A.L. Parks

Born and raised in the Rocky Mountains, A.L. Parks has spent the last 25 years moving all over the United States. Married to the Navy - well a man in the Navy - Parks has lived in various places throughout the United States. Now she resides in the Washington D.C area, and loves every minute. She has four children, and one spoiled German Shepard. 2013 marked her debut in publishing. Her first novel, Strangers, released on her 45th birthday. She was amazed at how many people fell in love with a story about two people dealing with grief, and finding love again. Abby and Bryce were the perfect couple to introduce Parks as an up-and-coming author. Her second novel, The Return, released in December 2013. A wonderful Christmas romance, it is the first book in a series. Book Two is set to release in Spring 2014.
Links:  Website Twitter Facebook Goodreads

Interview

1. Your husband was in the Navy and you have traveled a lot, what has been your favorite place to live?
He's actually still in the Navy, but will be retiring in a couple of years. I really enjoyed San Diego while we were there, but I love the east coast. Being in the DC area is awesome, because I am so close to so many cool places. My husband spent a year in Newport getting his Master's, and we really enjoyed visiting him there, also. Oh, those mansions!!!

2. Strangers was your debut novel, was this the first book you have ever written or was this just the first book that you decided to publish?
No, the first book I wrote is still in editing. I'm sort of a big baby about it. I LOVE it, but want it to be absolutely perfect before I publish it. The characters feel like family to me, and their story is so suspenseful and romantic...
And I actually wrote The Return before I wrote Strangers, also. Strangers is a stand alone, so it seemed like a really good story to debut. Bryce's story will be a novella, and while I had hoped to get it out before Christmas, it has sort of been put on the back burner in favor of these other WIP's.

3. For you what is the best part of going to signings and events?
Meeting people! I love to talk about my books to people who come up to the my table. I love being able to put faces to bloggers I interact with over all the various forms of social media we use. And I love meeting other authors...some have become my biggest behind the scenes support network. And their books have inspired me to use my voice, and not let it become overshadowed.

4. You are starting a new series the Escape Series with the first book being Redemption, then you have the second book in the Return to Me series Return to Newport and then also the second book in the Strangers series Emily's Wish with writing different books in different series at the same time do you ever get confused or do you write them at different times to avoid that? (I know that I get confused just trying to read multiple books in different series at the same time, it's one of the reasons I don't like cliffhangers I tend to merge story lines :) )
Yeah, that doesn't make me look like the poster child for adult ADD. LOL! Squirrel! I have been known to write two books at once, but it is not very often. And when I do, the second book is more of a "time-out" to get my head on straight with the first book. And I don't have an issues with getting the story lines crossed because they are typically very different stories.
For the most part, I may have two projects going at once, but only one that I am primarily focused on.

5. What are some of your favorite authors that you love to read, the ones that you will pick up their book without reading the synopsis because you know that you will be getting a good read?
I have recently become a huge Candis Terry fan. I also love my gal pal, TJ Kline. Liz Crowe has a no-nonsense story-telling that takes everyday obstacles and turns them on their heads.

6. What was it about second chance romances that grabbed you and inspired you to write books about it? 
I live it, so I know it. I have some life experiences under my belt, so I really wanted to write about what happens when your first love doesn't turn out to be the One True Love. For some of us, we need a second chance...and I wanted to tell those stories.

7. What is your favorite comfort food?
Yes, food comforts me. All of it. LOL! Chocolate is always a good go-to, of course. 

Books
Strangers  

Bereaved bride Abby Clark is tortured by visions of the fatal crash that took her fiancé on their wedding day. She succumbs to a dark existence where loneliness, sadness and nightmares dwell; until handsome, brooding Bryce Holden walks through the door of her favorite coffee shop, wearing the same cloak of despair and grief. Abby discovers in Bryce someone who understands love and loss, and soon their close friendship grows into a deep love. But ghosts make strange bedfellows, and Abby is forced to battle the tormenting images that continue to haunt her, and confront the ethereal presence of a beloved wife to protect her future with Bryce.








Emily was Bryce's life, his world, and when she died, he plummeted into a dark existence. Hoping to drag himself out of the pit of grief and depression where he dwelled for the past five years, he moves out of the home he shared with his deceased wife. New apartment, new outlook, new life. Struggling with the guilt of moving forward without Emily, Bryce wanders into a coffee shop and meets Abby, a kindred spirit. But Abby makes Bryce feel things, want things... See how Bryce feels upon meeting Abby for the first time, and how he discovers Emily's final wish for him.







