Book Promo

That Time I… Survived My Teens by Craig Barker: Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway!

Posted on October 30, 2019 by thebloggergirls

Blogger_Exclusive Excerpt

Exclusive Excerpt from That Time I… Survived My Teens

by Craig Barker

My entire academical path boils down to whether or not someone called me a faggot in the classroom. If they did, I failed. If they didn’t, I succeeded.

This really hit home with me when I was placed into the top math class in high school—a position I didn’t get to keep for long. You see, sat right next to me in that class was Steven (what ever happened to bullies being dumb?). and he quickly became the class clown who everyone loved, including the teacher.

Speaking of the teacher—he was an asshole. He loved to ask questions, gaze upon the raised hands, then pick the one person who didn’t hold it up.

That person was me. It was always me.

And it wasn’t that I didn’t know the answers, but I could always see Steven’s smug grin out of the corner of my eye; I could always hear the stifled laughter from the girls behind me, mocking me for my nervous stutter and uncomfortable demeanor.

If anxiety is learned, then that is what I learned from my math class. I even went so far as to ask my teacher not to pick me out of the crowd anymore because it made me feel uncomfortable, and the next lesson we had together he made sure to pick me for every question—to the point it became a running gag, and everyone laughed as I sat in silence, wanting to be anywhere but there.

By the time school was over, I had a D in math (and I don’t mean the fun kind). My love for the subject died in that room, and it never resurfaced again.

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Nuts by SE Jakes: Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway!

Posted on October 29, 2019 by thebloggergirls

Blogger_Exclusive Excerpt

Exclusive Excerpt from Nuts

by SE Jakes

Preston felt like he’d won a small victory from the stubborn man. “I want to check out security at the club, and I’ll have your back while I’m figuring things out.” “Were you thinking of doing something else?”

Preston shrugged. “I don’t think

they’re going to let me out—not fully, anyway.” He was too well trained, had cost the military far too much money to simply be allowed to walk away from his Green Beret days.

“So what—are you officially part of the National Guard?”

“Something like that. They call and I jump.”

“With no notice.” Jagger sounded resigned but not surprised.

“I’ll make sure you’re covered.”

“That’s not…dammit, Preston.” Jagger hit the steering wheel with his palm. “It didn’t have to be like this. It never had to be like this. You didn’t have to run to enlist in the first place.”

“I wasn’t running, Jagger. I needed to fucking establish myself. Or I really would’ve been what my family called me.”

“Jagger’s whore?” he bit out. “You refused to let anyone pay your way. Don’t they know that?”

“It didn’t matter. They knew you’d offered to take care of me—you and your family. They didn’t understand it then, and now—”

“This isn’t the same.”

“Feels like it can be.”

“Dammit, you know what k

ind of security I need. And you’re in the unique position of already being trusted to provide it.”

Preston pressed the heels of his palms to his eyes. “I told you I’d consider it. That I’d help you in the meantime. Can that be enough for now? I’m working on two hours of sleep here.”

“Yeah,” Jagger said roughly. “It’s always enough when you’re here.”

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Release Blitz: Sons of Rome by Karrie Roman + Excerpt & Giveaway!

Posted on October 28, 2019 by thebloggergirls

Sons of Rome by Karrie Roman

9CE Germania

Battle weary and fearless Centurion Drusus Tuscus has only three more years in the Roman Legions and then he can return home to the mother and young brother he was forced to leave behind seventeen summers ago. Drusus has suffered much during his years in the Legions: defeats, fallen comrades and excruciating wounds, but this time the stakes are so much higher. As he prepares to lead his warriors from the safety of their winter base, across the Rhine into the wilds of Germania, he awaits the arrival of new recruits to bolster his century. With these men he will face the ferocious barbarian tribes, many still chafing under the yoke of Roman subjugation.

