Everything is the story every Book Boyfriend fan has been waiting for! #Rocker NOW LIVE! Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Sd9zD2 Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1UF88TP iBooks: http://apple.co/28Lij4h Nook: http://goo.gl/HEIXok Music was was part of my DNA, pumping hard through my veins, resonating deep within my bones. Not surprising, considering my dad was a global rock star and my mom had the voice of a fallen angel. With my twin sister by my side in our indie-rock duo, Singed Wings, we were ready to finally see our name in lights when we opened for the hottest act to sell out stadiums – Jobu’s Rum Summer Reunion Tour. The life I’d always wanted was finally within my reach. All I had left to do was finish out my last semester of high school. But there was one problem: Ms. Sloan, the new art history teacher. The same Ms. Sloan I’d met as Belle, the sexy little pixie who’d captivated me at a New Year’s Eve concert last year. The same Ms. Sloan who’d owned nearly every one of my thoughts since that night. The same Ms. Sloan whose class I was in danger of failing. With my dream gig dangling just on the other side of that cap and gown, all of my focus should’ve been on my school work and improving my music as I prepared for my big shot to rock the world… But I never expected her to rock mine first… and to change everything. **Everything is a standalone novel. It is a spin-off from the Book Boyfriend Series.** About the Author Erin Noelle is a Texas native, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and three fur babies. When she’s not reading or writing romance novels, she enjoys winning at cards and board games, awkward people-watching in public places, and doing cartwheels at the most random times. She’s usually barefoot, is never without a song in her head, and currently holds the title of World’s Best Procrastinator. Her titles published include the Book Boyfriend Series, Dusk ‘Til Dawn Series, Luminous Duet, Fire on the Mountain series, and numerous standalone books that range from New Adult to Contemporary romance. Her books have been a part of the USA Today Bestselling list as well as the Amazon and Barnes & Noble overall Top 100. You can follow her on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/erin.noelle.98, her blog @ www.erinnoelleauthor.com, on Twitter @authorenoelle, and on Instagram @erinnoelleauthor. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
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To See You by Rachel Blaufeld is NOW LIVE!
New Emotional Standalone No cliffhanger, only hard-earned unexpected love. And angst. Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1tCEWD5 Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/26axr4b iBooks: http://apple.co/1OrSMfi
No cliffhanger, only hard-earned unexpected love.
And angst. What is it about this guy? On paper, he’s one hundred percent wrong for me. His e-mails are equal parts annoying and funny. Okay, more funny than annoying. More like refreshing. Different. Exciting. But as I stand next to him now, he’s giving me head-to-toe tingles, and I find myself dwelling on his e-mails. Meet smart, sexy career girl and New York snob, Charli Richards. She has everything except happiness until the day she meets Layton Griffin. It’s a random encounter on an airplane; it couldn’t mean anything, right? Layton isn’t even remotely close to who Charli sees herself hooking up with . . . ever. Her mom and best friend agree he’s not for her, but he makes her feel something exciting, awakens her world. But then Layton changes, going to great lengths for Charli to see him for who he really is. Will those changes bring them closer together, or will she never be able to see him in the same way again?
