Review: Jessica Wood's 'Damian'

 

Damian by Jessica Wood

Release Day: 12/22/13

 

 

Synopsis:

 

Meet Damian Castillo. The man, the legend, the heartbreaker. As a self-proclaimed man-whore, Damian doesn’t believe in love or commitment. In fact, he can’t remember the last time he’s had feeling for a woman that went beyond hot, no-strings-attached sex. The only things he cares about are his bar, his appearance, and his needs.

But then he meets Alexis.

Meet Alexis Blythe. A small town girl that has lost a lot of love in her life. Wanting to leave her past behind her, she moves to San Francisco looking for a big change. Yet, despite everything she’s gone through, she still believes in true love.

But then she meets Damian.

When Alexis shows up at his bar, Damian’s caught by surprise. She’s different. She’s sweet, innocent, and feisty. But above all, this woman didn’t respond to his charm and piercing-blue eyes the way every other woman did. To Damian, she’s his ultimate challenge.

Could Alexis be the girl that will break through Damian’s wall of perpetual bachelorhood without getting hurt? Or will Damian remain true his ways and break Alexis’s heart and her hopes of true love?

 

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My Review:

I was given an advanced reading copy of 'Damian' in exchange for an honest review.

Holy crap! Ok, I just finished 'Damian' and have been thrown for a loop by the ending. I won't give anything away, but it is somewhat reminiscent of the crazy, out of nowhere ending of Wood's 'A Night to Forget'. Alright, now that that is out of my system. Well sort of out of my system. It will be fully out once I get to read the next book in the series. Ok. So I absolutely LOVED 'Damian'! I have loved Wood's previous books, but this one is by far her best yet. The characters are amazing and the story took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride.

This story is that of Damian and Alexis. Damian is, on the outside, a cocky and somewhat egotistical womanizing bartender. He is a firm believer in having fun and no emotional attachments. Alexis is basically his polar opposite. She is looking to start a new life for herself and is trying to escape the memories of her ex-boyfriend and the loss of her parents. She happens to be Damian's new neighbor and soon a relationship blooms between the two. They go through the ups and downs of Alexis trying to deal with and get over her baggage and Damian learning how to be in a real relationship.

The story is told from both Damian's and Alexis's perspectives. Now, dual points of view can be really great or really terrible. In this case it was really well done. Both characters had very distinct voices and both gave much needed perspective to the various situations our characters found themselves in. Jessica Wood's writing just gets better and better. Her characters in this book are both really well developed and incredibly real. And the story and plot of this book are both entertaining and emotionally touching. I had a definite case of the feels throughout the book.

I must admit I wasn't originally fully on board with Damian as a character. He first showed up in 'The Day to Remember' and I really couldn't decide if I loved him or hated him. I went into this book not sure if I would be able to enjoy it or not because of Damian's cocky attitude. But in the end I totally fell in love with him. Wood manages to write him in such a way that he grew on me and I could feel for him. To me it really says something that a writer can take a character that I hate in theory and make me fall in love with him. He's funny, clearly hot, and ultimately sweet.

This book is a definite must read for any lover of love stories. It's longer than Wood's first two books, but I read it in pretty much the same amount of time because I couldn't put it down. The characters are awesome. The story has its ups and downs and will bring your emotions along for the ride. And the writing, in my opinion, is definitely Wood's best yet (and that's saying something because I loved her first two books). I only hope the sequel comes out quickly because the end definitely left me in a daze and asking out loud: WTF? I cannot wait to see how everything will work out for Damian and Alexis.
 

 

 My Rating:

 

Jessica Wood's 'Damian' Release Blitz: Excerpt & Giveaway

 

 

Damian by Jessica Wood

Release Day: 12/22/13

 

 

Synopsis:

 

Meet Damian Castillo. The man, the legend, the heartbreaker. As a self-proclaimed man-whore, Damian doesn’t believe in love or commitment. In fact, he can’t remember the last time he’s had feeling for a woman that went beyond hot, no-strings-attached sex. The only things he cares about are his bar, his appearance, and his needs.

But then he meets Alexis.

Meet Alexis Blythe. A small town girl that has lost a lot of love in her life. Wanting to leave her past behind her, she moves to San Francisco looking for a big change. Yet, despite everything she’s gone through, she still believes in true love.

