He’s broody, he’s driven, and he’s coming back to claim what’s his.
“First, do no harm…” It’s the start of my oath as a doctor, and breaking that oath is how I began my career. Only I didn’t just do harm, I watched a man die right in front of me. And not just any man—a man I hated.
I thought his death would bring me peace, but it haunts me to this day. Every close call sparks memories of what I did to him, to me, to her. I have to go back and face what I’ve done or end my career.
Seeing her hits me harder than the regret. She’s still so beautiful with long, dark hair, bright amber eyes, luscious curves. She still dominates my heart, my mind, my bed. But she’s different now—stronger, bolder, unafraid.
We’re a mess, tangled up in a web I created. But I’m determined to heal these wounds, to fix this break. One thing is certain, I won’t say goodbye to her again.
(A STAND-ALONE “Bayside Heroes” novel. Small-town, second-chance doctor romance with a touch of suspense. No cheating. No cliffhanger.) The Bayside Heroes series is a set of four interconnected STAND-ALONE medical romance novels that will have you panting, faking an injury for medical attention and begging for more.
Tia Louise is the USA TODAY best-selling, award-winning author of super-hot and sexy romances. All her heroes are alphas with hearts of gold, and all her heroines are the smart, sassy ladies who love them.
Tangled Up in the fourth and final book in the Bayside Heroes series. Each book is a complete standalone and written by different authors. This is only the second book I have read by Tia Louise (first book was read back in 2015) and I am not sure why I have not read more by her before.
Tangled Up is a second chance romance that features Beck and his past love, Carly. I thought the previous book in this series was my favorite, but this one is definitely right there for enjoyment but more on the suspense aspect.
Tia really knows how to build and keep readers locked into this story without feeling as things are being drawn out too far. I enjoyed every aspect of this story. Is it a slow burn romance, but it also has a lot of suspense that adds to the thrills of this story.
Overall, this series could not have ended on a better note. Highly, highly recommend not only this book, but the whole series.
Because I Can, the second book in The Necklace Trilogy filled with intense heat and edge of seat suspense from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is live now!
The second book in the Necklace Trilogy…
Allison’s journey continues as she finds herself in a dark, seductive world, and everything she thought she knew about herself, has changed.
Torn between past and present, she is still a prisoner of her own fears and inhibitions. But as the mystery of the necklace and the missing woman who owned it evolves, one man will help Allison see the light.
But where will that lead her? To him? Or someplace else?
Fall in love today! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xk8LIL Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/BecauseIcan Apple Books: https://apple.co/3ym4iqA Nook: https://bit.ly/3jzUkMb Kobo: https://bit.ly/2WLJGdb
Add Because I Can to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3rZJX9Z
Start the trilogy with What if I Never? today! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3frpVyd Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/whatifinever Apple Books: https://apple.co/2TPVeLo Nook: https://bit.ly/2WSkX7h Kobo: https://bit.ly/3jpxmr0 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3amFQLd
Add What if I Never? to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3jouY4N
Excerpt
“Until we do,” he says, cupping my
“You’re always one push from being out the door. We just did that. Are we going to do it again?”
“You’re pushing now,” I say. “That’s the point. You know you’re pushing me. Is that what you want? Because we both know whatever this is, doesn’t fit into your rule book for women.”
“The rule book was gone the minute I met you, Allie. And damn straight I’m pushing you, but not away. To be safe.”
“It feels like more.”
“Because you want it to.”
“Because it is,” I insist.
“No. You’re looking for a reason to run.”
“Oh my God, stop saying that to me, Dash. Because I’m angry at you does not mean I’m going to run or stop lo—” I catch myself before I confess way too much, before I confess my love for him. What am I doing? I try to deflect from my slip up. “Stop saying that to me.”
He reaches around me and opens the door. Before I know his intent, we’re inside the tiny bathroom meant for one, and he’s locking the door.
“We can’t be in here, Dash,” I whisper urgently. “Adrianna will be looking for us.”
“And yet, we are,” he says, his fingers tangling in my hair, tilting my gaze to his as he says, “I’m just making sure you know there’s nowhere to run. I’ll follow. That’s what you’ve done to me, Allie. That’s how much you’ve taken from me.”
“Taken?” I demand. “That’s what I’m doing?”
“Yeah, baby, but it had to be that way. And I like it. Say what you were going to say. You’re not going to stop what?”
“Wanting you.”
