Seduction’s Canvas: Exclusive Excerpt K.M. Jackson "He wanted more than anything to lean over her, take those pouty lips in between his own..." Read & Win: Donna Grant Team H & H Read a special excerpt of Midnight's Kiss and enter the sweepstakes! Read & Win: Zoe Archer Team H & H Read a special excerpt of Sweet Revenge and enter the sweepstakes! Lightning Rider: Exclusive Excerpt Jen Greyson A 2,000 year age difference can't keep these time travelers apart...
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May 18, 2013
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Eat it Up: Food and Magic Combine into Deliciousness
Leigh Davis
Showing posts tagged: Excerpts click to see more stuff tagged with Excerpts
Sat
May 18 2013 12:00pm
Excerpt
K.M. Jackson

Seduction's Canvas by K.M. Jackson

“I want to paint you” Artist Samara Leighton had wanted to say those words to the sexy motorcycle rider who lived in the building ever since she first laid eyes on him nearly a year ago. But now that the words were out she couldn’t stop her heart from beating wildly in her chest.

“Honey, you don’t have enough paint to cover me.” Security specialist Mark Thorn didn’t mean to come off as a hard ass. As a matter of fact, he wanted nothing more than to let the tempting artist from across the hall do whatever she wanted to him and then some. But her haughty demeanor left the normally cool rider off his game.

Samara knew this was her only chance to live out her long-standing fantasy and she wasn’t going to let it slip through her fingers. She had very little time before her show was done and the pressure of her family legacy meant she would finally go through with living out her life under the umbrella of the Leighton name and its responsibilities. There would be no more downtown jaunts, lazy museum afternoons, and evenings spent lost in the magic of color and her canvases. And definitely no time spent holding tight to the muscular form of her dark rider while the horrors of her past and her cares drifted further away with each mile of road they covered.

Get a sneak peek of K.M. Jackson's Seduction's Canvas (available May 27, 2013)  with an exclusive excerpt from Chapter 2. K.M. Jackson is also known as the Heroes and Heartbreakers blogger, Kwana Minatee-Jackson.

I want to paint you. Did she really just say that? Out loud?

“Excuse me?” Sam heard the confusion in his gravelly voice — or was that amusement? Her mouth opened to a wide “O” as she felt her cheeks heat in embarrassment. After brunch with the parents could this day get any worse?

She shifted; her spine stiffening as she forced her well worn mask back into place though inwardly she shook. There was no way in hell she was addressing her earlier painting comment. Her first time speaking with her silent rider and that was what she said? Just perfect. “Sorry, I was just, um, talking to myself and, well, adjusting.”

[Continue on to read the full excerpt of Seduction's Canvas...]

Thu
May 16 2013 12:00pm

Midnight's Kiss by Donna GrantGet a sneak peek of Donna Grant’s Midnight's Kiss (available June 4, 2013), with an exclusive excerpt—and comment to help unlock a longer excerpt! 

Then, enter for a chance to win a whole set of Dark Warriors books along with a special tote bag and water bottle!*

Click here to read the excerpt! (Comment to unlock more!)

Click here to enter for a chance to win a Dark Warriors prize pack!*

DEEPER THAN DESIRE

Dr. Veronica Reid is a world-renowned archeologist whose Druid abilities help her to unearth ancient magical items. The arrival of the all-too-attractive and charismatic Arran MacCarrick puts her on the defensive when he begins to question how she really finds her artifacts…until an unknown foe attacks and Ronnie discovers that Arran has a secret as great as her own. Together, they unleash an all-consuming passion that won't be denied...

STRONGER THAN FATE

Immortal Warrior Arran is on a mission to find the spell to bind the god within him. But one look at the impossibly beautiful Ronnie and he knows there is more to her than meets the eye. With danger lurking around every corner and an undeniable hunger that grows with every kiss, Arran must reveal who he is to keep Ronnie from his nemesis. Now he is left with no choice but to fight—or fall—for the woman he loves...

[About the other books...]

