Four Loves

Shadow Hunter by Kait Ballenger….Tour Stop & Review

Shadow Hunter (Execution Underground 0.5)

by Kait Ballenger

Release date: August 4, 2014

Blurb:

See where it all began in this exciting prequel to The Execution Underground, Kait Ballenger’s sexy paranormal series about the men who hunt evil and the women who love them.

Vampire hunter Damon Brock’s first assignment with the Execution Underground is Rochester, New York. But he isn’t the only hunter in town gunning for vamp blood. Tiffany Solow is ruthless when it comes to slaying the monsters that destroyed her family—and she works solo. But when she meets the mysterious hunter who wants more than just her turf, the line between good and evil blurs as they must decide between their lifelong beliefs…and their newfound desires.

My review:

Shadow Hunter by Kait Ballenger takes us back to the very beginning of
Damon’s story and his role in The Execution Underground. I was dying
to hear more about Damon and learn his backstory. Well, Shadow Hunter
gave all of it and it was amazing. Emotional, tense, tender….just
amazing.

Damon Brock is settled in Rochester, NY, and is ready to get down to
business and go after one of the biggest vampires in the city. Never
in a million years did he expect to run into a rogue vampire hunter
after the same mission he was….and it was a woman. Tiffany Solow.
Women weren’t allowed to be a part of The EU and even if Tiffany was
one hell of a hunter, she was still crossing all sorts of lines she
shouldn’t be crossing.

Now, after getting her out of a sticky situation, and realizing the
vampires they are hunting have a few new traits that are making them
an even bigger force to be reckoned with, he starts to have a nagging
suspicion that he knows Tiffany. He fears the reason he may know her
is because she’s the girl he had been paired with as pen-pals when he
started training with The EU. The problems are numerous if that was
the case. One, because he had fallen in love with that girl through
her letters, and two, because she was the sister of his best friend.
A best friend whose death he was responsible for.

Now, with mounting attractions, big vampire trouble, and trying to
keep and entire city safe, tensions are running high between Damon and
Tiffany. Are they doomed before they even had a start?

Oh man, this was a great story. I was so intrigued by Damon when I
read Immortal Hunter and was dying to know what had happened in his
past to cause him the pain that was lying just under the surface.
Well, we got a lot of answers in Shadow Hunter and it was fantastic.
I’m going to try not to give any spoilers away but I will say that the
connection Tiffany and Damon shared from their letter writing days was
beautiful and really helped fuel their physical attraction when they
come face to face. Tiffany is one hell of a tough cookie and I really
enjoyed her resolve and tenacity. Damon is amazing as well. A
skilled fighter with a heart is a combo that’s hard to beat. And
throw in the whole mystery of what was going on with this new breed of
vampires and this story was non-stop action from the very first
chapter.

This is absolutely a series I will continue to look forward to and
thank you, Kait, for giving us Damon’s start! I loved it!

FOUR LOVES

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22299907-shadow-hunter

Buy Links-

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K4M3I26?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00K4M3I26&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadow-hunter-kait-ballenger/1119434584?ean=9781459256347

About Kait:

Kait Ballenger is a full-time romance author, wife, a former professional bellydancer, and soon-to-be-professor. She is the multi-published author of the Execution Underground paranormal romance series about an international network of supernatural hunters who fight to protect humanity.

With a B.A in English from Stetson University (2011), Kait is graduate of Spalding University’s M.F.A in Writing for Children and Young Adults program (2013), where she studied dual-genre in screenwriting.

When Kait’s not preoccupied with paranormal creepy-crawlies, she can be found spending time with her family or with her nose buried in a book. She lives in Florida with her husband, their doggie-daughter Sookie (yes, like the heroine in Charlainne Harris’ books), and two mischievous cats Elliot and Olivia (yes, like the Law and Order characters), near the love and care of her supportive family. Kait believes anything is possible with hard work and dedication. One day, she will be a bestseller and have people name their pets after her characters too.

She is represented by Nicole Resciniti of The Seymour Agency.

Author links:

Website: http://www.kaitballenger.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kaitballengerauthor

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kait_ballenger

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

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Temptation by Robin Covington…Review

Synopsis:

She needs to be good.

Five years ago, Kit Landry was homeless and alone at sixteen. Determined to ditch her crappy life, she moved to Nashville with only $200, her guitar, and a notebook full of songs. She hit it big as America’s country sweetheart, but a year of living like a rock star plus a stint in rehab has killed any good will she had with her label. The suits have ordered Kit to shape up or ship out of the limelight. The last thing she needs is a hot, sexy distraction with a sinful smile.

He doesn’t know the meaning of the word.

Max Butler is as far from a celebrity as you can get and he likes it that way. A Nashville firefighter, he’s living the single life with a revolving door of parties, friends, and a different woman in his bed every night. When his normal life suddenly collides with the girl on his favorite Rolling Stone cover, he sees the perfect chance to fulfill his ultimate fantasy and see just how bad Kit can be.

Sometimes bad is so very good.

With three weeks until Kit leaves for her big tour, Max promises to give her a break from being the good girl–no strings attached. But when hot days lead to sultry nights, the lines get blurred and suddenly three weeks of bad might not be good enough.

My Review:

Temptation is the newest novel from author Robin Covington. Being a high Robin fan, I was so excited to read this story. Well, Robin delivered once again. This book was hot, sexy, and sweet all rolled into one exciting package.

Country music star Kit Landry is still learning. She’s learning how to deal with the public, who she can trust, if she can stay clean and sober and if this is really how she wants her life to be. Not saying she isn’t grateful for all her fame and success, but things can get a little crazy now and then and just a tad overwhelming. Of course, all of this seems unimportant when she could very well be burned alive in the fire she was currently trapped in. Lucky for her, Max comes to the rescue. Literally. The firefighter that saved her life also turns out to be insanely sexy and handsome and when a scheduled PR event to celebrate Max’s heroics turns into a swoon worthy kiss, Kit knows this is exactly the kind of distraction she wants but can’t afford.

Firefighter Max Butler had been a huge Kit Landry fan since she came onto the country music scene…and he had just pulled her from a fire. What were the odds? And after that kiss he just gave her at the PR event, there was no way he could get this girl out of his system. She may have told him that she didn’t have time for any kind of relationship, but she did have three weeks before her next tour. Perfect. He wasn’t interested in anything long term either, not after his heart was broken a few years ago. So, three weeks was just the right amount of time to spend with Kit….now, if he could just get her to see the smoking hot brilliance of his plan.

