Category Archives: Excerpt

CHAPTER REVEAL ~ Twice As Hard by Amber Bardan

Mar 11

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Coming March 20th

 

 

 

 

They caught me. Naked, shivering and dripping after a spontaneous swim in the forest.
Two rugged men whose hard gazes captivated and scared me all at once.

They warned me. Told me I was on private property and I needed to obey the law…or I would be punished.

The idea of them both punishing me, pleasuring me, kept tormenting me. I couldn’t want them. I shouldn’t. But I did.

I didn’t mean to trespass again. I thought I could retreat without notice. But they’re coming for me.

To show me the pleasure in pain. To show me just how right forbidden can feel. And to love me twice as hard as I ever fantasized.

 

 

I run up the track. My thighs scream—but I can’t stop yet. Pain blazes from my blistered heels. The ground levels out. My sneakers slide on dirt.
Fuck.
The world disappears, dropping out only yards from where I’m stopped.
I go to my knees, gasping. The urge to vomit rises hard in my throat, yet the sight ahead pierces me almost as sharply as the burning in my lungs. The view from the peak of Hunter Mountain is everything I’ve been led to believe. I press my palms to the earth. Oh god, the air is good.
So damned good.
Fragrant and so clean I’ve only experienced its pale imitation from a bottle. Forest scent. Almost makes this worth it. Almost. I fill my lungs, and my racing heart slows a fraction. I drop onto my heels. Green rolling hills and the kind of quiet I’ve only imagined stretch out before me.
I shut my eyes. In my thirty-one years I’ve never experienced a moment of quiet like this. Where the loudest thing competing for my attention is the sound of me—my breath.
My galloping pulse.
There’s always been a background noise so ever present I never noticed it until this absence. Traffic. Street. People. The whine of electronics a constant hum.
Pity there’s not a moment of peace to be found.
Not now. Not like this. Not on my own.
Why’d he send me here?
Flapping jerks me out of my thoughts. I look up. Broad, dark wings beat overhead.
Holy crap. Is that an actual eagle? The huge bird soars over the ledge to hover above the ravine.
Hunting.
On Hunter Mountain. I drag my backpack off my shoulders, and open it up, fingers slipping into the inside pocket where the letter waits.
I roll onto my backside, and then peel back the seal from one side of the envelope to the other, glue stretching like cheese for a moment before snapping. My thumb pauses in the fold of the paper. I unfold the note a fraction at a time.

Congratulations, Baby, you made it.
Aren’t you glad you did?
Enjoy the view for half an hour. Set your timer, you impatient little thing. Then take the path to left, there’s something there I want you to see.

I scrunch the paper into a ball, and it’s only the abomination of littering in a place like this, that stops me from hurling it in the direction of the eagle.
That’s it?
I’ve come all this way, suffered through so much, for a hike?
Why’d he even bother? I’m not sure if this is him trying to hang on—or refusing to completely let go.
Neither answer is one I’m prepared to dwell on. So I gather together the remnants of my hopefulness and obey my husband, setting my timer exactly as he’s instructed. Then drink from my water bottle and eat an apple to pass time, because he’s right—I’m a very impatient thing.
The beep pings from my phone. With the nonexistent reception here, an alarm is about all the phone’s good for.
I tuck the phone away, slip the backpack on and stand. My legs give a jellied wobble, leaving me with a feeling of walking on bendy stilts. I circle the top of the mountain, then find a track on the left, the one he must’ve meant.
Do Not Enter, the sign reads.
Of course it does. I sigh and take the path, adjusting the straps of the bag and wondering what fresh torture he has in store for me.

One small mercy, walking down is a damn sight easier than running up.
I descend into the trees and the silence bleeds into a more organic quiet, where birds rustle, things move, and then…water rushes.
I pick up pace. Tired or not, I jog down the path toward the sound, then burst into a clearing.
The scent of water hits me.
I stare at the stream plunging over a hanging ledge. My eyes widen as if I could somehow take it in more. A real waterfall.
A heady mix of awe and joy floods me.
Bounced from one L.A. foster home to the next, vacations and sightseeing hadn’t been any part of my upbringing. I’d worked my ass off to get into college, then worked it even harder in my good, safe, secure bank job to pay off student loans—until him.
Until Dean came along and every plan I ever had went up in flames.
But this? Waterfall. Had I mentioned on one of our lazy Sunday mornings after he’d fucked me into exhaustion, how I’d always longed to see one?
My chest squeezes. Maybe this means he forgives me…
I take off the backpack and toss it onto the ground. Then tear off my top, kick off my shoes and peel off my socks. The late spring air has my nipples puckering, but I unhook my bra and let it fall where I stand.
He hasn’t instructed this part, but I can just see him imagining it when he wrote the note. He’d picture me unable to resist skinny dipping in the wilderness.
Had it made him hard when he’d told me to come this way?
I undo the button at my waist and peel off my jeans. My underwear goes next. Then I walk buck naked toward the water.
Of course he’d been hard.
He’d have known I’d do just this. My thighs squeeze. Heat moves through me. I’m naked out in the open without Dean and he can’t do a thing to stop me.
I climb onto a rock.
A laugh springs from my lips. The sound echoes back at me, clear and crisp and startling. It’s been too long since I’ve heard that sound.
I leap into the water.
Freezing cold slams into me. I resurface with a gasp. Oh, shit. The water’s not just cold it’s so icy it has teeth. Still, I do the thing I’ve always, always wanted to do, and swim to the waterfall. Foam and bubbles, and the current seem to force me back. A tremor of danger moves through me. It could be risky to try to swim through the waterfall.
I take a breath and dive underwater. Pressure pounds my back then dissipates. I emerge on the other side, and look up. The water curtains me from the outside world.
Sadly, no cave, but I climb onto the bit of rock ledge and watch for the brief moment before cold and self-preservation force me down.
That’s the thing about fantasy, you never dream these parts—the threat of hypothermia or how a slimy rock feels on your bare ass.
I dive back through the waterfall, and swim toward where I’ve left my things. My skin goes numb. A blanket of goose bumps coats my limbs. I collect my carelessly scattered clothes. Dirt and mossy chunks of forest floor cling to my feet and work up my ankles. My teeth chatter. I bend to retrieve my underwear and jeans.
Sound crunches behind me.
I spin, clothes clutched in my hands. A man stands in front of me, maybe six feet away. My heart seizes.
He stares, gaze raking over me as though he’s never seen a woman. From the looks of him maybe he never has. His beard is rough, dark and speckled with silver, but it’s the jaw underneath—clenched tight as he takes me in, that has my own teeth biting together. He’s built like someone who spends his days felling trees or wrestling grizzlies.
Or both.
My pulse mimics the sound of the waterfall, growing louder in my ears, until I don’t know which roar is which. That whole big body seems poised.
Set to pounce.
“I didn’t know anyone was here.” My voice emerges strangled and rusty.
He says nothing, but his gaze makes its way from where I clutch my things to my chest, then lands on mine.
His features set hungrily, tension thrumming tight through his expression in a way that makes me feel like a buffet that’s being presented at the very brink of starvation.
I can almost feel my heart beat against my forearms through the clothes I hold. Air moves in icy prickles over my naked thighs and between my legs. His attention moves there. To my uncovered cunt, which my bundle of clothes doesn’t hide.
His chest moves quickly, like he’s an animal under the heat of too much sun.
His fingers twitch at his sides. Big fingers. He has big fingers and big hands. Hands that would hold roughly. Fingers that would grab brutally.
And I can’t move. Can’t cover myself. Can’t conceal my most private area.
He takes a step—just one.
I jerk backward and stumble. My clothes tumble to the ground.
He looks at my chest. At my breasts, nipples puckered and strained. There’s a sensation rushing through me that reminds me of the brief period in my teens when I’d get high. A light-headedness that suspends me almost out of body.
He hisses, and comes for me.
A jolt of numbness plunges me back into frozen atrophy.
A blast rings out. Birds spring from trees.
A gunshot.


 After spending years imagining fictional adventures, Amber finally found a way to turn daydreaming into a productive habit. She now spends her time in a coffee-fuelled adrenaline haze, writing romance with a thriller edge.

She lives with her husband and children in semi-rural Australia, where if she peers outside at the right moment she might just see a kangaroo bounce by.

Amber is an award winning writer, Amazon Bestselling Author, and member of Romance Writers of Australia, Melbourne Romance Writers Guild, and Writers Victoria.

 

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RELEASE BLITZ ~ Claimed Princess (The Princess series) by Alexa Riley

Mar 11

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Heavenly and Carlos have been best friends their whole lives. But it’s almost time for Heavenly’s birthday, which means she’ll be married off to a king.
Carlos has been King for a few years now and is being pressured to choose a bride. But he’s only ever had eyes for one princess, and he’s had to wait for her to turn twenty-one.
Heavenly doesn’t have any idea the plans Carlos has made for her, so when she offers to marry his brother, things don’t go so well. Girl, they don’t go well at all… Carlos isn’t having that. She gets a dose of alpha when Carlos lays down the law. But when she runs…how far will she actually get?

Warning: Do you really wonder if there’s a happily ever after? Because you know that’s kind of our thing, right?
Look, he chases her, but it all works out.

Also it’s really hot. Get it!

Each book in The Princess series is standalone & about a different couple.


