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ARC Review: No Place Like Home by Mysti Parker
No Place Like Home
Mysti Parker
Tallenmere Series, Book #4
Release Date: Oct. 24
eBook Length: 277 pages
Publisher: Melange Books
In Port Valor, it’s dangerous to be different. Especially for sixteen-year-old Mirabelle Hearton, whose psychic abilities could put her entire family in danger. To protect them, she left the city and her childhood sweetheart, Lysander Devlin, behind to live a life of servitude in Leogard’s Temple. Ten years later, someone discovered her mind-bending talents and forced her to send an innocent woman into exile.
As punishment for her crimes, she must return to Port Valor to seek out a dangerous mercenary called The Tyger. He’s already threatened the lives of her family and is rumored to have killed countless others for the right price.
Mirabelle’s time is running out. She has two months to bring the Tyger to justice or succumb to an excruciating death from an irreversible curse. As frightening as her mission is, facing Lysander again may be the greatest challenge of her life. https://coffeebookslifeblog.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post-new.php
Despite their difficult reunion, she and Lysander must band together to face an evil force that could sap the very souls from everyone they love. Mirabelle must also make a choice—catch The Tyger and redeem her sins, or give into feelings long buried and risk losing everything.
Excerpt
“So, why are you back, Mira? Ten years with no word from you—I assumed you were devoted to the Temple or dead.”
“I’m sorry,” I said, paying undue attention to a dried spot of blood on the table. “Didn’t you get my letters?”
“Yes, and they were very well-written.” He huffed out a laugh. “Both of them were so vivid, I hardly knew you were gone.”
“I guess you’re still angry with me.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “Angry? Whatever for? I’ve had a lovely life, as I’m sure you’ve had in Leogard. You heard I’m getting married?”
“Yes,” I said, my mouth suddenly dry, but I forced a raspy, “Congratulations.”
“Why, thank you. The moon will be perfect for the ceremony tomorrow night. Full and bright. Of course, you’re welcome to attend.”
What was I supposed to say to that, having been on the brink of marrying him myself? I settled on, “That’s very kind of you.”
Narrowing his eyes, he leaned in and propped his elbow on the table. “Well…you still haven’t told me why you’ve returned. My parents’ death wasn’t deemed important enough, though your note was sympathetic. It must be some official Temple business.”
I really wished he’d stop trying to make eye contact. Being reminded of his parents’ death cut me deep—they were like a second set of parents to me, even called me their daughter. I wiped a tear from the corner of my eye. The dull roar around us had grown louder. Another fight had begun in the back corner. One of Marlow’s twin wives broke a bottle over her sister’s head, and soon they were rolling on the floor, throwing punches and pulling hair. Marlow ran over, doing his best to pull them apart. Everyone else turned their attention to the latest brawl, cheering on one wife or the other.
But, Lysander kept his eyes on me, waiting. With everyone distracted, I decided to tell him part of the truth. If there was any chance the Tyger actually existed, he might have heard something about him. “I’m looking for someone called the Tyger.”
“Really? Is he another jilted lover of yours?”
“No.” I crossed my arms, knowing I should have been prepared for resentment. “He’s supposedly an outlaw who may pose a danger to Leogard and my own family. But I suspect he’s just a rumor.”
“You didn’t come all this way to confirm a rumor, did you? What are your plans for this Tyger, should you be so fortunate as to find him?”
He’d laugh at me, but I’d already told him this much and had only a few weeks to live. Might as well surrender the last of my pride. “I’m supposed to capture him and bring him back to the Priestess.”
“So, you’re a bounty hunter now? An odd assignment for a Temple acolyte. But, I do have it on good authority that the Tyger isn’t just a rumor.”
My eyes widened, and I sat up straight, daring to look him in the eye. Could he actually exist, or was Lysander punishing me by leading me to believe in a phantom, only to crush my hopes for a good laugh?
“Let me guess,” I said, “he was here earlier, but I just missed him, right?”
“Not exactly.”
“Fine, I’ll bite. Then where is he?”
He smiled wickedly. “You’re looking at him.
4.5 Stars
Lysander surprised me the most. Upon first meeting, I just shook my head at him. The transformation this character takes on is a story in itself. Going from a simple, heartbroken man to a fierce and majestic creature. The foundation of who his is changed, he questioned it and then embraced it. He kept me turning the pages.
