Release Blast: No Stranger to Love by Pamela Aares

Another page-turning contemporary romance in the Tavonesi Series 

featuring love, suspense and adventure!

NO STRANGER TO LOVE

The Tavonesi Series #9

Pamela Aares

Released May 29th, 2016

SeaStar Press

With NO STRANGER TO LOVE, USA Today Bestselling Author Pamela Aares delivers another page-turning contemporary romance in the Tavonesi Series featuring love, suspense and adventure!

Juliet Cabot is no stranger to trouble, but she never imagined that her work defending endangered sea turtles on a beautiful Greek island would turn deadly. Threats to her life force her to call for help from the man who's haunted her dreams for years—wine country landowner and international polo star Parker Tavonesi.

Parker owes Juliet big time for getting him out of a fix in the past. Handsome, resourceful and fearless, she trusts him with her life but she vowed she would never trust him with her heart. When danger enshrouds them and warm island nights cause their bottled-up passions to flare, Juliet's every fantasy could become reality . . . unless the dark secrets of a sultry paradise prove fatal, not just for the struggling sea turtles but for Parker and Juliet as well.

HOT WATER DRUMMING ON PARKER’S SHOULDERS helped to melt away the thick fog of jet lag, but the pelting shower didn’t dissolve the truth that needled at him.
 
Two truths, if he was going to be honest with himself, which he always tried to be.
 
The first was that Juliet was definitely hiding something from him. He’d discerned that fact from her body language and the skittishness that laced through her words. Her campaign—and the party she’d dragged him here to orchestrate—had an underbelly. One that she wasn’t owning up to.
 
But the second truth was harder to admit.
 
Somehow, sometime since he’d last seen Juliet, the attraction he’d felt for her during the Sommelier shoot had morphed into something more, something unfamiliar. A more powerful fascination. He’d be a fool to ignore the warning signs.
 
He was no stranger to love, knew the power of attraction. But when Rachael had walked out of his life, he’d sworn he’d never again fall prey to delusions—his or anyone else’s. If he hadn’t been so smitten, he might’ve detected earlier that she didn’t truly love him. Out-of-control attraction could blind a man. Skew the truth and blur reality. It could lead to mistakes and pain. And he’d be damned if he was going to be duped by its power ever again.
 
He’d help Juliet with her party. Not only did he owe her, but he had a hell of a soft spot for ocean animals. He’d work with Juliet’s team and put together the best possible event. And the day after the party, he’d head back to California. End of story.
 
He shook the water from his hair and stepped out of the shower. A breeze blew in through the open doors of the balcony; he wrapped the towel around his waist and stood at the doorway. Blue. So much blue with sky and sea stretching to the curving horizon. He stared at the crescent of white beach, a ribbon of sand that was about to be the focus of a heated battle if the talk he’d heard on the ferry was true.
 
Juliet called up from the lobby. He dressed and met her at the front entrance. She didn’t protest when he insisted on driving the rental car he’d had brought over to the hotel, which was a plus. The last thing he needed if he was going to keep a cool head and careful guard was to wrap his arms around her and ride off into a balmy, sultry evening.
 

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The Tavonesi Series

Pamela Aares is a USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author of contemporary and historical romance novels. Her contemporary series, The Tavonesi Series, explores the lives, loves, friendships and sizzling romances of the Tavonesi family.

Her popularity as a romance writer continues to grow with each new book release, so much so, that the Bay area author has drawn comparisons by reviewers to Nora Roberts.

Pamela Aares writes romance books that she loves reading, particularly those that entertain, transport and inspire dreams while captivating and tugging at the heart. She takes her readers on a journey with complex characters in both contemporary and historical settings who are thrown in situations that tempt love, adventure and self-discovery.

Before becoming a romance author, Aares wrote and produced award-winning films including Your Water, Your Life, featuring actress Susan Sarandon and NPR series New Voices, The Powers of the Universe and The Earth’s Imagination.

