Tag Archives: Novella

CLAIMED BY THE KING – REVEAL

CLAIMED BY THE KING tour graphic

CLAIMED BY THE KING

by Lorelei Moone
Shifters of Black Isle, #1
Publication Date: July 20, 2018
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Shifters, Novella, Standalone

CLAIMED BY THE KING cover

SYNOPSIS

Abandoned by her people, a young woman was being sent to her doom.

Kelly was going to be a prisoner; a slave. At least that’s what she thought as she waited for the mysterious giants that lived on the Black Isles to claim her. A human sacrifice, once every eight years. That’s what it took to keep mankind safe from these savages.

The human would ensure the survival of his bloodline. Whether he liked it or not.

Broc’s reign as King of the Black Isles had lasted seven years already. That was a long time to go without a queen and therefore, an heir. He knew what he had to do; to claim the human offering and make her his own.

When they met, it changed everything. A glimmer of hope, even of love, in unexpected places. But life on the Black Isles was far from simple. And there were powerful secrets, yet to be uncovered, that could change everything yet again.

Claimed by the King is the first in Lorelei Moone’s brand new fantasy romance series, Shifters of Black Isle. Shifters, magic and relatable characters; set in a mysterious, distant land, where anything seems possible, and yet all its inhabitants hold dear could be destroyed in an instant.

goodreads-badge-add-38px

CLAIMED BY THE KING teaser

EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT- CLAIMED BY THE KING

Chapter 1

Once in every eight springs, a girl will be put forth by one of the coastal regions. A peace offering, a condition of the truce between the Giant Warriors of Black Isle and the men of the mainland.

  1. No one shall remain with the offering when the time comes.
  2. None shall attempt to lay eyes on or follow the giants.
  3. No girl shall ever come home, or her village shall feel the giants’ wrath.

By this ritual we are bound, so long as our truce may last.

My life is over.

Kelly sat down with her head in hear hands, making sure she could no longer see the eerily dancing shadows created by the candle on the kitchen table.

They never did waste much time between the lottery and the banishing.

Perhaps that’s for the best, Kelly thought. If I had a lot of time to think about this, perhaps I’d be less likely to cooperate.

Of course, she still wasn’t willing to accept her fate, no, she had other plans.

After dusk, she would be left on the shores of the Northern Sea, tied up to the strong wooden post erected solely for this purpose, until the giants claimed her.

Perhaps they wouldn’t like her. Perhaps they’d leave her behind, demanding a prettier, daintier candidate? Kelly could only hope as much. Or perhaps her ties would be loose enough to wriggle free, allowing her to run before the giants even arrived.

Ever since her mother passed when she was only eight years old, she hadn’t felt this alone in the world. Her father had betrayed her. He was meant to keep her safe, those were her mother’s last words. Keep Kelly and Ferris from harm, swear it to me.

Instead, what has happened under the watchful eye of their father? She’d been chosen in the lottery.

It’s an honor, he had said. Your sacrifice ensures the safety of our people for the next eight summers.

Kelly was to be made into a prisoner and slave, never to be seen again by her people, all of whom were just pleased none of their own daughters were chosen. She’d never got along with most of the villagers, most of whom took great pleasure in pointing out that her mother’s death was God’s punishment or other such nonsense. Kelly wasn’t lady-like enough apparently. As a child she’d played with the boys out in the field rather than stayed at home and helped with the housework. If that was sinful enough to warrant her own mother’s death, then she wanted nothing to do with such a God, or the feeble-minded people who believed in him. Of course she could have never said that aloud or they would have branded her a witch and punished her. So she had kept these thoughts to herself all these years.

And yet, she was chosen to protect those same people. Oh, the irony. She would love to see their faces when they realized that there’d be hell to pay for her upcoming escape. All those years playing with the boys would pay off. Now that she had reached a full eighteen years of age, Kelly wasn’t half as weak as most girls she’d grown up with.

