Make Me Believe in Something Good, Something Better Than a Lie #ScintillatingSunday #Romance

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Excerpt of the romance thriller, One True Thing...

He'd never met anyone like her. Vanessa Warren was definitely one-of-a kind. She sauntered to him, almost like a predator about to go in for the kill, stood on her tiptoes until her breath caressed his chin, and whispered, "Make me believe in something good, something better than a lie." 

He grabbed her ass and lifted her up until they were eye-to-eye. Hair licked with fire slipped across his face when she leaned over him, all color and warmth. He wanted this, wanted her. This is why he had come, to feel this again, this agony of desire that he had suppressed for years. 

Fingers twisted in the strands of hair that slipped against his face. He crushed her to him, ravaging her mouth like a dying man grasping at life. Tongues teased. Teeth nipped.  And he fell past a point he had never thought to cross, not that he cared, not that it mattered. In his mind, he could see the lights of the city, blurring with speed and spinning beneath them. 

God, she felt good.  Intoxicating. Her lips nibbled across his neck.  

“I shouldn’t want you so much, but I do. I can’t stop myself,” she whispered.  

“Why do you want me?” He held her firm with his fists wrapped in her hair. “Tell me.”

“You wanted me when you didn’t know who I was. We were just two people, strangers, without a past or a future. I knew you wanted to fuck me against that mural, beneath that tarp, I saw it in your eyes, thought about it all damn day. Then tonight there you were. You walked up those stairs like a predator, seeking me out, sweeping me away.”  

“You want to be swept away?”  

“Desperately.”

From the back cover...

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Power...it's a heady drug.

Vanessa Warren is America's favorite rebel. Daughter and granddaughter of US Presidents and sister to a future one, her family connections and notoriety are seen as leverage for manipulating the White House—if she's captured.

One little lie leads to a whole lot of trouble.

Reclusive international resort developer, Dominic Varga, needs a date to ward off his matchmaking parents. When he persuades the notorious Vanessa Warren to play his girlfriend for the night, he has no idea he's stepped into the crosshairs of kidnappers who will do anything—destroy everything—to get to her.

One true thing...

Trapped in a rapidly escalating international terror plot, Dominic and Vanessa's lie becomes the only real thing in the midst of betrayals, conspiracies, and murder. As their world falls apart, they suddenly only have each other to rely on against ruthless people who will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. Who can they trust? Who is behind the plot—her own family, a political rival of her family's, or a terrorist organization? How far will the kidnappers go—what will they be willing to sacrifice—to control the power of the White House? Is there anywhere in the world where they can find safety?

 

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She's Like an Inferno and He Can't Resist the Flames #RomanticSuspense #ScintillatingSunday

Excerpt of the political romance thriller, One True Thing...


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“My name doesn’t make a difference, does it?”  

“I’d be lying if I said no…” his voice trailed off with uncertainty.  

“Then lie to me.” She twisted her fingers into the fabric of her dress and willed him to not let the weight of her lineage crush the spark of something new. 

Damn, he looked good in both jeans and a tuxedo. She wondered what he'd look like naked, hoped she'd find out soon. Something intangible compelled her toward him that had nothing to do with his appearance — an understated power reverberated from him. And she wouldn't be a true Warren if she weren't attracted to power on some level.

In one quick move, he crushed her against him and devoured her lips with his. Like a wild animal released after years in captivity, his passion overwhelmed her, consumed her. He lifted her tight against him, one hand at the back of her head, the other at her hip. 

Her feet left the ground. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Desire engulfed her like an inferno. 

Tongues clashed in an age-old dance. Deep, low moans rattled from their chests.  Her fingers wrapped themselves in the ends of his hair. She wanted more, craved his heat, needed his body claiming hers, hungered for the taste of his skin under her mouth. 

The elevator doors opened with a ding.  

Chests heaving against one another, they stared into each other's eyes, lips still clinging together. Breath tangled with breath. 

“Going down?”  Pam asked from the opening of the elevator.  

“Not quite yet,” Vanessa replied, a slow smile curving her lips as she smoothed the velvet over her hips.  “Maybe later.”      

From the back cover...

One little lie leads to a whole lot of trouble.

Reclusive international resort developer, Dominic Piazza, needs a date to ward off his matchmaking parents. When he persuades the notorious Vanessa Warren to play his girlfriend for the night, he has no idea he's stepped into the crosshairs of kidnappers who will do anything—destroy everything—to get to her.

