Muses Picks of the Week! New Releases for the Week of 10th June 2014

My Picks of the Week

Hello, Muses! 

I hope everyone had a great weekend! Keep an eye out for a Release Day Blitz and a new book review later this week. 

Also, there are a couple of Giveaways going on, so make sure to look around! Enjoy these new releases of the week!

best wishes,mia

Books

adult books

8th June

Invincible (Trident Code, #1) by: Alana Albertson

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

9th June

Baiting the Maid of Honor by: Tessa Bailey

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Best Man With Benefits by: Samanthe Beck

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Dare to Dream (Dare to Dream, #2) by: Sloan Johnson

Goodreads | Amazon

Dark Summer Dreams (Dreamwalkers, #2) by: Danube Adele

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Falling for the Groomsman by: Jen McLaughlin

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Seduce Me (Ravage MC, #2) by: Ryan Michelle

Goodreads | Amazon

*RELEASE DAY LAUNCH* Invincible (Trident Code, #1) by: Alana Albertson EXPANDED EDITION + Giveaway

Synopsis

I’ll be honest with you—I'm no hero. Sure, the media tries to brand every Navy SEAL as some kind of Batman dressed in cammies. There’s even a line in one of our cadences: “Superman is the man of steel, he ain’t no match for Navy SEAL.” You've seen the movies—we’re indestructible, invincible. But that night, the one you read about in the papers … all I really wanted to do was get laid.

One harmless fuck with a Curaçao whore, no strings attached. I picked her out of a lineup—wild, dark hair, long legs and a crooked smile. After she sucked me off, I relaxed back onto the creaky, cum-stained cot, thankful for the blissful moments she gave me when I actually forgot for a second the faces of my buddies who died because I made the wrong call, the tears of the children I couldn't save, and the eyes of the enemies I slaughtered during their last seconds of life.

But before I left, her hazel eyes peered into my soul. She whispered in a distinct Californian accent, “My name is Annie Hamilton. I'm an American citizen. I was kidnapped from a cruise ship five years ago. You're my last hope. Please save me.”

One desperate plea. This wasn’t a Hollywood blockbuster or a New York Times best-selling thriller. I knew that this time there was no room for excuses, no margin for errors. I had one chance to put the cape on and be her hero.

Teasers

Book info & Buy Links

Title: Invincible (Trident Code, #1) Expanded Edition

Author: Alana Albertson

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense

Organized by: IndieSage

Re-Release Date: 8th June 2014 (Expanded Edition)

Buy Links

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks

About the Author

Alana Albertson is the former President of both Romance Writers of Americas’s Young Adult and Chick Lit chapters and the founder of Academe Advantage, a college admissions & test preparation company. Alana Albertson holds a Masters of Education from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Stanford University. A recovering professional ballroom dancer, Alana currently writes contemporary romance and young adult fiction. She lives in San Diego, California, with her husband, two young sons, and four dogs. When she’s not spending her time needlepointing, dancing, or saving dogs from high kill shelters through Pugs N Roses, the rescue she founded, she can be found watching episodes of House Hunters, Homeland, or Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team.

Connect with Alana

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway

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good luck,mia

*RELEASE BLITZ* The Fox's Mate by: Elaina M. Roberts + Giveaway

synopsis

Alpha Draike Weatherby has enjoyed many years of peace in his districts. He’s made agreements with the various shifter races as well as the Vampire Lord of London to keep crime down and their existence safe from human knowledge. Until now. A loyal gang of nonhuman runaways are systematically losing members. Rat shifters have grown bold, increasing crime in his area and risking their secret. Then there’s Olivia. Naked, bleeding, and fleeing a trio of unsavory characters, she runs straight into his arms…and stirs his most protective instincts.

As he digs deeper, he discovers an interconnecting web with a single common thread: Olivia. To uncover the truth, he must gain the trust of the terrified woman who entices his fox. But she guards a secret that could destroy or save her.

teaser excerpt

He eased his large frame into Draike’s chair behind the large executive-style desk, propped his feet on the polished mahogany surface, and smiled—showing off a pair of sharp fangs. “You see, I too am a creature of legend. Like most legends and myths, most of what you’ve heard about my kind is false. We’re not bloodthirsty killers preying upon humanity to slake our unnatural thirsts. Although, now I think about it, there is a veritable plethora of solicitors amongst us. Maybe that myth isn’t too far off the mark, hmm?”

