BLOG TOUR: Tryst by Cambria Hebert

Sometimes all a girl needs is a little fling…

Talie Ronson needs a vacation.

From life. 

Since she caught her cheating, loser husband in bed with his assistant, her life has been on a steady spiral—right into hell. Her car’s a junker, her job sucks, and her perfect, gorgeous sister likes to brag about her wonderful life every time they “do” lunch. 

In an effort to salvage what’s left of her life and her sanity, she takes the advice of her kooky best friend and takes off to Topsail Island. A week at the beach, alone, is exactly what she needs to recharge, regroup, and relax. 

Only, her alone time is about to get derailed. 

Gavin Palmer’s favorite activity is walking around in his boxers and eating junk food. He and his neighbors have an understanding. They stay out of his business and he stays out of theirs. He lives at the beach, not for vacation, but for isolation. He’s had enough of people to last him a lifetime. 

Gavin’s isolation is interrupted when his normally quiet neighbor starts disturbing his peace. He stomps across the sand to give the guy a piece of his mind… only it isn’t a guy. 

It’s Talie. 

She’d maddening, nosy, and talks too much. 

But she’s hot and her bedroom eyes have him thinking maybe he’s had enough solitude. Maybe a week of company is exactly what he needs. 

Maybe what they both need is a no-strings-attached tryst.

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Just as the road started to gradually lift and lead onto the bridge my car made a very loud clunking sound and then groaned like it was going to come apart at any second. 

Even though my foot was pressed on the gas the car slowed considerably, idling along like a turtle who had no where it needed to be. “Come on!” I yelled at the dashboard as I gave the steering wheel a smack. 

Suddenly the wheel seemed extremely hard to steer. What usually was an easy, effortless task now seemed like something that required large muscles.

Did I mention I was lacking in the muscle department?

I applied the brakes and fought the Jetta to the side of the road. I wasn’t about to try and make it over the bridge like this. My luck I would plunge over the side and get eaten by a shark when I hit the water. 

The loud rattling sounds the stupid car made drowned out the cadence of the ocean waves and caused some of the peace I was found on my way here to disappear. 

After several long moments of just sitting there, leaning my forehead on the steering wheel and asking God why I was cursed I turned off the engine. The car stuttered and then died. I knew it wasn’t going to turn back on.

“And the hits just keep on coming,” I said out loud.

I opened the car door, letting it open so that the light would stay on for a few moments and bent down to look for the hood release latch. After I found it and popped the hood I stood there staring down in the dark at the insides of a car I couldn’t see. 

Then I remembered my phone. The flashlight app was handy in moments like this. Even with the engine and innards of the car visible I had no clue what was wrong with it. 

“I am so getting a new car,” I sighed. I called up the number to Triple A in my phone (I might not know how to fix cars but I knew how to call people who did) and wondered how long it would take them to send a tow. 

A pair of headlights appeared traveling in my direction. I raced around the side of the car and leapt into the driver’s seat, slamming the door behind me. After the way this week was going I would not be surprised at all if the person behind the wheel of that car was a serial killer out looking for his next victim.

The car slowed and pulled directly behind my car. 

See? Total serial killer.

I heard the slam of the door and watched as a large dark figure approached. I could make out nothing because his headlights turned him into nothing but a dark shadow.

The only thing I knew for sure was that it was a man. Unless of course it was a woman. Judging from the sheer size of the black shape if it was a then she would have to be a professional body builder.

Seconds later a darkened face appeared at my window. 

“Car trouble?” he rumbled. His voice was deep and his southern accent was strong.

I screamed.

I forgot my window was down! 

I jammed the key back into the ignition and turned the engine over. It made a puny, pathetic sound and stalled out. The windows were electric. I couldn’t get it up if the car wouldn’t start. 

“Please don’t kill me!” I burst out.

A laugh floated through the night air and wrapped around my body. He put one of his hands on the door, so that it rested where the window should be, his fingers falling down the inside of the door. 

I snatched the keys out of the ignition and swung down to stab the fleshy part of the back of his hand. Seconds before I made him bleed he jerked away.

“I’m not going to murder you!” he shouted.

“Don’t you yell at me!” I retorted.

“You tried to stab me!”

“You tried to kill me!”

“I stopped to see if you needed help. You know, because your junker car here stopped working.”

“How dare you call it a junker.” I fumed. My car definitely was a junker but I wasn’t about to let him insult me. I’d had enough of men to last me a lifetime.

“Sweetheart, I call it like I see it.” he drawled.

Damned if I didn’t get goose bumps. His voice was like the velvet sky I was admiring only moments ago. “Well, okay, it’s a piece of crap.” I allowed. Obviously his southern accent was making me stupid.

“I’m just going to take a look,” he said. Before I could tell him no he was walking around the front of my car. The glow of his headlights gave me a glimpse of the way his hips rotated when he walked. 

He had long legs, the kind that owned the ground whenever he took a step. He was tall… he had to be at least six two. Other than that I couldn’t make out anything else about him. He was wearing a baseball hat and it was pulled down low, shading all of his face from the little light out here.

A light clicked on up front (he must have the same app as me) and I saw him reaching down into the engine. The sound of something being pulled out of the car had me leaping out of my seat and rushing around the front.

“What the hell are you doing!” I demanded horrified as he pulled out this long black thing. “Is that a snake?” I shrieked. Had I somehow run over that giant thing and it got caught in my engine?

