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The Thief by Kate McCarthy….Blog Tour

THIEF_BLOG TOUR BANNER.jpg

The Thief by Kate McCarthy
Release Date: April 4th, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance

The Thief - Final NEW

After years of working in the family business, Arcadia “Ace” Jones has become a renowned car thief. Trained from a tender age, it’s the only life she’s ever known. Longing for a future that doesn’t hold the promise of prison, she makes the decision to go straight and earn an honest living.

But the Marchetti Organisation won’t accept her retirement, forcing her to complete a job so big it’s almost impossible. She’s on a tight deadline but an irritating biker dude keeps thwarting her attempts to deliver.

Kelly Daniels likes to tinker with bikes and cars. He’s content with operating the car restoration business he owns alongside his partners, until an annoying little thief manages to steal a Dodge Charger right out from under his nose.

He gets pulled into her treacherous scheme and they form an unlikely bond. When it becomes a race against the clock to pull off the heist of the century or end up behind bars, Ace and Kelly realise they have more to lose than their freedom—each other.

AVAILABLE NOW

Read Today!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2H5nMFU 
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2q11n4w
Amazon CA:
https://amzn.to/2Guv2Ov
Add to your Goodreads: https://goo.gl/knwbkq

Excerpt:

My breath catches. This was only supposed to be about wild sex with a hot, irresistible man. I should have known. The moment he walked inside Fix I knew he was a paradox. A puzzle, one I played with, slowly fitting all the broken pieces together until the whole picture now sits before me, a picture so beautiful it steals my breath.

“Kelly.” He watches me, his face close to mine. “You were never meant to get involved. It’s not your fight.”

He draws back like I’ve slapped him the face.

I fumble for his hand, grabbing it before he can withdraw any further. “It’s always been my fight. I don’t have friends. I don’t have boyfriends. I don’t sleep around. I’ve always kept people at arms-length because I don’t live a life where I can answer the kinds of questions they ask of me. Then you came along and I thought maybe this once it would be nice, real fucking nice to pretend I could have something beautiful for myself. Only you weren’t what I expected. You pissed me off. You made me laugh and you made me ache, and you made me want you so damn much. You did all that and now I can’t imagine how I lived a life without you in it. You give so much of yourself without even realising it. Even now you’re taking my fight and making it your own, and I hate myself for being so selfish and letting you.”

Blog tour teaser .jpg

About the Author:

Kate McCarthy is a USA Today Bestselling author who resides in Brisbane, Australia, a city in the state of Queensland where she works full time on her writing.

She has two children, two dogs, and a pile of friends and family dotted all over the world that help keep her sane.

When she’s not busy running after naughty kids, filthy dogs, and writing books, you can find her curled up in bed in the early hours of the morning reading new books and re-reading old favourites.

Connect with the Author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateMcCarthyAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KMacinOz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkatemccarthy/
Website: https://katemccarthy.net/

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The Last King by Katee Robert…Review

 

 

 

Have you Pre-ordered THE LAST KING yet?THE LAST KING
Beckett and Samara’s story is now available!

Ultra wealthy and super powerful, the King family is like royalty in Texas. But who will keep the throne? New York Times bestselling author Katee Robert introduces a red-hot new series.

Pre-order THE LAST KING and add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! Then keep reading to get a sneak peek excerpt and enter the giveaway for one of ten (10) print copies of THE LAST KING!

 

Title: The Last King
Author: Katee Robert
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Publisher: Forever
Series: The Kings
Page Count: 336 pages
Format: Digital
ASIN: B074M69QLF
ISBN: 978-1455597109

Synopsis:

THE MAN SHE HATES TO LOVE

Beckett King just inherited his father’s fortune, his company-and all his enemies. If he’s going to stay on top, he needs someone he can trust beside him. And though they’ve been rivals for years, there’s no one he trusts more than Samara Mallick.

The rebel. That’s how Samara has always thought of Beckett. And he’s absolutely living up to his unpredictable ways when he strides into her office and asks for help. She can’t help wondering if it’s a legit request or just a ploy to get her into bed. Not that she’d mind either one. After all, she likes to live on the edge too.

But soon the threats to the King empire are mounting, and the two find family secrets darker than they ever imagined and dangerous enough to get them both killed.

 

 

Praise for The Last King:

“Top Pick! Beckett and Samara are a fantastic, modern couple. They clash in the boardroom and the bedroom, are total equals, and their bring-it-on spirit makes every interaction lively and exciting — whether clothes are on or off. … The heart of this romance is the development of trust between Beckett and Samara, and Robert expertly unfolds it, revealing the emotional connection on both sides under the flash and fire of their irresistible chemistry. 4 1/2 stars.”—RT Book Reviews

 

Available at:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/TheLastKingAmazon
B&N: http://bit.ly/TheLastKingBN
iTunes: http://bit.ly/TheLastKingiTunes
Kobo: http://bit.ly/TheLastKingKobo

GIVEAWAY

Enter to win one of ten (10) print copies of THE LAST KING!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Katee Robert became a go-to author for me when she released The Marriage Contract in 2015. The Last King is the start of Katee’s newest romantic suspense and she is starting it off well.

The Last King surrounds the King family. Wealth, power and prestige is what has torn this family in two over the years. Beckett has inherited his father’s company and fortune after his unexpected death. However, things are far some settled. His Aunt Lydia has always been a huge thorn in Beckett’s father side and now she is driving that thorn into Beckett. But Lydia doesn’t play by the rules and uses everyone around her to play her games for her.

Samara has worked for Kingdom Corp for quite some time and has worked her way up just short of top management. She is practically Lydia’s right hand and also Beckett’s biggest rival. These two are always in a bidding war for contracts but it’s when they can no longer deny the sexual chemistry that things really get heated behind closed doors.

The Last King is a bit of slow burn read. Katee does a phenomenal job of giving us a lot of background detail on these characters and their families. I think this is where I felt things slow down a bit for me but it’s needed in order to build the drama and suspense that will carry on for the rest of the series. You get an understanding of how things came to be and how it’s affected each character in different ways.

This mixture of the romance and suspense was a perfect balance and blend. Samara kept her guard up when need be but also allowed herself to feel without the barrier of her job getting in the way. Beckett refused to allow his father or the animosity between the companies be a wedge between he and Samara. I love that he never once gave up his pursuit of her. There is no real mystery as to who’s behind everything that keeps the excitement going – it’s just seeing what happens next and how everyone fairs in the end that keeps the book moving along.

