Review Post: Chased by Hazel James

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Chased

By: Hazel James

Synopsis2

Paige Landry
I finally made it. I graduated nursing school, and I found the perfect job. Things were great until a tornado blew through the emergency room, turning my life upside down. I don’t know if I can ever go back to the way things were before. Tornado survivors have a choice to rebuild, or pack up and move away. I’m twenty-two, and I know that one day I want the American dream: a husband, 2.5 kids and a white picket fence. But that’s the thing with rebuilding.

What happens when the next tornado hits? Will I be blown away again?

DH Rhoads
Adrenaline. It’s fueled me since I was thirteen. It’s what I discovered while I chased tornadoes across Oklahoma. It’s what I craved on combat missions in helicopters in Afghanistan. It’s what I lived for, until one day when everything changed. Now, adrenaline is my drug. It numbs me when the memories become too much to bear. It reminds me that I don’t deserve a wife, 2.5 kids and a white picket fence. I’ve seen what tornadoes do to white picket fences. It’s ugly.

I’m the tornado. I’ve already destroyed one family. Don’t chase me.

My Review

*****5 Thrilling and All-Feeling Stars*****

Chased by Hazel James was an utterly consuming, mesmerizingly vibrant, and all-around amazing whirlwind of a story that I loved and felt every word of. Every single word of this book was so phenomenally and thoughtfully crafted, and bursting with the best amount of charm and personality. From the very beginning of this story I knew I was beyond hooked into what I was getting within its spectacular pages with these wonderful and distinctive characters. The more I experienced this story, and the more I got into those characters’ heads, the more I knew that this book was not one I would soon forget.

Whether it was the enthralling thrill of this read, the phenomenal and exceptional crafting of emotion and feels throughout its pages, the authentic characters that seared themselves to my heart with all they had, or one of the many other aspects that made this book what it was, I loved this book with all that I had, and it was truly phenomenal in every way.

This book was like chasing that most lucrative and enrapturing storm that you equally want and need in your life, but that still manages to scare the bejesus out of you in a way because of how raw and intense and consuming it is. With the perfect combination of feels and emotion, heat and connection, and some serious charm and distinctiveness thrown in, Chased was easy to feel, experience, and just love.

Getting what I did with DH and Paige through Chased brought those two straight into my heart, allowed me to understand them on the deepest and truest of levels, and had me feeling it all with the two of them as they shared what they did together. I will tell you right now that their story isn’t always easy, and there were many times my heart squeezed something fierce for those two because of what they went through together and on their own individual journeys. While it wasn’t always easy on those two, it was beyond worth it to get what you do with them, and I am telling you you will LOVE every single intense, all-feeling, and real moment those two share.

Chased had so many aspects to it that set it apart, and that had me feeling, living, breathing, experiencing, and just loving it all, and I know it is a book that I’ll always remember for so many reasons.

What I absolutely loved about this book:

  • Did someone say storm chasers? Now I must admit that I am a HUGE fan of storm chasing and every exciting, intense, and consuming moment that comes with it. Since I’ve only read one other book that allowed me to follow a storm chaser, I was beyond ready to see what I would get with that aspect in this book, and let me tell you right now, Hazel James did not disappoint. The way that she throws you right into the thick of the storm with these characters, both literally and figuratively, makes this one helluva intense read that has you experiencing it all with these characters. Whether it was the storms DH was forever chasing, the storm brewing within him as he tried to face the darkness of his past, or the storm of feelings that entered both his and Paige’s lives from their first meeting, these two certainly know how to hook you in with all that they have, while simultaneously having you love and crave that chase and everything that comes with it.
  • DH and his own healing. DH is quite the charmer and a man that will have you smirking something fierce, but underneath that wonderful personality is a heart that is bleeding and breaking with what he’s been through. From what he experienced in his childhood, to the web of complicated and heartbreaking feelings and memories he has a result of a day that changed everything, that man has a world of feelings and past going through him. That past and the tight hold it has on his heart and future creates quite an emotional and mental struggle for DH, which Hazel James so authentically and emotionally captures. In Chased you get to be there through every word of DH’s struggle, through his fight, and through every ounce of what he pours into the healing that could be. My heart was with that man, feeling it all with him through every word as he faced it all, and I am telling you, there is no way you won’t love him, feel for him, and root for him with all that you have as he takes that journey of healing on full force.
  • Waking up Paige! Paige was a fun, authentic, and so easy to love character that I connected to from the very first pages of this book. I loved that girl’s personality, and how she had her own vibrancy and charm in spades. That girl felt so real with what I got with her in this story, and with everything that came her way, she started to evolve a bit herself. The start of this book finds Paige starting off the life she’s always wanted and dreamed of. She’s in a new town, starting her first big girl job, and is bound and determined to live the life she always thought she wanted. The thing is though, with one storm and unforgettable encounter with a man unlike any other she’s met, Paige soon starts to realize something more. She starts to wake up, to take a long hard look at her life and what she wants, and soon that girl finds herself on a path she never thought she’d be on, yet one she can’t for the life of her want to get off of. Everything I got with Paige as she evolved, and went on her own journey of realizing what she wanted, what she needed, and what she couldn’t live without was nothing short of spectacular.
  • A charm and vibrancy that is literally amazing. To say that Paige, DH, and the other amazing characters of this book had some serious charm and vibrancy is putting it too lightly. The personality bursting out of this book set it apart in the most memorable way, and had me simultaneously laughing, melting, blushing, and just basking in every word and moment with these characters. Hazel James does an incredible job of bringing out that vibrancy and personality in a way that sets these characters apart from any other you’ve read, and it’s that wonderful and charming distinctiveness that will have you heart going to them and rooting for them through every word of this story. The way that personality comes out from the supporting characters of this book, the town they reside in, in addition to everything DH and Paige give you will have your heart beyond in it all as this story unfolds.
  • The growing of what could be. Over the course of this book, Paige and DH start to realize that their friendship might be leading to something more than they ever thought could be, though there are many obstacles of both past and present that stand in their way. These two share a world of connection and a world of emotion between them that makes every part of their journey full of emotional twists and turns that put them through the wringer. And then some. But let me tell you, what I felt most of while reading Chased was the possibilities of what could be, and it was those possibilities that pulled me, my heart, and these characters through every all-feeling and emotional word of this book. Whether it was the possibilities of what could be between DH and Paige, the possibilities of their own individual futures, the possibilities of what could happen when the pain and emotion of the past turned into the healing and hope of the future, or just the possibilities of what their hearts could feel…those possibilities made this book the amazing thing that it is.
  • One wild heartfelt ride from start to finish. From start to finish, Chased was one thrilling and all-consuming ride that had my adrenaline pumping, my cheeks blushing, and my heart loving what I was so authentically experiencing. The way that Hazel James perfectly balances those intense, adrenaline filled moments, with those moments that touch and squeeze your heart will have you feeling it all in this story. It will have you NEEDING more with these characters, more with what could be, and more of that unforgettable chase that will sweep you up in more ways than one. Through it all, and through Hazel James’s phenomenal writing, I lived this story. I lived and understood and loved its characters with everything I had, and it truly doesn’t get better than that.

Chased was an all-consuming read that took me and my heart for one helluva ride. This story was about so many mesmerizing and all-feeling things, and it gave me two endearing, vibrant, and easy to love characters that I loved with all I had. Their story in this book was filled with their personalities, their wonderful charm and dynamic, and it had me feeling and believing in the possibilities of what could be.

With an emotional journey and evolution that will have tears falling from your eyes, and your heart squeezing more times than you can count, Chased is an utterly meaningful and emotional story that will take your breath away and show you that some chases are worth everything.

I truly can’t say enough how much I loved and felt and just enjoyed every single word of this story. It was so fantastically written, so enjoyable to read and experience, and so damn good. It gave me a story that was equal parts thrill ride, romance, and heartfelt emotional journey. The way Hazel James so phenomenally wove together the different aspects of this story put me in it all, had me believing and fighting and rooting for what could be, and in the end, had me knowing that this story was everything.

Read this book y’all. Read it. Live it. Breathe it. And take it all in, because the chase, the feels, and the journey within it are beyond worth it.

Buy The Book

AMAZON

author

Be sure to check out more about Hazel James at the following links:

Facebook             Goodreads                  Website

Review Post: Dirty Dealers by Tia Louise

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Dirty Dealers

By: Tia Louise

Synopsis2

My job is to protect.
I’m the best, the king’s elite.
She’s the only thing strong enough to make me look away.

Logan Hunt is a guard. He’s constantly aware of his surroundings; he searches and rescues. He’ll take a bullet.