It’s only fitting that the fire that brought Kit and Max together has ignited one between them. A fire that burns hot and isn’t going to be put out any time soon. And thank goodness for that because these to together are insanely hot!

I believe in a previous review I had mentioned that Robin can write one hell of a sex scene. Well, I emphatically make that statement again. This book was HOT! But besides that, Max and Kit were amazing characters. Kit has been through a a lot in her short life and is determined to put it all in the past and rise above. She has, for the most part, but it wasn’t without a few stumbles. But no matter what those stumbles are, her talent outshines and outweighs the negative press and she is so thankful for that. Max is sex on a firefighter uniform clad stick. He’s also a hard worker, determined and loyal. Oh, and that boy can speak some dirty talk! Yum! But the thing I loved most about Max and Kit was that in the end, after enduring more that a few issues in the weeks they spend together, realize they have found something special in each other. Sure, they are both reluctant to admit it, but when they do? It’s magic. There weren’t many dull moments in this book, if any, and I loved that fast pace. From starting out with a burning building, to snakes in the music industry trying to take Kat down, to jealous firehouse members, this book had it all!

Thank you, Robin, for giving us Max and Kit! I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next.

Amazon | Print copy | B&N | Kobo | iBooks

About the author:

Robin Covington loves to explore the theme of fooling around and falling in love in her bestselling books. When she’s not writing sexy, sizzling romance she’s collecting tasty man candy, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and stalking Joe Manganiello. You can find Robin at her website (robincovingtonromance.com), Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Don’t send chocolate . . . send eye candy!

Dangerous Territory by Emmy Curtis…Release Day Event & Review

Buy links:

B&N | Kobo | iTunes | GooglePlay

About DANGEROUS TERRITORY

A SEXY STRANGER
Flirting with danger is reporter Grace Grainger’s modus operandi. But she’s learned the hard way not to grow attached to the soldiers she’s embedded with in Afghanistan. To escape from her pain and loneliness, she fantasizes about the hot night she spent with a gorgeous stranger three years before in D.C. Grace never thought she’d see him again-let alone need him to rescue her . . .

AN EXPLOSIVE NIGHT
Air Force Master Sergeant Josh Travers knows journalists are nothing but trouble. So when he has to risk the lives of his team to save some reporter who’s been separated from her patrol, he’s not happy-until he recognizes her stunning eyes and delicious curves. Josh has never wanted a woman like he wants Grace. Even in an Afghan cave with a sandstorm and enemy troops closing in, he can’t deny the desire. This might be the end for both of them-or one hell of a beginning.

My review:

My review:
Dangerous Territory is the introduction novella to author Emmy Curtis’ Alpha Ops series and talk about a hot, steamy and pulse pounding start! I loved this story from start to finish.

Reporter Grace Grainger is used to the battle field and all that came with it. It’s why her motto up until recently had been to keep detached and not make any connections. The problem was she ignored that on her last assignment and it ended up causing her enough pain that she vowed to never slip up again. She lost a friend in the war and the memory would haunt her forever. Now, the night before her leaving on her newest assignment, she was looking for a distraction and the liquor in her glass wasn’t cutting it. Luckily the sexy stranger that just walked into the hotel bar looks like he could do the trick. A one time, no real names, night of hot sex is just what she needed. And he seemed to be up for the task….

Ready to head out on his next deployment, Josh Travers walked into the hotel bar never expecting to see a gorgeous and mysterious woman, let alone end up spending an unforgettable night with her. A night that has haunted his dreams for years. That same mysterious beauty was the absolute last person he ever expected to see here in the middle of a war zone. But here she was, and she was in need of rescuing. Lucky for her that’s exactly what he did for a living. Unlucky for him was him finding out she’s a reporter….the one profession he loathed. Just as well since he never wanted any kind of relationship anyway. Now, if he could just believe that.

Thrown into a tense situation after meeting years earlier and spending that one unforgettable night, emotions are bound to run hot between Grace and Josh. Will they be able to weather the emotional storm and turn their passion into something more than what they shared that one night?

Oh man, I loved this book! It started out with plenty of heat and passion and only got better from there. Being thrown into an impossible situation and being forced to spend time together was exactly what Grace and Josh need and fate certainly had a hand in getting the ball rolling. I loved both characters and their personalities meshed so well. Grace had me laughing out loud more than a few times with her wit and attempts at lightening their bleak situation. Josh was oh so alpha and oh so delicious. Love that in a character! They both have their own reasons for wanting to stay unattached and they are certainly valid, but they both realize quickly that those reasons are all thrown out the window…and thank goodness for that. The ending of this book was freaking amazing and had me sporting a big goofy grin. Have I mentioned I love Josh?

If you love a good romantic suspense with a great balance of heat and action, this is a book for you. I cannot wait for the rest of this series. Thank you, Emmy, for a great read!

Four Loves

Excerpt:

