Carry Your Heart by Audrey Bell

Description:
Champion skier Pippa Baker lost everything in the avalanche: her boyfriend, his best friend, and her will to win. After a year of grief, she returns to competition.

She finds more than buried memories and steep slopes in Utah. She finds Hunter Dawson, a heartbreaking daredevil with the gold medals to prove it. And she finds that his reputation doesn’t stop her from falling hard, and that her heart might not be as broken as she once believed.

But, Hunter has scars and memories too—scars that make him believe falling in love might hurt too much, scars that make him run.

Pippa knows how much love hurts when it’s gone. Will she stop herself before she’s in too deep? Or will she let herself fall?

This is a new adult, contemporary romance novel.

My thoughts: 3.5 panties/stars. To me this book was more about following your dreams than anything else which I liked! Pippa has suffered such a tragic loss that I don’t know if I could recover from something like that. I love that she gets up and tries again, and she sees how much she misses skiing and how much she really needs to do something for herself. She has some very hard times while trying to bring her status back up in the skiing world. It doesn’t help that she is falling for the bad boy who seems hell bent on messing with her. Along with everyone else from her past who is making her feel bad for trying to move on with her life. You can feel Pippa’s pain in this book how confused she is about what is going on. She wants to be happy you can feel her trying to let the past go and move on. Everyone has struggles maybe not quite to this level but we all have them and we all have to learn how to embrace them or we can never move forward. In this book you see Pippa trying her hardest to move forward.

About the Author: (no photo)
Audrey Bell lives in New York City, where she indulges her SoulCycle addiction and expresses her passionate hatred of the 6 Train. You can find her reading in Central Park, overcaffeinating at Starbucks, or trying to kidnap her neighbors’ Maltese puppy. She loves hearing from readers
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17881053-carry-your-heart

Purchase Links:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/carry-your-heart-audrey-bell/1115340438?ean=2940016645063

Author Links:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7075823.Audrey_Bell
http://audreybellbooks.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/audreybbell
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Audrey-Bell/370082886443954

Sin at Sea By Emma Nichols

Blurb: When Alysin decided to surprise her boyfriend at work with dinner, the surprise was on her. Since he was going at it with his secretary on the conference table, she packed a bag and called her BFF. Jolie and Alysin had been traveling the country, working as digital nomads for ten years ever since graduation. Taking this as a sign it was time for a new move, they decided to take a cruise, regroup, and make a plan.

Then she meets Mr. Bedroom Eyes. Following her lead, they pretend to be married so that she can rid herself of the guy who started hitting on her before the boat left the dock. Though it was supposed to be a momentary arrangement, he asks her to take it one step farther. Then another and another. The cruise promises to be memorable in every way that matters.

Along the way, Alysin learns that she won’t have to fake an orgasm if she’s with someone who knows what to do, that not all men suck, but the best ones suck really well, and that sometimes what starts out as something pretend, can fast become something completely real. Will the woman who lives life with no regrets, regret that she made that stupid rule about not exchanging names and contact info?

My thoughts: I love quick books like this! Even more so when they are super hotttt like this one! This book was very steamy which made it all the better when the book is short like this. Emma did an amazing job and I do know that I will be waiting for the next one to come to see what happens! Mr. BE was super cute and I know he has a secret that wasn’t relieved and I am dying to know what it is!!! I love that the girls in this book just do what feels right for them. They are free as birds I cant even begin to think what that would be like! I don’t know if I would love it or hate it lol maybe a little of both! Emma super great job I love it!!! This will be the first blog posting where I give panties as rating so 5 panties go off for you Ms. Emma you get 5 out 5 panties!!!

Sin at Sea Long Excerpt

The new guy sat down. I stared over at him. “Hey, don’t mind me. I just ended up getting drawn into your little charade. Hope you don’t mind if I enjoy my meal while we keep up appearances?” He smiled

“Nope. We’re good,” I replied.

Though I was smiling at him, I had little to say. There was so much going on in my mind…and thanks to Jolie, having an orgasm wasn’t part of that. Still, I wasn’t going to turn down the possibility of some amazing guilt-free sex with a hot guy for anything. Only I wasn’t sure how to gain his attention. My smile hadn’t worked. The kiss hadn’t accomplished anything. What was it going to take to get a man like that to be interested in spending a few meaningless days on a cruise with me? Guess I’d simply have to try the direct approach.

“Are you married?” If that didn’t break the ice, nothing would.

“No,” he said, cocking his head.

I leaned in. “Really? Because you look like the marrying kind.” I took another bite of my potato salad.

