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Release Day: Spend the Night, Episode 3 by Elizabeth Lee

Published February 17, 2015 by adventuresinbooklandblog
We’re celebrating the release of SPEND THE NIGHT, Episode 3 by Elizabeth Lee! Check out the excerpt below!
Spend the Night: The Hotel Collection Episode #3 by Elizabeth Lee
Adult Contemporary Romance/Suspense

Blurb:

All games must eventually come to an end…

Hannah’s new reality is that someone is stalking her. Aggressively. The only question now is who. Fingers are pointed and accusations are made as every clue leads to her down another twisted path of questions without answers. Her feelings for both Carter and Trent cloud her judgment as the investigation delves deeper into her personal life and into her heart. Carter’s past is a mystery and Trent has every reason to try and make her seem crazy. Her loss would be his gain after all.Hannah will have to choose, but making the wrong choice will cost much more than a broken heart.

Everyone has a motive.

But only one of them has a plan.

Expect the unexpected in the thrilling conclusion to the Spend the Night series.

Book Excerpt:

“Follow me,” I said, taking Carter’s hand in mine.  It had been forty-eight hours since I’d learned about Mark’s death.  The police investigation hadn’t turned up anything, so for the time being the security team was still watching me like a hawk.  Whoever had killed Mark seemed to be laying low, nothing of any concern had happened since.

I was making a concentrated effort to not let everything that had happened affect who I was.  Or who I wanted to be.  I wanted to be the girl that believed the police would do their job and everything would be okay.  I wanted to be the girl that enjoyed the beginnings of a new relationship with a great guy.  Carter had been very supportive over the last couple days.  He’d made sure to check in with me regularly and kept an ever watchful eye out for anything suspicious.

I offered up a playful smile as we made our way down the hall from the Scarlet Ballroom.  The two of us had met with Alison to discuss the menu and table layout for the wedding.  Trent was notably absent.  I hadn’t seen him since Carter had whisked me out of the security office.  A part of me knew it was for the best, but another kept waiting for him to rush in and declare his innocence.

Alison was unusually chatty that morning—reiterating how ecstatic she was about becoming Mrs. Crawford.  Luckily, Carter was on his game that morning.  He’d been more accommodating than I felt like being and even had an idea that would make the flow of service move more quickly for the wait staff.  And while a part of me was grateful that he had such an eye for detail, I’d silently cursed myself for not thinking of it in the first place.  Just another sign that my head wasn’t in the game like it used to be.  I was supposed to be groomed and ready to take over as the C.O.O. of The Wellesley-Crawford Hotel, not flouting around like some rookie event planner.

Not that I didn’t have a somewhat justifiable reason.  Just when I thought I was finally coming down from everything that happened the night of the Gala, Carter showed up.  Then Trent showed up. My shit show love life took precedence over every logical thought I once had in my head. That was until I realized someone was stalking me and now possibly involved in the murder of a man I went on a date with.  If this is what it was like to have a full plate, I needed to start a diet as soon as possible.

My head was still spinning.  I hadn’t had a moment to myself and it was starting to affect me.  My current company excluded, having a body guard up my ass twenty-four-seven was really cramping my style.  I knew that I needed one to be safe, but I’d always been a do-as-I-please kind of girl.  Now I was asking permission to use the restroom in my own hotel.

“Where are we going?” he asked, pulling my body to a halt. The guard tasked with keeping tabs on me believed I was still in the inside ballroom, so I needed to move fast if I wanted a moment alone with Carter.

He brushed up against my side and firmly planted his lips on my neck before kissing up to my ear.  “God, you smell amazing,” he whispered, before a bellhop turned the corner catching us both by surprise.  We both straightened up as if we weren’t about to rip each other’s clothes off. The sexual tension had been building between us since our last encounter, unfortunately, time or convenience hadn’t been on our side. Both of us had been swamped with work and conflicting schedules. Stolen kisses and the occasional embrace were all we’d managed to work in over the last few days. Not to mention, any time he did stop by my suite, the thought of a bodyguard sitting outside my door and knowing exactly what we were doing kind of killed the mood. Today was different though. Today I was making it a priority to get some quality time with him.

Spend the Night: The Hotel Collection Episode #1 by Elizabeth Lee
Adult Contemporary Romance/Suspense

Goodreads

Amazon | BN | iTunes

BLURBS:

Welcome to The Wellesley-Crawford…

Hannah Wellesley has spent her entire life running the halls of her family-owned hotel, the infamous and opulent Wellesley-Crawford. Noted as one of the city’s richest, most luxurious hotels in Chicago, the WC is what Hannah has devoted her life and career to.The hotel’s Annual Masquerade Gala is the event of the year, but this year Hannah’s evening involves more than just handing out masks. After a mysterious rendezvous in a secluded stairwell with an irresistible and unidentifiable man, Hannah becomes consumed with discovering the identity of her masked lover. Just as she’s about to give up the search, two men blow back into her life with drastically different intentions. They both have secrets and uncovering them will lead Hannah down a darkly dangerous path.

Drawn to both of the intriguing bachelors, she’ll have to determine which one is after her heart and which one plans to do her deadly harm before it’s too late.

