Tag Archives: fairy-tale

BLOG TOUR + REVIEW: SCARLET by Aria Cole

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Synopsis

Beau Loup’s world is taken by storm when Scarlet Fair appears in his life.

Her wild red hair haunts his thoughts and her luscious body makes his blood hum with life. She’s the first woman to break him of his self-imposed seclusion to make him feel things he never dreamed possible. But she’s all wrong for him.

Private schools and garden parties fill the world Scarlet lives in, and Beau is a rough man with a craving that consumes. When he realizes she may be the only woman with the ability to soften his hard edges, he’s determined to show her how a real man loves a woman, and then maybe he can convince her to stay for life. He’ll do anything to be her everything and he’s bent on making Little Red his. In his mind she already is.

Warning: What happens when the big, bad wolf meets the sweet, redhead of his dreams? Hold onto your panties because we’re about to find out!

 

Excerpt

 

ONE

Scarlet

I stepped off the train, nerves twisting in my stomach as I looked for a cab. I juggled the duffel on my shoulder and swiped at the sticky heat dampening my forehead. It’d been a few years since I’d been to Gran’s house, summer jobs and studies taking up most of my time these days, but when she’d fallen sick, I knew I had to see her.

I’d dropped everything and cleared my schedule, determined to be there for her all summer. Her frail voice had insisted that she was fine, she didn’t need any help, but I’d refused to hear otherwise. I’d missed her desperately, and I’d let life run away from me, forgetting what was really important. It was time I slowed down, appreciate the old home where I’d spent my childhood summers, and soak up all the love Gran had to give.

A yellow cab sped up to the curb, the driver getting out of the cab and coming around for my bags. I rattled off the address of the old estate before sliding into the back seat, the driver packing my bags in the trunk before getting behind the wheel.

“We’ll be there in approximately twelve minutes, ma’am.”  

I shot him a smile. My whole body was drained, and my mind was exhausted, but still excitement coursed through me as all the joyful memories of childhood started to emerge.

My Gran, the greatest woman I know, ninety-two years young and so full of life. Going to her house has always been one of my most favorite summer traditions, but now the idea of going there made me sick with grief and sadness. I was going to my grandmother’s house to say goodbye before the cancer made her too frail and weak. I knew I shouldn’t be so sad⎯she had a full life of utter joy⎯ βυτ at one point, old age can’t be kept at bay any longer. My grandmother was my best friend. She was a sassy sweet soul, and I wanted to spend all the time possible with her before she was gone.

I glanced down at my lap, where I held a box of pastries purchased at a small Parisian bakery we both loved. My lips formed a smile as the memories of those Sundays, of spending hours in the kitchen secretly eating all these delicious baked confections, flooded my mind. The various flavors and types of pastry were to blame for the extra twenty pounds around my middle.  

The car rolled to a stop, and the cab driver got out, opening my door for me. I stepped out onto the stone driveway and peered up at the beautiful brick building that housed so many of my favorite childhood memories. Large, creamy pillars decorated either side of the two-story entry, a wide wraparound porch inviting visitors to stay and have a cup of coffee while overlooking the beautiful, impeccably manicured landscape. The view was breathtaking. It was like looking at a priceless piece by Monet. It was captivating and breathtaking.

“Scarlet!” The excited call from Darla blared from the vast front door. Darla was in her late forties with flawless skin and a soft frame. Her smile was as bright as the sun on a hot summer day, and equally inviting. I ran to her and hugged her fiercely. I had always loved her and her vibrant personality. I had missed her almost as much as I missed Nana.  

“Oh, my pretty girl, I have missed you so much. I see you brought some baked goodies. I’ve been watching my figure, but you know how I never could resist those sweets. I swear since working for your gran I’ve gained fifty pounds. She is going to be so happy to see you, darling. I think you are exactly what she needs to lift her spirit.” Darla twisted a lock of my hair between her fingers. “You always had the most beautiful red curls. My sweet girl, how was your trip?”

“I’ve missed you, too, Darla. I may have brought some of those apple turnovers you love so much,” I whispered conspiratorially.  

