Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Break My Fall by Jessica Scott – Falling Series – Book 2

Break my Fall

Break My Fall

Falling Series – Book 2

Genre: New Adult

By Jessica Scott

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

Violence.
I’m addicted to it. It’s how I feel alive. It’s the only thing that’s real any more.
And now I have to sit around and discuss it like it’s physics or calculus. I can’t do it. I can’t pretend that it’s some sterile academic topic. Violence isn’t sterile. It isn’t calm. It’s pulsing. It’s alive.
It’s my drug.
Until I met Abby, I never wanted anything beyond the next fight. Never considered that I might finally find a way back to the land of the living.
Now? Now I find myself dreaming of a woman with golden eyes.
But I can never be with her. Because I am not whole. And I never will be again.
But I cannot stay away.
And loving her might finally be what breaks me.

Books in the Falling Series
Book 1: Before I Fall
Book 2: Break My Fall
Book 3: If I Fall (Forthcoming)

BMF

Excerpt

He’s watching me. I want to step closer to him but I can’t. I won’t.

Because I’m not blind to the darkness in Mr. Douglas. It’s there, just below the surface. Like a pot of water just before it boils.

The tension is back, now. A slow burning anger I should be getting as far away from as I possibly can.

“What?” I finally ask, needing something to break the spell between us.

“Why do you care why I got angry in class? You don’t even know my name.”

I narrow my eyes at him and open my mouth, then snap it closed, mirroring his earlier action. I didn’t expect the question and I have no idea how to answer.

Because in reality, I don’t have an answer for why I’m standing here at the moment.

Damn it.

My brain finally latches onto the first thing I come up with

“Wookie life debt. Payback for you helping me the other night.”

I try to leave then. Hoping that he’ll let me go and put all my curiosity away. For good.

“Hey.” His voice tugs at me to stop.

I won’t look at him now. Because I’m ashamed of what he’ll see if he looks into my eyes.

And I can’t stand the thought of him seeing the needful loneliness that has become my constant companion since Robert ripped my heart out and left it bleeding on the cobblestone sidewalk.

“What’s your name?” His voice is low and quiet. Steady now. Almost calm.

I turn, unable to avoid looking at him now.

It dawns on me that no, I don’t know his name.

I stand there for a moment, hesitant. The last time this happened, I fell too far, too fast.

This time will be different. Because I’m not going to make the same mistake twice.

It’s like standing too close to an electrical current.

The simplicity of the question is deceptively benign.

I’m drawn to him in a way that is unhealthy and dangerous. He’s already consuming my thoughts, drawing my attention away from the matter at hand and luring me down a dark corridor where only dark thoughts and whispered need twist together.

I hold up one hand, needing to break the spell or whatever is going on between us. My hand collides with his chest, and I am flush against the stark reminder of this man’s strength and power and capability to do violence.

There’s a small cut over his left eye, from the other night. Before the rational part of my brain kicks in, I brush my fingertips gently over the bruised and damaged skin.

He goes still beneath my touch. That full bottom lip opens a little. A tiny space, but I can feel the heat of his breath on my wrist.

His eyes are locked on mine. I’m trapped, unable to move. I’m not sure I want to. I’m furious for him but I’m frozen, burning where my fingers touch his skin.

I cannot move. Cannot look away.

“I’m Josh,” he whispers. An answer to an unasked question.

Nohalfmeasures

5Star

Michel’s Review

Break My Fall by Jessica Scott is the second book in the dynamic new adult, Falling Series.  Unlike most new adult series, the Falling series features a unique cast of characters.  These characters have experienced the trauma of war and are now trying to fit into society.  They can’t relate to their college peers, they no longer fit in their former life in the army, and are holding on by a thread.  The only thing that keeps them glued together is their rag tag group that hangs together at the bar owned by a former officer and soldier.  The armed forces has used them up, spit them out, and offers very little to help them acclimate back into normal life.  While most of their college peers are thinking about what frat party to attend  or what paper is due next, they are running from their nightmares, trying to hold themselves together, and barely getting by.  Each guy has their own means of coping and while it may be a quick fix, it is not the glue that is going to hold them together.

Josh Douglas is struggling with his new life.  He’s attending one of the most elite colleges and yet he can’t escape his time in the army.  He has seen and experienced the ugly side of war.  He has watched his brothers die and or return home broken souls.  He’s a broken soul himself.  He no longer sleeps and thrives off of the thrill of fighting.  The violence pumps up his adrenaline and makes him feel alive.  The rest of the time he feels like he is a shell of a man he used to be.  He’s lost his ability to connect with others.  He’s lost his ability to function as a normal healthy red-blooded male.  When he meets Abby Hilliard, he sees more than a quiet coed.  He sees a woman that guards herself much like he does.  On the surface she’s a beautiful and smart lady but beneath the surface she has her own demons.  Demons that are just as threatening as his own.

Josh and Abby begin a guarded relationship that turns into one that opens up their souls.  A relationship that gives them courage to open up.  To allow themselves to feel the pain as well as feel the glories of love.  Together they both find the hope they need to heal.

Jessica Scott writes a brutally honest love story.  Her characters are the ordinary men and women we meet daily. What she does is gives the reader a view of what makes them special, the good and the bad.  Her experience as an a career officer dealing with men and women suffering from PTSD and other life issues, makes each of her novels much more personal and dynamic.  I truly sympathized with both Josh and Abby.  Their ups and downs, the small victories and baby steps were very realistic.  As I finished the Break My Fall I knew that they couldn’t be completely fixed but that they were going to be okay because they allowed the door to their souls to open.

The writing was engaging, emotional, and honest.  Jessica Scott has once again touched my heart.

Read Break My Fall by Jessica Scott.  It can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order.

 

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The Falling Series

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Before I Fall

Falling Series – Book 1

Synopsis

Stay focused. Get a job. Save her father’s life.

Beth Lamont knows far too much about the harsh realities of life her gilded classmates have only read about in class. She’ll do whatever it takes to take care of her father, even if that means tutoring a guy like Noah – a guy who represents everything she hates about the war, soldiers and what the Army has done to her family.

Noah Warren doesn’t know how to be a student. All he knows is war. But he’s going to college now to fulfill a promise and he doesn’t break his promises. Except he doesn’t count on his tutor being drop dead gorgeous and distracting as hell. One look at Beth threatens to unravel the careful lies Noah has constructed around him.

A simple arrangement turns into something neither of them can deny. And a war that neither of them can forget could destroy them both.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Google Play / Kobo

Break my Fall

Break My Fall

Falling Series – Book 2

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

Violence.
I’m addicted to it. It’s how I feel alive. It’s the only thing that’s real any more.
And now I have to sit around and discuss it like it’s physics or calculus. I can’t do it. I can’t pretend that it’s some sterile academic topic. Violence isn’t sterile. It isn’t calm. It’s pulsing. It’s alive.
It’s my drug.
Until I met Abby, I never wanted anything beyond the next fight. Never considered that I might finally find a way back to the land of the living.
Now? Now I find myself dreaming of a woman with golden eyes.
But I can never be with her. Because I am not whole. And I never will be again.
But I cannot stay away.
And loving her might finally be what breaks me.

______________________________________________

About Jessica Scott

Jessica Scott1USA Today Bestselling author Jessica Scott is a career army officer, mother of two daughters, three cats and three dogs, wife to a career NCO and wrangler of all things stuffed and fluffy. She is a terrible cook and even worse housekeeper, but she’s a pretty good shot with her assigned weapon and someone liked some of the stuff she wrote. Somehow, her children are pretty well adjusted and her husband still loves her, despite burned water and a messy house.

She’s also written for the New York Times At War Blog, PBS Point of View Regarding War, and IAVA. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 as part of OIF/New Dawn and has had the honor of serving as a company commander at Fort Hood, Texas twice.

Most recently, she’s been featured as one of Esquire Magazine’s Americans of the Year for 2012. Learn More at http://www.jessicascott.net

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + Giveaway: Mack by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff – King Series – Book 4

Enter to Win a 
King Trilogy Print Giveaway

 

MACK
King Series #4 (Based on King Trilogy)
Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
Releasing Feb 15th, 2016
From New
York Times Bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff, Comes the New Standalone Story of
Mack, a Continuation of the King Trilogy
 
“THEY THINK KING IS EVIL, BUT HE’S
GOT NOTHING ON ME.” – Mack
 
MY NAME IS
MACK. And if I play my cards right, I will soon be dead. Permanently. Not even
my powerful twin brother will be able to resurrect me. A good thing. Because a
man like me has no business living. Not when I have killed. Not when I have
betrayed everyone I have ever cared for. Not when I know I’m destined to do it
again.
 