Excerpt:
“Cheers.” My seatmate good-naturedly tipped his glass toward me. He wasn’t going to leave me alone. I took a long gulp and looked back at my computer screen. “Do you like working for them?” I tugged at my turtleneck; it was so freaking hot all of a sudden. My nosy neighbor’s face had a slight sheen to it, clearly from being hot, and now his warmth was seeping into my space. “I do. They’re a growing company and . . . I’ve made great strides there.” What the heck? Why was I even answering him? Because he asked, and if I was honest, it was the nicest anyone had been to me in months. Furthermore, why did I sound like I was on an interview? Or an infomercial? He was kind—I could tell—and his smile was gentle and calm, his eyes like warm coffee with just the right amount of cream swirling through it. I turned a little in my seat to face him and my knee brushed his thigh. I let my gaze travel his Beastie Boys T-shirt until I settled on his computer. Playing on it was a rom-com, one I’d never seen before, but Katie What’s-her-name--all stunning, shiny hair, celebrity mom, perfect life--was front and center. Her arms were full of shopping bags and she was wearing a big grin on her perfect face as she walked down a city street. “You don’t strike me as the romantic comedy type.” I felt my eyebrow lift. I wasn’t sure if I was teasing him or myself as the question floated from my mouth. He laughed. It was soothing and comforting like a coffee-and-Kahlua on a cold night, and warm like the sun on the first few days of summer. I allowed my eyes to close and imagined he looked like somebody else—not someone else totally, but just different. Fit, not slender but muscular. He still had the same gracious smile and inviting eyes, but he wasn’t wearing a music T-shirt in my imagination. Maybe a Henley? And dark-wash jeans instead of the regular everyday ragged blue I’d noticed him wearing. “It’s work too,” he said, interrupting my fantasy. “Oh.” I chugged the balance of my mimosa, cooling the wash of desire recently conjured up from my brain. “Actually, I’m pretty sure BubblePOP will end up reviewing this one, will probably have someone at the premiere too. That’s why I asked about the site. Six degrees of Kevin Bacon and all that. Our worlds are connected.” “I don’t do movies. I’m the fitness editor, but if Katie What’s-her-name is in it, I’m sure we’ll be all over it.” He shifted his gaze over fully to me now. His eyes weren’t exclusively deep brown; tiny flecks of amber circled his pupil. They were captivating in a weird way, as if they didn’t belong with this guy. I’d never met a slob who was so interesting before, yet he was definitely intriguing. And not really a slob—that was my own bias. Clearly, I was having some sort of psychotic breakdown on this airplane. About the Author
Rachel Blaufeld is a social worker/entrepreneur/blogger turned author. Fearless about sharing her opinion, Rachel captured the ear of stay-at-home and working moms on her blog,BacknGrooveMom, chronicling her adventures in parenting tweens and inventing a product, often at the same time. She has also blogged for The Huffington Post, Modern Mom, and StartupNation.
Turning her focus on her sometimes wild-and-crazy creative side, it only took Rachel two decades to do exactly what she wanted to do—write a fiction novel. Now she spends way too many hours in local coffee shops plotting her ideas. Her tales may all come with a side of angst and naughtiness, but end lusciously. Rachel lives around the corner from her childhood home in Pennsylvania with her family and two dogs. Her obsessions include running, coffee, icing-filled doughnuts, anti-heroes, and mighty fine epilogues. Stalk Rachel at: website / Twitter / Facebook Sign up for her newsletter for the latest news on releases, sales, giveaways and other updates.
He survived combat…but will he fight for love?
Former Army Captain and venture capitalist Preston Guthrie has always had a thing for Cat Kingston, but he never felt like he could date his best friend’s sister. Plus, he’s a wrong-side-of-the-tracks guy and she’s a white-picket-fence kind of woman. Yet when they met again just before he was deployed, sparks flew. A fire ignited. And the heat was hot. For the first time, he thought a relationship with her might be possible…until an injury in the war changed everything… Journalist Cat Kingston had a rough couple of years, surviving a broken engagement and the loss of her job. But connecting with Preston last fall seemed right. They shared steamy Skype sessions while he was overseas—until he was wounded, and cut her off without explanation. Now he’s back in town to be the Best Man for her sister’s wedding…and she wants answers. Preston’s struggling with a leg wound, but the war scarred him on the inside, too. When Cat pays him a surprise visit and her brother catches them in a compromising position, Preston tells him they’re dating. He’s not sure how he can spend the entire wedding week fake-dating her when the chemistry between them feels anything but…
EXCERPT:
