Tuesday, 8 August 2017

Please join us in celebrating the release of FALLING IN TO THE BLACK by Lauren Runow! 



Title: Falling In To The Black
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Designer: Lauren Runow
Release Date: August 1, 2017
Book Description
Ten years ago we said goodbye.

I left the world I knew to create a new life for myself. Away from the lies. Away from the pain.

It was all going as planned until a friend asked for help with her club. The business was liberating. The company was intoxicating.

Two masked men became my euphoria. One was a player deep in the game. A teacher both intimately and figuratively.

The other was a quiet director. A man who tempted me with his stares and set me on fire with his dark whispers

His secrecy excited me, bringing me to levels I've never imagined. I thought we were playing a game, but little did I know he knew exactly who I was.

I just wish I figured out his true identity before I fell for his best friend.

* Falling In To The Black is a standalone novel with an HEA.


Review
2* read, review to follow after release week.



Excerpt:
“Angie Smith?”
My lips tilt up slightly. “Pleasure to meet you.”
“Funny, sometimes you can tell because their name just fits them. I would never guess you for an Angie.”
“Why would you say that?”
He taps his lower lip with a long, deft finger, and I’m instantly distracted by the thought of what that finger could do.
“I don’t know. Just something told me that wasn’t you. You and Ashley were the only two people I couldn’t find any pictures of or any info on really. You guys are smart, or should I add, private.”
“Let’s go with private.” I wink, which makes him raise his eyebrows. I can tell I’m the oldest in the class, and the mad professor here seems to be closer to my age, but I’m still trying to figure out what his name is. “Can I play your little game?”
His lips push together as he nods his head in interest. “By all means. Do you want the class list?”
“No, I bet I can guess your name.”
His head moves up and down slowly. “Take your best shot.” His arms open wide, allowing me to fully take in every part of him.
“Let’s see. I know it starts with a C by my registration, but you have that whole nerdy, indie vibe going on, so I’m going to rule out Chris, Charlie, and Cameron.” The barely noticeable lift to his lips tells me that neither of those is his name, so I start naming off every C name I can think of, waiting for any type of reaction to show in his features. “Christian, Caleb, Connor, Cody, Colin, Cole—” The twitch in his eye makes me stop. I pause, looking him up and down before slightly tilting my head in recognition. “Nice to meet you, Cole.”
The grin covering his face makes me sit back in my chair. Yup, I’m made for this.
“Nicely done, Angie. The master gets beat at his own game. After class you’re going to have to tell me more about how you did that.”
“Anytime, Professor Spence,” I say in a flirtatious way.
His eyes meet mine for what I think is a second too long for a student/teacher moment, but I don’t mind. When they break away, he addresses everyone else, “This course is going to be interactive, and I encourage participation. So, everyone get up, move closer, and gather around Mrs. Smith here.” He returns my earlier wink before turning back around and writing his name across the board.
I’m intrigued by his lecture the entire night, and yeah, a lot of it was because he’s easy on the eye. I also happen to love the way he challenges people and really gets us involved.
When he says good night, I turn to gather my things and am startled when I hear, “Angie, can I talk to you for a minute?”
My eyes meet with a fellow female student, who I shoot a smile before turning around. “Sure, Professor Spence.”
As I approach his desk, he’s gathering his paperwork to put into his backpack. He stops and turns to face me, leaning against the back of the desk and crossing his arms in front of his body. “So tell me, how did you guess my name?”
I tilt my head to the side, showing him the slightest grin. “Well, that’s my little secret. Just like you said, though, you can learn a lot about a person if you pay close enough attention.”
“I’m impressed. Still can’t believe I got your name wrong. First time that little game didn’t work out for me fully. Please tell me Angie isn’t your real name. Give me some kind of hope.”
I close my eyes, smiling but nodding my head slightly. “Okay, I’ll give you that. Angie isn’t my birth name. I legally changed it years ago.” I can’t believe I just told him that. No one here in San Francisco, or hell, in California, knows that Angie isn’t my real name. For some reason, I felt comfortable enough in this moment to admit it.
“Okay, I feel a little bit better now, like I’m not a complete failure at my own game. But how did you know mine?”
“I was already trying to guess what it was before you even spoke. I guess I like to play little games, too.”
He laughs. “That doesn’t answer my question, though.”
“I looked at what you were wearing, how you walked, your body type, the fact that you carry a Vans backpack instead of a briefcase.” I pick up his backpack to prove my point. “Then, just like you, I paid attention and took a gamble. I guess you can say I’m good at reading facial expressions. You gave it away when your eye twitched slightly after I said Cole.”
“Nicely done. You just might be cut out for this lawyer thing after all. So do I get to know your real name?”
I shake my head. “Nope, sorry. To you and everyone else, I’m Angie.” I start to walk away but look over my shoulder. “No offense, though.”
I hear him chuckle as he says, “None taken. See you Wednesday, Mrs. Smith.”
I turn back again, giving him a quick smile before saying, “It’s miss.”

