Category Archives: Excerpt

RELEASE BLITZ – Unbound (Cursed Trilogy #1) by USAT Best Selling Author Betty Shreffler writing as Betty Legend

Title: Unbound
Series: Cursed Trilogy #1
Author: USAT Best Selling Author Betty Shreffler writing as Betty Legend
Genre: Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance
Release Date: March 5, 2021
BLURB
I had no idea how beautiful and terrifying my life was about to become.
Living as an independent artist in New York, I was soon faced with the new knowledge of my powers, a curse, and how bonding with five sexy-as-sin supernaturals would break that curse.
One by one they found me—Fae, Warlock, Demon, Wolf shifter, Vampire.
I’m their mate.
Their equal.
Their perfect match.
The one to unbind them from their curse.
Heart, body, and soul, I’m meant to be theirs. Theirs to share. Theirs to love.
From the beginning, they warn me of my fate. The stronger our magic bonds; the greater the chance evil will find us.
These incredible beings will give their lives to protect me, no matter the sacrifice, but I’m not willing to lose any of them.
They’ve stolen my heart and I’ll do whatever it takes to break the curse and stop the one who’s coming for us.

The Cursed Trilogy is a reverse harem paranormal romance series and includes:
Unbound
Unleashed
Unveiled

From the Author: If you like steamy, paranormal romances with humor, action, and a badass heroine who owns the hearts of five powerful and scintillating supernatural men, then this series is for you!

PURCHASE LINKS
$2.99 for a limited time!
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited


TRAILER

EXCERPT
Chapter One
Selene
Rolling into the coffee shop parking lot, I put my motorcycle in neutral and drop the kickstand. Unclipping my helmet, I hang it on the right handle and head inside for a warm dose of liquid caffeine. Last night, I woke up at three a.m. Unable to sleep, I started painting the image from my dream. Each dream I have is as fantastic as the next, but this one was especially intricate in detail. In the dream, blue fire swirled around me as if it had an essence of its own. From my fingertips, I wielded its power. The possibilities of what I could do were limitless. My brush stroked ravenously, bringing the vivid images of color to life on canvas. When I collapsed back in bed, exhausted, my eyes returned to the painting. Staring back at me was a resemblance of myself—exquisite and eerie. My eyes, an electric blue, share the same shade as the fire. Looking into those luminous orbs, there’s a secret she holds, a power she’s eager to unleash.
Over the years, I’ve come to the conclusion my dreams are my mind’s escape from our boring reality. Being adventurous and curious has led me to research many subjects, particularly the supernatural. Unfortunately, the closest I’ve come to anything of the former has been from movies, books, and art.
With my turn to order next, I rattle off my request to the barista for a cappuccino and a muffin. She takes my name and I leave the counter in search of a quiet corner. Dropping my backpack on the cushioned bench at my favorite window spot, I pull out my tablet and sketch pad. My email inbox is filled with ads for painting tools and, of course, makeup because I’m addicted to it, as well as adventure tour ads to feed my inner adrenaline junkie. Skipping over the ads, I click on an important email from Susan, the art gallery director of the 369 Studio Gallery, one of the swankiest galleries in New York. It took me two years to get a show there. I breathe a breath of relief when all her email includes is a confirmation that my art has been delivered and, tonight, they’ll begin preparation for my show tomorrow.
“Selene.”
Raising my head to the call of the barista brings my attention to a stunning man at the counter. Beneath a gray beanie is a messy mop of blonde hair with curls peeking out the bottom of his hat. Sunkissed golden skin is visible outside of his blue, short-sleeve shirt, white shorts, and leather flip flops. Not only is he handsome, but his beachwear causes him to stand out among the regulars. He’s definitely not from New York. He probably just flew in from a beautiful island on his private plane. Ugh, why can’t I meet a man like that?
Gathering my cappuccino and muffin, I catch beach stud eyeing me. Eyes as beautiful and blue as a turquoise ocean meet mine. A flutter of excitement and attraction shoots through me, drawing my lips into a curve. Beneath his heart-stopping eyes is a strong jaw, lips you want to kiss, and the kind of eyelashes women pay to glue on their lids. His features leave him in two categories—model or actor.
Not wanting to turn our moment into something awkward, I turn away from his golden angelic face, releasing a breath and all the butterflies with it. Back at my table, I peel away the wrapper from my muffin. Taking a bite, blueberry flavor bursts in my mouth and soothes the hunger pains in my belly. One of the things I like most about this coffee shop is the cute designs they make in the cappuccinos. Today, mine has five white leaves that are disbursed as my lips form over the edge of the mug.
Three tables down, beach stud is sitting alone with a cappuccino and laptop. As if he senses me ogling, he angles his head and pierces me with those sparkling ocean eyes. To be nice, his lips upturn in a kind smile. I’m sure he’s used to women staring.
Returning my attention to where it belongs, I shoot an email off to Susan, thanking her for the work and preparation she’s doing to ensure a smooth art show. The second email I send is to my cousin, Rachel, and my mother, Claire. It’s been a couple of weeks since I updated them on my activities, and I know they’ll be excited about the art show. With those emails sent, I turn off the tablet and reminisce about my vivid dream. More details come to mind, and I doodle on my sketch pad. Several minutes later, the image of a man with a scar on his cheek is looking back at me. I’m left wondering about the cause of that scar, then chuckle aloud at my ridiculous thoughts. The man is a figment of my imagination, yet I’m thinking of him as a living being. I need a boyfriend, I work too much, and now, I sound like my mother.
Gathering my belongings into my backpack, I swing it over my shoulder and head out to my motorcycle.
“Selene.”
I’m halfway to my motorcycle when I hear my name called with male bravado. Turning toward the voice brings me face-to-face with beach stud. Taking a step back, I finger the mace bottle dangling from my backpack. Just because he’s handsome doesn’t mean he’s not a threat.
“How do you know my name?”
The left side of his jaw flexes as he smiles. “I heard the barista call your name.”
“Oh, right. What can I do for you?”
“I’d like to ask you out for coffee, but since we both just finished a cup, how about dinner?”
Is that a hint of an accent I hear? Irish maybe? My eyes sweep up and down, taking in his tall height, toned arms, and broad chest. Can this guy get any more attractive? I’m guessing he wins over every woman he sets his alluring eyes on.
“You’re tempting, honestly, very tempting, but I don’t do flings or one-night stands, and you look like you won’t be here in New York very long.”
Beach stud reaches out and snags my wrist as I turn away. My gaze whips to his hand, and he immediately drops it.
“You’re right, I won’t be here very long. I’m here on business for two weeks, but I would love to have someone local show me the best of New York.”
“What makes you think I’m local?”
“Just a guess.” One hand slips into a pocket while the other rests on his beanie and rubs his head. “Are you always this hard on men when they ask for your company?”
“For my company?” Laughter shakes my shoulders and curls my lips. “Around here, when men ask for a woman’s company, he wants to pay her for sex.”
A pink hue fills his cheeks. “That’s not what I’m asking for. I prefer sex to be consensual and for there to be passion.”
Goosebumps pebble on my arms as those words leave his lips. Goodness, it’s painfully obvious how attracted I am to him.
“All right, enough of the sex talk.” Pulling a business card out of my back pocket, I hand it to him. “I don’t give out my number to people I just met, but I’ll be at an art show tomorrow at the 369 Studio Gallery. Meet me there, and I’ll show you around town after. That work?”
Beach stud pockets my card with a triumphant grin. “It does. I’ll be there.”
“Great. What’s your name?
“Griffin Hughes. It was a pleasure to meet you, Selene.”
“I’ll decide if I feel the same tomorrow.” I give him a smirk, and he laughs.
“I have my work cut out for me then, don’t I?”
As I walk away, I raise both hands in the air. “Just giving you the full local experience.”
Griffin remains there, glistening in the sun like a golden statue, watching me get on my motorcycle and ride away.

