Bella Jewel is a self published, USA
Today bestselling author. She’s been publishing since 2013. Her first release
was a contemporary romance, Hell’s Knights which topped the charts upon
release. Since that time, she has published over five novels, gaining a
bestseller status on numerous platforms. She lives in North Queensland and is
currently studying editing and proofreading to further expand her career. Bella
has been writing since she was just shy of fifteen years old. In Summer 2013
she was offered an ebook deal through Montlake Romance for her bestselling
modern day pirate series, Enslaved By The Ocean. She plans to expand her
writing career, planning many new releases for the future.
“Don’t tell my besties this juicy tidbit: I don’t know him at all. It’s like Yves Remy has no past. He refuses to tell me where he’s from. My friends Taddy, Lex, Blake, and Vive think he’s just been released from prison. Determined to find out just who this orgasm-inducing, hung, inked, muscled bad boy with the deep French accent that makes my insides melt into liquid buttah is–I’m doing my own sleuthing.
Remy makes all of my erotic fantasies come true. First, it was in the way he kissed me: intense Frenching. Then, it was how he took ownership over my body and laid claim to every inch of my virginal flesh as he dominated me into the kinkiest submission scenarios imaginable. Lately, he’s been giving me Cartier jewelry and telling me how to dress: in Chanel. Yes, I love a man who takes control and knows what he wants. Who doesn’t? But this is cray-cray. Where does his money come from? I don’t know him at all.
The Manhattanites suspect Yves is the thief who broke into my dorm room a few months ago and stole my diaries. Uh-huh. I bet he’s been reading them, too. How else would he know to do all the things that drive me wild? I have to put an end to these sex games he’s playing because I’m afraid something bad might happen. Should I call the police and tell them I know who the infamous college campus burglar is? But, damn, his body is just too frickin’ good. WTF am I gonna do?” –Poppy White, college junior, talk show host, and Steeler’s Fan.
Most girls in this situation, I imagine, would naturally whip around to get a good look at him, then start firing off questions like, “What school do you go to?” and twirling their hair.
Not me.
I couldn’t give a flip. I just wanna freakin’ dance.
I press my backside against his crotch, teasing him, shaking my thang, then lift my hand up in the air to show that I’m having a blast.
All of a sudden, his hands, big and strong, come down over my bare shoulders, sending a pulsating charge through my body that causes every inch of my flesh to tingle.
“Bonsoir,” he mutters in my ear in a deep baritone voice. I whirl around to face him.
“You’re French?”
“Qui.” He turns around, showing me his backside and hiding his face.
“Ohhhh. Two can play at this game, buddy.” Thinking I’m all male and stuff, I get right up behind him, slide my hands into his front pockets, and press myself against him.
He laughs and mutters some words that I don’t understand.
I giggle too, wishing I had paid better attention in French class. I couldn’t stand my teacher in high school, Madame Boulanger. The woman hated me, said I’d never amount to much in life unless I learned French. I’d argued that I’d originally wanted to learn Spanish, but that class was full, so was stuck with Madame Boulanger.
We move to the music, finishing the song.
Just as he’s about to turn, I release my hands and do the same. Slowly I walk over to the far wall. He follows, our hips meshed together as one.
“Are you going to tell me your name?” I ask, glaring up at him in utter fascination.
“No, mademoiselle.”
Oh God. This is crazy hot.We’re in the dark, so I can’t see him very well, but I have to look, at least to see if he has a nice face or not. To be honest, with that accent, he could resemble Herman Munster and I’ll still be turned on by him. I mean, from what I can tell he’s gotta be 6’4. Ohhh, and those hands. They look like football player hands. You know, the kind that can rip your panties of in one fell swoop.
I put my fingers up to his lips.
He bites playfully down on them and wraps his arms around me.
“Kiss me,” I mutter.
He leans down and plants one on my lips. First slow and tender, but as the heat between us becomes scorching hot, his tongue goes deeper as if fucking my face with it. Oh. My. God. In. Out. He nibbles on my bottom lip. Presses me closer to him, tongue diving deeper. His hands cradle my skull.
Fuck. Yes. Now. Take me now. Please.
I take his left hand with my right and edge my skirt up around my waist. Leaning my body onto his, his fingers find their way to my pussy lips. He squeezes them, gently at first, then firmly.I’m going to be soaking wet. Yup. Any second now. Buckets galore.
“Feel good, mademoiselle?”
“Yes. Finger me. Please.” Turning around, I face the wall. His lips nuzzle at my ears. His hands are up my skirt, his fingers playing with my clit.
