As Rolling Stone magazine prepares an issue on successful rock star marriages, they sit down with Brayden and Lily Vanderburg. After all, the two have been a couple since they were fifteen years old. But there is more to the story than meets the eye, and their love took a slight detour before finding happily ever after.
Told in flashbacks from the present to the past, Brayden and Lily share the story of their unbreakable love.
Excerpt
By the time we reached Brayden’s floor, I was out of breath. While the three flights of stairs had been a bit of an exertion, it was more about the fact that we hadn’t been able to keep our hands off each other. At each landing, we paused to let our mouths crash together, our tongues tangling in a passionate dance. When we finally got to his apartment door, I was in his arms, my legs wrapped around his waist. He grunted as he shifted me to the side, so he could dig his key out.
“Hurry,” I moaned, as I kissed a trail across his jawline to his ear.
“Trying,” he muttered.
Instead of putting the key in, he shoved my back against the door. His free hand delved under my top to grab my breast. “Hmm, yes,” I murmured, as my nipple began to harden under his touch. He began to rub his jean-clad erection against me. It was getting to be too much.
Gripping the back of his T-shirt, I started tugging it off him. Once I had it in my hands, I dropped it to the floor beside us. He followed my lead by stripping off my shirt. He then buried his head in my cleavage, licking the tops of my breasts before moving to put his mouth over my bra covered nipples.
“I want you inside me, Brayden,” I panted.
His hand with the key in it left my waist to unlock the door. When it opened, we fell through, nearly collapsing to the floor. I giggled at our sex-crazed antics as Brayden tossed the key onto the table next to the door. As we started across the room, his fingers dug into my buttocks, kneading my flesh. “I can’t wait until I’m buried inside you, making you come so hard you scream.”
I opened my mouth to say how much I wanted him to do just that when a guy’s voice interrupted me. “Just try to keep it down, will ya? I’m watching a movie.”
At the stranger’s voice, I squealed and gripped Brayden’s shoulders tighter. “Dude, what the fuck are you doing here?” Brayden demanded.
“Uh, last time I checked, I lived here.”
“You said you were going home this weekend to stay with your parents.”
“I said I might.”
Brayden grunted in frustration. “You said you would because you knew Lily was coming this weekend.”
“Oh yeah, I kinda forgot about that.”
“Sorry, baby,” Brayden said, before he gently eased me onto my feet. Considering I was in my bra and jeans, I pivoted around to hide behind Brayden.
“You told me she was a hell of a looker, but you didn’t mention that she was so shy. Of course, she didn’t sound shy when you guys were out in the hallway.”
“Oh God,” I moaned, as mortification filled me.
I heard the guy rise off the couch and start over to us. When I shrank further behind Brayden, he said, “Come on, mi amor, a bra is like a bikini top. Nothing to be ashamed of.”
Slowly, I peeked around Brayden’s shoulder. A tall, dark-haired, dark-eyed guy stood grinning at me, his arms crossed over his broad, bare chest. The only article of clothing he had on was a pair of boxer shorts that hung low on his hips. If I hadn’t been totally in love with Brayden, I would have probably fallen to the floor in a pool of lust for this guy. He was that good-looking. But the thing I liked most about him was his warm smile and the mischievous glint in his eyes.
“Lily, this is my roommate, AJ,” Brayden introduced.
Throwing out his hand, AJ said, “That’s Alejandro Joaquin Resendiz actually. And I’m not just his roommate. I’m the drummer in his new band.”
With a resigned sigh, I stepped around Brayden to shake his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
He winked. “Nice meeting you in the flesh. I feel like I already know you because Bray talks about you all the fucking time.” Smacking Brayden’s chest playfully, AJ said, “He’s such a sap!”
Katie Ashley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Best-Selling author. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her two very spoiled dogs. She has a slight obsession with Pinterest, The Golden Girls, Harry Potter, Shakespeare, Supernatural, Designing Women, and Scooby-Doo.With a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education, she spent 11 1/2 years educating the Youth of America aka teaching MS and HS English until she left to write full time in December 2012.
When a one-night stand turns into an online photo scandal, Sophie Tucker and Luke McGraw become campus celebrities overnight for all the wrong reasons.