He withdrew his arm from her shoulders and grabbed his water bottle. “Do you want to rehydrate?”
“Sure, I drank all my water in the M-RAP.”
“Here.” He reached up into the darkness and his hand collided with bare skin. He felt further up and encountered more bare skin. “What the…?”
“Oh! That’s embarrassing. When you bought me in from the bathroom, I had only put my panties back on. My jeans are still out there.”
“What? You take your pants off to pee?” He was getting a strange insight into women here, and he was incredibly uncomfortable and intrigued. Not about the pee, but about the type of woman who felt comfortable enough to take off her clothes in the middle of a war zone.
“I don’t have a dick, you know. How did you expect me to pee?”
“You might not have a dick, but you have balls,” he said grudgingly. “Do you want me to get your pants?”
“It’s okay. I’ll get them. I know where I left them.” Her voice trailed off as she went around the corner toward the entrance to the cave.
“No wait!” he hissed. Shit. What was he thinking, letting her wander around outside. He jumped to his feet, ignoring the pain that shot up his leg, and rounded the corner, to see her perfectly silhouetted in the mouth of the cave against the moonlit sky. “Get down!”
She turned to look at him instead of ducking. Damned civilians. He launched himself at her, pulling her to the ground, but trying to brace her fall. He didn’t really succeed.
Breath huffed out of her as he landed right on top of her. “Shh,” he said against her ear. In the distance, he could hear voices. With the echoes it was difficult to know if they belonged to people who were directly in front of them or across the valley. And suddenly, as the voices drifted off into the distance, he became aware of her body under his. The silence. When he moved slightly, his mind shifted to the perfect night they shared in D.C. The night he’d thought about so often. The night that had sustained him through some difficult deployments. He’d wanted to find her, but was honestly too scared to let go of his fantasy. Reality always sucked, and her being a damn reporter sucked the most.
He raised himself on his forearm and whispered against her ear, “Are you all right?”
She nodded, causing her short black hair to brush against his face. He closed his eyes and inhaled. His body weakened, and then got a lot harder. Fuck, he almost wanted to cry. He had dreamed of being this close to her again, to be on top of her, to be able to feel her scent overwhelm him again. But hell. Fate had played a dirty trick. Here, in a fucking cave in Afghanistan. What a fuck up.
She moved under him, and holy shit, he was sure she had moaned. Or wait, maybe that was a groan. “Am I hurting you?” he asked, suddenly concerned.
“In ways you can’t possibly imagine.” She let out a sigh. “No, I’m fine. I might need help up, though.”
He pulled himself off her and helped her up, and was very, very glad for the darkness of the cave. He knew his dick was tenting his BDUs. Thank god no one could see him. Then she stood to one side and the moon shone directly at him.
“Well, soldier, is that a night vision scope in your pocket or are you just pleased to see me?”
“I’m a fucking airman, not a soldier. And what did you expect, you writhing under me when I was just trying to save your sorry ass.”
“Oh. I’m sorry. I was joking, I thought that was your scope in your pocket. I was just trying…”
Shit. Shit. Busted.
He took a deep breath. And tried to laugh. “We seemed to understand each other better three years ago.”
“Well, we didn’t exactly do a lot of talking back then.” She smiled wryly.
Josh tried really hard not to close his eyes and give in to the emotion still coursing through him from being so close to her again after all those years of just dreaming about her.
Holding up one finger, she turned. She pointed at her jeans and nodded for his approval. He gave a tiny nod, and she virtually scampered out to pick them up.
As she entered the cave again, with a grin, he leaned against the wall to watch her in the moonlight. She bent to step into the pants and her glossy dark hair swung in front of her. She pulled them up, and started to fasten them. He couldn’t help himself, God help him.
His hand hooked over the top of the jeans, preventing her from finishing doing them up. She straightened. She should have had a quizzical look on her face. But she didn’t. It was like she knew. She met his eyes and he detected a tiny flicker of her eyebrows, as if saying “Yes?” Still holding her jeans, he pulled her toward him, his whole body throbbing for her. Every one of his cells felt as if they were reaching for her. Every feeling he had ever had, every warm thought, wrapped around her. He wanted her so badly. Had wanted her for three years. If he didn’t think about it, maybe he could forget she was a soul-sucking hack. His body certainly seemed to have forgotten already.
Desperate to taste those lips again, he abruptly pulled her against his body and in the same instant, claimed her mouth as his. She tasted every bit as good as his memory served. His body responded instantly, as if it had been waiting three years just to find itself in this very place.
Her mouth opened under his, kissing him back, her tongue dancing under his, making him long for the feel of her tongue elsewhere on his body.
A crack of a twig or something from outside put his instincts back in place as he wrenched away from her. Christ, what had he been thinking? He never broke the rules. She looked puzzled, but still she didn’t say anything.
He took a huge step away from her, shaking his head at himself. What. The. Fuck. Was wrong with him?
She took a deep breath in and let it go in a long sigh. But still she remained silent. Why didn’t she say something? Shit was she planning on writing about this? Of course she was. That was what she did. His career was over. His status as one of the most fast-tracked senior enlisted airmen in his career field was over. Damage control.
“I don’t know why I did that. I’m sorry for breaking protocol. I hope we’re still off the record?” He hated how hopeful he sounded.
She laughed lightly. “Exactly what about this…” she gestured around the cave. “…is protocol? Exactly what are you breaking?”

About Emmy Curtis:
Emmy Curtis is an editor and a romance writer. An ex-pat Brit, she quells her homesickness with Cadbury Flakes and Fray Bentos pies. She’s lived in London, Paris and New York, and has settled for the time being, in North Carolina. When not writing, Emmy loves to travel with her military husband and take long walks with their Lab. All things considered, her life is chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny. And if you get that reference…well, she already considers you kin.

Emmy’s social media:
Website | Facebook
Twitter: @EmmyCurtis19

ARC Review…Jumped by Colette Auclair

Jumped releases August 4

Synopsis:

Thoroughly enjoying herself at her best friend Amanda’s wedding, Beth finds herself in an unexpected state of shock when she realizes she’s been seated next to her ex-husband, Finn, at the reception. Determined to not let this fluster her, Beth strikes up a conversation only to learn Finn isn’t the same man she walked away from.

Relieved the reception is over, Beth is looking forward to a relaxing weekend against the beautiful backdrop of sunny Aspen at Amanda and Grady’s estate. Little does she know Finn will be partaking in the weekend activities too. But just as Beth decides to keep as much distance between her and Finn as possible, Finn has a terrible accident and Beth is stuck being his bedside nurse.

Over the course of the weekend, Beth and Finn discover that the wounds of their failed marriage are not all that’s left. There are sparks…and hope. But just as they decide to give their relationship another try, Finn confesses a huge secret that could destroy everything he’s fought to get back—Beth, their relationship, and another chance at love.

Will Beth turn away, or will she take a leap of faith and say “I do” once (again) and for all?

My Review:

Jumped is the second book in author Colette Auclair’s Aspen Valley series and after loving the first book, Thrown, I was so excited to get my hands on Beth and Finn’s story. Well, Colette has done it again! This was one hell of a romance and I loved it.

It’s been years since Beth and Finn last saw each other and even the memory of that last encounter was a painful one. It’s also a memory neither one of them can ignore as they sit across from each other at a mutual friend’s wedding. What were the odds? But it was a wedding, and they were out in public, so any ill feelings had to be kept under wraps and the pain of their failed marriage kept left in the dust. If only it were that easy. The problem is, with such a brief and intense history, it was hard for Finn and Beth to ignore each other and just like that, the flame starts to reignite. Were all the issues they had really so hard that the only answer was a divorce? It’s hard to look on all the bad times and the fighting when five years later it all seemed so fixable. Will Finn and Beth get a second chance at love? Fate may have a bit of a twisted sense of humor but she intervenes and sticks Beth and Finn together for a few weeks and with that they will have no choice but to see if the amazing love they once shared is too irreparable.

With a few years of clarity and time spent apart, both Beth and Finn start to wonder if they truly can have a second shot at love and a happily ever after…together.