“Je serai poète et toi poésie.”
“I’ll be a poet, and you’ll be poetry,” I repeat his words back in English, the French coming back to me.Thank you, Madame Boulanger!
God. The mere sound of them makes me wet. Literally.He pulls his finger out and licks it. “Bien.” Then shoves two deep inside me.
“You’re tight, mademoiselle.” His firm cock, concealed in his jeans but seemingly ready to bust loose at any minute under that zipper, presses against my ass.
Gyrating my hips and taking his hands, I pant, “Oh God. I’m going to come. Tell me your name. Please.”
“Yves,” he mutters, whipping me around to face him. His mouth hovers over mine. “Come while I kiss you.”
And so I do. I come like I’ve never come before: in the dark, in a nightclub, in a stranger’s arms.
The music is a muffled bass in my ears as he holds me tight. My legs feel weak. I’m soaking wet. I bite down on my tongue as the final wave of the orgasm rocks through me. Squinting my eyes shut tight, bright colors burst behind my eyelids.
Everything is going in slow motion. That is until I hear a familiar voice shouting for me.
New York Times bestselling author Avery Aster pens The Manhattanites, a contemporary erotic romance series of full-length, stand-alone novels, and the naughty new adult prequel companion series The Undergrad Years. Join Avery’s newsletter eepurl.com/CQ665 and get a FREE ebook!
Recommended for mature readers due to strong language and graphic violence.
Rayne Kilpatrick has everything. A job she’s dreamed of since a little girl. The perfect house. And a man she loves and is about to marry… Until he never returns from a humanitarian mission.
Gone. Disappeared. Vanished.
When footage of his gruesome murder by a Muslim extremist group is shown across the country and around the globe, she wants the person responsible for the disappearance of the man she loves to pay. She wants him to lose the one person who means the world to him, too, and she won’t stop until he does.
Alexander Burnham has everything… Finally. A job he enjoys where he can actually make a difference in the world. The perfect woman who he’s loved his entire life. And the most beautiful daughter a father could ask for… Until he walks into her bedroom one morning to find it empty.
Gone. Disappeared. Vanished.
It’s a race against the clock for Alexander to put the pieces together and find out who has taken his daughter and what they want from him. As information comes to light, he is forced to bury the guilt he feels after losing his fellow team member and focus instead on finding and saving his daughter…
Before it’s too late.
Vanished can be read in conjunction with or separate from the Beautiful Mess series.
This was no longer home to a fearless girl who had more love for Olivia than she deserved. This would now become a place of nightmares for her daughter. Would she ever be able to sleep in this room again? Would she ever want to sleep alone? Would she ever feel safe?
Olivia struggled to come to terms with what Melanie’s life would be like if she survived this. She hadn’t done anything to deserve this. Alexander wasn’t without his faults, and neither was Olivia, but Melanie was so young, so pure, so innocent. Now, at far too young an age, she would be jaded by the cruelties of the world.
Would she ever see her smile again?
Would she ever hear her carefree laugh?
Would she ever feel her unconditional love as she flung her arms around her?
Bleakness invaded Olivia right down to her core as she fell onto Melanie’s unmade bed. Sheets that were once warm from her presence had grown cold, and Olivia could no longer keep it in. She wasn’t just watching a made-for-TV movie about a successful, semi-famous family losing their daughter. She was living the nightmare. wishing with everything she had that this would all be over soon, that it wasn’t real.
“Wake up!” Olivia screamed, slapping her face as relentless tears streamed down her cheeks. She curled into a ball, the torment growing inside her becoming unbearable. It felt like someone was ripping her open with sadistic apathy, the pace languid and sluggish, taking pleasure from each strained breath she struggled to capture. Her skin prickled with the heat of a thousand branding irons. No matter how loud she screamed, it wouldn’t dull the pain.
“Wake up, Olivia!” she bellowed again, louder and more desperate. Nothing worked. No matter what she did, no matter how loud her cries, nothing would wake her from this nightmare.
Sobs wracked through her body as she fought for air. She tried to gain control over her body and tears, but it was useless. She was no longer in command of her own destiny. Even the seemingly innate task of inhaling and exhaling had become arduous and complicated. Melanie was her lifeline, her reason for living. Without her, Olivia’s heart gave out, her lungs refused to work, her body shut down.
