Since 2015, LIFT 4 Autism has raised approximately $140,000 to benefit ASD families. All proceeds go to non-profit organizations serving the autism community. Now more than ever, we as a global community are uniting, even as we stay apart to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Auction organizers authors Ginger Scott and Kennedy Ryan, along with Kulture City, this year’s charitable partner, wanted to respond to the real needs of autism families during this incredibly challenging time. Kulture City will direct proceeds from the 2020 auction to a scholarship program for autism families struggling during COVID-19.
The online auction features signed paperbacks, hardcovers, full series sets, out-of-print covers, foreign editions, personal one-on-one Skype calls with some of your favorites . . . and MORE, all donated by authors, publishers, bloggers, readers. Just people who wanted to be a part of something to help autism families. In the past, some of our highest bidding items were tickets to sold-out author signings and in-demand book events. Of course, with social distancing, those have all been cancelled. To possibly compensate, several amazing authors, narrators and publishing professionals are auctioning off virtual chats! We’re hoping many readers will be enticed to bid on virtual chats with authors like LJ Shen, Tarryn Fisher, Beverly Jenkins, and Kristen Ashley, to name a few. To chat with all-star narrators like Zachary Webber, Shane East, Erin Mallon and more. Not to mention critiques and video chats with agents and editors. These are just a few items up for bid. We are incredibly grateful for every single item donated.
We are beyond excited to be celebrate this release from Dianne Duvall with you today by participating in the release day blitz! THE LASARAN is the first novel in a thrilling new sci-fi romance series full of action, intrigue, humor, and happily-ever-afters! Keep reading to find out more about the title below. Click here to order your copy today!
The Lasaran Book #1 Aldebarian Alliance By Dianne Duvall
April 21, 2020
New York Times bestselling author Dianne Duvall brings readers the first novel in a thrilling new sci-fi romance series full of action, intrigue, humor, and happily-ever-afters.
Taelon searches the galaxy for his younger sister, who mysteriously disappeared while on a diplomatic mission. When an ally reveals that she was seized and is being held prisoner on Earth, Taelon descends upon the blue planet, intent on freeing her and exacting vengeance. However, all does not go as planned. Before he can find her, Taelon is captured and becomes the subject of torturous experiments. For what feels like an eternity, all he knows is pain and fury… until a mind tentatively touches his own and a woman’s voice forever changes his world.
After suffering tragic losses, Lisa is finally beginning to carve out a future for herself when chance sends her to the Anomalous Cognition Research Institute. What at first appears to be a benign organization seeking participants for a psychic study instead turns out to be a government facility harboring a much darker intent. Lisa discovers this too late and soon becomes the unwilling subject of a terrifying experiment. Just as fear and desperation threaten to consume her, a deep, compelling voice penetrates the looming insanity and lends her hope.
Having seen only the worst of humanity, Taelon is shocked when Lisa risks everything to free him. Together the two make their escape, and Taelon finds himself fascinated by the small human woman who—despite all she’s suffered—can still laugh and tease and lure smiles from him. Friendship swiftly grows between them as they work together to evade soldiers intent on capturing them and find themselves hunted by mystifying preternatural beings. Through it all, Lisa steadfastly remains by his side, stealing more of his heart each day while she helps him unravel the mystery of his sister’s fate. Can they find his sister before the hunters find them? If they survive their quest, will Taelon have to bid Lisa farewell… or can he coax her into leaving her planet and joining him for the adventure of a lifetime?
Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians series and The Gifted Ones series. Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and "wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews). Her books have twice been nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and are routinely deemed Top Picks by RT Book Reviews, The Romance Reviews, and/or Night Owl Reviews.
Dianne loves all things creative. When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the vampires she creates in her books.
For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit DianneDuvall.com. You can also find Dianne online . . .
- (1) $50 Amazon Gift Card
- (2) An Aldebarian Alliance, Immortal Guardians, and The Gifted Ones by Dianne Duvall Prize Pack
*Please be aware, that should conditions worsen due to COVID-19, the author reserves the right to substitute an Amazon.com gift card of their choice amount for the prize pack. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
New York Times bestselling
author Dianne Duvall brings readers the first novel in a thrilling new sci-fi
romance series full of action, intrigue, humor, and happily-ever-afters.
Taelon searches the galaxy
for his younger sister, who mysteriously disappeared while on a diplomatic
mission. When an ally reveals that she was seized and is being held prisoner on
Earth, Taelon descends upon the blue planet, intent on freeing her and exacting
vengeance. However, all does not go as planned. Before he can find her, Taelon
is captured and becomes the subject of torturous experiments. For what feels
like an eternity, all he knows is pain and fury… until a mind tentatively
touches his own and a woman’s voice forever changes his world.
