Exclusive Excerpt: Restless Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan

September 20, 2018 by ·

RESTLESS INK
Series: Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs #2
Author: Carrie Ann Ryan
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 18, 2018

The Montgomery Ink series continues with the so-called sensible sister and the one man she never should have fallen for.

For Thea Montgomery, baking isn’t only therapeutic, it’s also her dream job. She’s worked countless hours keeping her bakery afloat, and now that it’s where she wants it to be, she’s ready to expand and take the next step. When it comes to work and her family, she’s on top of her game. Her personal life, however, is a different story.

When Dimitri Carr isn’t teaching and hiding his ink under long sleeves to keep the bosses happy, he’s trying to be the best brother and friend he can be. After his divorce, he’d thought he would lose Thea from his life forever because she’s his ex-wife’s best friend. But now that he’s free, and the two of them realize they want to keep their friendship. Then he finally sees what he’s been missing all this time.

But there are more problems than the fact that Dimitri is Thea’s best friend’s ex. And when accidental touches and flirtations aren’t enough for either of them, and they’re finally ready to take the next step, they’ll find out exactly what that cost is for crossing that line. And will need to find the strength to face it.

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They said their goodbyes to Abby and headed over to the bar next door to Kaylee’s studio. Kaylee herself couldn’t make it since she had a later event but told them all to have fun as they strolled to the other building. Soft guitar music drifted out of the open door, and Thea glanced at the sign next to it on the sidewalk claiming it was open mic night.

“This could either be amazing or horrible,” Adrienne said under her breath as Roxie laughed.

But Thea didn’t laugh, she couldn’t, not when she heard that voice.

She knew that voice, dreamed of that voice. Oh, hell, that voice was one that kept her awake at night and sent delicious warmth between her thighs.

“Is that…?” Adrienne’s voice trailed off, and Roxie sucked in a breath.

Thea just blinked as they stopped right inside the door, the three of them standing stock-still, their mouths dropping open.

Dimitri sat on a stool in front of the crowded room, his fingers strumming the guitar as he crooned a song about love and loss with that deep growl of his.

And when he lifted his head, and his gaze met hers, he didn’t pause, didn’t break his concentration, but she knew he saw her, understood that he wanted her there from the glint in his eyes. Realized that this meant something.

And she knew… she knew she was lost.

And so damn screwed.

About Carrie Ann Ryan

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 2.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over fifty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.

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Exclusive Excerpt: Unlocking Shadows by Kennedy Layne

September 19, 2018 by ·

UNLOCKING SHADOWS
Series: Keys To Love #4
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Author: Kennedy Layne
Release Date: September 18, 2018

The next book in Kennedy Layne’s KEYS TO LOVE is available now – romantic suspense lovers do not want to miss this!

About UNLOCKING SHADOWS

Gwen Kendall spent ten years in the Navy and used the last four to create a life for herself she could be proud of away from the confines of her overprotective family. Being the only woman in the Kendall clan tended to be a bit overwhelming at times.

Chad Schaeffer had been hired on to help restore an old farmhouse for one of the returning Kendall siblings. He’d heard about the trouble the family had encountered and honestly didn’t want to go anywhere near their properties. He had a change of heart when he saw the most recently returned Kendall sibling stepping out of her car with a key in her hand.

Gwen had waited a very long time to have a place to call her own, just as she had waited for the right man to share her life. One night of seduction convinces her she’s found both, but someone wants to take it all away. It’s been said that old houses retain a piece of each person who has lived there, but she never counted on the dark shadows wanting a piece of her.

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“Did you actually cook for me, city girl?”Gwen would have probably screamed like a little girl at the sight of a spider bouncing on its web had she not first heard the faint sound of her cell phone chiming as the proximity alarm announced Chad’s presence. The security firm who’d set up her system had the surrounding area of the house monitored for any movement. It came in handy for times like this, but for some reason, blood rushed to her cheeks and her heartbeat accelerated as if she’d just run a mile or two.When was the last time a man affected her in such a manner?

Too long to count, which was the sole reason she’d refused to take back her key earlier this afternoon. It wasn’t like they were making a serious commitment to one another, and he would ultimately need to be able to come and go while working on her house.

“City girl?” Gwen opened the fridge and pulled out two bottles of beer to give time for the flush of color to leave her face. “Since when do you consider me a city girl?”

“Well, let’s see.” The intoxicating scent of Chad’s cologne told her that he’d moved into the kitchen and was now in close proximity. “You put in excessively long hours at your new firm, you complained that there wasn’t one of those fancy coffee places in town open twenty-four hours for your convenience, and today was the first time I’ve seen you in a pair of jeans since last weekend. I’d say that qualifies you as more city than country.”

Gwen silently handed over his beer, giving herself time to study him before responding to such a ludicrous claim. Well, it did have some merit, but she’d address that at the appropriate time.

It was obvious he’d showered recently. The ends of his hair that curled slightly were still damp, and her fingers itched to brush them away from his face. He was freshly shaven with a slight sheen where he’d put on his aftershave. She fought the urge to rest her hand against his cheek. She still wasn’t sure he was here for reasons other than he didn’t want to stand her up on her invitation.

“I wasn’t completely sure you were going to show up here tonight,” Gwen finally said rather quietly.

She was unusually tentative to start this conversation considering all of this had been her idea to start with. She also wasn’t usually so cautious with what she wanted.

If she wanted something, she bought it.

If she craved something, she ate it… within her own limitations.

She was a natural born go-getter, but that wasn’t unusual given that she was raised with four brothers. This thing with Chad? She wasn’t quite sure what tactic to take for fear that he’d want nothing to do with her or her offer for more.

“I wasn’t sure, either,” Chad responded honestly, the cap on his beer still secured to the opening. “I’m pretty certain Tobias was about to come out of his house to check on me when I stood by the driver’s side door of my truck for ten minutes debating the idea.”

Many times over the course of the past two weeks they’d had random debates over the silliest of things. She enjoyed a spirited conversation of opposing ideas and listening to his opinions, which were not much different than her own. Well, other than his preference of Dodge over Ford… which was totally insane.

“What eventually changed your mind and had you deciding to hop in that thing you call a truck and drive over here?”

“This.”

Gwen wasn’t expecting Chad to move in for the kill quite so quickly, but he did so with grace and lethal intent. She was a goner the moment his lips brushed over hers. The result was a foregone conclusion before she could take another breath.

