Spotlight: Always a Marine Series by Heather Long

Heather Long

The Two and the Proud (Always a Marine #8)

Release Date: January 25, 2013

Genre: Military Romance, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance

Roger Michael Easton IV, better known as Rowdy, flouted the family’s Naval tradition to enlist the Marines—not as an officer, but a ground-pounding grunt. He never expected to see as much combat or valor as he did in the field, but every engagement furthered his commitment to his brothers in arms. Now, with an offer to end his contract early on the table, Rowdy has to take a long look at the life he left behind, the life he’s built, and the future he longs to have.

Rowdy wants a woman who gets him.

Inactive Marine, Kim Wakefield, continues to serve her country as a Naval Criminal Investigator. She’s hard on the grunts and sailors because she is one of them—and they didn’t sign up for easy.  Tired of the seedier side of military life—picking up drunk Marines, AWOL sailors, busting drug running operations, or worse, sending drug addicted servicemen to court marshal and treatment.  She longs to have her faith in her fellow Marines restored.

Kim wants a man who knows what she needs.

Thrown together by chance on a 1Night Stand, these two jarheads have a combustible chemistry—but do they have what it takes?

  A Marine and a Gentleman  (Always a Marine #9)

Release Date: February 8, 2013

Genre: M/M, Military Romance, Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance

Lieutenant Brenden Fitzpatrick is a dedicated Marine, loyal son, and devoted uncle but he’s lonely. When he went Marine, the rule was don’t ask, don’t tell. His brothers-in-arms pretty much didn’t ask and didn’t care. Watching so many friends settle into long-term relationships highlighted the absence of someone to come home to in his life. When his unit encourages him to give the 1Night Stand service a try, he asks for the impossible—a night with the one man he almost gave up the Marines for in the first place. A man he called best friend but let time and distance carry away.

Liam Gardiner grew up on the same Boston block as his best friend, Brenden. Unlike Brenden, Liam always accepted that he was gay—a fact he didn’t mind flaunting to all the bullies and naysayers in school. It got his ass kicked more than once but Brenden always had his back, rescuing him time and time again, until the day Brenden left for the Marines. He missed his buddy—the crush he never confessed, lest it cost him the precious friendship—so when Madame Eve’s invitation arrived to meet Brenden, Liam faces uncertainty for the first time.

 Combat Barbie  (Always a Marine #11)

Release Date: February 25, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Military Romance, Erotic Romance

You’re so beautiful…

The words haunted Mary Phillips from childhood on. Her mother’s love of beauty pageants included dressing her up like her own personal Barbie doll. She was the face of baby food, the darling of surfing commercials, and the exotic stunner who walked away with the Miss California title at eighteen, but she traded in her tiara and a lucrative modeling contract for combat boots and life as a Marine. She’s lost good friends to IEDs and sent home more walking wounded than she cares to admit, but this Marine wouldn’t trade her assignment for all the Manolo Blahniks in the world.

You’re such a nerd…

Kyle Stewart heard every variation on a theme as he went through school: nerd, geek, four-eyes, weirdo—and he rolled with it. He could count on one hand the number of girls who ever deigned to talk to him about something other than tutoring. But he had the last laugh, the only self-made millionaire in his graduating class. His start up software company went huge and his private ownership netted him two hundred million dollars at sale.

A high school reunion…

Despite the invitations, Mary didn’t plan to attend the ten year reunion. The last thing she wanted to hear was—”you could have been so much, what happened?”  But running into Kyle at the local coffee shop reminded her that not everyone judged by appearance. Kyle once swore to rub his former tormentors noses in his success, but when the reunion rolled around, he was reluctant. A chance meeting with the best looking girl he never could get the courage up to ask out on a date and he dares the request.

Can one night change the nerd and his combat Barbie’s lives?

