Megan’s life has been anything but simple. She’s always lived amongst chaos, and for once, she just wants it all to stop. After years of lies and agony, will anything work out for her?
In this heart-gripping third installment of the Believe series, watch Megan discover love again, and not just any love, but one worth fighting for, one that makes her feel different, cherished, wanted, and treasured. For Megan, Mark is the one to give her all of that and has brought a new meaning to her life and a new reason to live.
The old saying, "Nothing comes easy in life," holds true to this story, which is packed with unexpected twists and turns. For Megan and Mark, it pushes their love to new heights. Will the love they share for each other keep their relationship strong, or does Megan’s string of erroneous luck run out?
L. Chapman was born in and continues to live in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. She has spent most of her life helping others as a health care assistant, and was, at one time, a DJ for a special needs club. Blending her love of helping others and her love of children, L dreams to one day own and operate a childcare nursery that will help mainstream special needs children with others.
In the rare times that L. is not working to help others or maniacally writing, she enjoys making a mess of things while creating beautifully detailed greeting cards. She spends time relaxing with family, friends, and good books. L. loves to travel and has been to many places in the United Kingdom; her favorite places all involve the ocean. She hopes to one day share a kiss with her happily-ever-after in the romantic shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Should she ever get over her fear of flying, those kisses may be shared in the shadows of the Egyptian Pyramids.
Ever the fussy eater, L. has never once tasted peanut butter, and she despises coffee. If you should feel the need to bribe her, it is suggested that you bring chocolate, as that is one of her know weaknesses.
"A new must-read series from Violet Duke." --NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Kathleen Brooks
Romance has met its most unlikely match-up...
Luke Bradford is a chocolatier on a mission. After moving his chocolate shop, and newly single life, to the quirky town of Cactus Creek, Luke wants nothing more than to devote all his energy into making his business a success--by taking the romance market by storm. But his grand plans get thrown for a loop when he locks horns with the feisty beer-brewing beauty next door who calls his 'romantic idealism' a load of fairytale bull. Soon, driving the woman sparking nuts becomes another wickedly fun priority he simply can't get enough of.
In his defense, she's addictively easy to incite...and plain impossible to resist.
Beloved local brewmaster Dani Dobson is beyond riled up. It's bad enough the new shop owner in town comes locked and loaded with both a distractingly rugged charm and sexy flashing dimples, but the whole only-in-the-movies variety of romance he's selling--the kind her world has been crushed by before--is really doing a number on her allergy to unrealistic clichés. What's worse, he's created an annoyingly clever ad campaign that dubs 'beer joints' like hers as the "cave where romance goes to hibernate." The nerve of that man.
Combustible chemistry or not, damn it, this means war. The stakes...very likely, her heart.
About Love, Tussles and Takedowns
He's a better fighter
A fighter to the core, Hudson Reyes has collected enough battle scars now to last several lifetimes. But after his combat injuries retire him from the life he wasn't ready to give up, Hudson finds himself spending the carbon copy days of his new career as a Hollywood fight scene and weapons specialist just doing what he knows best: surviving. Until he meets her. The one woman who makes him want to live again. With wounds as deep as his own, she's a scrappy little thing--an angel-faced paradox that comes as a package deal with an offbeat town of admirably protective, but downright nosy folks.
And a wicked roundhouse kick that's become intimately familiar with his head.
...but she has all the weapons.
An antique arms authenticator by day and a self-defense instructor by night, Liana Lin has made a living turning the unthinkable demons of her past into the passions that fuel, and fill, her life. So when the unjustly handsome man she's been unable to stop thinking about literally takes her to the mat with martial arts styles unlike anything she's ever seen--pinning her with a molten hot stare that melts her like a marshmallow trapped between a graham cracker and a chocolate square--Lia flips into no-holds-barred fight mode. Because if one man could find a way to disarm her carefully-built defenses, it'd be him.
Now if only they could stop sparring long enough to find out...