Chad must have set his bottle of beer on the counter, because both of his hands were cradling her face. There was no hesitation. There was no uncertainty that he spoke of earlier, and she decided she’d have to take stock in whatever brand of aftershave he used before coming over tonight.

She was now addicted.

How could Chad Schaeffer— the skinny boy she remembered having freckles— turn into a man who could buckle her knees with a single kiss?

“Are you sure about this?” Chad asked, his tone a little breathless. At least he was able to talk. Her lips were still tingling, and she wasn’t nearly done savoring his taste of mint mouthwash. “There’s still time to—”

“This is exactly what I’ve been dying to do since I pulled up to the house and saw you standing on my porch,” Gwen managed to say, setting her beer down next to his. “The only thing missing was a big red bow.”

Chad lifted her underneath the arms, causing her to lose her breath at his obvious intention. She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck, not wanting to waste any more time than they already had.

“Did you put any precautions on that list that Reese took to the store today?”

Gwen smiled against his neck, getting the gist of where this very brief conversation was headed. They wouldn’t be talking for long.

“No,” Gwen answered with a laugh, not expecting him to set both hands on her ass and hoist her over his shoulder. “Chad! Put me down!”

“It’s a good thing they were on mine.”

About the Keys to Love Series

 Their homecoming wasn’t so welcoming. Four brothers and one sister each gave twelve years of their lives to serve their country and fulfill their family’s legacy of service. As each of them return to their home of record, they weren’t prepared for what awaited them—an unforgiveable sin that has been hidden for twelve long years. Secrets and lies are concealed in the dark shadows of the very town they were raised in, and the Kendall family will have no choice but to rely on one another to unravel the sinister evil that they all hold the keys to unlock.

Kennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her military romantic suspense novels in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. They live in the Midwest with their teenage son and menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace. She loves hearing from readers–find out how to connect with her at www.kennedylayne.com.

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Spotlight, Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway: Hard Trigger by @sexlifehannah

August 27, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

HARD TRIGGER
Author: S.L. Hannah
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: AOH Publishing
Release Date: August 28, 2018

“Your mother’s opiates are coming from Jose Herrera’s distribution network.”

My pulse races as my stepfather speaks these words. Because taking on the Herreras also means taking on Diego.

Reckless, and hardened by a volatile past, Victoria does not see a future with Diego Herrera as a realistic option.

As their childhood friendship ignites, they find themselves on opposite sides of a bloody feud between the two most powerful families in Mexico City.

And she’s a Moreno now—brought up to be the secret weapon nobody suspected.

But Victoria can’t deny the attraction.

Diego’s commanding muscles, the coarse, dark hair of his solid chest, that rugged scar above his sensuous lips…

Loyalty is in the eye of the beholder.

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HARD TRIGGER ExcerptCopyright © 2018 S.L. Hannah

He smacks the seat with a fist. “Stay away from José. This is not your problem. It’s ours. The Herreras.”

I place the cool water bottle against my neck. “I’m just here to make deals for some sugar transport. For the Morenos.”

Diego lunges towards me, grasping at the straps of my dress. I gasp at his sudden nearness.

“I’m fucking serious, Victoria. José isn’t some malandro with no family, friends, history, or name. He isn’t Teresa.” He lets go. “You should never have gotten involved with…this.”

He grunts and slides me into the corner. His face is as close to mine as it’s ever been without us breaking into a passionate kiss.

“José is the second in command.” He grips my shoulder. “In my family.”

Pressed between the hard leather and Diego’s hard torso, I can’t decide whether this is an invitation to fight him or fuck him.

My breathing hastens.

“That’s not what I heard,” I tell him. “I heard he lost that position, which is why he’s turned against your family.”

Diego tugs again at my dress straps, his knuckles digging into my chest, until one of them breaks.

“They will kill you, eventually,” he urges. “You know this.”

I attempt to create some space, but my struggles just intertwine us more.

His hand wanders into my hair and breaks loose the band holding the knot. I breathe in the familiar musky scent of his neck as his face burrows in the dark-brown waves.

“Do you understand me?” he pleads. “They will do it without checking in with me. They will do it despite what I say or do to defend you. And once they decide, they will do it so swiftly, you won’t have a chance to reach for your weapon of choice—like tonight. You won’t be able to outmaneuver or outthink. You will just be dead.”

The seam of the seat digs into me, my emotions hanging off the edge of a cliff. My hand fumbles for balance until it lands on the thick, hard outline of his cock. A jolt of heat shoots through me.

Diego reaches around my ass and slides me further underneath him.

I lock my thighs around him, the dress tearing further as the SUV continues to rumble. He pulls down the top of my dress, exposing a round breast. My nipple is already pert in anticipation of his hot breath and flicking tongue.

When he performs just that, my hips circle beneath him. My moan is no longer silent. His stiff cock grinds into the last few layers of fabric between us as he sucks fervently at my nipple and I twist a lock of his hair between my fingers. The muscles of his back ripple as he pulls me tighter into him, trying to mold us into one. My pussy pulses to the rhythm of his insistence.

He looks up with his big, dark eyes, trying to figure out how to quell a storm he can’t control. His thumb draws across my lips.

“Stay away from José,” he begs. “Promise me.”


S.L. Hannah was born in Poland, grew up in Canada, and moved to Southern California to pursue her love of single-engine airplanes. Her latest rogue romance, Hard Trigger, will be published on August 28th, 2018. Visit her online at www.slhannah.com to learn about her other books, to get updates about her new release, and to connect through social media. S.L. Hannah lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband and garden of succulents. When she’s not writing fiction, she continues to solve the aviation problems of the world.

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Exclusive look at Anyta Sunday’s Surprise New Series!!

August 2, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

Most. Exciting. News. EVER!!! The super fabulous New Adult author Anyta Sunday just released a super secret new three book novella series in one go on July 31. This will be the start to what will be a 26 novella series all featuring titles that play on letters of the alphabet. And I’m so excited to be able to share this peak into the first three books (letters A-C) with you today!

Feisty. Nerdy. Sexy. Secretive.

Greenville has them all.

Oh, how I love the guys in my “Love Letters” series! There all very special to me – the millionaire bad boys just as much as the hard-working strugglers. You can meet them all in the first three books of the series that were just released on July 31st.

Today, I want to introduce you to a couple that might just be my favorite – Landon and Ben from “Begging Ben”. Not only are they super sweet, but they are the biggest nerds – geeking out over science and throwing the funniest puns at each other. To give you a taste, here are my Top 5 Landon and Ben puns!