But then she meets Damian.

When Alexis shows up at his bar, Damian’s caught by surprise. She’s different. She’s sweet, innocent, and feisty. But above all, this woman didn’t respond to his charm and piercing-blue eyes the way every other woman did. To Damian, she’s his ultimate challenge.

Could Alexis be the girl that will break through Damian’s wall of perpetual bachelorhood without getting hurt? Or will Damian remain true his ways and break Alexis’s heart and her hopes of true love?

 

Goodreads | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble

 

 

Author Bio:
 

Jessica Wood writes new adult contemporary romance.

While she has lived in countless cities throughout the U.S., her heart belongs to San Francisco. To her, there’s something seductively romantic about the Golden Gate Bridge, the steep rolling hills of the city streets, the cable cars, and the Victorian-style architecture.

She loves a strong, masculine man with a witty personality. While she is headstrong and extremely independent, she can’t resist a man who takes control of the relationship, both outside and inside of the bedroom.

She loves to travel internationally, and tries to plan a yearly trip abroad. She also loves to cook and bake, and—to the benefit of her friends—she loves to share. She also enjoys ceramics and being creative with her hands. She has a weakness for good (maybe bad) TV shows; she’s up-to-date on over 25 current shows, and no, that wasn’t a joke.

And it goes without saying, she loves books—they’re like old and dear friends who have always been there to make her laugh and make her cry.

The one thing she wished she had more of is time.

 

 

Excerpt:

It was 9:10 p.m. on a Thursday night and two hours into my shift. I had just made three gin and tonics for a group of girls at the bar when I saw a ridiculously hot redhead walking toward me. Definitely a 9, I thought. Also, she looks familiar.

She leaned across the bar and seductively whispered into my ear. “Hey Damian.” I saw her full breasts heave as I felt her hot breath against my face.

“What’s up, beautiful?” I caught a scent of her floral perfume. She sat down on the bar stool in front of me. I looked at her and gave her the signature Damian smile.

“Have we fucked before?” I asked. I saw the hurt look on her face, but she quickly played it off.

Yes, we must have fucked before.

“Uh—No. No, we haven’t,” she said, avoiding my eyes.

Liar, I thought.

“So what can I get you?” I asked as I grabbed a clean glass from under the bar.

“A Screaming Orgasm,” she said seductively as she licked her lips.

I smiled and knew very well she was not just referring to the cocktail.

“I want it in a shot glass, and I want it Damian style.” She bit her lower lip and gave my body a once-over.

I chuckled. Of course. A Damian style shot was something I had came up with when I opened Damian’s. It had became an instant hit. It involved taking the shot you ordered as a body shot off the bartender you ordered the shot from. I got a lot of business from the Damian style shot, and I loved having girls take shots off my body.

“My name’s Courtney, by the way,” she offered. I wondered if she had been waiting for me to ask.

“Gotcha. So where’d you like the shot from?” I asked as I made the shot.

She gave me a meaningful smile and bit her lower lip. “From your mouth.”

“Sure thing.” I turned away from her and leaned my head back until my head and shoulders were flat against the bar table. I then placed the bottom of the shot glass into my mouth and waited for her to take it.

She looked down at me with lust in her eyes, and I knew I must have fucked her hard. And now she was coming back for more. She purposefully placed her hands on my chest as she bent down to take the shot with her mouth. She knocked the shot back quickly and removed the shot glass from her mouth. She then grabbed my face as she bent back down and kissed me hard with her lips. This usually happened after a Damian special shot off my mouth, so I was not at all surprised by her aggressiveness. I opened my mouth and her tongue eagerly explored me as moans escaped her lips.

When Courtney finally went up for air and released me from her grip, I stood back up and turned back to her to give her a wicked smile. I love my job.

And then my entire body tensed and my heart stopped when my eyes locked onto the last person I had expected to see.

Alexis.

 

Giveaway:

 

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Blog Tour: Scott Hildreth's 'Baby Girl' Series with 2 Giveaways

 

Baby Girl I synopsis:

 

Erik does not believe in love and he doesn’t live in a mansion - he rides a motorcycle in a MC. He does not have an airplane. Erik is extremely confident, real, and knows what he wants. He wants a woman to submit; with no commitment for love. Erik will settle for nothing less than owning Kelli.