If not behind her computer, you can probably find her reading a romance novel, hiking the beach or savoring life with friends. You can visit Pamela on the web at http://www.PamelaAares.com.

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Release Blast: Winning the Billionaire by JM Stewart

In the tradition of E.L. James and Sylvia Day comes a sultry new series 

starring women who want to live out their wildest dreams . . . 


WINNING THE BILLIONAIRE 

Seattle Bachelors #2

JM Stewart

Releasing June 14th, 2016

Forever Yours

In the tradition of E.L. James and Sylvia Day comes a sultry new series starring women who want to live out their wildest dreams . . . 


When it comes to love, this billionaire is all business . . . 




Software mogul Christina McKenzie has loved billionaire Sebastian Blake since they were kids. So when Seattle's most famous bachelor-and perennial playboy-finally asks Christina out, her fantasies kick into overdrive. Things become hot and heavy . . . but what's she supposed to do when she starts to fall for him?

Sebastian's never been one to settle down, and Christina knows she's just another notch in his bedpost.


Sebastian knows that smart, kind Christina deserves better than him. But after the mind-blowing night they just shared, he's ready to turn a sexy fling into the real deal. Keeping his freedom is one thing, yet keeping Christina in his bed-and in his life-is all Sebastian can think about . . .

“Damn it, Christina.” He pivoted and stalked across the space between them, backed her against the counter behind her, and set his hands on either side of her. His eyes narrowed, his gaze hot and confrontational. “Go. Home.”
 
More than a little surprised by his sudden nearness, she swallowed hard, her heart hammering a mile a minute. He was so close, his every breath whispered over her lips, warm, with a slight hint of mint that made her yearn to discover the flavor on his tongue. She ignored the intense desire to close the remaining inches between them and held her ground. This wasn’t about her desire. He needed her, whether he wanted to admit it or not.
 
She angled her chin higher. “Or what? I’m not afraid of you. You can’t boss me around.”
 
If he wanted a fight, though, she’d give him one, because she knew him enough to  know he would attempt to intimidate her. No doubt in order to get her to leave him alone to his misery. If a subject had anything to do with emotion, he avoided it as if it were a highly contagious disease. She’d never let the tactic work before, and she wouldn’t now.
 
This time, though, he didn’t do what she expected him to. Rather, his right hand slid into her hair, and before she could blink, he pulled her mouth to his. He didn’t give her a chance to back away, to approve or deny his assault. His kiss wasn’t fleeting, either, or soft and seductive, the way she’d always envisioned. His lips plied hers, tugging and demanding. His tongue stroked the seam of her mouth, a hot slide that had her gasping and opening for him. He took full advantage and swept in, his tongue restless in her mouth.

She whimpered. What she needed to do was push him away. He wasn’t thinking clearly. He was lost in grief. Her body, however, didn’t seem to be listening. His mouth was warm and luscious, and her arms wound themselves around his neck. How many times over the years had she imagined this moment? How many times had she stroked herself to orgasm fantasizing about his hands and his mouth on her body? Yet the reality far exceeded the fantasy, and God help her, she didn’t have the strength to deny him.
 
Unfortunately, the fantasy didn’t last long. As abruptly as he’d grabbed her, he released her. His breaths came harsh and shallow, his chest heaving in time with the fierce pounding of her heart.
 
“That’s what. It’s been a shitty day, Tina, and I’m feeling very ornery and very needy.” As if to prove his point, he set his hands on the counter on either side of her and leaned into her, rocking his hips against hers.
 
The full press of his lean body against her had any thought of protest flitting away like wisps on a breeze. 

Sebastian was aroused, and his erection pressed into the softness of her stomach. He didn’t feel like a small boy, either. She itched to reach down and stroke the length of his cock. She longed to put an end to the wondering and finally discover exactly how big he really was, yearned to know the soft, intimate heat of his skin.
 