About Violet Duke
NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Violet Duke is a former professor of English Education who is ecstatic to now be on the other side of the page writing wickedly fun contemporary romance novels. Her NYT and USA Today bestselling books have been Top 10 bestsellers on Amazon, iTunes, and Barnes & Noble, and featured on IndieReader, GalleyCat, and USA Today as breakout hits. When she's not writing or feeding her book-a-day reading addiction, Violet enjoys tackling reno projects with her power tools, trying pretty much anything without reading the directions first, and cooking 'special edition' dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. She lives in Hawai'i with her two cute kids (daughter Violet & son Duke) and similarly adorable husband.
Find the latest on her books and fan giveaways at www.facebook.com/VioletDukeBooks
My mother's name is Taylah, and once, a very long time ago, she was my best friend - she was everything I wanted to be.
Until the night she disappeared.
Ten years on and my life, my families lives and the world around us has never been the same again.
How can it be when you are left not knowing?
No leads. No connections. Nothing. Just pure emptiness.
My dancing is the only way I can separate myself from the pain that lies in my home, in my father's eyes and in my brother's spirit. They need me and I'll fight with everything I am to be there for them, but who will be there for me?
Then I meet Nate.
Champion Motocross racer and everything my father doesn't want for me. He's forbidden, he's beautiful, and he's carrying a bundle of his own secrets.
When I step into his world, there is no turning back.
He will consume me.
He will teach me how to breathe again.
He will put a tiny piece of my broken heart, back together.
Bella Jewel is an Aussie girl through and through. She spent her life in Western Australia, growing up in many different areas of the state. She now currently lives in Perth with her husband, children and mass amounts of pets. She's crazy, fun, outgoing and friendly. Writing is her passion, she started at the young age of 18 but finally got the courage up to publish, and her first novel Hell's Knights was released in August 2013.
Life in Sugartown hasn’t always been easy, not for an ex-con like Elijah, and certainly not for Ana, who grew up desperate for a way out.
Meeting Elijah changed all that; Elijah changed a lot of things.
You’d think that after three years together and the worst behind them that life would be a walk in the park, but Sugartown’s sexiest couple may be about to face their biggest obstacles yet. Between failed marriage proposals, a trampy ex-lover and a tempting new biker, Sugartown is suddenly not so sweet.
They’re head-over-heels in love. It should be simple—but it rarely is.
Will they make it down the aisle to the happy ever after they deserve? Or are some relationships just destined to fail?
Author Bio
Carmen Jenner is a thirty-something, USA TODAY Best Selling Author, doctor, pilot and CIA agent.
She's also a compulsive, flagrant prevaricator who gets to make things up for a living.
While Sugartown may not technically exist, Carmen grew up in a small Australian town just like it, and just like her characters, she always longed for something more. They didn't have an Elijah Cade, though.
If they did, you can be sure she would have never left.
Six months ago, Walsh Clark was the drummer of America’s hottest rock sensation, Lush. Now he’s living at the Double A Ranch in north Texas, home to cows, cowboys, and lushes—like him. He’s survived alcoholism, rehab, and the breakup of his band. But the one thing Walsh might not survive is the return of his ex fiancée Tammy DiLorenzo.
Tammy and Walsh met at fourteen, and she was with him on every step to fame and fortune—until one fateful night when she betrayed him. Now she’s back, begging for forgiveness and ready to fight for her man. But some betrayals are too painful to forget, some mistakes can’t be repaired, and Walsh is certain that he and Tammy can’t ever be together again.
But DiLorenzo women don’t back down, and Tammy always gets what she wants. In the wake of the lies and losses, she’s prepared to do whatever it takes for a second chance. She’ll give it all—for the love of a lush.
A Lush Betrayal
(Lush #1)
Joss Jamison has it all. He's the lead singer for the world's hottest rock band, Lush. He's wealthy, sexy, talented...and miserable. Twelve months ago, Joss lost his finely honed control and made a mistake he can't undo. A mistake that could end up costing him his best friend, his band, and maybe his heart.