Mira’s secret gift is a beauty and danger all in one. A strong woman who can see outside the box, along with her kind heart makes her just as brave. Hiding her secret was like she was hiding part of herself.
Mysti Parker have give readers a creative and equine paranormal romance. Combining many genres of the romance world putting No Place Like Home is a class by itself. The feel of this book go from steampunk, with some touches of historical, mixing a taste of Sci-Fi, to epic fantasy. There’s truly something for everyone in the book.
Ms. Parker’s No Place Like Home is an entertaining story that will captivate you with amazing world building. With paranormal for me, the setting is a big part of the story. Creativity is an understatement, when the setting gives unexpected surprises. What kept me reading was the remarkable character development and overall plot of the story. Lysander and Mira’s tragedy and triumph together and apart is passionate, heartbreaking, and magical. When I starting reading I really thought I would not make it fifty pages in. That should tell you something!
Mysti Parker gives the reader not only a story, but a full on enthralling adventure. No Place Like Home was nothing like I expected and more than I ever thought it would be.
About the Author:
Mysti Parker is a wife, mom, author, and shameless chocoholic. She is the author of the Tallenmere standalone fantasy romance series, including the award-winning Hearts in Exile. Her first award-winning historical romance, A Time for Everything, was published in July 2015. Mysti’s other romantic tales include The Roche Hotel romantic comedy series and contemporary novellas co-written with author MJ Post. Her short writings have appeared in the anthologies Hearts of Tomorrow, Christmas Lites, Christmas Lites II, Christmas Lites IV, The Darwin Murders, Tasteful Murders and EveryDayFiction.
Other writing pursuits include serving as a class mentor in Writers Village University’s seven week online course, F2K. She has also published two children’s books (Quentin’s Problem & Fuzzy Buzzy’s Treasure) under the name Misty Baker.
When she’s not writing fiction, Mysti works as a freelance editor and copywriter. She also reviews books for SQ Magazine, an online specfic publication. She resides in Buckner, KY with her husband, three children and too many pets.
The Tallenmere Series:
A Ranger’s Tale
Serenya’s Song
Hearts in Exile
Tallenmere Unleashed:
No Place Like Home
The Menagerie (coming ??)
http://www.mystiparker.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mysti-Parker/103786449704221
https://twitter.com/MystiParker
ARC Review: Unforgettable by Cherie M. Hudson
Unforgettable
Cherie M. Hudson
Always Series, Book 2
My name is Brendon Osmond. I’m a 25 year old post-graduate student who knows three things with absolute conviction. I know damn near everything there is to know about keeping in peak physical shape. I have a plan to make a lot of money from that knowledge. I’m an optimist who’s not easily rattled. But then the girl I fell in love with almost two years ago texts me out of the blue and everything I know is thrown out the window.
Am I rattled?
No.
Not until I fly to the other side of the world and discover the girl I fell for has kept a very big secret from me.
A secret that mocks all my knowledge of the human body and how to keep it healthy.
A secret that shatters my plans for my own personal training business.
A secret with my eyes.
A secret who needs me more than I can comprehend.
Ask me again if I’m rattled.
Now ask me if I’m still in love.
5 Stars
Amazing, heartbreaking and hopeful.
Going into a book where you have a preconceived dislike of the heroine, that you have yet to meet, is a bit trying and harder than you think. Then Ms. Hudson gives the reader a story of ups and down, tragedy and blessing, loss and love, devastation and triumph with an amazing amount of optimism.
I loved Brendon from the moment I met him in Unconditional. He’s a true friend, and a damn good man. Always seeing the good in people. Brendon is the kind of person who will support you when you need it, push you just enough and alway be by your side.
Amanda was a wonderfully written character however I did not love her. I thought her to be very selfish. She made a move of desperation that I found tackles. Upon her reasoning I to a point understood, I still didn’t like her decision. By the end she did grow on me a bit. I still don’t love her but found her to be one of the strongest women I have read in a very long time.
I flippin loved this book. And I cried every kind of tear known to man while reading Unforgettable. No, I didn’t love the heroine and I gave this book 5 Stars. Why? This story is heartbreaking, gut wrenching, and raw. Hopeful and passionate. The characters, writing and author make it all blend together to give the reader a roller coaster ride of emotions, a fight against something neither of them could control and showing sometimes hope and faith all we really have. That is what makes a damn good book.