The intensity of his stare held her trapped. Sapphires. He had eyes the colors of deep, brilliant sapphires. 

They were usually intense and focused. Right then, they were in full seduction mode. Never in a million years would she have thought to find herself on the receiving end of that captivating stare. She’d never been the kind of girl who went all tongue-tied over a man, who giggled and sighed. She was a woman in a male-dominated industry; she could hold her own with most men. But right then? God help her, she wanted to do exactly that: giggle like a giddy schoolgirl and beg him to fuck her senseless.

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Don't miss any of the Seattle Bachelors...

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J.M. Stewart is a coffee and chocolate addict who lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two sons and two very spoiled dogs. She's a hopeless romantic who believes everybody should have their happily ever after and has been devouring romance novels for as long as she can remember. Writing them has become her obsession.

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Release Blast & Giveaway: Dishonor Thy Wife by Belinda Austin

A Psychological Thriller of Sexual Obsession and a Twisted Romance.

DISHONOR THY WIFE

Belinda Austin

Releasing June 13th, 2016

A Psychological Thriller of Sexual Obsession and a Twisted Romance.

Ronni and Brad have an arranged marriage. Six years ago, he broke off with his fiancée or else face jail time for getting the then underage Ronni pregnant, i.e. statutory rape. The couple has not slept together since. The spoiled Brad is resentful and can be verbally abusive to both Ronni and their daughter who he mostly ignores.

Brad is not the only one trapped in an unwanted marriage. Ronni was a dirt-poor teenager when her grandfather forced her to marry the rich medical student. She is simply trying to make the best of a bad marriage until she can finish college and be able to support herself and Traci.

One day after a medical conference, Brad returns home a changed man. He starts acting like a real father to Traci who now adores him. Brad even treats Ronni with kindness. As her heart melts towards Brad, Ronni wonders if he is still seeing his mistress. As her heart melts towards Brad, Ronni wonders if he is still seeing his mistress even as she begins to trust him.

Ronni finds she enjoys her husband spying through the keyhole of her bedroom door. She begins to perform for him.

Once Ronni has a taste of forbidden passion, she is addicted until Brad begins acting like a Jekyll-Hyde and his violent outbursts return. She believes he may be bipolar, never realizing that something far more sinister is going on, and she is playing a dangerous game beneath the covers with Brad.

As secrets unfold, lies unravel, and fraud is uncovered, what happened at a Philly medical convention sets off a chain of events that begs the question, does a woman really know the cracks beneath her husband's skin?

Well here goes, now it begins, a devious plan concocted in Philly. “You look nice, Ronni.” Wow! My voice had gone up as if she clenched my balls because the wife looked unbelievably sexy. In soft light, she appeared almost pretty with her hair mussed. One strap of her t-shirt drooped over her shoulder.
 
Okay, down boy! Quit picturing how she would look with pointy nipples tingling with excitement, and legs spread wide, hips humping. I cursed the desire welling inside my dark soul. I must not sleep with her—ever! 

That was our agreement. “Ronni?” I said in a eunuch voice.
 
“Well, who were you expecting, Brad? Fool!”
 
Next to the wedding picture was a photo of a child, supposedly my daughter. The oldest trick in the book was to trap a man with pregnancy.
 
“No one calls me a fool and gets away with it!”
 
She ran towards the stairs.
 
My legs were longer and I grabbed her arm, laughing at her kicking and missing.
 
I spun her around, trapping her with my arms. Our bodies touched everywhere and I held her even tighter. 

“You smell of jasmine,” I moaned, lowering her to the stairs and raining kisses across her neck. Her wiggling aroused me beyond belief. I throbbed, pounding with such pressure; all I could think of was easing my pain in Ronni. My blood rushed to that one spot where my need was desperate. At this moment, the act was worth any price. Guilt could come later. I closed my eyes, and muttered, “God, I promise to say ten Hail Marys later even though I’m not Catholic.”
 
