Friday, August 31, 2018

Coming September 18, 2018 Into the Darkest Night by Cassandra Giovanni

Into the Darkest Night

Into the Darkest Night (Chaos Theory Duet #1)
By Cassandra Giovanni
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Age category: Adult
Release Date: 18 September 2018

Blurb:
I was born a child of the Elite; destined to live a life of privilege in Sun City.
With one decision I gave it all up.


Ana Jacobs knows the Elite and their depravity all too well. She was one of them once. Her father was a member of the Inner Circle and head of the Trinity funding the corruption of Sun City. When he learned she knew the names of those he'd hidden so well, he turned his back on her; had her kidnapped and tortured to protect his secrets.

When she escapes the island and learns of her father’s death at the hands of a knife-wielding vigilante called the Nightwatchman, she returns to Sun City, vowing to use her knowledge to protect the city. As a city cop, she blends into the background, and no one suspects her real motives.

Levi Bennett knows where Ana’s been. He's also an Elite, but where Ana was sent to the island, he ended up there by accident. While Ana buries herself in her work and stopping the flow of illegal drugs and weapons into the poverty-stricken Blue District, Levi covers his pain by partying and spending his trust fund on buying bars and restaurants.

Thrown together by Levi’s constant pressing of the limits, the two can’t deny the connection they share through their dark pasts.

Their demons are one in the same, but some demons can’t be tamed.
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41023912-into-the-darkest-night?ac=1&from_search=true


Into the Darkest Night

You can pre-order Into the Darkest Night here:
- Amazon
- Kobo
- B&N
- iTunes
- Google Play

Book Excerpt:
I’ve been on patrol for two hours, and the most exciting thing I’ve done is help an elderly woman find her car.
“507 located at 222 Star Avenue, White District. Complaint regarding noise.” Comes over the radio, and I can’t help but smile as I put my siren on.
“10-4. Officer 2239 responding.”
The smile disappears from my face as I realize where I’m going. I swear to myself as I turn my sirens off and get out, looking up at the glowing sign.
All the Right Moves.
Of course, Levi Bennett’s bar would have a name like that. The music pulses so loud that the building is practically shaking. I grit my teeth before heading inside. I expect some sort of rave, but when I can actually make out the music, I realize it’s country. It’s still way too loud, and when my eyes lock on Levi’s, I have a feeling he did it on purpose.
“Someone call the cops?” he shouts over the twang of the acoustic guitar as he comes around the bar and smiles at me. “Or did you just miss me?”
I blink in rapid succession at him, but his smile doesn’t fade. He leans back against the bar and then signals to someone behind me to lower the music.
“I told you the music was too loud,” a voice says from behind me, and my body tenses. “I told him.”
The person stops next to me, and then their mouth drops. “Ana?
Robbie Bisson. Levi’s best friend. My ex, and the last person to see me alive before I disappeared.
The awkwardness only spreads when a woman comes up and wraps her arms around Robbie’s back before putting her cheek on his arm.
Lily Smith. Levi’s girlfriend, and also his ex, by the looks of this.
Levi looks between Robbie and me, his brow furrowing a shadow over his eyes. They’ve taken on a dark blue that makes my palms moist, or maybe it’s just this whole situation or the heat of the bodies dancing behind me.
“You know each other?” Levi asks.
I blink hard as I try to determine what to say. I cock my head at Robbie as his mouth continues to hang open. It doesn’t appear like he’s able to answer, so I do.
“One summer vacation and a lot of tequila.”
“Oh,” Levi says. His tongue slips over his teeth beneath his lips as he glances at Lily, and then away into the crowd.
“You disappeared shortly after that,” Robbie says, rubbing his neck. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
I want to say define okay, but instead, I nod.
His eyes race over mine, and Robbie taps on the bar. He holds up his fingers, four, he signals. “Tequila, right here.”
The bartender puts the glasses down, each making a sharp clinking noise as they hit the modern concrete counter. Then he tosses the bottle behind his back, over his head and from one hand to the other before tipping it up and filling each glass. The movement makes my stomach turn, and my eyes fall to the clear liquid in the glasses.
Robbie was the last person I drank with, too.
“To Levi and Ana. We’re happy to have you both back,” Robbie says, holding his glass in the air to toast. The offer for a drink reminds me why I’m here in the first place.
“Officer 2239, 10-26 at 222 Star Avenue.” I say into my transmitter, and then looking at the time; “Officer 2239 10-10.”
The response only takes a second. “10-4, Officer 2239.”
“Off duty, now?” Levi says, holding out a shot for me.
I narrow my eyes at him before taking it, and we kick back the burning liquid at the same time. I want to cough, but I don’t. I swallow hard instead.
“So, you and Lily?” I ask, pointing between the two of them as the familiar burn settles into my throat. Alcohol isn’t something I’ve missed, and I watch Levi from the corner of my eyes as he shakes his head when the bartender offers more. It’s in direct violation of everything in his files. My fingers tingle, and I pull them into fists at my sides as I look back to Robbie. He nods, and his nose twitches as he signals for the bartender to fill him up. Lily tucks a loose strand behind her ear and shakes her head to the bartender. She shifts from foot to foot as she stares down at her tan and teal cowboy boots.
“Want to dance?” Robbie asks Lily, and her eyes widen with relief.
“Yeah, that sounds great.”
They disappear into the crowd on the dance floor, and I sit on the stool beside Levi, letting my head roll to my shoulder, so I’m looking at him. “Just happened to get too loud tonight?”
He smirks, watching the crowd sway to the music. “Check the business’ file like you did mine, and you’ll see it happens regularly. Our neighbors just aren’t that fun.”
“Mhmm,” I reply as I lean back.
“So, you and Robbie—how did I not know you?” Levi finally asks, changing the subject.
I raise my eyebrows at him, and his hands are in fists, the smile on his lips gone.
“It was after you went missing— but I was around before that – we’re both Elite, well, were. You were just a tad bit engrossed with Lily from what I remember,” I reply.
His eyes drift to the ceiling. “Ah, yeah—that.”
“It must’ve been awkward coming back to…” I don’t know how to put softly your best friend dating your girlfriend. I don’t understand why my throat thickens as I watch his reaction. I shouldn’t care if it bothers him.
Maybe it’s because I get how lonely coming back is. My toes curl in my shoes at the thought. Loneliness is my only friend.
Levi leans forward, pressing his muscular forearms into his knees. “Just a little bit.” His shoulders lift, and his eyes come up to mine, causing an eruption of tingles up my spine. “But they’re good for each other. I’m not who I used to be, so it’s not like it would’ve worked anyway.”
Butterflies erupt out of dormant chrysalis I never thought would be awakened as his eyes flick over my face. The calculated smugness is gone, and the man before me is part the innocent boy I had a crush on all throughout high school and part damaged man that I feel, stupidly–no doubt–that only I could ever understand.
I turn in the stool, so I’m facing the bar. “Do you have anything that doesn’t taste like Windex?”
Levi laughs as he goes behind the divider. He reaches up to the top shelf lined with expensive looking bottles, and his shirt lifts, showing one of the dimples in his back and a pale scar that travels diagonally from it. My eyes follow the line to a tattoo of a kanji—Japanese character—for a skill I’ve yet to master.
Seishinteki kyōyō: spiritual refinement.
Judging by its placement on his back, he has almost as many skill marks as I do. Not only did Levi survive the same hell I did, but he’s received the same training.
Levi Bennett is a Shinobi—a ninja.
Just like me.