Sophie Tucker can’t wait to start her freshman year of college—she has a full scholarship to her dream school and her sights set on landing a coveted staff writer position on the college newspaper. But when a scandalous photo from a one night stand she barely remembers is posted on The Score List, a new tabloid-style gossip site the campus is buzzing about, Sophie realizes her freshman year isn’t going to be what she imagined. As more photos are posted, Sophie decides to use her journalistic prowess to take down the anonymous person behind the site.
Luke McGraw is that guy—the vice president of his fraternity, the online editor of the school newspaper, and the one every girl wants to date. When a photo of Sophie, the girl he hooked up with the night before classes started and can’t get out of his head, shows up on The Score List, he knows that he has to find out who is behind the site—both to avenge Sophie, and to save the reputation of his fraternity.
When Sophie and Luke realize they’re both investigating, they decide to team up. But focusing on the investigation instead of each other proves difficult, especially when neither of them are sure the other can be trusted.
In a story full of the scandal, mystery, intrigue, friendship, and cheeky, sexy romance, Making Headlines channels Veronica Mars and Greek, in the companion novel to Taking Flight.
Erin Brown is a writer, Whedonite, Whovian, yogi, HGTV addict, and connoisseur of The CW’s TV line-up. She was born and raised in Arkansas, lived in New York City for five years, and recently moved to Singapore, where she lives on the beach, which is completely wasted on her because she is a ginger and the sun is not her friend. She is the author of Taking Flight and Making Headlines: A Taking Flight Novel. You can follow her on Twitter @erinbrownwrites.
As Reapers Motorcycle Club president, Reese “Picnic” Hayes has given his entire life to the club. After losing his wife, he knew he’d never love another woman. And with two daughters to raise and a club to manage, that was just fine with him. These days, Reese keeps his relationships free and easy—he definitely doesn’t want to waste his time on a glorified cleaning lady like London Armstrong.
Too bad he’s completely obsessed with her.
Besides running her own business, London’s got her junkie cousin’s daughter to look after—a more reckless than average eighteen-year-old. Sure she’s attracted to the Reapers’ president, but she’s not stupid. Reese Hayes is a criminal and a thug. But when her young cousin gets caught up with a ruthless drug cartel, Reese might be the only man who can help her. Now London has to make the hardest decision of her life—how far will she go to save her family?
“Has Picnic given you a gun yet?” she asked, as if it were a per- fectly reasonable question. I shook my head, wondering if I’d some- how missed half the conversation.
“Just sort of seeing where things stand,” she said, smirking. That made no sense at all, so I decided to ignore it.
“Hi, I’m Em,” said a young woman with brown hair and Reese’s eyes. I recognized her immediately from the photos around his house and felt a sudden burst of nerves. This was his daughter. The one who’d moved to Portland last year, leaving him with an empty nest.
Why did I suddenly feel like I was in a job interview?
“Hi,” I said. “I’ve heard all about you. I didn’t realize you lived close enough to come to a party, though. I thought you were in Port- land with your . . .” I fumbled for the right word, because she didn’t seem old enough to use the term “old man.” But I was pretty sure he was more than a boyfriend, and they weren’t married. Awkward, trying to figure out how to say things.
“My old man is Hunter,” she said, her eyes sparkling as she said his name. “He’s here for the meet. Bunch of clubs coming together, but that doesn’t have anything to do with us. Your only job here is to have fun, okay? Let’s go get you a drink and we can talk. I want to get to know the woman who’s moved in with my dad.”
“I wouldn’t say we’ve moved in together . . .”
“Have you slept there more than one night?” she asked, her voice challenging. I nodded. “Well, that’s more than he’s done with any other woman since my mom died.”
Joanna is a freelance writer living in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She started writing fiction in 2002, then took a long hiatus to explore other writing opportunities. She returned to fiction in January 2013 with ‘Reaper’s Property’, the first book in the Reapers Motorcycle Club series, and has recently released ‘Reapers Legacy’, the second of the series.
Everything done in darkness, will eventually be brought into the light.
I ran, but all it did was keep me one step ahead of my past. I tried to start over; new name, new identity. But you can’t change your soul.
A fresh start at college was just what I needed. For a while, it worked. I was the party girl, the one that seemed confident, but it was a lie.
When guys kissed me–I felt only pain.
When they touched me–Nothing but fear.
Deep inside, every girl wants to be the beauty in the story, to find someone that will see you as their world.
But the truth? I was the beast. And as much as I wanted redemption, I wasn’t fool enough to think I’d ever get it.
