NEW RELEASE, GIVEAWAY, REVIEW, EXCERPT & SEXY TRAILER ~ A Stone in the Sea by A. L. Jackson

A STONE IN THE SEA

He wanted nothing at all…

Until he found she had everything to give…

Sunder lead singer and guitarist Sebastian Stone has everything—fans, fame, and fortune. He also has a heart full of bitterness and a reputation for a short-fused temper. But an outward reputation rarely reveals the true man inside. Facing assault charges after trying to protect his younger brother, Sebastian is sent to Savannah, Georgia to lie low until the dust settles in L.A.

Shea Bentley is beautiful, kind, and hiding from the very lifestyle Sebastian has always embraced.

When the mysterious, tattooed stranger begins hanging out at the bar where she works, Shea is quick to recognize he is nothing but trouble, but she's helpless to the way her body lights up every time his intense gray eyes tangle with hers.

They both soon find themselves drowning in a sea of desire and passion that won’t let them up for air.

Sebastian knows firsthand secrets never die, and he’s not the only one who’s hiding them.

Loving someone always comes with a price. But will it be Shea’s past that costs them everything?

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
iBooks US | iBooks AU | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

MY REVIEW

A.L. Jackson has long been a favorite author of mine, I won't lie; her writing style is unlike anyone else I have ever come across. The words in her books flow across the page in the form of poetry, making you feel everything as if you are within the pages yourself. This book is no different - the story engulfed me from the beginning, the imagery and the feeling that her words entice - purely breathtaking.

Sebastian Stone is an amazing character. The type of guy who puts everyone's well-being in front of his own (at least at this stage in his life he does) and you can see how much of a sacrifice, of his own happiness, that he continues to make. Shea knows all about sacrifice and can see through him from the start, see that light beyond the dark. Something Sebastian needs even more than he realises.

"You see me, Shea?" 

Sebastian has a hard shell, a tough exterior, and Shea is just the woman to bring him to his knees. The attraction between these two cannot be ignored, the heat electrifying and life-changing and beautiful.

Both of them are searching for 'more' but both also have secrets. The mystery and suspense of working out what has occurred in their lives to make them who they now are, is wonderfully crafted to keep you guessing until the very end. I will warn you, this does end on a cliffhanger but it is brilliant and shouldn't deter your from experiencing this book.\

Yet again, A.L. Jackson's words have torn my heart out and pieced it back together, only to tear me up again. 5 heartfelt stars! Loved it!

EXCERPT

With a smile, I turned around, then froze when my sight registered the obscured figure leaning against the wall. A strangled gasp caught in my throat, and my heart took off at a sprint, blood pounding hard in my ears.

Pushing from the wall, he stepped from the shadows, his hands again stuffed deep in his pockets. My heart rate only increased, the energy radiating from him almost as strong as the disappointment he’d left me with when he’d gone.

I pressed my hand to my chest to try to still the panic thundering against my ribs. “You scared me.”

“I’m sorry.” The words were soft. “That’s the last thing I want to do.”

But he did. I was scared of what he was capable of doing to me, the way I knew he held the power to trounce all over this hammering heart, to hold it in his hand and crush it into a million unrecognizable pieces.

“What are you doing here?” I asked on a shaky breath.

He looked to the sky and exhaled heavily, before he leveled his gaze back on me. “The same thing I’m doing every night, Shea. Thinking about you and wondering why the hell I can’t stop.”

My stomach flipped, and I gulped for air.

“What do you want from me?”

He laughed, lifted his elbows out to his sides in a helpless gesture without pulling his hands free. “Dinner?”

Nonsensical laughter shot from me. “At three in the morning?”

“Breakfast?” he amended, a coy smile pulling at his full, crooked lips.

Tingles spread across my skin, and I ran my hands up my bare arms. “I already told you I don’t have time for distractions.”

“Come on, Shea. It’s just food. Go out with me. Just tonight.”

Somehow I knew it was a lie, even though he wanted to believe it was true. Nervously, I glanced to the back door all the while being inexplicably drawn to this man I didn’t even know. I knew I should make a break for it, run for the safety of my little world and give him no opportunity to rip it apart.