 

When these two begin to spend time together, things begin to change; personalities, interests, and the need for affection. What happens is something that must be experienced by the reader. This book is, again, not watered down. This book has tremendous depth to those that are looking to find it. It will, upon completion, allow you into the minds, hearts, and heads of people as they develop a D/s relationship.

 

 Again, if you have always wondered about what a Dominant/submissive relationship is all about – less the airplanes, mansions, and billions, read Baby Girl. It’s real, it’s raw, and it’s got the hottest, steamiest real sex you can imagine.

Book Trailer | Goodreads | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book 2 Synopsis:

 

 In this book, the second of three, we see the exposure of these two characters, as well as the other characters of Book I, to life...

 

This Book is different than Book I in that it is more of the living, and less 'thinking'.

 

Someone steals from the motorcycle club, and Erik begins to question loyalties, life, trust, and his exposure to people - the few he lets in his in his life.

 

These questions leave him seeking answers. Kelli sees changes in Erik and takes advantage of her opportunity.

 

This is what everyone wished for in Book I and did not get to read. Erik and Kelli 'doing', and less 'thinking'.

 

Prepare for a ride like no other, this book takes us on a journey through the lives of many, primarily Erik and Kelli.

 

Goodreads | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Everyone has a past, and Erik Ead is no exception. This book is about Erik's sexual past. Kelli and Heather have stumbled onto Erik's diary. Erik now sits at the fireplace contemplating his past, present love for Kelli, and where his relationship with Kelli will be headed in the future. Erik's diary has been a place for him to compile all of his information regarding sexual experiences from the beginning. 

Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon US

Book 3 Synopsis:

 

Kelli has developed into a woman that Erik cherishes, loves, and adores. He still, however, requires that she submit sexually and completely.

 

Erik has developed into a man that Kelli loves, respects, and wishes to please.

 

In this last of the four book series, Kelli's father becomes ill. Erik and Kelli each struggle with the imminent death of her father, and how to handle the loss of the only parent between them.

 

As the book progresses, so do they. Their true colors begin to show, and they become more of what each other may not necessarily expect. What they do become is real.

Goodreads | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Giveaways:

 

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Review: Sara B. Larson's 'Defy'

 

Defy by Sara B. Larson

Publication Date: January 17, 2014

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

 

 

Synopsis:

 

A lush and gorgeously written debut, packed with action, intrigue, and a thrilling love triangle.

Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.

The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect?

We have a new reviewer on the blog. Please welcome Crystal Warren!

 

 

Right now I stay at home with my daughter and go to school. 

You can follow her on her blog at http://crystalseverything.blogspot.com/

 

 

Crystal's Review:

 

The story was a really well put together story. It has lots of action and lots of danger. The story follows a girl who witnesses her parents get killed by a sorcerer when she is about 13 or 14. All that is left is her and her twin brother. Instead of getting taken away by an army they cut off her hair and have her pretend to be a boy so she doesn't get put into the house of girls. At this house men take advantage of women and rape them to grow their army. She is now 17 and in charge of protecting the prince. That is when the crazy kicks in. There are many secrets and twists and turns. I will not give away any spoilers. I will say it is action packed and a love story built in one. I will tell you it is not a happily ever after. It is a great ending though. It will make you wonder when the second book will be written and what is going to happen in that one. This story is full of magic, heroism, kings, princes and sorcerers. It was a very interesting read and I kept wanting to read more. If you are into action or love stories or ones with twists and turns that keep you guessing this is the story for you.

 

 

Crystal's Rating:

 

 

 

Cameron Jace's 'Pentimento' Book Blitz: Excerpt & 2 Giveaways

 

Pentimento by Cameron Jace
Publication date: December 20th, 2013
Genres: Paranormal, Post-Apocalyptic, Young Adult

 

Synopsis:
 

The day Iris Beaumont turns seventeen, she is threatened to be taken by the Beasts, the rulers of the new America. After the destruction of the world, the Beasts provide citizens with whatever they need in exchange for the one teenage girl they enslave every week. They call them the Brides, and they never comes back. Iris isn’t the worrying type though; she’s been defying the system since she was ten and never cared for the Beast’s rules.

Then she meets Colton Ray, who is not like any other boy she’s ever seen. His confidence and dominance are otherworldly she can’t rationalize the attraction she feels for him. Colton had one slight problem though. It’s rumored he is one of the Beast, and Iris could be the next on the Beast’s list.