Until he walked into my life.
I wasn’t prepared to fall for someone. My scars were too deep, the wounds too raw. But he offered me peace, he offered me security. I should have known it was just another lie–I should have known that falling in love with my professor was a bad idea.
But I was powerless to stop myself from falling.
And he was powerless to catch me.
Because the darkness finally caught up to me, and as fate would have it, a cruel twist almost bled me dry. But I’m stronger than I knew. I’m stronger than you think.
You think you know my story, but you don’t….after all everyone has Shame in their lives– and I’m no longer afraid to show you mine.
It was hard to explain the way he spoke to me; at times he was flirtatious and well… happy. Other times? It seemed like he was fighting another side of himself, one that was more reserved, uptight, controlled. And if you were to ask me which side scared me the most? I’d say both. Because both sides were dangerous to me — both pushed a person like me past the point of no return. His seriousness made me curious; his flirtation made me want more.
“Just dinner?” I asked. “Isn’t that against the rules?”
“Yeah, well…” He glanced down briefly before flashing a sensual smile, his eyes dilating. “…it seems to be an impulse I can’t really control around you.”
“Control’s overrated, you label-making fool.”
At that he laughed, a rich chuckle that had my entire body relaxing and heating at the same time. I took a step toward him and smiled. “So, rule-breaker, where are we going?”
He grabbed his messenger bag and keys. “You’ll see.”
“Cryptic.” My eyebrows arched as I crossed my arms over my chest. “This isn’t going to turn into one of those six o‘clock news things where the crazy professor takes the girl out then buries her in the woods, is it?” I tried to sound like I was joking, but the minute the words left my mouth, it was no longer funny. Suddenly, I realized how stupid it would be to go with him. I knew nothing about him, nothing at all!
He smiled, tilting his head toward me. “Why am I getting the sudden urge to pull out a list of character references?”
“Because I just scared myself,” I admitted out loud.
“You want my social security number?” He winked. “Credit score? First grade class photo? Oh, and by the way, in first grade I was nominated most likely to own a pet store… so, if you aren’t okay with that, we probably shouldn’t continue this.”
“This?”
“Dinner.”
“Because you liked pets?”
“I wanted to own a lizard farm.”
I covered my mouth with my hands and nodded solemnly. “All little boys have dreams.”
“A bully crushed mine when he told me lizard farms don’t exist.” He shook his head. “In second grade I was voted least likely to succeed, on account that I didn’t speak for the entire year.”
“Why’s that?” I took another step toward him.
He took another step in my direction and shrugged. “It took me a while to get over the lizards.”
“So you stopped speaking?”
“It was more of me trying to make the public aware of my outrage.”
“Ah, like lizard strike.”
“I made shirts.”
“Tell me, professor, is that when the label-making started?”
“No.” He nodded toward the door and started walking. I followed, genuinely interested in what he was going to say and hating that it was possible he was stringing me along only to go all cold-crazy-psycho on me again. “That was an entirely different situation.” He pulled the door open.
“What? No more stories?” I asked.
“Dinner.” He shrugged, his eyes a stormy gray. “I’ll tell you at dinner.”
“Bribery.”
“My trump card. Label-maker stories. You know, I do actually know how to romance a woman.”
“Well…” I cleared my throat and broke eye contact. “…since I’m your student, I’ll just take your word for it.”
“Right,” he said quickly then repeated, “Right, shall we?”
“Lead the way.” I forced a smile and tried to remember that this was dinner, nothing romantic, just my very sexy professor once again apologizing for being a jackass during class.
I’m not your typical girl. I’ve been running away from the memories that haunt me for so long that depression has become my only comfort. I was content in the darkness…until Wes Michels offered to be my light.
I didn’t know that time wasn’t my ally — that every second that ticked past was one step closer to the end of something that was beginning to mean the end of myself. He tried to warn me. He promised me all he was able to offer–each moment as it came–but it would never be enough.
Sometimes when you think it’s the end, it’s only the beginning. Wes thought he could save me, but in giving me everything, he ruined me. Because after one kiss, one touch, I couldn’t–I wouldn’t ever be the same.
And from that moment on, his heartbeat became my own.
Gabe Hyde is on borrowed time. He’s been hiding his identity for over four years-hidden from the world that used to adore him–obsess over him–driven to the edge of insanity by one poor choice.
But that one choice, altered the course of his life forever.
