{Mailbox} Book Haul #3

So today I had a VERY NICE surprise show up! I got some very yummy arc's!

{Cover Reveal} Verity’s Lie @Grace_Elliot

Charles Huntley, Lord Ryevale, infamous rogue…and government agent.

In unsettled times, with England at war with France, Ryevale is assigned to covertly protect a politician’s daughter, Miss Verity Verrinder. To keep Verity under his watchful eye, Ryevale plots a campaign of seduction that no woman can resist– except it seems, Miss Verrinder. In order to gain her trust Ryevale enters Verity’s world of charity meetings and bookshops…where the unexpected happens and he falls in love with his charge.

When Lord Ryevale turns his bone-melting charms on her, Verity questions his lordship’s motivation. But with her controlling father abroad, Verity wishes to explore London and reluctantly accepts Ryevale’s companionship. As the compelling attraction between them strengthens, Verity is shattered to learn her instincts are correct after all – and Ryevale is not what he seems. If Lord Ryevale can lie, then so can she…but with disastrous consequences.

Amazon

Author bio and links

Grace Elliot leads a double life as a veterinarian by day and author of historical romance by night. Grace lives near London and is passionate about history, romance and cats! She is housekeeping staff to five cats, two sons, one husband and a bearded dragon (not necessarily listed in order of importance). “Verity’s Lie” is Grace’s fourth novel.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Newsletter  | Blog | Website | Twitter | Amazon  |  Facebook

Excerpt:

Verity closed the library door and wilted.  With toe-curling embarrassment she recalled her prudish disapproval and cringed afresh.  Why couldn't she have appeared worldly and calm, instead of behaving like a stuttering, prissy schoolgirl.  And why Lord Ryevale, of all people?  If she hadn't been distracted by plans to confront her father, then she wouldn't have been caught so off guard.  Verity took comfort in that it was unlikely their paths would cross again.

            Clutching Cicero against her chest like a shield, Verity composed her thoughts before facing her father, then made for the garden.  The root of her discomfort lay in noticing Lord Ryevale earlier that evening.  When he arrived, the atmosphere had changed tangibly; women became more vivacious and men bristled defensively.  He moved with the self-assurance of a pack leader and, when he passed close by, a wicked smile quirked across his intriguing lips—and Verity didn't usually notice mouths.  But more alarming still were his eyes—nut brown and intense—and when he had glanced in her direction, she felt as if he could read her mind.  Shaken, she wondered if she had inherited her mother's weakness for the opposite sex, a sobering thought that worried her.

            From his wide chest and broad shoulders, to the square jaw and strong cheekbones, Ryevale filled her mind; so when she had received her father's note to fetch his copy of Cicero, she had welcomed the excuse to leave the ball and calm her wits.  That was, until she opened the library door to find the man she was running from in a compromising position with another man's wife.

            After three laps of the garden, her cheeks had cooled and her mind felt more ordered.

            Tonight she would seize the moment; before her father left on business, she would appeal for more freedom.  Her speech planned out, she was ready to face him.

            Verity hurried along the corridor, pausing outside the study door to straighten her hair. This was it: now or never.  She knocked and, at a gruff acknowledgment from the other side, entered.

            Between the gloomy room and being a little nearsighted, it took Verity a moment to assimilate three men were present: her father, the prime minister and a figure in the shadows.

            "Father.  Lord Liverpool."  She squinted, trying to identify their guest.  As Ryevale stepped forward, her pulse hit a crescendo.  Alarm fluttered in her breast, threatening her ability to breathe.  "My lord."  How her voice held steady, she had no idea.

            "Good evening."

            He stood at ease, which irritated her.  Why did her wits scatter like pigeons before a cat when he smiled in that bone-melting way?  Annoyed at herself, she answered his smile with a glare before turning to her father.  "Your book, Father."

            "Ah, Verity.  Thank you."

            Her father took a cursory glance at the spine then set the Cicero aside.

            Verity longed to escape, to be able to breathe and to release the tension swelling in her chest.

            "If that's all, I won't intrude further."  She felt Ryevale's gaze, hot against her skin, and some unnamed sensation coiled and tightened inside.

            "Ah, Verity, let me introduce my guest."

            "We've already met," she replied tartly.

