Teaser Tuesday! ‘Tower’ by Measha Stone

Some of the reviews of Just Breathe have just made my heart glow so much. Gahhh! Everyone is loving the ‘Just Breathe’ anthology and the reviews are just everything.  I loved working with the other authors, I loved writing ‘Cocoon’, and I have loved the support we have had since the release.  Thank you all!

This week I wanted to bring you a story from one of my great friends, Measha Stone. She had a release and I didn’t promo it because of the stories in ‘Just Breathe’, so I need to fix that! Take a look at ‘Tower’ and just see if you can stop yourself from #oneclicking.

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Tower

I took Azalea from her tower. She didn’t come willingly, but she’s not going anywhere. She’s staying right where I have her. No matter her demands for freedom.

Azalea thinks the world outside is full of wonder and beauty. She has no clue about the danger that lurks within every shadow. And hell if I don’t want to keep her from finding out.

She’s sheltered but not stupid- and damn is she gorgeous. That long stark blonde hair and those crystal blue eyes- hits me in the gut every time I look at her.

The fire in her spirit only makes me crave her more.  But, there’s secrets in her world. Secrets I intend to uncover and protect her from.

What’s not a secret?  Azalea will belong to me.

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Excerpt

“I can’t let you take her.” Santos trod forward, more of a plea for understanding than a threat, but Daniel yanked his gun out and trained it on him.

“You don’t let us do anything, you asshole. She’s coming with us. Whatever your issues with that-—are yours, and I don’t give a flying fuck.”

Peter walked behind Daniel and gave Travis and Johnny a nod. They’d stand down unless Daniel needed help, which he wouldn’t.

“I’m not going with you,” Azalea said in a demanding voice. He cupped her elbow, but she yanked free and jumped back. “I’m not going.”

Peter strode closer to her, and when she retreated, he stepped again, walking her back against the wall. Leaning in closer, he inhaled her scent. The freshly washed, sweet scent of the innocent woman he was going to corrupt.

“Rule one, you don’t tell me what you will and won’t do.” He grabbed her chin, pressing his fingers into her face until she winced. “You are coming with me. And you won’t give me any fucking trouble, or what you saw at Tower the other night will be the tip of the iceberg for you when we get home.”

Her eyes widened at his promise.

“You don’t fucking understand,” Santos said, panic lacing his words. “You can’t fucking take her.”

“Too late.” Moving his hand from her face to her arm, Peter gripped her bicep and walked to the front door, dragging her along.

“No.” She pulled back, but he didn’t stop. He intensified his grip and yanked her along the way. “No! Peter! No!” she yelled and smacked at his hand.

Fear embedded her demands to be let go. Poor girl didn’t realize how much more that made him want her.

When he got to his car, he pulled his gun back out and pressed it against her back until she stopped fighting him. “Get in the car, Azalea. If you get back out, if you run, you will regret it. I will keep you safe, but you have to fucking listen to me. Any deviation from my directions, and you’ll find out the consequences.”

“Safe?” she hissed. “You’re kidnapping me!” she yelled into the chilled wind of the night.

Peter glanced around. No crowd had formed, but if she kept up her fit, the neighbors would come to investigate.

“Don’t make me gag you. Get in the fucking car.”

“No.” She shook her head and tugged again. “Fuck you.” She spat at him, missing his face but getting his shoulder.

“Not on your first night. But if you’re really good, maybe tomorrow.” He pulled away from her, pushing the barrel of his gun into her back. She stilled, but it wasn’t enough. She’d spat at him!

He yanked on her dress, a flimsy cotton thing, until her ass was exposed. Round, pert…fucking perfect.

“Peter.” She didn’t yell this time, probably not wanting to draw attention to them now that her ass was on display to the neighborhood.

He brought his left hand back and landed it on her ass three times in a row, same spot, same severity, eliciting the same muffled screech from her with each one. The darkness of the night, and the cotton panties she wore hid the blush of her ass from him, but he knew it was there. Knew the heat had been created. She stopped struggling.

“Get in, Azalea, or do you need more motivation?”

“No.”

He hadn’t hurt her, not really. She was probably shocked that he’d done it. Hell, he was a little surprised, too. Middle of the street, in the middle of getting her out of that house while his men were still dealing with Santos, but it needed to be done.

She’d be feeling a hell of a lot more if she didn’t cooperate soon.

He yanked the door open. “You keep that dress up at your hips. I want your spanked ass on the seat,” he ordered


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Isn’t that just HOT?  Measha Stone’s dark, twisted, and fucking HOT version of Rapunzel is totally #oneclick worthy. I loved the interaction and buildup between Azalea and Peter, the dark and twisty is right up my alley, and the chemistry is super hot.