Goodreads | Amazon

 

AUTHOR BIO:

Wonderlander, Neverlander, Unicorn-chaser, enchanter, musician, survived a coma, & totally awesome. Sometimes I tell stories. Always luv the little monsters      I write young adult paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and science fiction mostly. The Grimm Diaries series is a seven book saga that deals with retellings of fairy tales from a young adult POV - it connects most of the fairy tales together and claims to be the truth about fairy tales.      I live in San Fransisco and seriously think circles are way cooler than triangles.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Excerpt:
 

The girls watched Eva Washington plod to her death. She shuffled barefoot on the red carpet, hardly breathing against the fear inhabiting her lungs. The tensed muscles in her face wrinkled the features of her adolescent beauty. Iris watched the sticky tears in Eva's eyes thicken, and probably blur her destination to the Beasts' glowing spaceship.

Although the sun showed no empathy, still splaying its bright rays upon the scene, the Beasts' spaceship shone an even brighter light toward her. It had always been this way. Iris thought it was ironic how the Beasts hid behind the glaring light. Instead of wearing metal armors or using the latest hologram technologies, they hid behind a light brighter than the sun.

"Someone should help her," Iris mumbled, Zoe still standing next to her. "Eva's crying so hard, she can't see."

"My mother says that it's better to die before staring in the eyes of the Beast." Zoe commented, not taking her eyes off Eva.

None of the girls were allowed to talk in the Ceremony of the Beast. They stood on both sides of the red carpet leading to the ship, silently witnessing one of their own being sacrificed. The ceremony was a reminder for other girls, a torturing memory. Iris always wondered how the Beasts selected their Brides. Was it some kind of lottery? Did they follow a list with names? A prophecy maybe? Or did they choose the most beautiful? Iris was sure it wasn't the latter option. Last time, the girl wasn't as beautiful as Eva. Not even close. But who knew what beauty looked like in the eyes of the Beast?

Eva was still walking toward the Beasts' ship. She wasn't permitted a stop of any kind. Every reluctant step Eva took closer, the girls on both sides did their best to silence their screams. Some of them wiped the trickling teardrops from their ripe cheeks. The punishment of sympathizing with the Bride was as horrible as Eva's inevitable fate. To the Beasts, this was a happy day, which led many to think the Beasts actually married the Brides. A disturbing suggestion, Iris had always thought.

A sudden cloud blocked the grinning sunlight, shading Eva's wedding dress with a gray stain. The chosen girls had to wear expensive, designer wedding dresses to meet the majestic Beasts. Like any normal wedding, each girl wore their best make up and had their hair styled.  It was a painful process, being groomed while knowing one's horrible fate. No one could protest. It was the Law of the Beasts.

All girls were given a beautiful bouquet of roses, which were either synthetic or polyester, but smelled like real roses. For some reason, most things in The Second were artificial. The roses, as well as the grass in the local park, were as dead as the high metallic skyscrapers.

Eva wiped the tears from her eyes and began throwing random gazes toward the girls on both sides. This was the same girl who was probably going to be the Prom Queen, the same girl that everyone envied in school, Colton’s girlfriend. Now her gaze was shattered, like splintered glass across the girls faces. She'd meet your eyes, but you'd think she wasn’t even there. She became hollow, a fading portrait, soon to disappear in the Beasts' light. And it wasn't funny. Even though Eva hadn't been kind to the average girls like Iris and Zoe, none of the girls loved to see her as a Bride. Any of them could be in her shoes next week.

For a moment, Iris thought Eva was looking for Colton. Boys weren't supposed to stand in the front rows. Only the second and third. The ceremony was a girls’ thing. There was nothing for the human boys to do here.

But each Bride had a father, a brother, or a boyfriend whose heart burned for her. But not even the strongest men in The Second defied the Beasts.

Empowered by wishful thinking, Eva stole a last glance into her phone, which she had been holding with shivering hands. She looked like she wished it hadn't been her ID showing on the screen. It was clearly hers.

"How could you be so cruel to me?" she snapped, talking to the ship's blinding light, still walking forward. "I was about to go to college next year. I was going to be engaged to Colton Ray next month!"

