Strip Tease by Erin McCarthy…Blog Tour with Review

About STRIP TEASE (Tap That #3)

A sexy CEO.
A single mom.
And a secret baby who is now eight years old…

A tipsy night in college resulted in Grace’s greatest joy–her daughter.

But now she sees the guy who gave her a fake name and number that night is stripping for a charity event without a care in the world.

When the feisty brunette confronts Brandon, finding out he has a daughter rocks his playboy world.

Grace wants answers.
Brandon wants Grace.
And Fallon wants a dad.

Is the ultimate party guy ready to strip it all bare…including his heart?

Get your hands on STRIP TEASE now!

✦ Amazon https://amzn.to/2UmsDbj
✦ Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2UrFxF9
✦ iTunes https://apple.co/2UrFyJd
✦ Kobo http://bit.ly/2Uo6N7n

Oh Brandon and Grace! Honestly, you could not ask for a better guy to father a child. Strip Tease is a very romantic and cute story. It reminds me of movie you would see Jennifer Lopez back in the day. If I ever had a question about something, it was immediately answered for me. I like the book a lot but it was very predictable and too perfect -if that makes sense. Brandon and Grace really did not have much drama and when they did it was shut down really quickly. That being said if you are one to say, “why can’t they just love each other” Strip Tease is perfect for you.

 

 

The first two books in Erin McCarthy’s Tap That series are also available – find out more about STRIPPED DOWN and STRIP SEARCH below!

 

About STRIPPED DOWN (Tap That #1)

His best friend’s hot older sister.

Her younger brother’s annoying sidekick.

And one forbidden kiss in a bathroom in high school…

 Sloane O’Sullivan is returning home to Minnesota, dreading turning thirty. Once the Mean Girl, she’s a lot more humble these days. And shocked to see how Little Dickie is all grown up and hot as hell, stripping at a charity event like he was born with biceps.

Working out has shed Rick Ryder of his despised childhood nickname. Now he leads a simple life. Work on cars, take care of his kid sister, have casual hookups. But when Sloane comes back to town single, he wants to finish what they started in that bathroom twelve years earlier.

It was complicated back then. It’s even more so now.

Because Sloane wrecks his bike.

And he’s her landlord.

And her brother will murder him if he has sex with her.

But sometimes you have to strip it all down to see what was there all along… even if it’s a secret.

Get your hands on STRIPPED DOWN by Erin McCarthy for .99c!

✦ Amazon https://amzn.to/2EPyIdi
✦ Barnes and Noble http://smarturl.it/StrippedDownBN
✦ iTunes https://apple.co/2D5MEON
✦ Kobo http://smarturl.it/StrippedDownKobo

About STRIP SEARCH (Tap That #2)

An introverted rich girl.

A stripper cop.

And a live-streaming kiss that threatens both their careers.

Cop Axl Moore is pretending to be a stripper for charity. But the cute blonde pulled up on stage seems to think he is the real deal.

When Leighton, director for the reality show Wedding Crashers, gets stopped by a cop she swears is actually a stripper, she’s determined to put the “f” in fun to save her job.

But their surprisingly potent kiss is caught on camera.

How do you recover from that?

A fake engagement…

Get your hands on STRIP SEARCH today!

✦ Amazon https://amzn.to/2EIStTQ
✦ Barnes and Noble http://smarturl.it/StripSearchBN
✦ iTunes https://apple.co/2D4j3p3
✦ Kobo http://smarturl.it/StripSearchKobo

 

 

About Erin McCarthy

USA Today and New York Times Bestselling author Erin McCarthy first published in 2002 and has since written over sixty novels and novellas in teen fiction, new adult romance, paranormal, and contemporary romance. Erin is a RITA finalist and an ALA Reluctant Young Reader award recipient, and is both traditionally and indie published.

When she’s not writing she can be found sipping martinis in high heels or eating ice cream in fleece pajamas depending on the day, and herding her animals, kids, and amazing renovation-addicted husband.

Connect with Erin McCarthy

✦ Website http://www.erinmccarthy.net/
✦ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ErinMcCarthyBooks
✦ Twitter https://twitter.com/authorerin
✦ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/authorerinmccarthy/
✦ Goodreads https://tinyurl.com/yc2xuxbw
✦ Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/erin-mccarthy

Wicked Player by Stacey Lynn…Blog Tour

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Wicked Player, an all-new forbidden sports romance by Stacey Lynn is now live.

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Gage Bryant has the best hands and the quickest feet of any wide receiver in football.

He also has a secret—one he’ll do anything to protect.

He’s a member of The Velvet Club. With airtight non disclosure agreements, playing at Velvet gives him the freedom to assert his dominance and control in a way that not only serves him on the football field, but the way he craves in the bedroom.

What he doesn’t expect is for his most recent partner to be one of the reporters assigned to follow him around in the weeks before he opens a new wing at the local children’s hospital.

When it’s clear Elizabeth Hayes has no idea he’s the man who had her blindfolded and bound beneath him, Gage realizes things just got a lot more interesting.

He can have her body at night, giving her all the pleasure she begs for in a way he needs. And he can keep his heart, as well as his identity, out of their encounters.

After all, the absolute worst thing that could happen would be to have this sexy little reporter reveal how wicked he truly is.

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Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QPytDT
Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/WickedPlayer
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2SJWObM
B&N: http://bit.ly/2SDbSHU
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2C74P4Z
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2PwC456

Excerpt: 

I memorized his stats. Six-four, two hundred fifty pounds. Born in 1986. And then I stumbled on a photo spread he’d done for Men’s Health and my jaw dropped.

Butt freaking naked. A football helmet held in front of him was the only thing covering him. And hot damn. This guy. Chiseled, strong jaw. Straight Roman nose. Piercing eyes.

He was freaking gorgeous. My heart rate kicked into fast gear. My fingertips sizzled. I had to spend weeks following this guy around? The very idea sent a pulse of excitement to the tops of my thighs I tried to shake away.

I couldn’t get a crush on this guy. He was a source. A story. But good grief to the high heavens, he was the most beautiful if stern looking man I’d ever seen in my life.

“Holy shit,” I whispered, forgetting we worked in an open office and even though I was quiet, people could hear me.

“What is it, Elizabeth?” That came from Amanda. “Oh dear. You got the Gage story?”

She was already at my back, peering over my shoulder. “Man as sexy as that shouldn’t be allowed to walk free,” I said.

“I know.” She laughed and bumped my shoulder. “He’s God’s gift to women that’s for sure. And yet from what I’ve heard, he’s never had a girlfriend, at least not one he’s gone public with.”

“Really?” I twisted in my chair and faced her. “Never?”

She shrugged. “Not in the four years he’s been here. And I’d know. Rough Riders are my team. I follow all of ‘em on Twitter and Instagram. He posts a pic and gets over four thousand comments, mostly from women, but to the best of my knowledge, he’s never been seen in public with a woman except his mom.”

Wow. That was…that was crazy. Everything leaked.

“Hmm,” I said, tapping my finger to my lips. “So I would imagine the public would want to know if he was involved, right?”

She laughed lightly. “Yeah, but watch yourself. This is a hospital piece, not a gossip column. You go digging too far and you’ll blow your chance.”

About the Author:

Stacey Lynn Author Photo

When Stacey Lynn isn’t conquering mountains of laundry and fighting a war against dust bunnies and cracker crumbs, you can find her playing with her children, curled up on the couch with a good book, or behind closed doors, imagining the next adventures she’ll soon write.

She lives off her daily pot of coffee, can only write with a bowlful of Skittles nearby, and has been in love with romance novels since before she could drive herself to the library.

Stacey Lynn lives with her husband and children in North Carolina.

If you would like to know more about Stacey Lynn, follow her here:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/staceylynnbooks
Twitter: @staceylynnbooks
Instagram: www.instagram.staceylynn.author
Website: http://www.staceylynnbooks.com
Stay up to date on Stacey’s latest news! Subscribe to her Newsletter today! http://www.staceylynnbooks.com/contact

Blog Tour & Review….Catastrophe Queen by Emma Hart

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One hot mess. One hot boss. One too many hot encounters…

Catastrophe Queen, an all-new hilarious office romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Emma Hart is available now!

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It’s not you. It’s me.

No, seriously. It is me. Not only does my name literally mean “unfortunate,” but that’s the story of my life.

Everything I touch turns to cr*p. An apartment fire—that I swear I was not responsible for—means I’m living back at home with my s*x-mad parents. Yay, me!

Which is why I need my new job as personal assistant to Cameron Reid to get back on my feet. Three months in this job and I can move back out and, hopefully, remember to turn off my flat iron once in a while.

Ahem.

On paper, my job is easy. Make coffee. Book appointments. Keep everything in order.

Until I walk in on my boss, half-naked, wearing nothing but the kind of tiny white towel that dreams are made of.

Now, nothing is easy—except our mutual attraction. But he’s my boss, and you know what they say about mixing work and pleasure: unless you do p*rn, it’s just not worth it.

Or is it?

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Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2SzEyCn

AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2Jtpp1m

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/CatastropheQueen

Nook: http://bit.ly/2OmHHT2

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2RrrzkN

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2CRIskS

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Excerpt:

I took my coffee from the counter and scanned the room for an empty table. There wasn’t one, which killed my chances of wasting more time before I went home.