Sun
May 12 2013 12:00pm
Excerpt

Lightning Rider by Jen GreysonHeiress to a time-traveling dynasty, Evy Rivera is finally claiming her birthright as a lightning rider. Problem is, she’s forced to learn alongside Constantine, a prickly, obstinate Roman warrior who constantly challenges her to be the woman he sees in her.

Thrown back into ancient Spain, Evy relies on guts and instinct to wield her lightning as a weapon and outsmart Ilif, her quasi-mentor who believes time traveling should be left to the Rivera men.

During her training, Evy and Constantine battle the push-pull of their explosive relationship, aware the 2,000-year span between their lives is an unavoidable hurdle.

Caught between a centuries-old battle rife with secrets, Evy must decide where to place her trust before the wrong history repeats itself. When the heritage her parents have suppressed mingles with the past, Evy must find answers...

Which history is the right one? And who is she becoming?

Get a sneak peek of Jen Greyson's Lightning Rider (available May 30, 2013) with an exclusive excerpt of Chapters 1 & 2.

Chapter 1

A storm is coming.

And not just the one overhead tonight. I’m about to rain one down on that jackass Nick I was dumb enough to date.

There used to be nothing higher on my “Things to Hate” list than lightning. Thanks to this stunt, Nick just catapulted to the top. Lightning makes me hurt. Nick makes me feel.

[Log in or register to read the full excerpt of Lightning Rider...]

Fri
May 10 2013 3:15pm

Styxx by Sherrilyn KenyonYesterday on her Facebook page, Sherrilyn Kenyon announced the birth of Theron, the younger brother of Sebastos and second son of Acheron and Tory.

Today, to celebrate Theron's birth, Kenyon has revealed an excerpt of Styxx that features Bas (Sebastos):

Acheron brushed his hand through his son’s blond hair while Sebastos napped on his chest. There was nothing in the world more soothing to him, and the older Bas got, the less Ash was able to understand how his family could have turned their backs on him the way they had. He’d rather have his arm cut off than to hit his son. Never mind ignore him.

And the other acts of cruelty against him...

Never. He wouldn’t be able to put his worst enemy through the horrors they’d forced him to endure.

Closing his eyes, Ash listened to Tory complaining in Greek as she graded papers in her green armchair across from him.

“I’m sure they’re paying attention in class, love.”

“Really?” She looked up with a peeved grimace. “‘Cause I never knew either of the Thebes was in Yugoslavia.”

He cringed at that mistake. “Ouch.”

You can read more at Sherrilyn Kenyon's Facebook page.

Fri
May 10 2013 12:30pm
Excerpt

How Beauty Loved the Beast by Jax GarrenIt's all been leading to this.

Jolie Benoit has become a skilled agent of the Underlight, relying on her savvy to complete assignments while Sergeant Wesley Haukon was out of commission. But an unexpected clue to the Order of Ananke's diabolical scheme rattles Jolie, and she turns to Hauk for comfort.

It's been years since Hauk took comfort from the touch of another person, though his love for Jolie is deep and powerful. Uncomfortable in his skin, scarred by a terrible fire, he is unable to give in to the pleasures that Jolie so desperately wants to grant him.

Meanwhile, the Order is lurking in the shadows—and when they strike, the blow is swift and terrible. Hauk and Jolie scramble to fight for their community, but with the future of the Underlight threatened, no one is safe. And Hauk will never be the same…

Get a sneak peek of Jax Garren's How Beauty Loved the Beast (available May 13, 2013), book 3 in the Tales of the Underlight series, with an excerpt of a specially selected scene.

The old-fashioned charm of the Underlight soothed Jolie, relieving some of the emotional armor she’d surrounded herself with during the police’s endless questioning. The Underlight was cheer and warmth in a way she’d never felt before. It made her feel jaded and yet so grateful that a place like this could exist.

Hauk returned with two mugs of coffee and slid an arm around her. She leaned in. His touch was exactly what she needed right now. “How are you holding up?” he asked.

[Log in or register to read the full excerpt of How Beauty Loved the Beast...]

Wed
May 8 2013 12:00pm

Siege and Storm by Leigh BardugoGet a sneak peek of Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone sequel—Book 2 in the Grisha Trilogy—Siege and Storm (available June 4, 2013), with an exclusive excerpt. Plus, enter for a chance to win a copy!*

Click here to read the excerpt!

