Wolf Marked by Veronica Douglas ~ Excerpt & Giveaway

Wolf Marked
Veronica Douglas
(Magic Side: Wolf Bound, #1)
Publication date: July 30th 2021
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

Werewolves are hunting me down.

I was just an ordinary girl working tables in small-town Wisconsin. I had no idea magic was real. That was, until I backed my car over a werewolf a couple times.

In my defense, the wolf was trying to murder me, and I was all out of mace.

Now I’ve got a pack of rogue wolves on my heels, and the only one who can protect me is Jaxson Laurent—the Chicago Alpha. He suspects I’m special and can’t take his eyes off me, but the problem is—he’s the sworn enemy of my family and every time we get close it feels like something is going to rip out of my soul.

With danger around every corner and wolves howling in the night, I need to master my magic and stand my ground, or I’ll be dead before the next moon rises.

An action-packed urban fantasy, Wolf Marked features a kick-ass heroine, a dangerous alpha hero, and a steamy slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance.

Prepare to be drawn into a mysterious and magical world, full of demons, shifters, and sorcerers.

This story is set in the wider Dragon’s Gift universe created by Linsey Hall, and if you enjoyed the archaeology, history, and daring in her books, this adventure is for you!

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—

EXCERPT:

Savannah slammed the door and drove off.

My emotions ripped into me. Frustration. Rage. Possessiveness.

Why did I care if she was miserable?

She was just a means to an end. The key to getting the answers I needed.

The seer’s prophecy wound around me, like a python strangling an unsuspecting victim in the night. If you do not stop them, she will be dead before the full moon rises, and with her, the future of your pack.

The moon was up, and nearly full. Three nights left.

I scrubbed a hand through my hair. The fortune teller had drawn three tarot cards to foresee my future. The Moon for our adversaries. Strength for the girl. And the third had been for me.

The Hanged Man.

That fate seemed inevitable now. Savannah Caine was going to be the end of me.

Author Bio:

Veronica Douglas is a duo of professional archaeologists that love writing and digging together. After spending an inordinate amount of time doing painstaking research for academia, they suddenly discovered a passion for letting their imaginations go wild! A cocktail of magic, romance, and ancient mystery (shaken, not stirred), their books are inspired, in part, by their life in Chicago and their archaeological adventures from around the globe.

Learn about Veronica Douglas' new books by joining their newsletter at https://www.veronicadouglas.com/newsletter
You can also join our awesome Facebook reader group: Magic Side Insiders

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To Hold a Rancher's Hand by Kadi James ~ Excerpt & Giveaway

To Hold A Rancher’s Hand
Kadi James
Publication date: July 27th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Rafe is a volunteer fireman who is sworn to protect his ranch and town. Gail has just lost everything to the devastating fire that destroyed her home. Will these two be able to heal their scars and find new love and happiness?

After the trauma of war, rancher Rafe comes home to help his community as a volunteer fireman while trying to find balance in civilian life. He must carry the mantle of his family, who have been Guardians of Coyote Valley for generations. Now its up to Gabe to protect the town from the fires that ravage the national forests around Coyote Valley. But as he gives his all to the community, he often forgets to take care of his own heart.

Loner Gail has just lost everything to the devastating fire that destroyed her home. When the handsome rancher who saved her offers to let her stay at his place, it seems like the perfect solution. Until she remembers she doesn’t really like living with people. It’s why she was living up on top of the mountain in the first place.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“You’ve been back a couple years.” Javier sipped his coffee as he gazed pensively at his former ward. “I think you’ve got a better handle on it than you let on. But it’s alright. I’d rather you take it at your pace and maybe think about settling down.”

“Settle down?” Rafe couldn’t stifle his laughter. “With what? All I ever see are the sheep and dogs.”

“Well, you’re always pent up in this house.” Javier motioned to encompass the kitchen and the rest of Rafe’s home.

“I spend fifteen hours a day working out on the ranch.” Rafe chided, sliding his breakfast onto the plate. “I’d hardly call that pent up in the house. You know I’ve never had much luck with women.”

“It’s only because you don’t actually ask any of them out,” Javier said with a chuckle.

“I just haven’t met a woman who, well, a woman who made sense to me.” Gabriel took a big bite of his toast and egg.

“Maybe you need to rethink how you make sense to other people.” Javier stood up to wash out his coffee mug. “Maybe it’s the way you’re looking at it.”

“I’ve never even had a girlfriend,” Rafe said. “That is as awkward as they come.”

“Well, it’s hard to have a girlfriend when you’re in the military. But I was married when I was 21. You know you need a support system to get you through some of these things in life that you’re going to face.” Javier placed his cup in the drying rack.

“I can’t imagine facing worse than I have.” Rafe took another bite.

“I pray you don’t,” Javier said. “But whatever you face, a wife sure helps with that. Martha is the only reason I was able to make it through when your parents died. Here I was all of a sudden responsible for a whole ranch and a small, grieving child.”

“Well, I don’t have a child to take care of.” Rafe shrugged as he finished his breakfast.

“No. You’re going to have a hundred children to take care of as soon as these ewes start lambing.” Javier laughed and drained his coffee.

Rafe was just rinsing his plate when a loud static sound filled the air. A dispatcher’s voice called out over the radio. “Report of a half-acre in the grass, moderate rate of spread. Coyote Valley vegetation fire…Cow Mountain Road near mile post 12.38. Command 8. Tactical 2. First at scene will establish roadway IC. Stand by for check back on command 8.”

Gabriel and Javier exchanged a look. “That’s on North Ridge.” Gabriel left his plate in the sink and headed to the entry hall to grab his gear.

“All volunteers report to base,” the dispatcher continued. “Fire house 13 we have a report of a blaze starting up on Cow Mountain we need all hands to the fire department please including the volunteers we need as much help as we possibly can get. There’s a fire on Cow Mountain heading south.”

Javier squinted out the window and the trees swaying in the wind. “There are a few houses up on North Ridge. It’ll get to those first.”

“People living up there, still?” Rafe hoisted his web gear onto his shoulder and slung his boots and helmet up in his other hand.

“Yeah, I think there are about five houses up there,” Javier said, pulling out his phone and preparing a group text. “I’ll get the guys together.”

“I’ll head to the houses. It’s probably near where the fire started.” Rafe nodded to Javier who pulled the door open for him. “It’s not like there was a lightning storm going on.”

“You get what you need to get done,” Javier said. “I’ll send the boys up the mountain as soon as I can.”

“We’re going to need all the hands we can get,” Rafe threw his gear in the back of the truck and tipped his hat to Javier. “If the wind is blowing south, the fire will be headed straight to us.”

Author Bio:

Kadi James was raised on a ranch in Northern California riding horses, writing stories, and waiting for true love to happen. Her passion for storytelling took her around the world to experience global cultures, history, and mythology, always looking for the similarities rather than the differences. After years overseas, country roads brought her back home again and she returned to California, her family, and the ranch where she grew up. Today she writes Sweet Ranch Romance that touches reader's hearts by reminding them of the simple things that really matter in life; family, kindness, and always...love.