“This is going to be such a fantastic summer. Oh, and wait till you see the new looker that works for your gran. If only I was a few years younger.” She chuckled, and her deep laugh bounced merrily off the walls. When Darla laughed, the world took notice. Like Santa Claus at the mall with a young child on his lap, her laugh was pure joy.  

I found it a little sad that Gran hadn’t greeted me upon my arrival. That she wasn’t here hugging and kissing me meant only one thing: her illness had gotten worse and now she couldn’t physically afford to disobey her doctor. At least I had Darla to make me feel a little more at home. “How is she, Darla?” My voice was laced with sadness and worry.

“She has good days and bad ones.  But she is still just as feisty and fiery.” Darla smiled and winked at me as her eyes twinkled with mischief. Even though Darla was making light of the situation, I knew it was only for my benefit. It was a ruse to keep my spirits up.

After putting away my clothes and washing up in the bathroom after the long train ride, I wandered into the large bedroom that was still a shrine to my childhood, Gran had everything from my childhood out for display.  I smiled that everything had remained as I left if the only thing that changed was my single bed was now upgraded to an opulent king sized version.  I smiled, looking at all the trinkets from my childhood. Gran sure was teetering on borderline hoarder. I smiled cherishing all the love and devotion my Gran felt toward me, my whole life she had been my biggest champion and supporter.

By afternoon, I was disappointed that I had yet to see Gran, but Darla had told me that she slept a lot now due to the medication the doctors had given her. I decided to take a walk around the grounds to dispel me from my dark thoughts and look at the new beautiful landscaping. Whoever the new landscaper was, he had a very detailed eye. Everything was beautiful and perfectly arranged.  

I felt a pang of guilt that I hadn’t seen all this in the past years. My friends, school, and Summer activities became more important at times, and my family took a backseat. You only realize the mistakes you are making when it’s too late. I trailed my fingertips over the perfectly manicured hedge. I turned the corner and ran right into what seemed to be a wall but was in fact a giant, burly man. I stumbled, my arms thrusting out, and was about to fall flat on my behind when suddenly, two strong, rock-solid arms surrounded me. They wrapped around my waist, and stunning green eyes pierced right through me before his lips parted and he breathed, “Are you okay? ” His deep voice pounded through my ears, the sprinkling of an accent registering, and I remembered Darla’s comments about the French landscaper. My heart thundered as I lay speechless in his arms, swallowing the utter shock and surprise I felt. His emerald dark gaze held mine for another long beat, his touch on my body the only thing I could feel. I trembled with the new sensations pulsing through me.  

“Wow, your arms are huge…” I breathed and instantly wanted to go back in time a few minutes to erase the stupid words that had raced out of my mouth.  

I was unable to say anything else, my eyes still trained on his.  

His beautiful mouth curled into a crooked grin before his grip tightened around my waist and he hauled me against his body. “But they sure came in handy, didn’t they?”  

His words fell upon deaf ears. All I could think and feel was his body, this giant, stunning man holding me against him. His grip tightened again at that moment, almost taking my breath away. His presence was overwhelming, his broad shoulders and chiseled biceps stretching the thin fabric of his white T-shirt.  

I’d never seen a man like this before. He was broad and formidable, and I felt remarkably small wrapped up in his arms. I peered up at his face, which was just as stunning as his stature. A dark, well-kept beard and nearly jet black hair had me aching to feel the strands beneath my fingers.  

“I’m Beau Loup,” he whispered as a small smile curved his lips. His words danced around the air between us, my mind too scattered at that moment to say anything profound.  

“I am Scarlet Fair. My gran owns the house,” I introduced myself, feeling his gaze flutter across my skin, setting it on fire as he went.  

“Mm, glad to make your acquaintance, Ms. Fair.” His gaze finally landed on mine again. His intense stare penetrating me to my very core. “I hope to see more of you.” His words twisted in the wind, his tone and the wicked gleam in his eyes implying so much more. This man had a roguish charm about him, and if I wasn’t careful I would fall as his prey.