No 5: “You’re really on fire in the kitchen,” Ben said, scraping charred toast.

No 4: About electrostatic attraction: “The higher the charges, the stronger their cohesiveness when they . . . join.” Ben yanked his gaze back from straying down Landon’s body.

No. 3: “Isn’t that us in a nutshell, honey 3.142?”

No 2: “Kiss me. I bet we’ll have chemistry together.”

And my number one Landon and Ben pun, an amalgamation of equal parts bad word play, sweet over-the-top romance, and sincere feelings…

He opened the buttons on his lab coat, swept it off his shoulders, and revealed his T-shirt. Ocean blue with Landon’s scrawled handwriting over it. “Are you a carbon sample, Ben?” 
Ben breathed in so hard, he choked. His eyes watered as Landon turned around. The back of his shirt read: Because I want to date you.


If you want to see these two sweet geeks fall for each other, “Begging Ben” is OUT NOW! And while you’re at it, why not also grab the other two “Love Letter” books? All three are available via Amazon and also on KU.

ABOUT THE SERIES

Feisty. Nerdy. Sexy. Secretive.

Greenville has them all.

A small town with big hearts, Greenville awakens at the mercy of Millionaire Row, the wealthy neighborhood across the tracks from Poplar Low.

Bad-tempered boys meet cheeky lovers.

Colliding worlds spark a fire of emotion. Heat rages. Hearts mend. Love is lost. And found.

Love Letters are playful, sexy, contemporary M/M stories that can be read as standalones.

Welcome to Greenville. Come for the sexy boys. Stay for the HEA.

Admiring Ash
Series (name + # in series): Love Letters #1
Release Date (Print & Ebook): July 31st, 2018
Length (Print & Ebook): 41600 words / 222 pages
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Subgenre: Light-hearted, sexy gay romance

A is for Ash Heartford.

Adorable, strong, and independent.

Abandoned by his parents and attached to only one person—his little sister.

Attracted to River, the sultry man who saunters onto his doorstep with startling news.

Always yearning for more River, yet afraid to let him in.

Should he play it safe, or claim his legacy and risk losing his heart?

A is for Admiring Ash.

Tropes: Slow burn, virgin, one true love, happily ever after, related but not, hurt/comfort, forbidden love

Themes: Sudden inheritance, broken family, insta-dad 

AMAZON

Begging Ben
Series (name + # in series): Love Letters #2
Release Date (Print & Ebook): July 31st, 2018
Length (Print & Ebook): 41000 words / 220 pages
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Subgenre: Light-hearted, sexy gay romance

B is for Ben Spengler.

Brilliant. Bashful. Burned.

Brimming with desire for his BFF Landon, who is beyond compare.

But they aren’t the same Ben and Landon anymore. Not after what Landon did. And didn’t do.

Bitter about his unrequited love.

Bound by a night of drunken promises.

Will the chemistry between them change, or will Ben break first?

B is for Begging Ben.

Tropes: Pretend boyfriend, friends to lovers, virgin, brother-like, jealousy

Themes: Science, geek, alcohol induced oblivion

AMAZON

Challenging Chance
Series (name + # in series): Love Letters #3
Release Date (Print & Ebook): July 31st, 2018
Length (Print & Ebook): 32000 words / 182 pages
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Subgenre: Light-hearted, sexy gay romance

C is for Chance Roosevelt-Sutton.

Chiseled jaw. Smug attitude. Wild ways.

Chained to his ego—or so everyone thinks. Except his personal assistant, Brook. He knows better.

Chance is challenged to make his father happy for once, but he needs Brook’s help.

Choosing honesty is too risky, so instead they choose secrecy.

Choked by their pasts, they dream of a better life . . . and

Charm each other into submission.

 

Will their pasts ruin what they have, or will they grow together?

C is for Challenging Chance.

Tropes: Alpha male, millionaire bad boy, athlete, help/comfort

Themes: Basketball, coming out

AMAZON

Challenging Chance 

Clenching the folder tightly against his chest, Brook kicked up a half smile. “I know you are a playboy, and charmingly faulted,” he said. “Didn’t think you’d be sexist too.”

Chance slung the towel around his neck, stretching it taut by pulling the ends. “There you have it,” he said. “I’m all those things.”

He sounded cocky, but the follow-up swallow and downward glance had Brook pausing. The glimpse of vulnerability quickly vanished as Chance strode off the court.

Brook hustled after him, matching his long stride easily since Chance was only a hair taller.

“I can do the job as good as anyone,” he said. “I’ll be at your beck and call, whenever you need me. Most importantly, I’ll keep my mouth shut.”

Chance abruptly stopped and whisked around. “What do you mean you’ll keep your mouth shut?”

“Public intoxication, public indecency, driver’s license revoked two years ago for accumulating too many fines. None of it is my business. I’ll help you navigate whatever paperwork comes with it, of course. But outside you and me? My lips are sealed.”

He would never blurt Chance’s mistakes in a crowded café. Though he’d been grateful to overhear the ex-PA, he didn’t condone being unprofessional and blabbing about an employer’s affairs.

Everyone made mistakes. They didn’t need those mistakes defining them.

 

HEART-STOPPING SLOW BURN

A bit about me: I’m a big, BIG fan of slow-burn romances. I love to read and write stories with characters who slowly fall in love.

Some of my favorite tropes to read and write are: Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Clueless Guys, Bisexual, Pansexual, Demisexual, Oblivious MCs, Everyone (Else) Can See It, Slow Burn, Love Has No Boundaries.

I write a variety of stories, Contemporary MM Romances with a good dollop of angst, Contemporary lighthearted MM Romances, and even a splash of fantasy.

My books have been translated into German, Italian, French, and Thai.

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Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway: IN MY SKIN by @ShannonMcKenna4

June 27, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

 

IN MY SKIN
Series: The Obsidian Files #3
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Author: Shannon McKenna
Release Date: June 19, 2018

NYTimes and USA Today bestselling author Shannon McKenna releases the third, standalone installment of The Obsidian Files! IN MY SKIN, features Luke, a renegade supersoldier with blocked memories that only the fiery beauty Dani can help him restore. Fans of JUST ONE TOUCH by Maya Banks, JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood and Cynthia Eden’s Lazarus Rising Series will devour this thrilling tale of deadly danger and burning desire.

Come back to me …

Luke remembers a few things. Just not his last name, or anyone he ever knew. He knows that he’s a supersoldier, genetically enhanced and loaded up with brain implants. He just escaped from a year-long hell of captivity, and to protect his family and friends from his tormentors, he blocked his memories. Now he needs those memories back, fast … or he and those he loves will die agonizing deaths.