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The Enemy In My Bed by L.K. Shaw ~ Excerpt & Giveaway

The Enemy in My Bed
L.K. Shaw
(Brooklyn Kings, #2)
Publication date: July 27th 2021
Genres: Adult, Mafia, Romance

Pierce

The Russians have taken far too much from me. So I’ll take something of theirs. Except, I never expected my captive to be a woman. She could be the key to destroying them entirely. I’ll do whatever it takes to get revenge. Even seduce the enemy.

Soon I discover she may not be my enemy after all.

Mila

For nearly my entire life I’ve been held prisoner by darkness and pain. And just when I think freedom is within my reach, it’s stolen by yet another man determined to break me. First with rage. Then with tenderness.

I’m helpless to resist his touch, even knowing that, in the end, all that waits for me is death.

Author’s Note: There is no cheating in this book.

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—

EXCERPT:

“If you won’t talk about what happened last night, then why don’t you tell me how you got these?”

I stiffen and try to move away at the feel of Pierce’s fingers tracing the scars along my back. He only tightens his grip around my waist. With every question, it’s as though he’s flaying me alive. Perhaps that’s his intent.

“They were given to me by a man named Maksim.” I give in, because I don’t have it in me to fight. Not tonight. He’s chipped away at too much.

Pierce continues touching each one, as though memorizing them. “That didn’t answer my question. I want to know how you got them.”

I close my eyes against the painful memories. He isn’t going to let this go. “I got them by fighting back. By refusing to beg. I got them as a reminder. So I never forget who I am, which is no one. I got them because I was weak.”

“Mila,” Pierce growls into my ear.

“Nothing beyond that matters. Why make me pick at a scab that’s long been healed over? All that will do is add another scar to the ones already there. Don’t I have enough?”

He lets out a sigh. “What if I want to get rid of your scars?”

I shake my head. “Don’t be naive. Scars as deep as these, you can’t just get rid of, no matter how hard you try. They’re permanently etched into my skin.”

“Look at me,” Pierce commands.

Because it’s pointless to resist, I roll onto my other side and face him, but keep my eyes on the crown on his chest. He pinches my chin between his thumb and forefinger and tips my head up, so I have no choice but to meet his gaze.

“I’m not talking about the scars on your back. I’m talking about the ones here.” Pierce releases his hold and places his hand over my heart.

My eyes burn with unshed tears, and it’s hard to swallow. “Those might be even harder to erase.”

Author Bio:

LK Shaw is the bestselling author of the sexy, sinful suspense. She resides in South Carolina with her high maintenance beagle mix dog, Miss P. An avid reader since childhood, she became hooked on historical romance novels in high school. She now reads, and loves, all romance sub-genres, with dark romance and romantic suspense being her favorite. LK enjoys traveling and chocolate. Her books feature hot alpha heroes and the strong women they love.

Want a FREE short story? Be sure to sign up for her newsletter and download your copy of A Birthday Spanking, a short story set in the Doms of Club Eden world! http://bit.ly/LKShawNewsletter

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Absolution by Louis Corsair ~ Excerpt & Giveaway

Absolution: Redux
Louis Corsair
(Elohim Trilogy, #1)
Publication date: September 15th 2020
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

At the end of the original Absolution, the Executor traveled back in Time and altered Reality. But by doing so, he set in motion a plan to end his existence and collapse Creation. Because of his actions, there is Absolution: REDUX…

In 1947, a gangster murders private investigator Raymond Adams. In 2011, he’s brought back to life for 24 hours to solve the supernatural murder of a Hollywood Adult film star.

When the son of a Pit Lord is murdered in Hollywood, the celestial beings in charge of the Realms ask Raymond Adams to figure who did it and find the victim’s missing soul. Without memories of his life, he accepts the case to gain eternal peace. But the job is daunting:

24 hours to nab a killer…
24 hours to find a missing soul…
24 hours to unravel the victim’s exotic private life…
24 hours to stop a plot to send the universe into chaos…

With only the help of a possessed cop and a medium, Adams must trek through a Hollywood underground filled with pornography, prostitutes, and sadists, along with supernatural monsters. But can he solve the case when his own haunting memories keep surfacing, telling him exactly what kind of man he was in life?

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Excerpt

His arms were as thick as Jenn’s legs and he had to be about six and a half feet tall, maybe more. On his face was a thick handlebar mustache and his eyes were tiny beads of Divine Fire or what some call Hellfire. Marr was a strange creature that made you tense all over.

I didn’t like him right away.

Marr was all laughter as he brought us Martinis. The other bikers hovered behind me and Jenn as we sat down on a table Marr had selected. I pulled out the magnifying glass and looked the place over. But something wasn’t right. Everything looked exactly the same.

Marr boomed with laughter. “That won’t work here.”

He knew, maybe about the investigation and everything else. It was better that I found out sooner than later.

“This is good,” said Jenn and sipped the Martini.

“Thank you, miss,” said Marr.

“What’s up with your eyes?” said Jenn. She reached for one and Marr shook his head. The other bikers laughed. “That’s…real fire?” She turned to me, aghast.

“It’s a nice party trick,” I said.

“A party trick indeed… Very good, sir…” Marr’s voice was thick with glee, like he had just won the jackpot at a casino. “My clients don’t often compliment the work.” He looked over the five men behind us. “And it is tricky work, I assure you.”

There was a sardonic sophistication to the way he spoke that made him seem out of place. But he was common with common tastes; he had a liter of beer in front of him. Where Lucifer had a sort of grandeur to him, Marr lacked it. Both were creatures of the Pit, but only one was a Lord.

I took a gulp of the Martini and put it down. It really was tasty.

“So, what got you banished and imprisoned?” I said. It seemed like the reasonable place to start.

“Cruelty,” he said and chugged some beer. He slammed the glass down and drool and beer left the sides of his mouth in streams.

“How cruel do you have to be to get kicked out of the Pit?” I said and laughed. The taste of alcohol lingered in my mouth.

Marr laughed too and the table vibrated. “The Pit Lords thought I should follow their rules, stick to their hierarchy,” he said and had one of his bikers bring him another liter of beer. “They have us Pit Dogs torture the strongest souls in the Pit, so that those souls can torture the weaker ones, etc. But I always preyed on the weak. It’s a delight of mine. What fun is it to torture someone like myself?”

“None, I imagine,” I said. “But that doesn’t seem reason enough for all this.”

He me gave a devilish smile; his fiery eyes burned like the sun. It was a disguise meant to cover up the bitterness in his voice and the anger.

“A Pit Lord tried to discipline me, a newly Ascended dummy who wanted to assert his power. It was a mistake. He didn’t know what we are capable of. You strike an angry dog, sir, and it will bite you, even if you are its master. And I did. And the other Pit Lords forced the Committee to act,” said Marr. The glee returned to his face.

