Saturday, June 7, 2014

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Slade by Victoria Ashley

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Release Date: June 3rd
imageMy name is Slade Merrick and I’m a fucking sex addict . . . I’ve been told it’s a problem. But I see it as a passion; something that I’m good at. And who the fuck stops something that they’re good at? They want me to seek help; get my cock in check. Don't judge my lifestyle. You’re no better than me. Just admit it, you like to fuck too. Sex is what I do best; my own personal high, so I embrace it instead of being ashamed. When I'm not fucking, I'm slinging drinks at Walk Of Shame or stripping my way into your bed; another thing I'm good at. Every woman’s darkest fantasy brought to life. So, am I stopping? Fuck no. Sex is beautiful, raw and erotic and I get off knowing I can have it with anyone I want . . . with the exception of her. Aspen. She walks into the club swaying those hips, instantly drawing my cock to attention. She’s pure perfection. That is, until she opens that mouth, drawing me in and for the first time in forever I want something more than sex. I want her and she hates it. Things get dirty. Dirty is what I like; it’s how I live. But . . . she’s playing a game she can never win. 20140529-161557-58557337.jpg image
CHOOSE ONE!
Excerpt 1- I take a huge gulp as my eyes once again land on him and oh God, that ass. His jeans are now hanging half way down his ass, showing his muscular butt cheeks through his white boxer briefs. The busty woman in front of him is desperately tugging on the front of his jeans, working on pulling them down his body. I don’t blame her. I want to take them off with my teeth. Crap, my mind is in the gutter. Placing his hands behind her head, he pulls her face down by his crotch as he starts grinding his hips up and down in perfect rhythm to the song playing. It’s a slow, seductive song that makes me think about sex. Yup, I’m definitely thinking about sex now. Just as I think he’s about to actually let this woman publicly suck his dick or something, he grips her by the hips and pulls her up to her feet. Slowly, he makes his way behind her and his eyes land on me and they stay there, locked with mine. What the . . . why? Stop looking at me. I tug on the collar of my white blouse and without meaning to I start fanning myself off. He smiles at this, knowing exactly what he’s doing to me. He’s doing this on purpose. Cocky jerk. Bending the girl over, he grips her hair in one hand and pulls her neck back while grinding his hips on her ass. His eyes bore into mine as he shakes himself out of his jeans and lets all of his sexiness consume us. Yes, he is damn sexy and he knows it. That just pisses me off more. His legs are thick and muscular; covered with random tattoos and every muscle in his body is well sculpted. Now that he’s facing me it’s easy to see his defined chest and abs flexing as he moves with the music. The muscles leading down to his briefs are staring at me, flexing with each sway of his hips; calling out to be touched and licked. Oh yummy. I want a taste . . . Holy hell, he’s in shape; like a fitness model. Plus, he has random tattoos inked across his chest, sides, lower stomach and arms as well. Hell, he has tattoos all over and it makes him even hotter. They glisten as the perspiration forms on his skin. He’s staring at me, while practically fucking this girl with his clothes on. Still, I’m standing there watching as if it were me. What is wrong with me? I feel myself start to sweat and get a tingling sensation between my thighs as he bites his bottom lip and starts thrusting hard and deep while his eyes devour me. Well, at least I imagine it would be really deep. I can’t deny that I bet it would feel so good. He must notice me sweating because he laughs a little and steps away from the girl that is still bent over with her ass in the air. Ignoring all the girls screaming for him, he starts walking with meaning; unstoppable. With each step, he gets closer and closer to me. My body is shaking just from his presence and my breathing picks up. I hate my body right now. His eyes are intense; telling me he wants me as his. A part of me almost wants to give in just from that look alone. My eyes slowly leave his eyes, searching my way down his muscular body and landing right on his hard dick. Oh. My. God. You can see everything through his tight briefs. The thickness of his dick and even the shape of its head. The whole package. He’s so . . . hard. Stopping in front of me, he smirks and tilts his head down toward his cock. My eyes are betraying me. Damn bastards. They won’t move away. “You know, it’s against the rules, but I would let you touch it if you wanted to.” Shaking my head, I pull my eyes away and slam back the rest of my drink. This is my third one and I’m a lightweight; probably not a good thing. I take a step back as he takes a step closer. Clearing my throat, I ask, “Touch what?” Reaching out, he grabs my hand and places it on the V of muscles that lead down to his briefs, slowly sliding it down his sweaty, slick body. “My cock,” he whispers. My body clenches from his words and I hate it. Yanking my hand away, I grab Kayla by the arm and slam my empty glass down onto the table beside me. I need to get out of here. Excerpt 2- Releasing the doorframe, I take a step closer and slowly run my hands down her sides, tracing every curve through the thin material. Fuck, she feels so good. My hands stop amidst her hips and I squeeze, pulling her body to press against mine. My cock hardens against her stomach and she sucks in a deep breath, but doesn’t pull away. A part of her wants this and the more I look at her, the more I fucking want her; a distraction. Fucked up or not, I can’t deny that I need this fucking distraction, addiction, necessity or whatever else you may want to call it. I’ve gotten used to the harsh judgments of my lifestyle. “We can take a shower together.” I brush my lips over her neck and whisper, “I can dirty you with my body and then clean you with my tongue.” She tilts her neck and allows me to run my tongue up it as if that’s the pass code to her arousal. She likes it. I can tell by her soft moans. “Have you thought about what my cock will feel like inside you?” I suck in her earlobe and bring my hands down to cup her ass. It’s the perfect fit. “I want to fuck you. I want you to know what it feels like to have me deep.” I lick my lips and breathe into her ear. “Inside you.” Her chest pushes out as she takes a deep breath. “I don’t even know you.” She places her hands on my chest and backs away. “Plus, I don’t like you. Now, if you don’t mind. One of us has to take a shower first. You or me? Pick one.” She presses her legs together and I can tell she’s trying to hide that I have her pussy aching for my touch. She’s wet and ready for me. I don’t have to check; I just know. That’s okay ‘cause my cock wants it just as much. Enjoying watching her squirm, I smile and lean into the doorframe. “I’m going to take care of that for you.” Her eyes watch mine as I look down at her black panties that are barely peeking out from under what I assume is one of Cale’s old shirts. For some reason, the thought of stripping her out of another man’s shirt turns me on; gives me a rush knowing I can. She watches me intently, but doesn’t say a word as I grab the bottom of the T-shirt and slowly lift it over her head and toss it behind me. She’s standing there in just her thong and bra. Her breasts are plump and firm, squeezed into a tiny black bra to match her panties; her cleavage playing peek-a-boo. My cock instantly strains to break free from the material as I imagine dropping to my knees in front of her and devouring her fucking pussy; the perfect breakfast. Running my hand up her tight little stomach, I press her up against the wall with my hand above her head. “Touch yourself for me.” 20140529-161548-58548820.jpg Slade-5 add-to-goodreads-button31 (1)
imageVictoria Ashley grew up in Rockford, IL and has had a passion for reading for as long as she can remember. After finding a reading app where it allowed readers to upload their own stories, she gave it a shot and writing became her passion. She lives for a good romance book with tattooed bad boys that are just highly misunderstood and is not afraid to be caught crying during a good read. When she’s not reading or writing about bad boys, you can find her watching her favorites shows such as Sons Of Anarchy, Dexter and True Blood. She is the author of Wake Up Call and This Regret and is currently working on more releases for 2014.
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Friday, June 6, 2014