Throwing his head back to laugh, he said, “I run too fast. No one can catch me, let alone keep up!”

“Thank you for saving me. I’m here with my friend. She is napping right now. I’m not used to having to fend off guys anymore,” I admitted as I kept on eating. Isn’t it nice when you don’t want anything from someone and you can just be yourself? That was the freedom I felt around Mr. Bedroom Eyes.

He smiled and I saw he started to extend his hand. I knew he was about to introduce himself, so I stopped him. “Listen, you can tell me your name, but I’m just going to forget it. I’m lousy with names.”

“Okay, so we’re not exchanging names? Is there anything you would like to exchange?” He smirked.

“Yes, as a matter of fact. How about bodily fluids?” I smiled and stared at him with a suggestive look.

He…choked on his Coke. When he finally stopped coughing, I was about finished eating. I don’t let much come between my food and me even if I don’t look like it.

“Sorry, I’m not used to women being so direct,” he said with a smile as he wiped his face.

“I don’t play,” I said honestly. Then I stood. I am known for my exits. As I turned, giving him full view of what I considered my best feature, I shot over my shoulder, “Think about it.” Then I walked away. Always…and I mean always leave them wanting more. I didn’t have to look back to know that he was staring at me. Let him stare. With my head up and shoulders back, I headed to the elevator.

Emma Nichols Author Bio

What made her decide to be an erotica author?

Simple.

How else was she going to parlay her two favorite past times into a career?

Emma is single and loving it. Like her first character, Alysin, Sin for short, she doesn’t believe in settling or in settling down. She loves to indulge in her passions whenever the mood strikes and enjoys keeping all of life’s cliche moments spicy.

Known for her sense of humor, Emma surrounds herself with friends whose antics often become the source of book fodder. Her ideal situation would be to explore the Caribbean while writing. She pursues that dream daily.

Author Links:

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emma-Nichols/244344445704798

Twitter: http://twitter.com/EmmasErotica

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7084178.Emma_Nichols

Add Sin at Sea to your shelf: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17985733-sin-at-sea

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Love Plus One by Andrea Smith

Blurb: It had been a year ago that 19-year-old Lindsey Dennison’s life had taken an abrupt turn. While away at Cornell for her freshman year at college, her parents’ marriage had imploded. Lindsey learned the harsh truth about her father, and his involvement in criminal activity that was the focus of a major federal bust. Her father had slipped out of the country with his lover and cohort in crime, Susanne, shortly before the FBI arrest warrants could be served. He was now a fugitive from justice, deserting his only child. Lindsey was left trying to pick up the pieces of the life she now realized had been a house of secrets and lies for all of those years.

After her mother’s marriage to Eric Slater, one of the special agents of the FBI involved in the federal investigation that occurred in their hometown of Indianapolis, Lindsey decides to start fresh at a new college close to where her mother, step-father and baby brother Bryce are now living outside of Washington, D.C.

Life is different now for Lindsey, but it is about to change even more. Her step-father’s partner and best friend in the bureau, Trace “Taz” Matthews, is about to rock her world in more ways than one. Taz is nearly ten years older than Lindsey, but her initial interest in him is physical only. Lindsey has a problem that she is certain Taz can fix . . . but will he?

Despite their best efforts, Lindsey and Taz are tossed together by fate on more than one occasion, and this G-Man does not appreciate the distraction. There are complications for Sammie and Slate along the way as well. A risky pregnancy for Sammie requires the family to pull together and Lindsey’s life suddenly becomes increasingly complicated.

There is a budding romance on the horizon for Lindsey with a wealthy, Ivy-League type guy she meets at school by the name of Kyzer Stanfield. Kyzer’s interest in Lindsey does not sit well for Taz. When Lindsey must leave school to return home to help her mother, Taz is relieved that she will be distanced from the pursuit of Kyzer. . . but not for long.

Things are never quite as they seem. Lindsey will learn a brutal lesson about trust, compassion and strength. Taz will learn lessons about love, intimacy and honor, and that sometimes doing the right thing has consequences.

My thoughts: So I am always afraid that when I read a second book in a series. I really liked the first book it has some good twisted and turns so as any reader we worry what the second one will be like. But I am so glad that had no reason worry this book was just a as good as the first one! 4.5 panties for this book. There are some very very dark parts of this book and when I was reading it I could almost feel it coming but not quite like this! Holy wow!!! In the first book I was not a big fan of Taz he kind of got on my nerves to be honest but I loved Lindsey I was hoping that in book two she would get her chance to shine and boy did she! You can almost feel her growing and becoming a women and learning what it is like to do things that you have been sheltered from. Like sex, boys, drinking, etc. The story line has some great twists and turns and some you don’t see coming and that is one of the things that I loved the most.