With a sigh, I checked my phone for the time and headed for the door. I was going to end up at home earlier than I’d planned, and I needed to check with my mom to make sure there wasn’t anything kinky happening somewhere in the house.

I’d considered bleaching my eyes enough in the last few weeks, thank you.

I was fairly sure I was safe because my grandfather and great aunt were coming to stay to celebrate Grandpa’s eightieth birthday. It was still a miracle my exhibitionist mother shared DNA with either of them. Unlike her, they were reserved, polite, and didn’t flash their flesh in the hopes of getting out of a speeding ticket.

Really, it was no wonder I was a walking disaster.

I pulled up my messages and clicked on my mom’s name. My thumb was poised to type the burning question of whether or not it was safe to come home when I glanced up.

And saw the car screeching to a stop, mere inches from me.

I screamed and stepped back. My heel caught on the curb, sending me toppling backward, and both my coffee and phone went flying. My cup slammed against the sidewalk, splattering hot liquid everywhere right as I managed to save my phone from certain death by concrete.

My heart was beating so fast it should have exploded, and adrenaline raced through my veins. I gripped my phone against me so tightly that the edges pressed painfully into my skin.

Oh my God.

I’d just almost died.

Maybe slightly dramatic, but I probably wasn’t far wrong. I didn’t even know I’d stepped into the road. When had that happened? Had I really been in that deep into my own little world that I hadn’t even checked for traffic?

Dear God.

How was I still alive?

The back door to the sleek, black car that somehow hadn’t run me over swung open. From my vantage position on the sidewalk, the first thing I saw was a pair of shiny, black shoes attached to legs wearing perfectly-pressed, light gray dress pants.

I dragged my gaze up from the feet, over the door of the perfectly clean car, and stared at the most beautiful man known to humankind.

Thick, dark, wavy hair covered his head, curling over his ears. Lashes the same dark shade of brown framed impossibly bright-blue eyes that regarded me with a mixture of shock and concern, and my ovaries about exploded when he rubbed a large hand over full pink lips and a stubbled, strong jaw.

“Miss—I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”

Scrambling to my feet as he approached me, I tugged down the leg of my pants and grabbed my pursed. “Yes. I mean—it was my fault. I wasn’t paying attention. I’m sorry.”

He let go of the car door, showing broad shoulders and just how well that gray suit was tailored to him, and picked up my coffee cup. “All the same, I think we can share blame. Are you sure you’re not hurt?”

Just my dignity, and by this point, I was running low on it anyway.

I shifted, taking a step back. “I’m fine, really. Thank you.”

“Can I replace your coffee? Give you a ride anyway to apologize?” His expression was so earnest, his concern so genuine that I almost gave in.

Almost.

I had almost walked into the front of his car, then proceeded to embarrass myself in front of everyone on the street.

“No, no, it’s fine. I’m not far from home.” I clutched my phone and purse straps a little harder. “Again, thank you, but I should be going.”

He nodded as if he understood. “Uh, miss? Did you drop something there?”

My eyes followed the direction Mr. Dreamboat was pointing. On the side of the road, tucked against the curb, was a pair of white, cotton panties with flamingos on them.

My white, cotton panties with flamingos on them.

Swallowing, I met his bright eyes and shook my head. Dear God, please don’t let me blush. “No. I’ve never seen them before.” I backed up a little more. “Thank you for not running me over.”

Mr. Dreamboat grinned, his eyes brightening with his smile. “I’d never be able to forgive myself if I’d been responsible for running over someone as beautiful as you.” He glanced toward my panties, then winked at me.

There was no doubting that I was blushing this time around.

You could fry eggs on my cheeks.

So I did the only thing any self-respecting, twenty-five-year-old woman who’d just almost been run over, tripped, and dropped her dirty panties could do.

I ran.

But only like two blocks, because I was in heels, and I had the fitness levels of a hippo.

Then I grabbed a cab.

 

 

Catastrophe Queen is a quirky and sweet office romance with a nice slow burn.

Emma plays this story out perfectly. Nothing is too rushed, but you can sense the mutual attraction between the two. I love how their relationship develops over time and things aren’t rushed.

I really enjoyed reading about Mallory’s mishaps and her clumsy tendencies but what I loved most was Cameron and his family. Emma paints them in a sweet light and it just makes them all the more enjoyable to read. And Mallory’s family is a hoot; as much as they bicker, they were very entertaining.

Overall, this whole book was extremely enjoyable to read. I love the characters, the plot line and the overall vibe of this book.

I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves a great romance!!

 

About Emma Hart

Emma Hart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels and has been translated into several different languages.

She is a mother, wife, lover of wine, Pink Goddess, and valiant rescuer of wild baby hedgehogs.

Emma prides herself on her realistic, snarky smut, with comebacks that would make a PMS-ing teenage girl proud.

Yes, really. She’s that sarcastic.

emmahart

Connect with Emma

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaHartBooks/

BookBub: http://bit.ly/2Dr0atq

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2Dq42ez

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2EBbZNe

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2D91d3T

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmahartauthor/

Stay up to date with Emma by joining her mailing list: https://www.emmahart.org/newsletter

Website: https://www.emmahart.org/home

Down We’ll Come, Baby by Carrie Aarons…Review

🖤 AVAILABLE NOW 🖤

Down We’ll Come, Baby by Carrie Aarons is live and available now to read for free in Kindle Unlimited! This is a contemporary romance, standalone title. Check out Carrie’s $50 Gift Card release day giveaway.

Follow Carrie for giveaways and exclusives!

Available Now

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

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Down We’ll Come Baby by Carrie Aarons

Available Now

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Add the book to Goodreads

Book Blurb:

Imogen

There is no way we can still love and cherish one and other.

When I married Theo Walsh, the rough, bearded townie who worked construction on my family’s summer house, I’d found my happily ever after.

That was before the fighting.
Before the jealousy.
Before the infertility.

We’ll be divorced long before death does us part.

But to secure my place in the family dynasty, there is just one more hoop I have to jump through. And I need him to do it.

Faking the marriage we once thrived in will gut me.
Especially with the secret I’m carrying.

Theo

I would have sacrificed for her until the end of time.

My job.
My home.
My happiness.

I’d given it all up to marry her. That’s how much I loved Imogen Weston, the daughter to one of the world’s richest families.

From the day we met, I’d done nothing but try to live up to the man she expected to be with. And now, I was done.

Sure, I’d complete this one final ask of hers, even if it destroyed me.

But I’ve made her promise the one thing that might save me. She swore that after she got everything she ever wanted, she wouldn’t look back.

I made my wife vow to leave me forever.

 

 

 

Down We’ll Come, Baby is a super sweet contemporary romance with very little angst and drama.

Carrie delivers a sweet and romantic story starring Theo and Imogen (love these names). I have to say, the way this started off, I was expecting more drama than we got, but I surprisingly enjoyed the path this story went.

Imogen and Theo come from two different worlds and they truly believe that their love would conquer anything thrown in their path. That is until life took them down a path they had not anticipated.

Down We’ll Come, Baby really shows that no matter how strong you think your bond is, how strong your love is, there is always something that can root deep inside you and cause even the strongest relationships to crack and crumble, if not handled properly.

As I said, this book took a direction I had not expected. There was not a whole lot of drama, but it held a lot of climatic points that kept the story moving and interesting. Theo and Imogen learn about themselves and each other as the story progresses. I love how Carrie blends the inner dialogue with each character into this story so you have a better understanding of their actions but it never takes away from the story line.

I enjoyed reading this as it was very easy yet held my attention. Definitely a great read for romance lovers.

Check out Carrie’s Facebook page to enter to win a $50 Gift Card!

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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Author of romance novels such as Red Card and Privileged, Carrie Aarons writes books that are just as swoon-worthy as they are sarcastic. A former journalist, she prefers the stories she dreams up, and the yoga pant dress code, much better.

When she isn’t writing, Carrie is busy binging reality TV, having a love/hate relationship with cardio, and trying not to burn dinner. She lives in the suburbs of New Jersey with her husband, daughter and dog.

 

FIND CARRIE AARONS:

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InkSlinger Blogger Final

Release Day Blitz & Review…Cruel Money by K.A. Linde

 

Lose yourself to the dark and glamorous underbelly of the Upper East Side in USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde’s new billionaire romance Cruel Trilogy.

She was supposed to be a one night stand.

A way to sate my sexual appetite.

I let her glimpse the man I am. The face that I hide behind my carefully cultivated life.

But she ripped open that divide–and there’s no going back.

Now, she’s here. In my city.

I don’t care that I’m Manhattan royalty and she’s the help.

Only that she’s living in my summer home. With me.

And I want more.

ADD TO GOODREADS

 

AVAILABLE NOW

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Cruel Money is the start of Linde’s newest trilogy and one that is riddled with drama.

Penn and Natalie have a chance encounter in Paris that and one that ended with neither ever expecting to see the other again.

Cruel Money shows the sheer difference in society between classes. It also shows how one should never be judged by looks alone.