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: What's Left of Us by Amanda Maxlyn

Amanda Maxlyn and Bandit Publishing are excited to share with you the beautiful cover for Amanda Maxlyn's "What's Left of Us", the heartwarming conclusion to What's Left of Me. Make sure to join the FB Release Event, add to your Goodreads, and enter the GIVEAWAY for a $25 Amazon Gift Card below!

Expected Release: Summer 2014

Book Title: What’s Left of Us
Author: Amanda Maxlyn
Cover Designer: Mae I Design and Photography



The heartwarming conclusion to What's Left of Me.

Love found me three years ago.

I’m cancer free, happily married to the love of my life, and working toward my dream career.

Our life is complete. Perfect, really.

Or is it?

I’ve always wanted a family of my own, but never dreamed I could have one. Now Parker’s ready to make my dream our reality.

But sometimes our dreams are haunted by our deepest fears. Fears of failure, having a child, and in our case … death. How do I help the person I love get over his fear when I’m still trying to overcome that same fear myself?

Together we must learn What’s Left of Us.

~


~ What's Left Of Me Book 1 ~

Life works in mysterious ways.

Four years ago I became known as the girl with cancer.

I refuse to cry.

And I refuse to give in.

A relationship with a man is the last thing I’m looking for right now, but one night with Parker changes everything. He is persistent, and he knows what he wants. Me.

