Book Review + Giveaway: The Secrets that Shape Us by W.L. Brooks

THE SECRETS THAT SHAPE US

W.L. Brooks

Series: The McKay Series Book 2
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: October 22, 2018

Returning home was just the beginning, but staying…might be her end.

After uncovering a devastating secret, Casey McKay left her beloved home town and pretended not to look back. For years, the truth her sisters hid from her has kept her away. Now, in desperate need of Casey’s help, her sisters have hired a PI to find her.

As a private investigator, Ryan Keller is used to getting into sticky situations, but nothing could have prepared him for the likes of Ms. McKay. Unable to resist her appeal for help, Ryan returns with her to Blue Creek. Little do they know they are walking right into a deadly plot to destroy the McKay sisters.

The closer they get to the truth, the harder it is for them to resist temptation. But succumbing to their desires puts Ryan in the crosshairs of a vengeful foe. To save them, Casey must face her past and the secrets that have shaped her.

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Purchase Links

Amazon | The Wild Rose Press (Paperback) | The Wild Rose Press (Digital)

My Review

I haven't read the first book, and I must admit to some confusion when I started reading this book. There are undercurrents beneath the words being said, and I can't help but be intrigued yet confused by the secrets that appeared to have driven the sisters apart six years ago. But as I read on, it became easier to be caught up in the story and the characters, and you can't help but want the villain to be caught and the McKay family to have the happy ending they deserve.

I love each of the sisters--they're individually depicted with their own personalities. I have to applaud the author for being able to give distinctive qualities to her characters and making them stand out in some way. I especially love little Mackenzie! I'm also intrigued by Casey's parents, making me want to go back and read book 1!

Needless to say, I enjoyed this story a lot, especially as I love suspense with my romance. I can't wait to see what else W.L. Brooks has in store for us in future installments!

Book Tour Schedule

October 22 - November 3, 2018

Follow the ongoing book tour! Visit each tour stop daily and discover more features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts and more. To check the latest tour schedule, visit the The Secrets That Shape Us Book Page at Book Unleashed.

Excerpt

It was late afternoon by the time Ryan pulled into the lane leading to the old farmhouse. The sky was dark from the storms passing through, only adding to his unease. All the back roads had looked the same to him, so he had stopped at a gas station to make sure he was going the right way.

He pulled into the driveway and waited a few minutes before cutting off the engine. He retrieved his gun from the glove compartment and got out of the car. He closed the door with as much finesse as possible and put the 9 mm in his slacks, so it rested against the small of his back.

The farmhouse was a good size, two stories. He knew it had belonged to J. T. Vaughn, their grandfather. Vaughn had been the father of Emmit McKay’s first wife. The sisters didn’t like talking about her, even amongst themselves, which piqued his curiosity. He had done a bit of research on the matter, but that was neither here nor there at this point.

He edged around the overgrown lawn and headed for the house. He had yet to see any signs of life. There was a shed at the rear of the property, and Ryan decided to try there first.

The grass was thick and damp from the rain. An ominous screech filled the air when he lifted the latch. The scent of oil and rust hit his nostrils as he shone his pocket light into the darkness.

About W.L. Brooks

W. L. Brooks likes to write like she reads with a bit of mystery, romance, suspense, and, to keep it interesting, the occasional dash of the paranormal. Living in Western North Carolina she is currently working on her next novel.

Official website: http://www.wlbrooks.com/

Social Media Links: Facebook | Instagram

Giveaway

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Contest runs from September 28, 2018 - November 3, 2018.

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Featured Book + Review and Giveaway: A Fine Line by Sue Horsford

A FINE LINE

Sue Horsford

Genre: Romance, Erotica, BDSM
Publisher: Totally Bound
Publication Date: November 22, 2016

No one would understand that my submission empowered me, that I felt stronger kneeling at Gabriel’s feet than I ever had standing at Paul’s side.

Faye Austin seems to have it all--a fulfilling career, a successful husband, a beautiful home. But appearances can be deceptive and sometimes Faye can’t help thinking she’s living the wrong life. A lifetime of being compared to her beautiful younger sister, Ginny, has left her feeling second best, and a chance discovery while looking at her husband’s laptop has led her to realize that her marriage is not all it seems.