Linde delivers a fast-paced, dramatic and angst filled story that promises to deliver one hell of an epic journey.

Penn and Natalie may come from different worlds, but they both hold their ground and refuse to be judged by it.

Bring on the next book!

 

 

 

 

 

K.A. Linde is the USA Today bestselling author of more than fifteen novels including the Avoiding series and the Record series. She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Georgia, was the head campaign worker for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and served as the head coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, geeking out over Star Wars, binge-watching Supernatural, and dancing in her spare time.

She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband and two super adorable puppies.

WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM / BOOKBUB

Shattered Vows by Kaylea Cross…Blog Tour with Excerpt

 

 

She’s his best friend’s widow.

Molly Boyd’s entire world unraveled when tragedy turned the man she loved into her greatest threat. Her ex-husband’s death has left her pregnant and alone, struggling to put her shattered life back together—and her confusing feelings for his best friend aren’t helping matters. For years Jase has been a solid, steady source of comfort and friendship. Now she can’t stop seeing him as something more. And just as she’s wrestling with her shifting feelings, a new danger from her ex’s past threatens everything—including her and her unborn child’s lives.

But she’s always been the one.

Jase Weaver is an expert at unrequited love. Years ago he stood by and watched his best friend marry the woman of his dreams, and he’s endured his suffering in silence ever since. But when Carter’s self-destructive tailspin threatened Molly, Jase stepped in to make her safe. And when Carter died, Jase stepped up to be her rock. Now he can’t stay silent any longer. He’s wanted Molly forever and it’s time she knows it. So when a new threat against her emerges, Jase will put his own life on the line to protect her, no matter the cost.

 

AVAILABLE NOW

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APPLE BOOKS | B&N | KOBO

 

 

 

Prologue

Molly Boyd clamped her teeth together to keep them from chattering and hunched into a tighter ball in an effort to keep warm, but it didn’t help. She was cold all the way to her bones, her sodden clothes sticking to her skin. A summer rainstorm pounded down outside the shelter of the culvert she huddled in—hiding from her ex-husband.

Shock kept advancing and retreating, trapping her in an emotional fog. She’d never imagined she would end up like this. Not even after everything she and Carter had been through.

The left side of her face throbbed. Her cheek was bruised, her eye swelling slightly, and her lip burned where Carter had backhanded her. Her bare feet stung from the scratches she’d sustained in her flight to this lonely culvert at the side of the road.

 All of it was eclipsed by the pain in her heart.

She closed her eyes, fought to hold off the memory of him breaking into the house and coming at her with that terrifying, predatory expression on his face. The memory of escaping the house, slamming that branch over his back and running for her life through the darkened woods.

Tears threatened. She shook them off, refusing to give in. If she started crying now, she might never stop, and she had to stay alert because she was still in danger with Carter looking for her.

What am I going to do?

She shivered harder, tucked her knees up tight to her chest and leaned her forehead on them as she fought to keep from spiraling into the black pit of despair yawning at the edge of her consciousness. Jase was coming. She’d called him and he was coming. He would find her, help her, and he’d alerted the cops. He would make sure she was safe—even if it was from his former best friend.

At the faint sound of an approaching vehicle, her insides tightened in fear. She lifted her head, her gaze darting toward the road, dreading the moment the familiar black pickup came into view again. Carter had driven up and down this road earlier, shouting her name through his open window for endless minutes. He would never stop looking for her.

Headlights cut through the gloom. She turned her face away and squeezed her eyes shut, willing Carter away. The divorce papers had set him off, even though he must have known they were coming.

She sat perfectly still, heart hammering against her ribs as she waited, hardly daring to breathe lest the slightest motion give her hiding spot away.

“Moll?”

She flinched at the male voice all but drowned out by the thundering rain, her heart rocketing into her throat. Shit, she was trapped here. Carter was former Special Forces and the waterlogged ditch was too steep. She’d never be able to climb out and escape him if he found her this time.

“Moll. It’s Jase.”

Jase. The fear receded instantly, the cold inside her thawing under a tide of relief as she turned her head toward him. She trusted him. Trusted that he would protect her and keep her safe, no matter what.

He was wading toward her through the flooded ditch, a tall, strong silhouette, his jeans soaked to the knees. She couldn’t move, couldn’t call out. Her muscles were too weak and shaky to obey her.

Gathering her courage as he came nearer, she forced her gaze up to meet Jase’s. The instant their eyes connected, she almost lost the battle to keep the tears at bay.

Frowning in concern, he quickly climbed into the culvert and knelt down beside her. Before she could find her voice, he reached out and gently grasped her chin in his warm fingers. His jaw was tight, his aqua eyes burning with outrage. “Did he do this? Did he hit you?” he demanded, voice vibrating with horror and anger.

Molly’s fading composure crumbled. All the emotions she’d been holding back crashed over her like a dark wave, taking her under. She leaned toward him just as the dam broke.

Jase made a low sound and reached for her, wrapping his strong, warm arms around her as she laid her head on his shoulder. He ran a comforting hand up and down her back gently. “Are you hurt anywhere else?”

Just her heart, now shattered into a thousand jagged  pieces.

She shook her head, her entire body trembling while she choked back the sobs trying to claw their way free of her throat, the humiliation all but strangling her. This was a nightmare. Only she wasn’t dreaming.

“All right, let’s get you out of here.” Jase slid one arm beneath her knees and lifted her, keeping her close to him as he carried her out of the culvert and through the water-filled ditch.

Molly ducked her head against the pelting rain and curled into him. She didn’t know what to say. Was ashamed to tell him what had happened.

“I’m gonna boost you up, then come right behind you.” He lifted her toward the steeply sloping side and helped her scramble over the edge before climbing up the side. Before she could even get to her feet, he scooped her up again, ignoring her mumbled protest as he strode for his truck, parked close by at the edge of the road.

Molly curled against him, still trying to come to terms with everything that had happened. As well as something…something that was still happening inside her right now.

Jase opened the front passenger door and carefully placed her on the leather seat. The interior was warm. Almost hot compared to outside.

“Hang tight.” He disappeared for a moment, opened the rear door to grab something and came back with a jacket. He tucked it around her, did up her seatbelt because her hands were still shaking and shut the door. Once he had climbed into the driver’s seat, he cranked the heat to high and reached over to aim the vents at her.

Molly sighed in relief as the warm air flowed over her. The numbness was retreating, leaving a sapping exhaustion in its wake.

Still leaning toward her, Jase reached up to stroke her wet hair away from her face, his eyes worried. “Moll, do you need to go to the hospital?”

“N-no. I’m okay.” You’re not. And you’ll never be okay again.

“What happened?” he asked, turning the truck in a tight circle and starting back up the road.

She huddled beneath his jacket and told him about Carter breaking into the house and attacking her in as few words as possible, her voice hitching due to the little gasps still jarring her lungs.

Jase was silent as she finished, his stubbled jaw clenched tight. He shook his golden-brown head, and a deep, terrible shame engulfed her, almost worse than the pain of Carter hitting her.

But there was more to her story. So much more. She didn’t want to hide the rest from him and had intended to tell everyone anyway. Just not like this.

“And it gets worse,” she added, her voice barely above a whisper.

He looked over at her sharply.

She didn’t speak for a long moment, staring out the windshield into the gloom. “I’m pregnant,” she finally said, her voice breaking.

 

 

 

NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence, and has been nominated multiple times for the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family. 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

 

Reckless by Ciana Stone…Blog Tour with Excerpt

Today we have the blog tour of RECKLESS by Ciana Stone! Check it out and be sure to grab your copy today!

 

Title: RECKLESS

Author: Ciana Stone

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

About RECKLESS:

Morgan Windwalker Alexander considered herself to be a most fortunate woman. She loves the ranch where she and her husband, Cord, live and  raised their family. She loves her work as a large animal vet and is proud of what Cord has accomplished in his career in Mechatronics.

 

She couldn’t and wouldn’t ask for more. As far as she is concerned, at 42, she has it all.

 

Then Cord gets a call in the middle of the night and from that moment, things start to change. Her once perfect husband, a man who is methodical in all he does, displays a recklessness she finds troubling. Cracks start to appear in her perfect life, revealing lies and betrayals she didn’t want to believe were possible.

 

Can she keep the cracks from multiplying, keep all the pieces intact, or is she fighting a losing battle?   Can she patch the wounds in her life or will this reckless path Cord is on shatter their one perfect life completely?

 Excerpt

Cotton Creek, Texas

Morgan stretched and rubbed the back of her neck. She should’ve taken Cord’s advice and gone back to bed. But as it was, they had a new foal that was doing fine, as was the mare and Morgan had managed to enter half a month’s receipts into the expense spreadsheet for the ranch.

She looked down at the notepad beside the keyboard. Her “to-do,” and “don’t forget to do” lists. She would wait on diving into those. Her stomach was grumbling, and the cup of coffee on the desk had long grown cold.

With a mental reminder to add coffee to the shopping list, she went downstairs and poured herself a fresh cup. As she set about looking in the refrigerator for something to fix for breakfast, she thought about Cord’s trip. It didn’t make a lot of sense that this trip would bother her. He’d done more traveling in the last six or seven years than in all the rest of the time they’d been together, and it had never troubled her.