“Well, if you work here, it seems you will.” I pulled from his embrace and missed the warmth instantly. Beau Loup didn’t make me feel uncomfortable. Something about him was welcoming. Oddly enough, he reminded me of my father− big, rough, but completely kind-hearted.

“Work and live.” His words pulled me from my thoughts.  

“You live here?” I nearly swallowed my tongue.  

His eyes rose in amusement before he answered. “I’ve got a place out back. Ms. Fair sold a corner lot to me a while ago.”  

I nodded slowly, my eyes tracing the stark lines of rigid muscle decorating his body. I could feel my face getting flushed. I twisted my hands together, my skin prickling with aroused awareness. “It was nice to meet you, Beau. I hope to run into you again.”

“I’m sure you will.” He took my hand in his and lifted it to his lips. He placed a lingering kiss there, his gaze shooting a blaze of fire straight into my core, and his words hung in the air as he winked at me. Why wasn’t he leaving? Shoo, will you? At that moment I didn’t know what to do, but I knew I had to leave. This man had me trapped, and I needed to get out. “Well, I must be going.” I quickly snatched my hand back from him and spun around so fast that I almost tripped. I noticed him lurch to catch me, and his face had lost that devastating smile, it now seemed to be marred with concern and worry.  Just as quickly as that worry came, it vanished when he saw I hadn’t fallen.

I swiftly ran off before I could embarrass myself any further. “Until next time, petite rouge.” As the distance grew between us, I could still hear his laughter following me.

Sensations raced across my skin, curling my toes and prickling the hairs on the nape of my neck. The feeling of immediate danger seemed to course it’s way through my body, as if raging and combusting in my bloodstream.

 

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Header Scarlet

Another wonderful classic fairy tale with a completely modern approach, in the most enticingly delicious ways!!!
Scarlet represents all the innocence and sweetness of little Red Riding, and Beau… Wow… Let me just say Aria couldn’t have created a more luring, captivating and wolffish H… Alpha in ALL the best ways!!! <3 <3 <3

ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

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About the Author

aria cole profile pic

Aria Cole is a thirty-something housewife who once felt bad for reading dirty books late at night, until she decided to write her own. Possessive alpha men and the sassy heroines who love them are common, along with a healthy dose of irresistible insta-love and happily ever afters so sweet your teeth may ache.

Aria’s new release BLACK is the first in her modern fairy tale series. For a safe, off-the-charts HOT, and always HEA story that doesn’t take a lifetime to read, get lost in an Aria Cole book!

Follow Aria on Amazon for new release updates, or stalk her on Facebook and Twitter to see which daring book boyfriend she’s writing next!

Stalk Her:

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BOOK TOUR & GIVEAWAY: WHITE by Aria Cole

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white now available (1)

 

White by Aria Cole is NOW LIVE!

Buy Links

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WHITE

Author: Aria Cole

Genre: Modern Fairytale Romance 

Cover Design by: PopKitty

Release Date: June 4, 2016

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Synopsis

Eve White is about to be sold to the highest bidder.

Desperate to escape a life she didn’t choose, she’s sent away from her foster home one fateful night to be sold as another man’s property. Determined to survive by any means necessary, she makes it her goal to cash-in on her circumstances and run, because Eve’s only focus is her boys. The foster brothers she grew up protecting are her only concern—sheltering them and herself, the best that she can. But a half a million dollars for two years of her time paid by a sweet, silent, dashing man is one wild card Eve didn’t see coming.

Asher Strong has spent his life with one solitary focus: her.
Haunted by a single night from his past, Asher has made it his life’s work to right the wrongs, but from the moment he lays eyes on the raven-haired beauty, everything changes. He becomes obsessed with protecting her, showering her in the love she never had as a child, and welcoming her into his home and his life forever. It isn’t long before the sexual tension between them ignites into a blaze that they are powerless to contain, until one more fateful night threatens to shatter it all.

*Warning: Asher is a virgin alpha-male with a giant heart who would do anything to protect his woman. If syrupy-sweet heroes and a delicious happily-ever-after make you swoon, White is the book for you!

white teaser 1

Excerpt

“You were lovely tonight, Allie.” The man in charge from earlier reached for my palm and placed a soft kiss on the knuckle.

