New Release + Blog Tour + Excerpt: Strong by Kylie Scott

 

 

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kylie Scott comes a new story in her Stage Dive series…

When the girl of your dreams is kind of a nightmare.

As head of security to Stage Dive, one of the biggest rock bands in the world, Sam Knowles has plenty of experience dealing with trouble. But spoilt brat Martha Nicholson just might be the worst thing he’s ever encountered. The beautiful troublemaker claims to have reformed, but Sam knows better than to think with what’s in his pants. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to make his heart fall into line.

Martha’s had her sights on the seriously built bodyguard for years. Quiet and conservative, he’s not even remotely her type. So why the hell can’t she get him out of her mind? There’s more to her than the Louboutin wearing party-girl of previous years, however. Maybe it’s time to let him in on that fact and deal with this thing between them.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

 

 

AVAILABLE NOW

AMAZON US | AMAZON AUS | AMAZON UK

 

 

 

“Ooh, busted,” said Lizzy. “The bodyguard caught you looking.”

“Shut it.” I inched my chin up a bit, trying not to frown because frowning gave you lines. “Sam and I have known each other for years and nothing has ever happened. You’re completely wrong about this.”

“Am I?”

“Yes, there’s nothing between us.”

“So that’s why you were staring at him?”

I chose not to answer that. “And you know he prefers to be called executive protection officer instead of bodyguard.”

At this, Lizzy burst out giggling, a malicious glee in her eyes. No wonder I liked my sister-in-law these days.

Ben shot us both an irritated glance. We both ignored it.

Of course, I’d known Sam would probably be here. Rock stars going out in public could be a delicate thing. People had a tendency to get overexcited. And while one person wanting an autograph wasn’t a problem, twenty or thirty of them suddenly swarming definitely could be. Having once been part of the entourage, I’d seen it happen to Ben and his fellow Stage Dive band members enough times to be wary. And you couldn’t get by with ordinary security. Rock stars needed protection from their over-zealous fans, but on the other hand they didn’t want the fans roughed up or hurt in any way. It required a delicate balance: control, experience, and a whole gamut of scary physical skills. Hence Sam.

Still, Portland seemed generally less crazy than the good old days back in LA. All of the guys seemed calmer and more settled away from the constant craziness of the party scene. Not to mention the effect of all of the wives/partners and various offspring. The biggest rock band in the world had officially been domesticated.

It was kind of cute. Or sad. I don’t know.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to stir you,” she lied. “What do you think of your brother’s new musical bromance?”

On the small stage set up in the corner of the room, a young man wailed his heart out while playing an acoustic guitar. Much angst about a girl who only called him after midnight. Trust a rockster to turn a simple booty call into a heartbreaking ballad. The song was damn good though. He had talent. If only I hadn’t had my fill of the type when I was younger. The kid looked to be in his early to mid-twenties. Lanky with lots of tattoos. Your typical rock ’n roll Prince Charming. Gag. These days my type ran more toward…actually, what I needed or wanted in a male was a total mystery.

And my gaze did not stray back to Sam. That did not happen.

 

 

 

 

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013 & 2014, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet. You can learn more about Kylie from http://www.kylie-scott.com/

FACEBOOK | FACEBOOK FAN GROUP | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Cover Reveal + Giveaway: One Wild Ride by AL Jackson and Rebecca Shea

 

The second sexy, stand-alone romance from bestselling authors A.L.
Jackson and Rebecca Shea…

Coming October 22nd

 
 

 
 
 
Hello, my loves!! I am so excited to present to you the GORGEOUS, SEXY-AS-SIN ONE WILD
RIDE cover!!!! Um, seriously, I love this cover and I LOVE THIS STORY! There was something so
outrageously fun about writing these two characters: Kas, the over-the-top, flirty model/aspiring
actor, and Elle, the girl who wants nothing to do with show-biz! Their chemistry was BOOM, and I loved
every second of writing this with Rebecca Shea! You guys are going to FALL SO HARD for this one! Check
out the deets!!! 
 
DETAILS: 
TITLE: ONE WILD RIDE
SERIES: A Hollywood Chronicles Stand-Alone Novel 
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 22ND, 2018
 
The next sexy Hollywood Chronicles stand-alone novel from bestselling authors, A.L. Jackson
and Rebecca Shea . . .
 
Elle Ward, daughter of Hollywood’s hottest director, has sworn off actors for life.
 
She knows their games and she refuses to play them.
 