Author links:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6869343.Andrea_Smith
https://www.facebook.com/AndreaSmithAuthor?fref=ts

Tweets by MaybeBabyAuthor

Dark Dawn by Melissa Brodsky & Nicole Andrews Moore

Blurb: In the beginning God made the heavens and the earth, and everything in between. The In-between was unplanned, unexpected, and unwelcome. Every action causes a reaction and when mankind was born, so were the Fae. Suddenly it was up to Heaven to save Earth. God created Angels to right his wrong, to save human kind. A deal was made, an agreement of sorts. The Angels would protect humanity from Fae domination and destruction, and in return they would have inhuman strength and immortality. Thus a time of angels swooping in to save humans from free will, bad decisions, and big mistakes began. They protected humans from the Fae who intentionally enslaved them, leaving shells of humans, or worse, leaving nothing at all.

Even God doesn’t always learn from mistakes. Angels were given freedom of choice. Some Angels chose wrong. When some of them spread their wings, they went too far, and just as Icharus was punished for getting too close to the sun, they were punished for getting too close to mankind.

So they fell. Falling was the easy part.

My thoughts: I love Nicole and Melissa they are amazing separate and together they are just as great!!! I love them and this book! We all know that paranoramal books are not my favorite! But I liked this one! Let me tell you why; I liked that it started off B.C.!! I like old school books when they go back like this one does. These aren’t your typical Angels they yes they want to do what is right and serve God but you can tell they want to do it their way! I could not wait to see which angel will fall apart and which one will not fall on the wrong side of the line when the Angels are given free will.
Melissa and Nicole did a great job with this book it kind of makes you rethink the stuff that you have learned. Could this really have happened this way?!?!? I liked this book a lot! Thank you so much to Melissa and Nicole for letting me read and write about this book! It was truly great and I cant wait to see what Melissa does with the next one!!!

Excerpt: It was late afternoon when they returned and it was Anna’s restlessness that caught Seth’s attention. The rest of the Guardians went to their rooms to unwind, but Anna was pacing on the roof. Instead of settling into their office, as he normally did, Seth walked the extra steps to discover what was troubling Anna. This was completely unlike her.

“Anna,” he said calmly when he reached her.

She whipped around. Her wings were unfurled and twitching nervously. The rustling of her feathers concerned him. When he saw the look in her eyes, he was even more disturbed. “Why?” She asked as her eyes darted about…up at the sky, then over the edge of the roof, back to Seth and all around. “Why are we not permitted to form attachments? Why can we not…be friends with humans?” The frustration in her voice was evident. “Why, Seth? What is so wrong and different about us that we can’t be around His other creations?”
Seth slowly came closer. He feared she was about to cry. In all their years of communal living, he had seen her cry…never. She hadn’t shed a tear over wars. She had seen countless horrific events pass, yet this was the first time anything had ever seemed to get under her skin and affect her.

“There’s nothing wrong with us, Anna. You know that. We simply shouldn’t be distracted. Attachments create distractions; they make us weak. We would be inclined to put the good of the few above the needs of the many. That isn’t our mission. No entanglements. No distractions. These rules were created for a reason.” He spoke in gentle soothing tones. It was obvious his words fell on deaf ears.

She shook her head. “We weren’t supposed to live together. We were supposed to be scattered about the globe. Instead, you decided that we should act as one. If that can change, if the Father can understand the rationale for that change…maybe there could be more…”

GoodReads:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17687000-dark-dawn
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YouTube Link for Fan Made Book Trailer:

Author Links:

Nicole Andrews Moore

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6870143.Nicole_Andrews_Moore

Facebook: http://facebook.com/Nicole Andrews Moore

Twitter: http://twitter.com/thenicknick

Website: http://nicoleamoore.com

Melissa Brodsky

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7018483.Melissa_Brodsky

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaBrodskyAuthor?fref=ts

Twitter: http://www.rockanddrool.com

Buy Links:

Amazon:

NA Version: http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Dawn-Redemption-ebook/dp/B00DDF7FG6

Adult Version: http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Dawn-Redemption-ebook/dp/B00DDF7UB6

Tempest Torn Cover Reveal!

Nicole can be found:

Blurb:

A night of passion. A raging fire. A home destroyed.

