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Title: Valorous
Series: Affliction of Falling
Author: Kristina Canady
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Release Date: August 25, 2016
Affliction of Falling Series: Meet five friends as they learn to love without limitations by taking a journey onto the unexpected and rugged path of falling in love. Sometimes, falling in love doesn't go as planned. Sometimes, falling in love means a twisting torment of sweet, liberating pain beyond the confines of your comfort zone… into something beyond your wildest dreams.
Note from the author: In lieu of a traditional blurb, I thought I would write from the heart. You see, Jade's story is personal for me—a raw, collective idea that crawled from the depths of pain I vicariously experienced by way of caring for a patient population very dear to my heart. This story has taken me a few years to tell. Many times, the pure emotions evoked from these characters as they evolved became too overwhelming, prompting a need for a break.
I actually started writing this story before Scrupulous, but I battled with wanting to tell it just right. I didn't want to let down those who can personally relate to the trials and tribulations these characters endure. Cancer doesn't care. It is a dark, insatiable illness, consuming all that it can in its path. Cancer can make or break not only a person, but also the family and friends championing alongside the warrior battling to heal their body and reclaim their life.
My love and respect for oncology patients and their support systems of amazing people is never ending. My hope is that you connect with this next installment of the Affliction of Falling Series, that I do this story a fraction of the justice that it deserves, and entice you to continue to explore the multifaceted struggles of falling in love during difficult and non-conventional circumstances.
Please enjoy this tale of love, loss and the joys of rediscovering one's own strength and ability love again.
Raised California, Kristina moved to Colorado to pursue her education and fell in love with the area. After pushing through college class by class with a few scenic breaks in between, she finally graduated with the support of her family and friends. After establishing her career in nursing, she felt something was missing. Her artistic side was calling so she started to pick up her writing and painting again. After a while, she found that her short story had grown into her first novel. Writing is a passion of hers and she feels the greatest achievement in her art is creating works that bring enjoyment to others. She continues to reside in Colorado and is working on the next installment of an Affliction of Falling Novels.
Coming June 12th
Emma's had it bad for Professor Faraday all semester. Despite her best efforts, Luke Faraday seems immune to the brilliant blonde who sits enthralled in his lecture hall every day.
When Emma decides to confront her enigmatic professor and confess her feelings, Luke has a confession of his own to make. Will his confession send her running? Or will it send her running straight into his arms?
Either way, Emma's about to get more of an education than she bargained for.
***This is a Dark Fantasies Novella, fantasy being the key word. Get lost in the story, hold off jumping to conclusions, and brace yourself for the sweet surprise waiting at the end.***
Kat Austen is the secret pen name of a New York Times and USATODAY bestselling author. Kat writes short and steamy reads that leave hearts (and other parts) satisfied.
June 09th, 2016
Resilient Love by JC Santo Cover Reveal
How much hurt can one love go through?
An ill mother, a devastating secret and depression. These are now daily battles Joanna Fuentes deals with.
She sat on the sidelines and watched her friends find love, even the ones who weren't searching for it. J.C. was meant to be a distraction from her mother's illness, something for fun to pass the time. She never expected him to be her happily ever after.
Jared Collins enjoyed the single life. Yes, he'd always had the hots for a fellow sailor and friend, Jo, but he never thought he'd act on those physical feelings. And he damn sure didn't think she'd be a game changer when he finally gave into those feelings.
What started off as two friends and a couple drunken nights, escalated into something more; Love. But secrets, unspoken feelings and one huge fight has caused a riff in the once unbreakable friendship of J.C. and Jo.
Will J.C. be able to repair the damage not only to their friendship but also their future relationship? Is he able to be the man Jo needs to pull her out of the depths of despair she's fallen into?
One thing is certain, it will take a resilient kind of love.
Available July 6, 2016
Other books in the series...
Both Available for free on Kindle Unlimited
Inevitable Love
Love Unexpected
Author Links
COVER REVEAL and preorder SALE!
Brody & Nick is the newest title in the Something About Him series by A.D. Ellis
Brody & Nick is available for a special preorder price of just 99¢ on all platforms.
Army specialist Brody King is a successful and respected soldier. With only a year left in his commitment, he devises a plan to help him save money—a plan that requires him to marry.
Nick Ferguson is working toward college graduation and his community services management career. With his lease about to expire, he's more than willing to take Brody up on his crazy marriage scheme.
A solution that seems quick and easy turns into more than either of them ever anticipated. When Brody's fears and insecurities surface, he makes a decision that may push Nick away forever.
Can a fake marriage built upon friendship withstand the obstacles of an uncertain future?
**This is a male/male romance for ages 18+ due to adult language and themes.**
Find Brody & Nick:
Other books in the series:
Find the FREE short story (Bryan & Jase: The Beginning) on Amazon and iBooks
Bryan & Jase full-length novel:
Cover Reveal
Title: Take Me
Author: Sara V. Zook
Release: Summer 2016
Cover Designer: Susan Garwood from Wicked Women Designs
The depths of his soul are as black as his eyes.He's a thief and a murderer. Add kidnapping to the list now that he's taken me, forced me away from my father's house in the middle of the night. There's no room for mercy in his dead heart. He's driven by purpose, and I keep messing up his plans. So he hates me. He punishes me. He's my captor, and there's nothing I can do to change that. But then he's forced to make a decision—keep me or let someone else have me? He's still my captor, but also a kind of savior now too. Somehow things have changed between us. I can see it in his eyes. He doesn't like it, but he can't stop the motion from going forward. He wants me in a different way, and it's killing him to give in to his desires. I'm beginning to see that sometimes even a dead heart, even one belonging to Creed, can be revived. Sara V. Zook pursued her dream of becoming a writer and after earning her bachelor's degree, sat down to create her first novel in which Strange in Skin was completed in three short months. She's the author of the Strange in Skin Trilogy, Clipped, A Magic Within, Evanescent, Reminiscence, her mobster release, Six Guns, A Chaos Within, and her first contemporary romance, The Pull and its sequel The Push. She resides in Pennsylvania, where she was born and raised, with her husband and three small children.
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Title: Until the Sun Burns Out
Author: Amber Garza
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Release Date: Summer 2016
We spent three perfect summers together.
He called me his summer girl, and said that was all I could ever be.
But that didn't stop me from wanting so much more.
Amber Garza is the author of the Playing for Keeps series as well as many contemporary romance titles, including Star Struck, Tripping Me Up and Break Free. She has had a passion for the written word since she was a child making books out of notebook paper and staples. Her hobbies include reading and singing. Coffee and wine are her drinks of choice (not necessarily in that order). She writes while blaring music, and talks about her characters like they're real people. She currently lives in California with her amazing husband, and two hilarious children who provide her with enough material to keep her writing for years.
Amber loves to connect with her readers. You can visit her at ambergarza.com, or find her on facebook or on twitter @ambermg1.
Coming June 20th
Add to your Goodreads shelf now.
Book 13 in the USA Today Bestselling Impossible Series—Can be read as a standalone.
A man with a broken heart…
The agony of losing the woman I love to another Dominant has left me dead inside. Over the last two years, sex has become my drug of choice to cope with the loss. I know I'm too broken to ever love again, but that won't stop me from trying to fuck my pain away.
A woman with a painful past…
I'm not interested in intimacy, but I am interested in sex. As a BDSM romance novelist, I need to explore the world of kink for my books. The power exchange is meaningless; nothing more than research. Until I meet him. The powerful Dom won't relent until he breaks down all my walls, including the ones that protect my ravaged heart.
Bound together by lust and danger…
Chloe Martin is a BDSM romance author by night and an investigative journalist by day. When the latter brings her to the New York unit of the FBI to research the Latin Kings, she never expects her two careers to collide. The agent she's shadowing—Dexter Scott—is also a Dominant, and he's interested in helping with her research in the field and in the bedroom.
But Chloe's story on the Latin Kings puts her in the line of fire, and Dex's protective—and possessive—instincts kick in. Can he let go of his pain and find his happily ever after? Or will the danger that surrounds them steal his second chance at love?
Julia Sykes is the USA Today bestselling author of the Impossible Series. She has always kept dark stories tucked away in her mind, so she was thrilled when she discovered that other people actually want to read them. Her books blend romance, suspense, and BDSM.
After spending four years living in England, Julia returned to her Southern homeland. She has recently settled down in South Carolina and spends her time petting her cat-children, reading, and binge watching TV with her husband when not writing. You can usually find Julia in Starbucks with a venti iced latte clutched in her hand.
Julia loves connecting with readers! Please feel free to contact her on facebook, through twitter, or email her directly at firstname.lastname@example.com. You can find out more about Julia's current and future projects at julia-sykes.com.
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Title: White
Series: Black #3
Author: T.L. Smith
Genre: Romance
Release Date: July 11, 2016
I know, it happened to me.
It wasn't for the better, it was for the worst.
I am broken, no that doesn't sound right, I am chipped. Pieces of me have been chipped so bad that it's impossible to claim them back. Even if I want to, even if its for her.
Title: Snaring Angus
Series: A Captain's Folly Novel
Author: Adrienne Dunning
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 28, 2016
Angus Donaghue and Kerry Hunter have spent their entire lives in the coastal Scottish village of North Berwick--battling wits and hurling insults. It was just the way of things. Yet, Angus begins to question himself when his mates in The Captain's Folly suggest a different type of connection to his life-long nemesis. In between her three jobs and caring for her terminally ill mother, Kerry finds herself still trading barbs with the sarcastic drummer every night during her bartending shift at The Ship's Inn Tavern. But here was the problem --what are you supposed to do when the one person you can't get off your mind is the one person who gets on your last nerve? But you know what they say… It's all complicated in love and war.