He doesn’t treat me like I’m fragile.

But he doesn’t know, and I’m not ready to tell him.

What if it changes everything?

Tragedy found me when I was seventeen.

Love found me when I was twenty-one.

My name is Aundrea McCall, and this is my journey.


~ Author Bio ~

I am the mother of two little boys, married to the love of my life, and living in one of the smallest towns in Minnesota. When I’m not chasing or cleaning up after my boys (yes, all three), I can be found writing or snuggled up with my kindle, a glass of wine, and spending time with my fictional friends and family.










~ Social Media Links ~

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AmandaMaxlynAuthor

Website - http://amandamaxlyn.com/

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7264050.Amanda_Maxlyn

Twitter - https://twitter.com/AmandaMaxlyn

Instagram - http://instagram.com/amandamaxlyn


~ Giveaway ~

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Thursday, June 5, 2014

Blog Tour and Giveaway: White Collared Mercy by Shelly Bell



~ Synopsis ~

Part One: Mercy

Driven by ambition…
Third-year law student, Kate Martin, outran her tragic past to become an intern for her idol and secret crush, the powerful attorney, Nicholas Trenton. She is thrilled when Nick assigns her to represent his best friend and client, millionaire Jaxon Deveroux…the prime suspect in his submissive wife’s murder.

Seduced by desire…
Kate knows they have only a few days to find the real killer, and since signs point to a member of the BDSM community, she volunteers to go undercover as Jaxon’s submissive at Benediction-the private sex club where he is a member-to covertly investigate Alyssa’s last few months. For years, Kate has kept her dark fantasies a secret…but a chance to explore them with sexy, dominant Jaxon is just too tempting to pass up. 









~ Review ~
5 Stars 


OMG I am loving this series and I cannot wait to read book two.

Kate is interning at the lawyers office she has always wanted.  She is an intern to Nick Trenton.  The man she secretly fantasizes about.  She is determined to stand out to Nick and get a job once her internship is over. She never expected for Nick to take her under his wing even though she dreamed about it.  Can she help Nick prove Jax's innocence? Or will she ruin it all by falling for Jax?  Is Jax innocent or is he guilty?

This book is a very short read that leaves you hanging at the end.  It has you questioning everything.  I cannot wait to read the next book and I'm sure I will be on the edge of my seat waiting for all four books to come out!!



~ Book Trailer ~







~ Excerpt ~



After three hours of computer research on piercing the corporate veil, Kate’s vision blurred, the words on the screen bleeding into one another until they resembled a giant Rorschach inkblot. She lowered her mug of lukewarm coffee to her cubicle’s mahogany tabletop and rubbed her tired eyes.

Without warning, the door to the interns’ windowless office flew open, banging against the wall. Light streamed into the dim room, casting the elongated shadow of her boss, Nicholas Trenton, on the beige carpet.

“Ms. Martin, take your jacket and come with me.” He didn’t wait for a response, simply issued his command and strode down the hall.

Jumping to her feet, she teetered on her secondhand heels and grabbed her suit jacket from the back of her chair. As Mr. Trenton’s intern for the year, she’d follow him off the edge of a cliff. She had no choice in the matter if she wanted a junior associate position at Detroit’s most prestigious law firm, Joseph and Long, after graduation. Because of the fierce competition for an internship and because several qualified lackeys waited patiently in the wings for an opening, one minor screwup would result in termination.

Most of the other interns ignored the interruption, but her best friend Hannah took a second to raise an arched eyebrow. Kate shrugged, having no idea what her boss required. He hadn’t spoken to her since her initial interview a few months earlier.

She collected her briefcase, her heart pounding. As far as she knew, she hadn’t made a mistake since starting two months ago. Other than class time, she’d spent virtually every waking moment at this firm, a schedule her boyfriend, Tom, resented. To placate him, she’d used her dinner break last Saturday to drive to his place and give him a quick blow job before returning to work. She didn’t even have time for her own orgasm.

She raced as fast as she could down the hallway and found her boss pacing and talking on his cell phone in the marbled lobby. He frowned and pointedly looked at his watch, demonstrating his displeasure at her delay. Still on the phone, he stalked out of the firm and headed toward the elevator. She chased him, cursing her short legs as she remained a step or two behind until catching up with him on the elevator.

When the doors slid shut, he ended his call and slipped his cell into the pocket of his Armani jacket. She risked a quick glance at him to ascertain his mood, careful not to visually suggest anything more than casual regard.