“Why are you so happy about it?” I said.

“So many questions...You are not here to discuss me, are you, sir?” he said.

“Doesn’t hurt, Frank,” I said. “Here’s another one for you: Why not just throw you in the Pit if you were a bad dog?”

He laughed and this time slapped his knee. “You really are amusing! I will indulge you, sir. Do you know what dogs do best? Form packs,” he said with pride. “I am an alpha Pit Dog and if they had kept me there, I would have been trouble for them. It’s an honor that they had to throw me out.”

“Fair enough. Tell me about Giovanni,” I said. “What drew him here?”

“He saw the injustice of what I have to endure and took pity on me,” said Marr. “He was a good man. And destined to become a great Pit Lord.”

“Feed me a better one, Frank,” I said. “Better yet, just tell me the truth.”

“He was one of ‘em metrosexuals!” said one of the bikers and chuckled. “Tell him how his Pappy dragged him here to help him grow some balls.”

Quickly, Marr turned to the talking biker.

“You shut your goddamned mouth, Moose!” said Marr and pounded the table with such force that it cracked it.

He launched the empty beer glass at Moose and it shattered when it collided with his skull. Moose collapsed and no one went to see if he was still alive.

 

Author Bio:

Louis Corsair is an eight-year veteran of the United States Army. Currently living in Los Angeles, California, he spends his time reading books, going on walks, writing, and enjoying the occasional visit to the beach–while trying to earn an honest buck. As a Los Angeles writer, he feels the weight of famous Los Angeles novelists, like Raymond Chandler, John Fante, Nina Revoyr, among others.

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Damaged Gods by KC Cross ~ Excerpt & Giveaway

Damaged Gods
JA Huss writing as KC Cross
Publication date: July 27th 2021
Genres: Paranormal/Monster Romance

When I answered an ad for a caretaker at Saint Mark’s Sanctuary I thought I’d be dusting chandeliers and polishing floors. I didn’t expect to be tricked into a curse, going in debt to a monster, and being forced to take a self-paced “Let’s Learn Magic” course so I can fix a two-thousand-year-old problem.

And that monster?
Not your ordinary, everyday beast.
He has hooves, and horns, and fur on his legs.
But ya know where he doesn’t have fur?
Yep. There.
Which is fine.
Except he doesn’t wear pants.

Nothing at Saint Mark’s is exactly what it seems.
The entire inside is magic, the hallways upstairs are nothing but parties from the past, and the super-hot guy who lives in the dungeon?
Yeah.
Not human.

My name is Pie and all I want is to be a normal girl with an average life.
I refuse to get stuck in this curse.
I refuse to learn magic to break it.
And there is no way in hell I will fall in love with a monster.

Famous.
Last.
Words.

DAMAGED GODS is a fun paranormal monster romance about a girl named Pie who accidentally stumbles into a monster’s 2000-year-old curse only to find she’s exactly where she’s supposed to be.

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—

EXCERPT:

“If this kills me—”

“If this kills you, you should thank me. Since you’re immortal. That means your curse would be broken.”

Well. She’s got a point there. I put the test tube up to my lips, almost pass out from the horrible smell, then down it in one gulp. It hits my stomach with a burn.

“The burn passes,” Pie says hurriedly. And she puts her hand on my arm, either faking compassion or really meaning it.

Her touch is warm too. And something about it does make me feel better. Soon, the burn is gone and in its place is a tingling feeling in my hands. Then a buzzing in my head.

“Did you get to the buzzing yet?” she asks. I nod. “Good. You’re almost there. Now, while we’re waiting for it to work, let’s talk about this job.”

“No.” I put up a hand. “Not now.”

“Yes. I need a job. Just a part-time one. The Honey Bean is looking for a waitress. I need that, Pell. And I will use all my money to buy what we need and then I won’t have to go into debt.”

“You don’t get it. That won’t work. The harder you fight the curse, the more it works against you. The less magic money you use, the more the curse will force you to use it. Bad things will happen. And that will force you to work harder to…” I pause, not really wanting to say the last bit.

“Harder to what?” she presses.

“Please me. The harder you’ll have to work to please me with the debt book stuff.”

She points a finger in my face. “I will not be blowing you. Just… FYI.”

I cannot hide my laugh. “Good to know. And for the record, Pie, you’re not my type.”

She lifts her chin up in indignation like I just insulted her. “I’m not your type?”

“Nope.”

“What kind of type do you like? Bull girls?”

“I’m not a bull.”

“A satyr chimera girl?”

“There are no female satyr chimeras. We’re all men.”

“Then what is your type?” And now she’s annoyed.

I shrug. “I’ve always been partial to the nymphs.”

“Nymphs.” She crinkles her nose like the thought of nymphs is distasteful. “Water fairies?”

“Not fairies. Nymphs. You know. Willowy girls with evil intentions lurking in the forest.”

She laughs. A real laugh. “You like bad girls?”

“I do.”

“I’m not bad enough for you?”

“Not even close.”

Author Bio:

JA Huss is a New York Times Bestselling author and has been on the USA Today Bestseller's list 21 times. She writes characters with heart, plots with twists, and perfect endings. Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world. Her book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie Award in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Her audiobook, Mr. Perfect, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017. Her audiobook, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018. Her book, Total Exposure, was nominated for a RITA Award in 2019.

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All I've Wanted All I've Needed by A.E. Valdez ~ Excerpt & Giveaway

All I’ve Wanted All I’ve Needed
A.E. Valdez
Publication date: July 23rd 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Harlow Shaw feels naïve for believing in happily ever afters but she craves a love that lights her up.

She thought she had it all with her boyfriend. Until his promising baseball career overshadows their relationship and he asks her a life changing question. It causes her to wonder if what they have is all she ever truly wanted.

Harlow is yearning for more than the curated life she is living.

A trip to Bali, a move to Seattle, and a “burned” cup of coffee lead her to a friendship she didn’t know she needed and a love so deep she can feel it in her bones.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Harlow

I should’ve known something was up when a race red Ferrari pulled up to my house. Hendrix has always been flashy, from his material items to his personality. He commands the spaces he occupies. Hendrix is a man used to going after, and getting, anything and anyone he wants.

Except me. I’m the girl to tell him, “No.”

My response stuns him, and he asks, “It’s a no then?”

Slowly, he rises from the kneeling position he adopted mere seconds ago to ask me this life changing question.

“You deserve better than me,” I say as tears sting my eyes. I’m aware people are staring now. I thought we were in for an intimate night, sitting at a candle-lit table scattered with rose petals, tucked away at the back of the restaurant. But there’s nothing intimate about prying eyes focused on us, watching me refuse my boyfriend’s proposal.

He sits back down in his seat and reaches across the table for my hand. “You’re my beginning and end, Harlow. All I want is you.”

I can’t bring myself to meet his gaze. Staring into his honey brown eyes will only make this harder.

