cover reveal for: Midnight (Forgotten Divinity #2) by Kristy Centeno

Midnight (Forgotten Divinity #2)
by Kristy Centeno
Genre: NA Paranormal/Fantasy
Release Date: December 21st 2016
Inkspell Publishing
Cover designer: Najla Qamber

Summary:

A past shrouded in darkness.

A mission that can mean the difference between life and death.

One week to find the answers they need.

With the memories of her historical love for the Soul Broker who was once commissioned to harvest her soul, eradicated from her mind, Daya must embark on a perilous journey through dangerous territory to find those who might shed some light into the mystery that surrounds them. But what she uncovers along the way may prove too daunting for her to come to terms with.

Trapped in a loop she can’t get out of, Daya’s only tool for survival is trusting Mason. But will betrayal be a determining factor when they both have something to gain by giving up on each other?


NOTE: This book is the continuation of the short story featured in the anthology, Blood in the Shadows. Midnight picks up right where Shadows left off.

Pre-Order
Link:
Amazon

Excerpt:

“Do you honestly believe what we felt for each other was a mistake?”

“It was. That’s why we were castigated.” It was a sin of the worst kind.

Mason shakes his head. “I refuse to believe that. I may not remember what happened, but there’s one thing I’m sure of.” He draws me to him and wraps his arms around my waist, anchoring me to him. “What we felt for each other wasn’t wrong. Anything so right couldn’t have been immoral.”

His lips are on mine before I can think to oppose or argue that his point of view is wrong. The fighter in me urges me to knee him in the groin and follow with a beat-down, but I end up struggling for a moment before relenting. He’s determined to seduce some sense into me and I’m running out of will to keep from trapping myself in this mind game. Whether his intention is for me to trust him or he simply wants to help me through the monster of doubt eating away at me, I don’t know. Nor do I care.

I allow him to take me beyond my grief and into a sweet, almost painful harmony. The fight goes out of me and what few reservations remain melt away with a quick stroke of Mason’s tongue. Every feeling of helplessness evaporates with each term of endearment that escapes his half-open lips as he alternates between kissing my mouth, face, and neck. I yield to him, our caresses becoming more fervent and urgent with each passing second.

Book 1 was published as part of a short story anthology (click on image for Goodreads link):

About the Author

Kristy Centeno is the author of the Secrets of the Moon saga and Keeper Witches series.

She has always had a passion for books and after years of being an avid reader, she decided to transform her desire to write into a reality and thus, her first novel was born. When she’s not busy taking care of her five children or holding down the fort, she finds time to sit and do what she loves the most: writing.

Author Links:

      

Cover Reveal Organized by:

Blitz: Dangerous Kiss by Crystal Kaswell

Dangerous Kiss
Crystal Kaswell
Publication date: November 2nd 2016
Genres: New Adult, Romance

He was supposed to glue my broken heart back together. Instead he threw me away.
Now he’s just another rock star asshole.
He gets everything he wants.
But not me. Not again.
Ethan Strong was the first man I ever loved. He was the one person who understood me, the one person who made me feel whole, the one person who set my body on fire.
We were supposed to be together forever. Then things got hard and Ethan forced me to choose between him and everything I’ve worked for.
Now he’s back in my life. He says we’ll be friends. It’s been a long time. I can forgive, but I can’t seem to forget. The taste of his lips, the sound of his groans in my ears, those calloused fingers between my legs– I’m going out of my mind remembering all the pleasure he brought me.
Worse, I keep thinking how happy he made me.
I can’t fall back in love with Ethan. It doesn’t matter how badly I crave his gorgeous blue eyes, his tattooed arms, and his strong guitarists’ hands. It doesn’t matter that his smile still lights me up inside. It doesn’t matter that I need him like I need oxygen.
I’m not giving Ethan another chance to throw me away.

Goodreads / Amazon

Direct buy link

—

EXCERPT:

His eyes meet mine with this look that begs me to spill my guts.
He waits to speak until his drink is melting ice. “I know you think Mal is pulling strings to get us back together.”
“Is there a reason why you don’t object to this?”
“Mal doesn’t listen to anybody but Mal. Besides, I’ve seen him stressing about numbers. He doesn’t have the expertise. And I’m not saying you do, but he’s right. You’re somebody we trust.” Ethan’s eyes find mine. “If you want the gig, you should take it.”
His voice is even, effortless. Usually, Ethan wears his intentions on his face. But not right now.
No. That was the old Ethan, the one I knew. This playboy rock star version of Ethan… who knows what he does or why.
I take a long sip of my now lukewarm drink. “Won’t that bother you?”
“No.” His voice is shaky for a moment. “Just, well… I’m not gonna be celibate just because you’re around.”
“Excuse me?”
“I get it. You think I’m a manwhore. I won’t argue.” He runs his hand through his wavy hair. “You’re right. I fuck a lot of women. That isn’t going to change if you join us on tour.”
“Thanks for the update on your sex life.”
“Don’t want you to get upset if you see me with someone else.” His voice is clipped, his expression is frustrated.
But why? I stare back at him. “I don’t give a fuck where you stick your dick.”
“Good.”
“Yeah, great. Is that it?”
“Pretty much.”
I stare back at Ethan. I’m getting in the last word here. “Goes for you, too. I didn’t swear off sex when we broke up.”
Okay, so I’ve only slept with one guy since Ethan and I broke up. Denny and I dated for a few months. He was crazy about me—he wanted to move in together—but I never felt the same. After we broke up, he nearly evaporated from my mind. It still goes back to Ethan every time I pull out my rabbit-style vibrator (he did buy it for me). Or every time I touch myself sans mechanical assistance.
I clear my throat and smile my most confident smile. “Don’t get upset if you see me with someone else.”
“You’re sleeping around?”
“That’s not a crime, is it?” I chew on my lower lip. It’s not the case either, but he doesn’t need to know that.
“No. Of course not. I’m glad. Anybody I know?”
“No.”
“You coming often, at least?”
“Excuse me?”
“We’re gonna be around each other. We should be friendly.”
“Pretty sure you coming often goes past most people’s idea of friendly.”
“Of course, Vi. Would never want to make you uncomfortable.” He smiles, the look in his eyes screaming I guess that’s a no.
I clear my throat. “Yeah, I’m coming a lot. Every night.” By my hand, but that’s a technicality. “Sometimes multiple times.”
His expression flares with frustration. “Great.”
“And you? Enjoy screwing strangers at bars?”
“Depends on the stranger.”
I laugh-scoff. “I guess it would.”
He smiles.
Even though we’re hate-flirting, I fucking melt.

Author Bio:
Crystal Kaswell writes scorching hot new adult romance. When she isn't writing, she is chain drinking tea, binge watching Law and Order, practicing yoga, or debating which fictional character would be the best in bed. She lives in Portland, OR with her husband.
Sign up for her mailing list to get exclusive bonuses like deleted and alternate POV scenes http://www.crystalkaswell.com/subscribe/

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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tour for Children of the Veil by Colleen Halverson

Children of the Veil

The Aisling Chronicles

Book 2

Colleen Halverson

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Entangled

Date of Publication: October 26, 2016

ISBN: 9781633757738

ASIN:

Number of pages: 400

Word Count: 120K

Book Description:

Elizabeth Tanner has one goal: to find her mother in whatever dimension she’s imprisoned. But to do that, she has to face her estranged father, and to do that, she needs a shot of whiskey…or seven. But after an attempt on her life and the return of her lost love, she wakes up with one hell of a hangover and a whole barrage of questions.

Finn O’Connell doesn’t know why the Fianna want him to aid Elizabeth in her search, but he’ll take any excuse to be near her again. Together, they dive headlong into the shadows of her mother’s secrets and find themselves embroiled in a Fae rebellion that will test Finn’s loyalties and their love.

With the Faerie realm verging on chaos, Elizabeth and Finn will embark on a quest that will lead them from the streets of Chicago to London’s seedy Fae underground. But rescuing Elizabeth’s mother means journeying to a place Finn can’t follow, and Elizabeth is forced to make a choice between finding her at last or saving her own soul.