Pretending isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially when pretending means hiding your real self from the people that care about you the most. But if anyone ever discovered the truth it wouldn’t just be his life at risk–but hers.
Saylor doesn’t hate men.
Just Gabe.
Only Gabe.
He’s a reckless, happy-go-lucky, silver spoon fed pain in her ass. Everything about him makes her more and more confused. Unfortunately they both donate time at the same Group Home. If she wasn’t afraid of flunking, she’d be long gone. She hates that she’s attracted to him almost as much as he hates that he’s attracted to her–and she can tell, especially since their first encounter ended up making her knees so weak she couldn’t form coherent sentences for weeks afterwards. But the closer she gets to him, the more confused she becomes. He isn’t who he says he is, and he’s hiding something big.
What happen when two worlds collide? Two worlds that never should have met in the first place? Some secrets are too big to be hidden forever–the only question? Will his destroy everyone he loves? Or finally bring about the redemption he’s been craving for the past four years?
When I met Kiersten, time stood still. It was as if every cell in my body screamed HER. I couldn’t look away, I couldn’t walk away, I couldn’t even move. My other half, my soul mate, was staring right at me. I had to have her. I had to make her mine. But I felt selfish doing that–knowing that I may not have endless amounts of time to give her…and even now that every things’ over with and I’ve been given that time back.
Nothing is ever certain in this life.
Which is why I’m about to do something crazy, impulsive, daring.
After all, what type of person would I be if I didn’t take my own advice?
I’m jumping off the cliff, I’m living fearlessly.
This is the continuation of Wes and Kierstens story.
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at www.rachelvandykenauthor.com
She was what he wanted … but she was also his undoing.
Through mutual understanding, Tyler’s secret affair with Gabriella Reynolds has come to an end. It was a decision that not only saved their friendship, but it was one that would change Tyler Rushing’s life forever.
For the past couple of years, Tyler was known as being one of the UFC’s most memorable and sexy heavyweight fighters. Now he has the chance to win the title and claim the fame he so deserves. Having all the women he wanted was the highlight of his days; at least until Kacey Andrews walked through the door of his gym. He couldn’t keep his eyes off of her; there was an innocence about her that sparked his interest and he wasn’t going to give up until he had her. Little did he know that Kacey Andrews wasn’t a stranger … she was part of his world; he just didn’t know it. It was a secret she’d worked hard to keep hidden.
Kacey spent years trying to get away from the fighting world, away from the man who was hated among the MMA elite … her brother, Kyle Andrews. Unfortunately, she was brought back into it when Tyler’s relentless battle for her heart won her over, drawing her in. The only problem is that secrets never stay buried forever. In the end, Tyler will have a decision to make, and it’s one that could possibly destroy his and Kacey’s life … forever.
“I have one more question for you,” she murmured, leaning her head against the seat and biting her lip provocatively. Her skin tight green T-shirt hung so close to her skin I could see her nipples peeking through the fabric; I wanted to taste them, to roll my tongue around them and make them pucker more. I wanted to taste all of her.
“What’s the question?” I growled low, watching her tongue slide across her lips.
Slowly, she moved forward and stopped only an inch away from me, her mouth so achingly close. It killed me to keep my calm, to not pick her up, carry her into my house, throw her on my bed, and just fuck her like I’d been dying to do since the day I met her. I had never wanted someone so bad and not be able to have them.
“I’m ready for you, Tyler. Are you ready for me?”
Grasping the back of her neck, I brought her closer and gently nipped her bottom lip making her gasp. “You have no fucking idea.”
Gloves Off Series
A Fighter’s Desire- Part 1
**A Fighter’s Desire is an introductory prequel novella to the Gloves Off series by NYT and USA TODAY Bestselling author, L.P. DOVER. If you love sexy, MMA fighters you don’t want to miss out on the hardcore, tap out action with my twins, Ryley and Camden. They’re ready to get down and dirty on the mat.** The conclusion to their stories will be coming soon in their full length novels.
Two is always better than one.
What would you do if you were given the chance to spend the night with not one, but two fighters? Would you do it? Could you open yourself up to the pleasures they offered and do exactly what they said in order to pass on to the next round?
It was common knowledge that Ryley and Camden Jameson, well-known MMA fighters and identical twins, were just as aggressive and passionate in the bed as they were in the ring. The only problem was that if you didn’t pass their test on the first night, then you didn’t proceed to the next round. They loved a good fight, and that’s what they got when they met Ashleigh Warren.