Luke’s dangerous plan to reconnect with his past—and stay alive in the present—has drawn his enemies’ attention to the tough and sexy Dani LaSalle. He’s duty bound to protect the luscious beauty from the evil pursuing them, but he can’t control the scorching desire she awakens in him.

Dani’s strict routine has been trashed by Luke’s explosive arrival. This rock-hard slab of valiant, smoldering manhood appears out of nowhere, saves her life, spirits her away to his mountain lair and bewilders her with tales of sadistic researchers, enhanced assassins. Is this gorgeous, problematic sex god just plain crazy—or is she? But Luke can do things with his mind that are just as wild as what he can do with that body … and she can’t say no.

And there’s no time to wonder. As their passion burns hotter, Obsidian moves closer … and Luke and Dani must place their lives and their hearts on the line just to survive …

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THE SERIES

RIGHT THROUGH ME | MY NEXT BREATH | IN MY SKIN

IN MY SKIN Excerpt (713 words)

Copyright © 2018 Shannon McKenna

 

Dani got back to work. Focusing on caring for his body.

Not that she could have focused on anything else if she wanted to. Even wounded, with his breath rasping painfully in his massive chest, the guy was a mouth-watering super stud. Close proximity to him was distracting even before she got his clothes off.

And when he was half naked, the sheer breadth of his heavily muscled shoulders and chest stopped her breath.

Not good.

Concentrate, LaSalle. Do your nurse thing. Breathe. Your brain needs oxygen.

But he threw off so much heat. It made her sweat. Her face felt fiery as she dabbed on antibiotic ointment with a piece of folded gauze. Trying not to be so acutely conscious of the taut, steely belly muscles before her eyes. So lean and ripped. The dark treasure trail tapering down, sliced through here and there by the scarring.

She tried desperately not to think about the kissing interlude in her laundry closet, which now seemed like a crazy dream. One that couldn’t possibly have been real.

Her eyes rested on his rock-hard thighs splayed out in front of the bench, his huge quad muscles bulging against the blood-stiffened black fabric of his pants, remembering how it felt to straddle them and hang on for dear life, her chest plastered against his bullet-proof vest while his hand cupped her ass and, slowly rocking and pulsing the yearning ache between her legs against the hard, thick bulge at his crotch.

Stop it. You are working. Fuck’s sake. The man just got stabbed.

Good thing he wasn’t looking at her. He hunched over, head down and shaking fingers clenched, white-knuckled, on his own knees as she finished taping the gauze over the wound at his side.

There was blood on his face, too. Or what she could see of it, with his head lowered. Sweat shone on it. Big drops standing out. She rose to her feet, alarmed by the heat radiating off his body, and reached out to feel his forehead—

He pulled sharply away, then went still. He looked up at her, eyes cautious.

“Sorry,” he said gruffly. “I’m on edge. You took me by surprise.”

“I was just, uh, checking,” she said. “You’re so hot.”

He glanced up, with a look that was almost like a smile.

Her face flamed. “I mean … I just want to see if you’re running a fever.” Crap.

“I’m not,” he said softly. “But go ahead.”

She was so flustered, she was no longer tracking. “Huh? Go ahead and what?”

He put his hand on the gauze taped to his side. “Touch me,” he said simply.

Another awkward silence, while Dani’s mouth worked. “Ah …”

“If you want to check my temperature, I mean.” He grinned at her. The very first smile she’d seen on his otherwise grim face.

Oh, God. Dimples? It was too goddamn much. Everything they said to each other sounded like a blatant come-on to her now.

“Well. I’ll just, um, find a thermometer,” she mumbled.

“Don’t have one.” His voice was thick with exhaustion. “Never needed one.”

“OK, whatever.” That was an argument for another day. She pulled out a piece of folded gauze and dabbed antibiotic ointment on it. “Let me take care of those scrapes on your face.”

He didn’t make a sound, just closed his eyes as she swabbed and dabbed. Which left her free to study every detail up close. His face had scars, too. More recent injuries on top of older ones. Bumps on his nose from being broken more than once.

“I hope you have a bed around here, because you look like you’re ready to get horizontal,” she told him.

“There’s a bed in the other room, but you can take it,” he said. “I’ll sleep on the floor.”

“Yeah, right. Like I would let you do that.”

“You’re the boss,” he said.

“Hardly,” she said. “I can’t make you clue me in about what’s going on. You just keep saying you’ll tell me everything later. And I’m really hoping that tell me everything includes explaining those scars, and who the killer robots are, and how the demon Porsche drives itself.”

“I’ll do my best,” he promised.

Dani harrumphed. “You’re a piece of work, Luke.”

Shannon McKenna is the NYT bestselling author of seventeen action packed, turbocharged romantic thrillers, among which are the stories of the wildly popular McCloud series and the brand new romantic suspense series, The Obsidian Files. She loves tough and heroic alpha males, heroines with the brains and guts to match them, villains who challenge them to their utmost, adventure, scorching sensuality, and most of all, the redemptive power of true love. Since she was small she has loved abandoning herself to the magic of a good book, and her fond childhood fantasy was that writing would be just like that, but with the added benefit of being able to take credit for the story at the end. Alas, the alchemy of writing turned out to be messier than she’d ever dreamed. But what the hell, she loves it anyway, and hopes that readers enjoy the results of her alchemical experiments. She loves to hear from her readers.

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 $10 Amazon gift card + Winner’s choice of either RIGHT THROUGH ME (Book #1) or MY NEXT BREATH (Book#2) in the Obsidian Files Series

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New Release Spotlight, Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway: Forsaken by @booksbygray

February 27, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

FORSAKEN
Genre: Contemporary MM Romance
Author: J.R. Gray
Release: February 26, 2018 

Titus has lived and breathed religion his entire life, tucked away from the rest of the world in a compound in northern Wyoming.

He’s destined to be the next leader of the church, deemed so by the Prophet.

God spoke and with His word He created.

But God made a mistake.

Titus isn’t worthy.

He was born sick and it’s solidified when he rescues the most beautiful man he’s ever seen.

Torn between fidelity to his faith or his soul, Titus must reconcile the two parts of himself before he’s discovered hiding among the chosen.