 I shoved her hand on my pants, rubbing her palm against me. “Please, I need you, Ronni. Feel how much I want you. I need you so much, Ronni. Please, stroke me, pet me. Yeah, that’s it. More!”
 
She quit struggling and groaned.
 
I removed my hand and she continued rubbing. Squeezing. Pulling. Caressing.
 
My breath came in deep gasps. “Unzip me,” I panted and tugged at the zipper of her pants, my fingers clumsily poking her.
 
“Ouch, get off me you oaf!”
 
She slapped my cheek hard, sobering me, making me remember who we were and that bed was out of the question between us. “Again, Brad? You’re raping me again?”
 
I stood, straightening my pants and feeling rather sheepish about the rape thing. I plunked down on a step to conceal my throbbing arousal, looking like a petulant child. Any moment now, I might have a temper tantrum—Ronni really should give out to her husband. She was a tramp, just as her mother had been.
 
“I wish you stayed in Philadelphia permanently, Brad, or the plane crashed,” she snapped.
 
I never struck a woman in my life and clenched my hands into fists, resisting the urge to punch her. It took a minute for my pants to deflate. I then stumbled up the stairs, banging my ankle against the last step.

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Belinda is a former Software Engineer and Web Developer. She is a Zumbaholic. Belinda loves to create novels with twists and turns, and love stories that will squeeze your heart. Her goal is to entertain and touch you by making you laugh, cry, get angry: go through the emotional experience that makes us all human and by doing so humanize her characters.

Her aim with her books is to grab the reader by the shirt collar and drag him or her into the novel, and not let go until the end. She hopes that the reader will not just read her story, but experience it, with chills, blood pounding, brain bursting, etc.

Belinda was born in the Los Angeles area and lives in Texas.

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Book Blast: Planning for Love by Ellen Butler

Enter to Win a $20.00 Amazon eGift Card and 

a digital set of the Love, California Style Series

PLANNING FOR LOVE

Love, California Style #2

Ellen Butler

Released January 26th, 2015

Crimson Romance

Poppy Reagan is a Type A personality who runs her professional life with the precision of a Swiss watch. After catching her latest boyfriend cheating, she decides it’s time to take her dating life as seriously as she does her business. She swears off the bad boys and strategically maps out a plan to find an honest, attractive man to become her life partner.

As she works her way through a summer of dates ranging from crazy to plain boring, she begins to wonder if her soulmate’s even on the same coast. Her foolish emotional spirit secretly yearns for the sexy Ohio dermatologist she met on a trip to Hawaii last year. The one who she insists is “just a friend,” because she refused to engage in a long-distance relationship.

Will her heart overrule her head and move this California girl to the Midwest?

Planning for Love is a 2016 InD'tale RONE Finalist in the Chick Lit Category

“You’re behind the times.”
 
“Probably so. I’m not much on technology. My phone is four years old and I’m told it’s considered a dinosaur. So, how have the computer dates been going?”
 
I stared at the green lip on the coffee cup. “I’ve just started.”
 
He snorted, “That well?”
 
I allowed the silence to speak for me.
 
“Sorry. I’m not usually such a jerk. I’m out of my element.”
 
“What is your element?”
 
His eyes narrowed and his jaw muscles worked. “You like adventure?”
 
I lifted a shoulder. “Sure. Who doesn’t like an adventure?”
 
“You have anywhere you need to be in the next, say…” he studied his watch, “three hours?”
 
My curiosity piqued. “Three hours? Not in particular.”
 
He ducked under the table to glance at my crossed legs. “You wouldn’t happen to carry a pair of boots or tennis shoes in your car?”
 
“I have a gym bag. Yoga pants, T-shirt, sweatshirt, shoes, socks.” I rattled off, listing each one by finger.
 
“A well prepared woman, I love it.” He rose and held out his hand. “C’mon, let’s get your stuff.”
 