When his friend and Optio returns with the new men, two faces in the crowd change everything for Drusus. His brother, long lost to him and now a man, stands before him and he brings with him a friend, a man named Caius. A man who stirs the long dead fires of Drusus’s heart. Two men, neither of whom Drusus is willing to lose to a barbarian blade.

As the campaign begins, whispers of betrayal and rebellion stoke a fear in Drusus, especially as his arrogant commander refuses to take heed of the warnings. As catastrophe stalks their footsteps Drusus must balance his duty to Rome with his love for Caius. He will give everything he has to save his beloved brother, and Caius, the man who has stolen his heart.

Two lives that mean more to Drusus than his own.

Available at: Amazon

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Mastering the Flames by S.J. Himes: Exclusive Excerpt!

Posted on October 27, 2019 by thebloggergirls

Blogger_Exclusive Excerpt

Exclusive Excerpt from Mastering the Flames

by S.J. Himes

Angel paused, looking out over the crowd. Simeon bent down and spoke in his ear, the music drowning out their quiet words. Isaac put his hands in his jacket pockets and tried to look perfectly normal. A hint of alcohol hit his nose as a server walked by with a tray of drinks, and his stomach clenched. He breathed out, letting his eyes blur, and he kept his breathing slow and steady until his stomach settled. He blinked after a minute or so, and scowled at Angel, who was glaring at him with arms crossed while Eroch was pretending to be interested in the recessed lighting overhead.

“I’m fine,”he blurted out, regretting how defensive he sounded, but it was too late. He sounded anything but fine, even to his own ears, but he refused to be sent home like a child or an invalid.

“You look like you’re gonna puke,”Angel declared, doubting just how fine he was, and Isaac huffed out a breath in annoyance. His brother was a second away from dragging him out of the club. The potential embarrassment from that possibility just aggravated him and made the defensiveness increase.

“I will if you keep harping on me about this,”Isaac snapped back, and went to stride past Angel. A hand grabbed his elbow, and he jerked to a halt, swearing. “Dammit, Angie.”

Angel narrowed his eyes and Isaac got hot under his collar but held himself back from saying anything. Simeon made himself scarce, and Eroch gave a quiet chirp. Angel was biting back something angry, but all he said was “Don’t leave without telling me, and don’t go anywhere alone. We’re looking for signs of magic being cast inside the club. A vampire can’t get taken without magic or being overpowered, so look for signs of a struggle or spells used to incapacitate.”

“I got it the first time you explained this in the limo,”Isaac said, and jerked himself out of Angel’s grip. “I can handle this, so let me.”

He didn’t wait for a reply and walked away from his brother.

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Precariously Mated by Jessamyn Kingley: Exclusive Excerpt!

Posted on October 26, 2019 by thebloggergirls

Blogger_Exclusive Excerpt

Exclusive Excerpt from Precariously Mated

by Jessamyn Kingley

Niko was flush with success after spending nearly an hour in the air. His dragon provided him with a surge of confidence and strength. They were feelings Niko planned to hold on to even while outside his dragon form. Perhaps his beast could help him learn to restrict the hold his OCD had on his life. As he’d told Costas, he would always have it as part of him, but he was ready to fight for more control. He was no longer a timid boy, and thanks to the Draconises, he had choices. Like his dragon spreading his wings again, Niko was finding that when he dug inside himself, he had more power than he could’ve imagined. It was an intoxicating realization, and Niko was prepared to have more say when combating the voice in his head that demanded appeasement.

The entire royal family was set to leave D’Vaire soon with the weekend winding down but somehow, he found himself sitting in Aleksander’s office with the High King; his younger brother, Duke Argent Worthington; and of course Niko’s best friend, Costas, who he stayed close to whenever possible.