The sun returned and Joey and Marti felt they had turned a corner in their relationship. Only when they turned that corner, they ran right into the insurance adjustor, Finn. She wasn’t just any woman, though. She was the one woman Joey always believed he’d spend the rest of his life with, but they couldn’t make it work. Soon it was obvious that she didn’t just want to adjust the value of the house, but remind Joey of the value of their relationship, and adjust his attitude about the future.

Suddenly, Joey struggles to choose between two women…one who has never and would never hurt him and one that his heart can’t let go despite the hurt. He’s not the only one with a choice to make. Never again will Marti allow anyone to make her question her own worth.

A tempest brewed. A man is torn. A woman refuses to wait.

Goodreads shelf: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18053715-tempest-torn

Author Links:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/NicoleAndrewsMoore

Twitter: http://twitter.com/thenicknick

Website: http://nicoleamoore.com

Goodreads: http://http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6870143.Nicole_Andrews_Moore

Author Bio:

Nicki has lived in Charlotte, North Carolina with her children for the past eleven years and her husband for the past three. Her journey has barely begun and she has loved every minute of it. Every day of her life seems to bring new adventures, some bigger, better, shinier and prettier than others. She’s still getting used to that new life smell she’s experiencing, a combination of hope, love, and happiness. (The perfect scents to build a new life on…)

For fun, she spends time with those she cares about, cooks, reads, writes, and especially lives to travel. The current travel goal: visit every Margaritaville. Three down! (Eleven to go?)

In May, Nicki started the blog Stories and Swag to promote authors. Her writing can also be found on Shine, where she is a Shine Parenting Guru and an award winning Yahoo! Contributor on YourWisdom as the relationship and dating expert. In addition, she has been published by McClatchy News in their syndicated papers.

Her books can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Apple, and Smashwords in ebook, paperback, and even some audiobooks.

In no particular order: wife, mommy, novelist, blogger, life coach, traveler, adventurer, foodie, and friend

Is ‘Black’ Really Beautiful? by Kuir ë Garang

“Is ‘Black’ Really Beautiful?” is a controversial book inspired by race, racism and the misuse of ‘color’. I found this book to be thought provoking however a very, very difficult read. The Preface of the book suggested to me that I would find situations or events, things he has witnessed in his years of work with immigrants and races of all kinds. Instead, I found that the writing was bland and often confusing. I had to re-read paragraphs over and over to understand what Kuir was saying. For instance, this citing:

From ‘discovery’ of Africa to slavery and colonization of Africa, the Colored American had a sea of bullshit, mocked by bullshit, and lowered perceptually in humanity ladder of greatness by loads of bullshit (called science then) Yes, Harry, there is a lot of bullshit now, more than ever before. And of course, bullshit perpetuates bullshit. If there is so much bullshit around a person, the, when that person sees a lot of potentially-affecting bullshit all around her, then she has no option “to continue to make assertions that purport to describe the way things are,” however that person is doing nothing but creation of some more “bullshit.”

My thoughts: I completely get what he is trying to say I see that racism still has a place in our world today. Ok so 3.5 stars!!! Here is the thing I think that if you have not had a first hand experience in racism than maybe you shouldn’t write like you have. I am not saying that he hasn’t but I felt like maybe I have had more experience with it, with my mom being indian. I know that this book should have had a second set of eyes to maybe go through and revise it maybe!!
I agree that he is on to something with the way the race card gets used way to often these days. I believe that it gets through around a little too much when it is not needed. Like it is being used to get something that maybe they shouldn’t be getting or trying to get out of something maybe they should be! I think that the author makes great points and that people should read this for what it’s worth as in maybe we should all take a look back see what racism really might be these days!

Cover Reval Awakening the Fire: Book II of The Inferno Unleashed

** COVER REVEAL **

Title: Awakening the Fire: Book Two of The Inferno Unleashed
Author: Jake Bonsignore
Genre: YA Fantasy / Thriller
Release: August 30, 2013
Book Design: Regina Wamba of Mae I Design and Photography
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17992776
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/oKfRtBcb_jo

** SYNOPSIS **

Breena Taljain’s idyllic days in Araboth came to a skidding halt when circumstances forced her into the dangerous hinterlands. The dire sacrifice she made to protect her comrades tainted her heart with hatred and despair. To cleanse herself she must outrun Death’s relentless pursuit and venture into the bleak unknown. With the odds stacked against her, stumbling into love when she least expects it may very well be her saving grace.

Meanwhile, succumbing to the Patriarch’s devious traps has Galbrecht Atalir questioning his motives. The folly of his recklessness has left him physical scarred and mentally traumatized. Now he must overcome more adversity as the wrath of the Sin Ministry bears down upon him. He will need more than wits and quick fists to find the truth he has sought for seven years.