A horn blew in the distance, signaling that her wait was over.

It was time.

Her father opened the kitchen door, his weather beaten face tense – the only indication so far that he even cared what happened to her. An honor. What a joke.

He’d get over the loss of his first born daughter soon enough, at least he still had a son to focus on.

Ferris would miss her the most. Three years younger than she was, he’d always looked up to his big sister with admiration rather than the disdain others had shown her. She had been there for him more like a mother than a sibling, making sure there was food to eat, clothes to wear, even toys to play with.

Their father had never realized that he had been suffering the most after their mother had passed. While father had stuck to his same old routine; heading off to the tavern after nightfall, as though nothing had ever changed, she had been there for Ferris.

Yes, Ferris would come looking for her as soon as he realized what had happened.

Father had conveniently sent him off on some merchant ship as a deckhand only weeks before the lottery. As if he’d known what would happen…

“Kelly. Our fate lies in your hands.” Her father waved her forward with an outstretched arm.

She hesitated for a moment, but took a deep breath and finally got up.

“Yes, father.”

Mother, I wish you were here. Kelly swallowed hard.

“Come in,” Father called out.

A group of villagers made their way inside the cramped little kitchen. They surrounded Kelly, who had already assumed the position expected of her: her arms were crossed behind her back, ready to be tied. They wouldn’t take any chances, because in the heat of panic, many an offering had attempted to flee in the past.

Oh, Mother. Why did you have to leave me to this fate?

Kelly’s eyes stung uncomfortably, though she tried not to let it show. A cold gust of wind from outside dried her tears.

As soon as the rough ropes were tightened painfully around her wrists, it was time to head towards the shore. A long procession had already formed outside Kelly’s modest family home, which in this dimmed light looked like nothing more but a dilapidated shack.

Of the sun, already vanished behind the mountain ranges towards the west, remained nothing but a reddish glow.

Fittingly gloomy, Kelly thought.

A few wisps of clouds did nothing to conceal the full moon shining down on Kelly’s march towards her doom.

Towards the front of the procession two drummers would set the pace for everyone. Some of the villagers carried torches, deep shadows cast over their solemn faces, making it seem like they were wearing masks. These were not the features of the ordinary folk of West Hythe. Tonight, everything had changed. More change was yet to come.

Kelly lowered her head as she stepped forward, positioning herself between the butcher and the tanner, two of the strongest, most impressive men of her village. Their function was ceremonial as well as practical during this ritual: supposedly they’d ensure she was delivered to the right people, and not snatched by anyone on the way to the beach. Actually, it was more likely they were there to prevent her from bolting out of fear.

The drums started to roll, before settling into a comfortable marching pace and the procession started to move. Kelly resisted for a split second, before being hauled forward by the butcher on her right.

Fine. I’m going.

The march was short, Kelly’s house was one of the few outside the village limits nearer the shoreline, and yet in her perception it seemed to last forever. With each step, her legs felt heavier.

But soon enough, the outlines of the misty Black Isles came into view in the distance, illuminated only by moonlight. The crisp cold sea shimmered in the light, like diamonds. Not that Kelly had ever seen a real diamond before, but she’d heard it said they were even shinier than fresh ice.

A glimmer of curiosity overcame her. That’s where she was headed; if she was to believe the stories. What secrets did those dark rocks out in the Northern Sea hide? Nothing good, for sure.

The villagers surrounding her had initially seemed calm and reserved, but now on the rocky beach, their faces had become tenser, more nervous. Typical, Kelly thought, I’m the one being served up to the barbaric giants, and they’re the ones who are scared.

The butcher’s large, calloused hands seemed to be trembling slightly as he attached the rope from Kelly’s wrist to the huge iron ring on the half-eroded sacrificial post. He didn’t even meet Kelly’s gaze, which despite the incoming darkness were burning with anger and betrayal. Her earlier tears had long faded in the harsh wind. All that remained was a growing urge to fight.