She missed him, but she’d never been uneasy being at home without him. It was silly. Why was she making a big deal out of it now? After all the lectures she’d given her children over the years on being independent, she found it ironic that right now she was acting like the least independent member of the family.

Those thoughts stayed with her as she wandered into the family room and flopped down on the couch. Maybe this was nothing more than another facet of her self-identity issues. Joe and Myrtle had fussed at her about it for years. Regardless of her own accomplishments, she still viewed herself as more of an extension of Cord.

Perhaps it had something to do with her childhood, losing both parents at such a young age. Or maybe she was simply one of those women who couldn’t stand alone.

No, she wasn’t that insecure. She loved spending every moment she could with Cord and their children, but she’d always needed a good deal of alone time, and she knew he was the same. Moreover, his career sometimes demanded that he be away from her. There were blocks of time in the installation and training process that required his presence.

She’d never make him feel guilty for that. Morgan was proud of Cord and all he’d accomplished. She wanted him to enjoy every moment of his career and his life. After all, if you didn’t do what you love and love what you did, then you were wasting your life. At least that was her way of looking at it. Kind of like spending your life with the right person.

Morgan now knew a lot of people in Cotton Creek, thanks to having lived here all her married life. But she called very few people friends. Most women were completely disinterested in what she did. She understood that. Having friendships without common interests was hard.

Most of the people who did share her interests were men, and she’d always been careful about establishing clear-cut boundaries. Morgan wasn’t conceited, but she wasn’t dishonest. She knew she was attractive, and attractive women drew attention from men.

She’d had her share of attention, turned down a lot of offers and gotten downright nasty over unwelcome overtures. Morgan would talk animal care, breeding, and ranching until the cows came home, but she wouldn’t cheat on Cord.Ever.

When she said those wedding vows, she meant them and in her way of viewing the world, if your word wasn’t something that could be trusted as surely as the rise of the sun, then you weren’t worth much as a human being.

Every day she offered her thanks to the Universe and whatever powers resided within its vastness that she’d been lucky enough to fall in love with a man who shared her views, and a man she could trust to be faithful to her.

A memory surfaced, one that always reminded her of how special her marriage and her man were.

Saturday night was typically reserved for family cookouts, sitting around the fire pit talking and generally relaxing. This Saturday, however, Morgan and Cord were on their way to the Honky Tonk Angels Bar and Grille, for a wedding reception.

Didn’t Cody look beautiful?”Morgan asked as they drove along.

Uh, yeah. She looked like Cody.”

Morgan blew a raspberry. I thought she looked amazing. And she and Jax look so happy.”

Yeah, they did. I’m surprised how well Billy and Stella accepted Jax.”

Why?”

Well, he is a good bit older than Cody.”

So? There’s no age restriction on love.”

No, I don’t guess so. Still, I thought they’d be less than thrilled. Of course, Cody has always been strong-minded. It’s hard to deter her once she sets a course. She kind of reminds me of another woman I know.”

Oh? Do I know her?”

Smart ass,”he gave her a smile. And in case I didn’t say it, you look beautiful.”

Sweet talker,”she replied and reached over to give his leg a squeeze. That and a slow dance will do it.”

Yeah? I’m gonna get lucky?”

Hmm, I’m thinking midnight swim lucky.”

Oh, baby, let’s rip through this reception and get on to the good stuff.”

Morgan laughed. Hell no. This is my first night out in—in I don’t know when. We’re going to enjoy it. Have a drink, do some dancing and catch up with people we haven’t seen in a while.”

Cord groaned dramatically. Do we have to?”

If you want to get lucky.”

He laughed at the teasing threat. Fine, if I must.”

Morgan looked around as they drove through town. Things have changed quite a bit since the big oil boom. Do you regret not selling the mineral and oil rights on our ranch?”

Not for one second.”

That’s my man.”She was pleased he’d turned down all offers. Perhaps it was her Native heritage, her dislike of the power big oil seemed to wield, or the fact that the county was not exploring alternate energy sources the way it should, but whatever the case, had the decision been hers alone, she’d have said no in a red hot second.

It might be wise not to get into much of a discussion on the merits of oil,”Cord suggested. Seeing as how Jax works for the company.”

I know, and I wouldn’t start anything. Wow, the parking lot is already almost full. Let’s park close to the road in case we leave earlier than others we can get out easier.”

Sounds like a plan.”

The place was packed. They first spoke with the Sweet family, wished Cody and Jax happiness and then got out of the way so others behind them could offer well wishes. Cord spotted JD Weathers and his wife, Jolene, and steered Morgan in their direction. Morgan and Jolene became friends not long after Jo and JD were married and as it turned out, they were distant relatives. Their great-great-grandfathers had been brothers.

JD, how’s it goin?”Cord greeted JD.

Hey, Cord. Good to see you. Doing just fine.”

Glad to hear that. Jolene,how’re things with you?”

Can’t complain. Hi, Morgan.”

Say, I hear you have a hell of a stallion,”JD remarked.

Yes, we’re selling semen, and I’m betting there are going to be impressive results. If you’re interested, I’ll email you all the stats.”

I’d like that.”

Consider it done.”

Thanks.”JD turned his attention to Cord. How’re things in your business?”

Busy. By the way, I heard the twins both got scholarships. Congratulations.”

Thanks. They’re pretty excited.”

Hell, of a duo, those two. Quarterback and running back. Hard to beat.”

As talk turned to football, Jolene took Morgan’s arm. Want to grab some beers while they talk sports?”

Absolutely.”

It took a good ten minutes to get the beer and head back to Cord and JD. By then music had started, and people were starting to get on the dance floor. Morgan and Jolene inched their way through the crowd, and after a minute, Morgan spotted the men. They weren’t alone. Two women were standing with them.

Color me a jealous wife, but do you ever get tired of women hitting on your man?”Jolene asked.

Morgan shrugged. As long as he’s telling them to take a hike, I’m good.”

You know, you’re right. Come on.”Jolene shouldered her way to where the men stood talking.

Here ya go,”Jolene cut in front of the woman beside JD and offered him a mug.

Thanks, babe.”He accepted the beer and stepped aside so she could slide in beside him.

Morgan smiled at Jolene and stepped up beside Cord. Here’s your beer.”She handed Cord a mug and then smiled at the woman beside him. Hi, I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Morgan Windwalker, Cord’s wife.”

Oh, right. The Indian.”

Yep, but don’t worry, like Jolene, I gave up scalping a few years back. And you are?”

The woman sniffed and gave an eye roll. Cord and I go way back.”She took a step closer to Cord and looked up at him with an ‘I’m gonna eat you alive’ predatory expression. Isn’t that right? Oh, wait, you didn’t tell her about us? Cord, you’re still the bad boy, aren’t you?”

Yeah, that’s me, and actually, Danielle, I did tell Morgan about you.”He looked at Morgan. You remember, don’t you? That girl I dated for a minute one summer while I was in college?”

Oh, that one,”Morgan replied and cut Danielle a look. Yeah, I remember. Well, I’m glad I finally got to put a face to a name.”She looked at the other woman. And you are?”

Sorry I wasted my time.”The woman flounced off, and after a moment, Danielle did the same.

Well, that was nice,”Morgan said and raised her mug. To Cody and Jax. May the happiness they feel today, last a lifetime.”

Everyone clicked mugs and Cord leaned down to kiss her on the cheek. You’re not pissed are you?”

Not unless you’re going home with Danielle.”

Not a chance. I’ve never met a woman who could compete with you.”

Oh, you’re definitely getting lucky tonight.”

Danielle and the otherwoman, Christine, were disappointed that night when Cord didn’t respond to their advances. It’d made Morgan feel proud and lucky. She’d married the man of her dreams and still felt that way about him. To have those feelings returned was what every woman dreamed about.

She didn’t know anyone more fortunate than herself. As her eyes fell on a framed picture of Cord and their son, Trevor, she smiled. Trevor favored his father. The same tall, lean build, dark hair and eyes that were deep wells of warm autumn brown, with just a hint of copper.

Aside from good looks, he was one of the most interesting people she’d ever known, even if he was her son. The last time she spoke with Trevor he was somewhere in Arizona, still riding with Cord’s oldest friend, Big Jeff who was a lifelong biker.

If she were honest, Morgan would admit that she wasn’t entirely comfortable with that situation. Despite what she said to Cord just last night, she’d feel better if Trevor was home, or safely enrolled in college.

She laughed to herself. Trevor had obviously taken her talks about independence seriously. And he’d inherited his father’s ability to negotiate. He’d take a year to see the country, and then he’d start college. In the end, she and Cord had given in, and so far,Trevor had demonstrated good sense in his adventure.

Cable, their daughter,was equally independent. What a stunning woman she’d grown to be. Dark-haired like her parents, but with Morgan’s blue eyes, she was a woman who could stop traffic. And brains to boot. Morgan had no doubt that Cable would prove to the world she was a force to be reckoned with.

She was presently in Spain with the wife of Cord’s business partner. Maria was originally from Spain and Cable had begged to go for the last two years. This year Morgan and Cord said yes.