“You’re a-a vampire?” Her voice escaped her with a squeak. Olivia gripped the door handle, torn between the urge to remain with the amiable creature or run screaming into the streets. “Like, rising from the dead, turning into a bat, drinking blood and…and, oh my God! That’s not wine, then, is it?”

She stared at the crystal wineglass. The viscous liquid clung to the sides and pooled at the bottom. It stained the vampire’s lips and tinted his fangs. The room seemed to spin as she struggled to breathe. Her pulse pounded in her ears.

“Please, child, calm down before you give yourself a heart attack. I don’t fancy trying to explain that to the old battle-axe. Terrifying woman, prone to violence.” He gave a melodramatic shudder. “And then there’s Draike. When he gets riled, he can be more than a bit frightening. I mean, what if he doesn’t have all of his shots?”

“So, you’re not going to bite me? Drink my blood? Turn me into a vampire?” He shook his head. His smile showed perfectly even, perfectly normal, white teeth. Olivia ran a shaky hand over her face. It was official. She had finally gone insane. “Why not?”

“It’s a long story, but let’s just say human blood is on the restricted list. Besides, even though Draike delights in driving me toward the final death, I’d never betray him that way.” “But it’s daytime! Shouldn’t you be turning into dust or bursting into flames or something?” She inched toward him, curiosity drawing her to the ancient creature who cast no shadow.

“Miriam would never forgive me if I made such a mess.” His easy grin slipped from his face, and he pinned her with a serious look. “Our ability to walk in the sun is not known, Olivia. For our protection, vampires have encouraged that belief. You now hold knowledge that could be very valuable to my enemies, human and nonhuman alike. But even with that, I’m not a danger to you, child. I never will be.”

“Why should I believe you?”

“Because of my stunning good looks and keen wit?” He grinned and Olivia found herself returning it. It was insane, but she did believe him. She crept toward the chair, lowering herself to perch upon the very edge. Maximus’s smile was warm and kind, with a hint of relief. “Thank you. I was getting a kink in my neck looking up at you.”

“Oh. Sorry.”

“None of that, now.” He dismissed her apology with an elegant wave. “As for why you should believe me?” He shrugged. “There’s little reason why you should at the moment. I have my reasons, of course. The main one being I owe Draike a great debt, one I can never repay. Granted, he’d take a stake to me if I hurt a single hair on your lovely head, but it changes nothing. I owe him and I always repay my debts. It’s an added bonus to find you’re a shadow seer. Quite remarkable, really.”

Her mouth dropped open. “Would he really stake you?”

“He’d try. It never ends well. The boy sulks when he loses. Most unbecoming in an alpha if you ask me.” Maximus swirled the liquid in his glass with a sniff. She shook her head in wonder. A silly vampire? Yep, it was time for the huggy coat. “I confess I’m teeming with curiosity about you. I have a million questions, but if I make you uncomfortable or frightened, I’ll go pester Miriam in the kitchen. Draike told me you’ve had a hard time of it lately. I don’t want to add to that.”

“I think,” Olivia began, but had to take a sip of her drink to wet her throat. “I think I’ll be okay. You’re not what I would’ve expected from a v-vampire.”

“Forgive me, my sweet, for being such a crushing disappointment. I fear I left the cheesy cape and fedora at home.” “In your coffin?”

“Where else would it be?” He arched one brow and looked down his nose at her. She grinned despite her lingering fear. “I don’t know. A closet?”

They shared a laugh, and she eased back onto the plush upholstery. Maximus Petreius was as attractive as she would have expected from a vampire, but not nearly as frightening. She knew it was deliberate on his part; he was working hard to calm her fears. He was succeeding too. With his goofy grin and casual slouch in Draike’s chair, he reminded her so much of her father her heart ached.

book info & buy links

Title: The Fox's Mate

Author: Elaina M. Roberts

Genre: Urban Paranormal-Fantasy Romance

Publisher: Taliesin Publishing

Organized by: The Muses Circle

Release Date: 5th June 2014

Buy Links

Amazon | Taliesin Publishing | B&N | Smashwords

about the author

Elaina Roberts grew up in the wilds of Alabama, wearing garments sewn of squirrel hides. She saw her first motorized vehicle at age ten and was amazed and terrified at the giant, iron behemoth that ate and spat out people with impunity. She also makes up a lot of stuff, which propelled her to become an author.