The mood was light until Worth pinned Niko with a penetrating look. He was growing more used to making eye contact at least briefly, but he couldn’t hold it long. For him, he was willing to accept that it was simply his preference and not a weakness. The only exception he’d found was Costas, who inspired him to go beyond the limits he’d long ago accepted. Niko’s gaze hit his lap as Worth finally spoke. “You know, Niko, I was confined for a century by our shit of a father, but I was fortunate to have a regular guest stop by and spend time with me. And as technology advanced, I was granted access to both television and the Internet, but I understand loneliness. If you find you need a more interesting friend than Costas here, I hope you’ll give me a call.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, thank you.” Niko was honored by the request and that so many people were willing to make time for him.

“Hey, I’m interesting,” Costas countered as he bumped his shoulder gently against Niko’s.

“Certainly not as interesting as I, but we do have a thing in common. Our mates are still out there, and we both want them. We aren’t crazy like my brother over here who doesn’t even want his.”

“I didn’t say I didn’t want one. I just said not right now,” Aleksander interjected.

“Fate didn’t give me my other half yet, but at least I got a great new best friend and family member,” Costas remarked.

Warmth seeped into Niko at his words, and he wondered how he’d managed without someone like Costas in his life. The past nearly two months had changed him profoundly. It was Costas’s kindness and understanding that steadied Niko as he pushed back against all that had constrained him since he was young. He was finding his own strength, and it was nice to have someone cheering him on. 

The desire to take advantage of this opportunity to start fresh had been inside him from the moment he joined the Council, but in Niko’s mind it wouldn’t be as successful in such a short amount of time without having someone believe in him the way Costas did. His ability to do no more than listen allowed Niko to admit that he wasn’t always the problem in his past relationships. It wasn’t his fault he hadn’t connected more strongly to those that had surrounded him; they simply had shared no common ground despite two of them being picked for him by Fate. 

An ongoing conversation in his mind was the realization that Fate might not be a malicious goddess but one that was not as perfect as others believed. Niko was growing to believe that perhaps she’d just erred with him. He didn’t know if it was because she’d not taken the time to study him to pick the right pairing, if she had simply not cared for him like all the rest, or if there were limits to her abilities in knowing how two or more people would benefit each other.

“I still say I would be a far more interesting friend to Niko,” Worth stated.

“Perhaps someday I’ll invite you to hang out on the roof deck with Costas and me,” Niko offered.

“Hey, the roof is invitation only,” Costas refuted.

Niko glanced up at the annoyed duke. “I just gave him one.”

Costas leaned in and his expression might be irritated, but his dark eyes were full of humor. “It requires one from both of us.”

“Costas, stop being a little bitch. You know I’m loads of fun. Inviting me up to your fancy roof deck isn’t going to ruin your life,” Worth teased while Niko enjoyed staring at the handsome face of the Royal Duke.

“Give it up, you aren’t ever going to leave this house anyway,” Aleksander argued.

“You don’t ever leave either,” Worth shot back.

“I have everything I need here.”

Costas’s mouth turned up in a smile Niko would have to define as sexy. He’d never dared think that of another, but the thought was even louder than the ones that demanded he obey rituals. “See how popular you are? You’re sowing discord between the High King and the Duke Argent.”

Niko grinned back at him. “I think it might be sibling rivalry.”

“Why does everyone automatically assume Aleksander and I are related by blood just because we consider each other family?”

Turning to Worth, Niko’s eyebrows pulled together in a scowl. “You can’t be serious. You look more like each other than Chrysander and Damianos, and they are twins.”

“Next question. Why would you think a sensible, logical argument would ever work here at D’Vaire?”

“Because Dra’Kaedan’s the only one here who is crazy…and maybe you,” Aleksander retorted.

“Funny, that’s what he says about you,” Worth shot back.

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Rules to Break by Susan Hawke: Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway!

Posted on October 25, 2019 by thebloggergirls

Blogger_Exclusive Excerpt

Exclusive Excerpt from Rules to Break

by Susan Hawke

I got back right as my purchases were being delivered by the personal shopping service. I gratefully gave the driver a fat tip after he carried everything inside for me. After I waved him away, I closed the door and got to work.

