Excerpt & Giveaway: Ruin by C.J. Scott

Ruin by C.J. Scott
(A Summer in Winter Novel 1)
Publication date: August 2013
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

Kate Bell isn’t perfect. Not even close. The things she got up to in college would cause her parents to fall off their pedestals in shock. Home for the summer vacation, Kate settles in for a long, boring break in the tiny backwater of Winter with folks who still treat her like she’s twelve.
Then Ben Parker arrives and suddenly Winter gets interesting. He’s hot, mysterious and good with his hands. Kate falls for him instantly, but her cop father warns her to stay away. But how can she stay away from someone as compelling as Ben? Someone who thinks she’s perfect just the way she is?
When Ben’s secrets catch up to him, not only is Kate’s heart in danger of being broken, but Ben’s entire future could be ruined.

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The Excerpt

"Give me one good reason we can't do this," I said. He crossed his arms over his chest. "You and me...we're wrong together. I'm so sorry." "I said a good reason." My brain was beginning to work again, but my body still felt numb from the rejection. "You, this place, everybody...it's all too...perfect." "What?" It didn't make sense. He was pushing me away because he thought I was perfect. "For starters, I'm so not perfect." "You are to me." My breath left me in a whoosh. I blinked at him, tried to work out if he was joking. But he didn't laugh. His eyes twinkled like stars, and then he looked down at his feet. In the instant our gazes had connected, I could tell that he seemed surprised that he'd said it too. "You don't know me well enough," was all I could manage. "Yeah," he said. "What's with that?" It wasn't an answer, but I didn't think I was going to get a better one out of him. "Look, Kate. I may not know everything about you, but I can see that you're a good person. You offered me this opportunity without judging me first. Most people would have just let me pass on through. You're funny and kind, not just to me but to Jane and even Mrs. Merriweather." "So?" "So...you have this stupid, blind belief that I'm more than I am. I'm not, and I'm not right for you. Not even for a night. Especially for a night. Besides, there are people worrying about you and expecting me to treat you like a gentleman would treat a lady." "Are you talking about my parents?" "And Jane. I'm sure the waitress in the diner is worried too, and maybe dozens more townsfolk." "You're rejecting me because of Winter?" He pushed off from the wall. I could just make out the flash of anger in his eyes, the grim set of his mouth as he came toward me. "I'm trying to be the good guy here. I gave my word that I wouldn't hurt you, and I'm trying to keep it. Don't make this any harder than it already is." "Having sex with me doesn't mean you're going to hurt me, Ben." "Maybe not, but I don't want to destroy the trust everyone has put in me." I threw up my hands. "It shouldn't be about anyone else! It should be about you and me." "I can't, Kate. I've come too far to break that kind of promise now, even to virtual strangers." "What the hell does that mean?" He shook his head and looked away. "Okay, Mystery Man, I get it. You can have secrets. Fine. I have no right to ask what they are. We're just two adults attracted to each other, nothing more, so I don't see why we can't act on it. We have one night, Ben. One night to have a little fun together." I poked my finger into his chest. "And another thing. I'm not perfect. Not by a long shot. If my parents knew what I got up to at college, they'd be horrified. I've slept with more guys in the last three years than I care to talk about. I've smoked God knows what, I've skipped class, and last month I woke up in the gutter without any underwear. See? I'm not fucking perfect!" My tirade was followed by complete silence. Even the birds must have gone to sleep. Then Ben laughed. His chuckle started low in his chest and became a full rumble bubbling out of him. "You woke up without your underwear?" he said. "What the hell happened to it?" I tried to contain my smile. My little tirade seemed ridiculous all of a sudden. "I don't know. I never found it. There's a good chance I wasn't wearing any in the first place." He laughed so loudly I worried he'd wake up Jane and Mrs. M. "Okay, I'll agree that you've got a few personality quirks. But I still think you're perfect." Tears stung my eyes. "Well," I said, breathing deeply. "I've never been rejected so nicely before. It sucks, by the way." ***To read the extended version of this scene and discover what Ben has tattooed on his shoulder, check out C.J.'s website http://www.cjscottbooks.com

About The Author

C.J. loves reading stories that take her away to another world. If she’s in the middle of an amazing book, she’ll keep reading while cooking or cleaning (when she can be bothered doing either).
She likes interesting artwork but can’t paint, sketch or make anything more complicated than a snowman from plasticine. She enjoys beautiful gardens but hates gardening. She also hates housework, cooking (see above) and writing about herself.
C.J. loves connecting with readers. The best place to interact with her and other fans is via her Facebook page. That’s where she posts teasers and other stuff from her books.