Return to Me



Eve Carlisle had a singular purpose - sell the rustic house nestled in the Colorado ski resort town. Tortured by her husband’s betrayal, the beautiful divorcee refused to give her heart to another man. But Jake had been a happy surprise, with his mesmerizing blue eyes, warm smile, strong but gentle nature – as well as being incredibly sexy. She had convinced herself the relationship with Jake was nothing more than a fling. After all, she had a life in Newport, with society friends and a lucrative career as a family court judge. Still, Jake had a definitive hold over her, and she was finding it hard to think clearly where he was concerned. The demons of prior failed marriages haunt them both, and threaten to end things just as they are beginning. When Jake tells Eve he is falling in love with her, Eve refuses to believe it can last. Returning to Newport, the hollowness of her existence exposed, she must confront her fears before she loses Jake forever.



 Return to Newport (Return to Me 2)- Anticipated Release Spring 2014

 
 Redemption (Book 1 Escape Series)- No Set Release Date Yet

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K.M. Walton

 

 

Sometimes there's no easy way out.

Victor hates his life. He has no friends, gets beaten up at school, and his parents are always criticizing him. Tired of feeling miserable, Victor takes a bottle of his mother's sleeping pills—only to wake up in the hospital.

Bull is angry, and takes all of his rage out on Victor. That makes him feel better, at least a little. But it doesn't stop Bull's grandfather from getting drunk and hitting him. So Bull tries to defend himself with a loaded gun.

When Victor and Bull end up as roommates in the same psych ward, there's no way to escape each other or their problems. Which means things are going to get worse—much worse—before they get better…

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Dell is used to disappointment. Ever since her dad left, it’s been one let down after another. But no one—not even her best friend—gets all the pain she’s going through. So Dell hides behind self-deprecating jokes and forced smiles.

Then the one person she trusts betrays her. Dell is beyond devastated. Without anyone to turn to for comfort, her depression and self-loathing spin out of control. But just how far will she go to make all of the heartbreak and name-calling stop?

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In this anthology, 20 authors explore the dark and hidden meanings behind some of the most beloved Mother Goose nursery rhymes through short story retellings. The dark twists on classic tales range from exploring whether Jack truly fell or if Jill pushed him instead to why Humpty Dumpty, fragile and alone, sat atop so high of a wall. The authors include Nina Berry, Sarwat Chadda, Leigh Fallon, Gretchen McNeil, K.M. Walton and Suzanne Young.

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K.M. Walton is the author of the contemporary young adult novels, CRACKED (2012) and EMPTY (2013). Her next novel, titled LIES WE TELL releases January 2015. She is represented by Jim McCarthy from Dystel & Goderich Literary Management.

K. M. had a gazillion dreams when she was a little girl. Her biggest dream was to be a teacher. Teaching became a reality for K. M. and she taught for twelve glorious years – some of it in Osteen, Florida and most of it in Springfield, Pennsylvania. But, it turns out writing is her favorite thing to do. Even the hard parts – and there are a lot of hard parts.

K.M. Walton also co-authored a book on the teaching of mathematics called TEACHING NUMERACY: 9 Critical Habits to Ignite Mathematical Thinking published by Corwin Press.

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Join us September 20th 2014 at 11 AM for one of the biggest author events to hit New Rochelle, NY! 

The day will be filled with a book signing, parties, giveaways, and more!

Author Jennifer L. Armentrout will be your host for the evening and TrinDee Events your co-host!

For a full list of featured authors visit: http://www.cbcevent.com/p/authors.html

This event will be held at FunFuzin, an indoor amusement park in New Roc City: http://www.newroccity.com

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW:

 http://www.eventbrite.com/e/chapter-by-chapter-bookrave-tickets-8923431223

RELEASE: MARCH 24th 2014
YOUNG ADULT PARANORMAL ROMANCE

Dominique is still alive after killing Tavion, the Tainted who's hunted her for lifetimes. Yet her protectors still fear for her life. They force her to flee Houston and abandon the friends she loves. But they can't protect her from herself. When Dominique starts hearing Tavion's voice in her head, she realizes that her personal connection to the Tainted still exists. And when her car is ambushed, she discovers another frightening truth—someone close to her is a traitor.