His new assignment is to protect the queen regent, keep his eyes on her at all times. He’s more than up to the task…

Until a face from his past returns, and the one mission he’s sworn to complete becomes his biggest liability.

DIRTY DEALERS is an all-new stand-alone CONTEMPORARY ROMANTIC SUSPENSE coming Jan 24, 2017. It features secrets, lies, double-crosses, angst, a touch of darkness, and panty-melting sexytimes.

My Review

****4.5 All Consuming Stars****

Dirty Dealers was an intense, consuming, and wholly enjoyable read that I could not put down. This story wove together a phenomenal story of second chances, more twists and turns than you can shake a stick at, and a connection and love so tenacious and strong that it truly took my breath away. From the very first page of this book, I was completely swept into the world I was so authentically thrust into, and I could not get enough of these characters and the enrapturing story they were allowing me to experience with them.

This book is exactly what I needed and I loved it so so much. Equal parts intense and consuming, full of shocks and action filled moments, all while giving me an emotional and heat filled second chance romance, this book checks every box and delivers on every level.

Now it is no secret that I love me some books by Tia Louise something fierce. I am a HUGE fan of her One to Hold Series, so I was definitely eager to see what this new world would bring. What I got within the pages of this book was more of her spectacular writing and storytelling that mesmerized me in more ways than one. What I love about Tia Louise’s writing is that it makes the world and the characters she creates so vivid, authentic, and real. She lets you feel every ounce of what her characters do, she gives you so much with them, and through every page of her stories she puts you in the thick of it in the most tangible and enjoyable way.

Dirty Dealers was no different. This story completely swept me up, and through the way that Tia Louise gave me these characters and their unputdownable story, I was beyond hooked into every word that I was reading. With the perfect level of feels, fiery heat, and heart, this story not only had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see how it would all work out, it also had my heart feeling it all for and with these characters through every phenomenal page.

This book and this story were so well crafted and written, and through every turn of that page, I found myself sinking further into its depths in the most amazing way, and I truly can’t say enough how downright phenomenal that was to experience.

What I absolutely loved about Dirty Dealers:

  • Second chances are my jam. Second chance romances are my favorite kind of love story to read, and Dirty Dealers showed me that again and again through every page of this story. What I loved about getting to experience Kass and Logan’s second chance was that from the very beginning I felt the depth of what those two shared. I felt their past and how real it was, I felt their present and how much that fire and connection was still there, and through every page I hoped that those two would find a way to have that future they both so deserved. Kass and Logan’s second chance at it all was full of so much passion, so much hope, and so many feelings that were so deeply rooted, my heart was seared to both of theirs from the start. Getting to experience their second chance at it all, as they shared what they did, and poured their hearts out was everything, and I loved it.
  • Kass’s endearing self. Kass was a girl who I couldn’t help but love. She was smart, so kind, and she had the weight of the world on her shoulders. After reading her story, my heart couldn’t help but go to her, and through every part of this story I loved and felt for her so much. What I loved about her character was that even though she wasn’t put in the easiest of positions, she still did whatever she could to make things right. That showed me so much about her character and her genuine self, and it had me knowing that that girl deserved the best of everything. I loved her, I rooted for her, and Tia Louise let me get and understand her in the most authentic way, and that is just part of what had me so connected to her character.
  • The one and only Logan Hunt. Now I love me a strong male character, and boy did Logan Hunt deliver on that repeatedly throughout this book. There was no length that that man would not go to for the woman he loved, and for what he knew was right, and I felt and experienced that with him through every word of this book. What I loved about Logan was that he had a heart of gold and the tenacity of the energizer bunny, and that coupled to make him a man my heart just went to. Logan definitely goes through a lot in this book, and many of his feelings, along with his job and skills are put to the test in more ways than one, but through it all that man was there, giving it his all for what he knew was right. I loved that man, his presence, his strong sense, and the strength of his heart and the feelings within it, and I am telling you, you will LOVE him too.
  • A fire and connection you see and feel every word of. What Kass and Logan share is full of fire and connection and a longing that has stayed with them both for years. Dirty Dealers shows exactly what these two share, and how deep those feeling and that connection goes. From the very first moment those two were together I could feel exactly what they were sharing, and I knew that they were going to give me one helluva story. What I got with them was so much more. It was real, it was raw and so darn intense, and it had my heart squeezing and simultaneously melting for what they shared. While there was still so much standing in their way, Kass and Logan fought on, and that fight coupled with all their feeling was the absolute best.
  • The intense and consuming twists and turns. Tia Louise crafted such an enrapturing story in Dirty Dealers that was filled to the brim with twists and turns. This story had me beyond consumed and needing to know what would happen next as all of the pieces came together. The way that Tia Louise wove together the different characters and pieces of this story had me needing more answers, while experiencing those twists and turns of the story in the most vivid and intense way. This story is romantic suspense in the best way, and how it captures the heartfelt love story, with the action packed nature of it all had me beyond in this story. Tia Louise’s spectacular writing allowed me to get it all in this story, and that is just one of the many reasons I loved it so much.
  • A world I can’t wait to get more of! This book opened up a whole new world of characters for me, and I for one can’t wait for more of it all! Tia Louise made every page of this book feel so real, and that had me loving every word of the world she so thoughtfully crafted. I loved the specific and dynamic nature of this new world, I loved the fantastic characters that came along with it, and I loved what I got and how in this story I felt. This series has everything that I can’t wait to get more of…the love, the action filled twists and turns, and every firework worthy moment that has me feeling, living and breathing it all in the most authentic and phenomenal way.

Dirty Dealers was a story about how some loves never truly go away. It is a story about second chances, the fight you have in your heart, and just how far you’re willing to go for the one that matters. This story was real, it was intense as all get out, and it gave me two characters who shared a world of feeling and some serious fire together. Reading and living every word of Logan and Kass’s story was wholly enjoyable, all-consuming, and bursting with their wonderful dynamic and love.

Through every word of this story I was in it with them as they fought for each other and what they knew had to be done. While their story wasn’t always easy, it showed me so much about the two of them, and had me feeling so much with them along the way. Those two proved to me again and again that their heartfelt connection was fierce as ever and ready to be felt, and I could not get enough of it all with them.

If you are looking for a phenomenally written story, with dynamic and enjoyable characters who share so much that will have you and your heart on the edge of your seat, then run yourself to this book this very second. Dirty Dealers was such a good book, and what I got within its pages was one of the most consuming stories I’ve read in a long time, and I’m telling you, you need to read it!

Buy The BookAmazon: http://smarturl.it/DDAmz
iBooks: http://smarturl.it/DDiB
Nook: http://smarturl.it/DDn
Kobo: http://smarturl.it/DDk

author

Tia Louise is the Award-Winning, International Bestselling author of the ONE TO HOLD series.

From “Readers’ Choice” nominations, to USA Today “Happily Ever After” nods, to winning the 2015 “Favorite Erotica Author” and the 2014 “Lady Boner Award” (LOL!), nothing makes her happier than communicating with fans and weaving new tales into the Alexander-Knight world of stories.

A former journalist, Louise lives in the center of the USA with her lovely family and one grumpy cat. There, she dreams up stories she hopes are engaging, hot, and sexy, and that cause readers rethink common public locations…

Books by Tia Louise: One to Hold (Derek & Melissa), 2013 One to Keep (Patrick & Elaine), 2014 One to Protect (Derek & Melissa), 2014 One to Love (Kenny & Slayde), 2014 One to Leave (Stuart & Mariska), 2014 One to Save (Derek & Melissa), 2015 One to Chase (Amy & Marcus), 2015 One to Take (Stuart & Mariska), coming Feb. 22, 2016!

Paranormal Romances (all stand-alones): One Immortal (Derek & Melissa, #SexyVampires), 2015 One Insatiable (Koa & Mercy, #SexyShifters), 2015

SIGNED COPIES: http://smarturl.it/SignedPBs

Connect with Tia: Amazon Author Page: http://smarturl.it/TLMAA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTiaLouise Website: Http://www.AuthorTiaLouise.com Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/AuthorTiaLouise Instagram & Twitter: @AuthorTLouise Tsu.com: https://www.tsu.co/TiaLouise

Never miss a New Release! Sign up for Tia’s Book News: http://smarturl.it/TLMnews

Get Exclusive Text Alerts and never miss a Sale or New Release: Text “TiaLouise” to 64600*

*Max 6 messages per month; HELP for help; STOP to cancel; Text and Data rates may apply. Privacy policy available, allnightreads@gmail.com.