He was an extremely handsome man whose picture frequently appeared in local magazines and papers beside prominent judges and legislative officials. But photos couldn’t do him justice, film lacking the capability of capturing his commanding presence. Often she’d had to fight her instinct to look directly into his blue eyes. At the office, his every move, his every word overshadowed anyone and everything around her.

Standing close to him in the claustrophobic space, she inhaled the musky scent of his aftershave, felt his radiating heat. Her trembling body instinctively angled toward him.

Mr. Trenton spoke, fracturing the quiet of the small space with his deep and powerful voice. “This morning, our firm’s biggest client, Jaxon Deveroux, arrived home from his business trip and found his wife dead from multiple stab wounds.”

“I thought you limited your practice to civil law,” she blurted out before she could stop herself. When his jaw grew rigid, she internally chastised herself for the mistake. “Sorry, sir. I shouldn’t have interrupted.”

The silence was deafening as she waited for him to decide whether to accept her apology. Interns had been fired for less.

“No, you shouldn’t have interrupted. However, it was a valid question and, therefore, I’ll let it pass.”

Once the elevator doors opened, they stepped out into the bustling main floor lobby, and she fought to match Mr. Trenton’s brisk pace as they headed toward the parking garage. “While typically I would refer my clients to Jeffrey Reaver, the head of our criminal division, Mr. Deveroux and I have been friends for many years, and he requested me personally. Jaxon’s a very private man, but those who are in his circle are aware of certain . . . proclivities that may come up in the police’s line of questioning.”

What sort of proclivities? It pained her to remain silent.

He paused as if expecting her to screw up by asking another question. She curled the sharp edges of her nails into the flesh of her palms, the biting pain a reminder to keep her mouth shut. A wave of peace rippled through her, and her heart slowed for the first time since Mr. Trenton had requested her presence.

“He and his wife engaged in the practice of BDSM. Do you know what that is, Ms. Martin?” he asked with a slight upturn of his lips. On anyone else, she’d believe it was the beginning of a smile, but since she’d never seen Mr. Trenton smile, she couldn’t be sure what it meant.

There wasn’t a woman in the country who hadn’t heard of BDSM since the popular erotica novel hit the charts a few years back. His mention of it awoke that dormant part of her hibernating in the recesses of her mind during the light of day.

Her cheeks heated, but she kept her tone professional despite the fireworks launching between her thighs. “BDSM stands for bondage and discipline, domination and submission, sadism and masochism. It’s kinky sex.”

They reached the parking garage and climbed the concrete stairs to the second level.

“For some it is, and for others, it’s a way of life. Unfortunately, the media has a way of distorting the truth to their advantage for the sensational headlines. You remember the recent case.”

A metro-Detroit man had allegedly hired a hit man to kill his wife, but it was the fact that he’d practiced BDSM in a seedy sex dungeon that the media had latched on to, riding the frenzy caused by the popular erotica trilogy.

Kate had read the books. Twice. But in the end, she agreed with the popular opinion that BDSM fiction was nothing but romantic fantasy.

A bit breathless from her attempt to keep up with him, she was relieved to slide into the passenger seat of his Mercedes. Moments later they sped toward the highway.

Weighing the consequences against her curiosity, she decided to risk asking her boss a question. “In your opinion, should Mr. Deveroux divulge the nature of his relationship with his wife to the police?”

He tilted his head as if to think over the answer, but she didn’t doubt he’d known the answer before she’d finished asking the question. “At this point, I see no reason why he needs to say anything about it. What happens behind closed doors is none of their business unless it’s relevant to the murder. Until someone brings it up in questioning, I’d advise Jaxon to keep his sex life to himself.”

For the next few minutes, they rode in silence, and she peered out the window at Detroit’s crumbling houses. The car proceeded west to the suburbs and the view changed to a large brick wall that shielded homeowners and businesses from the sight of the expressway. They exited onto a street that led them into a recently developed upper-class neighborhood of palatial homes, strip malls, and trendy restaurants.

Mr. Trenton turned the car into the parking lot of a police station, which was inconspicuously nestled between two office buildings made of the same dark-brown brick. Had it not been for the crammed lot filled with police cars and media vans, she would’ve never guessed they’d reached their destination.

Of course the media had jumped on this. A white woman from the suburbs was murdered. That kind of juicy story trumped the mundane coverage of the upcoming November elections.

As her boss searched for a place to park, she watched four local news crews rushing around, several of them on cell phones, no doubt calling their contacts for more information on the murder.