“I’d like to introduce you to Asher Strong. He’s quite enthusiastic about spending time with you.” The man’s eyes twinkled as they watched me turn to Mr. Strong.

I swallowed the fear and looked him directly in the eye, extending a hand. “I’m afraid we weren’t properly introduced earlier. Lovely to meet you.” I said the wordswith a saccharine bite.

Asher’s eyes flared for an instant as they dipped from my full, painted red lips, then back to my eyes. His gaze narrowed for a minute before he extended his hand and took mine. His touch was softer than I’d imagined. His eyes cut across the room and said so much behind the dark and intimidating gaze, but his hand was gentle, his touch respectful. He immediately removed his tux jacket and wrapped it around me, buttoning it up. His eyes quickly touched upon my bare cleavage, and his nostrils flared. “Grab me a scarf,” he ordered. The next thing I knew, one was draped across my chest, hiding every piece of exposed flesh.

My heart sped to a gallop when he raised my hand and placed a kiss at the top of my knuckles. “It’s a pleasure,” he murmured against my skin and sent flames all along my milky white flesh.

 
 
 

Excerpt

“I can’t wait to be buried inside you,” I whispered in her ear.

“I’m ready, but I’m scared,” she said softly with her eyes averted to the trees shrouding us.

“Hey, beautiful, look at me,” I whispered in the darkness. Her eyes opened slowly and she pushed one hand through my hair. Just her touch calmed every last ragged nerve I had. “Sweetheart, this is my first time, too. I waited a long time for you, for this. I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else but you. This is the beginning for us, baby. This is my forever,” I breathed and soothed her anxiety with a slow kiss on the lips. She cupped my stubbled jawline and reassured me with every stroke that she felt this, too. This thing between us was alive and real and pulsed just as steadily as the beat of our hearts. She was ready.

I returned her kiss slowly as I eased my cock into her, inch by slow inch. I wanted to make this feel as good for her as it already did for me. Nerve endings sizzled, and all the sense I had left my brain as I tried to control myself in those first few moments. Time stopped, and the cool breeze whistled through the trees as we kissed and I eased myself inside her body, reveling in the feel of her skin on mine. I pushed myself to the limit. With her, I pushed myself home.

 
 
Header White

When she thought everything was lost and had very little hope, Evie proved what an amazingly strong damsel in distress she is, but in comes Asher, the most PERFECT knight in shining armor!!!
Both virgins and a completely obsessed H, by his Evie, it doesn’t get much more perfect than this!!! And a surprise twist almost by the end, what are you waiting for?!
I loved every second of it, and I can’t wait for more of Aria’s contemporary fairytales, I devour them!
True ROMANCE at its best!!!! <3 <3 <3

ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

 

Giveaway

About the Author

aria cole profile pic

Aria Cole is a thirty-something housewife who once felt bad for reading dirty books late at night, until she decided to write her own. Possessive alpha men and the sassy heroines who love them are common, along with a healthy dose of irresistible insta-love and happily ever afters so sweet your teeth may ache.

Aria’s new release BLACK is the first in her modern fairy tale series. For a safe, off-the-charts HOT, and always HEA story that doesn’t take a lifetime to read, get lost in an Aria Cole book!

Stalk Her:

 Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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RELEASE BLITZ: WHITE by Aria Cole

white release blitz

 

white now available

White by Aria Cole is NOW LIVE!

Buy Links

Amazon US Amazon UK 

 

13245424_10157011791510515_798132930852338103_n

WHITE

Author: Aria Cole

Genre: Modern Fairytale Romance 

Cover Design by: PopKitty

Release Date: June 4, 2016

Goodreads ADD button

 

Synopsis

Eve White is about to be sold to the highest bidder.

Desperate to escape a life she didn’t choose, she’s sent away from her foster home one fateful night to be sold as another man’s property. Determined to survive by any means necessary, she makes it her goal to cash-in on her circumstances and run, because Eve’s only focus is her boys. The foster brothers she grew up protecting are her only concern—sheltering them and herself, the best that she can. But a half a million dollars for two years of her time paid by a sweet, silent, dashing man is one wild card Eve didn’t see coming.