 About the Author:

Lauren Runow is the author of three Adult Contemporary Romance novels, Unwritten, Rewritten, Black Widow, and Gravity.

When Lauren isn't writing, you'll find her listening to music that speaks to her, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field or skatepark with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom!
Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.

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Friday, 4 August 2017













































Matthew

Drafted first round pick when I was seventeen, playing first line at eighteen, branded NHL's bad boy at nineteen. At twenty-three I was cut from the team and living back home with my parents. A knock on the door brought an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. All I had to do was prove I learned from my mistakes, so no way would I fall for a chick with a pouty mouth even if I wanted to spend all day devouring it.

Karrie

When my father gave me a job, I had no idea it would be to babysit some washed up NHL player. He wanted me to be his chaperone, his overpaid babysitter. I thought it was a joke. Then I met him, Matthew Grant. I wasn’t prepared for this particular bad boy. He’s not only hot but he’s arrogant and kinda sweet in a 'you make me crazy' kind of way.
Basically now that he’s finished screwing up his life, he’s decided to turn mine upside down.


She’s the first thing I’ve ever wanted more than hockey.

He’s the guy I know I should stay away from.

But what if this thing that started out so wrong turns into something so perfect?
























“Okay,” Robert starts, “we have your contract here. It’s a one-year contract for two point one million, as per your agent.” He smiles at me because I don’t have an agent. I have Cooper. “We also have the stipulation clause. I know last time you weren’t happy with some of them, but it’s the only way we can both win.” He opens the folder in front of him. “You will be living in a brownstone in Brooklyn.” The page flips over while he continues to read. “Your chaperone will live with you.” He looks up, waiting to see if I’ll say something, and I almost say fuck off. “It’s a three-story brownstone. You each have your own floor to do as you please.”

I nod at him. It isn’t as bad as I thought and maybe me and my roommate will be each other’s wing man. “Your chaperone will be at your side each time you go out. Especially, game day and traveling. Of course you will each have your own room when traveling, but it will be connecting.”
“I hope this guy is up for Netflix and working out.” I smile at them, my hand itchy to sign the papers before I call it all off.
Doug gets up, going to the phone on the table, pressing a couple of buttons. “Can you come to the conference room, please?” He hangs up right after.

“If you mess up even once, your contract is null and void,” Doug says, sitting down just as the door opens and I turn my head to stare at the person who just walked in.

“You?” I stand up, looking back at the other people at the table. The chick from the gym walks in, this time wearing black tight pants and a white button-down shirt, rolled up at the wrists. “Is this a joke?”

“I can assure you I had the same reaction when I was asked,” she says sternly. “I don’t want this any more than you do, but it is what it is.”

“She tried to pick me up yesterday.” I put my hands on my hips, telling the table.

“Are you insane?” she huffs out, her voice rising. “You and your anatomy landed on me.” She looks at Doug. “Right in my back.”

I roll my eyes at her.

“Karrie,” Doug says, looking at her.

“What?” She shrugs at him. “He couldn’t even contain himself, and he thinks I tried to pick him up.” She looks at me. “You wish.”

I pfft out. “Please, one word and you would have come home with me.” I look at the men in front of me. “You guys can’t be serious.” I then look back at Karrie. “Besides, how old is she? Twelve?”

“Pervert. I would have pulled the fire alarm and kicked you in the nuts.” She crosses her arms over her chest, making her tits strain against the buttons. “Either way you would have ended up in the same place. Alone. With bruised nuts.”

Robert slaps the table. “That’s enough, you two.” He looks at both of us. “Now, you two have a lot of catching up to do. I will forward you both the travel schedule.” He stands up, grabbing the papers, and slapping me on the shoulder. “Good to have you.”

Coach Dan gets up also, smirking at me while I stand here speechless that they allow a girl to chaperone me. Not just any girl, the hottest fucking girl I’ve ever set eyes on. I had to take care of myself three times since I stumbled on her.

“You two try not to kill each other.” Dan looks at Karrie. “Be good, sweetheart.” And he kisses her cheek.

“Really?” I throw my hands in the air. “Does no one think this is a ridiculous idea?” I look around the room and the only one left is Doug, who gets up.

“I think it’s the best thing to ever happen to you.” He walks over to squeeze my shoulder. “But if you make my little girl cry”—he leans in, whispering—“they won’t find your body.”

My mouth opens and closes, and then opens again, not a sound coming out.




















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When her nose isn't buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she's in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It's a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn't listen to her...

