No More Masquerade Release Blitz

Behind every good man…is the love of an even better woman.
Those were just pretty words before I met Claire Montgomery. Before my fairy queen burst into my life, I didn’t recognize the bastard in my morning mirror—but her love has given me the strength to face the imposter, even embrace him. My tower in the clouds is no longer a sentence of isolation; it’s a jumping point to the stars. With Claire at my side, I’m the king I always wanted to be, the Killian Stone I always dreamed of becoming.

Which means for once, I want the mask guarding my secret to stay right where it is.

If you want the grown-up fairy tale…learn to love the dark side.
Profound sentiment. Wish I could get on board with it but the prince in pinstripes has other ideas. Life has been a dream since Killian burst into the ball offering the perfect fit—his heart and mine, not the shoes, the car or the jewelry—but the treasures have become his armor, hiding the man I yearn to know. I refuse to open his little velvet box until he opens himself, letting me see even the dark hallways of his soul…

Until he lifts all his masks for me.

Master of the masquerade…
Fate has always bowed to my bidding. I should have known it was just picking its time to exact the best revenge, to reveal the secrets that will destroy everything. Without my disguise, am I still the man Claire fell in love with…or another penniless prince vying for an unattainable dream?

Mistress of his ruin?
He always told me to be careful what I wish for. By demanding his truth, have I not only demolished the dream we had…but the man I’ve loved more than any other?

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No More Masquerade by Angel Payne & Victoria Blue from Once Upon An Alpha on Vimeo.

No More Masquerade (Secrets of Stone #2)

* AMAZON * BARNES & NOBLE *

No Prince Charming (Secrets of Stone #1)

* AMAZON * BARNES & NOBLE *

Angel Payne

Hi there. I'm Angel: book lover, writing addict, hopeless romantic, pop culture geek and avid shoe lover.

**I have a monthly newsletter now! Sign up for it right here: http://eepurl.com/LoNkz. It's a cool way to get exclusive info, talk hot heroes, learn about new items in the Angel Payne store, talk hot heroes, further the pie or cake debate...and oh yeah, did I mention talking hot heroes?

A bit about me...

I've been hooked on books since I was a kid but it got worse in my twenties, when I discovered romances--the hotter, the better. Growing up in Southern California, with lots of surfer manliness surrounded me, was certainly a good boost for reading about delicious alpha guys and the women who adore them. When I learned I had a knack for telling these stories too, I guess you could say I was doomed--though my path toward romance novelist took a few detours via a concert-reviewing gig for my college newspaper (free show tickets...backstage passes...that was a no-brainer), artist interviews for a Beverly Hills dance music mag, personal assistant work for a record producer, dance club disc jockey, and a lot of fun in the hospitality industry.

These days, I still live in California, and have found an amazing alpha guy of my own who was brave enough to marry me. We live on a street that looks like Brigadoon, with our beautiful daughter. I have the best life ever, and never forget to thank the Big Guy Upstairs for it, either.

Victoria Blue

Victoria Blue lives in her own portion of the galaxy known as Southern California. There she finds the love and life sustaining power of one amazing sun, two unique and awe inspiring planets and three indifferent, yet comforting moons. Life is fantastic and challenging and everyday brings new adventures to be discovered. She looks forward to seeing what's next!

Angel Payne

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Victoria Blue

*FACEBOOK * TWITTER * WEBSITE *

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Boarded By Love by Toni Aleo

(Image found on Goodreads)

"You know, everyone always talks about sparks and fireworks when they kiss a guy - I hadn't ever felt that before, but I do now." -Toni Aleo, Boarded by Love

Jude Sinclair is captain of the Bellevue Bullies hockey team. And a bit of a playboy. But everything changes when he runs into Claire Anderson. But Claire's had a difficult time growing up. She's determined to stand on her own two feet, no matter what. Will Claire's secret destroy the best thing that's ever happened to both Jude and Claire? Or will forgiveness and love come into play, saving the day? Find the official description on Goodreads.

First of all, if you're just tuning in, I love all of Toni Aleo's work. She writes some great books and I especially love her Assassin's series. So when I found out about Boarded By Love I was ecstatic. Especially because it involves Claire from Breaking Away.

