Nessie Strange
Love’s Not Viral
Twenty-four-year-old bartender Aster Sanderson’s life is turned upside down when drunken Hollywood actor Bradley Stone snaps a picture of her…and tweets to his 12.8 million followers that she’s his fiancee. As the internet blows up with the news and gossip flies out of control, she’s left feeling helpless. This has to be a misunderstanding, right? But when the actor in question shows up on her doorstep, it’s clear he’s unhinged and she soon becomes a prisoner in her own home (literally).
Her savior? Bradley’s handsome—and seemingly normal—older brother, James, who quickly stirs up feelings she never expected. Can they disarm the ticking time-bomb that Bradley Stone has become before any more damage is done? And is their mutual attraction the result of these unusual circumstances…or could it become something more?
About the Author:
Nessie is a Massachusetts native and mother of two who has dabbled in everything from abstract painting to freelance sports reporting. She also loves a good story, whether it’s reading or writing one. Living Dead Girl and Reaper Madness, the first two novels in her urban fantasy Living Dead World series, were published by Etopia press in 2014.
http://nessieslivingdeadworld.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/NessieStrange
http://www.pinterest.com/nessiestrange/
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNessieStrange
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7463821.Nessie_Strange
Publications:
Living Dead World series (Urban Fantasy)
Living DeadGirl –book 1(January 2014)
Reaper Madness—book 2 (November 2014)
Confessions of a Punk Rocker (Release TBA, 2015)
Praise for Living Dead Girl
“Wow! What a thrilling novel! This exciting novel, written by Ms. Nessie Strange, is one that will grab a reader from the first, and much like a roller coaster, not let go.” –Night Owl Reviews
“This book threw me into a tornado of emotions. It took me out of my comfort zone, yet would place me back into it, only to be ripped back out again.” –Book Reads and Reviews
“This is one hell of a ride, and a seriously emotional one at that. I still feel for Jen, and I have so much more I want to say about that, but I really don’t want to give spoilers away.” —Happy Tails and Tails Blog
Excerpt from Love’s Not Viral
He crosses the room and gingerly sits at the opposite end of my bed. At least this brother doesn’t have issues respecting personal space. “What am I helping with?”
“We’re getting to know each other. Passing the time. Also hopefully brainstorming ways to get out of here. Bonus points if we accomplish all three without bodily harm or loss of sanity.”
He chuckles. “You’re a funny girl. So what about you? Are you attached?”
“Well supposedly I’m engaged.” I adjust my legs, tuck them to the side of me, and hug a pillow to my chest. “But Tammy Two-Tits at Gossip Factory World—or whatever the fuck the magazine of the day is called—doesn’t think it will last.”
A pained expression washes over his face. “I’m really sorry that he mixed you up in this.” He’s staring at me again. No, it’s mutual staring. There’s something warm and inviting about him, something genuine, and I can’t help getting caught up in it. “I just can’t even imagine.”
I shrug. “I keep telling myself that I’ll look back on this and laugh someday. I just haven’t gotten to the point where it’s actually funny yet.”
“I don’t know what possessed him.”
“Well obviously he’s completely batshit crazy.” For a second there, I almost forget that this is Headcase’s brother. “Sorry.”
“I think crazy is a little harsh.” He’s chewing on his lower lip.
“I don’t.” Foot in mouth, Aster. I need an ally here, even if he’s from deep within enemy territory.
He sighs. “Bradley’s always been a little impulsive. He’s always had issues with anxiety, but the medication helps calm him down. When he’s stressed, though, and under a lot of pressure, it gets worse. The only explanation I can think of is he must’ve hit his breaking point. I don’t think he means any harm, I just think he’s got a lot on his plate right now, and things have gotten out of control…”
“You know, making excuses for him isn’t going to help anyone, least of all not him.”
He looks at the floor. I feel a twinge of guilt.
“Sorry, I’ve never had much of a filter. I keep forgetting that he’s your brother. I’m being really insensitive, aren’t I?”
“No, you’re right. We’ve always kind of spoiled him.”