His lips curve, his breath a warm tease on my lips. “Well just know this, Allie, I won’t stop wanting you either.”
My God, did we just tell each other we love each other in a public bathroom? “Dash,” I whisper. “Dash, what are we doing?”
“This,” he says, and his mouth closes down on mine again. And just like that, he’s kissing me with such intensity, such passion, I can only moan. I have a vague moment when I realize this is still about control. His control, not my control. The problem is I like it when he’s in control. I like his kisses. I like the way his hands feel on my body and when my skirt is at my waist, and only when my skirt is at my waist, do I jolt back to reality. I catch his wrists. “We can’t.”
“Until we do,” he says, cupping my face, kissing me again, Lord help me, his hand is between my legs, pressing under the silk of my panties.
face, kissing me again, Lord help me, his hand is between my legs, pressing under the silk of my panties.
About Lisa Renee Jones New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy – a modern girl we all can identify with. Inside Out has been optioned to STARZ, Paramount, and now Marvista Entertainment. Marvista has also optioned the spin-off series, Careless Whispers.
In addition to the success of Lisa’s INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women’s Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.
Connect with Lisa Renee Jones Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YBWJz2 Facebook: https://bit.ly/3iNLef4 Twitter: https://bit.ly/3DpKm85 BookBub: https://bit.ly/3oKTccv Instagram: https://bit.ly/2YEOWAA Website: https://www.lisareneejones.com/
Because I Can, the second mysterious and suspense-filled book in The Necklace Trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is live now!
The second book in the Necklace Trilogy…
Allison’s journey continues as she finds herself in a dark, seductive world, and everything she thought she knew about herself, has changed.
Torn between past and present, she is still a prisoner of her own fears and inhibitions. But as the mystery of the necklace and the missing woman who owned it evolves, one man will help Allison see the light.
But where will that lead her? To him? Or someplace else?
Fall in love today! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xk8LIL Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/BecauseIcan Apple Books: https://apple.co/3ym4iqA Nook: https://bit.ly/3jzUkMb Kobo: https://bit.ly/2WLJGdb
Add Because I Can to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3rZJX9Z
Start the trilogy with What if I Never? today! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3frpVyd Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/whatifinever Apple Books: https://apple.co/2TPVeLo Nook: https://bit.ly/2WSkX7h Kobo: https://bit.ly/3jpxmr0 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3amFQLd
Add What if I Never? to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3jouY4N
About Lisa Renee Jones New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy – a modern girl we all can identify with. Inside Out has been optioned to STARZ, Paramount, and now Marvista Entertainment. Marvista has also optioned the spin-off series, Careless Whispers.
In addition to the success of Lisa’s INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women’s Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.
Connect with Lisa Renee Jones Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YBWJz2 Facebook: https://bit.ly/3iNLef4 Twitter: https://bit.ly/3DpKm85 BookBub: https://bit.ly/3oKTccv Instagram: https://bit.ly/2YEOWAA Website: https://www.lisareneejones.com/
Scared to Love, an all-new dark and emotional mafia romance standalone from USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Siobhan Davis, is coming December 29th and we have the gorgeous cover!
Serena has felt trapped her entire life, living a lie because it was demanded of her. Years of torture at the hands of her sadistic husband have left her battered and bruised, but not defeated. She needs to stay strong for her children, and she’s determined to reset her future. The future she has all thanks to Alessandro. He saved her that fateful night when her husband died, and he continues to save her as she struggles to piece her life back together. Yet the closer they get, the more it terrifies her because no man has ever made her feel like this. It can’t work. She’s too broken. He’s too young. And she’ll never trust a made man again. Women never get under Alesso’s skin—until Serena. They share an intense connection that can’t be ignored, no matter how hard she tries to push him away. He knows she’s scared. He is too, but she’s worth the risk. Alesso vows to be patient, until danger resurfaces and now all bets are off. Serena needs to understand how much she means to him and he will do everything to protect her. The situation grows more tense as the DeLucas plot against Bennett Mazzone and the surviving mafia heirs. But Alesso will lay down his life before he lets Serena get hurt again. Now his walls are lowered, the gloves are off, and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Even if it means letting her go.
Add Scared to Love to Goodreads→ https://bit.ly/3FDI1bR
About Siobhan
Siobhan Davis is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Amazon Top 10 bestselling romance author. Siobhan writes emotionally intense stories with swoon-worthy romance, complex characters, and tons of unexpected plot twists and turns that will have you flipping the pages beyond bedtime! She has sold over 1.5 million books and her titles are translated into several languages.
Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Siobhan forged a successful corporate career in human resource management.
She lives in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons.
What if I Never?, an all new must read steamy first book in the Necklace Trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is now available!
In the vein of her Inside Out series, New York Times Bestselling Author Lisa Renee Jones returns with the dark, seductive world of the Necklace Trilogy…
Allison Wright is delivered a package meant for a different Allison—a unique, expensive necklace. Determined to right the confusion, she seeks out the proper recipient, a journey that takes her to the doorstep of Tyler Hawk, a good looking, recluse billionaire who deals with fine collectibles such as the necklace. She also learns that Allison, his employee, quit her job registering and restoring his vast assortment of collectibles. Ironically, Allison is the daughter of a rather famous archeologist who is also employed by a local museum, and her love of such things has her jumping at the opportunity. Soon she is spending her evening and weekends immersed in the job the other Allison left behind.
As Allison begins diving into the job for Tyler, secrets about the other Allison begin to surface that have her concerned for her safety. And as she starts hunting for answers, her path crosses with the enigmatic famous author who has a business endeavor with her boss. Dash Black is a man who is dark and edgy, intense and yet quiet. Funny and yet somehow reserved. He draws her in, sets her pulse racing, and her body on fire. She knows there’s a dangerous edge to him, but she can’t seem to care. She’s addicted to everything he is and she simply can’t turn away, no matter what the cost. As Allison is drawn into the life and mystery of the other Allison, a mystery demands answers and passion burns hot. Allison will travel a path that leads to shocking truths and a side of herself she never knew existed.
Start the first book in the trilogy today! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3frpVyd Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/whatifinever Apple Books: https://apple.co/2TPVeLo Nook: https://bit.ly/2WSkX7h Kobo: https://bit.ly/3jpxmr0 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3amFQLd
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Excerpt
Yes, please do send the press kit etc. And the below excerpt is a little longer.
His eyes soften and he catches my hand. “Come here.” I let him ease me closer, and when he pulls me onto his lap again, I say, “Am I going to end up with my hands behind my back unable to touch you again?” “Not unless you want me to tie you up and tease you.” There’s no denying the idea of Dash in control and me at his mercy, is a delicious prospect I won’t even try to deny. And so, I don’t deny anything. Instead, my arms slide around his neck, and I lean into him. “Not this time, Dash. Please.” “Well now, as long as you say please, you can have just about anything you want.” With his promise that I can have anything I want if I say please, Dash’s hands slide under the T-shirt I’m wearing and up my back. Molding me close, my breasts pressed to his hard chest. “For instance,” he says, his voice low, a rough sandpaper tease on my nerve endings. “I’ll lick you anywhere you want to be licked if you just say please.” I’m really, truly a rather shy person and no one has ever spoken to me so boldly as Dash has this night, but I’m different with Dash I’m starting to realize. More comfortable in my own skin and sexuality. I just can’t find it in me to hide from this or him. “What about where I want to kiss you?” “Where do you want to kiss me?” he asks, squeezing my backside and Lord help me I can feel the thick ridge of his erection between my thighs and through his jeans I want to be gone now. “Everywhere,” I assure him. His lips curve and he says, “Is that right?” “Oh yes, but you resist me, Dash Black.” “I assure you, Allison, I am not resisting you.” Somehow him calling me Allison in this moment is more intimate than Allie, and I don’t know why. “I want nothing more than your hands and mouth on my body,” he says. “But you’ll have to allow me to kiss you everywhere first.” He drags the T-shirt over my head and by the time it’s on the ground his hands are on my breasts, and when my hands cover his hands, his finger strokes my nipples. My fingers catch long strands of his light brown hair and I tilt his gaze to mine. Any control I’d thought to gain in that moment is lost when Dash pinches my nipples, sending darts of pleasure straight to my sex. I moan and he captures the sound with his mouth, kissing me with the kind of passion that a girl thinks she will never know because it can’t be real. Oh, but it is. It so is. My hands tunnel into his hair and when his gaze lifts to mine, I find hunger there. So much hunger, and all for me. He catches my hands and presses them behind me, bracing them on his powerful thighs, his arm wrapping my waist, securing me. Watching me now, he cups my breast and leans in, licking my nipple, sensations rippling through me, my sex clenching with impossible need, need for him.