Morgan checked the time. It was mid-morning in Spain, which meant Cable would be awake. She picked up her phone and called Cable’s cell phone.

“What in the world are you doing up at this time?”Cable asked in lieu of a greeting.

“Hey to you, too.”Morgan smiled. “What’s up?”

“Mom, I wish you would come over for a few days. It’s gorgeous here. We spent three days in Valencia and words don’t do it justice.”

“I got the images you texted, and it looks amazing. I’m happy you’re having a good time. What’s next on the agenda?”

“The girls I met? I told you about them, remember?”

“Yes, the ones from New York.”

“Right. Well, they invited me to go to Italy with them. The Italian Riviera, Mom.”

“Hmm, warm beaches and hot guys. What’s not to love?”

“Exactly.”

“So, when do you leave?”

“This afternoon.”

“Sounds like fun. Enjoy every minute of it.”

“I am. Thanks, Mom. You and Dad. I know this is costing a bundle and I’m really grateful.”

“Girl, you’ve earned it. We’re proud of you, and it’s high time you got a chance to do something exciting. Now, go have fun and call me and tell me all about the warm sand.”

“And hot men.”

“Especially that. I love you.”

“I love you. Bye, Mom.”

“Bye baby.”

Morgan smiled, pushed herself up and headed out of the back door, accompanied by Ghost. Her veterinarian office was in a separate building near the main barn which was a good half mile from the house. She could have taken one of the ATV’s from the garage, but she’d made the walk so many times she could do it in her sleep.

Besides, the predawn hours of the day were some of her favorites. The air was still a bit moist, and there was just a hint of cool. The sky had lightened just enough to see the silhouettes of the tree branches and leaves against the sky.

Morgan gave silent thanks for the beauty around her. She loved their home and considered herself one of the luckiest people alive. There was no one she’d trade places with because as far as she was concerned, she had a perfect life.

 

Get Your Copy Today:

Amazon

 

 

 

About the Author:

I’m a country girl at heart and I’m quite keen on home-grown heroes, military men and cowboys. Happily-ever-after is something I believe in with my whole heart. Love may be a bumpy road and there are bound to be perils along the way but in the end, love should win. I try to take that attitude into my writing and believe that love, hope and laughter are some of the best medicine there is. Along with books. Lots of books.

I have a passion for sagas. I love to fall into a world, get to know characters and have them reappear in stories down the road. Because of that, I wrote my Cotton Creek Saga. So far, there are two series within the saga, Honky Tonk Angels and Heartbreakers & Heroes, with another, Heritage, on the way in 2019.

 

I love to hear from readers and want every since person who has read one of my book to know how much I thank them. To every reader who has spent his or her hard-earned reading dollars on a Ciana Stone book, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

 

Connect with Ciana:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

 

Enter Today’s Giveaway:

 
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Damien by J. Kenner….Blog Tour

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I am Damien Stark. Do you want to see inside my head?

Careful what you wish for.

Damien, an all-new full-length novel in the wildly popular Stark Saga, from New York Times bestselling author J. Kenner is available now!

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I am Damien Stark. From the outside, I have a perfect life. A billionaire with a beautiful family. But if you could see inside my head, you’d know I’m as f-ed up as a person can be. Now more than ever.

I’m driven, relentless, and successful, but all of that means nothing without my wife and daughters. They’re my entire world, and I failed them. Now I can barely look at them without drowning in an abyss of self-recrimination.

Only one thing keeps me sane—losing myself in my wife’s silken caresses where I can pour all my pain into the one thing I know I can give her. Pleasure.

But the threats against my family are real, and I won’t let anything happen to them ever again. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them safe—pay any price, embrace any darkness. They are mine.

I am Damien Stark. Do you want to see inside my head? Careful what you wish for.

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Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Kz8iu7

AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2njN3TZ

Nook: https://bit.ly/2vSDO0X

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Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/Damien

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Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2M2hA7A

Watch the Trailer:

Excerpt:

He started to lash out. To pound his fist against the door frame. But he pulled back, not wanting to wake Nikki or the two little angels curled up next to her in their bed. His wife. His precious little girls.

His family.

As much as he loved Nikki, he hadn’t truly understood how full his heart could be until he’d held Lara in his arms for the first time. And though he hadn’t expected it was possible, his heart had expanded even more when he watched Anne’s birth two years ago and saw her draw that first breath.

Every day, his daughters looked up at him with wide, guileless eyes. And every day, he felt that punch in the gut. A fear that he couldn’t live up to the trust he saw there. That somehow, someway, he would fail them. Not in the way his own father had failed him. But in some other, fundamental way.

And that’s exactly what happened.

He thought of Rory, that fucker who’d taken his child. Of Nikki, broken and huddled in the closet with a blade, blood streaming down her fair skin, cutting for the first time in years. The first time since he’d demanded that she come to him—to him—when she needed the blade.

So many times, she’d done exactly that. Gone to him when the burden of the world had been too much to bear. When she needed the pain to find her way back. And he’d always been there for her, his need as potent as hers. Because he had to be the one to take her there. To slide down with her into that sweet place where sensual pleasure crossed over into pain. Where need and desire meshed, merging into euphoria. Where they could both cling to that one small measure of control in a world that was spinning off its axis.

How many times had they saved each other? Their needs meshing as perfectly as their desire?

How many times had he held her close as they fought their demons together? And yet this time—when the worst parts of hell had swallowed them whole—she hadn’t come to him. Instead, she’d put a razor-sharp length of stainless steel against her own flesh, and she’d drawn her own blood for the first time in years.

All because he’d failed her. Because it was his mistakes that spawned the demons.

Because for the first time in their relationship she hadn’t trusted him to save her. And why should she, when he’d already failed so spectacularly?

He thought of that. Of the scars on her legs. Of the fresh wound that mocked him still.

He thought—and his stomach twisted with pain and self-loathing.

Mostly, he thought of Anne. His precious girl, who’d been alone and scared for days.

They’d gotten Anne back. They’d talked about Damien’s choices. The risks he’d taken to find their daughter and her kidnapper. They’d worked it out, and they were back on keel. And he knew in his gut that Nikki was strong enough to survive the whole ordeal.

But that didn’t change the simple, basic truth.

He’d failed.

Roughly, he massaged his palms over his face, then looked again at his girls, curled up together, safe and asleep.

Safe.

For now, at least.

But for the first time in a long time, Damien felt as if the shadows that had plagued his past had returned to haunt him, bringing harsh recriminations and fresh dangers.

He squared his shoulders, steeling himself. He was strong. More than that, he had resources. He had means. And he damn well had the determination to keep those encroaching horrors at bay.

Most of all, he had a life—a family—worth fighting for.

He was fucking Damien Stark.

He’d failed once.

He wouldn’t fail again.

About J. Kenner

Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over one hundred novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A six time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy) and in 2017 for Wicked Dirty in the same category. Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development as a television show.

Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

jkennerConnect with Julie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JKennerBooks/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliekenner/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-kenner

Stay up to date with J. Kenner by joining her mailing list: http://juliekenner.com/contact/subscribe-to-the-julie-kenner-newsletter/

Website: www.jkenner.com

Thinking About You by Monica Murphy…Blog Tour & Review

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Thinking About You by Monica Murphy

Release Date: January 9th

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Thinking About You, a standalone contemporary romance in the Forever Series by New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy

One minute I’m minding my own business at a party and the next I meet this woman who blows my mind. She’s beautiful. Smart. Funny. A little shy. I’m immediately drawn to her. We make an instant connection.

The problem?

Lady Susanna Sumner lives in London.

I live in California

I play professional football.

She works part-time at an art gallery and lives off her family’s money.

Her family is nobility. I come from a single mom who always scraped to get by.

Susanna and I should have nothing in common. But when we’re together, it’s…

Electric.

What are we supposed to do? Can we really make this work? I can’t give up my career. And I can’t ask her to move to California for me. All I know is, I want her in my life.

Desperately.

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Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Ssepob

Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/ThinkingAboutYouMM

Apple Books: https://apple.co/2BRpv0H

Nook: http://bit.ly/2LWWLa5

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2LUNdMR

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Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2Qcrh5s

 

 

Thinking About You is part of Monica’s Forever Yours series but can be read as a complete standalone.

I have always enjoyed any book by Monica that I read and I was really excited for this series because it’s her characters from her friends series, but when they are older and mature adults.

I did read the first book in this series (which I will go back and do) but it did not hurt because these are all complete standalones. Thinking About You definitely was not my fave by Monica.

The book started off slow for me. We don’t get to know much about Susanna other than she’s somewhat royalty in London. For me, it started off too slow and then next thing I know, they’re having sex. A lot of sex. I think the majority of this book is them having sex when they are together. I am not one to ever complain about that, but it hurt the relationship development since these two don’t know each other at all. Cannon admits that he falls hard and fast a lot, but then it would make sense in his position to slow down a tad bit.

Aside from that – it was decent story. There is no angst or drama. I loved the added touch of her best friend and her brother getting together but it didn’t add much to the whole story itself, felt like filler almost.

For me, this was not Monica’s best work. I’ve read many others by her that I loved and this one fell short of that level. It’s not a terrible read, I did enjoy it and the sexy times, but everything just felt rushed and not fleshed out well. I wanted to see them get to know one another more on a deeper level than just face value.

