SEVENTH GRAVE AND NO BODY BY DARYNDA JONES with GIVEAWAY

Title: Seventh Grave and No Body (Charley Davidson, Book Seven)

Author: Darynda Jones

Publisher: St.Martins Press

Format: Hardback, 336 pages

Genre: Mystery, Series, Romance, Paranormal

Blurb: 

Twelve. Twelve of the deadliest beasts ever forged in the fires of hell have escaped onto our plane, and they want nothing more than to rip out the jugular of Charley Davidson and serve her lifeless, mangled body to Satan for dinner. So there’s that. But Charley has more on her plate than a mob of testy hellhounds. For one thing, her father has disappeared, and the more she retraces his last steps, the more she learns he was conducting an investigation of his own, one that has Charley questioning everything she’s ever known about him. Add to that an ex-BFF who is haunting her night and day, a rash of suicides that has authorities baffled, and a drop-dead sexy fiancé who has attracted the attentions of a local celebrity, and Charley is not having the best week of her life.

A tad north of hell, a hop, skip, and a jump past the realm of eternity, is a little place called Earth, and Charley Davidson, grim reaper extraordinaire, is determined to do everything in her power to protect it.

We’re doomed.

Buy Links

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Meet Darynda Jones

NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious Golden Heart®, a Rebecca, two Hold Medallions, a RITA ®, and a Daphne du Maurier, and she has received stellar reviews from dozens of publications including starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and the Library Journal. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike, and she is ever so grateful for the opportunity to carry on that tradition. She currently has two series with St. Martin’s Press: The Charley Davidson Series and the Darklight Trilogy. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband of almost 30 years and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys. She can be found at www.daryndajones.com.

Excerpt:

He stood and took my hand into his. He looked like one of those jolly priests who preached about hellfire and damnation but then qualified his sermon with an assurance that if his parishioners strayed, they need only repent to be washed of their sin. I’d tried to be washed of my sin once, but I ran out of Dial. Tricky business, that.

“I’m Father Glenn,” he said, his voice and manner full of exuberance. He had sandy hair, thinning up top, and wire- framed glasses fitted over chubby cheeks. “I didn’t mean to interrupt your lunch.” He gestured toward the lunch he could see through the adjoining door. It sat on my desk, calling my name. Metaphorically.

My stomach growled on cue. I offered a sheepish grin, then said, “Oh, no, I’m saving it for later. I’m not the least bit hungry.”

“Gutsy,” he said as I sat in the chair next to the one he’d been sitting in.

“Gutsy?”

He followed suit, crossing his legs to get comfortable. “Fibbing to a priest,” he explained.

“Oh, that.” I laughed and waved it off. “I do that kind of crap all the time. Except to my clients,” I assured him. “I don’t lie to my clients.”

I took the interior stairs back to my office, refusing to spare another glance his way. Just as I put my plate on my desk, I noticed a priest waiting in Cookie’s office. He was wearing a jacket and jeans, but the collar gave it away every time. We’d apparently forgotten to lock the door, but in all my years as a PI, a priest was new. I felt like I should do the sign of the cross as I walked forward, but I could never remember if it was up-down-left- right or up-down-right-left. I was so bad with directions.

“I’m sorry,” I said, going over and holding out my hand. It was shaking even more now than it had been that morning. Shaking from too much coffee was one thing, but shaking from none at all? Utter agony. Torturous. Inhumane. Of course, Reyes and his new gal pal could have had something to do with my trembling. “I didn’t mean to leave anyone waiting here,” I continued. “I’m Charley.”

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BOOK REVIEW ~ KILLER QUEEN BY L.H. COSWAY and GIVEAWAY

Title: Killer Queen
Author: L.H. Cosway
Publisher: Smashwords
Release Date: October 20, 2014
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Format: eBook






Buy Links

Amazon / Amazon UK / B&N / Kobo / Smashwords / iTunes


Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome…

Come inside The Glamour Patch club to see the star of our show, Miss Vivica Blue. 

Do you want to read my diary you nosy little devils? Have a glass of champagne (you’ll need it) and get comfortable because you’re in for some crazy shenanigans brought to you straight from the horse’s mouth.

I can be whatever you want me to be: boy, girl, a little bit of both.