“I need gym gear for a three hour breakfast?”
 
“That’s right, I promised you breakfast. Wait here.”
 
Campbell sauntered over to the counter and perused the glass case of pastries. He exchanged conversation with the barista behind the counter and pointed to different confections, and I turned back to the table to gather my materials. 

“All set.” He held the bag aloft.
 
I rose, shouldering my tote and grasping my coffee like a lifeline.
 
What the hell am I doing?
 
It’s an adventure; you said you were up for an adventure.
 
Yes, but I hardly know this guy.
 
Just go with it.
 
As my subconscious argued with itself, Cambell held the door for me.  “Where’s your car?”
 
“I lucked out. Street parking, around the corner.”
 
“That’s me, right there.” He indicated a black four door jeep with a hard top, big knobby wheels and splashes of dirt fanned along the sides.
 
“Okay, why don’t you stay here, I’ll drive round the block and follow you.”
 
“No need. Let’s get your stuff, I’ll drive.”
 
My head moved from side to side. “I don’t think so. I’d feel more comfortable if I followed you.”
 
“It’s about forty-five minutes away.”
 
“So.”
 
“Fine,” he sighed. “We’ll take your car.”
 
“Hold up,” I placed a hand on his chest. “I’m not getting in a car alone with a stranger.”
A light bulb went on. “Ah. I see. Did you read this in a dating handbook? You’re right. You shouldn’t get into a car with a stranger, except, I’m not a stranger. We were introduced through mutual friends.”
 
“First, Erika and Neil, though very nice people, are not my friends. They’re clients, and I’ve only known them a few days. Second, you’re much larger and stronger than me. It wouldn’t take much to overpower me, steal my car, and leave me stranded along the side of the road in the middle of nowhere.”
 
“Hey, I offered to drive.” He ran his hand through his hair, tucking it behind his ears.
I frowned.
 
“Okay, okay. I get it. Here’s what we’re gonna to do. Who’s on speed dial on your phone?”
 
“Why does that matter.”
 
He rolled his eyes and sighed, “Work with me. Who’s on speed dial?”
 
“Office co-workers, best friends, my mom…”
 
“Who’s expecting to see you soon?”
 
“That would be either Sierra my assistant, or Cody an account manager.”
 
“Call one of them, and tell her you’re going to Malibu for an adventure. Then take a photo of me and text it to her. Tell her if she doesn’t hear from you in three hours to call the police and turn me in.”
 
“Hmm…it’s a thought.”
 
“Here,” he reached into his pocket and pulled out a knife, deftly flicking it open.
 
I sucked in a breath.
 
He laid the sharp end in his palm and offered the handle to me. “You can hold onto this for security. 
If I make any false moves you have my permission to gut me with it.”
 
A passerby eyed the knife and scuttled quickly through a neighboring shop door.
 
“Oh, for the love of Pete. Put that thing away,” I hissed. “We’ll do the photo thing. Say cheese.” I held up my phone and clicked a photo.
 

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Ellen Butler is an award winning novelist living in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Policy, and her history includes a long list of writing and editing for dry but illuminating professional newsletters, and windy papers on public policy. The leap to novel writing was simply a creative outlet for Ellen’s over active and romantic imagination to run wild. She is an admitted chocoholic and confesses to a penchant for shoe shopping

Planning for Love won The Romance Reviews Readers’ Choice Award for Romantic Comedy and you can find the entire Love, California Style trilogy on Amazon and other major eBook retailers. Book club questions for Ellen’s novels can be found on her website.

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Review: Just a Girl by Ellie Cahill

After getting kicked out of her own band—by her own boyfriend—Presley Mason finds herself back in Wisconsin, helping her parents run their renowned music store. Instead of belting out powerhouse vocals to sold-out crowds in L.A., she’s stocking shelves and inspecting rental violins. But the shop isn’t all bad: When she’s vacuuming up late one night, she bumps into the guitar teacher with the smoldering amber eyes and the killer tattoo. And that’s when things take an interesting turn.