COMING SOON
Releasing March 26
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Releasing April 9
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU


AUTHOR BIO
I’m a USA Today and International Bestselling Romance Author. Betty Legend is my pen name specifically for my paranormal and fantasy romance books. If you would like to view my romantic suspense and contemporary romance novels, they are available at: https://bettyshreffler.com/
I write what I like to read which means my stories are sexy and suspenseful, with hot alphas, kickass heroines, and twists you don’t expect. If I’m not writing or doing book events, you can find me creating cover designs, snuggling with my dogs watching a movie, sipping wine behind a deliciously steamy book, or enjoying the outdoors on my motorcycle.
Let’s keep in touch! www.bettylegend.com
AUTHOR LINKS

EXCERPT TOUR – Wishing for a Cowboy by Victoria James

Today we have the release day blitz of Victoria James’ Wishing for A Cowboy! Check out this gorgeous new romance and be sure to get your copy today!

Title: Wishing for A Cowboy

Author: Victoria James

Genre: Contemporary Romance

About Wishing for A Cowboy:

𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝒀𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝑽𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒂 𝑱𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒂 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚, 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆.”

Janie Adams has been a single parent to her nephew since he was a baby. Fifteen years later, she’s finally found out who his father might be, so the two of them travel across the country to find him. She’d do anything for this kid. But when they arrive in the small town of Wishing River, Montana, and Janie finally meets the ruggedly handsome cowboy she’d been told had abandoned his son, his shocked response changes everything.

Aiden Rivers can’t dispute this is his kid when he sees his own features staring back at him, but he had no idea Janie’s sister was pregnant when she left him. He didn’t even know she had a sister—clearly they’d all been lied to. Now he has fifteen years of fatherhood to make up for and no idea how to be a dad. This was never in his plans.

Janie sticks around to help him ease into parenting, everything from showing him how to lure a sulky kid out of his bedroom to keeping up with the latest teen-speak. Together, they surprisingly make a good team, this city girl and country boy. But when the past catches up with them, Aiden and Janie must decide what’s best for the boy who’s connecting them, not only for each other…which could mean splitting them apart.

Get Your Copy!

Amazon | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo | Kobo CA | iBooks | Audible | Goodreads


Excerpt

Aiden tensed at the sound of someone whispering. He quietly left the kitchen and spotted Morris jumping on the couch and Janie sitting up.

“Did I wake you?”

He heard a sigh, and then the table lamp turned on. Janie was sitting up, wrapped in a blanket, a tangle of gorgeous, shiny hair around her head. She snatched her glasses from the end table and put them on. “Couldn’t sleep, actually.”

Her gaze flickered over him, and then her face turned red. He hadn’t bothered with a shirt because he didn’t think he’d see anyone and he was used to being the only person in the house. His plan had been to take his coffee back to his room.

“I, uh, didn’t think you’d be awake. I’m just going to go grab a shirt. Coffee is brewing if you want some,” he said over his shoulder, heading back to his room, trying to brush off the strange sense of intimacy that hit him when she looked at him.

When he came back, Janie was in the kitchen, still wrapped up in the blanket, drinking coffee. She quickly poured him a cup. He found the hurried gesture odd but chalked it up to the nerves of being in a stranger’s home. “Thanks,” he said, accepting the mug.

He noticed she went out of her way to not touch him, and if he hadn’t been fast, the cup would have ended up on the floor. “So…why couldn’t you sleep? Is it the couch? I really don’t mind switching with you.”

She shook her head, her eyes on him as she took a sip of coffee. “No, no. It’s not the couch, it’s…” She let out a weak laugh. “Life.”

He ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah. Tell me about it.”

“You’re not on any social media,” she said abruptly, tilting her head, her eyes on him intently. 

He swallowed, having the distinct feeling he was being evaluated again. That was fine. Deserved. “I’ve lived in Wishing River my entire life. I know everyone I need to know, and I know way too much about them already. Why would I want to see these same people online? Selfies and all that? No thanks.”

She smiled as though that answer was acceptable. “You were looking me up?”

She shrugged, the blanket falling slightly, revealing a glimpse of the smooth, creamy skin of her shoulder and the strap of a pink tank top. He tore his gaze from that and kept his eyes on hers. “I had looked you up before, but it dawned on me as I was lying on the couch that we really don’t know much about you. And you don’t know me, either, but I don’t just sleep at strange guys’ houses, especially not with my nephew, who I’m supposed to be protecting.”

He kept his expression neutral and definitely didn’t open his big mouth until he could appropriately filter his thoughts. 


About Victoria James:

Victoria James is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance.

Victoria always knew she wanted to be a writer and in grade five, she penned her first story, bound it (with staples and a cardboard cover) and did all the illustrations herself. Luckily, this book will never see the light of day again.

In high school she fell in love with historical romance and then contemporary romance. After graduating University with an English Literature degree, Victoria pursued a degree in Interior Design and then opened her own business. After her first child, Victoria knew it was time to fulfill her dream of writing romantic fiction.