He paused and looked up at me. “A snake?” he asked like he couldn’t understand what I was saying. Then he shook his head. “It’s the drive belt,” he muttered, going back to pulling it out. 

“Well if it’s supposed to be in there why are you pulling it out?”

“This way when I go to kill you, I know you won’t be able to get away.”

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Cambria Hebert is the author of the young adult paranormal Heven and Hell series, the new adult Death Escorts series, and the new adult Take it Off series. She loves a caramel latte, hates math and is afraid of chickens (yes, chickens). She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and children (both human and furry) where she is plotting her next book. You can find out more about Cambria and her work by visiting http://www.cambriahebert.com

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My Brief Review:

I have honestly loved each and every book in this series!  Tryst was no exception.  Cambria Hebert is a fabulous storyteller and creates characters that are so easy to love.  Talie - what woman wouldn't love Talie?  When she caught her husband cheating on her, she didn't hesitate to walk away.  And when the smug bastard tried to worm his way back in, she stood her ground and didn't allow him to walk all over her.  I just wanted to cheer her on.  I think everyone should add Tryst to their summer beach read list!

COVER REVEAL - Beauty in the Ashes by Micalea Smeltzer

Beauty in the Ashes by Micalea Smeltzer

Standalone Dark Contemporary Romance

   
Release date: July 15, 2014

Add on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20761170-beauty-in-the-ashes

 Cover Design: Regina Wamba (Mae I Design)

Book Description: Some stories are a fairytale...but this isn't one. Caelan Gregory’s life fell apart the night he went home and opened the door to find his whole family murdered. Since then, his life has held no meaning. He’s angry. He’s bitter. He’s barely human anymore. There’s nothing left to remind him of the straight A student, and football quarterback he once was…but he wasn’t a good person then, and he’s certainly not a good person now. He’s retreated into a world where all that exists is numbness and his passion for painting. When Sutton Hale moves into the apartment across the hall from Caelan she’s not prepared for her reaction to him. Something in his broken blue eyes calls to her—after all she’s always had an irrational need to fix everything. But Caelan doesn’t do relationships or feelings. He does drugs and alcohol. However, he can’t ignore his desire to get to know the raven-haired woman across the hall. Two broken souls trying to mend one another. But not everything can be fixed. In the end, Caelan and Sutton will have to learn that there is beauty in the ashes.

    