 

AMAZON 

Angel was up on his knees, and he took Titus’ face in his hands. Titus’ heart sped up, and the scene from his workshop replayed in his head. Angel didn’t move. He looked into Titus’ eyes. Titus needed something to happen. More than this moment frozen in time. He wanted Angel to either put space between them or kiss him, but the wait was going to make his heart explode.

“Is this okay?” Angel asked.

“Is what okay?” Titus had a hard time getting words out. He had a hard time making his brain function with Angel’s hands on him.

Angel laughed and scooted his body closer so their legs were pressed together. “Me touching you.”

“Yes.” His voice was unsteady.

“What about this?” Angel put his other hand on the side of Titus’ neck.

“Sure.” Titus swallowed past the lump in his throat, and was happy for the way he was sitting because he was as hard as he’d ever been in his entire life. Harder maybe.

“What about this?” Angel whispered over his lips and then brought them together.

This wasn’t like back at his workshop. Angel parted his lips and used his tongue. Titus was left trying to keep up. As soon as he got the hang of something, Angel would change it. He’d done a little necking with girls, but this was completely different. He hadn’t been turned on while kissing those girls. It was more like something to do just to try it, but this was heat, and his entire body reacted. There wasn’t a part of him that wasn’t flushed and on fire.

Angel’s fingers slid around to the back of his neck and tightened, keeping Titus close. He grabbed Angel’s bicep, needing something to hold on to so he didn’t spin out of control. Angel seemed to like it, groaning

When not staying up all night writing, J.R. Gray can be found at the gym where it’s half assumed he is a permanent resident to fulfill his self-inflicted masochism. A dominant and a pilot, Gray finds it hard to be in the passenger seat of any car. He frequently interrupts real life, including normal sleep patterns and conversations, to jot down notes or plot bunnies. Commas are the bane of his existence even though it’s been fully acknowledged they are necessary, they continue to baffle and bewilder. If Gray wasn’t writing…well, that’s not possible. The buildup of untold stories would haunt Gray into an early grave, insanity or both. The idea of haunting has always appealed to him. J.R. Gray is genderqueer and prefers he/him pronouns.

Website | Twitter – Personal | Twitter – Books | Facebook | Facebook Group | Tumblr | Mailing List | Amazon Author Page


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DGRFave Spotlight, Character Interview & Giveaway: Midnight Blue by @lj_shen

January 21, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

MIDNIGHT BLUE
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: LJ Shen
Release Date: January 16, 2018

From bestselling author L.J. Shen, comes a new, standalone, contemporary romance.

It should have been easy.

I needed the money. He needed a babysitter to keep him from snorting himself to death.

I was cherry-picked especially for him. Responsible. Optimistic. Warm. Innocent.

The worst part is that I should have known better.

Alex Winslow. British rock star. Serial heartbreaker. Casanova with whiskey eyes.

“Don’t get near the devil in a leather jacket. He’ll chew you up and spit you out.”

Guess what? I didn’t listen.

I signed the contract.

World tour. Three months. Four Continents. One hundred shows.

My name is Indigo Bellamy, and I sold my soul to a tattooed god.

Problem was, my soul wasn’t enough for Alex Winslow. He ended up taking my body, too.

Then he took my heart.

Then he took my all.

AMAZON

In case you’ve missed all of my incessant fangirling over this book, let me just tell you, I LOVED THIS BOOK. Like 5 star loved it! Like my top favorite rockstar romance loved it! I’ll be posting my full, glowing 5 star review later this week, but for now I have an additional treat for you all! Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of this post for an AWESOME giveaway!

But for now, here’s a character interview with the one and only Alex fucking Winslow!!!!

CHARACTER INTERVIEW

It’s not often we get rockstar royalty here at DGR, but today we have the man, the myth, the legend; Mr. Alex Winslow himself.

If you haven’t heard his songs on the radio, you’ve seen his exploits in the tabloids. This British badboy is no stranger to controversy. From drinking, to drugs, to the time he pulled a Kanye West on the stage at the Grammy’s, and his highly publicized split from his fiance, Alex hasn’t exactly been living a quiet life. But we’re beyond thrilled to have him here today.

DGR: Welcome, Alex! We’re so excited to have you.

Let’s start with some simple questions. Tell us something about yourself that many people may not know about you?

Alex: I hate interviews.

Wait, you probably knew that about me.

Okay. I do like pistachio ice cream, and you can judge all you want.

DGR: What would you say is your biggest vice?

Alex: The list is going to be longer than my cock, so let’s just say there are a lot of things I’m addicted to. A fair amount that will build a lot of drug lords beautiful houses and finance a lot of therapists luxurious cars.

DGR: What could you never live without?

Alex: Indigo Bellamy. And music (don’t make me choose).

DGR: Where do you draw the inspiration for your songs? You’ve recently been coming out with some hits. Do you have a new muse? Could it be that blue-haired beauty I saw with your entourage?

Alex: I find this question utterly senseless. I’m a musician. I take inspiration from breathing. My mere existence is enough to keep me going for a decade’s worth of albums. My blue-haired girl definitely unclogged me from some bad shite, but I’d like to think I would have bounced back with or without her. 

DGR: Can you describe your ideal woman to us? I’m sure single ladies all over the world are dying to know how to snag the newly single bad boy!

Alex: Blue hair.

Blue eyes.

Funny name.

Dreadful style.

All heart.

No tits.

But that’s okay, because she sure knows how to use her lips.

(like my poem?)

DGR: Now you ARE at DGR, so you know we have to ask….favorite sex position? We have heard some rumors that you like things on the wilder side.

Alex: Forbidden pleasure. I do like me some anal sex. The fact that only gymnasts can pull that shit off is a side bonus.

DGR: There’s been some rumors circulating that the newest female addition to your staff has snagged your attention. Any truth to the rumors?

Alex: I don’t know what you’re talking about. Lucas has been working with me for years.

DGR: Who is this young lady and can you tell us more about her?

Alex: I’m not sure I’m ready to share her with the world. To be honest, why would I share anything with the world? The tabloids will have a fucking field day. No thank you.

DGR: What’s your favorite part about being a rockstar?

Alex: Making music. Whoever gives you another answer is a c***.

DGR: What’s the worst part?

Alex: Everything that’s not making music, including, but not limited to: Suits, people who ask you for favours, and the blinding money.

DGR: If you had to write your own eulogy, what would it say?

Alex: Spoiler alert: there’s no heaven.

DGR: Do you think you’ll ever get married?

Alex: I hope so, but I don’t envy the poor girl.

DGR: What words of wisdom do you want to impart on readers today as you leave?