If you have a problem with a man in a dress then best be off with you. If males in make-up give you the willies, then I’ll say au revoir and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

So, who are we left with? Ah, a fine collection of curious souls. I want to tell you a tale of love, because those are the most glorious kind. I want to tell you about real love, a love that transcends labels and gender stereotypes.


The moment I first laid eyes on my Freda I knew that we were kindred. Well okay, I also knew I wanted to get into her pants, but that’s beside the point. My world was a grey place. I was at my lowest ebb. Then she came along and patches of colour began to spring forth. One day the daffodils were yellow and before I knew it, colour was everywhere, lighting up my life.

Love is not about how we appear on the outside, it’s about the soul contained within.

Our story was not a conventional one, but it was ours, and that’s what made it shine.


Killer Queen is a companion novel to L.H. Cosway’s contemporary romance, Painted Faces. It contains scenes that take place before, during and after the original story. It can also be read as a standalone.

I originally reviewed L.H. Cosway's Painted Faces back in 2013 (click here for my 5 Star review). This was the first time I was introduced to Cosway--and I was HOOKED! I also picked it as one of my favorite reads of 2013. It absolutely blew me away.

Cosway brilliantly takes a character that you would assume could in no way be considered sexy...and makes him super hot, super charming, and King of Dirty Talking. I cannot rave enough about Nicholas.

So when I was asked to read and review Killer Queen, there was no hesitation. Killer Queen is the retelling of Painted Faces, but from Nicholas's POV. Something that I had to have. I wanted to delve inside the mind of one hell of an intriguing character. One that continues to be so damn unique, so damn sexy, and plagues my mind with all sorts of dirty fantasies.

Do you have to read Painted Faces first in order to understand Killer Queen?

No.

But you should.

Both are delicious in their own way.

Both are hot.

And both remain on my top fave list.

Nicholas has always been in awe of his mother. He loved to watch her as she prepared to perform on stage. She was stunningly beautiful to him. And when she tragically died, Nicholas knew of only one way to experience that closeness he used to share with his mother.

Young Nicholas would sneak into the attic and watch old films of his mother, slip inside her beautiful dresses and sing along to the haunting and seductive tones of his mother's voice. It was through this strange behavior he felt closer to the mother he lost. It was his secret. One he kept from his father for fear of horrible repercussions. And one that he could not--would not--deny himself.

Until an evil man who worked close with Nick's father discovered his secret--his shame. And Nicholas's life would be irrevocably changed.

Now, Nicholas is an adult. He shines on the stage as the magnificent drag queen--Vivica Blue. It is with the make-up, the dresses, the stunning shows that make it possible for Nick to metaphorically give the middle finger to the perverted monster who continues to haunt him. Who took something beautiful and tried to make it something ugly. As Vivica Blue, Nick embraces that inner little boy who once sang along with his mother. Those moments when little Nicholas watched in awe as she painted her face before a show. He becomes an entertainer, a performer, and the limelight loves him. He shines--is glorious upon the stage. He is Vivica Blue.

But drinking, partying, and maniacal highs and lows is taking its toll on Nicholas. He is slowly sinking into a pit of despair...one that may claim his very soul. He is lost and alone.

Until he meets Phil.

Until he moves to Ireland

Until he meets Freda.

And everything once again dramatically shifts in Nick's life.

But can he pull himself from out of the darkness and realize he isn't utterly destroyed and deserving of love?


Here are just some of my favorite moments in Killer Queen:

Every woman is different. Some of them make you feel satisfied, others make you feel high, most just make you feel used or dirty. But you, Fred, you make me feel cleansed. 

Okay, so when it came to sex, I was a talker. In fact, dirty talk was my forte. I couldn't help but say what was on my mind, and I loved the different reactions I got. 

Great fucking tits, Fred. I can't wait to suck on the other one next time.

Her sweet little sighs filled the room, and I knew in that moment that we weren't fucking, we were making love. I felt like running away and never leaving all at once. 

I could have lived forevermore between the beauty mark on her neck and the freckle on her collarbone quite happily. 

And for a limited time---Painted Faces is free on Amazon. 10/22/14 through 10/26/14 

 

About the Author

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

Author Links:

Website / Facebook / Twitter  / Goodreads 

Excerpt 

“What has you so excited tonight?” Phil asked me, one hand on his hip, the other holding Pickles under his arm. The tiny dog struggled to break free, and Phil finally let him down.