Victoria is a hopeless romantic who is living her dream, penning happily-ever-after’s for her characters in between managing kids and the family business. Writing on a laptop in the middle of the country in a rambling old Victorian house would be ideal, but she’s quite content living in suburbia with her husband, their two young children, and very bad cat.

Sign up for Victoria’s Newsletter to stay up to date on upcoming releases and exclusive giveaways, follow her blog for daily antics and insight into her daily life, and get to know her on twitter and Facebook. She loves hearing from readers! www.victoriajames.ca

Connect with Victoria:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram


BLOG TOUR – The Naughty Pine by Sibylla Matilda

Today we have the blog tour of Sibylla Matilde’s The Naughty Pine! Check out this gorgeous new romance and be sure to get your copy today!

Title: The Naughty Pine

Author: Sibylla Matilde

Genre: Contemporary Romance

About The Naughty Pine:

On the fourteenth anniversary of my first divorce, I went to a kink club.

Thirty-three and no clue who I was. What I wanted out of life. I only knew it was passing me by and I was tired.

Tired of surviving the day-to-day.

Tired of trying to forgive myself for two failed marriages.

Tired of being a single mother with no semblance of a social life, of bending over backwards to be a fitting role model for my teenage daughter.

That was, until I stepped foot in The Naughty Pine.

I didn’t plan to participate. I only went to appease the dark corners of my curiosity. To see something wild and taboo and full of life. Something sinful to shock the loneliness clean out of my system.

Don’t know what I expected, but it sure wasn’t him…



Get Your Copy!

Paperback | Amazon US | Amazon UK


Excerpt:

“There, little bird,” he murmured low into my hair. “That’s my Chickadee. I’ve got you. I won’t let you go.”

Warmth began to fill me. His words settled deep in my mind, calming my hysteria. His strong arms, the bindings, the beat of his heart against my cheek, it all helped heal the dreadful aching emptiness. My tears became softer, gentler. He pulled me into his darkness. Into his comfort. He stroked my hair and whispered those words to me again and again. He kissed the top of my head and protected me from the reality of the world around us. In his arms with my wrists tightly bound, my fears abated. A rich sense of being owned soaked in.



About the Author

Sibylla Matilde grew up on the back of a horse exploring in the mountain valleys of Southwest Montana. She attended a two-room schoolhouse 1st through 6th grade where she had same teacher the whole time. At the age of 12, Siby discovered historical romance, devouring the work of Jude Devereaux, Lisa Kleypas, and Karen Robards. She began writing in 2013 with her debut novel, Little Conversations, and self-published ten works over the next three years. She took a few years off to deal with life (it proved very difficult to move on from her Bangin’ Mofos…they were a blast to write), but is back at the keyboard with new steamy stories brewing in her naughty little brain.

Music is her emotional trigger. Growing up with a Wagnarian-opera-loving mother, Sibylla loves music that digs deep into her soul and covers her with goosebumps. The soundtrack to her life includes different genres and generations, but her favorites include Thirty Seconds to Mars (she’s a bit obsessive about Jared Leto, actually), Kings of Leon, The Killers, My Chemical Romance, and many other artists and bands. Her inspiration playlists on Spotify truly drive her writing, and she loves to share her eclectic taste with anyone who will listen.

Siby strives to write books that make the reader bask in the sweet glow of new love, burn hot with a passionate intensity, and day drink from gut-wrenching heartache. Her characters are not world-famous rock stars or billionaires, rather every-day small-town people experiencing their own extraordinary romantic adventures in the Rocky Mountains she calls home. Siby loves to hear from fans and can be reached at Siby@SibyllaMatilde.com.

Connect with Sibylla:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads



RELEASE DAY BLITZ –

Amazon 

In the dark lies hope.
One boy looking for salvation. One girl yearning for hope.
Colton Caldwell is hotter than I remember—broad chest, muscles in all the right places, wavy brown hair, and eyes that suck me in. 
All private-school perfection. 
Pity he can’t drive worth a damn. 
He hit me with his truck, just backed out without looking, leaving me bruised, aching… and well aware of him. 
But things have changed since he left. A lot of things. 
He’s no longer the budding football star, and I’m no longer the gawky kid he never noticed. 
We have one thing in common now… our tortured past. 
When I witness a fight between Colton and his dad, I realize just how much we’re alike. 
The only problem is, he doesn’t seem to think so. But as the darkness we try to leave behind pushes us together…
We realize one thing is certain.
Yesterday is gone. 
Tomorrow isn’t given. 
So what if we live today as if it’s our last?
Crazy For You is a standalone boy next door romance with a happily ever after and is suited for mature audiences.

Mia snapped her fingers, zapping Georgia and me out of our trances. “Ladies, focus. Do you know him?” She stuck her hands on her hips, her white jersey top lifting above her black shorts to expose her belly ring.

I bobbed my head. “Yep.”

“Well,” she said. “Who is he?”

He’s the boy next door who makes my palms clammy, my belly tingle, and my brain a pile of mush.

Colton Caldwell stood with his brown eyes wide, frozen in place as though someone had stopped time. He looked like a Greek god, taller, brawnier, and dreamier than I remembered. His wavy brown hair was longer than before and skirted his shoulders. His thighs were thicker, his arms more muscular. Instantly, the butterflies in my stomach took flight, flapping their wings, wild and crazy.

Holy cow!

Georgia was telling Mia all about Colton as he strutted up to me, his swagger screaming hot.

“Skye?” My name rolling off his tongue was pure heaven, and he smelled like sandalwood as he towered over me.

I considered myself tall for a female at five foot seven, but Colton was well over six feet.

I was going to faint.

With his long fingers, he took my right hand. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you. Can I take a look?”

He could do whatever the hell he wanted to me.

My chest rose and fell as I struggled for air. At any moment, I was afraid I might throw myself at him or run my hands through his thick, damp hair.

Breathe, a quiet voice in my head urged.

Mia and Georgia’s voices were muted even though they were tittering and chatting about the statue state I was in.

“You should get this cleaned up,” Colton said in his smooth, delectable Southern accent. “I think I have a first-aid kit in the truck.”

I sighed. I would need more than a first-aid kit to break the magical spell he had on me.

“Are you back for your senior year?” Georgia asked Colton.

