Inside Secret Identities: A Boys
Behaving Badly Anthology, you’ll find
stories by some of the hottest romance writers out there for readers who crave
mysterious, enigmatic men and women who may not be who they claim to be.
Perhaps they’re the new next-door neighbor with a secret mission, an alien from
a far-away galaxy looking for his fated mate, or a spy trying to catch a
foreign agent. Whatever their secrets, intrigue and passion follow…
Thought You Were the One by Gabbi Grey – He’s in for a surprise twist when he seeks a second chance to win the attention of his handsome, unrequited, high school crush
Secret Garden by A.J. Harris – Hired by werewolf
matriarchs to track down a bad-boy photographer, a private investigator
discovers a deep connection with her past—and a secret garden of unspoken,
sensual pleasures
What That Alien D Doby Ava Cuvay – A cosplayer
at a popular Sc-Fi convention stalks her favorite MyFans content
creator only to discover his alien “prosthetic enhancements” are real
Masquerade by Brent Archer – After accepting an
invitation to a masquerade, a coffeeshop owner finds himself on the run from a
mafia hitman with a handsome harlequin
Claimed by her Naga Bodyguardby Cameron Allie –
Escaping her dorm for a night of fun with friends takes a turn for a
witch-in-training when demons attack, and a mysterious creature comes to her
rescue
Mayday by Cindy Tanner – A miscommunication isn’t the
end of the world—unless it is the end of the world—and your
“ride or die” might just be undead
Matsuri by D.S. Dehel – An American woman searching in
Japan for the man haunting her dreams is chased by a wily kitsune into a
magical place where she meets a samurai warrior
Most Wanted by Darah Lace – A bounty on the line, a
hunter who bedded then betrayed her, and a strip club—she’ll bare it all to get
her man
Heartthrob by Delilah Devlin – Determined to recast his
image from heartthrob to action hero, an actor hires on incognito with an
Oklahoma ranch whose owner is trying to stay out of foreclosure
Sex, Spies, and Subterfuge by Elle James – Scottish UK
SAS Agent on an undercover weekend assignment tangles with a beautiful Russian
seductress and potential assassin.
Baby, Take My Hand by M. Jayne – After surviving a
bullet to the brain, a detective hunting a serial killer is drawn to a
mysterious man
Her Heavenly Phantom by Michal Scott – Forced into a
marriage of convenience neither wants, a mild-mannered banker with an
intriguing secret discovers his reluctant bride has a secret, too
Perfect Stranger by N. J. Walters – An undercover DEA
agent must keep his identity secret from the woman he’s falling for, a woman
he’s also investigating
In the Dark by Reina Torres – During a blackout, an
undercover NSA agent in Hawaii falls hard and fast for the military guy living
across the hall with secrets of his own
He’s in for a surprise twist when he seeks a second chance to win the attention of his handsome, unrequited, high school crush.
Exclusive Excerpt
Mercer
The day Gawain Piazzi waltzed back into my life,
things definitely looked up.
My high school crush stepped into Fifties Diner just
as I was leaving. I halted, nearly knocking Sarabeth off her feet.
Gawain smiled as he caught my stare. “Going
somewhere?”
“I was about to go home.”
Sarabeth scooted around me and headed into the main
dining area. “Careful, Mercer.”
Whether she was warning me about standing in the
middle of the diner, gaping like a landed fish, or she was warning me to
protect my vulnerable heart, I couldn’t be certain.
Gawain sized me up—his gaze raking up and down my
body.
I did my best not to harden under the scrutiny. I
wasn’t a fifteen-year-old boy anymore. I was twenty-eight. A man. The man in my
house.
Which left an ache in my chest. I would’ve done
anything to have my parents back, but life hadn’t worked out like that. They
were gone. I ran the business and supported my three younger siblings.
The
feud between fairies and wizards is an ancient threat in the magical world. Yet
peace is possible. The child of a fairy and a wizard could reunite the factions
of The Annunaki and end the unrest.
Niall Warde had been a carefree soul trapped in the rigid, ordered life of a
wizard apprentice when he discovered the girl of his dreams was a fairy. He
would never know if their forbidden love could survive because she disappeared
without a trace. Unable to find her, Niall blamed his father for Amelie’s
disappearance and left home without looking back.