Alex: Don’t do drugs, kids. That shit is expensive.

Want a chance to win a SIGNED paperback or one of three ebooks of Midnight Blue by LJ Shen?

ENTER HERE

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#BerkleyBookmas: Julie James favorite recipe + Giveaway

December 7, 2017 by ·

Dirty Girl Romance is so excited to participate in Berkley Bookmas and we’re hosting Julie James today!

Berkley Bookmas is chock full of exclusive content from authors like exclusive excerpts, deleted scenes, author recipes and more!

Check out the calendar of events below:

Today, Julie James is sharing her favorite holiday recipe, and it sounds absolutely YUMMY!!

Need Cookies for the holidays? I’ve got your back.

When I was a kid, one of my favorite things about the holidays was my grandmother’s cookies. She used to spend days baking, and when we visited her house every Christmas Eve, there would be platters and tins of cookies seemingly everywhere.

Over the years, my cookie recipe book has expanded, but below are two classics that have been party of my family’s holiday traditions for years. Both are kid-friendly, adult-friendly, easy to make, and loaded with chocolate (generally a requirement for all my cookies, snickerdoodles excepted.) Enjoy!

Snowball Cookies

1 cup butter (softened to room temperature)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups flour
1 package Hershey’s kisses
Confectioner’s sugar

Beat butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add flour and nuts. Shape dough around kisses and roll into balls. (Hint for first-timers: you don’t want too much dough; use just enough to cover the Hershey kiss.) Bake on cookies sheets lined with parchment paper at 375 degrees for about 8-10 minutes, or until the bottom of the cookies are a light golden brown. Let cookies cool, then roll them in confectioner’s sugar.

Variation: Mr. James is a little fussier than I am about cookies, and doesn’t like milk chocolate. (Miraculously, we’ve managed to stay married for 15 years despite this character flaw.) So for some of the cookies, I roll the dough around a bunch of semi-sweet chocolate chips (instead of a Hershey’s Kiss), and everyone’s happy. J

M&M Cookies


1 cup butter (softened to room temperature)
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
2 ¼ cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 pound bag of M&Ms
Julie’s add-on: I also throw in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips because more chocolate = yummy goodness

Beat butter and sugars, then beat in vanilla and eggs. Add remaining dry ingredients, mix well, then stir in M&Ms (and chocolate chips). Bake at 375 degrees on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper for 9-11 minutes, or until light

Bet you’ll be trying these goodies for your holiday treats! I know we will!

ENTER HERE for a chance to win A $100 Visa gift card, and a book/galley/bound manuscript by each of the authors participating.

For tomorrow’s fun, head to one of the following blogs:

· Filed Under: Author Spotlight & interview, Giveaways · Tagged With:

AudioBook Blog Tour & Giveaway: CHRISTMAS DAY, Ch 41 of Consequences by M. Jane Colette

November 13, 2017 by · 1 Comment

Welcome to Stop 41 & Chapter 41 of the Consequences AudioBook BlogTour
CHRISTMAS DAY
from CONSEQUENCES (of defensive adultery)
an EROTIC tragedy with a HAPPY ending
by M. Jane Colette
performed by Elisa Kae
18+ ADVISORY: Consequences is intended for an adult (18+) audience. It deals with mature subject matter, and contains explicit language and sexual content. Listener and reader discretion is advised.

The tour is bringing romance readers and listeners the opportunity to listen to all 48 full, unabridged chapters of Consequences well in advance of the audiobook’s Christmas release.

Plus, there are fabulous prizes at every stop–including a raffle for $50 Amazon Gift Card–and 48 chances throughout the tour to enter to win a COMPLETE set of M. Jane Colette’s paperbacks–so read through to the end so you don’t miss out!

An affair. HEARTBREAK. Consequences.  ABSOLUTION, redemption, and LOVE… in the most unexpected places–a steamy second chance romance unlike any you’ve ever experienced… featuring an ALPHA lover-confessor you haven’t DARED dream about.

Elizabeth did not plan to break up his marriage when she had an affair with her law school professor. But she did. Fifteen years later, she’s still coming to terms with the consequences of her youthful infatuation: a stepdaughter who hates her, an ex-wife who will never forgive the betrayal,  a sister-in-law who’s determined to make Elizabeth her confidante.

Compelled to reveal the “tragedy of her life” to a nameless lover, Elizabeth finds herself forced to reconsider her definition of love, commitment, and responsibility—a process that finally releases her from the shackles of her past mistakes and shows her the way to her own happily-ever-after.

A NOTE ABOUT STRUCTURE: The story unfolds over the course of one night, as the narrator Elizabeth relates the “tragedy of her life” to her current lover as they, to quote a reviewer “do lover things.” The story Elizabeth tells spans 15 years. The scenes between Elizabeth and her lover are pure dialogue, and interrupt the “story proper.” There is no “he said/I said” in the dialogue between Elizabeth and her lover… a challenge the narrator solved masterfully, but which may give the first-time listener pause. To increase your enjoyment of the story, an opportunity to read, as well as listen to, the chapter, is provided.

AMAZON

★★★

Today, listen to Chapter 41: CHRISTMAS DAY:

If the audio link won’t work for you, click here: ❤ https://mjanecolette.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/41-christmas-day.mp3 ❤

PREFER TO READ? We’re on it. Here is a password-protected link to the written version of this chapter for tour participants’ eyes only:

❤ ❤ ❤

★★★ ❤ CHAPTER 41: CHRISTMAS DAY (password: erotictragedy41  ) ❤ ★★★

❤ ❤ ❤

NEXT STOP: Enjoyed what you heard/read? The tour continues on Tues Nov 14 with Chapter 42 // CAST-OFFS hosted by JOJO THE BOOKAHOLIC.

FIRST STOP: If this blog is your first stop on the tour, you might want to head back to stop number one, hosted by Tome Tender Blog: The Photograph, or to the Tour Home Page, and start from the beginning. There are chances to win prizes at every stop!