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Amazon UK    Amazon CA

Excerpt 1

My legs buckled and he snatched me into his arms, my head lolling against his chest. I breathed in the smell of leather, fresh folded laundry, and that pure, manly scent of Finn-ness. God, I had missed him.
“Who…?” I managed to say, the words feeling like caked mud in my mouth.
He didn’t answer, but slipped me into his car and I sank into the leather seat, darkness eating at the edge of my sight. The purring engine lulled me into a daze, and I must have passed out because the next thing I knew, we were stumbling up the stairs to my apartment.
“I live here,” I slurred.
“I know,” Finn mumbled, his muscled arm propping me up. “Where are your keys?”
Snowflakes collected on the crown of his head, his eyebrows knitting together. The curve of his mouth filled my vision, and my fingers slipped over the soft skin, tracing the delicate cupid bow on his top lip. His face softened, multiple Finns swimming through the muted streetlight.
“Mmmmm…” I murmured, running my hand against the side of his face, trying to keep from seeing double. “Stay still.”
He placed a gentle hand over my hand. “Elizabeth, your keys. It’s freezing out here.”
I brought his palm next to my face, brushing my lips against his callused fingers. Need burned through my body, and I fell against his broad chest, covering his mouth with mine with a moan. For a moment, he kissed me back, his hands pressing firm against my shoulders. The falling snow tickled my neck, sending icy trails down my spine, and I pressed into him seeking his warmth. He made a low sound in his throat.
“You’re drunk,” he whispered.
“I don’t care.” I whispered into his ear.
Finn disentangled himself from my arms, and I slipped on a patch of ice, falling on my ass with a giggle. He leaned over me, patting my jeans in search for my keys. His hands strayed to my waist, tickling my side, and I laughed, grabbing his hands.
He hovered over me, his hair grazing the firm line of his jaw. “Elizabeth, stop. I mean it. Where are your keys?”
He rifled in my coat, and something landed on the balcony with a thud. The book of Yeats’ poetry lay in the snow, white powder quickly accumulating on its worn cover. Finn made to grab it, but I snatched it away, wiping it off and sticking it safe back inside my coat. He stared down at me and swallowed hard, the tinkling crystal of falling snow the only sound in the silent street.
“Elizabeth…” He whispered, his hand brushing away a wet lock of hair plastered to my cheek.
I shrugged away, rifling in my jeans pocket for my keys and threw them at him. A wave of dizziness washed over me and I curled up on the balcony, willing the snow to blanket over me, desiring nothing but to become the winter so I could sleep for four months and reemerge whole again. Stinging numbness gripped my fingers and toes, and I shivered, burying my head against my arm.
“Let’s get you inside.” Finn’s arm slipped beneath my shoulders and under my knees.

About the Author:

As a child, Colleen Halverson used to play in the woods imagining worlds and telling stories to herself. Growing up on military bases, she found solace in her local library and later decided to make a living sharing the wonders of literature to poor, unsuspecting college freshmen. After backpacking through Ireland and singing in a traditional Irish music band, she earned a PhD in English with a specialization in Irish literature. When she’s not making up stories or teaching, she can be found hiking the rolling hills of the Driftless area of Wisconsin with her husband and two children. CHILDREN OF THE VEIL is the follow up to her debut urban fantasy novel, THROUGH THE VEIL.

www.colleenhalverson.com

twitter: https://twitter.com/cbhalverson

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbhalverson/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colleen_halverson/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14777224.Colleen_Halverson

Quiz for book 1 Through the Veil 

Tour giveaway

Signed copy of THROUGH THE VEIL, Book 1 The Aisling Chronicles

Signed copy of CHILDREN OF THE VEIL, Book 2 The Aisling Chronicles

A select collection of pins, patches, and stickers from Creepy Company

https://www.creepycompany.com/

$50 Amazon Gift Card

OPEN TO US ONLY

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NBtM: What You Don't Know by Elka Ray

What You Don't Know

by Elka Ray

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE:  Suspense/crime/short stories

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BLURB:

An American lawyer dreams of killing his trophy wife in Thailand. A Vietnamese soldier goes mad in a haunted forest. A bereaved mother's trip to Cambodia ends in tragedy - or does it? 

Take a spine-tingling journey from the jungles of Sumatra through Bangkok's seedy bars to the seemingly sedate streets of Singapore. Your traveling companions are a slew of dark emotions - fear, grief, jealousy, greed, lust and revenge. And your destination? 

With flashes of black humor and hard-to-forget characters, these ten stories shine light into the dark corners of Southeast Asia.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt Two:

It’s the quality of light that I notice first, for I have broken free of the foliage and reached the river. Although it's dark, it is slightly less dark than it was under the tree canopy. I turn and see the darker shadow of our boat. The baby’s cries seem to have ceased. Relief floods over me.

I wade through the shallows, stumbling with fatigue. The rocks are loose and slippery.

The boat is as it was when I left, still listing to one side, a rope tying it to a thick branch. I stagger towards it. I am about ten feet from the boat when I trip, my foot striking something hard yet yielding. In my panic, I fall forward, my hand touching something smooth and slippery.

It takes a moment to register, and even when I realize what it is, my mind rejects it. That cannot be Chau’s head bobbing with the current. It cannot be his hair brushing against my arms, or his bulging eyes staring up at me.

My voice seems to have left me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

At the age of eleven, Elka Ray co-founded the Double Trouble Detective Agency. She’s been on the lookout for mysteries ever since. Elka’s latest book, “What You Don’t Know: Tales of Obsession, Mystery & Murder in Southeast Asia”, takes readers on a darkly suspenseful tour of the Far East. Her first novel, a fast-paced romantic adventure titled “Hanoi Jane”, was published by Marshall Cavendish in English and DT Books in Vietnamese. Elka’s next novel, the thriller “Saigon Dark”, will come out with Crimewave Press in November 2016. Elka is also the author and illustrator of a popular series of bilingual kids’ picture books about Vietnam.