{Review} Breath of Iron @KateCross_

This title will be released on August 6, 2013

Sworn to protect England from all enemies, the Wardens of the Realm are ever vigilant. But not all battles are fought on a battlefield…sometimes they are fought in the heart.

As chief surgeon for the Wardens, Evelyn Stone fears her own life is on the line when she is kidnapped by a band of pirates—only to discover that the airship captain is Gavin “Mac” MacRae—her former lover. The man whose life she once saved. The man she abandoned.

Since Evelyn left, Mac made his mark as both a pirate and a pilot. But his true allegiance isn’t known. So when he asks Evie for help with a wounded woman onboard, he tells Evie that the woman is his wife—even if his feelings for Evie have never waned…

As the days pass, however, the unease between Evie and Mac gives way to the old comfort they used to have. Yet, their newly ignited romance is complicated by conflicting loyalties and desires, and a betrayal that may cost them both their love and their lives.
BUY THE BOOK BAM | BN | AMAZON  

About Kate Cross

I’ve always loved stories. My mother would read to me as a child, but more often than not, she’d make up her own stories to tell me. She always made me part of the process, asking me what I thought should happen next. This grew into a love of books and a love of writing. I wrote my first story (that I can remember) at age 8, and my first book at age 12, and my poor mother sat and listened to me read aloud a portion from every project.

Occasionally she would ask me how I came to ‘know about such things’ but other than that she never told me that something I had written was wrong or unacceptable for my age. I’m sure I must have terrified her at times! There were nights when she would knock on my bedroom door and tell me to go to sleep, only to find me laboring over a notebook, scribbling like mad. I would reply, “I can’t!” and she would shut the door. One Christmas I came downstairs to find a writing desk and electronic typewriter (yes, I’m dating myself) waiting by the tree. We were fairly poor, and I’m not sure how she and my father were able to afford the the setup on a lumberjack’s pay, but it was the perfect gift.

Ten years later I was living with my fabulous boyfriend (whom I later had the good sense to marry), and working at a job I hated with a manager I despised even more. My boyfriend suggested I quit the job, go back to university and, “write that book.” Since we were living in Canada at the time, and a full year of university would only run me a few thousand dollars, I decided the risk was worth it.

I sold my first book before the start of my second year. It was a historical romance, and the beginning of a career that would land me on the USA Today bestseller list, win me a few awards, and see my words translated into roughly a dozen languages. Best of all, that career introduced me to so many wonderful people, many of whom I consider good friends.

Since my first book came out in 2001, I’ve written more than 25 books and 3 novellas, all of them for publication. I begin every book with the mantra — to make it the best book I can. Each new project is a way for me to improve and grow as a writer. I’m always eager for the next book because each one is like a new beginning

DEFF DO NOT READ THESE OUT OF ORDER!  I think this will be the last book that I read in a series where I have not read the first books that came before it!  This is a wonderful sexy book! But I found myself not knowing whom certain people were because I had not read the first two books.  So as soon as I track down copies I will be updating this review as well as adding reviews for the first two books.  But all in all this is a 4 star for me and a 3 star flirty!

This was a very inventive, steampunk world and I so cant wait to grab the first two books in this series as well as the next one! Kate is deff going on my fav author lists!  This book was sexy, sizzling, adventurous and action packed with romance, spies, and wonder! A Deff Must Read!

"*I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own."

{Blast + Excerpt} Finding Amy @AuthorCarolB

What begins in Montana as routine for Texas Ranger Carson Garrett, quickly turns into a ‘run for your life’ chase in order to protect the two women and child he is returning to Texas.

How far would you go to protect the ones you love?

                When Texas Ranger, Carson Garrett is assigned to locate and place in protective custody the wife of a man suspected of illegal activities with a Columbian drug lord, it turns into more than routine. The estranged husband has put out a hit on his wife and the only person who knows where she is hiding is her twin sister, Amy Summers.

Protecting the sister she loves may be the thing that destroys her…

                It is a race against time for Carson to find Amy, convenience her of the imminent danger and get her to lead him to Jamie so he can escort both women and Jamie’s four-year-old child back to Texas.

Even if they make it can love on the run survive?

