Saturday, July 22, 2023

Book Blitz with Excerpt + Giveaway: Golden Cord of Light by Heidi Skarie @HeidiSkarie @XpressoTours


Golden Cord of Light by Heidi Skarie
Series: Star Rider #6
Publication date: June 17th, 2023

Synopsis:
When darkness descends can a few courageous heroes save their planet?

Princess Morisa's world is turned upside down. She planned to be a priestess living at a monastery for the rest of her life. But now she's being sent to a foreign country and is expected to use her special powers to entice the prince to marry her. How can she seduce him when it goes against everything she's been taught?

Prince Everette is embroiled in the world of politics and rebellion. With his father leaving for war and his mother ill, he's the regent ruler and head of the military. As if that isn't enough, he's expected to be polite to the feisty Princess Morisa, who is staying at the palace for the summer.

Everette and Morisa's stormy relationship intensifies as the warring world around them erupts. Can they put aside their differences long enough to keep the most dangerous sorcerer in the galaxy from destroying their planet? Or will the galaxy plunge into darkness?

Golden Cord of Light is the thrilling sixth book in the Star Rider Universe. If you like bigger-than-life heroes and heroines, evil sorcerers, space battles, romance, and mysticism, you'll love Heidi Skarie's exciting novel.

Buy Golden Cord of Light for an amazing adventure full of passion and excitement set among the stars.


Available at:




Excerpt
A dark shadow moved somewhere above them. Morisa looked up, thinking it was an animal or perhaps a guard who'd followed them. The shape left the cliff top and came flying down toward Baymond. It happened so fast she didn't have time to react. The being landed on Baymond and they both fell to the ground. Baymond's head slammed against a rock and he lay still. The other figure, a man, rose and turned to her. In the moonlight, Morisa's knees weakened as she stared at the huge man before her. His cold eyes held dark power and she instantly knew he was a sorcerer.

She moved past her fears and readied herself for battle.

His fist flew toward her face. She twisted aside and slammed her heel into his gut. He gasped, doubled up, and she kneed him in the chin. Her robe hampered her movements as she dodged away from him.

He came after her and dealt her a forceful kick, sending her sliding across the rocky shoreline. She rolled with the fall, then sprang up and defensively put her fists in front of her face.

The sorcerer sent out a blast of psychic energy that knocked her to her knees. The spell held such power that she couldn't escape. In agony, she focused on breaking his incantation. Her whole body began to feel hot as she chanted a counter spell. When her power hit his spell, they both flew backward.

Trembling, Morisa rose and pulled her crystal out of her pocket. She held it in front of her, calling upon its energy. Before she could activate it, the sorcerer hit her wrist. The crystal flew out of her hand and onto the sand. He slammed his fist into her temple and she collapsed onto the ground. She rolled onto her stomach, trying to ignore her throbbing headache as she searched for her crystal. He kicked her in the ribs and her side exploded in pain. A cold chill went through her--this was a real fight, not a match. Her life and Baymond's depended on her skills and training.

Morisa expected to be struck again as she hunted in the dark for the crystal. Instead, she heard movement behind her. Glancing up, she saw Baymond had regained consciousness and fought the sorcerer. She turned her attention back to her search and spotted a gleam of violet light where the moonlight touched her crystal. She crawled forward and grabbed it, then drew on its healing energy to give her strength. Still weak, she looked back toward Baymond and watched the fight in fascination. Baymond moved with a grace, skill, and fluid control she'd rarely seen. He fought on a level beyond mind and body. His strength radiated out from the center of his being as he delivered forceful blows.

The sorcerer's foot slammed into Baymond's chest and the youth staggered backward, barely retaining his stance and breathing raggedly. He looked like his body couldn't withstand much more abuse. Blood flowed from a wound on his forehead and dripped into his eyes. He wiped it aside and blocked another kick, then slammed his fist into the sorcerer's throat. A killing blow if delivered with enough force, but with Baymond's declining strength it only knocked the sorcerer to the ground.

As he fell the sorcerer stuck out his leg and hooked it against Baymond's. The youth fell to the sand, landing hard enough to knock the wind out of him.

The sorcerer was instantly on him and closed his hands around his throat. Baymond struggled frantically to pry open the man's hands. Morisa concentrated on the power of the crystal. The psychic powers surrounding them had caused it to turn black in her hand. She visualized the crystal clearing as she called on the Lady Mother for help. Soon, she felt vibrating energy and the crystal glowed violet again. She pointed it toward the sorcerer and sent out a beam of light.

The sorcerer cried out in agony as if he'd been stabbed in the back, then he collapsed across Baymond. The crystal's power sliced back into Morisa's hand and went through her being like a bolt of electricity. She collapsed.