Desperate for answers, Dominique seeks the aid of first lifers Trent and Infiniti. With their help, she hopes to find her new enemy. But things get complicated with Trent when she finally accepts her eternal love for Farrell, and even more complicated when the whispers in her head threaten her loved ones. Determined to live, Dominique decides to make a final stand against the forces that want to end her. For good.

GET THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES FOR ONLY 99¢ starting Monday! 

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Praise for Final Life...

"Rose Garcia will explode your mind with action packed scenes and emotional turmoil.” - Moonlight Book Reviews 

"The whole transhuman concept had the whole Sci-Fi/Fantasy element going on, yet Rose Garcia has written it in a way that is both fresh and believable, with the classic good versus evil theme incorporated." - Always YA at Heart 

"Final Life is filled with magical moments, heart aching moments, action, and suspense. I look forward to the next chapter of Dominique's story." - WinterHaven Books 

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Starting Monday, and ending on Friday, new entries will be added to the rafflecopter giving you more chances to win!

Check back on Monday to gain new entries!

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Rose Garcia is a lawyer turned writer who's always been fascinated by science fiction and fantasy. From a very young age, she often had her nose buried in books about other-worlds, fantastical creatures, and life and death situations. More recently she's been intrigued by a blend of science fiction and reality, and the idea that some supernatural events are, indeed, very real. Fueled by her imagination, she created The Transhuman Chronicles--a series of books about people who have overcome human limitations.

Rose lives in Houston with her husband and two kids. You can visit Rose at www.rosegarciabooks.com

Caught In The Crosshair

 

Links:  Amazon Goodreads 

 

  

Lauren James had ignored the recent spate of calls from her brother. After all, he was a big player linked to a major cartel, and he’d been dead to her for nearly a decade. Then she receives the one call she can’t ignore—her brother’s been kidnapped and will be killed if she doesn’t bring money. No matter how far gone her brother is, Lauren can’t turn her back on him completely. Deep down she’s always wanted to save him. Now, she’s forced into action because he’ll die otherwise.
Ex-Special Forces sniper Jaden Dean owns a private security firm and after losing his older brother to gang violence, needs to take down as many scum bags as he can—single-handedly if need be. And he was the best. Until he trusted the wrong woman on his last assignment and ended up nearly dead in the street.
On a tropical island with a hurricane brewing and dangerous men closing in, Lauren and Jaden will need to work together to survive and find her brother. The cartel seems to be one step ahead, and Jaden’s operatives are being killed one-by-one. He will have to use all his specialized training and risk everything, including his heart, to outwit the deadly group and keep Lauren safe. Their magnetic attraction isn't helping matters...because even a slight distraction might just get them both killed.

Review

****The author provided a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review****

Lauren has been ignoring her brothers phone calls she knows he is involved with a drug cartel, but when she gets a call demanding a ransom or he will be killed she rushes to his aid. Jaden owns a security firm he lives with guilt every day, over his brother's death, trusting the wrong woman and the deaths of his men. The two of them have to work together to stay alive and find her brother. The beginning of this book pulled me in, the prologue and the phone call had my interest peaked, then a burst of action had me glued to my kindle wanting to see what was going to happen next. I liked how the author set the story up and the characters themselves. I loved all the action packed drama and how the author worked the romance into the storyline without making it the complete focus of the book while at the same time not making it inconsequential.  As much as I liked the book for all the reasons above I did not really like this authors writing style, I felt that the book was a bit verbose and at times I felt myself concentrating a little more on the actual words themselves than the storyline. If you enjoy this writing style then this is a book for you, even if you do not the storyline itself keeps you interested and gives you a good read. 

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Tears of Tess

  

 

A New Adult Dark Contemporary Romance, not suitable for people sensitive to grief, slavery, and nonconsensual sex. A story about finding love in the strangest of places, a will of iron that grows from necessity, and forgiveness that may not be enough.
“My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect.
Then it all changed.
I was sold.”
Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility.
For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic trip to Mexico. Sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, and soul-connecting sex set the mood for a wonderful holiday. With a full heart, and looking forward to a passion filled week, Tess is on top of the world.
But lusty paradise is shattered.
Kidnapped. Drugged. Stolen. Tess is forced into a world full of darkness and terror.
Captive and alone with no savior, no lover, no faith, no future, Tess evolves from terrified girl to fierce fighter. But no matter her strength, it can’t save her from the horror of being sold.
Can Brax find Tess before she’s broken and ruined, or will Tess’s new owner change her life forever?