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Excerpt & Giveaway: Fable by Chanda Hahn

Fable by Chanda Hahn
(An Unfortunate Fairy Tale #3)
Publication date: August 27th, 2013
Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:

All that glitters is not gold.
When something precious is stolen from sixteen-year-old Mina Grime, she will do anything in her power to get it back, even if it means traveling to the dangerous Fae plane and battling one of the strongest fairy-tale villains yet.
However, nothing can prepare Mina for the dangerous obstacles she will face in the Fae world, or the choices she must make when love and life are on the line.

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The Excerpt

Mina stopped and parted the long weeping willow’s branches, and could see the rose resting against Jared’s black boot. Wait…not Jared—Teague. Teague reached down to pick up the rose and brought it to his nose to breathe in its scent. His hair was a lighter shade of brown than Jared’s, and his eyes were a deep blue, while Jared’s were a haunting gray. They both had similar angular jaws and drop-deadgorgeous looks. Teague once again was dressed in black, and Mina had a mind to joke about whether he was going to a funeral, but he was, so the words died on her lips before she even spoke them. Instead, she glared at him and held out her hand, demanding the rose without saying a word. Teague’s eyes widened and looked her over, never once dropping his Cheshire Cat smile. “I only came to pay my respects.” “What respect? You don’t respect me or my family. Otherwise, your kind never would have cursed us.” “You’re wrong—it’s always wise to respect your enemies.” “Well, I don’t respect you.” “You should, Mina. Do you see what happens when you ignore your duty—when you ignore me?” He pointed to Charlie’s grave, and his voice became threatening. “I don’t like to be ignored, and now you have one less distraction in your life, so you can focus more of your time on me.” Teague’s words confirmed her worst fears. Her actions had led Teague to strike out against her family and kill her brother. Her stomach dropped, bile rose in her throat, and every inch of her was sick with the guilt his words layered on her. It was her fault, and she knew it. But she couldn’t show him how weak she was, and how much his words had affected her. She had one more person to protect: her mother, and she would not be negligent again. “You’re not welcome here. So please leave.” Mina snatched the rose out of Teague’s hand and felt a sting in her palm. She winced in pain but refused to acknowledge it. Teague reached for her hand, and Mina let him open up her palm to inspect her wound from the thorn. She was still reeling, and her whole body shook with anger. Teague leaned forward and blew on the small cut in her palm, and it healed itself. She ripped her hand from his grasp and took two steps away from him, almost falling on the ground. She needed to keep better control of herself. She needed Jared. “How is my dear brother?” he asked, as if reading her mind. “Why don’t you ask him yourself?” His eyes darkened. “We are not exactly on speaking terms.” “It wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact that you keep trying to kill me, would it?” “Now, sweet Mina, our fight goes back long before you were born. But you can’t hold it against me that I’m only doing my job. I’m supposed to throw quests your way, and you are supposed to try to stop me. It’s as simple as that. I can’t help it if we have a casualty or so in the process. That’s what makes the stories so good.” He smirked. “That’s what makes them popular. That’s what makes me powerful.” He was so close to her now that he ran the back of his finger across her cheek, and she flinched and smacked it away. “I see that you are as disgusting as ever.” “I see that you’re getting your fight back. You know, Mina, out of all the Grimms over the years who died at the hands of my fables, you are by far my favorite to toy with. I wonder why that is?” he asked, appearing to ponder the question. “Maybe because you picked the wrong girl to mess with.” “I don’t think so. I’ve finally found the perfect Grimm. I think you will be the most challenging. Which means your ending, the tale that finishes you off, will make us both famous.” Mina’s lip trembled, and she steeled herself to not show fear. She stood her ground and looked Teague right in the eye. “A thousand sweet words can never disguise the rattle of a viper about to strike. I will not drop my guard ever again. And I will end this curse…by doing whatever…or killing whoever…I have to.” Teague’s face turned furious, and his lips pressed into an angry thin line. “Then be prepared, my dear Mina, for you won’t be able to ignore this next tale. I’ve made sure of that.” He stepped away from her. A crack of thunder rattled the earth and she jumped, turning in surprise. A second later, pouring rain followed, soaking everyone within minutes. Mina turned back toward Teague, but he was gone.