Cassandra GiovaniAbout the Author:
Cassandra doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t writing. In fact, the first time she was published was when she was seven years old and won a contest to be published in an American Girl Doll novel. Since then Cassandra has written more novels than she can count and put just as many in the circular bin. Her personal goal with her writing is to show the reader the character’s stories through their dialogue and actions instead of just telling the reader what is happening. She writes romance books in various genres, including adult romance, new adult romance and teen romance. She also has several kids books. In addition to being a published author, Cassandra is a successful full-time financial marketer. When she’s not making the characters in her head come to life, she either has her bow and arrows or longboard skateboard in hand. She’s happily married to the man of her dreams and they live in the rolling hills of New England with their daughter Hope and their dogs, Bubski and Kanga.

You can find and contact Cassandra Giovanni here:
- Website
- Facebook
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- Goodreads
- Amazon


WLK Book Promotions Presents NOW LIVE A Mistress for Penndrake By Tammy L. Bailey


A Mistress for Penndrake 

by Tammy L. Bailey 

Genre: Historical Romance 

Publisher: Entangled 

Blurb:

The Marquess of Wesley is out for blood. For a year, Lord Wesley has tried to 

undo the devastation his father left to Penndrake, their ancestral home, only to 

discover the man gambled it away right before his death. Now Wesley is being 

blackmailed by the new owner into marrying a woman he’s never met in order to 

get it back. But his intentions are less than honorable...

At one and twenty, Miss Kate Holden intends to become a governess, having 

sworn off all men years ago. However, her plans are halted when she receives a 

daunting letter from her cousin about a Lord Wesley. Ignorant of the name, and 

the devilish marquess that wears it all too well, she nearly ends up compromised. 

Refusing to fall prey to Wesley’s skillful seduction, Kate decides to turn things 

around on the rake. But the high-stakes game between them soon leads to her 

losing the last thing she expected...her heart. 

Buy Links: 




Excerpt:

“So, to what do I owe the honor of your divine company, Miss Holden?” 

She quirked a neat eyebrow and opened her rose petal lips, a motion he watched with sober interest. Everything about her stirred a subtle, yet alarming attraction. All of this forced him to keep reminding himself the woman existed only as a means to an end, nothing more. 

“My lord, I’ve come…” She hesitated, he believed, to gather enough courage to go through with her reason. 

“You’ve come,” he repeated in an overly husky voice, trying to fluster her further. 

She puffed out her cheeks and tempered a few silent words. He wanted to chuckle. He refrained, instead, by hiding his mirth behind a tight fist. 

“You think my discomfort is amusing, do you not?” she asked, seeing right through him. If she expected an answer, she didn’t wait to hear it, her body set in motion at a hurried pace in his direction. “Edward told me—” 

Wesley shot out of his relaxed stance and met her halfway. He towered over her, trying to intimidate her. To his dismay, she didn’t cower, she didn’t even flinch. 

“Yes,” he said, bending down low enough to see a hint of amber reflected in her distrusting eyes. “Go on. I’d love to hear more about your dear cousin, Miss Holden.” 

As he waited for her response, the light from the open window shifted, bathing his guest in the brilliant radiance of the late-day sun. She remained silent, her hands flying to the pocket of her dress, as if to protect whatever lay inside. Beyond any doubt, Wesley believed she knew something. She would not be here, would not have come swathed in mystery and risking her own reputation, if this did not involve Edward’s guidance in some way. 

The curiosity of what she held compelled him to keep her at Penndrake until he found out what Edward Garrett wanted her to know. Out of patience, he eased away from her. 

“Miss Holden, may I suggest we take a walk in the gardens? The day is almost gone, but there is enough light to see us through, allowing us to discuss this further without interruption.” 

Again, she opened her curved lip but said nothing. Suspicion sprang from her demeanor, her gaze darting 

around the room as if searching for the closest exit. Instead of fleeing, however, she motioned with a surrendering nod, stepping forward until the coat of arms over the fireplace caught her attention. 

He studied her as she examined the Wesley motto, her lips moving mutely as she read the three words embedded at the bottom of the shield. Shameful heat rose from deep inside him, and he lifted a rare prayer to the heavens for her not to know the meaning of those powerful words. Maybes he was too poor to have been schooled like her giddy cousins. 

Even so, he studied her curious face until she turned to him, her eyes void of any awareness or comprehension. Breathing a sigh of relief, he held his arm out for her to take. She paused, a timid and uncertain hand coming up to rest on his sleeve. 

Outside, the day had faded into dusk and dazzled the sight, impressing upon it a majestic beauty of pearl-pink altostratus clouds. Behind them tumbled a blanket of slate-gray vapors, an ominous forewarning of twilight. 

The much cooler breeze tugged at the tails of his heavy jacket. He slowed his pace and continued to escort her down a flight of stone steps onto a spacious unblemished lawn. They walked for several hundred yards in silence, him admiring her wondrous interest. On their way to the garden, they passed the stocked fish pond and the honeysuckle-laden labyrinth. 

Toward the east, he halted at a stone fountain, centered in the thickest part of the coppice. Large shadows turned the evening darker, the chilly autumn wind transforming Miss Holden’s dewy skin to a nice pink. With his arm outstretched, he persuaded her to a wrought iron bench on the opposite side of where they stood. 

“Please have a seat with me.” 

He pointed, and she accepted his invitation, much too carelessly, he thought. 

She sat down first, her behind resting on the farthest edge of one side. Not to frighten her, he followed suit, allowing enough space to fit her three female cousins between them. 

After a quiet moment, he pronounced, “I believe you don’t think too highly of me, Miss Holden, and I would like to persuade you otherwise.” 

She drew back and gawked at him with wide sage-like eyes. A wisp of her hair tumbled down into her thick lashes. 

Unhindered, she blew it away with a quickly exhaled breath. 

Her refinement, or lack thereof, surprised him. Most women—no—all women of her lower station practiced the art of how to appeal to a man and his interests, enough so to attract an amiable and sensible husband. Perhaps, however, Miss Kathryn Holden had no reason to draw the attention of the opposite sex, especially since she had another companion in mind. He tried to convince himself it didn’t matter either way. 

Her experience might play to his advantage. 

Still, he sought the truth on the matter, just because his thoughts weren’t able to let it go. “Forgive me if I seem too impertinent—” 

She scoffed. “You’ve just now thought of apologizing for something you’re about to say? How extraordinary.” 