Review

****I received a copy of this book courtesy of Black Firefly, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review****
"Monsters find each other in the dark..."
Tess Snow has always had these cravings. Dark cravings. She wants things she knows she should not, things that she's afraid to acknowledge. Things that her boyfriend Brax would never consider doing to her, but she cannot live with them bottled up for much longer. Ready to reveal her true self on a surprise trip Brax plans for them, she's afraid he'll turn against her like everyone else. Her parents have always been painfully honest that she was a mistake that ruined their lives, what if they saw the darkness lurking in her soul from the very beginning? Before she can spill too much she finds herself taken from the life she's built and thrown into a world of real life monsters and seedy underground dealings. Refusing to surrender, she's given to a man who will change her world forever.
Tears of Tess promised to be a dark contemporary romance and it delivered. It was a great introduction to a new series filled with the shadows of humanity, the dark corners people are scared to look into. As warned, there are triggers contained in the story, so it may be tough for some, but it is told in a beautiful way that is edgy and erotic and emotionally provocative. The tougher scenes, even though contain some of the same general acts, are charged with different emotions than the erotic ones and draw a clear and precise line in the sand allowing the reader to still be more comfortable with the rougher edge of the developing relationship between the two main characters.
Tess is a character that evokes a level of emotion right off the bat. Even if you don't share her issues, everybody has most likely felt a percentage of the self loathing or low self worth that she struggles with daily. It also seeps off the pages and into the readers subconscious, sucking you into a roller coaster along with her. Her growth is measurable and you watch her change from a scared girl to a woman that embraces every side of herself even if it is different from the herd mentality of society.
Q Mercer is a mystery that is unraveled through the pages. Secret end games-taboo desires, and beautiful ink symbolizing a shamed past- he is complex and dark. I loved getting to know him piece by piece through Tess's eyes. He was sexy, powerful, and a believable sadistic Dominant.
The writing was smooth and absorbing and easy to breeze through even considering it was on the longer end, and supporting characters played their part in bringing this world into the three-dimensional. I'm so glad Ms. Winters is continuing the series, and I'm excited to continue it with her. 

 

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Love Charms: Paranormal Romance

 

10 scorching paranormal romances for ONLY 99 cents! LIMITED TIME ONLY! (REGULAR PRICE: $9.99) 

Escape into the world of paranormal romance, a magical journey featuring delicious demons, wanton witches, zealous zombies and more that promise you a hauntingly good time! Featuring spell-binding novels from popular New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble bestselling authors, including Ava Catori, Selena Kitt, Cerys du Lys, Deanna Roy and more, these enchanting books will be sure to charm, beguile and bewitch you! Blinded by Magic, A Witch Romance by Ava Catori: Raven's weakness is mortal men. She's fallen hard for Derek. There's just one problem, he doesn't know she's a witch. Can he accept her truth or will their relationship crumble? Blind Date by Selena Kitt: Selena Kitt's Blind Date ventures into the strange and surreal realm of magical realism in a hot Valentine's Day romance that takes on the classic Greek myth of Eros and Psyche. Breathless by Cerys du Lys: Sadie and Evan live in different worlds. Brought together by fate, and held there by hope, can they bridge the gap dividing humanity, or will long held fears and prejudice force them apart forever? The Passion Cure by Deanna Roy: Jet is a Nix, an outcast enchantress with zero power. To conjure a love spell to save her family, she seduces a handsome enchanter who is willing to break the rules, and possibly, her heart. Marked by Charisma M. Cole: Jade Murray is a witch that can communicate with the dead. After a summoning goes awry, two murders rock the human and supernatural world. One thing connects the gruesome acts: Jade. The Warlord's Concubine by J.E. & M. Keep: As a servant to the princess for much of her life, Mirella sees the conquest of the land as an opportunity to elevate herself. A Demon and His Witch by Eve Langlais: Remy's seen a lot during his tenure in Lucifer's guard, but nothing can prepare him for the witch with the acerbic tongue--and voluptuous figure. Can he convince her to love him and not kill him? Psychic Appeal by Michelle McCleod: Psychic Sofia Parker has fallen in love, a problem because her new relationship drives the lovesick ghost of her ex-boyfriend to come back from the dead...anyway he can. Memoir of a Reluctant Shaman by Ty Nolan: When his love spell goes wrong, our hero is exiled to be fully initiated as a Shaman in this spicy tale of New Orleans Voodoo and Native American magic. Vampire Lords of Blacknall: Trinity by Shirl Anders: Only a creature of the night can save her. Lady Beth Winslow never stays home at night. She fears her stepbrother. Then a monster stalks her in the dark woods and she cannot tell beast from savior.