Amazon: 1-click it now!

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Want more of Measha Stone?

Measha Stone is an international bestselling author of erotic romance. She’s had #1 top-selling books in BDSM, and suspense. She lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with her husband and children, who are just as creative and crazy as her. Her vanilla writing has been published in numerous literary magazines, but she’s found her passion in erotic romance.

Stay up to date on her latest releases, get a sneak peek at current projects, and exclusive glimpses at deleted scenes! Just sign up for her newsletter, and earn a free book, too! http://bit.ly/2B7buwt

Teaser Thursday! ‘Tattered Pieces’ by Dani René

Have you #oneclicked the Just Breathe anthology yet? It is selling very well, which makes my heart sing because I love that it is for charity.  To close out the last of the teasers from the Just Breathe anthology, this week I am bringing you ‘Tattered Pieces’ by Dani René.

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Tattered Pieces

I ran to save my life. I escaped the arms of a monster and ended up in a place that offered to shelter me from harm. But in this sanctuary, I find him. A man ink adorning every inch of skin that the eye can see. He intrigues me, but after my tumultuous past, I can’t get involved with anyone.

Trust is something I cannot give freely, but he makes me wonder if he’s worthy.

I’ve lived a life without rules. Being part of the Fallen Saints MC has allowed me to find a family I never thought I’d have. But when a mistake lands me in her path, I believe she’s been put there for a reason. A beauty with snow white hair, and the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen. But there’s something lurking in those depths, and I am adamant on finding out what it is.

Love is something I may not be able to offer, but I can give her protection. The question is, would she accept it?


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Teaser

Time stills.

Moments pass.

But there’s no peace.

The tension that coils in my stomach is a serpent, readying its attack on my body. I watch his chest rise and fall from the corner where I’ve been huddled up. I don’t move. I can’t. The agony has riddled me motionless. It’s easier to hide.

His form is peaceful, but it’s a lie. There’s no peace when the slightest movement can bring war. He breathes — in and out — until those black lashes flutter open and his dark eyes pin me to the spot. It’s as if he’s someone else. And I believe he’s been overtaken by an alien force rather than admit he’s the man I love.

His legs swing over the edge of the sofa. He doesn’t speak, because silence is more terrifying than the vile words he utters. He doesn’t see me, I’m nothing, but something all at the same time. I’m his solace, I’m his frustration, and as I watch him move about the room, I know I’ll soon be his punching bag.

Guilt weighs on me.

Sadness grips my heart.

And with each day that passes, I know no matter how many times the words “I’m sorry” pass those lips, it will never be enough. Because in the same breath, he hisses, “You’re a stupid whore.”

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Now that Cocoon is in your hands, I can tell you that I may have just finished a quick little story that *may* make your kindle require a nightlight. I have a surprise coming very shortly, lovelies, stay tuned and be ready because it is VERY dark!

Amazon: 1-Click now!

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Want more of Dani René

A fan of dark romance that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. It’s from this passion that her writing has evolved from sweet and romantic, to dark and delicious. It’s in this world she’s found her calling, growing from strength to strength and hitting her stride.

On a daily basis, she has a few hundred characters, storylines, and ideas floating around in her head. From the feisty heroines she delivers to the dark, dominant alphas that grace the pages of her books, she promises light in a world filled with danger and darkness.

She has a healthy addiction to reading, tv series, music, tattoos, chocolate, and ice cream.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/danireneauthor
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Teaser Thursday! ‘Ashes to Ashes’ by Natalie Bennett

Just Breathe releases on Monday, lovelies!  Words are flowing, wine is flowing, things may be okay for now.  I wanted to drop this off for you because it sounds SO GOOD and I can’t wait to dive into Natalie Bennett’s story.

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Ashes to Ashes

I was ashes. He was dust. We forged a blood pact over angels made of snow. It was stronger than a vow and deeper than a promise. Where one went, the other swore to follow. We were always supposed to be together. What we had was greater than love. It was gratitude, trust, and vulnerability. No barriers, no secrets. Just him and I. I thought he’d make me whole. He only left me broken.

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Excerpt

Sometimes it felt like too much. Too much sadness, but not just sadness.

No, It was so much more than that. It was too much anger. Too much disappointment. Too much feeling like an unwelcome stranger inside my own body. Too many highs to crash and burn because of miniscule speed-bumps that everyone else dealt with just fine.

Even worse was the inability to talk to anyone about it because no one ever understood.