What If I Never is the first book in Lise Renee Jones’ newest trilogy, the Necklace Trilogy. It’s a romantic suspense and Lisa starts this trilogy off very well.
This book is an extreme slow burn. The pace of this book at times was good and at other times, it was a bit too slow for me. But this book is definitely all about building the suspense and each of the character’s part in this trilogy.
I really don’t want to say too much and give any plot points away accidentally. The blurb gives you all that you need to know going into this book. Lisa does a great job of building the suspense not just between each of the characters but as well with the plot.
There are a lot of secrets, a hefty amount of suspense and lots of steam going on within this book. Lisa delivers a great first book to start this trilogy off perfectly. She leaves us hanging at the end of this one but we thankfully are left dangling over the edge too long.
About Lisa Renee Jones New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy – a modern girl we all can identify with. Inside Out has been optioned to STARZ, Paramount, and now Marvista Entertainment. Marvista has also optioned the spin-off series, Careless Whispers.
In addition to the success of Lisa’s INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women’s Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.
Connect with Lisa Renee Jones Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YBWJz2 Facebook: https://bit.ly/3iNLef4 Twitter: https://bit.ly/3DpKm85 BookBub: https://bit.ly/3oKTccv Instagram: https://bit.ly/2YEOWAA Website: https://www.lisareneejones.com/
Sancte Diaboli: Part Two, the all-new, highly anticipated installment in the Elite Kings series from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Amo Jones, is available now!
He held a darkness that could never be touched. She carried a light that could never be seen.
Not by anyone. Only by each other.
Simply two halves of the same soul, Brantley and Saint were fused together with equal parts wrath and peace. Nothing could break through their bond. Nothing.
Until now.
Get yours today! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3v98esc Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/sanctediaboli2
Add SANCTE DIABOLI: PART TWO to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2PqdOHu
Start the Duet with Sancte Diaboli: Part One Amazon: https://amzn.to/3528Fd2 Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/sanctediaboli
Meet Amo Jones
Amo Jones is a USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author whose books have been translated in multiple countries.
She resides in the tropics of Australia with her family, though she’s a born and bred Kiwi who more often than not, misses New Zealand.
Connect with Amo
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3wgiYXa Instagram: https://bit.ly/2TZPWNh Website: https://bit.ly/3izUGDC Join the Wolf Pack: https://bit.ly/3izUt3i Join her newsletter: https://bit.ly/2TpdudS
I am the man who can make every dream come true, for a price.
Years ago, a fight for supremacy took place between the two most powerful families in New Orleans. The battle was set in the metaphoric octagon, with the spotlight blazing. The city sat in paralyzed fear, awaiting word of a victor.
Abraham Ramses versus Isaiah Boudreau.
One man would emerge victorious and rule the city of sin.
Neither understood that the devil was in the details.
Neither lived to see the rising sun.
I’m Everett Ramses, son of Abraham, and I am the devil.
I took my rightful place as king of New Orleans.
Now, my realm is threatened by a man with false claims to the Boudreau family.
I know what I must have to secure my empire—who I must have.
The rightful daughter of Isaiah Boudreau, Emma North, must be my wife. Together we will reign stronger than ever before. But first, she must take the devil’s deal.
*DEVIL’S DEAL is a full-length novel that begins with the prequel FATE’S DEMAND previously titled The Deal.
Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. 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 over 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 and bring your imagination to life!
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.
In the spring of 2017, Aleatha released her first stand-alone, fun, and sexy romantic comedy with PLUS ONE, followed by the sweet stand-alone, ONE NIGHT.
Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
In the Louisiana swamplands, ghost stories are as much a part of childhood as chasing fireflies and crawfishing. They never much scared me, though, nor the possibility of evil out to do me harm. Until the night I watched shadows come to life and butcher everything I loved.
With a stranger’s help, I managed to escape to an isolated place miles north, and, in time, became my own ghost story. A cautionary tale for the locals.
Nearly a decade passed, before I returned to my birthplace, in hopes of unearthing long-awaited answers. Instead, I found something I wasn’t looking for. Someone. A remedy for my loneliness.
Or so I thought.
Turns out, Thierry Bergeron is no elixir. He’s a deadly poison, cursed by the demons of his past, and feared by those who call him the elusive Rougarou of the bayou. A devious rogue, whose seductive whispers and rough hands haunt my dreams. The big bad wolf that defiles me without apology, or remorse.
