Book Blitz: Carnelian di B. Kristin McMichael + giveaway

Buongiorno ^^ Eccoci ad un nuovo book blitz, ideato come sempre da Giselle di Xpresso Book Tours; oggi vi presento il primo volume di una serie young adult sui viaggi nel tempo, spero possa piacervi :) 

Titolo: Carnelian

Autore: B. Kristin McMichael

Genere: Young Adult time-travel
Trama: Everyone has a past, but for most it isn’t so far in the past as Seth Sangre. His past is literally from thousands of years ago. Seth’s past led him to the present seeking something that might help him save his country from destruction. He has been in the present for over three years now and just found exactly what he has been looking for.
Mari had dreams of college being a fresh start, one where she would start over and not fall for the good looking player like high school. Unfortunately for her that’s exactly what ends up falling into her lap on the first day she moves into the dorms. Now she has to hold to her promise to herself and not fall for the handsome Seth. But he doesn’t plan to make it easy for her. Seth has already marked her as his next conquest. As the semester progresses, Mari learns that Seth might just have a past of his own that’s literally in the past. Suddenly Mari finds her future along with her past put into question. She’s connected to Seth far more than she ever wanted to be and maybe the player isn’t who she thought he was. If Mari can trust her heart enough to follow him, Seth will lead Mari on an adventure of a lifetime and reveal family secrets she never knew existed.

Website / Twitter / Goodreads

Originally from Wisconsin, B. Kristin currently resides in Ohio with her husband, two small children, and three cats. When not doing the mom thing of chasing kids, baking cookies, and playing outside, she is using her PhD in biology as a scientist. In her free time she is currently hard at work on multiple novels. Every day is a new writing adventure. She is a fan of all YA/NA fantasy and science fiction.

ESTRATTI

#1

I closed my book and looked up from under the maple canopy to the blue sky above. I had a normal life, but girls in books always went on adventures. I guess that was what going far off to college was to me, an adventure. My future was already planned, but I’d give anything to be one of those heroines. I wanted to live the life I found in these books. I was still lost in thought over the ending when there was a thump on my lap. College students were walking all around and a few tossing a football between them. I looked down expecting to see a football.

It wasn’t a football. The head of a perfectly cute guy was lying across my lap. He had tipped over from sleeping next to me and stayed fast asleep, even after his fall. I looked at him and waited for him to wake. I mean, his fall startled me out of my daydreaming. He didn’t wake. He kept sleeping peacefully.

#2

I waited in my room for another twenty minutes and scavenged silently through all our snacks, nothing good enough to be a meal. I checked several times, and he was still sitting outside my door. The last time I checked, he even looked up at the peephole and smiled. I was beginning to feel like Seth knew I was in my room. When my stomach growled for the tenth time, I just had to walk out the door and ignore him. It was the only plan I had. Grabbing my keys and ID, I hurried out the door. It was nice that the doors were self­locking, and I could just walk away. Seth jumped up and followed me like a puppy, as Sim had called him.

“Not even going to say hello?” Seth asked. “Do you treat all your friends that way?” Seth teased and followed close behind me.

“I wasn’t under the impression that we were friends,” I replied. My plan was to ignore him, but I failed at that.

“Ouch,” Seth answered. “Why can’t I be your friend?”

“You really want to be my friend?” I asked, and he nodded. “Then stop asking me out.”

“Fair enough,” Seth replied. I eyed him suspiciously. “New friend, would you mind joining me for supper?” he asked. I shook my head in disbelief. No way he was giving up that easily after waiting for over an hour for me to leave my room, but my growling stomach told me I had no choice but to play his game, whatever it turned out to be.

“Fine,” I replied and kept looking forward rather than at the cute brown eyes.

“You don’t have to sound excited,” he added with a chuckle.

#3

“I know for some reason you won’t believe me, but I’m completely serious about you, Mari,” Seth began. “If my only way into your life at this point is as your friend, then that’s what I’ll be, but just know that what I really want is more than that. I’ve been searching for years for you.”

“You don’t even know me,” I retorted, trying my best to move the conversation to something else.

“I know all I need to know about you. You are the girl I’ve been searching for. Now I just need to convince you that maybe, just maybe, I’m the guy for you.” Seth grinned like he was accepting the challenge. “Just know that I’m not giving up on you.” And before I could reply, he leaned down and kissed my forehead before turning and strolling away, leaving me speechless before the open doorway.