“I am hungry,” I found myself saying. After a long night of work, it was true. But it had nothing to do with the reason I was giving in.

Because I just wanted to…

I shook my head.

That was it. I just wanted. I wanted to be in his space. I wanted to understand why he had this pull on me. I wanted him. Even though I’d never allow myself to have him.

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A.L. Jackson is the New York Times bestselling author of Take This Regret and Lost to You, as well as other contemporary romance titles, including If Forever Comes, Pulled and When We Collide, as well as the New Adult Romance Come To Me Quietly due out January 7, 2014. 

She first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.

Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three children. Her favorite pastime is spending time with the ones she loves. 

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COVER RE-REVEAL & GIVEAWAY ~ Pulled by A.L. Jackson

One of my favorite books by one of my favorite authors has had a make-over.  Check out the new cover for Pulled by the fabulous A.L. Jackson ...

Melanie Winters and Daniel Montgomery shared a love most only dream of, a love they believed bonded them together for life. 

When their world is shattered by the tragic loss of their daughter, overwhelming grief and misguided guilt distorts the truth, and their relationship ends in uncertainty and unanswered questions. 

For nine years, they drift through life, each unable to forget the one who holds the strings to their heart. In an attempt to escape the pain of her past, Melanie finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage, while Daniel loses himself in a career that means nothing without Melanie by his side. 

Now, when their lives again intersect, neither can deny the connection they felt so long ago. But will the power that drew them together be enough to heal the wounds from their past, and will they have the courage to overcome the insecurities and fears that threaten to keep them apart? 

Pulled is a story of attraction and separation, of destiny and duty, of a love so strong it refuses to give up even when all others have. 

"Okay, this one did it for me in a big way. I'm an angst-lover. And by that I mean, I'm a Thoughtless, Beautiful Disaster, Love Unscripted, Slammed, Fifty Shades of Everything, kind of reader. But there's gotta be an HEA. And not a half-done HEA but a real yeah-this-story-has-been-agonizing-but-look-it-was-all-worth-it HEA. So, that said, I earnestly recommend this book. If you're like me, you'll like this. Enjoy!" - LitJunkie

My Review


This story is full of tragedy, suspense, love and betrayal. I loved the mystery surrounding what went wrong - piecing the puzzle together as the story unfolded. Two souls pulled apart through accidents and miscommunications.

"It's like we share the same soul, and when we're apart, each half is looking for the other."

This book is a work of art. The writing will draw you in, the characters are real and the words flow beautifully. One of my all-time fave reads! HIGHLY recommended.

Buy Links

AMAZON

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A.L. Jackson is the New York Times bestselling author of Take This Regret and Lost to You, as well as other contemporary romance titles, including If Forever Comes, Pulled and When We Collide, as well as the New Adult Romance Come To Me Quietly due out January 7, 2014. 

She first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.

Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three children. Her favorite pastime is spending time with the ones she loves. 

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | WEBSITE

The Closer To You Series by A.L. Jackson

Jared Holt is has one of the most tortured souls I've ever read about.  The Closer To You series is another devastatingly beautiful written tale from one of my favourite authors.


Aleena Moore is content with her life. She has goals and dreams and an easy smile. She also has a secret she holds locked inside.

Jared Holt believes he doesn’t deserve to love or be loved. He destroys everything he touches. Haunted by the mistake that shattered his life, he’s fled from the memory of that pain.

Jared doesn’t know why he’s compelled to return, but finds himself drawn back to the place where it all began. The exact place where it ended. When he runs into his childhood best friend, Aleena’s older brother Christopher, he agrees to share Christopher and Aleena’s apartment while he looks for a place of his own.

Aleena is no longer the little girl Jared remembers from his past and evokes feelings in him he never wanted to feel again. Terrified of destroying her, he fights to keep her away. But her touch is something he can’t resist—the touch that sealed his fate.

Their pasts are intertwined and their futures uncertain. The only truths they know are the secrets they whisper in the night.