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Spotlight: Playing the Maestro by Aubrie Dionne

Playing the Maestro (Maestro Series #1)

by Aubrie Dionne

Contemporary Romance

Categories: Musical

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Heat Level: Sweet

Length: 190 pages

Buy Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Playing-the-Maestro-ebook/dp/B00BEJ0VH8/

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/playing-the-maestro-aubrie-dionne/1114502925

BooksOnBoard: http://www.booksonboard.com/index.php?BODY=viewbook&BOOK=1466238&

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/playing-the-maestro/id603611717

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Playing-the-Maestro/book-bWrhPKl0IkCD7pusZiXiXA/page1.html

Blurb

Melody Mires has sworn off dating musicians, but when the sexy European conductor Wolf Braun takes over her struggling symphony, her hesitation almost flies out the window with the notes of her flute—until he opens his mouth. Wolf is arrogant, haughty, and seems to have a personal vendetta against Melody. Oh, and he’s her boss. If she wants to keep her job as principal flutist, she’ll have to impress Wolf while simultaneously keeping her undeniable attraction to herself.

Wolf came to America to get as far away from his past as possible, and to recover some of the swagger he had as one of the world’s best maestros. He never imagined being forced to reassess the entire orchestra’s talent—and potentially fire anyone who doesn’t make his cut. Dating the attractive flutist is out of the question, but as their feelings reach a fever pitch, can they risk both their careers for a chance at love?

Excerpt

Melody Mires plopped into the principal flutist’s seat in Easthampton’s illustrious Civic Symphony and buried her head in her hands. “I’m never dating another self-centered, arrogant, egotistical musician again.”

“Bad date, huh?” Carly ran her cleaning cloth through her oboe as her reeds soaked in a tiny shot glass on her music stand. Violins screeched around them while a French horn blatted arpeggios. It wasn’t exactly the best environment for discussing Melody’s dating habits.

“Let’s just say two hours of listening to a guy talk about his Stradivarius is less than enticing.”

Carly stuck her reed in her oboe and blew a tentative note. Ever since the board of directors had turned off the AC to save money, she’d pulled her pin-straight blond hair in a tight bun and wore shorts and sandals to rehearsal. “Which one is he, Mel?”

Melody considered letting the conversation drop. What did it matter? Every one of the musicians she’d dated was the same as her: burned out from practicing to beat the chair ahead of him, teaching five million lessons a day to make ends meet, scrambling for gigs two hours away on the weekends, so involved in a dying art form that he didn’t even know the Bruins were an ice hockey team.

What she needed was a nonmusician, a gorgeous firefighter or a clean-cut Gillette commercial model in a business suit. Yes, a lawyer who worked to defend the innocent would be nice, or a veterinarian for homeless and sick animals—someone who didn’t think the world revolved around him. But she didn’t travel in those social circles. She was stuck in the stuffy bubble of the classical music community.

“So you gonna tell me, or do I have to guess?” Carly set her oboe across her lap and shuffled through her sheet music.

Melody leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Blake Templeton.”

Carly gave her a shocked look. “Not Blake?”

“Yup.” She assembled her flute to try and look like she was warming up, thinking about the disastrous date with the orchestra’s personnel manager. “Good thing it didn’t work out, or everyone would think I was dating him just so he’d tenure my position.”

“I’m surprised he’d ask you out, what with his sister and all…”

Melody rolled her eyes. “Why would a flute prodigy from Julliard want this little Civic Symphony seat anyway? Seems to me a girl who played the Mozart G Major concerto in front of the New York Phil at age seven could get a seat in any orchestra. Age seven. When I was seven, the only thing I was playing was pretend flute on my toothbrush.”

Carly shrugged as if she’d told her this flute whiz could tie her own shoes. “You’re better than you think. You could give Blake’s sister a run for her money any day.”

“Thanks, hon.” Melody twirled her dark curls behind her head and stuck a pencil in to hold the knot. “Like I said. I swear never…”

The orchestra quieted around them. A man with dark chestnut hair flowing in waves around his broad shoulders took the conductor’s podium and tapped his baton on the music stand. Blue eyes that reminded Melody of the Atlantic Ocean on a sunny day surveyed the orchestra. He pursed curvy lips framed by a strong-ridged jaw and gorgeously high cheekbones and gestured to Carly to give the tuning pitch.

Melody was glad the woodwinds sat in the back so he wouldn’t hear her audible gasp. “Who the hell is that?” She thought she knew everything happening with the orchestra.