I’m not the biggest fan of New Adult romance. If Cherie M. Hudson is writing it, I will be reading it. Grab your tissues and dive in. You will need them.
Review copy provided by netgalley.
Audio Review: Dust Of My Wings by Carrie Ann Ryan
Dust of My Wings
Carrie Ann Ryan
Dante’s Circle series, Book 1
Narrator: Gregory Salinas
Audio Publish Date: July 24th 2012
Neat freak lab tech, Lily Banner lives her life as any ordinary human. She’s dedicated to her work and loves to hang out with her friends at Dante’s Circle, their local bar. When she discovers a strange blue dust at work she meets a handsome stranger holding secrets – and maybe her heart. But after a close call with a thunderstorm, she may not be as ordinary as she thinks.
Shade Griffin is a warrior angel sent to Earth to protect the supernaturals’ secrets. One problem, he can’t stop leaving dust in odd places around town. Now he has to find every ounce of his dust and keep the presence of the supernatural a secret. But after a close encounter with a sexy lab tech and a lightning quick connection, his millennia old loyalties may shift and he could lose more than just his wings in the chaos.
Warning: Contains a sexy angel with a choice to make and a green-eyed lab tech who dreams of a dark-winged stranger. Oh yeah, and a shocking spark that’s sure to leave them begging for more.
4 Stars
A sweet, fun and sexy paranormal romance.
Shade and Lily come from two very different worlds, yet their chemistry is off the charts. She’s an OCD lab tech with a very normal life. He’s a warrior angel on a mission to keep the paranormal races under wraps. Add in a mysterious blue dust, instant attraction, insane chemistry, a secret or two and a few paranormal creatures, you get a hot, entertaining read and a great beginning to the Dante’s Circle Series.
I really enjoyed Lily and Shade’s story. Passionate, sexy with a touch of sweetness and a little humor. Carrie Ann Ryan has given her readers a wonderful paranormal world for her readers to get lost in. And set the playing field for more to come.
Gregory Salinas voice creates a moving picture for Dust Of My Wings. Delivering the feelings, emotions, passion and drama of this story flawlessly. Mr. Salinas is quickly moving his way up on my list of favorite narrators.
An audio copy of this title was provided for an honest review.
Audio Review: Finally Found You by Carrie Ann Ryan
Finally Found You
Carrie Ann Ryan
Gregory Salinas (narrator)
Tempting Signs: Cancer
Audio Release: 08-10-15
The moment Presley Mackenzie walks into her kitchen only to find her boyfriend in a sweaty encounter with another woman on her kitchen counter, she vows to give up men forever. Between her testosterone-heavy day job in the gaming world, her broken heart, and her need to grow into her own shoes, dating just isn’t important.
Mason Sutton not only just got dumped by the woman he thought he’d spend the rest of his life with, but now he finds himself healing beside the woman his brother cheated on. He’s spent his entire life living in his brother’s shadow only to find himself wanting the one woman he can’t have.
As Presley and Mason soothe each other’s hurts, they find themselves falling for each other even as they fight it. But as they learn to forgive and fall in love, their pasts come back to haunt them and the future they thought they could have starts to crumble before it can take hold.
4.5 Stars
Mason and Presley are two of a kind! They are perfect for each other. Complementing each other so well. They enjoy the same things, know how to have fun with each other and most importantly they could laugh. It did not surprise me once the hormones started flaring, Presley and Mason taking their friendship to the friends with benefits level. And the thing about them, adding in the sex did nothing wrong for them. Truly enchanting a Beautiful relationship, to a level that was truly amazing. Not to mention both have got some dirty talking mouth on them. Woot! Again remember they are not dating! Ha! When life events shift, we truly see how they are not dating.
Add in life throwing a wrench into everything that’s comfortable in their world. See how the people who don’t want to feel love truly do. A sweet love story with a naughty twist. Carrie Ann Ryan turns geeky escapades into steamy passion.
Gregory Salinas narration of Finally Found You turns this hot story into a scorcher. He brings a depth to Manson and Presley, that you don’t get reading from the pages alone. Not to mention Gregory’s voice is very nice on the ears. Having read Finally Found You then listening to the audio version after, this is one of those book that the audio truly makes a good book better.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest review.
