TOUR & EXCERPT: The Son & His Hope

By now, you must have seen my review for

The Son & His Hope.  I’d like to share with you today, an excerpt and a teaser that I think you’ll LOVE!

“Things you should know about me from the very beginning:

I was born to true love, witnessed the destruction it causes, and vowed never to let such agony happen to me. I am not a story-teller like my father. I am not a writer like my mother. I am just a son—their son.

I am happy being alone.

And that is all I ever want to be.”

JACOB

The day he was born, Jacob learned his hardest and longest lesson.

It wasn’t a lesson a boy should learn so young, but from his earliest memories he knew where happiness lives, so does tragedy. Where love exists, so does heartbreak. And where hope resides, so does sorrow.

That lesson carved him from the kid to the teen to the man.

And nothing and no one could change his mind.

HOPE

I first met him when he was fourteen at a movie premiere of all places. A movie based on his parent’s life.

He was stoic, strong, suspicious, and secretive.

I was only ten, but I felt something for him. A strange kind of sorrow that made me want to hug and heal him.

I was the daughter of the actor hired to play his father.

We shared similarities.

I recognised parts of him because they were parts of me.

But no matter how many times we met. No matter how many times I tried.

He stayed true to his vow to never fall.

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EXCERPT

It’d been a long time since I’d seen her, and this new woman in front of me didn’t compute with the waifish girl I’d done my best to scare off.

“I couldn’t sleep.” She blinked with eyes too hooded to be innocent. She spoke with a voice too rich and feminine to belong to the annoying Hope Jacinta Murphy.

My hands curled, fighting away sick appreciation. For years, I hadn’t bothered mingling with anyone other than family. Back when I’d attended school, the girls showed off their newly formed bodies and flaunted their sexual preference. Their obvious flirting turned me off rather than on. They all seemed so desperate to impress, so eager for a connection that would end up destroying them.

Hope, meanwhile, was none of those things.

She was shy beneath strength. Quiet beneath conversation. And when she’d hugged me?

God, she’d shown me pain had multiple levels.

A hug from family could sear and sting.

But a hug from her?

It drew blood.

“It isn’t safe to wander around this late on your own.” My hands balled, my voice thickened, and I did my best to keep my eyes on her face because there was no way I could look at her body. No way I could permit myself to see the change in her, the growth, the knowledge that she might drive me to rage and disturb my carefully perfected world, but she was the most beautiful creature I’d ever seen.

Soft but sharp. Trusting but careful. Fragile but brave.

All the things that drew out the best and worst in me. I wanted to be kind, so she was happy. I wanted to be cruel, so she’d leave.

I didn’t have the strength to fight both instincts or convince myself I was content with being alone. My phobia of getting close to anyone ordered me to back up and point at Mom’s house. “Go back, Hope.”

She bit her lower lip, looking at where I pointed before capturing my stare again.

I didn’t stand a chance with the way she studied me. The same way she’d watched me as a child with a certainty and calmness that made me fidget and bristle. Only now, a deeper element was there too. A terrifying welcome. A petrifying invitation that had nothing to do with the years we’d danced around each other and everything to do with this new torturous existence.

“I don’t want to go back yet.” Her voice whispered through the grass, sounding part breeze, part shadow.

“What do you want?” My jaw clenched.

What the hell sort of question is that, and why did I ask it?

She cocked her head, hair tumbling, eyes searching. “To walk.” Taking a hesitant step toward me, she smiled softly. “Want to walk with me?”

“What I want is for you to get off my property.”

Her smile warmed instead of cooled. “Can I walk on it first? Then I’ll get off it.”

I couldn’t understand her. Was she joking with me? Teasing? Being plain exasperating? Crossing my arms, I raised my chin. “Walking it would take hours. It’s big.”

ABOUT PEPPER

Pepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today International Bestseller.

After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 19 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-six times in three years.

Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.

Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian and Turkish. Audio Books for her entire back-list will be available in 2017.

CONNECT WITH PEPPER

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That’s it everyone.  Did you like the excerpt or the teaser?  I love them both SO MUCH.  If you haven’t already, you can read my 5-Star review HERE.

REVIEW TOUR: Vas

Vas by Ker Dukey and K Webster was one of my most anticipated reads and it did not disappoint!  Check out my review!

Vas

Authors: K. Webster & Ker Dukey

Pub Date: Jan 7, 2019

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Dark, Mafia, Romance

Blurb 

The Volkov name is one I longed for.

Their household is one I grew up in, but not as an equal—as a maid’s son.

This didn’t stop me from becoming a man to be reckoned with.

But even with my rightful name finally given to me, I still feel adrift.

Until her.

Everything I did was for acceptance.

Everything I lost brought me to my family.

To this life.

To her.

I fought for my status.

I fought for my sisters.

And I will fight to the death for my angel.