He chuckled and shook his head. “Sarcasm does not become you, madam.” 

“Neither does naivety.” 


Author Bio:

A LEO wife, mother, and military veteran, Tammy began writing when the shows 

and movies she watched didn't end the way she wanted them to end. Whether 

it's historical or contemporary, for her, there must always be a happy ending. 

When she's not writing, she's spending time with her husband and two boys near 

Cleveland, Ohio. Without their sacrifice and understanding, she believes she 

would have never been able to pursue her passion of writing or her 

accomplishment of becoming a published author. 

Author website and social media links:




GIVEAWAY:
 
Enter to win an ebook version of the book for yourself !! 

Thursday, August 30, 2018

New Release The Hunted by Christy Anderson


Synopsis:

My heart beats furiously in my chest trying to keep up with the pace I have set.
I am running as fast as I can but it is pointless. They will catch me. 
I am only delaying the inevitable, postponing my fate if you will. 
I know what will happen when they catch me. 
It’s the same ending every time. 

Still, I push my legs as fast as they will go, my body aches from the exertion.
I can hear them behind me. 
They are closing in. 
This is part of a twisted game. 
The goal, to catch their Prey.
Me.
I am the prize for the Hunter. 

I am the Hunted.

The Hunted is book one of a three book interconnected series. This book is intended for mature audiences as it contains adult themes and situations. 
18+ Only Due to Adult Content

Goodreads:

Purchase:

Amazon:


About The Author:

Writing with a whole lot of sarcasm and humor, mixed with a bit of Southern charm, Christy Anderson ain't no sweet tea kinda storyteller. 

As an author of romance, Christy believes it doesn't always have to be hearts and flowers; 
sometimes, it is dark and twisted, but romance nonetheless. She mixes terror, revenge, and a sliver of love and hope into stories about family, friends, struggles, blurred lines, and happily-ever-afters. 

Christy lives in the beautiful mountains of
Eastern Tennessee with her husband and
152 cats (not really, but close), where she 
enjoys writing one twist at a time.

Thursday, August 23, 2018

***** Happy Release Day ***** His Unfinished Conquest (A Second Chance Romance) by T.T. Hazard


Synopsis:

She’s on my mind for 10 years. 

I am Reed Dunn. 

I have everything money can buy. Houses. Cars. Fair-weather friends. 

But what I truly want is the forgiveness of the only woman I have ever loved. 

I lost her due to my complicated past. 

Now I want a second chance with her. 

Amelia Poole. 

She’s in trouble. A mountain of debt left by her father. 

I found my chance to help her. 

But she still hates me. 

I know there’s no time for that. Her debtors have come for her. 

I will protect her. 

Those thugs have no idea who they are dealing with. 

I’m giving all I’ve got to protect her. 

All I need is a second chance. 

Goodreads:

Where To Purchase:

Amazon:


My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lordy Lordy I had a chance to read this ARC from the author and I loved every bit of it.

We meet Amelia and Reed in this story. Amelia is kind and honest and is in love with the boy her father brought home. Reed is this handsome kid who has been left in foster care to fend for himself. He ends up trying to rob Amelia's fathers store when the father realizes he is just a kid he takes him home so he can stay with them. As Amelia and Reed get closer they have plans on being together forever. When one day Amelia comes back and finds that her father has kicked Reed out and accused him of doing something terrible Amelia is left broken hearted. 

Fast forward some years and Amelia has lost her father and he has left everything including his debt to his daughter. She is going to have to sell everything in order to pay back the investors her father owes. This is where she meets Reed again as he offers to buy the properties. At first she doesn't want to because she doesn't want anything to do with Reed but as things change Amelia decides to give Reed a shot.She has a deadline to pay back the investors or else they will take everything she owns.

While all this is going on Amelia is being watched and threatened and Reed tries to keep her safe. There are lots of twists and turns as well as romance and some surprises to. This is a must read romance book for all. I loved it and I loved Reed!


Meet The Author:

Author of Steamy Romance. Tasty books that'll leave you feeling young and sexy.

Stalk him:

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Wednesday, August 22, 2018

A Winter's Vow (A Winter's Tale Book 3) by Kristi Tailor Book Review


Synopsis:

After years of pretending that their relationship was strictly platonic, Charlotte Toutant and Nicholas Elliot have finally admitted to having feelings for one another. Now, Charlotte and Nicholas have everything they’ve always wanted− love, desire, intimacy, and an earth-shattering secret between them. 

Embarrassed and enraged by his sudden termination at Leisure Me Ready magazine, Dean Proctor has sworn revenge on the two people who he deems responsible for his ruin. With hatred in his heart and malice poisoning his thoughts, Dean will stop at nothing until Nicholas and Charlotte’s fall from grace is imminent. 

Determined to keep Charlotte in his life, Nicholas is willing to lose everything for the sake of keeping certain truths from being revealed. Even if it means orchestrating his very own downfall, losing her is not an option. 
And that’s a winter’s vow . . . 

WARNING: This book ends with a cliff hanger. 

A Winter's End The final book in the series will be released September 25, 2018

Goodreads:


Where To Purchase The Book:

Amazon:

Barnes & Nobles:


My Review:

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

OMG is all I have to say to this book. As the story continues for Nicholas and Charlotte things go from good to bad. Charlotte has experienced enough in her life that she will not take crap from anyone. Her romance life is very limited and for a good reason. Then she meets Nicholas who is your gorgeous bad boy that every girl wants but Nicholas has his heart set on getting Charlotte.

In this book Charlotte and Nicholas do something spontaneous and are very happy until Nicholas gets a couple of visits and finds some things out that could crush his and Charlotte's relationship. Nicholas also has to deal with Dean whom he fired for being disrespectful to Charlotte. As he gets more info on Dean he begins to realize Dean is a very dangerous man and has dangerous intentions.

Oh and my best part of the book which I had my suspicions was the ending. Lord I just knew in my heart that something bad was going to come from a night Nicholas was drinking and upset. I need the next book like ASAP because I need to know what happens between Nicholas and Charlotte.


About The Author:

Kristi Tailor, author of Amazon's top 100 Interracial Romance "Being Yours" Visit her Twitter page @Author_K_Tailor for future Release Dates!

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Kristi Tailor spends her days raising her young daughter, teaching, and writing.After graduating from Notre Dame of Maryland University, Kristi put her English degree to use by becoming a teacher, Alpha and Beta reader to other authors, and an literary critic, although the latter is more self serving than an actual career. Kristi's hobbies include immense coffee drinking, and Netflix. Friend her on Facebook @Author Kristi Tailor. She loves talking to readers about her novels, and just life in general.