Presley soon finds that Paul Kellerman is as good in bed as he is on guitar. So why isn’t he stoked to share his band, Jukebox Bleu, with her? Turns out Paul has crippling stage fright, which he’s been self-medicating without much success. But when Jukebox Bleu’s lead singer gets called for military service, the other members beg Presley to front them. Even though she swore never to mix men with music again, the temptation to perform is almost as intense as her chemistry with Paul. Now Presley must decide what’s more important: a second chance at love . . . or rock stardom.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: June 21st 2016 by Loveswept 

Genre: New Adult

Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

Presley found herself back home after her band and her boyfriend decide to drop her after a show in L.A. While dealing with her issues and getting over her loss, she helped her parents in their legendary music store. It was here that she met Paul who also worked there giving guitar lessons. When they started hanging out and getting closer she found out that he was part of a band and that he suffered from severe stage fright. While trying to help him through it she also agreed to help the band out by singing with them. Her inscurities started getting the better of her and she feared that history was repeating itself.

Ellie Cahill is not a new author to me and it is definitely safe to say that her books are easy to get through. I think that if life had not got in the way I could have easily finished Just a Girl in one sitting. Although I felt like it started a little slow, it gained momentum and then raced to the end. Anyone with a keen interest in music would certainly appreciate all of the references to songs and artists throughout this book.

This book was new adult and I have to remind myself of that as I write my thoughts. Presley was at times really immature and somewhat annoying, in my opinion. I didn't hate her but I did find her getting on my nerves at times. On the other hand, I really liked Paul and wanted a little more than I got. I did like them together but I felt that the build up to their initial "hook up" was lacking slightly and because of that their chemistry on the pages wasn't as strong as I would have liked. In other words, they got together too quick for me to really feel the chemistry and it took a while for me to catch up to where they were. In fact, they were no longer together by the time my brain decided that I really liked them together.

One more area that I wish was expanded on was Paul and his phobia and drug use. Yes it was dealt with but in a quick and glossy way. It was an important part of the plot that seemed too easily resolved where Presley's fear of rejection took the stage front and center yet wasn't as serious an issue.

I fear that perhaps I am being a bit harsh because I really liked When Joss Met Matt and this one isn't quite as good. I felt the same way about Call Me, Maybe. However, Just a Girl delivered on the entertainment, drama and heat that this genre is known for and gave me a couple hours of escape which is part of what I love about reading in the first place.

 

About the Author

Ellie Cahill is the author of When Joss Met Matt, Call Me Maybe (2016), and Just a Girl (2016). Ellie is also the not-at-all secret pen name of Young Adult author Liz Czukas (Ask Again Later, and Top Ten Clues You're Clueless). Liz's books are often compared to John Hughes movies, while Ellie usually gets compared to Nora Ephron. Either way, if you like a good 80s rom-com, you've found the right place. When they're not writing fun, funny romances full of shenanigans and awkward kisses, Liz and Ellie are at home with their family and a golden retriever with different ideas about the definition of "dog bed."

You'll find Ellie on Facebook and Twitter (@ellie_cahill) but you'll more easily find Liz in those same places as well as Instagram and Tumblr. You'll find either one of them parked in front of the TV every Sunday night getting their fill of Zombies, Westeros, The Doctor, or any other place where cute English guys fight evil.

Speed round: sweet tea, Hufflepuff, dark chocolate, cheese is the perfect food, Go Badgers, and Han shot first.

Connect with Ellie

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Freebie Blitz: Hot as Hell by Julie Ann Walker

GRAB YOUR FREE EBOOK TODAY!!