This is why
I have come looking for her—the only one capable of ending me once and for all.
But will she think I’m just another insane patient? Or will she believe the
truth? I am thousands of years old, my heart too dark to be salvaged.
 
~~~~~
 
MY NAME IS
TEDDI, short for Theodora. My entire life has been a canvas of grays, whites,
and black. I can’t feel, I can’t understand joy, I’ve never truly lived. Until
now. His name is Mack, and though he believes he’s cursed, my degree in
psychology tells me otherwise. Besides, someone who’s capable of bringing so
much light into my life can’t be anything but good.
 
But I can
save him. If he’ll let me.
 
(STANDALONE
STORY – BASED ON THE USA TODAY
BESTSELLING KING TRILOGY)
 
BUY LINKS
Amazon | Amazon
UK
 | B
& N
 | iTunes | Kobo
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Excerpt

Darkness was the one thing in this world I didn’t care for—probably because I felt most comfortable with facts. Seeing objects equated seeing facts. There is the floor. There is the couch. Facts.

Guessing where things were—I think the leg of this table is around here somewhere—ouch!—was inefficient, useless. It was why nightlights were invented.

So when I entered John Doe’s dark room, the first thing I wanted was to bring in some light.

“Mr. Doe?” I said to the dark figure seated in the corner of the small room, staring at me like an eerie scarecrow waiting to frighten the shit out of anything that crossed its path. “My name is Dr. Valentine. I’m the new director. May I turn on the lights so we can discuss the reason you are here?”

“I asked not to be disturbed.” The man’s deep, masculine voice felt like a cold, chilling slap. Yet strangely, it was also…Well, I didn’t know really. Hypnotic, perhaps.

I squinted, my eyes straining to see his face but only able to make out his silhouette—broad shoulders, short hair, and fit-looking arms from the shadows of biceps I was able to spot.

“That’s exactly why we need to talk,” I said. “It’s come to my attention that you are not here to seek therapy—”

“Leave.”

My mouth flapped for a moment. “I’m sorry, but did you—”

“I said leave,” he growled.

Sadly for him, intimidation didn’t work on me. Not that I was stupid and wouldn’t get out of harm’s way. The question was, did he intend to harm me?

“And if I don’t?” I asked, testing the waters. His response would tell me everything I needed to know. Reading people’s internal emotional state was another gift of mine.

I waited for a reply.

And then I waited some more.

He’s not going to answer me. Fine. This was silly and a completely unproductive use of my time. I would just have to see him with my own two eyes. My gift would do the rest.

“Okay. These lights are going—” I flipped the switch, and the moment my eyes met his, I was hit by a hard wave of…

“Holy fuck,” I gasped.

I flipped off the lights, turned, and left the room. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. What was that?

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Mimi Jean Pamfiloff is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling
Romance author, and host of the radio talk show, Man Candy, on Radioslot.com.
 
When San Francisco native Mimi Jean went on an adventure as an
exchange student to Mexico City, she never imagined the journey would lead to
writing Romance. But one MBA, one sexy husband, and two rowdy kids later, Mimi
would trade in corporate life for vampires, deities, and snarky humor.
 
She continues to hope that her books will inspire a leather pants
comeback (for men) and that she might make you laugh when you need it most.
 
She also enjoys interacting with her fans (especially if they’re
batshit crazy). You can always find her chatting away on Facebook, Twitter, or
saying many naughty words on her show MAN CANDY on Radioslot.com !
 
Find out more about Mimi and upcoming books at www.mimijean.net

Release Blitz: Fade Into You by Tracy Wolff – Shaken Dirty Series

fade into you

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Meet bad boy rocker Wyatt in Fade Into You.

This new rock star romance by Tracy Wolff is NOW LIVE! #shakendirty

*********

Fade Into You

Shaken Dirty Series

By Tracy Wolff

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis:

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

She’s one addiction he can’t resist.

Wyatt Jennings has been called a lot of things by the media. Bad-boy rocker. Intense drummer. Addict.

Finally out of rehab and desperate for a fresh start, Wyatt rejoins his mega-platinum rock band Shaken Dirty as they prepare for their world tour. But Wyatt’s demons are never far behind, always nipping at his heels for one. More. Fix.

Enter Poppy Germaine, the band’s new social media consultant. A beautiful bombshell who somehow manages to get underneath Wyatt’s skin, Poppy’s an addiction Wyatt can get behind. And even though she’s with the label—and therefore off-limits—he craves her. Needs her.

Except Poppy isn’t actually a social media consultant. She’s the daughter of the label’s CEO, sent undercover to babysit Wyatt and keep him from falling off the wagon again. Proving herself to her father is Poppy’s only goal—until she finds herself in Wyatt’s bed. But if Wyatt discovers the truth, it could send him spiraling all over again…

fade into you teaser

 

Author Bio:

tracy wolffTracy Wolff collects books, English degrees and lipsticks and has been known to forget where—and sometimes who—she is when immersed in a great novel. At six she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow and a prince—and at seven she forayed into the wonderful world of girls lit with her first Judy Blume novel. By ten she’d read everything in the young adult and classics sections of her local bookstore, so in desperation her mom started her on romance novels. And from the first page of the first book, Tracy knew she’d found her life-long love. Now an English professor at her local community college, she writes romances that run the gamut from contemporary to paranormal to erotic suspense.

And for all of those who want the unedited version:
Tracy Wolff lives with four men, teaches writing to local college students and spends as much time as she can manage immersed in worlds of her own creation. Married to the alpha hero of her dreams for twelve years, she is the mother of three young sons who spend most of their time trying to make her as crazy as possible.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

fade in to you cover

 

 

New Release: Matt & Zoe by Charles Sheehan-Miles

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Matt & Zoe

A Contemporary Romance

By Charles Sheehan-Miles

Buy: Amazon / ITunes 

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Synopsis

When Army Sergeant Zoe Welch learns of the tragic death of her parents in a car accident, she has one concern: the care of her eight-year-old sister Jasmine. Once discharged from the Army, Zoe travels home from Tokyo to a life she never planned on.

Matt Paladino is Jasmine’s 3rd grade teacher. Handsome and athletic, Matt’s deeply concerned about Jasmine’s welfare. But Matt has secrets, hidden in the dark three-ring circus of his past.

When Matt and Zoe’s lives collide, they seem made for each other. But will the pasts that haunt them both keep them apart?

______________________________________

thompson sisters

The Thompson Sisters

A Song For Julia- Book 1

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Falling Stars- Book 2

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

A View From Forever- Book 3

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Just Remember To Breathe – Book 4

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

The Last Hour – Book 5

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

The Rachel’s Peril Series – The Thompson Sisters

Girl of Lies- Book 1

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Girl of Rage- Book 2

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Girl of Vengeance – Book 3

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

____________________________________

Author Bio:

Charles Sheehan MilesCharles Sheehan-Miles has been a soldier, computer programmer, short-order cook and non-profit executive, and is the author of several fiction and non-fiction books, including the indie bestsellers Just Remember to Breathe and Republic: A Novel of America’s Future. Charles and his partner Andrea Randall live and write together in South Hadley, Massachusetts.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Release Blitz + Giveaway: Live Without Regret by K. L. Grayson

It’s release day for Live Without Regret by K.L. Grayson! Grab your copy of this sexy contemporary romance and check out the exclusive excerpt we’re sharing, and be sure to enter the giveaway!

 

Live Without Regret RDL Ban

 

About Live Without Regret:

 

LWR_FrontCover

L.O.V.E.

 

How can those four letters cause so much pain? Everyone talks about how great love is, with all the flowers and the butterflies, but that wasn’t my experience at all. Love wasn’t something I wanted or even needed.

Nope.

Been there.

Done that.

I have the sweat, tears and blood-soaked T-shirt to prove it.

The jagged edges of a damaged heart tell the story of my past, but just because I’ve sworn off love doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy men. Because I do. Few things feel better than being tangled up with a hard body. Grabby hands, moans of pleasure, and sighs of happiness are all part of a well-balanced diet, as long as no strings are attached.

Wild, crazy sex—yes.

Love—hell no.

But then Connor Jackson came into my life.

He’s the complete opposite of my ex. From his shaggy hair, scruffy beard, sexy tattoos, all the way down to his Chucks T’s.

I want Connor.

The only problem—Connor wants forever.

But forever doesn’t exist. It can be taken away in the blink of an eye, and this is one heartbreak I know I wouldn’t be able to survive.

Buy: Amazon

 

Exclusive Excerpt:

Brittany
I push the door open and a small bell signals my entry. At best, InkSlingers is a complete dive, not near as sleek-looking as some of the newer tattoo parlors. But this place has one thing—one person, really—that sets them above all the rest.
Connor Jackson.
Not only is he one of the most highly recommended tattoo artists in the city, but two years ago he won top prize on the reality show Inked. If I recall, the grand prize was two hundred thousand dollars to be used toward the establishment of his own parlor. So why in the hell he works in this dinky building off the corner of Hampton and Third, I have no idea. And to be honest, I don’t really care.