I sat in front of the mirror in my dressing room at The Glamour Patch, using some mousse to slick my hair back away from my face. My lips were red, and I’d gone for a smoky grey eye shadow that highlighted the blue of my irises.

“My new neighbour’s coming to see the show. I can’t wait for you to meet her, Phil. She’s quite something.”

His lips quirked. “Ah, I was wondering why you were going all Frank-N-Furter tonight.”

I glanced at him as I topped up my mascara. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He raised an amused eyebrow and folded his arms. “You always whip out the Rocky Horror when you want to get a lady all hot and bothered. They love that androgynous shit, not to mention those hot pants leave very little to the imagination.”

I grinned mischievously. “I do believe I’ll take that as a compliment, Philip.” A pause before I continued, “So, does it usually work?”

“Depends on the lady. If she’s that way inclined, yes, it works a charm.”

His answer pleased me. “Good to know.”

Phil was right — I was definitely going for androgyny tonight rather than full-on female, and it wasn’t because my head was messed up. It was because my own vanity was surfacing, and I wanted Fred to find me sexy. I wasn’t certain that a dress was going to do it for her, but once she saw how little my hot pants left to the imagination, as Phil so graciously put it, I was sure she’d be shifting in her seat.

Yeah, that’s right, my package, for lack of a better word, was well on display. Are you regretting picking up my diary yet, you nosy little things? No? Well, let’s see if we can change your minds. I will find a way to make you tug uncomfortably at your collars yet.

Playlist 

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KILLER QUEEN COVER REVEAL BY L.H. COSWAY

Cover design by Letitia
Romantic Book Affairs

Title:  Killer Queen (Painted Faces)
Author: L.H. Cosway
Publisher: L.H. Cosway
Expected Release: October 20, 2014 
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: 





Synopsis

Willkommen, Bienvenue,

Welcome…

Come inside The Glamour Patch club to see the star of our show, Miss Vivica Blue.

Do you want to read my diary you nosy little devils? Have a glass of champagne (you’ll need it) and get comfortable because you’re in for some crazy shenanigans brought to you straight from the horse’s mouth.

I can be whatever you want me to be: boy, girl, a little bit of both.

If you have a problem with a man in a dress then best be off with you. If males in make-up give you the willies, then I’ll say au revoir and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

So, who are we left with? Ah, a fine collection of curious souls. I want to tell you a tale of love, because those are the most glorious kind. I want to tell you about real love, a love that transcends labels and gender stereotypes.

The moment I first laid eyes on my Freda I knew that we were kindred. Well okay, I also knew I wanted to get into her pants, but that’s beside the point. My world was a grey place. I was at my lowest ebb. Then she came along and patches of colour began to spring forth. One day the daffodils were yellow and before I knew it, colour was everywhere, lighting up my life.

Love is not about how we appear on the outside, it’s about the soul contained within.

Our story was not a conventional one, but it was ours, and that’s what made it shine.

Killer Queen is a companion novel to L.H. Cosway’s contemporary romance, Painted Faces. It contains scenes that take place before, during and after the original story. It can also be read as a standalone.

About the Author

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

Author Links

Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook / Website 

Excerpt

I was immediately happy to be left alone with my most recent object of attraction, and tried to think of a way to endear myself to her. She seemed a little defensive, and I didn’t like it. She was focused intently on stirring a pot of simmering bolognaise, not paying me any notice. Deciding to take the bull by the horns, I walked across the room and stepped up right behind her, taking her by the hips and affectionately resting my head on her shoulder.

Sometimes, forcing physical closeness with women worked for me. Not that kind, I’m not completely depraved. Often though, women liked it when I took them into my arms for a hug or pulled them onto my lap to sit. Unfortunately, Fred’s entire body went ramrod straight the moment I touched her. I instantly regretted the move, but at the same time I didn’t. Her supple hips felt good beneath my palms.

“Smells delicious, Fred,” I told her, brazenly giving her a squeeze. It was ridiculously inappropriate, but I wanted a reaction out of her. Needed one. Still, she barely moved and instead gave me a one word reply, “Yep.”

I leaned closer, allowing my breath to whisper across the back of her neck. She shivered and I think I saw her breath hitch, which made me grow a little hard. “The wine cost twenty Euros, and I got it from the off-licence down the road.”

“Oh, very la di da, Viv. You must be a big spender.”

I grinned, liking how she was subtly taunting me by continuing to call me by a woman’s name. “You like calling me Viv, do you?”