In Boarded By Love, we get a much more intensive look into Claire's life before Phillip and Reese. Not to mention we find out just how much she changed when she came to live with Phillip. We knew the basics on what had happened from Breaking Away but we were able to get more details and learn more about why Claire was doing what she was doing and how it affected her. I loved that deeper look into her character. Next time I read Breaking Away, I'll definitely feel even more sympathy than I did last time. Claire was an amazing character and I really feel that Toni Aleo portrayed her very realistically.

The same could be said for Jude, although he is way too sweet to be a reformed player, just saying. In fact Jude almost overtook Tate at times during this book, and we all know my love for all things Tate Odder. 

We can't forget the hockey. I was really excited to see more hockey, although it didn't play a big part in Boarded By Love. It was great to see when it came into play though. 

And readers were also given texts that the characters sent to one another. It's a different style of writing and it shakes things up. But some of the things that were said were so sweet that you could melt from them and it really added to the book.

Also getting to see and get updated about our favorite characters was amazing! We got to see them in a bit of a different light. That of a protective father/uncles. It made for some hilarious moments, although I wanted to smack Phillip because he was acting really childish. But it was great to see how far he's come from the inappropriate player we first met. He's really grown some and I love seeing that. Although he's still got some of his former traits.

The epilogue gave readers more assurance that everything works out and it was just an amazing scene, really powerful. I loved it! 

Boarded By Love is such an amazing book, and I'm excited to see more of the Bellevue Bullies as well as the Assassin's.

Read more...

Teaser Tuesday!

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Teaser Tuesday

“If we keep on, dinner will not happen.”

“I’m reconsidering my earlier proposition.”

I smile fully as I run my nose along his. “You want me?”

He groans softly against my lips as he nods his head, his nose moving along mine. We’re basically one; we’re so close, and I don’t think I ever want him to go anywhere else. The air around us is sizzling, and I find myself fighting for my next breath.

“I want you so bad I can’t see straight.”

Boarded by Love by Toni Aleo

Coming September 8th, 2014!

>>Add to Goodreads!<<

Jude Sinclair here, hockey player for the Bellevue Bullies and lover of all ladies. Hockey’s in my blood, and not to sound full of myself, but I’m good at it…really good. The draft is within my reach—it’s mine to take—but that’s not the only reason people know my name. They know me because of my way with women. They know the score, and I aim to please. I just tend to stay away from repeat performances. In other words, I don’t do relationships beyond my family and friends. I’m happy with life. However, I should warn you that my story and how I see it playing out is about to change due to a certain redhead on campus.

She’s beautiful. Stunning. Breathtaking.

She’s my game changer.

He’s trouble from the moment I see him. I don’t know what I’m thinking, but from the moment I meet his gaze, I’m his. It’s a scary feeling.

I’ve never trusted anyone outside my aunt and uncle—and even that took months. I didn’t have it easy growing up. My mom was usually strung out, and she didn’t give me a second thought. Drugs and the men who paid her were more important to her. It was horrible, but I’m stronger today. Because of my past, security is what I need most. Money assures me that I can take care of myself today, tomorrow, and next month. I don’t want to ever be hungry or go without again, so I work hard for every penny. 

Oh, by the way, I’m Claire Anderson. I’m a hard-studying sophomore at the University of Bellevue, dancer for the school dance team, and a burlesque dancer at a club, but that’s my secret.

You may think you know how our story ends, but you have no clue. It’s not easy falling in love… or living happily ever after. At first it may seem so, but when is anything worth having ever won without a fight?

Especially when you’re boarded by love.

PRE-ORDER BOARDED BY LOVE ON AMAZON

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About the Author

Toni Aleo is the author of the Nasvhille Assassins series: Taking Shots, Trying to Score, Empty Net, Falling for the Backup, and Blue Lines.

 When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel.

She lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog. Read more about Toni here

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads 

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Music Monday!

Boarded by Love by Toni Aleo

Coming September 8th, 2014!

>>Add to Goodreads!<<

Jude Sinclair here, hockey player for the Bellevue Bullies and lover of all ladies. Hockey’s in my blood, and not to sound full of myself, but I’m good at it…really good. The draft is within my reach—it’s mine to take—but that’s not the only reason people know my name. They know me because of my way with women. They know the score, and I aim to please. I just tend to stay away from repeat performances. In other words, I don’t do relationships beyond my family and friends. I’m happy with life. However, I should warn you that my story and how I see it playing out is about to change due to a certain redhead on campus.



She’s beautiful. Stunning. Breathtaking.