After suffering tragic
losses, Lisa is finally beginning to carve out a future for herself when chance
sends her to the Anomalous Cognition Research Institute. What at first appears
to be a benign organization seeking participants for a psychic study instead
turns out to be a government facility harboring a much darker intent. Lisa
discovers this too late and soon becomes the unwilling subject of a terrifying
experiment. Just as fear and desperation threaten to consume her, a deep,
compelling voice penetrates the looming insanity and lends her hope.
Having seen only the worst of
humanity, Taelon is shocked when Lisa risks everything to free him. Together
the two make their escape, and Taelon finds himself fascinated by the small
human woman who—despite all she’s suffered—can still laugh and tease and lure
smiles from him. Friendship swiftly grows between them as they work together to
evade soldiers intent on capturing them and find themselves hunted by
mystifying preternatural beings. Through it all, Lisa steadfastly remains by
his side, stealing more of his heart each day while she helps him unravel the
mystery of his sister’s fate. Can they find his sister before the hunters find
them? If they survive their quest, will Taelon have to bid Lisa farewell… or
can he coax her into leaving her planet and joining him for the adventure of a
lifetime?
Hello! Thanks so much for
joining us. I’ve thrilled to be here, celebrating the release of THE LASARAN,
the first book in my new Aldebarian Alliance series. Today I thought I would
help you get to know Lisa, the heroine, by revealing five reasons Taelon falls in
love with her:
1
She’s strong.
Again she drew her thumb across his stubble in a soft
caress. After experiencing nothing but pain and humiliation during his long
captivity, her touch felt sublime. “So you came here for your sister?”
He nodded. “She’s sweet and innocent. Like you. It tears me
up inside to think of the butchers doing to her what they did to me.”
Her lips turned up in a wry smile. “I’m not that innocent.”
He smiled. “And not so sweet? At least not to the soldier
you threatened to shoot.”
She laughed. “Apparently outright terror can make me
ballsy.”
Familiar with the Earth term, he laughed.
2
Taelon has known only pain and suffering
for nearly three years. So even when times are tough, Lisa finds ways to make
him laugh.
Though the circumstances that had brought them together were
horrendous, Taelon already found it hard to imagine not waking up with Lisa in
his arms every morning, not sharing every meal with her, not eliciting laughs
and blushes from her every chance he could.
The bathroom door swung open.
Lisa spoke, still beyond his line of sight. “Our day has had
a pretty grim beginning, so I thought you’d like to see this.” Poking her head
out, she stared at him with wide eyes and a mouth rimmed with toothpaste foam.
He laughed.
She grinned.
So damn cute, he
thought as he rose and joined her.
3
She’s resourceful and
doesn’t back down from a challenge.
Taelon scooted to the edge of the table, then slid off onto
his feet.
His knees buckled.
Lisa lunged forward and wrapped her arms around him. He was
a lot taller than she was. And heavier with muscle. For a minute she thought
they would both end up toppling to the floor. He felt like he weighed a ton.
But she braced her feet, locked her knees, and managed to keep him upright.
He gripped the table with one hand and wrapped the other arm
around her. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay,” she told him. “We can do this.”
He nodded.
Shifting to his side, Lisa kept one arm around him as he
found his balance. She hadn’t realized until then that the hazmat suit had
fallen to the floor. Well, sh**. How was she going to get a naked alien out of
the building without getting caught? He was bound to attract attention.
She glanced at the door. Maybe there were clothes in the
next room? The doctors probably changed out of their everyday clothes before
coming in here, right?
When she had arrived, the fighting hadn’t reached this
section yet. But the gunfire was getting closer. “If we’re going to do this, we
need to do it now.”
4
She will fight fiercely to protect those
she loves.
He sat up, too. When she struggled to untangle the covers
enough to pull them up over her breasts, he paused a moment to help her.
“Lisa,” he began in reasonable tones, “I won’t risk your—”
“This is nonnegotiable, Taelon. We’re in this together. No
way in hell am I going to let them take you who-knows-where without me.”
5
She’s passionate.
Pulse pounding in her ears, Lisa closed the remaining
distance between them and touched her lips to his.
He rested his hands on her hips.
She thought he intended to shove her off. He had, after all,
told her that this kind of intimate contact was forbidden on his planet.
Instead, those large hands squeezed her hips, then slid
around and up her back, pressing her closer until her full breasts rubbed his
chest. His soft, warm lips parted. His tongue slipped out to tease hers.