I should resist him, but I can’t.
And when the shadows return to stake their claim on me, his darkness is the only safe place to hide.
I seriously want to bow down to Keri and her amazing writing abilities, especially when it comes to dark, gothic romance. Her talent knows no bounds and she never ceases to amaze me.
The Isle of Sin and Shadows is unlike anything I have read before. It’s a dark, gothic southern romance riddled with lots of suspense and thrills. This book is a page turner and one that is impossible to put down once you start. It will seep into your dreams and stays with you all day.
“You’re my favorite ghost story.”
I won’t go into any details of this book as the blurb gives you all that you need. I will tell you that this book is dark and has some scenes that may be too graphic for some, but for me and many others who love a spine tingling read – this book is everything we love about dark romances.
The slow burn romance that ties into the suspense and mystery surrounding both Celeste and Thierry is amazing. This book will hold readers captive in so many ways and having them gasping for breath at each twist and turn. This book took me on a dark trek that I could never anticipate and I loved every word of it. This book played out like a movie in my head and I couldn’t get enough of it.
“You’re right. You can’t change who I am. But you’ve already changed what I want.”
Keri not only delivers a very well crafted plot and brings us characters that have many layers to them. The story in told in Thierry and Celeste’s POV and will flip to the past, at times and that helps readers dig even deeper into the bayous of Louisiana.
The Isle of Sin and Shadows is a dark, gothic romance that is unlike no other. If you can handle a book full of mystery and suspense with dark undertones, then this book is for you.
Head over to Keri’s reading group to get in on the release day giveaway!
This is all of me. The good, the bad, the used, and the broken…
Heartbreakingly beautiful and completely engrossing, A young woman’s life takes a disturbing and utterly fascinating turn as the past she’s put behind comes back to haunt her. USED is packed full of twists, turns, and a gripping romance sure to leave readers emotionally spent and asking for more.
USED, a brand new standalone romantic suspense from debut author Kate Dunbar is OUT NOW! Grab your copy today!
“USED was amazing. Like seriously amazing. I can’t remember the last time I hated to put a book down so I could go to sleep and then immediately pick it up to finish it the next morning. And yet, here we are and that’s what I did.” ~ Samantha Chase, New York Times Bestselling Author
“Rarely have I read a book so vividly described, so rich with emotion, that I felt like I lived it. USED is the kind of book that engages your heart and takes you on a journey that leaves you hopeful and empowered by the end.” ~ Erika Kelly, Award Winning Author of the Rock Star Romance Series
Photography by K Keeton Designs Cover Design by Uplifting Author Services
Model: Cameo Hopper
BLURB
At the age of seventeen, after a decade of lies, hurt, and severe abuse by her brother Lucas, Sabra Valentine is able to breathe.
Lucas is behind bars thanks in large part to Sabra’s quick thinking and self-preservation-even if that’s one more secret she has to keep.
Now, seven years later, life is moving forward, and Sabra is starting to heal, live, and love again with her friends and Trevor Collins by her side. He’s tall, dark, and sexy, and he doesn’t fall for Sabra’s games. The future is finally looking bright-until one phone call shatters everything.
Used is a romantic suspense with domestic thriller elements. Please be aware that there are topics that may be triggers for some readers, and this work is meant for mature readers.
“Heartbreakingly beautiful. This book isn’t about angst and pain. It’s about a fighter-a survivor-that we all attain to be. The story tears you apart in the best ways and builds you back up in the most beautiful.” ~ Nichole Chase, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
“Used is a raw, heart-wrenching story of surviving trauma, but it’s also so much more. It’s a romantic, emotionally gratifyingtale of unflinching, all-in love. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.” ~ Brenda Rothert, Author
USED is being narrated by Stella Hunter is out now!
I shake my head and snap out of my reverie. “What?” I inch my way toward him and place my hand on his thigh. “I’m sorry. I got distracted. Tell me again.” Trevor’s jaw tightens. His eyes shift toward my hand.
“You got distracted? I’m telling you the rules to our relationship, and you got distracted? How is that even possible?”
“I started thinking about last night and your lips on me. And that made me start thinking about your lips on me again. And that made me think about your hands on me. And that made me think about everything else on me.” Trevor stares at me with his mouth hanging open.