Mel DiLorenzo has it all. She's been hired to document the world tour of her sister's fiance's rock band. She's gorgeous, talented, loved...and sick of being the little sister. When she agrees to the summer job, Mel has no idea she's walking into a minefield of friendships lost and hearts destroyed. She also has no idea what it means to be the object of Joss Jamison's affections.
One hot rock star plus one life-altering mistake, add a dash of sexy younger sister and a handful of broken hearts, and you've got a recipe for fire. Life on the road can be hot, but for the boys of Lush, it's about to get a whole hell of a lot hotter.
Selena Laurence lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and spends a lot of time at soccer games, on her laptop, and reading. She is a full-time romance author who loves nothing more than a good love story, whether it be about rock stars or college kids. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and the Colorado Romance Writers. Her books have been on Amazon Topselling lists in Military Romance, Contemporary Romance, Hispanic fiction and Multicultural Romance. She requires a Mocha Latte every day to function, keeps a goldendoodle at her feet most of the time, and has more kids than she knows what to do with.
At the age of forty-four, Blaise Blankenship believes her own opportunity for romance has long since passed until she accidentally lands in the lap of a sexy stranger. She and the handsome Latino connect over an afternoon at a local bookstore, sharing their love of erotica. Blaise is swept away by an impetuous, hot, "no last names" night together. But the morning after reveals a truth she can't ignore—or avoid.
Excerpt
A waitress appeared at their table. "What can I get you?"
"Do you have any Krupnik?" Blaise asked.
The young server's brow crinkled. "I don't…"
"It's a honey flavored drink," Guy told her.
She shook her head. "I don't think we have that." Then a smile stole across her face. "But maybe I can come up with something."
She left, and the two of them sat without speaking. The silence was a comfortable cocoon enveloping them, connecting them. There was no need for speech.
A bit later, the waitress returned with two rocks glasses half-filled with an amber liquid. "Honey flavored Kentucky bourbon," she explained as she served them.
Guy paid the woman then lifted his glass in a toast.
Blaise followed suit. "What shall we toast?"
"To happy accidents," he proposed.
"That works for me." They clinked their glasses, and Blaise took a sip. Though unusually sweet, the drink had the familiar burn of whiskey. Heat spread down her throat to her belly and below.
He touched the book. "Shall we continue?"
She nodded, and Guy opened to the page and began to read. People around them chatted and laughed, going about their business, but she and Guy were in a bubble. No one looked their way. No one paid them any mind. They were in a tiny universe all their own.
Blaise sipped her drink, sliding closer to him in the circular booth. He was so big, so warm. Just being near him made her body heat rise. Perspiration bloomed, and her blouse clung to her skin. Her nipples, hard and achy, poked against her bra. A few words penetrated the haze—something about the Hummingbird's Kiss—but it wasn't the story line or the whiskey making her woozy. She was getting drunk on the low, sensual timbre of Guy's voice.
Soon the words blurred into an incomprehensible buzz in her ears. Her breath slowed as she watched his lips move. She pictured herself kissing them, licking the sweetness from them. Lowering her gaze to his hands, she imagined them touching her. He'd skim the pads of his fingers along her torso, fasten those succulent lips of his on her nipple and pull…
Her pussy responded to the fantasy with an answering pull. She shifted slightly to ease the throb between her thighs. Her movement must have distracted him. His gaze flickered from the page to light on her face and his voice trailed off.
Guy nodded to her empty glass. "Another?"
She'd finished it? When had that happened? "No." Her tongue felt thick.
"Would you like something else, then?" he asked.
She knew what exactly she wanted. The question was, did she have the guts to ask?
It's your last chance. Your last adventure before you become the boring old mother of the bride. Take it. Take it!
Gathering her courage, she took the leap. "Yes." She placed her hand on his thigh. Underneath her fingers, his muscles tensed. His eyebrows lowered and his gaze sharpened.
"Yes." She squeezed his thigh. "I want to get a room. Let's go upstairs."