Suddenly, a pair of familiar, strong arms cradled her, lifting her off the torturous bed, cocooning her in a shelter only they could provide. They comforted her sobs, giving her exactly what she needed. She cried into her husband’s chest, a hundred tears falling for every regret. No words were spoken. Lowering himself to the floor, he simply held her in his lap, wiping her tears, providing her with warmth in this cold, hateful world.
She didn’t know how many minutes ticked by as he remained there, silently assuring her with his presence that they would get through this, that everything would work out. Still, she knew they would never be the same. This had shaken their family to its core. There was no returning to the way things were before.
Olivia cried harder.
She cried for all the time she should have spent with her daughter instead of working tirelessly for one charity or another. She cried for all the times she told her no when she should have said yes. Yes, we can have pancakes for dinner. Yes, we can go feed the ducks at the pond. Yes, we can make Christmas cookies in July.
Exhaustion set in as her cries subsided and she closed her eyes. The last thing she saw before drifting off was Melanie standing alone in a dark room, a blank expression on her pale face.
T.K. Leigh, otherwise known as Tracy Leigh Kellam, is a USA Today Bestselling author of the Beautiful Mess series, in addition to several other works. Originally from New England, she now resides in sunny Southern California with her husband, dog, and three cats, all of which she has rescued (including the husband). In late 2015, she gave birth to her first (and only) baby. When she’s not planted in front of her computer, writing away, she can be found training for her next marathon (of which she has run over fifteen fulls and far too many halfs to recall) or chasing her daughter around the house.
T.K. Leigh is represented by Jane Dystel of Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. All publishing inquiries, including audio, foreign, and film rights, should be directed to her.
Book Title: Sunset Reads: Damian & Layla Author: D.C. Triana Genre: Romance/Suspense Release Date: December 26, 2016 Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions
One year.
It’s been one year since Agent Damian Trent left for Washington without a word.
One year since he’s seen her beautiful face.
One year since he’s heard his name on her lips.
He’s been recently called back to New York City on assignment, to catch a criminal who’s trying to infiltrate Sunset Reads. The last thing he expects is to work side by side with the woman he turned his back on.
Having her close is an unwanted distraction that he’s more than willing to ignore, if only she wasn’t so damn tempting.
Everything seems under control, until a night of feverish passion has him abandoning all thoughts of reason. Now, he will do everything in his power to get her back, and even more so to protect her.
Layla Reece wants nothing to do with the man who left her a year ago.
The man who took her heart with him, leaving her broken.
After a year of trying to forget Damian Trent, she is finally ready to move on.
But trying to forget him becomes a tedious task when he suddenly reappears in her life.
Although she fights to stay away, his magnetism is too strong and she finds herself giving into the deep timbre of his voice, and the strength and safety of his arms.
Staying away from Damian turns out to be futile, especially when his kisses consume her and his heart shatters the walls she spent so much time building.
Finding herself in danger, she now has to turn to the only man she trusts to keep her safe, but can she trust him enough to give him her heart once again?
Dinner went by uneventfully, and Layla continued to talk with Carol and Cristina who were sitting next to Damian. She tried her best to ignore him and his intense eyes that seem to call out to her the entire time she looked over. Every now and then she would get caught in them and quickly look away trying to divert the conversation to the other end of the table. She had somewhat succeeded and when dinner was done she plopped herself onto the living room couch waiting for the others.
Obi, Cristina’s loyal companion, dawdled into the room and stood staring at her. “You’re going to stand there staring at me, too. What else was I supposed to do?”
He jumped onto the couch and sighing, plopped his head on her lap.
“I know exactly how you feel,” she replied, running her hand through his soft fur.
“I see Obi has found the best spot on the couch,” Henry joked.
Damian appeared behind him with Sebastian.
“You’re not wrong.” Sebastian grinned.
Damian just watched her silently as she stared right back at him. He wanted to say something, anything, but couldn’t manage a sound. He needed to talk to her, but how?
Obi, on the other hand, stared up at the three men and practically dared them to move him. Henry plopped down next to them and propped the dog on his knee. “You lucky bastard.”
Layla laughed and hit him on the shoulder. She watched from above the rim of her glass as Damian sat across from them. She could tell he wanted to say something, but she didn’t want to hear it. She wasn’t ready for that yet.
She stood up and went to the kitchen where Cristina was busy getting dessert ready. She smiled at her friend. “You think I can step outside for a second? I feel kind of warm.”
“Sure, the back door is open. I think William turned the lights on back there.”