HOT AS HELL

Deep Six #0.5

Julie Ann Walker

Released June 1st, 2016

Sourcebooks Casablanca

An exciting prequel novella to New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker's thrilling new Deep Six series

Harper Searcy didn't want to fall for a soldier, but she couldn't forget her hot Navy SEAL friend or their one night stand. When the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan where she works comes under attack by terrorists, there is only one man she knows who would move heaven and earth to rescue her: Michael "Mad Dog" Wainwright.

"The Deep Six series is going to be one exhilarating ride." -RT Book Reviews

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DEVIL AND THE DEEP

Deep Six #2

Julie Ann Walker

Releasing July 5th, 2016

Sourcebooks Casablanca

The former SEALs of The Deep Six return in a sizzling series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker.

A COVERT MISSION
Maddy Powers's life revolves around cocktail parties, political fundraisers, and charity events - but she can't forget the daring former SEAL who appropriated her father's yacht a few months ago ... or the scorching kiss they shared before he disappeared into the deep blue sea.

SPARKS A FLAMING DESIRE
Bran Pallidino carries a dark secret behind his lady-killer eyes - one that keeps him from pursuing a serious relationship with Maddy. But when she's taken hostage during a trip to the Dry Tortugas, the men of Deep Six Salvage drop their treasure hunt for a sunken galleon and embark on a dangerous mission to save Maddy.

WITH EARTH-SHATTERING REPERCUSSIONS
As they fight her merciless kidnappers, they discover this isn't a simple hostage situation, but something far more sinister. Passion boils between Bran and Maddy, but what good is putting their hearts on the line if they don't survive the dawn?

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ENTER HERE

Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of award-winning romantic suspense. She has won the Book Buyers Best Award, been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Bookseller's Best Award, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA award. Her books have been described as "alpha, edgy, and downright hot." Most days you can find Julie on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission.

Be sure to sign up for Julie's occasional newsletter at: www.julieannwalker.com

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Release Blitz: Targeted by Marissa Garner

For San Diego's elite FBI agents, risking their lives is standard procedure 

when it comes to capturing the city's most dangerous criminals-

but falling in love is the greatest risk of all. 



TARGETED

FBI Heat #2

Marissa Garner

Released June 7th, 2016

Forever Yours

RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES . . . 



FBI Special Agent Marissa Panuska faces the most explosive case of her career when she impersonates a female terrorist to infiltrate an al-Qaeda cell. Her dark hair, olive complexion, and Arabic fluency make her the perfect imposter, but each passing hour raises the risk of discovery. Can she stop the dirty-bomb plot-alone-when the Feds don't even know the target? And should she trust the mysterious man who bursts into her life when her cover is blown?





SO CLOSE TO REALITY . . . 



Former Navy SEAL Ameen Ali has a very personal reason for hating the terrorists and vowing to stop them. But when a beautiful woman joins the sleeper cell spreading death-to-America propaganda at his mosque, he doesn't want to believe she shares their evil goals. Can he convince her to join forces before it's too late?

Night had fallen when Samir parked the truck in front of the dilapidated house in the drug-infested Tijuana slum. Once he killed the headlights, the moon provided the only illumination along the crumbling asphalt road. Wedged between Samir and Omar on the seat, Marissa Panuska scanned the neighborhood of decaying buildings, hoping to catch a reassuring glimpse of the two agents who were out there—somewhere—following her, watching her back.
 
On five previous occasions, the terrorists had brought her to their hideout in Mexico, just across the border from San Diego. Marauding drug gangs ruled the area where crackling gunfire was as common as barking dogs. The constant smell of weed permeated the air and stung her nostrils. The residents were rarely visible, preferring relative safety behind walls.
 
Marissa’s gaze swept over the run-down house, checking for any signs of change or trouble. Boards protected the windows from prying eyes, and a padlock secured the door against thieves. The electrical connection dangling from the sagging overhead lines was one of the few in the slum, and the satellite phone antenna on the roof was definitely unique.
 