Author Bio
Nona Raines became hooked on romances when she first picked up "The Flame and the Flower" by Kathleen Woodiwiss (and she's not telling how long ago that was). Romances may have changed since then, but her love for a good love story has not. She's been writing off and on for years, but it was only when she joined the Central New York Romance Writers Association that she finally gained the support and confidence she needed to complete a manuscript.
Nona lives in upstate New York with her many pets and is currently working on her next novel. A former librarian, she enjoys reading books of all genres and discussing them with others. Her books include The Man Series (One Good Man, Take This Man and Her Perfect Man) from The Wild Rose Press and Uncollared from Loose Id. Her transgender romance His Kind of Woman was a GLBT finalist in the 2014 DABWAHA competition sponsored by the Dear Author and Smart Bitches, Trashy Books review blogs.
What would you give to save the one you love? Ayden Stone and Elizabeth Parker are soul mates. They have played at love, succumbed to the magnetic pull of destiny, and forgiven themselves and each other for misadventures in life and love. Now they must look to the future and forever, bearing the scars of battles they have fought and won, together. To keep a promise, one of these fateful lovers must make an agonizing choice and commit to an impossible task; to embark upon an adventure filled with magical moments and unforgivable acts of personal sacrifice. But...with great self-sacrifice comes betrayal. TouchStone For Ever is the culmination of an epic love story written in the stars, involving a contemporary Princess and her charming Prince. Readers will experience blazing passion, the anguish of a broken heart and every emotion in between as Beth Parker shares her thoughts and feelings about love, life, and a desperate wish for her happy ever after. Sleeping Beauty has awakened from a great sleep but, sadly, not all fairy tales have a happy ending...not even when you belong together for ever, and you're prepared to give... Everything!
EXCERPT
With dexterous hands, he leans back and unbuttons my dress; it falls from my arms and flutters to the carpet like falling leaves. I’m standing without shoes; flimsy underwear is all that lies between my modesty and my nakedness.
He lowers my hands from his chest to his hips and them places them on his belt, inviting me to relieve him of his trousers, all the time kissing and nibbling the skin beneath my ear.
I quickly unfasten the belt and release the buttons so the zipper comes down almost of its own accord. With my eyes closed I slide my hand down his jeans, over muscle and through pubic hair until I have him wrapped in one hand. He groans into my neck and the heat of his desire scorches my skin, urging me to tighten my grip and feel the pulse of a rigid cock rippling in my hand. He’s dipping and shuddering, making the kind of noises that have me clenching and so aroused I can barely stand.
With steaming breath he whispers, “Show me how to love you, Beth.”
With my free hand I move his hand to my left shoulder and ease down my bra strap. He follows through, left and right and leans into me to unclip it before it falls and dangles off my right wrist. I begin to pull out my hand.
“Leave it where it is,” he says with a smile and then proceeds to snap the strap and toss it across the room. With it discarded, I am captured in candlelight. This is the first time he has seen my naked breasts. Before, there was only the glow of moonlight. Now there are shadows and the flickering light cast by 20 candles. I feel exposed and lower my head, embarrassed by his stare.
“Look at me!”
I raise my eyes to meet his. “Don’t ever be shy about who you are. You are beauty personified. I have lived many lifetimes, travelled through space and time; read a thousand books and recited a hundred poems, but even I cannot find the words to describe you.” He rests his palms on my breasts and strokes my nipples with the pad of his thumbs, making my body tremble.
“See how you respond? Your body recognises the touch of these hands and no other. These hands are the key to untold pleasures.”
I throw my head back as I feel his erection growing, forcing its way through material, seeking freedom from containment. With both hands I lower his jeans and boxers, allowing it to spring free. When I see it, I gasp. It’s bigger than I remembered, standing long and thick without support. I’m aroused further by its magnificence.
“Give me your hand.”
I lift up my right hand. Enfolding it with his own, he places it around the skin coated rod of iron and begins to move my fingers and thumb up and down the length of it; rolling my thumb back and forth on the upward motion.