Layla smiled and rushed out to the back porch. Sure enough, William had lit the back wooden deck and small lanterns lined the backyard. Layla always liked it back here. It was really peaceful. Cristina had set it up so that she could write outside and Layla could understand why. In the spring rose bushes and a giant peach tree decorated the yard. It was truly beautiful. Layla breathed in the fresh air and tried to control her nerves. She was standing out there for a few minutes when the door suddenly opened. When she turned around, Damian stood beneath the porch light.
Layla took a step back, and quickly realized she needed to get out of there. She tried scurrying around him, but he grabbed her arm.
“Why are you avoiding me?” he asked her.
She stopped and looked up at him, she could almost make out the hint of hurt in his eyes.
“I’m not avoiding you. I’m just cold,” Layla lied. She was trying to get away from him, as far away as possible. She could feel the heat of his hand through the thin layer of fabric on her sleeve and his pull was magnetic.
“We need to talk.”
She shook her head. “No. There’s nothing to talk about.”
He gripped her a little tighter and stepped closer to her. She could smell the scent of scotch on his breath when he spoke. “We have a lot to talk about.”
Damian’s nearness was overwhelming and she felt her willpower start to fade. “What’s there to say, Damian? If you didn’t say it to me back then, why say anything now?”
“Because I was a coward,” he said with a hint of desperation.
She smirked. “I’m glad you realized that.”
He let her take a step away from him, and she quickly headed for the door. Before she opened it his deep voice resounded through the empty space.
“I may have admitted to being a coward Layla, but I don’t give up easily. This isn’t over.”
She stood very still and briefly closed her eyes. Without saying another word, she stepped back into the warmth of the empty kitchen. She quickly gathered herself and walked down the hallway, away from Damian and towards her friends who were in the living room.
She made her way to Alyssa who placed a hand on her cheek. “Are you all right? You look a little flushed.”
Layla smiled reassuringly. “I’m fine. The wine must be having its effects on me.”
She sensed as Damian entered the room and watched as he joined them. A cheerful smile played on his lips, showing no sign that he had been affected by their interaction. She grabbed a glass of wine and gulped it down.
“Take it easy there, lush,” Henry teased.
Layla narrowed her eyes on him, and purposefully downed the rest of the wine.
My name is D.C. and I’m the author of a new series currently on Amazon called Sunset Reads. The first book is based on the couple William and Cristina who find themselves fighting their urges to be with one another although a series of heated moments changes their lives forever.
I grew up in New York, I’m the daughter of two wonderful,Colombian immigrant parents. I’m a traveler, the travel bug hit me a couple years ago and my goal is to eventually see the whole world. So far I’ve gotten to Italy and Japan…I’m thinking Germany next. I started to write as an outlet for being bullied at school and as soon as I started I couldn’t put the pen down. It was always my dream to be a published author, ever since the age of fourteen, and now at 34 I finally accomplished my goal.
I plan on continuing to write and really truly want to get to meet new readers and writers and share experiences and ideas. Being a part of forums is new to me, but I would love to get to know about the people who love to dream and create new ideas and fantasies through literature just like I do. Thank you for making me a part of your group and allowing me to join you in these amazing adventures in storytelling and reading.
I hope you enjoy reading William & Cristina’s story and continue to join me in this journey within the doors of Sunset Reads! Please sign up to my email list on http://www.dctriana.com for free giveaways, new excerpts and more on Sunset Reads upcoming new release!
Life was smooth sailing for Riley Smith. She’d earned a promotion, was living the dream as a single gal in a big city, and treated herself to one of her favorite things – a professional basketball game. In Riley’s opinion, nothing ruined a good basketball game like the halftime gag, the Kiss Cam. When the camera lands on her and the sexy stranger in the next seat over, peer pressure from the arena forces them to kiss. It was supposed to be quick, meaningless, and comical. Instead the kiss was hot, delectable, and left her reeling.It hadn’t been a great night for Camden Rogers, son of Portland’s mayor. On a date with a woman he didn’t care for out of obligation to his politician father, meeting the sassy and intelligent Riley was the last thing he expected. Kissing her, however, was the hottest thing he’d ever experienced. Never one to back down from a challenge, convincing his hesitant kissing partner they could be more would be his biggest accomplishment yet.
They came from two different worlds, a divide Riley was sure they couldn’t overcome, but Camden was convinced she was the one. Will Riley be able to let her guard down and let Camden in? Or will the Kiss Cam be their only sexy encounter?