I’d just finished fluffing the final pillow when I heard the door open. I turned and held my arms out wide. “Ta-da! What do you think? Does it look better in here, or what?”

Daddy Bryan closed the door with his foot and dropped his keys on the table by the door. His jaw worked from side to side as he looked around the room with a stunned expression. He took a few steps, then paused to look some more. He held up a finger as if to tell me to wait, then disappeared down the hallway to inspect the rest of his house. I waited patiently until he came back into the room. He paused and scrubbed both hands over his face before taking a deep breath and finally speaking.

“Preston, I think you may have misinterpreted my instructions today. When I asked you to spiffy up the place, I was referring to running the vacuum and doing a little dusting. Not redecorating my house. Jesus, how much money did you spend? Wait, don’t answer that. I don’t need to know because obviously it’s all going back.”

I lifted my chin and squared my shoulders, prepared to do battle if need be. “Sorry, but that’s a big no can do, Daddy. I’m proud to tell you that not only did I get everything I purchased for your house on clearance, I was also able to use my professional discount. As for vacuuming and dusting, you didn’t specify, so I was free to determine for myself what you’d meant. Obviously, you wouldn’t want me to waste my valuable skills on menial tasks, or so I assumed.”

Daddy Bryan quirked a brow, the left side of his mouth curving up as if he were fighting the urge to grin. “Professional discount and valuable skills, huh? And this from a guy who doesn’t work? Forgive me if I’m confused.”

I waved a hand as if it were no big deal, because it really wasn’t. “Daddy, just because I’m not currently working doesn’t mean I don’t have qualifications. I will have you know that I graduated in the top of my class at the Rhode Island School of Design. I haven’t used my BFA degree, but it’s there if I want to. There just hasn’t been much point when I don’t really need to work. I guess I’m still finding myself, but Victor assures me that I’ll get there someday. I only graduated a year and a half ago. But I am a member of more than one designers organization and I do get trade discounts because of them.”

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Release Blitz: Nightside by V.L. Locey + Giveaway!

Posted on October 24, 2019 by thebloggergirls

Nightside by V.L. Locey

Being a new member of the undead sect has its ups and downs, something that newly embraced Akio Lee is finding out first hand. Being able to spend eternity with his beloved Vincente, the man who introduced him to life in the nightside, is a definite up. Having to feed on strangers? That’s one of the downsides, and something that Akio is finding difficult to swallow. But what other option is there for a recently wed vampire couple who need blood to survive? 

Finding a new donor perhaps? One who comes into the lifestyle willingly, as Akio had done, and is open to the unique and sensual relationship that develops when three men have a blood bond. A man who can exist in both the nightside and the dayside worlds. A man like Ian O’Keeffe, the handsome caretaker of the manse Akio and Vincente now call home? Ian seems to tick every box Akio and Vincente have—he’s comfortable around vampires, he’s obviously into men, he’s drop-dead gorgeous, he’s more than a little mischievous, and he’s human. Mostly. 

But will the outgoing handyman be willing to offer two vampires his vein, his body, and his heart?

Available at: Amazon

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Honorary Blogger Edie Danford: Falling For A Song + Excerpt!

Posted on October 22, 2019 by thebloggergirls

Honorary_Blogger_Post

Falling For A Song

by Edie Danford

Hi, everyone! I’m excited to share my new book Second Song with you!

Healing, music, and love are big themes in the book, and, while I was writing it I found myself thinking a lot about how falling for a song is similar to falling in love, whether it’s a friendship, a romance, a long-term partnership, or a fling.

Sometimes you know immediately, from those first few notes or those first few moments after meeting someone, that it’s gonna hit a groove in your soul. I knew within five minutes of meeting my best friend in college that we were going to become forever-sisters!