“Hello?” I look around. The place is eerily quiet, not a soul in sight. Glancing down at my watch, I check the time. Sure enough, it’s fifteen minutes earlier than my scheduled appointment. That’s me…Miss Punctuality.
I spend the next five minutes pacing across the waiting room of the shop without seeing a single person, all the while wondering who in the hell leaves their shop unattended?
Just when I’m about ready to say screw it and walk out, the front door opens and once again the bell dings. I spin around on my heel, prepared to chew someone’s ass for making me wait, and then nearly trip over my own feet when I see the behemoth of a man standing in front of me.
Without permission, my eyes rake him over from head to toe. His dirty blond hair is shaggy and clearly hasn’t been trimmed for months. He could probably pull it into one of those man-bun things that seem to be all the rage, but instead it hangs loose with the stray strands tucked behind his ears.
My eyes travel south, taking in his plain black tee that stretches tight across his broad chest and even tighter around his biceps. A colorful sleeve of tattoos decorates his right arm, and as far as I can tell the left is completely bare. He’s sexy, in a rugged sort of way. He’s also the complete opposite of the guys I’m normally attracted to, yet I find myself enraptured.
The stranger clears his throat, and my eyes snap up to find piercing blue eyes staring back at me. When he cocks an eyebrow, I realize I’ve been caught checking him out. My first instinct is to avert my eyes and murmur an apology, but then I realize that’s what the old Brittany would do. And I dropped her off by the curb a long time ago.
“What?” I say, shrugging unapologetically.
“Were you checking me out?” The sound of his gravelly voice does things to me that a voice should never be able to do to another human being. I squeeze my thighs together to suppress the tingling it caused.
“Well, that depends.”
“On what?”
“Do you want me to check you out?” I ask.
He nods and moves past me, his shoulder grazing mine. “Bold. I like it. What can I do for you?”
Furrowing my brow, I tilt my head. I totally had him pegged for my next conquest—a.k.a. one-night stand—but I have a strange feeling he just brushed me off. I shake my head, trying to remember the question. Oh yeah. Connor. “I have a ten o’clock appointment with Connor. He’s late.”
The stranger looks down at his watch and then back at me. “He’s not late. It’s only nine fifty-five.”
I roll my eyes. “Okay, fine.” I walk over and plop down in a waiting room chair, then cross my legs, knee over knee. “Will you call him and see how much longer he’s going to be?”
“You in a hurry?” the guy asks.
Not really. No. “Maybe.”
He nods and sets his to-go coffee cup and brown paper bag on the front desk, then sits down and pulls out his phone. “He won’t be long.”
“Let’s hope,” I mumble, grabbing a Tattoo Weekly magazine off the table in front of me.
“Would you like a doughnut?” I glance up to see the man holding up a chocolate-covered doughnut. It looks delicious, and I’m two seconds away from accepting his offer when I remember my closet full of clothes that are becoming too tight. That one doughnut will easily take me hours at the gym to burn off.
“No, thank you.”
He shrugs. “Suit yourself.”
Smiling tightly, I look back at the magazine and spend the next several minutes absently thumbing through it. I skim a few articles then toss the magazine on the table and grab another, my frustration growing with each passing second.
“Are you ready?”
I glance up to find the sexy stranger standing in front of me. Putting the magazine back on the table, I look around. “Is Connor here?”
The man smiles, his full lips parting to reveal perfectly white teeth. There’s a smudge of chocolate near the corner of his mouth, and I briefly wonder what he would do if I stepped forward and licked it off.
“I’m Connor,” he says. His words catch me off guard and all thoughts of chocolate drift from my mind. My eyes roam his face, only this time I take a closer look.
“You’re Connor?” I ask incredulously.
“Wow,” he says, chuckling. “Don’t look so surprised. I take it I’m not what you expected.” His voice is clipped, and I instantly berate myself for the way that came out.
“No.” I shake my head vehemently. “I didn’t mean it in a bad way. You’re an incredibly attractive man. It’s just that you look different from when you were on the show. You didn’t have the facial hair—or the long hair, for that matter—both of which I find unbelievably sexy.” Connor’s eyes widen and I realize what I said. “I can’t believe I just said that. Damn it,” I mumble, averting my eyes. This is what happens when I get nervous, and for some strange reason, Connor makes me nervous. Sighing, I decide to give up. “I’m sorry if I offended you.”
My eyes are trained on the floor as I contemplate leaving to avoid further embarrassment. I’m still undecided when a pair of Chuck T’s enters my line of sight. I smile because those are my favorite shoes. “So you like the beard?” he says suggestively, causing me to look up. His blue eyes are swirling with a mixture of amusement and lust.
“I like the beard.”
Connor grins as though he just found out he won a prize. Without saying a word, he steps away and I follow behind. Leading me into a small room in the back of the shop, he says, “Did you find something in the magazine that you want?”
“I actually have a picture of what I want.”
“Let’s see it.”
I walk toward him and hold out my phone. Connor takes the phone, examines the picture then looks up.
“Where do you want it?”
“Here.” Lifting my right arm, I tug my shirt up and point to the location along my rib cage, just under my breast.
“I like that,” he says, handing me my phone. “But what if we angled it just a bit like this…” Connor puts a finger at the top of my ribs and a tiny zap of electricity jolts through my body. He looks up, his eyes searching mine before he drags the tip of his index finger along my skin. His touch leaves a trail of goose bumps. My pulse quickens, and it takes everything I have not to beg him to keep touching me when he pulls away.
“What do you think?” he asks. His pupils are dilated, his breathing a bit faster, and I get the feeling he was as affected by that as I was.
“I”—my voice cracks and I flush with embarrassment—“I like it. Plus, you’re the expert so I’ll leave it completely up to you.”
Connor swallows hard and my eyes follow the movement. “Good choice.” He turns away. “All right, have a seat here,” he says, gesturing toward the reclined chair, and I sit down. “Turn this way.” He angles my body to the left. “Is that comfortable?”
“Yep.”
“Good,” he mumbles, tugging my shirt up to expose my right side again.
The soft cotton slips down and he pushes it back up, only this time his hand brushes against my bra, grazing the outside of my breast. Another jolt passes through me, only this time it’s stronger. His eyes snap to mine, and I know—I know—that he felt that. As I bite down on my bottom lip, his sinful eyes flash with heat, and I watch him take a ragged breath before turning away.
“So…is, uh, is this your first tattoo?” he stammers, bringing his eyes back to mine.
“Nope. I have another one.”
“Good, so you know what to expect.” I nod, and then he smiles brightly before getting his equipment ready. “Okay,” he says. He rubs my skin with something cool and I presume he’s prepping it. “Let’s do this.”
The faint whir of the machine signals this is happening, and I squeeze my eyes shut as he gently pulls my skin taut. Okay, time to go to my happy place, which just so happens to feature none other than my sexy-as-hell tattoo artist.
My mind drifts into eroticland—as I like to call it—as I picture Connor sliding his hand up my bare thigh. He hooks a finger under the side of my panties, and with his wicked eyes on me he slips a finger in—
“I like the quote,” he says, pulling me from my fantasy.
“Do you know what it means?” I ask, opening my eyes and then quickly looking away. I’m a doctor, so you’d think the sight of blood wouldn’t bother me. And it doesn’t, as long as it isn’t my blood.
“I’ve put it on a few other people. Looked it up one time. It’s deep.”
“Yeah”—I take a big breath, holding it in for a few beats before letting it out—“well…” My words trail off because I don’t really know what else to say, and I sure as hell don’t want to talk about why this particular tattoo means so much to me.
Connor goes quiet, but I can feel his eyes burning a hole through my head. When I glance up, his eyes catch mine for a brief second before he looks back down. It was just enough time to tell me that he had my number.
“So it’s personal, huh?”
“What?” I scoff. “A girl can’t get a tattoo just to get a tattoo?”
“Of course she can, but you’re different. This is personal.” He cocks his head to the side, his hair falling in front of his face. I have to fist my hands together to keep from brushing it away so that I can see his face more clearly.
“Okay, fine, you’re right. It’s personal.”
“I’m always right,” he says, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “It would be prudent of you to remember that.” I tilt my head to the side just as the machine turns off and Connor looks up. He has one hand settled at the base of my waist, the other holding the tattoo gun off to the side. His eyes are smoldering, pinning me in my seat.
My tongue darts out, running a slow path along my lower lip, and I watch as his eyes follow along. Oh yeah, this is happening. Not one to beat around the bush, I decide to go for it. It’s obvious we’re attracted to each other, so there’s no reason for this not to happen.
“What are you doing when you get off work?”
Connor’s eyebrows push into his hairline. “Are you asking me out on a date?” he asks.
My heart clenches inside my chest and I take a deep breath, because as much as I’d like to say yes, that just isn’t who I am anymore. “Nope,” I state impassively. “I gave up dating.”
“You don’t date?” he asks incredulously.
“I fuck.”
Lips parted, he nods slowly several times as though he’s processing what I just said—and deciding what he’s going to do about it.
“Well, that’s too bad, because I gave up fucking.”
His cheeks flush, probably because he realized what he just admitted to, and I can’t help but laugh. “So you don’t have sex?”
Connor rolls his eyes, and even though I’m not a fan of the gesture, he makes it look sexy. My guess is that he makes most things look sexy. “Of course I have sex, I just stopped fucking. I gave up the meaningless one-night stands.” He shrugs. “I want more.”