                Besides the obvious problems of running from a man who is trying to kill them, Carson and Amy have an instant attraction to each other and it is clouding his usual sharp judgment and causing them both to make costly mistakes.

A determined hitman, a diabolical plan. There is only one way to stop them both…

Author Bio

I love to write. I love to put characters in situations that seems impossible to get out of. Almost. Then, out of the blue, along comes that sexy, breathtakingly, handsome hero who can and will save the day. Sometimes, (I like this part), it’s the heroine who steps up and saves the day. I love to write. Did I mention that? Anyway, I love mystery, suspense and the forever kind of love. When someone asks me, “what do you write?” I can’t say romance. It’s not that simple. I want action, adventure, suspense with caring, loving, sexy, characters that seem to find trouble wherever they go.
I am married to my real life sexy hero who finds my imagination intriguing, but refuses to read my books. Thank God. Our, live-at-home children greet us at the door with tongues hanging and tails wagging. They travel with us when we vacation and get depressed when we have to leave them. We have four grown children who live close enough for us to see often.
You can follow me on
twitter:https://twitter.com/AuthorCarolB facebook;https://www.facebook.com/#!/carolbraswellauthor
www.carolbraswell.com

Links

Finding Amy     

Author Carol Braswell
www.carolbraswell.com

twitter @AuthorCarolB

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/carolbraswellauthor Post Review Here

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Excerpt #1

Carson eased on the brakes and pulled over to the side of the road. A few seconds later, the SUV passed and Carson jotted the Texas license number down. He flipped his cell phone open and punched in his brothers’ number. 

“What now?” Rex answered on the second ring.

“I need you to run a plate for me. I have a black SUV following me. It may be nothing but I don’t want to take any chances.”

“Hold on.”

Carson waited for Rex to connect to his headquarters. “Yeah. Go ahead. I have the office on the phone.”

Carson gave Rex the number and waited as he relayed the information. It only took a few seconds for Carson’s worse fears to become real.

“The vehicle is registered to Martin Keener. Sounds like the enemy is knocking on your door, bro. You need to lose him or kill him.”

“Why would I kill him? He hasn’t done anything yet.”

“Calm down, bro. I’m only kidding.” Rex laughed.

Cason snapped the phone closed. His brother had bad timing for his sense of humor or maybe Carson’s nerves were too tight. Whichever, he had to shake this tail. If Carson stayed behind him, there wouldn’t be any reason to lose him. Carson eased back onto the road, behind the SUV.

                                                                                          ****

Excitement cursed through Max’s veins when he spotted the white Dodge Dually in the hotel parking lot. He hid behind a delivery van and waited until Carson came out of his room, threw his case in the back and drove out of town in the direction of Yellowstone Park. Keeping a safe distance so as not to attract attention, Max didn’t think Carson would notice one more vehicle among all the others traveling the same road. Several cars had picked this cloudy day to go site seeing or visit the lodge. Max planned to stick to him like glue until the women came back into the picture.

Martin said he would pay him to get rid of the women and bring the bag and kid back. He hadn’t said, but Max figured there had to be cash in the bag Martin kept harping about. He always mentioned the bag his wife stole and his daughter as an afterthought. Max had already decided the kid would die with her mother. Sure, it would be an accident as far as Martin was concerned. He couldn’t take the chance on a four-year-old fingering him for murder. Max switched the radio over to a country station and sang along to Brooks and Dunn’s Boot Scootin Boogie while keeping close tabs on the white dually about a half a mile ahead of him. He jammed to the country beat until the brake lights of the dually in front of him came on and pull off of the road.

“Damn.” Max gripped the stirring wheel and eased off the gas. When he came along side of Carson, he accelerated and sped past.

Excerpt #2

Carson walked into the highway patrol office, showed his identification and told the front desk he had come to pick up Amy Summers.

“She’s in a holding room. I’ll call Officer Marshal to take you back.”

“Thanks,” Carson said. He didn’t look forward to this. He knew she would be mad as hell. Maybe after he explained everything to her, she would get over being arrested. He had his doubts.

“Ranger Garrett.” Carson turned and stood eye to eye with Officer Marshal. The rail thin man had dark black hair that looked blue under the lobby lights. Dye job, Carson thought. Carson shook the right hand the man offered. “I’m Officer Marshal. I’ll take you back to where Miss Summers is being held.” He keyed in a code to enter the locked door and Carson followed him down a narrow hall. Officer Marshal stopped in front of a closed door and turned toward Carson.