Asher Strong has spent his life with one solitary focus: her.
Haunted by a single night from his past, Asher has made it his life’s work to right the wrongs, but from the moment he lays eyes on the raven-haired beauty, everything changes. He becomes obsessed with protecting her, showering her in the love she never had as a child, and welcoming her into his home and his life forever. It isn’t long before the sexual tension between them ignites into a blaze that they are powerless to contain, until one more fateful night threatens to shatter it all.

*Warning: Asher is a virgin alpha-male with a giant heart who would do anything to protect his woman. If syrupy-sweet heroes and a delicious happily-ever-after make you swoon, White is the book for you!

 

white teaser 3

About the Author

aria cole profile pic

Aria Cole is a thirty-something housewife who once felt bad for reading dirty books late at night, until she decided to write her own. Possessive alpha men and the sassy heroines who love them are common, along with a healthy dose of irresistible insta-love and happily ever afters so sweet your teeth may ache.

Aria’s new release BLACK is the first in her modern fairy tale series. For a safe, off-the-charts HOT, and always HEA story that doesn’t take a lifetime to read, get lost in an Aria Cole book!

Stalk Her:

 Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

HOSTED BY:

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RELEASE BLITZ + REVIEW: BLACK by Aria Cole

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Black by Aria Cole is NOW LIVE!

ONLY $0.99

Amazon US | Amazon UK

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black aria

 

Synopsis

A beast, alone with the horrors of his past, the scar on his face a constant reminder of the man he’s become.

A beauty, on the run with her life in a tailspin, finds herself on his doorstep seeking protection.

Deeply misunderstood and dedicated to his life of brooding solitude, Maxwell Black is hesitant to let Elle McKellan into his home where his hideous secrets hide. But he’s unable to resist the allure of this desperate stranger.

Soon the magnetism between them is undeniable, the temptation unbearable. Elle, reluctant to risk losing her heart to this dark and broken man, struggles against the sexual tension, only to surrender to the combustible heat between them.

When Elle’s life catches up to her and threatens to tear them apart, Maxwell will protect the precious love he’s found by any brutal means necessary.

Black is a sexy, modern spin on the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale and is intended for mature audiences.

BLACK BY ARIA

 

 

Header Black by Aria Cole

Black is a contemporary version of the classic fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast.

Maxwell has been living isolated for years after a traumatic event that left him scarred in more ways than one. 

His subterfuge is his library, which is open to the public, and books are the only company he thinks he needs, or more so, that he trusts.

Books were the only things that had been with me through it all. I’d never found solace in people; I’d found nothing but pain and betrayal and lies. Books provided shelter and support and encouragement.

But deep down in his lonely existence, he wishes, longs for something more, or better yet, someone…

But sometimes, on the nights that my thoughts overtook me, I dared to hope for someone to share my life with. I dreamed of a girl with eyes that sparkled, a laugh that made me weak in the knees, and a heart so big she could fit mine in it. Someone who could see past the moody, abrasive demeanor, and the thousand quirks that made me a man unlike any other. 

Someone who could see past the scar and into my soul.

A revelation sliced through my heart. For the first time ever, I wanted to feel love. 

I’d just never found a woman brave enough to love a man like me.

But he could barely dare to dream for that. In reality, he had no hope that this woman existed, much less that she would ever cross paths with him.

But the proof that dreams do could true appears right at his doorstep…

Elle is on the run, lost and alone, she doesn’t realize she’s searching for something, or someone, to give her life a new meaning, a new direction, something to hold on too. And this brings her right to Maxwell’s library, looking for a job, but finding herself with a new task, breaking down the walls he, due to his dark past, has built around himself.

Teaser 1 Black by Aria Cole

Elle knows all too well about painful pasts. If there is one person that can understand him, and see beyond his scarred, rough persona, it’s her.