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EXCERPT:

Finally, I found the courage to slip my key into the lock. Quietly, I edged the door open to the darkened room. Muted light bled from the kitchen. The air inside tasted thick with the unknown.

My heart rate increased as I chanced a step deeper into the room. I could hear him, the shallow breaths he panted into the room, this tension that radiated through the enclosed space. For a moment I stilled. Pictures of us playing as kids ran through my mind, the way he’d wait for me to catch up then tug at my hair when I finally did. Hurry up, slow poke, before your brother makes you go home. The memories of that boy drew me forward.

My eyes slowly adjusted to the faint light. His outline came into view, this unrecognizable man stretched out across the length of the couch. Lost in sleep, his bare chest rose and fell, the motion almost labored, as if he struggled to get his lungs to work. One arm was flung over his face. He slept in his jeans, his feet extended at the end of the couch. The entirety of his exposed body was marked, covered in lines and colors and indistinct designs.

I edged forward. An unknown fascination twitched my fingers, and I fought with the need to feel something familiar in the backdrop of someone who was so entirely unfamiliar. I held my breath as I closed in on the couch, inched forward and allowed my gaze to travel along his body.  His eyes popped open, and I gasped as I stumbled back.

He jerked to sitting, eyes wild as they worked to focus on me. They softened minimally as he took me in, roamed and searched. Even then, they pinned my back to the wall. I just stood there, breathless.

When he whispered, his voice pierced something inside of me. “Aly?”

I was a fool if I ever thought I could let it go. I blinked and tried to orient myself, forcing myself to speak. “I’m sorry for waking you.”

He said nothing, just watched me with fiery eyes. I fidgeted and dropped my face under the intensity of his gaze. Flattening myself against the wall, I slid further down the hall and fumbled behind me to find my door knob. I pushed it open and escaped inside because I had no idea what to do with all the thoughts that tumbled through my mind.

I stood in the middle of my room, staring at the back of my closed door. A faint glow crawled in from underneath.

Shedding my clothes and damp suit, I pulled on a new pair of panties, some sleep shorts, and a matching tank. I crawled onto my bed, flopped on my back, and stared at the ceiling. My pulse accelerated as I thought of him just on the other side of my door.

Jared Holt was here.

A whisper of a smile edged my mouth. He was real, no longer this veiled mystery that I’d hidden away in my heart. He breathed. He lived.

And God, if he wasn’t­ the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.

My Review

A second chance at life…
A second chance at love…

Jared Holt never thought he deserved either—until he found both in the arms of Aly Moore. Aly has loved Jared for as long as she can remember, and she’s more than ready for the future they’re making together. But Jared can’t help remembering his own family. And he’ll never forgive himself for what happened to them. How can he allow himself the very happiness he once destroyed?

To live a life worthy of Aly, Jared knows he has to stop running and finally put his past to rest. But when he decides to face his demons head on, he encounters more than he bargained for: a dangerous mix of jealousy, lies, and dishonest intentions. When those intentions threaten Aly, Jared loses all control, giving into the rage that earned him his bad boy reputation years before. And he’ll fight to protect her no matter what it costs…even if he destroys himself in the process.

AMAZON | B&N | iTunes | KOBO

EXCERPT:

Under his stare, I squirmed, fisted the sheets at my sides.

When he stepped forward, he slowly he came into view. He towered over me. As he approached, my eyes caressed the sharp angles of his face. My attention jumped along the deformed, warped story played out on his chest and down the deep lines cut into his rugged stomach. His hips jutted out above his tight underwear, something so tempting in the way he moved. Sinewy muscle bunched and flexed beneath the color of his strong arms, bristled in the corded strength of his powerful legs.

A tremor rolled through me. He was indescribable. Devastating.

So hard, every inch of him, callused from the wounds that had marred his life, this terrifying beauty that held me captive, tying me somewhere to the darkest places of his soul.

But his eyes… they were soft. Bright. Filled my own darkness with light. 

My Review

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times bestselling author of Take This Regret and Lost to You, as well as other contemporary romance titles, including Come to Me Quietly, Come to Me Softly,
Pulled, When We Collide, and If Forever Comes.