Overall, it was a decent read but not favorite from Monica. I know others who enjoyed it more and I think those who like sugary sweet romances with no drama will enjoy this one.

 

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Excerpt:

“I’m thinking about how beautiful you are,” I answer Susanna truthfully. She really is stunning, in that classic, elegant way some women are. She’s just very…refined? Is that the right word? Her cheekbones and jaw are sharp, her nose is straight, her blue eyes are extra bright and her full lips are the color of a classic red rose.

Her cheeks are the color of pink roses, thanks to the compliment I just gave her.

“Thank you. That’s very sweet of you to say,” she murmurs, casting her gaze downward for a brief moment before she lifts her head. “I can’t believe we’re here. Together.”

“Why do you say that?” I feel the same way, but want to hear her reasoning first before I make any confessions.

“You’re not my type,” she blurts, covering her mouth after the words escape for a brief moment before slowly dropping her hand. “Not that there’s anything wrong with you.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Gee, thanks.”

Her cheeks turn redder. “Oh goodness, I’m not trying to insult you, I just—I’m making a mess of this, and I apologize. What I meant to say is…” She takes a deep breath, exhaling loudly before she continues. “You’re not the type of man I normally date, but there’s something good to be said in that.”

She’s not the type I normally go for either, that’s for damn sure. She’s too prim, too proper, too sweet. “Like what?”

“There’s nothing wrong with trying something a little different sometimes. Clearly who I’ve been dating in the past hasn’t worked, since I’m still single,” she says with a self-depreciating laugh.

“I thought Dickie was your ex-boyfriend,” I point out with a wince. That is the damn worst name on the planet, I swear.

“Oh, it was never too serious with Dickie.” She waves a hand. Laughs again. “That was a long time ago, though.”

“How long?”

“I don’t know. Six months? Nine?” She tilts her head, as if she’s quietly counting back the months. “Eight months, actually. During the winter. He told me I was a bright light on a cold, dreary day once. That was nice.”

For some godforsaken reason, jealousy rises within me, making me clench my fists in my lap. “I guess he’s a goddamned poet.”

I would never think to say something like that to a woman. I’m not one to say a bunch of flowery nonsense to get between a woman’s legs. I’m a little more direct.

She seems startled by my response. “Oh, he wasn’t a poet. Not at all. That was probably the nicest thing he ever said to me while we dated.”

Huh. Well, I guess that makes me feel a little better, but not much.

And why the hell do I care what her ex-boyfriend said to her? This is a one-shot deal. I’ll take her to dinner, hopefully kiss her a little bit in the back of an Uber, maybe even feel her up a little bit too, and then we’re done. I’ll play my game tomorrow, we’ll win because that’s what we do, and then head back home.

End of story.

The server returns to the table with our drinks, making an elaborate show of popping the cork on the bottle of Veuve Clicquot before pouring us each a glass. I didn’t want any champagne, but when Susanna lifts her glass toward me in a toast, I grab mine and clink our glasses together.

“To new friends,” she says, smiling prettily.

“New friends,” I agree, downing most of the champagne in one swallow.

About Monica:

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and Harper Collins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she’s not writing, she’s reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She’s a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

Connect with Monica:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonicaMurphyauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5934418.Monica_Murphy
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1YUl0Vm
Website: http://monicamurphyauthor.com
Mailing List:: http://bit.ly/IW5U0y

A Place Without You by Jewel E. Ann…Blog Tour & Review

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A Place Without You, an all-new emotional New Adult romance from Jewel E. Ann, is available now!

The Law of Henna and Bodhi:

When love breaks, fall inward, fall together, and fall hard. Then let time pick up the pieces.

Everything feels temporary when you’ve experienced tragedy—until Henna Lane meets Bodhi at a music festival.

Young and spontaneous, they have a lust for seizing the moment, falling hard and fast.

When Bodhi is forced to leave without a goodbye, Henna thinks she’ll never get over him. But then she meets Mr. Malone, her sexy, new guidance counselor.

They are reckless.

They are forbidden.

When their secret is discovered, Henna has to choose between finishing school—banned from seeing Mr. Malone—or dropping out to follow her nomad dreams.

Henna chooses her dreams.

Over time, she learns that life is not a destination or a journey, some things are more than temporary, and the forbidden can never be ignored. But if she returns for him, will he still be hers?

A Place Without You is an emotional story of young love, shattered dreams, and impossible decisions.

APWY-ANSQ

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ApZXGR

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Excerpt:

“Let’s eat before we leave. I’m sure there’s quite the spread downstairs.”

“Rich people breakfast?” I ask.

She furrows a brow for a few seconds. “Yes. I suppose so.” Rolling away, she swings her legs around and stands up, stretching like a cat.

“Do you eat rich people breakfast every morning?” My curiosity has been piqued.

After a long yawn, she cocks her head to the side, lips slightly twisted. “Shredded Wheat with cut-up banana and almond milk. Is that a rich person’s breakfast?”

I sit up, doing a bit of my own stretching, loving the way her gaze roams along my bare chest, her lips parting ever so slightly. “No. I think that’s a solid middle-class breakfast.”

“Middle. That’s average. Average is good, right?”

“There’s nothing average about you, Henna.” I stand, following her into the bedroom.

“I’m going to shower quickly, and by quickly I mean I need an hour. Do you have an hour?”

“To shower with you?” I try to play it cool, like I’m serious.

I’m a little serious.

The color leaves her face. “Oh, um …” She twists her fingers together, drawing her shoulders inward.

“I’m kidding.”

A little kidding.

Henna’s posture relaxes as her cheeks pink up again. “We could.” Her gaze darts around the room before landing on mine for two seconds only to wander around the room again.

“My clothes are at my hotel. I’ll shower there. I need to get going.”

A slow sigh deflates her chest as she tries on a smile that misses the confident mark by a few centimeters. “Okay.”

“But thanks for the offer.” I wink.

More color paints her cheeks, and it looks stunning on her. “I kinda sorta thought we’d have sex last night, but we didn’t, and that’s fine, but now I don’t know what comes next.”

Does that make me the world’s biggest idiot for not taking what she was planning on offering? Or does that make me a gentleman? I’ve already fucked her a hundred different ways in my head, so I’m going to shy away from the gentleman label.

“How about you put my number in your phone and I’ll call you later today? That feels like a good next, don’t you think?”

Henna nods and turns, walking toward the bedroom door. Digging through her purse, she retrieves her phone. When she pulls it out, a string of three condoms comes out with it. “Oh jeez.” Quickly snatching them off the floor, she shoves them back into her purse.

I don’t respond because I’m not sure what the correct response should be.

“I was conceived at Coachella.” She hands me her phone with the contact screen open, ready for my information.

Taking her phone, I give her an expectant look, but she withholds all elaboration.

“And by conceived, you mean physical conception, not merely an idea kind of conception?” I hand her phone back and give her mine.

“In the shadows behind a stage. I know more details than most people should actually know about the moment they were conceived.” She lifts a shoulder in a small shrug. “But Juni is my best friend. She’s the absolute coolest mom ever, and the story of how she met my dad is my favorite story ever.”

I nod as she keeps her chin tipped toward the screen to my phone. “Why is that?” I take my phone back when she holds it out to me.

“Yin Yang. Opposites. Laws of the universe.” She wears a satisfied smile. “My parents were temporary. I was permanent.” Holding out her arms, she inspects her henna tattoos as if seeing them for the first time. “My mom had henna tattoos on her body when she met my dad. Henna grows in intensity over a few days before fading to nothing. It’s magical and beautiful and then it’s gone. My parents say that about their love for each other. It grew quickly into something deep and intense, but over time it faded. Their love—like most everything in life—was temporary.”

“We’re temporary.”

Her empty stare shifts to meet my gaze and she nods. “Don’t sweat it. Everything is temporary. But today…” she walks into my chest, and my arms wrap around her as she looks up at me “…we should be at our brightest, our most intense.”

 

I haven’t read many books by Jewel Ann and for the life of me, I have no idea why. LOL I know when I have read a few other previous books, I thoroughly enjoyed the story line and her characters so much. And this book is no different.

Jewel puts her all into every book she writes – I can feel the life come off the pages as I am reading them. Her books become alive and her characters so real.

A Place Without You is an extremely emotional book – you will have lots of highs and lots of lows, but it’s all so worth it.

Henna and Bodhi meet by chance at Coachella – and they aren’t looking for anything other than to enjoy what life has to offer. But they are both there due to very different reasons – one is escaping reality and the other is enjoying all that life can throw their way.

Henna may be a young, free spirit, but I love her outlook on things. Her parents have given her the perfect balance in life, but have also instilled strong ethics in her. I love Henna and even though she truly never took advantage of her parent’s lifestyle, she’s frequently forgot how easy she has it – how she’s able to do anything and not worry. However, it’s those moments that Henna has her “ah-ha” moments to reflect on how easy her life is compared to others. But she also uses her connections and parent’s lifestyle in good ways.

Bodhi had to grow up really fast in his life. He’s taken on a huge burden and feel it’s his duty to step and take on the reigns of everything. Bodhi is very selfless but also self deprecating too. He doesn’t see his worth and doesn’t feel he truly deserves anything that what his life has become.