He watches me in silence, probably trying to figure out why I would say no to his proposal. We’ve been together for two years and things were going great. We’re often the couple people describe as “relationship goals.” But despite seeming picture perfect, I can’t shake the feeling that this isn’t lasting love.

“Don’t you ever feel like we’re just settling, Hendrix? As though we’re together because we’re comfortable, not because we’re in love with one another?” My eyes still haven’t met his. I didn’t want to have to sift through this with him tonight. I hadn’t expected him to propose to me. I for damn sure didn’t expect him to do it in a public place.

Still not letting go of my hand, he asks, “Are you saying you’re no longer in love with me?”

Author Bio:

A.E. Valdez discovered her passion for writing when she was given a journal by her 5th grade teacher and has been creating poetry, works of fiction, and gaming narratives ever since. As a child, she wanted to read more stories with people that looked like her.

She loves all things romance, from heartbreak to happily ever afters. She pours her own heart and soul into the stories she brings to life. Causing readers to fall in, and sometimes out, of love alongside her characters.

Amanda currently resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their two sons. Most days you can find her sipping on an iced latte while she writes or enjoying time with her family.

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Ranger by Harley Wylde ~ Excerpt & Giveaway

Ranger
Harley Wylde
(Reckless Kings MC, #3)
Published by: Changeling Press
Publication date: July 16th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Danica — I followed in my dad’s footsteps, chasing the rodeo. It’s been my life, other than friends and family with the Dixie Reapers. Until now, no one’s really noticed me. I’ve barely dated, and at twenty-three, I’m still a virgin. Then he walks in. Ranger. A Reckless King, and so far out of my league. But one kiss, and I know I’ll remember him forever… even after he walks away.

I didn’t think we had a future. Thought he’d forget I exist. But I was wrong. He wants me, every bit as much as I want him.

Ranger — I saw her ride in a rodeo a year ago, and she held me spellbound. Running into her again at the Dixie Reapers, I’m not sure I can keep my hands to myself. She’s Cowboy’s daughter, and I should keep my distance. Too bad I’ve never been all that great at following the rules.

Only one thing is standing in my way. There’s someone stalking her. A man who thinks she’s his. He’s wrong. Danica will be mine, one way or another. Anyone who stands in the way will wish they’d never heard of me.

WARNING: Ranger is recommended for adult readers. It has coarse language, adult situations, and discusses events, like stalking and assault, that may trigger some readers. There is no cheating, a guaranteed happily-ever-after, and no cliffhanger!

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—

EXCERPT:

“Why did I let you talk me into this?” I asked.

Scott grinned. “You’ll like it. First time a bull stomps some poor cowboy, you’ll be just as into it as the rest of the crowd.”

“Your idea of entertainment is fucked up.”

He ignored me and led us farther through the crowd. We ended up on bleachers halfway up, which gave us a decent view of the arena. I should have told him to fuck off and gone to a bar. Instead, I’d let him talk me into going to a rodeo. In my cut and motorcycle boots, I stuck out like a sore thumb. Scott had on his cowboy boots and a cowboy hat, which made sense seeing as how he worked on a horse farm outside Atlanta. My cowboy days were over. Long over.

“We just have to make it through the bronc riders and barrel racers before the bulls come out,” Scott said. “Some of the barrel racers are good eye candy, though. A few of them compete all over the country.”

Why did it not surprise me he’d be checking out the women, even the ones in the rodeo? The ladies had always loved Scott. Back when I’d served with him in the Army, I’d seen him walk out of a bar with two or three women hanging off him. I’d been leery of being with random women, unless I used a condom I’d brought with me. Even then, nothing was foolproof.

“Next up is Danica Adler on Windstorm,” the announcer said.

“Oh, this will be good.” Scott rubbed his hands on his thighs. “She’s one of the favorites.”

“Why?” I asked.

“Her dad is a champion rodeo rider. Last I heard, he was like you… a biker. They live down someplace in Alabama. Both his kids are following in his footsteps. Danica runs barrels and his son rides bulls. They’re both damn good too.”

I focused on the arena when a horse shot out of the gate. The slim rider on his back clung to him as he raced around the barrels. I couldn’t see much of her, except long honey-colored hair and curves that made my mouth water. When she finished her run, the announcer whooped with excitement.

“She did good?” I asked Scott. I might have lived around horses most of my life, but I’d never really cared about going to a rodeo. I damn sure hadn’t had a reason to watch anyone run barrels.

“Hell yeah! I bet she wins tonight.” He smiled and nudged me with his shoulder. “Told you this would be fun.”

Beast had sent me to Atlanta for a drop-off, so I’d thought I’d hang at a bar tonight before heading home. Nope. I’d decided to look up my old buddy Scott, and he’d nixed that idea almost immediately, so here I was at a rodeo. A rodeo. Although, I had to admit, watching Danica had been pretty exciting, even if it had ended quickly.

I spotted Danica making her way through the crowd. The smile on her face made my heart slam against my ribs. Fuck but she was pretty. Not gorgeous, but a sweet girl-next-door type. She just happened to be exactly the sort of woman I went for. Knowing she was a biker’s daughter, and from Alabama, made me think she was most likely Cowboy’s daughter and therefore the property of the Dixie Reapers. Which meant she was hands-off. Didn’t stop me from wanting her.

One night of fun was one thing, but forever? I knew if I put my hands on her, one of two things would happen. Either her daddy would demand I claim her, or he’d make sure no one ever found my body. Hell, he’d probably string me up for even looking at her the way I was right now. If he was like the others, and like Beast, then I had no doubt he was overprotective of his daughter.

Scott jammed his elbow into my ribs. “Don’t stare too hard. You know damn well her dad would have your balls.”

Right. I scanned the crowd, wondering if there might be a willing woman, and soon realized they were all about the cowboys and boots and wouldn’t want a damn thing to do with a biker. I may have grown up on a horse farm in Middle Tennessee, but those days were a thing of the past. I hadn’t been on a horse in years and didn’t plan to start now. Why the fuck did I let Scott talk me into shit like this? It wasn’t the first time I’d listened to him instead of doing what I’d originally planned, and it always came back to bite me in the ass in one way or another.

“You owe me,” I said.

“Oh, please. You may not be able to touch, but you can’t tell me Danica won’t be in your spank bank for a long while. The girl has legs for days, even if she is on the petite side. I’m not blind. I can appreciate all she has to offer. Doesn’t mean I’m stupid enough to try and go there.”

“I had plans for tonight. None of which included going to bed alone, so thanks for nothing.”

Scott sighed. “We’ll hit up a bar on the way back to the motel. You can find some easy pussy.”

“Like you plan on abstaining?” I asked.

He shrugged and looked off in the direction Danica had just disappeared. I narrowed my eyes at him and had the sudden urge to beat the shit out of Scott. Did he have a thing for the Reaper’s daughter? I hadn’t even spoken to her, and yet part of me wanted to blind any fucker who dared look her way. Scott included. What the fuck was wrong with me?

I definitely needed to get laid and put Danica out of my mind. No fucking way I’d ever be able to go there. Scott was right about one thing, though. She’d be starring in my fantasies for a long while.