*Heavenly*
I flip through a magazine while lying on the floor of Carlos’s office. I’m bored as I lie on my stomach, swaying my feet in the air. I roll over when I come to a picture of Princess Star. I’m not shocked to see her in the magazine. I’d be more shocked if she wasn’t. The paparazzi are always trying to find out what she’s wearing and what she’s doing. Or better yet, who she’s doing. What kind of name is that? It makes me want to roll my eyes as much as her face does.
“You sure you don’t want to pick Star?” I tease, rolling fully to my side to look at Carlos. His eyes are trained on me, his face set in a hard stare. I don’t know why he looks so angry. He’s been grumpy for the past few months, which isn’t normal for him.
Okay, that’s not true. He’s usually pretty abrupt and a little cool with people. Except with me. I’m always the one who can get away with anything. I can show up at his office, flop down, and do whatever I want. Like I am now. It’s been that way since I was a little girl. But then he wasn’t always king. He’s only held the title for the past few years. I thought things might change. That he wouldn’t have time for me anymore. Instead I’ve only been granted further access into his family’s castle.
His eyes move to my legs, and it’s then I see my dress has ridden up. I sit up quickly and pull it down, my face turning red knowing he saw my underwear. I want to die. Of course when the man I’ve been in love with since I was fifteen sees my underwear, I’m wearing plain white ones with little hearts on them. Kill me now.
“I suggest you get rid of that dress, Heavenly. I’m sure whoever your intended might be wouldn’t like hearing his wife wore dresses and flashed what was his to other men.”
My mouth falls open at his words, then I narrow my eyes at him. He’s never talked to me like that before. I take the magazine and throw it at him. My aim is terrible, and it ends up knocking a vase off the table next to his desk. It causes it to crash to the floor, shattering into a hundred pieces.
I roll back over and grab another magazine, ignoring him. I’m not even sure what I’m mad about. Maybe it’s the casual talk about me being passed to whoever my husband might be. My coming of age is fast approaching, and I’ve been ignoring it, hoping that maybe no one will call on me. My heart already belongs to a man who’s been searching for his own wife since he became king. I’m not even a blip on his radar in that area. I’m like his cute little sister in his eyes, someone he has to protect and shelter.
He’s been my everything from the first moment we met. I came to stay with my grandma, whose home is right on the edge of Carlos’s land. I’d moved here after both my parents died and my brother had taken the crown. I love my brother, but he had no idea what to do with a grieving little sister. He had a country of his own to run.
I climbed the wall that surrounded the castle from the rest of the world, only to come up against two guards when I’d landed on the other side. Boredom and curiosity had gotten the best of me that day. They dragged me kicking and screaming back to the castle with the intent to have me arrested for trespassing. Which I was. But it was Carlos who’d saved me.
I’d broken away from the two guards and taken off, only to run right into Carlos. He was like a hard wall of muscle, and I would have fallen on my ass that day if he hadn’t grabbed a hold of me. He pulled me back to him and stopped me from falling.
I’d never seen someone go from angry to sweet in a flash. He ripped into the guards for having sent a girl running from them in fear. Since that day a guard has never touched me or stood in my way here. Most won’t even make eye contact with me. No place ever been off limits to me either. Something about that makes me feel special, but I have a feeling it’s something I’ll soon lose. I can’t imagine whoever Carlos chooses as a wife will allow me to still roam the castle and estate like I do now.
Sometimes when I can’t sleep at night I sneak over from my grandmother’s and climb into his bed, where he’ll hold me close until I fall asleep. I don’t think that will be happening anymore once he takes a queen. Especially since he asked me to stop the last time I did it. It cut deep. Deeper than I thought it would. Yeah, things are going to change, but I don’t want them to. I want to stay here forever. This feels like my home now—the only home I’ve known since I lost both my parents.
The room remains quiet as both of us know I’m not going to clean up the mess. I glance over at him, and his eyes are still on me. We stare at each other for a long moment.
“I’m sorry, Heavenly. You know I’m very protective of you.” I nod, understanding. He has always been that way with me, even when it comes to men or boys poking around me. “I don’t like the idea of men being able to see up your dress.” He leans back in his chair, rubbing a hand over his face. “Things have to change,” he mumbles, and I feel my stomach turn.
“I’m not going to be allowed here after you choose your wife,” I say, and I hear the defeat and sadness in my own voice. This wife thing has been hanging over my head for two years now. It’s bittersweet. Part of me loves the fact that he hasn’t picked one yet, and another part wants him to do it so I have to face the music.
“Why would you say such a thing?” He sits back up in his chair.
“I mean, I know I can come over, just not like now. You already won’t let me in your room.” My gaze drops back down to the magazine.
Carlos gets up, coming around his desk and picking up the magazine I threw. He looks at the page that’s open to the picture of Star. He rolls his eyes and tosses it into the fire that’s cracking quietly in the fireplace.
“You’re days away from coming of age,” he reminds me.
I know. I turn twenty-one soon. I’ve been dreading it, wondering who might be calling for my hand in marriage. I secretly hoped that my brother had forgotten all about me and I wouldn’t have to worry about that day. But I think that chance is slim to none.
“I know,” I mumble. “Maybe you should worry about your own little problem. You know, picking a wife? How many women have showed up here and you still haven’t picked one.”
His jaw clenches at my words. He hates when they come. That makes two of us. I want to say it out loud, but I keep it to myself. I always try to keep the anger out of my voice. I can’t let my jealousy show. That wouldn’t be good. Then I really wouldn’t be allowed over anymore.
“Heavenly. You will never not be allowed here. You’re a part of this family, and you know it.”
I want to tell him he’s wrong. If he were mine I sure as heck wouldn’t let him hang out with some girl in his office all day.
Then it hits me. I jump up and rush over to him. “Maybe I could marry your brother!”
I almost run into him I’m so excited at the idea. But he catches me and puts his hands on my shoulders. I’d never have to leave! I could still see Carlos and his mom every day! Carlos’s brother Romy is nice, but if the rumors in the magazines are true, he’s a little bit of a player. But I wouldn’t care. I’m sure his mom will be pushing him to get married soon, too. Maybe we could just be married in name. He could still do whatever he wanted, and I could stay here. Romy and I get along well. We often team up and give Carlos a hard time when he gets into one of his grumpy moods.
Carlos tightens his grip on my shoulders.
“You want to be with my brother?”
The look on his face changes to anger. I’ve seen this face on him many times over the years, but never has it been aimed at me. I don’t understand why he’s so mad. I know he’s protective of me in a brotherly way, but this seems excessive.
“He wouldn’t treat you as you deserve to be treated,” he half-growls. He brings his hand to my cheek and strokes it softly. The touch doesn’t match the anger in his words.
“Romy is sweet to me,” I say, trying to make him understand.
“He wouldn’t be loyal,” he throws back.
Loyalty is everything to him. I know Carlos would be faithful to his wife. He’s a man of great honor. That’s probably why I’ve never seen any magazine pictures of him out on a date. It’s also why he’d never think of being with me. I’m too young. Not only that but although I’m a princess, I’m a little brash and blurt things out in moments I shouldn’t. My parents kept me away from the social scene, then after they died I was out here living with my grandmother. She barely leaves the house. My only social interactions occur with him, when I come over here and hang out. I even completed my schooling at the castle with private teachers. It was easier to do it here. I practically live here, for the most part. If I wasn’t with Carlos, I was with his mother, helping her plan some charity event or dinner, ones I never went to. Carlos always said I was too young. I often wondered if he brought dates to those events. But at night, when he’d get home, I’d sneak over, faking I had a bad dream. When I crawled into his bed there were never any other women. Nor did his bed smell like one had been with him.
The doors to Carlos’s office open, and his mom Nina walks in. Carlos drops his hand from my cheek, but the other on my shoulder only digs in a little tighter. I shake him off, turning to greet the woman who has become like a mom to me over the past five years.
“Nina, I have the best idea! I should marry your son.”


AP new -about the author.jpg
 Alexa Riley is two sassy friends who got together and wrote some dirty books. They are both married moms of two who love football, donuts, and obsessed book heroes.
They specialize in insta-love, over-the-top, sweet, and cheesy love stories that don’t take all year to read. If you want something SAFE, short, and always with a happily ever after, then Alexa Riley is for you!

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CHAPTER REVEAL ~ Delayed Call by Toni Aleo

Mar 10

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Coming March 20th

 

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Vaughn Johansson is the Nashville Assassins’ star player. He’s brash, cocky, and talented. And he isn’t afraid to let anyone know it. He lives his life on his own terms, never forming romantic attachments, and only allowing his very closest to see his true, caring self.

Brie Soledad has the weight of the world on her shoulders. As the staff reporter for the Assassins, she balances her high-profile job and its heavy travel schedule with being the sole provider for her adult brother with Down syndrome. Sure, she’d like to find love. But who has time for that when there are bills to pay?

Brie has been the match to Vaughn’s gasoline since the day she first held out her microphone to him. They strike sparks off each other, keeping their friends, the team, and the Assassins fans in stitches. Brie’s refusal to fawn over Vaughn sets his teeth on edge and his blood boiling. Especially in that body part…

Brie’s been let down by love before, but she knows she deserves nothing less than real, forever love. Vaughn’s past has left deep, hidden scars, and there are some secrets he cannot bear to reveal. As much as Brie wants him, Vaughn may be too big a risk for her wary heart to take. But he is at his best under pressure.
When the delayed call is in effect and he has no choice but to score, Vaughn always delivers.