Clearly talking about Bradley is not a good topic of conversation for us. I’m getting irritated and he’s more than a little uncomfortable. In fact, the decent vibe we’d started to establish is now off the charts awkward again. “You know what? Enough about him. Let’s watch some TV. A little brainless entertainment never hurt anyone.” I pat the bed next to me. “If you can keep your hands to yourself and take your shoes off, you can sit up here. Probably more comfortable and easier on your back if you’ve got something to lean up against. I know once you hit a certain age, these things can be an issue. At least, that’s what my dad always says.”
He laughs, but it comes out sounding like more of a snort. “I may be over thirty, but I’m not that old.” Still, he kicks off his sneakers and rounds the bed to sit beside me.
“Hey, I’m just being considerate.” I flick on the TV.
“Thanks. I think?”
By Aubrey Wynne
Publication Date: November 5, 2013
Henry, a shy and talented artist, moonlights as a security guard at a museum and loses his heart to a beautiful, melancholy woman in a painting. As his obsession grows, he finds a kindred soul who helps him in his search for happiness. On Christmas Eve, Henry dares to take a chance on love and fulfill his dream.
Winner of Best Short Romance in the Editors and Predators Reader’s Choice of 2013
Publisher Melange Books: http://bit.ly/1yPCzvl
Add Henry to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1yPBP9v
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1yPAqQa
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1yPBX99
Biography
Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding and all things Christmas. She is a proud member of the Coffee Talk Writers. Her debut story, Merry Christmas, Henry, was published in November 2013 by Melange Books, LLC and won E&P Reader’s Choice Best Short Romance 2013.
Her humorous shorts can be found at http://alfiedog.com/products-page/aubrey-wynne/
Keep in touch with Aubrey:
Website: http://aubreywynneauthor.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Aubreywynne51
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magnificentvalor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17695894-aubrey-wynne
Coming soon: Rolf’s Quest in the Love Least Expected Anthology. Release date February 2015
Set during the early years of the Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, Rolf’s Quest combines the legend of Merlin with a romance between one of his descendants and a young noblewoman. Rolf must break the curse that has trapped Merlin in a tree for over a century. But finding the genuine love that has eluded generations before him is no easy task, even for a wizard. When Melissa steps from his dreams and into his arms, he realizes that her love is much more than a way to free Merlin. Will his determination and magic be enough to win Melissa’s affection and turn her back on her betrothed?
~~Love Least Expected, coming February 3, 2015~~
Pre-Order today for only 99¢
All Romance http://bit.ly/1FgEElI
Amazon http://amzn.com/B00PMOM9NA
iBooks http://bit.ly/1FgF7Eg
Google Play http://bit.ly/1FgF8YX
http://booksnpearls.com/current-events/dec-15-merry-christmas-henry-by-aubrey-wynne-book-blast/
Kris Calvert
Roses are Wrong, Violets Taboo by Kris Calvert
On the night before Valentine’s Day, floral and greenhouse owner, Alexander Chase Tabeau should be preparing for the biggest day of his family’s business. Instead he’s drowning his sorrows at the Voodoo bar after burying the only real parent he’s ever known – his grandfather, Pops. The rugged and handsome man promised Pops he would get his life together, leaving behind a string of undesirable women and focusing on what was most important – family.
Rose Westwood has always known what she wanted and planned her life down to the tiniest detail. She’s packed up her belongings and is ready to take a new and challenging position with her company as their first female vice president. Not wanting to be alone on her last night in Tampa, she stumbles into what she never planned on – the best night of her life.
With nothing to lose and everything to gain, Rose and Chase spend one night confessing their hopes for the future and their failures of the past. After opening their hearts to one another, the morning after sheds new light on their destiny. Can one night together change them both forever?
About the Author:
Kris Calvert is a former copywriter and PR mercenary who after some coaxing, began writing romance novels. She loves alliteration, pearls and post-it notes. She’s married to the man of her dreams and lives in Lexington, Kentucky. She’s Momma to two kids, now in college – one at the University of Kentucky, and one at New York University -Tisch. She is also responsible for one very needy dog. When she’s not writing, she’s baking cupcakes.
