Broken Crowns
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo -- EXCERPT: I gave a soft snicker as we stared each other down. Her eyes blinked with humor. She would not make it easy to get answers. “Why did you leave?” “I thought that reason would be obvious to you.” She took in every inch of the house, as if avoiding looking at me, then her gaze fell on the balcony as if she could see right through it . . . at someone or something out there. Waiting. Watching. Her eyes lingered there as she said, “I told you back in Florida that I lost my innocence and you that night. I was scared every time I was alone. Every sound had me jumping. The sight of a small cut on my hand along with the blood that beaded gave me panic attacks.” “I just never got comfortable with blood the way you obviously have. I didn’t want to. I didn’t want the guns around, the men, the knowledge of knowing anyone I married in this life could easily be taken from me in some turf war. That I could be used again to get to the man I would end up marrying one day.” I waited patiently as she zeroed in on me. “You brought me back to the worst part of my life, and I’m alone in it because my best friend and cousin fear you, while my parents hate me.” Hearing a tremble in her voice and tears running down her cheek, I took her hand and guided her out of her seat to sit into my lap. She circled her arms around my neck and cried over my shoulders. “They don’t hate you. You hate me. You think your parents could ever feel what you feel toward me?” She shook her head. “Then stop saying that. Give Federico time and the doors of the estate will open to you again.” Sniffling, her arms tightened around me. “But Faye and Eden . . . they’ll never welcome me again. I’m married to you . . .” She whispered that last part, but all I could hear was her scheming ways to get me to absolve the girls of their role in her lie. Unsure if I was more amused by it or annoyed, I threaded my fingers through her hair—pulling just hard enough to get a whimper from her—and forced her to meet my eyes. “Then it’s a good thing you have me for company.” Sighing in defeat, Emilia loosened her arms around my neck, and before she could stand from my lap, I gripped her hips and kept her there. “Keep patronizing me, Emilia. You haven’t met Leandro the unmerciful yet.” “I have a good idea who he is . . .” Raising her hand to my face, she sketched my forehead to my temple and over my cheeks and nose. Her right hand brushed my midnight shadow before slowly sliding over my parted lips. “He’ll take what’s his by right. He told me that two nights ago.” The soft undertone of her voice was entrancing. Her delicate touch aroused me, but her condescending words burned me. “You are testing my affection for you,” I said, cupping her cheek with the hand I freed from her hair. My thumb mimicked her fingers, and when I brushed her smiling lips, she opened them and flicked her tongue against the tip. “Affection. Is that what you call it now?” she murmured, and I pushed my thumb into her warm mouth and exhaled when my dick pressed against my zipper and her ass. “Mmm.”
GIVEAWAY! #Release Blitz #Captured Secrets by Carmen Peone #Contemporary Romance #Western @Xpresso Book Tours7/3/2023
Captured Secrets
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble -- EXCERPT: Sydney took a bite of salad and enjoyed the tangy dressing. “What’re your ideas?” Trey wiped his mouth with a napkin. “You might be able to catch your breath if you sold half the herd of cows or more. You could have a dispersal sale.” “What’s that?” “Bidders come to you. Since you have purebred Angus, you’ll bring in a better price. You’d sell cow/calf pairs and half the bulls. How many bulls do you have?” “Twenty-five.” “You can sell ten bulls. What about horses?” “Hang on, I’ll grab a notebook.” She rushed to the office. The answering machine light flashed, so she pushed the Play button. Glenda wanted to talk about the ranch. Sydney cringed. If she had a plan before finding the will, she could hold Glenda off. She took a minute to google and print off information about probate to read later. She tugged a leather tooled notebook from her drawer, grabbed a mechanical pencil from a Seven Tine–logoed cup, and went back to the table. “Got it.” Trey tapped his cell and set it on the table. She opened the book and made notes and columns. “A hundred fifty pairs, ten bulls, horses . . .” Trey had barbecue sauce around his lips. She reached for a napkin and dabbed his mouth. Their gazes locked for a few seconds before she sat back and focused on the notebook. “We list five colts for sure. If Twister pulls through, I want to keep him. He could potentially salvage this place.” “That’s a big gamble. How’s he doing?” “It is, but he’s much better. He was up and nursing this