She’d find a way to escape. She had to.

“Sorry, lass. May God be with ya,” he whispered, before joining the procession again, ready to retreat back to the village.

Kelly pressed her lips together. God had nothing to do with what was happening here. She watched scornfully as everyone backed away.

It was one of the rules of the ritual. No one shall remain with the offering. None shall lay eyes on the giants when they collect their prize.

Those rules were now etched into Kelly’s mind, so often had she heard the stories. Every eight years, one of the coastal villages will put forth an offering. As prescribed, none of the girls had been seen since they were left at this exact spot.

This had been going on for as long as anyone in the village – even the elders- could remember.

All those lives ruined by such an archaic and stupid ritual!

There hadn’t even been any sighting, any evidence that giants still roamed the Black Isles. None, except that the sacrificial post was always found empty the morning after an offering. Anyone could have taken those girls. Who knew what had become of them.

Kelly glared at the retreating villagers, last of whom her father, who looked back once, but then hurried on home, or more likely, towards the tavern.

Bloody cowards, the lot of them.

How convenient to have a rule that nobody was allowed to stay and watch. Who knew who these giants actually were? Whether they even existed.

The last torch flickered away over the dune surrounding the beach, and the sound of the drum faded into the distance. The ritual was over, life could go on as normal until eight years from now when another girl was to be chosen from a neighboring village.

But for Kelly, the night was far from over.

A dense fog had rolled in from the Northern Sea, covering the beach like a damp blanket. Kelly blinked a few times, but was unable to see a thing. How long had she been here for? Minutes, hours? It was impossible to tell, although dawn still seemed impossibly far away.

Mother, don’t leave me here.

Kelly’s eyelids grew too heavy to remain open.

My darling, rest. You’ll need it, a familiar voice seemed to say.

Mother! Was she dreaming already?

The regular crashing of waves had already hypnotized her. One could only be upset for so long, until it took a toll. Kelly tried her best to lift the heavy blanket of exhaustion; to stay alert. But it was hopeless. It would take a lot more than some fog to scare her awake.

CLAIMED BY THE KING teaser 2

ABOUT LORELEI MOONE

Lorelei Moone is an author of paranormal / fantasy romance based in London. A lover of all things sweet, and caffeinated, when she’s not writing about sexy bear shifters and their strong-willed curvaceous love interests, Lorelei can be found baking cookies or cakes for her family.

WebsiteFacebookTwitter NewsletterGoodreadsBookbubAmazon Author Profile

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

CLAIMED BY THE KING giveaway graphic

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comments Off on CLAIMED BY THE KING – REVEAL

Filed under BOOKS

TAKEN – ANNIVERSARY SALE

TAKEN banner

TAKEN

by J.C. Valentine
Publication Date: April 18, 2017
Genres: Adult, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Romance, Standalone, Novella

TAKEN cover

99c! BUY NOW!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2uNnVeC

SYNOPSIS:

Love is blind…
Especially when you’ve been abducted.

Caught in the dredges of life, Elise had come to the grudging conclusion that mediocrity was all she’d ever have.
Until a routine shopping trip turns into a deadly affair.

Taken. Two men, one a brute and the other an enigma. A cabin in the woods. One dangerous agenda.

Blindfolded and held captive, Elise’s mundane existence just got a whole lot more interesting. Thrust into the unknown, held prisoner by a man with rough hands and a gentle voice, she’s faced with her own demise while struggling against a growing desire for the unacceptable—her captor.

Will Elise make out with her life—and heart—intact?

goodreads-badge-add-38px

TAKEN teaser

Dance for Me

by J.C. Valentine
Forbidden, #1
Publication Date: April 7, 2015
Genres: Adult, Erotic, Romance

Dance for Me cover

99c! BUY NOW!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2EmmxiE

Dance for Me small cover

SYNOPSIS:

What if the person who stole your heart wasn’t who you thought they were?