She’s my game changer.



He’s trouble from the moment I see him. I don’t know what I’m thinking, but from the moment I meet his gaze, I’m his. It’s a scary feeling.



I’ve never trusted anyone outside my aunt and uncle—and even that took months. I didn’t have it easy growing up. My mom was usually strung out, and she didn’t give me a second thought. Drugs and the men who paid her were more important to her. It was horrible, but I’m stronger today. Because of my past, security is what I need most. Money assures me that I can take care of myself today, tomorrow, and next month. I don’t want to ever be hungry or go without again, so I work hard for every penny.



Oh, by the way, I’m Claire Anderson. I’m a hard-studying sophomore at the University of Bellevue, dancer for the school dance team, and a burlesque dancer at a club, but that’s my secret.



You may think you know how our story ends, but you have no clue. It’s not easy falling in love… or living happily ever after. At first it may seem so, but when is anything worth having ever won without a fight?



Especially when you’re boarded by love.

PRE-ORDER BOARDED BY LOVE ON AMAZON

______________________________________________________

MUSIC MONDAY

Trouble indeed, but it didn’t matter. He’s pushing and pulling me straight to him, and I am sure he isn’t going to let me go. Not that I want to. There is something about him that has me completely and utterly drawn to him, no pulling needed. While I want to sleep with him, I also want to know him. Really, I have no clue what I want. I just want Jude. All of him and I’m glad he turned down my offer to go to bed. While I want it, I don’t think I would have gone through it, but then with the way he’s looking at me, his hooded green eyes flaring with lust, I’m thinking that previous statement was a total lie. 

I damn well want him more than my next breath.

-Claire 

Okay, so yes, it is a boy band, but my friend and I were discussing songs. This song came up and listening to the lyrics it seemed to fit, at least a little bit. So enjoy!

______________________________________________________

About the Author

Toni Aleo is the author of the Nasvhille Assassins series: Taking Shots, Trying to Score, Empty Net, Falling for the Backup, and Blue Lines.

When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel.

She lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog. Read more about Toni here.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads 

Read more...

Waiting On Wednesday

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Boarded by Love by Toni Aleo

Coming September 8th, 2014!

Add to Goodreads!

Jude Sinclair here, hockey player for the Bellevue Bullies and lover of all ladies. Hockey’s in my blood, and not to sound full of myself, but I’m good at it…really good. The draft is within my reach—it’s mine to take—but that’s not the only reason people know my name. They know me because of my way with women. They know the score, and I aim to please. I just tend to stay away from repeat performances. In other words, I don’t do relationships beyond my family and friends. I’m happy with life. However, I should warn you that my story and how I see it playing out is about to change due to a certain redhead on campus.

She’s beautiful. Stunning. Breathtaking.

She’s my game changer.

He’s trouble from the moment I see him. I don’t know what I’m thinking, but from the moment I meet his gaze, I’m his. It’s a scary feeling.

I’ve never trusted anyone outside my aunt and uncle—and even that took months. I didn’t have it easy growing up. My mom was usually strung out, and she didn’t give me a second thought. Drugs and the men who paid her were more important to her. It was horrible, but I’m stronger today. Because of my past, security is what I need most. Money assures me that I can take care of myself today, tomorrow, and next month. I don’t want to ever be hungry or go without again, so I work hard for every penny.

Oh, by the way, I’m Claire Anderson. I’m a hard-studying sophomore at the University of Bellevue, dancer for the school dance team, and a burlesque dancer at a club, but that’s my secret.

You may think you know how our story ends, but you have no clue. It’s not easy falling in love… or living happily ever after. At first it may seem so, but when is anything worth having ever won without a fight?

Especially when you’re boarded by love.

About the Author

Toni Aleo is the author of the Nasvhille Assassins series: Taking Shots, Trying to Score, Empty Net, Falling for the Backup, and Blue Lines.

When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel.

She lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog. Read more about Toni here.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads 

​

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That's What He Said Thursday for Boarded by Love by Toni Aleo!

“So I heard you want to dance with somebody,” I say teasingly.
She laughs. “Maybe. You the man for the job?”
I find myself nodding like a fool. “I could be the heat you’re looking for.”
Shaking her head, she looks away. “Didn’t I say you were trouble?”
“You did,” I say and I take a step closer. “But I think you are going to ignore that and take advantage of me.”