Author Bio:

Harley Wylde is the International Bestselling Author of the Dixie Reapers MC, Devil's Boneyard MC, and Hades Abyss MC series.
When Harley's writing, her motto is the hotter the better -- off the charts sex, commanding men, and the women who can't deny them. If you want men who talk dirty, are sexy as hell, and take what they want, then you've come to the right place. She doesn't shy away from the dangers and nastiness in the world, bringing those realities to the pages of her books, but always gives her characters a happily-ever-after and makes sure the bad guys get what they deserve.

The times Harley isn't writing, she's thinking up naughty things to do to her husband, drinking copious amounts of Starbucks, and reading. She loves to read and devours a book a day, sometimes more. She's also fond of TV shows and movies from the 1980's, as well as paranormal shows from the 1990's to today, even though she'd much rather be reading or writing.

You can find out more about Harley or enter her monthly giveaway on her website. Be sure to join her newsletter while you're there to learn more about discounts, signing events, and other goodies!

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The Fake Prince Jake by Geoffrey Knight ~ Excerpt & Giveaway

The Fake Prince Jake
Geoffrey Knight
Publication date: July 20th 2021
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

♥ Gay Rom-Com
♥ Royal Romance
♥ Pretend Prince

A pretend prince, a crazy king and a daring royal ruse that may or may not lead to true love… what could possibly go wrong?

Far too busy with his career to barely look twice at the hot barista who makes his coffee every morning – let alone ever dream of having a love life of his own – events manager Oliver Albright commits all his time and energy to the PR company that keeps the British Royal Family in the business of, well, being royal. But when he is charged with the job of finding the wayward Prince Jacob of Nottingham and escorting him to the tiny medieval kingdom of Zsnovania, Oliver must throw his run sheets out the window and pull off the greatest royal bluff of the century in order to prevent the utterly bonkers King Zorg of Zsnovania from declaring war on England.

With the help of his trusty assistant Audrey, his recently separated mother Judy, and a sexy American barista with an uncanny likeness to the missing prince, Oliver finds himself embroiled in the craziest quest of his career, all the while falling head over heels in love with…

The Fake Prince Jake.

The Fake Prince Jake is a 65k-word, laugh-out-loud, royal rom-com filled with fairytale romance, crazy capers and a zany cast of supporting characters. Expect to be swept off your feet but be sure to avoid the woofenschlok!

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

A short time later there I was, sitting opposite sexy barista guy in the small, empty restaurant wondering how exactly I was going to open this conversation. Thankfully, the waiter kicked things off.

“Would you like to order?”

“Yes please.” Without even looking at the menus the waiter offered I said to Jace, “Can I recommend the Caesar salad? It’s very good.”

“That sounds great.”

“We’ll have two of those, thanks.”

The waiter left and I took a deep breath. “So… thanks for agreeing to come to lunch,” was the safe yet successful start to my pitch. So far, so good.

“I gotta admit, I wasn’t expecting it. To be honest, most days I didn’t think you even noticed me. I never imagined you’d ask me out on a date.”

“Oh! Ah…” I didn’t have time to let him down easy, so I cut to the chase. “Sorry, but this isn’t a date.”

He gave me a confused smirk and his dimple appeared. “I thought you asked me out to lunch. And now we’re sitting here… in a restaurant… just ordered lunch. Am I missing something?”

“Perhaps I should have made myself a little clearer. You see, Jason…”

“Jace.”

“You see, Jace. The thing is, I’m here to discuss a job offer with you.”

“You want me to work at one of your events?”

“Yes. In a way.”

He shrugged casually and said, “Sure. I’m always looking for a little extra cash. Do you need me to make coffees or work as a waiter? Wow, imagine working for the Royal Family. What an adventure that’d be!”

As he spoke, I saw the smile spread across his face and the faraway gleam in his eye. For a fleeting moment I was envious of this handsome traveller. He was a man who saw mountains and oceans in his dreams, while all I saw were run sheets and production schedules.

But envy was replaced by the notion that Jace was exactly the person we needed right now.

Someone who loved the thought of adventure.

“Actually, I don’t need you to make coffee or wait tables. But trust me, I’m willing to pay you above and beyond what you’re earning now.”

“Oh!” Jace said, a realisation dawning on his face. “Hell, I’m up for anything. Although to be honest, you could have had me for free… you’re an attractive guy and if I told you my heart didn’t skip a beat when you asked me out for lunch I’d be lying. So, if that’s what you’re offering, I sure as hell won’t say no.”

He’d lost me. “Say no to what?”

“Sex. You wanna pay me to have sex with you, right?”

I gasped so hard I began to splutter. “No! Oh God, no! There is strictly no sex involved here.”

“That’s kinda disappointing. Do you need a glass of water? Waiter! Can we please get some water over here?”

The waiter came over with a pitcher of water and two glasses.

As the waiter left, I drained a glass and my coughing settled.

“So that’s a ‘no’ to sex?” Jace asked, rather amused.

I nodded. “Forgive me, I’m normally quite good at pitching ideas but I dare say I’ve done a dreadful job of this one. Do you mind if we start over? I’m a little flustered.”

“You’re cute when you’re flustered.”

“I am?” I gulped more water and tried to ignore the stirring in my loins. ‘Cute’ was not a word people normally used to describe me, what with my boring brown eyes and my boring brown hair combed neatly in a nerdish and rather boring part to the left. People called me ‘capable,’ People called me ‘reliable.’ People called me ‘organised.’ But ‘cute’?

“You heard me. Cute.” He smiled, and there was that dimple again. For God’s sake, if he wanted to be shown the real definition of ‘cute,’ all he needed was a mirror. “But let’s not get you even more flustered than you already are. Tell me about this strictly-no-sex job offer of yours.”

I cleared my throat. “As you know, Audrey and I work in events for the Royal Family. We organise charity events, the opening of a library, the extension of a hospital wing, things like that. At each event, someone from the Royal Family does the honours of marking the occasion, they cut a ribbon, they say some words of encouragement, shake a few hands, collect a couple of bouquets of flowers and that’s pretty much it.”

“I think you’re selling yourself short. I’ve seen how stressed you get, I think your job is a bigger deal than you’re making out.”

“Thank you. Yes, it can be stressful. Like the assignment we have right now.”

“What is it?”

“Let me try to be as succinct as possible for you. In a nutshell, there’s a tiny kingdom in Eastern Europe called Zsnovania ruled by a king named Zorg. We need to return a royal sceptre that once belonged to Zsnovania. More specifically, the King has requested Prince Jacob of Nottingham to present him the sceptre in person, as something of an apology from England and the Royal Family. There’s just one catch. We need to fly to Zsnovania tomorrow and Prince Jake, as he’s known— among other things— has gone missing with little to no hope of finding him in time.”

“Wow. That does sound stressful. But what’s it got to do with me?”