Alas, every second Breena is apart from Galbrecht draws her further into strife. With her world rapidly crumbling inwards, she puts everything on the line for a last stand against the ruthless force that threatens to destroy all she holds dear….

** Social Media Connection **

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jakebonsignoreauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jakebonsignore
Blog: http://jakebonsignore.wordpress.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1438031
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/jakebonsignore

** Purchase Empyreal Illusions: Book One of The Inferno Unleashed Here: **

Amazon – http://amzn.com/B00D18OUU4
Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/empyreal-illusions-jake-bonsignore/1115427220?ean=2940016473031
Signed Paperback (with Bookmark) – Contact Jake Bonsignore directly via Facebook or jakebonsignore.author@gmail.com

Lost and Found BY Lori Otto

Blurb:
This is the beginning of an atypical romance.
When artist Nate Wilson falls in love, he falls hard. The problem is, he’s only been in love once, and the girl of his affections is his best friend, Emi Hennigan. In high school, the two bonded over painful breakups, and swore off a relationship to save their friendship. Thirteen years later, Nate has had more than his share of emotionally-unfulfilling, sexual relationships with beautiful women to distract himself from his true romantic feelings.
When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity takes Nate away from his friend and his comfortable lifestyle, he is forced to reflect on the distinct void that Emi’s absence leaves in his life. To Nate’s surprise, Emi has a similar experience; but as the friends embark upon their journey toward happiness together, destiny reveals other plans for Emi.
My thoughts: Is Nate truly the typical guy?!?! Does he just like to fool around with anything that has legs? He was getting on my nerves but at the same time I felt for him!
I think Emi needed to be slapped at one point and I know that is mean but I wanted her to snap the hell out of it! It did take a little bit of time but they finally got their heads out of their asses and saw everything that was right in front of them.
But than it ends and you are left with a huge hole waiting to find out what happens next!?!? The second book is already out thank goodness!

3.5 stars!

Author Bio:
After graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1997 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Lori Otto worked in the billboard industry for ten years. Frustrated with trying to communicate entire messages in “seven seconds or less,” she decided to leave outdoor advertising and return to her love of creative writing.

Social Links:
o Facebook Page
o Website
o Twitter
o Goodreads Author
o Goodreads Book

Tour Schedule Link:
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Buy Links:
o Amazon (Kindle & Paperback)- http://www.amazon.com/Lori-L.-Otto/e/B004VYOIYK/
o Barnes & Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/lori-l.-otto
o iBooks – https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/lori-l.-otto/id438512389?mt=11
o Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/lorilotto
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New Beginnings (The Ivory Series #2)

Blurb:
Vaughan and Nicola have survived a vampire turf war, now they face a much greater threat.
“So, when you say you need to go to Egypt and find The Creator. What does that mean exactly?”
After 66 years as a blood drinker, Vaughan makes moves to regain the mortality that was stolen from him.
“It is time for you to show your loyalty to me. I have a task I wish for you to undertake in exchange for what you request.”
He and the seductress Cleopatra embark on a doomed mission to find Clara and take her to Egypt for punishment.
When you make a deal with the devil, there’s sure to be consequences.

My thoughts: Books like this aren’t normally not my thing! yes I know it is crazy but this one was pretty good! It is the second book in the Ivory Series and I liked it! One of my favorite about this book was favorite things in any book is to take past mythological stories and give them a twist. I really like mythological things and I like when they are brought up now and made to fit todays world.