Henna and Bodhi are two totally opposites in every way. They met in the most unpredictable way. They both knew not to view it as anything other than temporary but their hearts would forever be changed by that chance meeting.

Jewel takes us on a journey I had never anticipated. I love that Jewel puts the characters and their needs first – neither Henna nor Bodhi put their attraction and feelings before their wants and needs. They had plans and stuck to them, regardless of the outcome.

I feel like I have already said too much. I know this review feels like it is all over the place and it probably is. But that’s because that is how this book has left me. LOL I have a million thoughts running through my head, a million emotions and I love it at all.

I love how this book plays out – each scenario is real and raw and 100% honest. The characters stay true to themselves and don’t change just because another person enters their lives. While the characters at times did annoy me, it never took away from the story.

Henna and Bodhi are characters I will never forget and their story is one that I love – it’s the angst and passion I love reading. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a great romance story.

 

 

 

About Jewel:

Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.

With 10 years of flossing lectures under her belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business.

After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the Contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing.

When she’s not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree at a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course…heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.

JewelEAnn

Connect with Jewel:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjeweleann/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JewelE_Ann

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http://www.jeweleann.com

Yours After Dark by Marie Force…Blog Tour with Chapter Reveal

Today we are celebrating the release of YOURS AFTER DARK. Yours After Dark is part of the Gansett Island series by Marie Force. Check out the purchase links, blurb and teaser for the book below.

PURCHASE IT NOW!

Kindle US |  Apple Books  | Nook  | Kobo | Google

Kindle CA  |  Kindle UK  |  Kindle AU

PURCHASE IN PRINT FROM Amazon | Marie’s Store  |  Barnes & Noble

AUDIO: Audible US  |  Audible UK  |  Audible AU

 

YOURS AFTER DARK  (Gansett Island, #20) by Marie Force

Available Now!

Book Blurb:

He didn’t believe in love at first sight… Until it happened to him.

Finn McCarthy, the youngest of the McCarthy cousins, is at a crossroads. As the lease on his Gansett Island rental comes to an end, he’s making plans to return to his “real” life on the mainland. He’s enjoyed the nearly two years on Gansett with his boisterous fun-loving family, but it’s time to get back to the life he put on hold when he came to the island for his cousin’s wedding—and never left. With renovations to the Wayfarer, the family’s latest business endeavor, all but completed and the grand opening slated for Memorial Day weekend, the time is right to make a move. That is until he stops by the local salon for a quick trim that turns his life plan upside down…

Chloe Dennis, owner of the Curl Up and Dye Salon, is about to close the shop after another ordinary day when Finn McCarthy walks in and turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. Holy hotness! How has she never met the youngest of the McCarthys, and now that she has met him, why is it that she runs into him everywhere she goes?

Despite the undeniable sizzle of attraction between Finn and Chloe, she is dealing with life-changing news that makes her reluctant to get involved with anyone, let alone a man who plans to leave the island for good in two short weeks. Finn can’t understand why he reacts to Chloe the way he does or why she won’t give him a chance to see what they could be. When she makes it clear that it’s not going to happen between them, what else can he do but go forward with his plan to pack up and leave at the end of the month? Unless the push-pull of undeniable desire makes them forget the many reasons why this could be a bad idea…

Return to Gansett Island for another visit with all the series regulars and to find out if Finn and Chloe can overcome the obstacles that stand between them and the possibility of true love. Catch up with Mac, Maddie, Adam, Abby, Riley, Nikki, Blaine and Tiffany, attend Shane and Katie’s wedding, and find out what happens when Blaine’s troubled brother Deacon comes to the island. Get ready for another hot, sexy summer on Gansett Island!

 

PURCHASE IT NOW!

Kindle US |  Apple Books  | Nook  | Kobo | Google

Kindle CA  |  Kindle UK  |  Kindle AU

PURCHASE IN PRINT FROM Amazon | Marie’s Store  |  Barnes & Noble

AUDIO: Audible US  |  Audible UK  |  Audible AU

 

Chapter Reveal:

Chapter 1

“What in the name of hell is on your head?”

Arriving to work slightly hungover and in bad need of coffee, Finn McCarthy ignored the question from his brother, Riley. Finn had forgotten to buy coffee—again—and had gone without this morning. Living alone sucked. Before his dad and Riley moved out, one of them had bought the coffee. Now he had to do it, and he never remembered it until he woke up late and realized he’d forgotten. Again.

Riley wasn’t giving up. “Hello?”

“What is what?” Finn choked back a yawn and tried to remember if he’d brushed his teeth before he left the house. He had, hadn’t he?

Riley stepped closer to him, boasting the freshly fucked look that had made Finn want to stab him more than once in the months since his brother moved in with Nikki. “That.” Riley pointed to the top of Finn’s head. “What is that?”

Finn had no idea what he was talking about until he reached up and encountered the lump of hair he’d secured with a rubber band to keep it out of his face.

Their cousin Shane joined them. “It’s a man bun, and it looks ridiculous.”

Riley, that asshole, busted up laughing. “What the hell is a man bun?”

“That.” Shane pointed to Finn’s head. “Is a man bun. They’re all the rage.”

Riley couldn’t stop laughing. He laughed so hard, he howled, while Finn prayed that his cousin Mac would bring coffee the way he did most days.

Thankfully, Mac walked into the Wayfarer a minute later with his business partner, Luke Harris, right behind him. And was that a tray of coffee Mac was carrying? Yes! “What’s so funny?”

“Finn has a man bun,” Shane said.

“And it looks ridiculous,” Riley added.

Finn stole one of the coffees and took a big sip. Ahhh, pure bliss. “There’s nowhere to get it cut out here.”

“Go see Chloe at the Curl Up and Dye,” Mac said.

“I don’t get my hair cut in salons,” Finn said disdainfully. “I go to barber shops, and there isn’t one on this island.”

“The way I see it,” Riley said, “if it’s a choice between a man bun or a salon, I’m choosing the salon every time.”

“The way I see it,” Finn said, “no one asked you.”

“Wait till Dad, Uncle Mac and Uncle Frank see the man bun.” Riley started laughing again. “I gotta get a picture so we can show them in case they miss it.” The bastard whipped his phone out and had the picture before Finn could react or turn away. That picture would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Maybe the guys were right—a salon was preferable to putting up with this bullshit. His hair had gotten so long, it was either restrain it or wear a hat to keep it out of his face. Hats annoyed him when he was working, so he’d grabbed a rubber band to contain it without a thought to what it might look like. Apparently, that had been a mistake.

Today, they were finishing up the shingling on the exterior of the Wayfarer, which was due to open in a couple of weeks. They were on track to meet the aggressive deadline Mac had set for the project and had turned the interior over to Nikki, the general manager. She and the team she’d hired over the last few months would be loading in furniture this week, setting up hotel rooms and the dining room, hanging wall art and making finishing touches ahead of the grand opening on Memorial Day weekend.

On Saturday of that weekend, the Wayfarer would host its first major event—the wedding reception of Shane and his fiancée, Katie Lawry. They’d joked that they were the guinea pigs to test out whether the McCarthy family’s latest Gansett Island business venture was ready for prime time. The day after the wedding, Finn’s famous cousin Evan McCarthy would headline the outdoor stage at the grand opening to the public.

So far, the Wayfarer was a huge hit, with Nikki reporting that the hotel was sold out for the summer and ten other weddings were already booked. That was what they wanted to hear. Each family member had a stake in the business—some bigger than others—but everyone had put something into his uncle Big Mac’s latest venture so they could all be owners. Finn was proud of the work they’d done to bring the old place back to life and even prouder of being part of something the family had done together.

Before going outside to get to work, Finn slathered sunscreen all over his face, neck and arms, gathered his nail gun and a ladder and followed the others to the scaffolding that was set up on the north side of the huge building they’d spent the winter renovating. They’d done a damned good job, if he said so himself.

With the end in sight, Finn was making plans to move to the mainland after almost two years on Gansett Island. It’d been fun to hang with the family for a couple of years, to see his father and brother fall in love with women Finn liked and respected and to be part of Mac’s construction company. But it was time to get back to his real life, and that wasn’t going to happen on a tiny island located off the southern coast of mainland Rhode Island.

He looked forward to skiing in the winter, driving the vintage Mustang he kept garaged at home and spending time with the friends he’d left behind. Not to mention taking his career to the next level with the large construction company he’d worked for in Stamford, Connecticut. There, he’d put his degree in civil engineering to good use. Here, he was banging nails. Not that he didn’t enjoy the work, but he hadn’t spent four excruciating years in college to end up a glorified carpenter.

Missy—or Melissa as she preferred to be called these days—his on-again-off-again girlfriend at home, was threatening to come fetch him if he wasn’t home by June, and he would save her the trip to Gansett by heading home right after the grand opening. After going round and round in his mind about how he felt about her during the time he’d been gone, he was actually looking forward to seeing her. Despite the tumultuous aspects of their five-year relationship, they’d had a lot of fun together, most of the time anyway. Since they’d been broken up during the time he was gone, he’d indulged in a few one-night stands here and there, but nothing of any consequence.