Then she meets the handsome Gabriel Scott, a man who likes to play sexual games of power and control, and suddenly everything makes sense. Gabriel’s natural dominance is so compelling that Faye feels her own submissiveness awakening in response, a reaction that both horrifies and excites her. She works with victims of domestic abuse and is adamant that no man will ever tell her what to do. But there’s something about Gabriel that draws her in and gives her a glimpse of who she really wants to be.

Can Gabriel give her what she needs? Or will Ginny get there first?

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Purchase Links

Totally Bound | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

My Review

Rating: 4 Stars

A Fine Line is a well-written story on BDSM. It's perfect for a beginner reader, as this is actually my first BDSM read and I find it entertaining and enjoyable. The story flows well, with realistic conflicts, and the pacing was good. There was even a little suspense with regard to Faye's work (she helps and advises women in domestic abuse situations), and I enjoyed that little twist. There are lots of sex scenes, though, and each one has a purpose, so I can't say they are gratuitous, but there are lots of them, more than I'm used to, actually.

That said, there is romance between Gabriel and Faye. You can see it in some of their interactions, and while Faye is a submissive, she's not a pushover. For important things, she's not afraid to speak her mind with Gabriel and would even insist on her way. I think it's great too that while Gabriel is a dominant, he's reasonable and would allow Faye on the things that matter to her. I'm not really in the BDSM scene and I'm not fully cognizant of how BDSM works, so while Faye may like some of the things Gabriel said and did to her (as a Dom, he said he needs to take care of her), I didn't fully like it. For example, once Gabriel referred to her as his possession, that he needs/likes to take care of his possessions. Oooo-kay.

Lastly, a note of warning to readers who dislike cheating. There's cheating in this book, so read at your own risk.

Book Tour Schedule

Follow the book tour from June 11 - 23, 2018.

Visit each tour stop daily and discover more features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts and more! To check the latest tour schedule, visit the A Fine Line Book Page at Book Unleashed.

About Sue Horsford

I am a qualified hypnotherapist and Reiki practitioner living in the North of England with my husband and soul mate. Over the years I must have started and abandoned over fifty novels before I decided to try my hand at writing erotica. Finally I had a finished novel and a new hobby all in one. I never realized writing could be so much fun!

Connect with Sue on Twitter: https://twitter.com/fingal1962

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Contest runs from June 11 - 23, 2018.

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Book Review: Lipstick on the Strawberry by Margaret Ann Spence

Note: This is my review on the book LIPSTICK ON THE STRAWBERRY. I have posted more details about the book here.

Review

Rating: 4 Stars

Lipstick on the Strawberry is a nice enjoyable read. A part of the story was spent on food and kitchen, but there are other parts of the story that will keep even non kitchen fanatics entertained.

The story is written from the first person point of view, so we are mainly in the heroine's head. Camilla is British but is now living on American soil, having followed her husband over to his country. Unfortunately, their marriage didn't last long, so she focused all her time and attention into her catering business. I enjoyed reading about the food she cooked and the challenges she faced in her business.

I find Camilla's character really believable--she sure knows food and her way around the kitchen, definitely much more than me. She was also quite down to earth and reacted in an understandable manner on various stresses in the story. As a character, Camilla exhibited growth with regard to her relationships with her siblings as certain truths came to light and her realization as to where she wanted to be near toward the end of the book.

I also enjoyed reading on her relationships with Billy and Jake. Her relationships with both were also written well. In fact, I couldn't wait to find out who she'd end up with, as both men were nice and seemed equally entranced with her.

Lastly, I find the mystery in the story quite good. However, perhaps my only reservation is that I didn't think it deserved the center stage attention that the author seems to want to give it. Perhaps if there were more meat/conflict, it would've made the story better.

Overall, a nice read. A 4 star rating for me! Well done!

Book Review + Giveaway: Immortal Reckoning by Tara Fox Hall

Note: This is my review on the book Immortal Reckoning. I have posted more details about the book here.

Review

Rating: 5 Stars

I have been fascinated with Tara Fox Hall's books ever since I read and posted her fun facts a few days ago. I'm so pleased to be able to subsequently read and review her latest tile, Immortal Reckoning.

For starters, Immortal Reckoning is Book 18 in the Promise Me series, but it's perfectly okay to start reading here. Believe me, it's my first book in this series, but I wasn't lost or anything at all. In fact, I found myself immersed in Danial's life and his journey to becoming a vampire. Though he's born a bastard, Danial didn't waste time feeling sorry for himself, and I like that. He did what he could to survive and I cheered for him when breaks came his way. It's really too bad that life had both ups and downs, but perhaps it's because of the downs that we're able to appreciate and treasure the ups.