Ashleigh knew what was going to happen when the twins approached her with a proposition, and needless to say, she knew exactly how to handle them … or so she thought. The rules had changed, and in order to get them both she had to first spend one night with each and last until they were done with her. It was a proposition she couldn’t refuse, but she knew it wouldn’t be easy to win. However, it was one that she was going to enjoy.
**Second installment – prequel novella to the Gloves Off series by NYT and USA TODAY Bestselling author, L.P. DOVER. This story follows several of my fighters but focuses on one, Tyler Rushing, who not only fights in the ring, but fights against his desire for the one girl he can’t have. Check out the conclusion to his story in Tyler’s Undoing.**
When you’re told to stay away from someone or something it only drives the urge to go after it more. In this case, that was exactly what happened. For years, Gabriella Reynolds—younger sister of MMA’s Heavyweight Champion, Matt Reynolds—was warned by him to stay away from his fighter friends; she deserved better and they would only break her heart.
Did she listen? Yes, for a while, but temptation can only consume you so much until you fall into its trap. There’s a certain fighter she’s interested in, and it just so happens that he’s her brother’s best friend, the only one that is completely off limits to her. However, she’s not the only one fighting temptation. Tyler Rushing can’t deny his attraction to her, but he’s afraid she’ll want more and he can’t give that to her. When he finds out that’s not the case … everything changes.
Secrets can be dangerous, but they can also be thrilling and intense. Gabriella and Tyler have no choice but to keep their time together a secret … and it’s a secret that’ll stay with them forever.
USA Today Bestselling author, L.P. Dover, is a southern belle residing in North Carolina along with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she even began her literary journey she worked in Periodontics enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.
Not only does she love to write, but she loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes, white water rafting, and you can’t forget the passion for singing. Her two number one fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime and those songs usually consist of Christmas carols.
Aside from being a wife and mother, L.P. Dover has written over nine novels including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, and her standalone novel, Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read is romantic suspense and she also loves writing it. However, if she had to choose a setting to live in it would have to be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.
Heartbroken and disillusioned, Rebecca Howland is done with all men. Especially noblemen. Past a certain age, she knows her previous life of carnal indulgence and grand adventure is over. Or so she thinks. Back at home, whilst working in her family’s shop, a moment of compassion entangles her in an old battle between two powerful, bitter enemies. A commoner, Rebecca finds herself falsely accused of a heinous act by a vicious member of the aristocracy. In grave peril, she turns to the one man she thinks can help her.
Stephen Drake, now inexplicably Baron Drake, has always desired Rebecca. When she turns to him, he vows to protect her at all costs, especially from the dangerous life he lives. The stakes are high and time is running out for her … and for him as well. Stephen finds himself driven to ruthless actions that threaten to kill the fragile bond between them.
Years ago, Rebecca forbade herself to love Stephen Drake. Now he’s back, no longer the young man she remembers but a dark and dangerous stranger. When he demands a fortnight of her complete submission in return for his protection, his sexual dominance ignites carnal passion that makes her feel alive like never before. But … dare she trust a man with too many secrets?
His stare pinned her and she remained rooted to the spot like a cornered hare.
He lowered his head. She felt her eyes widening. Her heart beat harder and harder, deafening thunder in her ears.
He put his mouth to hers.
She couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. Couldn’t make a move.
Oh, God. Oh, God save me…
His full lips pressed hers, warm, soft, intense. She’d never known a man’s mouth to be so lushly sensual and yet so deliciously firm. From that touch, pleasure surged through her, tightening her nipples, and sending sparks of fire tingling into her belly and outward, all the way down to her toes. She couldn’t suppress the shudder that wracked her head to foot.
He lifted his head. Then he watched her, closely.
Edginess built inside her, combining with and intensifying the arousal pulsing in her blood. She licked her lips then let her breath out in a ragged sigh.
“Open to me, Rebecca.”
He’d spoken softly, oh so softly—but the steel beneath the gentleness sent shivers all over her. And not a little tingling excitement. Unable to bear the determined heat of his gaze, she stared at the bridge of his elegant straight nose. Dazed, afraid of him, yes, holy heavens yes, but far more frightened of the feelings that were rapidly leaping to life within her.