   “He’s cute.”
   “She’s a sweetie, too.”
   “Oh, she’s a she?”
   “Yes.”
   “Girls don’t usually like me,” Vaughn Johansson said with his brows pulled together as he looked into the dark brown eyes gazing back at him.
They were full of such hope, wanting… And instantaneously, he fell in love.
   “Well, I think she loves you.”
   Looking up briefly at the adoption counselor, Vaughn gazed back at the little black French Bulldog and smiled. She was a cutie; her little nub tail was wiggling, and her eyes were so wide that Vaughn felt like he could fall into them. But just as quick as he fell in love, he noticed something was missing. “She only has three legs.”   
   The adoption rep smiled grimly. “Yes, she was brought in having been hit by a car, and we fixed her up. That’s what throws people off, her not being whole and all.”
   Making a face, Vaughn crouched down and took ahold of the fence as the little girl wiggled in excitement. She wanted to come through the fence. He could feel her eagerness, especially when she started to lick his hands, her eyes telling, or better yet, begging him to take her home. The thing was, she didn’t have to beg. The little three-legged dog was his from the moment he saw her. As he leaned into the fence, his nose went through the links before he whispered, “Don’t worry, girl, I’m not whole either.”
   She licked his nose before letting out the sweetest little bark, and Vaughn was hooked. Standing up, he clapped his hands together. “I scored three goals last night, a hat trick, so it only makes sense that my first dog be a three-legged one.”
   “Oh, cool.”
   She had no clue what he was talking about. “I play for the Nashville Assassins.”
   The lady, who obviously had never seen a game of hockey a day in her life, nodded happily.
   “Cool. That’s fun.”
   “You know what team that is, right?”  
   “Yeah, football. Right?”
   Vaughn blinked in dismay, but then, what did he expect? She was barely an adult and probably hadn’t been exposed to the great sport of hockey. “Hockey.”
   “Oh, I don’t like hockey,” she said, wrinkling her face up. “But the players are hot.”
   He couldn’t disagree, but then she looked him up and down with very sinful eye, and he froze. There was no way in hell he was going to prison for this jailbait, so that was his cue to get his dog and bounce. Yet, he asked, “Have you been to a game?”
   “Oh, no, I don’t have time.”
   Rolling his eyes once more, he looked back at his new girl and smiled. “Well, that’s too bad because I’m naming this girl Tricksie, and that won’t make sense to you.”
   “Oh, you want her?”
   “Yes, I do. You know what a hat trick is, right?”
   The fact that she had no clue what he was speaking of was all over her face as she only nodded. “Like tricks with hats?”
   Vaughn wanted to cry. The poor youth of the world. “It’s where you score three goals.”
   He might as well have told her the answer to the greatest unsolved math problem in the world, because she was more lost than the three blind mice. “Cool. That’s hard, huh?”
   Smiling, he shot her a wink. “For some. But for me, it’s easy peasy, lemon squeezy.”
   Her face scrunched up more. She thought he was an idiot. “That’s corny.”
   “Well, that’s because you’re ten.”
   She pressed her lips together in annoyance. “I’m twenty.”  
 “Same thing. Can I get my dog, please?”
    Rolling her eyes before popping her gum, she turned for the front. “Yeah, let’s go to the office, and Linda will get the paperwork done.”
   She started to walk away, but Vaughn didn’t move. “Can I have her?”
   Letting out a long breath, she nodded before reaching for her keys, which made Tricksie jump to the best of her ability and howl louder. A huge grin spread across Vaughn’s face as he bent down and the little girl came running for him, jumping into him and scrambling to climb up his body. Holding on to her overactive little body, Vaughn laughed as he stood, kissing her head. “I think she’s happy.”
   “That’s an understatement,” the girl said dryly as she started for the front of the adoption center, but Vaughn was in complete paradise.
   It had been a long month of looking for a companion, but holding Tricksie, Vaughn was pretty sure it had been totally worth the wait. His need for company came when he discovered he was the only single guy on the team. Everyone had girlfriends or wives and/or kids. Meanwhile, Vaughn was chilling with just an Xbox when he wasn’t working. Hockey kept him busy, but when he wasn’t at the rink, there was no one to hang with, no one to talk to, and he found himself a bit lonely. He wasn’t ashamed to say that; it was a natural occurrence when one didn’t want to put himself out there and find someone to love him. The thing about love was it was just so uncertain, and Vaughn didn’t have the time for it. But a dog, a dog loved you no matter what. Plus, he had always wanted a dog. Ever since he was a little kid, he had yearned for one, but since hockey was so expensive, his dad never got him and his brother one. Along with all the therapy and treatments his brother needed, a dog wasn’t doable. But now, now, a dog was doable.
   And Vaughn was convinced Tricksie was going to be the best dog ever.
   As Tricksie licked and barked happily, Vaughn couldn’t believe he had waited so long to do this. But then, if he hadn’t, he wouldn’t have this beautiful gem of a girl. And boy, what a beauty she was. He couldn’t believe people would turn up their noses at her, all because she didn’t have four legs. She had killer dark-as-night fur, her big, brown eyes were two huge views into her heart, and she smiled. The damn dog was smiling, tongue hanging out as she wiggled in his arms. She smelled a little musky, but that was fixable. No, this girl was the jackpot, and Vaughn was glad he had pulled the lever.
   As he walked through the doors leading to the office area—or at least, he hoped this was the right way since the lady who was helping him had disappeared—his phone sounded with a notification from his Nashville Assassins’ team app. It was probably weird that he had the app to the team he played hockey for on his phone, but he liked to know what his team was posting. Plus, he sometimes heard information from the app before he did from Coach. When he pulled out his phone, sliding the tab over, he realized this instance was one of those times.
   Jensen Monroe signed to Nashville Assassins for a three-year, three-million-dollar deal.
   “Holy shit! Tricksie, look! Uncle Jenny is coming to our team,” he said to his girlie before he laughed out loud. “You don’t know Uncle Jensen, hell, you don’t know me, but you will. Don’t worry.”
   Tricksie licked him happily, and he was pretty sure she didn’t care what he said as long as he loved her and fed her, which was his plan. His phone started to ring, and he laughed when he saw it was the man of the hour. “Jensen Monroe, signed to the Nashville Assassins for some bookoo bucks! What’s up, brother?”
   Jensen laughed softly, his voice deep. It had been deep since they were, like, thirteen. “Who the hell says bookoo still?”
   “Fuck you, dude. Congratulations!”
   “Thanks, it’s a great deal, I’m excited. It will be like old times too,” he said with a low laugh, and Vaughn smiled.
   There wasn’t a teenage moment that didn’t have Jensen and their buddy Wells in it. The three had been inseparable. When Jensen came to live with Wells’s family to play for their high school team, the three guys just clicked. They played all through high school, went to the same college, and were all drafted the same year too. Even being apart, Wells on the Avalanche, Vaughn on the Assassins, and when Jensen was with the Wild, they all stayed in contact. They were brothers. Always would be too. The guys were there for Vaughn when no one else was, and he would be forever in debt to the two men who became his brothers.
   “Wait, what happened to Dylan?”
   “He got sent down. Mrs. Adler said she wants someone she knows will win games. He hasn’t won a game since last season. I can win the games.” He wasn’t lying. Jensen was a great goalie, and it surprised Vaughn that he had come to the Assassins as a backup when he had a starting position with the Wild.
   “Why did you leave?”
    “I wasn’t happy. Yeah, I was winning games, but my contract was up and I needed a change. So I took the deal from Mrs. Adler, and I think it’s a good one. Except now I’ll be fighting the best goalie in the league for playing time.”
   Vaughn sucked his teeth. “Yeah, Tate Odder is the best.”
   “Thank you.” Vaughn laughed. “Besides, you, duh,” he said, his voice high and playful. “I hate you, but are you still single?”
   Vaughn paused. “Shit, are you telling me you’re gay too? I always knew Wells was, but I never suspected it from you. And, dude, you know I don’t bat for that team. I’m a pussy-only kind of guy.”
   “No, you douche canoe. Fuck.” He could practically hear Jensen roll his eyes, which, of course, made Vaughn laugh. “I seriously hate you, and I can’t believe I’m about to beg for this, but can I please live with you?”
   Vaughn stopped laughing as he looked down to his new ladylove. “I don’t know, man, I just got a new roommate.”
   “What?”
   “Yeah, she’s sweet, cold nose, licks a lot, and has three legs, but she’s cute as all hell,” he said as Tricksie kissed him with excitement before barking out in agreement. “And she barks. I’m not sure if it’s a lot, though.”
   “You got a three-legged dog?”
   “Yes, I did.”
    “Of course you did. Who is going to watch said three-legged dog when we are on trips?”
   “Wren,” he said simply, and Jensen groaned loudly at the mention of Wells’s baby sister. Jensen had always had a thing for her, but Wren never took notice. She was too busy with her nose in a book. Which he guessed paid off because now she was a hotshot therapist for the Nashville Assassins. Plus, Vaughn was pretty sure she batted for the other team. He had never seen her with a dude, and he had tried to sleep with her plenty. He couldn’t imagine why she’d turn him down if she were straight. Obviously.
   “Does she know this?”
   “Yeah,” he lied, and Jensen let out a long breath of frustration.
   “You never think things through, I swear. But whatever, can you get me from the airport at 9:10?”
   Vaughn smiled since he had never said yes to Jensen living with him, for the simple fact that Jensen didn’t have to ask and he knew that. Jensen knew he had a home wherever Vaughn was. “Yup, me and Tricksie will be there.”
   “Tricksie?”
   “She’s a three-legged dog, and I scored a hat trick last night.”
    Jensen paused and then laughed. “You’re insane. See you in a bit, and make sure you call Wren.”
   “Will do.”
   They hung up, and Vaughn rolled his eyes. Jensen was always the do-right kind of guy. While Wells and Vaughn wanted to go out, get drunk, and break something, Jensen would talk them down and convince them that getting drunk and playing on the back pond was a better idea. He was the last one to lose his virginity because he wanted it to be with someone “special.” He never cheated on a girl, and when he broke up with one, he felt bad. When his young marriage broke up, he took all the blame on himself. Never said an unkind word about his ex. He called his mom every day, multiple times, and he hung out with the dorky kids growing up. He was voted Homecoming King of their class because he was so sugary sweet. Not to mention, he looked like a runway model, while Wells and Vaughn looked a little rough around the edges. Still, they were best friends, and nothing could ever change that.
   When his phone rang right as he reached the doors to go sign the papers for Tricksie, he looked down to see it was Wren.
   Shit.
   “Hey, Wren,” he said, answering the phone with a big smile. “How’s my favorite therapist who won’t sleep with me?”
   “Oh, I’m just fine. But funny thing, you didn’t show up for therapy, and then I got a text from Jensen saying you got a dog and I’m watching it. Oh, and it has three legs.”
  “Um… Her name is Tricksie and she is amazing, and I don’t need therapy.”
  “You do. Tricksie. Cute, but I never agreed to watch her.”
  “Yes, you did.”
   “When?”
   “When I got you drunk the other night and stole your virtue.”
   “Vaughn Johansson, I haven’t had my virtue in a long damn time.”
   “But did a guy take it?”
   “I will kill you dead, and that’s off the record, mister,” she growled into the phone, at which he laughed. “So you have no leg to stand on, and I don’t think Tricksie can lend you one.”
   Vaughn scoffed. “You said I needed a companion. I got one, and in return, you have to watch her when I leave.”
   “I meant a woman, but fine, a dog is fine. It’s a step in the right direction, I guess. But I never agreed to this, and I travel too, Vaughn.”
   “Not all the time, though. Maybe once a month, and I can board her then.”
   “So you have a plan?” she asked, and she didn’t sound convinced because, really, Vaughn never had a plan.
   “Yup, sure do.”
   “Okay, well, add me in at nine tomorrow before morning skate, and if you don’t show up, I’ll tell your coach.”
   Vaughn’s face scrunched up. “You’re mean.”
   “I love you too. Bye.”
   She hung up, and Vaughn tucked his phone into his pocket before looking down at Tricksie. “That was your aunt Wren and she’s mean to me, but she’ll be nice to you. Are you ready to go home?”
   Tricksie began to lick his skin off, and he took that as a yes. As a huge smile covered his face, Vaughn nodded his head. He had his baby girl, his best friend was coming to his team, Wren would watch Tricksie, and he was playing for the team of his dreams. Things were good. Really good.