I knew all too well about scars. How they were ugly and deformed from the outside in. Daunting slashes scraped across layers of delicate flesh. Maxwell wore his scar on his face, I wore mine on the inside. Mine festered and did not heal. My scars destroyed me and made me run; his seemed to have destroyed him and made him hide.

But healing a soul isn’t the easiest of journeys and it’s proven by the rough path they had ahead of them.

With so many mental roadblocks, even their strong instant pull is not enough, and with the secrets they both keep, Trust proves to be their biggest challenge.

Elle was such a sweet and loving character, a real mirror of the Beauty in the classic tale. Even with her sad past, she has an incredible amount of hope, and when she meets Maxwell, see can see right through his facade, that reflects a loneliness much like her own. With him, the first time in her life, she feels safe.

Teaser 2 Black by Aria Cole

Their attraction was immediate, and shocking for both of them, but Maxwell is the one who truly struggles to give in. After so many years of isolation, and the nature of the tragic event from his past, it’s very hard for him to give trust to someone else, specially someone that, for him, seems to good to be true, and appear at a too perfect timing.

He hadn’t counted and didn’t believe in what Fate had reserved for him…

Even with all the drawbacks the couple had and the secrets they keep, which translate into a slow building relationship, something the had no change to fight was their physical pull, the insta-lust was immediate, and it wasn’t long before we got some sizzling hot, sexually charged scenes. Beware: a cold shower or a industrial sized fan may be needed! 😉

“So fucking sexy bent over, your pussy bared for me. You’re so fucking wet, sweetheart. Love seeing you so wet for my cock.”

They literally couldn’t keep they hands of each other, which is awesome and gives us a true erotic romance. And his beastly character sure did transport to those scenes scenes, in a very deliciously dominant way. And boy, did the man have a dirty mouth on him (and I freaking loved every word out of it)!

Teaser 3 Black by Aria Cole

Contemporary fairy tale is one of my favorite genres, and I have to say I loved this approach. For a debut novel, it’s amazing the quality of the writing and character development. The story captivates from beginning to end, transporting us to that small town and that very special library, where most of the book develops.

Both characters were amazing, the storyline completely focuses on them, with almost no interaction with other people, and given it’s a short story, I think it was a smart decision. I just wished that it hadn’t taken that long for Maxwell to come to terms with his feelings and his error of judgment of Elle’s intentions (which caused me to hurt along with her for too long). I understand these distrust and roughness were made to go along with his Beast similarity, but by extending his reactions and sometimes far too callous behavior towards her in such a short story, caused, in my opinion, the shift of attitude towards the end to be less credible and too sudden. And don’t get me wrong he also had some sweet and tender moments.

“You’re the only thing that matters to me; protecting you, keeping you, being with you.”

But his suspicious mind and dark side were constantly fighting to take over. That idea would have worked perfectly in a longer story or for a shorter period, but here it became to forced. And don’t get me wrong, I love this type of read-in-one-sitting type of story and would not change that! Besides that minor lack of character development / too sudden personality shift, I adored and enjoyed the hell out of it!

Black was the perfect story to indulge in some erotic romance, and contains all the elements I look for in this type of book: insta-love / lust, an OTT alpha Hero, possessive and protective and some off the charts HOT sex scenes. It has all this, and so much more! Aria Cole delivered a fantastic debut book, and I can’t praise and recommend it enough, so much so, that I became an instant fan and my stalking following was guaranteed! I can’t wait to put my grabby hands on White!!!

My beauty.

My love.

My Elle.

ARC kindly provided by the author via TRSoR Promotions 

in exchange for an honest review

About the Author

aria cole profile pic Cole is a thirty-something housewife who once felt bad for reading dirty books late at night, until she decided to write her own. Possessive alpha men and the sassy heroines who love them are common, along with a healthy dose of irresistible insta-love and happily ever afters so sweet your teeth may ache.

Aria’s new release BLACK is the first in her modern fairy tale series. For a safe, off-the-charts HOT, and always HEA story that doesn’t take a lifetime to read, get lost in an Aria Cole book!

Stalk Her:

 Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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