Amelie Ricard knew she had to protect the baby she and Niall created. The
fairies don't want peace and her mother, their leader, would stop at nothing to
prevent armistice, including killing her own grandchild. So, she must leave her
son Kurtis with his father to be raised as a wizard. She left the infant on the
steps of his father’s cottage then disappeared, also leaving behind the only
man she’s ever loved.
Thirty years later, Niall is called home for his father’s funeral where he
reunites with Amelie. When Kurtis’ life is put into danger, Niall and Amelie
must face the demons of the past to protect him.
Neither can bring back the past, but can they have a future together? Will
their son unite their people in peace?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT
Resting on his forearms, he focused his intense gaze on her.
“Still with me?”
She flushed under his scrutiny. “Just thinking?”
He rolled onto his back and tucked her closer, so she
reclined against his chest. “Are you asking or telling?”
“Telling.”
“Care to share with the class?” He ran his fingertips over
her shoulders, leaving goosebumps in their wake. “You’re so tense, baby. What’s
on your mind?” He pressed his fingers deeper into the muscles on the top of her
shoulders.
She let out a low moan at the sensation. “Oh, that feels
great. Whatever I was thinking… it’s gone now. I’m here with you. One hundred
percent.”
He continued massaging her shoulders, putting pressure on
the tight spot at the base of her neck. “Any plans for later?”
“Mmm. No… but I could stay here with you all day.”
“In bed? All day? Why, Miss Ricard, I do believe I’ve been a
bad influence on you.”
She gave him a mock punch in the shoulder. “You know what I
meant.”
“How about a film? I can check the paper to see what’s
playing?”
“What sort of films do you like?” She moved slightly away so
she could see his face. “I really don’t know much about you.” He raised an
eyebrow, and her cheeks flushed. “Don’t you take anything seriously?”
“Life is serious enough.” He shrugged. “You know everything
that’s important. Plus, I can’t help it. You are so easy to tease, baby.”
“Yeah, you’re a funny guy.”
“And you, Mia—” he dropped a gentle kiss on the tip of her
nose, “—are a gift.”
Maya Tyler is a multi-published author of paranormal romance
novels and blogger at Maya’s
Musings. An avid reader, Maya writes
the books she loves to read—romances! Her paranormal romances come with complex
plot twists and happily-ever-afters.
When
she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, listening to music (alternative rock,
especially from the 1990s), practicing yoga, and watching movies and TV.
Contact
Maya
loves to hear from fellow authors and readers! Please connect with her through
social media (see links below).
A Magical’s Gift by Maya Tyler is the final story in ‘The
Magicals’ series that centers around the complicated relationship between humans
and paranormal beings such as vampires, wizards, and fairies. Featuring Amelie
Ricard, who has always considered her mother’s tales about fairies to be
fiction and nothing to do with her, and Niall Warde, who is rebelling against
the expectations of him by his fellow wizards, this story follows the couple
who face insurmountable odds when they fall for each other. Unfortunately,
their very lives may be in danger if they follow their hearts, so they must
choose their paths forward wisely.
This adult paranormal/fantasy romance ties together the threads
of a series, so it may be a little confusing to someone like me who hasn’t read
the previous stories. I was a little puzzled because the book description didn’t
seem to quite jibe with the story at first, but eventually things began to fall
into place. The passages of time are a little erratic for me, especially the
flashback, and I'm still a little puzzled about some of the conflicts, but this is creative and spicy story that explores the themes
of loyalty, tradition, betrayal, and faithfulness with a fantasy twist. I
recommend that the other books in the series are read first for better clarity.
Dominus—an incubus who runs a brothel called The Twig & Berries—is bored with his life and customers alike.
Sebastian—a changeling faerie swapped at birth for a human infant—is reeling with the knowledge of his true heritage. Unsafe among humans, he travels north to meet others of his kind.
But danger lurks, and when Sebastian is forced to hunker down with Dominus for safe harbor, the tension between them flares hot.
Sebastian is the only person that’s piqued Dominus’s interest in ages, but he’s fae. And Dominus has reason to despise faeries.
Forced together as trespassers infiltrate the territory, will enemies become lovers or will a curse keep them apart forever?