   And loneliness would be a thing of the past; he just knew it.

***

   “Who talked me into this?”
   “No one. You did that to yourself.”
   “Why?”
   “I don’t know. You’re lonely?”
   “Oh. I am, aren’t I? Shit.”
   “Yup, so may the force be with you, my friend.”
   “But I don’t want to do this.”
   “Then leave?”
   “Can’t you come with me? There’s still time. It doesn’t start for another fifteen.”
   “I’m just sure my fiancé would love that.”
   Brie Soledad rolled her eyes as she leaned on the pillar of the ballroom, her eyes burning a hole in the sign that read: Speed Dating for Nashville Locals. It was embarrassing that this was what her life had resulted in, but as her best friend had said, she was lonely. Mekena Preston, though, was not lonely. Nope, she was all happy and in love with her fiancé, while having a great job and a wonderful life, blah, blah, blah. And if Brie was honest, she was jealous as hell and so desperately wanted to get laid, maybe even fall in love. Get the blah, blah, blah.
   God, she wanted the blah, blah, blah. So damn bad.
   Being a hockey reporter for one of the hottest teams in the NHL, the Nashville Assassins, one would think she would be rolling in the men, but she wasn’t. Everyone treated her like a little sister or they ignored her or they treated her like shit. Well, only one did that, but that was beside the point. The point was, Brie needed more. She was happy in her career. It was awesome, she was amazing, and people loved her. She had even won an Emmy the year before; she was kicking ass. The only problem was she didn’t have anyone to share her success with.
   Yeah, she had her little brother, Rodney, but he really didn’t understand. Also, he needed to focus on his health and not on her. She was supposed to worry for him, not the other way around. Or at least, that was what she had promised her mom before she passed away from cancer a few years back. Sometimes, it was hard to remember, but she blamed that on the fact that she had no one to lean on. It was just her, with the weight of her job and her brother’s issues on her shoulders.
   And plus, she really wanted to get laid.
   It really didn’t make sense. She wasn’t an ugly girl. She was short, and maybe she could have skipped a few desserts, but then, what was life without ice cream and donuts? She had a pretty face, big blue eyes, and lips that screamed to be kissed, yet no one was kissing them. It was annoying, and pray God, this damn speed dating worked.
   “I’m gonna stay,” she said, coming off the pillar and fixing the skirt of her little blue dress that stopped right at the middle of her thighs. “I need to get laid.”
   Mekena stuttered. “Not tonight, though, right?”
   “Jesus, Mekena, I’m not a whore.”
   “Oh, you’re not?”
   And this was the problem with being best friends with a girl she met only a month ago. “I’m not. Asshole.”
   She giggled. “Fine, but please text me and let me know you weren’t killed.”
   “I’ve got my pepper spray.”
   “And your Taser?”
   “And my Taser,” she said, rolling her eyes. She wasn’t sure why Mekena was even asking; she was the one who had stuffed it in her purse the day before. If nothing else, Mekena Preston was practical and smart, very smart.
   “Good, text me when you leave.”
   “Will do.”
   “Have fun. Find your forever!”
    Brie’s face scrunched up. “That is dumb, don’t ever say that again.”
   “Hey, everyone says that when they fall in love.”
   “God, I hope I don’t.”
    “You will.”
    “I won’t.”
    “Stop stalling. Go find your forever.”
    “That’s disgusting. Bye,” Brie complained before hanging up and then tucking her phone into her pocket and taking in a deep breath. Looking around the room, she noticed there was a decent men-to-women ratio, which was good. She didn’t want to be the only chick in the middle of a sausage fest. While she wanted some sausage, she only needed one. A large one, thick, some girth, mmm… Great, now she was hungry. Pressing her hand to her belly, she rolled her eyes. She needed help.
   Or, again, to get laid.
   Maybe she should just go home with the first able-bodied man.
    When a large, round man stopped in front of her, her eyes widened. He was easily twenty years older than her thirty-two years and he was losing his hair, but he was trying to cover it with a toupee. People still wore those? Pointing at her, he smiled with bright yellow teeth. “Hey, sugar, make sure to stop at my table.”
   “Ugh, sure,” she blurted out before hightailing it to the left.
   She would not be going home with that guy. No matter how desperate she was.
   Standing in the back, she looked over the sea of people as the announcer explained what they were to do. The sad thing was, this wasn’t her first time, so she knew what to do. Last time, she hated it and met no one, but maybe this time would be different. Letting out a long groan, she shook her head. If she could be normal and meet someone in a coffee shop or at her job, that would be awesome. But she hadn’t had luck with guys her whole life.
   She wasn’t one of those serial daters or even a casual one. She dated for a reason, and because of that, she had only been in two serious relationships. Both were ended by the guy, which did nothing for her confidence. Both times she didn’t see it coming, and that alone was depressing as hell. Especially Matthew. She loved Matthew—a lot. But when her mom died, he said it was too much and left her high and dry. Not only did she have to pick up the pieces of her heart and Rod’s from her mother’s death, but then she had to pick up the extra pieces of her heart from Matthew’s departure. It was horrible, and because of that experience, she was a little scarred by relationships.
   Okay, a whole lot scarred. But she was coming up on a new year, and it was time to turn over a new leaf. She wanted the happiness that being with a guy could provide. It had taken her a long time to love herself again. After the grief was no longer overwhelming, after the pain of Matt was gone, she was ready to love once more. It was time, time for her to venture out and find that guy. The… There was no way she was saying the forever guy, but something along those lines.
   “So let’s get started!” the announcer said, and then she rang a really annoying cowbell. Taking the cue, Brie went to the first table and sat down as a guy with hair longer than hers did. He was decent-looking, but no spark whatsoever. Maybe it would come?
   “Hey, I’m Brian.” Brie smiled.
   “Hi, I’m Brie.”
   “Ha, like the cheese.”
    She blinked. “Excuse me?”
    “The cheese. I love Brie, it’s my favorite. I wonder if you taste like Brie? Wanna get out of here?”
    She blinked once more and then let out a hard laugh. “So let me get this straight,” she said, leaning on the table. “First, you compare me to cheese, and not even the most exclusive cheese, kind of midrange. And then you want me to go home with you?”
   He shrugged like that was a normal exchange.
   “Yeah.” “Yeah, no. And fuck-you-very-much,” she said, standing up just as the bell rang. Thankfully. Moving down the chair, she skipped the guy from earlier, the balding dude, and sat down as a very attractive, clean-cut guy sat down. And wowza, was he gorgeous. Big blue eyes, wonderful angles to his face, and thick, yummy shoulders. He reminded her of someone…but… Whoa, not now, Soledad.
   With a bright smile, she said, “Hey, I’m Brie.”
   “Tim, nice to meet you,” he said, matching her grin as he looked her up and down. “Let me guess, a doctor?” She laughed. “Reporter for the Nashville Assassins.” His eyes lit up. “Go Assassins!”
   She smiled as she nodded. “Greatest team in the league.”
   “Agreed, but I’m sad. I could have sworn you were a doctor. That would have worked for me since I’m a lawyer, and I need someone to deal with my crazy hours.”
   “Well, I need that too because I leave a lot.”
   “Oh, well then, hi,” he said, leaning on the table, and she did the same.
   “Hi.”
   “Family?” She nodded. “A little brother.”
   “What’s his name?”
   “Rodney.”
   “Is he in town?”
   “Yup, over at Riverdale.”
   His brows pulled together. “Riverdale? Isn’t that the old folks’ home?”
   “They also have a facility for people with Down syndrome.”
   “I didn’t know they kept retards too. That place stinks, I had an aunt die there.”
   Oh, look, there went all the attraction she even thought she had for this piece of junk. Swallowing hard, she stood slowly and then tucked her chair in. “Actually, not all people with Down syndrome have mental challenges. My brother is highly intelligent. You wouldn’t even know he had Down syndrome if he didn’t have the physical characteristics.”
   He shrugged, waving her off. “Same thing.”
   She could only blink. “You know what isn’t the same? A dick-fuck and a cuntasaurus.”
   “Um—”
   “But you know what? You’re both of those,” she yelled. “And we are done.”
   “Your loss, sweetheart.”
   “No, you piece of dog shit, it’s your loss because I am fucking amazing,” she announced before turning on her heel and walking straight out of the speed-dating event.
   Fuck guys.
   They sucked.
My name is Toni Aleo and I’m a total dork.
I am a wife, mother of two and a bulldog, and also a hopeless romantic.
I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!
When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.
I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life… probably Belle.
… and did I mention I love hockey?