And sometimes you notice the song or the person because it’s so dang jarring. There’s a beat or an attitude that catches your attention because it’s unlike anything you’ve experienced before. You can’t get it out of your head. You’re intrigued and, over time, with more listens, more conversations, you’re hooked. This is how it was for me and my husband!

And then there are those times when a song or someone you meet is just ugh. Awful. Not your taste. But then something unexpected occurs—maybe your ears are in a different mood, or you see the person in a new light—and what once grated like nails on a chalkboard affects your senses with shocking smoothness. If this song were a romance novel, it would be enemies-to-lovers!

Well, when the heroes of Second Song meet and spend time together they go through a whole gamut of melodies.

At first it’s melancholy. They share a tragedy in their past and they’re unsure they can get beyond it. The tunes they inspire in each other might be too intense to bear.

But then, as they get to know each other, the tune changes and both men want to learn its layers, keep listening. Soon, it’s on both of their playlists, but neither of them knows it’s been put on Repeat!

When they’re forced to leave each other, the music stops and the silence is awful. In the end, they realize the unique harmony they make together is one they simply can’t live without. 

What’s better than a love song? A love song with a happy ending!

Thanks so much for reading and for having me on the blog!

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Character Interview Derek and Scott from Wrestling With Hope by DH Starr + Excerpt!

Posted on October 21, 2019 by thebloggergirls

Blogger_Character_Interview copy

I’m gonna try something new for you and have my two characters talk to you about themselves and about me rather than spewing stuff about myself. Hope you get to know these two awesome guys a bit through the process.

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Interview With Derek and Scott

Beck Schultz (Derek’s best friend): Derek, you sweet-assed lollipop. Come give mama a kiss. You too, Scott, I wanna be the filling in a hot man-sandwich.

Derek: Beck, we’re here to interview, can’t you tone it down for even one second?

Beck (pouts): I swear, Derek, I oughtta…

Scott: Yeah, yeah. We all know how much you love to threaten the male anatomy. What will it be this time? It’s not summer so skewers and barbeques are out of the question. It isn’t quite winter yet, so roasting them like chestnuts on an open fire seams unseasonable. What is a good autumn threat?

Beck: You…I…whatever. Let’s sit and get to business. (Takes out a notepad) Why don’t we start by telling me who this DH Starr character is?

Derek: Doug? He’s a good guy. Kind of quiet and keeps to himself too much, but he’s working on that. He’s a teacher and has this zany personality. I bet I would have loved school if he’d been around to make life fun. He’s also got this awesome positive energy about him. You know, expects the best in people. Like he gets disappointed when people let him down, but he doesn’t let it get in his way of remaining optimistic and hoping for the best.

Scott: I’d have to agree. He once told me that he’s crazy and I was like, whaaaaaatttt? It’s kind of a weird thing to say about yourself. But the more I got to know him, the more I understood what he meant. There’s nothing bland about the guy. Like, he once told me his students love the song Baby Shark and he made up some whacked-out dance that gets the kids giggling and dancing, and then they are all energized to learn. That’s kinda cool.

Beck: Sounds like my kind of guy. Maybe you should introduce us.

Derek: Sorry, Beck, he plays for our team.

Beck: Boo. All the good ones do. Oh well, let’s move on. How are you doing, Scotty? This was a tough year for you with your dad and all.

Scott: Yeah. I’m holding up. It wasn’t easy reconnecting with Dad, but I’m glad I did. I mean, you saw what he was like before, back in high school, when he nearly broke me and Derek up. And then he took off and ditched me and Mom. I wasn’t prepared to open up to him. But in the end, it was the right choice and I feel much better now because of it.

Derek: Scott is underplaying his courage. (Turns to Scott). You really are my hero. I mean, the way you kept pushing yourself when everything inside you wanted to run. No one would have blamed you for telling the guy to screw off and leave you alone forever, but you wouldn’t cave. I’m getting goose bumps just thinking about how amazing you are.