Anie Michaels is the author of the Never series, the Privates serial, and stand-alone novels The Space Between Us, Instead of You, and The Absence of Olivia. She started writing her first novel in June 2013 and hasn’t looked back since. Working at home as a full-time writer of books, when she is not pounding on the keyboard she can be found reading, playing with her kids, spending time with her family, and connecting with her close friends. She’s spent her entire life in the Pacific Northwest, lives in Portland, Oregon, and can’t imagine ever being anywhere else… except maybe somewhere tropical.
Synopsis: He had a plan for her. Her getting under his skin wasn’t it.I’ll stop at nothing to get what I want. It’s the Dyson way. Ruthless? Maybe. But it’s what’s put me on top. And it’s what’s going to help me get revenge on the woman who put my family through hell.I’m going to ruin Sienna Roberts.My plan has been in play for months. She has no idea I’m the mysterious benefactor commissioning her artwork, or that the downfall in store for her will be the end of her career.But there’s something I didn’t plan for—the way her smile and touch starts to make me forget all I blame her for…
Excerpt
Someone knocked on her studio door. She shot a quick glance at her watch.
Since when had Carrie ever been early? Especially for an afternoon of chocolate-biscuits therapy? She wasn’t due for another half an hour.
Another more-insistent knock came. “Okay, okay.” She glared at the empty canvas one more time before crossing the room, grabbing the doorknob, and pulling the door open. “Keep your pants…”
Icy shock froze Sienna. Her words died in her throat. Her mouth turned to dust.
Oh God.
The tall man with impossibly broad shoulders and thick black hair on her doorstep smiled, eyes sharp. “On?”
“What are you doing here?”
James Dyson, ruthless billionaire, media mogul, Time Australia’s Businessman of the Year, and the last man Sienna ever wanted to see again, slid his hands into his hip pockets. The firm muscles in his arms and shoulders flexed under his tailored designer suit, and Sienna’s pulse leaped away on a little excited masochistic trip at the sight. Stupid pulse. “I’m here to see you, Ms. Roberts.”
She raised her eyebrows, ignoring her gallivanting pulse. Getting excited over James Dyson was foolish. Getting excited over him again was just plain idiocy. “Is that right?” She crossed her arms over her breasts, staring him down. “If I remember correctly, only six months ago you told me never to come near or speak to a member of the Dyson family again. You seem to be breaking your own commandment.”
Dark, dark brown eyes studied her, and then James shrugged. “A man can change his mind.”
“The Dyson men don’t change their minds.” She narrowed her eyes. “You’re famous for it.”
An evil dimple appeared in his left cheek. “There are other…things…we’re famous for, Sienna. Don’t you want to find out what they are?”
His voice played with her senses, smooth and tantalizing like whiskey and honey. Swallowing a sudden flush of hot excitement, she met his dark stare.
The first time they’d been this close, he’d offered to buy her a drink. They’d flirted—her with an unschooled hesitancy, him with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Only when he’d found out who she was—twenty minutes into their playful and very mutual romantic advances—did their flirtation end.
The last time they’d been this close, he’d refused her entry to his brother’s funeral, his eyes unreadable, his jaw clenched, his words cutting and cruel.
He was the embodiment of everything she despised—money, power, greed. Getting excited in his presence was not only insane, it was admitting to the Devil her soul was up for grabs. “What I want, Mr. Dyson, is for you to leave. I’m expecting someone.”
A thick black eyebrow cocked. “Is he running late?”
“No. She isn’t.”
He ran his gaze over her body from head to toe in a languid inspection, taking in her old cropped tank top, paint-splattered boy-leg panties, and bare feet. Heat flushed through her cheeks at the realization she’d answered the door in her underwear, thinking the person on the other side was Carrie. It didn’t help that she remembered without any problem the compliment he’d paid her about her free-spirited nature to clothing during that first meeting. “I see,” he said. “Kinky.”
Oh I do like a revenge story! Mr. James Dyson is doing just that to Sienna Roberts. Lexxie Couper really captivated my attention in the beginning of the book. I just wanted to know why James wanted such revenge on Sienna so I kept reading and reading! My heart just went out to Sienna because she is working so hard to stay a float. Recently having to raise her fifteen old brother and pay for more bills for her imprisoned father, Sienna is taking on a huge art project that James is part of. This forces the two to become closer and soon James finds himself falling for Sienna. Now this is where is it gets good because he has revenge plans that are scheduled to be played out. Lexxie Couper certainly knows how to keep a reader invested in her book because I really wanted to see what happened.
One of my favorite story lines was Sienna and her brother Kyle. I found myself smiling at the banter between the two. James and Sienna are hot and passionate together which always makes a great read. I could really see them falling for each other.