Elka divides her time between Hoi An in Central Vietnam and Canada’s scenic Vancouver Island. When she’s not writing, drawing or reading she’s in - or near -the ocean.

Contact: Email Elka at elka.k.ray@gmail.com

Agent: Elka is represented by Amy Tipton at Signature Literary Agency

http://elkaray.com/542-2/

Elka Ray’s website:

http://elkaray.com/

Elka Ray Facebook Author Page:

https://www.facebook.com/elkaraybooks/

Elka Ray on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/elkaray

Elka Ray on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5027427.Elka_Ray

Amazon buy link:

https://www.amazon.com/What-You-Dont-Know-obsession/dp/0988370344/

Interview with Elka Ray

Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

The stories in my latest book, What You Don’t Know: Ten Tales of Obsession, Mystery and Murder in Southeast Asia, were inspired by the 20-plus years I’ve spent living and working in Asia. I write fiction, so these aren’t “true” stories, but the plots and characters grow out of conversations I overhear, short news articles I read, or any incident that makes me think “what if…” For instance, many years ago I worked for a man in his seventies who encouraged young female employees to sit on his knee during meetings. Seriously! That was creepy enough but I imagined him taking it further, then wrote the story “Jungle” about a young reporter’s revenge on her pervert boss.

How did you do research for your book?

The 10 stories in this collection are set in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore and Indonesia - all places where I’ve lived or traveled. When it comes to killing characters off, I don’t know how crime writers survived before Google. Let’s hope I’m never suspected of a real crime because my search history is highly suspicious: lethal drug combinations, mortal knife wounds, how deep to bury a body, etc.

Do you have another profession besides writing?

As well as writing fiction, I work part time as a magazine editor and travel writer. Fiction-wise, while adult mysteries are my main focus, I’ve published three kids’ picture books about Vietnam that I also illustrated. My illustrations also appear on souvenirs and greeting cards.

If you could go back in time, where would you go?

I wouldn’t. Like many people, I doubt I’d have survived infancy without antibiotics, which weren’t discovered until 1928. My daughter was in the neonatal ICU and my son had pneumonia twice by age three. I think many people focus on the romance of the past while forgetting that life was typically short, painful and tragic.

My paternal family, the Rays, hail from a small village in the south of England. The local graveyard has Ray tombstones from the 1500s. I found one horrifying headstone for Hannah Ray from the 1700s that read: “Preceded by her 12 children”. Hannah’s only child to survive toddlerhood died at twenty-one.

I feel lucky to have been born and raised in an era of relative peace - touch wood - in a prosperous and progressive part of the world.

What is your next project?

I always have multiple projects brewing. I’m working on a romantic mystery set on Canada’s Vancouver Island, where I grew up; a Middle Grade mystery that takes place in a creepy summer camp; and a couple of picture books. New ideas for dark short stories keep popping up too.

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

Elka Ray will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
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Christmas In The City II by 11 Authors in the City Authors Release Blitz

Book Title: Christmas In The City II 

Authors: Ashlee Taylor, Misha Elliott, Samantha Chase, Shari J. Ryan, Savanna Grey, Stephanie Rose, Janine Infante Bosco, Madison Street, CS Patra, Elizabeth Hayes & Jennifer L. Allen 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Release Date: November 1, 2016 

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

All proceeds will go to Caring Community Foundation 

Eleven newly written stories by Authors in the City authors.

This anthology will benefit Caring Community Foundation, located in Raleigh, NC where the 2017 Authors in the City book signing will be held.

Authors in the City is hosted by:
Stephanie's Book Reports


Christmas Once Again - Samantha Chase
Like Christmas - Ashlee Taylor
Ugly sweater - Elizabeth Hayes
A change of heart - Shari J. Ryan
Christmas break - Misha Elliott
Joyful Temptations - Janine Infante Bosco
Dancing Snowflakes - Madison Street
The Lovers of Vale - CS Patra
Christmas Interference - Jennifer L. Allen
Rewrite - Stephanie Rose
All I Want for Christmas - Savanna Grey

 

Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks | Kobo | Nook

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Liberation by Kate L. Mary blitz

Liberation
Kate L. Mary
(Moonchild, #2)
Publication date: November 1st 2016
Genres: Post-Apocalyptic, Young Adult

From two-time award-winning author, Kate L. Mary, comes the sequel to MOONCHILD, “a much needed breath of fresh air in the world of YA fantasy.” After surviving the auction and a near death experience at the hands of Asher’s father, Scarlett Moon is more than ready for life to settle down, and with each passing day she starts to feel more at home in Columbus. Even with Asher ready for more than Scarlett can give, she manages to fall into a routine that almost feels like a normal life.