I marched into my room and slammed the door. Seth Sangre was good. I could still feel the tingles from where he had kissed me. Heck, I could still feel his hands around my waist as he caught me from falling. He was such a puzzle to me now. He’d been nothing but a gentleman all night. In fact, he only kissed me on the forehead when I was standing there shocked, even though he could have kissed me on the lips. I probably wouldn’t have even pushed him away if he had tried. He was a riddle to me, filled with secrets, yet when he said he would protect me, I knew he was telling the truth. Most players I’d known in high school would never go that far for a girl, even just to impress them. Seth was turning out to not be the person I thought he was, but even so, there was no way to be sure. If I said yes and went out with him, and he turned out to just be the normal, player jerk, I’d be the one with a broken heart.

#4

“I don’t need luck. I know you feel it, too. There’s something between us, whether you want to admit it or not, and I intend to make you mine. Don’t forget that when you go hugging other guys.” My mouth dropped open, and he pushed it shut with one feather light finger. Seth Sangre had more confidence than every guy I had ever met combined. He leaned even closer with his face only a breath away from mine. I glanced at his lips. He was too close. He was close enough to kiss, and yes, I did want to find out what it would be like to kiss him.

“You’ll be mine soon,” he said with a sparkle in his dark eyes.

I spun around him, past his arm that had just been touching my face, quickly before he could kiss me as I wouldn’t be able to refuse him with the tingles growing throughout my body.

“We’ll have to wait and see about that,” I called back to him as I hurried away and back to my table with Ty and Sim. I couldn’t help but glance back to the shadow. He stood in the dark, but I could still see him. He almost glowed slightly. His smile was brilliant as he chuckled at me making my way away from him. Something was really different with Seth Sangre, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to know what it was.

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Book Blitz: The hardest part di Heather London + giveaway

Buongiorno ^^ Eccoci ad un nuovo book blitz, ideato come sempre da Giselle di Xpresso Book Tours; oggi vi presento un romance contemporaneo, come sempre spero possa piacervi :) 

Titolo: The hardest part

Autore: Heather London

Genere: Adult contemporaneo romance
Trama: Emily Anderson and Reed Alexander are living with pasts they cannot escape.
Emily moved to New York City seeking a fresh start, intending to focus on her career and to keep a low profile.
Reed returns home to New York City after two years, haunted by the same things that pushed him away years ago.
When Reed and Emily meet, their connection is undeniable, but Emily keeps her feelings hidden. Falling in love is the last thing on her mind and she knows the danger it may bring not only to her, but to Reed as well. Reed isn’t as reluctant, but he knows that the demons he’s fighting could destroy Emily.
The harder they try to resist one another, the deeper they fall in love, and the more complicated their lives become.
In the end, they realize that truly loving someone may mean letting them go… and that’s the hardest part.

Website / Facebook

Heather London is a young adult author who loves to write stories full of fantasy, romance, and science fiction. She is a lover of only the finest of coffee and premium craft beer, but will settle for anything chocolate, regardless of its quality. Heather lives with her husband in Dallas, TX where she is currently working hard on her next project.

ESTRATTO

Ignoring the pain, I continued to kick, hoping to get him off me. I continued to reach to get a better hold on the ladder. With my next kick, I felt one of my legs spring free from his grasp. I glanced back, coiled my leg back as far as it would go, hoping to gain as much force as possible, and then let it go, hitting him directly in the face. He stumbled back against the wall, yelling and screaming for Jason and Eric. It was now or never. I had to get away. Reaching again, I grabbed the bar with both hands and pulled myself through the small opening. Our eyes met for just a moment before I took off down the fire escape.

The next few seconds were a blur as the blood coursed through my veins. I flew down the ladder and jumped off the railing before it even reached the bottom. I knew every second counted. At any moment, Jake and his men would be coming around the corner and I wouldn’t be able to fight them all off. I hit the ground with a thud and felt the jarring impact move up my legs and spread into my back. I stumbled forward and ran as fast as I could. 

The streets were empty, dark. Running as fast as I could, I scanned for anyone to help me, for a cab. I would've settled for any sign of human life at that point. Yet there was no one. 

Every few seconds, I looked over my shoulder, expecting to see the three of them chasing after me. 

Deep down, I was thankful that they weren't back there, but I couldn't help wondering where they were. 

There was no way he would give up that easily.

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Book Blitz: The life and death of Jorja Graham di Brynn Myers + giveaway

Buongiorno ^^ Eccoci ad un nuovo book blitz, ideato come sempre da Giselle di Xpresso Book Tours; oggi vi presento un romanzo adult paranormal, spero possa piacervi :) 

Titolo: The life and death of Jorja Graham

Autore: Brynn Myers

Genere: Adult paranormal romance
Trama: Jorja Graham was the quintessential southern bell: blonde, stunningly beautiful, and overtly enchanting. That was the face she shared with the world and no one would ever know the hell she had endured.
After returning to Savannah, Jorja had everything she’d ever wanted: a new home, a handsome suitor, and the job of her dreams as an antique dealer. Little did she know that the choice to move on with her life would be the last decision she’d ever make.

Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook

Brynn Myers is an adult paranormal romance/urban fantasy author. After considering writing a hobby for years, she's finally decided to turn her passion and talent into a career. She came into the paranormal book genre later than most but has always loved fairy-tales and all things magical. She uses that love to create her own charmed worlds by writing stories involving passionate, strong willed characters with something to discover. Brynn lives with her family in the Brevard County, Florida area. 

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Recensione: Albion di Bianca Marconero

Buona lettura ^^

Titolo: Albion

Autore: Bianca Marconero

Editore: Limited Editions Books

Pagine: 389

Prezzo: 14,90€

Trama: Marco Cinquedraghi è un ragazzo privilegiato, ma non fortunato. Cresciuto senza madre, privato del fratello maggiore, morto misteriosamente, il giorno del funerale del nonno riceve la notizia che gli sconvolgerà la vita: dovrà partire per l'Albion college, la misteriosa scuola in cui, da sempre, si diplomano i Cinquedraghi. Ma il blasonato collegio svizzero riserva non poche sorprese: si studia il sassone, ci si confronta, lance in resta, in turni di giostra. E tra un duello con spade antiche e possenti e lezioni di filologia romanza, tra la scoperta di mistici poteri e occulte organizzazioni che tramano nell'ombra, Marco scoprirà che gli amici si trovano là dove meno te lo aspetti e che l'amore vero vale il più grande dei sacrifici. Nell'ombra di un guerriero leggendario. Nell'eco di un amore indimenticabile. Nel ridestarsi di amicizie che superano i confini del tempo e nell'arcano potere del più grande tra i maghi, Marco Cinquedraghi dovrà trovare il coraggio per affrontare un destino di gloria e sacrificio. L'eredità del più grande dei re!

Recensione

Dopo la morte dell’amato nonno Marco Cinquedraghi si ritrova improvvisamente solo, circondato da persone interessate solo al suo patrimonio e da un genitore freddo e spietato: dopo l’improvvisa morte del figlio maggiore il padre ha eretto intorno a sé una barriera insormontabile, ignorando Marco nella migliore delle ipotesi, umiliandolo ad ogni occasione nella peggiore. Con la perdita dell’unico amico in famiglia Marco pensa che la vita non possa riservargli destino peggiore, eppure il fato non ha ancora smesso di giocargli brutti scherzi; il giorno del funerale del nonno Marco scopre che dovrà partire immediatamente per la Svizzera, abbandonando gli amici di Roma per entrare nel prestigioso college in cui si sono diplomati tutti i suoi antenati, l’Albion. La nuova scuola si rivela per Marco più dura del previsto non solo per le materie particolari che vengono insegnate ma soprattutto per le rigide e bizzarre regole sociali che la caratterizzano; tra una lezione di scherma e le ripetizioni di matematica, Marco verrà coinvolto in un misterioso viaggio alla scoperta delle origini del college, un viaggio che però cambierà per sempre la sua vita..

Esordire con un urban fantasy non è facile, di solito i confronti con le altre saghe sono inevitabili: devo dire che questa volta non è successo, per quanto mi riguarda la storia è davvero originale e ben sviluppata; ma andiamo nello specifico.

L’idea di un college speciale non è una novità (un esempio celebre: Hogwarts) eppure il modo in cui le lezioni e soprattutto la vita sociale sono regolati è particolare: possono accedere alla struttura solo i discendenti di altri studenti e la retta è estremamente costosa. Discriminazione sociale? Non proprio, perché i discendenti che non possono permettersi di pagare (i Borsisti) hanno la possibilità di studiare all’Albion svolgendo vari lavori all’interno della stessa scuola: servono a mensa, fanno le pulizie e altre cose di questo genere. Ovviamente però non vengono ben visti dagli studenti paganti, che li considerano “gentaglia” e li evitano come la peste.

Per quanto riguarda le usanze della scuola mi è piaciuta molto la caccia: gli studenti vengono divisi in due gruppi, cacciatori e corridori, e in caso di scontro gli avversari possono duellare con le spade.

Nonostante queste premesse ho dato quattro stelle alla lettura perché una cosa non mi è piaciuta: il protagonista. Marco ha un carattere al limite del sopportabile, passa da momenti di disprezzo e spocchia ad altri in cui vorrebbe addirittura fare colazione con i borsisti; ha un modo di fare violento, più volte arriva alle mani o minaccia di farlo, e questa è una cosa che proprio non mi piace.