The author's writing style didn't disappoint for me either. I find the story easy to read and follow, and Danial's narrative voice is engaging and sucked me into the story right from the first page. I'll certainly be on reading more works by the author.

Overall, Danial's story is intriguing enough to go in search of the other books in the series. Though I haven't read the first books in the series, I believe Immortal Reckoning is a great addition to the series, and supports Danial's character.

Ongoing Giveaway

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Contest runs from February 13 - March 21, 2018.

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Featured Book + Fun Facts and Giveaway: Immortal Reckoning by Tara Fox Hall

IMMORTAL RECKONING

Tara Fox Hall

Series: Promise Me Series Book 18 (Origin Story)
Genre: Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Suspense, Romance
Publisher: Melange Books
Publication Date: February 27, 2018

Add to Goodreads

Through the love and loss of the ages, immortality brings only one certainty: vengeance.

Disinherited and poverty stricken, bastard Danial clutches at the slim chance to earn a living as a guard, until a night attack leaves both him and his half-brother Devlin vampires. After finding true love with the aristocrat Lacey, Danial comes to the attention of James, the devious Vampire Lord of France. Enslaved by James, his love murdered, Danial plots to escape, his complex plan of years finally succeeding only to result in all of Europe’s demonic forces on the hunt for him.

After a reunion and subsequent falling out with Devlin, Danial travels to the new world of America in pursuit of a new life. Settling in the west, Danial forms alliances with native vampire Valerian and the witch Cheyenne to survive a game of cat and mouse with Devlin and protect his new love Kathryn amid his rapidly changing world. Triumphant yet nursing a broken heart, an undeterred Danial protects his friends and thwarts his enemies, determined to find a life of peace…until unexpected news comes of James’s presence, the one man on whom Danial has waited centuries to get revenge.

About the Series: In the Promise Me series, Sarelle, a mortal woman, encounters a wounded (and sexy and handsome) vampire, Danial. Without knowing who he really is (a murderer for hire, for one), Sarelle begins a romantic relationship with him a little too fast. Interestingly, Sarelle also finds herself attracted to Danial's best friend, the werecougar, Theo. What will happen to Sarelle's relationship with Danial? Where does Theo fit in? Amidst new obstacles and relationship problems, Sarelle has to decide where her future lies.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Kobo

Fun Facts

Be sure to check out these fun and interesting fun facts from Tara Fox Hall:

• I have a huge ice phallus in the front yard. Someone (likely me) left the faucet open just the tiniest bit this past fall. My hubby discovered it a week ago, and I removed the frozen drip, which reached from the faucet to the ground. The more it melts, the more it resembles a well-endowed example of male anatomy.
• I have been sewing catnip mats that I donate to a cat rescue; they sell these at booths at various events throughout the year. Instead of cutting these out one at a time, I got a whole roll of batting and yards of material and cut out fifty or so, to be efficient. But I haven’t had time to sew them. So I have cat mats piled in the tub (no luxurious soaks for a while now), and piled high enough on the dresser I can’t see the mirror.
• I had two chairs in the room with the woodstove, so my hubby and I could sit together and enjoy the warmth. When the kittens arrived, we moved one chair into their room so they could sleep off the floor, and the dog bed that was in there into the woodstove room. So if my hubby and I want to enjoy warmth together now, I use a folding lawn chair.
• I had a new hire a few weeks ago (I am a safety trainer at a machine plant) to whom I was showing safety videos of actual workplace injuries and accidents. After a few pics, he exclaimed, “These are gross!” I told him that he needed to be careful working, that we showed these videos because we’d had some bad accidents. He was quiet for a minute, then asked,” Has anyone ever quit after you showed them these videos?”
• I was working on these facts so hard today that I was late to the movies, and ended up going to see The Greatest Showman in my pajama bottoms. Maybe I’ll start a trend, lol!
• We rescued a puppy last January, and the rescue told us she would be a large dog, between 50-60lbs, maybe more. She stopped growing that April and weighs in at 30lbs, and is the smallest dog we ever owned.
• Hubby just told me that we are missing 2 of 4 large spoons that we purchased as part of a silverware set when we first got married. Dishes break, glasses break, sure, but what the heck happened to our spoons? We still have all the forks and the knives!
• I bought my new kittens about 25 different toys this summer. Their favorite things to play with are:
  1. THE BOX: an Amazon cardboard box complete with brown packaging paper that we replace when it gets to clawed and bitten
  2. Crumpled up scraps of paper they carry to THE BOX and stash inside.
  3. Old, empty cat treat bags they take out of the recycling bin and hide inside THE BOX to gnaw on.