A number of girls let out short sighs. This was news to everyone. So their relationship was serious. Iris could feel Zoe's blaming eyes on her skin.

"What?" Iris fisted an angry hand. She wasn't going to hit Zoe.  She wanted to hit herself, for saying such a thing. The mere thought of her wish coming true was puzzling. "It's not like I'm a witch or something," she grumbled.

"We planned to get married while in college," Eva continued, shouting at the light. That silent light that told her what to do, but never talked back to her. "We've been planning to have two children; a boy named Jeremiah, and a girl named Flower."

Iris held a tear from being born in her eyes. No girl had talked to the Beasts this way before. Most of them sank to their knees, and pleaded that someone would help them and confront the Beasts. Some cried and fainted halfway through, until elders had to carry them as close as possible to the ship. And some prayed like in a chapel, brainwashed that this was their fate, and that they died as a sacrifice for the other girls to live--Iris wanted to kick-box those into the light.

But none of them had spoken in such an emotional way like Eva did.  Her words reminded everyone that someone's life and dreams were being killed today. The problem was that most elders thought of the Call of the Beasts like natural disasters. Earthquakes, hurricanes, and plane crashes. Stuff like that happened all the time. And the Beasts, who ruled their world, must have a wisdom behind it.

Iris, unusually vulnerable, pulled out Zoe's phone and took another peek. The screen didn't show Eva's name. The Beasts didn't believe in human names. It read: Beauty 57135LL; Eva's citizenship identification number in the United States of The Second.

The horn roared again, buzzing into each girl’s bones. Instead of an answer to her question, the unseen Beasts were urging Eva to step closer toward her death. The silliest thought crossed Iris's mind. What if she just ran into the ship and at least peeked in, to see what they looked like? If they had the right to take one of them, didn't they have the right to know who they were?

Before disappearing into the light, Eva took one last glance at the girls. She waved a weakened goodbye as the girls lowered their chins to their chest and laced their handstogether. It was as if Eva, the school's queen bee, had turned into a contagious epidemic they preferred to avoid. Many girls were teary-eyed though. But most of them were glad they hadn’t been the one walking the red carpet.

Out of respect, Iris didn't lower her eyes. It was the least she could do. She was still fisting her hand, mad at herself for not standing up for Eva. It wasn't just the guilt moving her, but the fact that she could simply be next. Why wasn't anyone doing anything about it?

In an unexpected moment, Eva caught Iris's eyes, and nodded back, as if they had been lifelong friends and were now girl-coding each other. Iris glanced behind her for a second, not sure Eva meant her. Everyone else had their heads bowed to their chest. It was Iris Eva meant. Not only that. Eva mouthed something to Iris, something that gave her goose bumps on her skin, as Eva disappeared behind the light of the ship. Her darkest hour.

A second later, Iris caught sight of Colton standing second row on the other side. His blue eyes had turned into puddles of blurry tears. In front of him, girls raised their heads, most of them glad this was over. The ship's drone was deafening as it howled back up toward the sky.

Iris couldn't take her eyes off Colton, wondering if she should tell him what Eva mouthed to her. Who'd have thought that the queen bee, who treated her like shit, would ask this of her?

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Patty Maximini's 'Exception' Book Blitz: Excerpt & Giveaway

 

Exception by Patty Maximini
Publication date: November 2nd 2013
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

 

When all hope for moving on from a life filled with pain and abuse was gone, Emily Watson closed herself off to the world, packed her bags, and moved across the country in search of a new life. What she found was a career she adored and friends she loved. It wasn’t a full and complete life, but it was definitely better than what she knew before.

When all hope for being loved and accepted for who he was instead of what he had was gone, Taylor Carter decided that trusting people outside of his family wasn’t really smart and would only lead to disappointment. With his world turned upside down, his life became about his work, and every new relationship was meaningless and superficial. He was safe and definitely content but never truly happy.

When all hope for staying awake during a long day was gone, Emily and Taylor found themselves at the same coffee cart. Little did they know then that the worst coffee they’d ever had would forever change their lives.

When hopeless people are blinded by an endless pain, when contentment and safety feel like the best options, and when love seems impossible, they may just find an exception.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

AUTHOR BIO:

Words have always been a passion of mine. I’ve always loved to read them, write them and learn them in other languages. Last year, I’ve decided to take that passion and turn it into a book, the result was Exception, my very first novel due this October.