“It’s okay,” she said, ready to dig into her own. “We can change the subject.” He put down the burger and wiped his mouth with his napkin. “I took a bullet for one of my squadron mates. I jumped in instinctively, but I wasn’t quite fast enough to get us both out of the way. It caught me in the leg and shattered my knee.” “What about your buddy?” “He and his wife just had a baby girl.” Her eyes began to tear up suddenly. He shifted in his seat. “Oh, come on now, don’t cry.” “I’m not crying.” She swiped at the corners of her eyes. “I bet you cry at sappy old movies. And weddings.” “Don’t forget baptisms, baby showers, and bar mitzvahs, too.” “Well then, get ready to open the floodgates. Want to know the best part?” “What’s that?” “They asked me to be godfather.” Then the smart-ass handed over his napkin. She used it to daub at her eyes even as she rolled them at him. He sat across from her and chuckled. “You’re a hero,” she said. “Whatever bad feelings you have about the war, at least you know you did a good thing. A really good thing.” “It’s not the people you helped that gets you. It’s the men you couldn’t save.” Their gazes caught again across the tiny table. He had the most expressive blue eyes. The same color as the summer sky behind him, and so full of feeling, Cat could not imagine what he had gone through in combat. She wished she could say something, anything funny to bring the laughter back into them, but words escaped her. “I was just doing my job,” he said in a detached tone. “And speaking of doing my job, I found you a prospect. To date.” He pulled out an iPad from his briefcase. “An investment banker. I’ve known him a long time. I can vouch for the fact that he’s a great guy.” “Oh, wonderful.” She rubbed her hands together in faux excitement, but deep down, she didn’t have the heart for it. The man on the screen was white haired. Not gray on the sides or even gray all over but as stark white as a bleached sheet flapping in the breeze. “I’ve known Carlos since I graduated from college.” “Is he your grandfather?” “Ha ha. Very funny.” “Has he been married?” “He’s a widower.” “Kids?” “Five.” She shut the iPad. “This does not count as a genuine prospect.” “I can’t help it if you shallowly reject good candidates based solely on their appearance.” “I am not shallow.” He shrugged. “I don’t know what else I would call it.” “I’m not attracted to fifty-three-year-olds. And he doesn’t even look fifty-three. He looks seventy-three.” “Your problem, not mine.” “You suck at this!” “Maybe you can help me narrow my search by telling me what you’re looking for in a guy.” “Kind, ambitious, cute. Not a grandfather. Someone who loves me just the way I am.” “Who wouldn’t love you just the way you are?” His eyes sparked with conviction. Emotions flickered across his face that she couldn’t interpret—regret, anger, and something else much darker. Want. She could swear he looked at her the way a man looks at a woman he wants to kiss, long and hard and deep. About the Author
Miranda Liasson loves to write stories about courageous but flawed characters who find love despite themselves, because there’s nothing like a great love story. And if there are a few laughs along the way, even better! She’s a former Golden Heart winner who writes series romance for Entangled Publishing and lighthearted contemporary romance for Montlake Publishing. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, three kids, and Posey, a rescue cat with attitude.
Author Links: Website: www.mirandaliasson.com Blog: http://www.mirandaliasson.com/blog/ Twitter: : https://twitter.com/mirandaliasson Facebook: : https://www.facebook.com/MirandaLiassonAuthor Personal Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/miranda.liasson Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10716626.Miranda_Liasson Newsletter: http://www.mirandaliasson.com/#mailing-list Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mirandaliasson/ Pinterest board for the book: https://www.pinterest.com/mirandaliasson/a-man-of-honor/
Politically Incorrect
Author:Jeanne McDonald
Genre: Contemporary Political Romance
Cover Design: Jada D'Lee Designs
Publisher: Enchanted Publications
Expected Release Date: August 16, 2016
Jeanne McDonald is an author, a mother, a wife, a student of knowledge and of life, a coffee addict, a philosophy novice, a pop culture connoisseur, inspired by music, encouraged by words, and a believer in true love. When she's not spending time with her family, she can be found reading, writing, enjoying a great film, chatting with friends or diligently working toward her bachelor's degree in literature. A proud Texan, Jeanne currently resides in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her family.
Sex. Lies. Greed. Power. Scandal. Politics.
Nothing gets by Elizabeth McNeal. As a forty-five year old divorcee and a nationally renowned political strategist, she can claim to have seen it all. Most of her adult life sheâs focused on two important things â her daughter and her career. Now, challenged by a new campaign and a new candidate, Elizabeth is forced to reevaluate the things she most values and make some major decisions that could impact her future.