Per il resto ho trovato la lettura molto scorrevole, spero che nei prossimi volumi il carattere di Marco sarà migliorato :)

Fra

Book Blitz: TAUT di J.A. Huss + giveaway

Buongiorno ^^ Eccoci ad un nuovo book blitz, ideato come sempre da Giselle di Xpresso Book Tours; oggi vi presento un romanzo new adult erotico che è lo spin off di una serie, spero possa piacervi :) 

Titolo: TAUT: The Ford Book

Autore: J.A. Huss

Genere: New adult romance, erotico
Trama: Ford Aston is known for many things. Being an emotionless, messed up bastard, a freakishly smart social outcast, and a cold, domineering master who keeps "pets" instead of girlfriends.
And after Rook broke his heart, he plans to keep it that way.
Ashleigh is known for nothing, and that's exactly what she's got going for her. She's broke, stranded in the mountains with a three month old baby, and Ford Aston is screwing with her head.
Big. Time.
And she plans to mess with his right back.
It's a coy game at first, filled with flirting, and innuendo--but Ford soon realizes something is not quite right with Ashleigh. In fact, something is seriously, seriously wrong and the closer they get to their final destination, the closer Ford gets to the truth.
One night of devastation, self-loathing, and emptiness turns into the best thing that ever happened to Ford Aston. But one day of in-your-face reality threatens Ashleigh's whole existence.

J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label). 
She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

ESTRATTI

#1

Luck. We are not on speaking terms, luck and I. Because my name is not Ronin Flynn. Luck loves him. Shit, if Ronin was in this predicament, he’d have broken down across from the Four Seasons, they’d tell him they only had the penthouse available, and he could have it for half price since it was sitting empty anyway. They’d send up complimentary fruit baskets and give him free spa passes to ease his worried brow.
I laugh. The sad thing is that it’s closer to the truth than I’d like to admit. Ronin is like… walking magic when it comes to life. Everything he wants, he gets. People love him immediately. They don’t scowl at him because he conjures up memories of almost blowing people up on the golf course or electrocuting boys in the skate park bathroom, or for being the town freak who read every book in the library, even the dictionary and the encyclopedias.
I have had my share of women, albeit on my own very strict no-touching terms. But Ronin has women throwing themselves at him everywhere he goes.
It’s… it’s infuriating. He’s literally a professional liar, for fuck’s sake, and all they see is sweet perfection. But when they look at me they see freak.
I’m a goddamned movie producer. I know famous people. I have a mountain home in Vail, a luxury condo in Denver, and a five-million-dollar monstrosity on Mulholland Drive in Bel Air. I take care of myself, I’m well educated, I’m not bad-looking. I’m sorta hot, actually. I know this, I have no trouble finding sex when I want it. 
And yet I get sluts. I swear. Sluts who don’t even blink when I tell them they can’t touch me.
And Ronin? He gets Rook.
She does not give one fancy fuck what Ronin’s part in our business is. Her exact words. Not one fancy fuck. She loves him, no matter what. Unconditionally. She rode a thousand miles on a motorcycle back to the place where the most horrific things happened to her, stole secret files, and almost got her legs burned off in a house fire to save his professionally lying ass.
And I get no-name pets who want me to bend them over a couch and smack their pussy to make them come.
It’s just… what the fuck? Why? It’s like I have a sign on my fucking head that says I like the weird ones.