Whenever I’m not sitting behind my computer, I’m either enjoying the company of my dear hubby, Alex, and our four four-legged babies or reading. I’m a firm believer in long hand written letters, love of any kind and good stories.

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 

 

Excerpt:
 

Emily looked in his eyes and felt blood rush to her face once again. How could she tell him what had happened without making things weird? Telling him would ruin everything. She offered her most honest smile before speaking. “It’s nothing Tay, really. Just let it go. Please.”

At her words, he let go of her hand and stepped back. For the first time since they’d met, she was keeping something from him. For the first time, something serious enough to take her two best friends out of their beds had happened, yet she refused to tell him what. For the first time, she didn’t trust him enough to be open and honest, and he had no idea why.

The pain he felt was indescribable and it showed in his eyes. He cleared his throat before speaking again. “It is something. Something you chose to share with them and not with me.” He shook his head, slowly. “I thought our friendship was special. I thought I was special, Emily. I thought you and I kept no secrets.” Holding her gaze, he was silent and took a long breath. A small, sad smile tugged at his lips before he spoke again. “Guess I was wrong.”

Tears pooled in Emily’s eyes and she took a step towards him, but for the first time, he didn’t welcome the closeness between them and, lifting his hands, took a step back. She opened her mouth to speak, to try to explain what had happened, or at least to ask him to wait a little until she could tell him, but he shook his head and walked away before she ever had the chance.

She followed him with her eyes until his back passed through the door, and he slammed it closed behind him. Tears ran from her eyes to her cheeks, and she barely felt the set of hands that held her shoulders. For the first time in years she couldn’t care less if someone touched her. Nothing in the world could crush her any further.

When her eyes finally focused she saw her two best friends standing next to her. Zack wiped the tears from her face with the same loving and understanding expression he always had, while Jody muttered curses behind him.

“He hates me.”

Giveaway:

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Leigh Hall's 'Tethered' Blitz: Excerpt & Giveaway

 

Tethered by Leigh Hall
(BirthRight #1)
Publication date: October 29th 2013
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy

Synopsis:
 

No matter how hard you fight it—destiny has a mind of its own!
Since foreseeing the imminent death of her parents six years earlier, Chloe has lived a simple, not-so-charmed-life away from her remaining Wiccan family.
Zero magic.
No close friendships.
While struggling to bench-press more guilt than any nineteen-year-old ever should.
But fate intervenes and forces Chloe to return home. As if being an in-the-closet-Seer wasn’t bad enough, now she has to spend summer break with the snarky sister who hates her—and the magical birthright she was hell-bent on denying for all eternity.
Luckily, meeting Mr. Perfect takes the edge off her endless family drama. Hunter’s twenty-five, sometimes old-fashioned in a Jane Austen hero sort of way, and more delicious than molten-lava cake. But the more she tries to hide her family’s magical secrets from this ever-present stranger, the more quickly she realizes he’s hiding a few doozies of his own.
Will the lies and betrayal destroy their relationship before it really begins? Or will learning of their tethered future create an unbreakable bond neither can deny? Either way, their hearts will be forever entwined by destiny.

Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Smashwords

 

AUTHOR BIO:

Brandi lives in central Pennsylvania with her fur-ball cats (Onyx and Klepto), where she spends most of her time attached to her laptops, reading books, appeasing her sweet tooth, and watching TV for motivation.

Growing up in a haunted house inspired Brandi’s fascination with the paranormal, so it only made sense that she’d write Urban Fantasy books for both teens and adults.

Brandi hasn’t been lucky enough to meet her soul mate (yet), so she writes paranormal tales of those who have. Her stories combine magical elements with real-life issues, strong female characters, semi-old fashioned men and family values, woven together and told from an emotional, first-person perspective. She enjoys writing sweet stories that teach girls it’s okay to speak your mind and be independent, career-driven, and not worry about fitting in to society’s mold.

In addition to the BirthRight Novels, she also has four additional adventures she’ll be writing over the next few years, so stay-tuned.

You can follow Brandi at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Excerpt:
 

He eyes me curiously. “Why, were you afraid I was stalking you or something?” Once the words roll off his tongue, a snicker bursts from his lips.