I am excited to see where Katee takes us in the next book. I can sense that Journey is going to be a very dramatic woman with her daddy issues. Daddy isssues seems to be driving force in this series…..I like it.

 

 

The Last King Excerpt

Copyright © 2018 Katee Robert

What were you thinking about just then?” His gaze fell to her mouth. “Never mind. You don’t have to tell me. It’s written all over your face.”
She licked her lips as he stepped closer, as he backed her against the wall and bracketed her in with his hands on either side of her head. He felt bigger in this position, as if his shoulders could block out the very sun. You have to get him to back off. You’re too close. She leaned against the wall, the move arching her back just a little. Beckett’s gaze dropped to where her breasts pressed against her blouse, and he dragged in an unsteady breath. As if he was using every ounce of willpower not to touch her. He dragged his eyes up to meet hers. “You were thinking about that night.”
She could deny it, but it would be pointless. “Yeah.”
Slowly, oh so slowly, he moved one hand to sift his fingers through her hair. When she didn’t immediately answer, he leaned closer yet. “I think about it, too.” He trailed his fingers through her hair until he reached her shoulder and his thumb dipped beneath the fabric of her shirt. “All the fucking time.” He dropped his hand farther, the tips of his fingers tracing over her breast in a touch so light she was half sure she imagined it.
Might have convinced herself she imagined it if her entire body wasn’t tuned to his in that moment.
Touch me.
As if reading her thoughts, he shifted closer, his leg sliding between hers. The move forced her skirt up as she spread her legs to accommodate his thigh. Higher and higher until he was firmly pressed against her clit. It throbbed in time with her heartbeat, and it was everything she could do not to rub on his thigh like a mindless version of herself.
She felt mindless. Samara gave up her determination not to touch him. She couldn’t wrap her legs around his waist because of her damn skirt, but she ran her hands up his chest. “We can’t.”
“I know.” But he didn’t stop. He slid his hands down to her ass, urging her to grind against his thigh. Slowly, so incredibly slowly, as if he had all the time in the world. He dragged his mouth over her collarbone, the faint rasp of whiskers drawing a whimper from her lips.
Samara dug her fingers into his hair, and he went still. Waiting. She pulled him up and took his mouth the way she’d wanted to since she’d snuck out of that hotel room six months before. She flicked his tongue with hers, teasing him even as he resumed the delicious movement between them again. Yes, yes, do that, don’t stop.
Beckett let her have control for all of two seconds, and then he deepened the kiss, pressing her more firmly against the wall. He took with his mouth even as he gave with his body, hitching her higher until her toes barely touched the floor and she was completely at his mercy. Pleasure sparked through her, and she kissed him harder. It wasn’t enough, might never be enough, but she couldn’t stop.
Not when she knew that, as good as this was, what came next was even better.Heaven was Samara in a little green dress.
Beckett watched her walk across the lobby, her mile-long legs eating up the distance with ease. That glimpse of wildness she’d given him last night was in full effect today, her hair a mass of black waves that seemed to curl and snap around her shoulders with each step. Her dress fitted her like a second skin, sloping down over her breasts, her stomach, to her hips and thighs.
But it was her dark eyes that drew and held him. Anger and desire and something like guilt lingered there, and she held his gaze as she stopped in front of him. “Do I meet your expectation?”
“You’re beautiful.”
She arched a single eyebrow. “I know.”
That surprised a laugh out of him. Beckett turned to the elevator bank and offered his elbow. The gentlemanly move was over-the-top for their current circumstances, but he couldn’t be this close to her without touching her. Kissing her now, here, was a terrible damn idea, so he’d settle for the small touch. “No false modesty. I like that.”
“I think we’ve established that I don’t operate based on what you like.” Despite her words, amusement pulled at the edges of her lips, and she set her hand carefully on his forearm. “Every time I think I have your number down, you surprise me. Most guys get pissy pants if a woman doesn’t fall at their feet when they call her beautiful.”
“I’m not most guys.” He waited for the elevator door to open and led her onto it. “You can’t fit me into a box and write me off, Samara.”
“I’m beginning to see that.” She shook her head, her hair brushing against his shoulder. “My life would be a whole lot easier if I could.”
He couldn’t argue that, so he didn’t bother. Beckett took them up to the executive level. He noted the way she studied everything, obviously filing away every bit of information she could lay her eyes on. “What does Lydia pay you these days?”
She dropped her arm and stepped back. “Oh no. I don’t think so.” She pointed at him. “We went over this last night. I’m not for sale.”
“It’s an innocent question.”
“It is most definitely not an innocent question.” She looked like she wanted to take off her shoe and throw it at his head. “I don’t care what issue you and your aunt have. I’m not part of it. You don’t get to use me as leverage. I’m not a pawn for either of you to sacrifice in this pissing match you have going on.”
Shame tried to take hold, but he wouldn’t let it. Samara knew the game, no matter how much it apparently offended her. “I’m the bad guy for trying to offer you a job, but I’m sure you agreed to show up here solely out of the goodness of your heart.” He pretended to think about it. “Wait, no you didn’t—which you already admitted. You’re here because Lydia wants to do whatever it takes to sink Morningstar. Full stop.” He motioned at the offices behind him. “Wake up, Samara. I’m only playing the game she made the rules for.”
She took in the empty COO office on the other side of the glass wall. “She poached your employees.”
“Convenient timing, don’t you think?”
“You’re not still harping on that paranoid talk about Lydia meeting Nathaniel.” Samara hesitated and then moved to stand in front of him. She pressed her lips together and then very gently said, “Do you think maybe it’s a good idea for you to talk to someone?”
Beckett jerked back. “What?”
There was nothing but sympathy in her dark eyes. “I’m serious, Beckett. I’ve known you a long time, at least by reputation, and this delusion you have going isn’t like you. Is it possible that Nathaniel’s death is hitting you harder than you realize? That you’re fixating on Lydia instead of your own grief because it’s easier to deal with an enemy than face the fact you can never make things right with your father?”
Every word flayed him, cutting to the quick. Beckett gritted his teeth against the need to tell Samara that she was the one who wasn’t thinking clearly. To yell. To expel some of the ugliness that had been brewing in him for a very, very long time. “I didn’t call you here to offer you a job, and I sure as hell don’t need a shrink.”
She stood her ground as he advanced. Her heels put them at the same height and she still managed to look down her nose at him. “Then why did you call me here?”
Because I can’t spend another moment alone without going out of my mind.
He didn’t say it. To admit how long it had been since he’d felt a connection with another person was to hand Samara—Lydia—a loaded gun and invite her to point it directly at him. He didn’t answer her verbally at all. Beckett cupped her waist and slowly pulled her against him, giving her plenty of time to register his intentions.
“Beckett.” Despair colored her tone and she gave a desperate laugh. “What are we doing?”
“I don’t know.” Using a hand on the small of her back, he pressed her firmly against him. “I don’t want to stop.”
Samara hesitated, but finally placed her hands gingerly against his chest. He waited, letting her decide. Yes or no. Push or pull. Stay or go. She hitched a breath. “I don’t want to stop, either.”