Website:

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A Winter’s End~ September 2018

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

***** New Book Review**** Eight Goodbyes by Christine Brae Release Date August 21, 2018


Synopsis:

“One universe, nine planets, 204 countries, 809 islands and 7 seas. And I had the privilege of meeting you.” - Unknown

When Tessa Talman meets Simon Fremont for the first time, not only is she attracted to him, she’s intrigued by how different their lives are. He’s a dedicated scientist, practical, pragmatic, and grounded—while she’s a head-in-the-clouds romance author. As their relationship grows, they agree to meet in places around the world, while continuing to live on opposite sides of the globe.

Though their feelings for each other deepen, their priorities remain the same. Simon is in a hurry to be financially sound and settle down, but Tessa is enjoying her freedom and newfound success. Neither is willing to give in, but as each goodbye gets harder, Tessa begins to wonder whether fame is the path to happiness, or if she has everything she needs in Simon.

Just as Tessa finds the courage to go after her own happily ever after, the unthinkable happens, separating them in ways they never imagined. 

To move forward, she must let go of the past, and determine once and for all if love is truly more powerful than the pain of goodbye.



Goodreads:


Where To Purchase:

Amazon:


Barnes & Nobles:


My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

First off this review is hard for me to write without giving away parts of the story. To say that Christine out did herself is an understatement. She has done an incredible job delivering this story of love, hope, time, and distance. I have to say I love LOVE the cover of this book. Stuart Reardon who is the cover model is incredibly gorgeous. He made Simon come off the pages into a mental image that I will not forget for a long time. Enough fan girling it is time for the review.

Tessa is an up and coming author who is at the top of game traveling around the world promoting her romance book. It is on one of these trips she meets Simon who is on his way to a conference for his job. All during the plane ride she sneaks peeks at him and admires him from afar. While unbeknownst to her Simon is checking her out as well. The two of them end up at the same hotel and they talk to one another finding out what each other does for a living. As they talk they decide they are going to be long distance friends and meet whenever they can. Tessa is always traveling for her book tours and Simon is always in his lab working.

This is where the story comes to life. With each meeting they start to build a friendship. Doing things together and talking to one another until they meet again. Tessa teaches Simon to be care free and live each day in the moment and Simon teaches Tessa that some things are worth taking a risk on. As these two grow together you will see a true romance unfold right in front of you. This story will make you laugh and cry and everything in between but it is so worth the read. I recommend this book to EVERYONE who loves a good no great romance.

***** I received this book via Author in return for an honest review*****



About The Author:

Christine Brae was born and raised in the city of Makati, Philippines before she met and married her best friend who whisked her away to Chicago over twenty years ago.

Christine is a full time career woman who thought she could write a book about her life (The Light in the Wound, 2013) and then run away as far as possible from it. She never imagined that her words would touch the hearts of so many women with the same story to tell. Her second book, His Wounded Light was released in December, 2013.

Christine’s third book, Insipid, is a standalone that was released in June, 2014, and her fourth book, In This Life, released in January 2016. Eight Goodbyes is scheduled to be released in August, 2018.

When not listening to the voices in her head or spending late nights at the office, Christine can be seen shopping for shoes and purses, running a half marathon or spending time with her husband and three children in Chicago.

Christine is represented by Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo Helin Literary Management.


Where To Find The Author:

Facebook:

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Amazon:

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Website:



CINQ A SEPT Adult Contemporary Romance by M.J. Fields

We have a new teaser for  CINQ A SEPT by MJ Fields! Don't forget to add it to your TBR!


CINQ A SEPT
Adult Contemporary Romance
Cover designer: Designs by Dana
September 5, 2018

Blurb:
“I let my inhibitions go, and they fell in the wrong place. I didn’t know he would be my unraveling. I didn’t know he was twenty-five.”

A single mother often lives by certain rules, and Angela Petrov has made certain to adhere to hers: Mom first, career second, and no man will meet her child unless they will be in her life long-term.

However, with her daughter now in college, the company she has worked at for over a decade facing major changes, and no lover in sight, Angela’s life has lost all its carefully construed and configured organization.

When news that the annual, employee, Labor Day party in the Hamptons will still be held, Angela tries to bail out. However, her best friend and coworker, Autumn, convinces her otherwise.

Turns out that, while attempting to enjoy the elite Hampton nightlife with her coworkers, she meets a much-younger, tall, dark, and sexy man who offers her an escape for the long weekend. So, throwing caution to the ocean breeze, she accepts his offer of a true time-out in life, focusing only on time between the sheets with no …strings attached.

What happens when you allow yourself to let go of life’s stresses, release inhibitions, and embrace desire?

You chase regret.

*This is a stand alone novel part of The Vault collection.



About the Author:
USA Today bestselling author MJ Fields write books that scorch pages and melt hearts.
Her style is raw, gritty and authentic.
Love an alpha and a strong heroine? She does too.

Join MJ's mailing list and get a free book ➜ http://bit.ly/MJFNews
Visit her website here ➜ mjfieldsbooks.com
Stalk her Facebook here ➜ facebook.com/MJFieldsBooks
Follow her on Twitter here ➜ @ twitter.com/mjfieldsbooks
Follow her on Instagram here ➜ @ instagram.com/mjfieldsbooks

Friday, August 17, 2018

A Winter's Promise (A Winter's Tale: BWWM Series Book 2) by Kristi Tailor Book Review


Synopsis:

What do you do when you realize that you’re in love with your best friend? 

Kiss them in the middle of winter, and worry about the consequences as they come. 
Charlotte Toutant never expected to catch feelings for her best friend, Nicholas Elliot, after all, love was a sentiment she had all but given up on; however, she did, and unequivocally so. 

What do you do when it appears that the woman you’re in love with still has feelings for another man? 

Push her away to avoid the building emotions that are threatening to drive you over the edge. 
Nicholas Elliot wanted nothing more than to be everything that Charlotte needed in a companion, but somewhere along the way his feelings for her intensified beyond the measures of friendship . . . beyond anything he had ever imagined. 

And, what happens when two people in love aren’t willing to confess their feelings for one another? 

Well, that’s a winter’s tale . . . . 

Goodreads:


Where To Purchase:

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Winter's Promise was a great continuation of A Winter's Vow. Man this couple is so funny I love it. They argue and then they are fine. The whole fake engagement has the two families coming together to meet for the first time and Nicholas is worried because his family is messed up and he does not want to scare Charlotte away from him.

They go to the Hampton's to meet his parents and while there they realize they have true feelings for one another. But there is one hiccup when they get there Nicholas's ex-fiance is coming home and wants to see Nicholas. She still has feelings for Nicholas and wants him back and she will stop at nothing to get her man back.

Then Todd has the nerve to call Charlotte and tell her he is still in love with her and wants her back. She tells him to go to hell that there is no way she would go back to him because he is with her sister and she is having his child. Charlotte has told Todd she has moved on and is not going backwards.

The very ending is diabolical! Holy hell the last chapter had me screaming at my kindle for the next book because I need to know what happens to Charlotte and Nicholas. This is a must mini series you have to read. It will have you wanting no needing more.