That is until the day she collides with one of LA’s most promising actors.
 
Kas Cowen isn’t looking for love until it literally runs him down.
 
One look at Elle and he’s hooked.
 
He crashes into her life and flips it upside down.
 
Now he has to convince Elle he’s more than just a pretty face.
 
Little did they know they were up for one wild ride . . .
 
 

 
 
 

 

We are giving away 5 paperbacks of ONE WILD NIGHT! 

That’s right not one, but 5 winners!

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
A.L. Jackson and Rebecca Shea are bestselling authors residing in
Arizona. After being writing partners for five years, it only made sense that they’d put their minds
together to bring their readers something fun, flirty, and sexy. 
 

Connect with A.L.

Facebook: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonPage
Reader Group: http://smarturl.it/AmysAngelsRock
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonAmzn
Bookbub: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonBookbub
Twitter: @aljacksonauthor
Instagram: @aljacksonauthor
Snapchat: @aljacksonauthor

 

Connect with Rebecca

 

Cover Reveal: Tequila, Tequila by Emma Hart

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Tequila + you best friend + your bedroom = um, whoopsie?

Tequila Tequila, an all-new hilarious standalone romantic comedy from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Emma Hart is coming November 13th and we have the brand new cover.

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Synopsis

Don’t sleep with your best friend.

Take it from me. I did it. And it was awful.

I-wish-the-tequila-made-me-forget kind of bad.

The problem is, Luke has forgotten. He swears that he can’t remember a thing about that night beyond the trays of tequila shots being set on the tables.

Except I can’t forget. I can’t forget how good his hands felt until I fell over and hit my hip on the dresser, and I sure as hell can’t forget the entire two minutes of tap-tap-squirt.

Awkward. Embarrassing. And the new subject of a couple of dirty lucid dreams.

But I have no intention of telling him what we did. Nothing good comes from telling your best friend he’s the worst guy you’ve ever slept with.

Which makes the tequila on my birthday a very, very bad idea…

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Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Owo92F

iBooks: https://apple.co/2NPmWCU

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TequilaTequila

Nook: http://bit.ly/2Ooi0lv

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2pbcU11

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

About Emma Hart

Emma Hart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels and has been translated into several different languages.

She is a mother, wife, lover of wine, Pink Goddess, and valiant rescuer of wild baby hedgehogs.

Emma prides herself on her realistic, snarky smut, with comebacks that would make a PMS-ing teenage girl proud.

Yes, really. She’s that sarcastic.

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Connect with Emma

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

BookBub: http://bit.ly/2Dr0atq

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2Dq42ez

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

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2D91d3T

Stay up to date with Emma by joining her mailing list: https://www.emmahart.org/newsletter

Website: https://www.emmahart.org/home

Cover Reveal + Pre-Order: Lost and Found by Lexi Blake

 

 

Owen Shaw and his “brothers” lost everything, their entire existence erased. Science had robbed he and all the Lost Boys of their memories and their past, but not their future. Hunted by every intelligence agency in the world, they are focused on two goals: find a cure for what was done to them and ensure that the technology that ruined their lives doesn’t get out into the world. Rebecca Walsh might be the key to achieving both. Owen has been studying her closely, living in her building, and he cannot resolve how such a beautiful, giving woman could have helped design the evil process that destroyed his past.

Dr. Rebecca Walsh has dedicated her life to researching the secrets of the mind. Her atmospheric rise in her field was fueled by the horror of watching her mother’s agonizing journey into madness at the hands of a disease with no cure. She vowed to never rest until she finds it. But obsession takes a heavy toll, and when Owen moves into her building she realizes how much of her life she has missed out on. Owen opens her eyes to a whole new world, filled with joy, laughter, and possibly love.

Owen and Rebecca grow closer, unraveling more about each other and the mysteries surrounding her connection to Hope McDonald. As the sinister forces working against the Lost Boys descend on Toronto, secrets long buried are uncovered that could shatter the bonds holding the Lost Boys together and cost Rebecca her life.

 

PRE-ORDER NOW

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | GooglePlay | iBooks | Kobo

Smashwords: Coming soon!

 

 

 

 

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

New Release + Release Blitz + Giveaway: Knight of Wands by Claudia Burgoa

Cards of Love: Knight of Wands

by Claudia Burgoa is LIVE!

 

 

PURCHASE NOW for 99¢ for a Limited Time!