 

 

 

About Katee Robert

 

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her 2015 title, The Marriage Contract, was a RITA finalist, and RT Book Reviews named it ‘a compulsively readable book with just the right amount of suspense and tension.” When not writing sexy contemporary and romantic suspense, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her children, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

Connect with Katee at:

Website | Facebook | Twitter| GoodReads

Instagram  

 

 

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Cover Reveal…Lead Me Home by A.L. Jackson

Lead Me Home

A stand-alone romance in A.L. Jackson’s Fight for Me series…

Coming May 7th

Cover: RBA Designs
Photo: Wander Aguiar
I am SOOOO excited to reveal the cover of LEAD ME HOME!! I have MAD LOVE for this cover. OMG, look at those eyes. Anyone else mesmerized?
Meet Oliver Preston, better known as Ollie, the bartender/owner of Olive’s in the Fight for Me series, and he’s itching to tell his story. Are you ready for him? This sexiness is coming to you in LEAD ME HOME, releasing May 7th!
I cannot wait to get this story to you. It’s intense and suspenseful, crazy sexy, and packed with the feels!!
DETAILS:
TITLE: LEAD ME HOME
SERIES: A Fight for Me Stand-Alone Novel
RELEASE DATE: MAY 7TH, 2018
Fourteen years ago, my life changed forever.
My sister disappeared. That day I was selfish. That day I chose myself over her. And that day, I lost everything.
Including Nikki Walters.
She’s the girl I’ve loved my whole life. She’s gorgeous. Caring. Every single thing I’ve ever wanted but denied myself. She was my sister’s best friend, and I destroyed any chance of keeping her.
When her safety is threatened, I have a second chance to do the right thing. But as soon as she moves in, I want her in all the wrong ways.
All it takes is a brush of her hand, and I’m losing all control.
The fire between us is only burning hotter.
But neither of us saw what was coming.
And it just might be Nikki Walters who destroys me in the end.
The highly anticipated sexy, suspenseful stand-alone second-chance romance from NYT Bestselling Author, A.L. Jackson.
Add to Goodreads
Be notified of LIVE RELEASE on Amazon
Signed Paperback PRE-ORDER 

Be notified of LIVE RELEASE on Amazon
Signed Paperback PRE-ORDER 

Don’t miss our amazing giveaway going on to celebrate the LEAD ME HOME Cover Reveal!! Grand prize includes signed SHOW ME THE WAY and FOLLOW ME BACK Paperbacks, plus a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card!!
​
Be notified of LIVE RELEASE on Amazon
Signed Paperback PRE-ORDER 

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.
Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, and BLEEDING STARS novels. Watch for A.L. Jackson’s upcoming novel, LEAD ME HOME, the third stand-alone novel in her brand-new FIGHT FOR ME SERIES.
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson or text “aljackson” to 33222 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

Connect with A.L.

Newsletter: http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson
Facebook: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonPage
Reader Group: http://smarturl.it/AmysAngelsRock
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonAmzn
Bookbub: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonBookbub
Twitter: @aljacksonauthor
Instagram: @aljacksonauthor
Snapchat: @aljacksonauthor
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Release Day Blitz…Sever by Mary Elizabeth

Today we have the release blitz for SEVER by Mary Elizabeth! Check it out and grab your copy today!

 

Title: SEVER
Author: Mary Elizabeth
Series: Closer Duet
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release: April 5th
Cover Designer: Sofie at Hart and Bailey Designs

About SEVER

Misery overstayed its welcome.

But fate will not be so easily swayed.

Gabriella Mason and Teller Reddy have walked a thin line between affection and hostility for years. The intensity that once set them on fire has ended their engagement and separated them by more than just miles.

Forced together by circumstances they never saw coming, Gabriella and Teller have no choice but to face the past that brought them together and ultimately severed them apart.

Wrecked and Damaged have collided.

This is what happens when they try to pick up the pieces.

Get Your Copy Today!

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Add to Goodreads

Read Book 1 in the Closer Duet NOW!

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

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Giveaway

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About Mary Elizabeth

Mary Elizabeth is an up and coming author who finds words in chaos, writing stories about the skeletons hanging in your closets.
Mary was born and raised in Southern California. She is a wife, mother of four beautiful children, and dog tamer to one enthusiastic Pit Bull and a prissy Chihuahua. She’s a hairstylist by day but contemporary fiction, new adult author by night. Mary can often be found finger twirling her hair and chewing on a stick of licorice while writing and rewriting a sentence over and over until it’s perfect. She discovered her talent for tale-telling accidentally, but literature is in her chokehold. And she’s not letting go until every story is told.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub

Mary’s Little Lambs Facebook Group

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The Fidelity World….Various Authors

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION JOIN THE GROUP HERE

 

Retribution – Andrea Bills

Cole spent his entire adult life gaining power to see through his plans of revenge. He never wavered from his goal until Annie. Her piercing blue eyes and smart mouth tempted him with a life he didn’t think possible.

Annie had her own past— her own plot for revenge. Hellbent on taking down the coward who had ripped her hopes and dreams away from her, she would stop at nothing to see it through. The only catch: she needed Cole’s name and the protection it offered.

She didn’t plan on craving Cole’s touch or loving the way he tormented her with stolen kisses and whispered promises.

What started off as a one-year contract, ended up a fury of passion and life changing decisions that neither of them expected.

Was Cole’s focus on the past keeping him from the life he deserved?

Did Annie really lose her dream, or had she just been chasing the wrong one?

Would they lose each other in their desire to get retribution?