“What can I say, feminine blokes really do it for me.”

Enjoying this interaction, I decided to up the ante a level…or twenty. I spoke low and quick into her ear. “I can do that, if it's what you're into. In fact, I can be whatever you want me to be. I don't think it is, though. I think you're the kind of woman who likes a man to take the lead.” Then I pulled her hips back into mine. The feel of her soft arse flush against my cock did wonderful things. Wonderful things. I was having visions of throwing her over my shoulder and carrying her into my apartment so that I could have my wicked way with her. Unfortunately, my forwardness was not taken in the manner I had intended. Pulling swiftly out of my hold, she lifted up her stirring spoon and pointed it at me, as though it were a weapon that would keep me at arm’s length.

“Okay. Listen here, back the hell up or I'll knee you in the balls.”

A SIGNED COPY OF OF PAINTED FACES -- OPEN INTERNATIONALLY 

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SIX OF HEARTS RELEASE DAY BLAST: ARC REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

Title: Six Of Hearts

Author: L.H. Cosway

Publisher: Self-published 

Expected Release Date: July 28, 2014

Genre: Contemporary Romance

ARC provided by author for an honest review

Add to Goodreads 

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Step right up and meet Jay Fields: Illusionist. Mentalist. Trickster.
I think in triangles. You think in straight lines.

I show you a table and make you believe it’s a chair.

Smoke and mirrors, sleight of hand, misdirection. I trick and deceive.

But most of all, I put on a good show.

The world thinks I killed a man, but I didn’t. Bear with me. It’s all a part of the plan.

Revenge is what I want. I want it for me and I want it for her.I want it for all six of us.

She doesn’t remember me, but she’s the reason for everything. She’ll be my prize at the end of all this – if I can hold onto my willpower, that is. Maybe I’ll slip up a little, have a taste, just a small one.

So go ahead and pick a card. Come inside and see the show. Look at my hands, look so closely that you can’t see what’s happening while you’re so focused on looking. I’ll be destroying your world from right here in the spotlight.

You’ll never see me coming until it’s too late.

I’ve only got one heart, and after I’ve pulled off my grand deception I’ll hand it right to her.

So, sit back, relax, and let my girl tell you our story. You’re in for one hell of a ride.

I simply cannot get enough of L.H. Cosway--at least, her books. It was love at first read when I picked up a copy of her book, Painted Faces. Her unique hero, Nicholas, is a shocking and sexy surprise. Bonus--Cosway's writing is fresh, and her humor is highly contagious. I wanted more from this extremely talented writer.

When I received an email to be a part of this blog tour for her newest release, it was a NO BRAINER.

Six of Hearts starts out with a tragic past and fast forwards to the present where --- hang on to your seats--Cosway takes the reader through the mind-boggling world of magic and illusion. And intermingled, she writes a beautiful love story with engaging characters and sizzling sexy times. 

Jay Fields is the dark and secretive illusionist who has a secret past. As I was reading Six of Hearts, I couldn't help but compare the story and Jay to the famous street magician David Blaine. Of course, Jay Fields, is waaay more sexier. My vivid imagination works that way, lol.

But if you have watched any of David Blaine's unique and totally fascinating "tricks", you can understand the appeal Six of Hearts had for me. It was AMAZEBALLS!

I really don't want to give anything away in regards to this book--it's a journey one has to experience without the possibility of swaying the reader or creating false expectations. It is a delicious, addictive, and sexually combustible read filled with twists and turns along the way to keep you on your toes. 

I leave you with one of my favorite quotes that summarily defines how I feel about Six of Hearts.

“Isn’t it more exciting not knowing, just letting the possibilities be endless?”

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.

Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

Making my way down the narrow staircase that leads out of the building and onto the street, I bump into a tall man with golden-brown hair. I wouldn’t normally notice a man’s hair so specifically, but this guy has some serious style going on. It’s cut tight at the sides and left long on the top, kind of like a sexy villain in a movie set in the 1920s. I stare up at him, wide-eyed. He’s wearing a very nice navy suit with a leather satchel bag slung over his shoulder. Even though it was the first thing I noticed, his hair pales in comparison to the wonder that is his face. I don’t think I’ve ever been up close to such a handsome example of the male species in my life.

Why can’t men like this write to me online? I ponder dejectedly.