I thought it got a bit rushed toward the end of the book with the story lines. However, some really enjoy reading books that have a fast ending. I would prefer if the stories where not so rushed to work themselves out. I did keep picking it up to see what would happen so it was overall a good read.
ABOUT LEXXIE COUPER
Lexxie Couper started writing when she was six and hasn’t stopped since. She’s not a deviant, but she does have a deviant’s imagination and a desire to entertain readers with her words. Add the two together and you get erotic romances that can make you laugh, cry, shake with fear or tremble with desire. Sometimes all at once.
When she’s not submerged in the worlds she creates, Lexxie’s life revolves around her family, a husband who thinks she’s insane, a indoor cat who likes to stalk shadows, and her daughters, who both utterly captured her heart and changed her life forever.
Today we have the blog tour for For Finlay by J. Nathan. Check out this fantastic new release and grab your copy today!
Title: For Finlay
Author: J. Nathan
Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance
About For Finlay:
Finlay Thatcher is a lost soul, guilt-ridden after the death of her twin brother. When Alabama’s football coach gives her the opportunity to work for him, she knows it’s her chance to move on, even if it means living her brother’s dream.
Caden Brooks is Alabama’s star quarterback. He’s got it all. The attention of adoring fans. A girlfriend who’d do anything to hold on to him. And a future in the pros. He’s getting along just fine until Finlay steps into his life, despising him at first sight and pushing his buttons like no other.
Unfortunately for Finlay, and her attempt to keep Caden at arm’s length, there’s nothing Caden loves more than a challenge. The problem with this challenge is she comes with a secret that has the power to destroy everything.
“I think we got off on the wrong foot,” Brooks said, breaking the silence—and my counting streak.
I glanced over. “I didn’t think we were on any foot.”
He smiled, not easily put-off by my distaste for him. “I’m Caden.”
I tilted my head.
He smirked, well aware I knew who he was. “And you are?”
“Despite what most of your teammates think, I’m not Hey You, Sweetheart, or Water Girl. I’m Finlay.”
He pursed his lips as if considering if my name fit. “Well, it’s nice to meet you Finlay.” He didn’t say my name with a southern drawl, the way the local boys said it. It rolled off his tongue smoother. The way a west coaster would say it. “Finlay what?”
My heart drummed faster, and it had nothing to do with the run. It had to do with him being the last person I’d open up to about who I was—who my brother was. “Grace.” My middle name shot out, technically making it a half-truth and not a total lie. I pressed the button on my machine to slow my pace, needing to cool down before stopping completely.
“I like you,” Caden said.
My eyes cut back to his.
“Without the chip on your shoulder.”
“I don’t have a chip,” I growled.
He leveled me with unconvinced eyes, my tone speaking for itself.
“Ever think you just bring out the worst in me?”
He smiled. “Nope. But so you know, we’re not all Grady. I, for one, am a pretty decent guy.”
“So, the rumors should be ignored?”
“At all costs.”
About J. Nathan:
Nathan is the author of the new adult novels For Finlay, Before Hadley, Until Alex, and Since Drew. When she’s not writing, she’s a total romance junkie! Add an alpha male who’s unlikable in the beginning…even better. Happy endings are a must. Love triangles and negative people are the bane of her existence. Her family, friends, guys in backwards hats, and watermelon margaritas are the light…
Those were the words I lived by growing up, the words that protected me in an unsafe home. But words are only letters and eventually even they couldn’t keep his hands off me.
Hoping to leave behind the shattered life of my past, I find myself in a boring, small town, with an aunt I’ve never met and at a school I loathe.
But soon I learn, not everything in this world is as black and white as I’ve determined. Sometimes those we are so quick to judge often need a second, third or even fourth time to make a first impression.
And often, there are friendships and even love waiting just around the corner, if we are brave enough to take the first step.
Am I brave? Or will I hide behind these tattered gloves of mine forever?
Add THE TATTERED GLOVES to your to be read shelf on Goodreads!
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4.5 Stars
J.L. Berg I am so excited that you took a chance and wrote in a different genre. And let me tell you, you definitely have a future in YA books. This book is a must read!!!
The Tattered Gloves is another perfect example of why I have such a huge addiction to YA books. The storyline was amazing and the characters are very real and relatable. I can’t say enough how “real” characters always plays a huge part in YA books. Alot of times that teenagers are acting older than they should – talking as if they are in college or reacting to things as mature adults. Yes, some teenagers are more mature than most college students, but that’s very rare.