I feel like one of the main reasons I loved this story so much is that it is so very relatable. I’m sure many of us have had that one breakup where years later we wonder if the breakup was truly the right choice. Or, like me, you break up and take that second chance after time spent apart and get things right the second time around. It’s a story about love and mistakes and the emotions that come along with all of it. Beth and Finn both made their fair share of those mistakes but realize it now, and even if it hurts to admit those faults, they are finally able to do it. If anything it gives them a chance to heal and it was what they both needed. Finn is a total dream guy….now. He’s funny and charming and has a great career. Some of which came as a result of this divorce. Hindsight being 20/20 and all. Beth has had her own time to grown and find herself and I loved who she has become. She’s strong and driven. Loyal and kind. Together they really are a magical couple. I won’t spoil anything for you but I will say that Colette had me crying big fat happy tears at the ending! It was beautiful!

And of course, I can’t go without mentioning the amazing cast of characters from Amanda to Grady, Wave and my personal favorite, Harris…it was a joy to get to see more of them!

Thank you, Colette, for another fabulous trip to Aspen Creek!

Four Loves

Book links:

Amazon | B&N

About the author:

I write lighthearted, sexy romances that often include horses and a Portuguese water dog or two. My debut novel, Thrown, will be available as an e-book in Simon & Schuster’s Pocket Star line on December 16th (you can order it now). Stay tuned for the next book in the series, Jumped, in June 2014.

My agent is the lovely and talented Emily Sylvan Kim of Prospect Agency.

I live in Colorado and—not surprisingly—have a Thoroughbred mare and a Portuguese water dog. Both are smart, sweet and gorgeous. I’m originally from Pittsburgh and am still fiercely loyal to all of its pro sports teams. I studied theatre and advertising at Northwestern University (go Cats!) and have been a copywriter for more than twenty years. If you ever meet me, beware—anything you do or say could end up in a book and I make no apologies.

Personal Interests: Horses are right up there, as well as dogs, food (cooking and eating), wine, chocolate, gardening, Mad Men, hiking, Italy, gazing at the Rocky Mountains, reading, and making my husband laugh hard enough to cause whatever he’s drinking to exit through his nose.

If you want to talk books, writing, horses, food, wine or just about anything else, email me at colettea@gmail.com.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Goodreads

ARC Review…Batter Up by Robyn Neeley

Batter Up releases August 1

Synopsis:

She mixes more than flour and sugar into her cake batter, and he’s about to find out if a little bit of magic is to his taste…

Bakeshop owner Emma Stevens has a secret — a delicious, slightly unorthodox secret. Each Monday, she mixes up a premonition to share with the bachelors of Buttermilk Falls, and sets one lucky man on the path to true love.

When reporter Jason Levine finds himself mixed up in a Las Vegas bachelorette party, he hears the strangest rumour: the marriage is happening thanks to magic cake batter. Seriously sceptical, and sick of frauds, Jason journeys to the backwater town of Buttermilk Falls to expose the baker and release the townspeople from her evil clutches.

But when Jason meets Emma, tempers flare and sparks fly. Will Jason cling to his logic at the expense of a future, or will he let himself fall under Emma’s spell?

My review:

Batter Up is the first work from author Robyn Neeley that I have read and I was smitten from the very beginning. The whole concept of a magical bakeshop owner helping people find love was too sweet to pass up and Robyn delivered a heaping spoonful of fun with this romance.

Emma Stevens has an impeccable track record under her matchmaking belt and with no divorces and plenty of marriages, she was blissfully happy with her magical spoon and her life. Of course, a little bit of love for herself would make things that much sweeter, but since her boyfriend dumped her for a life in NYC a couple of years back, love wasn’t happening for her right now. Unexpectedly she had more pressing issues when an out of town reporter starts sniffing around her shop for a hint of a story. She would never allow it, even if the reporter had dimples that gave her butterflies.

Never in his wildest dreams did successful reporter Jason Levine think he’d be asking to cover a story like this. Magical batter predicting love and happily-ever-afters? No way. Needless to say he was just a bit skeptical…but it could make for a good story and that’s what lead him to Small Town, USA and into this bakeshop. After meeting the beautiful and feisty owner, he knows he’s got his hands full and if he was going to get this story, it was going to take a whole lot of work…and maybe just a bit of sweetness and charm.

This story was so charming and, well, simply magical! The whole idea of this magical baker in this adorable small town and a reporter after her secrets was enough to get me hooked. Jason is 100% a non-believer and Emma wants nothing more than for him to leave her town and her bakeshop. The only problem is that they are both attracted to one another even if they refuse to admit it. That leads to a whole lot of delicious push and pull between them, which I adored. Also, there was a bit of a situation thrown into the mix that leads to Jason and Emma spending more time together then they ever wanted, which is just the help they need to push things along. I don’t want to ruin anything by saying what it was but I will say that not only did it help bring Jason and Emma together but it also helped Emma get a bit of revenge on the high school mean girl in the process and it was awesome!

Batter Up had it all. Fun, love, mystery, magic, funny sidekicks, sweet townspeople, the evil mean girl nemesis and the ex we all love to hate. It was a quick and fun read and would be perfect for a trip to the beach…with a cocktail and a cupcake!

Thank you, Robyn, for a fantastic read!

Four Loves

Book links:

Amazon | B&N

About the author:

Robyn Neeley is an East Coaster who loves to explore new places; watches way more reality TV than she cares to admit; can’t live without Dunkin Donuts coffee and has never met a cookie she didn’t like. If you have a must read romance suggestion or a fabulous cookie recipe, she wants to know. Find her on Facebook and Twitter while her website is under construction!

Facebook | Twitter

Fantasized by You by Steph Nuss…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Steph Nuss and Bandit Publishing are excited to share with you the RELEASE of “Fantasized by You” by Steph Nuss.

Make sure to add to your Goodreads, pick up your copy and enter the GIVEAWAY below for SIGNED PAPERBACKS and Winner’s Choice of Amazon, iTunes and B&N GIFT CARDS!

Don’t forget to join us at the Release Day and Blog Tour Event starting on July 14th – join by clicking the below link.

NOW AVAILABLE!

Fantasized by You

Love in the City – Book #2

(is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone – Book #2 is based on a different couple, but you will see characters from Book #1)

Celebrity fashion designer, Harper Jennings is only months away from turning thirty, and her dream of living a happily ever after has yet to come true.

She’s given up on her fantasy.