“Here’s the kicker,” I said, sitting forward. “With a haircut and a shave, you’re a dead ringer for the Prince of Nottingham.”

“I am?”

“You are.”

Jace pondered this a moment, then suddenly the pennies dropped like a jackpot into the coin tray of a slot machine. “Oh my God! You want me to go to Zsnovania with you.”

“You do have a passport, don’t you?”

“Yes, but the name on it says Jason Daniels. There’s no Prince in front of it.”

“Leave all that to me. So long as you’ve got a passport, I can get you out of the country. We don’t need you to dress up as Prince Jake till we get to Zsnovania. Once we’re there, fingers crossed nobody will know the difference.”

“Fingers crossed?”

“And toes of course.”

“Is this how you run all your events?”

“Oh, bloody hell no. I’m normally very professional. This particular assignment’s a little different though. Apparently, it’s my traineeship in thinking outside the square.”

I let my crazy plan sink in a little more as Jace sat there pondering for a moment longer. Eventually he said, “So let me get this right. I look like the Prince of Nottingham.”

“Yes.”

“The same Prince of Nottingham who needs to be in Eastern Europe tomorrow but has gone missing.”

“That’s correct.”

“So, you want me… to pretend to be him.”

“Bingo!”

“You’re putting your job in my hands when you don’t even know me?”

“You’re the spitting image of the Prince. That’s all I need to know. And to be perfectly honest, without you I won’t have a job anyway.”

His eyes narrowed. “How much are you offering?”

“Five-thousand pounds. That should be enough to fund your stay in London for a while.”

He nodded approvingly at the offer and I could see I almost had him across the line until his brow creased with suspicion. “Wait a minute… I’m not gonna wake up in a bathtub full of ice and a note that says one of my kidneys is missing, am I?”

I thought about all the stories of Zsnovania and King Zorg I’d heard so far. “Truthfully… I can’t guarantee that won’t happen. But if it does, I promise it won’t be my doing.”

Jace grinned. “That’s good enough for me. Oliver, you’ve got yourself a prince.” He reached across the table and shaking my hand he added, “This is gonna be one hell of an adventure.”

I took a deep breath. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“Wait a second,” he suddenly thought aloud. “I’ve got an American accent. I don’t know how to speak English.”

“You’re speaking English now.”

“You know what I mean. I don’t have a British accent. How can I pull that off? I’m not an actor.”

“Don’t worry,” I assured him. “I’ve got that covered too… I hope.”

Author Bio:

For exclusive bonus material, giveaways, sneak peeks and all the latest news on Geoffrey's books, sign up to his newsletter at: www.authorgeoffreyknight.com

Geoffrey Knight is the author of gay fiction novels, novellas and short stories, ranging in genre from gay adventure, gay romance, gay suspense and gay comedies.

The heroes of Geoffrey's books love to spend their time jumping off the page, seeking lost treasures, unraveling mysteries or falling in love.

Geoffrey is the recipient of two Rainbow Awards including Best Mystery Winner and Best Overall Gay Fiction Runner-up. His work has been featured in several anthologies including Best Gay Erotica 2013, and he appeared as Guest of Honor at the inaugural Rainbow Con in Florida, 2014.

Geoffrey has worked in advertising, politics, journalism and event management, but nothing is as fun as telling stories. He lives with his partner, their young daughter and their small furry family in a rambling old house in North Queensland, Australia, where the paint is fraying and life is good.

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A Dangerous Man by Raven Stone ~ Excerpt & Giveaway

A Dangerous Man
Raven Stone
(Kingdom of Blood and Forest, #2)
Publication date: July 20th 2021
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

I was supposed to kill him.

But that night, he sent me to a different kind of heaven. The screaming, shaking, full of pleasure kind. Twice.

Now he’s all I can think about. When I finally find him again, I’m determined to get under him, and get over him.

But John Degarr isn’t like my other men, with his large, sexy body and his warm grey eyes. He’s also an incredibly efficient killer. The person scary people turn to when they’re scared.

And he’s a vampire.

This man is dangerous, but not for the reasons he scares everyone else.

When he touches me, when he holds me, I want things I’ve never wanted before. I say and do stupid, clingy things.

I want more of him.

But he wants the one thing I give no one.

Because that one thing can destroy me.

A Dangerous Man is a paranormal romance with MF love, a bit of MM love, and chocolate mousse references. This book includes a woman who isn’t shy about her needs, a bisexual vampire who won’t ever have to choose, and the werewolf son he adores. This is the second book in the Kingdom of Blood and Forest series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

So I’d never killed anyone, and it hadn’t been part of the deal. The mark had chosen me. I was stuck. Time to make lemonade out of lemons, and get the fuck out of here.

I led him up to the hotel room, and took a deep breath.

I can do this.

I glanced over my shoulder.

“This is my room,” I said breathlessly. “Well, mine and Lara’s, but she won’t be back for a while.” I added a little giggle at the end.

That was good, right?

I made the mistake of looking at him, and the smile slipped right off my face.

God, the way he was looking at me.

His dark grey eyes were completely focused on me, as if the hallway, the world around us, didn’t exist. He stared at me like I was some sort of combination of chocolate and wine, and he’d been denied both for a long damn time. That gaze spoke of things; of taking his time, of consuming me slowly, of making me feel him everywhere, from my head to my toes.

A frisson rippled over me.

His thumb rubbed my hand. “Open the door.”

For a second I forgot to breathe, and then my other hand was on the doorknob, turning it and letting us inside. He followed me in, closing the door behind him with his foot.

He grabbed me by the waist and pulled me to him. Then he wrapped his fingers around my chin, and lifted my face to his.

Oh, shit.

Then he was kissing me. Kissing me like he would consume me from the inside out. Heat poured through me, pooled in my belly, and then burned lower. He brushed my nipple with his thumb, and I gasped as heat struck my core.

Fuck.

They hadn’t said anything about him knowing how to kiss. About me wanting him. But they wouldn’t, would they? He was supposed to go for the blonde.

I growled.

Fuck the blonde. This mark was mine.

He laughed softly. “Have I got your attention now?”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

His hand trailed down my side. “I got the feeling there was something going on between you and your friend. A bet, perhaps? See who’s first to get a vampire up to the room?”

I blinked.

Close the fuck enough.

I let a shy smile come over my face. “You got us. It was a bet.”

“And you weren’t expecting to win?”

I shook my head.

“Why?” His hand cupped my face, sending sparks down me. “You’re beautiful, and so much more interesting than she is.”

He thought I was interesting?

“Because –” I bit my lip, stopping myself from telling him that he was supposed to like blondes.

God, what was wrong with me? I never slipped like this. It must have been the alcohol, or the heat.

“– because we both know I’m not.” I took a step back, slipping away from his touch. “Don’t we, John?”

Too late, I realized my tone had changed with that last part. He gave me a sharp glance, telling me he’d caught my fuckup. He’d seen that hint of my true self. But it wasn’t my fault. We’d gone off-script, and in those situations I always tended to sound more like me.