Carly nodded to him and switched on her tuner, clipping a small mic to the bell of her oboe. She spoke out of the corner of her mouth. “They just introduced him on the website this morning. Their latest surprise: Wolfgang Braun, the guest conductor from Berlin.”

Melody stared in disbelief, thinking Chris Helmsworth’s Thor must have had a better-looking, long-lost cousin in Germany. Since when did conductors lift weights? She’d never have to force herself to look up for cues again.

Review

“Dionne’s passion for music resonates through this lovely story. Brava.”--Nikki Logan, author of How to Get Over Your Ex

About the Author

Aubrie grew up watching the original Star Wars movies over and over until she could recite and reenact every single scene in her backyard. She also loved The Goonies, Star Trek the Next Generation--favorite character was Data by far--and Indiana Jones. But, her all time favorite movie was The Last Unicorn. She still wonders why the unicorn decided to change back to a unicorn in the end.

Aubrie wrote in her junior high yearbook that she wanted to be "a concert flutist" when she grew up. She majored in flute performance at the University of New Hampshire on a full scholarship, then secured two teaching jobs at a University and a local community music school. While playing in orchestras and teaching, stories popped into her head, and she used them to make the music come alive for her flute students. Her students said they were so good, she had to write them down! Maybe they were right, who knows? Two careers seems to keep her busy. For now.

She is represented by Dawn Dowdle and writes sweet and adventurous fantasy, science fiction, and contemporary romance.

Connect with Aubrie Dionne

Website: http://www.authoraubrie.net

Blog: http://authoraubrie.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authoraubrie

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Spotlight: His Desire Her Surrender by Malia Mallory

Tabitha Quinn's Hawaii vacation was anything but ordinary. Dominant billionaire Marcus Granger saved her life, swept her into his bed, and then left her heartbroken. Now she's back in New York, mourning the man she's sure she'll never see again.

Marcus may have left handprints on her skin, but Tabitha's left handprints on his heart: he tracks her down, and they resume the sizzling affair they began in the islands.

Tabitha belongs to Marcus body and soul in bed, but she worries she doesn't belong in his high-stakes world. They've already dodged a murder attempt, and now Marcus is fighting off a competitor's takeover. When the rival company obtains critical information, suspicion falls on Tabitha. She has to prove she's innocent--and worthy to wear Marcus's collar.

Excerpt:

Marcus tapped his stomach. "I don't know about you, but I'm getting hungry. If you fix something, I'll reward you later. Deal?"

"Sure." Tabitha pulled chicken from the refrigerator as Marcus left her to find her way around the kitchen. She planned to cook something quick and easy on the stovetop. She located onions, chopped them and tossed them into a sauté pan. Further searching turned up rice and spices. A little saffron and cardamom and she'd have something tasty.

Once everything was in the pan, she tracked down the makings of a salad. That would do, she thought, chicken and rice with salad. Simple but appetizing.

As she set the table, Marcus reappeared, towels in hand. "I thought you might want one for sitting." He spread one on the chair at the head of the table and the other on the chair to the side.

Tabitha handed Marcus the salad bowl. "This whole nudity thing. I'm not sure if I'd get used to it. Might get chilly."

Marcus stole a carrot slice out of the salad and tossed it in his mouth. "I imagine so. But it can be a fun change of pace."

"Yes." Tabitha brought the chicken and rice to the table, and they settled in.

Marcus gazed on the food with appreciation. "This is great. I'm starving."

"I hope you like it. I make it quite often."

Marcus placed one hand on her thigh as he took a bite with the other.

Tabitha's fork stopped in mid-air as heat flooded her. She was glad for the towel underneath her. The last thing she wanted was to stain the upholstery.

Marcus massaged her skin and slid his hand between her thighs.

Tabitha set down her fork. "Marcus!"

He continued eating. "Yes?"

"I can't eat when you do that."

"You can't?" He took another bite of chicken, clearly enjoying it. His fingers searched her intimate recesses.

Tabitha pursed her lips, displaying an amused frown. "No. I'm too distracted."

"Mmm. That is unfortunate. This meal is wonderful."

"It's hard to think about eating right now."