AMAZONiBOOKSNOOKKOBO

 

About Cards of Love: Knight of Wands

A chance for a sweet future, or a recipe for disaster?

Kaitlynn

My dream was to cook my way to fame and fortune, not run myself ragged keeping my late parents’ quaint Savannah restaurant afloat. My sister is useless, I’m chronically short-staffed, and even Gertie, my antiquated oven, hates me.

Then in charges Oliver, like a Golden Knight. He’s hunky and charming and makes others feel at ease. He’s earnest and kind, optimistic and extroverted. My best friend. My sister’s ex. Picking up the slack like he never left all those years ago. Making my body shiver with the lightest touch, the slightest smile. It would be so easy to let him be my knight in shining armor. But I can’t let him, even though he makes Gertie purr like a kitten.

Oliver

I practically grew up waiting tables alongside KitKat. She’s a brilliant chef, but it’s clear she’s no manager. I’ve noticed other changes in her since her letters stopped coming to me in Iraq. There’s fire burning in her green eyes—and pain.

The kiss was meant to comfort. But it explodes into searing passion so white-hot, not even the tallest, iciest sweet tea can quench it. I shouldn’t try. She doesn’t want help, especially not mine. But a kiss like that is the beginning of a promise. A promise that won’t stop until I help her find her dream.

 

Giveaway

Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card or a signed paperback of Cards of Love: Knight of Wands!

 

A Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The CARDS OF LOVE Collection

Pick your card. Choose your fate. Fall in Love. Pick another card. Fall in love all over again. Which card will you choose?

Check out the Cards of Love Collection: http://geni.us/CardsofLove

 

 

About the Author

Claudia is an award-winning, international bestselling author. She lives in Colorado working for a small IT company, managing her household filled with three confused dogs, two daughters wrought with fandoms and a son who thinks he’s the boss of the house. And a wonderful husband who shares her love for all things geek. To survive she works continually to find purpose for the voices flitting through her head, plus she consumes high quantities of chocolate to keep the last threads of sanity intact.

Connect with Claudia

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New Release + Release Blitz: Indulge With Me by Kristen Proby and Suzanne M. Johnson

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Indulge With Me by Kristen Proby
Series: With Me In Seattle #10
Release Date: October 2nd, 2018

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Synopsis:

The beloved Montgomery Family, from New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby’s With Me In Seattle series, is big, and it just keeps growing! There are parties and celebrations taking place at every turn, and we are delighted to invite you to all of the festivities!

Whether it’s a brunch hosted by Nate and Jules McKenna, or a fancy dinner party hosted by Luke and Natalie Williams, you won’t want to miss all we have in store for you! Each all-new story will feature shenanigans, laughter, love and lots of food.

And let’s not forget cocktails!

Kristen, along with USA Today Bestselling author Suzanne Johnson, have teamed up to bring you this cookbook, celebrating family, love, and absolutely delicious foods, perfect for any occasion.

So sit back, or march straight into the kitchen, and get ready to indulge. We hope you’re hungry!

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Download Today!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2OrIVjD
Amazon US Paperback: https://amzn.to/2zKLGVm
iBooks: https://apple.co/2J2rvYk
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2s51X33
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2LkshON
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2IasiDF
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2DmYlBy

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Meet Kristen:

Kristen was born and raised in a small resort town in her beloved Montana. In her mid-twenties, she decided to stretch her wings and move to the Pacific Northwest, where she made her home for more than a dozen years.

During that time, Kristen wrote many romance novels and joined organizations such as RWA and other small writing groups. She spent countless hours in workshops, and more mornings than she can count up before the dawn so she could write before going to work. She submitted many manuscripts to agents and editors alike, but was always told no. In the summer of 2012, the self-publishing scene was new and thriving, and Kristen had one goal: to publish just one book. It was something she longed to cross off of her bucket list.

Not only did she publish one book, she’s since published close to thirty titles, many of which have hit the USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists. She continues to self publish, best known for her With Me In Seattle and Boudreaux series, and is also proud to work with William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins, with the Fusion Series.

Kristen and her husband, John, make their home in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana with their two pugs and two cats.