Book Tour Schedule

Follow the Tour: March 1 - 21, 2018

Visit each tour stop daily and discover more features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts and more!

To check the latest tour schedule, visit the Immortal Reckoning Book Page at Book Unleashed.

About Tara Fox Hall

Tara Fox Hall’s writing credits include nonfiction, erotica, horror, suspense, action-adventure, children’s stories, and contemporary and historical paranormal romance. She is the author of the paranormal fantasy Lash series, the paranormal romantic suspense Unhallowed Love series and the paranormal romantic drama Promise Me series. Tara divides her free time unequally between writing novels and short stories, chainsawing firewood, caring for stray animals, sewing cat and dog beds for donation to animal shelters, and target practice. All of her published children’s stories to date are free reads on www.childrens-stories.net.

Tara Fox Hall's Email: tarafoxhall@gmail.com

Official website: http://www.tarafoxhall.com

Official blog: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5286654.Tara_Fox_Hall/blog

Social media links: Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Melange Books | Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook | Twitter

Giveaway

WIN $77.70 AMAZON GIFT CARD

Contest runs from February 13 - March 21, 2018.

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In partnership with

Book Unleashed Blog Tours

New Release + Giveaway: Immortal Reckoning by Tara Fox Hall

IMMORTAL RECKONING

Tara Fox Hall

Series: Promise Me Series Book 18 (Origin Story)
Genre: Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Suspense, Romance
Publisher: Melange Books
Publication Date: February 27, 2018

Through the love and loss of the ages, immortality brings only one certainty: vengeance.

Disinherited and poverty stricken, bastard Danial clutches at the slim chance to earn a living as a guard, until a night attack leaves both him and his half-brother Devlin vampires. After finding true love with the aristocrat Lacey, Danial comes to the attention of James, the devious Vampire Lord of France. Enslaved by James, his love murdered, Danial plots to escape, his complex plan of years finally succeeding only to result in all of Europe’s demonic forces on the hunt for him.

After a reunion and subsequent falling out with Devlin, Danial travels to the new world of America in pursuit of a new life. Settling in the west, Danial forms alliances with native vampire Valerian and the witch Cheyenne to survive a game of cat and mouse with Devlin and protect his new love Kathryn amid his rapidly changing world. Triumphant yet nursing a broken heart, an undeterred Danial protects his friends and thwarts his enemies, determined to find a life of peace…until unexpected news comes of James’s presence, the one man on whom Danial has waited centuries to get revenge.

Add to Goodreads

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Kobo

Excerpt

I woke at dusk, to men shouting. Flames were flickering in torches on the wall.

I ran toward the noise, coming face to face with Cerdan, in all his armor. “You bastard,” he said, baring his fangs and pointing his sword at me. “You have much to answer for.”

I didn’t reply, just braced for attack.

He circled me. “Hunters have attacked all over France. Easily a hundred werewolves are dead, and as many humans. Cannibal is missing, and presumed dead. Veronique is safe, but some of my best men are dead.”

“Leave now, or you will die, too.”

Cerdan lunged for me, and I evaded him, grabbing up a sword. He parried my thrust, then attacked in earnest. I defended myself, but he was older, and faster. He spitted me on the end of his sword in a few moments. With a shove, he pinned me to the oak door of the rectory. “I’ll bring your upper half back to James, so he can know you were faithful to death,” he said with an evil laugh, drawing his dagger. “A small comfort, to be sure.”

As he went to cut me, a dozen red furry forms launched at him, biting ferociously. He cut them to pieces, littering the ground with dying foxes as the bites rapidly healed up. But as he turned to deliver my killing blow, an arrow burst through his neck, the bloody head appearing under his chin. He staggered, but didn’t go down.

Charlise appeared, a bow in her hand. She stepped in front of me, and put another arrow through Cerdan’s right eye, then his left one. He cursed her, blinded, trying to pull them out. She turned to me and tugged at the end of the sword, freeing it. “Kill him,” she said, giving me the sword.