“Something like that,” Colton replied, not looking at Georgia but at me.

I was hypnotized by the one guy who could tell me the Earth wasn’t round, and I would believe him.

Locks of his hair fell forward, creating a curtain around his strong, angular jaw, shielding us from everyone near us. Suddenly, I felt as though he and I had been transported to a secluded place, where it was just the two of us.

My heart pitter-pattered at a rapid rate.

“Come with me,” he said.

Georgia grabbed my skateboard, her pink painted lips splitting into a brilliant smile, her eyes alight with mischief. If anyone knew how I felt about Colton, it was my bestie. She and I used to sit on my porch and watch him cut the grass. We were lowly freshmen then, as was Colton, but man, he’d been the hottest guy in school.

Mia said something, but I tuned her out as I followed Colton like a puppy. He led me to the passenger side of his truck.

Most guys in school drove trucks—in the South, souped-up trucks were like Mercedes cars. The girls in school—the rich girls, anyway—drove expensive convertibles. I didn’t keep track. Dad had an old Toyota that was officially mine since he couldn’t drive anymore, but frankly, I preferred to get around on my skateboard.

I finally swallowed the dryness in my throat and attempted to speak. “So…”

Colton opened the glove compartment and took out a first-aid kit. “I stopped at your house earlier. Sorry to hear about your dad.”

And just like that, the lust tethering me to him snapped. A rush of sadness blanketed me.



Bestselling author S.B. Alexander writes paranormal, new adult, and young adult L2 romance. Her writing is emotional, angsty, and character driven, and features hot heroes stealing hearts. 
S.B. or Susan as she likes to be called is a navy veteran, former high school teacher, and former corporate sales executive. She’s a lover of sports, especially baseball, although nowadays you can find her on the golf course.
When she’s not writing, she’s a full-time caregiver to her soul mate of twenty-two years who got a bad deal in life when he was diagnosed with ALS. Her motto: “Life is too short to waste. So live every moment like it’s your last.”

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RELEASE TOUR – Broken by Evelyn Sola

He swept into my life, like an unexpected storm. One minute I’m planning forever and the next, I’m left picking up the pieces. Three years have passed and now he’s back wanting to reclaim what once was. Can lightning strike twice or will they be left broken? Readers who love second chance romances will enjoy this diverse, contemporary romance. 

Read Now!

JULIA
I never saw Noah Weston coming. He swept into my life like an unexpected storm, but soon, he was everything to me.
Until tragedy struck.
One day I was planning the rest of my life with my soulmate, and the next I was picking up the pieces of a love so strong, it broke me apart.
It took three years to put myself back together.
Three years until I was ready to move on.
I’ll never forget it. The day he came back.
Can lightening strike twice? Maybe, but when I look into his eyes, all I remember are the last words he ever spoke to me.
The words that left me broken.

NOAH
I loved her before I knew her name. She was more than just my heartbeat. Julia Blake was a dream too good to be true.
When real life invaded the bubble we had created, I was left a broken man.
I survived, but I was dead inside. Half the man I used to be.
The half I needed had a new life without me.
Three years later, I’m back to reclaim what I’ve lost.
I’m back for her, only she wants nothing to do with me.


Add to Goodreads!

Read Now!



Excerpt

Copyright 2021 @Evelyn Sola

“Oh, really?” I take one shoe off and throw it at him as hard as possible. He manages to move before it makes contact. He’s not so lucky with the second shoe, and it hits him right on the shoulder. “Here! Take them! And for the last time, this is not our anniversary! You broke up with me, remember? This is a Friday night, and I planned on going out with a man I’m interested in getting to know and possibly fuck. Do you know why? Because I’m single!”
“Girl, watch your mouth. Don’t make me call your momma,” Mr. Hampton yells.
All the neighbors stare, waiting to see what we do next. Anger fuels my next steps as I stomp my way back to my house, but Noah and Greg are right behind me. A few of the neighbors have now stepped off their porch to stand on the sidewalk.
“You guys want a show?” I shout.
“Bring it, girl,” someone answers back.
“This is what I’m going to do with your anniversary flowers, you lying, selfish jerk.” I open the door and grab the arrangement. I walk to the middle of the street, lift it above my head, and slam it to the ground with all the strength I can muster. The vase shatters in the middle of the street, the two dozen roses bounce on the pavement, and the water from the vase rolls down the concrete. “Happy fucking anniversary, you liar! Go to hell or go back to your racist parents. I don’t care which, just stay the fuck away from me, or I swear to God, that limp will be the least of your problems!”
“Leave my parents out of this! This is between us, and for the record, I haven’t talked to them in months.”
“Sure. You managed to buy a house on your teacher’s salary, right? That’s realistic considering you’ve had the job for two months. Maybe you used your nonexistent teaching bonus as a down payment? God, you’re a liar, and I hate myself for never seeing you for the dishonest person that you are!”
“Why do you keep calling me a liar? What the fuck do you think I lied about?” he yells.
“You lied about everything!” I scream so loud I can feel the vein in my neck pulsing. I take a step closer and point my finger in his face. “I love you, Li. You’re my world, Li. I want you to have my baby, Li. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Li.” I do a poor imitation of his voice as I scream in his face. “And you let me believe you were a struggling student just like me, not the son of millionaires. Everything about you is a lie. Our entire relationship was an illusion.”
“I meant all of that! I still want all of that with you, and I never told you I was struggling. We never even talked about money. Everything I said was true. Every feeling. I love you so much, it physically hurts to breathe sometimes.”


Q & A With Eveyln Sola

  1. Have you always wanted to be a writer?

No, I didn’t. I’ve always been an avid reader, but I never aspired to be a writer. I never thought I had it in me to tell a story from beginning to end and keep it interesting. Then around 2016/2017, I started reading Fifty Shades of Grey fanfiction. After about a year of being a reader, I was persuaded by a couple of people to write my own stories, so I did, and I haven’t looked back since. Once I did that, it didn’t take much to convince myself that I can create my own characters and my own world.

  1. Describe your typical writing day for us.

I try to do most of my writing in the morning. I’m fresher and more alert when I first wake up. I guess I’m what is known as that annoying morning person, but I have a fulltime job, which gets in the way of my passion. I try to do about an hour’s worth of writing before work and a few sprints during the day. My goal is to get two thousand word down each day. I don’t always make it, but that’s always my goal.