Connect with Kristen:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BooksByKristenProby/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Handbagjunkie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenproby/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kristen-proby
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2kBRdpj
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2BD4vfq
Pinterest: @handbagjunkie
Website: https://www.kristenprobyauthor.com/
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/kristenproby/newsletter-sign-up

About Suzanne:

USA Today bestselling author Suzanne Johnson is family trained, a south Georgia native who’s been cooking all of her life, creating not only some really unique food, but precious memories that reoccur every time she smells something simmering in the oven. In all of her books, Suzanne shows that making a delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated–it just has to be made with love. So go ahead, don’t be bashful, dive right in. Who knows? You might just make a few memories of your own

Connect with Suzanne:

http://southernbitsandbites.com

New Release + Blog Tour + Excerpt + 4.5 Star Review: Best Served Cold by Emma Hart

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Revenge is a dish best served cold. Which is a real problem when the attraction runs red-hot.

Best Served Cold, an all-new standalone romantic comedy from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Emma Hart is available now!

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Trust me. I know. The only reason I decided to renovate my family’s ice-cream store was to serve up a sundae full of revenge for my a-hole ex who opened an ice-cream store right next to mine.

It was supposed to be simple.

Renovate. Reopen. Put his peachy butt out of business.

Until he decided to get under my skin—and broke my toe.

Now, I’m stuck with Chase in my store every day, helping me renovate. But he’s also in my head, and I’m spending a little too much time up against his abs.

Not that it’s the worst place to be.

But it doesn’t change anything. I still hate him, and I’m still going to get my revenge.

Right?

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Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2P1nXFn

iBooks: https://apple.co/2McXkw5

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/BestServedCold

Nook: https://bit.ly/2OxUkvE

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2vuLbeu

Add to GoodReads: https://bit.ly/2Moes2k

 

Excerpt:

“And there goes my water.” Rae got up and dumped the contents of her glass into the sink. “Thanks for that.”

I shrugged. “Can’t drill without dust, babe.”

“Can’t drill without dust, babe,” she parroted in a high-pitched voice. “Whatever. You can drill without contaminating my water.”

“Remember who’s doing who a favor here.”

She cocked one hip and put her hand on it. “The only reason you’re still here is because I bent over an hour ago and you saw my underwear.”

I couldn’t help the twitch of my lips. “That may be a contributing factor.”

“Oh, please. You keep staring at me just in case I flash you again.”

“Actually, I’m staring at you because you look hot as fuck in that dress.” I paused. “But I won’t deny that you flashing me would be a bonus.”

Rae rolled her eyes. “I don’t even know what to say to you. You’re ridiculous.”

“Ridiculously charming.”

“Ridiculously frustrating.”

“Charmingly frustrating.”

“You—” She stopped and pointed at me. “You are. You are. You!” she growled and stomped into the kitchen.

I choked back a laugh. “I am delightful, handsome, and phenomenal in bed!”

She came back within seconds. “If you’re trying to make me fall in love with you again, you’re failing dismally.”

“Technically, I’m not trying. I’m such a delight you’ll fall back in love with me anyway.”

“You’re a raging egomaniac.”

“And you are a beautiful ray of happiness.”

“And you—wait, what?” She frowned. “When did this get turned around on me? Stop complimenting me. You don’t compliment me when I insult you.”

I leaned against the wall, still holding onto the drill. “All right, you’re a miserable little shit. Is that better?”

Her lips twitched as she tried not to laugh. “No. You’re supposed to compliment me even when I tell you not to.”

“I’m not falling for your female psychobabble.” I pushed off the wall and looked for the next ‘x.’ “Compliment yourself. I have no problem doing it.”

“I compliment myself all the time. Have you seen my boobs?”

I shot her a side-eye. “Yes. I’m also fond of those.”

Rae folded her arms across her chest. It did nothing to further her cause of pretending to be annoyed. All it did was push her tits up.

“If you’re trying to make me stop looking at your tits, you’re doing a bad job.”

She looked down and immediately dropped her arms. “Yeah, well, shut up.” She sniffed. “How many holes are left?”

I scanned the wall. “Three. You should try one. It won’t kill you.”

She shifted. “No offense, but I don’t know if I trust you around me with tools.”

“I wasn’t even near you when you dropped the scraper on your foot. I won’t drop the drill. I promise.” I paused. “If anything, I’m the one who should be worried given that you’ve already dropped the drill once.”

“That was an accident.”

“Exactly.” I pushed off the wall. “Come on. You might learn something.”

“I doubt it,” she mumbled, wiping her hands off on her dress and coming to stand at my side. “Okay, let’s humiliate me.”

I laughed and drew her into my body. She nestled against me as if she were made for me. Her ass curved perfectly into my hips, and the gentle sweep of her back flattened against my stomach and chest like a missing puzzle piece.