A.L. Jackson's Website

Do you want more Sir?

If you have read Eraser Blue (Eraser, volume two) you'd know that Sir is special and you would have learned a little bit more about his character. He might be a little bit fucked up but it seems readers don't care about that so much.  The reviews so far have been great, here are a few snippets:

So much sexual tension you are constantly waiting for the pages to combust ...  The physical attraction, the silent needs between these two characters is electrifying ...  I didn't get up to take a breather till the last page was turned. I was hooked from word go! ...  More Sir? Oh I got more Sir but now…I’m on my hands and knees begging because my fill of Sir has yet to be reached! ... We need even more Sir!

How am I to deny demands like that?  Luckily, I haven't had enough of Sir and Mackenzie's story yet either.  So it gives me great pleasure to announce more is on its way!  At this stage Eraser volume three, doesn't have a release date but it does have a name ... add it to your TBRs.

Title:  Eraser Lilac

If you haven't read the first two books of the series, I suggest you get to it. 

They're only 99c each.

Eraser Purchase Links:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Eraser Blue Purchase Links:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

 ∞

An Eraser Poem Giveaway ~ Thank you AJ Summer!

The best part of this writing journey for me so far has been the 'meeting of minds'. I have made friends all over the world with authors, bloggers and readers, since I first decided to publish, without having physically met a single one. The other day, I got a lovely surprise gift from an author friend of mine. She read and enjoyed my erotic novella Eraser so much that she was inspired to write a poem about it. I am so blessed to be able to share this with you all.

  

ERASER

A book that stole my mind...

Dream me, see me.

You will never know me.

Whip her, strip her.

Make her scream for SIR.

Mystery man, expensive drinks.

I demand to be ALL Mackenzie thinks.

Take you, give you more,

It's a sweet torture you adore.

Whimper for me, whisper in my ear

All those wicked things I long to hear.

Sweetest moan, crying strings

Flutter gentle papillon wings.

Intrigue you, tease you.

In desire I will see you through.

Blindfolded and tie bound.

In my mind delicious kink to be found.

Bite you, scar you.

I aim to break you.

Try you, Taste me,

You can never Erase me.

My rules, my game.

I know you wish, you knew my name!

A poem by AJ Summer,

Author of Guard My Heart

If you have read Eraser you will understand the significance this poem holds. (FYI, if you haven't read it you can get it for only 99c, what's stopping you? LOL)

I feel so honoured that this poetry was written about a story that I wrote! If you like this small taste of AJ's writing, be sure to grab yourself a copy of her book, Guard My Heart. You can check out my review here and download your copy here:

I truly think this is an author to watch out for. She deserves some recognition. I'm a firm believer in paying it forward and as a thank you to this amazingly talented author I want to share some love. Enter this giveaway for your chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. Shh, AJ doesn't know about this, so don't tell her...

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Guard My Heart teaser:

NEW COVER FOR ERASER

My little erotic novella is getting a makeover!  Here is the new, sexy-hot cover, created by the fabulous Kari at Cover to Cover Designs...

Grab yourself a copy of Eraser today!
Still only 99c

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Here's what some people are saying about it:

“This is a smokin’ hot little novella that will leave you breatheless!” – Laramie Briscoe, author

“All throughout this novella, every hitch of her breath you feel as if it’s yours.” – Renee, Goodreads

“WOW!!! Absolutely AMAZING!!!!” – Kim, Stick Girl Book Reviews

“This book chewed me up and spat me out. Left me book hungover for days.” – Anna, Goodreads

“A truly mouthwatering read that will leave you thirsty for more.” – Rose’s Book Snobs

“I loved every second of this book and if HOT and STEAMY is your thing, this read is definitely for you.” – AJ Summer, author

“Honestly, DO NOT pass this up.” – Jenni, Amazon

BOOK REVIEWS ~ The Heaven Hill Series by Laramie Briscoe

The Heaven Hill Series

BY LARAMIE BRISCOE

If you like books that are action-packed with hot, tattooed, biker, alpha males and steamy sex scenes then this is the series for you!  Heaven Hill is a Motorcycle Club involved in illegal activities who all consider themselves to be one big family.  Each book focuses on one club member.  The first three books of the series have now been published with another five novels and two novellas promised.