  1. Where does your inspiration come from?

Other writers in the Indie community inspire me. From people who have been at it for years, to those who are just starting out like me.

  1. How do you come up with your book titles?

All of my titles so far are one word. I try to find a verb that best captures the essence of the book.

  1. Can you share with us something about the book that isn’t included with the blurb?

As you know, Broken is a second chance romance. One of my favorite romance tropes, by the way. The hero is the one who ends the relationship, and he shows back up three years later. He not only manages to get a job at the same place as the heroine, but he moves in across the street from her as well. He infiltrates her life in every way.

  1. Do you listen to music when writing? If so, can you share with us some of the songs that inspired you or that you listened to while writing?

I don’t listen to music when I write. I always have the TV on, however, and it’s usually on Investigation Discovery.

  1. Using only 3 words how would you describe Julia? Noah?

Julia is strong. I believe she’s a survivor. She’s also guarded.  Noah is resilient, brave, and definitely a fighter.

  1. What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

This is a story about two young people who find love until they are forced apart. It’s a story about family and the power of forgiveness.




About Evelyn Sola 

A Boston native, wife, mother, and wine enthusiast. If she’s not writing, thinking about writing, you will find Evelyn with a book in her hands. While a new publisher, she’s been writing for years, and she will continue to write for many years to come.

Evelyn is obsessed with assertive and confident men who will stop at nothing to get their woman. Her stories are filled with love, passion and humor.

She currently lives in Chicago, IL with her husband and two daughters.

Follow:

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BLOG TOUR – Pure Seduction by Ella Frank

Pure Seduction, an all-new emotional second-chance romance from USA Today bestselling author Ella Frank is available now!

Small towns are definitely not for me. Probably because I was born in one, raised in one, and eventually run out of one. The understanding was that I would one day return to Chamberlin California. After all, it is my namesake. What my father didn’t count on however, was that once he sent me away, I would never come back—at least not until he was gone.

Which brings me to now, his wake, at the family winery that was supposed to be mine. It also brings me to her. The sweet girl I left behind. The girl who has since grown into the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on—Laurel Anderson.

She’s looking at me as though she wishes I was the one she watched get buried this morning. But she’s out of luck. I’m alive and kicking. I’m also stuck in this town with nothing to do but wait until the will is read.

Well, nothing to do but see if I can seduce the pure and passionate Laurel, and change that anger I see in her eyes to something just as fiery…desire.

***

The last time I saw Noah Chamberlin, I was a doe-eyed innocent and he was the boy of my dreams. My future was all planned out down to the wedding dress, until one morning I woke up and he was gone.

You’d think after all these years, I’d feel the same blind indignation and rage that has haunted me since that day. Instead, the second I set eyes on him again, I felt something altogether unwanted and unexpected—lust.

If the rumors are true, he’s only going to be in Chamberlin for a few days. I can handle that, as long as he stops looking at me as though he’s thinking about the last time we were together.

But when Noah’s forced to stay and run the family business, it puts us in dangerously close proximity. And in a town this small, that can only mean one thing—trouble.


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Excerpt

“Laurel Anderson.” 

My heart all but stopped at the sound of my name in that smooth, seductive timbre, and my fingers tightened on the handle. 

“Hi.” Brilliant. After all these years, that was what came out of my mouth.

A smile slowly curved Noah’s lips, as though he knew I was tongue-tied, and I wanted to kick myself—or him—for it. 

“Hi yourself.”

I swallowed and tried to remember that somewhere inside my head I possessed a brain. Now if I could just locate it, that would be fantastic. “I, uh, I didn’t know you were coming today.”

“No? Everyone else in town seemed to.”

“Well, you know how it goes. You can’t rely on everything you hear.”

“Ah. So you heard—you just didn’t believe it.”

“I didn’t really think about it either way.” Liar. “I’m sorry for your loss, though. Harry was—”

“An A-grade bastard?”

My eyes widened at the cool edge to Noah’s voice. It was a tone I’d never heard from him before. But then again, I didn’t know this man, so I had no point of reference. 

“That seems harsh, huh?”

“It seems…” Noah’s eyes locked on me with an intensity I felt all the way to my bones. “Honest.”

He shifted the wine bottle from one hand to the other, then he held it up by the neck and asked, “A good year?”

I focused on the label, a 2012 Pinot Noir. “It was a great year.”

Noah nodded and turned the bottle around so he could look at it again. “And you should know, or so I’m told. You manage this place now.”

I wondered who had told him. His mother? Or one of his siblings? I’d never imagined a career in the wine business, and I certainly hadn’t imagined one here at his family’s winery. But circumstances had left me little choice, and now I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. 

“I do. I’m also the head sommelier.”

Noah let out a sound of disbelief that made my spine stiffen. I was good at my job—damn good at it. 

“I hope that won’t be a problem for you.”

“A problem?” Noah shook his head. “No. I was just thinking how my family hasn’t changed at all. They still like their secrets.”

The temperature in the room dropped back to arctic, and as I was about to hightail it out of there, Noah took a step forward. I plastered my back to the door and, cursing myself for showing my hand—and my nerves—counted back from ten before daring to look him in the eye.

That was a mistake. I recognized those eyes and the thick lashes that curtained them. I also recognized the look in them right now. It was one of curiosity and interest. 

“I wasn’t so sure about coming back here when I showed up earlier.” 

His gaze roved over my face, as though he were searching for the girl he once knew, and I wondered if he saw parts of her in there. 

“But suddenly I find myself even happier that that asshole up and died. Otherwise I’d never have known you were here.”

I wasn’t surprised in the slightest that my working here had been kept quiet. Harry had worked really hard to remove me from Noah’s life. He wasn’t about to tell him I was still around. 

“Well, um, I don’t want to hold you up anymore, and I need to get back to your mother’s guests.” I turned to open the door, but when I felt his hand on my shoulder, my feet froze. 

“Looking to make a quick escape again, Bonnie?”

I closed my eyes and for a second allowed myself to remember the first time he’d ever called me that. Then I quickly shoved it aside, not willing to allow in the emotions and vulnerabilities those kind of memories would bring.

“Do you blame me?”

There was a pause, and the tension simmering in the air made it even more imperative that I get out of there right now.

“No. I guess I don’t. But before you go?”

“Yes?” As his hand fell away, I let out a silent sigh of relief. 

“I was wondering if you could tell me the best place to stay in town?”