With a throaty voice he urges me to give him my other hand. I do.
He places it between my legs, his hand over mine, his firm fingers sliding between my own until they are wet and soaked. With our hands moving rhythmically he begins to fuck my mouth with his tongue. He moans into me, stimulating me even more, and I gasp, caught up in a sexual frenzy that has us both teetering on the edge of an orgasmic high."
There are those moments in life when a person you respect says something to you that strikes a chord, we’ve all had them … that moment came one Parents’ Evening when I was 16. An inspirational teacher said; “Your daughter should consider a career in Journalism or as a writer, she has a vivid imagination and a flair for creative writing …” As a wide-eyed teenager, those words were music to my ears. How prophetic was it that I went on to do just that …
I have worked in Insurance, Fashion and in advertising as a Copywriter and Commercial Journalist and loved every minute of it; creative people are a lot of fun to be around. I swapped the day job for a more meaningful enterprise: having our daughter Jenna. Now 29, she’s a fiercely independent woman living the dream in Australia. She was a heavenly surprise that had me working freelance for four years, doing what I could between feeds, playgroups and afternoon lessons in preparation for starting school. It’s a ‘story’ we can all identify with, I’m sure.
I made a sideways move into teaching in 1997 and, six years later, became Head of English in a High School, making it my mission in life to introduce young people to a range of quality reading material. I try to foster a love of all things creative in my students and encourage them to find that creativity within themselves.
For as long as I can remember, I have lived with The Story of Us in my head. The fact that Elizabeth Parker is an English teacher should come as no surprise; as novelists we write, initially, about what we know … Yet, I should confess, she isn’t me but rather that young, sensitive and naïve woman we all were or still are. The difference being, she has been victimized and, because of it, remained hidden. But, unlike some characters who may have suffered at the hands of others, she is not damaged: wary yes, but not damaged. She still believes people are innately good and that is one of her many qualities. It is her propensity for compassion that allows her to invite Ayden Stone into her world when, on the face of it, he’s exactly what she doesn’t need.
So that’s me, furiously typing away until the early hours, unveiling the intricacies of a 21st century fairy-tale; creating an epic story that melds a heady mixture of romance suspense and a touch of the miraculous.
The Story of Us Trilogy ~ Who's in Sydney Jamesson's Dream Cast?
In her own words...
First, let me say thank you for inviting me to share my daydreams with you. Initially I thought this would be a difficult task but, actually, it’s been more fun discussing this topic with my friends and my readers than I thought it would be. Everyone has their opinion, it seems. But, right now, only mine counts. (Ha!) So, here goes …
Ayden Stone
The leading man has to be Henry Cavill for obvious reasons, not least of all for the fact that Ayden Stone is based on him; the way he looks, behaves and even speaks. If you’re a fan of Mr. C, then you’ll smile every time he raises a brow or massages that cute dimple in his chin or speaks with that boyish playfulness that touches your heart. If that wasn’t enough, then his smile will bowl you over and when he kisses, well … You’ll have to find that out for yourself.
Beth Parker
Elizabeth Parker has been Mischa Barton from day one. She is naturally intelligent and beautiful in an understated kind of way. She has a quiet dignity about her and a wicked sense of humour that she has kept under wraps for years. Ayden affects her on so many levels: emotionally, psychologically and viscerally. As she declares on their first date,
I inhale deeply and breathe him in. "’I ... I’m nervous around you because you’re so handsome and I’m not used to being around men like you." I pause timidly, unsure of myself. “You’re very charismatic and the things you say to me and the way you look at me is intense." I’m losing my nerve. "Y ... you make me sweat and I imagine doing things with you, but I know I can’t have you, and that makes me think you’re being cruel by playing a game I have no hope of winning. That’s how I feel." There, I said it.
Jake Harrison
Another male character who makes his presence felt is Ayden’s sparring partner, in and out of the boxing ring, Jake Harrison. He and Ayden go way back and like Ayden he’s 32, handsome, ambitious and used to getting what he wants. He differs from Ayden in that he still has that playboy mentality, is flirtatious and happy to play the field. He is happy to remain in Ayden’s shadow, for now. Who better than Greg Vaughan? He’s just the right side of sexiness and savvy to pull it off.