Personal trainer and gym owner, Maverick Jones isn’t thrilled about having a designer mentoring in his new clinic, but after meeting the brunette beauty face-to-face, he dreams of having his way with her.

He’s ready to turn his fantasy into reality.

But when their fantasies collide, love in the city becomes more complicated than they ever imagined.

My review:

Fantasized By You is the second book in author Steph Nuss’ Love in the City Series and follows the story of fashion designer Harper Jennings and gym owner Maverick Jones, both of whom we met in the first book. I loved Steph’s series debut, Wanted By You, and was so excited to continue with this book. It didn’t disappoint… I loved it!

Successful fashion designer Harper Jennings has had her shares of ups and downs in life. Sure, the fashion industry was hard and the paparazzi were sometimes a bitch to deal with but her biggest down was a terrible eating disorder, which she thankfully had been able to overcome. That disorder made her realize what she really wanted in life. It wasn’t the fame or the fortune anymore. Now it was the desire for a family of her own. The only problem was time was ticking away and she didn’t even have a blip on the husband radar…and you kind of needed a husband to start the family she wanted so desperately. But pushing all of that aside, she also wanted to help others dealing with eating disorders and that lead her to the new clinic her friend Elly was helping with. That also lead her to cross paths with the clinic’s owner, Maverick. The first impression he made wasn’t a great one though. Luckily for Harper the man knows when to own up to putting his foot in his mouth and more than makes up for it. And after they start to spend some time together, Harper starts to hear the blip on the husband radar. Could he be the one she’s been waiting for?

Maverick Jones was stuck immediately with Harper. Sure, before he met her he wasn’t thrilled with having a fashion designer working with his clinic because it was that exact industry that took the life of a close friend years earlier but he was willing to give it a shot. He was suddenly happy he did and after spending time together he realizes she is one of the strongest and most honest people he has ever met. That fueled the desire already burning for her and before he knows it, Maverick finds himself head over heels for Harper. His parent’s marriage was awful and he vowed he would never have that. He wanted something pure and true and he can’t help but think he’s found that with Harper. Could she be feeling the same way?

What starts out as an instant attraction soon turns into something more meaningful and special than Harper and Maverick could have ever dreamed of. The saying “good things come to those who wait” seems to be exactly the case for this couple. Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few stumbles along the way…will they have what it takes to pick themselves up, brush themselves off, and continue on their path to happy ever after?

This was one of those feel good stories that pulled me in from the very beginning. There wasn’t any guessing or wondering where the other one stood when it came to Maverick and Harper. They were open and honest with each other from the very beginning and it made for a wonderful story. What they have been through in their lives has lead them to know exactly what they want out of life and love and neither will settle for anything less. Man, I really appreciated that!

Maverick is a stand up guy with a deep respect for his mother and a loyalty to those he cares about that had me swooning. Not to mention he is smart, handsome, and built like a Greek god. That always helps. Harper has been through her own hell and has risen to overcome which made her an incredible heroine to read. She realizes life is too short and doesn’t take things for granted. I loved that about her. She’s learned to appreciate all the good and appreciates Maverick and the love they’ve found. Of course, it isn’t exactly all flowers and happiness for these two. Harper’s best friend, Max, has an obsessed fan that is hell bent on making Harper’s life miserable. She had been quiet for a bit but resurfaces just as things are at the peak of Harper’s happiness. I can’t give you any spoilers but get some tissues handy and get ready from some intense moments toward the end! Steph really knocked me on my arse! But no need to worry, Steph also gave one hell of a fabulous ending.

I truly enjoyed all aspects of this story and cannot wait to read more of this series. Thank you, Steph, for another amazing read!

Four Loves

Carter was captivated by Ellyson Evans the moment he laid eyes on her,

but she was the one girl who didn’t beg for his attention.

He wanted her.

Ellyson vowed to never fall in love, because love can destroy you,

but then she met Carter Jennings.

She wanted him.

Unwilling to risk their comfortable friendship, neither confessed their desires.

Losing touch after college, a chance meeting reconnects them.

They want each other.

But love in the city is never quite that easy.

Steph Nuss was born and raised in rural Kansas, where she currently resides with her black Labrador son named Gunner. She grew up with a passion for reading and writing. When she’s not immersed into the land of fiction, she enjoys listening to music that came before her time, watching movies and reruns of her favorite shows, and hanging out with her family and friends. She also has a bachelor’s degree in psychology that she’ll never use…unless she’s profiling her characters of course.

Website: http://stephnuss.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/StephNussAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephNuss13

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7392900.Steph_Nuss

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/StephNuss13/

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Review….Funny Girl by Kate Baum

Synopsis:

Janie was always the life of the party, gifted with a natural ability to make people laugh. Her fun world comes crashing down when she’s attacked coming home from a party. Two good Samaritans happen to come to her aid and save her from a tragic crime. She’s convinced to go to self- defense classes to help her cope with her fear.

Cullen, a professional boxer, can’t seem to stay out of trouble. When trouble befalls him again, an empathetic Judge looks at his upbringing and decides that Cullen needs one more chance. Judge Dillon recognizes that Cullen often looks out for the underdog and this trait may be the only way Cullen can find a purpose in his life. Cullen’s community service sentence is to teach a self-defense course.

Janie believes she will never feel safe among men again. Cullen doesn’t think he is capable of a loving relationship. The problem becomes obvious between them, as neither of them can stop thinking about each other.

****contains explicit sexual scenes. For adults only. This story contains references to a sexual assault and child abuse.

My Review:

Funny Girl is the third book in author Kate Baum’s Girl Series, a series I have really enjoyed reading. This story follows Janie, known as the funny one in her group of friends, and picks up after she was assaulted after returning home from a party. This is her journey of healing and it was phenomenal.

Growing up rather shy, Janie learned that she was able to come out of her shell when she turned on the humor. And damn she was good at it. Always making people laugh and bringing a smile to someone’s face. But it was that humor that attracted the attention of a predator at a party one evening and that lead to a terrifying assault while walking home that would have turned much worse if not for the help of two bystanders. But regardless, the damage was done. Just like she would never wear the same clothes she had from that night, she never wanted to be funny again. What had always been her shining asset was now something she never wanted to bring to the surface again. Sure she had her family and friends to support her through this but she knew deep down it would take a long time before she would ever bring out the funny girl again…if ever. But then she meets Cullen. The protective, handsome, and strong boxer at the gym she and her support group were learning self-defense from. She knew a bit of his back-story and that he was helping with the program because he had gotten into trouble himself…protecting someone who couldn’t protect themselves. She was thankful to be working with him and was thankful that part of his assignment was walking her and another girl home from the gym after their sessions. Their relationship grew into a great friendship and soon she couldn’t help but start to feel more. Was she ready for that? Knowing he had his own secrets and a painful past, was he ready for that kind of relationship?