 

 

Shakedown – Jen Talty

All California “Cali” Banister wanted to do was pay off to the man who held her parent’s business hostage. What he’d done had been nothing shy of a good old-fashioned shakedown, preying on a trusting, older couple, and now, if they wanted to have control of the family business, they had to pay two-hundred thousand dollars by the end of the year.

No way would Cali let that happen. She’d do anything, including going to work for the private Infidelity club. She figures a rich man, who wants a woman to drape on his arm for show, might lavish her with gifts she can sell and cash she could save.

Her first night in the club, she meets a sexy young millionaire named Xavier Williams and she thinks she’s hit pay dirt. Only Xavier isn’t exactly who he says he is.

William “Xavier” Sumner will do anything to for a story. Anything. And he thinks there is a story to be had inside the exclusive and elusive Infidelity club. Posing as a millionaire is the easy part. But picking the right woman to interview for his story, proves to be more difficult than he anticipated… until he meets Cali.

Sparks fly from the first second and Xavier thinks by this time next year, every network will want his investigative skills.

Only his betrayal and her deception could cost them everything they wanted…and put their lives in an inescapable deadly situation.

 

 

Scorched – Casey Hagen

 

Beatrice Addington slid into a seductive night with a man who lured her with his confidence, hooked her by bringing her sexual fantasies to life, and using cunning, turned tables on her by sucking her into his plot for revenge against her father. One night of unbridled passion costs her a lifetime’s piece of mind leaving her trapped between a familiar, staid past and an unpredictable, treacherous future. With the truth of her father’s betrayal revealed, Beatrice must decide where her loyalties lie and how far she’s willing to go to get what she wants.
And she wants Micah Alessi.
Micah Alessi couldn’t have conjured a more fitting weapon for his revenge against Wallace Addington than the man’s own daughter, Beatrice. When one night of mind-blowing sexual exploration creates feelings anchored deep in his heart, Micah will do anything to keep Beatrice ensnared in his web of erotic discovery. After gambling on a hunch and setting Beatrice up to see the truth about her father, he hunts for ways to keep her bound to him long enough to become the one thing she can’t live without. What better way than setting her up with Infidelity and signing a yearlong contract binding her to him?
With the deal made, Micah follows the path to revenge, bringing Beatrice along for the ride. But can Beatrice shun her family and accept who she’s at risk to become while by his side? Can she survive being bound to a man seething with hate that poisons the people he cares about most? And can Micah accept that by possessing Beatrice, he might taint her, destroy her heart, leaving her a shell of the woman he loves?

 

 

Liar – LeTeisha Newton

Everyone tells lies … I just tell them better than most.

Elliot Wilmington came from the gutter, kicked dirt and teeth in with equal measure, and found a life surviving by his wits alone. Taken at birth for ransom never paid, his entire life had been a lie.

He’d find a way to take what belonged to him, and when the dust settled, he’d be the one holding the gun. But first, he’d start by gaining entrance to Infidelity and making sure they took notice.

Everyone tells lies … I’ve learned to trust nothing.

Upon her mother’s death, Ilaria Paolo receives the key to one man’s future in a safety deposit box, and by bringing him his fortune, she’d secure hers. Lost, alone, and facing life on the streets, a chance encounter with a cobalt-eyed devil ushers her into the arms of Infidelity.

It’s a risky move, but she has nothing left, and until she understands what is in the locked box, she has no choice but to survive. Her companion is a liar, her past a fabricated tale, and Ilaria is bound to possible destruction.

Or the worse lie of all … love.

 

 

Exfiltration – Jillian Anselmi

Case File: C-1999-21369 Suspect: Atiyah Abd al-Rahman Mission: Bring home the president’s daughter.

Time is ticking. The enemy is near. Lives are on the line.

CIA Agent Deloris Witt, do you accept?

Kimberly Ryan is in Afghanistan helping injured civilians trapped in the middle of the war. The only problem? The president has given the order to bomb Osama bin Laden’s alleged second in command, and his philanthropist daughter is in danger.

The details of the job: save Kimberly before the bomb is detonated.

Abduction. Terrorism. Imminent Threat.

Challenge accepted.

 

Invictus by Kylie Hillman

Having your entire life mapped out for you from birth has its perks, but it also comes with serious drawbacks.

For Ida Montoya, escaping her predetermined destiny means leaving behind everything she’s ever known and making her own way in the world. No more easy money. No motherly hugs to soothe her hurt. No soft place to fall when she messes it all up.

Felix Von Sonderberg—Crown Prince of a country he wishes he could change, son to a father he despises, future husband to a woman he’s never met—yearns to experience life out from under the shadow of his family name. For him, the offer of one year to do as he pleases, in a country where nobody knows him, seems like the perfect salve to his scarred soul.

Employing the services of a beautiful young woman to pander to his every whim during his year of freedom should be the perfect plan. All the fun with no strings to cut when the time comes to leave.

What could possibly go wrong?

Ony everything. Ida might become the one thing he’s not willing to give up, in order to have the heavy crown has belonged to him since birth, finally placed upon his head.

Note from the Author:

Felix Von Sonderberg will also appear in the brand-new spin-off series to the bestselling Centrifuge Duet, Full Circle Security Inc. Be the first to meet Felix and taste the sinfully seductive world of the FCS Inc. alphas before the series launches at the end of 2018.

 

UNWILLING by LK Collins

There are three things in life that matter to Westin Smith.

Money.

Sex.

And his company.

At least that was the case before Sasha Monroe charged into his life with her long legs and smart-as-hell mouth. Since the moment he laid eyes on her, she’s consumed him, making the three things he cares about . . . wash away.

From the moment Sasha meets Westin on a flight to The Infidelity Corporation, she can tell he is every woman’s greatest desire and worst nightmare wrapped up in a finely tailored six-piece suit. Yes, she might find herself daydreaming about him, but those fantasies are all wrong and will never come true. She’s on this trip for business, and that’s it.

Besides, she’ll never see him again.

Or so that’s what she thought.

A twist of events puts the two closer than ever.

Forced to align with Westin, does she have the power to say no to him?

 

 

 

One week. No future. No past. No more.

Alexandria Collins has one week to live carefree—no ghosts of her past or pressures of her future haunting her. Reinventing herself as “Charli,” she is knocked off her feet by a sexy, mysterious man who brings her pleasure like she never imagined. With her heart at stake, she forgets that decisions made in the dark of night reappear in the bright light of day.