When she regained consciousness, she saw Baymond's anxious face above her. "Get up quickly," he said in a rasping voice. When she pushed her blistered hand against the sand to rise, she winced in pain.

The sorcerer stirred next to them. Baymond grabbed Morisa's arm and pulled her to her feet. "Let's get out of here!" 

The sorcerer also rose, standing between them and the pathway up the cliff. He raised his hands in the air, drawing on dark powers.

"Get to the ocean. Swim back," Baymond yelled. When she hesitated, he said, "Run! Now."


HEIDI SKARIE's life as a writer began when she had a dramatic dream about a futuristic world at war. The vivid dream was like watching an action/adventure movie. Excited about the dream, she recorded it upon awakening. That night the dream continued where it left off. After six nights, Heidi had a hundred-page journal recording the series of dreams. This awakened her interest in writing, which continues to be one of her greatest passions today.






Book Blitz with Excerpt + Giveaway: The Game Changer by Aurora Paige @xoAuroraPaige @XpressoTours


The Game Changer by Aurora Paige
Series: Hot Streak #1
Publication date: June 18th, 2023

Synopsis:
Celine

Being a sports psychologist for pro baseball is my dream. There's nothing I love more than working for the Chicago Angels helping players that need someone to get their mind in focus and back on track.

The minute the Angels pick up playboy superstar Alaric King as their first baseman, I knew he'll be trouble: hot, charming, and irresistible. Getting involved with an athlete is already a bad idea, but getting involved with a player that's also your therapy patient? Absolutely forbidden.

I work hard to be where I am, and I'm not going to let my dream career shatter to be with a heartbreaker--no matter how tempting he is. Am I strong enough to not let him into my heart?

Alaric

Ever since my rival purposely threw a baseball at my head, my game has been off and I end up being traded to the Chicago Angels. My plan is to show my face at mandated therapy sessions so I can get back on the plate. What I didn't plan is to be blown away by Dr. Celine Pineda: intelligent, successful, and sexy as hell. She's only here to help me fix my swing, but what I didn't intend is for her to fix my heart.

I knew that we couldn't be together. Being with her could cost both our careers, but I didn't care. I am going to risk it all, but would she?



Available at:


Excerpt
"The first thing I need you both to do is come up with a list of names of anybody that you both went up against for something important, even if it was a spelling bee back in elementary school. You never know what makes someone harbor bad feelings against you," Clay instructed. "Secondly, I need you both to write a list of exes. It doesn't matter if you think you parted on good terms. Everyone is a suspect until they're cleared. Alaric, even one-night stands who acted like they wanted to stay for coffee instead of taking off."

"We understand and can get you our lists as soon as possible," I affirmed.

"We'll talk again after I get your lists," Clay said, then we hung up the call.

Shit. This was going to take a while for me as I had quite a list of names on my sex roster.

Celine pressed her lips together, clenching her jaw and glaring at me.

"You slept with the entire fucking population of Montana!" Celine snapped.

"Not the entire population. Half of them are men." I grasped her hand and gently squeezed. I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

"You're a dick." She pulled her hand away and pursed her lips.

I looked at her apologetically. "You can't be mad at my life before I met you. I was young. Young guys think mostly with their dicks. I had women throwing themselves at me, wanting me as their trophy for the night. I never thought there'd be consequences that would hurt a relationship I was in one day, because at the time--I never imagined there'd be a relationship." I took her hand again, gazing into her eyes, pleading for her not to be upset with me.

She frowned. "Shit. I'm sorry, babe," she said. "Don't mind me. I'm just sitting over here in my corner feeling inadequate." Her body language changed, slumping and twisting her head away from me.

My eyes widened; jaw slacked. I pinched her chin between my thumb and forefinger and twisted her head toward me, gazing into her eyes. "I don't know why you feel that way. Clearly, you've got what none of the others had because we're living together."


AURORA PAIGE is a healthcare professional by day and a Filipina-American writer of steamy contemporary romance with sassy heroines and sexy heroes at night. Each Aurora Paige story delivers a variety of Curvy Heroines, Multicultural relationships, Alpha Heroes, Steamy Heat, and a Guaranteed Happily Ever After.

Join Aurora's mailing list to get exclusive updates on releases, events, & freebies!




Friday, July 21, 2023

Book Blitz with Excerpt + Giveaway: The Rose of Florence by Angela M. Sims @AngelaMSims1 @XpressoTours


The Rose of Florence by Angela M. Sims
Publication date: March 23rd, 2023

Synopsis:
Prologue (1460):
Gianetta is born in a farmhouse in Fiesole. Her mother dies in childbirth. The unnamed father is distraught but leaves her in the care of her grandmother and returns home.