Spend the Night: The Hotel Collection Episode #2 by Elizabeth Lee
Adult Contemporary Romance/Suspense
Blurb:

Someone’s playing a deadly game…Two men vying for your attention—seems like every girl’s dream come true. For Hannah Wellesley, the dream has become a nightmare. As she continues to navigate her feelings to determine which man she truly belongs with—the first love who’s become her current business rival or the enticing new chef who’s testing her sexual limits at every turn—a new set of problems presents itself. One that includes a breach in hotel security that has her fearing for her own safety and the reputation of the Wellesley-Crawford.

Soon she finds herself playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse that might just cost her everything she’s worked for—and maybe even her life.

Author Bio:

Born and raised in the middle of a Midwestern cornfield (not literally, that would be weird), I’ve spent my entire life imagining stories. Stories where the right guy always gets the right girl, first kisses are as magical as they are on the big screen and anything is completely possible if you believe.

Although this journey began years ago, it recently took on a whole new life. After years of devouring hundreds of Romance, YA and New Adult novels, I had an epiphany… I should write a book. And I did it!

If I’m not reading, writing, enjoying drinks with my amazing group of girlfriends or chasing around a sarcastically funny kid, I’m probably watching television shows that were created for teenagers, while my husband teases that I’m too old to watch them.

Connect with Elizabeth:

Release Day: Kylie Ryans Box Set by Caisey Quinn

Published February 12, 2015 by adventuresinbooklandblog

We’re getting excited about the release of the Kylie Ryans Box Set by Caisey Quinn! Check out the excerpt and giveaway below!

KYLIE RYANS Box Set by Caisey Quinn

NA Contemporary Romance
Release: February 12, 2015
Box Set Designed by Sarah Hansen of Okay Creations

Blurb:

When a girl with nothing to lose ends up on tour with a country artist on the verge of losing everything, she’ll have to pull him out of his rut or risk letting him pull her and her dreams down with him.

Girl with Guitar

Girl on Tour

Girl in Love* (Deluxe Extended Edition previously only available in paperback)

Includes sneak peeks of the spin off novellas Lost in Lyrics (Steven and Mia), and Song of My Heart: The Gretchen Gibson story. And a bonus sneak peek of Leaving Amarillo, book one in the Neon Dreams series coming in March from Avon/William Morrow.

Praise for the Kylie Ryans series:

Kylie Ryans has the perfect mix of talent, strength, vulnerability, and chutzpah. An unputdownable read.” -E.M. Tippetts, bestselling author of the Fairytale series

“A refreshing heroine and a great story you’ll hate to put down!” – Jen McLaughlin, NYT Bestselling author of the Out of Line series
“What an incredible journey. I’m happy and sad to see this series end, but it does so perfectly!” – NYT Bestselling Author Heidi McLaughlin
“The perfect blend of sass, wit, and poignant relatability, Kylie and Trace will have you cheering, grinning, and squirming until you reach the satisfying ending.”

– Rachel Harris, NYT Bestselling Author

Excerpt

Running lights on the floor illuminated the interior of the bus just enough to keep her from falling and breaking her neck on her way to the kitchenette. She reached out and felt around for the switch under the cabinets that lit up the area above the sink. She had just flicked it on when Trace’s bedroom door opened.
Her heart stuttered and Kylie froze. If the blonde from the bar was in there with him, Kylie was taking her ass to that Winnebago dressed just as she was.
Taking a few deep breaths to brace herself, she turned. Trace stood in the doorway, his dark shirtless figure making her heart race.
“Couldn’t sleep,” she said softly. He just stared at her, reminding her with his scorching gaze that she was dressed in a thin nightshirt that barely reached her thighs. “No company tonight?” she asked, doing her best to keep her voice light, unaffected.
Trace said nothing as he stalked towards her slowly, the force of his stare backing her against the counter.
“Trace,” she said softly as he came close enough to touch.
Still nothing. Just his eyes burning into hers as his bare chest expanded with each breath. His hair was a mess, like he’d spent all night raking his hands through it, and he was barefoot in jeans. Kylie was pretty sure this was the hottest she’d ever seen him. Heat flooded her body, liquefying the lust between her thighs.
The sensation became so intense it was almost painful. Before she had time to ask him what he was doing, Trace’s strong hands gripped her and lifted her onto the counter. His labored breathing was the only sound she heard as he used those same hands to spread her knees apart. Kylie whimpered when he moved forward to press himself between them.
This was not the Trace Corbin she was used to. This man had pleading eyes and was trembling to the point of vibrating with…want. Or maybe it was need. Kylie wasn’t sure. The muscles holding her rigid relaxed under his warm hands. He trailed them up her thighs, to her hips, finally reaching up and touching her face with gentleness she hadn’t expected him to be capable of. His thumb grazed her bottom lip and it sent a shock straight through her, causing her to arch into him.
When he let his hands fall back to her hips, she reached up and placed her fingers in his hair, using the lush brown locks to pull him closer. His head dropped below hers with a soft moan, and she could feel him breathing her in. She took advantage of the opportunity to do the same. Bourbon, aftershave, and that woodsy scent that was all Trace. No cheap perfume from his friend from earlier. Trace’s soft warm lips brushed against her neck, sending another shiver through her with so much force it would’ve jolted her off the counter had he not been holding her in place. “I’m sorry about what happened in Jackson,” he whispered. “God, I’m so sorry.” His voice was thick and raw and broke something inside of her.
She couldn’t speak so she nodded against him. She’d already forgiven him.
Her mind raced with questions. The most pressing one being, what the hell are we doing? But somehow it didn’t seem important to figure it out right that second. She wanted this, ached for it. She hadn’t even realized how badly until that very moment. Holding him close to her felt right. Safe. As if this was what she had needed all along. This is what would take the pain away.
Trace pulled away, just a few inches, but Kylie moaned her displeasure. She tried to pull him back in, biting her lip when he shook his head. God, those eyes. Take cover, they said, because the storm was here, now. And Kylie wanted nothing more than to hurl herself right into its path.
She didn’t know what he was looking for, but his eyes sought answers in hers that she didn’t have. She didn’t even know what the question was. She just wanted him. Like she had never wanted anything or anyone in her entire life.
Cupping her chin firmly, Trace leaned in and oh, oh she was more than ready for his mouth. But he didn’t kiss her. He pressed his forehead to hers and closed his eyes. “So damn beautiful,” he rasped.
Gripping his hips and pulling him as close as possible, until the only thing keeping them apart was the thin lace of her panties and the denim of his jeans, Kylie let her hand stroke his stubbled cheek. She pulled her legs up to wrap them around his waist and Trace let loose a deep growl that had her throbbing against him. The intimacy of it was like nothing she’d ever experienced, taking her higher than even performing on stage had. Trace Corbin should come with a warning label: highly addictive.
 