“I swear, you never cease to surprise me, Sabra.” He grabs my hand and pulls me toward his chest. After a few moments, he uses his finger to gently lift my chin and brush his lips over mine. “Screw the rules. We’ll just wing it.” I smell his minty breath as he moves down my jaw with those magical lips and across my collarbone. Trevor’s fingers grasp the edge of my shirt. All I can think about is that same breath and those same lips scorching my skin again.
I’m losing myself in his touch. His kisses. The sweet words he’s whispering into my ear. I’m lost in him. And then my phone rings, blasting through the room. Shaking us out of the moment. Trevor pulls back to look over his shoulder at the intruder.
You have got to be kidding me. How is it possible the entire world seems to be calling me this early?
I glance at the phone sitting on the coffee table beside us and realize I don’t recognize the number. “I’m sorry. I have to answer this.” Trevor grabs my hand and settles it on his lap. I can feel how much he doesn’t want me to answer it.
“Are you sure it can’t wait, Say?” He smiles his crooked grin and cocks his head to the side. “Can’t they leave a voicemail, and you call them back?”
“It could be my agent. I had that audition yesterday. I just need a second.”
“Fine. I’ll go get a donut hole.” He grins and stands. “And then I’m coming back for yours.”
“Ew, gross.” I snatch my phone and slide my finger across the screen, rolling my eyes at him as he walks into the kitchen laughing. “Hello?”
“Hello, Sabra. How are you, sis?”
*****
No. No. Nooooo…NO. This can’t be happening. I yank the phone away from my ear and stare at it. Absolutely not. The air feels thin. My lungs feel like they’re about to burst.
“Sabra? What is it?” Trevor stares at me with this look on his face, like he thinks I’m crazy.
Did I say that out loud?
I hit the end button and get up, pacing from one side of my extremely small living room to the other. This is a nightmare. No. It has to be a wrong number. He’s in prison. There’s a chant happening in my head.
He’s in prison. He’s in prison. He’s in prison.
“Sabra.” I flinch as Trevor touches my arm and instinctively move away.
“Don’t touch me.” The hurt in his eyes is obvious. So deep. I might as well have slapped him. And I don’t care. “Don’t. Touch. Me.” I growl it at him.
He’s in prison. He’s in prison. He’s in prison.
“Sabra, what the hell is going on? What happened?” Trevor paces a step away and turns to look at me. “Who was that?”
“No one. A wrong number. No one at all.”
But I know it wasn’t. He’ll call back. Come back for more. He always comes back for more. Dammit. How is he coming back for more?
He’s in prison. He’s in prison.
I feel Trevor’s heat before I realize he’s next to me. “I don’t believe that. It was someone.” He grabs me by the upper arms and shifts me back against the wall. “You’re shaking and white as a sheet. What’s going on? Who the hell was that?”
I’m shaking?
He’s in prison. He’s in prison.
Wait. My mom called…
And I realize why she was calling so early. Dammit. Everything clicks into place. Tremors course through my body. I can’t control them. The chant changes in my head.
He’s out. He’s out. Oh my god, he’s out. I. Can’t. Breathe.
Used is Kate Dunbar’s debut novel. It’s one she has been writing on and off for years. And I am so glad that she released it to us to read.
This novel felt very real to me – not just the characters but the story itself. It’s unfortunately a life others have lived. We’ve all heard the stories on the news or through others but for a reason I can’t explain, Dunbar’s book made it all more real and personal to me.
“Nine Steps.”
Dunbar does a great job of giving us the details without laying all the gory details out for us. I know for some, they may want that more dark and twisted part to make the book more suspenseful, but it wasn’t needed. You can tell that Sabra has a very hard time talking and rehashing her past and that shows through the past reflections. And I think that’s why not having those descriptive details works with this book – the character can’t handle that and if Dunbar were to go that deep into it Sabra’s memories, we would lose the true character of Sabra.
Trevor – oh that boy is a Saint. And I know any mom’s out there would love for their young sons to turn out to be just like Trevor. Sabra and Trevor started out as friends four years ago when she first arrived at college. Trevor has always wanted more, but respected Sabra and her reasons for not wanting to ruin what they had. Sabra has always expressed that she’s not a commitment type of gal and Trevor has seen that over the years. His loyalty to Sabra won me over immediately – even as a friend, he was there for her.
Dunbar wrote a very real and personal story. Her characters and their story really helped in making this book feel more alive. While I know that those who love their psychological thrillers to be a bit darker, I think that Dunbar still keeps the thrilling suspense alive with just the minute details she gives – it adds to the appeal of not knowing everything.