Each with a painful past, Cullen and Janie have learned to start to heal but need that little bit more to complete the healing process completely….and they start to find that in each other. Can they take that last final step and make their lives better by opening their hearts and trusting once again? By believing there is still good on this world and that they deserve it?

Amazing. This book was freaking amazing. It ran through so many emotions, addressed very difficult situations, and was written so well that you couldn’t help but feel for Cullen and Janie every step of the way.

I totally got why Janie never wanted to go back to the person she was before the assault. I know I would try to change every single thing about myself as to avoid ever being in a horrific situation again. No, that wouldn’t guarantee safety, but I could see how it could give a bit of security in my mind. The most admirable thing about Janie is that she wants to put the assault behind her. She wants to heal and overcome and just move on. She tires every step of the way and becomes a fighter, and isn’t just “the funny girl” anymore. She really rose above adversity and took charge of her life. And with Cullen’s help she was able to open her heart as well.

As for Cullen, oh my God, I love that man. He is hiding a painful and heartbreaking past and when he finally tells his story I was sobbing my eyes out. I think I was most upset because his story is the real life story of many children in this world. I appreciate that Kate took the chance in giving Cullen the kind of past she did because it is a reminder that we must protect the innocence of children and never shy away from a child in need. Of course, I’m tearing up as I type this. But like Janie, Cullen is one hell of a fighter and didn’t become a victim. He stood up and now teaches others to do the same. He’s always standing up for the underdog and it makes him the complete package of the handsome and tough exterior with a huge heart.

Yes, this book had plenty of heavy moments but those moments make the triumphs so much more meaningful and I loved that. The highs outweigh the lows by far and overall I was left wearing a big, contented grin. Thank you, Kate, for writing Janie and Cullen and giving us an amazing story. I look forward to the next in the Girl Series!

Four Loves

Book Links:

Amazon | B&N

About the author:

I have always been a voracious reader. My favorite genres were tailored to YA type of horror, fantasy and science fiction. I guess it fit being that I am a middle school librarian. I have a young adult series in mind that I always told myself I would one day write. Then, at the young age of 46, I picked up an erotic romance book. I only read it out of curiosity. It was a best seller and ALL the teachers in my school were talking about this particular book. You know the one. It had a certain “tie” on the cover. Instantly, overnight, I became of fan of erotic romance. That summer, I think I read twenty erotic romance books. Since I work in a school, I have the beauty of summers off. I read day and night. My face was always plastered in front of my e-reader. I couldn’t get enough of erotic romance. The passion was exciting and contagious! What this genre did for me was to bring out characters in my head that I had been dreaming about for years. I became obsessed at the idea of writing my own fantasies. Reading other talented authors gave me the inspiration to write stories about my favorite sexy alpha men. I created the “Girl Series”. Please email me with your comments. I would love to hear what you think!

Website ~ Goodreads

Review….The Best Medicine by Tracy Brogan

Synopsis:

Everyone in Bell Harbor thinks career-minded plastic surgeon Evelyn Rhoades needs a husband. Everyone, that is, except for Evelyn . . . sort of. Even if she did want a husband (which she doesn’t . . . most of the time), she’d never let something as intangible as fate determine who she marries. No, if she’s going to find someone to spend her life with, she’ll do it scientifically: with a carefully crafted list of criteria and an Internet dating site. But when intoxicated, law-breaking Tyler Connelly crashes into her life by way of a stolen Jet Ski, unruly emotions defy common sense. Sure, he’s sexy, charming, and determined to win Evelyn’s affection, but all evidence points to him being the worst possible choice. He’s too young for her. Too irresponsible. Too underemployed. And, oh yeah, he’s her patient. But Tyler knows firsthand how the best-laid plans can crumble under the weight of destiny. Now all he needs to do is to teach Evelyn that, in matters of the heart, love often supersedes logic.

My review:

The Best Medicine is the second book in author Tracy Brogan’s Bell Harbor Series and the first of Tracy’s work I have read. Well, after reading about Evie and Tyler, I am hooked!

Young and successful plastic surgeon Evelyn Rhoades hasn’t given much thought to marriage and family. After all, she had lived through the messy divorce of her parents and even messier were the years they were still married. So to say she focused primarily on her career wasn’t exactly an untruth. She had been ok with that until right about now. When her most recent birthday brings her into mid-thirties territory. Maybe she should start thinking about a husband and some kids. So reluctantly she makes a list of husband criteria and lets her friends set her up on a dating site and arrange some meet and greets. There’s just a few problems. One, the guys she’s taken chances on were total duds and two, she can’t stop thinking about the very handsome, very mysterious and very young patient she treated in the ER the week before. Tyler Connelly crashed a jet ski and in essence crashed into her life. Now not only can’t she get him out of her head but he seems to be popping up everywhere she is. Now she’d never get him out of her head. But he was entirely too young and had a good/bad rep around town depending on who you asked. But the guy was persistent and asked her out every time he sees her in the hopes she would give in. There’s only so many times a gal can resist Tyler’s charm…

Tyler Connelly is a mystery a lot of people would like to figure out. He hasn’t got the best reputation in his hometown and his family is a tad batshit crazy but he didn’t care what anyone thought of him or his family. Nope, he knew what kind of man he was and he didn’t need to prove it to anyone except himself. He protected his family and tried to stand up for what’s right even in sometimes that landed him in hot water with the law. When he meets Dr. Rhodes after his latest debacle, he knows he has to get to know her better. There’s something about her that calls to him in a way he’s never felt before. Now he just has to convince her that their age difference doesn’t mean nearly as much as she thinks it does. Good thing for Evelyn that he was a persistent guy and always gets his way in the end.

The chance Evelyn takes on Tyler seems like just another date but soon turns into so much more when Evelyn and Tyler realize they have an undeniable chemistry. Will Evelyn’s pursuit of a husband scare Tyler away? Will Tyler’s reputation and complicated family ties have Evelyn running for the hills? The better question is: will love conquer all?