Author Links












About YOUR FIERCE LOVE

The strong and sexy Blake Bennett is downright irresistible.  And Clara Abernathy is doing everything she can to resist his charm. After spending her life in group homes, Clara yearns for the love and warmth of a true family.  With the Bennetts treating her like their own, she can't possibly fall for Blake. That would be crossing a line... But when Clara needs a temporary place to live, and she accepts Blake’s offer to move next door to him, things escalate. Suddenly, she’s not only supposed to resist the man who’s hell-bent on having her, but the TV station she works for is determined to dig up some dirt on the Bennett family. Blake knows family friends are off-limits, and Clara is more off-limits than anyone. But Clara’s sweetness and sass fill a hole in him he wasn’t even aware of. Soon, he finds himself gravitating toward her, willing to do anything to make her happy. Blake enjoys bending the rules—much more than following them, but will bending this one be taking it too far? YOUR FIERCE LOVE is the seventh book in Layla Hagen's Bennett Family series, but all books stand alone.
Get your hands on YOUR FIERCE LOVE now!

REVIEW

4* read.

This is the seventh book in this series but can be read as a standalone. 

What I love about this series and this book is the family dynamic. The Bennett family are amazing and addictive. A family who protects, loves, and fights for one another, you'll fall in love with the whole family, not just the main characters.

Blake and Clara were really sweet together, starting as friends you got to watch their relationship and friendship build. So many emotions, Layla once again had me falling in love with another Bennett. Im gutted as theres not many Bennetts left, but at the same time I really can't wait for the next book.

Want to win?

Layla Hagen has a $100 gift card giveaway running on her facebook page to celebrate the release - head on over to check it out!
Want to catch up on the Bennett Family series? Grab them now!
Your Irresistible Love (The Bennett Family Series, Book 1):
Your Captivating Love (The Bennett Family Series, Book 2):
Your Forever Love (The Bennett Family Series, Book 3):
Your Inescapable Love (The Bennett Family Series, Book 4):
Your Tempting Love (The Bennett Family Series, Book 5):
Your Alluring Love (The Bennett Family Series, Book 6):

 About Layla Hagen

Layla Hagen is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance.
She fell in love with books when she was nine years old, and her love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.
She writes steamy and romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world.
She is represented by fabulous Louise Fury (The Bent Agency)

Thursday, 3 August 2017

Title: Wasted
Series: Steel Country #3
Author: MJ Fields
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 24, 2017 Cover Designer: Jersey Girl & Co 
Haunted and hidden.
Mysterious and sexy, Grayson Falcon steers clear of commitment in all forms. He takes the road less traveled, avoiding the demons of his past and the nightmares they cause. He uses his good looks and country charm to attain pleasure, but it is always a short-lived reprieve.
Sweet and scarred.
Once believing that love can conquer all, Mandee Carlain’s life was then turned upside down and inside out. Her beauty queen good looks and sweet smile always caught the eye of the wrong kind of man. However, as a survivor, she still holds on to hope that one day she will come face to face with the man whose whispered words will give her strength to still believe.
What happens when the hopeless find hope ...at the wrong time?
Love is...Wasted.
4.5* read.
This is the third book in this series but can be read as a standalone although I'd recommend reading the others first, although it's not definatly needed.
I have to admit I have been waiting for Grayson's story but I didn't expect to love him as much as I actually did. Him and Mandee made the prefect couple and their banter and chemistry was addictive to read. They both go on a massive emotional journey which as a reader I really enjoyed seeing how they got through everything.
Another great addition to this series. This book was full of everything and made for a real page turner.


When I have made peace with my anger, released it in tears and screams and allowed my body to float and release the tension, I simply float, eyes closed, kicking my feet ever so often, moving my arms when I feel I should and allow myself to drift toward reality’s shores.
I feel my foot drag across the lake’s floor and sigh as I push my feet down and stand, opening my eyes.
I gasp when I see him, Grayson, standing on the gravel, my dress over his shoulder and a towel in his hand. His square jaw, peppered with a few days’ worth of growth and slightly lighter than that on his head, his jaw is tight, and I see the muscles in it working. His eyes are so deeply connected to mine it renders me almost unmoving.
The way he looks at me is unrecognizable. Angry? Annoyed? 
When his eyes leave mine after what seems like an eternity, then move to my lips, I wonder if there is something on them. Then they slowly, very slowly, move down my body. At this moment, I remember I am in a bra and panties, in front of Grayson Falcon, sexiest man alive.
I quickly sink down to a seated position and curl into myself, hiding myself, incredibly insecure and horrifically embarrassed. 
“You’re blue, Mandee, and blue isn’t a good color on you. Come on; get up out of there.”
USA Today bestselling author MJ Fields write books that scorch pages and melt hearts.  
Her style is raw, gritty and authentic.
Love an alpha and a strong heroine? She does too.
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