 

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BLOG TOUR ~ Reginald Bones 3 by Lucian Bane

Mar 10

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REGINALD BONES 3

BY LUCIAN BANE

**NEW RELEASE***

SYNOPSIS

NOTE: The mental disorders in this story are fictionally constructed to drive the story are not intended to hurt, ridicule or judge anyone from suffering from any form of mental illness

What happens when your boyfriend loves you but his split personality hates you?
For a while, it seemed like Winter, Bones and Reginald might be able to strike a balance with their strange relationship. But having sex with Reginald while Bones pretended not to be there is harder than they imagined–especially for Bones who is inadvertently developing chemistry every time his other personality makes love to her.
But when that chemistry gets out of hand, Reginald–who Bones considers his brother– suddenly disappears, leaving Bones devastated and hating Winter for causing it.
Enter the X Factor–
With Reginald missing, the imbalance in Bones’ mind takes yet another turn, allowing X out to play–the part of him who knows things about Bones that even Bones doesn’t.
Stuck in Bones subconscious, X is only able to live when Bones sleeps. But X has too much revenge to “Execute” and not enough time in his 4 hour window to work. But with Reginald gone, X finds he has more power, and strikes a deal with Pretty Winter.
Wanting only to fix what she broke and put Reggie and Bones back together, Winter agrees, even if she has to play the whore to do it. But that’ll damn well change when Bones figures out two things–that he’s falling for Winter– and that X exists.


EXCERPT

X fought to focus his mind. It was every-fucking-where but especially on the smell of her. The sight of her with her legs open, fucking his finger. Her pretty face in agonizing pleasure. He couldn’t decide if he wanted to torture her with 0 orgasms or 100. Fucking God almighty he felt drunk and he’d not touched a drop in years. What he wouldn’t give to have one drink. He never did, he never risked doing it and fucking up his plans. But with her in the equation, everything changed. More than he realized at first. He could probably get away with a lot, having her as an accomplice to keep him out of trouble.
He needed to own her first. And with her so into Bones, that might take some doing. Nothing he couldn’t accomplish. He’d start by giving her what she craved from him.
He pulled his fingers out of her and rubbed the head of his cock on her slit. The desperate cry she gave made desire hammer in his balls. “Do you want me to fuck you?”
She answered with strained pants, looking between her legs.
“You have to tell me to.”
She made several strained sounds before her “I can’t,” wrenched out of her.
X eyed her, pausing. “You can’t or you won’t.”
Her breasts moved with her breaths. “I won’t. I love Bones. I won’t ask for it.”
So she’d give it but not ask. “Lean over on the desk. Face down.”
She eyed him, seeing where it was going and she made her way off the desk and did as he told her. She’d ask before it was over with. She’d beg.
He slammed his hand on her ass and she shrieked with “Oh God” while putting her forehead on the desk and clenching her fists next to her head.
“Lift your ass Pretty Winter,” he said. “And tell me why you’re scared of him.”
“I… I don’t know,” she barely managed, letting out a scream when he spanked her. Her pussy sucked the head of his cock and he stroked her ass. “He’s scary,” she shot out.
“Why?”
“He… he blacked out.”
“When.”
“He tried to… choke me, and Reginald stopped him.”
“Don’t’ move your ass, let me do everything. Why did he try to choke you?”
He very slowly pushed in, spanking her every other second. “Tell me.”
“Oh God,” she gushed, her pussy clamping so fucking hard, sucking him in each time he spanked her. “He… he thought I was bad. He thought… I was dangerous, he wasn’t in his right mind.”
“You keep saying that.” X gave her three consecutive spankings, grunting and hissing at how hard her pussy bit down. He licked his finger and pushed it into her ass, his cock halfway in now. Her cries came non-stop as he worked his finger deep. “You’re fucking ass makes me want to murder.”
“Tell me about the scar,” she gasped. “What is it?”
“I told you to check the hospital records.”
He lit her ass with five spanks and she shoved back onto his cock, burying him inside her.
“I told you not to move.” He raised her legs off the floor and stepped away from the desk with her.
She panicked, trying to grab hold but he continued to walk back. “Executioner!”
“You disobeyed.”
“X, stop!”

*** AUTHOR BIO ***

I’m a husband and author, and I may be a little religious about both.

I like writing gritty sex and encapsulating it in the delicate, white silk of devotion, commitment, and possibly the psychotic obsession of lovers.

And I wouldn’t mind if I inspire people to this lost phenomenon with my scribblings.


***STALKER SITES***

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RELEASE BOOST ~ Delude by Jacob Chance

Mar 10

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DELUDE

By Jacob Chance

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Synopsis:

She wasn’t part of my original plan for revenge, but one glance at her and I was entranced. I followed her for weeks, observing her habits. I’ve been in her apartment numerous times, learning anything and everything I can about her. She’s become an obsession and I’ll do whatever it takes to make her mine.

It’s only a matter of time before I have her where I want her… on her knees and at my mercy.

Soon, there will be no secrets between us.

 

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Who is she? My eyes narrow as I take in the red haired nymph on the dance floor. Studying her movements, I notice she’s graceful and fluid, yet sexy at the same time. Watching her hips sensually sway to the slower tempo and grind to the thumping bass has my teeth clenching and my heart pounding wildly in my chest. I fight an instinctive urge to rush over, take her in my arms and never let her go.

What the hell is wrong with me? I’ve never had this reaction to a woman before. Usually they’re just a means to get off – a nameless, faceless hole to fuck. I use them hard and fast, bringing them extreme pleasure and pain because one isn’t as good without the other.

I’m tempted to slide behind her and let my hands roam over the gentle curves of her hips then slip around her waist to pull her flush against the front of me. There’d be no mistaking the effect her body has on me. She’d wiggle her ass against my cock, teasing me, then flick her eyes over her shoulder with a small playful smile on her shiny red lips. My fingers would slide down the soft material of her dress to skim along the bottom edge, trailing over her silky thighs. She’d tremble from my touch, proof she wants me too.

Merely thinking about it has me fighting the overwhelming urge to carry her off and have my wicked way with her. I want to see her cuffed to my bed, whimpering and begging for my tongue or hard cock.

She returns to the table in the back corner of Quake, a popular club in Boston, with her friends. Her cheeks are flushed pink from dancing and her hair falls around her shoulders in a sexy disarray of waves.

My eyes scan the faces of the people she’s with. I know the names and have background information on them all. I’m well acquainted with some, more than others. I grimace as my hand rubs over my stomach. It was only weeks ago that I had a knife buried to the hilt in my gut and I was at death’s doorstep. Seeing the person responsible causes anger to burn through my veins.

Taking a deep breath I flick my gaze back to the living red haired angel. Immediately, I feel a sense of calm wash over me. She’s the only new face amongst them and now that I’ve seen her – no other matters. I have to find out who she is. I need to learn all I can about her.

Her eyes scan the room as if she can sense the heat of my stare. I smirk knowing she feels it too. This pulsing attraction between us is powerful and it needs to be explored. It will be explored. When I set my mind to something, nothing stands in my way.

Her hands smooth down the material on the back of her dress before she sits. She awkwardly tugs down the bottom to provide as much modesty as possible, but the short length leaves a good portion of her long sleek legs exposed. I can tell she’s uncomfortable and I smile at her modesty. There’s a sense of innocence about her I find extremely attractive.

Round after round of drinks are ordered by her friends as I stand here, studying her every move, slowly sipping a beer. Watching her tongue make a slow trek around the rim of her margarita glass, licking up all traces of salt has me mesmerized.

She throws her head back laughing and her long red hair tumbles past her shoulders.

What would her hair feel like trailing over my bare chest if she bent down to kiss me while riding my cock?

I need to know who this precious angel is. Seeing her tonight isn’t a coincidence. Fate placed her in my path for a reason.