William Baxter is a thirty-four year old Democratic Congressman for the great state of Texas whoâs vying for an empty seat in the U.S. Senate. Accustomed to standing out in a crowd, Liam takes pride in being true to himself and the people he serves. He refuses to fall in line with the stereotypical persona of a politician. Backed by one of the richest men in Texas, Liam is offered the chance to work with D.C.âs most elite political strategist. With the odds already against him because of his party affiliation and age, itâs an offer he canât refuse.
Apprehensive about their age differences and driven by politics, Elizabeth finds herself keeping score of their sensual game for control. For the woman who thought sheâd seen it all, the man in the eccentric ties and a dashing smile teaches her a new game to play. Rules are made to be broken. Lines are meant to be crossed. But in the high stakes sport of politics, where one bad decision can destroy a campaign, can they afford to rewrite the rules to meet their desires or will they choose to remain politically incorrect?
Happy Release Day to Stylo Fantome! Best Laid Plans and Out of Plans is now available in a box set!! The box set is #OnSale for $0.99 for three days (regular price $4.99). Find out why readers love Lily and Marc. AND get a sneak peek at Kingley's book - titled LAW (Mercenaries #3) book below. We can't WAIT for his book!!! #ComingSoon ★¸¸.•*¨*•★ Now Available on All Retailer Sites!! ★¸¸.•*¨*•★ Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo LILY *Makes the plans MARC *F@%ks up the plans LAW *Saves the plans Follow them from Casablanca to Bogota, from Kiev to Ithaca, as they steal some diamonds, make some enemies, fall a little in love, and kick a lot of ass. INCLUDED IN THIS SET: Best laid Plans, The Mercenaries #1 Out of Plans, The Mercenaries #2 Sneak Peek of LAW, The Mercenaries #3 Bonus Scene Bonus Material Interviews MPAA Rating: R - contains: Violence, Grisly Images, Strong Language, Nudity, and Graphic Sexual Content Best Laid Plans on Goodreads Out of Plans on Goodreads **Enjoy a sneak peek into Law's book!!!** LAW. Helicopters. The sound of rotor blades haunted him. Sometimes, they were deafening. He could be standing in a crowded market in Bangkok, and all he would hear is womp womp womp. Kingsley had joined the military at the tender age of seventeen. Some forged paperwork and a couple fake IDs, and he got right in – he knew punishment and discovery was inevitable, but none of it could be as bad as his home life. His step-father took discipline very seriously, and though Kingsley had been over six feet tall since Year Six, he was a string bean. Putting on weight was impossible for him, even though he ate like a horse. His step-father was a local boxing champion, a skill he liked to use often to prove his points. The military could provide an income, schooling, a chance to travel, and most importantly – would teach him how to properly defend himself. How to make sure no one could ever treat him like that again. What he'd never expected, though, was to take to it like a duck to water. He'd signed up for simple infantry, but showed such an aptitude for marksmanship, he was moved up through the ranks to sniper quickly. By the time it was discovered that he'd lied about his age, no one cared. He was too good at his job. And not just shooting. He took to almost everything well. A childhood love for Aikido stayed with him, and he became a high degree black belt. His aptitude for stealth and his above average intellect caused his higher ups to push him towards the intelligence side of the military. He was introduced to the wonders that were SIS – formerly MI6. British intelligence and secret service. He traveled all over the world. Received training – and gave it – at prestigious places like Quantico and Langley, did tours all over Europe. Then the war on terror went to a whole new level. At the time, Kingsley had been part of an elite group of soldiers and special agents that were concentrating on gathering information about Al Qaeda. They were instructed to use “any means necessary” – a work ethic that would prove to stick with him later in life. They were stationed in Afghanistan, operating primarily out of Camp Bastion. It was conjoined with an American military base, the famed Camp Leatherneck. There was a lot of good-natured rivalry going on between the two bases, and while Kingsley enjoyed the rowdy Americans, he kept to himself for the most part. Obviously, there was an airfield at the base, and all manner of airplanes and jets were taking off, all the time. But for some reason, the helicopters stood out the most for him. He enjoyed helicopters, had received training on several models, and liked to fly in them. One day, he returned from a fact finding mission and he'd been walking across