***** I received this book from the author for an honest review*****


About The Author:

Kristi Tailor, author of Amazon's top 100 Interracial Romance "Being Yours" Visit her Twitter page @Author_K_Tailor for future Release Dates!

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Kristi Tailor spends her days raising her young daughter, teaching, and writing.After graduating from Notre Dame of Maryland University, Kristi put her English degree to use by becoming a teacher, Alpha and Beta reader to other authors, and an literary critic, although the latter is more self serving than an actual career. Kristi's hobbies include immense coffee drinking, and Netflix. Friend her on Facebook @Author Kristi Tailor. She loves talking to readers about her novels, and just life in general.

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Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Boystown Season Eight by Jake Biondi Book Review and a Sneak Peak at his new book coming out soon Majesty by Jake Biondi




Synopsis:

“Bright sunshine sparkled on the fresh layer of snow that coated the ground of the cemetery. Dressed in black overcoats, friends and family members of the deceased, many of whom had attended the burial of another loved one just days earlier, stood in rows like soldiers as they watched the flower-covered casket slowly being lowered into the ground. Those closest to the grave gently tossed additional roses onto the casket as it made its descent. A priest, dressed in white, stood solemnly at the head of the grave offering a final blessing for the Mancini brother being laid to rest. Saying goodbye can be one of the most difficult events in a person’s life.” --BOYSTOWN Season Seven

The shocking deaths of two beloved Boystown residents bring heartache and uncertainty to the lives of all who knew them. As family and friends grieve, the search begins for Joyelle Mancini and her daughter, who find themselves in the captivity of a madman. In the meantime, Aiden Carmichael continues his plan to destroy the Ciancio and Mancini families.

During the height of the holiday season, two strangers descend upon Boystown. The dashing Victor DelVecchio and the sexy Brad Ward arrive in Chicago just as several couples come to crossroads in their relationships. While some vow to move forward together and others choose to move in different directions individually, Victor and Brad have plans of their own which will permanently impact the Boystown landscape.

As Christmas approaches, a startling murder leaves a killer on the loose. With the arrival of the worst blizzard in Chicago history, someone struggles to keep his true identity from his friends, an evil plan tears apart one of Boystown’s most prominent couples, and several unforeseen events result in life-threatening situations for members of the Ciancio and Mancini families.

There’s no place like BOYSTOWN!

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Where to purchase:

Amazon:

 Review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

where to start with this review? I have started reading this series since it first came out and have seen it grow from each book to each book. As the characters change and couples break up and make up this series is like real life.

In this season so much has happened. Some people were killed and some couples split apart and others came together. The one thing this season had was more on the Mancini and Ciancio business and the competition they both share and the people that work for them. You got to see who is betraying who and why. Everyone has an ulterior motive and to watch it play out is amazing.

Emmett is still sick with his tumor and they are trying to find a cure. They are looking everywhere when a cure comes up but it is at a cost and a large cost. Are they willing to risk it all for a treatment that is not FDA approved.

Jensen and Cole are still modeling for CIO and have so many things going on for them. They are getting booked all over the place and loving it. Cole and Derek get some big news and it is shocking for them. Hugo and Jensen are going through some things that are either going to bring them together or apart.

I could go on and on about each character but you miss the fun in reading about them and take the mystery and suspense out of it. This is a must read season eight for everyone who is following the boys.

This song by Hope: Who am I sums up this book for me. https://youtu.be/bGzHl0u9EsI


Coming Soon:






MEET THE MAJESTY CHARACTERS: 

Prince Tobias Chamberlain

Handsome and savvy, Tobias is the eldest of the four Chamberlain princes and next in line for the throne.

Then the king is found dead....

MajestyTheSeries.com

Majesty:
http://www.majestytheseries.com/meet-the-characters.html

MAJESTY

Chapter 1

Atop the palace’s most prominent tower, a flag bearing the Chamberlain family crest waved wildly in the wind. Beneath the bright moonlight, King Zachary, head of the Chamberlain family, looked out from the tower over his vast kingdom. Beyond his residential palace, which stood at the center of the surrounding castle, he could see the rings of guard walls and gates that protected the castle’s many baileys.

The chapel steeple stood proudly to his left, opposite the mighty keep and adjacent to the Great Hall. The tiled roofs of the knights’ residences looked reverently up at him as guards stood watch from the towers evenly placed among the rings of walls throughout the property. Smoke rose from the chimneys in the village and an occasional dog bark disturbed an otherwise peaceful night.
“Your Majesty,” a voice said from behind Zachary, who turned around to face the person addressing him.

The hair beneath his crown blowing in the wind, the king replied, “You.”
“Yes,” the hooded figure answered, a knife held in its hand. “I wanted to face you, dead on.”

“Is that any way to greet your king? What is it that you want?”
“To finally bring your ruthless reign of terror to an end.”
As the wind increased, Zachary laughed. “Such grandiose plans from such a small mind.”

“No tears shall be shed for you,” the figure predicted as it lunged forward, driving the knife violently into the king’s chest.
Gasping, Zachary reached out and grabbed his assailant by the neck. Clutching tightly, he dug his fingers deep into the person’s flesh. Raising his free hand to the bloody knife protruding from him, Zachary maintained eye contact with the person, whose face grew redder from lack of oxygen.

Trying to get free of the king’s grasp, the person grabbed Zachary’s arm with both hands, but overpowering his strength was no easy task. Their eyes connected, the assailant struggled to breathe.

As Zachary’s loss of blood increased, his strength decreased. His vision blurred and he dropped to his knees, eventually letting go of the attacker and putting his hands onto the ground for support.
Choking, the person also fell to their knees, desperately trying to catch their breath as the king suffered in front of him. In one motion, the person pulled the knife from Zachary’s chest, raised it up, and plunged it into the king’s neck. Blood splattered everywhere as the king collapsed onto the ground.

Checking to ensure the king was dead, the murderer rolled Zachary’s body onto its back. His dead eyes looking up toward the heavens, Zachary lay lifelessly on the tower floor.
Repositioning the hood over their head, the killer rushed from the tower, leaving the body of the dead ruler in the shadow of the flag that bore the Chamberlain family crest.

* * * * *

As the sun rose over the kingdom heralding the start of a new day, the castle’s outer drawbridge dropped allowing Prince Bryce to race into the woods on horseback. Each time a hoof dug into the damp ground, it kicked up the earth beneath it, leaving a trail behind the galloping horse.

Youngest of the five Chamberlain brothers, Bryce was perhaps the most handsome and well-built. Leaning forward on his steed so that the hood of his cape would remain over his head, Bryce frequently woke early to go riding and visit the villagers. This ride, however, had a more specific purpose than socializing with common citizens.

As the landscape blurred on both sides of him, Bryce recalled a family holiday many years before when his father had gathered all his children in front of the fireplace in the Great Hall to tell them a story. His father always insisted that they sit before him by age, in order of their possible succession to the throne: Zachary, Tobias, Lucas, Colton, Bryce, and Bryce’s twin sister Clara.