Review Post: Jail House Rock by Liberty Laine

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☆☆☆99CENTS and FREE IN KU☆☆☆
Jail House Rock by @LibertyLaine is #LIVE and #FREE in #KindleUnlimited! Pick up your copy of this hot and hilarious standalone novella today for only #99cents.
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2izaA1p
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2jMm5jI
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2jM9CNg
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2jl2E5j

Synopsis2
I’ve got ninety-nine problems and all of them begin and end with the Coletrain twins.

Especially Millie Coletrain.

I don’t know whether to kiss her or spank her.

Either way, she’s mine.

Warning: This is an erotic novella with laugh out loud ridiculousness, insta-love, a smart-mouthed heroine, and an over-the-top alpha bail bondsman.

t6

My Review

*****5 Fun & Steamy Stars*****

Jail House Rock was a quick, fulfilling, and phenomenally enjoyable read that had me laughing out loud and blushing on every single page. The antics of Millie and Jake had me loving those two something fierce, and had me eating up every bit of what I got with them while reading this story. This story was equal parts laugh out loud funny, heart meltingly sweet, and over the top in the best way that will have your heart feeling on fire in more ways than one. Liberty Laine completely creates a fast paced and well written read that delivers in every single way possible.

From the very first page of this story I was completely swept up into everything that Jake and Millie were sharing. With a story premise that had me needing to know what would happen next, and a serious amount of spark and connection between these two characters, Jail House Rock delivers a story that is fun, steamy, and downright consuming in the most authentic way. Through every turn of that page I got more of Millie’s fire and sweetness, I got more of Jake’s protective and heart melting self, and I got more of all that those two share together. With the best dose of unforgettable personality and charm, those two found themselves in my heart lickity split, and I loved every single word of this story with them. Their feelings were very real, very insta-love, and very heated to say the least, and that combined to make one helluva story.

Liberty Laine’s fantastic writing gives you so much with these two. The charm and vibrancy they add into every word and page of this book will have your cheeks hurting because you’re laughing and smiling so hard. I could not get enough of what this writing duo was giving me in this story, and I’m already counting down the days until I can get more of their words! Their writing perfectly balanced a quick paced story full of some serious intst-love, while also giving me some serious feels, spark, and some truly mesmerizing moments, and I really can’t say enough how much I loved that!

If you are looking for a well written, consuming, and all-around enjoyable read, then you need to run yourself to this book this very second. It was fun, full of charm and so much humor, and it gave one helluva love story with some serious heat, and I truly can’t say enough how much I loved it! Jail House Rock is was insta-love, fast paced stories are made of, and it is a book I know you will love to pieces!

t3-copy

Worth the Wait by Claudia Connor

 

 

Title: Worth the Wait
Series: McKinney/Walker #1
Author: Claudia Connor
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 10, 2017
Blurb
The first in a spin off series of the New York Times Bestselling McKinney Brothers, WORTH THE WAIT takes readers on a journey through young love into adulthood in a heartwrenching, second chance love story.Nick Walker thought nothing could destroy what he had with Mia. He certainly never thought he would be the one to destroy it.

Now ten years later, Mia James is in Special Agent Nick Walker’s path once again and this time he’s determined to shed the weight of regret and finally claim the future that was always meant to be theirs.

It won’t be easy. Mia’s heart was shattered by Nick and now, just when she’d pieced it back together, it’s been broken again, bringing their past to the surface, including her own secret about that day everything went wrong.

***Every title by Claudia Connor is a Contemporary Romance and a full stand alone novel. No cheating, no love triangle, no cliff hanger.

 

Purchase Links
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

Excerpt

~twenty-four years ago Nick pressed two fingers into the sleep deprived headache pounding in his temple and tried to concentrate on professor Jenkins’s explanation of ideal gas law. He circled a line of notes, ignored the knock on the auditorium door until he heard the familiar cry. Hannah, who he’d left in the university daycare two hours ago.

The high pitched wail wasn’t his two year old sister’s hurt cry. It was her scared cry with a touch of pissed off. In the six months since their parents’ death, he’d learned to tell the difference. He’d learned a lot of things. Like if he didn’t take her to the bathroom, she’d likely wait too long and have an accident. Like green beans made her throw up, but she’d eat them if he told her to. And she would never, ever go to sleep without Mr. Bunny.

He was up, out of his seat, and halfway down the auditorium stairs before his professor laid his pen down.

Nick’s eyes narrowed on the young blonde in an oversized sweatshirt with silk greek letters sewn on the front. She held a sobbing Hannah dressed in the sunny yellow sundress he’d picked out that morning. She hadn’t been crying when he left her. Now her eyes were red and snot mixed with tears dripped into her mouth. Hannah lunged for him. His arms engulfed her small body and his heart squeezed like it always did when she held onto him.

“I stay you,” Hannah said. Each word tumbled out of her with a jerk of her tiny shoulders.

“What happened to her?”

“Nothing happened to her. She hasn’t stopped screaming for the past hour and she bit three people. We can’t keep her like that.”

Several responses came to mind.

She’s just a baby.

She missed her nap.

And the loudest of all, it was my fault for leaving her.

Hannah raised her head to look at him, giant tears hanging from golden lashes. “I bite.”

“Well. At least she’s honest.” Professor Jenkins turned his questioning eyes to Nick. “She yours?”

He hesitated, but only a second. “My sister. But yes, she’s mine.” And at that moment she became even more his, which seemed to be the case every day. Every day, a little more his.

 

Author Bio

Claudia Connor is the author of the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling series, The McKinney Brothers. Her debut novel, WORTH THE FALL, hit the New York Times Bestsellers list in 2014 and received numerous Best Contemporary Romance of 2014 accolades.

Claudia attended Auburn University, where she received her undergraduate and master’s degrees in early childhood education. After teaching kindergarten and first grade for ten years, she retired to be a full-time mom to her three daughters. Always a lover of books, and always one to have stories playing in her mind, she decided to try her hand at writing. It took seven years to finish her first novel and a new love was born.

Claudia lives near Memphis, Tennessee with her husband, three daughters, two cats, and a singer-songwriter Siberian Husky. She continues to write warm, heartfelt, and emotional romances with a bit of steam, a lot of family and always a happily ever after.

Author Links

Releasing Now: Worth the Wait by Claudia Connor

 

 Title: Worth the Wait
Series: McKinney/Walker #1
Author: Claudia Connor
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 10, 2017
Blurb
The first in a spin off series of the New York Times Bestselling McKinney Brothers, WORTH THE WAIT takes readers on a journey through young love into adulthood in a heartwrenching, second chance love story.

Nick Walker thought nothing could destroy what he had with Mia. He certainly never thought he would be the one to destroy it.Now ten years later, Mia James is in Special Agent Nick Walker’s path once again and this time he’s determined to shed the weight of regret and finally claim the future that was always meant to be theirs.

It won’t be easy. Mia’s heart was shattered by Nick and now, just when she’d pieced it back together, it’s been broken again, bringing their past to the surface, including her own secret about that day everything went wrong.

***Every title by Claudia Connor is a Contemporary Romance and a full stand alone novel. No cheating, no love triangle, no cliff hanger.

 

Purchase Links
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 Excerpt

~twenty-four years ago Nick pressed two fingers into the sleep deprived headache pounding in his temple and tried to concentrate on professor Jenkins’s explanation of ideal gas law. He circled a line of notes, ignored the knock on the auditorium door until he heard the familiar cry. Hannah, who he’d left in the university daycare two hours ago.

The high pitched wail wasn’t his two year old sister’s hurt cry. It was her scared cry with a touch of pissed off. In the six months since their parents’ death, he’d learned to tell the difference. He’d learned a lot of things. Like if he didn’t take her to the bathroom, she’d likely wait too long and have an accident. Like green beans made her throw up, but she’d eat them if he told her to. And she would never, ever go to sleep without Mr. Bunny.

He was up, out of his seat, and halfway down the auditorium stairs before his professor laid his pen down.

Nick’s eyes narrowed on the young blonde in an oversized sweatshirt with silk greek letters sewn on the front. She held a sobbing Hannah dressed in the sunny yellow sundress he’d picked out that morning. She hadn’t been crying when he left her. Now her eyes were red and snot mixed with tears dripped into her mouth. Hannah lunged for him. His arms engulfed her small body and his heart squeezed like it always did when she held onto him.

“I stay you,” Hannah said. Each word tumbled out of her with a jerk of her tiny shoulders.

“What happened to her?”

“Nothing happened to her. She hasn’t stopped screaming for the past hour and she bit three people. We can’t keep her like that.”