the base when a Westland Lynx helicopter had flown low over him. A little unusual. He'd lifted his eyes to watch it, squinting in the setting sun, totally not paying attention to anything going on in front of him. “Watch it!” But the warning came too late. He rammed into someone, completely bowling them over. He came to a stop, looking down at his feet. “Sorry.” She was tiny. Even sprawled out on the ground, he could tell; being somewhat of a giant, he was a good judge of size. He bent down and held out his hand, and though she glared at him, she took it and pulled herself to her feet. He smiled to himself. The pixie in front of him would be lucky if she was even brushing five-foot-two. “Do you always walk around without looking where you're going?” she snapped, dusting herself off. She had an American accent and was wearing a white lab coat over faded green scrubs. “Only when I feel like making new friends,” he teased. She glanced up at him, then went back to cleaning herself off. “Pity it didn't work this time.” “Oh, I don't know. I'm feeling very friendly.” “Watch it, soldier. I outrank you.” “Different countries, love, doesn't count. We're technically peers. Fancy a drink?” “No. Now get out of my way.” He laughed as she pushed past him. She was little, but feisty. He wondered what her gig was, what had brought her to Afghanistan. “The name's Law!” he yelled out at her form as she hurried across the pavement. “Good for you!” “And you are!?” “Someone who doesn't want to be your friend!” He laughed until she'd disappeared from sight.Crazy woman living in an undisclosed location in Alaska (where the need for a creative mind is a necessity!), I have been writing since ..., forever? Yeah, that sounds about right. I have been told that I remind people of Lucille Ball - I also see shades of Jennifer Saunders, and Denis Leary. So basically, I laugh a lot, I'm clumsy a lot, and I say the F-word A LOT. I like dogs more than I like most people, and I don't trust anyone who doesn't drink. No, I do not live in an igloo, and no, the sun does not set for six months out of the year, there's your Alaska lesson for the day. I have mermaid hair - both a curse and a blessing - and most of the time I talk so fast, even I can't understand me. Yeah. I think that about sums me up. Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page | Instagram ★¸¸.•*¨*•★ Buy Links ★¸¸.•*¨*•★ Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo “A rock star without rhythm is a man with no soul.” – Stone Lockhart Stoned releases on July 13th! Add it to your TBR:http://bit.ly/28Mw59S Blurb As the lead singer of one of the hottest bands to hit the rock scene, fucks are free, drugs come easy, and music is life. For as long as Stone can remember, Willow has been his music – the notes that weave his soul together. His rhythm. Until he threw her away. All he has left is a handful of pills and a few lines of powder to make him forget her. And he tries, over and over. Clean and ready to make things right, he’s faced with the fact that Willow’s moved on. She’s not the same girl he cast aside. Willow’s a woman sure about her purpose in life. Sure about who she’s meant to love. Stone may be lost without his rhythm, but Willow has found so much more. About the Author Title: Born to SinSeries: Born SeriesAuthor: A.L. SimpsonOn Sale for 99c at all Amazon OutletsJune 20-26Amazon Universal
HAMISH
I was born to an alcoholic mother and alcoholic, drug dealing father. Not a good start to life for a young boy. I was born to sin.
I've lied, cheated, assaulted, been an adulterer and stolen. It's how one survives the 'hood'. I have a reputation for being the 'bad boy', the fuck 'em and leave 'em type. I have never spent the night with a woman and I have never brought a woman home. We 'play' at her place and as soon as I'm done, I leave.
After fleeing my home at the age of thirteen and living on the streets - an option I found better than being with my parents, my life is turned around by an elderly lady.
I educate myself, become an award winning chef and return to the 'hood where I rent an apartment. I love and care about no-one and nothing except my Harley Motorcycle. It's here I met Jonesy and he takes my life in a whole new direction. Along with Wade, a fellow chef and the only person I can trust, the pair teach me how to love. Not only myself, but others.
BLOSSOM
I'm a wealthy Restaurateur thanks to an inheritance I received when my father passed.
I live in a penthouse apartment in the 'rich' part of the city.
Being pampered and spoiled all my life has turned me into a woman who sees something she wants and, like a dog with a bone, I won't let go until it's mine. I'm a winner. I ALWAYS win.
I don't have relationships with men. One night stands suit me just fine. I can't trust it's me they want and not my money.