“Ahhh.” I nod. “Well, good luck with that.” Connor doesn’t say another word. He puts the tattoo gun down and then holds up a mirror so I can check out my new ink. “It’s perfect,” I state, my eyes roaming over the beautiful script.
“I’m glad you like it.” Connor puts the mirror down and slathers some Vaseline on my tattoo. He follows it up with a bandage, all the while rattling off the aftercare instructions.
“Are we done?” I ask, secretly hoping he’ll tell me no. At least then I’d have a reason to stay.
“We’re done.” I push up from the chair. Connor nods his head toward the front desk and I follow him up there to pay. We seem to have fallen into a comfortable silence, and his presence alone is calming in a way I can’t explain. I wish like hell that he would’ve taken me up on my offer, because I have no doubt that it would’ve been fucking fantastic.
Without a word, Connor swipes my card, then I sign the receipt and shove my wallet back in my purse. When I look up, Connor is watching me intently. “Thank you,” I murmur.
His blue eyes are two swirling pools of liquid heat, and what I wouldn’t give to dive in and beg him to change his rules for just one night. “Don’t thank me,” he says, shaking his head. “It was my pleasure.”
We stand there for several more seconds, the air crackling around us as I search for something to say. “I’m Brittany, by the way,” I say, somewhat awkwardly.
Connor grins. “I know.” I furrow my brow and he points to the desk. “You made an appointment.”
“Right.” My phone beeps in my purse, and I decide that’s my cue to leave. “Well, I better go.”
“When will I see you again?” he hollers as I walk toward the door.
Spinning around, I give him my best come-hither look. “When I decide to get another tattoo.”
“Or?” he asks, a grin splitting his ruggedly handsome face.
“When you decide to fuck.”
His jaw nearly hits the floor.
Brittany, one. Connor, zero.
I think I’m going to like playing this game.

About K. L. Grayson:

Kirby_9135K.L. Grayson resides in a small town outside of St. Louis, MO. She is entertained daily by her extraordinary husband, who will forever inspire every good quality she writes in a man. Her entire life rests in the palms of six dirty little hands, and when the day is over and those pint-sized cherubs have been washed and tucked into bed, you can find her typing away furiously on her computer. She has a love for alpha-males, brownies, reading, tattoos, sunglasses, and happy endings…and not particularly in that order.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/KL-Grayson/1403900879892076?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorklgrayson

IG: @booksbyklgrayson

 

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Indigo Nights by Louise Bay

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Indigo Nights

By Louise Bay

Release Date: February 9, 2015

Buy:

Amazon / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU / Kobo / ITunes  

Synopsis

The only thing better than cake is cake with a side of orgasms.

Dylan James has no expectations when it comes to relationships. He uses women for sex and they use him for his money and power. It’s quid pro quo and he’s good with that. It works.

Beth Harrison has been burned. She’s tired of the lies and the game playing that men bring and has buried herself in her passion—baking which keeps her out of the reach of heartbreak. As she begins her career as a TV baker, a new world opens up to her.

Dylan and Beth both know that casual sex is all about giving what you need to get what you want.

Except that sometimes you give more than you need to and get everything you ever wanted.

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Excerpt

Beth

“As I deliberated over his age, his body, his mouth, Mr. 8A turned his head in my direction and caught me staring. I smiled, trying to cover the fact that I was thinking about him naked and between my thighs, not to mention wondering if every part of him was as solid as it seemed.”

Dylan

“I understood the dynamic between men and women. I got to sleep with hot women, and in exchange they got to fuck a rich guy in the hope that they’d become beneficiaries of my cash. I might be handsome, but I knew from bitter experience that if a richer guy came along, I’d be left in the taillights of the women I slept with. It just happened that now, there weren’t many richer men, which gave me a certain satisfaction. I’d made peace with the transactional nature of relationships between men and women and had no expectations. At some point in my past I’d thought that love was possible. Not anymore. It was all about giving to get.”

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5Star

Tracey’s Review

Although life hasn’t always been easy for Beth Harrison, her life is finally in a place that she’s happy with. Clean and sober, surrounded by family that loves her, and about to hit the big time with her baking show, Beth is settled. Until that man, that serious sexy man in seat 8A…

A longtime fan of Louise Bay, I was so excited to see that Beth was finally getting her story. As part of the cast of characters in Louise’s LIGHTNING and CALLING series, readers got to know her as one of a group of friends that I just love. While her brother and friends paired up and found their HEAs, Beth was the constant, having finally found her way to a life that was free of the drama and pain of her past.

Having found solace and freedom in baking as a way back to her sobriety, Beth is somewhat of a YouTube sensation with her cooking show. On her way to discuss the possibility of moving to television, Beth meets Dylan James, business mogul, lady-killer, and sexy-as-heck fellow traveler. Let me tell you, the chemistry is instant and off-the-charts hot between these two. What starts out as nothing but a one night stand sort of thing quickly turns into something much more.

Louise has brought all of the her usual steaminess, and, being a master at the friends, or friends with benefits, to lover read, has given us another book that, while hot and sexy, is also romantic and heartwarming. I love seeing Beth finally in a place that she can put all of the pain of her past behind her. Dylan seamlessly joins the ranks of Louise’s sexy alpha men, with his intelligence, his strength, and his utter dedication to Beth. I enjoyed seeing the gang from the previous books, as well as Dylan’s partner, Raf. Louise, if you’re seeing this, I would LOVE to see Raf’s story, because there is definitely one there! In the meantime, 5+ steamy, sexy, ‘I love this story’ stars for INDIGO NIGHTS. If you’re a fan, you won’t want to miss this one.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

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Author Bio:

USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes sexy, contemporary romance novels – the kind she likes to read. Her books include the novels Faithful and Hopeful and the novella series’ The Empire State Series, What the Lightning Sees and Calling Me. The novels and together each series are stand-alone although there are some overlapping characters.

Ruined by romantic mini-series of the eighties, Louise loves all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so she disappears into the fictional worlds in books and films.

Louise loves the rain, the West Wing, London, days when she doesn’t have to wear make-up, being on her own, being with friends, elephants and champagne.

She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!

Website Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 

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Release Blitz + 6 Star Review + 2016 Favorite: JOCKBLOCKED by Jen Frederick – Gridiron Series – Book 2

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Jockblocked

Gridiron Series – Book 2

By Jen Frederick

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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BLURB

She’s always played it safe…

College junior Lucy Washington abides by one rule—avoid risk at all costs. She’s cautious in every aspect of her life, from her health, to her mock trial team, to the boring guys she dates. When a brash, gorgeous jock walks into the campus coffeeshop and turns his flirt on, Lucy is stunned by the force of attraction. For the first time ever, she’s willing to step out of her comfort zone, but can she really trust the guy who’s determined to sweep her off her feet?

He’s always played around…

Entering his last year of college eligibility, linebacker Matthew “Matty” Iverson has the team captaincy in his sights. And it’s his for the taking, if he can convince his quarterback Ace Anderson to give up the starting position. Luckily, Matty already has an edge—the hottie he’s lusting over just happens to be Ace’s childhood best friend. Getting Lucy on his side and in his bed? Hell yeah. Matty is more than confident he can have both, but when he falls hard for Lucy, it’s time for a new game plan: convince the woman of his dreams that she’s not sleeping with the enemy.

 

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

A young couple,the woman, dressed in a dark sweater and blue jeans, the man, wearing a dark sweater, hug and hold each other's hands, spending time outdoors in the village in autumn,visible parts of the body ,arms,legs and torso.

Excerpt

I grab her foot and pull it into my lap. “Let’s do a risk/reward test.”

“Let’s not.” But her foot doesn’t move.

I massage her foot beneath the sock, pressing hard against the ball and then digging into the arch. She releases a tiny moan and her head falls back in a dick-hardening sexy motion. Fuuuuck. If this is how I feel from just touching this girl’s hand and foot, what would it be like to be between her legs, to suck on her tits, to feel her pussy pulse around my dick? Light-headed and incredibly aroused, I almost fall off the chair.

I gotta focus here. If I’m ever going to get past the foot and hand, I need to convince her that the reward with me would be off-the-charts amazing.

Clearing my throat, I keep rubbing her foot. “Having your foot in my lap, that’s a risk right? But you’re enjoying the rubdown. That’s a risk worth the reward.”

“Keep rubbing and stop talking,” she orders. Her eyes are closed.

Okay, but I’m not touching some other guy’s sock, particularly the guy whose bed she’s sleeping in. I don’t know if I fully buy into her “just friends” explanation for Ace. He has her picture in his locker. She’s wearing his socks. For all that, he’s at the Gas Station dry humping a Kappa and Lucy’s home alone. I pull off the sock and toss it aside and stare at her toes.

“Your nail polish is blue.” Since when did I think toes were sexy?