About The Author

Pronunciation: Sh-and-uh H-ah-n
Chanda is the author of the popular YA Unfortunate Fairy Tale Series which includes UnEnchanted and Fairest. Both books have topped the ebook charts in 5 countries. She also pens YA epic Fantasy.
She was born in Seattle, Washington, raised in Nebraska, has lived in MN, IL and currently lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and twin children. She's a former children's librarian and children's pastor. Currently she spends her free time penning new novels and a daytime taxi driver for her kids.

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Excerpt & Giveaway: Captivated by Emily Jane Trent

Captivated by Emily Jane Trent 

(Adam & Ella #1)
Genres: New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

Ella Walker, still suffering from issues of mental abuse, turns twenty-one and meets the man of her dreams. Can she break the bonds of her emotional prison and be the woman he desires? As an aspiring romance author, Ella struggles to find passion in her work. When Adam Bianci, the gorgeous Italian billionaire appears in her life, he lights up her drab existence. She’s determined not to let him slip through her grasp. But will his secrets and the tangled web of his own abuse keep them apart?

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Excerpt

Ella looked away, then back, for verification he was real. Sitting some distance from her, he didn’t move. Not even a twitch. Possibly, he didn’t see her. She stared unable to look away, afraid he’d vanish if she didn’t keep her eyes on him. If she’d thought he was handsome before, he was even more so that morning. In the pale orange light of the sun, just barely burning over the horizon, his lightly bronzed skin shone. His hair was a golden brown, and though he wasn’t looking her way, she remembered that his eyes were golden amber. She’d looked into them one time, the one time that he’d held her, saved her. He’d looked at her when he’d slid her off his back, and she’d never, ever forget those eyes. The light flattered him. He looked golden, gorgeous and golden, that’s how she’d describe him. She should go over. Thank him for the other day. Dreadful shyness took her, and she could not will her body to move. She knew if she did manage to walk over, and by some remote chance attempt to thank him, she’d freeze up. She just knew it. Social graces were not high on her list. People often thought she was stuck-up, not knowing that her silence was shyness. If she didn’t move now, she might lose her chance. Yet despite her great need to say something to get his attention, she was riveted to the spot. Just staring. He didn’t give any sign he noticed her, and it occurred to Ella that he didn’t like her. He’d felt compelled to save her, but he’d rather not have anything to do with her.

About The Author

Emily Jane Trent writes steamy romances about characters you’ll get to know and love. The sex scenes are hot, and the romance even hotter! If you are a fan of stories with a heroine that’s got spunk and a hunk of a hero that you’d like to take home with you, these stories are what you’re looking for. The stories will let you escape into a fantasy – and you won’t want it to end - ever.

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The Giveaway

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Cover Reveal: Tease by Cambria Hebert

TEASE (A Take It Off Novel)

***This is a New Adult Contemporary novel. It is not intended for Young adult readers and contains sexual content and graphic language.***

Synopsis:

You can look but you can’t touch…
Harlow McAlister is a broke college student. When her tuition assistance is taken away she is faced with a choice: admit to her mother she couldn’t hack it on her own or make a lot of money fast.
So she gets a good paying job.
As a stripper.
She thought it would be easy but it turns out being sexy is a lot harder than she thought. When a few mishaps work in her favor she manages to hang on to her job and catch the eye of the Mad Hatter’s best looking bartender, Cam.
She’s also caught the eye of someone who wants to do more than look, someone who’s decided that she’s nothing but a tease.
As the clothes come off, Harlow finds herself caught between lust and murder. The only thing she knows for sure is that her new risqué job is a lot more than she bargained for.