My face heats up. “Of course not! It just occurred to me after you left yesterday I had no idea why you were here...when you knew why I was. So now I know.”

“Now you know.” Mischief spreads across his face, his eyebrows lifting with his crooked smile. “So, if you see me back here a lot over the next few days, you won’t go thinking I decided to stalk you after all, will you? Because if we’re here—on the same floor—seeing the same doctor—we’re bound to run into each other from time to time. I wouldn’t want you worrying for your safety or anything, so I figured I’d put your mind at ease before it has a chance to run away with itself again.” He laughs almost under his breath.

Seriously? Oh, he’s clearly enjoying this. But I’ll play along. Why not? “Your consideration is touching.” I lift my hand to my heart. “But if you should happen to change your mind about stalking me, please just give me a heads up first. I’d be more than happy to provide you with my itinerary. I know how daunting your schedule must be, so I wouldn’t want to subject you to any difficulties which might further endanger your well-being.” I tilt my head, batting my baby blues for affect. “If you like, I could even leave a ladder outside my window...or binoculars in the tree across the street. You know...just in case.” Feeling just a tad cocky from my rebuttal, I return the same sideways smirk he’s now giving me.

“You see, I knew you were a good woman from the first moment I laid eyes on you. Most aren’t willing to be so accommodating.”

“Well, the way I see it...you risk your life to protect strangers every day. It’s merely my civic duty to repay your kindness. I’m nothing if not old-fashioned.” I re-cross my legs, trying not to seem too confident.

He leans forward, elbows resting on his knees. “Well in that case, I promise to let you know when I decide to stalk you.”

“When...?” My eyes open wide.

The second he laughs, I jump in right along with him. How could I not with that amazing, smoky laugh of his? He does seem to be enjoying this just as much as I am.

“You’re a lot of fun, Miss Chloe. And a lot quicker than I expected. Very pleasant surprise.” He smiles. His gorgeous, mocha eyes caress my soul.

Deep breath, Chloe. “Yeah well, you caught me on an off-day yesterday. But I’ll be sure to bring my A-game from now on.” I bump my knee into his as I lift my brows flirtatiously.

“I’ll hold you to it, you know. Comic relief is in short supply around here.” He nods towards the emergency room entrance.

“Yeah, hospitals tend to have that effect on people. I can’t imagine why.”

An adorable blush lights up his cheeks. I don’t know if I ever realized just how sexy it is when a guy gets embarrassed. Though, I’m sure just about any look would be attractive on Hunter.

“So, what do you do for fun in this town, Miss Chloe?”

“When you figure that one out, you can let me know. I have absolutely no idea. Lived in San Diego for six years, remember?”

“Oh, that’s right. Well, perhaps some evening after I decide to stalk you, maybe I’ll lure you to my car with some candy. Then we can drive around and figure it out together.” He leans back, eyeing me from under half closed lids as he grins.

“Well that all depends on how long it takes you to start stalking me. I can’t wait forever you know.” I do my best to look serious, but I can’t quite tell if I succeed.

He tips his head back, belting out a hearty laugh. “Fair enough.”

“So would it be presumptuous of me to ask how old my perspective stalker is?”

His jaw drops. “I’m appalled! How dare you ask me such a personal question? You have some nerve, madam.” His acting skills are lacking, but who cares. He smiles. “I’m twenty-five. So will you bestow the same courtesy upon me, Miss Chloe?”

Suddenly uncomfortable, I re-cross my legs, again, then start bouncing my foot. “Are you sure you really want to know?” Well, it was fun while it lasted. I know I’m way too young for him, and now he’ll know too. I’m such a dumb ass for asking his age. Idiot!

“Of course I do. It can’t be that shocking.”

“You sure about that?”

“Oh come on, it can’t be that bad.”

I hold my breath for a few seconds, then exhale. “I’m only nineteen.” My shoulders tense as I get ready for the big let-down.

“So you’re still in school then?” His head tilts to the side.

“Yup. Only two years left, thank god.”

“Hmm. I don’t know if I can stalk someone who’s underage. I could get arrested for harassing a minor, you know.” He attempts a serious tone.

“First, I’m not a minor...and second, I’d say that’s the least of your worries if you turn out to be a stalker.” Ha. Take that, Hunter Payne!

“You do have a point.” He shakes his head while looking at the sidewalk.

“Of course I do.”

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