Snaring Angus is book one of The Captain's Folly Series, a trilogy following three members of the Captain's Folly, a pub band featured weekly at The Ship's Inn Tavern in North Berwick, Scotland. Dive into the lively village of North Berwick and the men of the Captain's Folly by reading the prequel novel, Seeking Solace.
Adrienne Dunning is simply a Southern gal who has fun playing poorly at golf when she's not crafting novels. She loves all forms of expression—writing, dancing, cooking, talking—and does them frequently and with abandon. Adrienne published her debut novel, Seeking Solace, in April of 2015, which was followed that October by her novel, Revolution. Seeking Solace is the prequel to the Captain's Folly Series. She currently lives in coastal North Carolina where she is working on more stories than she has time for.
Title: Jerry's Passion
Series: Insurgents Motorcycle Club
Author: Chiah Wilder
Genre: MC Romance
Release Date: June 23, 2016
The first time Jerry saw Kylie, he was taken by her beauty and innocence, but he stayed away because she was too young. A member of the Insurgents MC, Jerry's life revolves around the club, his Harley, and easy sex. Women clamor for the rugged, tatted outlaw's attention, and he obliges, but his sights are set on the pretty, young blonde who is all grown up now—sweet curves and all…. Kylie fills his thoughts, and he dreams of his fingers tangling in her glossy hair, her legs wrapping tightly around his waist, her full lips quivering as she comes. Only problem is he can't have her. But… he can't stop himself from craving her, and if he acts, it'll surely cost him everything. His resistance is waning…. Kylie McDaniels is the pretty daughter of Banger—President of the Insurgents MC. She grew up in the outlaw biker world, but her father shielded her from the dark side of it, and she still has an innocence he prefers she keep. Banger is very protective of his daughter, and he's made up his mind that she won't fall in love with a biker, especially Jerry. She'd listen to her father, but the hot, muscular biker makes her want to do some not so innocent things. Her insides melt, and her brain turns to mush whenever he looks at her with his hungry, brown eyes. Damn. Why does he have to be so sexy? As Kylie maneuvers her budding sexuality and attraction to Jerry while trying to stay on the good side of her dad, someone is out there watching her, waiting to make his move. He's come for retribution, and Kylie is the pawn in his scheme. Will Jerry be able to stop the madman before he strikes? Can their forbidden love survive the chaos of the world around them?
The Insurgents MC series are standalone romance novels. This is Jerry and Kylie's love story. This book contains violence, sexual assault (not graphic), strong language, and steamy/graphic sexual scenes. It describes the life and actions of an outlaw motorcycle club. If any of these issues offend you, please do not read the book. HEA. No cliffhangers! The book is intended for readers over the age of 18.
Red Rocks University
Crested Peak, Colorado
He stood in the shadows behind the bush, staring intently at the window on the second floor. A glimpse of her made his heart race and he licked his lips, ripping off the dry skin with his front teeth. She was so damn beautiful. When he'd decided to seek her out, he had no idea how pretty and innocent she was. Since she was the daughter of the president of the Insurgents MC, he'd figured she'd look tough and used-up. But she was a lovely angel with blonde hair that touched the top of her ass, rounded tits that would fit perfectly in his hands, and large blue eyes that sparkled with innocence.
He inhaled sharply. Seeing her had changed his plans somewhat. Watching her come and
go for the past several weeks, he'd grown attached to her. As crazy at it sounded, he wanted to get to know her, become a part of her world.
"Mary, come on up. Taylor and I aren't ready yet!" Kylie yelled out her dorm window,
her hair framing her face.
The girl she'd yelled out to bounced up the flight of concrete stairs then entered the three story Gothic-style building. It had taken some time for him to find which dorm Kylie lived in.
The university had more than fifteen thousand students, but he'd persevered and he found her. She lived with a dark-haired roommate—Taylor—in room number 222, on the second floor in the middle of the hall. A perfect location for him to watch her as she sat at her desk and studied, glanced down at her phone, or just stared out the window at the Rocky Mountains in the distance, a faraway look in her blue gaze.
The man had been driven to find her, hate and retribution fueling him on, but then he saw
her and his pants grew tight, and he knew his plan had changed. He buried himself further in the bush when the large wooden doors of the building opened and Kylie, Taylor, and Mary filed out, laughing and talking like young college students do. He breathed out when the trio passed by the greenery which hid him. The scent of vanilla, lavender, and patchouli lingered as they scurried down the brick path. Not knowing which one belonged to his Kylie—he'd started thinking of her as his—the young man made a note to find out which aroma was hers.
Slipping out from his hiding place, the man shoved his hands in his pockets, keeping his
distance as he followed the young women. Each time Kylie's hips swayed, his dick twitched
more, and he willed himself to focus on the goal of his plan.
A broad-shouldered young man approached the girls. "Hey, Ricky." The slight breeze
carried Kylie's sweet voice.
"Hey. What're you guys up to?" he asked.
"We're going to grab a burger at University Café, then check out the show for Thursday
Thrills." Kylie moved closer to Ricky. Her stalker growled when he saw her arm rub against the college boy.
"There's a hypnotist. Everyone's raving about him. Want to join us?" Mary asked.
He watched as the three women flirted and fawned over Ricky, who kept staring at Kylie
in a way that made his blood boil. Note to self—Ricky's fucking history!
"Sure, why not?" Ricky looped his arm with Kylie's, and the four students ambled
toward the café.
Wrapping his leather jacket tighter around him, he leaned against the wall of the Student
Center. He'd wait—he had to. The man wanted to make sure Ricky fuckface didn't spend the night with Kylie. She was his, and no one would take her away from him. Just thinking about running his hands through her silky hair, and touching her skin—he imagined it would be soft as velvet—made his dick jab hard against his jeans. It wasn't time yet, but soon, he'd have her legs wrapped around his waist as he plunged his hardness into her tight heat. Their fucking would be sweet and nasty, and she'd cry out his name as she came all over his cock.
Then he'd hurt her real bad. Maybe even cut her delicate throat.
He had to.
Retribution sucked sometimes.
Chiah Wilder is the author of Hawk's Property, the first book in the Insurgents MC Series. It is a full length, standalone novel. Its release date is set for October 27, 2015.
Always a lover of books, she began writing at a young age and continued through college with collections of short stories. Figuring she had to grow up and get a "real" job, her writing was placed on the back burner.
Her love of reading has always be center front in her life. Chiah's love of bad boys both in and out of fiction has inspired her Insurgents series. She loves an alpha male whose softer side is brought out by a passionate, spirited woman. In fiction there are no rules or boundaries, and fantasies can go as far as the characters want to take them. Steamy, biker romances with rough, sexy bad boys are her guilty pleasure along with brownies, cheddar cheese, and movie marathons.
Returning to writing has been a dream come true. Writing and publishing Hawk's Property has been an amazing journey, and she is happy to share the Insurgents family with her readers. She is busy writing her next book in the series.
Chiah would love to hear from you. You can contact her at: firstname.lastname@example.com
Cruel Water
Book Info: Beautifully Decadent by L.A. Fiore Series: Beautifully Damaged #3 Genre: Contemporary Romance Cover Artist: Indie Solutions by Murphy Rae Release: June 28, 2016
Avery Collins has just landed her dream job, pastry chef for the posh-Manhattan restaurant, Clover. Her new boss, Trace Montgomery, even helped with securing her an affordable place to live: a beautifully restored carriage house owned by his friend, Rafe McKenzie—a man that makes her catch her breath and stirs her imagination. Trouble is, he's involved with someone, his father is being released after 25 years in prison and Avery is just his tenant. Exploring the attraction that sizzles whenever they're together would be the icing on the cake, but Avery knows all too well that you can't have everything. Of course, what's cake without icing? Rafe McKenzie's world shattered at nine when his father Liam—the only parent he knew—was arrested and convicted for armed robbery. Growing up in the system, Rafe managed to survive his childhood and now has a job he enjoys, a house he's restoring and a tight circle of friends. He's even working on reconciling with his dad, both eager to put the past in the past. Happy for the income a tenant would bring, Rafe agrees to rent his carriage house to Clover's new pastry chef. When Avery Collins pulls up his drive, she's not at all what he's expecting. Funny, sexy and as sweet as her desserts, it doesn't take long for things between them to heat up. Just when it seems as if they'll have their cake and eat it too, the past comes back with deadly intent leaving Rafe to figure out who's pulling the strings before his world shatters again.
L.A. Fiore is the author of several books including: Beautifully Damaged, Waiting for the One and A Glimpse of the Dream. She's also the social secretary for her two children, a tamer of ill-mannered cats, the companion to one awesome dog and married to her best friend. She likes her wine red, her shrimp chilled and her social gatherings small and intimate.
Title: Rough & Raw
Series: Notorious Devils MC #2 Author: Hayley Faiman Genre: MC Romance Release Date: June 2016
32 years young... born and raised in California, did a stint in Oregon only to return to the Golden State. Lived that life a while until the Lone Star State called to us, Hill Country, Texas is where we call home, where our boots rest and loving that country life. Living the life with one bearded power pole climbing husband, two little boys that are full of energy and drive us crazy plus a chocolate lab named Optimus Prime.