Vultures.

Mr. Trenton gripped the door handle. “Did you take advanced criminal procedure in school, Ms. Martin?”

“No, sir. Why?”

“Some of the details you’ll both hear and witness today may be graphic. Since the class prepares students by desensitizing them with real crime photos of stab wounds and gunshots, I thought you might be more prepared for what you’re about to encounter.”

She bit the inside of her cheek, tamping down the vivid image of blood-splattered leaves and the sulfuric scent of gunpowder. “It won’t bother me.”

There was no mistaking that her answer had caused him to grin. “I didn’t think it would. I wouldn’t have allowed you to accompany me if I hadn’t thought you were up for it, but I needed to confirm. It wouldn’t look good if my intern fainted over a couple of crime scene photos.”

They departed the Mercedes, and this time Mr. Trenton walked beside her, escorting her inside the police station to the information desk, where he handed a young male officer a business card from his pocket. “Please let Mr. Deveroux know his attorney is here.”

The cop picked up a desk phone and pressed an extension. “Is Mr. Deveroux expecting a Nicholas Trenton?”

She hadn’t stepped into a police station in ten years, but the memory of that harrowing day crashed into her with the force and velocity of a gunshot. Her chest tightened as she tried to breathe. In an attempt to ward off the anxiety attack, she counted backward from one hundred.

Her boss leaned over and whispered in her ear. “You’re okay. Breathe through your nose.”

 Pressing her lips together, she sucked air through her nose, expanding her lungs with precious oxygen. How had he known?

“Thank you,” the officer said into the phone. He hung up, picked up a notebook, flipped it open, and handed Mr. Trenton a pen. “You two need to sign in.”

Her boss signed his name before giving her the pen. Hands shaking, she supplied her barely legible information. After she gave back the notebook, the officer buzzed them in and pointed behind him. “Go through those doors to room three, second room on the left.”

As Mr. Trenton stepped in front of her, she surreptitiously obtained a small pill from her Tic Tac dispenser in her purse and slipped it in her mouth. When they got to the interrogation room, he knocked on the door.

Anticipation boiled in her blood. Something was wrong with how eager she was to meet her client, a man who would find himself under suspicion of his wife’s murder even if he was innocent of the crime.

Could she defend a man if she believed he was guilty?

As the door opened and her sight fell on the man hunched over a table, she had a feeling she’d soon find out.



~ Author Bio ~


SHELLY BELL writes sensual romance and erotic thrillers with high-emotional stakes for her alpha heroes and kiss-ass heroines. She began writing upon the insistence of her husband who dragged her to the store and bought her a laptop. When she’s not practicing corporate law, taking care of her family, or writing, you’ll find her reading the latest smutty romance.

Shelly is a member of Romance Writers of America and International Thriller Writers.











~ Social Media Links ~



~ Author Endorsements ~

“Shelly Bell is a fresh new voice in erotic romance. She brings the heat!” ~ Lexi Blake, NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author


"White Collared takes you on a thrill ride of danger, murder and lust, leaving you hungry for the next installment." ~ Stacey Kennedy, USA Today Bestselling Author of BARED

"A rollercoaster ride of jaw-dropping sex, heated anticipation, and a perfect dash of suspense, all tied together with flawless writing. When I wasn't clenching my thighs, I was frantically flipping pages to find out what would happen next! I can't recommend this series enough. Buy it. Devour it." ~ Alessandra Torre, USA Today Bestselling Author of BLINDFOLDED INNOCENCE


~ Purchase Links ~



~ Hosted  By ~

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Before He Was Famous by Becky Wicks

~ Synopsis ~

Falling in love with your best friend isn’t always a great idea, especially when he’s Noah Lockton - the sexiest, most famous new talent on the planet. When 21-year-old small-town photographer Chloe Campbell is offered the chance of a lifetime – to join her celebrity childhood friend Noah on tour as an exclusive blogger for a New York magazine – she’s certain both have put what happened four years ago behind them. But his eyes still burn; his voice is still a jackhammer to her heartstrings; all his songs are about her. Is it possible that that night still haunts them both?
The music industry is a machine, spinning hype and rumors as much as his records. It’s not just Noah’s girlfriends who’ve got it in for Chloe (there’s no stopping the Twitter-obsessed, cat-loving pop-star Courtney Lentini for starters). Pretty soon, the jealousy and media frenzy surrounding these so-called-friends takes a life-changing turn and it seems making love means making enemies at every turn. When tragedy threatens to pull the final curtain on their relationship, both Chloe and Noah must make a choice. As much as this world leaves them starstruck, is living their dream really worth living without each other?
A story of lifelong friendships, love and hope, set in a world of celebrity, fame and social media gone very, very wrong.