Several responses came to mind.

She’s just a baby.

She missed her nap.

And the loudest of all, it was my fault for leaving her.

Hannah raised her head to look at him, giant tears hanging from golden lashes. “I bite.”

“Well. At least she’s honest.” Professor Jenkins turned his questioning eyes to Nick. “She yours?”

He hesitated, but only a second. “My sister. But yes, she’s mine.” And at that moment she became even more his, which seemed to be the case every day. Every day, a little more his.

 

Author Bio

Claudia Connor is the author of the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling series, The McKinney Brothers. Her debut novel, WORTH THE FALL, hit the New York Times Bestsellers list in 2014 and received numerous Best Contemporary Romance of 2014 accolades.

Claudia attended Auburn University, where she received her undergraduate and master’s degrees in early childhood education. After teaching kindergarten and first grade for ten years, she retired to be a full-time mom to her three daughters. Always a lover of books, and always one to have stories playing in her mind, she decided to try her hand at writing. It took seven years to finish her first novel and a new love was born.

Claudia lives near Memphis, Tennessee with her husband, three daughters, two cats, and a singer-songwriter Siberian Husky. She continues to write warm, heartfelt, and emotional romances with a bit of steam, a lot of family and always a happily ever after.

Author Links

Releasing Now: Dear Life by Meghan Quinn

dear_life_release_blitz

Four lives. Four stories. Four sets of letters. Four brave souls in need of guidance while facing life’s greatest challenges.

Dear Life by Meghan Quinn is NOW ONLY $0.99 & FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED! #Proveyourexistence

dear_life_live

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2i84SB7

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2i7Xe9X

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2j6LsAI

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dear-life

Blurb

The anonymously published Dear Life program is designed to help them step outside of their comfort zones, face their obstacles, and relinquish their demons…and prove their existence.

With their lives teetering between wanting more and losing it all, all four souls dive into the program as a New Year’s resolution, sending them on a crazy, life-altering journey.

Dear Life,

Please be kind.

Yours truly, Hollyn, Jace, Daisy, and Carter.

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author

meghan-quinn-bio

When I was in high school I occasionally read books but was consumed by other teenage things so I didn’t take the time to appreciate a good book on a cloudy day, wrapped up in a blanket on the couch. It wasn’t until I received a Kindle for Christmas one year that my world completely flipped upside down. When looking for books I came across the Contemporary Romance genre and was sold and I haven’t turned back since.

You can either find my head buried in my Kindle, listening to inspiring heart ripping music or typing away on the computer twisting and turning the lives of my characters while driving my readers crazy with anticipation.

I currently reside in beautiful Colorado Springs where the sun is always shining and there is a trail waiting to be hiked on every corner. I share a lovely and warm home with the love of my life and my five, four-legged children.

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Review Post: Franco (Bright Side #3) by Kim Holden

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Franco by Kim Holden

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Synopsis2

Franco Genovese is the drummer for world renowned American rock band, Rook. He’s got it all. A killer smile. Tattoos. Talent. Razor sharp wit and humor. And a heart as big, and generous, as they come.
Life is good. Steady. Uncomplicated. Just the way he likes things.
Until one night at an unassuming L.A. bar changes everything.
Enter Gemma Hendricks.
She’s a successful young architect from Northern England with an adorable smile, sarcasm for days, and an unparalleled trusting heart.
The attraction is instant.
So is their friendship.
It’s also temporary because they’ll both be heading home, thousands of miles apart from each other, in a few days.
Or is it?
There’s something Gemma wants more than anything else.
And when Franco propositions her to provide what she’s looking for, everything changes.
Will it transform friendship into love, or will it be their ruin?
Note from the author: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is recommended for mature audiences.

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My Review

*****5 Unforgettable Stars*****

 

 

You know those books that just feel damn good to read? You know the ones I’m talking about. Those are the books that feel like pure magic to experience. The ones that blow you away with all that they have, while simultaneously pulling you in with every phenomenal word. Those books that feel like a hug of sorts. Strong. Solid. Heartwarming. Right. Inviting. Good. Those books are the ones that sweep you up, give you all that they have, and literally leave you breathless from page to page because of what they so spectacularly give you.

Those are the books I live for.

Those are the books I love.

Those are the books that stay with me well after I turn that last page.

Those are the books that show me why reading and books are so amazing.

Franco by Kim Holden is a book like that.

In fact, every single book I have read and experienced and loved by Kim Holden has been a book like that. I could literally use every positive adjective in the dictionary, and I still wouldn’t come close to capturing the true beauty and meaning and unforgettable feeling of what it’s like to read a book by her. Her books are magic. They’re exceptionally written. They’re full of feeling and meaning and so many moments and characters that I will never forget. They’re everything.

Each and every one of her books have been some of my top reads of all time, and Franco is no different. This book was good. Damn good. It felt beyond wonderful to be back in this world with these characters, and the color and vibrancy and charm I got within the pages of this book made my heart happy a million times over. This book brought me back to a world where I feel as if I belong, a world where I feel like I’m one of the gang, and a world that feels pretty freaking amazing to be a part of. Kim Holden brings that world to life in such an authentic and enjoyable way that had me basking in every single word I got of that world I’ve come to love so much.

Franco is a mesmerizing and all-feeling story about so many things. It’s a story about what happens when one chance encounter changes everything. It’s a book about living your life, taking what comes your way, and figuring out what to do when you’re faced head on with what you want, and more so, what you need and can’t live without. It’s a story about finding what you love, living your life with all that you have, and fighting with all you have for the dreams you have. This book is one of life, love, and being in the right place, in the very right time, and how with one meeting, everything you thought you knew and wanted can change.

What you get between Franco and Gemma in this book will have you smitten with those two. Trust me on that one. They will steal your heart, and you will gladly give it over to them with what they so phenomenally give you in this book.

From the very first page of this book, I think Franco owned every part of my heart. The charm, the goodness, and the genuine sweetness of that man melted me through every page of this book, and getting to be there as he went there, as he put it all on the line, and as he opened up himself and his heart to what could be was everything. And I mean everything. Gemma was a gem of a character, and I mean that whole heartedly. That girl beats to the tune of her own drum, lights up every single moment she is a part of, and will have you smiling through every single second you get with her. What I loved about Gemma was how real she was, how truly unforgettable she is, and how honest and open and vulnerable that girl was when it really mattered.

Franco and Gemma share something so real, so right, and so damn good. What I experienced with them in this book had me believing in them, had me fighting for what could be, and had me loving and feeling and living every word of where this story took them. Through every twist and turn, and through every emotional up and down, I was with them heart and soul, loving and rooting for them with all that I had.

My heart was in every single word of what Franco and Gemma shared, and I think what I loved the most about the two of them was the friendship that pulled them through everything. It was that solid and very real friendship that brought me to them in the first place, and it was that connection and ease with them that had me invested in everything that could be with them. What Gemma and Franco share will certainly make you blush, will have your heart melting on more than one occasion, but most of all it will have you believing in the possibilities of what could be.

It was those all-feeling and consuming possibilities with those two that had me smiling, laughing, melting, and loving every single second of what I experienced with them in this book.

The way that Kim Holden connects you so truly to her characters completely sets her books in a league of their own. That was one of my favorite aspects of reading Franco because the connections I felt to him and Gemma, and the continued connections I felt towards the other characters of this world seared my heart to them all even more. I felt like I was a part of this book. I felt like I was with these characters, and like they were some of my closest friends that I understood, and loved, and just enjoyed being with. Kim Holden completely creates that connection, and she makes these characters, their personalities, and their charming and distinctive nuances feel tangible.

And honestly, reading this book just made me want to reread this entire series of books just so that I could spend more time with them all. That speaks to what Kim Holden so authentically creates in these books that I want and crave more time with all of her unforgettable and distinctive characters.

I don’t think I can accurately articulate what it felt like to experience this story and its dynamic characters. I’ve spoken of the magic of this world, and how good it feels to be within the pages of this book, and that is something I can’t say enough. Franco feels like you’re in the exact place you need to be while you’re within its unforgettable pages. It feels real. It feels like coming home. It feels right. And through every page it amplifies those feelings more because that’s what Kim Holden so brilliantly crafts.

Like the lyrics of a song you never want to have end, Franco is a story of two people who meet by chance, yet can’t seem to get enough of one another. This book follows their intertwined story together as they feel, as they live, and as they connect on so many levels on their journey together. Through every turn of that page in Franco, my love for these characters, what they were sharing, and for what could be amplified, and in the end, I couldn’t have asked for a better book.