I meet Hamish by chance when I'm on the hunt for a new Head Chef. He treats me like I'm not worth a second thought. I've never been treated this way and I decide at that moment, I will make Hamish mine.
Hamish has no interest in the pampered Blossom but for some reason she gets under his skin.
Then, something happens that makes him realize, he has fallen in love. Will it be too late? Will tragedy strike before he can hold her in his arms and confess his true feelings?
“Shit, that was good.” Caroline sighs as I pull out of her and roll over. “Can we go out? Will you stay the night?”
“Nope. Gotta work.” I slide off the bed and pad to the bathroom across the hall. It’s as bad as the rest of Caroline’s apartment. Broken and cracked tiles, years of filth discoloring the grout, the bathtub so stained I wouldn’t even think to lower my ass onto the grime. Peeling paint like the other rooms, torn vinyl on the floors. Not unlike my place two blocks away. Well, I at least keep my place clean.
Most of the apartment blocks in the ’hood are run down, squalid hovels. The apartments haven’t seen maintenance in years because, unless you live in the ’hood, you don’t come here. Crimes are committed every hour, screaming, gun shots, rats in the filth ridden streets. It’s all a common sight to us natives of the area. It’s why I want to get out of here. Why I’m desperate to live somewhere decent with decent people. I’ve tried to rent in an area closer to work. A nice ‘burb close to the city. The realtors take one look at my references, note where I’ve been living and tell me the place is taken. It doesn’t matter that I clean up nice before I go and see them. It doesn’t matter that I’ve managed to get myself an education and have been working as a chef at a prestigious city restaurant. Nope, once a ’hood boy, always a ’hood boy as far as they’re concerned. It is impossible to rid myself of the stigma. Once I would have worn it as a badge of honor, now I want something better.
I dispose of the condom and return to the bedroom.
Caroline is stretched out on the bed like a contented cat. Fuck, she’s got a gorgeous body.
“Why won’t you stay? Even when you don’t have to work, you won’t stay.”
I hate the whining that has been happening lately. “Babe, I’ve told you. I don’t stay anywhere except my own bed in my own apartment. Alone.”
She leans up on her elbow. “We’ve been going out for almost a month and all you’ve done is text me and order me to meet you here so you can make love to me.”
I raise my hands in front of my still naked body. My dick is now flaccid, soft. Totally turned off with her whining. “How long have you lived in this neighborhood?” I watch her frown while she wonders why I’ve asked a question I already know the answer to.
“Nine years.”
“You know my reputation?”
She lowers her eyes. “Yes.”
“And?”
“You fuck ’em and leave ’em.”
“So, why do you ask if I’m staying the night?”
I have always loved to write and have a vivid and overactive imagination.
In my spare time, when I’m not writing, I love to walk, read and shop. I believe no mountain is too hard to climb, no river is too wide to span and no journey is too difficult to complete. I follow my dreams and I urge and encourage others to do the same. With a positive attitude, the impossible can become possible. Promo Proudly Hosted by
Title: Kid
Series: Cerberus MC #2
Author: Marie James
Genre: Romance/Contemporary/MC
Release Date: June 22, 2016
Blurb
Khloe When Khloe Devaro’s best friend and fiancé is lost to the war in Iraq, she’s beyond distraught. Her intentions of joining him in the afterlife are thwarted by a Cerberus Motorcycle club member. Too young to do anything on her own, the only alternative she has now is to take Kid up on his offer to stay at the MC Clubhouse. As if that’s not a disaster waiting to happen, but anything is better than returning to the foster home she’s been forced to live in the last three years. "Kid" Dustin “Kid” Andrews spent four years as a Marine; training, fighting, and learning how to survive the most horrendous of conditions. He never imagined that holding a BBQ fundraiser for a local fallen soldier would end up as the catalyst that turns his world upside down. Resisting his attraction for a girl he’s not even certain is of legal age was easy, until he’s forced to intervene when her intentions become clear. All his training is wasted as far as he’s concerned, since none of that will help him when it comes to Khloe. Will the self-proclaimed man-whore sleep with a woman in every country he visits as planned, or will the beautiful, yet feisty girl living down the hall throw a wrench in his plan?
