly forced to go cold turkey afterward.

Diel’s head twitched again as his pulse began to race at just the memory of smelling the Brethren’s blood on his skin—the sweetest perfume. His hands flexed as he felt the phantom necks that had snapped under his fingers.

The collar buzzed and sent warning volts soaring through his body. His muscles tensed as he absorbed the pain, as it hissed at the monster inside to retreat. To get the fuck back. Sweat beaded on his forehead; a single drop ran down his spine.

Gasping for air, Diel submitted to the monster’s sudden surge of power to snarl, “I want this fucking collar off. I want to be who I was fucking born to be without the restraints.” Diel tensed and threw the monster back from taking control. The monster retreated, but its anger-tipped words echoed around Diel’s head like they were being blasted through speakers. Diel’s stomach turned and a fissure of panic slithered across his fractured soul at that thought. The thought off actually being free from the collar … of what that would look like, feel like …

Diel knew his monster could never be freed. He knew the collar could never come off. It would consume Diel. It would eradicate every part of who he was.

About the author 

Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.

After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.

After several years living in Italy, Canada and the USA, Tillie has now settled back in her hometown in England, with her husband and new son.

Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels.

When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than spending time with her little family, curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, and convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that last square of chocolate.

Author Links 

Web  http://tilliecole.com

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/tilliecoleauthor

Twitter   https://twitter.com/tillie_cole

Instagram  https://instagram.com/authortilliecole

Amazon  https://amzn.to/2ZbIEUP

Goodreads http://bit.ly/2Ui2wlk