Marcus maintained his innocent air while he explored her moistening skin. "Really? I'm having no trouble at all." He ingested another bite.

Buy Links:     Amazon     Smashwords    All Romance eBooks   Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

Malia Mallory lives in Hawaii with her husband and daughter. She's been working with words since alphabet blocks rolled into her crib, not only writing her own work but copy editing and proofreading the work of others. She has loved to read about relationships since she first sneaked off with her mother's Harlequin.

Malia Mallory is the best-selling author of The ABCs of Erotica series, which covers the erotic spectrum from BDSM to ménage and everything in between. More releases in the series are on the way. She has also released theMia's Cop Craving series and Santa's Backdoor Baby. Malia’s books have hit the bestselling erotica lists at both Amazon and iTunes. Her books are available in electronic format at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo,Sony, Diesel, Smashwords and AllRomance Books.

For a free copy of B is for Beach from The ABCs of Erotica, head to her website and sign up for the newsletter athttp://www.maliamallory.com/Join_My_Mailing_List.php.

Author Links:       Site       Twitter        Facebook       Blog

Interview: Accidental Romance by Jessica E Subject

1.     Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Thank you for having me on your blog, Melissa! Hello everyone! Besides being a multi-published author in both contemporary and science fiction romance, I’m also a mother of two intelligent children, and a wife. I love to read in multiple genres, listen and dance to music, and watch movies, especially science fiction titles with some romance in them. When I’m in town, and the weather is nice, I like to go out for long, fast walks, but if I get a chance to hike by a waterfall, I tend to slow down.

2.     Tell us a little about the book you are here to promote?

Accidental Romance is a new adult contemporary romance. I wrote it as part of The Challenge series at Decadent Publishing. Here’s a bit about the series:

Challenge: A test of one's abilities or resources in a demanding but stimulating undertaking.

In every life, there are challenges, boulders in the flowing stream of existence. From the physical, to the psychological or emotional, nobody is immune. No one gets through life intact, but the challenge is not to avoid damage, but to work through, past or around the things that make life so difficult. 

We all know people who do this—live fulfilling lives in spite of the difficulties they are forced to deal with. 

The Challenge series is about characters who do just this—and the people who love them. Challenge is a romance series with a twist. The “challenge” takes a central role in the characters’ romance.

Now, many of my characters already face challenges, such as Alopecia Areata, acid burns on their face, infertility, and more. With Accidental Romance, I decided to have a younger main character, a woman still finding her way in adulthood. And I decided to break some gender barriers as well, having a female taking over the farm for her father, rather than the typical son.

Here’s the blurb:

At twenty-two, Leanne Declan has graduated from college and hopes to take over the family farm until a tragic accident changes her life forever. Unable to do the simplest everyday chores, she must depend on her family and friends as she learns to face life’s challenges. But when her fears threaten to destroy her future, can an unexpected love be strong enough to help her dreams come true?

3.     What was your main inspiration for this story?

I didn’t grow up on a farm, but I have friends who did. My husband worked on a couple of dairy farms as a teenager, and I did live out in the country, across the road from a dairy farm, for a few years. I combined all of my experiences, the stories I’d heard, and my research and imagination in creating Accidental Romance.

4.     If your book was made into a movie, which stars would you want to play your Hero and Heroine?

For Leanne, I’d have to say Lily Collins from The Blind Side. And for Jake, I’d pick Liam Hemsworth.

5.     Describe your Hero/Heroine in five words?

Leanne is hard-working, goal-oriented, stubborn, social, and driven.

6.     If you could go back and give your-struggling-author-self one piece of advice now that you are published what would it be?

I would tell myself to be patient, trust your editors, and don’t rush into anything because it sounds like a good idea at the time.

7.     Do you have any interesting writing quirks?

I’m usually chewing gum when I write so that I don’t grind my teeth. Also, I tend to write most of my first drafts in a notebook rather than on the computer. That habit started back when my children were much younger, and it wasn’t so convenient or safe to carry around my laptop.

8.     How do you stay motivated when the Muse is being temperamental?

If my muse is being temperamental, I’ll try reading or watching a movie. If that doesn’t work, I’ll switch to another story. Sometimes, having a shower works to kick-start the muse, too.