No, this couldn’t be happening. She had kept herself safe all these years since Jon. No emotionally dangerous entanglements. She was past all of this. He should be out chasing some young opera dancer tonight. She should be home, fast asleep in her chaste bed.
Safe.
Author Bio:
Escape into the past with intensely erotic, emotionally driven love stories. Natasha Blackthorne writes character-focused historical erotica romance featuring strong internal conflicts played out in non-traditional and unconventional situations. Her stories are most frequently about the intimate journey of the characters as they learn to open their hearts to love.
Her heroines are not perfect ladies. They are wildflowers and wallflowers who enjoy flirting with the forbidden. Whether they are bold or shy, her heroines’ strong desires and deep emotions drive the plot and drive their heroes to the point of no return.
There is a place in modern day America with no electricity, no plumbing, and no modern conveniences. In this place, there is no room for dreams, no space for self-expression, and no tolerance for ambition.
In this place, there is a boy with the body of a god and the heart of a warrior. He is strong and faithful and serves his family honorably. But he dares to dream of more.
In this place, there is a girl with the face of an angel and a heart full of courage. To her family, she is the vision of obedient perfection. But she dares to want that which she has been told can never be hers.
Becoming Calder is the story of good versus evil, fear versus bravery, and the truth that the light of love has always found its way into even the darkest of places . . . From the beginning of time, to the end of the world.
THIS IS THE FIRST PART IN A TWO-PART SIGN OF LOVE SERIES INSPIRED BY AQUARIUS. THE SECOND PART, FINDING EDEN, RELEASES SIMULTANEOUSLY. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and graphic sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
Finding Eden is the continuation, and conclusion, to Becoming Calder.
When the world as you know it has ended, when all that you love has been washed away, where do you find strength?
When the new world you’ve stepped into is as isolating as the last, when your heart is broken, and your future is unclear, where do you find hope?
Finding Eden is a story of strength, discovery, forgiveness, and undying love. It is about believing in your destiny and following the path that leads to peace.
THIS IS THE SECOND PART, AND CONCLUSION, IN A TWO-PART SIGN OF LOVE SERIES INSPIRED BY AQUARIUS (BECOMING CALDER SHOULD BE READ FIRST). New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and graphic sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
When I was given the chance to read BECOMING CALDER and FINDING EDEN by Mia Sheridan, I was excited. I mean, first off, it’s Mia Sheridan, and, secondly, the synopses for these books drew me in from the very beginning. I was intrigued, and couldn’t wait to find out more about Calder Raynes and Eden Everson, and Acadia, the community that they lived in. And, so, lucky enough to have these books in my hands, I began. And once I did, I just could not put them down. I could not stop for anything. Because I was captivated, completely won over, in every way possible.
Calder Raynes has lived at Acadia his entire life, surrounded by family and friends. From the moment of Eden’s arrival, the two are drawn to each other, and over the years, their relationship changes from friendship to desire to love, even as Eden’s eighteenth birthday, her appointed wedding day to Hector, grows ever closer.
Eden Everson was brought as a child to Acadia, a community set apart from society in anticipation of the end of the world. Remembering only snippets of her earlier life, she has been groomed since her arrival to be the bride of Hector, Acadia’s dynamic leader, and to help lead their people to Elysium, the promised land. But Hector never figured on Eden finding a real and forbidden love within Acadia.
Eden’s and Calder’s love story unfolds beautifully in BECOMING CALDER, but as in all epic love stories, tragedy accompanies joy, and events transpire that force Eden and Calder apart. As FINDING EDEN begins, we know that Eden has survived the events of the first book, but are left, along with Eden, to mourn the loss of her love and accompany her as she learns to live in society, to make a place for herself in the world outside Acadia.
“It was true what I’d once said about the stars—some things are seen more clearly in light…and some things are seen more clearly in darkness. Because somewhere in the dark of the night, Calder pulled me close to him and we agreed in ways both spoken and unspoken that the world was ugly and broken and love was ridiculously dangerous and absurdly unsafe…and that we would love anyway. We would keep our fierce and tender hearts open. It felt foolish and ridiculous and right. It felt like the bravest thing in the whole world.”
BECOMING CALDER and FINDING EDEN are two of the best books that I have had the pleasure of reading. It is impossible not to fall in love with these characters, to rejoice in their love, and mourn their losses. I was so emotionally invested in Eden and Calder and their stories that I couldn’t stop thinking of them long after I’d finished the books. Although I wanted to enjoy these books at a leisurely pace, and just soak up the story, I could not help but speed through them, because I just could not wait to see what happened next.