Anyway, I digress. Willow’s reactions to everything in this book follows her personality perfectly all because of how she was raised by her mother. She is a shadow; she keeps to herself and tries to stay hidden. It’s what she knows and how she feels most comfortable in her skin. And then when her world is turned upside down, she stays hidden and keeps her guard up. But slowly learns that not everyone is cruel in this world, especially teenagers. She is strong and brave without realizing it.
Sam is something else. Let me tell you. He’s the most sincere, patient, loveable and protective teenager I have ever come across. But he’s no pushover. He’s got this magnetism that draws anyone and everyone to him. But he himself has gone through some tough times that unfortunately alot of kids these days go through. But he’s the one that finally breaks Willow out of her shell. And he does it without ever once making Willow feel scared or being pushed outside of her comfort zone.
I want to say so much more about this book and these characters plus a few others – Addy and Allison. The way J.L. slowly brings these characters into Willow’s life is amazing. And it all flows perfectly. Nothing is out of sorts and everyone interacts together so well. They are never out of character or doing something that just doesn’t fit their personality.
J.L. wrote a very strong story line. The plot is about a heavy subject but it’s not gruesome, which plays into the YA genre. You get the level of intensity that J.L. wants you to have with this book and this genre. She tells a great a story and wrote it very well. And I can’t wait for her to write more in this genre.
J.L. Berg is the USA Today bestselling author of the Ready Series, The Walls Duet, and the Lost & Found Duet. She is a California native living in the beautiful state of historic Virginia. Married to her high school sweetheart, they have two beautiful girls that drive them batty on a daily basis. When she’s not writing, you will find her with her nose stuck in a romance novel, in a yoga studio or devouring anything chocolate. J.L. Berg is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC.
THE BACHELOR AUCTION by Rachel Van Dyken (January 31, 2017; Forever Mass Market Paperback; $7.99; The Bachelors of Arizona Book 1)
NOW IN PAPERBACK!
The first book in an all-new contemporary romance series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken.
Cinderella never had to deal with this crap.
Jane isn’t entirely sure that Cinderella got such a raw deal. Sure, she had a rough start, but didn’t she eventually land a prince and a happily-ever-after? Meanwhile, Jane is busy waiting on her demanding, entitled sisters, running her cleaning business, and . . . yep, not a prince in sight. Until a party and a broken shoe incident leave Jane wondering if princes—or at least, a certain deliciously hunky billionaire—maybe do exist.
Except Brock Wellington isn’t anyone’s dream guy. Hell, a prince would never agree to be auctioned off in marriage to the highest bidder. Or act like an arrogant jerk—even if it was just a façade. Now, as Brock is waiting for the auction chopping block, he figures it’s karmic retribution that he’s tempted by a sexy, sassy woman he can’t have. But while they can’t have a fairy-tale ending, maybe they can indulge in a little bit of fantasy . . .
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of New Adult, Regency, and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho with her husband, son, and their snoring boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers!
It’s the start of nothing good.
I fired off a storm of raunchy text messages…to the wrong number.
And he replied.
Him: Show me a picture.
Him: Tell me your name.
Why does the lure of anonymity have me craving to indulge a stranger?
It’s the start of everything right.
I received a slew of text messages…when everything in my life was wrong.
And she made me laugh again.
Her: You’re probably a creeper.
Her: Possibly a stalker.
Why do I have the overwhelming need to find this stranger who saved me and make her mine?
Him: Take a chance with me.
Her: This is crazy.
Him: I need to see you.
Her: What are we doing?
Him: We’re about to find out.
Her: PHOTO ATTACHED
Him: PHOTO ATTACHED
So I am probably going to be in the minority with this book. Text 2 Lovers was just ok for me for various reasons.
I was curious to read Text 2 Lovers after reading the blurb. There was a book not long ago that I read where their relationship started off with a wrong text and I really liked their story. So I had high hopes of really enjoying this book. While I did enjoy parts of it, I was slightly let down.
Text 2 Lovers is about Ram and Dani who become acquainted because of a text to a wrong number. Love the concept but I didn’t like that the reason behind the wrong text was exactly the same as the other book I had read. To me, personally, if felt like they had taken that author’s idea and copied it into their story. I wish they would have made it like a wrong number due to misinterpreting numbers or something along those lines. So right there, I was already tempted to stop. But, I wanted to give this book a chance.