9.     What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not writing?

Read, spend time with my family, walk, dance... Just depends on my mood. J

10. Fast Five:

a.      Tea or Coffee? Neither. I don’t drink hot liquids.

b.     Kindle or Nook? I don’t have either, but I do have ebook apps on my tablet.

c.      Beer or Wine or Spirits? None. I don’t really drink a lot, either. I know, I’m strange. LOL

d.     All-time favourite book? I have to pick just one? Okay, um, Across the Universe by Beth Revis. If you want to know some of my other favs, check out this page.

e.      All-time favourite Movie? Star Trek (2009), though this year promises to be a great year for SFR movies, so I’m sure I’ll have a new one soon.

Accidental Romance Excerpt:

A million needles pierced her wrist. She had to get away from the fire. Leanne flicked open her eyes, screaming, longing for the agony to stop.

White walls surrounded her. Machines beeped. Taking in the new scenery, she closed her mouth, the pain forgotten. Bags filled with clear liquids as well as blood hung from a metal pole. She followed the tubes from the bags into her left hand. Was that where the burn came from? She glanced at the other arm, the end of which was wrapped in thick bandages. The image of spinning blades and her mangled flesh flashed before her eyes. She screamed again, tears falling down her cheeks. This can’t be happening.

Bodies rushed into the room, many in scrubs. With her vision blurred, she didn’t recognize anyone. All strangers. She was in the foreign place by herself. A nightmare. Has to be.

“Shh, calm down, sweetie. You’ll be okay.”

A familiar voice. She glanced to her other side to see her mom standing beside her, her eyes glassy. She held her hand, but Leanne couldn’t feel it, only the throbbing which had returned to her other one, the one that was…gone? She groaned, turning on her side, and pulled her knees up to her chest.

“Mom, is it really…?”

She brushed her fingers over her forehead. “Don’t worry about it right now. You need to rest.”

“It hurts so bad.”

“I know.” Her mother stroked her face again. “But the nurses will help it go away.”

“Leanne,” one of the nurses hovering around her said. “I want you to take deep breaths and count backward from ten.”

“Ten.” She sucked in air and cried out in agony.

Between clenched teeth, she continued. Anything to stop the pain. “Nine.”

Ice traveled through her veins. “Eight.”

The throbbing slowly ebbed away. Seven.

Darkness swept over her and pulled her down with it.

Buy Links:

Amazon (Canada/US/UK) | Decadent Publishing | All Romance | Barnes&Noble | more

Jessica E. Subject Bio:

Jessica Subject is the author of contemporary and science fiction romance, ranging from sweet to erotica. In her stories, you could meet clones, or a sexy alien or two. You may even be transported to another planet for a romantic rendezvous. 

When Jessica isn't reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to get out and walk. Fast. But she just may slow down if there is a waterfall nearby.

Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at jessicasubject.com and on twitter @jsubject.

Website/Blog | Newsletter | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Authorgraph

Giveaway!!

On April 12, 2013, Jessica Subject will be giving away a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate to one lucky commenter during the Accidental Romance tour. Please leave your email address in your comment so that she can contact you if you win. Contest is international. Good luck!

Spotlight: Hell or High Water by Jerrie Alexander #cblspromos

Hell or High Water (Lost and Found, Inc. #1)

by Jerrie Alexander

Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Categories: Action/Adventure

Publisher: Etopia Press

Release Date: February 22, 2013

Heat Level: Steamy

Word Count: 80,000

Buy Links

Coming soon…

Blurb

When ex-SEAL Nate Wolfe learns a woman from his past is in danger, nothing will stop him from protecting her. Not even her.

Dallas Child Protection Services Investigator Kay Taylor doesn't want or need Nate in her life. But he doesn't seem to understand the word no. He seems to also have forgotten the brand he left on her heart.

When Kay is taken and sold to a monster, the devil himself couldn't stop Nate from doing whatever it takes to find her...but will he be in time?

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.