I hope Dunbar continues to write as I would love to read another novel by her.
About Kate Dunbar:
Kate Dunbar is a wife, mom of three, and obsessive tea drinker who loves a great story. She’s passionate about people and learning what makes them tick. You can find her eavesdropping, people watching, and living her best life wherever the winds take her.
This is all of me. The good, the bad, the used, and the broken…
Heartbreakingly beautiful and completely engrossing, USED is packed full of twists, turns, and a gripping romance sure to leave readers emotionally spent and asking for more.
USED, a brand new standalone romantic suspense from debut author Kate Dunbar is OUT NOW!
This is all of me. The good, the bad, the used, and the broken…
Heartbreakingly beautiful and completely engrossing, A young woman’s life takes a disturbing and utterly fascinating turn as the past she’s put behind comes back to haunt her. USED is packed full of twists, turns, and a gripping romance sure to leave readers emotionally spent and asking for more.
USED, a brand new standalone romantic suspense from debut author Kate Dunbar, will be releasing on March 8, 2021 on all retailers! Don’t miss the fantastic cover below, and pre-order your copy today!
“USED was amazing. Like seriously amazing. I can’t remember the last time I hated to put a book down so I could go to sleep and then immediately pick it up to finish it the next morning. And yet, here we are and that’s what I did.” ~ Samantha Chase, New York Times Bestselling Author
“Rarely have I read a book so vividly described, so rich with emotion, that I felt like I lived it. USED is the kind of book that engages your heart and takes you on a journey that leaves you hopeful and empowered by the end.” ~ Erika Kelly, Award Winning Author of the Rock Star Romance Series
Photography by K Keeton Designs Cover Design by Uplifting Author Services
Model: Cameo Hopper
About USED (Coming 3/8/2021):
At the age of seventeen, after a decade of lies, hurt, and severe abuse by her brother Lucas, Sabra Valentine is able to breathe.
Lucas is behind bars thanks in large part to Sabra’s quick thinking and self-preservation-even if that’s one more secret she has to keep.
Now, seven years later, life is moving forward, and Sabra is starting to heal, live, and love again with her friends and Trevor Collins by her side. He’s tall, dark, and sexy, and he doesn’t fall for Sabra’s games. The future is finally looking bright-until one phone call shatters everything.
Used is a romantic suspense with domestic thriller elements. Please be aware that there are topics that may be triggers for some readers, and this work is meant for mature readers.
“Heartbreakingly beautiful. This book isn’t about angst and pain. It’s about a fighter-a survivor-that we all attain to be. The story tears you apart in the best ways and builds you back up in the most beautiful.” ~ Nichole Chase, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
“Used is a raw, heart-wrenching story of surviving trauma, but it’s also so much more. It’s a romantic, emotionally gratifyingtale of unflinching, all-in love. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.” ~ Brenda Rothert, Author
USED is being narrated by Stella Hunter and will be available March 8th! Stay tuned for all the pre-order information! Sign up for Kate’s newsletter to get the latest audio news! www.katedunbar.com
About Kate Dunbar:
Kate Dunbar is a wife, mom of three, and obsessive tea drinker who loves a great story. She’s passionate about people and learning what makes them tick. You can find her eavesdropping, people watching, and living her best life wherever the winds take her.
A complete dark romance trilogy from USA Today bestselling author Siobhan Davis. Contains an EXCLUSIVE BONUS NOVELLA set twelve years after the end of Reign.
Everything changed the night my dad died.
The night I met Saint, Galen, Caz, and Theo.
Those manipulative a-holes set out to ruin me after our hot night together, but they didn’t realize you can’t destroy something that’s already broken. And it only works if the victim cares.
Which I don’t.
Because I’ve been in hell for years, and nothing penetrates the steel walls I’ve erected.
I am a USA Today bestselling author and I write emotionally intense young adult and new adult fiction with swoon-worthy romance, complex characters, and tons of unexpected plot twists and turns that will have you flipping the pages beyond bedtime!
My family will tell you I am little bit obsessive when it comes to reading and writing, and they aren’t wrong. I can rarely
be found without my trusty Kindle, a paperback book, or my laptop somewhere close at hand.
Prior to becoming a full-time writer, I forged a successful corporate career in human resource management.
I reside in the Garden County of Ireland with my husband and two sons.