She wriggles them. “Yes, on both feet. You’re very observant. Haven’t you ever seen a girl’s toes before?”

“I’m sure I have.” I just don’t remember them. I have this strange feeling I’ll remember hers, though.

I run a light caress over the anklebone, down the spine of the Achilles tendon, and around the edge of her instep.

Her breathing hitches, so quiet and so soft, I might have imagined it.

“What’re you doing?” Her words are a husky whisper and my body responds accordingly.

My balls tighten and my dick’s so hard I’m worried it’ll snap in half, but I can’t reach into my jeans to readjust or I’ll scare her away.

“We’re testing your risk assessment.” And driving myself crazy.

“You should stop.”

“I can’t.” I move my hand up her ankle to cup the slender calf. “Feel good? Worth the risk?”

“I’m not sure.”

That’s an invitation if I ever heard one.

Is it possible to come from just rubbing a girl’s leg? I might test out that theory. “And now?” My fingers find the tender hollow behind her knee. Her pulse beats rapidly against my palm. She’s as turned on as I am and I haven’t even gotten to the good parts.

“It feels riskier,” she croaks.

Yeah, because pretty soon my hand is going to be on your thigh and I don’t know how I’m going to stop there.

Her fingers are turning white as she grips the sides of her chair. Is she holding herself back? Or keeping herself there?

Fuck, I want to kiss her so bad. I want to kiss her lips but I’d settle for her toes or her knee or‑shit, if all she’ll allow is for me to touch the tips of her fingers, I’d be okay with that. I need a taste of her. I’m dying for a taste of her.

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6+star

Michel’s Review

As an avid reader and blogger I am always looking for that next great book that is going to push all of my buttons. With over a thousand blog reviews and thousands of books under my belt there isn’t much that surprises me. I have learned from my reading experiences that there are only so many plots, subject matters, and character personalities to cover. It’s very hard to find new and fresh story ideas. In a sense that doesn’t really matter because the most important thing is how an author delivers the story and brings their characters to life. It’s their job to engage the readers and get them invested in their characters lives. It’s all about the writing. When I open a new book I am looking to be entertained, engaged, and emotionally invested. I want to escape into their world and become a part of it. I’ve learned to put aside preconceived assumptions, not to be influenced by previous books in series (unless it is a continuation of a previous cliffhanger), and put aside my personal likes or dislikes for subject matter. We all have genres and types of stories we like better than others. We all have our own personal triggers. I try to step outside of my personal preferences and delve into a book with an open mind. I want to judge a book on it’s own merit and not lean on previous experiences. I’ve learned to finely tune the formula I use for reviewing books. I look at the overall picture, the plot, the subplot, the character development, the secondary characters and their involvement, the pacing, the dialogue, word usage in the text, story format , delivery technique such as first, second, or third person POV, editing, and emotional involvement. I then factor in my personal reactions and emotional engagement. With that said… I can honestly justify my 6 Star review of Jockblocked by Jen Frederick.

Jockblocked by Jen Frederick is a 6 Star Book.

Jockblocked has everything that readers want in a book and more! The writing is superb! The story line was fresh, unique, and had a combination of different subplots feeding into the main plot that kept me glued to the pages. It had a swoon worthy romance and an unusual love triangle. In the midst of the romance there are other things going on that test both of the main characters in different ways as individuals. It also redefines their place in their world as members of their individual teams. It tests their code of ethics, team obligations, and makes them question their future ambitions. The story gets more complex when the author adds a coach with a devious agenda, serious medical issues, and a team of headstrong, testosterone fueled football players becoming divided. The tensions are high and makes the romance all the more difficult. I read this book in one sitting and walked away completely satisfied but wanting more of these college gridiron heroes. The book ended with so many possibilities for this series. This series could easily branch off in several different directions.

It all begins in the second semester after the championship. The team is still on a high from winning the National Championship. They are in the partying mode and not at all dedicated to their academic responsibilities. Matthew “ Matty” Iverson is high on life. He had a great season and is next in line to becoming the Defense Team Captain. Life is good. The partying is getting a bit boring and Matty is beginning to want something more than hookups, random chicks, and loose living. He finds himself in the local coffee house rather than at the bar with his teammates. There he meets Lucy Washington. Lucy is different from the girls he’s been around most of his college career. She’s not into jocks. She’s smart, witty, and off limits. That makes Matty all the more determined to get to know her. The more he comes around , the more he strikes out with Lucy. That is until he runs into her again at one of his teammates house. He rescues her from a potential bad situation and this begins their complex relationship that will be tested over and over again.

Matty has his sights on winning the girl, becoming the Defense Captain, and hopefully moving onto the NFL. But when the coach dangles the carrot, the position of Defense Captain, over his head it puts Matty in a precarious position. A position that will divide the team, makes him question his ethics, and lastly could affect his relationship with Lucy. It’s too much pressure. Matty has to make choices and depend upon his gut instincts.

Lucy Washington is not the average coed. She’s a determined student with high goals. She is a member of the mock trial team and depends on these experiences for her law school applications. She doesn’t have time for a social life let alone a fulltime boyfriend. She doesn’t want to date and especially a jock. She knows what jocks are like. Her best friend, Ace Anderson, is a prime example. They also made an unwritten pact not to date people from each other’s social network.  It’s an understanding they both stand by. But her opinion begins to waver when she meets the sexy defense football player, Matty Iverson. She begins to question the unwritten rule. This guy is more than just a jock. He’s smart, witty, and an overall good guy. It’s easy to be around him and enjoy their time together. He respects her aspirations, goals, and dedication to her team. Maybe it’s time to take a chance and let go of the “friend” code.

Ace Anderson is the winning quarterback for the team. He’s riding high on his championship win and life is good. Or it was good until his best friend, Lucy Washington, starts dating a guy from the defense team. Matty Iverson is a player like himself, and we’re not talking about football.  Matty Iverson is poaching on his personal territory, he’s poaching his forever girl. Things couldn’t get any worse but somehow they always do. Coach has enlisted Matty to convince him to step down as quarterback so that he can bring in a star high school quarterback. Ace knows the coach’s agenda is more than for the good of the team. It’s personal. The war is on. Ace is going to win the girl and keep his quarterback position. His future is depending on it.

As this story unfolds it’s more than Matty and Lucy’s relationship on the line. The football team has become divided. The offense and defense have become separate teams. They are pitted against one another and no longer have team unity. Lucy is put in the position of choosing between friendship and love. At the same time she’s dealing with her mock trial team falling apart. Matty is forced to do things he would never do and it goes against his obligation to the team. At the same time he’s trying to hang onto his relationship with Lucy. Ace is going to bring his A game to get what he wants.

Both Lucy and Matty’s teams are falling apart. The lines have been drawn, sides have been declared, and the tensions are high. All of their futures are on the line.

This is just a brief summery of what is going on in Jockblocked. There are so many other things happening and each player has an integral part in the story. The emotions were so high in this book. They bleed off the pages. The main characters are on an emotional rollercoaster and they are not the only ones. The secondary characters are right along for the ride. The way the book ended gave Lucy and Matty their happy ending but also left playing field wide open. Who’s up next in this series? It could be anyone of these gridiron jocks.

Jen Frederick delivered a book that is worthy of a championship title. Jockblocked is a 6 Star Champion!

Read Jockblocked by Jen Frederick. It can be read as a stand alone romance or in series order.

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The Gridiron Series

511lfoMsQwL._SX336_BO1,204,203,200_Sacked – Book 1

What he wants he gets…

Knox Masters is a quarterback’s worst nightmare. Warrior. Champion. And…virgin. Knox knows what he wants–and he gets it. All American Football player? Check. NFL pros scouting him? Check. Now, he’s set his sight on two things. The national title. And Ellie Campbell. Sure, she’s the sister of his fellow teammate, but that’s not going to stop him. Especially not when he’s convinced Ellie is the one.

…but he’s never met her before.

But Ellie isn’t as sure. She’s trying to start a new life and she’s not interested in a relationship…with anyone. Beside it’s not just her cardinal rule of never dating her brother’s teammates that keeps her away, but Ellie has a dark secret that would jeopardize everything Knox is pursuing.

Knox has no intention of losing. Ellie has no intention of giving in.

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

****

51amOQYVkHL._SX336_BO1,204,203,200_Jockblocked – Book 2

She’s always played it safe…

College junior Lucy Washington abides by one rule—avoid risk at all costs. She’s cautious in every aspect of her life, from her health, to her mock trial team, to the boring guys she dates. When a brash, gorgeous jock walks into the campus coffeeshop and turns his flirt on, Lucy is stunned by the force of attraction. For the first time ever, she’s willing to step out of her comfort zone, but can she really trust the guy who’s determined to sweep her off her feet?