Changeling is an MM Paranormal Fantasy Romance featuring enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, a steamy love story, lamb on a stick, and surprise visitors from other novels. If you enjoyed Beneath the Opal Arc, this book's for you.
When a fae changeling on the run is forced to hunker down with a grumpy incubus, will enemies become lovers or is an ancient curse too much for them to bear?
Excerpt
A creature strolls into the room so stunning I must blink to be sure he’s real.
Aside from the massive horns and gently swaying tail, he doesn’t look like any demon I’ve ever imagined. He’s gorgeous, with gray-dappled lavender skin, and he’s huge—taller than me even without considering the coiled horns that add another foot to his already astounding height.
His sapphire blue eyes, sparkling with an interest that rivals my own, catch my gaze. Silver brows—the same color as his long braided hair—arch to elegant crescents high on his forehead.
“What treasure has arrived at my door this morning?” A sly smile forms across lush pink lips. His skin is simply otherworldly, shining with an aromatic oil spread from neck to toes.
I inhale the fragrance of a bouquet of fresh spring blossoms plucked to gift a lover.
“Dominus, meet Sebastian, who finds himself in need of safe harbor.” Ivaz makes a sweeping gesture from him to me. “Sebastian, meet Dominus, who’s agreed to take you in.”
I let my gaze wander over the length of him. Practically naked, he wears only a sheer shift of shimmering fabric the color of ripe plums. It’s pulled tight over each hardened nipple, crossing just above his pierced belly button, then draping loosely around his lean waist and bulging thighs. Silver strappy sandals adorn his otherwise bare feet, the toenails painted purple to match the shift. Amethysts dangle from each ear.
Dominus is a glittering jewel of a man—of an incubus, I suppose. His attention brushes over me like a touch, grazing my skin and bristling the little hairs on my neck in its wake. We stare at each other until I remember my manners.
Clearing my throat, I extend my hand. “Thank you for offering me shelter.”
Dominus takes it within his larger one, his grip soft and warm. “My pleasure.” He brings my hand to his lips and presses a kiss to the backs of my fingers.
I’m baffled by the boldness of the gesture, wondering how he knows I prefer men. It’s usually a back-and-forth dance of daring mixed with self-preservation to determine whether another fellow might be like-minded, but Dominus doesn’t hesitate in the slightest.
To my chagrin, heat sears across my cheeks. Surely they’re pink as petals. I’m not often so taken by another person, but Dominus is a magnificent presence. His energy steals all the space in the room, spins it to his will, and returns it much improved upon for having been under his control.
My tongue is thick and heavy in my mouth, but I force it to work before I look like an idiot ogling him. “I’ve never met an incubus before.”
“And I’ve never met such a charming…” He studies me, eyes raking over my lean form.
I open my mouth to answer, my flush deepening under his scrutiny, but he shakes his head.
“No, let me guess. It’s more fun. Wood sprite?”
His guess brings a grin to my face. “There are wood sprites?”
“Ah, so not a wood sprite, then.” He leans in close to me and reaches for my hair. “May I?”
I bite my cheek and give a little nod. He takes a lock of my hair and curls it through his fingers. Then he sniffs.
“Hmm, not a shifter. At least not one I recognize.” His eyes sparkle with a new idea. “A jinn? But are you benevolent or malevolent?”
“I’m not that either. What’s a jinn?”
Dominus purses his lips, still twirling my hair. “Not a jinn. Hmm.”
Ivaz groans before Dominus can answer my question. “Glad to see the two of you hitting it off. Now where do we sleep?”
“Has our new guest worn you out already, old man?” Dominus says to Ivaz.
“Hardly,” Ivaz scoffs. “But I have a letter to write before dawn.”
“This way.” Dominus extends his elbow to me, and I take it. His muscles flex beneath my fingertips.
We head down a narrow hallway with decorated silk drapes hung crisscrossed over the ceiling and pass several doors on each side. Just how big this place, and how many people sleep within these rooms? In the quiet, I hear only the thumping of my heart and our soft steps muted by layers of thick rugs.
We stop by one of the doors. Dominus uses his free hand to push it open. He glances to Ivaz. “Here you are.”
“Thank you.” Ivaz steps over the threshold.
I gasp as Dominus’s tail circles my waist and tugs me closer to his side. It’s not unwelcome, but it’s quite surprising.