She has shown me there is light in our pitch-black world.

That the stars can’t shine without the darkness of night.

She is the stars, and I am the sky in which she shines.

There is evil lurking in the shadows we create.

The corruption and depravities of the First Families have become toxic and are infecting us all from within.

Games have been played, and now, they must end.

I am Vas.

Vocal. Voracious. Vindictive. Volkov.

A devil in love with an angel, and together, we’re going to rule Hell on Earth.

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PURCHASE LINKS

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Read for FREE in KU

MY REVIEW

Vas is the third and last book in the V games series.

Vas is protective and caring but no less vindictive than the other men in this world.

Darya, is one woman, besides his sisters, that he would do anything for. But in this world of power, nothing he does may be enough.

Darya is alone in this evil world run by vicious and cunning men. She is used and abused and sorely in need of a champion.

Vas, although not always there, has been kind and supportive. She basks in his protectiveness.

Although fate made these two for each other, the men of this world may just keep them apart.

This book is so absorbing and it simply grips you. It is also so well written you can’t tell where one author ends and the other begins.

The twists and turns may just shock you. Yuri had me gasping and the Vasilieves get-togethers were pure entertainment for me.

Vas is a hero you swoon over. Strong, vocal, protective and pure alpha male. I love the fierce loyalty he has for those he loves.

Darya is meek and unsure of her place due to the fact that she has been used her whole life. I loved how she blossomed and came to life while with Vas.

A wonderful final instalment into the V games. I’m sad to see it end.

Side-note: I desperately need a story for Vika!!

I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

ALSO IN THE SERIES 

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Read for FREE in KU

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ABOUT K WEBSTER 

K Webster is the author of dozens romance books in many different genres including contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, and erotic romance. When not spending time with her husband of twelve years and two adorable children, she’s active on social media connecting with her readers. Her other passions besides writing include reading and graphic design. K can always be found in front of her computer chasing her next idea and taking action. She looks forward to the day when she will see one of her titles on the big screen.

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ABOUT KER DUKEY 

My books all tend to be darker romance, edge of you seat, angst filled reads. My advice to my readers when starting one of my titles…prepare for the unexpected. I have always had a passion for storytelling, whether it be through lyrics or bed time stories with my sisters growing up. My mum would always have a book in her hand when I was young and passed on her love for reading, inspiring me to venture into writing my own. I tend to have a darker edge to my writing. Not all love stories are made from light; some are created in darkness but are just as powerful and worth telling. When I’m not lost in the world of characters I love spending time with my family. I’m a mum and that comes first in my life but when I do get down time I love attending music concerts or reading events with my younger sister.

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What do you think? Is this a book that will be added to your TBR? 

REVIEW & PROMO: The Kiss Thief

The Kiss Thief, a contemporary romance by LJ Shen stole my heart and will without a doubt be one of the best books you’ll read this year.  Check out my review, an excerpt and the release.  Don't forget to get your copy 😊

THE KISS THIEF

Author: L.J. Shen 

Release Date: January 9th

Blurb 

They say your first kiss should be earned.

Mine was stolen by a devil in a masquerade mask under the black Chicago sky.

They say the vows you take on your wedding day are sacred.

Mine were broken before we left church.

They say your heart only beats for one man.

Mine split and bled for two rivals who fought for it until the bitter end.

I was promised to Angelo Bandini, the heir to one of the most powerful families in the Chicago Outfit.

Then taken by Senator Wolfe Keaton, who held my father’s sins over his head to force me into marriage. 

They say that all great love stories have a happy ending.

I, Francesca Rossi, found myself erasing and rewriting mine until the very last chapter.

One kiss.

Two men.

Three lives.

Entwined together.

And somewhere between these two men, I had to find my forever.

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AMAZON US | UK | CA | AU | Audio

FREE IN KU!

MY REVIEW

The Kiss Thief by LJ Shen is a phenomenal read that is full of angst, love, heartbreak and betrayal. In one word, it is breath-taking.

Eighteen year old Francesca Rossi has her life already planned out for her. Set to marry her childhood crush and friend, Angelo Bandini. She is excited for this even though her dreams of college and independence must be denied.

One night, however, her true love’s kiss is stolen from a cold-hearted and ruthless man known as Senator Wolfe Keaton.

Now, she is torn between her childhood love and a taciturn and vengeful man who will use her father’s sins against her to force her into marriage.

Francesca’s life is about to change irrevocably. The question is: Will it be for better... or worse?

Emotionally gripping and page-turning, LJ Shen has written a book that enthralls. The story and writing are lush while the plot, characters and writing pull you in. It is witty and the sarcasm is spot on.

The characters are three-dimensional and are very well fleshed out. I’ve never seen two characters that have prospered so well together.