This book made me feel. It made me smile and laugh and it brought some happy and fulfilling tears to my eyes on more than one occasion, and I really can’t say enough how much I felt, and breathed, and lived, and loved every single word of it.

Simply put, Franco is a mesmerizing story of possibilities, taking chances, and feeling with all that you have. It is a story that’s full of meaning, spark, and a tangible goodness that will literally sweep you up into all that it has, and won’t truly ever let you go. And let me tell you, it doesn’t get better than that, or this book.

Franco was another amazing book by Kim Holden. This book just solidified the love I have for this author and her words, and it has me already needing the next incredible dose of her words that I can get my hands on. Kim Holden is one of my favorite authors for a reason, and every word of Franco reminded me of that again and again. When I reached the last page of this book, all I wanted to do was start the book over again to get back within its literal goodness. I also wanted to give Kim Holden a hug to thank her for another incredible reading experience that I soon won’t forget.

The charm, the authenticity, the distinctiveness, the feels, the pull, the goodness, and everything else in between made this book a consuming and unforgettable read.

This book was everything.

It was Franco. It was Gemma. It was Gus. It was Scout. It was Bright Side. It was Jamie and Robbie. It was good. It was real. It was honest.

It was everything. And then some.

I am telling you, if you haven’t experienced this world, these characters, or Kim Holden’s phenomenal writing, then you are missing out. You NEED these words in your life. You need Franco and Gemma, and you need those bloody wankers, because let me tell you, they give you it all. And then some.

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Releasing Not: Until Ashlyn (Until Her #3) by Aurora Rose Reynolds

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BRING ON THE BOOM!

Meet Ashlyn & Dillon in Until Ashlyn.

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NOW AVAILABLE

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until-ashlyn-cover

Dillon Keck knew Ashlyn Mayson was drunk when she suggested they get married. He knew he should have taken her back to their hotel room and put her to bed. Instead, he did what he had been craving to do since the moment they met.

Claim her as his.

Waking up married in Vegas isn’t something Ashlyn Mayson ever thought would happen to her. Having Dillon, her boss, a man she thinks is a dick, insist they stay married is absurd, but every time he touches her, she gets lost in him and wonders if maybe they are meant to be together.

But someone isn’t happy for Dillon and Ashlyn and their new found romance, and they’re willing to do anything to keep them apart. Even commit murder.

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Excerpt

Dedication

To every single person that believes in the BOOM

Chapter 1

Ashlyn

“Hey, Mom,” I greet, tucking my phone between my ear and shoulder as I shove another dress and matching heels into my suitcase. I smile while I do, because Dillon will likely flip his lid when he sees my choices in attire for the weekend, but there is not one damn thing he can do about it since we won’t be in the office. So technically, his stupid rules don’t apply.

“Are you all packed?”

“Almost,” I sigh, looking at the clock and realizing I only have ten minutes to finish before my cab is set to arrive. I wasn’t planning on going to Vegas for the dental convention, but Dillon insisted he needed me with him, and like an idiot, I agreed.

“Is Dillon picking you up?”

“No, I’m meeting him there. His flight left a couple hours ago.”

“Oh.” She lets out a defeated breath. “Is it just you and him going?”

“I hope so. I swear if the Wicked Witch shows up, I’ll sell her on the strip to the highest bidder, or pay someone to take her out to the desert and drop her off,” I grumble, digging under my bed for my tickler—just in case of an emergency.

“Call me if you need an alibi.” She laughs, and I smile, shaking my head, because I know she’s not lying; she would find a way to be my alibi if something happened.

“I’ll call,” I mutter, heading to the bathroom so I can gather my shower supplies.

“Dillon’s so nice,” she says quietly, and I grit my teeth.

Dillon is annoying, bossy, and… fine, he can be nice sometimes. Plus, he’s uber-hot, but I hate him. Okay, I don’t hate him… but I really, really want to.

“How long are you going to be gone for?” she questions, breaking into my internal rant.

“Just four days. My flight gets back Monday night around seven.”

“Promise you’ll call everyday and check in.”

“I’ll call or text,” I agree, grabbing my cosmetics case from under the bathroom cupboard, filling it with all of my makeup.

“Please try and have some fun while you’re there. Make Dillon take you out to a nice dinner or dancing.”

Snorting, I mutter, “Sure, Mom. I love you. I’ll message when I land.”

“Okay, honey, and don’t forget your dad and I leave Monday for Florida and we’ll be gone for three weeks.”

“I haven’t forgotten. Have fun, kiss Grandma and Grandpa, and tell Dad I love him.”

“Will do,” she promises softly before I hang up and shove my cell into my back pocket. Looking at the clock I let out a quiet curse, getting my ass in gear to finish packing so I don’t miss my flight.

~*~*~

Dragging my bag behind me toward the reception desk, I’m stunned by how many people are here wearing nametags stating they’re attending the dental convention. Dillon mentioned this weekend is one of the largest gatherings of dentists in the United States, but sheesh, this is crazy. Finally making it to the front of the line, I smile at the cutie behind the desk.

“How can I help you, gorgeous?” he inquires once I’m close, and I set my purse on the counter and pull out my ID, handing it over to him.

“Hi, I have a reservation.” I yawn, covering my mouth while I listen to the sound of slot machines going off in the distance. I love the slots—or penny slots to be exact, since I’m too chicken to play the real ones.

“I’m sorry, but there is no reservation under your name. Are you sure you’re staying with us?” he asks, handing me back my ID, and I frown.

“I’m positive. It may be under my boss’ name, Dillon Keck. He made the reservations,” I say, and he starts to type again then smiles.

“Got it. I see here that Mr. Keck has already checked in and requested we give you your own key to the suite upon arrival.”

“Uh… what?” I blurt, feeling something close to dread fill my stomach. “Are you saying he’s staying in that room too?”

“Yes, it’s a suite with two kings.”

“I don’t care how many kings are in the room. It’s one room. Right?” I panic, leaning half over the counter, trying to see his computer screen. “Please tell me you have another room available?”

“I’m sorry, but we’re completely booked. This is one of our busiest weekends of the year.”

“Of course it is.” I shake my head. “Can you recommend another hotel nearby?”

“Sorry, but I really doubt anywhere else has an opening.”

“Oh man… oh man,” I breathe, squeezing my eyes closed. “It’s not a big deal. You can share a room with him. You’re an adult, and it’s not like you even like him, right?” I whisper, balling my hands into fists.

“Um, so do you want me to get you your key?” Opening my eyes, I nod once and his face softens. “Call down and check. Sometimes we have people call off their reservations last minute. You never know. Something might open up between tonight and tomorrow.”

“Sure, I’ll call,” I agree, wondering what the hell I did to deserve this kind of karma as I wait there for the room key.

Standing in the hall outside the door to our room ten minutes later, I pause with my key card in my hand, not sure if I should knock or just go in. I seriously cannot believe Dillon booked us in a room together. Actually, I can believe it, because I think he gets off on annoying me.

“Screw it. It’s my room too,” I mutter to myself, shoving the key into the card reader, watching the light turn green. Pushing down on the handle, I turn, using my shoulder to hold the door open while I drag my suitcase into the room, fighting with its weight as the door closes, trapping it half way through.

“Shit!”

Turning my head, I look over my shoulder and almost fall on my ass when my eyes find Dillon standing in the middle of the room, completely naked, with a pair of boxers in his hand. His once long hair now short and wet, and a tattoo I didn’t know he had along his muscled ribs on his side.

“Oh, my God,” I breathe, turning quickly while attempting to shove my suitcase back out of the room. I totally did not need to know Dillon looks hotter without clothes than what my mind had made up, and believe me—my mind had unfortunately tormented me with thoughts of him naked many times.

“Christ, you’re a mess,” is muttered from behind me while a very strong arm wraps around my waist, lifting me off my feet, and my suitcase is tugged from my grasp. Before I know it, my suitcase and I are both in the room and the door closes with a soft hiss, trapping me inside.

“Please tell me you’re not still naked,” I whimper, squeezing my eyes closed, feeling his arm release me and his heat leave my back.

“I’m not naked.”

Opening my eyes, I close them again when I see he’s only got on a pair of form-fitting black boxers and nothing else. “Put some clothes on.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve never seen a naked man before.” He chuckles, and the sound of his laughter makes my teeth grind and my hands drop to my sides.

“I don’t want to see you naked.” I glare at him while he buttons up a pair of dark slacks that fit him perfectly.

“You could have avoided all of this if you had knocked.”