He’s always played around…

Entering his last year of college eligibility, linebacker Matthew “Matty” Iverson has the team captaincy in his sights. And it’s his for the taking, if he can convince his quarterback Ace Anderson to give up the starting position. Luckily, Matty already has an edge—the hottie he’s lusting over just happens to be Ace’s childhood best friend. Getting Lucy on his side and in his bed? Hell yeah. Matty is more than confident he can have both, but when he falls hard for Lucy, it’s time for a new game plan: convince the woman of his dreams that she’s not sleeping with the enemy.

 

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

___________________________________________

 

Author Bio:

 

jen frederick bioJen Frederick lives with her husband, child, and one rambunctious dog. She’s been reading stories all her life but never imagined writing one of her own. Jen loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at jensfrederick@gmail.com

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

 

 

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: The Consequence of Seduction by Rachel Van Dyken – Consequence Series – Book 3

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The Consequence of Seduction

Consequence Series – Book 3

By Rachel Van Dyken

A Romantic Comedy

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU

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Synopsis

From New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken.

Reid Emory has never had reason to question his luck with the ladies. As the owner of a lethal set of aqua-blue eyes and a devastating grin, this Hollywood heartthrob always brings his A game…but lately his luck seems to have run out. The actor is in need of some help, and there’s only one person he can trust to take his love life—and his career—to an explosive new level.

Jordan Litwright’s newest client is trying her patience. As a publicist, she’s more than content to stay in the background and let others shine. But when a publicity stunt backfires, she suddenly finds herself thrust into the spotlight—as Reid’s new love interest. And while other men usually overlook her, Reid is focusing in with laserlike intensity. There’s no denying they have serious chemistry.

But once Reid breaks into the big time, can they turn their made-for-the-media romance into a forever love?

Romantic style photo of missing couple

Romantic style photo of missing couple

Excerpt

Jordan’s body responded to my every single touch and caress.

“Now I know why you’ve never had to ask a girl on a date.” She hooked her legs around me and wrapped her arms around my neck, her tongue intertwining with mine, sucking, so. Damn. Hard that I couldn’t help but keep moaning. The things that woman could do with her mouth.

I deepened the kiss, my hands reaching for the clasp of her bra. I flicked it off. Jordan immediately froze. Her hands quickly covered her breasts.

“What are you doing?” I tried prying her hands free.

“Too fast.” She nodded, her cheeks staining with color. “You know for our, uh, date night.”

“Move your hands.”

“No.”

“Jordan.”

“Reid.” She laughed nervously.

“Fine.” I nodded. “I didn’t want to have to do this.”

Jordan frowned.

I raised my hand.

She frowned harder.

I flipped her onto her stomach and slapped her ass. Hard.

“What are you doing?” she yelled.

“Why, sweetheart . . .” I kissed her ear. “I’m taming.”

“The hell you are!”

“You like it.” Another swat. “And I’m barely spanking you, but a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. Cover them up again and I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

“But—”

I flipped her back around. “But what?” I honestly wanted to know why a girl that gorgeous would cover up.

“It’s just that—” Jordan chewed her lower lip. “I’m the lights-off girl.”

“Lights off?”

“Yeah.” She shrugged a shoulder as more color stained her cheeks. “You know, the girl you don’t really notice right away until you’ve had one too many, then you take her home and have your way with her—in the dark.”

Horrified, I could only stare in shock. “Please tell me that hasn’t actually happened.”

“Reid.” She shoved me away and started to get to her feet. “Look, I’m not stupid, okay? And I’m not even that insecure anymore. I know how guys think, all right?”

“Oh, yeah?” I stood, pulled her flush against my very hard body. “What am I thinking about right now?”

“ESPN?”

“Damn.”

Her shoulders deflated. “See?”

I burst out laughing. “Honey, we have a pretty big problem if ESPN gets me this excited, don’t you think?”

“Hey, sometimes baseball just does it for people.” She gave me a sexy-as-hell smile. “It’s not your fault you like balls.”

“I can’t believe you just challenged my manhood when it’s saluting you like that. Damn, woman, I’m basically giving you the equivalent of a high five and a home run all in one and you’re making jokes?”

Picture of a handsome man behind

Picture of a handsome man behind

5Star

Michel’s Review

Now starring in the Hollywood blockbuster “Taming of the Shrew” the one and only Hollywood heartthrob… Reid Emory.

Reid Emory has lost his magic touch since his traumatic encounter with an eighty six year old gun toting granny, the vampira bride, and sugar free gummy bears.  It’s enough trauma to make any healthy red blooded male develop hives when he smells bengay or sees gummies in his ice cream sundae.  It all happened when his brother Max enlisted his help.  Sure he made three great new friends but he also lost his mojo.  Now he’s suffering Max PTSD and runs for cover when the early bird special crowd hits his favorite restaurant. He’s at the brink of making it big in Hollywood.  But how can he be a heartthrob when he’s lost his mojo.  The patented Reid “look” is no longer working and he’s beginning to lose his confidence.  His loyal, dedicated, little brother has decided it’s time to take matters into his own hands.  He’s going to help Reid become the heartthrob he was meant to be.

Let the Maxcapades begin!

First up… find a shrew to tame.

Second… prove to the world you have the magic touch to tame a shrew.

Third…get back in the Reid saddle and conquer all the shrews.

How?

Apply within…

tamingshihtzu

theshrewss

shrewoldlady

Jordan Litwright has been hired as Reid Emory’s publicist.  This upcoming Hollywood star’s image should be a piece of cake.  What began as an easy client has turned into a publicist nightmare.  When the “Shrew” stunt blows up, Jordan has to get it under control fast.  Her career depends on it.  Reid’s career depends on it.  The only thing to fix it is to become the Shrew.

Reid and Jordan are playing the roles.  The publicity is soaring.  Somewhere the roles were reversed and Jordan is taming Reid.

A wild trip to Los Vegas, a very meddling Max, and an adorable Shih Tzu named Otis are going to help Reid and Jordan find their inner shrews.  They are going to find the only thing that brings Reid’s mojo back is Jordan’s heart.  Let the Maxcapades begin!

maxcapades

Once again Rachel Van Dyken delivered a rip roaring, hysterical romantic comedy that had me laughing my butt off.  The Consequence Series is a delightful and refreshing romantic series that showcases love, friendship, and quirky families.  Next up on deck is Milo’s klutzy, lovable almost bridegroom brother, Jason.  I can’t wait to see what Mr. Cupid Max has in store for this guy.  Hopefully it will be minus trips to the emergency room.

Read The Consequence of Seduction.  It’s guaranteed to tickle your funny bone and make your heart race!

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The Consequence Series

51PpqXGH4QL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_The Consequence of Loving Colton- Book 1

It’s all fun and games…until someone’s heart is broken.

They’re not kids anymore, but Milo Caro is certain that Colton Mathews will only see her as his best friend’s little sister for the rest of their lives. After all, he made that clear the night before she left for college. But four years later, her brother is getting married and Colt’s the best man—and guess who is the best man’s last-minute date?

Milo vows to use the wedding to either claim the smoldering firefighter’s heart or douse this torch for good. When Max—her best friend from college, who may be carrying a torch of his own—crashes the party, they devise a plan to make Colt see what he’s missing. But after Colt catches on, he decides to cook up his own revenge.

Now it’s personal. Colt and Milo are at war, and between Max’s questionable acting methods, an unfortunate trip to jail, and a maniacal fiancée, what could possibly go right?

Buy: Amazon / B & N 

 ************

51xOllgkfGL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_The Consequence of Revenge-Book 2

After losing his best friend to another guy, the notoriously
too-confident Max Emory suddenly feels lost. He may have devastatingly good
looks, an abundance of charm, and a claim to one of the biggest hotel empires
around, but he has no ambition anymore. So when his fed-up friends decide
they’ve had enough of his moping, they sign him up to be the next bachelor on
the reality series Love Island. And between his pride and his forged signature
on an ironclad contract, Max just can’t say no.

Now he’s stranded in paradise with twenty-four women, oneterrifying goat, and Becca, the breathtaking barista who already turned him down back home. The closer Max gets to Becca, the more determined he becomes to win her over. As she gets to know him better, things start heating up. But is Becca really after Max’s heart—or is she after the cash prize she could claim once the cameras stop rolling?

 Buy: Amazon / B & N 
*********
seductioncoverThe Consequence of Seduction – Book 3 

Reid Emory has never had reason to question his luck with the ladies. As the owner of a lethal set of aqua-blue eyes and a devastating grin, this Hollywood heartthrob always brings his A game…but lately his luck seems to have run out. The actor is in need of some help, and there’s only one person he can trust to take his love life—and his career—to an explosive new level.

Jordan Litwright’s newest client is trying her patience. As a publicist, she’s more than content to stay in the background and let others shine. But when a publicity stunt backfires, she suddenly finds herself thrust into the spotlight—as Reid’s new love interest. And while other men usually overlook her, Reid is focusing in with laserlike intensity. There’s no denying they have serious chemistry.