Power...it's a heady drug.

Vanessa Warren is America's favorite rebel. Daughter and granddaughter of US Presidents and sister to a future one, her family connections and notoriety are seen as leverage for manipulating the White House—if she's captured.

One true thing...

Trapped in a rapidly escalating international terror plot, Dominic and Vanessa's lie becomes the only real thing in the midst of betrayals, conspiracies, and murder. As their world falls apart, they suddenly only have each other to rely on against ruthless people who will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. Who can they trust? Who is behind the plot—her own family, a political rival of her family's, or a terrorist organization? How far will the kidnappers go—what will they be willing to sacrifice—to control the power of the White House? Is there anywhere in the world where they can find safety? 

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She's a Pawn in a Deadly Game to Control the White House #ScintillatingSunday #Romance

Excerpt of the political romance thriller, One True Thing...

She opened her eyes and stared him down. Anxiety gripped her chest like an iron corset. "No matter what I said, wouldn't this be an over-the-top election strategy? He told me that he's being pressured to drop out."

"And you know damn well he has no intention of doing that," he said quietly without breaking eye contact. "The power of the White House is at stake. What would anyone sacrifice to be President of the United States?"

Think of the greater good, Cleo's words whispered through her mind. 

"I get it, I do. I'm a pawn in someone's sadistic game, but that doesn't mean my own family is orchestrating mass chaos," she whispered. 

"Doesn't it? You thought so yourself only twenty-four hours ago."

"Dominic—"

"There is a part of you that doubts them, which is why you're here with me and not in your house surrounded by Secret Service."

Because she could neither confirm nor deny his theory or provide an alternative one, she walked away from the table, moved through the shadows flickering across the room from the shaded windows, and quietly gathered her things. Heartbeat rushed through her ears like an endless whooshing of fear. Sweat lined her palms. 

She waited for Dominic in silence, almost too scared to breathe, and watched the shadows of palm trees swaying against the floor, the knowledge that the glass house could shatter at any moment growing like a crescendo in her mind. 

From the back cover...

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Power...it's a heady drug.

Vanessa Warren is America's favorite rebel. Daughter and granddaughter of US Presidents and sister to a future one, her family connections and notoriety are seen as leverage for manipulating the White House—if she's captured.

One little lie leads to a whole lot of trouble.

Reclusive international resort developer, Dominic Varga, needs a date to ward off his matchmaking parents. When he persuades the notorious Vanessa Warren to play his girlfriend for the night, he has no idea he's stepped into the crosshairs of kidnappers who will do anything—destroy everything—to get to her.

One true thing...

Trapped in a rapidly escalating international terror plot, Dominic and Vanessa's lie becomes the only real thing in the midst of betrayals, conspiracies, and murder. As their world falls apart, they suddenly only have each other to rely on against ruthless people who will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. Who can they trust? Who is behind the plot—her own family, a political rival of her family's, or a terrorist organization? How far will the kidnappers go—what will they be willing to sacrifice—to control the power of the White House? Is there anywhere in the world where they can find safety?

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Enough of the Superficial Crap #life

Over the past week, a few male models have been behaving badly. They've body shamed a few of the romance authors who actually make or break their careers, suggested the fat ladies should commit suicide, and other heinous BS. Yes, that's true. There have been many posts on the subject this week so I'm not going to delve into the details, but I admit it got me thinking.

Enough of the superficial BS that's ruining our society! We need to correct ourselves--now.

On top of that male model drama (that makes me snicker a bit writing that), I had a man tell me that the real reason we could never have a future together is because I'm a romance author and he "deserves" to only date doctors or lawyers; but, in the same conversation, tell me that I'm the most amazing woman he's ever known and his "best friend"-- it's too bad I'm just a writer.

What the fuck is happening in the world? When did dating become more like a job interview or like an application for a home loan? Do you make enough money to be with me?! Are you physically fit enough to deserve my respect as a human being? Is THAT really the criteria we want to judge all of our human interactions?

People are more than their careers or body shape/size. Has our world become so shallow that character no longer matters? Have we become so worried about image that we can't be seen with someone who doesn't fit our inflated delusions of how great we are? Why is it so easy to rip people down rather than lift them up? Not only is it easy, it appears to be acceptable as a social norm.