morning. Weak, but he’s making remarkable improvements.” Trey studied her as though she’d stretched the truth, then gulped the last of his strawberry lemonade and clinked the glass on the table. “Good. You have a couple of reputable studs. Let’s start listing stud fees online. I’ll take their pictures tomorrow. You can work with Dr. Saul to freeze and ship semen. That will broaden the playing field.” “How do you know all this?” “My dad raised more than cattle. He bred and trained high-end quarter horses too. When he had a good but middleaged one that he wanted to cut and sell as a competition horse, he did the same thing.” Sydney pushed potatoes around on her plate. “Why are you so intent on helping me?” “To be honest, I care about you guys and would like to see you save this place. It’s got a heartbeat to it that pumps a fruitful spirit through its veins. I’ve never known folks like you. This place has renewed me. It’s filled with a sentimental grit and has sparked something in me that’s been dead for a long time.” “Grit?” Sydney didn’t feel an ounce of courage or security in herself or the ranch. Everything seemed to be crumbling around her. The dispersal sale would be a long shot depending on cattle prices. “I know you can’t see it right now, but I feel a huge sense of peace. I felt it the moment I stepped over the threshold––” “That’s because you’re always on the go. This is new territory for you. The difference between parched desert and lush mountains.” Trey shook his head. “It’s more than that. A kind of stability or bond or unity surrounds this place. It’s strong. Like a gigantic magnet.” He pointed to a framed photo of a young Lester and Jennie Moomaw on the wall. “You can see it in their eyes. You have that same determined look.” “The determination that used to exist? It’s gone. I don’t know where the money will come from to pay employee wages. I can’t leave a single, pregnant mother in a lurch.”
GIVEAWAY! Inflamed by Love
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play / Smashwords / Paperbacks via Lulu -- EXCERPT: For as long as she remembers, from all of the photos in the Frost home and the Jagged Tavern walls, the Blade’s emblem has been the same. A wolf with a black and white coat, stars and snowflakes lining its forehead, the mountain range and a few trees gathered at its neck, and a dagger in its mouth with symbols of the Great Mother etched on the side of the blade. Other symbols surround it, many of which represent air and water. Several thoughts flurry into her mind as she realizes many similarities to the Sleigher’s emblem as well. Their design is of an eagle-like bird with a constellation on its forehead as its feathers spread out and curl upward into flames. Under its chin is a similar mountain range with trees and consists of many of the same symbols of the Great Father hidden within the fire. “Don’t be inconsiderate,” another voice states, coming up behind her. Noelle glances back. “You started it, Wylan.” Several more Blades approach, standing behind both men. “Time to go home,” Kaven instructs. “I have found my home,” she returns sternly. “And, it is with my mate.” Her hand lifts, revealing the wedding band on her hand. “He ain’t your home,” Wylan states. “We—” Noelle’s hands tighten, revealing a blue and silver swirl around them. “Do not pretend you know me.” She stares each of the Blades in the eye. “Leave…go back to Frore. I’ll forget this ever happened.” “We can’t,” Wylan says. “I didn’t know your egos were so easily hurt,” she replies with a snicker. “Don’t be foolish,” Kaven suggests. “I can take you all out with barely any effort,” she reminds. Nervousness is found in several of the Blades’ eyes as they recall the incident at the lake. “You wouldn’t want anything to happen to your mate, would you?” Wylan asks. Before Noelle gets a chance to reply, three Blades emerge from the nearby alley with Nikolaus in hand. His arms are bound behind him and one of them has a gun pointed at Nikolaus’ side. “He’ll be released once Theron here is notified that you have returned to Frore,” Wylan informs. “I—” “Do as they say, Noelle,” Nikolaus says with an expression in his eyes meant only for her. “I will come for you again. And, we will continue on our journey.” “A foolish journey,” Kaven claims. “Your father is dead.” “How do you know?” Noelle inquires. He and Wylan smirk, but do not comment. “Besides, how do you know I was going to see him?” “We know more than you realize, child,” Wylan states. “I am not a child,” she counters. “No…you are right about that,” he agrees. “You haven’t been for some time, but your place is with your people.” “I have found my people as did my mother,” she snaps. “My people would not threaten me, hold my mate at gunpoint, and—” “Stop being melodramatic,” Kaven whines. “It is not