BOOK TRAILER: http://youtu.be/7puARNmzzM4
*The individual side covers were designed by Emily Tippetts of E.M. Tippetts Book Design. Model: Teale Shawn Murdock Photographer: Lauren Watson Perry of Perrywinkle Photography.

About the Author:

Caisey Quinn lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, daughter, and other assorted animals. She is the bestselling author of the Kylie Ryans series as well as several New Adult Romance novels featuring country girls finding love in unexpected places. You can find her online at www.caiseyquinnwrites.com .

Mad Mondays- Too Many Reasons by Kristen Strassel

Published February 9, 2015 by adventuresinbooklandblog

TOO MANY REASONS (A Spotlight Series Novel) by Kristen Strassel is here! Check out the excerpt and giveaway below!

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Title– Too Many Reasons

Author– Kristen Strassel

Publisher– Smashwords

Release Date– February 9, 2015

Amazon–   http://goo.gl/i1yPme

Book Summery:

Abby Gauthier is close to getting everything she’s worked so hard for. The band she manages, Sinister Riot, has been offered a major record contract. But it comes with a catch: the band must add Eli Jamison, winner of the talent show The Spotlight, to the lineup.

“You’ve been my favorite part of this city.”


Devon Sinclair is the singer of Sinister Riot, and he’s Abby’s best friend. She’s in love with him, but fears she’ll lose him if she makes the first move. Devon knows adding Eli to the band is a mistake, and he’s right. Eli’s interested in more than just making an album. He wants to take control of the band, and he wants to get to know Abby better. A lot better. When tensions between Devon and Eli threaten to destroy Sinister Riot, Abby must act on her true feelings or lose everything she’s ever wanted.

“I may not have been your first, but I’m going to make damn sure I’m your last.”

My Thoughts:

I tend to stay clear from Rock star novels, since it hits way too close to home and brings back hurtful memories. Then again, I can never pass up reading a Kristen Strassel novel. This book made me feel many different emotions and I loved every minute of it!

This was such a great easy read, I started reading and couldn’t believe it was already time to put in down for the night. If I could have stayed up all night reading, I would have. I needed to know what happened next, and Ms. Strassel defiantly kept me on my edge of my seat. I did not see some things coming in this book, or some of the confessions.

Character wise I loved Abby, I could relate to her so much, from wanting to work in the music industry to being in love with a musician who is my best friend. Then there was Devon, I went through so many emotions with him, I hated him then I liked him. Eli was one character I had very mixed emotions about, loved him and hated him and then liked him again. I do not agree with many things he did in the story, but I think he redeemed himself a little.

Even though this is the second book in the Spotlight Series, it can be read as a standalone. I have not read, Secondhand Heart, but I did read Trouble with Bree, and there is a situation that happens in the book this book that involves characters in the first two. Again, it does not affect reading Too Many Reasons if you haven’t read the other two.

I cannot wait to read another book by Kristen Strassel!!!

Book Excerpt:

“What the hell are you doing here? You scared the shit out of me.” He had a key, so it wasn’t like he didn’t have a permanent invite. But tonight? Come on.

“I wanted to make sure you got home safe.” He laid on the futon, one leg thrown over the back cushion. It didn’t appear that he was actually doing anything, but waiting for me. The cat was curled up on his stomach. Thank God Mallory still hadn’t come back. Or maybe not. She would have sent his ass packing.