As the fire created shadows that danced across the faces of the six royal children, their resemblance to one another was obvious, especially among the five princes. Dark, wavy hair and strong facial contours were the hallmark of the Chamberlain family. Their deep, dark eyes remained fixated on their father whose animated way of telling stories kept everyone engrossed from start to finish.
As the five princes matured, their features remained similar. Their father insisted on hours of physical activity, including combat training with several of the king’s knights. Consequently, they grew into tall, beefy men who caused heads to turn wherever they went. Well aware of his sons’ attractive physical features, the king adopted strict rules that guided their social interaction with others. He was overprotective of them and taught them to protect themselves against people whose motives for getting to know them might be less than honorable.

The king’s treatment of his daughter Clara was even stricter. No matter what her age, he always viewed her as his “little princess,” keeping her sheltered from the world around her, especially men.
Similarities among the six children only ran skin deep. Beyond that, they were individuals, each with their own values, goals, ambitions, and desires. As long as their father lived, he kept his family close to him, showing his children affection that their mother Beatrice did not and insisting that they demonstrate the moral code of conduct he himself espoused.

When their father died suddenly from an illness, life in and out of the castle changed quickly. After his coronation and replacing his father as king, Zachary dismantled his father’s way of ruling with collaboration and compromise and replaced it with singular authority and power. He used every possible opportunity to remind his family and his people that he was in charge, cutting off the four remaining princes from the throne room as well as from having any influence on the future of the family or the kingdom.

Without her husband, Beatrice withdrew from everyone and everything, becoming more introverted and isolated than she had ever been before. She rarely left her chambers and would have become completely forgotten if not for the attention of her few attendants as well as the daily visits she received from her beloved son Bryce until the day she died.

Having passed through the eastern edge of the woods outside the castle, Bryce directed his horse north toward the end of the village. After traveling a short distance, they arrived in a clearing where a man stood in the midst of a small herd of sheep and goats.
Shirtless and rugged, Matthew Benton heard the approaching horse and turned around to face it. He watched as Bryce arrived and dismounted.

“I’m glad I found you,” Bryce said, tying his horse to a nearby tree. “We need to talk.”

“Always good to see you, Your Royal Highness,” Matthew replied, bowing and then returning his attention to his herd.
“Drop the sarcasm,” Bryce commanded. “Do you know how much trouble you could be in? If Zachary finds out…”
Matthew lifted a bale of hay, causing the muscles in his chest and arms to bulge. “I suppose you’re here to proclaim that you’ll protect me from your brother?”

Bryce grabbed Matthew’s arm, causing him to drop the bale. “I’m serious. I care about you.”

Matthew pulled his arm from Bryce. “I can fend for myself, as you know.”

“Why do you have to be so stubborn?”

“As you can see, I’m in the middle of a project right now. I need to get this herd fed and housed, then fix the stables. I have a long day of work ahead of me. We can’t all sit around the palace all day.”
Wasting no time, Bryce removed his cape and threw it over the saddle on his horse. Then he removed his shirt, revealing his slightly hairy chest and sculpted arms.

“What are you doing?”

Bryce grabbed a pitchfork that lay on the ground nearby. “You just said there’s a lot of work to be done. Let’s get to it.”
Trying to prevent himself from smiling, Matthew rolled his eyes and lifted the bale he had previously dropped.

In his palace chambers, Prince Tobias, the eldest of the four Chamberlain princes, sat in a tub as his attendants bathed him. His head resting back on the edge of the tub, he closed his eyes and enjoyed the feel of the warm water and his chamber maids massaging him.

When Roslyn, the king’s wife, entered the chamber, she immediately drew the attention of the servants from Tobias to herself. As everyone else shifted their attention to her, so did he.
“Leave us,” the queen ordered the attendants, who finished sponging Tobias before hurrying from the room and closing the large doors behind them.

Tobias stood up in the tub, allowing the water to run off his muscular body. Water drops caused small splashes as they fell into the tub from his fingertips and penis. Without saying a word, his eyes invited her to step closer.

“Have you seen the king this morning?” she asked, scanning his naked body from top to bottom.

Tobias shook his head. “I have not.”

“That’s not a bad thing,” she said, reaching out and running her hands over his damp chest.

He stepped out of the tub and wrapped his strong arms around his brother’s wife. Kissing her deeply, he pulled her close to him, dampening her garments with his wet body. He kissed her neck and shoulders, reaching around to the back of her dress to untie it.
Falling from her, the dress crumpled on the ground at her feet, leaving her wearing only an undergarment. He grabbed her breasts, fondling them until they emerged completely from the underwear. Burying his face between them, he kissed and caressed them as she ran her fingers through his thick hair.

Working herself free of what remained of her clothing, Roslyn wrapped her naked body around his until he finally lifted her from the ground. Kissing him deeply, she dug her fingers into his bulging arms as he carried her to his bed.

In the Great Hall, Clara Chamberlain sat at the family table which stood at one end of the enormous room near a large, ornate fireplace. Her older brother Colton, the second eldest of the four Chamberlain princes, sat beside her as servants rushed to bring them their morning meal.

“You’re quiet this morning,” Colton said after taking a drink from the goblet in front of him.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t sleep well,” Clara replied, her voice sweet and soft.

“What’s on your mind? Is it the man you were telling me about the other day?”

Clara blushed. “No. I told you there’s nothing going on with him.”
“Well, maybe if you told me who he was, I could help you out a bit.”

“Colton, my personal life is my business.”

“You’re my little sister. I want you to be happy. Besides, if you didn’t want to me know about him, you should never have mentioned him.”

“You caught me in a weak moment. Try to forget about it.”
Colton reached out and put his hand on his sister’s. “You know I can’t do that. I have to look out for you.”

“I know you mean well, but you aren’t my protector. I can take care of myself.”

“You don’t have to, you have five brothers for that.”
Clara took a drink from the cup in front of her. “Girls can take care of themselves. When are you all going to understand that?”
“I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I know you mean well, Colton. I told you, I didn’t sleep well.”
“If it wasn’t because of the guy, then what’s on your mind?”
Clara laughed. “Because I couldn’t possibly have anything on my mind, except for maybe a man, right?”

Colton smiled at his sister’s sarcasm and took a bite of the food on his plate.
“I’m worried about Zachary.”
“The king, why?”
“He’s more than ‘the king,’ he’s our brother and I’m worried about him,” Clara stated. “Nothing specific, he just doesn’t seem himself lately.”
“He hasn’t been himself since his coronation,” Colton clarified, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “It went right to his head.”
“I wish he had a bit more of Father in him, like you do.”
“It’s there. It’s just buried deep. Our brother is a complex man.”
“He rules like a tyrant, without showing compassion as Father did.”
“That’s his style…and it seems to work. The townspeople fear him so they don’t act up.”
“You can’t keep a population quiet forever.”
“What’s got you so philosophical this morning?”
“Just a lot on my mind, I guess,” Clara said. “Nothing to worry about.” Clara rose from the table. “I’ll see you later.”
Colton smiled before taking another bite of his breakfast. After watching Clara leave the room, he waved for a servant to refill his cup.