What I’ve enjoyed most about this series so far is that each book has a well-rounded conclusion, no cliffhanger, and leaves you with a hint of what to expect from the next one.  Even though the stories involve a lot of different members of the club, the focus is generally on two particular people per book while still giving you insight to all of the other characters.  Not written from any particular point of view but rather you get to be inside everybody’s heads.  You get to engage with every facet of the story – a very clever style of writing.

Meant to Be

The characters sprung to life from the very first page and I felt for each and every one of them, even Lauren, Liam’s mother, who I first deemed evil, once in her head I could sympathise with her.

William Walker Jr aka Liam is a good guy with a good heart that was kind of forced into this way of life by his father.  It’s all he’s ever known and even when he doesn’t always agree with what goes down he is loyal to his club and its members.  He is the Vice President and proud of that.

Denise is a single mother who had twins at a young age and has struggled ever since.  She is in financial strife and takes on an extra shift at work to cover for Liam’s sister, a decision that changes her life forever.

Liam feels a fierce protection over Denise from the moment they meet.  I loved that about him.  He always tried to do the right thing by her.  He opens up his home and his life to her and her kids.  It’s really heart-warming to read.

There are plenty of twists and turns in this story - it will keep you guessing.  Be prepared for action and suspense and plenty of steam!  There are also some truly horrible and scary moments in this book too that will keep you turning those pages.

Denise gives Liam the peace he needed, but didn't know he wanted, in his life.  I loved this story!  And the ending was perfect!

Out of Darkness

Meredith, the young, career-driven reporter we met in Meant to Be is no longer.  In her place is Meredith the rape victim.  This book starts off in a very dark place.  It is raw and gritty.  The rape that Meredith endured was horrific and recovering from that is not easy.

Luckily she has a fierce protector in Tyler.  He is a badass but at the same time he is hiding a heart of gold.  He keeps Meredith safe, while giving her time to adjust and work through her demons.  I love that he gave up her bed and a good night’s sleep for her time and time again, just to make sure she was okay.

I love Tyler!  He is my favourite out of Laramie’s men!  He is a warrior and he cares so deeply for Meredith, which is something he’s never had before.  He is also sexy as hell and has a wicked sense of humour!  Who wouldn’t want a giant of a guy like Tyler looking out for them?  He is the definition of the ‘knight in shining armour.’

I thoroughly enjoyed uncovering Tyler’s past and watching the relationship between Tyler and Meredith grow.  This book was even HOTTER than the first one.  Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.  Loved it!

Losing Control

First off, I’ve got to say, Jagger Stone is a wicked biker/rock star name!  Jagger has the swagger and the hotness that all the girls’ want a piece of - He can sing, he’s tough and he is extremely good looking.  He also only has eyes for Bianca.  I found him to be a bit of contradiction, on the one hand he was good with the ladies but on the other he had trouble asking Bianca out.  I guess this was because she was different - even if he didn't realise it right away.

Bianca is focused and driven, wanting nothing more than to achieve her teaching degree and get her life started.  But she is also lonely and broke.  So she takes Jagger up on his offer of dating while she pays of her car repairs and she is surprised by him.  Jagger is so much more than she ever gave him credit for.  Their attraction is a slow burning one, but when they do get together – WOW!

Of course this wouldn't be a Heaven Hill book without drama and action, mystery, intrigue and kick-ass bad boy moments.  I loved it!  And I loved Jagger, but Tyler is still the one for me.

Purchase Links

Meant to Be | Out of Darkness | Losing Control

What I love most about this series is that you get to re-visit with each character in every book.  Each book ends with a hint of what to expect from the next one without having a cliffhanger.  I highly recommend you get on board with this series, particularly if you are a fan of Sons of Anarchy.  I cannot wait for the next instalment!

Contact Laramie

Facebook | Heaven Hill Romance Series Page | Website | Goodreads