After an anxious look around, Omar jumped out to unlock the door before all three darted inside. Samir switched on the lamp that sat on the floor by the door. Ignoring the stench from the barely functioning bathroom, they hurried past it and the bedroom on the left. A narrow archway separated the front room from the larger back room, which included a rudimentary kitchen along one wall. The furnishings consisted of six metal folding chairs, a wooden table, and three tall lamps. Several boxes of electronic parts, including a new one, were  lined up near the rear door. The place was filthy, but no one cared.
 
The stifling heat in the closed-up house stole Marissa’s breath. Sweat dampened her skin beneath the long, black abaya and niqab, the Muslim robe and veil she wore over her other clothes. While the men turned on the lights, she sank onto one of the flimsy chairs, morbidly wondering if she was more likely to die from heat stroke than at the hands of the terrorists.
 
Holding the niqab away from her face, she drew slow, deep breaths and grimaced at the pain in her lungs and stomach. The stress of impersonating Baheera Abbas, of pretending to be the female terrorist previously unknown to the US intelligence community, gnawed at Marissa’s nerves. If only she could determine Baheera’s role in the planned attack, she might be able to finish the covert operation, might be able to survive. Every passing minute held the threat of discovery and diminished that possibility.
 
Marissa wiped the sweat from her face and watched the two men admire the sword-like knife Samir had purchased in a shop along Avenida Revolución on their way through Tijuana. On previous visits, Samir’s first priority had been to unlock the metal gun cabinet bolted to the floor in the bedroom closet and to confirm the delivery of additional bomb components. But tonight, the sleeper cell’s leader and Omar were distracted by the massive blade, which they took turns brandishing menacingly at each other.

Samir’s satellite phone lay on the table. The phone never left his sight because it represented the cell’s umbilical cord to the Middle East, the only method of communication between the terrorists here and those at home. Homeland Security couldn’t fathom why just one means of contact existed, why no alternate options were in place. They suspected the men in charge didn’t trust anyone except Samir and wanted to minimize the risk of the plot being traced back to the source. Unable to determine the terrorists’ reasons, US officials decided the terrorist mind was impossible to comprehend and worked to exploit the obvious weakness in the cell’s strategy. The Bureau and other government agencies had simply taken advantage of the situation and monitored the terrorists’ calls with ease.
 
Until two weeks ago, Marissa had been one of the agents monitoring those calls, listening to and translating many long distance conversations between Samir and his bosses. Discovering the true identities of the people had been a frustrating, and often futile, process. No one used a last name, and even the first names were suspect as they were frequently aliases. Husaam was the name used by the man who seemed to be at the top, but the common Arab name made it impossible to positively identify or trace him.
 
The sat phone’s ring interrupted Marissa’s thoughts.
 
Everyone froze.
 
Samir shot it a startled glance. The call seemed to confuse him for a moment, suggesting he didn’t expect to be contacted tonight. He grabbed the phone, answering warily in Arabic. His face tensed, and his tone turned respectful when he launched into a detailed status report. As usual, he lowered his voice and walked into the front room so neither Omar nor Marissa could hear.
 
She prayed that someone in Washington would be listening in real time—not hours later to a recording.
 
Only five minutes passed before Samir, wearing a Cheshire cat grin, strolled back through the doorway and held out the phone to her. Her stomach knotted. Only Samir talked on the sat phone.
 
Saying nothing, he thrust it at her again.
 
Hesitantly, she put the phone to her ear and spoke in precise Arabic. “Allahu Akbar.”
 
The man on the phone greeted her affectionately—as his wife.

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I'm a wife, writer, chocoholic, and animal lover, not necessarily in that order. As a little girl, I cut pictures of people out of my mother's magazines and turned them into characters in my simple stories. Now I write sexy paranormal romantic suspense, steamy contemporary romance, and edgy romantic thrillers. I live in sunny Southern California with my husband, but enjoy traveling from Athens to Anchorage to Acapulco and many locations in between.

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