Other Books in the Series

In the Promise Me series, Sarelle, a mortal woman, encounters a wounded (and sexy and handsome) vampire, Danial. Without knowing who he really is (a murderer for hire, for one), Sarelle begins a romantic relationship with him a little too fast. Interestingly, Sarelle also finds herself attracted to Danial's best friend, the werecougar, Theo. What will happen to Sarelle's relationship with Danial? Where does Theo fit in? Amidst new obstacles and relationship problems, Sarelle has to decide where her future lies.

BOOK ONE Amazon Link

BOOK TWO Amazon Link

BOOK THREE Amazon Link

About Tara Fox Hall

Tara Fox Hall’s writing credits include nonfiction, erotica, horror, suspense, action-adventure, children’s stories, and contemporary and historical paranormal romance. She is the author of the paranormal fantasy Lash series, the paranormal romantic suspense Unhallowed Love series and the paranormal romantic drama Promise Me series. Tara divides her free time unequally between writing novels and short stories, chainsawing firewood, caring for stray animals, sewing cat and dog beds for donation to animal shelters, and target practice. All of her published children’s stories to date are free reads on www.childrens-stories.net.

Tara Fox Hall's Email: tarafoxhall@gmail.com

Official website: http://www.tarafoxhall.com

Official blog: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5286654.Tara_Fox_Hall/blog

Social media links: Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Melange Books | Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook | Twitter

Book Tour Schedule

Follow the Tour: March 1 - 21, 2018

Visit each tour stop daily and discover more features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts and more!

To check the latest tour schedule, visit the Immortal Reckoning Book Page at Book Unleashed.

Giveaway

WIN $77.70 AMAZON GIFT CARD

Contest runs from February 13 - March 21, 2018.

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Book Unleashed Blog Tours

Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Immortal Reckoning by Tara Fox Hall

IMMORTAL RECKONING

by Tara Fox Hall

Series: Promise Me Series # 18 (Origin Story)
Genre: Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Suspense, Romance
Publisher: Melange Books
Publication Date: February 27, 2018

Add to Goodreads

Through the love and loss of the ages, immortality brings only one certainty: vengeance.

Disinherited and poverty stricken, bastard Danial clutches at the slim chance to earn a living as a guard, until a night attack leaves both him and his half-brother Devlin vampires. After finding true love with the aristocrat Lacey, Danial comes to the attention of James, the devious Vampire Lord of France. Enslaved by James, his love murdered, Danial plots to escape, his complex plan of years finally succeeding only to result in all of Europe’s demonic forces on the hunt for him.

After a reunion and subsequent falling out with Devlin, Danial travels to the new world of America in pursuit of a new life. Settling in the west, Danial forms alliances with native vampire Valerian and the witch Cheyenne to survive a game of cat and mouse with Devlin and protect his new love Kathryn amid his rapidly changing world. Triumphant yet nursing a broken heart, an undeterred Danial protects his friends and thwarts his enemies, determined to find a life of peace...until unexpected news comes of James’s presence, the one man on whom Danial has waited centuries to get revenge.

PRE-ORDER LINKS

Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

About Tara Fox Hall

Tara Fox Hall’s writing credits include nonfiction, erotica, horror, suspense, action-adventure, children’s stories, and contemporary and historical paranormal romance. She is the author of the paranormal fantasy Lash series, the paranormal romantic suspense Unhallowed Love series and the paranormal romantic drama Promise Me series. Tara divides her free time unequally between writing novels and short stories, chainsawing firewood, caring for stray animals, sewing cat and dog beds for donation to animal shelters, and target practice. All of her published children’s stories to date are free reads on http://www.childrens-stories.net.

Tara Fox Hall's Email: tarafoxhall@gmail.com

Official website: http://www.tarafoxhall.com

Official blog: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5286654.Tara_Fox_Hall/blog

Social media links: Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Melange Books | Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook | Twitter

Giveaway

WIN $77.70 AMAZON GIFT CARD

Contest runs from February 13 - March 21, 2018.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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New Release + Giveaway: Heavenly Pleasures by Isla Dennes

*** RELEASING TODAY !! ***

At Heavenly Pleasures, quite a lot of things are possible…

HEAVENLY PLEASURES

Isla Dennes

Series: For Heaven's Sake Book 1
Genre: Chick Lit, Comedy, Romance
Publisher: Totally Bound
Publication Date: January 30, 2018

Meet Brooke, a self-confessed shopaholic turned reluctant brothel receptionist, as she stumbles through life, trying to live up to her parents’ and fiancé’s high expectations—at the cost of her now low self-esteem.