 Excerpt: UNEDITED AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
 Prologue
 Caelan Life is like a flame. It burns bright for a while, then it flickers and fades, until finally one small breath extinguishes it and we're left with the ashes.   The house was quiet, but I still waited ten more minutes, making sure I heard the sounds of my dad snoring. I’d been grounded for a month the last time I got caught sneaking out. I wasn’t going to make the same mistake again. I crept over to my bedroom window, sliding it up as quietly as I could. It squeaked and I halted my movements, holding my breath to make sure no one in the house stirred. I all but jumped out of my skin when the door to the bathroom that connected my room to my sister’s opened. “Cael, what are you doing?” She asked, standing there in pajama shorts and a tank top. Her eyes were wide, reminding me of a doll. “Isn’t it obvious?” I whispered, nodding at my half open window. “Mom and dad are going to kill you if you get caught,” she hissed, padding into my room like she owned the place. Nosy little sisters were good for nothing. I missed the days when I could bribe her to keep quiet with candy. “I can’t miss this party, Cayla,” I groaned. “I’m the quarterback. I have to be there,” I reasoned. “I want to go,” she squared her shoulders defiantly. “No,” I hissed through my teeth. No fucking way was I bringing my sixteen-year-old sister to a senior party. It wasn’t because of her age that I wanted her to stay behind, but the way I saw my friends looking at her. Cayla was too sweet and innocent to get wrapped up in one of those fuckers. I’d kill them if they touched my sister. “Fine, then I’m going to wake up mom,” she turned on her heel to stalk out of my room. I reached out and grabbed her arm, my fingers digging into her skin. “No,” I said sternly. “Don’t be a little tattle tale bitch.” Her eyes widened at my harsh words. Yeah, Cayla and I bickered like most siblings, but we also got along better than most too. She wasn’t used to me being so rude. “Let go of me,” she yanked her arm from my grasp. “You can be such a dick, Caelan.” She headed back towards the bathroom and stopped in the doorway. “I won’t say anything to mom and dad about this, but you owe me.” “Deal,” I smiled. She started to leave, but something in me made me say her name. “Cayla?” “Yeah?” She stopped, her blonde hair swishing around her shoulders. I swallowed thickly. “I love you, you know that, right?” She rolled her clear blue eyes at me. Cayla and I looked a lot alike—so much alike that many people believed we were twins. “I see what you’re doing here, you still owe me dickwad.” I chuckled. “Believe me, I know.” I was surprised she hadn’t put up much fight. I think she knew the real reason I didn’t want her to go and probably wanted to avoid me getting in a fight—which would result in our parent’s finding out that we had both snuck out. “Have fun,” she smiled, closing the bathroom door. “Night, Cayla-belle,” I said softly, so low that she couldn’t hear me. I eased the window the rest of the way up and crouched outside. I waited a minute to make sure Cayla wasn’t going to reappear—or one of my parents—then closed it. I tiptoed down the eave of the roof, spotting the taillights of Kyle’s car waiting down the street for me. I lowered to my stomach, sliding over the edge and grabbing on. I dropped down to the ground, careful to tuck my body so I didn’t injure myself. Getting down was the easy part of sneaking out. Getting back up…now that was a different story. I jogged down the street to Kyle’s white car. “Dude, what the fuck took so long?” He asked when I finally slid into the passenger seat. “My sister caught me,” I muttered. Kyle grinned and I didn’t like his smile one bit. “Why didn’t you bring her? She’s hot, I’m sure someone could’ve had some fun with her.” I glared at him, my fists clenched. “Don’t talk about my sister like that.” Kyle raised his hands in mock surrender, a smirk playing on his thin lips. “It’s the truth. A lot of the guys would love to have a piece of—” I punched the side of his face. I didn’t care if he was my friend or not. No one talked about my baby sister like that. Hopefully he’d take this as a lesson and so would the other guys. “Fuck, Caelan, did you really need to punch me?” “Yeah, I really did. Maybe that will teach you that running your mouth about my sister is a bad idea,” I retorted. “Would you want me making comments about your sister?” “My sister is fourteen,” he countered. “Mine’s only sixteen,” I continued to pin him with a glare. “Fine, whatever dude. She isn’t worth getting punch over for no-fucking-reason,” he hissed. He finally pulled away from the curb. “Where’s this party at?” I asked. After we’d won the football game, I’d had to head home for dinner—my parents were really big on family time. Sometimes ‘family time’ could be a major pain in the ass since it kept me from doing stuff with friends, but when I heard some of them talk about how messed up their families were I was silently thankful for my overbearing parents. “The Cove,” he answered, winding around a turn too fast. I knew better than to complain. He’d only speed up. The Cove wasn’t really a cove at all. It was a rock formation near the lake that provided great shelter from the surrounding neighborhoods. As long as we kept the noise level reasonable, most people didn’t know we were out there. “Leah is going to be there,” Kyle said casually, watching me out of the corner of his eye for a reaction. I’d been going after Leah for a few weeks now. She always tried to blow me off, but I could tell I was breaking down her walls. It wouldn’t be long until I had her right where I wanted her. She was enjoying playing hard to get, and I was enjoying the chase, but it ended tonight. I’d have her. Kyle parked a block over from The Cove and we walked from that point. People would get suspicious if a bunch of cars were parked too close. “Cael?” I turned at the sound of my name, my lips curling up as I spotted Leah. Her shiny red hair was curling down her back and her lips were coated in some kind of shiny gloss that I was desperate to taste. “I’ll see you later…I guess,” Kyle winked, heading on without us. “You know,” I told Leah, “you shouldn’t be standing out here all by yourself where anyone could get you.” “Oh,” she purred, striding forward, “is the big bad wolf going to eat me?” She asked, purposely letting her breasts brush against my shoulder. “Maybe,” I smirked, staring down at her. “And maybe,” she stared brazenly up at me, “I want him too.” Aw, hell. I’d been waiting weeks for this moment, and I wasn’t going to let it pass me by. I reached out for her, my hands finding the curve of her butt, and pressed my lips to hers. She let out a soft little moan that stirred something inside me. I pressed more firmly against her as her fingers pulled at my hair. I knew she was a feisty little thing. I nipped at her bottom lip and then plunged my tongue inside her mouth. I wanted her and I wanted her bad, but we were standing on the street, and I did value my life, because if I got caught my dad would be pissed enough to string me up by my balls and leave me to die, so I broke away. “That’s hardly over,” I warned her. She giggled, reaching for my hand. “I hope not…and it certainly doesn’t feel like it’s over,” she bit her lip, running her fingers over the hard-on pressing against my jeans. My breath hissed through my teeth as she felt me up. If I’d driven I would’ve told her to forget about the stupid party and we would have went back to my car to finish this. I led her through the tall grass and around the large rocks where the party was roaring. A small fire provided warmth—but wasn’t large enough to attract unwanted attention. Someone played music from their iPod dock and bodies swayed. “Dance with me,” Leah pleaded, pulling me towards everyone else. I wasn’t a dancer, but I agreed just for the pleasure of watching her sexy little body move. She grinded against me and I closed my eyes, tilting my head back. “If you keep doing that,” I warned her, grabbing her stomach and rubbing my thumb against the underside of her breast, “I’m going to haul you out of here and make you scream my name.” She looked up at me, her brown eyes sparkling in the moonlight. My throat tightened as her tongue flicked out to moisten her pouty lips. “I wouldn’t complain.” “Fuck,” I growled, my hands tightening against her. I wanted her and I wanted her bad. “Come on,” I pulled her away from everyone else and into the tall grasses. I kept dragging her until we were far enough away that we wouldn’t be found easily. I sunk down on the ground, pulling her with me onto my lap. “You’ve been teasing me for weeks,” I lifted her shirt off her head. “This ends tonight.” “Just make it good,” she challenged. “Oh, trust me, baby, you don’t need to worry.” ⌘⌘⌘ When we returned—clothes and hair mused, but completely satisfied—the party had grown even larger. It seemed like everyone in our senior class was in attendance. People wanted to talk and congratulate me on the game. I smiled and nodded—but honestly, I didn’t really care. Football was fun, but it wasn’t my whole life. I sat down on the ground, beer in hand, with Leah between my legs. Her head rested against my chest. When the sun started to peek above the edge of the lake, we all knew it was time to leave. I said goodbye to Leah, giving her a long lingering kiss. Tonight had been good and I wasn’t ready to let her walk away just yet. “Come on, Lover Boy,” Kyle pried me away from her lips. I laughed, calling to Leah, “See you later?” She nodded, her cheeks flushed with happiness. Kyle dropped me off at the same spot he’d been waiting for me earlier. I walked slowly towards my house, my head bowed. When I finally looked up, ready to cut across the side yard to the back, so I could get back to my room, I noticed that the front door was slightly ajar. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. Oh, shit. My parents had woken up and found me gone. I was in so much trouble it wasn’t even funny. I swallowed thickly, my heart pumping in my chest as I made my way up the front steps into the house. There would be no point trying to sneak in. I had been caught and I needed to face this. When I pushed open the front door the rest of the way, I was surprised to find the house in disarray. Drawers were open, lights smashed, and our belongings strewn about everywhere. “What. The. Hell,” I gasped. My heart raced even faster. Something bad had happened. It looked like someone had broken in and tried to rob us. I walked to the back of the house, to the kitchen, expecting to find my mom and dad there calling for the police, but it was empty. “Mom!” I called. “Dad!” Silence greeted me. Maybe they had run to the neighbors house? Or were at the police station? Or—? Something told me that neither of those things had happened. Dread settled over me, sliding through my body like toxic sludge. I swallowed thickly, heading for the main staircase. I took the steps slowly and when I came to a standstill. Blood. Blood everywhere. My shoes were growing damp with it. “Dad!” I dropped to my knees, not caring that his blood was now soaking my jeans. “Dad!” I screamed again and again—willing him to answer. I rolled him over, choking on a sob as his lifeless eyes met me. There was so much blood. God, it was fucking everywhere, seeping out of a series of knife wounds on his chest. I released him, running for my parent’s room. “No!” I yelled, when my eyes took in the sight of my mom lying on a blood soaked mattress, her eyes focused on the ceiling. There were cuts and slashes all over her. I couldn’t mistake the sound of her blood dripping from the bed onto the hardwood floors. Drip. Drip. Drip. I ran to Cayla’s room next, praying that she had hidden and was okay—or better yet, hoping I’d wake up and find this to all be a nightmare. “Cayla!” I shouted, clutching my stomach as it heaved violently. Like my mom, she was lying in her bed. Her eyes stared straight at me—the color so light it was almost white. Her normally rosy complexion was now a grayish blue color. Her throat had been slit open, the blood coating her, the bed, and the floor. Her mouth was open in a never-ending silent scream. I fell to the ground, sobbing hysterically. “Cayla,” I cried, crawling on my hands and knees over to her bed. “Cayla, please! You can’t die! Cayla!” I smacked her cheeks, shook her, yelled at her, and none of it did any good. She was gone. They were all gone. I pulled my phone out, fumbling to press the right buttons. “911 what’s your emergency?” “Help! You have to help me! They’re dead! They’re all dead!” “Who’s dead, sir?” The calm voice asked me. “My family! They’re dead! God, they’re all dead!” “Sir, what’s your address?” I couldn’t answer the woman. I had lost all capability of speaking. A strange noise was escaping me—half crying, half screaming. I shook Cayla some more, hoping in vain that what I was seeing would disappear and she’d wake up and tell me I was crazy. I’d rather be losing my mind than face this reality. When I knew that Cayla wasn’t going to wake up I sat on the floor beside her. I rocked back and forth, sobbing, my blood-covered hands running through my hair. I kept muttering under my breath, “This isn’t real, this isn’t real, this isn’t real.” That’s how the police found me. Even five years later, I still felt like I was stuck in that room, rocking back and forth beside Cayla. Only now, I said, “This is real.”