“You could have just texted.” I took off my jacket and tossed it at him. Ziggy took offense, disappearing into some dark corner. I refused to sit next to him, instead I sank into the bean bag chair to unlace my boots. After dancing for a good part of the night, my feet were begging me to take them off. I hadn’t noticed until now.

“You didn’t answer me earlier.” He watched my fingers free my legs from the ties. Once I was only in my socks, I curled my legs under my body, but sitting practically on the floor made me feel too small and Devon too big. He was acting like an irrational asshole and I didn’t want to give him any more power. I practically jumped to my feet.

“Because I was out. With someone. And I didn’t want to be rude like some people and spend the whole night on the phone texting someone else.” Like Devon did with Lexi when he went out with me. I filled a glass with water and drank it all in one long sip. “Did I need to be concerned? Was I out with a serial killer?”

Devon scoffed. “No.”

“So what you really wanted to do was make sure I didn’t bring him upstairs with me.” I crossed my arms and started pacing in front of him. I wanted to ask him about all the things Eli had told me he’d said, but it just seemed petty. “What would you have done if I had?”

“You can do whatever you want, Abby.” He sat up, raking his fingers through his hair. “Where’d you go?”

“Magdalena’s.”

“Shrimp and grits? Hurricanes?”

I nodded. “Then I took him to—“

“The Apple Barrel.” Devon finished my sentence as he sat up. “All the things we like to do.”

“All the things I like to do, with any good company.” I stopped, arms still crossed. “Would you even be here if I’d gone out with anyone else?” I wondered if Devon had known about my date before he’d texted me tonight.

“I don’t know.” Our eyes locked in fury and frustration. “He didn’t even kiss you.”

“That’s not true.” My whole body shook.

Devon’s lips turned upward, a half-smile. “Your lip gloss is still perfect.”

“Maybe I put more on.”

“To come upstairs?” He shook his head. “No, you didn’t.”

“Why do you even care? Do you want to kiss me?” I couldn’t believe I actually said it. Out loud. A couple of drinks and one date and I was feeling really cocky.

In slow motion, Devon pushed himself up off the futon so he stood just inches from me. I didn’t move, or even uncross my arms. He rested his hands on my elbows, and looked down at me in a way he never had before. Like he was seeing me for the first time. My heart slammed against my ribcage for the second time that night, and I was glad my arms were there to keep everything in place. He ran his teeth against his lip ring, drawing my eyes to the motion. He closed his eyes and leaned forward.

I’d pictured this moment a thousand times, so some of it seemed very familiar to me: the chunk of hair that fell in his eyes as he lowered his face to mine, the way his bottom lip moved against his teeth when he felt unsure of himself.

No. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

I turned my head and his lips brushed against my cheek. “Don’t.” I could barely speak.

“Abby.” His fingers moved against the back of my arm and I shivered. His words were so soft, if we weren’t so close I might not have heard them. “You asked me what I wanted.”

Frozen in place, I stared at my shoes next to the bean bag. “I don’t want you to do this because you’re pissed off that I went out with Eli,” I whispered. Eight years I waited for him to finally make that move, and I think I had the right to lay some ground rules. If I was going to kiss him, it wasn’t going to be cheap and full of regret. “That’s not how I want this to be.”

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Cover Reveal: Wild Reckless by Ginger Scott

Published February 4, 2015 by adventuresinbooklandblog

Thank you for joining us in the cover reveal for Wild Reckless by Ginger Scott, hosted by Wordsmith Publicity. Take a look at this beautiful cover and excerpt, and be sure to let us know what you think!

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Very Mature YA Contemporary Romance

Release Date: March 17, 2015

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24500775-wild-reckless?from_search=true

BOOK SUMMERY:

Kensington Worth had a vision for her senior year. It involved her best friends, her posh private school in downtown Chicago and time alone with her piano until her audition was perfected, a guaranteed ticket into the best music programs in the world.

Instead, a nightmare took over.

It didn’t happen all at once, but her life unraveled quickly—a tiny thread that evil somehow kept pulling until everything precious was taken from her. She was suddenly living miles away from her old life, trapped in an existence she didn’t choose—one determined to destroy her from the inside, leaving only hate and anger behind. It didn’t help that her neighbor, the one whose eyes held danger, was enjoying every second of her fall.

Owen Harper was trouble, his heart wild and his past the kind that’s spoken about in whispers. And somehow, his path was always intertwined with Kensington’s, every interaction crushing her, ruining her hope for any future better than her now. Sometimes, though, what everyone warns is trouble, is exactly what the heart needs. Owen Harper was consumed with darkness, and it held onto his soul for years. When Kensington looked at him, she saw a boy who’d gotten good at taking others down when they threatened his carefully balanced life. But the more she looked, the more she saw other things too—good things…things to admire.

Things…to love. Things that made her want to be reckless.

And those things…they were the scariest of all.

EXCERPT:

I know I shouldn’t, but I turn around anyway, and I give Owen my full,
undivided attention. His friends have already left, and he’s slowly
walking backwards, showing me his middle finger and smiling with that
faint half-grin I’ve seen far too often over the last three days.