WEBSITE
www.facebook.com/kriscalvert30
https://twitter.com/kriscalvert
http://www.pinterest.com/kpottorf/
NEWSLETTER
http://www.kriscalvert.com/#!blank/cu4c
Other books by Kris Calvert:
SEX, LIES & SWEET TEA BOOK 1
SEX, LIES & LIPSTICK BOOK 2
SEX, LIES & PEARLS BOOK 3
BE MINE NOVELLA 1
SPARKS FLY NOVELLA 2
Excerpt from Roses are Wrong, Violets Taboo
At first it was her purple dress that caught his eye. Then it was the fiery red hair she tossed with a flip of her hand as the wind blew in and projected her fresh smell into the old joint. When she turned around and began her catwalk into the bar, Alexander Chase Tabeau visibly caught his breath.
He didn’t realize he was staring until she caught his eye and raised one sexy brow in his direction. Embarrassed, he immediately turned back to his bourbon and drank it down in two swallows. He thought whomever belonged to the woman was one lucky son of a bitch.
“Grey Goose martini up with a twist, please?”
Her voice was sweet and childlike and Chase took notice. He dropped his chin and placed his empty glass on the bar and turned without thinking in her direction.
She gave him a smile, and Chase reciprocated with a single nod. The tension he’d felt in his body all day seemed to dissipate if only for a split second and somehow his face relaxed into a casual smile.
“Hi,” she said.
“Hello,” Chase replied as he tapped the rim of his empty bourbon glass again.
“Grey Goose martini up with a twist,” recounted the bartender as he tossed a cardboard coaster onto the bar top and carefully placed the full glass down without spilling.
The barkeep pointed to Chase. “Another?”
Chase nodded.
“Rough day?” she asked as the bartender walked away.
“Something like that,” Chase replied as he eyed her drink and then raised his eyebrow to her.
“Yeah,” she replied. “Me too.”
“I’m Chase. Chase Tabeau,” he said as he held out his hand.
“Rose Westwood,” she replied, giving him a firm shake.
Chase turned back to the fresh bourbon and took a sip. His body was beginning to relax. Whether it was from the alcohol or the company he was unsure.
“How many is that?” she asked with a smile as she sipped the top of the martini glass, trying not to spill.
“I beg your pardon?” Chase asked, turning to look at her again.
“How many bourbons?” Rose asked with an embarrassed shrug. “I mean, if you don’t mind me asking.”
Chase couldn’t tell if she thought he was drunk or if she was trying to save his soul. He answered her with no pretense. “Three.”
“Okay then,” she said as she nodded to herself and lifted the martini glass to her lips.
Chase watched her every move and for a moment imagined her full red lips on his body. She placed her mouth on the frosted martini glass and took a sip. The clear vodka and vermouth washed against her lips as if in slow motion. Chase thought it was the sexiest thing he’d ever seen. Either that or the third bourbon had kicked in with a vengeance.
“Okay then, what?” Chase asked, lowering his voice and moving in closer to the sexy redhead.
Rose Westwood turned and looked Chase dead in the eye and cocked her head. “I was just curious how many drinks it takes to have the courage to sit in a bar alone.”
“Alone?” he asked
“Yes,” she murmured as she lifted her glass to her lips again. “You are alone, aren’t you?”
Chase Tabeau softened his demeanor and for a bit forgot the long haul of the last six months of caring for Pops. The hospice workers, the pain meds and bedpans all left his mind and he focused on one thing – the beautiful Rose Westwood.
“Well?” she asked.
“I’m not alone if you’re here.”
Rose paused and gave Chase a tiny nod. “Good answer.”
Here’s a little about Kris:
Kris Calvert is a former copywriter and PR mercenary who after some coaxing, began writing romance novels. She loves alliteration, pearls and post-it notes. She’s married to the man of her dreams and lives in Lexington, Kentucky. She’s Momma to two kids, now in college – one at the University of Kentucky, and one at New York University -Tisch. She is also responsible for one very needy dog. When she’s not writing, she’s baking cupcakes.