Standing to the side of the bar, my shoulder braced against a white stucco pillar, my casual body language conceals the hurricane of emotions she’s stirring up in me. She’s an unexpected twist in my well thought out plan. I can’t wait to get to know her.

Let the games begin…

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RELEASE BLITZ ~ Devil You Know (Lost Boys #1) by L.A. Fiore

Mar 10

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Title: Devil You Know
Series: Lost Boys #1
Author: L.A. Fiore

 

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

Release Date: March 10, 2017
 
 
Blurb

Damian Tate. One look into his sad green eyes and I was hooked. I wanted to be the one to make him laugh, to make him smile. I hadn’t expected him to be the one to make me blush, to make me hot…to make me fall in love. He was my first kiss, my first love, my first everything. I wanted forever with him, but life got in the way. 

He enlisted, I went to college, and for years we were never in the same place long enough to pick up where we left off.Thirteen years after he left, tragedy brings him home. The stoic boy I fell in love with grew into a quiet, dangerous and wildly sexy man. He still tugs on all the right strings for me, but he seems determined to keep me at arm’s-length.However, when trouble comes knocking at my door, he is the one to put himself between that trouble and me.

Spending time with him might drive me insane, or it might be our second chance at first love.

 
 

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AMAZON: US / UK / CA / AU


Excerpt

 

Before I could scan the crowd for Damian, a hand wrapped around mine…one with cuts and blood on the knuckles. It was Damian and he looked pissed.

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

My heart hurt seeing his face—a cut near his left eye, blood smeared down his cheek and a blooming bruise on his jaw. “I heard you and Cam talking. I was curious.”

He had been walking me toward the exit but those words stopped him. His feet sort of rooted themselves to the concrete floor as his head turned in my direction. “So you walked here alone?”

“It wasn’t far.”

That wasn’t the right answer apparently because he hissed between his teeth. It wasn’t an actual word, just a release of frustration.

He started toward the exit again. “What are you fighting when you are out there?”

We had just reached the stairs when he pulled me behind them and pressed me up against the wall. “Come again?”

“When you fight, what are you fighting?”

“Not who am I fighting?”

“No, your opponent isn’t what you’re fighting.”

He leaned in and lowered his head to look me right in the eyes. “How do you know that?”

I gently wiped the blood from his face. “I know you.”

He had the strangest reaction to that. He closed his eyes, like he was in pain, and lowered his forehead to my shoulder. “This can’t happen.”

Those words caused a chill to move right down my spine. He was wrong. It totally could and should happen. “Why not?”

He lifted his head and for the first time I saw so much more in those eyes. “Cam is a good friend and your parents are like my own.”

“And?”His lips brushed along my jaw and I had to lock my knees to keep from sliding down the wall. “And if I did to you all the things I wanted, I couldn’t sit at their table without them knowing that I claimed every part of you.”

 

 

 

 
Author Bio
 
 
L.A. Fiore is the author of several books including: Beautifully Damaged, Beautifully Forgotten, Beautifully Decadent, His Light in the Dark and A Glimpse of the Dream. She’s also the social secretary for her two children, a tamer of ill-mannered cats, the companion to one awesome dog and married to her best friend. She likes her wine red, her shrimp chilled and her social gatherings small and intimate.
 
 
 
 
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RELEASE BOOST ~ Cold as Ice (Tempered Steel #6) by Maggie Adams

Mar 10

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Title: Cold as Ice
Series: Tempered Steel #6
Author: Maggie Adams

 

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: March 7, 2017
 
Blurb

He wants her to be his lover…she wants to be his forever. 

Nick Coalson is abrasive, arrogant, and an absolute dynamo in the bedroom. Problem is, he knows it.Rebecca Morgan is sweet, shy, and immensely attracted to Nick, but he’s trouble in tight jeans and she knows it.

When Nick saves Rebecca from an assassin’s bullet, he sets his sights on the shy partner of a detective agency. But he mistakes her kindness for weakness, and learns the hard way that although she may seem submissive, she’s a voluptuous bundle of intelligence and determination.

Rebecca tries to hide her feelings for Nick because he’s the kind of man that makes a smart girl do stupid things. After a sensual encounter, Nick grows distant, stating he wants a lover, not a wife. Rebecca realizes she’s going to need to keep her wits about her if she wants Nick forever because it’s too easy to lose herself to his dominant personality. 

When a stranger offers to help her win Nick back, she accepts although she wonders what’s in it for him. But Nick thinks it’s too late for his love when he witnesses a tender moment between Rebecca and another man. His head tells him to step aside, but his heart aches for her tender touch.


And as the killer closes in on the Coalson family, Nick wonders if it will be too late to save not only their love, but their very lives?
 

 

Purchase Links

 

AMAZON: US / UK / CA / AU

 

 

  

Excerpt

 

“Hello, Jonas! How lovely to see you. I didn’t know you were back in town.” She offered her hand in greeting.

“Good afternoon, my lovely Rebecca.” He took her hand but lowered his head and kissed her cheek. “I couldn’t resist stopping by to see how you and your Nick are recovering from your adventure.”

Rebecca shot him a sly grin. “I’m flattered we entertained a thought from you, Jonas, but I have a feeling you know exactly what’s going on with everyone who crosses your path.”

He laughed. “Ah, there’s that sassy wit Noah has told me about. I’m glad you are back to your old self, not that you weren’t beauty and grace personified in my presence.” He winked.

Rebecca blushed at the reminder she had met him nearly naked. “Please have a seat, Jonas. Can I offer you something?”

When he simply stared at her, she felt the blush intensify. “That, my dear, is a loaded question, but I’ll leave it alone. You’re about to go up in flames as it is. I wonder why that might be?” He gifted her with a slow sexy grin, then chuckled as he placed a hand upon her back, leading her to the seated reception area.

He could probably feel her pulse race, Rebecca surmised. She was no match for his sexual play. “How can I help you, Jonas?”

“I believe I can help you, love. Noah says there’s a bit of tension between you and Nick. I’d like to be of assistance if I can.”

Rebecca eyed him with embarrassed curiosity. “I didn’t know you were into matchmaking.”

His eyes narrowed. “Curb the brat, love or I’ll give you the discipline you so obviously desire.”

She bristled at his tone, but he simply chuckled. “See? You’re practically begging me to spank you. It’s all over your body language. Nick needs to take a firmer hand with you.”

“I’m not sure what gave you the impression that I enjoy a good spanking or that my attitude is any of your business.” My God, what was wrong with her? She was acting like the brat he accused her of being.

“Knees, Rebecca. Now.”

Her independence warred with her submissive self. She was torn. This man’s tone brooked no interference.

“Now!”

She fell out of the chair and onto her knees, eyes lowered immediately. Dammit, how did he do that?

“Becca! Get the hell up!”

She heard the furious shout and hastily threw herself back into the chair. Nick’s order took precedence in her mind.

She glanced up in time to see Nick’s fist fly toward Jonas’ face. It was caught in the older man’s hand, so Nick threw the other fist. He was abruptly knocked to his butt when Jonas swept both legs out from under him with a precise kick. “Calm down. I was making a point.”

Both Nick and Rebecca looked at him in shock.

Jonas shook his head. “Both of you have to learn to trust; to communicate; to admit your mutual attraction and go from there. Or this D/s relationship is doomed to fail.”

“We don’t have a relationship.” Rebecca whispered. “I wasn’t what he needed.”

“That’s not true!” Nick stammered. “I wasn’t what you needed, Rebecca. I know that.”

Jonas looked at Nick. “Explain.”

Rebecca watched as Nick’s face closed down. “None of your damn business, Blackshire. I want to know what the hell you were doing forcing Rebecca to her knees?”

“I want her. She’s just stated that you don’t, so she’s open to play.”

“I am not!” Rebecca stammered. “I didn’t…I don’t know why I…” she could feel the tears welling up in her eyes.

“So you do belong to Nick?”

She felt the tears fall. She lowered her eyes, unable to look at either man as she told the sad truth. “No.”

 
“Yes.” Nick hissed, coming to his feet, facing Jonas. “She is mine and I’ll fucking kill you if try this shit again, Jonas. I don’t give a damn if you saved my life or not.”
Also Available

 

#1 Whistlin’ Dixie
#2 Leather and Lace
#3 Something’s Gotta Give
#4 Love, Marriage & Mayhem

#5 Forged in Fire

 

Series Links

 

AMAZON: US / UK

BLP REVIEW ~ Tracy

Cold As Ice was another really good instalment in the Tempered Steel series by Maggie Adams.
We’ve followed the misfortunes, ups and downs and happiness of the Coalson family from the first book in the series and CaI (book 6) brings about more twists and turns, danger to the family, new additions and follows a relationship that we first glimpsed in the fifth book, Forged in Fire.

While I loved the action and suspense in the continuation of the story arc that we’ve been following and for the most part I really liked Rebecca, I found it really quite difficult to like or engage with Nick’s character. Together they set the sheets on fire and though he made some of the right moves and seemed to be into Rebecca, at points I just didn’t feel that he was the right guy for her. While reading the story he did grow on me but I just didn’t have that same interest as I had for his brothers have in their own stories.

Action packed, suspenseful, fast paced and hot, this was a great read and I’m looking forward to the next book/instalment to see where things go from here.