how a Blade acts.” Noelle snickers. “Yet, isn’t that how you are acting?” None of them dare reply. Wylan’s jaw sets while his eyes narrow. “If you refuse to return, we will kill him.” Noelle takes a deliberate, assertive step toward the man. “You kill him….” She looks every single Blade in the eye before returning her attention to him. “I will do the same to each of you.” Wylan’s body shifts back slightly at the flicker of silver-white light in her eyes. “I will hunt each of you down,” she continues, “as you did my mother. And, it will be a message to all other Blades that you do not want to get on my bad side.” Noelle takes a step toward him. “If needed, I will bring down all of that is Frore where it will look like it never existed in the first place.” The ground rumbles below their feet, causing the men to show a sign of concern in their gaze. Noelle doesn’t let on if that tremor is her or her mate since most have yet to see a Sleigher and any of their abilities. Kaven steps forward, sticking a dagger at her chin. “Stop it, Elle.” Noelle puckers her lips and blows out. The breath swirls, sparkling in the morning light as it is visible to all. It reaches the knife, freezing it instantly. Her finger lifts and taps the edge, causing it to shatter into tiny pieces. Kaven lets out a yelp and releases the hilt from the coldness. What was the weapon, bounces along the ground like little beads. “That is just an inkling of what I can do to you and Frore…and to any of you who dare to harm my mate,” she warns. Her gazes falls upon Nikolaus. “I love you.” His head dips. “I know.”
GIVEAWAY! The End of Never
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo -- EXCERPT: The metal cable burned my palms as I dangled from the two-hundred-foot drop. Long strands of dark hair stuck to my sweat-dampened face, but I refused to loosen my hold on the cord. “Sabine.” Cade’s voice cut through the static of my headset. “Fifty feet to go.” “Understood.” I slid down an inch, then another. The lights on my helmet didn’t illuminate the cave’s floor. I could’ve been descending into the abyss of Hades for all I knew. There was a reason thieves had picked this place to mine cerecite—it was nearly impossible to access, which made me wonder how they planned to get their stolen ore topside. “Almost there,” Cade said. “What do you see?” “Rocks,” I answered. I couldn’t find it in my heart to be polite to Cade MacDougall, who’d nearly killed me six months earlier. Though it turned out he’d had his reasons, I found it hard to trust him. And I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to that point. My light shone on the granite stones enclosing me in their tomb. I breathed through the panic of claustrophobia tightening in my chest. My hands slipped on the cord, and I dropped a foot. My stomach bottomed out, and I cursed as I caught myself. The harness tightened around my ribs. “You okay?” Cade asked. I ground my teeth. “Fine. Lost my grip. Next time we do this, remind me to wear gloves.” “Next time? This is the last time I’m doing anything like this. Sorry, but I’ve got better things to do than chase criminals.” “Like plant flowers?” I asked. “Exactly.” His voice held a hint of humor. “You know me too well.”
GIVEAWAY! Fall Hard
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble -- EXCERPT: “Let’s have it then.” Bryn didn’t wait for me to protest, just grabbed the small piece of paper from my hands and scanned it quickly before nodding as if satisfied. She looked up at me, her serious blue eyes in strange contrast to the cheery white sundress decorated with cute cherries she had chosen to wear out. The neckline was a sweetheart scoop and I had to work surprisingly hard to keep my focus from dropping too low. Anyone likely would have had the same problem, Bryn was stunning and that was just a fact. I probably looked like a slob in comparison—it was too hot today for me to care about make-up or pretty dresses, so I had thrown on my most lightweight pair of shorts and a strappy cotton cropped top with sneakers when Bryn had told me we were going out. It didn’t help that she’d given me approximately ten minutes notice. I sniffed and nearly sneezed as I caught the scent of pollen, at least there hadn’t been any bugs trying to jump inside my coffee. That was another reason why I typically avoided sitting outside when I had food or drink to hand. “So? What do you think?” “All do-able,” Bryn said, watching me over the rim of her red sunglasses. I bit my lip. “All of them?” Was that a hint of a smirk on her mouth? “Yep.” I tried not to think about item number four on the list and failed. Skinny dipping. All do-able. “Well, we don’t have to do all of them—”
GIVEAWAY! Ale’s Fair in Love and War