Click here to enter for a chance to win!

Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can't outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling's game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her—or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. You must be 18 or older and a legal resident of the 50 United States or D.C. to enter. Promotion begins May 8, 2013, at 12 pm ET, and ends May 15, 2013, 11:59 am ET. Void in Puerto Rico and wherever prohibited by law. Click here for details and official rules.

Tue
May 7 2013 9:42am

Entwined with You by Sylvia DaySylvia Day has just posted the first chapter to the next installment of her Crossfire series, Entwined with You, on her website. Here's a snippet of the excerpt:

New York cabbies were a unique breed. Fearless to a fault, they sped and swerved through crowded streets with unnatural calm. To save my sanity, I’d learned to focus on the screen of my smartphone instead of the cars rushing by only inches away. Whenever I made the mistake of paying attention, I’d find my right foot pushing hard into the floorboard, my body instinctively trying to hit the brakes.

But for once, I didn’t need any distractions. I was sticky with sweat from an intense Krav Maga class, and my mind was spinning with thoughts of what the man I loved had done.

Gideon Cross. Just thinking of his name sent a heated flare of longing through my tightly strung body. From the moment I first saw him–saw through his stunning and impossibly gorgeous exterior to the dark and dangerous man inside–I’d felt the pull that came from finding the other half of myself. I needed him like I needed my heart to beat, and he’d put himself in great jeopardy, risking everything–for me.

You can read the rest of Chapter 1 at Sylvia's website. Entwined with You will be released June 4, and continues the Gideon/Eva romance begun in Bared to You and Reflected in You.

And if you haven't heard, it's rumored that the Crossfire Trilogy will in fact become the Crossfire series—Day has allegedly said there are actually FIVE books planned for Gideon and Eva. For all our Sylvia Day coverage and more erotic romance posts, check out H&H's NSFW Collection.

Mon
May 6 2013 3:00pm
Excerpt
Olivia Drake

The infamous Laura Falkner has returned to Regency London society in disguise. Determined to clear her father’s name, she becomes a companion to elderly Lady Josephine—only to learn the woman’s nephew is none other than Alexander Ross, the devilish Earl of Copley, the man Laura once loved with all her heart.  The same man who’d accused her father of theft and forced them to flee England.  

Alex has never forgotten Laura—or forgiven himself for letting her go. Today, Laura is as lovely—and stubborn—as ever, and her attempts at crime-solving are putting her in danger. The only way Alex can keep her safe is to marry her. But how can this notorious rake convince Laura that his heart is true…before the clock strikes twelve?

Get a sneak peek of Olivia Drake's Stroke of Midnight (available June 4, 2013) with an excerpt of Chapters 1 & 2.

The London Gazette, 5 April 1838

On this day ten years ago, a terrible crime was perpetrated upon Her Grace, the Duchess of Knowles. In the dark of night, whilst Her Grace attended a soiree in Mayfair, a robber crept into her mansion in Grosvenor Square and purloined several valuables from her private chambers. The most spectacular of these was a necklace containing the Blue Moon diamond, a gemstone so large and perfect that it is priceless, for none other like it exists in the world.

[Log in or register to read the full excerpt of Stroke of Midnight...]

Fri
May 3 2013 12:00pm
Excerpt
Allison Brennan

Stolen by Allison Brennan

Nothing is more important to private investigator Sean Rogan than his relationship with FBI trainee Lucy Kincaid. But when his past catches up with him, Sean faces an ultimatum: clear his name and help the FBI take down a rogue agent, or go to prison and lose everything he holds dear. With only Agent Noah Armstrong as his back-up and forced to keep Lucy in the dark, Sean steps back into his old world. But the longer he’s undercover, the more dangerous the game becomes. More than Sean’s future with Lucy is at stake—so is his life.

Lucy can’t imagine Sean would keep secrets from her—until an FBI agent casts doubt about who he really is…and who he used to be. Why did Sean quit his job with his brother and move to New York? Why hasn’t he told her anything about his new job? With more questions than answers, Lucy doesn’t know who to believe or who she can trust. All she knows is that Sean is in grave danger, and this time, it’s personal.