If we’re lucky, we come across a handful of books that really resonate for us. They are beautifully crafted, ripe with wonderful plot, dialogue, and characters that, during the course of the story, prove themselves to be so much more. I can honestly say that BECOMING CALDER and FINDING EDEN are all of this and more for me. Mia Sheridan, by the blessing that is her creativity, birthed Calder, this beautiful, strong, loving man, and Eden, Calder’s Morning Glory, a girl that refused to give up in the face of enormous obstacles, and allowed us to be part of it. I savored these books, soaked in every part of them, wanting to reach the culmination, but yet not wanting it to end. And then I had to sit with the story for a few days, to revisit and replay every bit of it: Calder, Xander, Eden, and the entire experience that was Acadia, and what came after. Only then could I sit down and share my thoughts, that BECOMING CALDER and FINDING EDEN are absolutely two of my favorite books, not just of this year, but ever. And to let everyone know that 6+ stars doesn’t seem like enough for these books, this beautiful and touching story, with characters that evoked emotion upon emotion. Thank you, Mia, for sharing this truly beautiful story of overcoming life’s obstacles and belief in the power of love with us, and for bringing such a beautiful love story to life.
Mia Sheridan is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. Her passion is weaving true love stories about people destined to be together. Mia lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband. They have four children here on earth and one in heaven.
Mega wealthy Tanner Storm has it all – great looks, wealth, and nothing holding him down. Then, his father decides to play games with him and his siblings, handing him an apartment complex in downtown Seattle that
Tanner wants nothing to do with. When the conditions of his father’s terms ensure that he do something with this building or lose his inheritance, he at first thinks, so what. But, then it becomes a challenge that he has to accept, because he’s never before backed down. He decides to tear down the building and start fresh with something far more appealing that will add to his already fat wallet.
The only problem is that the residents don’t want to leave, and under the contract with his father, he can’t force them out. When he ends up before Judge Kragle from all the complaints made against him, the judge decides the best punishment for him will be two weeks of living in the very apartment complex he despises and two weeks of community service, playing Santa Claus at the mall. Perfect! This is not the Christmas of his dream.
The plot thickens when he meets his neighbor, Kyla and falls into instant lust. Will this turn out to be Tanner’s secret angel, or will he forget all about her the minute he leaves?
Enjoy this Anderson Christmas Novel from NYT Best Selling Author Melody Anne who wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and an even happier New Year.
Excerpt
“Mr. Storm, you may think that you’re above the law, but I guarantee you that you are not! This is the fourth time I’ve seen you in my courtroom in the last three months. It’s become a bad habit, one that I don’t appreciate. I don’t care how much you’re paying your group of attorneys. It’s not getting you out of trouble this time.”
“Your Honor—”
The judge did not take kindly to Tanner Storm’s interruption. “Do not make me add contempt of court to your list of crimes,” Judge Kragle said. “The conditions of your building are unacceptable. I’m absolutely appalled that you’d leave women and children with no heat, with no working elevators, and with leaky pipes. I’ve thought long and hard about your punishment—”
Author Bio
Melody Anne is the author of the popular series, Billionaire Bachelors, and Baby for the Billionaire. She also has a Young Adult Series out; Midnight Fire and Midnight Moon – Rise of the Dark Angel. She’s been writing for years and published in 2011. She hold a bachelors degree in business, so she loves to write about strong, powerful, businessmen.
When Melody isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets. She lives in a small town that she loves, and is involved in many community projects.
This is the
second box set of the Best Selling Mitchell Family Series. It contains books 5
through 9 in the original series. Follow
this beloved family as they continue to go through the motions of finding love,
raising children, and overcoming hardships.
Wanting More:
Book five in the Mitchell series is finally Conner’s story.
He may not have the last name Mitchell, but he is a big part of the family.
When Conner moved to NC to help out the family with a new
business venture, he never saw himself becoming interested in his sister’s
boss, Amy. Their first meeting was not ideal and both were left with little
interest in even becoming friends.
After Conner learns about Amy’s secret life, by accident, he
becomes the only person to help her through it. Every time they get near each
other their love/hate relationship fuels for a heated encounter
Saving Us:
Book six in the Mitchell Family Series starts off right
where #5 left off.