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks -- EXCERPT: CHAPTER TWO HOLLIS The bell rings over the door again, and my eyes flash to the brawny figure darkening my doorway. Speak of the devil—literally. His scruffy jaw is locked tight, the tension in his shoulders telling the story of his less-than-ideal day. As those piercing blue eyes drill into mine, it occurs to me, not for the first time, what a crying shame it is that such beautiful eyes are wasted on a troll like Cash Brooks. “Well, hello, neighbor.” I paste on my brightest smile. “What brings you to my salon today? Need a cold shower?” My tone is drenched in so much syrup I might give myself an actual cavity. Cash stalks toward my counter, worn work boots scuffing the tile as he approaches. I purposely ignore the way his thigh muscles strain the denim of his jeans. When he stops just across from me, chest heaving and lips curled into an angry snarl, I respond by wrinkling my nose and waving a hand in front of it. “I’d say so. You smell like a brewery.” This is simply too easy. A growl spills from his curled lips, indicating that my latest prank has rendered him incapable of speaking in human. Just as well, considering what a giant bull-headed caveman he is. A crimson flush licks at the skin just under Cash’s stubbled chin. “You posted an ad for my virginity?!” My brows draw together as I fix a pout to my lips. “Oh, did nobody take you up on the offer?” I reach over the shiny pink counter separating us and pat his shoulder, ignoring its muscular firmness. “Don’t be embarrassed. Virginity is just a social construct anyway.” He shakes my hand off with a jerk of his arm, and I cover my pout with a contemplative finger. “Although maybe I shouldn’t have said anything about your looks.” I lean closer to whisper, “I just didn’t want anyone to be disappointed when they met you.” He jabs the air in front of my nose with his finger. “You’d better prepare yourself, lady.” I slap his hand away without missing a beat. “Lady? Oh, you are cruel, aren’t you?” I coo at him, causing his jaw to do that clicking thing I so enjoy. “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet,” Cash grinds out through clenched teeth. With that, he whips around and stalks back to my front door, giving me a prime view of his inconveniently nice ass. “I haven’t seen anything yet,” I correct him but don’t get the pleasure of his responding expression. “Have a wonderful day!” I shout. His growl is just barely audible as he disappears out of sight. Ah, it is, indeed, a most wonderful day.
GIVEAWAY! Happy Cover Reveal Day to Jane Cable and her book The Cheesemaker's House! The Cheesemaker’s House A new start means new neighbours, from present and past… When Alice discovers her husband has been cheating there are just three things she wants; their gorgeous second home in Yorkshire, their spaniel William, and a quiet life. But no sooner than she arrives in Great Fencote, strange things begin to happen. A skinny-dipping swimmer disappears without trace, only to pop up behind the counter of a local coffee shop. Someone seems to be crying at night, but she can’t work out who. And equally unsettling is the incredibly sexy builder she employs to turn her barn into a holiday let. Old houses hide old secrets, but is The Cheesemaker’s House ready to share the tragedy in its past? And can Alice, café owner Owen, and builder Richard, find a way to lays its ghosts to rest for once and for all? The perfect read for fans of Barbara Erskine, Kate Ryder and Jenni Keer. The Cheesemaker’s House was Jane Cable’s debut novel and reached the final four of the Alan Titchmarsh Show’s People’s Novelist competition. Jane now writes under her own name for Sapere Books and as Eva Glyn for Harper Collins imprint One More Chapter. “The gift here is to make you want to read on.” Jeffery Archer Purchase Links For a very limited time only, The Cheesemaker’s House is only 99p! Amazon /Apple Author Bio
Jane Cable writes romance with a twist and its roots firmly in the past, more often than not inspired by a tiny slice of history and a beautiful British setting. After independently publishing her award-winning debut, The Cheesemaker’s House, Jane was signed by Sapere Books. Her first two novels for them are contemporary romances looking back to World War 2; Another You inspired by a tragic D-Day exercise at Studland Bay in Dorset and Endless Skies by the brave Polish bomber crews who flew from a Lincolnshire airbase. Jane lives in Cornwall and her current series, Cornish Echoes, are dual timeline adventure romances set in the great houses of the Poldark era and today. She also writes as Eva Glyn. Social Media Links Twitter: @JaneCable Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaneCableAuthor Website & newsletter sign up: http://www.janecable.com |
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