“Wrap your hand around the handle,” I said, raising her hand to it. “And hold onto it. Tight.”

“I think I can figure that out.”

“Remember who dropped the drill.”

She sniffed. “I didn’t expect the wall to be so hard.”

“Rae, it’s fucking brick. Not marshmallow. What the hell did you expect?”

 

4.5 Star

 

Tracey’s Review

As a lover of second-chance romances, dual POVs, happily ever afters, and certain authors, I’d say that all bases were covered with BEST SERVED COLD, the latest offering from author Emma Hart. There is not one thing that I didn’t adore about this book, and I’m still smiling days later.

Rae and Chase are meant to be, even if they haven’t both come to realize it. Rae is, as are all of Emma’s heroines, sassy, strong, and headstrong, to boot. She’s not willing to let the problems from their past go, no matter how much her feelings are telling her that it may be time.

I’m not sure that I’d have liked Chase at first meeting. Cocky high school guy, popular, I’d have been with Rae. But the Chase of today would totally win me over, because, underneath all of the snark and cockiness is a guy that just really wants a second chance with the love of his life, and is willing to do what it takes to get it.

I have been a fan of Emma’s books for forever, but I have to say, I am so happy that she’s found her niche with rom-coms. Starting one of her books never fails to make me fall in love right along with the characters, and keeps me laughing at the same time, which is the mark of a wonderful read for me. An easy 4.5 stars for me, BEST SERVED COLD is a feel-good read that fans of contemporary romantic comedies will love, and should make room for at the top of their TBRs.

 

About Emma Hart:

Emma Hart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels and has been translated into several different languages.

She is a mother, wife, lover of wine, Pink Goddess, and valiant rescuer of wild baby hedgehogs.

Emma prides herself on her realistic, snarky smut, with comebacks that would make a PMS-ing teenage girl proud.

Yes, really. She’s that sarcastic.

EmmaHart

 

Connect with Emma:

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

BookBub: http://bit.ly/2Dr0atq

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2Dq42ez

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

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2D91d3T

Stay up to date with Emma by joining her mailing list: https://www.emmahart.org/newsletter

Website: https://www.emmahart.org/home

New Release + Release Blitz: Fragments of Ash by Katy Regnery

Title: Fragments of Ash
(Inspired by “Cinderella”)
Collection: A Modern Fairytale
Author: Katy Regnery
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Release Date: October 1, 2018

Blurb

From New York Times bestselling author Katy
Regnery comes a dark and twisted retelling of the beloved fairytale,
Cinderella!
My name
is Ashley Ellis…
I was
thirteen years old when my mother – retired supermodel, Tig – married Mosier
Răumann, who was twice her age and the head of the Răumann crime family.
When I
turned eighteen, my mother mysteriously died. Only then did I discover the dark
plans my stepfather had in store for me all along; the debauched “work” he
expected me to do.
With the
help of my godfather, Gus, I have escaped from Mosier’s clutches, but his twin
sons and henchmen have been tasked with hunting me down. And they will stop at
nothing to return my virgin body to their father
…dead or
alive.
**
Contemporary Romance. Due to profanity and very strong sexual content, this
book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.**

Fragments of Ash is part of the ~a modern fairytale~ collection:
contemporary, standalone romances inspired by beloved fairy tales.

The Vixen
and the Vet (Beauty & the Beast) – available now
Never Let
You Go (Hansel & Gretel) – available now
Ginger’s
Heart (Little Red Riding Hood) – available now
Dark Sexy
Knight (Camelot) – available now
Don’t Speak
(The Little Mermaid) – available now
Sheer
Heaven (Rapunzel) – available now
Fragments
of Ash (Cinderella) – available now
Swan Song
(The Ugly Duckling) – coming soon

Purchase Links
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Excerpt
All rights reserved. Used with permission.


Instead of going inside, I walk around the house, to the backyard, to see if I can help bring in any dirty dishes, but the picnic table is empty. All traces of our dinner party have already been cleaned up by the Ducharmes siblings.

I look up at the midnight sky, at the dozens and dozens of stars, and I wonder if Gus is right. What he says feels right, but I feel very young and very small as I stare up at the universe. It’s not wrong to give yourself over to loving if the chance arises.

“We get amazing night skies up here.”

I look over my shoulder and find Julian, tall, barefoot, and beautiful, walking toward me.