About The Author

Cambria Hebert is the author of the young adult paranormal Heaven and Hell series, the new adult Death Escorts series, and the new adult Take it Off series. She loves a caramel latte, hates math and is afraid of chickens (yes, chickens). She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn't pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and children (both human and furry) where she is plotting her next book. You can find out more about Cambria and her work by visiting http://www.cambriahebert.com

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Excerpt & Giveaway: Life, Love & Lemons by Magan Vernon

Life, Love, & Lemons by Magan Vernon
Publication date: August 20th 2013
Genre: YA Contemporary

Synopsis:

When life hands you lemons, sometimes you have to say screw the lemons and bail.
Seventeen-year-old Bentley Evans had it all. Then her Dad got laid off.

Now she has to move across town to a small apartment and leave her life of luxury for public school and a job at the local burger place. Just when her world seems like it's crumbling she finds solace in the unlikely punk boy next door, Kai Stone. But as their relationship blossoms, a jealous ex-girlfriend and a secret to tell that threatens to bring disaster back into Bentley’s life.

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Excerpt

“Are you okay?” I sat on the cold tile floor of the break room with my head between my grease stained knees. The last person I expected to come back and check on me was Kai. In my frenzied cry I somehow managed to blurt out that I female problems and that got Jason to find someone else to do the sweeping. No guy ever wants to fight that one and Jason’s face turned red when I mentioned it. “I’m fine." I sniffled, hoping that Kai would just go away. I wanted to be alone. How could my friends have done this to me? It was bad enough that I already lost my house, my school, and now some of my best friends since grade school. To top it all off I had some kid with hot pink shoes acting like I was the one with issues. “Well obviously you’re not." He reached his hand out toward me. I crossed my arms firmly over my chest. “I don’t need your help." It came out whinier than I intended. Instead of walking away, he just plopped down beside me and spread his long legs out next to mine. “You can only try and make lemons into lemonade for so long before you just have to say, screw the lemons, and bail." He stretched his arms out over his head. I couldn’t help but smile. “I didn’t think anyone but me actually used that expression.” “Well looks like you were wrong." He slowly stood up and turned to face me. “Now c’mon and let me show you what else you’re wrong about.” As I looked at him, I didn’t know what came over me. Maybe it was just my girl emotions working overtime or maybe it was his pleading puppy dog eyes, but for some reason I took his hand and followed him out the back door. “So where are we going?" I questioned, letting go of his hand as soon as we got outside. I was really glad we exited out the back so no one saw us. I really didn’t want people getting the wrong idea. Kai was a nice guy and everything, but I knew the other co-workers would have a field day if they saw us together. Luckily it was just my little red mini and a giant orange car in the parking lot. “Just get in and you’ll find out," He said conspiratorially and opened the passenger door of the giant orange thing. “What is that?" I pointed at the car, tilting my head. “This would be my car, a Ford Falcon." He motioned again for me to get into the car. Slowly I approached the car and got in as he slid over the hood of the car to the driver’s side. “Isn’t that like something out of Star Wars?" I asked as he got in and started the car. “No, that would be the Millennium Falcon, and that would be Star Trek." He smiled and pulled out of the parking lot. “Sorry, I’m not up on my geekery." I laughed and I held out my palms toward him. “It’s okay I didn’t really expect you to be." He slid his long fingers over toward me. I thought he was going to reach for my hand but instead he turned on the stereo, letting a loud screaming guy’s voice blast over the speakers. “Ugh!" I put my hands over my ears and screeched, “What is that?” Kai sighed and turned down the music. “It’s the Circle Jerks, you know Punk Rock.” I shook my head. “Never heard of them, maybe you have something else that I might like." I reached up into the CD visor and browsed through his CD’s. Bad Religion, The Misfits, Dead Kennedys —All these bands I had never heard of and sounded really depressing. “How about we just turn on the radio?” “You’re kind of demanding you know that?" Kai looked at me out of the corner of his eye and leaned back in his seat. “Gee, you’re such a charmer," I mocked. “But seriously, where are we going anyway?” “It’s a surprise,” he said mischievously, smiling as he turned down State Street. “Okay," I said and pulled my uniform top over my head. “JESUS, what are you doing?" Kai swerved the car and almost hit the curb in the process, causing me to almost bounce my head off the dashboard. “Ugh!" I folded the shirt in my lap and then ran my fingers across the straps of my white tank top that I had on underneath. “I just didn’t want to show up to wherever we were going in my uniform; what did you think I was doing? Trying to strip down in the Star Trek car?” “I don’t know." He shrugged. “I thought the Falcon had some magical powers or something.”