“Some of my tastes are unique. They aren’t for everyone. I understand that.”

Lennox “Nox” Demetri is wealthy, confident, and decisive—he knows what he wants. From the first time he sees Charli at an exclusive resort, he knows he wants her. Although he is usually the one to make the rules, together they agree on one:

One week. No more.

When betrayal comes from those closest to Alexandria, she must decide how far she is willing to go to survive. Choices are not always easy, especially when they involve the heart, body, and soul. After all, Infidelity is a business, and some rules are meant to be broken.

“Is it really cheating if you’re doing it to yourself?”

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a sexy, new dominant hero who knows what he wants, and a strong-willed heroine who has plans of her own. With classic Aleatha Romig twists, turns, deceptions, and devotions, this new epic dark romance will have readers swooning one minute and screaming the next. Have you been Aleatha’d?

BETRAYAL is a full-length novel and the first of five in the INFIDELITY series.

Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | iBooks |Kobo

 

 

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of nearly thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha’s twisted style with an increase in heat.

In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and a member of PEN America.

NEWSLETTER | WEBSITE | FACEBOOK| AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | GOODREADS | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | PINTEREST

 

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Release Day Blitz….The End Zone by L.J. Shen

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The End Zone, a sexy friends to lovers romance from L.J. Shen is available LIVE!

Jolie Louis is a smart girl.

She knows that her best friend, Sage Poirier, is a bad idea.

He’s a walking, talking cliché. The Adonis quarterback with the bulging biceps and harem of fangirls trailing behind him on campus like a stench you can’t get rid of.

Sadly, it is also the very reason she can’t seem to stay away from him.

No, wait. That’s not fair. They’re also roommates, at least until May, when they graduate from college.

Jolie is already straddling the line between friendship and more when Sage comes to her with an offer she cannot refuse: be his fake girlfriend and live for free for the rest of the semester.

She tells herself that she can handle it.

He’s just the boy she saved ten years ago, right?

Wrong. So very wrong.

He is a man now, and she is his captive

Heart, body, and soul…

** THE END ZONE is now available with an extended epilogue and surprise bonus content that will blow fans of L. J. Shen away! **

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Don’t miss out!

Download now or read today FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2uMkEMB

Amazon Universal: mybook.to/TheEndZone

Audio: https://amzn.to/2GOmcL6

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2HOo83N

About L.J. Shen:

L.J. Shen is an International #1 best-selling author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She lives in Northern California with her husband, young son and chubby cat.

Before she’d settled down, L.J. (who thinks referring to herself in the third person is really silly, by the way) traveled the world, and collected friends from all across the globe. Friends who’d be happy to report that she is a rubbish companion, always forgets people’s birthdays and never sends Christmas cards.

She enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends, reading, HBO, Netflix and internet-stalking Stephen James. She reads between three to five books a week and firmly believes Crocs shoes and mullets should be outlawed.

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Connect with LJ Shen:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lj_shen

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorljshen/

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

Stay up to date with LJ Shen by signing up for her mailing list:

http://bit.ly/2umcYPg

http://www.authorljshen.com/

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Wait With Me by Amy Daws…Review

the wait is over

From Buzzfeed to Babble to Scary Mommy and even network television—the most anticipated social media viral sensation is LIVE!

The story of romance writer Amy Daws’ relationship with a little tire shop in South Dakota is a refreshingly fun tale that ends in an auto shop romantic comedy that you have to read!

Daws’ fans have loved watching this story trend, but more importantly, they are loving this 5-star read about a couple who meet outside of a tire shop…

Its LIVE-flipped

When romance novelist, Kate Smith, finds her long lost writing mojo in the customer waiting area of a tire store, the complimentary coffee isn’t the only things that’s hot. But sexy mechanic, Miles Hudson, is just up for a friendly test-drive of her new book idea.
At least, that was the agreement…

Buy
⬇︎⬇︎⬇︎
Amazon US ⎢Amazon UK ⎢ Amazon CA ⎢ Amazon AU

 

I have been a big fan of Amy’s since I read the book, Pointe of Breaking, with Sarah J Pepper and I have followed both authors religiously since then. So I was able to see the goofiness unwrapping with Amy finding herself continuously going to a tire shop to write and all craziness that happened because she kept returning. And that is how this book came to fruition.

Wait With me is a hilarious and very entertaining read. Some of the things that happen in this book did happen to Amy and I love that she intertwined those instances into this story. It made all the more realistic in ways. These characters felt real and their characteristics were honest.

Miles and Kate are two people who normally wouldn’t meet under different circumstances. Kate is struggling to find her writing mojo due to a recent break up. One day, she finds herself writing all the words while her car is getting worked on and comes back to find this tire shop is her place to go.

Miles is a mechanic at the tire shop and finds Kate slipping in and out of the Customer Care Center, not so stealthy she thinks. But it’s on the day that he is taking his non-smoking break that Kate tries pull off the whole stealth-mode approach but ends up walking straight into Miles.

And it’s from here that Amy takes us on this journey of comedy, romance and sexy times. There isn’t one thing that I did not love about this book. Miles and Kate were the best match and challenged one another. The whole story flowed extremely well and felt natural.

Thank you Amy for sharing what you thought were embarrassing moments in your life and turning them into one hell of great story!!

 

 

 

smut writer

viral sensationIt all began when Daws went to Tires Tires Tires to get a new set of wheels on her car. She was suffering from writer’s block, but apparently the complimentary coffee and cookies cured her. So she decided to bring in cars of friends and family so she could keep writing in the magical waiting room.

Her social media musings had her fans in stitches and it wasn’t long before inspiration struck again. This time…Daws was to write a sexy romantic comedy about a romance novelist who sneaks into a tire shop and gets caught by a hot mechanic. You can imagine where the love story goes from here.

Eventually, the little tire shop opened their arms to Daws, even putting her release date on their marquee sign outside.

It wasn’t long before Buzzfeed got wind of it. Then Scary Mommy. Then InspireMore and several other blogs with followers well into the millions. WGN News in Chicago, Fox 10 in Phoenix and Canada Public Radio are all talking about the adorable feel good story of how inspiration can strike in the strangest of places.