Blurb;
We drove in silence for an hour into the desert before Bari stopped the car at the side of small square shaped building. From the outside it appeared to be abandoned and run down. The mud brick was in ill repair and cracks were strewn through the walls. Pieces of brick were missing or chipped away, and there were no offerings to the goddess at the foot of the steps as one would expect. Even the carvings were worn with age and neglect. The sand and rock terrain crunched underfoot as I neared the broken steps of the temple. Hot night air blew over me and made my mouth feel gritty and dry. Bari stood beside me on the threshold as I tried in vain to calm my raging nerves. I was really about to do this, my hands began to tremble with anticipation. So many outcomes could eventuate from this one encounter and my life one way or the other would be changed forever.
“Are you ready?” My guide asked me giving me an encouraging nod.
Tentatively I moved forward into the shrine, ready to accept my fate. The hot wind died away the moment I set foot inside the temple, which was no larger than the shell of a modest house. The cool shelter of the shrine was welcome and the air much easier to breathe. A sense of calm came over me. Bari stepped ahead of me and knelt on the ground in front of the two stone thrones in the centre of the room. He bowed his head and touched it to the floor as he muttered some words in a language I did not recognise, then stood and made his way back toward the door we had entered. He nodded to me in a way that assured me.
My eyes adjusted to the change in light and I looked around the room. The only furnishings consisted of two thrones made from stone that were flanked by statues of the goddess herself and her consort Ptah. The smell of sandalwood wafted from the braziers at the entrance from which I had passed. The walls of the room were lit with torches in bronze holdings and they flickered with the breeze that whispered through the doorway. The ancient hieroglyphics depicted the rise and fall of the goddess, the seasons, battles of time long past.
My eyes befell a woman who stood just behind the throne slightly out of view. Her long dark hair and heavily made up eyes gave her away against the pale interior of the room. Slowly she stepped forward and her hips swayed seductively from side to side as she swaggered toward me. She was looking me up and down, absorbing me. An Egyptian cobra was draped around her neck, its head craned toward me with the long forked tongue flickering in my direction. The woman seemed familiar to me, yet I knew we had never met. She wore a long gold silk dress that clung to her womanly curves, her presence demanded the attention of the room and my eyes were fixed on her as she seductively made her way towards me. Her skin was pale like all blood drinkers, but still a warm caramel with hazel eyes staring out from long dark lashes. Her fringe was cut sharply across her brow line, she was breath takingly beautiful and from the way she seemed to carry herself she knew it too. Her arms were adorned with gold bangles, one of which was around her upper arm and in the shape of an asp with rubies for eyes. The snake around her neck hissed and my hand clasped to my mouth in realisation of the woman before me. “Cleopatra!” I exclaimed.
Triumphantly she smiled and lowered the snake from her shoulders and placed it on the floor where it slithered toward me, making slow deliberate sideways motions and then circling around my feet. Hissing seemed to erupt from all sides of the shrine, the sound was almost deafening but I did not show the discomfort it was causing. Before my eyes I watched as the snake arched itself upward, its hood flared and a violent hiss escaped its slit of a mouth. It rocked methodically from side to side and my vision swayed with it. The snake began to swell and take form. Its long slender body appeared to almost become upright and bulged as womanly curves filled out the creature. Arms and legs became prominent and the hood fell over the shoulders into hair as the face filled out with humanlike features. This metamorphosis continued until before me stood a woman; The Creator, Sekhmet. The power of speech seemed to evade me, I could not form a comprehensive word or thought. Power emanated from the ancient vampire before me. Her broad shoulders and muscular arms contrasted with her flowing red feminine gown. Her hair was worn in long braids; golden threads had been worked into it. The face that looked back at me was feline; this was the only word I could possibly use to describe her. She stepped back toward the throne, not speaking, her crimson gown billowing behind her. She placed herself in her seat, looking much like a model posing for a painter. I bowed my head to the goddess. A heavily beaded gold menit necklace hung around her neck. When the goddess made herself known to me I had forgotten about the other woman in the room. She joined Sekhmet, standing next to her throne and placed her hand on the goddess’ shoulder. Both women stared at me and I felt them both moving around inside my head. I tried to close my thoughts but Sekhmet raised her hand “That would be both useless and foolish. I know every thought that has ever entered your mind, opened or closed. That trick is powerless on me. I am the Creator of this divine race. You have no secrets with me.”
“So you know why I’m here?” I said.