Take a peek at Kris’ latest release:
http://www.amazon.com/Lies-Pearls-Moonlight-Magnolias-Novel-ebook/dp/B00P2S5H2Q/ref=asap_B00GQP4E46_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416853739&sr=1-1
Alphabetical Disorder
Everyone in Mason’s Circus understands and respects the powers of the resident gypsies—the Romani tribe—and most steer clear of any involvement. But when Susie gets caught in a web of prophecy and magic that brings danger to the troupe, her non-Rom interpretation turns out to be flawed. She pushes aside the man of her dreams to date alphabetically, in the hopes of saving her circus family.
Sam has had his eye on Susie since she joined the company. He’s puzzled by her actions, but not blind to the way she responds to him. A patient man by nature, he battles his need to claim her immediately or allow her game to continue. When disaster strikes, they join forces with their Romani friends to stop the curse before it destroys the circus.
About the Author:
If you discovered a sealed box with “Katie’s memories” scribbled on the side, you’d find a lifetime of partially completed stories, plays and musicals. A retired music teacher and curriculum writer, Katie Stephens has opened that box and switched her need to create from music to literature. She writes both non-fiction and fiction, where she happily experiments with all genres.
When her muse takes a break, Katie is a staff reader for freeze frame fiction and a grant writer for the Empire & Great Jones Creative Arts Foundation. Although her grown children are scattered east and west across the country, she lives solidly in mid-America with three kitties and a husband who keeps asking when she’s really going to retire.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-Stephens-Author/1633141843579542
Twitter https://twitter.com/standardishue
Website http://standardishue.com/
Email standardishue@gmail.com
Praise for stories by Katie Stephens:
“It just resonated with me … I found it powerful.” –Bryan Thomas Schmidt (author)
“… an inspiring, involving story.” –Lisa Shea (owner/editor, Mused, the Bella Online Literary Review)
“Well written—poignant without being pitiful.” –Brian Lewis (owner/editor, The Empire and Great Jones Creative Arts Foundation)
Publications:
Mused, the Bella Online Literary Review (Summer 2012, Spring 2014—includes featured author interview)
Spark, A Creative Anthology (Volume I—Spring 2013)
The Seven Deadly Sins: A YA Anthology (releasing Spring 2015)
How Do I Do That? Series (Spring 2015)
Alphabetical Disorder, Excerpt
She’d known Sam for years, thought about him, dreamed about him. Why had he never asked her out on a date?
She probably wasn’t his type.
Susie faced forward again. She couldn’t date Sam anyway. She wasn’t to S yet. She needed to find someone whose name began with … what was the next letter? Oh, yeah, J. Better yet, someone with a name using all the letters between J and R. Maybe there was someone out there with the name Quapolkman, Jr. Then she could skip all the way to S without breaking the rules. But that would defeat her purpose, wouldn’t it?
“Um, Sam, do you know anyone—a man—whose name begins with J?”
“J.” A small frown creased his forehead. “Well, there’s Jason, over in the clown troupe. Then there’s Jonathan in the arcade. And Jarod—”
“Crap. I’m sorry, Sam.” Susie put her hand on his arm, turning him to face her. “I still can’t believe he’s dead. I mean, I know he was your friend, and—” She broke off, at a loss for words.
Sam looked away without speaking, but not before she saw grief and pain clouding his blue eyes from the recent suicide of the troupe’s Elephant Man. A muscle twitched as he clenched his jaw. She wanted to hug him.
So she did.
She put her arms around that handsome, perfect man and just held him. A moment later, his arms slid around her waist. They stood there for a few minutes, for an eternity, holding each other. His one hand slowly rubbed up and down her back. The other pulled her closer into his warmth. She lifted her head from his chest, and the next thing she knew, he kissed her.
Soft, sweet. A whisper of lips moving together, stroking over and over. Not one of those desperate kisses, with tongues and teeth clashing. Susie had never felt a kiss like Sam’s before. That feeling, brought on by the tenderness of his touch, fulfilled a yearning deep inside. She didn’t know if he noticed it or not. She became lost in the moment. Lost in him.
She lifted herself on her tiptoes, moved her arms up to surround his neck, caress his shoulders, pressing closer, wanting more. He never paused, just kept on melting her with those amazing kisses. Butterfly kisses. Angel kisses.