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Uncovering You

 

Links: Tour Goodreads

 

  

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

Reality is much worse: 

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

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

J.S. 

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

Resist and die. 

Or submit, and sign my life away

Review

****The author provided me with an ARC of this book for my honest review****

Lilly wakes up in a dark room she can't remember how she got, and she doesn't know why she is there, at first. Her only comfort is the memories she has to keep her company during the dark never ending hours, she knows that all the only way out of her situation is to sign a contract and become his slave or she will die. Let me warn you ahead of time that this is the first book in a serial, each book will be a full story with a climax and conclusion. Having said that this first installment got me interested in reading the rest of them, it was a fast read at just 125 pages. We see everything from Lilly's point of view, her life before hadn't been the easiest, reading about her holding out and the journey through her flashbacks and thought process while she tries to come to terms with the fact that she has no choice but to submit if she wants to live was entertaining. Not a lot happened in this one; it was more of a psychological journey for Lilly than a dark read. It was a good short read; the author is very good at putting you in the characters place and making you feel that sense of helplessness with her writing so I'm interested in seeing what happens in the next installment.

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Fated Mates: Shifter Romance

 

 12 scorching shifter romances for ONLY 99 cents! LIMITED TIME ONLY! (REGULAR PRICE: $9.99)  

If you like your men dark, dangerous and alpha, this exclusive shifter romance boxed set is for you. Featuring hot stories from popular New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble bestselling authors, including Adriana Hunter, Liliana Rhodes, Lynn Red, A.T Mitchell and more, these steamy books and alpha shifters will be sure to whet your appetite and leave you longing for more. All American Wolf by Adriana Hunter: If Serena's not careful she may lose her heart to Brody Sullivan - the dangerously possessive stranger who is willing to break every one of her rules. Charming the Alpha by Liliana Rhodes: Hannah Crane's ordinary life changes after she meets Alpha wolf Caleb. As the center of a centuries old curse, is Hannah a wolf charmer or Caleb's fated mate? Change For Me by Lynn Red: Motorcycle riding, tattooed bad boy alpha werewolf fights to save his mate from his terrifying rival. Steamy, seductive, sensual werewolf romance. Bear King's Curves: A BBW Werebear Shifter Romance by A.T. Mitchell: Curvy Lyla's bad attitude toward bears is about to change. Destiny blind Nick is the Alpha to do it, no matter how much passion, mystery, and danger it means... Delicate Freakin Flower by Eve Langlais: Can a pair of hunky shapeshifting jocks convince a not-so delicate freakn’ flower that they can handle her thorns—and her passion? The Alpha's Mate by Michelle Fox: Chloe Weiss has finally met the mate of her dreams, but jealousy in the pack and a murderer on the loose make for a dangerous 'happily ever after. Romancing the Wolf (BBW/Werewolf Romance) by Skye Eagleday: The romantic adventures of two curvy sisters and one hot pack: Can the werewolves survive Bree and her sassy sister? Protecting the Pack by Tabitha Conall: In a world where werewolves mate in threes, the mating lust pulls one triad together while overwhelming obstacles pull them apart, possibly forever. Witchy Wolf by Alexis Dare: A brutal attack alters Chloe’s life. As her world crumbles, biker Gabe steps in to pick up the pieces. Can he save her from the danger lurking in the shadows? A Change To Bear (Last of the Shapeshifters) by A.E. Grace: Liam, shapeshifter, is on the run. Hunted by a man who will hurt anyone he cares for, it's why he can't fall in love. Until he meets a curvy Terry Spencer... Curves for the Lone Alpha by Molly Prince: When Carrie is dumped before a weekend away, her decision to go alone puts her on a collision course with James. A packless alpha who hunts rogue shifters. The Alpha Claims A Mate by Georgette St. Clair: Curvy Ginger Colby accidentally insulted the Alpha of the local pack when she rejected him at the local honky tonk-and now he's seeking delicious, sexy revenge.