~ Review ~
4.5 Stars by Guest Reviewer Cybill

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to know someone who was on American Idol? To be their best friend since childhood, to love them with all your heart and soul? Chloe Campbell does. Well it's not American Idol, it is Show Us What U've Got. Noah Lockton is going to win it.

Noah and Chloe have been friends their whole lives, always together. Noah has always been destined for stardom.  He will be the next big singing heart throb. The chemistry between these two is immeasurable. One night with grief, and vodka things progressed beyond friendship. But that is in the past, they are still just best friends.

This is the story of Noah's rise to pop icon. Chloe has a boyfriend, Cooper. He is such a waste. Noah has a revolving door of girlfriends. Everyone else knows who these two belong with except these two. They have to learn to deal with the life of a rock god and all the drama that comes with it.

This was a really great read with drama and intrigue. Will they, won't they? How will it ever work out? It is a good look at how hard it is to pursue your dream, and how to deal with life when that dream comes true. It is a great friends to lovers with a twist of rock. Definitely a must read!



~ Excerpt ~

Let me guess. When you say the name Noah Lockton, you see him standing with one of a hundred guitars around his neck, glistening with sweat in the glare of the stage lights.


You see him grinning, maybe on a pap shot, maybe snapped on a red carpet, smiling at you from the middle of a magazine. You see him in the spotlight; hot in more ways than one, right?


You see shouting headlines, hear the shrieks of infatuated fans, visualize the vacuous presenters buffing up his ego on all those TV channels and him batting away compliments like they're bees. You see bulbs flashing, neon flickering, videos playing on loop everywhere. They're in the gym, on the seatback screens of airplanes; in your Facebook sidebar when you're messaging your friends.


You hear his music, obviously. How could you not? It's everywhere. His voice is everywhere. You know the stats. Noah Lockton. Twenty-three. Five-foot-eleven, messy brown curls and steel-gray eyes. Pisces. You think you know him, this superstar, guitar-playing rock star.


But there are some things you don't know about Noah Lockton.


You don't know how proud he was that time, to have made me a cake out of Lego, mud and toothpaste. How when he was eight, he sat up in the tree house for three whole days after Prairie died. I was freaking out that if the dog fell down from heaven no one else would be as close to the sky to catch him. Noah just didn't want anyone else to see him cry. So we sat up there together, neither of us saying a word. Just holding hands.


You don't know how crazy he made me, teaching me guitar till my fingers bled. How we perfected the art of burping the entire first Britney Spears single together after four cans of Diet Coke and convinced a radio station to put us on air.


You don't know how his arms felt wrapped around me when my world came crashing down; how I clung to the feeling of him inside me, filling me up; bringing me back to life again when all I could feel otherwise was numb.


You don't know how we avoid the subject now.


When we were kids, his dad said his eyes were so shiny in all my photos because of all the stars inside them.


Noah was always going to shine.


He was always going to be mine.


But sometimes even I forget the way things were before he was famous.






~ Author Bio ~

Becky Wicks is a HarperCollins author going indie! Itchy feet has led her to live and work all over the world since leaving England at age 21, including NYC, Sydney, Bali, South America and Dubai. Right now she’s scribbling the second book in the HotFlush series in Vietnam, and will soon be in Vancouver if any hot Canadian men want to make her a cup of tea?
Becky has also written three funny travel books about her time in Dubai, Bali and South America (HarperCollins). Her first book, Burqalicious - The Dubai Diaries, her second book, Balilicious - The Bali Diaries and her third, Latinalicious -The South America Diaries are out now as ebooks.
Becky has also written a comedy romance with author Sarah Alderson under the name Lola Salt, called The Extraordinary Life of Lara Craft (not Croft) which should raise a giggle or two... think Bridget Jones if Jackie Collins had written it!
Follow her on twitter at bex_wicks and her blog www.beckywicks.com



~ Social Media Links ~

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Becky-Wicks-Author/242645109127479?ref=hl
Twitter: bex_wicks
Blog: www.beckywicks.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21936562-before-he-was-famous

Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/+BeckyWicksauthor/posts



~ Giveaway ~

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Blog Tour and Giveaway: Beware by Shanora Williams

~ Synopsis ~

Ace is bad.