BLP REVIEW – Tracy

It’s been a while since I last read an Ella Frank book but starting Pure Seduction I remembered exactly why I love her writing!!

The first book of Ella’s that I picked up was from the Exquisite series and the first Chamberlain Brother series pulled me in in much the same way.

I felt for both Laurel & Noah…. so many secrets and betrayals set by someone that neither of them felt they could stand up to… I understood Laurel’s reluctance to do anything to jeopardise the life she ended up with, just as I got why Noah would take the path he picked when he was sent away.

Together they were a great couple… I wasn’t sure what way Noah was gonna go and for that reason I could see Laurel’s reasons to not involve her heart…

Liked the other family members and I’m looking forward to reading about the other brothers – and one relationship in particular that a certain Chamberlain seems kinda blind to!?!

A definite recommended read.


About the Author


Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite erotic serial, Sex Addict. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”

A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction.

Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.


Connect with Ella
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2sYAgNc
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Website: https://www.ellafrank.com


RELEASE BLITZ – My Saving Grace (Vested Interest: ABC Corp #1) by Melanie Moreland

A fun and emotional opposites attract office romance that will speak to your heart.

Meet the next generation of BAM

“This standalone is the first of a new generation that is everything I loved about The Contract blown up. The scorching heat, the hurt and anger, the broken grumbly hero with the huge heart he knows nothing about. A top 2021 read for me, My Saving Grace had it all and I can’t wait for more of the ABC Corp!”

Stephanie Rose, contemporary romance author of No Reservations

RELEASE BLITZ

Title: My Saving Grace

Series: Vested Interest: ABC Corp #1

Author: Melanie Moreland

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: February 25, 2021

NOW LIVE

Amazon Exclusive http://mybook.to/MySavingGrace

Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

ABOUT

Grace VanRyan has her life mapped out.

Law school, a career with ABC, and a bright future ahead of her.

Until Jaxson Richards steps into the picture. He’s everything she hasn’t planned for.

Older, sexy, off-limits.

And her new boss.

When the passion between them explodes, will her life blow up along with it?


Enter Release Box Giveaway US & Canada
http://bit.ly/MySavingGraceCelebration

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WANT TO READ AN EXCERPT?

Not Ms.VanRyan. Not Grace. Gracie: https://bookandmainbites.com/bite/50634

Office Dress Code: https://bookandmainbites.com/bite/50288



ALSO AVAILABLE FROM MELANIE MORELAND

Have you read the start of the VanRyan Family? Check out The Contract series: https://amzn.to/3rZcKZc

Want to start with the original BAM? Binge read the Vested Interest series: https://amzn.to/2Nl3XBZ

Did you miss Addi and Brayden’s Wedding? Read A Merry Vested Wedding: 
http://getbook.at/AMerryVestedWedding

Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited



AUTHOR BIO

New York Times/USA Today bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of thirty-plus years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them. 

While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys traveling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip. 

Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She’s learned happily ever afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.

AUTHOR LINKS

Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/MMAuthorFacebook

Melanie’s Minions http://bit.ly/MMReaderGroupFB

Newsletter https://bit.ly/MMorelandNewsletter

Website: http://bit.ly/MMorelandWebsite

And everywhere else you can find Melanie: http://bit.ly/FollowMelanie


Blog Tour – Call Me Crazy (Bellamy Creek #3) by Melanie Harlow

Call Me Crazy, an all-new enemies to lovers standalone romance from USA Today bestselling author Melanie Harlow is available now!

It was the perfect plan.
I needed a wife–temporarily–in order to inherit the family business.
And she needed a favor–the kind that takes nine months to deliver.

We had it all worked out, from the no-touching policy on our wedding night (her rule) to the no-falling-in-love decree (mine). She’d marry me, I’d give her the means to have the baby she’d always wanted, and one year later we’d amicably part ways with no hassle, no demands, and certainly no regrets.

After all, Bianca DeRossi and I are experts at infuriating one another–we’ve been doing it since we were kids. Trouble is, she grew up gorgeous and feisty, and she still knows exactly how to get under my skin.

And that wedding night? Well, it doesn’t exactly go down hands-free.

Then she moves in with me, and I really start to lose my mind. From her sexy little pout to her wicked sense of humor to those meatball sandwiches she makes just because she knows they’re my favorite . . . I find myself wanting to break every rule we put in place.

Our story was never supposed to end with happily ever after.
But call me crazy, I just might be in love with my wife.


Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!


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Excerpt

“So how’s your ego tonight? A little bruised, huh?”

“It’s fine,” I said, tightening the knot in my tie. “Reina obviously wasn’t the right choice for a wife. I’m glad she said no.”

Bianca started to choke on her olive. “Wait a minute.” She fanned her face and managed to swallow. “You proposed to—to—what was the little girl’s name?”

“Reina. And you’ve got no room to call someone little, Tiny.”

As I’d hoped, the old nickname drew a brief scowl from her. “We’re talking about you right now. Did you actually propose tonight? Like with a ring?” 

I exhaled, regretting I’d mentioned it. “Yeah. I did.”

Her eyes lit up. “Let me see it.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because you just want to rub salt in my wound.”

“For fuck’s sake, Enzo. You’re not wounded. You don’t even love this girl, you just needed to put a ring on her finger so your dad would put your name on the company letterhead.” She held out her hand. “Now give it here.”

Something told me I was going to be sorry, but I reached into my jacket and pulled out the ring box. 

She took it from me and opened it up. “It’s pretty,” she said with grudging admiration. Then she squinted at it, pushing her glasses up her nose. “Did you have it engraved?”

I picked up my bourbon and took a hefty swallow. “No.”

“But it says  .  .  .” She set the box down and pulled the ring from the velvet to examine it closer. Then she started laughing. “‘Love Always, Ricky?’”

“Give me that.” Leaning forward, I tried to swipe the ring from her hand, but she held it out of my reach. 

“Just a second! I want to try it on.”

I thumped against the back of the booth, picking up my drink again and tossing back the rest of it. Could this night get any worse? 

Bianca slipped the ring on her finger—it fit—and held out her hand, studying it. “So what did you say?”

“I proposed.”

“But how? Like, did you say, ‘You’re the love of my life and I want to be with you forever’ kind of thing?

”“Uh, not exactly. I didn’t want to lie to her. I just, you know, gave her the ring.” I made a grand, sweeping gesture with one hand. 

“But you must have said something.”

“What difference does it make?” I asked irritably. 