As Conner and Amy hope for a future together, they are faced
with troubles standing in their way.
With a baby in their near future, Conner takes charge and
will stop at nothing until he can claim Amy as his, forever.
There is only one thing stopping them…
Amy’s ex.
This book is intended to be read in order with the series.
It may contain content that is not suitable for anyone under
the age of 18. It contains strong sexual and other adult situations.
Blinding Trust:
Blinding Trust is told by Savanna and Colt.
The book starts where book 6 left off. The family is at
Conner and Amy’s oldest daughter’s fifth birthday party.
Once the family arrives home, Colt is visited by someone
from his past, (KRISTA’S BROTHER)who has changed his name to Zeke. He is a
recovering addict and the lead singer of a popular rock band.
Zeke is only visiting for one reason.
He wants to know the nephew he hasn’t seen in ten years.
Colt and Savanna do not want their son around someone like
Zeke. His lifestyle is no good for a curious ten year old.
When they put their foot down, Zeke brings in his fancy
attorney to persuade them to change their minds.
In the meantime, Savanna struggles with her relationship
with Noah. He blames her for not being allowed to hang out with Zeke and a
wedge is formed between them, breaking apart the tight bond they’ve always
shared.
To make matters worse, while Colt tries to keep the peace
between his family, Savanna gets news pertaining to herself that could change
everything.
Who she chooses to share that information with is what
complicates things even more.
This seventh edition involves family secrets and what can
happen when trust is blinded.
Losing Him
Do you think you know me?
Do you think I’m some terrible person, who ruins people’s
lives for my own satisfaction?
You couldn’t be more wrong.
Haven’t you ever loved someone, so much that you’d do
anything to be with them?
That’s how it all started, because of my love for someone
that never returned the feelings.
I’ve been selfish and done things I regret, but I deserve to
tell my side of the story. You deserve to know the whole truth.
The broken promises.
The hate.
The revenge.
The loss.
It’s finally my turn to explain how things really happened,
my turn to change your mind about the person you think I’ve become.
This is the real truth about who I am.
Loving Her
Tyler Mitchell has been called many things, but his favorite
title will always be “Dad”.
Isabella (Izzy) was the reason he changed his ways and learned to be the man that he’s become.
For eleven years he and Miranda have lived with a lie; the kind that could destroy the bond between him and the child that he’s always
claimed to be his own.
An accidental encounter causes a curious young girl to
question everything she knows. When she discovers how big the lie is, everything changes for this once picture perfect family.
Ty and Miranda are faced with the repercussions that not
only could alter their own relationship, but the future of their family as a whole.
Can Ty and Miranda show Isabella that family is more than
just blood?
Find out what one couple is willing to do for the people
they love, in the 9th book of The Mitchell Family Series.
Jennifer Foor is an award winning Contemporary Romance Author. She’s best known for the Mitchell Family Series, which includes ten books.
She is married with two children and spends most of her time behind a keyboard, writing stories that come from her heart
The one time he broke that rule, he killed the woman that was carrying his child.
Then comes Baylee Roberts. She makes Sebastian want to break every single rule he’d ever implemented. Hell, but she even makes him consider that dreaded H word. A helmet.
To My…
Baylee Roberts innocently walked into her bathroom never expecting that she’d find a man in there. It is her bathroom after all, and she lives alone.
From the instant he placed his hat on her head to protect her from the sun, Baylee’s mind becomes filled with thoughts of a certain biker.
She really shouldn’t go there. There’s no telling what kind of dangerous things he does for The Dixie Wardens MC.
Siren…
Nothing is ever as easy as it should be. Their relationship’s one of them.
Baylee’s brother is a cop. Baylee’s father is a cop. Which inevitably means that Baylee’s going to have certain hang-ups about being with a man like himself.
Sebastian has a lot on his plate with his busy job as a firefighter, a single father, and the vice president of The Dixie Wardens MC.
Not enough, though, to keep him away from Baylee.
When a series of arsons rattle their hometown and puts Sebastian’s life on the line, Baylee finally realizes the only fire Sebastian can’t put out is the one inside her heart.
I am a married mom of three. I’m in school for my BSN. I’m an avid reader and go through books like candy. Romance books are my vice, and you will never catch me not reading something. I’ve had Boomtown’s story floating around in my brain for some time, and finally decided to just go ahead and write it.
Saucy Southern Readers 