Get a sneek peak of Allison Brennan's Stolen (available June 6, 2013)  with this exclusive excerpt!

Lucy decided to go to the source and called her friend Special Agent Suzanne Madeaux in the New York City office. She trusted Suzanne to be discreet.

After they had exchanged pleasantries, Lucy said, “I need a favor, and I need complete confidentiality. If you can’t help me, I understand. I don’t want you to get in any trouble.”

Suzanne laughed. “Where you go, trouble follows.”

Lucy didn’t see the humor. “I’m serious.”

“Lucy, we’re friends. Lighten up.”

“It’s complicated, and I don’t—”

“Just ask.”

[Continue on to read the exclusive excerpt of Stolen...]

Tue
Apr 30 2013 12:30pm
Excerpt
Cat Devon

Meet Daniella Delaney. She’s all ready to open her shop, Heavenly Cupcakes, in one of Chicago’s sleepier districts. But she’s having a hard time convincing the local business association—namely Nick St. George—that she’s a good addition to the neighborhood. Daniella hopes that her famous red velvet cupcakes will be enough to melt any man’s heart. But Nick is no ordinary man.He’s got fangs.

As leader of the Vamptown clan, Nick has no intention of letting Daniella breathe new life into his old haunts. But something about her leaves Nick hungry…for more. He can’t control her mind like other humans, a trait that makes Daniella irresistible. Could it be that, for the first time in centuries, Nick has met his match? Love is always a force to be reckoned with. But can this vampire have his cake and eat it too?

Get a sneak peek of Cat Devon's Sleeping with the Entity (available June 4, 2013) with an exclusive excerpt of Chapters 1 & 2.

Chapter 1

“All the good men are taken,” Daniella Delaney said. “The rest are vampires.”

As soon as she spoke the words into her iPhone, the hairs at the back of her neck prickled and a shiver slid down her spine. They really had the air-conditioning cranked up in this Chicago bar and grill. The place was almost as cold as her pink fridge back home. Sure, it was a warm Indian summer October day outside, but come on.

[Log in or register to read the full excerpt of Sleeping with the Entity...]

Sun
Apr 28 2013 12:00pm
Excerpt
Kat Martin

Against the Edge by Kat Martin

A child he's never met. A danger he's never known.

That he's a father is news former navy SEAL Ben Slocum was not expecting. But once the initial shock wears off for the confirmed bachelor, he takes in the rest of what social worker Claire Chastain tells him: that his son is missing, abducted by a man who wants revenge against Claire and Sam's dead mother. And that Ben is now the child's only hope.

As Ben and Claire band together to track the two down, their concern for Sam draws them closer, each fighting feelings there's no time to explore. Because when their search takes them too close to Sam's abductor and his cohorts, the danger hits home—the son he's desperate to save, the woman he's desperate to love…. Ben's got one chance to take back what's his, and in one gunshot he could lose it all.

Get a sneak peek of Kat Martin's Against the Edge (available April 30, 2013) with an excerpt of Chapter 1.


Chapter 1

Houston, Texas

His head was pounding.  Too much Jack Daniels last night.  When Ben Slocum pulled his big black SUV into the driveway in front of his garage, the only thing on his mind was getting a couple hours of sleep. 

Reaching up to hit the garage door opener on his visor, he spotted a silver Buick with Hertz rental plates parked in front of the house.  His gaze swung to the porch where a woman in a conservative yellow business suit stood rapping on his door.

[Log in or register to read the full excerpt of Against the Edge...]

Fri
Apr 26 2013 12:00pm
Excerpt

Of Triton by Anna BanksEmma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm. Syrena law states all Half-Breeds should be put to death.

As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance in the Syrena world turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known?

Get a sneak peek of Anna Banks's Of Triton (available May 28, 2013) with an excerpt of a selected scene.

It’s one of those moments where life seems to pause, and the universe opens its mouth and vomits comprehension on you. It’s not knowledge, not cold hard facts that you can talk about in casual conversation, like we did in the motel room, surrounded by Galen and Rayna and Toraf. People who I’d already accepted could sprout a fin. Sure we’d talked about Mom being one of those people, too. But until now, until this, I guess I didn’t re­ally believe it.