#2

I shut the shower down and dry off, then wrap the towel around my waist and go hunting for a toothbrush in the medicine cabinet. The girl already has hers out, sticking up out of a cup next to the sink. I open a new one for me, then some toothpaste and brush my teeth to chase away the whiskey.
I leave the bathroom and cross the hall to my room and flick on the light so I can find some clothes.
And stop dead.
That fucking girl is sleeping in my bed. Her shirt—actually, my shirt, it says CU Buffs on the sleeve—is pulled up to her neck, exposing her swollen breasts. Her nipples are large and a shade or two darker than her slightly olive skin. The baby is lying next to her, right up against her belly, but she’s also sleeping.
I flick the light off and stand in the doorway, backlit by the hall light.
“I’m awake,” Ashleigh says. “If you need clothes, just go ahead and turn on the light. I’m awake.”
I flick it back on and notice the shirt has been pulled down. “Sorry, I just assumed you’d be in the other room.”
“You said you were gonna sleep downstairs. Did you change your mind?”
I can’t speak for a moment, because it almost sounds like an invitation. I look at her. I mean, really look at her. She’s pretty, but not in any way beautiful or striking. More cute than anything. 
She has a curvy shape about her. Not so much her body, but her face, her features. They’re not angular and hard, they’re round and soft. Her eyes are large and brown, like her long hair, and they have a slight almond shape, like she has some Asian heritage. She’s small. Tiny really, for a girl who just gave birth a few months ago. She was probably one of those pregnant girls who are all belly and breasts.
“No, I didn’t change my mind. I just… need some clothes.”
“OK,” she says and then clutches the baby to her chest and turns over, exposing her pink panty-covered ass. It’s a stark contrast to the dark blue comforter as it peeks out. I have an urge to slap it. 
I laugh at this and she turns back, this time without the baby. “What’s funny?”
I surrender with my hands up. “You wanted me to notice your ass when you turned? Mission accomplished. But I don’t like a tease, so don’t start something you can’t finish.”
She stares hard at me and I feel a little nervous about what kind of reaction she might have. “I’m sure I can handle it.”
I raise my eyebrows but I’m not sure what to say back. I might be at a loss for words. I’m sure I can handle it. “Is that a challenge? Or an offer?”
“Take it however you want.” She closes her eyes and then slips her hand between her legs. I’m not sure she’s doing anything naughty with it, but it’s provocative all the same. “Why are you still standing there?” she asks with her eyes still closed.
“I’m having trouble controlling myself, to be honest. I might just think of it as both an offer and a challenge.”
Her eyes open at my response and then she throws the covers off, baring her legs all the way up to her panties. She gets up and then walks out the door, shutting the light off as she goes.
I don’t let her get more than a few paces before I grab her around the middle and push her face first against the wall. I drop my towel and jam my thigh between her legs. “Open,” I growl into her ear.
She obeys without words and my dick expands to its full thickness as she presses her ass into me.
“What do you like, Ashleigh? You like it slow and tender? Because if so, you’re out of luck. I’m not that kind of guy.” I press my chest into her back and I can almost feel her rapidly beating heart. 
“I like what you like, Rutherford.”
She says my name like she knows me intimately. It almost puts me off my game, because I’m not used to the women I fuck speaking, let alone addressing me by my given name. “You have no idea what I like and if I were you, I’d be careful what you agree to. Because I like it dirty and if I decide to fuck you, I’ll expect compliance.”
“Just get me off,” she says in a low whisper.

#3

“Ford?” she says in an overly sweet voice.
“Yes, Ashleigh?” I look over at her with a dimpled grin.
“I’m gonna get you back for all this control, you do realize that, right?”
I reach over and grab her thigh. She jumps a little and lets out a gasp. “I never lose, Ash. Never. 
So if you think you can get me back by playing nasty with me tonight, then by all means, show me what a loser I am.” And then I slip my hand down her thigh and pinch her skin until she yelps. Before her hand can even move to swat mine off, I’m caressing her pussy through her jeans. “Do not come or I will tease you and withhold orgasms later.”
She holds her breath and nods. 
I let up on the pressure. “Unbutton and unzip your pants.”
She breathes. But she obeys. She pops the button and the zipper makes a soft ripping sound.
“Stick your hand inside your panties.”
She doesn’t even hesitate and this makes me so fucking hard. I can feel her fingers through her jeans. “I can feel everything you do, Ashleigh. I’ll let you come right now, but you have to do all the work. Are you ready?”
“I’m ready,” she whispers. When I look over at her she’s looking right back at me. Her stare never wavers.
I look back to the road. This highway is deserted. No one is traveling I-70 west with us. There are cars every now and then going east, but very few.
“Begin,” I command.
She shudders before she even starts and I almost die thinking she already came. But it was just an excited shudder, not an orgasm. She begins in slow circles over her clit. I press down a little and her breathing becomes heavier. She continues this a few more times but then she scoots her butt down more towards the edge of the seat and slips in farther. I can feel the back of her hand on my palm through the thick fabric, and then it dips. “Tell me what you just did, Ash.”
“Put my fingers inside me,” she says in a low, breathy voice.
“Does it feel good?”
“Not as good as yours would. But I’ll make do.” 
I say nothing to her joking, just cup her hand with mine and increase her movements. Her other hand hovers over mine. “Can I touch you, Ford?”
“Yes,” I say, because I want her. I want her more than I don’t want to be touched. Her hand rests on top of mine. It’s very small, and I chance a look over to compare sizes. “Keep on task.” 
She pumps into herself and then she takes my hand and places it over her belly, where the opening in her jeans is. “I want you to touch my skin.”
“You’ll get your wish,” I tell her with my eyes still on the road. “But for now—” I withdraw my hand and put it back on the steering wheel. “For now, you will pleasure yourself to satisfy me.”
“I’m going to imagine you doing it, then.”
“That’s against the rules, you should be thinking only of how much you will please me by following my instructions.”
“I don’t care, it’s my mind and I’ll picture you fingering me if I want.” And then she opens her eyes all the way and stares at me. I look away and concentrate on the road. “And you will never know, Ford. Because you’re not a mind-reader.”
I want to thump my head against the steering wheel repeatedly, that’s how crazy she’s driving me with this rebellion. That’s how bad she’s being. If she was one of my pets I’d have her strapped face first to a wall, gagged and blindfolded right now—she’d be getting the spanking of her life. And I wouldn’t feel bad about it at all. I’d enjoy it.