“Really?” I raise a brow. “You could have ‘avoided all this,’” I make air quotes, “and gotten me a separate room.”

“They messed up the reservation.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal, and I feel my eyes narrow further.

“You should have called to tell me that, so I could have—”

“You would have avoided coming,” he cuts me off. “If you knew we were sharing a room, you would have found an excuse, and I need you with me this weekend.”

“Whatever,” I grumble, knowing he’s right. I would have canceled the trip if I knew we were sharing a room, even knowing that being here is a great way to build connections with other dentists. Especially, if I want to open my own practice in the future. “We need to set a few ground rules.” I cross my arms over my chest while I watch him walk across the room toward the bed near the window.

“Later.” He picks up a dark-blue, almost black, dress shirt and starts to put it on, which is unfortunate, because now that I’ve seen him shirtless, I’m thinking he should never cover up again.

“No, now,” I growl, annoyed with myself for being attracted to the dick.

“Later.” He holds my glare. “Right now, you need to get dressed. We have reservations in forty minutes.” He takes a seat on the side of the bed and starts to put on his shoes.

“What?” I look at the clock on the wall. It’s after seven at night and I’m exhausted. All I want to do is climb into bed, order room service, and watch some bad TV.

“We have a reservation in forty minutes,” he repeats, then stands. “The restaurant is twenty minutes away, so you have twenty minutes to get ready, unless you want to wear that.” He motions to my sweats, flip-flops, and hoodie. “I suggest you change.”

“I hate you.”

“So you say,” he says, just barely loud enough for me to hear, as he goes to the dresser, picking up his watch and putting it on.

“What did I do to deserve this?” I shake my head, pulling out my hair tie and running my fingers through my knotted hair.

“You may want to hurry.”

Holding his eyes for a minute, I give up my glare then drag my suitcase to the middle of the room and unzip it. After pulling out one of my favorite “going out” outfits along with my makeup bag, I go to the bathroom and try to slam the door closed, but it’s on one of those thingies that prevents me from doing that, which pisses me off even more.

“Stupid door. Stupid dick,” I mutter once the door is closed, then get to work on making myself look halfway decent.

Twenty minutes later, I look at my refection and lean forward, putting my face an inch from the mirror, and use my dark-red lipstick for the final touch on my dramatic makeup look. Since I didn’t have time to do anything with my hair, I brushed it out and put it up in a bun on top of my head then pulled out a few pieces to frame my face. Looking at my now blonde hair, I smile. I wasn’t sure I would like having blonde hair but Kim insisted it would look great on me, and she wasn’t wrong. Standing back, I place my hands on my hips and take myself in. My black sleeveless-top, with triangles cut out of the center of the chest and sides, is sexy but classy, and my red skin-tight pencil skirt, with its slit up the thigh, shows off just enough skin to draw attention while leaving everything to the imagination.

Slipping on my black, pointed-toe, four-inch pumps, I open the door to the bathroom, and mutter toward where I know Dillon is sitting, “Let me just change my purse and we can go.”

“You’re not wearing that.”

“Pardon?” I ask, pausing in my squatted position in front of my open suitcase to look at him.

“You’re not wearing that outfit. Go change.”

“I’m not changing.” I stand, moving to the desk so I can transfer what I need from my bag to my clutch. Hearing no reply, my eyes move to where he’s sitting on the edge of the bed, and I feel my skin warm up and butterflies take off in my stomach as our eyes lock and his darken.

Licking my lips that have suddenly gone dry, his eyes drop to my mouth and his jaw clenches. “I’ll meet you downstairs.” He stands abruptly and moves past me out the room quickly, letting the door close behind him with a swoosh without another word.

“What the fuck was that?” I ask the door, gaining no reply—not that I need one. I know exactly what that was; I just have no idea what to do with it. Dillon has always acted professional with me. There has never been a time that I’ve seen him look at me like he’s interested, but the look in his eyes a moment ago was primal and not one an engaged man should give another woman, or a boss should give his employee, ever.

Shaking off the strange feeling in the pit of my stomach, I finish changing out my bag then leave the room and make my way through the casino and into the lobby. Not finding Dillon inside, I head outside to the area the cabs and limos pick up and drop off, and spot him standing with a group of people. I’m not surprised he’s surrounded by a gaggle of women and a couple of men. He tends to draw attention wherever he goes, and it’s something else that annoys me. I hate being the center of attention, and I don’t really like people who need it to feel important. Needing a minute to get my head together, I stop a few feet away and tuck my clutch under my arm.

“Where you going, gorgeous? ‘Cause wherever it is, I’m there,” a drunk guy, who can’t be much older than twenty-one, slurs, stumbling up to me. His clothes are rumpled, his hair in disarray, and if he wasn’t such a mess, he’d be cute. But sadly, sloppy drunk works for no one.

Ignoring him, I untuck my purse, open it, and pull out my cell phone, knowing better than to engage with men like him in his current state.

“So you’re to good for me?” he slurs, snatching my cell out of my hand, and my eyes fly up.

“Give me my phone,” I say evenly, holding out my hand, and his eyes travel the length of me and his face scrunches up.

“Ho here thinks she’s too good for me.”

“Mike, come on. Give her the phone and let’s go,” someone says off to the side, but I keep my eyes on Mike, with my palm out toward him. My dad insisted I take martial arts with Jax when I was little. I hated it; I wanted to be a ballerina, not a ninja, but he was adamant about me being able to protect myself. Over the years, the skills I learned back then have come in handy, like now, when all I really want to do is kick the crap out of Mike but know better. One of the first things I was forced to learn was control, to never lose my temper. The second thing I learned was to keep my eyes on my enemy at all times. I was never really good at either, but I still got a black belt in the end.

“Mike,” I say softly, taking a step toward him. “I’m going to ask you nicely, once, to give me my phone. If you don’t, I swear to God I will unleash the Kraken, kick your ass in front of your friends, and send you home crying to your mother.”

Laughing, he looks around then his eyes widen as they move behind me. I really, really want to know what he’s looking at, but I refuse to turn my head and give in.

“Give her the phone.” The deep rumble of Dillon’s voice sends a chill down my spine. I’ve only heard him pissed a few times, and I know he’s pissed right now without even looking at him.

“I… I… w-was just playin’ man,” Mike stutters out, tossing my phone toward me. Missing my hands and causing my phone to crash to the ground, and my nostrils to flare as it shatters at my feet.

“Oh, shit. Oh, Christ. I’m sorry.” He drops to his knees and begins gathering the pieces of what used to be my phone then tries to get up, but falls face forward into my crotch, causing me to stumble back.

“I can’t believe this shit,” Dillon grumbles, catching me before I fall, then tugs me out of the way as Mike’s friends decide to finally step in and pick him up from the ground. “You had to wear that outfit.”

“You can not be serious right now?” I hiss, swinging my head back and finding him glaring down at me.

“Deadly.”

“Let me go.” I try to get free, but his hand on my waist tightens as his eyes leave mine. Swinging my head in the other direction, I find one of Mike’s friends standing a few feet away with my phone, looking anywhere but at us, and Mike off to the side, puking in a trashcan.

“Let me go,” I repeat, and his arm tightens for a moment before he finally lets me loose. I really want to scream or throw a fit, but instead, I calmly take my clutch and open it, holding it out toward the guy and letting him dump the now useless pieces inside. “You need to get him some Gatorade and toast,” I tell him, nodding toward Mike.

“Um, yeah sure. Than…” his words taper off, and the smile that was forming on his lips slides away as he looks over my shoulder. Rolling my eyes, I watch him turn quickly and go to Mike to help carry him away, feeling Dillon get close once more.

“Limo’s waiting,” he mutters, placing his hand against my lower back, making me tense.

“I’m not going.” I try to step away, but his hand slides around my waist, bringing my side into his middle.

“You are.”

“I’m not.”

“You are,” he growls, leaning forward, close… way too close.

“Fine, you want me there? I’ll go, but just so you know, I plan on getting completely wasted, so you have just become my chaperone for the evening.”

“You’re not getting drunk.”

“Wasted, not drunk. And you better make sure I don’t do anything stupid.” I pat his chest, ignoring his flashing eyes. With that, I step out of his grasp and start toward the line of limos then turn to look over my shoulder at him, realizing I have no clue which one to go to.

Smirking, he crosses his arms over his chest and raises a brow. “What’s wrong, blondie? Confused?” His mocking tone and the look of triumph in his eyes does it. I turn on my heels and head to one of the limos with the driver standing outside leaning against it. The moment the driver spots me coming in his direction, his back leaves the car and his eyes rake over me, making my teeth snap together.