 

 Add on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book

RELEASE DAY!!! - Savage Possession (Mystic Wolves #5) by Belinda Boring

 

"Wow! Just WOW! Savage Possession had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.
This jaw-dropping, eye-popping latest installment in the Mystic Wolves series is simply epic."
~ Raquel Auriemma, Roc n' Read

Savage Possession - Belinda Boring

Book 5 of The Mystic Wolves series

Growing up, Darcy knew that life would be filled with challenges and tough decisions, but none so difficult as the one that would alter her future forever. Given the choice between losing Mason or becoming a vampire, Darcy risks the overwhelming threat of insanity, and places her destiny, her hopes and dreams, in the hands of Devlin. When she survives the conversion and shows how truly strong she is, everyone thinks that the worst is behind them. It’s time to get back to normal - or their new normal - and live happily ever after.

But danger still lurks within the shadows - both in Woodside Hollow, the supernatural community, and within Darcy. Even though she looks fine, she seems “altered” to those closest to her, something beyond the expected consequences of her dual nature. With reports of dark rituals and blood sacrifices being performed, the Council has their hands filled trying to solve that mystery, leaving Mason scrambling to find out what’s wrong with his mate.

Will the imbalance warring within Darcy eventually settle, or will her decision to become part vampire-part werewolf lead to a SAVAGE POSSESSION?

“Epic. Belinda Boring knows how to suck you right into her world.
Savage Possession was just as the title said it would be.
Spectacular to the very last word!!”
~ Carrie Fort, Indy Book Fairy Blog

Purchase for only $2.99

Early Praise:

"Savage Possession was totally unexpected. The twists and turns had me on my toes not wanting to put it down. Some parts showed another darker and sinister side to the mind of Belinda Boring. I highly recommend this installment of The Mystic Wolves!!"
~ Lisa Markson, I Pimp My Authors.