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Book Blitz: Weak for him di Lyra Parish + giveaway

Buongiorno ^^ Eccoci ad un nuovo book blitz, ideato come sempre da Giselle di Xpresso Book Tours; anche oggi vi presento il primo volume di una serie new adult, spero possa piacervi :) Non perdete il ricco giveaway alla fine del post ;)

Titolo: Weak for him

Autore: Lyra Parish

Genere: New adult romance contemporaneo
Trama: “Have you heard the saying, ‘sex sells’? Well, I’m the supplier.”
Finnley Felton sells sex.
Jennifer Downs is a virgin.
With the help of lady luck, the two meet.
Money. Bright lights. Sex.
Jennifer is made an offer: sell her virginity to the highest bidder and transform into one of Finnley’s girls. But she finds herself weak for him, and doesn’t fully realize what she’s agreed to until it’s too late.
Will she rise to the challenge and play by the rules in a land where money is king and love is prohibited? Or will she lose herself and values in the attempt?

Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook

Lyra Parish loves to write, travel, and sing obnoxiously loud at the top of her lungs in the shower. Sweet love stories (along with the dirty ones) make her gush. She is a firm believer that a person can never have too many cats, cups of coffee, or read to many happily ever after's. When she isn't busy writing, she can be found sipping various beverages from her non-alcoholic drink buffet, pimp slapping excel spreadsheets, or riding her bike.

Weak for Him (Weakness #1) is Lyra's debut novel. Weak Without Him (Weakness #2) will release Spring 2014. Lyra currently resides in Texas with her husband and black cat.

ESTRATTO

Mr. Felton stood facing the windows in a neatly pressed suit. The black tie complemented the black suit, designer from head to toe. His green eyes met my brown gaze, and I smiled, but only received the ghost of one in return.
Once the secretary left us, I searched the room, trying to take in every little detail: abstract art on the wall, a conference table in the back, and a lounge area in the middle. The afternoon light cast a yellow glow in the room. A large oak desk, which screamed business executive, had two chairs tucked in front. The room looked comfortable, welcoming, but also professional. 
The red velvet curtains that overlooked the atrium were jerked closed.
"Hi, Finnley. Thank y—"
"It's Mr. Felton."
My face flushed. How could I be so inconsiderate and unprofessional?
I immediately felt stupid.
"Mr. Felton. Thank you for allowing me to interview. I've brought my resume and a list of recommendations. I'd love to join your accounting team if you'd allow me." 
I outstretched my hand and he left me standing there, awkwardly. The smile faded from my face as he leaned against the wooden desk with his arms crossed.
"Take off your clothes." His voice was low and silky.
"Excuse me?" The words hit me like cool water.
I don't think so, asshole.
"The interview has begun, Ms. Downs. If you'd like to join my team, you will do what I say and if you'd prefer not, you are more than welcome to turn around and walk that tight ass through the door, and we can pretend as if this never happened."
The fierce tone behind his English accent made me cower. I froze as I calculated my next move.
What the fuck?
The way he looked at me, exploring my body as if he were undressing me, made my stomach flip. 
No one had ever observed me that way. With a sprinkle of courage, I searched the blank matter-of-fact expression that covered his face. This man was all business.
As his long eyelashes hit the tops of his slightly sun-kissed cheeks, I closed my eyes to regroup my thoughts, then opened them quickly. I couldn't let my nerves get the best of me. He moved his messy hair behind his ears, and then sat on the desk, waiting, wanting, daring me to make my move.
"Have you decided? Or are we going to waste the good portion of my time daydreaming?"
I swallowed.
All I ever wanted to do was live in Vegas among the lights and fast-paced city. How did I get myself into this? Take off my clothes? I wasn't some cheap whore to be bossed around. The thought of undressing in front of him disgusted me… or did it? 
My heart sped as he watched with a lust and want so fierce I shivered. It was now or never, you only live once, right?
I peered behind him and stared at the Vegas strip in the distance. With perfect plump lips, and straight white teeth, Mr. Felton smiled at me. In that very moment, I decided to gamble. I didn't know why because I wasn't much for risks. If anyone was a play-it-safe type of girl, it was me. But in that moment, I wanted to be someone different. I wanted to know the outcome of what waited on the other side. I played with lady luck to see what hand she dealt. Maybe I would get lucky.