Everything is going great between Dani and Ram. And that’s where it should have ended. The way their story continues just didn’t sit well with me. It felt like they needed a dramatic moment to add something to the book where I thought Dani and Ram’s story was perfect. Yes, it would be a novella, but I felt it was cute story.
The only redeeming part to this book for me is Roman and Andie. These two had me in stitches when they had to interact with one another. Andie is a spitfire and Roman it seems is up for the challenge she provides. I am excited to read their story because I know it will be hilarious and full of fire.
If you’ve never read any books where the relationship starts off with a wrong text, then you will enjoy this book. The writing is great and the authors do a great job of writing this characters. However, if you’re like me and have read a book with this same idea, you may not enjoy it as much.
About K. Webster
K Webster is the author of dozens romance books in many different genres including contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, and erotic romance. When not spending time with her husband of twelve years and two adorable children, she’s active on social media connecting with her readers.
Her other passions besides writing include reading and graphic design. K can always be found in front of her computer chasing her next idea and taking action. She looks forward to the day when she will see one of her titles on the big screen.
You can easily find K Webster on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads!
J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer and first-time author. When she’s not cooking, event planning, or playing around with her husband, son and three doxies, she’s relaxing with her nose in a book. With her love for romance, and her head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own story to life. Life in a Rut, Love not Included is her first novel. Hollyfield lives in the Midwest, and is currently at work on her next book.
“Stay is a power, heart-wrenching story that will consume you heart and soul, leaving you utterly breathless days after the last page is read.” – Kelly Elliott New York Times bestselling author
Synopsis:
From NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author A.L. Jackson comes the next sexy, gripping Bleeding Stars Stand-Alone Novel…
I’m Ash Evans.
The life of the party.
Hot. Rich. Charismatic.
A tattooed rock star with the world at my feet.
I burn through women faster than the strike of a match.
I’ve embraced my lifestyle and live it to the fullest.
Until the day my lifestyle caught up to me.
Willow Langston found me at my lowest.
Literally.
Facedown in a puddle of my own blood.
I owe her my life and I have three months to repay that debt.
What I never should have done was touch her. Kiss her. Take her to my bed.
Love wasn’t supposed to be a part of the equation.
I gave up that nasty complication a long damned time ago.
Now I want her more than my next breath.
But she doesn’t know what I know.
Do I leave to protect her? Or can I face my demons and ask her to Stay?
Stay is the 5th book in the Bleeding Stars series. Ash’s story – the party boy, the carefree one.
I was not expecting this story. I knew he harbored guilt over what happened to his sister Edie. But before all that, he was the easy going, party loving guy of the whole Band.
“Even wild souls need a place to rest.”
Willow is a breath of fresh air. She’s sees the beauty in everything; even after everything she ever wanted and had was taken greedily from her. Her life is filled with a lot of tragic events, but she’s always been able to still find the sliver lining.
“That’s your gift. You see the beauty in the old. The beauty in the bad. The beauty that’s hidden in all things.”
Willow and Ash are from two different worlds. They are two different people. And when their worlds collide, it’s a force to be reckon with. But it’s a whirlwind of chaos between the two of them. Ash refuses to let his heart be owned again. And Willow refuses to give her heart to anyone who can’t give theirs in return.
“Sometimes our greatest gifts are found in our darkest hour.”
I had figured this story was going to be about finding love in places you never expected. And yes, that is the underlying tone in this story. But it’s the heartache, the loss, the tragedies that give this book the depth. Like with every Bleeding Stars book, there is no shortage of emotions. You see a side of Ash that we never could have anticipated. And we get to watch Willow bloom into a new woman – one that was waiting to burst out from the inside.
“One thing you should never do is mistake broken for weak.”
With each new book in this series, I find myself loving them all more and more. Ash’s story was so unexpected. And Willow – she’s a fighter. Their journey isn’t an easy one – it’s filled with some much fear, loss, heartbreak but also hopes and dreams.
“Love is never cut and dry. It’s messy. Confusing. Sometimes it’s ugly and sometimes it’s the most beautiful things you’ve ever seen. But no matter how much it might hurt, it can never change the fact it’s real. That it’s worth fighting for. And the real kind of love will always come back to you.”
Nathan is the author of the new adult novels For Finlay, Before Hadley, Until Alex, and Since Drew. When she’s not writing, she’s a total romance junkie! Add an alpha male who’s unlikable in the beginning…even better. Happy endings are a must. Love triangles and negative people are the bane of her existence. Her family, friends, guys in backwards hats, and watermelon margaritas are the light…
About THE TATTERED GLOVES