[Log in or register to read the full excerpt of Of Triton...]

Tue
Apr 23 2013 12:30pm
Excerpt

Midnight Temptations with a Forbidden Lord by Tiffany ClareTristan Bradley, the notorious Marquess of Castleigh, is a danger to any woman’s reputation. Devastatingly handsome and devilishly seductive, he delights in the challenge of a lovely new conquest—especially when she’s engaged to a man he despises. But when this particular young lady asks him to dance, Tristan realizes he may not be the only one playing a game.

Defiantly bold and disarmingly beautiful, Lady Charlotte Lindsey will do anything to break free from her loathsome fiancé—even destroy her good name to do it. What better way to seal the deal than a tryst with Lord Tristan, who’s led many a girl to ruin? But when Charlotte looks into his eyes—and Tristan takes her in his arms—all of their schemes melt away...because the heart has a plan of its own.

Get a sneak peek of Tiffany Clare's Midnight Temptations with a Forbidden Lord (available April 30, 2013) with an excerpt from Chapters 1 & 2.

Chapter 1

Dashing looks, an old-blooded title, and an annual income that could feed the whole country are all attributes considered well worthy of marriage. It amazes this writer that those in possession of all three qualities are often the most jaded pleasure seekers in society, and often the most dangerous for a young lady of marriageable age to dare court.

—The Mayfair Chronicles, May 26, 1846

London

If anyone were to guess what wickedness was going through Lady Charlotte Lindsey’s mind, they’d usher her away from the ball and lock her in a room where she could cause no trouble to anyone, including herself. Thank goodness her thoughts were her own. Because the very moment society’s biggest rogue strode into the ballroom, her plan moved from imagination to reality.

[Log in or register to read the full excerpt of Midnight Temptations with a Forbidden Lord...]

Mon
Apr 22 2013 2:00pm
Excerpt
Bec McMaster

Heart of Iron by Bec McMasterDangerous. Unpredictable. That's how people know the hulking Will Carver. And those who don't like pretty words just call him The Beat. No matter how hard Will works to suppress his werewulfen side, certain things drive him beyond all control. And saucy Miss Lena Todd tops the list.

Lena makes the perfect spy against the ruling Echelon blue bloods. No one suspects that under the appearance of flirtatious debutante lies a heart of iron. Not even the ruthless Will Carver, the one man she can't wrap around her finger and the one man whose kiss she can never forget. He's supposed to be protecting her, but he might just be her biggest threat yet...

Get a sneak peek of Bec McMaster's Heart of Iron (available May 7, 2013) with an exclusive excerpt of a selected scene.


“Tell me,” Lena murmured. “How does a debutante demonstrate her availability as a potential thrall?”

“Ain’t the foggiest," Will replied.

Dragging her skirts behind her, Lena stood and crossed to the cherry bowl, adding an extra little swish to her stride. Picking up the gilded bowl, she settled back beside him, her emerald skirts brushing his thighs. It was finer than what she usually wore for day dress, but he would never know that.

[Log in or register to read the full excerpt of Heart of Iron...]

Sat
Apr 20 2013 12:00pm
Excerpt

Dark Days by Caitlin Kittredge

Jack Winter and his girlfriend Pete Caldecott have encountered a lot of strange creatures in the Black—primordial demons, hungry ghosts, witch hunters, and the Prince of Hell himself, Belial. When Belial asks Jack for one last favor to help him keep his throne, Jack may have finally met his match because Belial's rival is something that no one—human or demon—has ever seen before…

There’s a revolution brewing in Hell, and Jack might be the only one who can stop Belial’s rival from ripping a hole between the Black and the mortal world—a catastrophe that could be worse than Armageddon. But to win, Jack will have to do the one thing he swore he never would: become a servant to the Morrigan, and risk losing everything he knows and loves…including Pete.

Get a sneak peek of Caitlin Kittredge's Dark Days (available April 30, 2013) with an excerpt from Chapters 1 & 2.