Very bad.

After losing my brother, I know I should stay away. So why can’t I?
He’s irresistible. He’s confident. He’s amazing… but he’s dangerous.
He was there the night my brother was murdered. He watched it all go down.
I should stay away. The things I saw weren’t acceptable. 
I should want Ace as far away from me as possible—I should consider him a monster and a threat—but when my life is at stake I know I no longer have a choice of the matter. He's the only one that can protect me. 

He's done what he can to keep me out of danger, but it's not enough. I need answers. I need the truth. He refuses to give it to me, and because of that I don't trust him. He refuses to tell me what really happened and to just forget about it but I refuse.

I won’t back down until I get answers.

But there’s one thing wrong with getting too many answers. It leads to lies. It leads to trouble. It leads to danger. But worst of all, it leads to me falling deeply and madly in love with him.
I’ve gotta be out of my mind.

London Stallone hasn’t always had the perfect life, but she did have the perfect older brother. He did everything for her. He took care of her when no one else would. He’s always been the shoulder she could lean on, but when he ends up murdered, things turn for the worst.

London soon demands answers, and the first person she runs to is her brother’s co-worker and good friend, Donovan “Ace” Crow. Ace isn’t the ordinary guy. He doesn’t come equipped with flowers and chocolate. He doesn’t hand out smiles and hugs to every female he meets. He’s strict and only about business, and London believes he’s a part of the reason her brother was murdered.

Soon, after finding out life-threatening news, it leads to something Ace never thought he’d have to do for anyone.

Protect her.

Although he doesn't want her to get hurt, it doesn't stop him from being selfish or bitter. He's promised to protect her, but has he done enough? Has he sacrificed everything in order to keep London out of harms way? 

Sometimes love can get in the way of your priorities. And sometimes love can easily become your enemy—you worst nightmare. It can destroy you.

This is a story full of dishonesty. Disloyalty. Broken hearts. Pain. Suffering. Lies. Destruction. This isn’t a fairytale love story. This is real. And it just might break you.
You’ve been warned… 

BEWARE!


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~ Review ~
3.5 Stars


This book started off really good.  It had me wanting to sit and do nothing but read.  Then the end came and.......... :(

London has had a rough life.  She loses everyone she has ever loved.   She only had her brother and he was her everything and she wished they lived closer together so they could see each other more. She is so worried he won't make it for her graduation and when he shows with a coworker she is curious.  He never comes to visit with anyone.  All weekend he is acting off and she is worried about him.   When he is murdered she will stop at nothing to find out why?  How far does she go to get answers?

Ace is determined to keep London by his side.  He needs her to find what Jonah, her brother was hiding. Though the more he gets to know her the more he wants her.  He still wants what he is hiding, but is afraid that he will lose everything.  Is he willing to betray her?  Or is it all business?

This book was really good all the way to the ending. I really feel like this could have ended differently.  Take the warning at end of synopsis to heart and don't let your guard down at all.  That's my opinion and I would recommend you read and see for yourself about this book!!!!
The reason I couldn't stick to the 4.5 stars I was going to give it is because of the ending.  I am trying to understand why Shanora did what she did, but in my eyes it wasn't needed.  It's hard to explain without giving a spoiler away.  So go buy this book and read it and you can always message me and we can chat away!!!!



~ Excerpt ~


Footsteps start up the complex stairs. They’re heavy. Slow. I try to control my breathing, but it’s nearly impossible. I’m terrified. My heart is pounding in my chest. The room that was once my sanctuary – my getaway—now feels like a trap. A prison. I can hardly breathe.

Sealing my eyes, I listen as his footsteps get closer to my door until finally he stops. It’s quiet for a moment. I think he’s got his ear to the door, hoping to hear something.

Then, he bangs on it, and I gasp. I don’t get up though. He can’t get in. The door is locked, and the chain is on. I don’t think he’d be dumb enough to kick the door in, knowing I have neighbors. Good thing they’re nosey. They’ll come looking for the noise immediately just to complain.

“London, I know you’re in there! Car’s in the parking lot.” His voice is no longer calm and casual. It’s angry and demanding. “Open the door.”

I don’t say anything, but I do stand and hold the knife in front of me just in case. I slowly walk out of my bedroom and towards the living room.

“Open it or I’ll kick it down. I don’t give a fuck who sees me.”