SPEAKING OF PRIZES: For a chance to win a copy of Consequences (of defensive adultery), M. Jane Colette’s other books, and an Amazon Gift card, enter here:

*******************************

★★★WIN $50 AMAZON GIFT CARD + MORE!
ENTER ON RAFFLECOPTER★★★

ENTER UNTIL 12:00 am Nov 29, 2017

WAIT! There’s more! Today and tomorrow ONLY, only here at DIRTY GIRL ROMANCE, enter to win a copy of M. Jane Colette’s ridiculously dirty erotic romance Tell Me::

a Rafflecopter giveaway

PLUS: GRAND PRIZE TREASURE HUNT ENTRY, PART 41: For a chance to win a COMPLETE HARD COPY SET of M. Jane Colette’s novels, send an email to TellMe@mjanecolette.com, and:

  1. put  #ConAudioTour Day 41 in the subject heading,
  2. ask to be added to her Rough Draft Confessions newsletter (or tell Jane you’re already on her mailing list, and it’s awesome, when’s the next love letter coming?) and,
  3. answer the question: “Worst Christmas ever? Or no?” (No wrong answer. Your opinion.)

(The small print: Each tour stop offers you one opportunity to enter the GRAND PRIZE TREASURE HUNT DRAW, for a total of 48 entries if you complete the tour. The books that comprise the GRAND PRIZE are the novels Tell Me, Cherry Pie Cure, and Consequences, and the non-fiction collection of essays Rough Draft Confessions, including its controversially titled, available-only-in-Canada, beta reader / limited edition predecessor.)

CAN’T WAIT? BUY THE E-BOOK NOW:

in ALL FORMATS for any DEVICE at ALL RETAILERS

including  iBooks ❤ Kobo ❤ Amazon ❤ Barnes & Noble ❤ Google Play ❤ Inside Romance

Softcovers at all the usual places, including Chapters ❤ Amazon ❤ Barnes & Noble ❤ Book Depository ❤ Powell’s Books and your favourite retailer

AUDIOBOOK COMING CHRISTMAS 2017

sign up for M. Jane Colette’s Rough Draft Confessions to get advance notice of its release

REMEMBER: The story continues on Tues Nov 14 with Chapter 42 // CAST-OFFS hosted by JOJO THE BOOKAHOLIC..

M. Jane Colette writes tragedy for people who like to laugh, comedy for the melancholy, and erotica for women and men who like their fantasies real. She believes rules and hearts were made to be broken; ditto the constraints of genres.

Connect with her on Twitter / GoodReads / FaceBook / Instagram and subscribe to her newsletter, Rough Draft Confessions, to stay in the loop on her WIPs, new releases, and fab multi-media, multi-author projects. You can also email her at TellMe@mjanecolette.com.

For more information about the tour & its other hosts, visit mjanecolette.com/ConAudioTour or check out the schedule below.

 

CONSEQUENCES AUDIOBOOK BLOG TOUR
#ConAudioTour #SteamyListen #ListenToThis
visit mjanecolette.com/ConAudioTour for daily link updates

Mon Sept 25  Chapter 1 THE PHOTOGRAPH hosted by TOME TENDER BOOK BLOG // Tues Sept 26 Chapter 2 PINK PANTIES hosted by KIM KNIGHT // Wed Sept 27  Chapter 3  HARD TO OPEN hosted by WICKED COOL FLIGHT // Thurs Sept 28  Chapter 4  ENTER THE ADULTERER hosted by MISHA ELLIOTT // Sat Sept 30 Chapter 5 THE WOMAN IN RED hosted by ALYSSA LINN PALMER //Sun Oct 1 Chapter 6  THE WHORE WHO WORE TURQUOISE hosted by DIRTY BAD BLOGGERS //Mon Oct 2 Chapter 7  CARELESS hosted by ELIZA DAVID // Tues Oct 3 Chapter 8  REVENGE SEX hosted by CAMERON ALLIE EROTICA // Wed Oct 4  Chapter 9  RENAMING DESTINY hosted by SO…WHATCHA READING? // Thurs Oct 5  Chapter 10  DREAMING OF SILENCE hosted by THE READING CAT // Sat Oct 7 Chapter 11  BABY OIL hosted by JENNA HOWARD // Sun Oct 8 Chapter 12 SPERM DONOR hosted by AMAZEBALLS BOOK ADDICTS  // Mon Oct 9 Chapter 13 ALWAYS THE WOMAN’S FAULT co-hosted by Teri Hicks & Co’s READING OUT LOUD + SJs BOOK BLOG // Tues Oct 10 Chapter 14 CUNT IN A BOARDROOM hosted by TL CLARK // Wed Oct 11   Chapter 15  BLACKMAIL hosted by BOOKWORM BRANDEE // Thurs Oct 12  Chapter 16  MAGIC CARPET RIDE hosted by SOUTHERN BRED & READ BOOK BLOG // Sat Oct 14  Chapter 17  CONDOMS IN A SUITCASE hosted by AMANDA SIEGRIST  // Sun Oct 15  Chapter 18  COMING OUT hosted by MICHELE FOGAL // Mon Oct 16  Chapter 19  PRETTY BOY hosted by REAL TASTY PAGES // Tues Oct 17  Chapter 20  PROMISCUOUS POLYAMORY hosted by LOVES GREAT READS BLOG // Wed Oct 18  Chapter 21  EDUCATING PHILISTINES hosted by RAMPA PA GROUP // Thurs Oct 19  Chapter 22  FUCKING ARTISTS hosted by JENN’S BOOK OBSESSION // Sat Oct 21  Chapter 23  GUILT IN A TEA CUP hosted by SULTRY SIRENS // Sun Oct 22  Chapter 24  LABELS hosted by TORY RICHARDS  // Mon Oct 23 Chapter 25  COERCION hosted by ROXANA NASTASE // Tues Oct 24 Chapter 26  UNGRATEFUL hosted by CASEY’S CORNER // Wed Oct 25  Chapter 27  DUPLICATE hosted by A DREAMER’S BOOK Facebook BLOG (off-FB back-up on mjanecolette) // Fri Oct 27 Chapter 28  SECRETS IN A VELVET BAG hosted by LOVE INDIE ROMANCE // Sat Oct 28  Chapter 29  BITTERSWEET COFFEE hosted by THE GENRE MINX BOOK REVIEWS // Sun Oct 29 Chapter 30  WORDS ON THE SCREEN hosted by DEELYLAH MULLIN // Mon Oct 30 Chapter 31  ADDICTIONS hosted by ANGELICA DAWSON // Wed Nov 1 Chapter 32  ENABLER hosted by 2 CHICKS & A BOOK Facebook Blog (off-FB back-up on mjanecolette)  // Thurs Nov 2 Chapter 33  FOOLISH COUGAR hosted by A RISQUÉ BOOK AFFAIR BOOK BLOG  // Fri Nov 3 Chapter 34  NO MORE hosted by KATE FOREST // Sun Nov 5  Chapter 35  CRASH hosted by MISS J MONROE // Mon Nov 6 Chapter 36  SUFFERING FOR ART hosted by T&A BOOK BLOG // Nov 7  Chapter 37  PLAYING CUPID hosted by MISCHA ELIOT // Wed Nov 8 Chapter 38  EMASCULATION hosted by PHOEBE ALEXANDER // Thurs Nov 9 Chapter 39  RITUAL hosted by ROMANCE NOVEL GIVEAWAYS // Sun Nov 12 Chapter 40  MUSE hosted by SIP READ LOVE // Mon Nov 13  41  CHRISTMAS DAY hosted by DIRTY GIRL ROMANCE // Tues Nov 14  Chapter 42 CAST-OFFS hosted by JOJO THE BOOKAHOLIC // Wed Nov 15 Chapter 43  VIOLATION hosted by BOOK SNIFFERS ANONYMOUS // Thurs Nov 16 Chapter 44  AGAIN WITH THE CONFESSION hosted by WOPSY WOO BOOK BLOG// Sat Nov 18 Chapter 45  FETTERED, FREE hosted by CARRIE AUSTIN REVIEWS // Sun Nov 19  Chapter 46 ABSOLUTION hosted by READS2LOVE // Mon Nov 20 Chapter 47 THRESHOLD hosted by STEPHANIE’S BOOK REPORTS //FINALE: Tues Nov 21 Chapter 48   AN UNSATISFACTORY ENDING hosted by (UN)CONVENTIONAL BOOK VIEWS // Wed Nov 22  Full Recap on mjanecolette.com + Cyber Champagne Celebration of the Tour’s Success! // Thurs Nov 30 – GRAND PRIZE WINNERS ANNOUNCED on mjanecolette.com 