“Sorry,” he says, sounding anything but. “It has a mind of its own sometimes.”
Lee Colgin has loved vampires since she read Dracula on a hot, sunny beach at 13 years old. She lives in North Carolina with lots of dogs and her husband. No, he's not a vampire, but she loves him anyway. Lee likes to workout so she can eat the maximum amount of cookies with her pizza. Ask her how much she can bench press.
Changeling by Lee Colgin is part of the ‘Outcast Mates’
series and features a fugitive who has had his world destroyed and ends up
taking temporary refuge with a group of beings unlike any he’s ever known. When
it comes time for him to continue his journey, he’s not sure he’s ready to leave,
but more than his need to find his true nature compels him—there’s also the
issue of the curse that comes between him and the male he’s come to care for.
This adult gay paranormal romance provides a touching
perspective on the concept of changelings and what happens to the fae who is
left in place of a human child. Of course, one gets a quick hint about the
spice in the story when the fleeing Sebastian is escorted to abrothel known as
the Twig and Berries and is introduced to the charismatic-but-hostile incubus named
Dominus who runs it.
The unfolding of the relationship as these two work to get
past the considerable obstacles that exist between their respective races is
delightful to watch, and I enjoyed both the heat and the tenderness as the
bonds of dominance and submission, not to mention the entertainment to be had
with a prehensile tail, are explored.
The intriguing glimpses of various other
paranormal beings, and the obvious concern and caring that they show for each
other makes this a heartwarming tale for me, and I am definitely interested in
reading other stories in this series, even though there is no trouble reading
this as a stand-alone tale.
I love stories that give a little twist to the
traditional premises of fantasy beings, and this author does an excellent
job of providing that in an engaging story. Hopefully, there will be plenty
more in this series, as many of the secondary characters are intriguing as
well.
A
century ago, the fairy crown was stolen from Alina Lehrer's clan, but now the
usurper is dead and it's time to reclaim what's theirs. Rylan Jackson, codename
Orion, is The Court's most trusted assassin who always gets the job done. Until
his target is Alina, the one woman he can’t resist. Fate has placed them on
opposing sides for the crown, but Alina soon learns Fate isn't set in stone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT
I’m
going to Paris, the city of love. Maybe I’ll even have a passionate love
affair.
“Bonsoir.”
Alina jerked her head up at the sound of the stranger’s
lilting French accent. “Hello.” Hello,
handsome. Did my imagination conjure this hunk?
“First trip to Paris?” His pronunciation of “pah-rhee”
rolled off his tongue like honey.
“Yes.” Alina twisted in her seat to get a better look. Her
perceptive eyes sized up her companion. He was a gorgeous specimen of a man.
Dark brown, shaggy hair. Hypnotic brown eyes. Strong jawline. Just a hint of
stubble, like he had shaved that morning. Stop staring. “What gave it away?”
“The guidebook in your tote?”
“Yeah. That’ll do it.”
“Business or pleasure?”
Alina flashed him a suspicious “you’re a stranger, I’m not
telling you anything” look.
He threw his arms up in mock defeat. “I am Rylan Jackson.”
He extended his hand.
“A—” Wait a minute. I
don’t need to give him a real name. It’s a good time as any to try on a new
persona. “Allie.” She picked an alias, not so different than her real name,
before reaching out to shake his hand. His hand was warm, rough, like he used
his hands to make a living. Touching him sent a buzz of awareness swirling
through her body.
“Now, we are friends, oui?”
His sultry smile disarmed her objections to the friendly
conversation. It can’t hurt to flirt a
little while I wait for my flight. It’ll be good practice.
Maya Tyler is a
multi-published author of paranormal romance novels and blogger at Maya’s
Musings (https://mayatylerauthor.blogspot.com/). An avid reader, Maya writes
the books she loves to read—romances! Her paranormal romances come with complex
plot twists and happily-ever-afters.
When she’s not
writing, she enjoys reading, listening to music (alternative rock, especially
from the 1990s), practicing yoga, and watching movies and TV.
Contact
Maya loves to
hear from fellow authors and readers! Please connect with her through social
media (see links below).
A Fairy’s Quest by Maya Tyler is part of ‘The Magicals’
series and centers on Alina Lehrer, who is struggling to restore her family to
their rightful place as fairy royalty. Unfortunately, there are multiple
obstacles, including an assassin who has been tasked with eliminating her…despite
his inclinations to the contrary.