  Holy shizzzzz! This plot is so twisted; I did not see that coming!!! Fans of The Mystic Wolves are really going to love this one. Trust me . . . you will be begging for more!”
~ Cindy Mucha Barton, Amazon Reader

   “I love Belinda's books and this one is no different. This book will keep you on your toes from the get go. You will not be able to put it down.”
~ Amy Chris, Weet Weet’s Bookshelf

“I couldn't put it down. It shows what people will endure for true love.”
~ Samantha Blackwelder, Amazon Reader

"Savage Possession has all the swoon-worthy, weak-in-the-knees moments that we've come to expect from Belinda Boring, but it is also loaded with shocking plot twists and turns that will take your breath away.”
~ Christina Silcox, Literary Redemption

  "OMG! I don't even know where to begin.
Belinda's books are amazing, but she outdid herself this time!”
~ Jeanine Palinkas, Amazon Reader.

"Absolutely blew my mind!"

~ Ashley Blackwell

"Spine tingling, suspense filled, brilliant, full of surprises!"

~ Michael Auriemma

"Belinda Boring is a true writing genius! I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish."

~ Julia Wood

About the author

A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she's not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for books on her blog The Bookish Snob.

With all that excitement, it wasn’t long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can’t help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn’t be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes. Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life.

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BLOG TOUR: That's a Lie by Victoria Klahr

That's A Lie
Author: Victoria Klahr
Release Date: March 25, 2014
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Add It: Goodreads

Seth is back.

When he walked back into my life, it almost felt like the pieces of my broken heart could be fixed. I thought we could go back to being best friends, but then I started to feel what I had been blocking out for years. I tried. Boy, did I try! But once I started to let him in, I wanted nothing more than to cross that line from friendship into something more…

Just when I think I can move on and let myself be happy, an ugly reminder from my past comes storming in and threatens to destroy the sliver of hope that's been growing since Seth came back.

Do I even deserve to be loved?

“I’m not asking to fix your heart. I’m not asking to mend you. I love each and every shattered piece of you. I’m asking that you let me love you. Let me love each piece of your broken heart, and I swear to you I will make up for every heartache you have ever experienced.”

I came back for Josie.

I knew I'd have to fight for her, but with the loss of her dad and the truth about what happened with her and Blake, I quickly realized that making her mine was going to be a lot harder than I first thought. The problem is, I can’t pretend like she’s just my best friend. I can’t pretend I don’t want more.

I'm willing to do anything to get her to admit she has the same passionate feelings for me, because I know once she opens up and stops lying to herself, I can show her what it really means to be loved. It's a battle of wills, but my love for her is stronger than her will to stop me.

So I fight for her. I fight because I know she deserves it.

From That's A Lie
© 2014 Victoria Klahr

“You lied to me,” he said gruffly, sitting on the barstool at my counter. His blonde hair flopped in front of his eyes, and my hands itched to push it back. To get to touch him again the way I want to would satisfy only a millimeter of the need I have, but it would relieve some of the pain. I turned around to hide my thoughts.

“Ugh… I need coffee,” I said vacantly, reaching for my coffee maker. I didn’t even hear Seth move, but his hand grabbed mine and he turned me around, placing his hands beside me on the countertop to trap me. My breath caught, and I was almost positive he could hear my heart pounding in my chest.

His blue green eyes were angry, but I didn’t even care about him being mad. All that mattered was the charge that thumped between us. I was very aware of him.

“You lied, Josie. You’re not supposed to lie to me.”

“Seth… come on,” I said, turning my face away, unable to look at the raw emotion in his expression. His hand dashed out and grabbed my chin.

“How long, Josie?” he asked. I closed my eyes, not wanting to admit anything. “Open your damn eyes, Jos. Stop fucking hiding.” His voice was hard, but it was also full of desperation. I opened my eyes and narrowed them at him.

He doesn’t understand that I need to keep him away from me. My life is tainted by darkness, and he doesn’t need that. “It doesn’t matter, Seth. I’m fine.”

“Like fucking hell it doesn’t matter. I haven’t heard you scream like that since after everything that happened.”

He was referring to when I would have nightmares after I was raped. He or one of my dads would come lay with me to help me fall asleep. Every day that Seth wasn’t in school, he was there with me, trying to make the nightmares go away.

“Since the engagement party,” I whispered, looking down. I don’t know why I admitted it, but I think there was a part of me that realized I couldn’t hold onto all this pain anymore.

That’s when my resolve started to break. How long can I go on fighting the feelings that I have for Seth? How long can I act like nothing hurts me?

“Fuck, Jos…,” he whispered back, placing his forehead against mine. I was able to smell the mixture of hay and apple pie on his skin, and I almost lost my footing from wanting him so badly. “You should have told me.”

“I didn’t want you to worry,” I admitted.

“I worry about you every second you’re not with me, Pussy Cat. Every second that you hide behind that wall you’ve built, I wonder when you’re going to crack.” His hand reached up to caress my face, and I started to lean into his touch. It was only a minute movement, but I still heard Seth’s breath hitch. My lapse in self-control made him bold. He brought his mouth to the side of mine, and kissed me. I couldn’t stop the whimper before it escaped my mouth.

“There you are,” he whispered hoarsely against my lips. I wanted to bask in the moment, but I had already opened up to him too much. I pushed through the barricade he had made, and ran back to my room.