When my parents passed away, I grew up fast. Learning to stand on my own two feet has been a challenge, but I’m making it… my way. I make no apologies for the path I’ve chosen. My choices have served me well, but no one knows the real me.

Except one man.

He’s a mystery to me. He’s controlling, demanding, and he has me wrapped around his little finger. Anything he wants, I’ll give it to him. The hours we share together aren’t about love. It’s just sex. Hot, dirty, passionate sex. It was never supposed to be anything more than that.

Until everything changed.

Now, I’m more confused than ever. The more I learn about him, the less I seem to understand. What I do know is that I’m falling, and I have the feeling when I land, it’s going to hurt.

goodreads-badge-add-38px

KNOCKOUT

by J.C. Valentine
Wayward Fighter, #1
Publication Date: April 6, 2014
Genres: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance, MMA Fighter

KNOCKOUT cover

99c! BUY NOW!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2IwQsHg

KNOCKOUT small cover

SYNOPSIS:

From the wrong side of the tracks…

Alyson Blake had learned early on that the only one she could depend on was herself. The only light in her life was a boy whom everyone agreed was destined for prison; but with his first kiss, he had set her soul on fire. Since the day the police dragged him away in handcuffs, she had managed to lead a quiet life, but when she attends an event fraught with mayhem, trouble resurfaces.

The one person she can’t forget…

Jamison Weston is the kind of guy dads load their shotguns for; endowed with a hot temper and a rap sheet as long as both tattooed arms. Known as “The Judge,” Jami’s hot temper, lethal fists, and cocky attitude have earned him respect and admiration both in and out of the ring. But just when he thinks he’s pummeled his past to death, Alyson Blake reenters his life.

Two paths collide…

After years of separation, Alyson is eager to reexplore the man who’s never left her thoughts, but for Jamison, she’s both the distraction he wants, but doesn’t need. As the two embark on a relationship that neither of them expected or bargained for, an outside threat closes in. When Alyson crosses the line of professionalism and takes her work home with her, her life is put in danger, leaving Jamison with no choice but to once again step in and become her protector.

goodreads-badge-add-38px

KNOCKOUT teaser

GRIT

by J.C. Valentine
Spartan Riders, #1
Publication Date: April 19, 2016
Genres: Adult, MC Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Biker

GRIT cover

99c! BUY NOW!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2GAVhmJ

GRIT small cover

SYNOPSIS:

Gabby Morgan isn’t looking for love. Not even a little romance. Following a rocky past that she’d just as soon forget, she’s determined to focus on the future. One that most certainly doesn’t involve the tough-as-nails, short-on-words, hot-as-hell biker…or his kid.

Blake Mahone may not be done with women, but he’s finished with relationships. Then Gabby Morgan enters the picture. She’s flawless, refined, and as his kid’s teacher, way out of his league. She acts like she hates him, but her eyes tell a different story. Before he knows it, Blake finds himself hot for teacher, and he’s more than ready to learn all her secrets. Now all he has to do is convince her to give him a shot…without getting them both killed in the process.

goodreads-badge-add-38px

GRIT teaser

ABOUT J.C. VALENTINE

J.C. Valentine is the USA Today and International bestselling author of the Night Calls and Wayward Fighters Series and the Forbidden Trilogy. Her vivid imagination and love of words and romance had her penning her own romance stories from an early age, which, despite being poorly edited and written longhand, she forced friends and family members to read. No, she isn’t sorry.

Living in the Northwest, she has three amazing children and far too many pets. Among the many hats she wears, J.C. is an entrepreneur. Having graduated with honors, she holds a Bachelor’s in English and when she isn’t writing, you can find her editing for fellow authors.