Title: Everett
Author: Cee Smith
Genre: Erotic Romance
Cover Design: Najla Qamber Designs
Release Date: June 7, 2016
One girl. Five stops. A chance encounter that would change everything.
When Indigo Ericson gets her dream job at Digital Monument, she can't believe her luck. Not only is she collaborating with an award-winning creative team, but she is also working on a top-secret project. And then she meets her boss.
Except this isn't their first time meeting.
Everett Belford isn't just the creative director. He's the man from the train—Vett. The stranger Indigo has spent the last three months infatuated with. He may act like he doesn't remember, but Indigo won't let him forget.
Where do the lines of infatuation and reality meet? When does curiosity become obsession? In an attempt to pick up where they left off, Indigo accepts his limited offer, but the deeper she descends into his world, the more she wants to draw him into hers. Except when it comes to Indigo, things aren't always as they seem.
Author Bio
Cee Smith is a lover of the written word. Since first learning how to string a sentence together, she's been putting pen to paper and hasn't looked back. Though she's no longer obsessed with blood and gore, the dark side still calls to her, often finding refuge in her current writings. Her addiction to reading is what finally inspired her to take a chance at publishing.
A California native, currently residing in North Carolina with her husband. She loves salacious stories, true love and forbidden romances—the more angst the better. Other than reading and writing, some of her other obsessions are peanut butter (don't get her started), Michael Fassbender, and watching TV.
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Title: Elysium
Series: Reunion Series #3
Author: JJ Harper
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: June 16, 2016
With Nico by his side, Ryan says goodbye to his old life and moves away, leaving his job and his hometown behind him.
Ready for a fresh new start together, Ryan and Nico settle down into a slower and easier lifestyle and life becomes as perfect as they could wish for.
When Ryan is unexpectedly reminded of the life he happily walked away from, his world is turned upside down when he gets notice of news that he never expected to hear. Ryan is tormented by what is being asked of him; the very thing he was promised would never be asked of him again.
A man Nico once knew returns, and Nico wishes he'd never caught up with Lyle. His ploy to keep Lyle away from Ryan fails and Lyle tells all about his previous connection to Nico. Ryan takes off, leaving no clues as to where he's gone and Nico is devastated believing that Ryan has left him.
When Ryan finally returns home; so does his past and he is forced to visit an old friend. But things are not what they seem and Ryan must fight as hard as he can to keep himself safe.
Maybe the perfect life with a happy ever after just isn't in the cards for Ryan and Nico after all.
Reading this may seriously raise you blood pressure, contains lots of hot scenes of sex between two men and has strong language throughout
This book is intended for 18+ readers.
The evening is drawing in and we have in fact done exactly what Nico wanted, we have spent the day naked and in bed. The sex has been off the charts I can feel my body humming with content and satisfaction, I think we have both dozed in and out of sleep but I know I'll get fidgety if I don't do something. "C'mon babe, I need to do something." I nudge Nico, he's lying on his stomach with his hands under the pillow, I know he's not sleeping but he's not far away. "Nicky, come on let's go out to eat." Lifting his head up I laugh at the scowl crossing his face. "Really? You want to go out, what happened to naked day?" Lifting his head from the pillow just to check if I'm messing with him.
Seconds later I'm out and walk into my bedroom still drying my skin, looking up to see him sitting in my bed with a pillow behind him as he leans against the wooden head board, my mouth goes dry. "You look good there lover." "You don't look too bad either. So are you going to stand there ogling me or are you going to help with do something with this?" His hand pushes the duvet down from his stomach giving me a perfect view of his hard dick.
J.T. Geissinger's WICKED SEXY is releasing from Jack's House Publishing on July 18th - but we just couldn't wait to give you a sneak peek! See the stunning new cover, check out an excerpt below, and enter to win an Amazon giftcard!
About WICKED SEXYA badass ex-Special Ops officer and a smartass hacker fight a dangerous enemy…and a blistering attraction to each other. Connor Hughes is an ex-special ops officer, CEO of Metrix Security, and bonafide badass. His private security firm is renowned for its effectiveness. He's renowned for his lethal precision and iron self-control. But when the former Marine meets a gorgeous young hacker with a mouth as smart as her brain, his control unravels in ways he never could have predicted. Tabitha West is a genius MIT dropout with a bad attitude, an obsession with Hello Kitty and piercings in unmentionable places. Tabby amuses herself by outwitting the most secure technology systems on the planet. Known in hacker circles as Polaroid due to her photographic memory, she's as secretive as she is accustomed to working alone. So when Connor decides she's the only one who can help him catch a cyber criminal intent on taking down one of his clients, she tells him exactly where he can stick it. But when the cyber criminal turns out to be the Hannibal Lecter of computer crime—and a dark presence from Tabby's past—Tabby and Connor are drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. They quickly find themselves fighting not only their common enemy, but also an explosive desire that threatens to consume them. When the stakes are this high and the game this deadly, will falling in love be the most dangerous move of all?
WICKED SEXY will be available July 18th – add it to your Goodreads list here!
Preorder WICKED SEXY now:
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Read a sneak peek from WICKED SEXY:For a moment Connor just examines my face in silence. There's a strange tension in him, a stillness, like a held breath but in his entire body. Then he abruptly swings around in his seat so he's facing me, his massive thighs on either side of my bar stool, his booted feet planted on the floor. Trapping me. "What do you think you're doing?" I ask, my voice high with panic. "Got something to say to you. It's important, so don't talk until the end." He looks dangerously intense. His dark eyes are heated, drilling into mine. His cheeks are flushed from the fire, or from something else, but I don't have time to think about what that something else might be because he opens his mouth and starts to speak, and my brain faints dead away, leaving me to fend for myself. "I want you. Bad. Don't know exactly why, you're a complete pain in my ass and pretty much the most contrary, foul-tempered woman I've ever met, and you've made it really clear what you think about me, but every time I look at you I have an almost overpowering urge to touch you, kiss you, do a lot of bad things to you, and I don't know how to manage it. Yeah, it might be more prudent for me to keep this shit to myself, but I know that when you don't talk about shit it festers, gets worse, and if the way I feel about you gets any worse I won't be able to put my goddamn shoes on in the morning. So I'm putting it out there." He takes a breath. Deeply shocked, I stare at him with my mouth open, my heart up in my throat. "We're both professionals. We have a job to do. And I don't mix business with pleasure. Ever. But the way I figure it, we've got one more night until the work actually starts, and if I don't do something to get you straight in my head I won't be able to do the job at all." He stops abruptly. Then he waits, watching me with unwavering intensity as I attempt to digest what just happened. I whisper in disbelief, "You're propositioning me?" His gaze drops to my lips. When he looks back into my eyes, his own are burning. "You liked that kiss." He gives me time to deny it, but I don't. How could I? We both know I'd be lying. He adds, "And you called me hot, so I know you don't think I'm a complete troll, even though you act like you do." "That was an accident." "Yep." He nods. "And you fuckin' hated yourself for it. Which is why I know it was true." Things are happening in my body. My nipples harden, my breath quickens, there is a distinctive throb and ache between my legs. All because this jarhead I hate just told me he wants to do bad things to me. Bad things. Dear God, were any two sexier words ever spoken?
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WICKED BEAUTIFUL will be re-releasing from Jack's House Publishing on July 11th – add it to your Goodreads list here!
About WICKED BEAUTIFULLife coach and best-selling author Victoria Price has it all: a successful career, fabulous friends, a fantastic penthouse in Manhattan. What she doesn't have—and doesn't want—is a husband. Fifteen years ago her high school flame broke her heart so badly she swore she'd never love again. Now she makes millions teaching other women how to be just like her: a ruthless bitch. Drop-dead sexy restauranteur and infamous playboy Parker Maxwell has only three rules for the women he dates: no questions about his past, no expectations for the future, and no spending the night. When he meets Victoria, however, he's willing to break his own rules if it means sating the explosive desire she arouses in him. What he doesn't know is that the alluring Victoria Price used to be the mousy Isabel Diaz, the girl he deflowered and dumped long ago. Presented with a perfect opportunity for revenge, Victoria decides the game is on. But when her connection with Parker proves more than just skin deep, she has to make a choice: continue with her plan for payback, or risk her career, her reputation, and her heart by taking a second chance on love?
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About J.T. GeissingerJ.T. Geissinger is an award winning and best-selling author of dark, sexy romance. She is the recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and was a finalist for the prestigious RITA© Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her work has also finaled in the Booksellers' Best, National Readers' Choice, and Daphne du Maurier Awards. She lives in California with her husband, on whom all her heroes are based. Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram
Coming June 16th
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I'm not a good man.
I'm not a bad man.
But I've made some bad mistakes, made the wrong choices.
Who hasn't? But the consequences are tearing us apart.
I love two people.
I love them differently.
The world tells me I have to choose. Why? Why do I have to choose?
Loving hurts. Dancing heals.
Love makes you soar, makes you fly and sets you free—and then it lets you freefall until you're smashed and bleeding on the ground. Ultimately, love is the worst thing that can happen to a human being.
Im my opinion.
I love two people.
I love them differently.
One is a man.
One is a woman.
And they are brother and sister.
**** A stand alone novel in the best-selling Rhythm Series. ****
Jane is a writer of contemporary romance fiction, known for thoughtful stories, often touching on difficult subjects: disability (DANGEROUS TO KNOW & LOVE, SLAVE TO THE RHYTHM); mental illness (THE EDUCATION OF CAROLINE, SEMPER FI); life after prison (LIFERS); dyslexia (THE TRAVELING MAN, THE TRAVELING WOMAN).