Upstairs in his chamber, Tobias held the naked queen in his arms. Kissing her as he adjusted his position in the bed, he lifted her head so he could look directly into his eyes.
“You’re far away,” he said softly. “Don’t I satisfy you anymore?”
Roslyn smiled. “Of course you do.” She kissed the prince. “I could stay right here in bed with you all my life and never need anything else.”

Tobias tightened his arms around her. “You are all I need, too.”
“I’m the king’s property. Your brother wouldn’t be happy sharing, especially not with you.”
“You’re only his technically. You’re mine in every way that matters. One day, he’ll understand that.”
Roslyn sat up and put her finger on Tobias’s lips. “He must never know about us. It would be too dangerous. For both of us.”
“I can defend us against my brother and anyone else who challenges my love for you.”
“He’s the king. Your allegiance is to him.”
“My allegiance is to the woman I love.” Tobias kissed Roslyn deeply.
“Promise me you’ll never say a word about us to him.”
“But I…”
“Promise me.”
“Very well, I promise,” Tobias agreed, kissing Roslyn to reassure her. “There are other ways to get what I want.”
“You already have my heart.”
Roslyn stepped out of bed and started pulling her garments back on.
“You don’t have to run off. Make his Majesty my brother wait a bit. Maybe he’ll grow to appreciate you more.”
“It’s best for both of us to not keep him waiting.”
Tobias stood up and wrapped his arms around Roslyn. “One day when I’m king…”
“I may not love him, but I don’t wish death upon him. And you shouldn’t, either.”
“I don’t,” Tobias agreed. “But he can’t live forever.”
“He’s not much older than you. You make it sound like he’s ancient.”

“His attitudes and methods are ancient, even if his age is not.”
Roslyn finished dressing herself. “I need to go.”
Tobias kissed her once more. “See you soon.”
Roslyn smiled, then left the room after cautiously looking outside the door to make sure no one was around.
Naked, Tobias walked over to the stained-glass window at the other side of his chamber. “What am I going to do about you, Zachary…”

Made up of a series of corridors and caverns, the dungeon prison was dark and damp. Two guards stood at its entrance gate, keeping the entire area secure, even though the jail only housed a single prisoner, Declin Spencer.

Upon seeing a person coming toward them, the guards ended their conversation and stood at attention. Wearing a hooded cloak, the person approached them confidently.

“Good morning, Your Highness,” one of the guards said.
Without replying verbally, Prince Lucas placed a jewel in each guard’s hand.

“Thank you,” the second guard replied.
“You know what to do,” Lucas whispered to them.
They nodded and left the area, closing the large gate behind them.
Alone at the mouth of the dungeon, Lucas looked to make sure the gate was closed and he had the privacy he sought. Lowering his hood, he revealed his handsome, chiseled face as he worked his way deeper into the cavern. Torches along the walkway created strange shadows that danced along the walls as he passed. Upon reaching the sole occupied prisoner cell, Lucas paused to look inside. 

In a dark corner of his cell, Declin sat against the damp wall with his big arms wrapped around his bent legs, holding them against his bare chest. His head leaning forward against his knees, Declin appeared to be asleep; however, upon hearing the footsteps of a visitor, Declin lifted his head, throwing his long, wavy hair back to reveal his bearded face and penetrating light eyes.

Firmly grasping two of the cell bars with is strong hands, Lucas looked inside at the prisoner, who slowly stood up from his reclined position. The two men stared at each other in silence for a lingering moment, the flicking lights of the nearby torches illuminating their expressionless faces.

Lucas then reached inside his cloak and pulled out a key, which he used to unlock the gate. Returning the key to his pocket, Lucas pulled open the heavy door and fearlessly stepped inside the cell. Turning his head, he looked back down the tunnel behind him to reassure himself that no one else was in the vicinity. With that concern assuaged, Lucas rushed forward toward the prisoner.
Beneath the flickering torchlight, the two men embraced, warmly holding each other in silence. When they pulled apart, Declin put his rough hands on each side of Lucas’s face, then leaned forward to kiss him. The kiss began softly, but grew more aggressive as the men wrapped their bodies tightly around each other.

“I’ve missed you,” Declin revealed when the kiss ended.
Lucas looked into the prisoner’s eyes. “I hate the thought of you locked in here all alone. I’m going to get you out of here.”
“It’s too risky,” the bandit insisted. “This is my fate.”

“No,” Lucas insisted, kissing Declin once again. “I have a plan.”
The prisoner touched his forehead to the prince’s forehead, their noses coming into contact as well. “Please, Lucas. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you. I made my choices; I deserve this.”

“I’m not going to let the king do this to you. I love you.”
Declin didn’t reply verbally; instead, he removed Lucas’s cloak and tore open his loose shirt, revealing the prince’s muscled chest. He kissed his neck and shoulders, then dropped to his knees in front of the prince. He pressed his mouth against Lucas’s crotch and raised his hands to massage his chest and nipples.

Lucas placed his hands on Declin’s head, running his fingers through the bandit’s hair. He watched Declin open his pants, allowing his erect cock to pop forward into the prisoner’s face. Lucas adjusted his stance, widening his legs a bit as Declin grabbed the back of his thighs and pulled him forcefully forward.
Declin wrapped his mouth around the prince’s throbbing dick. His lips and tongue caressed it as Declin dug his fingers into Lucas’s chest and abs. The prince’s soft moans encouraged the bandit to continue, which he did.

Suddenly, Lucas dropped to his knees in front of Declin. He leaned forward and kissed him deeply as he ran his fingers over the prisoner’s leather pants. He squeezed and patted Declin’s ass, then moved his hands to the clasp on the front of the bandit’s pants. Opening the clasp quickly, Lucas allowed Declin’s swollen penis to emerge. He pressed his own hard cock against Declin’s as his tongue worked its way down the bandit’s throat.

Declin lay back onto the bed of straw on the floor behind him. He lifted one leg at a time so that Lucas could pull each of his boots from his feet. Then he watched as the prince peeled the pants from his muscular, hairy legs. Completely naked, Declin looked up at the prince, extending his arms as an invitation for Lucas to lie on top of him.

Instead, Lucas licked his way up the insides of Declin’s legs to his hairy balls. He then lifted Declin’s legs and leaned forward, resting them on his shoulders. Leaning in to kiss Declin, Lucas forced himself into the prisoner. His kisses prevented Declin from yelling out as he pushed himself as far into the bandit as possible.

Declin ran his fingers down Lucas’s back and cupped his butt as it flexed with each one of the prince’s thrusts. Declin’s cock grew harder and harder against the prince’s abs.

Lucas looked deeply into Declin’s eyes as he prepared to release inside of him. He reached down and took Declin’s penis into his hand, stroking it aggressively so they would cum at the same time. Kissing Declin passionately, Lucas released inside of him, forcing ropes of cum into the bandit.