 

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Exclusive Prologue Reveal & ARC Giveaway: ONE SHOT by BJ Harvey

November 9, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

One Shot
Series: Chances #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Author: BJ Harvey
Release Date: November 16, 2017

Boy meets girl, boy wins girl, boy nails girl—boy’s gone by morning.

I think for sure it must’ve been a dream because there’s no way a guy could look like that, touch me like that and be so in tune with me on every known level, and disappear, leaving me with nothing but a good story to tell my friends.

When he walks into my bar three months later, everything I thought I knew and what we’d had disappears in the blink of an eye and the blinding light of the three-carat diamond on his fiancée’s hand.

It seems what I thought was a dream is now my most complicated reality, and I’ve got absolutely no idea how to fix it – or if I even want to.

 

AMAZON | iBOOKS | B&N | KOBO

PROLOGUE

Present Day

I have tingles, and not the kind that feel great in all the right places. The ones I’m feeling right now are the hair-standing-up-on-the-back-of-your-neck, someone-walking-over-your-grave kind of feelings that you get when something bad is about to happen.

Unable to ignore them any longer, I turn around from my stock take sheet and come face to face with my worst nightmare.

Lana fucking Mason, childhood best friend turned high school nemesis and arch enemy, and…

A man stands beside her, his eyes as wide as mine and—if I’m not mistaken—he looks kind of pissed off. At me.

And just like that, this moment has just gone from bad to worse.

Hold on! I’m the one who should be annoyed, with him. It wasn’t me who did a disappearing act three months ago, and now he’s here, standing with her. Of all the fish in the sea, he had to go for the smelliest, rottenest one.

“Kenzie,” she says, all saccharine sweet, like she wouldn’t choke on the first dick that came close to her perfectly-made-up lips. “Long time no see.”

Forever wouldn’t have been long enough, Lana.

“We were in town running errands and thought we’d stop by. I wanted to let you know what I’ve been up to.” Without preamble, she holds out her hand as if she’s the Queen of Sheba and I’m a lowly minion at her bidding. But that’s the last thing I care about, given that I’m being blinded by a huge, shiny rock on her ring finger.

What in the ever-loving fuck­?

I don’t get a chance to hide my surprise, or the fact that my eyes dart to Millen, his jaw twitching like crazy, his grey eyes that I remember turning molten with lust now blazing with some unreadable emotion.

Why is he angry at me when he must’ve known that I’d be here?

Lana turns her head and beams at him all doe-eyed and vomit-inducing, reaching out her arm to Millen before returning her attention to me, positioning herself to deliver the final death blow.

Then she says them. The words I don’t want to hear—let alone believe.

“I have amazing news. First, my daddy just bought this place. And second, meet Millen, my fiancé…”

Yep. Dead. Done. The see-ya-later, don’t-let-the-door-hit-your-ass-on-the-way-out kind of done.

Then Drew walks through the front door. Drew who warms my bed most nights. Finally, a friendly face.

However, one look at Lana’s expression and I know this moment has just gone from bad to plain awkward. It’s like the universe is making a joke at my expense.

Drew’s already big smile grows impossibly larger when he spots the two people standing in front of me.

“Mills!” he says, pulling Millen into a man-hug the likes of which I’ve never seen Drew hand out before. He turns to the she-bitch and wraps his arms around her too. “Lans.”

Lans?

“What are you guys doing here?” Drew asks.

“You know them?” I blurt out, my brain unable to engage quick enough to care about putting a filter in place.

Millen’s eyes snap to Drew then back to me. “You know Drew?” he asks at the same time as Lana juts a hip to the side and asks Drew, “You know Kenzie?”

“Millen is my best friend from college,” Drew happily informs me, and his smile falls at the same time that all of the blood rushes from my face.

Awkward, meet Mortifying. Also here are Shame, Embarrassment, Anger, Disgust, and over in the corner there is Complete and Utter Confusion and her friend I’m Going to Have to Move to the States and Join a Women-Only Commune with Cats and Unlimited Batteries.

With nothing else to say—at least, nothing that wouldn’t take a bottle of Jack and a whole lot of time—I decide to just go with the flow and revert to my old trusty auto-pilot because seriously, what else is there for me to do?

“Soooo, would anyone like a drink?”

BJ Harvey is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Bliss Series. She regards herself as a smut peddler, suspense conjurer, and a funny romance thinker upper. An avid music fan, you will always find her singing some hit song badly and loving every minute of it. She’s a wife, a mom to two beautiful girls, and hails from what she considers as the best country in the world—New Zealand.

BJ’s Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Sign up for her mailing list here

Want a chance to win an ARC of One Shot?! Enter HERE on the DGR Facebook page

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Author Spotlight & interview, Excerpts, Giveaways · Tagged With: , ,
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