Because men like this don’t even know the meaning of the term “socially awkward,” my brain answers.

My five-foot-something stares up at his six-foot-whatever, and I think to myself, what’s a prize like you doing in a dive like this? Actually, now that I’m looking at him, he does seem vaguely familiar, but I can’t put my finger on where I’ve seen him before.

Probably on the pages of a fashion magazine, if his looks are anything to go by.

If it hasn’t already been deduced from the fact that I can’t even find a date using the romantic connection slut that is the Internet, then I’ll spell it out. I’m useless with men, and I’m talking all men. Even the nice approachable fellows. And I’m not looking at a nice approachable fellow right now. I’m looking at a “chew you up and spit you out” tiger.

Rawr.

Since the entrance to the building is so narrow, we have to skirt around each other. I give him a hesitant smile and a shrug. His eyes sparkle with some kind of hidden knowledge as he lets me pass, like beautiful people know the meaning of the universe and are amused by us ordinary folks who have to bumble along in the dark.

I’m just about to step out the door when the tiger starts to speak. “I’m looking for Brandon Solicitors. Do you know if I have the right place?”

I step back inside.

He sounds like Mark Wahlberg when he’s letting his Southie roots all hang out. His deep American accent makes me want to close my eyes and savour the sound. But I don’t do that – because I’m not a complete psycho.

“Yeah, this is the place. I work here, actually. I’m the secretary slash receptionist slash general dogsbody. It’s my dad’s firm,” I reply. Too much information, Matilda. Too. Much. Information.

The tiger smiles, making him better-looking, if that’s even possible. And thankfully, he doesn’t comment on my fluster. “I have an appointment with Hugh Brandon at nine. I’m Jay,” he says, and takes a step closer to hold his hand out to me. My back hits the wall, his tall frame dwarfing mine. I don’t think he realises just how narrow this space is, and now I can smell his cologne. Wow, it’s not often that I get close enough to a man to smell him. And Jay Fields smells indecently good.

“Ah, right. Jay Fields. Yeah, I have you pencilled in. You can go on upstairs, and Dad will take care of you,” I reply, shaking his hand and letting go quickly so that he doesn’t notice my sweatacular palms. “I’ve got an errand to run.”

He stares at me for a long moment, like his eyes are trying to take in my every feature, but that can’t be right. When he finally responds, it’s a simple, “I won’t keep you, then, Matilda.”

God. Why does the way he says “keep you” in that deep voice have to make my heart flutter? It’s been literally thirty seconds, and I’m already well on my way to developing a crush. He makes some keen eye contact with me, then turns and continues up the stairs to the office. I’m already on the street when I realise I hadn’t offered my name, and yet he knew it.

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AWESOME GIVEAWAY ~ Winner's Choice - and FREE BOOK FROM SKYE JORDAN

Author: Skye Jordan
Publisher: Cygnet Books
Format: audible and eBook, 305 pages  
Buy Link: Amazon, B&N, iTunes

Author, Skye Jordan (also writes under Joan Swan) is offering a fantastic giveaway. Go check out the details on Facebook for your chance to win either a Kindle Paperwhite or a Kindle Fire HD. 

The Renegade Series is a sexy, erotic romance guaranteed to steam up your summer nights! 

Good Luck and Happy Reading ~ 

Reckless, Book One

Reckless, Book Three

Reckless, Book Two

BLOG TOUR ~ UNCOVERING YOU -- PART ONE BY SCARLETT EDWARDS

First of all, I would like to take the time to apologize to both Scarlett Edwards and Lisa, from Tasty Tours. I have some issues with my computer and email and missed my scheduled post for this blog tour. There was a giveaway offered during this tour which my followers missed. I will be giving away an ebook copy of Scarlett's book to one random commentor from this post. Please include your email address so that I may contact you to send you your prize. I will select the winner on Monday, March 31, 2014. 

Again, HUGE apologies. 

Available: March 27, 2014 

Book Blurb






When I wake up in a dark, unfamiliar room, I have no idea what's waiting for me in the shadows. My imagination conjures up demons of the worst kind.

Reality is much worse:

A collar with no leash. A prison with no walls. And a life stripped of meaning.

I am presented with a vile contract and asked to sign. It outlines the terms of my servitude. The only information I have about my captor are the two small letters inked at the bottom:

J.S.