The Story (1478):
Gianetta grows up and moves to Florence, where she is in service to a wealthy family of textile merchants--the Rosini. They are friends to and supporters of the powerful Medici clan. In the small, tight-knit group of staff, we meet Eleonora (cook), Luigi (Signor Francesco Rosini's private assistant), Antonio and Lucia and our hero, Matteo. Gianetta and Matteo are in love and have a happy, peaceful life with the kind and generous Rosini family. They enjoy entertaining at Palazzo Rosini, where the Medici and Botticelli are frequent visitors.

Following the suspected poisoning of Lorenzo de' Medici and near death of Giuliano de' Medici, both within the Rosini family home, there is suspicion that there is a traitor in the house and speculation as to who it might be.

In Botticelli's workshop (where Matteo worked previously), there is discussion about unrest in Florence with rumours in the city that Medici days in power are numbered, and there may be trouble at Easter.


Available at:


Excerpt
Setting the scene: Matteo is a manservant in Palazzo Rosini, and Cesare Conti is a guest at the family banquet that night, but clearly, they have come across each other before...

Matteo remained behind to make sure that all the guests' cloaks were hanging neatly and away from the fire, so that they didn't smell of smoke by the end of the evening. He hadn't noticed a figure standing quietly behind him until he heard a slight cough. Turning round, he almost bumped straight into Cesare Conti. He had been half expecting this but had hoped to avoid a direct conversation with him.

"Signor Conti," he said, with a small bow. "Can I help you?"

"Oh, I think you have already helped me enough, don't you?" The young man's piercing green eyes looked directly at Matteo. Then, as if the sun had come out, Cesare broke into a beaming smile and put his arm around Matteo.

"I just wanted to thank you... for last week. What a coincidence that you should be passing, just as I was leaving that place."

"I have to pass it occasionally when I am running errands for Eleonora. What goes on there is no concern of mine, ser." Matteo was uncomfortable and hoped that was the end of the conversation. He made to move towards the stairs, but Cesare's grip tightened.

"We are grown men... er..."

"Matteo, ser."

"We are grown men, Matteo. Women  serve a purpose from time to time. Indeed, some are very beautiful, but some of us also have other needs, which must be satisfied. Sadly, the city looks on some of those needs as vices, the "Florentine vice", I believe some call it." He shook his head, sadly. "Whatever the rights or wrongs of the situation, I could have been arrested that day. You could have turned me in to the guard, and the life I have now would have been over. But you didn't, and I wondered why."

"It's none of my business, ser. As I said, I pass that place often, and who I see going in or coming out is no concern of mine."

Cesare raised an eyebrow. "I suspect you hold many secrets, Matteo. He paused, as if deciding his next words carefully. Then he shone his beaming smile at Matteo. "Thank you, Matteo. Your discretion is noted and appreciated. I..." He paused, "...won't forget it." With a last glance, Cesare turned on his heels and bounded up the stairs to the dining room.


The Rose of Florence is my first novel, borne of a love for the history, art and city of Florence, grown over many years. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed researching and writing it.

My background is in healthcare, and I have been a University lecturer since 2010. My writing experience was limited to a Masters dissertation, purely academic, but the research skills I learned during that process were soon put to use in researching my favorite topic, the Italian Renaissance. It didn't take long before the seeds of a story began to germinate, and The Rose of Florence blossomed.

I joined the Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA) and the New Writers' Scheme (NWS) in 2020 and found the encouragement and resources available taught me so much about the process and skills needed to write fiction. I have been lucky enough to have the support of the same NWS reviewer since joining, and her advice and guidance has proven invaluable, and I am now a contender for the RNA Joan Hessayon Award 2023 for debut authors.

I am also a member of the Society of Authors.


Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Release Blitz with Excerpt + Teasers + Giveaway: Flirting with the Bad Boy by Gia Stevens @EJBookPromos


Flirting with the Bad Boy by Gia Stevens
Series: Harbor Highlands #5
Publication date: July 17th, 2023
Cover Design: HEA Studios

Synopsis:
He's grumpy. A tattooed bad boy. And my best friend's brother.

Ledger Hudson screams off limits. Instead of staying away, I tell him to kiss me. It's a kiss that sends tingles to places I never knew could tingle. When it's over, I need more.

This good girl craves the bad boy.

Our chemistry between the sheets...
Undeniable.
Turning the frown of the grumpasaurus upside down...
Most fun I've ever had.

Everything was perfect until my best friend found out.

Ledger pushes me away, saying we're from different worlds. I tug him back, wanting to prove him wrong. When I'm dateless for the biggest gala of the year, he shows up as my knight in shiny combat boots.

All my life I've been forced to follow a certain set of rules and a smokin' hot guy in ripped jeans and a motorcycle isn't on the list. When all the secrets and lies unravel, I'm left with nothing...