I don’t know what makes me do it. In fact, I don’t know why I am the way I
am with Owen. I’ve been careful and timid and obedient my entire life, my
only mission to please everyone—please my father, Chen, my mother, my
friends, my teachers. Please, please, please, please, please. That’s all I
do. And all it’s done for me is land me in Woodstock, away from my friends
and the senior year I was expecting to have. I’m not pleasing Owen Harper,
too. So I stand with my tray and raise my arm slowly by my side, my eyes
zeroed in on his until I’m pointing at him. I close one eye and cock my
head slightly to the right, like I’m making sure I have him in my
sights—and then I pull the trigger.
“Jesus H Christ, Kensi! What’s wrong with you?” Willow asks. She pulls my
arm back down, but I keep my eyes on Owen, staring into his gray-blue
eyes—eyes that look like a wolf’s. “What are you doing?”

“I’m starting a war, Willow,” I say, my heart speeding up and my breath
growing more ragged as reality catches up with me.

I’m starting a war with a guy who doesn’t lose; a guy who doesn’t play by
the rules.

A guy who scares me, and who knows where I sleep at night.

 

ABOUT GINGER SCOTT:

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Ginger Scott is a writer and journalist from Peoria, Arizona. She is the author of four young and new adult romances, with her fifth title, This Is Falling, set to release in late August 2014.

Scott has been writing and editing for newspapers, magazines and blogs for more than 15 years. She has told the stories of Olympians, politicians, actors, scientists, cowboys, criminals and towns. For more on her and her work, visit her website at http://www.littlemisswrite.com.

When she’s not writing, the odds are high that she’s somewhere near a baseball diamond, either watching her son field pop flies like Bryce Harper or cheering on her favorite baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Scott is married to her college sweetheart whom she met at ASU (fork ’em, Devils).

 Website: http://www.littlemisswrite.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGingerScott

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingerScottAuthor

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7055100.Ginger_Scott

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ginger-Scott/e/B00CMN0076/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1422646502&sr=8-1

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Happy Release Day Bethany Lopez!!!!

Published February 3, 2015 by adventuresinbooklandblog

It’s release day for 10 Years by Bethany Lopez! Check out the excerpt below!

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Title: 10 Years (Time for Love #5)

Author: Bethany Lopez

Age Group: NA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Goodreads

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SFW00WI

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/10-years/id922558043?mt=11

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/10-years-bethany-lopez/1120404611?ean=2940046192339

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/10-years-1

Book Summery:

Gwen and Craig met through their older siblings when they were ten years old. The shy girl who loved to take pictures, and the focused baseball playing boy were fast friends, whose relationship grew strong as they grew older.

When Gwen’s innocence is stolen at a high school party, she turns to her best friend, Craig. Always her rock, Craig does what he can to defend Gwen’s honor, while still abiding by her wishes.

After a night of passion leads to a morning of pain, Gwen fears that the person she loves the most, is the person that is destined to destroy her, so she pushes Craig away.

Ten years after their friendship began, Gwen and Craig are both at college excelling in their respective passions, but there’s a void in both of their lives, where their bond used to be.When both finally admit their love for each other, and agree to give romance a shot, will they finally become the couple that everyone knows they’re destined to be, or will Gwen’s unresolved issues from her past, tear them apart forever?

Book Excerpt:

As I looked around, I noticed Liam walking over to Aliyah. He looked handsome as usual, in jeans and a V-neck shirt, his hair perfectly tousled and his mischievous grin in place. I watched as he spoke to Aliyah, making her turn her attention from the conversation from the girl in her biology class, to him. I watched his face as he flirted, and knew the moment she shot him down. Liam tried to look as if it didn’t matter, but I could tell that almost three years of rejection was starting to get to him, and as he walked past her into the kitchen, I wondered why he didn’t give up.

“Jeb, can I cut in for a minute?” an achingly familiar voice said to my left, causing me to forget about Liam and Aliyah, and turn toward Craig.

“No,” I said loudly, before Jeb could respond, then growled in frustration when Jeb turned and walked away. “Ugh, what do you want?”

I didn’t wait for him to respond, instead turning on my heel and walking down the hall toward the bathroom.

“I want to know why you’re here. Why you keep coming to my frat parties, when there are a million other parties that you can go to. Do you like torturing me?” Craig asked from right behind me.

I whirled suddenly, causing him to stop so abruptly he had to steady himself with one hand on the wall, spilling a healthy stream of beer onto his shoes. We both watched as the gold liquid hit his nice, clean loafers.

I trailed my gaze up to his, an apology on my lips, but froze when I saw the anger on his face.

“You don’t want to talk to me anymore… Fine! You don’t want to be friends… Whatever, I’m happy to accommodate you.” Craig began walking closer as he talked, causing me to step back. “But your actions show something different. I think you miss me, you just don’t know how to make things right between us, and that’s why you’re always here. Just admit it, Gwen… Talk to me,” The anger left his voice as he pleaded with me, and although I knew what he was saying was true, I couldn’t bring myself to take the olive branch he was extending.

“Get over yourself,” I responded instead, lifting my chin and meeting his eyes haughtily. “I like to come here because you guys have the best booze, and the hottest guys.”