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Book Blitz: Cup of life di Juliana Haygert + giveaway

Buongiorno ^^ Eccoci ad un nuovo book blitz, ideato come sempre da Giselle di Xpresso Book Tours; oggi vi presento una novella di una trilogia new adult paranormal, spero possa piacervi :) 

Titolo: Cup of life

Autore: Juliana Haygert

Genere: New adult romance paranormal, fantasy
Trama: His existence would mean nothing without her.
Novella between book #2 and #3, told on Micah’s POV

Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook

While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

ESTRATTO

Thirty or forty years ago, I wouldn’t have stared at the girl in front of me for more than five seconds before charming her into going to bed with me.
But this girl ... this girl was different.
“I think that’s everything,” Nadine said, stepping out of the cottage as Rok flew from the roof.
It was early January. The lights around the cottage reflected on the three feet of snow, and illuminated Nadine’s long brown hair, tinting some strands bronze. Her hair, her dark green eyes, and her red lips contrasted with her fair skin, and the only thought on my mind was that I had never seen a more beautiful girl in my entire life. And I had been alive for quite some time.
Nadine approached me, and as it was every time she looked at me, I fought the urge to reach to her, to pull her against me, to kiss her, to—“It is everything, isn’t it?” She glanced at the bag slung across my shoulder and the box in my arms. She held her sister’s stuffed bunny in one hand, and a duffel bag in another.
We had been moving to our new location all day, making several trips to and from, and now we were the last ones here.
“I think so,” I replied, quickly glancing to Rok hovering above our heads. “Ready?”
She walked down the porch steps, into the snow, and turned to the cottage. Her eyes scanned it, as if she wanted to take every little detail with her.
She slung the duffel bag on her shoulder and turned the collar of her jacket up. “It’s odd. I feel like I should feel bad for leaving this place after fleeing so many others, after losing so many people.” She sighed. “But I don’t, and I totally should, especially after seeing the new place Ceris got us.”
I nodded, knowing too well that the new place brought her depressing memories.
No matter. It was a new place, a new path on our journey, a new beginning. We were on the right track.
I offered my arm to her. “Let’s go, darling.”
With a half-smile that made my heart skip a beat, Nadine sauntered to me and hooked her arm with mine.
I scooted closer to her, more than necessary, because I could, because I wanted, and transported us out of there.

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Book Blitz: The appeal of evil di Pembroke Sinclair + giveaway

Buongiorno ^^ Eccoci ad un nuovo book blitz, ideato come sempre da Giselle di Xpresso Book Tours; oggi vi presento un romanzo young adult paranormal, spero possa piacervi :) 

Titolo: The appeal of evil

Autore: Pembroke Sinclair

Genere: Young adult romance paranormal
Trama: Katie wants to invest her heart and soul in love, but she may lose both to Hell.
Katie, a senior in high school, is torn between loving the “good” guy, her childhood friend Wes who makes promises he doesn’t keep and abandons her when she needs him the most, and the “bad” guy, the new kid at school Josh who is also a real demon from Hell. Katie wants someone who pays attention to her and puts her first, but what is she willing to give up to find him?

Website / Goodreads

Pembroke Sinclair I have had several short stories, novels, and novellas published. I have my Master’s in English, and I am a freelance content editor for Musa Publishing, as well as a former content and line editor for eTreasures Publishing.