Wolfe Keaton is proud, condescending, rude and obnoxious. He cares for no one’s opinion but his own. I enjoyed seeing him bite off more than he could chew with Francesca. How his character slowly but inexorably grew. Like the garden that Francesca grows, Wolfe changes under her care.

Francesca Rossi is timid and plays by the rules. Her only wish is to make her parents proud. I loved seeing this meek lady adapt to her surroundings. To finally take note and demand the respect and love she deserves. She does not bend to Wolfe.

An epic read with memorable characters that will stay with you long after the book is finished. The Kiss Thief stole my heart and will without a doubt be one of the best books you’ll read this year.

I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

EXCERPT

“Are you sure you’re on my card?” I turned to the man with a polite yet distant smile. I was still disoriented from the exchange with Angelo when the stranger pulled me against his hard body and pressed a possessive hand lower than socially acceptable on my back, a second from groping my butt.

“Answer me,” I hissed.

“My bid on your card was the highest,” he replied dryly.

“The bids are undisclosed. You don’t know how much other people have paid,” I kept my lips pursed to keep myself from yelling.

“I know it’s nowhere near the realm of what this dance is worth.”

Un-freaking-believable.

We began to waltz around the room as other couples were not only spinning and mingling but also stealing envious glances at us. Naked, raw ogles that told me that whomever the blonde he’d come to the masquerade with was, she wasn’t his wife. And that I might have been all the rage in The Outfit, but the rude man was in high demand, too.

I was stiff and cold in his arms, but he didn’t seem to notice—or mind. He knew how to waltz better than most men, but he was technical, and lacked warmth and Angelo’s playfulness.

“Nemesis.” He took me by surprise, his rapacious gaze stripping me bare. “Distributing glee and dealing misery. Seems at odds with the submissive girl who entertained Bishop and his horsey wife at the table.”

I choked on my own saliva. Did he just call the governor’s wife horsey? And me submissive? I looked away, ignoring the addictive scent of his cologne, and the way his marble body felt against mine.

“Nemesis is my spirit animal. She was the one to lure Narcissus to a pool where he saw his own reflection and died of vanity. Pride is a terrible illness.” I flashed him a taunting smirk.

“Some of us could use catching it.” He bared his straight white teeth.

“Arrogance is a disease. Compassion is the cure. Most gods didn’t like Nemesis, but that’s because she had a backbone.”

“Do you?” He arched a dark eyebrow.

“Do I…?” I blinked, the courteous grin on my face crumpling. He was even ruder when we were alone.

“Have a backbone,” he provided. He stared at me so boldly and intimately, it felt like he breathed fire into my soul. I wanted to step out of his touch and jump into a pool full of ice.

“Of course, I do,” I responded, my spine stiffening. “What’s with the manners? Were you raised by wild coyotes?”

“Give me an example,” he said, ignoring my quip. I was beginning to draw away from him, but he jerked me back into his arms. The glitzy ballroom distorted into a backdrop, and even though I was starting to notice that the man behind the demi-mask was unusually beautiful, the ugliness of his behavior was the only thing that stood out.

I am a warrior and a lady…and a sane person who can deal with this horrid man.

“I really like Angelo Bandini.” I dropped my voice, slicing my gaze from his eyes and toward the table where Angelo’s family had been seated. My father was sitting a few seats away, staring at us coldly, surrounded by Made Men who chatted away.

“And see, in my family, we have a tradition dating back ten generations. Prior to her wedding, a Rossi bride is to open a wooden chest—carved and made by a witch who lived in my ancestors’ Italian village—and read three notes written to her by the last Rossi girl to marry. It’s kind of a good luck charm mixed with a talisman and a bit of fortunetelling. I stole the chest tonight and opened one of the notes, all so I could rush fate. It said that tonight I was going to be kissed by the love of my life, and well…” I drew my lower lip into my mouth and sucked it, peering under my eyelashes at Angelo’s empty seat. The man stared at me stoically, as though I was a foreign film he couldn’t understand. “I’m going to kiss him tonight.”

“That’s your backbone?”

“When I have an ambition, I go for it.”

A conceited frown crinkled his mask, as if to say I was a complete and utter moron. I looked him straight in the eye. My father taught me that the best way to deal with men like him was to confront, not run. Because, this man? He’d chase.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

L.J. Shen is an International #1 best-selling author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She lives in Northern California with her husband, young son and chubby cat.

Before she’d settled down, L.J. (who thinks referring to herself in the third person is really silly, by the way) traveled the world, and collected friends from all across the globe. Friends who’d be happy to report that she is a rubbish companion, always forgets peoples’ birthdays and never sends Christmas cards.

She enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends, reading, HBO, Netflix and internet-stalking Stephen James. She reads between three to five books a week and firmly believes Crocs shoes and mullets should be outlawed.

CONNECT WITH LJ SHEN

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Cover Designer: Letitia Hasser at RBA Designs