Review: High by Zara Cox
High
Zara Cox
Indigo Lounge Series, Book 1
Welcome to The Indigo Lounge, the scandalously sexy sky-high playground where anything can happen…
Flirty, dirty and utterly delicious, HIGH is the perfect next read for lovers of the internationally renowned This Man series from Jodi Ellen Malpas & Sylvia Day’s Crossfire series.
Zachary Savage is a man accustomed to getting whatever and whoever he wants. He’s buried his demons and risen from the ashes to become the playboy owner of the internationally renowned Indigo Lounge, a fleet of ultra-exclusive sky-high pleasure palaces.
He has everything he wants, until he sets eyes on Bethany Green. One look is all it takes ~ she has to be his.
Bethany Green has endured the worst year of her life; bad luck and heartbreak at every turn. Karma swings wildly in her favour when a money-can’t-buy golden ticket lands in her lap – an invitation to experience the scandalously sexy Indigo Lounge for herself.
Green by name and green by nature, is she brave enough to accept the hottest ticket in town?
One glimpse of Zachary Savage is enough to convince her that she isn’t cosmopolitan enough to play in his glamorous, sinfully sexy world. But they’re already in the air, and reality is a long way behind them. The only way is up.
The Indigo Lounge. Step aboard and check your inhibitions at the door.
3.5 Stars
Zachary is a luscious, semi recluse billionaire. Hes got the money and power. The means and knowledge to get what he wants, when he wants it. Dominate and commanding, with a caring side that gives this powerful man a touch of a sweet side with his madden passion.
Bethany is a sweet woman embarking on a wicked adventure. She surprised me with her wild side lurking beyond the surface. She learns that instance, intense, chemistry can make a girl go weak, keep her head fuzzy and fall fast and hard. Giving all of herself has her wanting a bit more than pleasure.
High leaves readers with a major cliffhanger. Just when you think your going to get what you want to know, bam! Leaves you hanging with your jaw dropping. I didn’t see a real conclusion to this part of the story. Add in the leaving reader where the author did, I took away a star from this highly erotic read.
ARC Review: Seductive Reasoning by Melissa Schroeder
Seductive Reasoning
Melissa Schroeder
Task Force Hawaii, book 1
280 pages
Harmless Publishing
Publish Date: Oct. 12, 2015
Join Melissa Schroeder for a new Harmless spinoff series filled with suspense, hot men, and breathtaking romance.
TASK FORCE HAWAII
Even paradise has a dark side…
Working with local, state, and federal agencies, the men and women of TASK FORCE HAWAII work on cases ranging from bank heists to terrorism. A diverse team filled with ex-military, law enforcement, medical, and technical support, they are Hawaii’s last defense against the worst criminals.
SEDUCTIVE REASONING
Resisting her might just kill him.
Former Army Special Forces Officer Martin “Del” Delano has enough on his hands chasing a serial killer and heading up TASK FORCE HAWAII. He definitely doesn’t need the distraction of Emma Mitchell. From the moment they meet, she knocks him off his feet, literally. Unfortunately, she’s the best person to have on the team to make the connections to help them catch their killer.
A temptation she can’t ignore.
For Emma, it’s hard to ignore the lure of a man like him. Tats, muscles and his Harley cause her to have more than a few fantasies about Del. He’d never be interested in a geek like her, but she can’t resist toying with him. When she pushes the teasing too far, she ends up in his bed. She convinces herself she can handle it until the moment he steals her heart.
A killer obsessed.
Del can’t help falling for the quirky genius. She’s smart, funny and there’s a sweet vulnerable side to her that only he can see. As Emma gets more involved with the investigation, she becomes the target of the psychopath. When the danger escalates, Del promises to do anything to save the woman who not only captured his heart but also his soul.
5 Stars
Seductive Reasoning is a fast paced, character driven book that keep you on the edge of your seat. The plot keeps you on the move and guessing, while quirky, sassy and witty characters draw you in for the ride. Del and Emma’s attraction and chemistry is off the charts that creates a lovely sexual tension. The secondary cast of characters demand the same attention as Del and Emma. Intriguing readers to want their stories as well. Passion and personality are two thing I have come to expect from every Melissa Schroeder book I read, she has never failed me.
Melissa Schroeder once again has captivated this reader with a perfect balance of page turning suspense and steamy romance. There is no genre of romance that Mel can’t nail. Seductive Reasoning, in my opinion is her best work to date and a perfect romantic suspense read.