Think I'm exaggerating? Look at the Culture of Trump that allows this bigot who spews hate and sexism to be one step away from winning the White House. We watch reality shows where the "winners"--the ones who lie, cheat, and backstab the best--are awarded a check for a million dollars. We follow The Real Housewives of Wherever who are too rich for their own good and who tear each other apart in the name of entertainment--deepening the stereotype that women are catty and unable to cultivate true friendships. Ask BRAVO how profitable the Housewives series has become--it will blow your mind.

Teens are bullied so badly on social media that they kill themselves--yet we say, "Oh, that's too bad, " or, worse yet, blame the parents of the dead child for not intervening while the bullies usually continue on their merry way.

For the past eleven years, I've been judged for being a single parent--despite the fact that I'm a widow. I have been sneered at, left out of parties that were 'couples only', pitied for being on a budget, and many other superficial things that boggle my mind. The fact that my kids have never been in trouble, are always kind to others, have been active with volunteering in the community, and excel in school seems to be brushed aside. Why? Because it's so much easier to focus on the negative (although I don't see being a single parent as a dirty word or a negative, more like a challenge and a fact of life), than to give anyone credit for all the positives.

Why? Because when we are putting others down, we are inflating our own false sense of perfection. Ask yourself--if you're busy judging someone else, does it make you feel superior? Do you feel better about your own life when you're looking down your nose at someone else?

I don't understand it. Yes, I've been guilty of gossip--but not for many years. Tragedy struck my life again and again and reframed my perspective. Often, passive aggressive stuff coming my way goes right over my head making me seem clueless, but I'd much rather not understand than be on the same wavelength of the ones doing the judging. The same with body shaming someone for being heavier or not wanting to date someone because they aren't a doctor or a lawyer. To me, none of that makes any sense.

My late husband was a construction worker. His hands were stained with oil at times and he was self-conscious about always being dirty. Yet that man was the kindest soul I have ever known. He never spoke ill of anyone. He took good care of us. He would hire someone to work on his crew even if the guy had a sketchy history because he felt everyone needed a second chance in life. Yes, he was one of the good ones, yet he was and has been judged harshly since his death by people who don't have half of his integrity.

Why do we allow hate to permeate our lives? Why are we so angry that we would rather take a look at someone and dismiss them because of their appearance or because of their job title? It scares me.

My kids and I witnessed road rage the other day when we were walking into a movie theater--a man was screaming at a mom driving a minivan while her children sobbed in the back seat. He had stopped her car and was calling her a whore and a bitch while people walked by like it was okay...like it was normal. (Apparently, she hadn't driven properly in the round-a-bout) I started to intervene just as the woman managed to steer around him and leave, but I was shocked at the ambivalence around me.

I would rather be a poor-always-hustling-to-survive, overweight, single mom who has raised ethical children than a mean-spirited, zero-body-fat bitch who would rather take someone down than lift them up. And, no, I'm not judging the skinny ones--I have friends who run triathlons and I personally love Zumba--I'm simply using that as an example of superficial stereotypes that divide rather than unify! Me shaming someone for being skinny is just as bad as someone shaming me for being a size 12. But, it's all true...every word. I have lived it. And, most likely, so have you. That's the tragedy.

I'm scared of what the world is becoming, of what we're allowing. When is enough enough? When do we as a collective stand up and demand more from our fellow human beings?

Peace to you.
Amber Lea Easton
http://www.amberleaeaston.com

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Amber Lea Easton is a multi-published author of romantic thrillers, contemporary romance, women's fiction, and nonfiction. She also writes five different blogs, works as a professional editor and author coach, creates a line of inspirational journals, volunteers for children's literacy, and advocates for suicide awareness. In addition, she is the mother of two extraordinary human beings who lives in a small cabin high in the Rocky Mountains where she is completely aware of how lucky she is. To find out more about her books, please visit http://www.amberleaeaston.com. 

Feeling adventurous? #Romance in Belize #ScintillatingSunday

Excerpt of the romance adventure novella, Anonymity, book one of the Wanderlust Series (all books written as stand-alones), and temporarily on sale for .99! 


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He smiled against her mouth, loving that she was entwined around him like an exotic vine. "You're one intense lady, do you realize that? It's like you're on fire." 

"It's an illusion, I'm a fraud," she whispered against his lips.