                  Officer Marshal frowned. “I just want to warn you, this young lady is not a happy camper.”

                  Carson flattened his lips and shook his head. “I was afraid of that.”

                  Marshal swung the door open and Carson walked in.

                  “Carson,” Amy screamed and jumped into his arms. “Carson they said I stole Bess’ car and I’m wanted for questioning for a crime in Texas and a Ranger is coming…”

                  This is what he had dreamed about all the way from Cody. He wanted to hold her close until she knew everything. If they could back up twenty-four hours, he would have done things differently. But in his line of work he had experienced a couple of incidents he would like to do over.

                  Carson knew better than to spend so much time watching her. He could protect her from any danger that might arise. He should’ve handled this assignment by the books. Instead, the more he knew about her, the more he wanted to know. She intrigued him and stirred emotions he had never experienced before. Holding her like this is what he’d dreamed of all the way from Cody. Amy depending on him for answers. If he could keep her like this, safe in his arms, it might not be such a blow when she knew the truth.

                  Carson placed his index finger over her lips to stop her rambling. “Shh. I know all about it, Amy.”

                  He body stiffened and she jerked out of his arms. Wrapping her arms around her middle for protection, she stepped away and glared at him. “You’re the Texas Ranger, aren’t you? You knew all along and didn’t tell me.” Her bottle green eyes clouded with unshed tears. She turned away from him and whispered. “Why?”

                  Carson pulled a chair away from the table. “Please, sit, Amy, and let me explain.”

Excerpt #3

Amy set her tea cup on the table next to the swing and took the glass Carson offered. She took a long sip. “I think you were right. I did need this more than the tea. Thank you for thinking of me.” She took another long sip. “Sometimes you get to the point that you are so exhausted and the mind is all jumbled up, you can’t sleep.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“There’s nothing to talk about. We have to stay in hiding until Martin is caught. Then we have to stay in hiding until Martin goes to court. Then we have to stay in hiding until Martin is convicted. Then---”

 “I understand.” Carson interrupted. “We have no idea how long it will take to catch him. We don’t know if he will stay in jail until the trial. He’ll probably bond out and be free until the trial which could take up to a year or longer to get a docket. Then he’s still on the street until the punishment phase of his sentence. So, you and your sister and niece could be in hiding for a year or more.”

“I have a life I’m eager to get back to. I can’t wait that long,” Amy explained.

“In a perfect world, he would confess and the DA can go straight to the punishment phase. But as we all know, this isn’t a perfect world.”

She took a quick, sharp breath when she faced him and his tropical blue eyes sparkled from the lights lining the drive. Her pulse started bouncing and her heart had already run ahead without stopping to wait. Carson caressed the side of her cheek with his fingers and she laid her head into his hand. He put his hand under her chin and gently lowered his head to caress her lips. Amy’s senses reeled as if short-circuited. Powerless to resist. She didn’t want to. She stretched out her arm to touch him. More. She wanted more. Her palm rested on his chest where the muscles rippled under his white shirt and quickened her pulse. The steady beat of his heart kept time with the music playing in her head. Carson lowered his head and brushed a feather light kiss on her exposed neck above the fluffy robe. He moved his arm from the back of the swing and tangled his fingers into her still damp hair at the back of her neck.

Amy drank in the comfort of his nearness. Her pulse quickened and her heart danced with excitement. She leaned her head over, giving him better access to her neck. With one fluid motion, Carson lifted her off the swing and into his lap. She buried her face against his neck and inhaled his delicious scent that hypnotized. Amy lifted her head and Carson claimed her lips in a kiss that sent shivers through her body. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave back as much as she received. His lips parted hers with a soul-reaching massage. Amy couldn’t hold back the moan that escaped her throat as she tasted his sweetness. His gentle hand caressing her back sent currents of desire through her.

Carson leaned her back against the soft cushions, never releasing her lips. Amy’s breath came in short pants as Carson deepened the kiss. The robe she wore parted around her waist, exposing her pajamas. She raised her legs and rested them over Carson’s rock hard thighs. His hand caressed her hip and leg then moved up to her ribs and over to cover her breast. Amy gasped and raised her chest into his hand.