Dan Rizler
The next member of this cast is Dan Rizler, a former boxer with a chip on his shoulder the size of Manhattan Island. He’s 39 and ruggedly handsome; made grotesque only by his depraved thoughts. He has an obsessive love for precious Miss Parker that is neurotic in nature and terrifying in the extreme. His tormented soul reaches out to her with merciless hands: he must have her. Who better than Gerard Butler to play the part of this ferocious fiend? He has the body for it, and could conjure up the craziness to portray him.
Elise Richards
Then there’s Elise Richards. Hell Hath no fury like a woman scorned … they say. She is the proverbial biatch. She is 30, with blond hair and a fuller figure. She’s striking in a no frills kind of way and intensely driven by ambition and revenge. Wouldn’t Elisha Cuthbert be perfect, with a few extra pounds added for effect? She could play the crazy ex to a T.
Charlie Miller
No story would be complete without the loyal best friend. Charlie Miller, is just that. She is described as an, “urban firecracker,” who works hard and plays hard. She always makes an entrance and leaves a trail of destruction in her wake, much like a whirlwind. She is fiercely protective of Beth and less than enamoured by Ayden, who considers her a little brash for his taste. With fiery red hair she is a force of nature; all fire and no smoke. It has to be Emma Stone.
Alenka
Then there's Alenka, another ex. She’s a striking auburn haired siren of almost six foot who spend more time on the catwalk than the sidewalk. She is strikingly beautiful and of eastern European descent which makes her exotic and alluring in every sense. She’s Beth’s counterpart and a former lover of Ayden’s. Her Theology Degree only serves to intensity her appeal: she has brains and beauty and is so self-assured Beth considers an act of violence, “She’s smiling so sweetly, I honestly think I may have to hit her over the head with a blunt instrument before I leave. Just to satisfy my need to knock that smug smile off her face.” It has to be Gisele Bundchen.
Detective Inspector Mackensie ("Mack") Bowker
Detective Inspector Mack Bowker is relentless in pursuit of the truth. He first appears in TouchStone for giving, and takes on a much more prominent role in TouchStone for ever. Mack has the unenviable task of digging for clues and putting the pieces of this complex puzzle together. HIs mission in life is to solve mysteries and see that justice is served at any cost, personally or professionally. He has tenacity and compassion, especially when it comes to speaking for victims and defending their honour - especially if they are unable to do that for themselves. Experienced but world-weary, Mack is a tireless worker - a widow who's only companion is his dog, Judy. He hates arrogance, politics and playing games. Clive Owen would be perfect for this role.
So, there you have it, my dream cast. Now all I have to do is find an agent, sell the idea to a studio and bring The Story of Us to the big screen! (HA!)
He was alluring in the kind of way that makes good girls like me want to break all the rules.
So I did. I broke my rules for him, and in turn, he gave me what I craved.
Hearts and Flowers.
Yet I wanted more. I wanted to know him, claim him the same way he had claimed me. But you can't claim that which doesn't exist. A mirage. A man who showed me one face while showing the world another. A complicated man. A dangerous man.
Now I'm caught up in his world. Trapped under all that is dark and dangerous. From hearts and flowers to guns and knives.
I want out. But I fear it's too late.
Buy the Book
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About the Author
Jennifer K. Brand writes erotic romances with witty curves and dangerous edges. She loves travelling and therefore her stories are set in exotic locales or have exotic male leads. Her stories are those with an element of intrigue or suspense, but wrapped in hot steamy romance.
Her favorite kind of hero is possessive with a dangerous edge, but has a sweet heart beneath it all. Her heroines are strong and witty and can't wait to tame their men. She loves Gin and Tonics, Spain, Monopoly and kittens :) Look out for her new book Blurred Lines, releasing May 28th!