Minutes or hours later, Sam ended the kiss. Susie sighed as she opened her eyes and he smiled, his hands gliding down her arms, raising goose bumps.
“What were you saying about the letter J, love?”
A small explosion inside her brain, like the magical poof as the rabbit disappeared, brought her back to reality. “Crap. I have to go.” She pulled back and headed for the stables, annoyed for breaking the rules.
Disappointment winged through her, and she wished again that she fully understood what the prophecy and cards had told her. Then maybe she could give up this half-assed alphabetical curse and concentrate on the man she wanted.
Mystic Hearts,
The Band of Friends series, Book 2
Editor’s Pick!
I’m excited to be on your blog!
Nothing like a heroine taking charge!
I love Charlene Smith’s journey from submissiveness to taking charge of her life. She figuratively slams her hands on the table and says, “No more.” She’ll no longer allow her ex-husband to control her like he had while they were married. She’ll no longer allow him to use their son as a pawn. Instead of slamming her hand down on a desk or gingerly saying, “No more,” read the excerpt below from Mystic Hearts, Book 2 of The Band of Friends, to find out how Charlene decides she can and will fight.
The venomous tone, at one time, would have had her withering. But not anymore. “Pig!”
Her ex-husband charged toward her, eyes wild, nostrils flaring.
She swung, faking high and going low. The bat connected with his stomach.
“Fuck,” he puffed and clutched his gut. “You’ll pay.” He straightened and snatched the butcher knife from the block on the kitchen counter.
Crap!
The shiny blade glistened above his head.
It was her or him. She dug deep, seizing strength from all the wrongs Andrew had inflicted on her family, fortifying her with the power for what she needed to do. She raised the bat behind her head and went for the homerun…for her…her mother…and most importantly, her son. She struck his arm. Bones cracked. The knife flew out of his hand. He stumbled backwards, holding his wrist, and fell backwards into the wall. She raised it again, aiming for his head.
The bastard is Henry’s father, her conscience screamed.
At the last second, she pulled back and clobbered him square in the ribs.
Yelping, he collapsed on the floor. “You bitch!”
She lowered her hand, clasping the handle, ready to swing. “Not another word. Get the hell out of my house!”
“I’ll be back!”
She raised the bat. “You asked for it.”
“No!” He held up his good hand and sidestepped.
Click: to add to your Goodreads TBR list.
Mystic Hearts,
The Band of Friends series, Book 2
Editor’s Pick!
Buy on ebook:
Coming soon to print.
Nothing is as it seems….
Temptation landed at Special Agent Larry Newman’s feet—literally. Charlene Smith captured his heart after he rescued her from terrorists two months ago. A failed relationship and being an abused child have turned him into a loner and workaholic. The scars weigh heavy on him and keep him from pursuing her. So what’s a guy to do when the woman he pines for passes out in front of him while working a case?
Battling psychological wounds from abduction is easier than coming face to face with the sexy FBI agent she’s fantasized about for months. A single mother, avoiding the drama that dating would bring to her son’s life, she allows Larry close only in her dreams. Now, she’s second-guessing her decision. Should she have a relationship with this man who makes her feel alive just by being close?
Catch up to Cait:
Webpage: caitjarrod.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cait-Jarrod-Author/500705936640529?ref=hl
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/cait.jarrod
Twitter: http://twitter.com/CaitJarrod
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6966274.Cait_Jarrod
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+CaitJarrod/posts/p/pub
~Sign up for her quarterly newsletters or when a new release comes out at http://caitjarrod.com/contact-cait-andor-signup-for-news-from-cait-newsletter/.
Cait’s bio:
From writing ‘every girl’s dream heroes’ to ‘strong, down-to-earth heroines,’ Cait Jarrod twists ‘cliff hanging plots’ and ‘clever, unpredictable sub-plots’. She loves diving into a good book as much as she loves writing one.
Mother of three gorgeous daughters, she’s married to her best friend, hangs out with the WWC, a great group of women, and loves a good glass of wine.
Kishan Paul 