Sign up for J.C.’s newsletter and never miss a thing! https://bit.ly/1KxXWWB

WebsiteTwitterFacebook PinterestGoogle+Amazon Author PageGoodreads

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

taken giveaway banner

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comments Off on TAKEN – ANNIVERSARY SALE

Filed under BOOKS

Alien Alphas – Book Blitz

Alien Alphas banner

Alien Alphas: Twenty-Three Naughty Sci-Fi Romance Novellas

Featured authors: Cari Silverwood, Cynthia Sax, Renee Rose, Lee Savino, Addison Cain, Kallista Dane, Maren Smith, Ava Sinclair, Sue Lyndon, Emily Tilton, Ashe Barker, Korey Mae Johnson, Grace Goodwin, Ivy Barrett, Jane Henry, Jaye Peaches, Katie Douglas, Lili Zander, Loki Renard, Maria Monroe, Megan Michaels, Myra Danvers, Sara Fields, and Sophie Kisker
Publication Date: January 16, 2018
Genres: Adult, Sci-Fi, Romance, Novella

alien alphas cover

99¢ for a limited time!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play

Fierce warriors. Savage barbarians. Powerful warlords.
All ready to claim their mates.

Alien Alphas is a collection of panty-melting sci-fi romances featuring dominant alien heroes, penned by New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling authors. This decadently naughty box set includes twenty-three ALL-NEW, stand-alone novellas full of hot alien alpha males, breathless passion, and reluctant surrender. Take an exhilarating trip beyond the stars with this limited time only bundle that’s sure to leave you turning the pages late into the night.

alien alphas giveaway banner

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comments Off on Alien Alphas – Book Blitz

Filed under BOOKS

MAMI -BLITZ

MAMI BANNER

MAMI, based on a true story

by J.C. Valentine
PAPI #2
Publication Date: May 23, 2017
Genres: Adult, Erotic, Short Story, Novella, Contemporary, Romance

MAMI COVER

BUY:

SYNOPSIS:

Readers asked for it, and JC Valentine has delivered!

Life has thrown me a few curveballs…
But nothing as sexy or devastating as Alejandro.
I never thought I’d see him again, but fate has seen fit to give us another chance.
Maybe this time we’ll get it right. Maybe this time he’ll stay.
Or perhaps my heart is about to be irrevocably shattered.
One way or another, our lives are about to change.
Only time will tell if it’s for better or worse, but one thing is certain…
Alejandro is a force to be reckoned with…maybe even best to be avoided.
But when it comes to matters of the heart, sometimes there’s no reasoning.
Sometimes…it’s pure instinct.

Taking a chance on him is like playing Russian roulette—it’s dangerous…foolish…and likely to kill me.
But what’s life without a little risk?

goodreads-badge-add-38px

EXCERPT

He sends me a picture. He’s smiling, shirtless, and holding a beer. Good Lord, could he get any hotter? Biting my lower lip, I hold my camera overhead and snap one of myself. I’m going for the sultry look. I’m not entirely sure I pulled it off though. I send it then follow it up with a couple rows of smiley faces with hearts for eyes.

A: Cute cute cute

Me: The gods were in my favor today

A: You’re funny

Me: Glad you think so

A: What you do today

Me: Wrote a little and took the kids to dinner

A: Did you have fun

Me: Yep I did

Me: I miss your face

A: Send me another pic

This time I take a minute to change into a pair of skimpy pajamas, feeling all sorts of naughty, and then I take a picture of just my bare legs with only the lacy edge of my shorts showing at the top of my thighs.

Me: You mean like this?

A: Mmmm very nice

A: What color panties are you wearing?

Me: White

Me: Because I’m so sweet and innocent

I’m aware that I’m biting my bottom lip again. The anticipation of his response is almost too much, the thrill nearly as powerful as when we’re occupying the same space.