Craig took another step, and when my back hit the wall, I put my hands on my hips, refusing to back down at the look of hurt that flashed across his face.

“So you’re just here to get drunk and fuck my brothers, is that it?” he replied, and I had to stop myself from flinching at his crassness. I knew I was hurting him, but I needed to preserve my heart, and this was the only way I knew how to do it.

“Yup.”

“Well, don’t let me keep you,” he replied, stepping to the side.

His affable tone just pissed me off more.

“Don’t be such a hypocrite. You go home with random girls all the time, and you certainly drink your share of alcohol…”

Craig stepped back in front of me, blocking my way, and leaned his face down into mine, the anger practically vibrating off of him.

“Don’t give me that double standard bullshit. If I thought for one minute you were drinking and sleeping with random guys because you were enjoying college and sowing your wild oats, or whatever the fuck you call it, I’d be all for it. I’d be your biggest damn champion… But we both know that’s not it. You’re doing this for my benefit, to punish me. And the shit of it is, I have no idea what I’m being punished for, but I can tell you one thing, you’re not happy. You know it, and I know it, and I just wish you’d wake the fuck up and let me help you.”

His words pierced my skin and I suddenly felt like a cornered, injured animal, and all I wanted to do was fight back.

I was about to scream in his face, and maybe start kicking, when Liam and Aliyah came up behind us and Liam put a hand on Craig’s shoulder.

“Hey, brother, ease up,” Liam said with a forced chuckle. “The entire party can hear your squabble.”

Craig turned to his side and I squeezed past him, taking Aliyah’s hand so she could lead me down the hall.

“Gwen,” Craig called, his voice gentle and full of regret. “Meet you next Friday at three?”

I nodded, then turned and walked away.

We were going home for Brock and Victoria’s baby shower. Even though I didn’t give him the time of day for most of the year, we always drove back home for special events and holidays together. It started when Shelly and Cal had their first baby. Craig had been so excited to be an uncle, and I really wanted to be there to see the baby, so I’d agreed to go with him. After that, it just became a habit. I knew I should put a stop to it, I’d been telling myself that for years, but it was the only time that I let myself be with him, and not fight the entire time. We both loved our family and friends, and since they were so closely intertwined, it would be silly not to go together.

Then there was the fact that I still attended all of his baseball games. Sure, I took pictures and submitted them to the school paper, but no matter how many times I told myself I was going to stay home, and stop going to his games, I always went.

If I was honest with myself, I’d realize that one of the main reasons I never bought a car, was that if I did, I would no longer have a reason to carpool back home with Craig. And, if I stopped going to his games, I’d not only be breaking a promise I made to him eight years ago, but I’d miss the joy and pride I always felt when I watched him play.

It was a good thing I hadn’t been honest with myself in over three years.

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About Bethany Lopez:

Award-Winning Author Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. Since then she has published various YA and NA books. She is a lover of romance, family, and friends, and enjoys incorporating those things in what she writes. When she isn’t reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bethany-Lopez/214630865247702

GR:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5021061.Bethany_Lopez

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bethany-Lopez/e/B0056NCP1S/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

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Blog: http://bethanylopez.blogspot.com

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Cover Reveal: CLEAR: A Death Trippers Novel by Jessica Park

Published January 28, 2015 by adventuresinbooklandblog

Check out the gorgeous cover for CLEAR: A Death Trippers Novel by Jessica Park!

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Title: CLEAR: A Death Trippers Novel

Age: NA

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Author: Jessica Park

Cover Designer: The Cover Lure

Release date: February 17, 2015

Goodreads

Book Summery

Stella Ford’s grasp on reality is already loose, and it’s about to come undone.

When the college junior flees Chicago and leaves her toxic family behind, she heads for coastal Maine to find the one person who brought her peace years ago: Sam Bishop. But the Sam she once knew now has painful secrets.

Stella is determined to heal them both. Healing, however, is a challenge when the walls of her everyday existence collapse. And when Sam’s best friend is his worst enemy.

When the line between life and death blurs.

When an end is just a beginning.

When lust and rage rule.

Yet during extraordinary chaos, there can be extraordinary love, even if that love comes with a twist.

Welcome to death tripping.

A thriller, a paranormal, and a passionate romance, CLEAR crosses genres and breaks boundaries.

About the Author:

Jessica is the author of LEFT DROWNING, the New York Times bestselling FLAT-OUT LOVE (and the companion piece FLAT-OUT MATT), and RELATIVELY FAMOUS. She lives in New Hampshire where she spends an obscene amount time thinking about rocker boys and their guitars, complex caffeinated beverages, and tropical vacations. On the rare occasions that she is able to focus on other things, she writes.

Please visit her at jessicapark.me and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicapark and Twitter @JessicaPark24

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Release Day: Spend the Night by Elizabeth Lee

Published January 20, 2015 by adventuresinbooklandblog

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Book Summery

Welcome to The Wellesley-Crawford…

Hannah Wellesley has spent her entire life running the halls of her family-owned hotel, the infamous and opulent Wellesley-Crawford. Noted as one of the city’s richest, most luxurious hotels in Chicago, the WC is what Hannah has devoted her life and career to.