She is also a campaigner for former military personnel to receive the support they need on leaving the services. She wrote the well-received play LATER, AFTER with former veteran Mike Speirs. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk1CyB8c0xA )
Author Links
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Title: Into the Nothing
Series: Broken Outlaw #1
Author: BT Urruela
Release Date: June 21, 2016
Xander Evans has been on the road for many years. Never settling. Always moving from one place to another, unable to let go of his past. He lived a tragic childhood, spending most of those years in foster care. He's never felt like he's had a home. That is until he stops in the small town of Truman Valley, Missouri, where he meets a woman who will change everything he's ever known.
Paige Watson has it all. A loving family, beautiful home, and a great career. The only thing she's missing....is love. After escaping an abusive relationship, she opens her heart up to a stranger. He is unlike any man she's ever met. He came into her life and turned it completely upside down. Everything is perfect. That is, until one fateful night.
A night that would tear the Watson family apart, never to be put back together again.
A night that would send Xander away to prison for life.
BT Urruela was an infantryman in the US Army from August 2004 until February 2011. At the end of a year long tour to Baghdad, Iraq, his vehicle was hit by two roadside bombs, which took his right leg below the knee and the life of his commander. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his wounds, an Army Commendation Medal, and Combat Infantryman's Badge. He medically retired from the Army in 2011 and moved to Tampa, FL where he currently works as a Director and Brand Ambassador for VETSports, a veteran community sports nonprofit he co-founded in 2012. He also conducts motivational speeches, works as a cover and fitness model and he's a personal performance trainer. He co-wrote the military romance novel A Lover's Lament and will be releasing his debut solo novel, Into the Nothing, on June 21st, 2016.
Title: Weightless
Author: Kandi Steiner
Genre: New Adult Romance
Release Date: June 16, 2016
I remember the lights.
I remember I wanted to photograph them, the way the red and blue splashed across his cold, emotionless face. But I knew even if my feet could move from the place where they had cemented themselves to the ground and I could run for my camera, I wouldn't be able to capture that moment.
I had trusted him, I had loved him, and even though my body had changed that summer, he'd made sure to help me hold onto who I was inside, regardless of how the exterior altered.
But then everything changed.
He stole my innocence. He scarred my heart. He took everything I thought I knew about my life and fast-pitched it out the window, shattering the glass that held my world together in the process.
I remember the lights.
The passionate, desperate, hot strikes of red. The harsh, cruel, icy bolts of blue.
They symbolized everything I endured that summer.
And everything I would never face again.
Rhodes ran a hand through his still-damp hair as he watched me look around. "You want something to drink?"
My eyes found his but dropped a little to note the way his shirt was still sticking to his abdomen. "Just water is fine."
He nodded, stepping into the kitchen long enough to grab a glass and fill it with ice and water from the fridge. Setting it down on the counter in front of me, he lifted a thumb and pointed to the room down the hall behind him. "I just need to shower real quick. You can too, if you want."
I swallowed hard, my eyes practically bulging from my head. And for the first time — Rhodes laughed.
Well, he chuckled.
"I meant when I'm done, Natalie."
"I know," I said quickly. I totally didn't know. "I will. When you're done. I have extra clothes." Why did I say that?
He quirked a brow. "Guess I won't be seeing you naked tonight, then." I thought he was joking, but couldn't be sure because he left it at that without so much as another smile before turning and disappearing down the hall.
I quickly guzzled down the glass of water he'd given me and refilled it. I needed to cool down. Way down.
Kandi Steiner is a Creative Writing and Advertising/Public Relations graduate from the University of Central Florida living in Tampa with her husband. Kandi works full time as a social media specialist, but also works part time as a Zumba fitness instructor and blackjack dealer.
Kandi started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her "freedom of press." She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic (like most girls brought up on Disney movies).
When Kandi isn't working or writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys beach days, movie marathons, live music, craft beer and sweet wine - not necessarily in that order.
Title: Cherry Grove
Series: The Cove Series #1
Author: Leaona Luxx
Genre: New Adult Romance
Release Date: June 7, 2016
One Woods - he's the businessman everyone wants to be and the man every woman wants to tie down. He reeks of old money and is sexy as sin. He saunters into my life and pulls me like the undertow. I'm not looking for love. I'm really not looking for sex either but One has a way of making me think otherwise.
I came here to start over and it seems easy until it's not.
Fate always has a way of creeping in, making us choose what's worth fighting for.
Lea Lloyd - the sassy newbie in town who just booked me to renovate her new place. She's hotter than hell and tough as nails. And isn't interested in anything I have to offer. She's guarded and has every reason to be, making me want so much more.
Until, my past comes back to haunt me and nearly takes us under. Thinking I've found the truth, I soon find out, it's anything but.
Will we survive the current or will the undertow hold us down?
This is not your everyday love story but then again, what love is?
I'm dragged into the hell of my past. There's no way One will want me when he finds out about Cole, let alone the others. He'll never want to be with me if he finds out the whole truth. Cole was never supposed to contact me, ever. I give him what he wants but he still wants more, he owns me in all the wrong ways, I hate him. He's here. Watching. If I had any backbone when it came to this man, he would never see the light of day. But he threatens that which is most important to me, I can't take the chance of him hurting anything else in my life. Knowing Cole, knowing my past, I should never have let One get close. I can't have him. He deserves better.
Leaona, also known as Lea, lives with her husband, cat and two dogs near Myrtle Beach. She was born and raised in WV by her parents whom she adores before attending Marshall University. A small business owner and mother of three, she enjoys Carolina Panthers and Marshall University Football, reading, writing, gardening, crafts, NASCAR, TWD, hot rods, and surf fishing.
Leaona was inspired to write while she raised her family, never dreaming one day, she would be published. While loving all genres of books, Lea writes contemporary romance stories that are not your everyday love stories. Gritty and true to life, she draws from her life and loves to create her characters.
Leaona's debut novel will release June 7, 2016. Cherry Grove is the first in The Cove Series. She's your everyday girl and lives to connect with her fans via social media. Leaona also doesn't mind dishing about her favorite authors and their books. Beach, life, and love.
Title: Come To Me
Series: Owned #3
Author: Mary Catherine Gebhard
Release Date: May 26, 2016
What happens after the happily ever after?
Is it really sunshine and roses?
For Vic Wall, the moon is rising and the roses are wilting.
Turns out the princess has a mental illness.
Lennox Moore is in his blood and bones,
But sometimes blood goes bad and bones break.
Vic wants to fix them,
Is determined to find what turned their love cancer.
Yet maybe the only way to continue,
Is to end.
This is the epic final installment to the Owned series.
Warning: Sometimes people are ugly and what they do even uglier, even to the ones they love.
I remembered reading something about people who raise horses, that there are two kinds: the ones who breed them, and the ones who tame the wild ones. The ones who tame the wild ones can't even imagine breeding them, because there's a certain magic that's lost.
I got that. Watching Lenny completely slack and cave to me was a high. I would never tame her—you can't really tame a wild thing—but there were moments like this. Her wild words fell from her lips, her coiled body loosened, and she waited for me, her master, to give her her next command.
"Are you ready?" I whispered, taking her earlobe between my teeth.
"Yes," she gasped.
Mary Catherine Gebhard bites off more than she can chew and sometimes calls herself Eva Natsumi. She's lived in Salt Lake City, Utah her entire life, but occasionally goes on vacation from reality. Don't worry, she sends postcards.
Title: The Color of Us (College Bound #2)
Authors: Laura Ward & Christine Manzari
Release Date: June 20, 2016
Eighteen year old Alexis Sinclair is lost in the darkness of grief. Since the death of her sister in a car accident, she can't find the will to get out and enjoy life again. When she's forced to face her biggest fear and take a summer Driver's Ed course, she's surprised to find hope in the most unlikely person.
Liam O'Connell is trouble. He isn't proud of his dark past, and he knows Alexis is the one girl he has no business pursuing. Doing the right thing has never been easy for him, but this time, it just might be impossible.
The perfect girl and troubled boy are all wrong for each other, but as Liam helps Alexis cope with her grief, they realize nothing has ever felt more right.
That is, until Alexis uncovers a secret about Liam that breaks her heart.
Liam knows he can't allow the one good thing in his life to walk away without a fight, and he's determined to convince Alexis they can find their way out of the darkness together.
Can he prove he's worthy of her, or is some love too tainted to be saved?
He took a deep breath. "Our lives are completely different, Lex." He raised his hand in a loose fist, running the backs of his fingers along my jaw. My breath caught in my chest as his thumb stroked over my skin in slow, gentle circles. "So different." He stared into my eyes, and I leaned forward, mirroring his posture. I placed my hand on his jaw. His chin was rough with stubble and tight with worry.
"Help me understand." My voice was needy, begging, but that's only because I was desperate to figure him out, to unlock the secrets he kept close. I wanted to know how he could be the sweet, patient boy who taught me to drive and then beat the living hell out of his friend a few days later. It didn't add up for me.
He reached up to grab my fingers that were still touching his cheek, and he adjusted them so that he was holding my hand. "I didn't grow up the way you did. The only thing I could ever depend on were my fists. That's how I protect myself and those I care about. Yeah, Adam's my boy, but he crossed a line. Said something he shouldn't. And in my world, when that happens, you teach a lesson. That lesson usually means blood."