Heat flashed through her, shocking her to her core. Holy
hell, the man could kiss.
____________________________________
I hope you’ll enjoy
THE LASARAN!
AUTHOR INFO & FOLLOW LINKS
Dianne Duvall is the New York
Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians series and The
Gifted Ones series. Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and
humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book
Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and "wonderfully
imaginative" (The Romance Reviews). Her books have twice been nominated
for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and are routinely deemed Top Picks by RT Book
Reviews, The Romance Reviews, and/or Night Owl Reviews.
Dianne loves all things
creative. When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film
industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and
wielding a machete like some of the vampires she creates in her books.
For the latest news on
upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit DianneDuvall.com. You can
also find Dianne online . . .
—(2) An Aldebarian Alliance, Immortal Guardians, and The Gifted Ones by Dianne Duvall Prize Pack
*Please be aware, that should conditions worsen due to COVID-19, the author reserves the right to substitute an Amazon.com gift card of their choice amount for the prize pack. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Now more than ever, we as a global community are uniting, even as we stay apart to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The organizers of LIFT 4 Autism, authors Ginger Scott and Kennedy Ryan, along with Kulture City, this year’s charitable partner, wanted to respond to the real needs of autism families during this incredibly challenging time. Kulture City will direct proceeds from the 2020 auction to autism families struggling during COVID-19.
The online auction features signed paperbacks, hardcovers, full series sets, out-of-print covers, foreign editions, personal one-on-one Skype calls with some of your favorites . . . and MORE, all donated by authors, publishers, bloggers, readers. Just people who wanted to be a part of something to help autism families. You can browse items up for bid NOW here. The docket is open for bidding Monday, April 27 - Friday, May 1.
Since 2016, LIFT 4 Autism has raised approximately $140,000 to benefit ASD families. All proceeds go to non-profit organizations serving the autism community. This year’s charitable partner is Kulture City, whose programs serve the autism community with compassion and generosity.
★ Here’s some FAQ about the auction and the bidding process that may prove helpful★
Authors, publishers, agents, etc...we are still accepting items to put up for bid! If you have items you’d like to donate, you can do so here: http://bit.ly/2020LiftDonations
Kulture City, with its emphasis on acceptance, accessibility and inclusion, is innovating service to the autism community. In addition to partnering with the NBA and other organizations to make stadiums sensory-friendly, they provide much-needed safety resources through their lifeBOKS program and equip autists with tablets to bridge communication gaps and open new opportunities for learning through their tablet: KULTURE program. We are so very honored to stand with Kulture City in their compassion and ingenuity.
Code Name: Hacker
(Jameson Force Security, Book #4)
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: March 31, 2020
BOOK SUMMARY
I’m not the same Bebe
Grimshaw I was years ago. The woman I was spent years behind the bars of the
highest security women’s prison in the nation, my punishment for hacking
nuclear codes as part of a crime syndicate I’d gotten in way too deep with. The
woman I am today doesn’t regret what I did, or the fact that I got caught, but
I am remorseful for the years I lost with my son, Aaron. Released from my
sentence early thanks to Kynan McGrath, I joined his team at Jameson Force
Security and now put my skills to use helping people.
I’m
just trying to get back a piece of what I lost, focusing solely on raising
Aaron and my work at Jameson. As long as I have my son and my career, I’m
content. But life has a funny way of letting you know exactly what you need,
and when a devastatingly handsome stranger named Griffin befriends Aaron at the
park, I have to consider I might be missing something. A part of me that was
locked away long ago reawakens, and I find myself looking at Griff in a way
I’ve not looked at a man in more than a decade.
Just
when I think things are starting to look up, my world is turned upside down.
Turns out that meeting wasn’t an accident, and things aren’t going my way at
all.
►Audible
(narrated by Aiden Snow and Savannah Peachwood)
CAT'S REVIEW
CODE NAME:HACKER by Sawyer Bennett. This is the fourth installment of the Jameson Force Security series and Ms. Bennett did not disappoint. HACKER tells the story of Bebe and Griffin. I adored Bebe. She is strong and resilient, an amazing mom and daughter yet she has a vulnerability to her, despite all she has gone through. Griff, boy oh boy, did Ms. Bennett nail him! He made me swoon a bit! Together, I found them to be an endearing couple, despite both being some pretty tough cookies. The story was filled with suspense, danger and some surprising moments too. Having met Bebe in the previous books (this one can be read alone), I was really looking forward to learning her story. Ms. Bennett certainly has a knack for taking her readers on rides that are filled with ups and downs, and twists and turns. I highly recommend, not only this book, but the entire series. (received ARC for honest review)
★★★★★
AUTHOR INFO & FOLLOW LINKS
Since
the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013,
Sawyer Bennett has released multiple books, many of which have appeared on the
New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.