Review: Obscured by Tara Sue Me
Obscured by Tara Sue Me
Date of Publication: October 12, 2015
Blurb
From Tara Sue Me writing as Cat Waters:
There’s the truth you know….
At age 16, Athena Hamilton traded her body for survival when a powerful Vegas hotelier and pimp lured her into his world. Ten years of turning tricks has taught her to trust no one and feel nothing. Yet a chance meeting with a childhood crush sparks hope for something more.
The truth you believe…
There’s no way Isaiah Martin could want her. He’s a pastor. Too good. Too pure. But when she learns her days are numbered, she runs into the safety of his arms and trusts his promise of protection.
And the truth you never imagined…
The aftermath of a tragic accident and a bitter betrayal leaves her destitute and alone. The one man she shouldn’t trust offers her a chance to escape. But when good and evil collide, what do you do when the truth is Obscured?
Available From
About Tara Sue Me
Tara Sue Me wrote her first novel at the age of twelve. It would be twenty years before she picked up her pen to write the second.
After completing several clean romances, she decided to try her hand at something spicier and started The Submissive. What began as a writing exercise quickly took on a life of its own. An avid reader of all types of fiction, she soon discovered she enjoyed writing a variety as well.
Tara lives in the Southeastern United States with her family, two dogs, and a cat.
Find Tara Sue Me Online
Teaser
Chapter One
The day I meet Isaiah Martin for the second time, I am running late. I pride myself on my punctuality, not to mention that my clients demand it, and I’m not paying attention to my surroundings.
I look at my watch again. Five minutes after. Shit. I scurry through the hotel lobby, making a beeline to the elevators. If luck happens to be on my side, I won’t have to wait, but the elevators in the largest hotel in Las Vegas are notoriously slow.
Will the stairs be quicker? I glance over my shoulder. The stairwell is located on the other side of the large open atrium. With my client’s room on the thirtieth floor, the elevator is faster, even if I have to wait. I turn back to the elevators.
And run right into a man standing in my path, overcorrect, and twist my ankle.
“Excuse me, ma’am,” he says in a soft, cultured Southern accent, reaching out a hand to steady me. “You okay?”
“Damn it!” My ankle throbs so much I’m not sure I can walk. I gingerly put my weight on the hurt ankle and curse again at the pain.
Suck it up, Athena. This is nothing. Think about what’ll happen if you don’t make it upstairs in the next few minutes.
“Ma’am?” Mr. Southern Gentleman repeats.
“I’m fine.” I tentatively move my foot side to side. “Just give me a minute.”
“Why don’t you come sit down and let me take a look at that ankle?”
“You a doctor?” Odds are Odds are he’s just your standard pervert wanting the chance to run his hand up my leg. Even if he is a doctor, I’m not about to let him put his hands on me. Not a wise thing to do, since it’s almost a certainty Mike will find out.
“No, ma’am,” he says. “But I think you may need to rest that ankle just a bit.”
“Really, I’m fine.” I put my full weight on the ankle and nearly fall over as the pain sparks up my leg. “Ow. Ow. Ow.Hell.”
He doesn’t speak again, but takes me by the arm and leads me to a bench near the elevators. His head drops down and he runs a finger along my anklebone. Pokes and prods me. “I don’t think anything’s broken, but you should probably stay off your feet for the next little bit.”
“Easy for you to say,” I snap. “You’re obviously not the one running late.”
He looks up and our eyes meet.
Warm caramel eyes. His thick, black hair is long overdue for a haircut and curls up the tiniest bit at his neck. His firm lips give way to a perfect “O” of surprise at the exact moment I recognize him.
“Athena?”
“Isaiah?”
He embraces me with a crushing hug. “Imagine seeing you here. How are you?”
My spine goes rigid, and I don’t return the hug. “I’m….I’m fine,” I stutter while my eyes dart around the lobby, trying to see if anyone’s watching me.
“I can’t believe it’s you.” He is oblivious to my discomfort. “Are you in town for long?”
I force myself to stop scanning the area and focus on Isaiah instead. A cold chill runs down my spine as I take in his handsome features. The last twelve years have treated him well. No longer is he the awkward teenage boy plagued by acne and thick glasses. He’s grown into the handsome man I always knew lay beneath the surface.