“Of course” Her face and voice did not change its expression while she spoke. This made me feel ill at ease.
“And?” I prompted.
Cleopatra let out a stifled laugh at my boldness. Sekhmet’s face did not change, nothing was given away “Do you truly believe you can come into my inner sanctum and I will simply hand over what you think you desire?” she bellowed, the sound echoed all around the room “You know not what you ask from me young one. You have much too long to live before you can make such demands to me.”
“I do know what I ask for. This ‘divine gift’ was not given to me but rather thrust upon me unwillingly. And I have had to suffer with it for the last sixty six years.”
“Yet if you did not suffer with it, you would not have met the reason for your visit to me.”
“Nicola is not the only reason I want this. It is something I have wanted since I was made this way.”
Sekhmet considered me for a moment before she continued. “You despise being immortal yet you have not lived it to its full potential or sought revenge on your Maker. Not even tried to locate her. There were always other options to be rid of this existence if you hated it so. You have burdened yourself with such unnecessary guilt since the beginning, when you could have easily switched it off. I’m sure even Ivan taught you that.”
“He did teach me how to control my emotions, but if I switched it off then I would like what I have become and lose sight of what I truly want.”
“Why not embrace it Vaughan!” she raged at me, her claw like hands grasping at the stone alter where she sat. Muscles rippled from her long delicate fingers into her forearms. “You have the passion within you to be a great leader and do so much good, but you let emotions get in the way.”
“I don’t want to be a leader.”
“No, you want a happily ever after. They are the things of modern day fairy tales, they do not exist, for mortals and immortals. You do not know what you ask of me.” Flaming torches on the walls rose in anger, shooting orange flames to the ceiling and I cringed back, shielding my eyes from the painful light. This seemed to have no effect on the two women before me. Cleopatra stepped forward slowly. Circling around me, her long slender hands ran along my back and a shiver rolled down my spine at her touch. She leaned in closer to me and whispered “Stay. Let me teach you.”
My eyes were locked on The Creator and I shook my head “No!”
Cleopatra leaned in closer this time, her warm breath tickling my ear. Her cool hands were now on my shoulders massaging gently. “You remind me of my lover, Marcus Antonius. He was strong willed too, before he was taken away from me unwillingly. Just as you were taken away from your lover Ivy unwillingly.”
I spun to face Cleopatra, waves of rage shook through me and it took every ounce of strength not to lose control. This was a name I had not heard or tried not to think about for over sixty years. Her face lit up with excitement, she knew she had hit a nerve.
“Let me help you get your revenge for Ivy, just like I got mine for Marcus Antonius.”
“Don’t speak that name,” I managed to grit through my teeth.
Cleopatra stepped back and looked at me innocently “What name? Ivy! Your fiancé, I see her face in your memory even now. She was very pretty, blonde, perfect, everyone was so happy when you asked for her hand. But then came the disappointment, she was the first human life you took once you became one of us. You continue to torture yourself to this day when you could have sought revenge for her death.”
“I don’t want revenge.”
“Why not?” Cleopatra stepped closer toward me our bodies almost touching. Power radiated from her in currents.
“Enough!” The Creator was now behind me, I was trapped between the two most powerful vampires in creation. “You come to me with this request Vaughan, and yet you shun what we are. You believe we are evil creatures. Never in your existence have you accepted your fate and embraced it, lived to your full potential. It would be wise of you to take a leaf from your friend Marcus’ book.”
I turned to face her and thoughts of Marcus flashed before my eyes. His relaxed nature, accepting what he was with little regard for anyone but himself and of course now Gerri.
“If you were human you will grow old. You will die. You will have no control over your emotions. You will be vulnerable,” Sekhmet explained.
“I am aware of all this. You cannot deter me. I know what I want.”
Sekhmet’s face darkened “You come here with this blasphemes request and expect me to grant it? You offer me nothing in return. Be gone from my sight at once before I dispose of you.”
Bari was now at my side, guiding me to the door and into the waiting car. A tingling sensation came over me and my body moved robotically, it was no longer in control of itself. I let Bari lead me away, the power of speech and thought gone. My body was left a shell and put up no resistance. Once in the safety of the car everything returned and the emotions of what had just happened flooded into me. I had failed. A thousand thoughts surged into my mind at once, then the sound of a thousand voices all yelling filled my ears and I clasped my hands to the sides of my head trying to hold them out. They grew in force and my brain felt on the verge of exploding, everything turned white and fire burned my skull and I heard the vicious laugh of the goddess. My body writhed in agony on the back seat of the car before everything went blank and fell silent.