I cringed at his bluntness and then felt guilty about it. He'd said our lives were different, but that didn't mean mine was better than his. I had no right to look down at him. Too many people already did that. In my world, there were lessons and punishments too. They were more calculated and less physical, but they were no less vicious. Like Melissa's threat to get her father to have Liam fired from the country club. When I thought about it, I wasn't sure which lesson was more cruel—fists or social war.
"What did Adam do to make you so mad? Was it because you wanted to hang out with me instead of going to the levees?" God, I hope not. That'd be the overreaction of the century.
Liam shook his head and traced patterns on my jaw with his thumb. "It's not important, angel. Just know that when you're with me, you're safe. No one hurts you. No one touches you." He leaned forward, letting his lips hover next to mine. "If anyone tries to hurt you, I'll make them pay. I mean it."
A chill skittered down my spine. The passion in his words was so strong that the air around us was charged with unspoken promises. Why would Liam feel such a fierce need to protect me? It frightened me that I enjoyed it so much. I swallowed. "Why did you call me angel?"
He tilted his chin up and pressed his lips to my forehead and then trailed kisses down my face, stopping to press his mouth to the corner of mine. He leaned back to let his eyes scan the length of me, head to toe, as he grinned. "It's hard not to think of you as an angel when you're dressed all in white and looking so goddamn perfect. You're so… good." He shook his head with a sad smile. "I have no right to want you as much as I do."
His eyes darted to my lips, and then his mouth was on mine again, stealing the words I wanted to say--I'm not perfect… I'm not good… I want you too. He sucked on my lower lip, pulling it into his mouth with such gentleness I thought I might melt into a puddle on his floorboards. How could so much rage be wrapped up in this much tenderness?
My hands snaked around the back of Liam's neck, and I moved to bring his mouth back to mine, grazing the tip of my tongue against his. I could faintly taste the smoke of his cigarette, but I could also taste the sugar of the funnel cake we'd shared. He was a heady mix of danger and sweetness that was so uniquely Liam it made me crave more. I slid my tongue against his again, and Liam's groan was the only warning I got before his mouth was devouring mine, demanding kisses from me that I was only too happy to return.
"You even taste good," Liam murmured against my lips before dropping his face to the curve of my neck where he nibbled along my skin, leaving goose bumps in his wake. "I want to taste every single inch of you. I think I'm addicted."
His lips pressed against my pulse point, and I was sure he could feel the frantic beating of my heart. My entire body felt like it was vibrating for him. I couldn't decide what I wanted more—for him to keep whispering his precious thoughts against my neck, or for him to go back to worshipping my lips.
As if he knew my inner turmoil, Liam trailed a slow pathway of kisses up my neck toward my greedy mouth.
"You look like an angel," he said, whispering a kiss under my ear. His quiet words trickled down my neck in a delicious shiver. "You act like an angel, too good to be true." He left a kiss on the side of my jaw before turning my face to his, his lips hovering over mine with so much heat I thought he might burn me when he finally kissed me. "You're my angel, Lex. And I think you just might save me."
Laura Ward lives in Maryland with her loud and very loving three children and husband. She married her college sweetheart and is endlessly grateful for the support he has given her through all their years together, and especially toward her goal of writing books. When not picking up toy trucks, driving to lacrosse practice, or checking spelling homework, Laura is writing or reading romance novels. Her debut novel, NOT YET, is a Top 100 Amazon Bestseller.
The first thing Christine does when she's getting ready to read a book is to crack the spine in at least five places. She wholeheartedly believes there is no place as comfy as the pages of a well-worn book. She's addicted to buying books, reading books, and writing books. Books, books, books. She also has a weakness for adventure, inappropriate humor, and coke (the caffeinated, bubbly kind). Christine is from Forest Hill, Maryland where she lives with her husband, three kids, and her library of ugly spine books.
Title: Game Maker
Series: Game Series #2
Author: BJ Harvey
Genre: Romantic Comedy with Heat
Release Date: May 26, 2016
Cover Designer: Najla Qamber Designs
Photography by Lindee Robinson
Photography Models: Victoria Morin & Chad Demchick
From the USA Today bestselling author of the Bliss series comes a new spin off series featuring your favorite Bliss series characters who are yet to meet their match. This time it is Zach and Danika's turn. I'm a gamer by nature and by profession. I'm all about strategy, performance, and coming out on top. Five months ago I threw caution to the wind, and in the first miscalculated step of my twenty-one-year life, I made a move on my brother's best friend. The first mistake we made was keeping our relationship secret. The next was going off half-cocked when a train wreck of epic proportions hit us. Now our secret is secret no more. As I struggle to deal with all of the swirling emotions, conflicted feelings, and the multitude of burned bridges that I need to mend, the one person who can help me through it all is the same man I need space from. To fix it I'll have to pull on my big-girl panties, focus on what I truly want in life, and put everything I have into winning the most important game I'll ever play. Life is a game, and it is what you make it. Coming out unscathed is a whole other matter.
"Yes," I moan, grinding down against him.
"Fucking beautiful," he says gruffly against my skin, his lips brushing my neck. His breath comes hard and fast in time with the upward thrusts of his cock, and I feel my orgasm barreling toward me.
"Feels so good," I pant. His hand tightens around my back and his fingers zero in on my wonder button, stroking with expert precision and making my pussy clench around him. My body contorting as if it's possessed.
"Jesus. Fuck," Zach growls, planting his feet on the bed and thrusting up one last time before following me over the edge as he pours himself inside of me.
We collapse backwards, my legs falling limp on the way down, and together we lie there, chests heaving, bodies stuck together, struggling to catch our breaths.
"Every time is better than the last," he murmurs in my ear, sucking my earlobe into his mouth afterwards. I whimper and my muscles spasm as aftershocks course through me. Shifting sideways, I stay draped over him, my fingers drawing mindless circles in the smattering of hair on his damp chest.
"What's on the agenda today?" he asks, his hand running through my hair, roots to ends.
"Team meeting at eleven, lunchtime conference call with the west coast programmers at one, then I get to go play."
"Such a geek." He chuckles. I jerk my head up and I narrow my eyes at him. He just smirks, and my twitching lips give away how uncommitted I am to the death stare aimed his way.
"Your geek."
"You better fucking believe it," he replies with conviction, his arm hooked around my waist, giving a meaningful squeeze.
"I know it, firebug."
Now he out-and-out grins. "Never going to live it down, am I?"
I push up with one hand on the bed so that my head hovers over his, our lips just an inch apart. "Never," I whisper. "But that's okay. I still love you."
His entire body goes still and my eyes go wide as realization hits me. Way to go, Dani. Freak him out why don't you.
My brain catches up with my body and flight mode kicks in. I move quickly, rolling backwards and scrambling off the bed. Making a smash-and-grab attempt, I scoop up my clothes scattered over his bedroom floor, but the first step toward escape is hampered by an arm wrapping around my waist.
I fall back and slam into his naked chest, my entire body going still at the contact.
"Wait a minute, Dani. You can't say something like that then fly out of here like a bat out of hell."
"Bats like hell. They live there."
"They live in caves. Stop trying to change the subject."
Deciding that redirecting this inevitable conversation is the best plan of attack, I continue. "I really have to go, Zach. I've still gotta go home, shower, get dressed, and then get to work."
"It's only six, and you just told me your first meeting isn't till eleven."
"I've got a lot of stuff to do before then."
"I'll drive you home and to the office if it means you'll turn around. I wanna look in your eyes when I tell you I love you back."
For the second time in as many minutes, my heart stutters to a halt. There's no way in hell I'm in flight mode now.
Seven years ago, I fell in teenage girl love with Zach Cooper, my older brother's roommate and best friend.
Five months ago, I fell into adult insta-lust with him the night I told him what I wanted. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't imagined what it would be like to hear him say those three little words.
What I didn't know was that just a few days after one of the best moments in my life—one of those ones you know you'll remember forever—everything would be turned upside down.
And there wasn't a damn thing I could do about it.
BJ Harvey is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Bliss Series. She also regards herself as a smut peddler, suspense conjurer and a funny romance thinker upper.
An avid music fan, you will always find her singing some hit song badly but loving every minute of it.
She's a wife, a mom to two beautiful girls, and hails from what she considers as the best country in the world—New Zealand.
Title: Desolate
Series: The Existing Series #1
Author: A.M. Guilliams
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 14, 2016 Photographer: Cassy Roop Cover Designer: Pink Ink Designs
Magdalena DeLuca based her life around one sentence. Seven words that forever changed her outlook on life. She attempted and failed numerous times to remain hopeful. When her world came crashing down yet again, she just knew the one sentence that haunted her had finally become her reality.
Weston Corbin was faced with harsh consequences when the one person he believed would never leave suddenly walked away, leaving him with more questions than answers. With no other option, he went back to a place that he never should've left. Home.
Happenstance brought them together. Fears bound them for life. Can two strangers show each other how to live instead of merely existing? Or will what they think they know overpower any semblance of a normal life?
A.M. Guilliams was raised in a small town located in Southern Virginia and even though she moved to the city in her early twenties, she's still a country girl at heart. She loves being in the outdoors, traveling to new places, and spending time with her family. As a teenager, A.M. Guilliams played around with writing, but it wasn't until 2013 that she decided to put her criminal justice degree to work and publish her first Romantic Suspense Novel, Beautifully Tainted. If you can't find her in the writing cave, she's probably enjoying her time with her husband, two daughters, and son; or throwing the ball around in the river for the family German Sheppard, and Chocolate Lab.