“Can I help you, Miss?”

“Ashlyn Mayson, get your ass back here,” Dillon snarls behind me, making my palm itch to smack him.

“I’m sorry, pumpkin. I thought you said this was our limo.” I fake pout, turning to look at him and tossing my head to the side for good measure.

“Christ, you drive me fucking insane.” He walks to where I’m standing, tagging my hand, and then starts to drag me with him, grumbling under his breath.

“You know all I want in this whole wide world is to make you happy, pumpernickel,” I whine, batting my lashes while watching his jaw tic.

Leading me toward another limo with a driver holding the back door open, he growls, “Behave.”

“I swear I’ll be your good girl from now on if you don’t spank me,” I stage-whisper, and his hand spasms in mine as a smirk forms on his lips.

“You don’t behave, I’ll bend you over and tan your ass right here.” His words ring through my ears, making my insides liquid, and then I hear the sound of a male chuckle as I’m gently forced into the back seat of the dark limo before I can reply.

“You’re such a jerk,” I hiss, adjusting my skirt as I move across the leather seats.

“You started the show we put on. I just ended it,” he mutters, sitting down across from me and unbuttoning his suit jacket.

“You started it with the whole ‘blondie’ thing.” I cross my arms over my chest and glare at him.

“Can we not do this tonight? Can we get along for one damn evening?”

“You tell me. I’m not the one who’s bossy and annoying all the damn time.”

“No, you’re just crazy.”

“Crazy?” I snort, and his lips twitch ever so slightly. “I’m not crazy.”

“Babe, you told that kid you were going to unleash the Kraken on him then went on to tell his friends to get him Gatorade and toast. You’re the definition of crazy.”

He may have a point, but instead of agreeing with him, I turn my head to look out the window and watch the city of Las Vegas slide by.

~*~*~

“Turn it off. Turn it off,” I croon sleepily as my hand sweeps out in the direction of the noise blaring from the alarm, missing it over and over as the beeping continues to torture me.

“Jesus, shut that shit off.” An arm comes from around me, and silence fills the room as my body freezes and my eyes spring open, only to close again when the room spins.

“Oh, God, why are you in my bed?” I hiss, trying to calm my stomach that feels like it’s getting ready to empty.

“You’re in my bed,” Dillon grumbles, sliding his arm around my waist, pulling my ass back into the crook of his thighs.

“Why am I in your bed?” I breathe as bits and pieces from last night flash through my mind, and none of them are good. None of them at all.

“You wanted to cuddle.” He buries his face in my neck then moves his hand up to cup my breast. I know I don’t have any clothes on when I feel the hair from his thighs tickle mine and his finger runs over my nipple. Oh, God. A memory of me telling him we have so much in common while we both got naked for bed fills my mind, and then another one pops in and my hand flies up to my face.

I force my eyes open, trying to focus, and see it there—the small, plain, white-gold band from the memory of him sliding it on my finger.

“We got married?” I shout, pulling his hand from my breast.

“We got married,” he agrees, not sounding upset, but instead, almost proud.

“Oh shit!” I fly out of the bed and trip over our clothes scattered across the floor, feeling him catch me right before I land on my face.

“Ash, calm down.”

“Calm down? Calm down? Are you insane? We got married last night. Married, Dillon. I got married to a man who is engaged to another woman!” I yell, then cover my mouth. “Oh, God, I’m going to hell. I’m so going to hell for this.”

“I’m not engaged,” he says calmly, giving me a shake.

“I know your fiancée!” I screech, attempting to get away from him, only to have him hold me tighter.

“I’m not fucking with Isla. Now stop with the crazy.”

“You’re not with her?” I stop, and he runs a hand through his hair.

“No,” he states, holding my stare, and my body uncoils just slightly.

“Fine, I’m not going to hell.” I move away from him and resume pacing. “We need to find an attorney. I saw loads of advertisements on the strip. We’ll get one and get this taken care of. It’s no big deal. People get married in Vegas everyday then get divorced. We will just be one of the ninety percent,” I ramble while pacing.

“We are not getting an annulment.”

“Annulment, right.” I snap my fingers. “That’s even better. No one has to know about this.”

“Listen to me.” He grabs onto my shoulders, giving me a shake, and my eyes focus on his. “We are not getting an annulment, or divorced. We got married and are staying that way.”

“Oh, God, you were drugged.” I rest my hands against his chest and drop my voice, “Don’t worry. We’ll go to the hospital and they’ll give you something. Once you’re better, this will all be taken care of.”

“Jesus Christ.” He rubs his hands down his face, tilting his head back to look toward the ceiling. “I’m married to a nut.”

“Hey, that’s not nice.” I plant my hands on my hips. His head drops, his eyes scan the length of me, and I realize I’m naked… that we’re both completely naked. “Dillon.” I take a step back when his eyes meet mine, and his arms swing toward me. “What are you doing?” I shriek, sidestepping him, only to stumble onto the bed, where I attempt to roll. But he flips me to my back, his giant body moving between my legs, and his hands pin my wrists to the mattress over my head. Panting, I look up into his beautiful blue eyes.

“We are not getting a divorce,” he snarls, leaning down so his face is mere centimeters from mine.

“Be rational.” I lift my hips and my arms, trying to throw him off. “You’re obviously on—”

Before I can say more, his head descends and his mouth is covering mine, stealing my breath along with my soul. The feel of his lips, the taste of him on my tongue, ignites something deep inside of me, and I kiss him back with everything I am. Ripping my mouth from his, I pant, “Please let me go.”

“No.” The word sounds almost primal, and I lean up, placing my mouth back against his.

“Please, I want to touch you.”

Groaning, his hands release my wrists, and my palms fly to his chest and slide up and over his shoulders, pulling him closer to me as my legs wrap around the back of his thighs. He kisses me again, this time using his tongue and teeth to torture me in the most beautiful way possible.

“How is it possible you taste as good as you look?” he questions, pulling back, but I have no answer for him. He tastes amazing and having him covering me, his hardness pressing against my softness, is making my brain short-circuit. Palming my breast, he slides his thumb over my nipple, causing my hips to jerk forward. Rolling us again, he settles me on top of him, palms both my breasts, and then leans up, pulling my right nipple into his mouth, releasing it with a pop. “When did you get these?” he questions, flicking the tip with his tongue.

“When I was thirteen.” I smile, and he smiles back then moves to my other breast, doing the same, only sucking harder, almost punishing.

“When?” he asks again, and I know he’s asking about my nipple piercings. I got them with my cousin April a few years back. I wanted a piercing, but needed to be able to look professional to the outside world, so I got both my nipples done with simple, almost elegant-looking gold barbells.

“Three years ago,” I breathe as he tweaks the tiny piece of metal.

“Before me.”

“What?” I try to focus, but every time he touches me, my body gets hotter and my focus depletes. Grabbing my hips, he tugs me forward, dragging my wet center along his length.

“Soaked.” He nips my nipple then wraps his hand into the hair at the back of my head, taking control of my movements as he pulls my mouth to his and thrusts his tongue between my lips. Lost in his kiss and the feel of him between my legs, so close to where I need and want him, I squeak when he flips us over and slides down my body, not giving me a chance to think as his mouth covers me.

“Dillon.” My hands move through his hair and my hips lift off the bed, offering myself up to him without thinking about anything but the way his tongue, lips, and teeth feel as he fucks me with his mouth. “Oh, God. Oh, God, I’m going to come,” I pant, feeling my toes curl into the bedding and my hands grip his hair. The touch of his finger rimming just the inside of my entrance sends me over, shouting his name as I go.

Feeling him kiss my inner thigh then my belly, over my breasts then shoulder, I come back to myself lazily.

“Tell me you want me.” Looking into my eyes while his hand moves between my legs and his fingers slide though my folds, I know I’ll give him anything. “Tell me you want me as badly as I want you.”

“I want you,” I hiss, feeling the very large head of his cock at my entrance, and then watch his eyes drop between us before my eyes do the same, and I know I need to tell him. “I—”

Oh, God, too late… way too late. I bite my lip as he fills me, stretching me.

“Tight, so goddamn tight.” He pushes in farther and his jaw clenches.

“Hold on. Please, hold on,” I breathe, and his body stills above me as his eyes search mine.

“What’s wrong?”

“I just need a minute.” I squeeze my eyes closed, feeling like an idiot.

“Baby.” His fingers slide along my jaw and cheekbone, into my hair. “Do you want to stop?” he asks gently, making tears sting my nose.