“Drop the act.” He pierced me with his gaze. “I don’t want to see the girl you pretend to be around your friend.”

“Then who do you want to see?” I asked. My voice was breathy; so much closer to the person I was pretending to be that it was a relief.

It sounded like I wanted him. Which was the goal, right? To get him in bed and stake him?

Except I was turned on by him. The arousal spreading through me felt like a low-grade fever. It was fucking with my head.

“You,” he replied. He reached out and skated his fingers down my neck, making me shiver. “The girl who just growled at me.”

Fuck.

Author Bio:

Raven Stone is a paranormal romance author. She writes about bisexual, poly vampires and the men and women who love them. She enjoys M/M romances, poly romance, paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and dark chocolate.

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Can't Tie Me Down! by Janet Elizabeth Henderson ~ Excerpt & Giveaway

Can’t Tie Me Down!
Janet Elizabeth Henderson
(Sinclair Sisters, #1)
Publication date: April 22nd 2018
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

There aren’t many jobs available in the tiny village of Arness, Scotland, which is why Mairi Sinclair works online—as a virtual girlfriend. For a weekly fee, she emails, messages and sends photos to desk-bound geeks around the world. Nothing dodgy, mind you, she keeps her clothes on! Mairi loves her job, because the last thing she wants is to be tied down to one man forever. Life is so much simpler when you can keep men at a distance.

And that’s why she’s upset when her virtual boyfriends start turning up in town. Someone has hacked her online presence and given out her real life address. To make matters worse, they’ve told the world that she’s looking for a husband and the first virtual boyfriend to romance her properly will win the role in real life. Mairi needs help to fend off the hordes. She needs help to hide and find out who sold out her details. Fortunately, local mechanic and one time boyfriend, Keir McKenzie, is more than willing to help her—for a price. He too wants a chance to win Mairi’s heart and tie her down forever.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

FREE for a limited time!

—

EXCERPT:

Because at eight thirty on a Saturday morning, she opened her front door to find Captain Kirk smiling at her—a five-foot-four Pakistani Captain Kirk.

“You are surprised.” He beamed. “This is good.”

Mairi blinked several times, but no, he was still there. “Amir?”

“Who else would it be on this fine Scottish morning?” He tugged at the hem of his gold captain’s uniform.

“Amir? In Scotland? At my house?”

He opened his mouth to say something else, but Mairi needed a minute. She held up her hand. “Just a sec.” And shut the door.

“Who was that?” One of Mairi’s three older sisters, Agnes, was dressed for a shift working reception at a hotel in Campbeltown. She wore a navy pantsuit, black heels and a crisp white shirt. Her golden blonde hair was in a neat French knot, and her makeup was minimal. She looked every inch the hotel manager she aspired to be, and no doubt would be, once she’d passed her final exams. “Mairi, pay attention. Who’s at the door?”

“Amir.” Mairi wondered if more coffee would help her brain cope with finding one of her online boyfriends on her doorstep.

“Amir who?” Agnes headed for the kitchen alcove in their living area.

“He’s an online boyfriend.”

Agnes stopped dead and turned slowly toward her. “One of your geeks is here? In person?”

Mairi nodded.

“How does he know your address? I thought the agency you work with said those details would never get out. I thought all those guys were supposed to stay firmly online.”

“Yeah.” There was nothing else to say.

Author Bio:

Janet is a Scot who moved to New Zealand fifteen years ago. Among other things, she’s been an artist, a teacher, a security guard at a castle, a magazine editor, and a cleaner in a drop in center for drug addicts (NOT the best job!). She now writes full-time and is working on her 19th book. Her books have won several awards, including the Daphne du Maurier award for excellence in mystery and suspense. When she isn’t living in her head, she raises two kids, one husband, and several random animals. She survives on chocolate and caffeine.

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Outlaw by R.L. Caulder ~ Excerpt & Giveaway

Outlaw
R.L. Caulder
(The Pack Prophecy, #2)
Publication date: July 16th 2021
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Behind every woman scorned is probably a person who made her that way. For me, it was more than one.

It was an entire pack.

I was exiled for exposing a murderous traitor. I was rejected by my mate, our bond shattered forever.

Even after being chosen by our goddess, my powers and title will never be enough for them to stand by me.

Now plagued by frequent and debilitating visions of battle and death, my mates and I must fight to assemble an army with no one but our goddess at our back.

Because war is coming, and not everyone will survive.

But I was chosen for a reason. I will lead an army if I must. I will stand in the gap and protect my people and their future, no matter what they’ve done. I will fulfill my prophecy.

Even if it means my death.
***
Author Note:. This book has a 18+ warning and is intended for mature audiences. It is book two in The Pack Prophecy series which will end in a cliffhanger.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

She hadn’t been raised with a pack and I didn’t have a grasp on how the human world operated as a society or what standards were imposed, but they couldn’t have been good if this young girl was already viewing her body in a negative light. I imbued my statement with conviction, needing her to understand she was perfect just the way she is, “You are beautiful, Morgan. Unique. Brave. Radiant.”

Quick to deny any form of a compliment, she laughed once, dry of any amusement as she shook her head lightly in my hand, “I have no curves. I’m flat as a board and no guy even looks my way. I’ll never find a mate.”

Dropping my hand from her chin, I glanced at Tian and saw his eyes were closed and his breathing steady, hopefully truly asleep. Dropping onto the ground with my legs crossed in front of me, I gestured for Morgan to do the same. Thankfully she did, complying without any backtalk.

Reclining back with my hands on the ground, I looked up and took in the fir trees surrounding us. “Tell me what you see when you look at the trees.”

“Uhm…” She trailed off in confusion.

“Don’t overthink it. Just tell me the first thought that comes to mind.”

“Well, they all just look like pretty fir trees. I don’t know what else to say.”

A soft smile tilted the corner of my lips up as I glanced back down at her. “You don’t see that some are taller or shorter than others? That some are thicker with more branches and some are just beginning to come into their true form, many years later after the seed turned into a tree?”

She groaned and facepalmed, “Are you really comparing me to a tree right now?”

Her exasperation made me chuckle before I answered. “It’s a valid comparison. We are not all built the same, although we all have human forms, they vary in shapes and sizes, just like these trees do. But when you looked at these trees, you didn’t see all of those dissimilarities. You saw them for what they were–pretty trees. We are our own worst critics.”

Her face morphed from slight annoyance to a thoughtful one, and I took it as a good sign as I continued on. “Some people may prefer one tree shape or size to another, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I promise you that when you find your mate, you’re going to be the exact tree he prefers.”

You really committed to that tree metaphor.

Well, it’s all I could come up with on the spot, okay? Don’t judge me.

Lux’s snarky comments made me huff out a breath of air. I hadn’t had much of an opportunity in life to learn how to have girl friends. Sofia and I hadn’t had the opportunity to truly explore the budding friendship, so I knew I was somewhat helpless when it came to understanding other women.