ESTRATTO

The bell rang as Katie slowly made her way to the locker room. She reached forward to grab the door handle when someone grabbed her from behind and lifted her up. A squeak of surprise escaped her lips, but no other sound came out. A hand covered her mouth. Really? Katie thought. 
Again? He’s going to pay for it this time. She struggled against her attacker, but his grip was too strong. He lifted her like she weighed no more than a doll. He carried her toward the gymnastic storage area and stepped over the mats until they were in the far back corner, covered in shadow.
Wes set her down but refused to take his hand of her mouth. Katie clawed and scratched at his hand and arm and attempted to kick him. Wes calmly grabbed her wrists with his free hand and pressed his body against hers so she couldn’t attack him anymore. Her face turned red and anger boiled through her veins. She screamed even though his hand was still over her mouth.
“Katie, please, calm down. I’m not going to hurt you.”
In response, she struggled against his body—a futile attempt since he was so much stronger than she was.
Wes opened his mouth to speak again, but the words never came out. Instead, a familiar, “Again?” echoed through the storage space, and Wes was pulled away from Katie. Josh had him by the back of the collar and threw him onto a pile of mats. Katie took deep breaths and moved away from the wall to get a better view.
“Why can’t you take a hint, Wes? The lady doesn’t want anything to do with you.”
Wes got to his feet and brought his fists up, ready to fight. The space was big enough that there was a few feet between the two boys, but if things escalated, Katie would be caught in the middle of the battle.
“Yeah, well, she wouldn’t want you if she knew what you really were.”
Josh threw his head back and laughed. “And what is that, Wes? A nice, clean cut boy who actually pays attention to her and wants to be around her?”
Wes’s eyes narrowed to slits. “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
Josh clicked his tongue on the roof of his mouth. “I’m afraid I don’t. I think you may be delusional.”
Katie had her back pressed against the wall and slowly slid her way to the opening so she could run into the gym and get help. Josh was doing a great job of staying between her and Wes.
“Don’t listen to him, Katie. He’s only using you to get to me.”
Katie glanced over Josh’s shoulder. Wes had taken his eyes off his opponent for a second and stared at her, a pleading look in his eyes. Typical, she thought. Wes always thought things were about him. Someone needed to let him know the world didn’t revolve around him. She tore her gaze from his and continued toward the exit. Wes sensed her intention and moved so he blocked the opening. He was within an arm’s length of Josh.
Josh shook his head. “C’mon, Wes. That’s not very nice. If Katie wants to leave, you should allow her to leave.”
“No. I’m not letting you do this to her.”
Josh laughed. “Do what? Show her how a real boyfriend is supposed to treat her?”
Katie stopped for a second and glanced at Josh. Did he just say what she thought he said? 
Boyfriend? Could it really be true? Was that how he viewed their thing? Katie wasn’t exactly sure what was going on, but she was going to rethink it the next time she got the chance. If the situation hadn’t been so dire, she would have let the inner smile play across her lips.
Wes’s face crunched in anger, his fists balled at his sides. Without another word, he lunged forward. Wes and Josh fell to the ground, right at Katie’s feet. Wes sat on Josh’s chest and slammed his fist into the side of Josh’s head. Katie screamed.
“Stop it! Wes! Leave him alone!”
She wanted to jump between the two to make him stop, but she was afraid of getting hit. The pupils in Wes’s eyes were dilated, completely blocking out the brown that was normally there. 
Rage shrouded his face. Fear squeezed Katie’s chest. She’d never seen him act like that before. 
She continued her trek toward the opening. If she couldn’t stop him, Ms. Bode would have to.
Wes brought his fist up by his shoulder to smash into Josh’s face again. As he brought it down, Josh grabbed it and stopped him. Katie stopped and watched the two of them. Josh stared at Wes, a smile curling his lips. Blood stained Josh’s teeth.
“That all you got?” With a growl and movement almost too fast for Katie to see, Josh pushed Wes.
Wes sailed across the room, through the opening, and slammed into the wall several yards away. 
Katie’s jaw fell open. What just happened? No one was that strong. Josh got to his feet and wiped the blood from his nose with the back of his hand. He stared at Wes, who sat on the floor, his head hanging on his chest.
Josh reached his right hand behind him, toward Katie. “C’mon. He won’t bother you for a while.”
Katie hesitated taking the offered hand. Her chest heaved with ragged breaths, her head swam with confusion. How did Josh throw Wes like that?
Josh looked over his shoulder at her. “You’re not going to get another chance. Are you coming or what?”
Katie shook herself out of her daze and grabbed Josh’s hand. The pair stepped over the mats and through the opening. They stopped in front of Wes. He looked up at them, his eyes taking a moment to focus. Katie glanced into the gym. Why wasn’t anyone else coming to help them? 
Surely they heard the fight, her screaming.
The door to the girl’s locker room opened in slow motion. Two of her classmates walked out, but their movement wasn’t normal. They, too, were stuck in slow motion.
“Hey!” she called to them and tried to run up to them, but Josh had a tight grip on her hand and wouldn’t let go.
“They can’t do anything to help you,” Josh said softly. “They don’t even know what’s happening.”
Katie’s breath caught in her throat. She turned back to Josh, eyes wide. “What is happening?” 
The words barely made it out of her mouth. Josh smiled.
“Let her go. I’m the one you want,” Wes croaked from the floor.
Josh knelt down in front of him, inadvertently pulling Katie closer since he wouldn’t let go of her hand. “You know I’m not going to do that. Besides, you never know how useful she’s actually going to be.”
Wes attempted to lunge for Josh, but his balance was off and he fell to one side. Josh laughed. 
Katie stared down the hall at the two girls as they headed to class. She reached for them, hoping they’d sense her desperation and turn around. Josh jerked on her hand, pulling her into his body. 
Her back was against his chest, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. His breath tickled her ear lobe.
“Take one last look, Katie. It might be the last time you see him.”
Katie stared down at Wes. He struggled to get to his feet. Pain pinched his face, along with something else. For a moment, Katie thought it looked like sadness. He reached for her.
Involuntarily, she reached for him too. Then, the world was shrouded in blackness.

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