Where to Buy
That's A Promise (Promises Promises #1)
Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon UK

That's A Lie (Promises Promises #2)
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Review

When Seth left in That's a Promise (the first in this series), I thought "good riddance." But when he returned in That's a Lie, he turned up the heat...to an inferno! I thought I wanted Josie with Blake. I even wrote an entire blog post about why she should choose him. And then Seth showed the error of my ways and convinced me that he was Josie's soul mate, her true love, her hero. And Blake turned out to be a total disappointment. Not just a disappointment, but a grade A, first class, JERK! How could I have been so wrong about him? Seth will melt your heart, especially when he tells Josie, "You're my chocolate!" (That will make so much more sense once you read it.) Victoria Klahr, you earned 5 stars, if for not other reason than you made me want to read the final chapter twice!!

Giveaway

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About the Author

Victoria Klahr (pronounced like “Claire”) lives in Elizabeth City, North Carolina with her husband and daughter, Stephen and Alexis. She loves her chug (Pug/Chihuahua), Bandit, and three year old to pieces. She loves to stay home and take care of them, even if they do drive her insane at times. She is a huge and proud book nerd who looks at her bookshelf in admiration daily. She has her Associate’s degree in Business Administration, but her passion has always been the stories that talk to her in her head. One day she decided to take a chance and let the voices write her story. She has never felt more certain or comfortable about who she is than when she writes.

Where to Find Her
Victoria Klahr Writes | Facebook | @Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads
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Roc n’ Read Interview  

1.   Where did the idea for the Promises, Promises series come from?

a.      So for the Promises, Promises series, I really started out with the idea of having a character who had two dads. It started from there, and it formed into Josie and her story. For about two months, I would stay up every night and think of this girl, and created a story. Eventually I worked up the courage to write it down. It was extremely important that things were not easy for her. I wanted her to have a tough time, but I also needed her to be strong, selfish, and realistic. I wanted angst, so I tried to write that.

2.  What made you decide to make Josie the daughter of a same-sex couple?

a.      Like I said, the idea was originated with wanting a story about a girl with two dads. I don’t want to write books that had no controversial topics. I wanted something that is prevalent in society- something scandalous and maybe something that not everyone agrees with. I am a huge advocate for gay rights, so it was a no brainer to come up with a story that shows how a same-sex couple can raise a child together and have her turn out to be okay. I hate hearing people say that same-sex couples will ruin the values of a family, because I know it’s not true. I could really go on forever with this question, but it really just boils down to the fact that I want to always write a story that has something the reader may not agree with. It’s my own little defiant act against my dad, if you really want to know…

3.  How would you say you and Josie are alike?

a.      I would say there are certainly some similarities. Josie is a book nerd who loves Harry Potter, and that’s definitely me! But more than that, Josie is selfish and insecure, and that’s also something I relate to as a woman. I think a lot of women would agree that they just want to feel loved and accepted, and that’s where a lot of Josie’s decisions stem from.

4.  I know that the plan is that the next book will be the end of the series, do you know what you’ll be doing after you finish with Josie, Seth and Blake?

a.      Yes there are three books in the Promises, Promises series. I will announce to you that I do have plans to write a series about Brody Porter- and a girl that will be revealed in book three. I’m so excited to get started on this series. I fell in love with him as soon as I wrote him into That’s a Lie, so it was clear I needed to write his story.

5.  Name one thing about each of your characters that you absolutely love.

a.      Josie Sommers- her strength. Her ability to always go forward with life is so inspirational to me.

b.     Blake Porter- his anger and inability to forgive. I know people didn’t like where his character went in TAL, but I loved it. I felt like it was real and raw. He was angry, and he has every right to feel like he can’t move on from Josie’s “betrayal.”

c.      Seth Montgomery- (everything!) his child-like personality. I love writing him because I ALWAYS smile during his scenes. Also, he’s hot as FUCK!!!!!

d.     Alice- her bitchiness.

e.     Brandon- his loyalty. I feel like I showed a little more about how loyal he is to his friendship with Seth. I would love to explore his character some more.

f.       Brooke- her secret brokenness. She’s a confident woman, but secretly, she hurts over what her family has put her through.

6.  Are there any authors who influenced your desire to write?

a.      Of course! When I first got the courage to write, it was KA Linde and Taryn Fisher who influenced me. I loved their ability to write angst, so that was what I wanted to do too. I’m always influenced by writing, though, and recently Tahereh Mafi has inspired me more than any author before. I finished her Shatter Me series, and I instantly went to write, because I had never felt so moved before.

7.  I’m not a fan of having my favorite books made into movies.  But if they were to make a movie about your life, who would you want to play the part of you?

a.      I think it’s pretty obvious someone like Kate Upton would play me…. LMAO just kidding!!!! I personally would love Kerri Washington to play me, but I don’t think that would be very accurate, so I would have to pick someone else. Maybe if I was skinnier I would say Drew Barrymore. Growing up, I had people tell me all the time that I looked like her, so she would probably be my best pick. (I wish!)

8.  What was your favorite book as a child?

a.      As a child… I’m still young, so it would be the Harry Potter series. My dad and grandparents wouldn’t let me read these books growing up, so I would sneak them from friends and read the books under my covers at night when my dad was asleep. I got caught a couple of times, but I loved the books so much, that I kept doing it!

9.   I know you have one, so name the top 3 songs (including artist), on your Promises, Promises playlist.

a.      Angels by Mayday Parade

b.     Hold onto Me by Mayday Parade

c.      If I’m James Dean, You’re Audrey Hepburn by Sleeping with Sirens

10.   You’re stuck inside for days due to a freak snowstorm that dumped 3 feet of snow outside your door.  Tell me what 3 books you’re going to read, what 3 movies you’re going to watch and what you’ll be eating while you wait for some hottie to come rescue you.

a.      FUN!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay… Three books: Shatter Me, Unravel Me, and Ignite Me. Three movies: Pitch Perfect, Bridesmaids, and Role Models. I will be eating popcorn with chocolate chips, Oreos and peanut butter, and pizza (sausage and peppers/ stuffed crust). And the hottie (even though you didn’t ask) is obviously Theo James…. There’s no one else for me! 