Title: Blowback
Author: Stephanie Summers
Genre: Standalone Romantic Suspense
Release: June 16
Cover Artist: Kris Pittman at C&K Designs
"People say to appreciate the life you have because things can always be worse, but how can you do that when your life is the kind everyone else compares theirs to in order to make themselves feel better? I hoped and prayed so many times for as long as I can remember for things to be different, for my life to be different, but when it finally happened, and my life changed, I didn't know if it was a blessing or a curse."
Jet Flanagan grew up under the shadow of his father, a kingpin determined to bend Jet to his will by any means necessary. He's been forced to distance himself from anyone he might care about to keep them safe and that includes high school sweetheart, Evie Adams. He did what he thought was right to protect her, but when she comes back into his life by chance almost a decade later and sets off a life-changing series of events, he'll be forced to deal with the collision of the life he knows and the life he should've had.
Stephanie Summers has written several books including The Willow Creek Vampires Series, The Bludworth Chronicles, and The Take Me Duet, with several more books in the works. She's a wife, and a mom to two kids, two dogs, and two cats. When she isn't busy running Casa de Summers, you can usually find her in her pajamas working on her next book.
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text:
Meat with bone or without bone- 300 g
(Beef / Mutton / Chicken)
Edible Oil- 9 Tablespoons (135 ml)
Radhuni Haleem Mix - 1 Pack
Chopped Onion- ½ Cup (250 ml sized cup)
Green Chilli as required
Coriander leaves
Soak cereals and pulses from RADHUNI HALEEM MIX with 2 cups (250ml sized cup) of boiled water for 15 minutes. Heat the oil in a broad vessel and fry the chopped onions until they turned golden brown. Pick two third of fried onion up. Add the meat pieces and sprinkle powdered spices from RADHUNI HALEEM MIX over the meat. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Pour water as required and cook until the meat is well boiled. Put soaked cereals and pulses with water as required and cook, stirring frequently. When it comes to boil, simmer on a slow fire and stir occasionally with a wooden spatula. Cook the mixture until the water evaporates to form thickened gravy. Serve hot with fried onion, Coriander leaves, chopped green chilli, cucumber chips, sliced ginger and juice of lemon.
Per pack serves 6-8 persons.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
"I really must learn some more Spanish", was my first thought on arriving in Cuba. Clutching my visa and the letter from the Bible Commission inviting me to visit, I got to the front of the queue at immigration.
I had a feeling this bit might not be easy. The ground crew at Heathrow had never dealt with a religious visa before. I was in London with a photocopy and the real visa was in Havana. So Air France weren't quite sure what to do with me. That's the way it works. But what I hadn't thought about was trying to explain why I was travelling to Cuba in a different language. Fortunately, I made it through.
Havana turned out to be everything you expect it to be, full of grand old buildings crumbling away or making way for even grander modern ones. A riot of colour, latin jazz on every street corner. The scent of cigars hanging in the air around the cathedral. The sea splashing over the uniquely Cuban Malecón. Old American cars everywhere: some of them as old, or even older, than me and still running.
Travelling to Cuba – Warm and welcoming people
The people warm and welcoming, with a laid-back, unhurried approach to life and an easy-going natural approach to helping one another out ('Cuban Solidarity'). Certainly, Cuba seems to run on a different timescale to London. Más or menos (Spanish for 'more or less') became our catchphrase for the trip for anything to do with timing or appointments.
One of the exciting things about working for a global organisation like ours is that you get to experience different cultures and different ways of expressing our faith. I'd recently returned from Sydney, Australia where the Anglican Church was reassuringly familiar. Now I found myself on a windy Sunday in Cuba on the narrow peninsula of Varadero with a different congregation. I recognized the tunes but not the words of the songs. Understanding the pattern of the service but not quite sure what was going to happen next. Travelling to Cuba I learned that even if there has been questions about religious freedom in Cuba, there is certainly a thriving congregation in Varadero. And the Cuban Council of Churches has an impressive array of member churches, Christian organisations and projects.


text:
Well friends, 2017 is almost here! So this is likely my last Stitch Fix review of the year! Hard to believe. Somewhere between being super pregnant, giving birth and then suddenly having 3 kids (ages 3 and under), I lost track of what "number" fix I was on, skipped a few months and didn't find time to review some of the ones that I did receive. But I'm back on track for 2017! I hope… 🙂 Thankfully, Stitch Fix keeps track for me. This is Fix #27, a "Romantic December Stitch Fix!"
I've titled this a "romantic" fix because I think all the pieces I received have an element of romance to them. It wasn't something I specifically requested, but I'll take it! I did request some options to wear for my husband's "New Years" party coming up, and while I only kept 2 things from this fix, I was very pleased with my options.
Before I get into this fix, let me give a quick summary of how it works, for those of you who may not be familiar: Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service. You create an account online, and complete a style survey with your preferences and sizes. Then, you schedule a fix. You can sign up for automatic fixes or schedule them on demand, totally up to you! A stylist will put together a fix for you, containing 5 items based on your style profile and notes/requests. Once your fix ships, you'll be charged a $20 styling fee, which is credited toward your purchase if you decide to keep anything. You have 3 days to try stuff on and checkout online. Then you send back whatever you don't want, in the bag included in your fix (a shipping label is already on it). Free shipping both ways! Super simple.
Now, let's get started with my December fix!
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If purchases are made (or you sign up for Stitch Fix) using one of the links, I receive a small commission which helps support this blog. That said, all opinions are 100% my own. I love sharing my experience with all of you!
Item 1: Leeah Lace Knit Dress (WISP) $68
Romance element #1: lace! I love the soft lace and the gorgeous navy color of this dress. It's a good length and the skirt part is nice and flowy. However, it wasn't the best fit for me. It might be hard to tell from the photos, but it was just a bit too big and didn't have the most flattering cut/shape for my body. Therefore, returned.
I styled it with the suede leather jacket I received from Trunk Club (LOVING the navy/cognac color combo!), my new necklace from the J.Crew Trunk, and my favorite leopard print heels. Oh, and we can't forget my hair-tie "bracelets" (oops…) 😀
Item 2: Rumi 2fer Mixed Material Dress (WISP) $98 / Item 3: Shirley Metal Lace Collar Necklace (BAY TO BAUBLES) $34
For our 2nd romance element: red and black florals (and a shiny "lace" necklace). This dress is very well made (and a little pricey). I love the colors and the print of the bottom. I like that the top is solid black, making it a perfect blank canvas for a shiny accessory. This dress (and the previous one) would work well for weddings, date nights, work parties, etc. But sadly, the fit was off again for me. A little big, a hair too long. I just didn't feel great in it. So, returned.
The necklace is a light and bright silver and "collar" length as described. It worked really well with both of these dresses. But I already have similar pieces that I love a little more, so I returned the necklace too.
Item 4: Burkett Lace Detail Knit Top (PAPERMOON) $48
Romance element #1 again: lace (black lace this time- pushing it a bit more toward the "sexy" side of things). Simply put: I love this top. It is so soft and honestly, I can't get enough "lace detail" in my wardrobe. The sleeves have a nice stretch to them so it's not uncomfortable or tight. Very flattering fit. Absolute keeper!
I paired the top with my favorite Stitch Fix jeans- the "Addison Skinny Jean" by Just Black, Kendra Scott Earrings and Vince Camuto booties!
Item 5: Ceaton Contrast Front Knit Top (LE LIS) $54
Final romance element: pink florals! I love the contrast of the flowers on the black and white stripes. The photos make the stripes look more bright white, but in person it's more of an ivory color, which makes it even MORE romantic in a vintage sort of way. I love that it's not striped all the way around- making it more flattering. It has a relaxed fit, and it's longer in the back, so not "boxy" (which used to be a complaint of mine with a lot of Stitch Fix tops in the past). It's a soft knit material- like a thin sweater. I really can't say enough good things about it. It's a keeper!
Regarding how I styled it….there's something about the romantic florals that made me want to pair it with pearls. Flowers and pearls is a classic "romantic" combo, in my opinion. I wore these earrings on my wedding day and I honestly have no idea where they came from lol. But here's a similar pair. The jeans are actually maternity jeans that I'm still wearing (5 months postpartum) because they are amazingly comfortable. It's a "side panel" maternity jean which I think should just be standard in all pants. And my shoes are "patent leather" nude flats. Similar pair here!
Item 1: Leeah Lace Knit Dress (WISP) $68: RETURNED
Item 2: Rumi 2fer Mixed Material Dress (WISP) $98: RETURNED
Item 3: Shirley Metal Lace Collar Necklace (BAY TO BAUBLES) $34: RETURNED
Item 4: Burkett Lace Detail Knit Top (PAPERMOON) $48 KEPT
Item 5: Ceaton Contrast Front Knit Top (LE LIS) $54 KEPT
While the dresses didn't work out for me, I am very happy with my keepers. I'm wearing the striped floral top as we speak (I'm kind of obsessed). Looking forward to my first fix of the New Year! Stay tuned…


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$45/Sq Ft Net
Rne-5-9205 Yonge St (Yonge St. & 16th Avenue)
Price: $45/Sq Ft Net
Status: For Rent/Lease
$45/Sq Ft Net
- Tax: $14/T.M.I. (2019)
- Community:South Richvale
- City:Richmond Hill
- Type:Commercial
- Style:Commercial/Retail
- Size: 886 Sq Ft
- Garage:Underground
- HeatingGas Forced Air Open
- Sewer/Water SystemsMunicipal
Listing Contracted With: RIGHT AT HOME REALTY INC., BROKERAGE
Location! Location! Location! The Beverly Hills Resort Residences At Yonge & 16th Avenue Offering Brand New Retail Space With Some Units Fronting On Yonge Street! Almost 1,000 Residential Units In The Condo Above Just Waiting For Your Business To Open Below. Great Opportunity For New Or Existing Business Looking For A Second Location. Right Across From Hillcrest Mall & Surrounded By Existing And New Residential Homes/Condos.