But once Reid breaks into the big time, can they turn their made-for-the-media romance into a forever love?

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU

________________________________________

 About Rachel Van Dyken:

RachelAuthorheadshotRachel 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

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

seductioncover

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Legend by Katy Evans – The Real Series – Book 6

legend release blitz-2

legend katy

LEGEND IT'S LIVE-2

Legend

The Real Series – Book 6

By Katy Evans

Release Date: February 9, 2016

Pre Order:

Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

Maverick “the Avenger” Cage wants to rise to the top and become a legend in the ring. Though he keeps his identity well guarded, he’s known on the fighting circuit as the new kid with a chip on his shoulder and a tattoo on his back that marks him as trouble. He’s got a personal score to settle with the Underground’s one and only Remington “Riptide” Tate.

As Mav trains, he meets a young girl—the only other new person in the town–and sparks fly. When things get heated between them, he finds out she’s none other than Reese Dumas, the cousin of Remington Tate’s wife. A girl who’s supposed to root against him and a girl he’s supposed to stay away from.

But Maverick fights for the woman in his heart, and the monsters in his blood. The world’s eyes are on them and the victor will go down in history as the ultimate fighting champion; the ultimate LEGEND.

* LEGEND is the 6th and final installment of the REAL series, but it can also be read as standalone or after the three Remington and Brooke books (Real/Mine/Remy.)

legend teaser

LEGEND 2

Excerpt

It’s midweek already, and I’m halfway through my workout when I get a text from Brooke:

Hey! Huge line at the Underground registration, might pick up lunch on our way back home. Don’t wait for us – lunch home w/Diane

Me: Got it ☺ Will take Racer to park and meet you home ltr

I set my phone aside and scan the gym again. Some otherworldly impulse has me walking past the weights section. I cross the treadmills, bicycles, toward the mats at the end and the boxing bags. I scan the area where Maverick always works out. There are several guys at the bags now. None of them are as big, or mysterious. Or hot.

He’s gone.

Disappointment washes over me. I wait a bit, checking the time. Five minutes to leave for Racer.

Reese, you’re acting stupid.

“You’re looking for your friend? The one you come in with?”

“I . . . ah . . . yeah.”

“He hasn’t come in.”

“Right. Thanks.”

I head to pick up Racer from day care, meet Pete there with the stroller and our snacks, then sit Racer inside and push him to the park. There’s this spot I like under the shadow of a tree. I head there. “How was day care, Racer?”

“Okay.”

He’s scanning the park for dogs, I know.

“This is nice, isn’t it?”

I pull out his fruit bears and open them. He dives in.

“Racer, I ran extra hard today and I’m suddenly hungry. If I tell you an extra story tonight, would you give me one of your fruit bears?”

“Two stowies,” he negotiates.

“Okay, two stories, for two bears?” I shoot back.

He hesitates, then nods and lets me pull out two bears, examining my hand thoroughly. I let him open my palm.

“See? Two?”

He grins a dimpled grin that I could eat up, and then continues eating.

I shove them in my mouth and start to set up my blanket and stop in my tracks when I spot the figure doing pull-ups on the tree.

His T-shirt is riding upward due to the lifted position of his arms, and I can see the concrete-like squares of his abs perfectly.

His extraordinary eyes blaze and glow when he spots me a few feet away, not far from the tree. He drops himself to the ground, lithe as a cat and surprisingly quiet, and as he stretches to his feet from the crouched position he landed in, his eyes are direct and interested and warm. No, not warm. More.

There’s a flip in my stomach when his lips curl a little. He ambles over and I have the oddest sensation that he was waiting for me. But . . . was he?

“Maverick.”

“Mavewick!” Racer repeats, and puts out his fist.

He bumps fists with Racer. “Dude. Cool cap.”

He taps Racer’s Yankees baseball cap. Then his eyes lift to meet mine.

My stomach feels unsettled, but it’s not from hunger, more like from nerves or something like . . . anticipation.

“Didn’t see you at the gym today,” I say.

He shakes his head. “I talked to Oz.”

“You did?”

He gives me this quiet, perfect smile and simply nods.

“That’s great.”

“Yeah.”

We smile for the most delicious few seconds.

“So you’re fighting during the inaugural?” I ask excitedly.

He pulls out a page from his back jeans pocket. “That’s me.”

I take and scan the page. It indicates his accepting the Underground terms and rules of engagement, states his coach’s name, and then his name. A dangerous little chill runs down my spine when I read:

Maverick “the Avenger” Cage

And Maverick “the Avenger” Cage is watching me read this paper, studying my reaction.

My palms are sweaty all of a sudden. “Well . . . wow.”

My stomach is quaking upon seeing his name, I don’t know why. Maverick Cage. His name is a conundrum. Maverick means “rebel,” and cage . . . But it looks like this maverick is coming out of his cage.

He tucks the page back into his jeans. “I had to tell someone.”

“And you came to tell me?” If I sound bewildered, it’s because I am.

He stares into me, a liquid look coming to his eyes. “It wouldn’t be happening if it weren’t for you.”

“That’s totally not true.”

He glances down at the stroller. “I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t tell my buddy here.” He fist-bumps Racer again and Racer giggles at the attention.

“Mom and Dad are busy, so I get to keep him for an extra while,” I tell Maverick.

He stares at me. He has a very stubborn, arrogant face, but when he smiles, pleasure softens his granitelike features. And he’s smiling right now. Dear me. “So he’s not yours,” he says.

“God, no. I wish!”

I can’t think straight when he looks at me. I feel naked. As if he knows that I’ve missed him. As if he knows that just looking at him makes me feel odd. Odd and oddly sensual inside. Responding to him.

I open my blanket and bend over to smooth it on the ground. Then I realize my butt is sticking out, the Himalayas of butts out there for him to see. In tight exercise gear. Fuck.

He kneels on his haunches at the edges of the blanket and opens his hand. “Share the blanket with me?”

His knuckles are still scarred. I can’t decide why I keep looking at them. I get a gut squeeze of empathy every time I see the bruises. His hands are huge. He plants them on the blanket, then shifts to lean back on his arms, stretching out his legs before him. Other couples are nearby on blankets. It feels intimate when I set my stuff down, and I feel myself go hot when I sense him watching me settle down next to it.

He spreads out just a little more and squints up at the tree, then looks at me in silence.

I search the picnic bag. “Want some . . . kid food? Or I’ve got . . .” I pull out my emergency Snickers bar, which I’m proud not to have touched yet, and I hand it over. “Plus one water and a drinking cup with a lid.”

I pass the drinking cup to Racer and hand Maverick the water. He takes it. “I’m good.” He opens the water bottle and hands it to me.

I shake my head. I’m not hungry, really. Or thirsty. My stomach feels full of butterflies again and it makes no sense, since I don’t even know him.

He shifts up higher on his arms, the flex of his torsal muscles visible through the cotton of his shirt.

“I almost thought you’d arrived to the gym and got yourself kicked out,” I try.

“Not yet. There’s still tomorrow.” He smirks.

And there’s a tinge of merriment in his eyes.

“Wee, and the ducks?”

I jerk my attention back to Racer and my pending business with him. “Right. I promised we’d feed the ducks today.” I quickly pack our stuff and then push the stroller toward the lake. He walks beside me.

I feel him watching me as I stop at the dispenser to fill up a cup of duck food.

“Mavewick, get me out,” Racer commands.

Maverick sweeps him up and sets him on his feet.

“Don’t go in the water, Racer, just stay on the edge, and don’t let them bite your finger. Do it like this. . . .” I show him how to cup his hand. “Or throw it in the water and watch them pick at it.”

He nods and starts throwing all over, sending the ducks after the nibbles.

I sit on the ground, the scent of damp grass surrounding us as Maverick sits beside me.

“Hey, I want to do something for you.”

“What?”

I can’t remember how to breathe.

I give him a moment to explain, but he’s not helping me out, only smiling. His face is open, friendly, his smile captivating. But his eyes are guarded, careful. I try to keep my voice indifferent.

“You mean for the gym?” I ask, a puzzled frown on my face.

He nods. “For that. And Oz.”

“Oh.” I shake my head, laughing softly. “It’s nothing, really.”

When he looks at me, he looks curious, and unsatisfied somehow. But a genuinely appreciative smile touches his eyes. “Trust me. It’s not nothing. It’s something, and I appreciate it.”

His open gratitude makes me so warm. He makes me feel impulsive.

“I’m in a healthy-living boot camp this summer. You’re meeting the new Reese,” I hear myself blurt out.

Wow. Did I just spew it out like that?

I’m so desperate for him to share bits of himself that I’m just totally baring myself to him without his even asking. Thank god he takes it in stride with an attractive little dance in his eyes.

“What was the old one like?” he asks easily.

I shrug and shake my head, not really wanting to get into that.

When he does nothing to fill the silence that settles between us, it leaves me with nothing to do but look up at him. I lift my lashes, and he’s staring at me with a look of total intrigue in his eyes. Wisps of hair tease my face, and I push them away, feeling really restless under that stare.

“Help me kick my own ass, and we’ll call it even,” I suddenly suggest.

He shakes his head with playful stubbornness. “We’re not even. I still owe you.” His eyes grow thoughtful, and he reaches into his pocket and extracts something. “Open your palm.”

He looks so intense that I open my palm and watch him drop something in it. “What’s this?”

“My IOU.”

I stare at the penny in my palm, then look up at him in confusion.

His voice sounds a little more harsh and textured all of a sudden. “I don’t have a lot right now, but I got this.”

“For a rainy day?” I ask.