“God, no.” He feels good, so good. But he’s huge, way bigger than any of my toys. “You’re just big. So big.” I wiggle my hips and he hisses out a breath, grabbing my waist.

“Don’t say that shit when I’m inside of you,” he groans, dropping his forehead to mine.

“I have to tell you something, but please don’t be mad.”

“Christ, what now?” He pulls back, gritting his teeth.

“Stop being a jerk and let me talk.” I smack his shoulder and he looks down at me, thrusting in another inch.

“Never mind. I don’t want to know.”

“What?” I moan, wrapping my legs around his hips as he slides in a little more.

“If it’s going to piss me off, I don’t want to know.” He slides out then back in, and my back arches off the bed as his thick cock fills every inch of me.

“You’re such a dick!” I cry out as he tosses my leg over his shoulder, changing the angle of his thrust.

“I don’t give a fuck about that either.” He drops his mouth, covering mine and stealing my reply—not that I have time to think about that as his mouth leisurely travels down my neck to my breast, which he pulls and sucks until I’m once again shouting his name and hearing mine groaned from his lips as we both come.

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author

aurora rose reynolds (2)

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a navy brat who’s husband served in the United States Navy. She has lived all over the country but now resides in New York City with her Husband and pet fish. She’s married to an alpha male that loves her as much as the men in her books love their women. He gives her over the top inspiration everyday. In her free time she reads, writes and enjoys going to the movies with her husband and cookie. She also enjoys taking mini weekend vacations to nowhere, or spends time at home with friends and family. Last but not least she appreciates everyday and admires it’s beauty.

Website: http://aurorarosereynolds.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aurora-Rose-Reynolds

Twitter: https://twitter.com/auroraroseR

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Releasing Now: Jaded Hearts by Harper Sloan

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jadedhearts_frontcover_loresSigning with Brighthouse Records was supposed to be everything we ever wanted—our better life. Our chance at everything we never had but always wanted. All our dreams would finally come true and we were on top of the world. It was our chance at the happiness we never had in life.

Our every desire was at our fingertips and the power of that feeling was all consuming. But then it took every dream we thought would come true and it slapped us in the face with the cold hard reality.

Dreams were just that…something that floated on the cusp of untouchable, taunting you with every graze of your fingertips before slipping even further away.

Happiness…that feeling is a joke.

In the end it became painfully obvious that each of us would always have each other, but we would forever be alone.

 

 

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Nook | Kobo | iTunes

 

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Goddamn, that smile is dangerous.

Who am I kidding? He is dangerous.

I do my best to ignore him, but it’s impossible. The steady brush of his arm against where mine is resting on our shared armrest constantly reminds me how much my body wants his touch. The scent of his delicious cologne hits my senses, making me want to climb in his lap and rub my face over his chest to get a potent lungful of it.

I can’t even remember the last time I was this horny, which is pathetically sad, since it was probably around the same time I actually got laid. Years. I think. Close to three. Maybe that’s why I’m a hot mess lately. I turn my head to study the side of his face and wonder if I can use this situation to my advantage. I mean, after all, we are in a ‘relationship’ now.

He turns and gives me a questioning arch of his dark brows, but I brush it off in favor of playing Disney Emoji Blitz on my phone.

By the time we had hit cruising altitude, I could hear the other men around me snoring away but not Chance. He’s fiddling with his phone, completely ignorant of the fact I’m about to start humping his leg.

“Excuse me,” I breathily say, unbuckling my belt and standing to move around him. I stand there, my head bent slightly because of the overhead, and wait. He doesn’t move, though. Instead, he drops his phone to his lap and gives me his complete attention; his eyes even dance a little like he’s finding this whole damn thing funny. “Excuse me,” I repeat, no longer breathy, and seconds away from coming.

No, that’s a lie. I’m still breathy and very much seconds away from soaking my panties even more than they already are.

His large hands grab my hips, and he guides me down on his lap with no resistance from my treacherous body.

“Not what I meant,” I say through clenched teeth, trying to sound harsh and offended, but I just sound dazed and turned on. I wiggle in his hold, trying to get free, but he’s too strong for me.

He leans up in his seat, his chest hitting my back and buries his face in my neck. I’m sure anyone who saw us would see a loving couple who just can’t keep their hands to themselves. He’s playing a dangerous game, though, because the second the solid, hard length of him presses against my backside, I forget this is supposed to be a game and squirm a little more. His teeth nip at my shoulder at the same time his groan hits my ears.

“Stop moving, Wren,” he demands, tightening his fingers on my hips.

“You’re the one who put me on your lap.” I curl my fingers over the empty seat in front of me and squeeze my eyes shut when I feel him growing harder under me.

“Yeah, because the flight attendant who just walked by had her phone out and pointed right at us. She’s doing a shit job of making it look like she’s doing something with her paperwork.” His hand comes off my hip, and he cups my jaw, turning my head to the side just when I was about to look up at where I last saw the attendant, forcing me to shift until all it would take is me throwing one leg over his body to be face-to-face. “Do not look at her,” he stresses; the sudden movement of twisting my body makes me bounce slightly in his lap, rubbing my legging-clad ass against his erection. His eyes drop to my mouth where I pull my bottom lip between my teeth and groan.

“Give me a reason not to look,” I dare him.

“You don’t want to go down that road, Wren. I’ll protect you from the world, but you need to protect yourself from me.”

“No one is asking you to.”

Not even knowing if we’re still being watched, I twist my torso the rest of the way, pulling my legs up until they’re bent at his stomach between us. Now that I’m facing him completely, I bring my hands up to curl them both around his shoulders before dragging them up to wrap around the corded muscles at the sides of his neck. His nostrils flare, but he doesn’t stop me. I give him the chance, but it never comes. Dropping my head, I press my lips to his. I explore his lips with small pecks and little licks of my tongue, learning his mouth before pressing more firmly. He sucks in a breath when I open my mouth and slowly drag the tip of my tongue over his bottom lip.

And then his control snaps.

His hands—still at my hips—lift me effortlessly until my legs are no longer folded between us, but now digging into the hard armrests with my knees pushing into his thighs, my back hitting the seat in front of me. His mouth opens, and his tongue meets mine, no hesitation whatsoever, as he deepens the kiss.

Our breathing echoes around us, making it sound like everyone on this plane could hear us, but I know it’s just because our faces are so close. I let out a moan, one that he swallows, that turns into a whine when he pulls back.

“That can’t happen again,” he softly scolds, just as breathless as I am.

What the hell? I might not have been into this whole fake-boyfriend-slash-bodyguard thing before, but I’ll be damned if I’m not going to take advantage of the situation. Especially now that I know how alive he makes me feel. Three years since I had pleasure from anything other than my own hand, and if that kiss is anything to go by, what Chance could make me feel is ten times more powerful than anything I’ve ever felt in my whole life.

I’m not passing that up.

Nope.

No fucking way.

“We’ll see about that.”

 

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harper1Harper is a NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL and USA TODAY bestselling author residing in Georgia with her husband and three daughters. She has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books, hibachi, tattoos and Game of Thrones. When she isn’t writing you can almost always find her with a book in hand.

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Releasing Now: Edge of Bliss by Molly E. Lee

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Photo & Cover Design: Regina Wamba / MaeIDesign and Photography
Models: Ripp B. (Dash) & Mackenzy T. (Blake)
Release Date: December 14, 2016

 

Synopsis2

I never knew how perfect life could be until Blake Caster was finally mine.

Chasing storms with her only doubles the passion and the rush, but as we travel down tornado alley at the start of the season, we run into more than our fair share of nonweather-related trouble.

My past on the alley catches up to me in a bad way and with each captured storm, a wedge is driven between us. The harder I try to hold on to Blake, the faster she is slipping away.

Add to that an unexpected call from her ex, new pressures from the reality show filming our every move, and a job offer Blake may not be able to pass up, and my perfect life is on the same chaotic path as the storms we chase.

All I want to do is make her mine—forever—but one trip down tornado alley might be our last.

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Giveaway

7″ Kindle Fire Tablet Wi-Fi, 8 GB – w/ Special Offers, Blk

 

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Trailer

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author
Molly E. Lee is an author and editor best known for her debut novel EDGE OF CHAOS, and as a fourth year mentor at Pitch Wars – a program which connects promising writers to established authors in the community. Molly writes New Adult Contemporary and Young Adult Urban Fantasy featuring strong female heroines who are unafraid to challenge their male counterparts, yet still vulnerable enough to have love sneak up on them. In addition to being a military spouse and mother of two + one stubborn English Bulldog, Molly loves watching storms from her back porch at her Midwest home, and digging for treasures in antique stores.

 

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