Control by M.S. Willis & Giveaway!

Blurb:
***Content Warning – This is a new adult fiction with mature themes. It contains graphic sexual situations, mature language and explicit description of sexual violence.***

Paige Stone lived anything but a normal childhood. Having been raised around an abused women’s shelter operated by her parents, Paige was a constant witness to the tragedy and heartache suffered by women at the hands of the men they trusted. Out of refusal to ever allow that to happen to her,… Paige built walls around her heart at a young age. Those walls were only fortified when tragedy struck on her sixth birthday and took from her the only friend and love she knew. Now at 22 years old, and working as a private investigator, Paige is driven by a deep need for strength, independence and a stubborn refusal to accept help from another person. Surrounding herself with her three best friends, Paige never assumed that the autonomy she had worked so hard to build could be challenged.

That was, until Paige met Daemon Pierce.

Mysterious, strong-willed, and breathtakingly beautiful, Daemon seemed to instantly know Paige better than she knew herself. Paige is disgusted by Daemon’s reputation as a womanizer, but becomes intrigued when she is unable to discover his background. Paige’s curiosity about Daemon proves to be her downfall as she is swept up in his charming and arrogant pursuit to possess her in every possible way.

For the first time in her life, Paige will struggle for control while Daemon slowly dismantles the walls she has built around herself. Only time will tell who will be victorious in their battle of wills as Daemon teaches Paige the weaknesses within herself that she never knew existed. Paige stays one step ahead in her struggle against Daemon’s controlling ways, but when tragedy strikes her life a second time, she has to choose; will she put her life in danger, or will she finally accept a helping hand?

My thoughts: I really liked this book! It makes you think and I like that! I wonder what it would be like to have grown up the way the Paige did and to have love and lost so young. Paige has closed herself off from love and has a friend with benefits to help her out when needed!
I like Paige she is no nonsense I am kind of like that! I don’t deal with the BS well. I like that Paige isn’t about to just let herself get hurt even when all she wants is Daemon.
Daemon is your typical player right or wrong?!?!?! But there is sooo much more than you could ever imagine when it comes to Daemon and his “womanizing” ways!!!
I think that you when you read this book you cant help but fall in love with Daemon and Paige not excluding everyone else in this book!! Can two people who have bad pasts like theirs survive each other and help each other and open their hearts to let love back in!!!
So much happens and it doesn’t end the way I thought it would and that shocked me I can normally guess the ending or part of it and this one I couldn’t!! I truly can’t wait for the next one!!

Excerpt #1:
I looked up at him and in an attempt to appear angry, I narrowed my eyes at him. “I have no idea why you would think that, Daemon.” I angled my head to the side. “I will tell you though, if you attempt any more funny business like you did just a second ago, you’ll be lucky if you don’t walk out of here with two black eyes.”
Daemon’s eyes got wide and he suppressed a grin. “Can’t wait.”
I was suddenly under the impression that Daemon wasn’t believing my cover. He continued. “Although I’m thoroughly enjoying this back and forth that we are having currently, I believe I brought you back here to answer a question, which I very much would like to do.”
I was confused for a second but then remembered what I had asked him while sitting at the table. I started to chastise myself for having opened up that line of questioning.
“You wanted to know what I meant by saying ‘if you were my girl’.” He moved closer to me again and tilted my head up by placing his finger underneath my chin. “If I had you, Paige, I would not only be with you; but I would own you, I would control you, and I would, in all ways, possess you.”
A shocked laugh burst from my lips. “You would own me and control me. What kind of crap line is that?! I mean, do women really fall for that shit?” My laughter continued bubbling out. “I don’t know who you think you’re talking to Daemon, but I believe you have me mistaken for the slutty redhead you were with the other night.”
His eyebrows shot up at that comment and he chuckled. “No. I don’t have you mistaken for anyone, Damsel. I know exactly who I’m talking to at this moment.”

Author Bio:
M.S. Willis is a romance novelist whose debut novel, Control, was released in 2013. Although currently writing in the romance genre, Willis has plans to expand her literary pursuits into multiple genres and has no fear conquering difficult subject matters in her writing. Willis is a native Floridian who is also a photographer and musician. When not absorbing herself in written, visual or musical expression, Willis is an adrenaline junkie, a ‘closet’ video game enthusiast, and an avid outdoors person and nature lover.
Visit M.S. Willis on her author page: http://www.facebook.com/mswillisbooks
Find her on GoodReads here: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17912005-control

Cover Artist Bio: Jason L. Lee
Jason L Lee is a Florida Native. The arts have always been a big part of his life. Science, nature, and spirituality have been inspirations to him. He started displaying his work in 1993. In 1996 he started to venture from drawing & photography into acrylic painting. This led to painting live with local bands starting in 1998. His paintings are now created mainly at home. He uses a combination of impressionistic and illustrative painting techniques to create fantastical imagery. He is currently a Scenic Artist working for The Nassal Company and Co-Founder of the Arts Hub Organization.
http://www.facebook.com/JasonLLee
http://www.facebook.com/JasonLLeeArt
http://www.twitter.com/JasonlLee8
Dragonfly Necklace Creator: Verita Bolin
I started making jewelry in the 80’s. In middle school I sold bracelets. In 2004 I started selling my jewels to the public. I went to The William Holland School of Lapidary Arts to learn stone identification, wire wrapping, and chain making. In 2009 I met Jason L Lee, an artist and curator. He liked my jewelry and invited me to display in Creative Spirit Art Gallery, at 1st Friday Art Strolls and on Orange Ave. I have a company with my mother, Tita. We set up all over Florida, have an Etsy store, and Facebook page. People around the country own my jewelry.
facebook.com/VeritasWearableTreasures
VeritasTreasures.Etsy.com

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