Cold as Ice works as a standalone but, to fully appreciate all that happens in the story, I’d recommend you read the series in it’s entirety. 4*

Author Bio
 

Maggie Adams is an Amazon Best Selling contemporary romance author. Her first book in the Tempered Steel Series, Whistlin’ Dixie, debuted in Amazon’s Top 100 for Women’s Fiction, humor, on November, 2014 and then again at #61 in 2016. Since then, she has consistently made the Amazon best seller 5-star list with Leather and Lace, Something’s Gotta Give, Love, Marriage & Mayhem, and Forged in Fire. She is also the recipient of the Dayreader Review’s Best New Series Award for 2015. Her series has launched the tiny town of Grafton, Illinois, into International recognition with sales in Mexico, Ireland, Scotland, Australia and the UK.
 
 
 
Author Links
 

 


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RELEASE TOUR ~ Thunder Wolf (Wolves of Willow Bend) by Heather Long

Mar 9

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THUNDER WOLF
by Heather Long

Most Lone Wolves have a story.

Follow the tour on March 6th – 10th !
One (1) grand prize winners will receive a Thunder Wolf throw blanket and signed print copy of Rogue Wolf
(US Only). 
Ten (10) winners will receive a print copy of Rogue Wolf
(US Only).

 

Giveaway link:

Follow the Tour!

March 6th

Book Crazy Scrapbook Mama

Books, Dreams, Life

Nikkis Book Nook

Sue Wallace

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium

Up ‘Til Dawn Book Blog

March 7th

Bea’s Book Nook

Deluged with Books Café

Grave Tells

Lisa’s Home for Books

Sour Puss Reviews

March 8th

Angel’s Guilty Pleasure

Bitten by Romance

Carole Kittie Reviews

Rainne’s Ramblings

Tangled Hearts Book Blog

What’s Detetiv Doing Now?

March 9th

Book Loving Pixies

Books & Bells

Em&M Books

Evermore Books

Katsmiao

March 10th

Lynn’s Romance Enthusiasm

Romance Book Reviews For You

Splashes Into Books

The Avid Reader

What the Cat Read

About THUNDER WOLF:

Title: Thunder Wolf
Series: Wolves of Willow Bend
Author: Heather Long

 

Release Date: March 7, 2017
Genres: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

Most Lone Wolves have a story–a pack they left behind, a love they lost, or worse, one they buried. Some leave their packs to roam because they crave freedom, and independence. Some leave because in their hearts, they can’t bear to stay. Some leave because they see no way to go back…

Enforcer John Nelson has pulled double duty for months, keeping an eye on the Lone Wolves who are his charges as well as those that once answered to Margo Montgomery. More of a loner than most, he doesn’t mind going months at a time without seeing another Enforcer as was his typical pattern or at least it was until the formation of the Three Rivers pack disrupted lives everywhere. Now he must divide his time between watching the upstarts and checking on his charges while working with the other Enforcers to anticipate the next move by the Russian Volchitsa. No Enforcer expected to find themselves among the hunted, but when they target the one wolf he can tolerate, John defies orders to go after her.

Hadley Sexton is a bit of a wild card even for an Enforcer, and she loves being unpredictable. More of a mother hen than she likes to admit, she keeps an eye on her Lone Wolves, and treats them more like family than charges…but when three Enforcers are brutally murdered over the course of three weeks, Hadley discovers someone has been shadowing her trail and they aren’t alone. It is a dangerous game with a brutal enemy, one willing to kill the wolves she’s sworn to protect to draw her out.

For Hadley, John will break every rule, but will he be in time?

Thunder Wolf: Amazon | Kobo | iTunes| B&N

Read an Excerpt from THUNDER WOLF

First things first, he was going to go very long hot shower to scrub his brain and body free of the lingering hunger he experienced where Hadley was concerned.

Twenty minutes later, with a towel wrapped around his hips, he walked back into his bedroom to find Hadley perched on the foot of his bed with a cup of coffee in hand. She looked deliciously sleep rumpled, right down to the creases in her cheek and the wild disarray of her curls.

He wasn’t sure if it was her or the scent of coffee, which struck him in the solar plexus.

“Coffee.” The syllables came out like a pair of grunts. She pointed toward the dresser and he followed with his gaze to where she indicated. A large mug of coffee awaited him, cream no sugar.

“Thank you.” He claimed the cup and took a long drink. The scalding heat combined with the rich flavor of the Arabica beans and the hint of sweetness in the cream went a long way toward soothing his unsettled beast.

“Yep.” Only the hardness of the word made it discernible in her mumble. The beast might be sitting upright and drinking coffee, but he knew better than to engage. John gathered his clothing in one hand before grabbing the mug with the other, then walked toward the bathroom.

It wasn’t until he stepped inside that he realized he’d gone to change out of sight of the wolf he cared about so much. Embarrassment flooded him. Chagrinned, he glanced toward where she sat, but she didn’t so much as glance up from staring into her coffee mug.

Hopefully, she hadn’t noticed. Nudity among wolves couldn’t be an issue. They shed their skin for fur and fur for skin—they were always naked. Being a prude or worrying about body issues wouldn’t let them last long. Hell, he’d seen Hadley nude plenty of times, as she had him. While he treasured those memories of her beauty, he refused to ogle her.

Why was it a big deal today?

Uncertain of whether to be annoyed or worried, John stripped off the towel and ran it over his body quickly to dry off any remaining moisture. Afterward, he dragged on a pair of briefs, followed by jeans then a loose T-shirt. He skipped shoes, as he didn’t expect them to go out anywhere and he preferred the maneuverability bare feet provided.

Sipping his coffee, he returned to the bedroom and Hadley. She hadn’t moved from her previous position, and continued to cradle her coffee mug.

“You want a second cup?”

She grunted.

She never was very good before she had at least one full cup of coffee in the morning.

“Come on down when you’re ready. I’m going to start breakfast.”

He made it all the way down the stairs and halfway to the kitchen when he realized breakfast wasn’t what he’d been seeking when he left the room. He’d been running away.

Other Books in the Wolves of Willow Bend Series:

DESERT WOLF

Book 8 is available at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

SNOW WOLF

Book 9 is available at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

WOLF ON BOARD

Wolf on Board (Wolves of Willow Bend, #9.5)

Novella is available at Amazon | B&N | iBook | Kobo

HOLLY JOLLY WOLF

Holly Jolly Wolf (Wolves of Willow Bend, #9.75)

Novella is available at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks | ARe

SHADOW WOLF

Book 10 is available at Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | B&N

HIS MOONSTRUCK WOLF (Once Upon a Valentine Anthology)

Novella is available at Amazon | Kobo | iTunes| B&N

About the Author:

National bestselling author, Heather Long, likes long walks in the park, science fiction, superheroes, Marines, and men who aren’t douche bags. Her books are filled with heroes and heroines tangled in romance as hot as Texas summertime. From paranormal historical westerns to contemporary military romance, Heather might switch genres, but one thing is true in all of her stories—her characters drive the books. When she’s not wrangling her menagerie of animals, she devotes her time to family and friends she considers family. She believes if you like your heroes so real you could lick the grit off their chest, and your heroines so likable, you’re sure you’ve been friends with women just like them, you’ll enjoy her worlds as much as she does.

Connect with Heather: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Posted in Authors & Books, Blurb, Excerpt, Giveaway, New Releases, Spotlight / Blog Tour

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COVER REVEAL ~ I Don’t by Ella Fox

Mar 9

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Title: I Don’t
Author: Ella Fox

 

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 3, 2017
 
 
 
Done.
Finished.
Kaput.

Whatever you want to call it, the bride-to-be won’t be at the church on time.

Walking away from her fiancé was the hardest thing Ava has ever done. After all, the sexy and charming Mateo is everything she’s ever wanted—and more. But she needs to protect herself—and her heart—before it’s shattered once and for all.

Mateo has no choice but to let her go. His woman needs space, and he loves her enough to give it to her—no matter how much he hates it. The only thing keeping him sane is the certainty that their separation will be short-lived.

Ava thinks it’s over, but she’s about to find out that Mateo will stop at nothing to turn her “I Don’t” into an “I Do.”

 
 

 


“It’s Mr. Gretchen isn’t it?”
“Um, no,” Ben answered, “This is most definitely not Mr. Gretchen.”
“Okayyy,” I drawled. “You’re acting weird, so I have to assume it’s someone unusual. Is it the President? George Clooney? Oh, wait. I know. It’s Channing Tatum. If I’ve told him once, I’ve told him a dozen times not to call me at work—”
“Not even close. This man—he says he’s your fiancé.”
My heart stopped beating for several seconds. When it started up again, I assured myself I was asleep. Yep, that had to be it. I was having a nightmare. With my free hand, I pinched my thigh, wincing at the twinge of pain. Dammit, I was awake.

No, no, no, I chanted inwardly as I started to panic. I was nowhere near ready to deal with him. Surely he wouldn’t have tracked me down at work. With me gone, he should be living the bachelor life to the fullest, so busy dealing with his social calendar that thinking of me was impossible. I prayed that there was some kind of mistake or that whoever was on the phone wasn’t him. Maybe it was someone calling for another Ava. That could happen, right?
“His voice,” I whispered. “Does he sound—”
“Spanish?” Ben supplied. “Yeah.”
I’d been about to ask if he sounded like a stubborn son-of-a-bitch, but Spanish told me what I needed to know.

 

 

 

 
  
 
Ella Fox is the USA Today Bestselling Author of Consequences of Deception, The Hart Family series & many other sexy and exciting books.  
 
Ella is an avid reader, lover of music and all around goofball. She grew up loving to read. That’s not surprising considering the fact that her mom is USA Today Bestselling Author Suzanne Halliday!
In 2016 Ella began publishing insta-love novellas under the pen name Evie Harrison.
Stay up to date with Ella by LIKING her on Facebook- she gives a ton of stuff away that you won’t want to miss!  