"I don't think so. Neither of us has anything to gain or lose."

"Stop talking." She kissed him with passion that drove him over the brink of control. 

They needed to get someplace—anyplace—private. Now.

 

Not breaking the kiss, he dropped her gently to her feet. Kissing, touching, laughing, they stumbled down the beach toward the resort. A crowd had assembled on the beach in front of the bar where Dave the One Man Band presided. The group of scuba divers played beach volleyball amidst it all. Maneuvering through them would be a challenge, especially with Savannah overly curious about Alyssa. 

"Locals come out for Dave," he said when she simply stared at the transformation from tranquil paradise to party central. "Come here." He dragged her into the gardens surrounding Ramon's Village and pressed her back against a tree. "Feeling adventurous?"

"What do you think?" She pushed her hands beneath his shirt. 

From the back cover...

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Alyssa McNeil is through with romance. In Belize on a solo vacation designed to make her forget that her ex is marrying someone else on New Year's Eve, she's determined to break free of her comfort zone. Meeting Luke Picket falls perfectly into her plans for indulging fantasy, letting go of inhibition, and having uncomplicated fun under the sun. Falling in love with him is definitely not on the agenda.

Luke Picket is more than happy to go along with her idea of a no strings, first-name only weeklong fling. He embraces his solo lifestyle and can't see that changing any time soon. When they find themselves trekking through the jungle and facing turbulent seas together, the feelings he'd fought so hard to avoid in his life start stirring in his closed-off permanent bachelor heart.   

But they'd agreed on anonymity, on a first-name-only-no-strings love affair, and neither wants to ruin the moment with unwanted declarations. Old beliefs are challenged. Doubts questioned. Will they stick to their deal and go their separate ways when the week is over? Or will the new year bring them a new attitude about love?

**Anonymity is book one of the Wanderlust Series, which is a series of romance adventure novels written as stand-alone books. In future series, some characters may make cameo appearances, but all are true stand-alone novels.

On sale now for .99 as intro to the series! Start the adventure! 

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 A taste of some of the reviews...

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5.0 out of 5 stars

Anonymity, excellent read!

By 

Kristina Larson

Great love story! I could feel the characters' "electric chemistry" jump right out of the pages...couldn't put the book down! Definitely rates up there as one of the best romance books I've ever read! A must read for anyone who loves romance(:

5.0 out of 5 stars

Passion Filled Vacation,

By 

Pamela (Toronto, ON) - 

Amber Lea Easton ("Easton") truly shines when it comes to giving her readers exactly what they want when it comes to romance; a novel full of passion and hot hot sex; and characters (both lead and supporting) who you'll fall in love with; all on a sandy beach with crystal-clear blue water as far as the eye can see. The author wields a terrific and engaging story, even thought-provoking at times, that's full of fun and desire that leaves you not only wishing it was you on that beach, but you who's being screwed hard against a palm tree by one very hot and sexy male specimen like Luke.

This is the second novel of Easton's I've read and it will most definitely not be my last. I was actually sad when the story ended; that it wasn't longer than 186 pages as I couldn't get enough. Thoughts of getting on a plane heading towards a tropical beach is all I can think of - that, and a palm tree.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Excellent romance,

By 

ChristophFischerBooks "Chris" - 

"Anonymity" by Amber Lea Easton is a great holiday romance, set in Belize between Christmas and New Year - coincidentally the same time that I read the novel.

Reading the novel about a no-strings attached one week fling between Alyssa and Luke was the perfect escapism, just like a sweet dream. The two make a pact not to talk about their real lives: What happens in Belize, stays in Belize. Or does it?

Sunshine, water, sex and jungle adventures are part of this fun-filled and lovely story. Besides the great main characters there are a few really well chosen others, such as the bar tender Rosie and Savannah, who also has the hots for Luke.

Well written and easy on the proverbial eye this is a very enjoyable and entertaining read that should please a wide audience.

5.0 out of 5 stars

The perfect romance with more than I thought possible,

By 

Molly -

Thank you Amber Lea Easton for completely capturing the essence of romance. You have, yet again, set the bar high. This was the perfect book. The main characters were strong and well developed and I felt like I was in Belize. The best surprise was the connection to the secondary characters. I fell in love with Rosie and found myself rooting for Savannah. What a great story about new beginnings and living the way we all dream of.

 

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