A
reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to
create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new
adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about
everyone.
Sawyer
likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination
of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur,
stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active daughter, as well
as full-time servant to her adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of
others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or even
better, both.
Cat's Reviews is proud to highlight a favorite author today....
SUSAN STOKER!
About Susan....
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.
Mountain Mercenary Hunter “Meat” Snow has a mission: eliminate the human traffickers scouring the barrios of Lima for vulnerable prey. But it’s Meat who’s taken down. Separated from his team, and beaten within inch of his life, he’s left for dead. When he wakes, it’s to the intimate care of a beautiful stranger who knows all about survival.
Zara Layne was a child when a brutal murder left her orphaned and abandoned in Peru. Ever since, she’s fended for herself on the streets, outrunning its predators. Trusting men is not in Zara’s blood, until it warms to the exhilarating touch of the wounded hero who promises deliverance. As each other’s rescuer, they return to Colorado for a new normal.
But when Meat disappears, Zara discovers how ruthless the past can be. With the help of the loyal mercenaries, she’s drawing on her own skills of endurance to find him. And for Zara, there’s no danger too great to come between her and the man she loves.
I have had the privilege of meeting Susan several times - the first being at the RT Convention in Atlanta, however, it was very brief due to my leaving early for a family emergency. Having some preorders I needed to pick up from her, she graciously met me early to deliver them. She was so wonderful and offered me support during that time of crisis. Next, I met her at Readers on the River in 2018 and 2019. I was so excited to meet her under better circumstances. Susan is down to earth and so gracious to her readers for their support. Susan has been one of my favorite authors since reading PROTECTING CAROLINE several years ago. She continues to WOW me with her work and I anxiously await each new book until it releases. Susan has a Facebook Fan group and, just like Susan, the members are delightful. They offer support and encouragement, make me smile with silly memes, and have become online friends, all thanks to Susan.
GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway The Fine Print: Susan Stoker is not involved with the giveaway, neither is Facebook or any other social media. It is strictly the doing of Cat's Reviews.
I built myself up from nothing. A product of the foster care system, I learned early on how to fight hard to get what I want. Whether it was starting my first company in college, earning my first billion, or buying my first professional sports team, I know how to get what I want, when I want it.
Until now.
Willow Monahan is fierce, independent, and hot as hell. She also takes great pleasure in shutting down my advances. The younger sister of one of my star players, Willow intrigues me to my very core. And while she may have willingly given me her body, she is hesitant to offer up more. Now I’m on a mission to find out why.
I’ve decided to approach my desire for Willow like I’ve approached much of my life; with persistence,determination, and a whole lot of that Dominik Carlson alpha charm. Buying a hockey expansion team, building the Arizona Vengeance from the ground up, and bringing home a championship may prove to be an easier feat than winning Willow’s heart.
DOMINIK by Sawyer Bennett. This is the one Ms. Bennett's loyal fans have been waiting for and Ms. Bennett did not disappoint! Dominik - the loyal, dedicated and truly alpha Hero that had my heart swooning throughout the entire tale! I adored him! And Willow, our heroine, is a strong and independent woman that doesn't necessarily need a man, but the things Dominik does to her - oh boy! Break out the fans! Not only did I love the main characters, but the storyline was engaging and held my attention throughout. Ms. Bennett made me laugh, cry and shout. Ms. Bennett's knack for writing characters that are truly alpha in nature, yet so vulnerable at times - she nailed that with this one. Dominik is a force to be reckoned with but so is Willow. The back and forth between these two as they traversed their journey was an enjoyable ride, if not frustrating and, even heartbreaking at times. It was fun to "catch up" with characters from previous tales too (although not necessary to read to fully enjoy DOMINIK but I highly recommend the entire series). Ms. Bennett - thank you for, once again, creating a story that made me feel all the feels and made my heart flutter throughout. (received ARC for honest review)
★★★★★
AUTHOR INFO & FOLLOW LINK
Since
the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January
2013, Sawyer Bennett has released multiple books, many of which have appeared
on the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.
A
reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to
create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new
adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about
everyone.
Sawyer
likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination
of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur,
stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active daughter, as well
as full-time servant to her adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of
others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or even
better, both.
Sawyer
also writes general and women’s fiction under the pen name S. Bennett and sweet
romance under the name Juliette Poe.