 

 
 

 

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BLOG TOUR ~ Single Malt by Layla Reyne

Mar 9

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       singlemalt_badge

SINGLE MALT
(Agents Irish & Whiskey)
by Layla Reyne

cover_singlemalt_hires

The heart’s a resilient beast…

Widower Aidan Talley refuses to love again. Enter handsome younger cyberagent, Jameson Walker. As they investigate cybercrimes and his late husband’s murder, Aidan falls hard for Jamie, putting their jobs, lives and hearts on the line. SINGLE MALT is perfect for fans of Mr. & Mr. Smith by HelenKay Dimon and the Cut & Run series by Abigail Roux and Madeleine Urban.

 

Advanced praise for Single Malt: 

A sexy, action-packed read that had me wanting the next book! — HelenKay Dimon, author of Mr. & Mr. Smith

With sharp writing, compelling characters, and an engaging plot, Single Malt is the M/M romantic suspense series I’ve been waiting for. – Santino Hassell, award-winning author of the FIVE BOROUGHS series

“Single Malt is full of explosive chemistry, captivating characters, and edge-of-your-seat suspense. A must read for any romantic suspense fan!” — Megan Erickson, USA Today Bestselling author

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Follow the Release Celebration on February 27th – March 10th!
Ten (10) grand prize winners will receive an Agents Irish & Whiskey Gift Set!

Giveaway Direct link:

Follow the celebration for a different excerpt each week!

 

February 27th

Bookalicious Babes Blog – Review

Divine Magazine  – Guest Post

 Sinfully Gay Romance – Review + Guest Post

 The Novel Approach – Review


February 28th

Joyfully Reviewed –Promotional Post

OMG Reads –Promotional Post

RoloPolo Book Blog – Promotional Post

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium –Promotional Post

 

March 1st

The Avid Reader  – Promotional Post

Babbling About Books, and More – Review

Lisa’s Loves (Books Of Course) – Guest Post

Making it Happen Book Blog – Review

MM Good Book Reivews – Review


March 2nd  

Joyfully Jay – Review + Guest Post

Love Bytes (Reviews) – Guest Post

Prism Book Alliance  – Review + Interview 

Smitten with Reading – Review


March 3rd

The Book Quarry – Review

Tangled Hearts Book Reviews – Promotional Post

See Laura Write – Review + Guest Post

Rhi Reading – Promotional Post

Sour Puss Reviews – Promotional Post

 

March 6th

Ellie Reads (all the books) – Interview


March 7th

Jen’s Reading Obsession – Review    

Got Fiction? – Promotional Post


March 8th

Becky on Books & Quilt – Interview

Those Crazy Book Chicks – Promotional Post

Hike2Forty and Beyond – Promotional Post


March 9th

The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange – Review 

Book Loving Pixies – Review

Dog-Eared Daydreams – Review

Reese’s Review – Review


March 10th

Alpha Book Club – Review

Boy Meets Boy Reviews – Review

Mary Ann Marlowe – Interview

Nadine’s Obsessed with Books – Promotional Post

 

Title: Single Malt
Series: Agents Irish & Whiskey
Author: Layla Reyne

cover_singlemalt_hires

Genre: M/M Romantic Suspense
Release Date: February 27, 2017

Synopsis:

Eight months after the car crash that changed everything, FBI agent Aidan Talley is back at work. New department, new case and a new partner. Smart, athletic and handsome, Jameson Walker is twelve years his junior. Even if Aidan was ready to move on—and he’s not—Jamie is off-limits.

Jamie’s lusted after Aidan for three years, and the chance to work with San Francisco’s top agent directly is too good to pass up. Aidan is prickly—to put it mildly—but a growing cyber threat soon proves Jamie’s skills invaluable.  

Jamie’s talents paint a target on his back, and Aidan is determined to protect him. But with hack after hack threatening a high-security bio-containment facility, time is running out to thwart a deadly terrorist attack. They’ll have to filter out distractions, on the case and in their partnership, to identify the real enemy, solve the case and save thousands of lives, including their own.

Find out more at: Carina Press | Amazon | Google Play | Kobo | iTunes| B&N| Goodreads

 


pq_singlemalt_3

pq_singlemalt_2

Excerpt from SINGLE MALT

Aidan came to slowly. The acrid smell of smoke stung his nostrils, something wet dripped down the side of his face, and his head throbbed like someone had taken a hammer to it. Eyes closed, shattered glass tinkled all around as he lifted a hand to his temple. Massaging the point of pain, his fingers came away sticky and wet.

His aching brain was slow to catch on. One by one, it put together the pieces, and the terrible familiarity of his situation came into focus, knotting his gut and tearing at his chest.

Blood.

Broken glass.

Engine smoke and airbag fumes.

Not one but two SUVs barreling toward them.

Car accident.

Again.

Present events collided with past memories of a similar, horrible night eight months ago.

Tom clutching the dashboard with one hand and the handle above the Tesla’s passenger door with the other, bracing for impact, his face aghast in the oncoming high beams of the vehicle speeding toward them.

Gabe’s frightened black eyes meeting his own in the rearview mirror, a second before his body was thrown sideways in the back seat, the crash of his skull against the window louder in Aidan’s mind than the grinding metal and splintering glass.

Aidan’s insides tossing and turning with each flip of the car, free fall at its most terrifying. The scrape of asphalt against his arm, metal piercing skin, twisting and turning, as death pinned him in its grip.

A weak gurgling cough yanked Aidan back to the present.

Whiskey.

Eyes popping open, he squinted against the bright morning light and gasped at the pain piercing his head and radiating down his right side. Fighting the blackness encroaching on the edges of his vision, he turned his head left, searching for his partner.

His partner who’d driven the Rover with stunt-worthy precision out of the way of two oncoming SUVs, through a barrier, and down a cliff into a ravine.

The hard landing had knocked Aidan out, but he’d woken upright and in one piece, relatively. Walker, just coming to, was held back against the driver’s seat by the taut seatbelt. He had his left hand up by his hairline, and when it fell limply into his lap, his fingertips were covered in blood. The strained belt snapped, and he began to crumple forward.

“Whiskey.” Swatting the deflated airbags out of the way, Aidan reached over to hold Walker upright, pressing him back into the seat. “Stay with me.”

Groaning, Walker rotated his head, his lashes dark against colorless cheeks. Bright red blood seeped from a gash at his hairline.

Ignoring the pain in his side and the anvil in his head, Aidan unbuckled his seatbelt and stretched across the console to hold Walker’s face in his hand, giving his unshaven cheek a firm but careful pat.

“Come on, Jamie. Open those beautiful blue eyes for me.”

Walker’s forehead wrinkled and his eyelids fluttered open, the gaze beneath them hazy and unfocused. “Irish?”

Pure relief and blinding need propelled Aidan across the console. Fingers digging into Walker’s neck, he slammed their mouths together and tasted the precious life flowing from his partner’s lips. Aidan had wanted this the past three weeks, but he’d denied the attraction between them. Because they were partners. Because he was still grieving. But in the aftermath of this latest accident, too much like the one that’d stolen the last man he’d loved, Aidan needed to know the man beside him, the man he could but couldn’t love, was alive.

Walker gave a surprised jerk, then, catching on, angled his head and parted his lips, his warm breath rushing into Aidan’s mouth. Granted entrance, Walker’s slow kiss was no match for Aidan’s desperation.

For the fear that laced each swipe of his tongue.

For the longing that shook his fingers and caused him to groan.

For the darkness that grew closer with each stolen breath.

“You’ll be okay, Whiskey,” he whispered against his lips.

Relief for Walker’s safety, for his life, made Aidan’s slide into darkness smooth, not the tossing and turning of his nightmarish memories.

“Irish, hold on,” was the last thing he heard before falling forward into Walker’s big body and letting oblivion take him.

pq_singlemalt_4

BLP REVIEW ~ Tracy

*
*

pq_singlemalt_5

Coming May 1, 2017 – CASK STRENGTH (Agents Irish & Whiskey):

Professionally, the FBI team of Aidan “Irish” Talley and Jameson “Whiskey” Walker is as good as it gets, closing cases faster than any team at the Bureau. Personally, it’s a different story. Aidan’s feelings for Jamie scare the hell out of him: he won’t risk losing another love no matter how heart-tripping the intimacy between them. And loss is a grim reality with the terrorist Renaud still on their trail, leaving a pile of bodies in his wake.

Going undercover on a new case gets them out of town and off the killer’s radar. They’re assigned to investigate an identity theft ring involving a college basketball team in Jamie’s home state, where Jamie’s past makes him perfect for the role of coach. But returning to the court brings more than old memories.

As secrets and shocking betrayals abound, none may be more dangerous than the one Jamie’s been keeping: a secret about the death of Aidan’s husband that could blow his partner’s world apart and destroy forever the fragile bonds of trust and love building between them.

Preorder now: Amazon | iTunes | Kobo | Google Play

About the Author:layla-reyne-author-photo

2016 RWA® Golden Heart® Finalist, Layla Reyne, was raised in North Carolina but now calls San Francisco home. She enjoys weaving her bi-coastal experiences into her stories, along with adrenaline fueled suspense and heart pounding romance. When she’s not writing stories to excite her readers, she downloads too many books, watches too much television, and cooks too much food with her scientist husband, much to the delight of their smushed-face, leftover-loving dogs.
You can find her online.                                                                         


Connect with Layla: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

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