Check out these fun features:
Buzzfeed ⎢InspireMore ⎢ Babble ⎢ Scary Mommy

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excerpt

She slaps her hand on her knee and bellows gallantly, “But you know what, Miles, you’re right! I should totally find a random hookup tonight.”
“Whoa, I never said anything about random.”
“Well, you’re doing it, so why can’t I?”
I narrow my eyes. “You don’t seem like the random type.”
“Maybe I should be.” Her eyes narrow when she leans in and whispers against my lips. “Can I tell you a secret, Miles?”
“You can tell me anything, Mercedes.”
She giggles and crooks her finger for me to lean in even closer. I’m so close I can smell the faint scent of her cherry lip gloss, and it’s not helping the half boner having a party in my pants.
Her lips graze my ear when she whispers, “My writing makes me horny.”
I nearly choke on my beer. “I’m sorry, what?”
“My writing makes me horny.” She pulls back and nods her confirmation. “I’m serious. I have a sex toy that works really well and really fast, but I miss the heat of a man, ya know?”
My eyes scrunch together, and I rub my fingers in the sockets to make sure I’m awake and hearing this all correctly. “I mean…I don’t really ever miss the heat of man, so I don’t think I know exactly what you’re saying.”
“Fine, the heat of a woman.” She rolls her eyes dramatically “You know what I’m talking about. The heat.”
I frown and shake my head. “You’re going to have to elaborate because I think of a lot of things when I think of women, but their body temperature isn’t one of them.”
“You asked for it.” She laughs and leans in so she’s speaking low and soft and directly into my ear. “The heat of a woman is so much more than temperature. It’s the soft, sensual curves of the female form. The way your fingers dig into the meat of her thighs when she’s wrapped around you. Her smooth, sunken tummy when she’s on her back, the delicate bumps of her ribcage when she’s throwing her head back in pleasure. Tight little nipples in pillows of creamy softness. The fact that you could fold yourself around her and envelop her body almost entirely and still want more. You’re saying you don’t miss that kind of heat?”
I blink slowly, recovering from what just happened. Her voice was a sensual, verbal caress straight on my cock. Then there was the warm heat of her breath on my ear. The deep husk of her tone. The way her warm palm rests softly on my thigh.
Fucking hell.

AuthorBio13254841_1712669075674776_2966283892361812453_o

Amy Daws is an Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of the Harris Brothers Series and is most known for her punny, footy-playing, British playboys. The Harris Brothers and her London Lovers Series fuel her passion for all things London. When Amy’s not writing, she’s watching Gilmore Girls or singing karaoke in the living room with her daughter while Daddy awkward-smiles from a distance.
For more of Amy’s work check out her social media links below or visit: http://www.amydawsauthor.com

Website/Newsletter: http://www.amydawsauthor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amydawsauthor
Facebook Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/728136307274712/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amydawsauthor
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/amydawsauthor
Book and Main: https://bookandmainbites.com/amydaws
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amy-daws
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/amydawsauthor/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/amydaws
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/amydawsauthor

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The Thief by Kate McCarthy….Release Blitz

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The Thief by Kate McCarthy
Release Date: April 4th, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance

The Thief - Final NEW

After years of working in the family business, Arcadia “Ace” Jones has become a renowned car thief. Trained from a tender age, it’s the only life she’s ever known. Longing for a future that doesn’t hold the promise of prison, she makes the decision to go straight and earn an honest living.

But the Marchetti Organisation won’t accept her retirement, forcing her to complete a job so big it’s almost impossible. She’s on a tight deadline but an irritating biker dude keeps thwarting her attempts to deliver.

Kelly Daniels likes to tinker with bikes and cars. He’s content with operating the car restoration business he owns alongside his partners, until an annoying little thief manages to steal a Dodge Charger right out from under his nose.

He gets pulled into her treacherous scheme and they form an unlikely bond. When it becomes a race against the clock to pull off the heist of the century or end up behind bars, Ace and Kelly realise they have more to lose than their freedom—each other.


AVAILABLE NOW

Read Today!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2H5nMFU
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2q11n4w
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2Guv2Ov

Add to your Goodreads: https://goo.gl/knwbkq

Release Blitz

About the Author:

Kate McCarthy is a USA Today Bestselling author who resides in Brisbane, Australia, a city in the state of Queensland where she works full time on her writing. 

She has two children, two dogs, and a pile of friends and family dotted all over the world that help keep her sane.

When she’s not busy running after naughty kids, filthy dogs, and writing books, you can find her curled up in bed in the early hours of the morning reading new books and re-reading old favourites.

Connect with the Author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateMcCarthyAuthor 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KMacinOz 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkatemccarthy/ 
Website: https://katemccarthy.net/

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Licks by Kelly Siskind…Release Day Blitz & Review

 

Licks, an all new standalone Second Chance Romantic Comedy by Kelly Siskind is NOW AVAILABLE!

 

 

36 hours is a short spell when racing the clock.
2,160 minutes is an eternity for old friends to fall in love…

August Cruz is the only man I’ve ever loved.
He’s the one who got away.
He’s the one I totally screwed over.

Now he’s standing on my doorstep, nine years later, but he’s not the only thing that turns up. My mother’s lost diary is in my hands, and it might lead me to my father. A possibility I wished for one year ago, at my last birthday.

I have 36 hours to fulfill that wish.
I have 36 hours to drag August on a wild scavenger hunt.
I have 36 hours to protect my heart before I lose him again…because there’s something he’s not telling me.

LICKS is a full-length, standalone Sexy Second Chance Romance with a swoony Happily Ever After.

 

 

Grab Your Copy Today!

Free in Kindle Unlimited
Amazon US – http://amzn.to/2oNpvIc
Amazon UK – http://amzn.to/2D4ylWd
Amazon CA – http://amzn.to/2tlbbv5
Add to Goodreads – https://bit.ly/2GEuXr7

Licks is the third book in an inner-connected series (Legs, Stub and Licks). Each one can definitely be read as a standalone and I have to say they each carry a different weight within the contemporary romance genre. Licks has more of the drama, angst and suspense in the story.

Licks is a two-plot story that was interesting to see play out. Gwen and August were friends growing up but when things got in the way that they couldn’t resolved properly because of being young and immature, they missed out on a lot of years til now.

Gwen and her friends, Ainsley and Rachel made a pact on their birthday (they share the same date) to fulfill a major goal in their life before their next birthday. Gwen’s just so happened to me finding out who her father is. But she now has less than 36hours to fulfill that goal and she is no closer now than before. And then in walks August.