He looks at me in expectation. What did he ask?
I fiddle with the hem of my skirt. It rests just above the knee. “I live here.”
4 Stars
This book is one crazy ride. And nothing like I thought it would be when I started reading.
Athena is trapped in a dark cycle that repeated itself every day for ten years. When a friend from the past stumbles upon Athena’s world of darkness turns to danger. Trust in not something she can afford to give. The lines of friend and foe cross leaving confusion in its wake. And yet this woman finds the strength and courage to keep fighting a battle that shatters her heart and hopes.
I was truly amazed at not only this story, the depth of the writing is amazing. The flashback with current happening put the reader in tune with Athena. Emotional, heart breaking and raw. This one was truly heart clenching. I felt the despair, hope and pain. And loved the real heart felt passion that comes through in the end. A great raw story.
Contest
ARC Review: Rock Redemption by Nalini Singh
Rock Redemption
Nalini Singh
Rock Kiss series, Book 3
Kit Devigny could have loved rock guitarist Noah St. John. Their friendship burned with the promise of intense passion and searing tenderness…until the night Noah deliberately shattered her heart.
Noah knows he destroyed something precious the night he chose to betray Kit, but he’d rather she hate him than learn his darkest secret. All he has left is his music. It’s his saving grace, but it doesn’t silence the voices that keep him up at night. Chasing oblivion through endless one-night-stands, he earns a few hours’ sleep and his bad boy reputation.
When a media error sees Noah and Kit dubbed the new “it” couple, Kit discovers her chance at the role of a lifetime hinges on riding the media wave. Wanting—needing—to give Kit this, even if he can’t give her everything, Noah agrees to play the adoring boyfriend. Only the illusion is suddenly too real, too painful, too beautiful…and it may be too late for the redemption of Noah St. John.
4 Stars
Nalini Singh surprised me with the darkness, emotional depth and desperation that comes through the pages of Rock Redemption.
Noah’s a sexy asshat with demon that go as deep as his soul. He’s a broken man. Indulging in excesses of his rockstar lifestyle that lead him on the path of total destruction.
Kit is sunshine in a darken day. Full of hope and dreams she doesn’t back down from. This woman holds amazing strength and gives every bit of herself in everything she does. Kit is the true hero of this story.
Emotional, raw and dark. Ms. Singh gives the reader a pretty accurate look at what it’s like to love someone with deep demons. Addiction is frustrating, confusing and ugly. Just like Kit and Noah’s story. Lines are crossed, hope seems lost, and friendship is tested. Love hurts, then heals. Rock Redemption feels like real life to this reader. A high complement.
Rock Redemption by Nalini Singh~Blog Tour
Kit and Noah’s rock star romance is finally here in the newest addition to Nalini Singh’s Rock Kiss Series!!
NOW AVAILABLE
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1hP7G54
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1XBZsOB
Nook:http://bit.ly/1VIYkH2
iBooks: http://apple.co/1ITi0i7
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1VIYoXo
Blurb
Kit Devigny could have loved rock guitarist Noah St. John. Their friendship burned with the promise of intense passion and searing tenderness…until the night Noah deliberately shattered her heart.
Noah knows he destroyed something precious the night he chose to betray Kit, but he’d rather she hate him than learn his darkest secret. All he has left is his music. It’s his saving grace, but it doesn’t silence the voices that keep him up at night. Chasing oblivion through endless one-night-stands, he earns a few hours’ sleep and his bad boy reputation.
When a media error sees Noah and Kit dubbed the new “it” couple, Kit discovers her chance at the role of a lifetime hinges on riding the media wave. Wanting—needing—to give Kit this, even if he can’t give her everything, Noah agrees to play the adoring boyfriend. Only the illusion is suddenly too real, too painful, too beautiful…and it may be too late for the redemption of Noah St. John.
Excerpt from ROCK REDEMPTION by
Nalini Singh
Kit groaned at the sound of her phone. Reaching out blindly toward the nightstand, she hurled mental curses upon herself for forgetting to turn it off so she could catch some uninterrupted sleep before her four-a.m. makeup call.
It’d be fun and great for her career, her agent had said when recommending Kit take the superhero flick. Coming off two serious and emotionally wrenching projects, Kit had taken Harper’s advice and jumped on board the high-budget, high-octane venture. Unfortunately, Harper had forgotten to mention the four hours it would take to put her into the head-to-toe makeup required for the role. Daily.