Armed with only my memories, I must do everything I can to avoid becoming ensnared in his twisted mind games. But in the end, it all comes down to one choice:

Resist and die.

Or submit, and sign my life away.




Author Info


I’m Scarlett Edwards. I wrote my first book as a college sophomore. After six months of edits, it made its debut as Yours to Savor.

That was at the start of 2013. I’ve written more books since then. You can find them all here.

It’s funny how quickly life changes. I used to think I’d need a degree to get a “Real Job.” Then I wrote a few books, they got somewhat popular, and now I’m living the life as a full-time romance author.

Thanks to all my readers for making my dreams come true!

Author Links

Website / Facebook / Goodreads  

Book Excerpt


“Lilly.”

Oh God. It’s him. There’s no mistaking that rich, masculine treble.

What’s he doing down here?

“M-Mr. Stonehart,” I stutter, turning. I curse my inability to hide my surprise. He totally caught me off-guard. I have to look up to meet his eyes. Then up some more.

The face that I find is so striking it should belong to a Greek god.

He’s younger than I expected. Late thirties, maybe early forties.

That means he started his company when he was younger than me!

Dark scruff lines his angular cheeks. His jet-black hair is styled in long, natural waves. My fingers itch to run through it.

Totally inappropriate.

He has a prominent nose that might be too big on a less imposing man, but on him, it’s perfect.

In short, he’s a package of the purest masculinity I’ve ever seen.

And then there are his eyes. Oh my God. His eyes. They pierce into me like honing missiles. They are the deepest black I have ever seen. They would be frightening if they weren’t so beautiful. When the light reflects a certain way, you catch a glimpse of the purple underneath.

They are like midnight sapphires. His eyes reveal a cunning intellect. Those eyes do not miss a thing.
Add all that to his towering height, his wide shoulders, his confident-yet-at-ease posture… and Stonehart cuts an intimidating figure.

My gaze darts to his left hand before I can stop it. No ring. He’s unmarried.

He looks down at me, expectantly. His eyes narrow ever so slightly, and I feel like I’m being dissected, measured up, and tucked away in some small corner of his brain. I imagine this is what a gemstone feels like under the magnifying class of the most critical appraiser.

Stonehart clears his throat. I come to with a start, realizing I haven’t said anything in ages. I open my mouth, but the capacity for speech seems like a foreign concept to my brain. “I—”

Somebody bumps into me from behind. I stagger forward. I’m not used to these shoes, so my heel steps the wrong way. My ankle twists under me, and I start to fall.

I don’t fall far. The hand still on my elbow tightens, and Stonehart pulls me into him.

I plaster myself onto the solid steel wall the man has for a body. I catch a scent of his cologne. It’s a deep, musky smell with a hint of charred spruce that is all male. It scrambles my thoughts even more.

“Sorry!” a rushed voice calls out. From the corner of my eye, I see the postman giving a hurried, apologetic wave.

Although the sequence lasts less than a second, it feels like an eternity. Pressed up against him like that, I don’t want to move. I know that I couldn’t have made a worse first impression.

Stonehart eases me off him with a firm yet gentle grip. Our eyes meet. I flush the most vibrant red. His fingers graze my forehead as he brushes a lock of hair out of my face.

Any tenderness I may have imagined vanishes when Stonehart takes out his cell. He long dials a key and growls an order. “Steven. See the delivery boy leaving right now? Have his building pass revoked.”

I gape. Stonehart keeps speaking. “Wait. I thought of one better. Bar his company from accessing the building.” There’s a pause. “For how long? Indefinitely. FedEx can talk to me when they have an improved employee selection program in place.”

The phone call gives me just enough time to compose myself. My heart’s still beating out of my chest. But nobody has to know that.

I speak without thinking. “You’re going to restrict the entire company from serving this building because of that?”

Stonehart humors me with an answer. “A company’s employees are its most important asset. Their behavior reflects the organization as a whole. If FedEx decided that clown is good enough for them, it tells me they’re sloppy. I do not do business with sloppy organizations.”

“What about the other tenants in the building?” I ask. “Won’t that piss them off?”

When I hear myself and realize how improper my question is, my cheeks flame red again.

Stonehart’s eyes darken, as if he cannot believe I asked that question. I open my mouth to apologize for my imprudence, hating the way my professional skills have evaporated into thin air. I’m cut off by a short, barked laugh.