Who would have thought a group of working girls would help her rediscover her inner strength and finally tackle her personal demons? But at Heavenly Pleasures, the rules are made to be broken and new opportunities are just around the corner…

Add to Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon | Totally Bound

Excerpt

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Scarlett asked, taking in my pale face and trembling hands.

“Some bloke just walked in here and asked me to have sex with him!”

Uggh! And he’d been all greasy black hair, gold fillings and overgrown ’tache, like an aging porn star. I stifled the urge to throw up.

Shaking her head in disgust, Scarlett rolled her eyes. “Hate to break it to you, precious, but you are working in a brothel, you know.”

“But—”

“But nothing. What the hell did you expect him to ask for, a burger and fries?”

“I kept telling him I was only the receptionist, but he didn’t seem to care. He told me he’d pay extra if he had to.” I fought to calm my racing heart and queasy stomach.

Scarlett’s eyes narrowed. She didn’t look happy. It occurred to me that maybe I should have kept my mouth shut.

“What do you mean extra? How much extra?”

“Um…” I swallowed hard. “Three hundred dollars.”

The temperature in the room plummeted as a blast of ice-cold fury filled the air.

“What!” she screeched. “And you turned him down?”

“But—”

“Jesus Christ!” she hissed and bolted over to the waiting room. “Shit, where the hell is he now?”

My glance flickered toward the door. Scarlett’s followed. For the briefest of moments, I thought she was going to drag him back in and make him apologize for being an insensitive bastard.

Instead her eyes widened in shock. “What! You let him walk out of here? You selfish fucking cow. You mightn’t have wanted him, but what about the rest of us girls? Three hundred bucks and you just let him walk out of here? Jesus! Prue is going to go off her nut when she hears about this.”

Prue was the Madame and owner of Heavenly Pleasures. An outwardly serene woman with immaculate hair, but nonetheless seriously scary with a sinister reputation, not unlike Cruella DeVille on a bad day, and therefore someone I did not want to cross.

“Oh, please don’t say anything,” I begged, on the verge of tears. “Look, I promise if he comes back in, I’ll call you out straight away—before JoJo. Just don’t mention it to Prue. I was just a bit taken aback, that’s all, and didn’t know what to do.”

This part was true. Haggling for sex wasn’t something we’d covered in secretarial college. Maybe it was the look of pure terror on my face or possibly Scarlett was in a rare compassionate mood, but after a moment’s hesitation she stopped scowling, her expression softening in what could well have been pity.

“Okay. I won’t say anything—this time,” came with reluctance. “But of course I’ll expect some more bookings, if you get my meaning.”

Yes—her meaning was loud and clear. She was blackmailing me, but I was in no position to protest. I nodded.

Her mood lightened. “Hey, cheer up, will you? So what if some ugly punter wanted a poke? Jeez, you’re not the first one to have the hard word put on them by some tosser, believe me. Guys come in here, think they’re God’s gift to women and although they know you’re not a worker, it gives them a sick thrill to think they can convince you to drop to your knees for a blow job—even if it is for three hundred dollars.” She threw me a disgusted look and shook her head in disbelief. “I reckon in their pathetic little minds they’re convinced they’ve seduced you with their hot looks and charm. Losers, that’s what they are. Anyway, I suppose it’s probably just as well you didn’t take him up on it.”

“Really?” I brightened, seeing it as a sign I was forgiven.

“Yeah, the girls would have flattened you if you had.”

Oh, God. I felt ill. What on earth had happened to my perfect life?

Two months ago, I had never met or even spoken to a prostitute. Two months ago, I’d had no idea brothels even existed outside the red light district of King’s Cross. Two months ago, I’d thought French, Spanish and Greek were southern Europeans rather than hooker code for certain sexual practices. And two months ago, I’d been happily looking forward to marrying my fiancé, Brad, an up-and-coming lawyer who planned to be the youngest junior partner in the law firm where he worked.

Yes, two months ago my life had all been mapped out before me.