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Tempting Rowan by Micalea Smeltzer

Synopsis

I’m drowning in the numbness. It’s pulling me under and I can’t see the surface. It’s easier to pretend I can’t feel. And the longer you pretend, the easier it is to believe. But he wants to save me. Only he can’t. I have to save myself…and I don’t know if I want to.

Rowan Sinclair’s life has been anything but easy. With an alcoholic mother and a sleazy stepfather, it’s been her responsibility to raise her younger siblings. At twenty-one she’s chained to a life she doesn’t want, but sees no other alternative. After all, what would happen to her brother and sister if she were to leave?

Trenton Wentworth sees the pain behind Rowan’s eyes. He wants nothing more than to make it disappear. To hold her. To love her. Except Rowan keeps everyone at a safe distance. But if there’s anyone that can break down the walls she’s built around herself, it’s Trent. So she avoids him at all costs. But Trent isn’t one to be easily evaded. He’s stubborn and determined. He’ll save this girl even if it costs him everything.

Love, lies, and deception.

That’s the name of the game when you’re Tempting Rowan.

Author Bio:

Micalea Smeltzer is an author from Virginia. Her name is pronounced Muh-call-e-uh. She is permanently glued to her computer, where she constantly writes. She has to listen to music when she writes and has a playlist for every book she’s ever started. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading a book or playing with her three dogs.

You can email Micalea at:  msmeltzer9793@gmail.com

 Like her Facebook Page to stay updated on all the latest book news:

Follow her on twitter:  https://twitter.com/msmeltzer9793

Website:  http://micaleasmeltzer.com/

Giveaway:  Signed paperback set of the Trace + Olivia Series plus swag. 

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Excerpt:

“Just the two of you?” A waitress appeared beside our table, glaring at Jude. Geez, I couldn’t go anywhere with guy. Had he slept with everyone?

“Yeah, just the two of us,” Jude replied, leaning back in the booth with an easy grin.

She dropped the menus on the table and the plastic made a smacking sound as it hit the table. “What can I get you to drink then?”

“Water,” I answered.

“Same,” Jude replied, smiling at the waitress.  She rolled her eyes and turned sharply on her heel.

“She’s so going to spit in my drink,” I grumbled.

Jude chuckled, pulling off his beanie and running his fingers through his hair. “Nah, she won’t bother you. It’s me that’ll be drinking her spit.”

“Ew,” I wrinkled my nose. “Anyway,” I picked up the menu, “what’s good here?”

“Everything,” he replied.

“That’s real helpful, Jude.”

“Hey, it’s the truth,” he chuckled, scratching his stubbled jaw.

Since I was starving and running out of time before I had to get to work, I ordered a turkey club sandwich. Jude ordered the same and cheese fries for an appetizer.

“Uh…Rowan?” He leaned forward with both his hands on the table, looking at something over my shoulder.

“Yes?” I responded, inspecting my water for any foreign substances.

“Do you have a boyfriend?”

“God no, Jude! You know that! And no, I’m not going to date you!”

“Hey,” he raised his hands in defense, “I know you’re not interested in me, that’s why we’re friends. But that dude over there is glaring at me like he wants to rip my balls from my body.”

“Thanks for that disturbing visual, Jude,” I groaned.

I looked over my shoulder to see who he was talking about, but couldn’t see anything, because the top of the booth blocked my line of sight.

“Did he leave?” I asked.

“Nope,” Jude picked up the wrapper from his straw and began playing with it, “he’s still staring. I think he’s planning to kill me and trying to figure out the best place to hide my body so no one finds me.” He reached across the table and took my hand. “If I don’t make it out of this alive, please tell my mom I love her.”

“Are you sure you’re not studying to be an actor?” I pulled my hand from his grasp.

“Oh, fuck,” Jude paled, sitting up straight, “he’s coming over. I think he’s pissed that I held your hand.”

“Hello, Rowan.” Both words were said through gritted teeth, telling me the person who spoke them was beyond mad.

A shiver danced down my spine as I recognized the voice.

“Hi, Trenton.” I tried to keep my tone light and sound unaffected, even though my whole body was humming with pleasant zings at his close proximity.

“You know this guy?” Jude asked me, his mouth falling open in shock that I might possibly know someone other than him that possessed a penis.

I nodded. There was no way I could deny it, and I didn’t want Trent to cause a scene. Well, an even bigger scene.

“Oh, she knows me better than I’m sure she knows you,” Trent smiled—and there was nothing pleasant about it—as he slid into the booth beside me. “Who are you?”

“You don’t have to say anything,” I warned Jude, taking a sip of water.

Trent glared at me.

Jude swallowed thickly, looking like a deer caught in headlights. “I’m Jude.”

“And are you on a date with my friend here?” Trent tilted his head towards me.

“No-o-o.” Jude’s voice shook. Scaredy-cat. “We’re just grabbing a bite to eat.” Jude was a tough guy, and I found the fact that he was scared of Trent to be hilarious. I’m sure with the way Jude got around he’d run into plenty of jealous boyfriends, and had to fight his way out of a sticky situation, but something about Trent had him shaking in his boots.