Within seconds, Declin came as well, coating both men’s stomachs with his thick, sticky mess. He clutched Lucas’s ass as the prince forced every last royal drop into him. Then he wrapped his arms around Lucas, holding him tightly as the two men lay beside one another in the hay.

“I’m sorry it was so rushed,” Lucas whispered into Declin’s ear. “The guards will be back momentarily.”
Declin kissed his prince. “I love you, Lucas.”
Lucas reached over and grabbed his shirt from the ground nearby. He used it to wipe off his chest and stomach, then Declin’s. The two men lay silently in each other’s arms for a moment, before Lucas stood up.

Declin took the shirt from Lucas’s hand. “Let me keep it.”
“Of course,” the prince replied. He pulled his pants back up and then wrapped his cloak around his bare torso.

Declin tucked the shirt into the corner of his cage and covered it with straw so the guards wouldn’t notice it when they returned. “Thank you for visiting me.”

“I’m going to get you out of here,” Lucas said, repeating his declaration from earlier. “You’ll know when it’s time.”
“Don’t do anything that puts yourself at risk. You know what your brother is capable of.”

Lucas kissed Declin. “I can handle my brother, don’t you worry.” Lucas stepped toward the gate as Declin pulled his pants and boots back on. “I’ll be in touch, I promise.” He stepped through the gate and used his key to re-lock it. “Next time you see me, you’ll be free.”

Declin stood at the bars of the cell and watched as the prince disappeared down the corridor.

Just outside the town, Matthew returned to his cottage after running a quick errand. He walked his horse back into the stable, then emerged to look over his property, impressed by all that he had accomplished, with the help of Prince Bryce, earlier that day.
Tired, he unlatched the door to his home and entered it. He threw another log into the fireplace to deal with the dampness he felt in the room. As the fire grew warmer, he removed his shirt, sat on the chair next to the fireplace, and closed his eyes to rest.

Moments later, the presence of another person in the room caused him to open his eyes, disrupting his impending nap. He looked toward the bedroom doorway where he saw Princess Clara standing, completely naked.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” she whispered, smiling widely at the farmer.

Inside her dark chamber in the castle, Gretl frantically searched. Dark, heavy draperies hung covered all the windows. Candles of all shapes and sizes stood throughout the room, casting shadows throughout it. Shelves of books lined the walls and tables stood in various places holding crystals, gems, and orbs. Plants of various kinds filled one corner of the room and racks of glass bottles and vials filled another.

Gretl’s stringy, grey hair moved in every direction on her head as she desperately searched for her cards. She looked on the shelves and examined all the tables, determined to find the valuable items.
Upon finding them, she stepped over to the table covered in a red cloth at the center of the room. One by one, she lit the candles standing at various heights on the table top. As each one was lighted, the glow revealed more of her facial features: her leathery, wrinkled skin; her pronounced, curved nose; her wicked, seductive smile; and her frightening, sewn-closed eye.

Once all the candles flickered with light, she shuffled the cards. One by one, she drew a card, flipped it over, and placed it on the table. The first card featured the image of a knight. The second featured the image of a queen. The third, an image of a prince and the fourth, an image of a king. As she drew the fifth card from the deck, it flew high into the air, then tumbled toward the table, flipping end over end. All the candles on the table eerily went out as the card landed on top of the one featuring the image of the king. Gretl gasped loudly as she viewed the image on the fifth card: a dark, hooded figure representing death.

Cautiously, Queen Roslyn entered the king’s chambers. She pushed open the heavy door and entered the main room, which was dark and empty.

“Your Majesty?’ she called, but there was no response.
She searched the main room and then moved from side room to side room in search of her husband, the king. She called out to him repeatedly, but no response came.

When she reached his private meditation chamber, she found the doorway in the far corner ajar. Slowly, she approached it and pulled it completely open. 

Peering behind it, she saw the stone, spiral staircase leading up to the tower above. Pulling up her dress with one hand so that she wouldn’t trip, she carefully made her way up the staircase. One step at a time, she rose higher and higher inside the tower.

As she reached the top, she felt the cold wind blowing and saw the sun setting in the distance. She emerged from the stairwell and stepped out onto the rooftop. Almost instantly, she witnessed the bloody body of the dead king lying on the stone ground. Crying out, she rushed over and knelt beside her king. The wind carried her cry throughout the kingdom as the flag bearing the Chamberlain family crest rippled in the gusty air high above her.


About the Author:

Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Jake Biondi fell in love with "The Windy City" at an early age. He left the Chicago area for four years to attend the University of Notre Dame, from which he graduated with degrees in English and Business. He was awarded the university’s prestigious William Mitchell Award for Playwriting. Upon graduating from Notre Dame, Biondi returned to Chicago where he attended and graduated from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He has been living in Chicago's Boystown neighborhood for over 20 years.

While studying literature, Biondi became a huge fan of Charles Dickens whose novels were originally released in installments, each ending in a cliffhanger to keep readers coming back for more. Because of his love of those novels as well as television dramas such as Dynasty, Knots Landing, Dallas, and Revenge, Jake Biondi decided to create a serialized saga for contemporary audiences. Thus, the BOYSTOWN series was born.

Biondi began BOYSTOWN in June of 2013 as an online story and intended to release one "episode" online per month, each ending in a cliffhanger. The story became so popular -- and the online reading audience grew so quickly -- that people from all over the country began to email him demanding to know what happened to their favorite characters and wanting the episodes to be released faster. They also had suggestions for future storylines. Excited by and grateful for his readers’ responses to BOYSTOWN, Biondi began to write and release installments more quickly. 

In November of 2013, Biondi moved BOYSTOWN offline and published the first ten installments in book form as BOYSTOWN Season One. The book became an international hit, with fans all over the globe clamoring for more. BOYSTOWN Season Two was published in July of 2014. Season Three was released on May 1, 2015, Season Four was released on November 13, 2015, Season Five was released on June 1, 2016, Season Six was released on December 16, 2016, and Season Seven was released on July 7, 2017.

Because of the popularity of the book series, fans have suggested that BOYSTOWN be turned into a television series. Biondi recently completed the TV scripts for the first season of BOYSTOWN and hopes to bring the series to television in the very near future. 

Welcome to BOYSTOWN

Where to find Boystown:

The BOYSTOWN series is available at bookstores across the country as well at online at Amazon.com, bn.com, Google Play, and iTunes. The series is available in paperback, audio book, and all e-book formats. Readers may order autographed paperback copies of the books directly from BoystownTheSeries.com. 

For additional information, photos, or to schedule an interview with author Jake Biondi, please send an email to BoystownTheSeries@yahoo.com. Biondi may also be contacted via JakeBiondi.com, BoystownTheSeries.com, Twitter (@boystown_series), Instagram (@boystowntheseries), and Facebook.com/JakeBiondiBoystown.