I gulp and gasp at the same time, producing an unexpected and very loud burp. It’s certainly loud enough for Ace to hear.

Instantly, the door swings open and hits the wall with a forceful thud. I scream as I fall on my side. When I look up, Ace is standing between the frames of the door, adjusting his tie. All I can make out is his shadow, but I can feel his eyes hard on me.

Stepping inside, he coolly shuts the door behind him. I scramble away with the knife in my hand. When I get to my feet, I dash for my bedroom and grab the telephone. He chases after me, warning me not to do anything stupid.

I dial 9, but I’m not given the chance to finish. He snatches the phone out of my hand and slams it down. I spin around, bringing the butcher knife in front of me again. Ace takes a quick step back, glaring down at the sharp blade piercing the darkness. Then, a slow smirk forms on his lips, the lips I hate that I once admired.

“I’ll cut you,” I threaten.

“You won’t,” he says boldly.

“I won’t?” I hiss, bringing the edge of the blade to his neck. “Don’t test me. I will.”

He raises his hands in the air, shaking his head. “When’s the last time you sharpened this thing, huh? Three years ago? It’s as dull as a fucking nun.”

“I don’t give a shit! I can still cut you with it! Just… sit down!” I demand, circling him, knife still clutched in my hands and at his neck. “On the bed.”

He frowns. “No.”

“I don’t wanna hurt you, but if I have to I will!” I shout, voice wavering.

“That’s the thing… you won’t.” His tone is even.

I keep my tears back and my emotions behind me for now. I don’t want him to think I’m weak. I don’t want him to get away either. But deep inside, I know I won’t hurt him. I won’t cut him. I’m too afraid to shed blood after seeing so much already.

With a bored sigh, Ace snatches the knife out of my hand and tosses it out of my bedroom. It skids across the hard, wooden floorboards, causing a clanking noise that makes my ears ring. I gasp and scramble after it, but he grabs my arm and shoves me against the nearest wall. It’s not a hard shove. Nor does it hurt. But I’m still afraid.

As I tremble, he brings one of his large hands up and locks my face between his fingers. His eyes stare deeply into mine, and his nostrils flare. From the slit of light filtering in through my window, he looks pissed. I know he’s going to kill me. I’m a witness.

“Listen to me,” he grumbles. His warm breath spills down my chest, across my cleavage. “I told you I’m not going to hurt you.”

“Why wouldn’t you?” I breathe, voice shaky.

“I won’t. I’m not the one that killed Jonah. They did.” Hearing Jonah’s name causes fiery tears to build in my eyes.

“It’s your fault. I know it. Why wouldn’t they kill you, too?” I ask. “What were you doing there anyway? Why was Jonah there? Why did they kill him?” All of this is spilling out of me. I’m outraged. I’m pissed that Ace is still alive and my brother isn’t. I’m terrified. I’m… I’m a mess.

“Listen to me!” he demands, releasing my face to lock his hands on my shoulders. “I don’t know why they killed Jonah, alright? I don’t know why they didn’t kill me. But you have to understand… it’s what we do. It’s what Jonah signed up for. It’s business, and we can’t help when shit gets bloody.”

I process his words, giving them some thought. “So… you’re the one that got him into that shit? What is it? What’d you promise him? I know Jonah, and I know he wouldn’t do something this bad without getting something in exchange.”

“I didn’t promise him shit.” Ace runs one hand through his slick hair. “He knew what he was getting into. He was money-hungry, just like everyone else. It was a mistake… him coming to Atlanta.”

“How was that a mistake?” I demand. “I invited him. I graduated!”

Ace tilts his chin to meet my eyes. His are dark, and if I’m not mistaken, watery. I’m not given the chance to figure it out completely because he blinks, and just like that, he’s angry again. “Don’t go to the cops. It’ll only get you killed.”

And with that, he releases me and walks out of my bedroom. I follow after him, grabbing his arm before he can get out the front door. “Killed by who? You?” I’m keeping my voice steady, but deep inside, I’m scared out of my fucking mind.

Ace stares at me briefly. He then slides his fingers into his front pockets, turns his back to me, and walks out my splintered front door.








~ Author Bio ~





New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author Shanora Williams considers herself a wondrous, down-to-earth author who's all about romance, paranormal, and the historical fiction. Coffee and Oreos are her addiction. Reading is a necessity. Whenever she isn't writing or reading, she's most likely spending her time with family and loved ones, or watching hit TV series on Netflix.








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