The swing rocked like a boat riding a gentle wave. A slight breeze drifted across the porch. Amy shivered. Carson raised his head and their eyes met.

“Are you cold?”

Amy didn’t trust her voice and shook her head.

Without moving away, Carson lowered his head and rested his forehead on hers. “Amy, I thought you were the most beautiful woman I had ever run across the first time I laid eyes on you. I don’t want you to think I’m being too bold but you have gotten into my blood and I don’t want to stop holding you, kissing you, and caressing you. I want to feel every inch of your body. I want to make love to you.”

{Review} Red Flags of Love Fraud @Lovefraud

You've met someone new. Sometimes the story doesn't quite add up, and you feel a little rushed, but this person is head over heels in love with you. But is it love—or predation? Red Flags of Love Fraud has the answers. Donna Andersen, who is also author of Lovefraud.com, she says these people are sociopaths. No, a sociopath is not always a deranged serial killer—that's media hype. These people are social predators. They like company, and they really like sex, so sociopaths are always on the hunt for a hookup. This book explains how sociopaths target and pursue romantic relationships. The information is based on more than 2,800 cases that Andersen has collected through Lovefraud.com, and on the results of two Internet surveys completed by Lovefraud readers who loved and lived with these human predators. It's a must-read book for anyone who is looking for a partner—and anyone who is mystified by the partner they have.

BUY THE BOOK BAM | BN | AMAZON

› Visit Amazon's Donna Andersen Page

Biography

Donna Andersen is author of Lovefraud.com, a website and blog that teaches people how to recognize and recover from sociopaths. She is also the author of "Red Flags of Love Fraud - 10 signs you're dating a sociopath," and the "Red Flags of Love Fraud Workbook." 

Donna learned about sociopaths the hard way--by marrying one. James Alwyn Montgomery, originally of Sydney, Australia, met her and quickly proposed in 1996. In two-and-a-half years, Montgomery defrauded her of $227,000, cheated on her with at least six different women, fathered a child with one of them, and then, 10 days after Andersen left him, married the mother of the child. It was the second time he committed bigamy. Donna's first book, "Love Fraud--How marriage to a sociopath fulfilled my spiritual plan," tells the whole outrageous story.

This man had no conscience, no empathy and lied prolifically--which Donna learned, far too late, were the cardinal signs of a sociopath. Suspecting that other people were as unfamiliar with sociopaths as she once was, in 2005, Donna launched Lovefraud.com to educate the public about this destructive personality disorder. It's working.

Lovefraud.com now receives more than 3,500 visits every day, and readers often say the website is the best source on the Internet about sociopaths. Donna has collected 2,000 cases of people targeted by sociopaths. Some readers share their experiences on the Lovefraud blog, which has evolved into a healing community of survivors. In fact, Donna receives many e-mails from people who thank Lovefraud for saving their lives.

Donna's prior career in journalism, advertising and marketing communications helped her to create an effective website. She was the original editor of Atlantic City Magazine from 1978 to 1982. She founded a boutique advertising agency, Donna Andersen Copywriting, in 1983. Her portfolio includes multimedia scriptwriting, freelance magazine articles, newsletters, print ads, brochures, direct mail, press releases, radio commercials, website content, e-mail campaigns and white papers. 

Donna graduated summa cum laude from the Syracuse University's S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1978. While at college she co-founded a student magazine and worked at the student newspaper, the Daily Orange. She also took up crew, and is still a competitive rower.

Donna lives with her new husband, Terry Kelly, in New Jersey. 

This book was so good!  Deff one of the best books about sociopathy that I have seen and yes Ive seen a lot since I live with crazy people!  This book is 246 pages of real life truth!  The author uses her own experiences and wisdom from contributors on her site (lovefraud.com) as well as surveys and information from real professionals to create a resource for anyone who has been the victim of a sociopath. I loved that she sent me both the book and the workbook!  It was a wonderful thing to read and fill out!  So if you think you suspect someone might be involved with this kind of person than this is deff the book for you! 

"*I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own."

"Thanks to the publisher or author for sending me this copy!"