“What?” she snarled into the phone without checking to see who it was.
“Hey, Katie.”
Every cell in her body snapped wide awake. Lifting her eyelids, she just stared at the ceiling through gritty eyes. Her heart thumped, her throat moving convulsively as she swallowed. She hated that he could still do this to her, hated it, but her visceral response to Noah wasn’t something she could stop. She knew because she’d tried for the past two years and three months.
“Noah,” she said flatly. “Do you know what time it is?”
“Two fifteen,” he answered.
Kit should’ve hung up. God, he’d hurt her. So much. But there was something in his voice that had her sitting up. “Are you drunk?” One thing she knew about Noah: no matter his bad-boy rep, he was never wasted. He might give a good indication of it, but look closely and those dark gray eyes were always sober.
“Probably.” A silence, followed by, “I just wanted to hear your voice. Sorry for waking you.”
“Wait,” she said when he would’ve hung up. “Where are you?”
“Some dive.” He took a deep breath, released it in a harsh exhale. “I’m sorry for being an asshole. I wanted to tell you that. I don’t want to go without saying that.”
“Noah,” she said, a horrible feeling in her stomach. “Where exactly are you?”
“The Blue Flamingo Inn off Hollywood Boulevard. Far, far, far off.” He laughed, and it held no humor. “It has a neon sign of a blue—surprise!—flamingo that’s flashing right through my window. Looks like someone stole the curtains.”
Having already grabbed her laptop, which she’d left beside the bed after answering some e-mails before sleep claimed her, she found the Blue Flamingo Inn. But Noah was already gone, having said, “I love your voice, Kit,” in an oddly raw tone before hanging up.
He didn’t pick up when she called back.
“Damn it! Damn it!” She shoved aside the blanket under which she’d been buried, having turned the AC to ice-cold as she usually did at night. Shivering, she tugged on a pair of jeans and an old sweatshirt over the panties and tank top in which she’d gone to sleep.
Pulling her black hair into a rough ponytail to keep it out of her eyes, she ran through the house, phone in one pocket, credit card and driver’s license in the other. In the kitchen, she grabbed her keys off the counter and shoved her feet into the tennis shoes by the door that led to the garage.
She was in her car and on the way to the motel three minutes after Noah had hung up, mouth dry and an ugliness in her gut. “Please be okay, please be okay, please be okay,” she kept saying, the mantra doing nothing to calm her down, but at least it kept her mind focused.
She wanted to call Molly and Fox, or the others in the band, but no one was currently in the city. Schoolboy Choir had completed the final show in the band’s hugely successful tour just over two weeks earlier. Day after that, they’d all gone their separate ways to recharge and regroup.
“Much as I love these guys,” David had said with a grin that reached the dark gold of his eyes, “I’ve been looking at their ugly mugs daily for months. We need to go blow off some steam separately before we start snarling at each other.”
At the time, Kit had nodded in understanding, having had that same experience while working on location for long periods. Tonight, however, she wished the others were all here, not scattered across the country, because something was very wrong with Noah.
“Noah doesn’t do drugs,” she told herself as she drove as fast as she dared, not wanting to risk getting pulled over and further delayed. “He isn’t the kind to—” She couldn’t say it, couldn’t even think of Noah ending his life. “No,” she said firmly, her hands white-knuckled on the steering wheel. “Noah isn’t like that.”
If you’d like to read the rest of this chapter, as well as the next, click this link: http://nalinisingh.com/books/rock-kiss-series/rock-redemption/
The Rock Kiss Reading Order
Rock Addiction (Book One) Rock Kiss Series
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/WqA2rj
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1G9piir
Nook: http://bit.ly/1t5T7Zt
iTunes: http://bit.ly/1ng9zE9
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1lPqB19
Rock Courtship (Book 1.5) A Rock Kiss Novel:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/XXjjxG
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1G9pmhZ
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1lzgNIi
Nook: http://bit.ly/1COgaC6
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1pEeCy6
Rock Hard (Book Two) Rock Kiss Series
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1BXhHWB
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1G9oslz
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1utQDee
Nook: http://bit.ly/1KEyBIx
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1APyqnU
Rock Redemption (Book Three) Rock Kiss Series
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1hP7G54
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1XBZsOB
Nook:http://bit.ly/1VIYkH2
iBooks: http://apple.co/1ITi0i7
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1VIYoXo
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling, Guild Hunter, and Rock Kiss series Nalini Singh usually writes about hot shapeshifters and dangerous angels. This time around, she decided to write about a beautiful, charismatic guitarist with a dark past. If you’re seeing a theme here, you’re not wrong.