A: I do not think you are that innocent Mami

Me: *gasp*

A: Mami

A: Move those panties over

A: Show me what’s mine

Okay, so now I’m nervous. I’m not an old pro at sexting, and Alejandro being Alejandro, he’s gone from zero to sixty in the blink of an eye. I hesitate, then say:

Me: I’m a good girl remember

A: Mami…

Me: What

A: Show me my pussy

Oh my Lord. I want to say no…but I also don’t. I’m experiencing a bit of a dilemma. So used to behaving “right” it feels all kinds of wrong to do anything else, but that’s also part of the allure. The bad girl inside of me wants to come out and play, and she’s warring with the good girl who is struggling to hold onto some of her reserve.

Me: I’ll think about it

A: How long do you need to think

Me: Hmmm…I’ll let you know

A: Mami

A: Please

Me: I think you should come here and take one yourself

Goose bumps form on my skin when I think of him, buried inside me, with his phone in-hand. The very idea makes me blush, but I find the fantasy to be more than a little appealing.

A: I need to see you

Me: Baby me too

A: Are you done thinking yet

Me: lol nope

A slew of crying emojis quickly follow, then:

A: Okay Mami

He’s quiet for longer than I’d like and a wave of insecurity sets in, so like a psycho I ask:

Me: Are you mad?

A: I could never be mad at you

ABOUT J.C. VALENTINE

J.C. Valentine is the USA Today and International bestselling author of the Night Calls and Wayward Fighters Series and the Forbidden Trilogy. Her vivid imagination and love of words and romance had her penning her own romance stories from an early age, which, despite being poorly edited and written longhand, she forced friends and family members to read. No, she isn’t sorry.

Living in the Northwest, she has three amazing children and far too many pets. Among the many hats she wears, J.C. is an entrepreneur. Having graduated with honors, she holds a Bachelor’s in English and when she isn’t writing, you can find her editing for fellow authors.

Sign up for J.C.’s newsletter and never miss a thing! https://bit.ly/1KxXWWB

WebsiteTwitterFacebook PinterestGoogle+Amazon Author PageGoodreads

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comments Off on MAMI -BLITZ

Filed under BOOKS

BLOG TOUR – PAPI BY J.C. VALENTINE

papi banner

PAPI, based on a true story

by J.C. Valentine
Publication Date: March 7, 2017
Genres: Adult, Erotic, Short Story, Novella, Contemporary, Romance

papi cover

NOW AVAILABLE! ONLY 99c!

papi cover 2

SYNOPSIS:

A scintillating standalone novella based on a true story coming soon from bestselling author J.C. Valentine.

Dating is hard.
Especially when it’s a younger man.
Alejandro is everything I ever dreamed of:
Sexy.
Driven.
Dominant.
He’s my Spanish lover.
My every fantasy come true.
My weakness.
And he wants me. All of me. Maybe even more than I have to give.
But the way he talks to me…looks at me…touches me drives me crazy in the best way possible.
And he knows it.
He knows the power he holds over me…and he wields it like a blade…
Straight through my heart.
Everything I have, everything I am, is in his hands…
Because Alejandro is everything and nothing I expected.
He may be my downfall…
But I am more than eager to take the plunge.

goodreads-badge-add-38px

ABOUT J.C. VALENTINE

J.C. Valentine is the USA Today and International bestselling author of the Night Calls and Wayward Fighters Series and the Forbidden Trilogy. Her vivid imagination and love of words and romance had her penning her own romance stories from an early age, which, despite being poorly edited and written longhand, she forced friends and family members to read. No, she isn’t sorry.

Living in the Northwest, she has three amazing children and far too many pets. Among the many hats she wears, J.C. is an entrepreneur. Having graduated with honors, she holds a Bachelor’s in English and when she isn’t writing, you can find her editing for fellow authors.

Sign up for J.C.’s newsletter and never miss a thing! https://bit.ly/1KxXWWB

WebsiteTwitterFacebook PinterestGoogle+Amazon Author PageGoodreads

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comments Off on BLOG TOUR – PAPI BY J.C. VALENTINE

Filed under BOOKS