August has not seen or spoken to Gwen since her birthday nine years ago. Some major shit went down that he was not able to get over. He quit college and went on to become a musician. He became a huge hit in Europe and moved there. But now he’s back to take care of some personal things and one them having to deal with Gwen. But it’s not what you think.

I have to say that I loved the overall plot line on this one. However, I think it was the delivery that has me not loving this one. I had an extremely hard time connecting to this one and feeling these characters. It’s not Kelly’s writing, but I felt that maybe there was too much inner monologue and that hurt the flow of things. I found myself skimming a lot because I got bored of what the character was thinking. But it did not keep me from moving forward – I never once wanted to stop. I had to know how everything turned out in the end.

Overall, it was just an ok read for me. It is told from both Gwen and August’ POVs so that definitely helped with the story too. I just missed the connection somewhere and felt something was missing. But just because this book didn’t work me, doesn’t mean it won’t work for you. I have read plenty of her other books and loved them. This was just an unfortunate miss for me.

 

About Kelly Siskind

A small-town girl at heart, Kelly moved from the city to open a cheese shop with her husband in northern Ontario. When she’s not neck deep in cheese or out hiking, you can find her, notepad in hand, scribbling down one of the many plot bunnies bouncing around in her head. She laughs at her own jokes and has been known to eat her feelings—gummy bears heal all. She’s also an incurable romantic, devouring romance novels into the wee hours of the morning.

 

Follow Kelly Siskind

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

Facebook: https://bit.ly/2Ge6tVW

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KellySiskind?lang=en

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/kellysiskind/

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Release Day Blitz…Coming Unraveled by Renee Harless

Title: Coming Unraveled
Series: Welcome to Carson #5 (Standalone)
Author: Renee Harless
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 4, 2018

 

Blurb

 

Take one dose of a
sexy physician, mix with an angsty pharmacist, and insert undeniable chemistry.

 
After one wild night in Vegas (and too much tequila), Everleigh finds herself
in bed with a man she can’t stand and a ring on her finger. It doesn’t
help that the man in question knows all the ways to push her buttons, even with
his lickable abs and chiseled chest. The life she’s built, with her secrets
locked up tight, is threatened when he decides he wants more than her in
his bed – he wants her heart.



Brooks had wanted the hot pharmacist from the first moment
he saw her. Except she shoots him down at every advance, so he hands it
over to fate. But fate doesn’t anticipate someone from Everleigh’s past intent
on keeping her for himself.

 

 

Purchase Links

$2.99 for a limited time

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

Also Available

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

#1-4 free in Kindle Unlimited

Coming Soon

 

Releasing June 27, 2018
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

Author Bio

Renee Harless, her husband, and
children live in Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.  She studied Communication, specifically
Public Relations, at Radford University.
Growing up, Renee
always found a way to pursue her creativity. It began by watching endless runs
of White Christmas- yes even in the summer – and learning every word and dance
from the movie. She could still sing Sister Sister if requested. In high school
she joined the show choir and a community theatre group, The Troubadours. After
marrying the man of her dreams and moving from her hometown she sought out a
different artistic outlet – writing.
To say that Renee
is a romance addict would be an understatement. When she isn’t chasing her
toddler around the house, working her day job, or writing, she delves head
first into a romance novel.

 

Author Links
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Release Day Blitz…..The Last King by Katee Robert

 

 

 

Have you Pre-ordered THE LAST KING yet?THE LAST KING
Beckett and Samara’s story is now available!

Ultra wealthy and super powerful, the King family is like royalty in Texas. But who will keep the throne? New York Times bestselling author Katee Robert introduces a red-hot new series.

Pre-order THE LAST KING and add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! Then keep reading to get a sneak peek excerpt and enter the giveaway for one of ten (10) print copies of THE LAST KING!

 

Title: The Last King
Author: Katee Robert
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Publisher: Forever
Series: The Kings
Page Count: 336 pages
Format: Digital
ASIN: B074M69QLF
ISBN: 978-1455597109

Synopsis:

THE MAN SHE HATES TO LOVE

Beckett King just inherited his father’s fortune, his company-and all his enemies. If he’s going to stay on top, he needs someone he can trust beside him. And though they’ve been rivals for years, there’s no one he trusts more than Samara Mallick.

The rebel. That’s how Samara has always thought of Beckett. And he’s absolutely living up to his unpredictable ways when he strides into her office and asks for help. She can’t help wondering if it’s a legit request or just a ploy to get her into bed. Not that she’d mind either one. After all, she likes to live on the edge too.

But soon the threats to the King empire are mounting, and the two find family secrets darker than they ever imagined and dangerous enough to get them both killed.

 

 

Praise for The Last King:

“Top Pick! Beckett and Samara are a fantastic, modern couple. They clash in the boardroom and the bedroom, are total equals, and their bring-it-on spirit makes every interaction lively and exciting — whether clothes are on or off. … The heart of this romance is the development of trust between Beckett and Samara, and Robert expertly unfolds it, revealing the emotional connection on both sides under the flash and fire of their irresistible chemistry. 4 1/2 stars.”—RT Book Reviews

 

Available at:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/TheLastKingAmazon
B&N: http://bit.ly/TheLastKingBN
iTunes: http://bit.ly/TheLastKingiTunes
Kobo: http://bit.ly/TheLastKingKobo

GIVEAWAY

Enter to win one of ten (10) print copies of THE LAST KING!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Last King Excerpt