But that was before a day out in the city to catch up with an old friend triggered a series of events that would ultimately bring about my downfall. Yep, it was at that point I can honestly say my life had bit the big one, nose-diving to newly discovered depths of desperation and despair. I was completely screwed and I didn’t have anyone to blame but myself…

About Isla Dennes

Married, mother of one son and three daughters, Isla Dennes developed a love for writing while employed in her dream job as the owner of a book shop situated in a seaside resort town in NSW, Australia. Not content in simply reading every book in the store, she found herself compelled to create novels of her own.

Had she concentrated more on sales and less on writing she might well have retired a wealthy woman, but writing won out in the end, with the result being a lifelong passion for creative writing across a number of genres, including a brief but regrettable sojourn into horribly sentimental New-aged poetry which is best forgotten.

Social Media Links: Facebook | Twitter

Giveaway

WIN $10 AMAZON GIFT CARD

Contest runs from January 15 - February 1, 2018.

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Pre-Order Blitz + Giveaway: Heavenly Pleasures by Isla Dennes

*** PRE-ORDER ALERT ***

Releasing January 30, 2018

HEAVENLY PLEASURES

Isla Dennes

Series: For Heaven's Sake Book
Genre: Chick Lit, Comedy, Romance
Publisher: Totally Bound
Publication Date: January 30, 2018

At Heavenly Pleasures, quite a lot of things are possible…

Meet Brooke, a self-confessed shopaholic turned reluctant brothel receptionist, as she stumbles through life, trying to live up to her parents’ and fiancé’s high expectations—at the cost of her now low self-esteem.

Who would have thought a group of working girls would help her rediscover her inner strength and finally tackle her personal demons? But at Heavenly Pleasures, the rules are made to be broken and new opportunities are just around the corner…

Add to Goodreads

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Excerpt

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Scarlett asked, taking in my pale face and trembling hands.

“Some bloke just walked in here and asked me to have sex with him!”

Uggh! And he’d been all greasy black hair, gold fillings and overgrown ’tache, like an aging porn star. I stifled the urge to throw up.

Shaking her head in disgust, Scarlett rolled her eyes. “Hate to break it to you, precious, but you are working in a brothel, you know.”

“But—”

“But nothing. What the hell did you expect him to ask for, a burger and fries?”

“I kept telling him I was only the receptionist, but he didn’t seem to care. He told me he’d pay extra if he had to.” I fought to calm my racing heart and queasy stomach.

Scarlett’s eyes narrowed. She didn’t look happy. It occurred to me that maybe I should have kept my mouth shut.

“What do you mean extra? How much extra?”

“Um…” I swallowed hard. “Three hundred dollars.”

The temperature in the room plummeted as a blast of ice-cold fury filled the air.

“What!” she screeched. “And you turned him down?”

“But—”

“Jesus Christ!” she hissed and bolted over to the waiting room. “Shit, where the hell is he now?”

My glance flickered toward the door. Scarlett’s followed. For the briefest of moments, I thought she was going to drag him back in and make him apologize for being an insensitive bastard.

Instead her eyes widened in shock. “What! You let him walk out of here? You selfish fucking cow. You mightn’t have wanted him, but what about the rest of us girls? Three hundred bucks and you just let him walk out of here? Jesus! Prue is going to go off her nut when she hears about this.”

Prue was the Madame and owner of Heavenly Pleasures. An outwardly serene woman with immaculate hair, but nonetheless seriously scary with a sinister reputation, not unlike Cruella DeVille on a bad day, and therefore someone I did not want to cross.

“Oh, please don’t say anything,” I begged, on the verge of tears. “Look, I promise if he comes back in, I’ll call you out straight away—before JoJo. Just don’t mention it to Prue. I was just a bit taken aback, that’s all, and didn’t know what to do.”

This part was true. Haggling for sex wasn’t something we’d covered in secretarial college. Maybe it was the look of pure terror on my face or possibly Scarlett was in a rare compassionate mood, but after a moment’s hesitation she stopped scowling, her expression softening in what could well have been pity.

“Okay. I won’t say anything—this time,” came with reluctance. “But of course I’ll expect some more bookings, if you get my meaning.”

Yes—her meaning was loud and clear. She was blackmailing me, but I was in no position to protest. I nodded.

Her mood lightened. “Hey, cheer up, will you? So what if some ugly punter wanted a poke? Jeez, you’re not the first one to have the hard word put on them by some tosser, believe me. Guys come in here, think they’re God’s gift to women and although they know you’re not a worker, it gives them a sick thrill to think they can convince you to drop to your knees for a blow job—even if it is for three hundred dollars.” She threw me a disgusted look and shook her head in disbelief. “I reckon in their pathetic little minds they’re convinced they’ve seduced you with their hot looks and charm. Losers, that’s what they are. Anyway, I suppose it’s probably just as well you didn’t take him up on it.”