Truthfully, though, Elaina did grow up in a rural area just outside the city limits of a small Alabama town. She spent many long afternoons running through untamed woodlands, even if she doesn’t care for squirrel regardless of how you cook it. As the youngest of four, there were few luxuries purchased by her textile factory parents, but they provided her with something even better: an intense love of reading. Her early loves were the mysteries of Earle Stanley Gardner, the fantastic worlds of Edgar Rice Burroughs, and the action-packed adventures of Don Pendleton. When she discovered romance, she sought books that combined the genres she already loved with this new promise of happily ever after. Not long afterwards, she began her own tentative steps into writing.

Today, she writes Urban Fantasy with a romantic flair, the genre guaranteed to offer her the greatest opportunity of creating fantastic words of action, adventure, and mystery, coupled with romance’s heart-lifting happily ever after.

Connect with Elaina

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

Giveaway

Enter for a chance to win an e-book copy of The Fox's Mate and a $5 Amazon gift card! Worldwide Giveaway! Ends 6/8.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

good luck,mia

*RELEASE DAY BLITZ* Overwhelmed by You (Tear Asunder, #2) by: Nashoda Rose + Giveaway

synopsis

Love is ugly and secrets will destroy you.

KAT

I don’t beg. I don’t cry. And I don’t give second chances.

Ream, the lead guitarist of the rock band Tear Asunder, deserves a gold medal for best dick move ever when he ran the moment he discovered my secret after two days of hot sex. Then he brings some chick to my coming home party from the hospital—after being shot. I hate him.

Until …

Ream’s six foot two frame unfolds out of the car after being gone on tour for eight months. I stared. And in my defense, any girl would stare. It would almost be rude not to because Ream was the type of guy who stood out. Not because he was loud and obnoxious. No, it was because he was the complete opposite. Subtle and dangerously quiet. If he spoke, you’d better hope he liked you because otherwise you’d be falling at his feet begging for mercy. Except me … I don’t beg—ever. But when our eyes locked, it was Ream’s steady confidence that had my nerves shooting off like jet sprinklers.

Then…

Ream told me he didn’t need a second chance because he was still working on his first.

REAM

Sex is ugly. It’s using someone for your own narcissistic pleasure. I did it and I hated it—until her. She was unfuckinexpected. Then I had to wreck our beginning with my screwed up past. I don’t deserve her, but I’m selfish and I’m taking her anyway. This is who I am and it’s too late to change me.

*Warning contains violence, sexual content, and coarse language. Mature audiences 18+*

A contemporary romance with lots of angst and a taste of dark. Can be read as a STANDALONE.

teaser

book info & buy links

Title: Overwhelmed by You (Tear Asunder, #2)

Author: Nashoda Rose

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Organized by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

Release Date: 5th June 2014

Buy Links

Amazon | Amazon (UK) | B&N | Kobo | ibooks

where it all started...

While Overwhelmed by You can be read as a STANDALONE, you may want to take this time to sink your teeth into Torn From You, book 1 in the Tear Asunder series and its prequel With You.

Buy Links
TORN FROM YOU (Tear Asunder, #1) 

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Smashwords

Buy Links
 WITH YOU (Tear Asunder, #0.5) 

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Smashwords

about the author

Nashoda Rose lives in Toronto with her assortment of pets. She writes contemporary romance with a splash of darkness, or maybe it’s a tidal wave. Her novella "With You" is the first in the Tear Asunder series, followed by the novel "Torn from You" and "Overwhelmed by You".

When she isn’t writing, she can be found sitting in a field reading with her dog at her side while her horses graze nearby. She loves interacting with her readers on Facebook and chatting about her addiction—books.

Connect with Nashoda

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway

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good luck,mia

*BLOG TOUR RELEASE BLITZ* The Artful by: Wilbert Stanton + Giveaway

Synopsis

New York City, 2025: Everything is changed. The city that never sleeps is now a land of death and decay. A rampant virus has taken over and the survivors have become carriers, quarantined from the rest of the world.

Twist and Dodger grew up in the streets, the sewers and underground tunnels – their playground. They aren’t heroes. They just like attention; and stealing meds from the rich and giving them to the poor is their golden ticket.

On their latest raid, they unknowingly steal a cure that puts them square between the ailing Emperor of Manhattan and the war hungry Governor of Brooklyn and forces them on a quest into the darkest shadows of their putrefying world.