So I hid it behind smiles, beneath pretty dresses, make-up that I loathed, and in the bloody cuts, he used to create on my thighs. Looking back at my twenty-two years through a microscopic lens had me laying blame on my crack-whore of a grandmother’s doorstep.

I didn’t know who my actual mom was and my father was just some random guy who didn’t wrap his dick up. I’m not sure if he knew I existed and I no longer had the energy to care. I just wished someone would have taken the time to get me help before I became…this.

I was at a point where I no longer cared to hide the wreckage inside me. The night before I’d gone to bed praying for death.

So why was I wide awake? For a moment I was confused, but then reality quickly honed in.

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This is your last chance to pick up Just Breathe at the special preorder price, it will go up on release day.  If you haven’t joined me in my Dark Haven on Facebook, hop over and see if you can help me out with my book. I posted a question on ‘Inheritance’ and I want your feedback!

Amazon: Preorder now!

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Want more of Natalie Bennett?

Natalie Bennett is your average socially awkward author that turns her spontaneous head ramblings into stories. She has a penchant for writing about villainous immoral men, crazed anti-heroines, and tends to deviate away from traditional HEA’s. She likes chocolate, Netflix, and Prickly Pear Margaritas.  When she isn’t writing she’s hanging out with her husband and their three (adorable) spawns.

Teaser Tuesday! ‘Forbidden Sorrows’ by Missy Ann

Can you believe Just Breathe releases in just one week!? I am quite excited over this, I can’t wait for you to get your hands on Cocoon.  This week I wanted to bring you a short excerpt from Missy Ann, with her story Forbidden Sorrows in the Just Breathe Anthology.

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Forbidden Sorrows

Grief strikes hard, with each blow harder than the last. It’s like I’m drowning, burning alive but the most painful is when I’m numb. Don’t tell me everything is going to okay, that’s the last thing I want to hear because nothing will be again. All I want is for it to all go away so I can hide behind my forbidden sorrows.

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Excerpt

Waiting is the easiest and hardest thing I have ever had to do. My emotions are at war. I’m petrified of what might happen next, but worry for Milo’s safety keeps me from losing control.

I constantly check my phone, hoping for a message or any type of contact from Milo.

Father, please let him be safe.

One hand grips my phone and the other rhythmically squeezes my thigh. The kids around me act similarly. Some students hunch over, eyes still focusing on the doorway. Others curl in the fetal position with their hands covering their head, trying to block out what is going on around them. Friends huddle together under desks, arms wrapped tightly around each other. Tension fills the air.

Our lives are in a state of suspended animation as we wait to be rescued. It seems like hours have come and gone before police covered head to toe in riot gear rush in to secure the room and then start leading us out.

 

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Don’t forget the price of Just Breathe goes up on release day, so preorder your copy and feel good about yourself. 100% of all proceeds goes to To Write Love On Her Arms, a nonprofit that helps fight against and support people with mental illnesses.

Amazon: Preorder now!

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Want more of Missy Ann?

I’m a firm believer that it’s not about the happily ever after at the end but, the emotional journey that takes you there. I’m a new contemporary romance author who is ready to pull at your heartstrings.

I live in Kentucky (Go CATS!) with my husband and two boys. We love basketball and MMA.

Teaser Thursday! ‘Purged’ by Livia Grant

I have successfully edited TWO books, lovelies, and author brain is slowly starting to function again. I don’t have much time but got this from one of my best friends, Livia Grant, and could not WAIT to share it with you!  If you have read Black Light: Rescued or Black Light: Valentine Roulette you know these characters, ‘Purged’ is a short story about Khloe and Ryder.

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Purged

Khloe finally has it all, good friends, a successful acting career, a Dom who loves her, and a bright future ahead of her. Despite that, when old insecurities arise after she is turned down for a role, Khloe falls back into old habits that lead down a dark and potentially dangerous path. If she can just hurry up, she can achieve her goal weight by the time anyone finds out. Because stopping is always the easy part, right?

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Excerpt

“Don’t say it. I’m perfect for this role. Nothing you are going to say to me will convince me otherwise.”

“It’s not that simple,” Edward asserted.

Before he could continue, she retorted, “Of course it is. I’ve earned this role, Edward, and you know it. The first two projects we did together were box-office mega hits as well as raking in numerous award nominations. I’m a proven commodity for you, Edward.”

Khloe hated the desperation she heard creeping into her voice. She had started to let the success and fame go to her head. She had forgotten what it felt like to have to fight for every role like she had just a few short years before.

Edward reached out to place his hand over hers on the table, patting her as if to placate a child. She resisted the urge to rip her hand away.