“Miss Ryder.” He sounds amused. “I believe that is the most direct and honest question anybody has dared ask me in weeks.” He takes my elbow again and leads me to the elevators. I have to take two quick steps to match one of his long strides.

“Yes,” he continues. “They will be ‘pissed off.’ But the perk of owning a building—” he hits the elevator call button, “—is that you get to make executive decisions.” He gives me an unreadable glance as the doors open. “That is, at the risk of being questioned by inexperienced interns.”

If that isn’t a loaded remark, I don’t know what is. I flush scarlet red for the third time since I’ve met him. I’ve never had a man throw me so off balance.

The elevator is packed, for which I’m infinitely thankful. The trip up will give me some time to properlycompose myself.

Gratitude turns to panic when the crowd files out, meek as mice, when Stonehart steps in. None of the people waiting in the lobby follow us.

The doors close. I’m alone in here with him. My heart’s beating as fast as a hummingbird’s wings.
He catches me staring. “Impressed?” he asks.

“They know you,” I manage.

His dark eyes flash with amusement. “Astute.”

Don't forget to leave me a comment -- Winner for an eBook copy of Uncovering You by Scarlett Edwards will be selected by Random.org on Monday, March 31, 2014.  Thank you! 

ZOE FORWARD ~ FORGOTTEN IN DARKNESS BLOG TOUR

DAWN OF A DARK KNIGHT
Series:  Scimitar Magi, Book 2
Paperback, 366 pages
Publisher:  Wild Rose Press 
Publication Date:   February 18th 2013 (first published November 24th 2012)
ASIN: B00ADAD9AU (eBook)
ISBN-13: 978-1612177212 (paperback)
Page Count:  366 pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance

In the shadows of our world, a secret band of warriors fights to protect us. They are the last line of defense against an evil no human can stop.

An ancient nemesis has resurfaced. Duty demands that Ashor Vlahos, Scimitar Magi commander, recruit a magical healer to fortify the remaining eight magi. The gods' choice is the woman who helped him escape torture a decade ago. Ashor couldn't have imagined a better punishment for his vow-breaker homicidal incidents than for the gods to bind him irrevocably to the only woman in the universe he cannot have. The soul-searing desire she ignites in him is strictly forbidden.

Kira Hardy, M.D. is a brilliant, hardworking internal med resident with big secrets. But when Ashor asks for aid after a brutal daemon attack, she is sucked into his dangerous, secret world. Enslavement to the magi, no matter how hot they are, may be an unattractive life plan, but being targeted for death by their enemies is less tolerable.

She must trust the sexy, tormented Ashor to keep her safe while he must deny his ultimate desire and keep Kira at arm's length lest he bring destruction down on them both. As a centuries-old evil catches up to them, they face a crucial decision--follow the gods' rules or follow their hearts.

*Warning: Contains explicit sex, graphic language, action-adventure, and an exceptionally hot tatted hero.

AVAILABLE AT:

AMAZON | KOBO | WILD ROSE PRESS | NOOK

FORGOTTEN IN DARKNESS 

Series:  Scimitar Magi, Book 2

Publisher: Wild Rose Press

Release Date: 1/03/14

ISBN 978-1-62830-118-2 (Paperback) 


ISBN 978-1-62830-119-9 (eBook)

Page Count: 356

Genre: Paranormal Romance

After an unjustified two-century stint in purgatory, Scimitar Magus Dakar returns to the human realm, renewing his eons-old curse. Once again he must murder the woman he loves. To break the vicious cycle, he must kill her before she strikes her deathblow, something he's never done in the past.

Archaeology grad student, Shay McGinnis, suffers a near-death attack in pursuit of a piece of Scimitar Magi lore.  But did the magnificent warrior who pinned her to the wall injure her or the daemon he fought?  In her search for answers, she draws the attention of both an ancient evil sorcerer and the warrior Dakar. The attraction between her and Dakar is instant, and for Shay confusing. She wants to be with him, but intuition equates him with death. Not random death. Hers. 

Will this be the lifetime they break the curse before they are murdered by an age old enemy or worse kill each other yet again?

AVAILABLE AT:

AMAZON | WILD ROSE PRESS | More links coming soon

Excerpt: 

Shay's brain ordered her body to make a break for it, or at least let loose a scream to draw attention, but she stood there, dazed and staring. It was the throw-your-panties-off-gorgeous bad boy from her hotel room.