Excerpt:

Nate picked the lock on Kaycie’s apartment and eased inside. The minute he stepped through the door the hair on the back of his neck rose. She wasn’t home, so why the sizzle of nerves? He shook it off.

It wasn’t difficult to convince himself that looking around was purely tactical. Necessary to ensure he could protect her.

Tyrell and Marcus would arrive in an hour. The three of them were having an intervention with Kaycie when she got home. She’d protest him getting involved, but until he stopped the threat against her she’d travel with an armed bodyguard.

The open floor plan of her small apartment lumped the kitchen, dining and living area into one big room and made for easy defending. The solid wall of windows troubled him, but he could close the blinds, effectively eliminating the possibility of someone getting a clear shot. He double-checked the locks on the windows. He shoved his fingers through his hair, tying it off his face.

The room at the end of the hall had to be Kaycie’s bedroom. He moved silently, stopped just inside the doorway, and breathed in the air where she slept. Sensible Kaycie, the room wasn’t elaborate or fancy. No luxurious king-size bed; she slept on a queen.

He could make do with a queen. If she was stretched out naked in it. He applied a mental head slap. No complications needed.

Every open space was filled with books, souvenirs, and pictures. He wondered if she’d kept the Saint Jude medallion. Maybe tucked it away in the back of the jewelry box or wrapped in tissue secured in one of those drawers on the dresser. More likely, she’d dropped it in the nearest trashcan the day he left for boot camp.

She deserved a better man, somebody without all his baggage. Somebody who didn’t reach for a weapon at every sound. Somebody who’d always be there for her.

The front door opened and closed, snapping him to the present. Nate froze. His pulse quickened. Not good. He’d let his thoughts wander and missed hearing the lock turn.

Or did Kaycie have an unwelcome visitor?

Other than him.

Keys jangled and Nate released the breath he’d held. Kaycie was home. He stifled a chuckle. Finding him in her apartment would seriously piss her off.

Nate silently moved down the hall. He found her in the kitchen with her back to him. Reaching up, she removed a glass from the shelf, giving him the opportunity he needed. He moved fast, trapping her between the counter with his body, his arms wrapped around, pinning hers to her side.

She screamed and tried to whirl. Wasn’t happening. She stomped where his feet should’ve been. Nice move, but he’d spread his legs out of reach. He leaned in tighter. He wouldn’t hurt her just keep her still. Damn, she’d mastered a few self-defense techniques over the years. He tightened his grip to immobilize her.

Inches from the nape of her neck, he fought an unexpected urge to lean down and test that spot right behind her ear. The sensitive place he used to kiss again and again until she purred.

She tried to butt him with the back of her head. Time to make her aware of who had her pinned.

“Nate, you bastard. Get off me.”

Apparently, she already knew.

“That Glock on your hip is no help if it’s holstered.” He intended to rest his hand on her gun, but instead, and of its own accord, he found the palm of his hand resting on her taut belly.

He stepped back before his erection pressing against her drew her attention. Her fingers wrapped around the butt of the gun.

“Don’t try it,” he warned.

“Get over yourself.” Her tone matched the hate in her eyes. “You really think I care enough about you to shoot you?”

About the Author

A student of  creative writing in her youth, Jerrie set aside her passion when life presented her with a John Wayne husband, and two wonderful children.  A career in logistics offered her the opportunity to travel to many beautiful locations in America, and she revisits them in her romantic suspense novels. 

But the characters went with her, talked to her, and insisted she share their dark, sexy stories with others.  She writes alpha males and kick-ass women who weave their way through death and fear to emerge stronger because of, and on occasion in spite of, their love for each other.  She likes to torture people, make them suffer, and if they’re strong enough, they live happily ever after.

The author of THE GREEN-EYED DOLL, THE LAST EXECUTION, and her latest release, HELL or HIGH WATER, Book 1 in the Lost and Found, Inc. Series, Jerrie lives in Texas, loves sunshine, children’s laughter, sugar (human and granulated), and researching for her heroes and heroines.