About The Author

Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. She is in a very serious, fake relationship with Adam Lambert and constantly asks her husband to wear guyliner. He still refuses. She also believes her husband is secretly an alien, disguised as a southern gentleman.

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The Giveaway

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Review & Giveaway: My Memory Suite

*All of the graphics in this post were created using the My Memory Suite software, with the exception of the My Memory Suite logo.*

I received this product in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way and all opinions are 100% my own.

I was super excited when I received the invite to try out the My Memory Suite software.  I wasn't sure at first if I wanted to accept.  I had wanted something like this for quite a while, but was a little intimidated by it.  After I agreed, I received my information and promptly downloaded the software.  It was quick and easy .

When I first started using the program, I was a little confused.  I wasn't really sure how to use everything or how to make graphics and pages and such.  After a quick little trip to the websites forums, I was back on track and it took me no time to figure out how to use everything.  It was so easy that it felt like I had been using it forever!

I'm sure when you look at the website, you'll think that My Memory Suite is only a digital scrapbooking software.  That's not true at all!  You can create all kinds of things!  If you're a blogger, store owner, website designer or anything else that needs to look good for the public, you can create headers, backgrounds, button, banners and more!  I created this entire layout for Rainy Days and Pajamas using My Memory Suite.

Overall, I've really enjoyed using this product and I like it a lot.  I've used it almost every day since I downloaded it and make all of my graphics with it.  It makes it extremely easy to create layouts and graphics for my blog (before My Memory Suite, I always used layouts created by others).

I even got my very own code for you guys!

Use this code and receive $10 off your purchase of the My Memories Suite software.

Using this code, you'll also get $10 off your order in the digital scrapbooking shop.

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USE CODE: STMMMS15730

One winner will get their own copy of the My Memory Suite Software!

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Blitz & Giveaway: Seduce by Missy Johnson

Seduce by Missy Johnson
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

Twenty-five year old Jack Falcon doesn’t do relationships, and why would he when he has woman after woman literally throwing themselves at him? For Jack, life is perfect just the way it is. He works hard and he plays harder.
Jack’s life changes when he meets Belle. Unlike any woman he’s ever met, there is something about this girl that makes him unable to keep away, something beyond the youthful beauty and her innocent spirit. Belle is strong and independent, a big leap from the usual brainless chicks he tends to attract.
Jack begins a dangerous game. He is determined to seduce Belle, and without realizing it, his feelings for her develop beyond anything he has ever felt before. Things become complicated when he learns there are good reasons as to why he should stay the hell away from her.
How can you stay away from someone you want to spend every waking minute with? And what do you do when you know eventually you will destroy that person?
As their feelings for each other deepen, Jack struggles with his own internal demons which threaten to rip them apart. Jack is torn between following his heart and listening to his head, which keeps telling him he is not good enough for her. She deserves better than what he can give her.
How far will he push before they both fall over the edge?

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Teasers

About The Author

Missy lives in a small town in Central Victoria with her husband, and her confused pets (a dog who think she’s a cat, a cat who thinks he’s a dog…you get the picture).

When she’s not writing, she can usually be found looking for something to read.

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The Giveaway

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