Morgan felt like a little sister to me already. Both of our parents were dead and she only had one person in her life– Pop. I had only truly had Milo as a friend growing up. No parental figure after Maya passed. I have struggled with so many things throughout my life, but self doubt was the biggest, and I didn’t want that for Morgan.

I’m sure Pop did the best he could with raising her, but he would never truly understand a woman’s mind and the struggles we go through when trying to fit into whatever society deems to be perfect.

For me it had been hating myself for being a human in a pack full of wolves, feeling like I would always be less. To her, there were obviously some ridiculous notions of what a woman has to look like in this human society.

Her gaze once more was glued to the ground as she inquired, “Why is it so hard being a girl? I feel so many emotions and I don’t always know how to handle them. I have no one to talk to about it. It’s just Pop and I.”

Scrunching my nose up, I responded, “It is hard. But I think it is easier when you have strong women around you to remind you of your worth. Like earlier when you told me you believed in me– that meant more to me than I can describe. So, I’ll always be here to remind you how incredible you are, little wolf. You have me now.”

She sucked her bottom lip into her mouth but not before I saw it quiver a bit. A few tears rolled down her cheek and my heart hurt, seeing her struggling with whatever emotions were rolling through her mind. Sitting up, I tugged on her arm until she was sitting in my lap as I cradled her to me. Her arms went around my neck as she cried, “I miss my mom. She would have loved you.”

The burning sensation that told me my own tears weren’t far behind pricked at my eyes. “I miss my mom too,” I whispered.

Author Bio:

R.L. Caulder is the author of The Pack Prophecy and Darkness Rising series. She lives in her writing cave away from the intense heat of the Florida sun with her husband and pets keeping her company.

If you're looking for ways to interact with R.L., you can find her on facebook in her group:
The Cauldron: R.L. Caulder Reader Group

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Honorable Rogue by Linda J. Parisi ~ Excerpt & Giveaway

Honorable Rogue
Linda J. Parisi
(Blood Rogue, #2)
Publication date: July 13th 2021
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

There is the blood and can only ever be the blood. So how can love survive in a world of pain?

As a Roman gladiator and slave, vampire Hunter Pierce only knew death and destruction. Never love.

Dr. Victoria Roberts only knew love and safety, never fear or death, until the day her life was shattered with a home invasion that destroyed her world.

Now Hunter and Tori’s worlds collide, with Blood Rogues continuing to menace both human and vampire alike.

Tori is in danger and it’s all Hunter’s fault. To keep watch of the clever doctor, the vampire enlists

her to aid in finding a cure for Nirvana, the dangerous poison rogue vampires are using to kill.

When Tori is kidnapped, Hunter faces his corrupt former master and a race against the clock to save his own life.

But can a vampire who has only watched out for himself risk his life, and his immortality, for the love of a human?

Can a woman who has lost everything rebuild her shattered heart with a man who thinks he hasn’t got one?

Only love, trust, and an Honorable Rogue can save them all.

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EXCERPT:

Tall, with auburn hair swept up into a Grecian knot, she wore the same dress as the other women who stood by Stacy as she married Charles.

Hunter hadn’t really noticed her before, and he wondered why as he found himself walking toward a small set of stairs. Something about this woman tugged at him. She seemed…sad, and he wondered what sadness could intrude on such a festive occasion. “Apologies. The night is beautiful, the silence self-explanatory. May I?”

She turned. Her brown eyes reminded him of amber glass, bright in the moonlight which made him think of being alive and unfettered. Yet her gaze held the vulnerability of a doe and the threads of a pain he could only guess at. “Free country.” She turned back to the skyline. “Friend of the groom?”

“Yes. For quite some time.” Hunter bowed his head. “Hunter Pierce at your service.”

The line of her mouth softened from straight to curved. “Chaz said those very words the first time we met,” she murmured. “I’m Tori. Tori Roberts. Friend of the bride.”

“I gathered by your dress although I was a little late for the ceremony,” he remarked.

“We’re sisters. I couldn’t want anything more than for Stacy to be as happy as she is right now.”

Hunter frowned. “Stacy didn’t mention any siblings.”

Tori laughed softly and Hunter enjoyed the sound. “Sorry. Not by blood. We’re sorority sisters. Best friends.”

“Ahh. Would you like to sit? He indicated a stone bench nearby.

She faltered and Hunter found her hesitation unsettling. But then she agreed which he found to be even more unsettling. “Not too long otherwise they’ll send out a search party.” She placed her pocketbook on the bench. “Have you known Chaz long?”

He allowed a slight smile. “Long enough.”

She glanced toward the ballroom windows then back at him and she rose slowly. “If you’ll excuse me? As much as I would love to continue this conversation, I really need to get back.”

Hunter stood also. He wondered how someone so astute could be so sad inside. So he asked, “A question before you go?” She lifted her chin, almost a dare to continue. “Why are you so sad?”

She reached for the small pocketbook sitting on the bench. The movement caused her shoulder to hide part of her face. Hunter knew all about hiding.

“How do you know I’m sad?”

“Part of my business is reading people. Can you tell me a few moments ago you weren’t?”

She stepped back trying to put distance between them. “I’m not sure that’s any of your business.”

“Agreed.” Hunter approached her as he would a doe trying to suppress the predator inside. “You wear a mask and if I may be so bold, I think your friends would prefer you didn’t.”

“Really.” Her brows drew together. “Was this part of your ‘service’?”

“Apologies,” he said, inclining his head. “I’ve found most people prefer the truth—eventually.”

She bit her lip, paused, and then blurted, “What’s your truth?”

Hunter found he had to hold back a bitter guffaw. “I’m a vampire.”

“Wow.” Her mouth opened, no sound came out, and then laughter burst from her lips. “That is the first time anyone has ever used being a vampire as a pick-up line on me. Incredibly inventive.”

She clapped her hands together lightly. Whatever had possessed him to tell her his most guarded secret? Nonplussed, he answered, “You asked for the truth. I gave it.”

“Right,” she answered. “I wonder what Chaz would say if he knew.” She clapped again but the sound faded as he drew even closer.

For the first time in a very long time, Hunter found himself completely engaged by a woman. He stepped forward and this time, she didn’t step back. He lifted his arms to circle her body and said, “He would tell you I have no business thinking what I’m thinking.”

She lifted trembling fingers and tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear yet her lips lifted with an almost roguish smile. “Would he now?”

Author Bio:

As a major in biochemistry with a minor in English literature, Linda has always tried to mesh her love of science with her love of the written word. A clinical research scientist by day and NJRW Golden Leaf award winning author by night, she creates unforgettable characters and puts them in untenable situations, much to their dismay. Choices always matter and love conquers all, so a happy-ever-after is a must. Linda is the current Treasurer of Liberty States Fiction Writers. She has served on the boards of other writing organizations, and loves to teach the craft of writing at worshops and conferences. She lives in New Jersey with her husband John, son Chris, daughter-in-law Sara, and Audi, a Cocker Spaniel mix who had her at woof!

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