Chapter 1

Everything tastes like ashes. The air above London is black no matter the time of day, smoke billowing from the burning districts south of the Thames. Si­rens scream, echoing from building to building. People scream as hungry things chase them through the street, now the graveyard of cars long abandoned.

Not all people are victims. Some roam the darker, narrower parts of the city in packs, falling on man and creature alike.

[Log in or register to read the full excerpt of Dark Days...]

Mon
Apr 15 2013 12:00pm

A Wedding in Springtime by Amanda ForesterGet a sneak peek of Amanda Forester’s new, A Wedding in Springtime (available May 7, 2013), with an exclusive excerpt. Plus, enter for a chance to win a copy!*

Click here to read the excerpt!

Click here to enter for a chance to win!

Five minutes into Miss Eugenia Talbot's presentation at court, notorious rogue Mr. William Grant made her laugh, ruining her debut. To hush up the scandal, Eugenia's aunt hires a matchmaker to quickly find a suitor—anyone except the infamous William Grant—to help restore Eugenia's reputation. But amiable Eugenia shows a disturbing tendency to follow her heart, and is again caught in the company of notorious Grant. When a traitor creeps closer, threatening to ruin more than just Eugenia's reputation, her kindheartedness may be her ultimate undoing...

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. You must be 18 or older and a legal resident of the 50 United States or D.C. to enter. Promotion begins April 15, 2013, at 12 pm ET, and ends April 22, 2013, 11:59 am ET. Void in Puerto Rico and wherever prohibited by law. Click here for details and official rules.

Fri
Apr 12 2013 12:00pm
Excerpt
Samantha Young

Down London Road by Samantha Young

Johanna Walker is used to taking charge. But she’s about to meet someone who will make her lose control....

It has always been up to Johanna to care for her family, particularly her younger brother, Cole. With an absent father and a useless mother, she’s been making decisions based on what’s best for Cole for as long as she can remember. She even determines what men to date by how much they can provide for her brother and her, not on whatever sparks may—or may not—fly.

But with Cameron MacCabe, the attraction is undeniable. The sexy new bartender at work gives her butterflies every time she looks at him. And for once, Jo is tempted to put her needs first. Cam is just as obsessed with getting to know Jo, but her walls are too solid to let him get close enough to even try.

Then Cam moves into the flat below Jo’s, and their blistering connection becomes impossible to ignore. Especially since Cam is determined to uncover all of Jo’s secrets…even if it means taking apart her defenses piece by piece.

Get a sneak peek of Samantha Young's Down London Road (available May 7, 2013) with an excerpt of a selected scene. Once you're done reading, comment below to be entered for a chance to win one of five copies of the book!

Cam sighed but gave in. “Fine. You want a cup of tea?”

I nodded and followed him into his kitchen, trying to keep my eyes on anything but his muscled shoulders and tight ass. I didn’t try very hard.

Standing by his kitchen counter, I was lost in thought about the evening ahead of us as Cam made the tea and coffee, when I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. I glanced toward it and nearly had full-on heart failure at the size of the spider clinging to Cam’s kitchen tiles.

[Log in or register to read the full excerpt of Down London Road...]

Wed
Apr 10 2013 9:30am
Excerpt
Fay Weldon

As 1901 comes to an end, there is much to be grateful for: The Dilberne fortune has been restored, and the grand Dilberne Court, with its one hundred rooms, has been saved. Lord Robert's son, Arthur, is happily married to Chicago heiress, Minnie, who is pregnant and trying to come to terms with her new role as lady of the manor, and her charming but controlling mother-in-law, Lady Isobel. As Lord Robert and Lady Isobel get caught up in the preparations of the coronation of Edward VII, they debate the future of their recently orphaned niece, Adela. Isobel and Minnie want to take her in; Robert and Arthur do not. While they argue, Adela runs away and joins a travelling group of spiritualists and has a life-saving run-in with the king.  With Long Live the King, Fay Weldon continues the magnificent trilogy that began with Habits of the House. As the award-winning writer for the pilot episode of the original Upstairs Downstairs, Weldon brings her deservedly famous wit and insight to this novel of love and desire, morals and manners.