It was definitely time to go home and figure out whether they had what it took to go the distance together. His dad and Riley said absolutely not. They’d never liked Missy for him, but Finn was determined to make up his own mind about her after seeing what remained after the long time apart.

He would miss his brother, father, aunt, uncles and cousins, and he would really miss working with Riley, Mac, Shane and Luke. He’d miss the family gatherings, the fishing trips Big Mac liked to organize and the time with his favorite men in the world. He’d miss Riley’s girlfriend, Nikki, whom he called Nicholas while she called him Finnbar. The three of them had spent a lot of time together over the winter, and she’d become a good friend to him.

He liked being able to regularly see his cousins Janey and Laura and their kids, as well as Mac’s brood and now Adam’s little guy, Liam, too. Mac’s wife, Maddie, was expecting another baby, and he’d heard rumblings that his cousin Grant’s wife, Stephanie, might be pregnant, too. In addition, his cousin Mallory and her fiancé, Quinn, were talking about tying the knot at some point this summer.

Life on Gansett was rarely boring with the McCarthy family and their friends around to keep things interesting. It wasn’t like Finn was dying to get out of there, especially with the summer coming. That was the best time of year to be on the island. But he’d promised himself over the winter that once the Wayfarer was finished, he’d make a move.

The Wayfarer was almost done, and the lease at the house was up at the end of the month. It seemed like the universe was conspiring to tell him it was time to get back to reality.

Nikki had offered him the garage apartment at Eastward Look, her family’s home, if he wanted it. He was tempted to stay for the summer, but that would only prolong the inevitable.

No, he was going home at the end of the month. Tonight, he’d text his old boss in Stamford to let him know he’d be available in June, and he’d touch base with Missy, too. As he applied the nail gun to a row of shingles, he felt a sense of calm come over him. For so many months, the stay-or-go tug-of-war had raged in his mind while his family had pressured him to stay with them. He’d be the only member of the McCarthy family not living on Gansett, and while it was tempting to give in to the pressure from his family, he had goals and aspirations that couldn’t be achieved on the island.

Someday, he’d like to own his own company the way Mac did. Finn considered self-employment the holy grail, accountable to no one but yourself and your employees. Mac worked his ass off, but it seemed nice to be the boss. Finn thought he would like that—someday in the far-off future that would be much farther off if he stayed here than it would be if he went home to Connecticut.

The workday dragged. Shingling was boring, monotonous work that gave him too much time to think. He wanted out of his own thoughts for a while. “What’re you guys doing tonight?” he asked Riley as they helped the others clean up and shut down for the day.

“Not sure yet. Nik might be working late again.”

“I want to go out.”

“I’d be up for that. What do you feel like doing?”

“Drinking, raising hell, the usual.”

Riley smiled. “That’s your usual. Not mine anymore.”

“Oh, shut up. You’re not married yet.”

“Nope, but I’d like to be. Sooner rather than later.”

Finn stopped and took a closer look at his brother. “You’re serious.”

“Dead serious. In fact, I was going to ask if you’d help me pick out a ring.”

“Wow. This is huge.” While Finn was thrilled for his brother and Nikki, he couldn’t ignore the nagging ache that came with losing his best friend. As soon as he had that thought, he felt stupid. Riley was getting married, not dying, for Christ’s sake.

“You okay?” Riley gave him an odd look that had Finn pulling himself together.

“I’m happy for you, Ri. Nicholas is a great girl.”

“I love her.”

The stark simplicity of his brother’s statement stayed with Finn on the ride home. Riley had promised to text him after he caught up with Nikki about the plans for the evening. I love her. He puzzled over his brother’s heartfelt words while showering, and then while drinking a beer and eating his favorite after-work snack of corn chips and Cheez Whiz. I love her.

What must it be like to be so certain?

Had he ever said that about any woman, even Missy? Nope, and he wasn’t sure whether what he’d felt for Missy was love or lust or some weird combination of the two. One thing he knew for certain—he hadn’t had with her what Riley had with Nikki. The realization made him uneasy as he ran fingers through his unruly mop of hair, recalling that he’d planned to get a haircut.

He searched for the Curl Up and Dye salon’s number on his phone and put through a call.

A female voice answered. “Curl Up and Dye.”

“Hi there. What time do you close tonight?”

“Seven.”

“Can you take a walk-in?”

“If you get here soon.”

“I’ll be right over.”

“What’s your name?”

“Finn McCarthy.”

“Got it. See you soon.”

He downed the rest of the beer and put the Cheez Whiz in the fridge next to the beer that was the only other thing in there. The meager contents of his fridge were further proof that he needed to get a life.

Since the salon was in town, he decided to walk rather than drive. As the season started to pick up steam with Gansett Island Race Week underway, parking in town could be hard to come by. A block from the salon, he noticed the dark purple paint and the sign with the catchy name painted in gold leaf. Two smiling, laughing women were leaving as he reached the door, and he held it for them.

One of them gave him the once-over as she went by. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” She was old enough to be his mother.

Inside the salon, the first thing he noticed was the rich scent of shampoo and the décor that consisted of golden wood floors, black leather chairs, chrome accents and mirrors all over the place.

“I’ll be right out.” The same distinctive voice he’d spoken to on the phone.

“Take your time.” Finn looked around at the glass shelves of products that promised shine, body, vibrancy and a variety of other things he never gave much thought to.

“You don’t need that.”

Finn looked up from the bottle he was studying to find the sexiest woman he’d ever laid eyes on looking at him in amusement. Shoulder-length dark hair streaked with dark purple, ears pierced multiple times each, her left arm boasting a colorful sleeve tattoo, a sparkling diamond stud in her nose and violet eyes that riveted him. He’d never seen eyes that color before. She wore a black sleeveless top over black skinny jeans that clung to curves that made his mouth go dry.

“You must be Finn?”

“Ah, yeah. That’s me.” He put the bottle on the shelf and managed to knock two others to the floor. As he bent to retrieve them, his head connected with hers in a painful smack that made him see stars. Fucking hell, that hurt! When he looked up, he found her rubbing the side of her head.

“Ow.”

“Sorry about that.” He picked up the bottles and returned them to the shelf.

“You’ve got a hard head.” Her face flushed when she realized the double meaning behind her words.

A surge of heat to his groin caught him by surprise. It’d been so long since any woman had interested him, and he’d nearly given this one a concussion. “May I please request a do-over of the last minute?” He held out his hand. “I’m Finn McCarthy.”

She eyed his hand before she reached out to take it. “Chloe Dennis.”

The brush of her skin against his made his entire system go haywire. What the hell was that about? Stunned and unnerved by his reaction to her, he quickly retrieved his hand. “Do you have time for a quick haircut?”

“Sure, but with all that hair, it’s not going to be quick.”

“I can come back another time.”

“No, it’s fine.” She gestured to one of three black chairs positioned in front of a row of mirrors. “Have a seat.”

Finn headed for the chair she pointed to and sat, feeling out of sorts and off his game after the head bump. He wasn’t usually so clumsy or awkward around women, but he’d rarely encountered one like Chloe.

Goddess was the word that came to mind. She projected a cool, aloof aura of self-confidence, which he found incredibly sexy. He stared at her in the mirror as she approached the chair, and when she ran her fingers through his hair, he felt her touch in every corner of his body. Even the bottoms of his feet tingled with awareness.

Holy crap.

“What’re you thinking?”

He didn’t dare answer that question.

“Short or on the longer side?”

God, she was talking about his hair, and his imagination had run away with him.

“Um, short enough that it’s not in my face at work, but not super short.”

“What do you do for work?”

“Construction for my cousin Mac.”

“Ahh, gotcha. He’s insane. In the best way, of course.”

Finn laughed. “That he is. He keeps us well entertained.” Finn would miss the older cousin he’d always looked up to. The ten years between them had all but disappeared in the time Finn had lived on Gansett Island. These days, Mac treated him more like a peer than a pesky baby cousin. Finn had learned a lot from Mac, both professionally and personally.

“You McCarthy men sure were blessed with great hair.”

Watching her run her fingers through his hair was one of the most erotic things Finn had ever experienced.

“I cut your dad, your uncles, your cousins. You guys could be shampoo models.”

Finn cleared a huge lump from his throat. “You think so?”

She met his gaze in the mirror. “I really do.”

Was it his imagination or did she look at him much longer than necessary? No, definitely not his imagination. He shifted in the seat, hoping she wouldn’t notice his embarrassing reaction to her. The movement startled her, and she looked away.

Nothing like this had ever happened in a barber shop.

—————

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE GANSETT ISLAND SERIES

—————————-

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Marie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 50 contemporary romances, including the Gansett Island Series, which has sold more than 3 million books, and the Fatal Series from Harlequin Books, which has sold 1.5 million books. In addition, she is the author of the Butler, Vermont Series, the Green Mountain Series and the erotic romance Quantum Series, written under the slightly modified name of M.S. Force. All together, her books have sold more than 5.5 million copies worldwide!

Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.
Join Marie’s mailing list for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter @marieforce and on Instagram. Join one of Marie’s many reader groups. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.

 

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