“For any day.”

 

LEGEND 1

5Star

Michel’s Review

Legend by Katy Evans is the final fight, the final book in the Real Series.  Just like the beginning a champion is born and a legend is made.  The Riptide Fans have a new champion in the ring.  He’s out to make a name for himself.  He’s out to win the title. He’s out for the Riptide’s title.  He’s Maverick “The Avenger” Cage.  He’s going the distance.

Maverick Cage came out of nowhere.  The fighter world has never heard of this fighter.  Coaches won’t touch him.  Fighters mock him.  He doesn’t really care because he’s a man with something to prove.  He just needs someone to sign him on so he can get in the doors.  He will take care of the rest.  He doesn’t waste words.  He doesn’t waste time. He’s focused and determined.  Doesn’t matter if he is the “new kid” on the block.

Reece left her sheltered life to travel with the Tate’s and take care of their young son Racer. She’s taking this time to reinvent herself.  Time to become a better, stronger, and more self assured woman.  She wants to overcome her shyness and become less introverted.  She wants to capture the attention of the guy she has been crushing on for the past few years. This opportunity with the Tate’s is her chance to become the woman she wants to be.

An accidental meeting and a random act of kindness brings Maverick and Reese together in an unusual way.  She unknowingly gives Maverick the necessary means to opening the door to his dreams.  He gives her the courage to become a stronger woman by appreciating everything she already is.

These two silent souls don’t have to say a word to one another.  They already have the unspoken understanding that they were meant for each other.

As their relationship progresses and their secrets are revealed, it only makes them more determined. It doesn’t matter where Maverick came from.  It doesn’t matter that Reese’s secrets make her look weak.  It doesn’t matter if Remy “Riptide” Tate is in their way.  They are in for the final count. They are in it together.

Remy “Riptide” Tate has finally found a contender he can respect.  A contender that can make him a legend.  It doesn’t matter where he came from or who his coach is.  Remy sees the man for who he is.  He sees a bit of himself.

Legend is exactly what the title implies.  Katy Evans once again created an intense alpha male that is a true champion.  She also made her champion, Remy “Riptide” Tate even more charismatic than he’s ever been.

What a great finale for the last book in The Real Series.

__________________________________________

Author Bio:

 

Katy EvansKaty Evans grew up with books and book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love. They married and are now hard at work on their own happily ever after. Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches “The End.” Which is, hopefully, only the beginning…

Katy Evans is the NYT and USA Today bestselling author of the Real series.

To find more about her, look her up on her website, Twitter, or Facebook, she’d also love to hear from you!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

legend katy

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway : To The Stars by Molly McAdams – Thatch Series – Book 2

To The Stars - Release Week Banner

 

We are so excited to bring you the Release Week Blitz for Molly McAdams’ TO THE STARS! TO THE STARS is a contemporary romance novel being published on February 9th by HarperCollins’ William Morrow Impulse imprint and is the second novel in Molly’s Thatch Series.

 

 

To The Stars

Grab Your Copy Today!

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iTunes ** Kobo ** GooglePlay

 

 

To The Stars - RWB Teaser 1

 

About TO THE STARS:

In the second standalone book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Molly McAdams’ Thatch series, Knox Alexander must convince his long-time love Harlow Evans that they’re meant to be together.

He promised to wait for her.
She told him he was wasting his time.
Not waiting for him ended up being the biggest mistake of her life.

When they were younger, Knox Alexander swore to Harlow Evans that he would wait for her to turn eighteen so they could be together. But that was two and a half years away, and Harlow couldn’t ask him to give up all the fun and thrills of going away to college for her. As the years passed, Knox remained a constant in her life but when her eighteenth birthday came around, Harlow’s heart belonged to someone else.

Every day for the last four years, Harlow has been haunted by that fateful choice. And though he may appear unaffected by what happened in their past, Knox has always tried to fill the void Harlow left. But when he comes stumbling back into her life and refuses to leave, will Harlow finally let him into her heart…?

 

To The Stars - RWB Teaser 2

5Star

Michel’s Review

This may be one of the most difficult reviews I will ever write.  I don’t really want to give away spoilers but feel like there are some things that need to be disclosed to the readers about To The Stars by Molly McAdams.

First of all I want to say that this is a solid 5 Star book.  The writing is superb.  The delivery of the story from duo POV’s, as well as past and present, make this story authentic.  Molly McAdams unique talent of writing an emotionally involving story that wrenches the readers heart  goes beyond expectations.  What she delivers in To The Stars will engage every emotion imaginable and will engage the reader physically to the point of pain.  This book is quite different from her previous new adult romances.  It goes beyond the emotional angst and delves into emotional terror.

The synopsis for this book is a bit deceiving.  It leads readers to believe that this is a second chance romance after teenage angst tore this couple apart.  It has the second chance romance that readers were expecting. The difference is the journey Harlow has had to travel. It is beyond a teenage girl making bad choices due to immaturity.  The choices she made led her down a road no woman, young or old, ever wants to be on.  She chose the wrong man and ended up scarred for life, emotionally and physically.  She endured physical abuse that led to a life of terror.

This is a book about surviving domestic abuse.  If this subject matter is a trigger or hard point, do not read it.  Molly pulled out the big guns and gave the reader a very vivid, graphic, and painful look at domestic violence.

Harlow was in an awkward position in life that led her to choosing the wrong man to spend her life with.  When she met Knox she was a fifteen year old girl.  She was too mature for the boys her age but not emotionally mature enough for an older guy.  Rather than diving into a romantic relationship, they developed a strong friendship with the promise of more when she turned eighteen.  By the time she reached eighteen, she still did not have enough life experience or social experience to make the right choice where romance was concerned.  Because of her inexperience and immaturity, her perceptions of Knox’s behavior were off base.  What she perceived as rejection was something different altogether.  Her reaction was what a typical girl  would do at that age.  She moved on to another guy.  She didn’t look at the overall picture, she didn’t analyze her emotions, and she didn’t listen to her gut instinct.  She dove head first into a relationship that appeared to be perfect in everyone’s eyes even though deep down she knew her heart ached for the boy she had once loved.  She rushed into marriage and ended up in living hell.  For five years she lived in a nightmare where the monster was very real.

When she runs into Knox at a coffee shop in town, she’s a hollow shadow of the girl he once loved.  When her secrets begin to surface it awakens the horrific beast that was hiding beneath the terrifying monster she already knew.  It’s too late for her and Knox.  She has finally reached her breaking point and resigned herself to the life she chose. She’s lost all hope.  She’s lost all her will.

Knox has loved Harlow for seven years.  He is going to do everything in his power to save the girl he has always loved.  It doesn’t matter that she chose another man.  What matters most is that the girl he loved is freed from the nightmare.  He wants her to reach for the stars. He wants to see the girl he once knew find herself again. He has loved her to the stars and back. Now he wants her to love herself.

As I read this story my stomach was in knots.  At times I was physically sick to my stomach.  I was horrified at Harlow’s life.  I felt every emotion, every moment of terror, and the resignation in her soul.  I could easily see how a young,impressionable young woman could easily fall into this kind of abusive relationship.  It clearly is not from lack of intelligence, lack of good judgement, or lack of self esteem.  It’s from inexperience and emotional immaturity.  There isn’t wisdom or previous experiences to draw upon.  There’s the desire to find romance and prince charming.  There’s the desire to be an adult and make your own choices in life. Harlow didn’t give herself the chance to blossom. Growing as an individual takes time, life experience, and reflection.

Molly McAdams delivered a powerful story that will make readers cringe but also become aware of all the ramifications caused by domestic violence. She didn’t sugarcoat the story or add fluff to the romance.  She gave the readers a very real view of a life many women have lived.  The one message I took away from this book is that no matter how bad life can be there is always hope if you are brave enough to reach for the stars.

 

And don’t miss the first book in the Thatch Series…

 

Letting Go - cover

LETTING GO

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iTunes ** Kobo ** GooglePlay ** Audio

 

 

Author PhotoAbout Molly McAdams:

Molly grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas with her husband, daughter, and fur babies. When she’s not diving into the world of her characters, some of her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling, and long walks on the beach … which roughly translates to being a homebody with her hubby and dishing out movie quotes. She has a weakness for crude-humored movies and fried pickles, and loves curling up in a fluffy comforter during a thunderstorm … or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren’t really happening.

 

 

 

 

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TO THE STARS Goodreads ** Molly McAdams Goodreads

 

 

To The Stars - Available Now

 

 

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