The hotel’s Annual Masquerade Gala is the event of the year, but this year Hannah’s evening involves more than just handing out masks. After a mysterious rendezvous in a secluded stairwell with an irresistible and unidentifiable man, Hannah becomes consumed with discovering the identity of her masked lover. Just as she’s about to give up the search, two men blow back into her life with drastically different intentions. They both have secrets and uncovering them will lead Hannah down a darkly dangerous path.

Drawn to both of the intriguing bachelors, she’ll have to determine which one is after her heart and which one plans to do her deadly harm before it’s too late.

EXCERPT

I scanned the room as I walked through the door. Checked my watch, four minutes after ten. No sign of Carter yet. I knew the restaurant shut down at nine-thirty that night. He probably wasn’t done closing the kitchen down. I made my way over to an empty barstool and sat down.
“Hey, Hannah!” Myles, my favorite bartender, shouted over the music coming from the in-house deejay. “What can I getcha?”

“Hi, Myles,” I smiled. “I’ll think I’ll have a rum and diet tonight.”

He quickly went to work mixing up my drink. Myles was probably the nicest guy who worked at the hotel. He was average height and build. His hipster style suited him so well. Tonight he was wearing a pair of straight-legged black jeans, a pair of black converse tennis shoes, a vintage AC/DC T-shirt with his signature thick-framed black glasses. His thick, brown hair was styled in his just-got-out-of-bed way, which could be described as perfected chaos. He placed my drink down in front of me and started wiping down the bar with the towel he had tossed over his shoulder. “Want me to run this on your tab?”

Before I could answer, a twenty-dollar bill appeared next to I drink. “I’ve got it.”

I assumed it was Carter, but was surprised when I looked over my shoulder to see Trent standing there.

“Sure thing, Mr. Crawford.” Myles took the cash and made his way towards the cash register.

“I can buy my own drink,” I interjected, placing my clutch on the top of the bar. “Here Myles,” I started to hand him my own twenty-dollar bill, when Trent held up his hand.

“I know you that you can afford your own drinks, Hannah,” he said waving Myles off. “Keep the change. And call me Trent,” he said, as they exchanged courteous nods. He turned his attention back to me. “Consider this a peace offering.” He clinked his beer bottle against my glass.

“It’s going to take more than just a drink,” I scoffed, pulling my glass to my lips. After the way he’d embarrassed me in front of the board, he could have shown up with a truck load of Bacardi and I still would have been pissed.

“Sorry for being a dick today. That was not at all the way I wanted you to find out that I was interested in running the hotel.”

“It was a pretty shitty way for me to find out. You could have said something last night.”

“I know,” he agreed. “It’s just…my family has a really complicated way of doing things.”

“I’m well aware,” I reassured him. I may have been young when the drama with Damien happened, but I’d heard enough over the years that ‘easy’ and ‘breezy’ were not words that were often associated with the Crawford name. “What I’d really like to know is why you have a sudden interest in running this hotel at all? You haven’t been here for years.”

About Elizabeth Lee:

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Born and raised in the middle of a Midwestern cornfield (not literally, that would be weird), I’ve spent my entire life imagining stories. Stories where the right guy always gets the right girl, first kisses are as magical as they are on the big screen and anything is completely possible if you believe.

Although this journey began years ago, it recently took on a whole new life. After years of devouring hundreds of Romance, YA and New Adult novels, I had an epiphany… I should write a book. And I did it!

If I’m not reading, writing, enjoying drinks with my amazing group of girlfriends or chasing around a sarcastically funny kid, I’m probably watching television shows that were created for teenagers, while my husband teases that I’m too old to watch them.

Mad Mondays: The Trouble with Bree by Kristen Strassel

Published January 19, 2015 by adventuresinbooklandblog

The Trouble With Bree (A Spotlight Series Novella)

Title- The Trouble with Bree

Author- Kristen Strassel

Release Date- January 15th, 2015

Amazon- http://goo.gl/OoOQAb

BOOK SUMMERY:

The trouble with Bree is…

Bree Farrell is ready to turn her life around. A twenty-one-year-old mother of two, she’s not sure where to start. She could use a little help, but her string of horrible ex-boyfriends keep setting her back. First step: she’s swearing off men forever. Or at least until she gets back on her feet.

Josh Maxwell got a second chance at life, and now he wants to help kids who are in the same situation he was in. His new job as the coordinator at a preschool for underprivileged kids is the perfect place to do that.

On paper, the policy not to get involved with the families of the students makes perfect sense. But when Bree meets the new coordinator of her son’s school, she and Josh learn that some rules are made to be broken, no matter what the consequences.

BOOK REVIEW:

I loved so many things about The Trouble with Bree, which doesn’t surprise me since I love Kristen’s writing.

This was a very sweet story about a girl who always falls in love easy and always picks the wrong guy. That is until she meets the director at her son’s new preschool. How can you not fall in love with a man that will be there for not only you, but for your children as well? I know I fell in love with Josh by reading his interactions with Bree’s children!

One thing that I did not like about this book was that it was so short!!!! I could have seen/love to see this as a full novel, but if you need a quick read, I recommend it!