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Shadow Fire

Title: Shadow Fire
Author: Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Series: The Light Chronicles Book #1
Genre: YA Fantasy/Romance
Publication: February 24, 2014 by Astraea Press

Ashlyn – a free-spirited teenager whose peaceful life is shattered when the village elders honor her with a perilous quest to recover a stolen relic.

Zane – a jaded mercenary, torn by his undeniable desire for Ashlyn and the dark secret that could make her hate him forever.

Delistaire – a malevolent sorcerer driven by an insatiable lust for power.

All three are bound together by an ancient relic supposedly infused with the power of a Goddess.

Shadow Fire – adventure, passion, secrets, and betrayal

As Ashlyn and Zane race to stay one step ahead of the evil lurking in the shadows, their passions are ignited and their bond strengthens. But will they find the relic before Delistaire? Or has their entire quest been orchestrated from the very beginning by a madman in pursuit of ultimate power?

Each installment of The Light Chronicles is a standalone story.

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We walk in silence for what seems like several hours. The sun is at midday, yet we still haven't stopped to rest. Zane isn't holding my hand like he was in the forest. Of course, there's nothing for me to trip over on this wide clear road, with the exception of the ruts from the wagon wheels. I miss feeling his strong hand gripping mine. Perhaps I should just be bold like Celeste and take his hand if I want to hold it. The thought leads to a tiny giggle escaping my mouth. I'm mortified when Zane glances back at me, his right eyebrow arched.

"Are you okay?" he asks as he stops walking. My face must be crimson. When I don't answer, he places his hand on my forehead. "You're quite warm. Maybe we should rest for a little bit."

I nod my agreement and sit down in the tall grass on the side of the road. Hopefully the grass will conceal my red face from view. Zane does one last survey of our surroundings before lowering himself to the ground next to me.

"Here," he says, handing his canteen to me, "Have some water. It'll help you feel better. Be sure to tell me in the future when you need to rest."

Nodding, I take a slow drink while trying to calm my racing heart. Then another unbidden thought enters my mind, and I picture his lips on the same flask. I choke on the drink I'm taking. Zane pats my back as I sputter and cough. So embarrassing. I wonder what other evils my mind has planned for me.

"I'm okay," I say, handing the flask back, "but I think I'll hold off on water for a while."

Settling on my back in the thick grass, I hide my red face beneath my arm. Just a couple of minutes and the flush will fade. If I don't stop blushing around him, he'll start to think red is my natural skin color. I feel movement in the grass beside me. His fingertips trace a feather light caress along the arm slung over my face. Lowering my arm, I breathe out a tiny gasp. Zane's face is within inches of mine. I watch his lips curl into a slight smile as his hand moves from my arm to caress my cheek. His garnet eyes are mesmerizing, trapping me within the twin pools of fire.

He leans closer, his lips so close yet still too far away. My heart pounds in my chest, my eyes still ensnared by his gaze. His lips meet mine, softly at first, then more demanding. A soft moan escapes my throat, and my eyes flutter closed.

"Is this okay?" he asks in a breathless whisper, his lips brushing mine when he speaks.

Instead of answering, I wind my arms around his neck, pulling his body closer. My mouth opens under the soft pressure of his tongue, granting him entrance. He explores my mouth with excruciating slowness. My body feels like it's on fire as tiny shivers of pleasure race up and down my extremities. I bury my fingers into his auburn hair trapping him against me. He groans, pulling me against him, tightening his arms around my upper body, and I feel a delicious warmth pool deep within my body.

When his lips leave mine I'm still lost to the sensations, all so raw and new. Opening my eyes, I gaze up at him, my limbs not quite ready to function yet. His eyes are darkened with passion, which sends another wave of desire coursing through my body.

"As much as I'd like to stay like this all day," he murmurs, nipping at my lower lip. Clearing his throat he continues, "We need to get moving."

Leigh Wheaton is a YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet romance and is a member of Romance Writers of America.

She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares her home with three dogs and four cats. No, she doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals. Her house is filled with dragons, though she does lament that they are the porcelain, non-flying variety.

Kimber Leigh is addicted to romance, videogames, superheroes, villains, and chocolate—not necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a chocolate covered superhero!)

Her debut novel, Shadow Fire, is the first book in The Light Chronicles series. Watch for book two, Stolen Moon, a standalone sequel, coming soon.

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