But one distress call is all it takes to destroy the serenity the group has managed to build.

As far as anyone knew, Paget had moved on with her life after storming out months ago, but the fear in her voice when she calls the warehouse tells a different story. Even though Scarlett never liked Asher’s ex to begin with, she can’t help feeling a little bit responsible for Paget’s situation.

Searching in the seediest part of the city, the group picks up clues as they try to piece together what might have happened. The more Scarlett learns about what the other woman has been through over the last few months, the more concerned she becomes. Even worse: there’s no sign of Paget anywhere in Columbus.

With all the clues pointing in one direction, the group leaves the city and heads for Hocking Hills. Only it seems the danger may have followed them, leaving nothing but death and destruction in its wake and putting Paget in more danger than ever before. As Scarlett learns more about the woman who used to hold Asher’s heart, she suddenly finds herself unable to deny how she really feels about him. Only, with Paget in trouble, Scarlett can’t help wondering if Asher might still have feelings for his ex.

Goodreads / Amazon

Sequel to:

—

EXCERPT:

He runs his hand down the side of my head, trailing my dark hair through his fingers. It’s gotten longer since we arrived in Columbus, down to the middle of my back, and when his hand reaches the end of my hair, his fingers brush against my arm. My skin tingles, and I take a deep, calming breath. How does he always do this?

“Moonchild,” he whispers, leaning even closer. “What’s with that name, anyway? I’ve been asking you for months, and you never answer me.”

His eyes burn into mine, and I swallow. I don’t like to share. I hate being vulnerable. Especially with Asher. But my head is spinning and he’s so close, and before I have a chance to even think about it, I blurt out the words, “It’s a nickname my mom gave me.”

He freezes and his eyes hold mine, but his expression is unreadable. “Your mom?”

A tiny voice buried deep in my brain tells me to stop talking. This is what I’ve been trying to avoid for the past five months. Opening myself up to Asher. Making our relationship more real. Sharing. He’s given so much of himself to me. Shared his entire past. His mom’s murder, his time in the pits, the murder he committed that got him sent to the mines. His father. All the details and painful memories and how they’ve affected him. But I’ve told him nothing other than general facts. My parents were killed, I was sent to an orphan home, I ran away and spent time picking pockets before being caught and sent to the mines. I’ve intentionally kept out all the emotional details.

But for some reason, right now, I don’t want to listen to that voice. Not while Asher’s eyes are burning into mine, making everything hazy. I feel drunk. Drunk on Asher.

“I’ve never been a good sleeper, even as a baby. I got my mom up at least three times a night until I was four. My dad called me a night owl.” I smile despite the stinging that has started at the back of my throat. “But my mom corrected him. She said I was just a child of the moon. Her own little Moonchild. It stuck.”

Asher’s expression is still blank, and he seems to be holding his breath, almost like he’s afraid the littlest sound will break the spell and I’ll curl into myself. He doesn’t want me to pull away from him, and even though I know I should, I don’t want to either. No one has ever been as welcoming and warm as Asher is.

“How did it end up on the wanted posters?” he whispers. “How did they find out about something like that?”

I wince and want to look away from him. His expression is unguarded, and it’s like he’s looking at me through a microscope.

“I don’t know,” I say softly. “Probably a neighbor or friend. Someone who knew my parents. I never told anyone at the orphan home or in the mines… I don’t know how they found out. But it hurts when I see it on the posters. It twists the memories I have of my mom into something ugly and—” I slam my mouth shut.

No. I’ve gone too far. I need to keep some of myself tucked away, hidden from Asher and his disarming smile.

The expression in his eyes is different now. There’s hope swimming in them now when he brushes my hair back, away from my face, the tips of his fingers barely grazing my cheek. A tremble moves through me, and I suck in a deep breath. I should leave while I still can. Being this close to Asher is never a good idea.

Author Bio:

Kate L. Mary is an award-winning author of New Adult and Young Adult fiction, ranging from Post-apocalyptic tales of the undead, to Speculative Fiction and Contemporary Romance. Her YA book, When We Were Human, was the 2015 Children's Moonbeam Book Awards Silver Medal Winner for Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi Fiction, and the 2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner for Young Adult Science Fiction. Fans of The Walking Dead won't want to miss out on her Amazon Bestselling Broken World series, and the soon to come Twisted follow-up series.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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