Oh man, this story had me from the very first few paragraphs. No, it’s not because we meet the young, mysterious and handsome bad boy early on. What grabbed me from the beginning was Evelyn. Her inner monologue was sassy snark at it’s best and had me wishing I could be a fly on the wall in her life’s semi-mis-adventures. From her friends throwing her a birthday party she smiled thorough while secretly loathing inside, to her awful first few dates, she was truly one of the most fun characters I’ve read. She had me laughing out loud and groaning alongside her during more than a few embarrassing moments. And then there’s Tyler. Swoon worthy Tyler. He was a mystery for most of the book and layer by layer who he was is revealed and, my oh my, I adore that man. He turns out to be the exact opposite of the guy we thought he was. Introduced as a bit of a bad boy, he is anything but. He’s honorable and loyal with a stand up, modern knight in shining armor appeal that made me fall in love with him. He lands a top spot on my book boyfriend list for sure! And of course, he had me crying my eyes out during the last few pages. But if you know me, you know I adore that in a book!

The Best Medicine is s sweet and spicy read with just the right balance of snark, sassiness, romance, and heat. Thank you, Tracy, for giving us some fabulous medicine! I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next.

Four Loves

Book links:

Amazon | B&N

About the author:

Past or present, Tracy Brogan loves romance.

She writes funny contemporary stories about ordinary people finding extraordinary love, and stirring historical romance full of political intrigue, damsels causing distress, and the occasional man in a kilt.

Tracy is a best-selling author, a 2013 RWA® RITA Best First Book Finalist for CRAZY LITTLE THING, a two-time Golden Quill winner in both contemporary and historical romance, and the winner of a Booksellers Best award for HIGHLAND SURRENDER.

Tracy lives in Michigan with her husband, her children and their overly-indulged dogs. Please stop by her website at tracybrogan.com, or visit her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AuthorTracyBrogan

ARC Review….Extreme Measures by Elisabeth Naughton

Extreme Measures releases July 8

Synopsis:

Being prepared for any scenario is the trademark of any good CIA operative, and Eve Wolfe is one of the best. But when her latest mission literally explodes in her face, she wakes up labeled a traitor and—even more surprising—in the custody of elite Aegis Security operative and ex-lover Zane Archer. Although she still secretly has feelings for Zane, he’s now demanding the one thing that she can’t give him: the truth.

When he caught her breaking the rules years ago, Zane let Eve walk away without an explanation. Now someone has not only sabotaged Aegis but also turned an American city into a war zone, and all signs point to Eve. Zane needs answers that can come only from Eve’s still-tempting lips, and he finally has the elusive operative right where he wants her—at his mercy.

My review:

Extreme Measures is the first book in author Elisabeth Naughton’s newest series, The Aegis Security Series, and kicks it off with a pulse pounding and page turning start!

CIA operative Eve Wolfe is used to having to get into different roles…after all her job relies on it. But one role she never would have expected herself in was one of prisoner. When she finds herself chained to a bed and in the hands of the man she had loved and lost, Zane Archer, she knows this isn’t going to go well. He believed her a traitor, and without being able to explain otherwise, she knows she’s in trouble. He’s looking for answers that she just can’t give him. The last mission they worked on together had ended terribly for him and he thinks she had something to do with it. Can she convince him she never would have done the things he’s accusing her of before it’s too late?

Aegis Security agent Zane Archer will never forget the act of betrayal that ruined his last mission, killed people, and almost killed him. Now, he finally has the chance to get to the bottom of it, thanks to getting his hands on Eve. Eve, the woman he once loved and the same woman he believed was responsible for that act of betrayal. Unfortunately having Eve in his grasp leads to the realization that there are much bigger forces at work here and the danger he’s facing is greater than he ever imagined. Now Aegis is at risk and so is an entire town. Will he and Eve have to work together again to find out who is behind it all? Will he ever be able to trust her again in order to do just that?

Emotions run high from the very beginning between Eve and Zane and with so much more at stake than either of them had imagined will they be able to put their past aside to get to the bottom of a plot bound to destroy not only them, but the very foundations of what they believe in?

Talk about one hell of a ride! From the very start, Zane and Eve’s story is an intense one. Secret missions, acts of duplicity, kidnapping, threats on their lives, and tons of undying lust between them add up to one hell of a combustible combination. I was kept on the edge of my seat the entire book and wasn’t sure who either Eve or Zane could trust. Even until the very end, things were unclear as to who was on team good and who was on team bad. I really enjoy that in a story! Oh, and the chemistry between Eve and Zane? Whoa. Talk about delicious. There is so much love and hate that you know from the very beginning things are going to be intense between them and it’s only a matter of time before they stop resisting the urge to get their hands on one another. When they finally give in it is scorching!

All in all, if you love high action and unbeatable chemistry, this is a book for you. Thank you, Elisabeth, for one hell of a ride!

Four Loves

Buy links:

Amazon | B&N

About the author:

Bestselling Author Elisabeth Naughton writes full time from her home in western Oregon where she lives with her husband and three children. Her books have appeared on every major bestsellers list, including the New York Times, the USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, Digital Book World and IndieReader, and have been nominated for numerous awards such as the prestigious RITA® awards by Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, The Golden Leaf and the Golden Heart. When not writing, Elisabeth can be found running, hanging out at the ballpark or dreaming up new and exciting adventures. Visit her website at www.ElisabethNaughton.com to learn more about her books.

Fake It by Jennifer Chance….Blog Tour Stop & Review

As her sizzling new series continues, Jennifer Chance sparks some serious combustion between a sexy biker and a corporate go-getter who’s ready to let her hair down.

Synopsis:

New grad Anna Richardson works hard—so hard that she’s given up having a romantic life. Anna has even convinced her friends that she’s dating an amazing guy—who they’ve simply never met. But now Anna has a wedding to attend and needs to produce the hottie she’s been lying about for the past six months. Enter Jake Flynn, her infuriating, motorcycle-riding, jaw-droppingly gorgeous neighbor, who’s more than willing to fake it for a weekend. In fact, Jake won’t be satisfied until things get real.

Though Jake is only playing the role of adoring boyfriend, he’s starting to feel the heat, and judging by Anna’s sweet blush, so is she. Letting chemistry this intense go to waste would be a real shame. Soon, though, the thin line between fantasy and reality fades. Jake may not be what every buttoned-up fast-tracker wants, but he’s sure as hell what Anna needs. And if she takes a ride with him, their adventure never has to end.

My review:

Fake it is the newest book from author Jennifer Chance and after loving the first in the series, Rock It, I was so excited to get my hands on this book and it was everything I was hoping for and more! There were so many amazing things with this book and I loved every minute.