“Really?” I brightened, seeing it as a sign I was forgiven.

“Yeah, the girls would have flattened you if you had.”

Oh, God. I felt ill. What on earth had happened to my perfect life?

Two months ago, I had never met or even spoken to a prostitute. Two months ago, I’d had no idea brothels even existed outside the red light district of King’s Cross. Two months ago, I’d thought French, Spanish and Greek were southern Europeans rather than hooker code for certain sexual practices. And two months ago, I’d been happily looking forward to marrying my fiancé, Brad, an up-and-coming lawyer who planned to be the youngest junior partner in the law firm where he worked.

Yes, two months ago my life had all been mapped out before me.

But that was before a day out in the city to catch up with an old friend triggered a series of events that would ultimately bring about my downfall. Yep, it was at that point I can honestly say my life had bit the big one, nose-diving to newly discovered depths of desperation and despair. I was completely screwed and I didn’t have anyone to blame but myself…

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About Isla Dennes

Married, mother of one son and three daughters, Isla Dennes developed a love for writing while employed in her dream job as the owner of a book shop situated in a seaside resort town in NSW, Australia. Not content in simply reading every book in the store, she found herself compelled to create novels of her own.

Had she concentrated more on sales and less on writing she might well have retired a wealthy woman, but writing won out in the end, with the result being a lifelong passion for creative writing across a number of genres, including a brief but regrettable sojourn into horribly sentimental New-aged poetry which is best forgotten.

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Book Review + Giveaway: Wicked Dance by Olivia Boothe

(Note: As I had to deal with massive workload this week, I wasn't able to finish writing my review for Wicked Dance. I will write a new post on this review as soon as possible. Stay tuned!)

NEW BOOK RELEASE !!

A new contemporary romance novel from Olivia Boothe

WICKED DANCE

Olivia Boothe

Series: Chronicles of a Dancing Heart Book 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: October 27, 2017

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She never imagined her heart could ever dance again

She never imagined her heart could ever dance again…

Former dance student Sara Hart had aspired to grace the stage on Broadway, but a reckless decision forced her to renounce that dream. Years later, while struggling with an ungratifying job and an even more unsatisfying love life, she literally stumbles upon a dangerously sexy stranger who sends her heart—and her body—into hyperdrive. His touch makes her feel alive again and sparks a desire to rebuild her dance career. But Sara is still haunted by the demons of her past. One dark lie could cost her everything.

He’d stopped believing in love …

Real estate mogul Tom Wright caters to the rich and famous. He lives the life of the perfect bachelor—partying hard and dating the most beautiful women in Manhattan. But he has one golden rule–no commitments. Ever. Then he meets sexy Sara Hart, and something about her makes him want to throw the damn rule book out the window. Every time she’s near, the blood in his veins pulses with a raging fire he can’t contain. But Tom’s shadowed history is resurfacing, unearthing ghosts he’d rather remain buried.

Will this wicked dance be their last?

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Book Tour Schedule

Follow the book tour! Ongoing until November 25, 2017.

Visit each tour stop daily and discover more features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts and other extras on the tour.

To check the latest tour schedule, visit the Wicked Dance Book Page at Book Unleashed.

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2 Copies of Wicked Dance eBook

Contest runs from October 20 - November 25, 2017.

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About Olivia Boothe

Author of deep and sexy contemporary romance, Olivia Boothe enjoys crafting novels about complex characters and compelling storylines. Her romances encompass a blend of heartfelt emotion and steamy passion.

Coffee addict and red wine lover, when she’s not busy conjuring up a new story, Olivia likes to binge read across genres. You’ll typically find her with one book on her e-reader, a second on her phone, and a print book in her oversized handbag.

Olivia resides in Northern New Jersey with her husband, their three boys, and a miniature dachshund.

Official website: https://oliviaboothe.com/

Connect with Olivia Boothe on social media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

About The Wild Rose Press

The Wild Rose Press has been publishing electronic and print titles of fiction for more than nine years. Our titles span the sub-genre spectrum from sweet to sensually erotic romance in all lengths to mainstream and womens fiction. To check out the latest and upcoming releases and more, visit https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com.

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