Contact Listing Agent For Details.
Want to learn more about Rne-5-9205 Yonge St (Yonge St. & 16th Avenue)?
Franco Di Natale
Sales Representative - Founder
Right at Home Realty Inc., Brokerage


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For Immediate Release
Phone: 202-588-1000
Freshman House Democrats Disinclined to Delegate Congress' Constitutional Trade Authority to Obama, Says Letter Released Today
Will GOP Provide Democratic President With Extraordinary Fast Track Authority?
WASHINGTON - In a letter today, two-thirds of the Democratic freshmen in the U.S. House of Representatives indicated that they are not inclined to delegate away Congress' constitutional responsibility over trade, in the form of Fast Track Trade Authority or any other broad delegation mechanism. Given that Democratic members of Congress do not want to give away their constitutional authority to a Democratic president, it would be peculiar if Republican House members would agree to do so, given that their distrust of President Barack Obama is epic, said Public Citizen.
"This letter reveals that even for a Democratic president, the new Democratic House members do not want to give away their constitutional trade authority and thus lose control over whether agreements meet the public interest," said Lori Wallach, director of Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch. "It would be perverse if the Republican House members who regularly attack President Obama for overstepping his authority were willing to grant him more power by explicitly delegating away the exclusive constitutional trade power established by the Founding Fathers specifically to check presidential unilateralism on trade."
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The letter, spearheaded by Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), also outlines the 36 co-signers' intent to work toward a fair trade agenda that stops the offshoring of U.S. jobs and protects the national economy. A copy of the letter can be found here.
The letter says:
"Thus, we write with serious concerns about both the Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade Agreement (TPP FTA) now being negotiated by the Obama administration and the prospect of Congress delegating wide swaths of its Constitutional authority to regulate trade (Article 1, Section 8) to the president through 'Fast Track' or any other open-ended delegation of 'trade promotion' authority…
"The administration has yet to release draft texts after more than three years of negotiations, and the few TPP FTA texts that have leaked reveal serious problems. Thus, we are especially concerned about any action that would transfer Congress's exclusive constitutional trade authority to the president.
"Congress needs to work together to get American trade policy back on track – not give away its authority to do so. Reducing our authority to ensure our trade agreements serve the public interest will undermine our efforts to create American jobs and to reform a misguided trade policy that has devastated our manufacturing base through the offshoring of American production and American jobs.
"Indeed, given the vast scope of today's 'trade' agreements, we do not believe that a broad delegation of Congress' constitutional trade authority is generally appropriate. Negotiations on the TPP FTA delve deeply into many non-trade matters under the authority of Congress and state legislatures. If completed, the TPP FTA would lock in policies on these non-trade matters that could not be altered without consent of all other signatory countries. Thus ensuring Congress has a robust role in the formative aspects of trade agreements is vital."
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Because of people like you, another world is possible. There are many battles to be won, but we will battle them together—all of us. Common Dreams is not your normal news outlet. We don't survive on clicks. We don't want advertising dollars. We want the world to be a better place. But we can't do it alone. It doesn't work that way. We need you. If you can help today—because every gift of every size matters—please do. Without Your Support We Won't Exist.
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A three minute film exploring the devil in us all, the fighter, the reason why you jut won't stay down.
French Honey Films is an independent film production company based in the South West of England. We shot this film on a Sony f5 using the back recorder to shoot 240fps. It was shot at Warrior's Boxing Gym in Torquay.
STARRING: Lewis Peek, Stephen White
CREW: Director - Rob Hill
DoP - Joe Thompson
Cam Op - Joshua Adams
Editor - Joe Thompson


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Park Tool HT8 Hex Wrench Tool 8mm
- ShowProduct Information Specially designed for cranks, Freehubs and pedals the hex tool is built for speed, leverage and com... read more
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Product Description
- Specially designed for cranks, Freehubs and pedals the hex tool is built for speed, leverage and comfort
- The dual density, ergonomically designed screwdriver handle gives secure grip and is moulded over an extra long, extra deep, super strong hex
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- It may just be your new favourite tool
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Lowa & sustainability
Dont buy Click here for score rapport: 5 out of 36
Sustainability summaryLowa has achieved the E-label, because only a little information is published about a policy on sustainability. It is hard to see the effort Lowa is making on sustainability. Therefore, more policy and transparency is needed.
Brand owner: Tecnica Group S.p.A.
Head office: Treviso, Italy
Sector: Shoes & footwear
Categories : Male, Female
Free Tags: Shoes, Boots


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Now Spring has arrived, its time to get on the water with a SUP lesson!
We don't just sell Paddle Boards at Wetndry Boardsports, we are also passionate about teaching. We have a dedicated school just for SUP lessons, with friendly and knowledgable instructors that are there to make your lessons fun. At WetndrySUP we have over 10yrs experience in teaching Paddle Boarding from complete beginners to anyone that wants to brush up on their skills.
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Lawmakers from both parties who attended an annual State Chamber of Commerce summit at Sunday River last night say Gov. Paul LePage was pretty fired up when he addressed the crowd.
A quick caveat: I haven't been able to get a comment from the LePage administration about the summit, but I've pieced together a pretty good idea of some of the newsworthy aspects of LePage's speech from interviews with both Democrats and Republicans who were in attendance.
The governor was upset, I'm told, about the 114-21 vote the House took earlier in the day, to approve a bill that would use money from two state savings accounts as well as new revenue to pay for $40 million of state aid to municipalities in 2015. LePage and some Republicans have criticized the bill, which they say jeopardizes the state's bond rating and ignores the more immediate budget shortfall faced by the state.
LePage was unhappy that a veto-proof majority in the House — including roughly 30 Republicans — had given the bill initial approval, and said he would wash his hands of the entire episode, letting the chips fall where they may. He's done the same with the shortfall in this year's budget, which was approved over his veto last year. Since then, he's said the budget is the Legislature's problem, not his.
But he told the business officials and lawmakers present that he would not veto the revenue sharing bill if it arrives at his desk, even though he opposes it.
"He said, 'If this is the course they're going to take, I'm not going to stand in the way. But they're going to have to figure out on their own how to solve 2014,'" said Sen. Andre Cushing, R-Hampden. "It would be accurate to say the governor was disappointed in [the House vote], but he that he would not veto it if it came before him."
Several other attendees confirmed that LePage had said he would not veto the bill. They asked to remain anonymous because they didn't want to get involved in a political story.
The bill still faces amendments in the House and several more votes in both chambers. Still, Democratic lawmakers say they were happy with the governor's decision not to veto the revenue sharing bill, saying they had been working under the assumption that he would.
"I was surprised, genuinely surprised, to hear the governor say he would not veto the bill," said Sen. Emily Cain, D-Orono, who was present for LePage's speech. "But I was also pleased because it means we are one step closer to securing that $40 million for Maine towns and lowering the anxiety for town councilors and property tax payers across the state, who want to be able to plan their budgets accordingly."
On Monday, LePage's spokeswoman, Adrienne Bennett, told a reporter that the governor would veto the bill. But since then, lawmakers have been perplexed about the governor's plans.
Democrats assumed he would use his veto pen, but one House Republican, who asked not to be identified for speaking out of turn, said chaos reigned during the floor debate on the bill Thursday because the GOP caucus could not get a straight answer from LePage's administration about whether he would veto or not.
When reached for comment Friday afternoon, Bennett would not confirm the governor's statement at the Chamber event, nor would she give a clear answer on whether the governor would veto the revenue sharing bill if it landed on his desk. She would say only that, "the governor's position has not changed."
LePage speech at the leadership summit was, by all accounts, an impassioned and even angry one. Senate Majority Leader Troy Jackson, of Allagash, who has bumped heads with the governor in the past, said LePage's speech was "erratic."
Cushing said the governor was upset the House had chosen to use new revenue and the state's rainy day fund to pay for revenue sharing, which municipalities use to pay for local services and keep property taxes down.
The governor and some GOP lawmakers, including the ranking Republican on the budget-writing Appropriations Committee, have said it is irresponsible to use new revenue to fill a need next year when there's a critical shortfall that needs to be addressed this year, including a nearly $80 million hole at DHHS. Finance Commissioner Sawin Millett has said that taking $21 million from the state's rainy day account will result in less favorable bond rating for the state, which could hurt budget lines for years to come.
The governor also said that he would not release bonds worth up to $100 million for transportation infrastructure projects if the bill is approved by the Legislature.
Return of the 'Black Heart'
In a move that Chamber of Commerce organizers may now regret, the table directly in front of LePage while he addressed the summit was filled with Democratic legislative leaders, including Jackson and Senate President Justin Alfond and House Speaker Mark Eves.
The governor and Jackson, who have traded barbs publicly before, apparently sparred again, briefly, during part of LePage's speech.
Jackson said the governor had been lashing out at lawmakers all night. At one point, LePage accused someone at the table of laughing inappropriately. Later, LePage made a comment about someone in the room who "must be campaigning." Jackson, who is running for Congress in the 2nd District, interpreted that as a jab about him.