Anna Richardson has had one mission in life for quite some time now. To be successful and never have to worry about money. To be financially stable. Of course, that came with a price and means she hasn’t had much time for dating. If she’s being honest, and after her last failed relationship, she can’t say she misses it that much. And certainly not as much as her friends miss her having a relationship…which leads her to the pickle she’s in now. You see, she kind of made up a fictional guy to get her friends off her back for a bit. Only problem now is that they want to meet him…at the wedding she’s in and the wedding he’s supposed to be coming to as her guest. Enter Jake, her sexy, motorcycle riding, tattooed, and complete opposite of everything Anna is, neighbor. Never in a million years would she have thought to ask him, the guy she’s been drooling over for over a year, and she never would have expected that he would offer after overhearing her story while she was chatting with her friends at the local bar. But he did and crazily enough, she accepted. Now he’s gotta take a crash course on all the things she made up about the fake boyfriend so she could get her friends to leave her love life alone once and for all. Only problem now is that what starts out as fake feelings between them starts to grow into very real ones.

Could something that started out as a charade turn into something real?

I fell in love with Fake It from just reading the synopsis alone. What could be better than the shy professional falling for the bad boy biker and vice versa? But even better than that was the fact that both Anna and Jake may look a certain part but there were so many more facets to their personalities which was such a treat to read. It really proved the whole “can’t judge a book by it’s cover” so to speak. Jake, for as rough and touch as he looks, has such a big heart and a beautiful and kind soul. Anna had a pretty rough spot during her childhood and it really had an impact on making her who she is today. How she approaches working hard and how much value she puts on that and having financial security. Of course the saying “money isn’t everything” kept popping into my head while reading and Jake was exactly what Anna needed when she needed it most. He really opened her eyes to the joys life has to offer. Joys that money can’t buy. Oh, and the chemistry between them? HOLY HELL! Beyond smoking hot!

If you love an unlikely hero, smoking hot chemistry, and crying big happy tears at kick ass endings, Fake It is for you! Thank you, Jennifer, for another fantastic read!

Four Loves

Goodreads | Amazon| Barnes and Noble

Also in the Rule Breakers series: ROCK IT by Jennifer Chance!http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fake-it-jennifer-chance/1117987843?ean=9780553392289

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About the author:

Jennifer Chance is the award-winning author of the New Adult series Rule Breakers. A lover of books, romance, and happily-ever-afters, she lives and writes in Ohio. Visit her website and find her on Twitter.

Connect with Jennifer Chance

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Secrets Unveiled by Jill Patten…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Synopsis:

In the second and final installment, Jaxon and Courtney are forced into a world of more secrets. Some have been harbored from within, some are unknown, and some are just forming.

When the truth finally does come out, will their fragile love for one another be strong enough to hold, or will the weight of deceit break the string that tethers their hearts together?

My review:

Secrets Unveiled is the second book and in essence the second half of Courtney and Jaxon’s story continued on from the first book in the series, Toxic Secrets. I will say that if you haven’t read Toxic Secrets first, please do so before reading this book because you will be totally lost and not fully understand the story. That being said, reading the two stories back to back was enjoyable and I didn’t feel any wrath of a cliffhanger.

I am going to try to do my best and not give anything away in this review for those of you who haven’t read the first book….gah! It’s going to be hard!

Jaxon is in a pretty rough emotional state when this book picks up and to say his story is a rough one would be a gross understatement. He’s a broken man and is in need of some serious fixing. He winds up going down a very dark road and needs some light at the end of the tunnel. And that light is Courtney…

Courtney has a whole lot of growing up to do in this book and I was afraid she wouldn’t be able to handle all that life was throwing at her. I don’t really want to say what exactly she has going on in her life while this story is taking place, because it’s a pretty big spoiler, but know that she ends up growing into an amazing woman. There were some serious emotional moments happening in Secrets Unveiled and more than a few made my cry, but you all know I love that!

Overall this was an emotional roller coaster that dealt with a lot of serious and dark issues but it was the perfect story for Jaxon and Courtney and needed to be told to get them to their happy ending. I will say that the epilogue was absolutely perfect and made me give a big, happy, contended sigh. Of course, my lips are sealed!

Thank you, Jill, for giving us one hell of an emotionally charged read! It was one hell of a ride!

Four Loves

Buy links:

Amazon | B&N

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Excerpt:

Tears pierced the back of my eyes like tiny needles and I quickly turned away. The gravity that had been holding me prisoner finally released its grasp, and I quickly made my way to the exit. The door latched behind me with a loud clicking sound, but I didn’t care. I had to get out of there.

With full-force, I ran down the beach, and didn’t stop until my legs could no longer move. There was no more energy left in me, and it caused me to fall onto the cool, gritty sand. There was no point in stopping the tears; I let them flow freely, I needed to get it all out. I needed to get him out, remove him from my system like he had apparently done me. To know how quickly he had moved on was gut-wrenching.

Curled up into a ball, I laid there in the sand and sobbed until my cries turned into hiccups. He had told me I helped him to remember what it felt like to fall in love again, but how did you feel that way then screw some other girl so soon after?

A little over a month. That was all it took for him to go back to his man-whore days. Was it really fair of me to judge him? Who was I to be mad? I was after all the one who pushed him away.

“I don’t know what you’re doing here, but you need to turn your ass back around and go back to where you came from. Nobody wants you around here. You’ve caused enough trouble.”

About the author:

Jill Patten was born a Yankee, but raised a southerner. She lives in the small town of Mayberry, North Carolina which was made famous by a popular TV show back in the sixties. (Maybe there will one day be a statue of her at the end of Main Street. Ha! A girl can dream, right?)

Jill has always loved to read, even during reading labs in middle school for reading comprehension. Judy Blume was her first author she hero-worshipped, maturing to revere the works of Stephen King. With all the fantastic authors today, she simply cannot choose a favorite. Her taste is very eclectic and she loves almost all genres. When she’s not captivated by her fictional characters, she spends time with her sweet husband and two beautiful children.

Music is her muse. Jill also loves elephants, sarcasm, and anything made with sugar, especially sweet tea. She enjoys all things rude and crude and laughs at stuff she probably shouldn’t. She has been accused of being bossy a time or two, but doesn’t really see it herself.

All in all, Jill is just a small town girl in this great big world trying to enable your book addiction.

webpage link:

http://www.jillpatten.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/jill_patten

Goodreads link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7225528.Jill_Patten

Facebook link:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Jill-Patten/352289424899981?ref_type=bookmark