Book Trailer

book info & buy links

Title: The Artful (Shadows of the City, #1)

Author: Wilbert Stanton

Genre: YA, Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Sci-Fi

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Release Date: 27th May 2014

 Buy Links

Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | B&N | Kobo

About the Author

Wilbert Stanton was born and raised in New York City. From an early age, Wilbert decided he would either write books or take over the world; everything else was just a precursor to his end game. Along the way, he has studied Psychology, English, and Computer Science. He's held jobs in a wide range of fields and met people from all walks of life. Wilbert is constantly learning and growing as a person, in order to solidify his dreams. In the end world domination was a bit tedious, so he decided to focus on writing books.

Connect with Wilbert

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

good luck,mia

Muses Picks of the Week! New Releases for the Week of 3rd June 2014

My Picks of the Week

Happy June, Muses!

It's time for a change, so below you will see I am using a different display format for the new releases. It's much easier and gets straight to the point. Hopefully everyone will agree. 

Keep an eye out for a few release day blitzes later in the week. Also, there are a few giveaways going on, so be sure to look around and enter whichever catches your fancy.

Enjoy these new releases!

enjoy,mia

Books

adult books

2nd June 2014

Back to Buckhorn (Buckhorn Brothers, #7) by: Lori Foster

Website | Goodreads | Buy

Bollywood Fiance for a Day by: Ruchi Vasudeva

Goodreads | Buy

Hate to Love You by: Elise Alden

Goodreads | Buy

Her Wild Protector by: Naomi Bellina

Goodreads | Buy

Love Potions (Warlocks MacGregor, #1) by: Michelle M. Pillow

Goodreads | Buy

Wounded Courage (Lucky Thirteen, #2) by: S.M. Butler

Goodreads | Buy

3rd June 2014

Branded (The Cavanaugh Brothers, #1) by: Laura Wright

Goodreads | Buy

Deeper Than Need (Secrets & Shadows, #1) by: Shiloh Walker

Goodreads | Buy

Devil's Game (Reapers MC, #3) by: Joanna Wylde

Goodreads | Buy

*COVER REVEAL* How to Date Dead Guys by: Ann M. Noser

synopsis

College sophomore Emma Roberts remembers her mother’s sage advice: “don’t sleep around, don’t burp in public, and don’t tell anyone you see ghosts”. But when charming Mike Carlson drowns in the campus river under her watch, Emma’s sheltered life shatters.

Blamed for Mike’s death and haunted by nightmares, Emma turns to witchcraft and a mysterious Book of Shadows to bring him back. Under a Blood Moon, she lights candles, draws a pentacle on the campus bridge, and casts a spell. The invoked river rages up against her, but she escapes its fury. As she stumbles back to the dorm, a stranger drags himself from the water and follows her home. And he isn't the only one.

Instead of raising Mike, Emma assists the others she stole back from the dead—a pre-med student who jumped off the bridge, a desperate victim determined to solve his own murder, and a frat boy Emma can’t stand…at first. More comfortable with the dead than the living, Emma delves deeper into the seductive Book of Shadows. Her powers grow, but witchcraft may not be enough to protect her against the vengeful river and the killers that feed it their victims. Inspired by the controversial Smiley Face Murders, HOW TO DATE DEAD GUYS will ignite the secret powers hidden deep within each of us.

book info

Title: How to Date Dead Guys

Author: Ann M. Noser

Genre: New Adult, Urban Fantasy

Cover Artist: Alexandria Thompson

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Release Date: 15th July 2014

about the author

My to-do list dictates that I try to cram 48 hours of living into a day instead of the usual 24. I’ve chosen a life filled with animals. I train for marathons with my dog, then go to work as a small animal veterinarian, and finish the day by tripping over my pets as I attempt to convince my two unruly children that YES, it really IS time for bed. But I can’t wait until the house is quiet to write; I have to steal moments throughout the day. Ten minutes here, a half hour there, I live within my imagination.

Like all busy American mothers, I multi-task. I work out plot holes during runs. Instead of meditating, I type madly during yoga stretches. I find inspiration in everyday things: a beautiful smile, a heartbreaking song, or a newspaper article on a political theory. For example, a long drive in the dark listening to an NPR program on the SMILEY FACE MURDERS theory made me ask so many questions that I wrote HOW TO DATE DEAD GUYS to answer them to my satisfaction.

I’d love to have more time to write (and run, read, and sleep), but until I find Hermione Granger’s time turner, I will juggle real life with the half-written stories in my head. Main characters and plot lines intertwine in my cranium, and I need to let my writing weave the tales on paper so I can find out what happens next.

Connect with Ann

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

enjoy,mia