My God, this guy was a brick shithouse oozing don't-screw-with-me vibes. And didn't that just make her knees weak. She was so not a swooning type of girl.

Despite the warmth of the day, he wore a knee-length black leather jacket. No doubt, he was armed out the wazoo beneath it.

He subjected her to a scrutinizing once-over. A swirling black substance in his irises mesmerized her. She hadn't noticed that last night.

What was this guy? Definitely not completely human. A month ago, she would've rationalized the sludgy black substance obscuring the real color of his irises into normalcy and remained in complete denial of anything amiss.

She wondered if this guy might just be the real deal--one of those mythical, sorcerer-like immortals obligated to fight daemons for all eternity. A Scimitar Magus. Shouldn't he be a good guy? A hero figure? Why then did her intuition demand immediate evasion? For some reason, her gut equated this guy with death, but not random death. Hers.

About the author:

Zoe Forward lives in the South with her supportive family and an assortment of pets. She has a special love for archaeology, especially anything Egyptian. A deep part of her wishes she had a career that would have her at a dig site in a sandy country. But she is a small animal veterinarian, caring for everything from chinchillas to dogs...and there was even one hermit crab in there.

Contact  Links:

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | GOODREADS | BLOG

TOUR GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Zoe is giving away the following prizes at the end of her tour:

GRAND PRIZE:

Egyptian style necklace/earrings AND a $25 

Amazon Gift card

RUNNERS-UP:

2 runners up will receive an e-copy of FORGOTTEN IN DARKNESS.

Zoe Forward's FORGOTTEN IN DARKNESS Blog Tour 1/3 - 2/28

1/3 – 1/5

1/3 Tome Tender (Series Spotlight)

http://tometender.blogspot.com/

1/4 The Reading Café (Guest Post)

http://thereadingcafe.com

1/13 – 1/19

1/14 Paranormal Romance Fans for Life (Spotlight/Review)

paranormalromancefanforlife.blogspot.com

1/16 Bookin' It Reviews (Spotlight)

http://www.bookinitreviews.com/

1/18 LITERAL ADDICTION (Guest Post)

http://www.literaladdiction.com/author-ambushes-php

1/20 – 1/26

1/21 Booked and Loaded (Interview)

http://bookedandloaded.com

1/23 Deal Sharing Aunt (Spotlight)

www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com

1/24 Mythical Books (Guest Post)

http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/

1/27 – 2/2

1/28 Bitten by Books (Guest Post)

http://bittenbybooks.com

1/29 Mad Hatter Reads (Guest Post)

http://madhatterreads.com

1/30 KT Book Reviews (Series Spotlight)

http://ktbookreviews.blogspot.com/

1/30 Miscellaneous Thoughts of a Bookaholic (Spotlight/Review)

http://miscellaneousthoughtsofabookaholic.blogspot.com/

2/3 – 2/9

2/2 Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews (Guest Post)

http://literalhottiesnaughtybookreviews.blogspot.com/

2/4 Queen of the Night Reviews (Series Spotlight)

http://queenofthenightreviews.blogspot.com

2/5 Fang Freakin Tastic Reviews (Series Spotlight)

http://fangfreakintasticreviews.com

2/8 Coffee Talk Writers  (Spotlight/Review)

http://www.coffeetalkwriters.com

2/10 -2/16

2/10 I Smell Sheep (Interview)

http://www.ismellsheep.com/

2/13 Lia’ Book Haven (Guest Post)

http://liasbookhaven.wordpress.com

2/14 Offbeat Vagabond (Spotlight/Review)

http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/

2/15 Sassy Book Lovers (Series Spotlight)

http://sassybooklovers.blogspot.com/

2/17 – 2/23

2/18 CS Maxwell ~ Where's My Muse? (Series Spotlight)

http://www.csmaxwell.blogspot.com

2/20 Talk Supe (Spotlight/Review)

www.talkingsupe.com

2/23 Nicky Peacock Author (Spotlight/Review)

http://nickypeacockauthor.wordpress.com

2/24 – 2/28

2/25 Dalene’s Book Reviews (Interview)

http://dalenesbookreviews.blogspot.com/

2/26 Book Bliss (Spotlight)

http://lbookbliss.com

2/27 Why I Can't Stop Reading (Guest Post)

http://whyicantstopreading.wordpress.com

2/28  Book Monster Reviews (Spotlight)

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

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