Nalini lives and works in beautiful New Zealand, and is passionate about writing. If you’d like to explore her other books, you can find lots of excerpts on her website. Slave to Sensation is the first book in the Psy-Changeling series, while Angels’ Blood is the first book in the Guild Hunter series. Also, don’t forget to swing by the site to check out the special behind-the-scenes page for the Rock Kiss series, complete with photos of many of the locations used in the books.
GIVEAWAY
$50 AMAZON Gift Card
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Hildie McQueen Presents Protect and Serve-BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY
From rookie cops to special ops, this collection celebrates all of those who Protect and Serve: This anthology includes never before published novellas from New York Times and USA Today and other bestselling authors.
J.M. Madden – Her Secret Wish
Former Marine pilot Rachel Searles is thrown off balance when handsome and seductive Denver Police officer Dean West comes to her aid in a crash. Will the warrior woman give Dean a chance with her heart?
Sharon Hamilton – True Navy Blue
After a hometown hero sacrifices his life, Zak Chambers is inspired to follow in the legendary SEAL’s footsteps. But his fast and furious high school fling Amy Dobson barges back into his life. Will their explosive reconnection be enough to save her from the terrorists and for a happily ever after?
Amity Cross – Rebel (A Men of The Underground Novella)
Kane “Rebel” Sturgess knows how to fight dirty, and he’s set to make his fortune in illegal cage fighting at The Underground. Undercover detective Charlotte “Charlie” Croft has immersed herself in the life, but she didn’t count on falling for one of the fighters. Her heart or her career. She can’t have both…or can she?
Stacy Green – Shots Fired – A Cage Foster/Delta Detectives novella
A domestic dispute turns into a hostage situation. Can criminal investigator Cage Foster save the victim…or will he become a victim himself?
Jamie Lee Scott – Uncertain Blue (an Uncertain Novella)
When Dane Briggs returns to Uncertain as a rookie cop, he’s reunited with his childhood crush Claire Hamilton after she’s arrested in a drug bust. He wants to save her, but can Dane save someone who isn’t ready to be saved?
Allie K. Adams – Brace for Contact (A TREX & Brace Blend)
When a matter of national security forces top SBI narcotics agent Nash Ashford and TREX cadet Michaela Starr to work together, they’ll have a lot more than their past romance to overcome. Can they track down a deadly drug before it falls into the wrong hands?
Hildie McQueen – Tea, Theft and Scones
Abbie Adams, owner of Sweet Magnolia Tea Shop, helps to investigate a slew of thefts in Whisper, Georgia. But everyone’s hiding something, and just as Abbie closes in on the thief, she becomes the prime suspect.
Cheryl Bradshaw – Dead of Night
After her mother-in-law is fatally stabbed, Wren Bancroft is seen fleeing the house with the bloody knife. Is Wren really the killer, or is a dark, scandalous family secret to blame?
Carra Copeland – Lilah By Midnight
A snowstorm threatens to destroy Lilah Canfield’s last chance to save her career as a country music performer. After her motor coach slides off the road and into a snow bank near her hometown of Mistletoe, Texas, Lilah is rescued by an old flame, Sheriff’s Deputy Jack McCommas. Will Jack help Lilah save her career, or will she give up everything for a second chance at love?
Jenna Bennett – Overcome
When Carmen Fuentes took the oath to serve and protect, she didn’t think she’d have to go undercover and face the very thing that terrifies her. Can she handle it? And can she trust Detective Will Murphy to have her back…and maybe her future?
Danielle Stewart – Running from Shadows
Roark Miller can’t forget the homicide cases he worked in Detroit. When he crosses path with a victim ten years later, he realizes her life is in danger and he needs to act fast. Demi can’t face the truth and Roark won’t stop hunting for answers. Will their love help them survive?
Protect and Serve Buy Links:
IBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1017154032
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/protect-and-serve-8
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/protect-and-serve-allie-k-adams/1122266362?ean=2940152235500
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