Copyright © 2018 Katee Robert

What were you thinking about just then?” His gaze fell to her mouth. “Never mind. You don’t have to tell me. It’s written all over your face.”
She licked her lips as he stepped closer, as he backed her against the wall and bracketed her in with his hands on either side of her head. He felt bigger in this position, as if his shoulders could block out the very sun. You have to get him to back off. You’re too close. She leaned against the wall, the move arching her back just a little. Beckett’s gaze dropped to where her breasts pressed against her blouse, and he dragged in an unsteady breath. As if he was using every ounce of willpower not to touch her. He dragged his eyes up to meet hers. “You were thinking about that night.”
She could deny it, but it would be pointless. “Yeah.”
Slowly, oh so slowly, he moved one hand to sift his fingers through her hair. When she didn’t immediately answer, he leaned closer yet. “I think about it, too.” He trailed his fingers through her hair until he reached her shoulder and his thumb dipped beneath the fabric of her shirt. “All the fucking time.” He dropped his hand farther, the tips of his fingers tracing over her breast in a touch so light she was half sure she imagined it.
Might have convinced herself she imagined it if her entire body wasn’t tuned to his in that moment.
Touch me.
As if reading her thoughts, he shifted closer, his leg sliding between hers. The move forced her skirt up as she spread her legs to accommodate his thigh. Higher and higher until he was firmly pressed against her clit. It throbbed in time with her heartbeat, and it was everything she could do not to rub on his thigh like a mindless version of herself.
She felt mindless. Samara gave up her determination not to touch him. She couldn’t wrap her legs around his waist because of her damn skirt, but she ran her hands up his chest. “We can’t.”
“I know.” But he didn’t stop. He slid his hands down to her ass, urging her to grind against his thigh. Slowly, so incredibly slowly, as if he had all the time in the world. He dragged his mouth over her collarbone, the faint rasp of whiskers drawing a whimper from her lips.
Samara dug her fingers into his hair, and he went still. Waiting. She pulled him up and took his mouth the way she’d wanted to since she’d snuck out of that hotel room six months before. She flicked his tongue with hers, teasing him even as he resumed the delicious movement between them again. Yes, yes, do that, don’t stop.
Beckett let her have control for all of two seconds, and then he deepened the kiss, pressing her more firmly against the wall. He took with his mouth even as he gave with his body, hitching her higher until her toes barely touched the floor and she was completely at his mercy. Pleasure sparked through her, and she kissed him harder. It wasn’t enough, might never be enough, but she couldn’t stop.
Not when she knew that, as good as this was, what came next was even better.Heaven was Samara in a little green dress.
Beckett watched her walk across the lobby, her mile-long legs eating up the distance with ease. That glimpse of wildness she’d given him last night was in full effect today, her hair a mass of black waves that seemed to curl and snap around her shoulders with each step. Her dress fitted her like a second skin, sloping down over her breasts, her stomach, to her hips and thighs.
But it was her dark eyes that drew and held him. Anger and desire and something like guilt lingered there, and she held his gaze as she stopped in front of him. “Do I meet your expectation?”
“You’re beautiful.”
She arched a single eyebrow. “I know.”
That surprised a laugh out of him. Beckett turned to the elevator bank and offered his elbow. The gentlemanly move was over-the-top for their current circumstances, but he couldn’t be this close to her without touching her. Kissing her now, here, was a terrible damn idea, so he’d settle for the small touch. “No false modesty. I like that.”
“I think we’ve established that I don’t operate based on what you like.” Despite her words, amusement pulled at the edges of her lips, and she set her hand carefully on his forearm. “Every time I think I have your number down, you surprise me. Most guys get pissy pants if a woman doesn’t fall at their feet when they call her beautiful.”
“I’m not most guys.” He waited for the elevator door to open and led her onto it. “You can’t fit me into a box and write me off, Samara.”
“I’m beginning to see that.” She shook her head, her hair brushing against his shoulder. “My life would be a whole lot easier if I could.”
He couldn’t argue that, so he didn’t bother. Beckett took them up to the executive level. He noted the way she studied everything, obviously filing away every bit of information she could lay her eyes on. “What does Lydia pay you these days?”
She dropped her arm and stepped back. “Oh no. I don’t think so.” She pointed at him. “We went over this last night. I’m not for sale.”
“It’s an innocent question.”
“It is most definitely not an innocent question.” She looked like she wanted to take off her shoe and throw it at his head. “I don’t care what issue you and your aunt have. I’m not part of it. You don’t get to use me as leverage. I’m not a pawn for either of you to sacrifice in this pissing match you have going on.”
Shame tried to take hold, but he wouldn’t let it. Samara knew the game, no matter how much it apparently offended her. “I’m the bad guy for trying to offer you a job, but I’m sure you agreed to show up here solely out of the goodness of your heart.” He pretended to think about it. “Wait, no you didn’t—which you already admitted. You’re here because Lydia wants to do whatever it takes to sink Morningstar. Full stop.” He motioned at the offices behind him. “Wake up, Samara. I’m only playing the game she made the rules for.”
She took in the empty COO office on the other side of the glass wall. “She poached your employees.”
“Convenient timing, don’t you think?”
“You’re not still harping on that paranoid talk about Lydia meeting Nathaniel.” Samara hesitated and then moved to stand in front of him. She pressed her lips together and then very gently said, “Do you think maybe it’s a good idea for you to talk to someone?”
Beckett jerked back. “What?”
There was nothing but sympathy in her dark eyes. “I’m serious, Beckett. I’ve known you a long time, at least by reputation, and this delusion you have going isn’t like you. Is it possible that Nathaniel’s death is hitting you harder than you realize? That you’re fixating on Lydia instead of your own grief because it’s easier to deal with an enemy than face the fact you can never make things right with your father?”
Every word flayed him, cutting to the quick. Beckett gritted his teeth against the need to tell Samara that she was the one who wasn’t thinking clearly. To yell. To expel some of the ugliness that had been brewing in him for a very, very long time. “I didn’t call you here to offer you a job, and I sure as hell don’t need a shrink.”
She stood her ground as he advanced. Her heels put them at the same height and she still managed to look down her nose at him. “Then why did you call me here?”
Because I can’t spend another moment alone without going out of my mind.
He didn’t say it. To admit how long it had been since he’d felt a connection with another person was to hand Samara—Lydia—a loaded gun and invite her to point it directly at him. He didn’t answer her verbally at all. Beckett cupped her waist and slowly pulled her against him, giving her plenty of time to register his intentions.
“Beckett.” Despair colored her tone and she gave a desperate laugh. “What are we doing?”
“I don’t know.” Using a hand on the small of her back, he pressed her firmly against him. “I don’t want to stop.”
Samara hesitated, but finally placed her hands gingerly against his chest. He waited, letting her decide. Yes or no. Push or pull. Stay or go. She hitched a breath. “I don’t want to stop, either.”

 

 

 

About Katee Robert

 

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her 2015 title, The Marriage Contract, was a RITA finalist, and RT Book Reviews named it ‘a compulsively readable book with just the right amount of suspense and tension.” When not writing sexy contemporary and romantic suspense, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her children, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

Connect with Katee at:

Website | Facebook | Twitter| GoodReads

Instagram  

 

 

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