“Yes, you do,” I answer, giving him a shy and tentative smile before I turn my attention back upward.

My skin prickles with awareness. My lips tingle, remembering the insistent pressure of his. And elsewhere in my body, I clench hard, willing those deep-set tremors not to start up again right now. I want to believe what Gus has told me—that liking and wanting a man isn’t wrong—but it’s new to me, and I need a little time to reconcile my desire and conscience together.

“When I lived in DC, it was what I missed the most, besides Noelle. More than the cheese. More than the beer. More than the skiing.” He stops, standing beside me, staring up at the firmament. “I missed Vermont’s night skies. And the millions of stars.”

“I can see why,” I say. “When I lived in LA, I never saw stars.” I giggle. “I mean, I saw the people kind, but not the sky kind.”

“Who’s the most famous person you ever met?”

“Hmm. Maybe . . . Gigi Hadid . . . or Bella? Hmm . . . Or Cara Delevingne? Kate Moss mentored my m—Tig for a while, um, and she knew Gisele, of course. Also—”

“Wait a second! Gisele? Did you ever meet Tom Brady?” he asks, his voice eager.

“Let me guess.” I glance at his face. “Patriots fan?”

“The biggest.”

“Tig went to their wedding, but I never met him. Sorry,” I say, giggling as he lays a hand over his heart and pretends to cry. “Speaking of the rich and famous, Noelle tells me you met the vice president while you worked in Washington.”

“She did?” His teasing expression disappears quickly as he straightens, dropping his hand. “Uh, yeah. Long time ago.”

“Not so long,” I say. 

“Yeah, well . . . I guess it just feels like a while ago.” I wait for him to say more, hoping to learn why he left Washington so abruptly, but he stretches his arms over his head and yawns. “I’m tired. You must be exhausted.”

“At school I was on the dining hall rotation, which meant cooking for one hundred souls regularly. Tonight was a breeze.”

“Your soup was amazing.”
“Thank you.”
“The steak too.”
“Thank you again.”
“And the tart.”
“That was your sister. Let her know you thought so.”
“And the kiss.”

“Thank—” I’m grinning at him, but my eyes widen at his unexpected compliment, and I immediately look back up at the sky. It’s dark out so he can’t see my blush.

His chuckle is soft and low beside me, and maybe I’m wicked for not feeling more guilty, but I feel my smile grow as I trace Orion’s belt. I don’t dare look at him, but I feel him step closer to me, the warmth of his chest radiating against my back. If I moved slightly, one step even, his body would be flush against mine, and the shiver down my arms has nothing to do with the night chill. I want him to touch me, but I know he won’t.

As though he can read my mind, he whispers, close to my ear, “Not unless you ask.”

I close my eyes and say a prayer for strength and virtue, which, sadly, works, because the next thing I hear is his footsteps receding.

“Good night, sweet Ashley,” he says to my back, his voice a low rumble.

My eyes open slowly to the glittering heavens.

“Good night, sweet prince,” I whisper to Julian’s stars.

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Author Bio

New
York Times
and USA Today bestselling author Katy
Regnery
started her writing career by enrolling in a
short story class in January 2012. One year later, she signed her first
contract, and Katy’s first novel was published in September 2013.
Forty books later, Katy claims authorship of
the multititled New York Times and USA Today bestselling
Blueberry Lane Series, which follows the English, Winslow, Rousseau, Story, and
Ambler families of Philadelphia; the six-book, bestselling ~a modern fairytale~
series; and several other stand-alone novels and novellas, including the
critically-acclaimed, 2018 RITA© nominated, USA Today bestselling
contemporary romance, Unloved, a love story.
Katy’s first modern fairytale romance, The
Vixen and the Vet
, was nominated for a RITA® in 2015 and won the 2015
Kindle Book Award for romance. Katy’s boxed set, The English Brothers Boxed
Set
, Books #1–4, hit the USA Today bestseller list in 2015, and her
Christmas story, Marrying Mr. English, appeared on the list a week
later. In May 2016, Katy’s Blueberry Lane collection, The Winslow Brothers
Boxed Set
, Books #1–4, became a New York Times e-book bestseller.
Katy’s books are available in English, French,
German, Italian, Portuguese and Turkish.
Katy lives in the relative wilds of northern
Fairfield County, Connecticut, where her writing room looks out at the woods,
and her husband, two young children, two dogs, and one Blue Tonkinese kitten
create just enough cheerful chaos to remind her that the very best love stories
begin at home.

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