Scott: (Kisses Derek’s cheek). You sure those goosebumps aren’t from what we did in the dressing room before this interview.

Beck: Oh, do tell!

Derek: Scott! Let’s keep it PG for at least five minutes.

Beck: I knew there was a reason I called you Downer Derek growing up.

Derek: What? You never called me…whatever, you want to hear about what happened, fine. Go for it, Scott.

Scott: (Snapping his gaze back and forth between Derek and Beck) Uh, how about you ask your next question, Beck.

Beck: Fine. But you better spill once this interview is over. Derek, why don’t you tell me what you love about Scott. And Babe, keep it to two minutes or less.

Derek: (Scowls, then smiles) Scott comes off as low-key and controlled to the outside world, but deep down he’s filled with passion and fiercely defends the people who matter most to him. Being with him makes me feel like I’m the most special person in the world. I mean, right from the beginning, it felt like he could see right into my soul. Like he knew how much I needed to finally come out as who I am for the world to see. As much as he didn’t want to at first, he never stood in my way. His unwavering support is one of the things I love about him. Then there’s the everyday stuff. He’s constantly touching me, giving me private glances when we’re around other people, texting me with goofy messages. You know, just constantly showing me that he’s thinking about me. 

Scott: Derek gives me too much credit. Everything he’s just said isn’t even an effort for me. Being there for him. Thinking about him. Standing behind him with whatever he needs. It’s as easy as breathing. Before I met him, I didn’t know what it meant to count on anything. I moved around, as you know, because Dad had to transfer so much. And Dad was always hard, holding me to unreachable expectations and withholding emotions of any kind. Basically, I felt like I was floating through life until Derek anchored me. And his way with people, how he can’t resist helping others in need, I fall in love with him all over again every day just by watching the amazing things he does.

Beck: (Wiping a tear from her eye) Aw, you two are so damn cute. So, this new book about you, Wrestling With Hope, why is it called that? I mean, I get the other three Wrestling With Desire, Wrestling With Love, and Wrestling With Passion. I mean look at you two. You can’t keep your pants on long enough to get ready for an interview. Why is this one focused on hope?

Scott: Well, one thing that stuck with me from spending all this time with Dad is that hope has power. It’s scary to hope, because when you do, there’s a chance you won’t get what you want and that can be crushing. But if you never wish for something, hope for it, yearn for it, then are you really living? Life is all about taking chances. Hell, Derek took one hell of a chance by tying himself to someone like me.

Derek: Quit it, Scott.

Scott: Kidding. Jeez, so serious.

Beck: Don’t worry, I’ll kick him in his nuts later.

Derek: All right. All right. Go on.

Scott: Anyways, like I was saying, I had very low expectations about seeing my dad again. But the more time I spent with him, I discovered a light beginning to grow inside me. This piece of myself which always felt like I was unlovable because Dad never showed me love, was like an empty hole in my heart. Derek filled most of the empty space, but nothing can completely erase a lifetime of rejection from a person who is supposed to love you unconditionally. And as that light grew, I began to realize that the emptiness had shrunk and I began to believe I could heal from the damage of growing up if I managed to get past my own resentment and let Dad in. Wrestling With Hope seems like a perfect title for this one, because that’s exactly what I did. Without it, I never would have given Dad a chance.

Beck: Oh, Scotty. I love you so much and am so happy you finally realize how amazing you are.

Derek: (Snuggling closer to Scott) Me too.

Beck: So, let’s get back to the sexy stuff. Derek, what’s Scott like in bed. I mean we’ve all seen that huge package he can’t hide no matter how baggy his shorts are.

Derek: Well, you know I’m not gonna answer that here, but if you read the first chapter of the new book, Scott kinda ravages me right away. I’m sure you’ll find your answer there.

Beck: Oh boo. I guess I’ll have to purchase my copy right now. That’s all the time we have. (Puts down notepad). Now, about what happened in the dressing room. 

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