“I couldn’t be happier with your performance in the last two films we worked on together, Khloe, I am sure we’ll work together again, but we just don’t feel you’re right for the Margot role.”

“Why not? What is it you think I can’t bring to the part?” She wasn’t going to give up without a fight.

Edward nodded towards the director. Khloe turned to pin him with an expectant glare as she waited for him to answer.

“You’re too perfect. Margot is way too flawed for you to play convincingly.”

“That’s bullshit. Stop with the backhanded compliments. I’m an actress, not a model. You pay me to portray a character. I am the perfect person for this role.”

The director finally looked her directly in the eye. “I disagree. I don’t think you can pull it off. She is a tormented character who will need to sink into despair, ravaged by drugs and will…” he paused before adding, “waste away to nothing before she finally pulls herself up from near death.”

“And you think that level isn’t in my range as an actress?” she pressed him.

“What I think is that your body won’t be able to handle the strenuous trials I’m going to need to put Margot through.”

Her heart was pounding so hard, she could feel the beat in her ears as she tried to understand what he was saying.

“I resent that.” She turned, pinning Edward and adding, “Tell him Edward. Both Dirty Business and Smuggled Dreams were physically demanding roles.”

It was Angie who answered from across the table. “This role is different. I think what Charles is saying is that…”

Khloe cut her off. “Don’t forget, you work for me, Angie. You’re supposed to be convincing them there is no one better for this role, remember?”

The man in the three-piece suit who had been sitting silently finally spoke. “Your medical history has eliminated you from the running, Ms. Monroe.”

The small amount of food in her stomach threatened to make an appearance as the ringing in her ears got louder. A red-hot anger flared inside her. She had warned Ryder that all of the fucking weight he had made her gain was going to cost her jobs and how right she had been.

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I have a couple more excerpts to share from this anthology, I can’t wait to start reading this book. It is HUGE but it is for SUCH a good cause and it has so many good authors in it!

Amazon: Preorder now!

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Want more Livia Grant?

USA Today bestselling author Livia Grant lives in Chicago with her husband and furry rescue dog named Max. She is fortunate to have been able to travel extensively and as much as she loves to visit places around the globe, the Midwest and its changing seasons will always be home. Livia’s readers appreciate her riveting stories filled with deep, character driven plots, often spiced with elements of BDSM.

Teaser Thursday! ‘Hostile Takeover’ by Murphy Wallace

I finally saw the cover of Just Breathe and I am so excited, it looks so good.  It also looks so innocent compared to the stories, but that is what makes it fun, right?  Haaa!  Today I wanted to give you a short excerpt from Murphy Wallace’s story, ‘Hostile Takeover’ so you could see just how not-innocent the stories actually are.

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Just Breathe

From Ashes to Ashes, and dusk to dusk, there are those that Cocoon themselves in the Little Lies they tell.

When the Wreckage keeps them Awake at night, they see the Sickness In The Sunrise. They Ignite everything in their path.

When their minds run through the Unbearable and Forbidden Sorrows. Until one day they find the thing that keeps them Grounded.

All while others feel the Hostile Takeover of their lives. The constant Loops and The Rows of Tattered Pieces and fragments that plague them. Sometimes those can’t be Purged driving them to the Edge of Madness.

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Excerpt from Hostile Takeover

I saw red. Yes, I flew into a rage. I was angry, but can you really blame me?

He wasn’t playing me when he said that he was into me.

We had a connection. We were made for one another. I was out for once. Free.

And then all of the attention was back on him. Like it always is.

I couldn’t take it anymore. I should have shot him that night instead, but I wasn’t strong enough.

Saying goodbye to him wouldn’t work out well for me.

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I can’t wait for everyone to read these stories, each one deals with a different mental illness or disorder and it is so heartbreaking to know people deal with this so regularly.  I can’t wait for you to get your hands on this anthology, stay tuned as I should have preorder links on Tuesday!

Add to your TBR on Goodreads

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Want to know more about Murphy Wallace?

Murphy Wallace, though a new author on the scene, has always had a deep appreciation for the written word. She started writing at a young age after discovering that the most amazingly beautiful art forms just by stringing words and sentences together. She never thought that she would be publishing a novel one day and she’s still in complete shock over it.

When she isn’t writing she’s most likely fallen down the internet rabbit-hole, searching for new images and videos of model Stephen James.

She doesn’t watch much TV but she can sit and watch Shameless for hours; sometimes days.

Murphy recently relocated to Florida with her husband, who doubles as her best friend, and their two boys. She has a cat named Maisy who is her constant writing partner.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/murphywallaceauthor
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Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Murphy-Wallace/e/B07CRT7YSG