Book Review: Love So Hot by Marquita Valentine

Published January 13, 2015 by adventuresinbooklandblog

Love So Hot (Lawsons, Book 1)

Title- Love So Hot

Author- Marquita Valentine

Release Date- January 12th, 2015

Amazon- http://goo.gl/tft8L3

BOOK SUMMERY:

Bank Teller and all around good girl, Sydney McKnight, is tired of being the girl all the guys want to have as a friend. Who better to help unleash her inner vixen than her best friend and secret crush, Brody Lawson? Only, Sydney has no idea how to ask him, without their friendship going up in flames, until that is, the town of Jessamine’s annual Firemen’s Auction gives her the perfect excuse to set her plan into motion.

Fire Captain Brody Lawson has been in love with his best friend, Sydney, for years, but he would never risk their friendship by confessing his feelings to her. So, when Sydney beats out the competition to buy his time at the annual Firemen’s Auction, Brody can hardly believe his luck until she asks him to teach her how to seduce a fellow fireman.

Now, it’s up to Brody to show Sydney how perfect she already is and convince her that the only man for her is him, because if Sydney is going to seduce any man, it’s going to be him. And once he has her in his bed, he’s not letting her go.

BOOK REVIEW:

What a sweet story about two best friends secretly in love with each other, finding each other with a little help from their friends. Love So Hot engaged me from the first page!! I not only adored both main characters I adored all their friendships as well. Sydney and Brody had so much chemistry and I felt it, and it help that once Body started to help Sydney they sizzled right away and couldn’t deny their attraction anymore, their love was so hot! It was interesting to see that the town they lived in was so old fashion, if couples weren’t “officially together” and were known to be sleeping together, the women may be seen in a different way. Another example was Kyle wanted to buy earrings for Sydney, but because they were engaged the gift was inappropriate. Of course I wish the story was a little longer so I can see more of these two in a relationship, but many a second story will be snuck in there somewhere.

Marquita’s epilogue was different giving the reader a glimpse into the next book while showing what has happened to Sydney and Brody!

I love Marquita’s writing and I cannot what so see what she has in store for the rest of this series and the rest of the Lawson brothers.

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10 Years (Time for Love #5) By Bethany Lopez

Published January 7, 2015 by adventuresinbooklandblog

Check out this gorgeous cover for 10 YEARS by Bethany Lopez! Don’t forget to read the excerpt below and add it to your TBR!

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Title: 10 Years (Time for Love #5)

Author: Bethany Lopez

Age Group: NA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Designer: B Designs

Goodreads

BOOK SUMMERY:

Nice guys don’t always finish last…

Gwen and Craig met through their older siblings when they were ten years old. The shy girl who loved to take pictures, and the focused baseball playing boy were fast friends, whose relationship grew strong as they grew older.

When Gwen’s innocence is stolen at a high school party, she turns to her best friend, Craig. Always her rock, Craig does what he can to defend Gwen’s honor, while still abiding by her wishes.

After a night of passion leads to a morning of pain, Gwen fears that the person she loves the most, is the person that is destined to destroy her, so she pushes Craig away.

Ten years after their friendship began, Gwen and Craig are both at college excelling in their respective passions, but there’s a void in both of their lives, where their bond used to be.When both finally admit their love for each other, and agree to give romance a shot, will they finally become the couple that everyone knows they’re destined to be, or will Gwen’s unresolved issues from her past, tear them apart forever?

Excerpt ~ Gwen

His lips were softer than I’d ever imagined, and I’d imagined them a lot. At least once a day since I turned thirteen, maybe more.

I brought a hand up to touch his cheek gently, worried that too much movement on my part would bring him back to reality, and he’d pull away.

I could taste beer on his breath, but I didn’t mind. He moved closer, his hand on my back drawing me in so our chests touched. I took a sharp breath at the contact, amazed at how good it felt.

This was the first time I’d kissed, or touched another guy since that night with Brad at his party, but it was apples and oranges in comparison. With Craig I didn’t have one second of doubt, I knew I wanted his lips on mine, and now that I’d had a taste, I didn’t know how I’d ever be able to go back to the way things used to be.

I hoped he felt the same.

“Can I touch you, Gwennie?” Craig asked, his hand at the hem of my t-shirt.

His breath against my ear caused goosebumps to break out over my sensitive flesh.

“Yes,” I responded, my voice barely a whisper.

His hand was cool against my heated stomach and I shivered as he ran it up towards my breasts, which became heave in anticipation of his touch.

*This story is meant for readers 18 and older.

Series Reading Order:

8 Weeks

21 Days

42 Hours

15 Minutes

10 Years ~ Releasing, Feb 3, 2015

About the Author:

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Award-Winning Author Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. Since then she has published various YA and NA books. She is a lover of romance, family, and friends, and enjoys incorporating those things in what she writes. When she isn’t reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bethany-Lopez/214630865247702

GR:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5021061.Bethany_Lopez

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bethany-Lopez/e/B0056NCP1S/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BethanyLopez2

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/bethanylopez2/

Blog: http://bethanylopez.blogspot.com

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/Rcmrn