Now it's the grumpy, bad boy who's determined to not let me go.


Available at:

Excerpt
"Kiss me."

Did I hear her correctly?

Slowly, I turn my head toward her. I'm greeted with topaz blue eyes. Even in the dim lighting, they sparkle. Her voice is sugary sweet, just as I suspected. I don't do sugary. Or sweet. "Did you just ask me to kiss you?" I tip up an eyebrow at her, wanting confirmation that I heard her correctly.

"Yes. I need to know if I'm broken."

Again, I give her another questioning eyebrow.

She sits up straighter on her stool. "Have you ever kissed someone and there was no spark?"

"Uh. No."

"Of course, you haven't." Her shoulders deflate. "You're a guy. Guys care about one thing..."

She glances down at my denim covered crotch, but the way her eyes linger doesn't go unnoticed.

"I could say the same thing about you." I peer down at my crotch, then meet her eyes. She says nothing, just lifts her beer and takes a sip. I wasn't expecting her to give up so fast. I figured it would take a little more than her getting caught red-handed checking me out to get her to keep quiet. Grabbing my beer, I take a celebratory gulp.

She places her beer on the bar, then swivels her stool so she's fully facing me. "I just need you to kiss me."

I choke on my beer as I fight not to spray it all over the bar top. As soon as I finish coughing, I turn to her. She's not going to give up.

She inches closer to the edge of her seat. Her knees almost touching my thigh. "Kiss me. I need to know that whatever I'm feeling is just a rut, and I'm not broken."

"Where I come from, we don't ask. If we want to kiss someone, we just do it."

She gives me an exasperated sigh. "I don't go around just kissing random strangers."

"And this is... what?"

"This is an experiment. So don't worry about that." She waves me off.

I bark out a laugh. For the second time in our brief conversation, she made me laugh. 

Twice. It's a foreign sound as of late. What is she doing to me? I shake it off. "So, now you're just using me?"

Her lips tip up into a smile. "For experimental purposes. You're not really my type."

I scoff. But truth be told, I'm hypnotized by her plump cherry red lips and curious how they would feel on mine. "Wow. An insult on top of using me. How could anyone turn down your offer? I'll let you in on a little secret." I lean toward her, so my face is inches from her cheek. She smells sweet and rich, like jasmine. I regain my train of thought and whisper, "You're not really my type either, duchess." I pull away while keeping my eyes trained on hers, wanting to catch her reaction. Her breath hitches. Then she squares her shoulders as she composes herself.

"My name's not duchess. It's Oli--"

"Don't care." I take a drink of my beer.

"Well, there's no reason to be rude about it. All I want is one simple little favor." She pinches her fingers centimeters apart in front of her. "Just a kiss. It's not like I was asking you to father my children. Also, just so we're clear, I wouldn't want that," she glances down at my crotch again, "anywhere near me."

Now it's my turn to scoff. "I guarantee you'll be thinking about this later tonight." I nod toward my lap. "You'll be squirming on top of your expensive as hell silk sheets wishing I was there to take away the ache between your legs."

Her nostrils flair as she narrows her eyes. "How dare you make assumptions about me? You know nothing about me. Hell, you don't even want to know my name. You just think you're some big gruff guy, with a sexy bad boy vibe, and all the women will just flock to you like a seagull to a french fry. Well, guess what? That's all you are. A seagull."

"Did you just compare me to a bird?" I raise an eyebrow.

Without missing a beat, she replies, "I did. Because you're annoying with a cocky attitude."

"You're the one who sat down next to me and rambled on about kissing me."

"Clearly, it was a big mistake. The last thing I would want is a limp kiss from you. And I'm sure something else would hold the same limpness." Her eyebrows raise as she nods to my crotch again.

"You're on a roll. Now you challenge my manhood?"

She shrugs a shoulder. "I call it like I see it."

I lean in, my voice low. "Well duchess, I guarantee you I'd have you moaning my name in under five seconds. But I'd hate to dirty up your perfect good girl persona."

"Good thing we're not on a first name basis so I can't moan anything. And once again my name isn't duchess. What is it with guys and pet names? Is it so you can call all the girls the same name, so you never have to remember their real--"

Done with this conversation, I'll give her what she wants and grease cover hands be damned. I wrap one hand around the back of her neck and haul her to me. Her eyebrows shoot to her hairline in surprise, and I slam my lips to hers.






GIA STEVENS resides in the up north of Minnesota. She lives for the warm, sunny days of summer and dreads the bitter cold of winter. A romantic comedy junkie at heart, she knew she wanted her own stories to encompass those same feelings.

When she's not busy writing your next book boyfriend, Gia can be found playing in her vegetable garden, watching reruns of The OC and Gossip Girl, or curled up with a good book.