"So I said, 'It must be my black heart, huh governor?'" Jackson said, referencing a comment LePage made about the Allagash lawmaker last year. "I wasn't going to continue to let him berate us. It seemed to unnerve him a little bit."
LePage didn't take the bait, and said he would not respond to Jackson's outburst, but would say that Democratic lawmakers didn't know how to do math.
Cushing confirmed Jackson's version of events, as did House Minority Whip Jeff McCabe and two other lawmakers — one Republican and one Democrat — who asked to remain anonymous.
Efforts to obtain comment from the governor's office about the exchange with Jackson were unsuccessful.


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Tag Archives: 한국
합천 외갓집: at the grandparents' in hapcheon, korea
at my grandparents' house in Hapcheon, Korea
삼가 시장/Sam-ga Market in Hapcheon
at the Sam-ga Market in Hapcheon, Korea
a new addition to my menu
hello hello~~
I've been shooting little videos on my iPhone 6 and they look pretty sweet. Here's my first video.
Check it out and thanks for visiting.
strawberry kid: baby cousin
Busan: 부산
I took these in Busan. It's the city I was born in before our family moved to New York in 1992.
The woman in the hat with her head turned is my aunt. She's my dad's older sister. She has two sons–my cousins who are both a couple of years older than I am–but one of them passed away at the age of 27. I was 22 when I heard the news. It was really shocking and horrible. Despite her loss, she's a strong woman with a generally positive outlook on life and I love her for that.
The women with the hats and the rubber gloves are "hae-nyeo"–otherwise known as women of the sea. They're diver women who forage underwater for seafood like sea urchins, sea cucumbers, clams, oysters, mussels, etc. It's a historic profession: these women who lived by the ocean had to dive for food in order to feed their children while their men were drafted away to war.
They're profession is becoming rare. A Fulbright fellow from the same year as me named Liz Chae made a film called THE LAST MERMAIDS in 2009. It's about the divers of Jeju island: http://arts.columbia.edu/film-program-liz-chae-09soa
my hood in Seoul: Buamdong (부암동)
Buamdong is a quaint town in Seoul. It's in the Jongno-gu area and full of hiking areas and some historic landmarks like walls that were built to keep invaders out. It's full of small cafes, little bars, and the Kim Whanki Museum. It's my favorite neighborhood in Seoul and I miss it all the time.
These photos were taken on a disposable Kodak color film camera. Spring 2010.


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The New York Post is now two for two in generating what will be the story of the day this week, with Kevin Kernan reporting that the Mets are not overly impressed with Ruben Tejada's offseason transformation after spending two months at a Michigan fitness camp. Kernan cites an anonymous (of course) source, who states that Tejada "looks pretty much the same."
Its a curious article, considering the Mets are yet to play a single game this spring. Tejada seemingly passed the eye tests upon reporting to camp, definitely looking more slender if not borderline muscular. That's a distinct departure from the doughy shortstop who struggled last season. With that said, passing the eye test doesn't mean he'll play better and that's what really matters to the Mets who are still in search of a long term answer at the shortstop position.
It figures to be a rough camp to Tejada between stories such as this and what can only be characterized as an uncertain future. The team continues to monitor the Stephen Drew situation and has now been tied to trade rumors for young Seattle shortstop, Nick Franklin. Transformation or not, Tejada may be auditioning for a role off the bench regardless of how well he plays this spring.


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If I am in Hyderabad during Eid, I make sure to cook for the entire family living in the city," says Aditi Rao Hydari, who traces her ancestry to two royal families of Hyderabad–namely Muhammed Saleh Akbar Hydari and J Rameshwar Rao of erstwhile Raja of Wanaparthy family.
The actress who grew up in a multi-cultural environment talks about Eid in Hyderabad, acting and why dancing is a passion.
Hyderabad Hues
Be it any festival, we as a family celebrate it. We all meet and join in the revelry. As for Eid, there is a stream of guests and relatives at our home. As kids, we would receive money and gifts as 'eidi'. Now, I give eidi to the young ones in the family. At home, we cook delicacies like sheer kurma, biryani, haleem, salli boti and the special Hyderabadi biryani. Recently I visited the the streets of Mumbai during Ramzan. I enjoyed the nalli nihari (mutton dish), chicken and mutton kebabs and firni. Thankfully, I have an appetite of a sparrow. So it doesn't show on my figure.
In the orbit of fame
Since childhood, I was told that I would be an actress because of my good looks. Though I would pretend not to understand, it was a secret desire that i would grow up to be one. The fact that I was a good singer and dancer helped fuel my ambition. I had started learning Bharatanatyam since I was six and became a disciple of Leela Samson. My dream came true when I made a debut in a Malayalam film opposite the legendary Mammootty. In 2007, I played the role of devadasi in a Tamil film. I got that film when the director of the film Sharada Ramanathan saw me perform at a conference. After that things started falling in place. Movies like Delhi 6, Yeh Saali Zindagi, London Paris New York and Murder 3 came my way.
Dancing and friends
I keep myself fit by dancing and practising yoga. By God's grace, I have a high metabolism level which keeps my weight in check. When I am not shooting, I spend time with my family and friends. I don't have many friends in the industry, my friends are from my childhood days.
Bollywood's warm welcome
I am an outsider in Bollywood with no connections whatsoever. But the industry accepted me with open arms. It is one's talent that is recognised here. I feeI truly blessed to be the part of the industry. An actor's most valuable asset are his/her fans. I believe in satisfying them with my performances. It's their love and appreciation that I yearn for as an actor.


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As reported by Daryl Passmore in the Sunday Mail newspaper on the 25th of April 2015, the boss of the biggest branch of Bank of Queensland (BOQ) has been branded "a cowboy'' by a judge after taking a wheelchair-bound man's specially adapted home as security for a business loan. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission launched proceedings against Mr Carnes and his business partner Matthew Buchanan in the wake of the Storm scandal, but dropped them after BoQ paid nearly $20 million to settle class actions by former customers last year.
Mr Passmore quoted Stewart Levitt as follows:
Lawyer Stewart Levitt, who brought the class action against BoQ, said the latest court revelations were ''pretty scandalous'' and the "pattern of behaviour" at the branch exemplified ASIC's toothlessness when it came to banks.


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You've been off the grid for a week and a half. You wake up and the Washington Capitals have won their second-round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. How did it happen?
Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: Whoa, how crazy is it that the Penguins had their NHL franchise charter revoked in the middle of the playoffs, as that's clearly the only way they could possibly lose a series to the Capitals? Wait, they didn't?
Well, look at that: Washington's recipe for success in its first-round series against the Columbus Blue Jackets series somehow cooked up a win over the Penguins. The Capitals scored a power-play goal in each game and shut down the Pittsburgh power play in each win. Goalie Braden Holtby was the best player on the ice for a couple of games. Rivalry newbies Devante Smith-Pelly, Jakub Vrana and Chandler Stephenson scored key goals, because they didn't know any better. Alex Ovechkin had eight points in six games. Operative phrase: six games. No sphincter-clenching "how-does-it-all-go-to-hell" Game 7 pressure in D.C. Because if the series went that deep, obviously we wouldn't be having this conversation.
Emily Kaplan, national NHL reporter: The Capitals were in a precarious situation. Unburdened by outside expectations (no Presidents' Trophy) the team actually felt more pressure than ever. They knew that their coach, Barry Trotz, was without a contract for next season and likely wouldn't be back save for winning a Stanley Cup -- and even then, it wasn't a given. The Caps also knew that GM Brian MacLellan would drastically shake up the roster if they fell to the Penguins yet again.
So they put up one heck of a performance to win this series in six games. Of course, it helped that the Pens had played the equivalent of an extra half-season of hockey over their past two Stanley Cup runs. Washington also took advantage of Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist missing games with lingering injuries. The Penguins' power play was uncharacteristically tame -- oh, sorry, this is Capitals fan fiction. I meant to say that Washington extended its strong penalty killing from the Blue Jackets series. Also, I'm happy to report, no beer cans were chucked onto the ice.
Chris Peters, NHL prospects writer: First, I'd have to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. After that, I'd probably learn that Holtby, with some restored confidence after four consecutive victories against the Columbus Blue Jackets, was at the top of his game. His .932 career save percentage in the postseason hasn't necessarily helped a ton against Pittsburgh in previous years, but this time it's enough, especially if Penguins goalie Matt Murray's numbers continued to dip.
The Capitals would need big performances from their depth players to bolster the expected production from their top guys like Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov and John Carlson, who had been so strong against Columbus and continued to be threatening against Pittsburgh. The Caps got a little help from depth guys like Stephenson and Jay Beagle, among others, against Columbus. They will need even more against the Pens. The top lines will be expected to carry their respective teams, but the depth can provide the separation. And you know what? I think there's a decent chance this happens in real life, too.
Sachin Chandan, ESPN The Magazine researcher: Three things had to have happened. One, the Capitals won the high-leverage scoring chances. They are already on a strong track, as they lead all playoff teams with 66 high-danger scoring chances, per Natural Stat Trick. Two, Holtby was obviously stellar in net, but he needed the defense in front of him to help him out. This year Holtby has been more susceptible to shots from the center of the zone, and he would need his top defense pairs, Michal Kempny-Carlson and Dmitry Orlov-Matt Niskanen, to shut down those vulnerable lanes. Three, they kept up their power-play success while not taking penalties. Washington leads all teams with a 33.3 percent rate on the power play, while having the most chances, and didn't commit penalties of their own. It was a struggle, but anything is possible.