“Look, I’m only trying to help you. You obviously blew it tonight, and by your own admission, you need to find a Lucy for your Ricky sooner rather than later, right?” 

I looked around for Lara. I needed another drink. And then a ride home. 

“Right?” Bianca prodded me with her foot under the table again. “So let me help you.”

“The only way you could help me is to marry me,” I grumbled, waving Lara over. “And since that’s out of the question, this discussion is over.”

“Well, wait a minute. Who said it’s out of the question?”

I stared at her like she’d sprouted horns. “Huh?”

Bianca continued to study the ring on her finger. “I’m just thinking out loud here. But it seems to me we each have a goal, and they could both be accomplished with one simple—fake—relationship.”

I shook my head, as if to clear it, but the fog remained. “I know I’m drunk, but what the hell are you talking about?”

She sighed and picked up her martini for a sip. “I’m talking about the fact that you need a wife to get what you want. I’m willing to be that wife—temporarily, and under the strictest of conditions—if you’ll agree to give me what I want.”

I shook my head. “Oh, no. No fucking way. I see what you’re doing here. I’m not paying you to fake being my wife.”

Bianca rolled her eyes. “Give me a break, Enzo. I don’t want your money. Nor do I need it.”

“Then I don’t understand, ”I said, feeling—once again—completely baffled by a woman. “What could you possibly want that I could give you?”

The smile that crept over those hellfire lips should have been a warning. “A baby.”


About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she’s not writing or reading, she gets her kicks from TV series like Schitt’s Creek, Homeland, and Fleabag. She occasionally runs three miles, but only so she can have more gin and steak.

Melanie is the author of the CLOVERLEIGH FARMS series, the ONE & ONLY series, AFTER WE FALL series, the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, the FRENCHED series, and the sexy historical SPEAK EASY duet, set in the 1920s. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.

Connect with Melanie

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2RPwr51
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Website: http://www.melanieharlow.com


BLOG TOUR – Hot Stuff by Max Monroe

Hot Stuff, an all-new sexy and swoon-worthy rom com from New York Times bestselling author Max Monroe is available now!

Have you ever seen a fireman who’s so insanely sexy you’d actually consider DIY-ing a little at-home arson just so he’d show up at your front door?

Dramatic, I know, but hear me out.

Chiseled hot body, bright blue eyes, and the sexiest smile I’ve ever seen, the first time I saw Garrett Alexander in my exam room, it took everything inside me not to do something crazy like mount him during his yearly physical.

Not only is he a total babe, but he’s charming, hilarious, and the kind of single dad that would make your ovaries explode—the total freaking package.

I know you’re probably wondering, What in the heck are you waiting for, girl? Go get yourself a fireman!

But, see, there’s one teeny-tiny (read: huge) problem—if we got together, we’d have to keep our relationship a secret.

I know. Who even am I? Some heroine in a freaking forbidden romance novel?

Let me guess, now you’re probably thinking…Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Don’t do it, girl. Don’t fall for the sexy, off-limits man. It’s not worth it.

Well, too late. I already went and did it.

And I have a feeling this fire of ours is going to go up in a big, mushroom-cloud-worthy, ball of figurative smoke.


Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
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Excerpt

Suddenly, the door to Garrett’s room cracks open, and he peeks his head out, damn near startling me into another dimension.

Noticing my hysterical jump and defensive pose, he quiets his voice to a whisper. “Sorry to, um, startle you. I just… I’m ready.”

“Of course. Yeah.” I nod feverishly, follow him into the room, and take a few discreet, calming breaths to slow down the rate at which my heart is sprinting inside my chest. Honestly, for a woman who did gymnastics in her childhood, you’d think my cardiovascular system would be able to tolerate adrenaline a little better than this. A minor startle from a hot fireman and I’m panting like a dog in heat.

His gown covers everything, but it’s strangely anticipatory and it feels like I’m seeing more of him than I should. It’s weird and odd and completely irrational. So, I shut my eyes for a brief moment and force myself into doctor mode.

“Just take a seat on the exam table, please,” I instruct him with a gesture of my hand.

He does without question.

Then I start my assessment.

First, his vital signs. Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature.

All good. All within normal limits.

Next, with my stethoscope, I listen to his heart and lungs and abdomen.

Also, good. Steady, strong, clear.

“Am I going to live to see another day, Dr. Lauren?” he asks once I finish a quick reflex check, smirking up at me from his spot on the exam table, and I can’t not return his expression with a grin.

“Yes, it appears that you will,” I answer and make a few notes in his chart. “Now, if you don’t mind, please stand up in front of the exam table so I can…uh…check…your…uh…te$ticles.”

Okay, Lauren. Be cool. Be. Cool. It’s just another day at the office, and Garrett is just another set of anatomy…


About Max Monroe
A duo of romance authors team up under the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling pseudonym Max Monroe to bring you sexy, laugh-out-loud reads.

Max Monroe is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of more than ten contemporary romance titles. Favorite writing partners and long time friends, Max and Monroe strive to live and write all the fun, sexy swoon so often missing from their Facebook newsfeed. Sarcastic by nature, their two writing souls feel like they’ve found their other half. This is their most favorite adventure thus far.

Connect with Max Monroe
BookBub: http://bit.ly/3bJFJJh
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Facebook: http://bit.ly/31XxggS
Instagram: http://bit.ly/39wuCkW
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Website: https://www.authormaxmonroe.com/


RELEASE BOOST – False Start (Beautifully Brutal #1) by Casey Hagen

Title: False Start
Series: Beautifully Brutal #1
Author: Casey Hagen
Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance
Release Date: February 16
BLURB
I’m used to being an outsider, full of self-doubt, pain, and a longing to belong.
Until I found this family, my own band of derby sisters.
But when the most notorious coach in roller derby sets his sights on me, my life is thrust into chaos.
He’s a perceptive, cocky hard-ass, who’s made me his enemy, and his student.
Despite being my adversary, he’s the only man I can trust when faced with insurmountable odds, even if I hate every second he tries to bend me to his will.
Our proximity brings with it a forbidden attraction.
One that can destroy everything my team has built.
One that threatens to break me down, piece by piece
I won’t let Cain Bishop break me…at least not on the track.
But maybe…I’ll let him break my bed.
One night home and I’m obsessed with the track.
Maybe not the track itself, but her. The most compelling player I’ve ever seen.
The way she maneuvers through the pack, I can’t take my eyes off her.
She’s a fighter, battling head to head for everything she believes in.
When the odds turn against her, I’m the key to her salvation.
Getting too close could cost me everything.
But there’s no chance in hell I’ll stay away.
Not even when redemption is on the line.
Maisy Flynn is mine, even if neither one of us wants it.
Only…keeping her might mean she loses everything she holds dear.
After all I’ve done, the Devil himself would sooner see me burning on my knees at his feet than let me keep my prize.

PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU


EXCERPT
I slammed down a stack of cash, snatched my jacket, and stomped out of Banked Track, leaving Mayhem on her hands and knees on the bar.
I figured I had about ten seconds tops before she scrambled off and chased me down.
Ten seconds to get to the parking lot, get in my truck, and get the fuck out of here.
And never come to town again.
My breath billowed before me, illuminated by the dull glow of streetlamps in the inky darkness of the frigid night. I pounded down the sidewalk, the image of her voracious eyes combing over Patti’s pictures playing through my head.
My amusement at her climbing clean up on the counter swept away by an avalanche of bitterness for what they asked of me even without saying the words.
The bitterness of what I couldn’t give them.
But damn, I wanted to.
Too much.
I’d stay at the farm. I’d pay whoever I had to pay for grocery delivery. We’d survive, we could just call it quality time…so much quality, Lilith would be ready to murder me, but then my nephew would be born, Jordan would get home, and I’d be on my way out of town.
“Hey!”
Six damn seconds.
I kept my pace as I whipped around, only to find her chasing me down in that sweater.
That. Fucking. Sweater.
My pulse pounded in my ears. My nostrils flared with the ragged breath I sucked into my lungs.
It didn’t even cover her shoulders and the temperature had mercilessly dropped into the low twenties the minute the sun disappeared over the horizon. By now, we’d plummeted to the teens.
I jabbed a finger in the direction of the bar. “Get your ass inside.”
She skidded to a stop, propped her hands on her hips, and arched an eyebrow. I knew that look. Every man on the planet knew that look and all the variations whether it be aimed with stunning precision at them from a girlfriend, a sister, a mother, or a grandmother. “Excuse me?”
“You don’t have a jacket,” I said, marching back to her, my hands curled into fists because fuck if I didn’t want to haul her ass off somewhere warm and private.
Only I couldn’t trust myself alone with her. Warm and private meant giving in and tearing off every last shred of clothing so I could fuck her until neither of us could stand.
Glowering down at her, I put every bit of anger and frustration into the force of my words, not caring if they hurt her, because they were the only way to save us from absolute disaster. “Get. Your. Ass. Inside.”
Better to hurt her now before the stakes got higher.
Before feelings got involved.
Look at me pretending like they hadn’t already.
We’d been nothing but feelings since our eyes met during her bout. We’d been adding good old-fashioned dry logs to that flame ever since, building the kind of heat that didn’t flash and die, but simmered, building a base of coals so damn hot it reached into the shadowed recesses of our lives.
“Not until you agree to help us.” Her chin wobbled as she shivered before me. She clamped down her teeth, but the telltale tremble of her teeth trying to chatter in the blistering cold was there.
“Goddammit.” I yanked my jacket off, wrapped it around her, and held it together so she couldn’t shrug it off. “I’ll walk you home. Which way?”
She tried to yank away from me. “I don’t need you to walk me home; I need you to train us on your track.”
I curled my fists tighter into the soft leather, shaking her with every bit of resentment coursing through me, making her rock on her heels before holding her steady. “No.”
“Why not?”
“You damn well know why not.” I growled. There’s no way she didn’t know.
And the fact that she did made it damn near impossible to look her in the eye at times.
“You didn’t do it,” she said quietly. “What they say about you. You didn’t do it.”
The calm confidence of her words only fueled a dormant rage, now burgeoning inside me again since waking up the minute I rolled into Galloway Bay. I wouldn’t stand here while she looked at me with softness, caring, the hushed tone of her voice reverent, like I was some kind of hero.
Not when all I had was a legacy of mistakes that brought others pain.
I tugged her against me. “You don’t know a damn thing about what I did or didn’t do,” I said, seething with the fine edge of anguish cutting through me. “What I’ve cost the people I love.”
My gaze dropped to her full pink lips and I closed my eyes. Her mouth wasn’t mine to taste, should never be mine to taste, and if I took, it would only prove what a selfish bastard I really was. “You’d do good to trust your instincts about me, Mayhem.”
She turned her face up to mine. Unflinching, she stared me straight in the eye without so much as a blink. Full of stubbornness and ready for confrontation, she took me head-on. “The funny thing is, I do,” she said with quiet finality.
Her eyes dropped to my mouth and I fought the urge to waver. I hung my head and turned away from her, away from temptation.
How many more times would I scour my soul and find scraps of shredded honor before I ran out completely?
“You didn’t do it. I don’t know why you don’t shout it from the damn rooftops. I don’t know why you didn’t defend yourself, maybe it’s time to—”
I pierced her with a scowl. “Leave it alone,” I bit out the words in harsh warning. Fury pounded in time with the ripple of my beating heart.


False Start features cross over characters from April Canavan’s Balls to the Wall, also releasing today!
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

COMING SOON
Releasing March 30
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GOOGLE PLAY

Releasing May 4
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Releasing July 6
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Releasing September 7
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Releasing November 2
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AUTHOR BIO
Casey Hagen pens her snarky, passionate stories from the salty air of Kennebunk, Maine. She’s a born and raised Vermont native, a New England girl to the core, with Ben & Jerry’s in her heart and real Vermont maple syrup pumping through her veins. 
She’s the proud mother of three girls and a new, first-time grandma with an insatiable addiction to Fall Out Boy, and a new, rather concerning obsession with tattoos and piercings. Can you say “cool grandma?” 
The inked and pierced grandma spends her time tucked away in her office, coated in cat hair, alternating between tearing her hair out trying to find the perfect words and being one step ahead of her three scheming fur babies she is positive are plotting her demise with every swirl around her ankles at the top of her office stairs. 
She loves writing stories about real people, with complicated histories, relatable everyday problems, and giving them the hard-won happily-ever-afters they deserve. 
And she thanks every last one of you who picks up one of her stories. 
Casey is done talking about herself in the third person. 
*Casey out*
AUTHOR LINKS
FACEBOOK PAGE / PROFILE / GROUP


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