Connect with Jerrie Alexander

Website: http://www.jerriealexander.com/

Blog: http://www.jerriealexander.com/category/blog/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jerriealexander

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JerrieAlexanderAuthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jerriealexander

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jerriealexander/

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Spotlight: Selling Out by Amber Lin

Blurb:
Shelly Laurent escapes her life as a high-class escort, but against her better judgment she takes the scared young Ella with her. Framed for murder by her pimp and his dirty cops in retaliation, Shelly turns to the one man who could be her salvation: Detective Luke Cameron. She doesn’t know if she can trust him or if he’s just a mirage, but it's time for her to take a stand. Just one shot, make it count, she’ll fight Ella’s demons—and face her own.

Shelly throws light on the shadows of Chicago’s underworld, challenging everything she knew and the man she’s come to love. Together, a prostitute and a cop fight for truth stronger than secrets, hope deeper than deception, and a bond more enduring than betrayal.

Loose Id 

EXCERPT

“Shh,” I murmured, stroking his back.

“Shelly, goddammit.”
But his protests fell away as I pressed my breasts to his arm and my tongue to his ear. His harsh inhalation sounded broken, shattered, or maybe that was me.
I tasted salt and man, earth and spring. Slow licks alongside his lobe and upward, more suggestive than sensation, but for a man like this, anticipation would be everything. Or so I had imagined, all the times I had dreamed of it.
A small sound escaped him, somewhere between a grunt and groan. I took it as encouragement and smoothed my hands along the hard planes of his shoulders, his chest. Not anywhere near the bulge in his jeans, because this wasn’t about pleasure—it was about wanting.
Anything to get closer, I let my knees slide apart around his side, the faint heat of his body a shock to my core. His hands clenched and opened on his knees, and again, the muscles rippled beneath his darkly tanned skin. Was he restraining himself from touching me or pushing me off?
“Baby, no,” he groaned, letting his head fall back onto my shoulder.
No, I would never deserve to have him as more than a sex partner. And he had never fucked me, though I knew he wanted to. Every time he saw me, his eyes would darken and my stomach would bottom out, but we’d never touch. But maybe for one brief inconvenient moment, while the door was open and the young woman beyond it needed help, we could pretend. Maybe it could be enough.
I shut my eyes tightly and pressed a kiss to his temple. Pretend, just pretend. I would give him the sex he had craved, and in return, he’d give me memories. It would be a payment, just the same.
“You want this,” I whispered.
He shuddered in my arms; it was like hugging a wild animal, one who could just as easily maul me as cuddle.
“Can I touch you?” he whispered. “Please.”
It unraveled me, that plea. As if he understood that a little bit of my soul slipped away every time someone touched me. As if he would cherish the part I gave him.
I scrambled away from him as if burned, breathing hard. No.
No one understood, which was exactly the way I liked it. I ran a shaking hand over my face to smooth away the panic.
Sure, he knew the score better than most people. He had worked the beat as a patrol cop and then as a detective. Life as a high-priced escort wasn’t glamorous; it was sweat and blood sprinkled with glitter. But he didn’t know the full extent, and I prayed he never would. Henri didn’t sell bodies; he gutted them.
I panted against the headboard, unable to walk away but unwilling to beg. Luke remained carved in stone where I’d left him sitting on the edge of the bed. The air pulsed with doubt and longing—with sex.
“I want it to be real between us.” He spoke low and hoarse.
A quiet sound escaped me. Every caress, every pinch. Every slur ever spoken. “It’s always real. That’s the problem, Luke. It’s always too damn real.”
He hung his head, and I thought for a moment I heard him say I know, but the moment slipped away, the sweet intimacy sailed away like clouds on the horizon—never really mine.

Bio:

Amber Lin writes erotic romance with damaged souls and deep emotion.

Her debut novel Giving It Up (Loose Id, 9781611188431) received The Romance Review’s Top Pick, Night Owl Top Pick, and 5 Blue Ribbons from Romance Junkies. RT Book Reviews gave it 4.5 stars, calling it “truly extraordinary.” The sequel is slated for release in early 2013. Her small town romance will be published by Carina Press in Fall 2013. She is represented by Jewelann Cone of the Cascade Literary Agency.

Amber married her high school sweetheart, birthed a kid who’s smarter than she is, and spends her nights writing down her dirty thoughts. In other words, life is good. 

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