“Yeah, and I bet you’re trying to figure out how you’re going to get her to go back to your place, aren’t you? I bet she’s just another conquest to someone like you. I know your type. You’re always looking for an easy fuck. So, I suggest you look elsewhere.”

My eyes widened and my jaw dropped at Trent’s words. I punched his arm as hard as I could, forcing him to acknowledge my presence. I could tell Jude was pissed too, and opened his mouth to say something to Trent, but I didn’t need Jude to fight my battles.

“I can’t believe you just said that to him,” I spat at Trent, keeping my voice hushed so we didn’t disturb the other people in the restaurant.

“Yeah, well,” Trent reached up and ran his fingers nervously through his hair, obviously ashamed of his behavior, “I’m a bit pissed off that you keep wanting to brush me off, but you’re out with this guy. You turned me down for dinner last night, but here you are with him,” he pointed a forceful finger at Jude.

“This guy,” Jude pointed to himself, “has a name, and it’s Jude. J. U. D. E.”

“Do I look like I care?” Trent glared, his nostrils flaring with anger.

“I’m not on a date, so stop being rude to him,” I told Trent. I was tempted to kick him, but since he was beside me, that would’ve been quite difficult.

“Then what are you doing?” Trent looked from me to Jude.

“Why should I tell you? You’re the one that came over here like a dog pissing on its territory,” I seethed.

“Oh, this is good,” Jude chuckled. I turned in his direction to see him shoving cheese fries in his mouth. “Please, continue.”

I ignored Jude and went back to glaring at Trent. I was embarrassed by his behavior and I knew I’d have a lot of explaining to do, because Jude would want to know what was going on between Trent and I. I’d do my best to avoid that conversation for as long as possible. I didn’t want to go into details with Jude about my past with Trenton.

“And you’re the one that acts like you hate me, then I kiss you, and it’s obvious you do want me,” Trent countered, referring to the night after we shopped for groceries. “You can keep denying this as long as you want, but as long as your body continues reacting to me, I’ll keep coming back.”

“You kissed him?” Jude asked, dipping three fries in ranch. Of course, out of all of that the only part Jude noticed included kissing.

“He kissed me,” I argued, glaring daggers at the two guys. “And it hardly was a kiss at all.”

“Whatever you need to tell yourself to feel better,” Trent smirked in my direction. “Can I have some of those?” He asked Jude, pointing to the fries.

“Sure, as long as you promise not to kill me and cut me up into tiny pieces,” Jude shrugged, sliding the plate closer to where Trent and I sat. I guessed they were best friends forever now thanks to the magical bond of cheese fries. “Now, tell me about this kiss,” Jude probed Trent for answers.

“There’s nothing to tell,” I spoke up before Trent could open his big fat mouth.

“It was a simple kiss goodnight,” Trent shrugged, taking a fry as he talked over me.

“You naughty girl, Rowan. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me,” Jude winked.

“Why would I tell you?” I muttered under my breath. “You’re a guy. Besides, it wasn’t worth talking about.”

“Burn,” Jude coughed, eyeing Trent warily in case he decided to jump across the table and strangle him.

“Well, then,” Trenton turned to face me, a challenge glimmering in his blue eyes, “I guess I’ll have to give you something to talk about then.”

“Huh?”

In a lightning fast move, he grabbed my face between his large hands and pressed his lips against mine. The kiss was demanding and forceful, but somehow still passionate. It was the kind of combination that left your world spinning. I found my traitorous body responding to the feel of his tongue against my lips. I felt insecure and unsure what to do. I hadn’t been with anyone since Trenton and that had been five years ago, so I was clearly out of practice. I found that my body seemed to know what to do though, despite my lack of knowledge. I grasped his sweatshirt between my fingers, curling the fabric into my fist. His tongue flicked against mine and a soft moan escaped me. My mind had gone completely blank and all I could do was feel. My lips followed his in a passionate dance.

Cold water flicked against my face and I pulled away from Trent. We both wiped our faces and looked in the direction the water had come from. Jude sat there grinning, wiping his hands on a napkin. “Y’all looked like you needed a cold shower. Seeing as how we’re a little low on showers at the moment,” he looked around the restaurant, “I thought this would suffice,” he pointed to his glass of water.

My review
One of the best things I've done since starting this blog is to judge a book by its cover.  Had I not done that, I would not have discovered one of my favorite authors - Micalea Smeltzer.  I loved the cover for Finding Olivia so much that I just had to read it.  I immediately fell in love with Olivia and Trace and of course, Micalea.  These characters came alive and pulled me right into their story.  They made me love them and I wanted to be a part of their lives.

And now we have Tempting Rowan!  I didn't know it could get any better.  In the Olivia books, we met Trent because he's Trace's younger brother.  He was fun, but Trace was the star and Trent was just the somewhat annoying little brother.  But in Tempting Rowan, he outshines everyone.  Talk about a character making you love them!  Trent will make you forget why you ever thought you loved another.

And Rowan!  One minute you want to shake her and make her tell you why she can't just love him and then in the next minute you just want to hug her and tell her that everything is going to be okay.  You want to fight all her demons for her and you absolutely love her for who she really is inside that heart she's trying so hard to hide.

This is what Micalea does.  She brings these characters to life.  She makes them real.  She works her magic so that they burrow their way into your heart and wrap themselves so tightly around it that you never want their stories to end.  You want to live through every moment with them.


Get your copy of Tempting Rowan today while it's still just 99 cents!  Let yourself fall in love with Trent!

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