Get a sneak peek of Fay Weldon's Long Live the King (available May 7, 2013), sequel to Habits of the House, with an excerpt of a selected scene. The third book in the series, The New Countess, will be available in December 2013.
 

Ivy’s Sweetheart

Ivy had gone round to the cottage opposite Swaley’s Farm and handed her mother the parcel. It was only sensible and hardly stealing. At least it had not been burned and a parcel destined for Adela was not going to end up anyhow with the poor of the parish, more likely in the wardrobe of some deserving relative of the Lady Superintendent. She was right about the parcel: it contained a truly fancy and expensive piece of clothing, a young girl’s nicely made red silk velvet dress, ankle length, with a pink lace collar and crimson satin ribbons, with good seams for letting out, tiny hand-stitching and of very good quality indeed. Her mother reckoned it would fetch at least ten shillings if not more on her Saturday stall. Doreen could get the thatch mended, or at least a start made on it. Ivy wrenched a smile or two out of her mother on the strength of it.

[Continue on to read the full excerpt of Long Live the King...]

Mon
Apr 8 2013 4:30pm
Excerpt

Homecoming by Lacey BakerDr. Quinn Cantrell made a life for himself in Seattle when he left behind his picturesque hometown—and the unhappy memories of a relationship that ended tragically. His grandmother’s death is an unexpected blow, but there are even more surprises waiting—including a mischievous puppy, a reunion with his far-flung siblings, and an old acquaintance who’s grown into a gorgeous and capable woman.

Nikki Brockington was proud of the work she’d done at The Silver Spoon, and when the Cantrells leave its management in her care, she’s happy to take on the responsibility. But keeping the inn and its restaurant profitable isn’t her only challenge—not when she can’t stop thinking about Quinn, who reminds her that home is more than a place. It’s who you love...

Get a sneak peek of Lacey Baker's Homecoming (available April 30, 2013) with an excerpt from Chapters 1 & 2.

 

Chapter 1

There wasn’t a damned thing funny, at least Nikki didn’t think so. Hoover King and his band of jolly old men thought it was absolutely hilarious, despite the fact that this was the repast for one of the town’s finest citizens. She had some choice words for them in that regard, too, but held her tongue. Don’t be rude to the guests. That was one of the first rules to be learned in the hospitality business.

How about when said guest grabs your butt? Is it okay to be rude then?

[Log in or register to read the full excerpt of Homecoming...]

Fri
Apr 5 2013 12:00pm
Excerpt

Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan’s mission is to bring closure to the families whose loved ones have vanished.  She knows their anguish—her own beloved daughter, Bonnie, was taken from her when Bonnie was just seven years old.  It is only recently that this mystery was resolved and Eve could begin her journey to peace.  Now, Jim Doane wants the same kind of answers that Eve always longed for.  His twenty-five-year old son may or may not be dead and he has only burned skull fragments as possible evidence.  But he cannot go to the police for answers without risking his own secrets and dark past, so instead he chooses a bold step to find the truth—a truth that takes Eve down a twisted path of madness and evil and into the darkest heart of her own history.  Doane needs Eve Duncan’s skills and he’ll do anything to get them. 

Even if it means taking Eve.

Get a sneak peek of Iris Johansen's Taking Eve (available April 16, 2013) with a selected scene featuring Eve's adopted daughter Jane and Jane's ex-lover, Seth Caleb.


San Juan, Puerto Rico

Jane turned to see Seth Caleb coming toward her across the tarmac. His silver-threaded dark hair was ruffled by the wind and he was dressed in jeans and a leather flight jacket and he should have looked casual, even unobtrusive. But Caleb never appeared unobtrusive no matter what he wore. He was always high-impact. His high cheekbones and deep-set dark eyes drew the attention and kept it focused. He radiated magnetism and charisma that was impossible to ignore. “Good. Did you check on Toby?”

“Resting quietly.” He glanced at her phone. “How did Eve take the news? She loves Toby, too, doesn’t she?”

“Of course. She would have jumped on the next plane if I’d asked her. I told her to stay home, that I’d bring Toby to her.” Her hands clenched into fists at her sides. “And that’s what I’ll do. Just get me to that island.”

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