This adult paranormal romance has an interesting twist on
the relationship between fairies and wizards (non-congenial) and a bit of a
mystery. I think it would have been better to have familiarity with the
previous stories in the series because there are a lot of dangling threads that
are woven together which refer to prior events.
There are a lot of introspective thoughts, flashbacks, and
historical events experienced, so things get a bit confusing at times as Alina
pursues the goal that has been emphasized for all of her life, and sometimes
the pace of the story was a bit jerky for me. I did enjoy the glimpse of Paris
and the connection that Alina forms with Rylan, but I think it would be nice to
get a little more depth for all of the characters. I also appreciate the nod to
the importance of getting professional help to deal with trauma.
Psychiatrist Henley Elliott fled her quiet life in Cleveland for a
gypsy lifestyle, trying to stay one step ahead of her painful memories. When
she breaks down in quirky little Trappers' Cove, Minnesota, she meets Sheriff
Carter McAlister - a man healing from his own share of hidden heartbreaks.
At
the request of a friend, Carter offers Henley a job to help her get back on her
feet . . . but soon he can't resist trying to sweep the intriguing woman off
them. Breaking through her carefully built shell proves to be a near-impossible
task, and to make matters worse, a dangerous new presence in the Cove seems to
be targeting Henley. They must learn to trust in each other in order to keep
her safe.
Can
Henley and Carter leave their secrets and scars in the past to get a second
chance at happily ever after?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT
Dublin bolted from the parked car. The dog was familiar with
the cabin, having called it home not too long ago, and loosed a happy yip as he
bounded into the bushes. Carter didn’t know if she had heard the car, the dog,
or both, but Henley Elliott stepped out onto the porch before he had moved more
than three feet from the Jeep’s door.
“Good morning.”
“You’re the guy from yesterday.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He smiled but didn’t approach.
“You’re the sheriff?”
“Yes. I am. And you’re Henley Elliott.”
She inclined her head but didn’t relax her stance. She
should be cautious. Of course, he wasn’t going to test her aim with the
Louisville Slugger she held at her side.
“My dog is around here somewhere watering the flora,
possibly chasing fauna. His name is Dublin. He’s a German Shepherd, and he’s
friendly. We lived here for a while ourselves. I’m letting you know in case he
comes bouncing out of a bush and attempts to lick you. I don’t want you to
startle and hit him with that baseball bat.”
She watched him a moment longer and then propped the bat
against the wall of the cabin. “Let me guess: my landlord asked you to come by,
check me out?”
NOTE: The first book in the series, Fated Soulsis on sale for $.99 Please check price before purchase.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
A
city girl, born and bred, I tend to place my stories in and around southeast
Pennsylvania, or at least have a character or two from the area. Home is where
the heart is and I make mine with my very own knight in slightly tarnished
armor, three beautiful daughters, my son-in-law and two grandsons. When I’m not
busy living my own happily ever after, I’m writing about someone else’s.
I’d
love to have you visit with me at any of my virtual homes or write to me
directly at beckyfladeauthor@gmail.com
My review: Previously reviewed: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Fated Hearts by Becky Flade follows Henley Elliott, who has fled to a small
town in Minnesota, hoping to find a temporary sanctuary while she
regains her equilibrium professionally and deals with her sensation of
being hunted. Welcomed by a woman who seems to be a force of nature,
Henley tentatively lets her guard down and starts establishing
relationships, only to discover that she hasn’t left danger behind, and
her odd psychic ability may not be enough to keep her or her new friends
alive.
This romantic suspense tale is a delicious story that
has suspense, romance, and a hint of the paranormal in a terrific
combination. The introduction to the characters and the small town
atmosphere is nicely contrasted with the danger that gradually
escalates, and one can’t help being fascinated by the cast of
characters, including the precocious little Tala. I was captured by the
opening scene as the heroine is portrayed as a personable stranger who
is looking for a safe haven, and with every new person she meets, I grew
to like the town and its inhabitants more and more. I think the quirky
characters and elements of humor caught my attention until the suspense
took over and kept me from putting the story down. This author has been added to my list of folks to keep an eye out for!
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
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