-Jude to Claire

Boarded by Love by Toni Aleo

Coming September 8th, 2014!

Add to Goodreads!

Jude Sinclair here, hockey player for the Bellevue Bullies and lover of all ladies. Hockey’s in my blood and, not to sound full of myself, but I’m good at it... really good. The draft is within my reach—it’s mine to take—but that’s not the only reason people know my name. They know me because of my way with woman. They know the score, and I aim to please. I just tend to stay away from repeat performances. In other words, I don’t do relationships above my family and friends. I’m happy with life. However, I should warn you that my story and how I see it playing out is about to change due to a certain redhead on campus.



She’s beautiful. Stunning. Breathtaking.



She’s my game changer.



He’s trouble from the moment I see him. I don’t know what I’m thinking, but from the moment I meet his gaze, I’m his. It’s a scary feeling.

I’ve never trusted anyone outside my aunt and uncle—and even that took months. I didn’t have it easy growing up. My mom was usually strung out, and she didn’t give me a second thought. Drugs and the men who paid her were most important. It was horrible, but I’m stronger today. Because of my past, security is what I need most. Money assures me that I can take care of myself today, tomorrow, and next month. I don’t want to ever be hungry or go without again, so I work hard for every penny.



Oh, by the way, I’m Claire Anderson. I’m a hard-studying sophomore at the University of Bellevue, dancer for the school team, and a burlesque

dancer at a club, but that’s my secret.



You may think you know how our story ends, but you have no clue. It’s not easy falling in love, or living happily ever after. At first, it may seem so, but when is anything worth having ever won without a fight?



Especially, when you’re boarded by love.

About the Author

Toni Aleo is the author of the Nasvhille Assassins series: Taking Shots, Trying to Score, Empty Net, Falling for the Backup, and Blue Lines.

When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel.

She lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog. Read more about Toni here.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads 

Read more...

Breaking Away by Toni Aleo

(Image found on Goodreads)

"He had already lost his sister and mother; he couldn't lose Claire, too."-Toni Aleo, Breaking Away

WARNING: This book contains sexual content and is not meant for younger audiences.

Phillip Anderson, an Assassin's Hockey Player, is having a difficult time. After his sister's death he takes on his niece, Claire. But Claire is not happy with the arrangement and shows it quite obviously. Reese ran away from New York and heart break to open her own, now successful studio. Viewed as a cold bitch by almost everyone, Reese only has one night stands, preferring that over heartbreak. But when Phillip and Reese run into each other again, sparks fly. But can Phillip convince Reese that the risk to her heart is worth it? And will Claire be able to forgive him and move on to a better life? Find the official description on Goodreads.

In the rest of the series, we see Phillip act in a completely different manner than the one he does in this book. Although we do see his humor in this book and it is similar to the other books, he was also kind of an idiot who doesn't know how to shut up or when. But I found it amazing to see a caring, unsure, and serious Phillip. It was a complete 360 from the previous book and I have to say I feel sort of bad for hating Phillip in previous books. We also find more about Phillips past and his sisters death. Toni Aleo certainly portrayed the emotional mindset of Phillip in Breaking Away. Not to mention adds more depth to a previously shallow character.

Then there's Reese. Again, in the other Assassin books, we've seen her portrayed in one way and in this book, we see a different Reese. The reader gets to go in more depth into her character and learn more about her. We never really knew the reason that she left New York but in Breaking Away, we see that it was because of a certain situation that took place in New York. It also explains her unwillingness to commit to a relationship. Reese goes from the witch we've thought of her to a woman burned and scared of love. It certainly made me feel bad for making snap judgments and agreeing with other characters on their assessment of her.

Many of the other characters that were more on the periphery are familiar to us although we do get to see a few new faces. It was great to get to catch up with the characters we've met previously and see how their lives are going. We also got to see how Karson is coping with having to give up Lacey even years later. I didn't expect that but it was great and yet at the same time made me want to cry.

We can't forget to mention the hockey! I loved reading the parts about the games. Toni really made you feel like you were watching the game live and I enjoyed it so much! Unfortunately the hockey season is almost done so I think I'll be reading these books again and again during the summer to make it through the off season.

Throughout the book, I laughed, almost cried, wanted to smack some sense into Reese, Claire and Phillip and I have to say that Toni Aleo has created another marvelous addition to her series! It's well worth the money to buy this book!

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