Purchase Links
** FREE in Kindle Unlimited **
EXCERPT
I take in every inch of him, noticing first his muscular arms and wide shoulders. I see part of a tattoo peeking out from the arm of his t-shirt. The tiny hint makes me want to see it all. I’ve always been partial to inked bodies, loving how a story can be told in ink rather than words.
His dark, brown beard is ridiculously neat, trimmed to perfection. It surrounds pouty, kissable lips. I can’t help but wonder if he has chest hair. I’ve always been attracted to very masculine men. I realize how much of a freak I am, staring at this stranger, itching to see the rest of his tattoos and wondering what he’d look like naked, how my fingers would feel caressing his skin.
Soothing brown eyes look back at me, almost pleading with me to change my views of the world. His hair is longer on top than on the sides, tousled and messy as if he’s been running his hands through it for hours. Sexy, this man is incredibly sexy. He has an edge of danger to him, but at the same time, he seems completely approachable. He’s a wash of contradictions.
“I’m sorry about your fiancé,” he says reaching his hand out to take mine.
I pull away immediately, unable to hide the quiver in my lip at the mention of Alec.
“Don’t,” I say unsure of what the word is in reference to. Don’t touch me. Don’t mention the death of my best friend. Don’t walk out of here and leave me alone.
A few minutes of peace are all I’ve gotten since Alec’s death. A handful of times over the last couple of weeks my mind would shut down, and I forget, briefly, just how much I’ve lost. I got that reprieve looking at Kid until he ruined it by opening his mouth.
Why do people always feel the need to speak? Why verbalize the pain others are feeling? Sometimes just sitting, being available if needed is the best thing you can do.
“He’s my best friend,” I say on a choked sob. I have no idea why I’m telling him this. I don’t know why I feel the need to ease the hurt I saw in his eyes when I pulled my hand away from his touch. “Was. I lost my best friend.”
“Yeah,” he says, his voice full of sorrow. “I know what that feels like.”
I pull my eyes from looking at my own hands and look back at him. For the first time, I notice dog tags hanging around his neck. Small pieces of metal, unassuming for the most part, but I know they tell a story. Every soldier who wears them has one. It seems in a time of war, those stories get harder to tell.
Kid is young. I know he’s older than me. Even with an unmarred face and bright young eyes, he’s got an air about him that lets you know he’s seen more than most. He’s suffered more than most.
I immediately feel some sort of kindred-ship with him. I begin to shut the little part of myself down that he somehow forced me to open. He’s so young; there’s a good chance he’s still a soldier, and there’s no guarantee that any of them are safe. It’s best to just keep every one of them at a distance.
“You’re in the Army?” I finally manage to ask, angling my head at the tags around his neck.
I watch as he reaches his hand up and touches them as if he’s worn them so long he’s forgotten that they’re even there.
“I was in the Marines,” he answers quickly. “I’ve been out for a couple years now.”
“How old are you?” Was a soldier? No longer in the service? He doesn’t look old enough.
“Twenty-four.”
Six years older than me. I shake my head, knowing he sees nothing but a child sitting here in this bed. Not that I expect anything different, but I’m tired of being viewed as a child.
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AUTHOR BIO
Marie James: I’m a full-time, working mother of two boys and wife of 11 years. I've spent almost my entire lifetime living in central Texas, with only short stays in South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida. I've always wanted to write novels and just recently had the gumption to sit down and start one. My passions include reading everything under the sun and plotting out new books to write in the future. Kincaid is my 7th book. I’ve also written the Hale Series, Love ME Like That, and a FanFiction named Psychosis, featuring up and coming cover model, Matthew Hosea, as the main character. This book was done for fun and all of the proceeds are going to charity. All of my books are currently available on Amazon.
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Cover Design: Najla Qamber Designs Release Date: June 22, 2016 SynopsisThe bad boy. The fuck up. The thief. That was me. Once a king, Now a wanderer. I’d thrown the best parts of me away, over and over again. I was reckless. Still am. I’d been exiled. Twice. I did my time. I’ve cleaned up. Well, sort of. I got plans. Yeah, good ones. Then I ran into her. A bolt of lightning Startling Unsettling Breathtaking Out of reach. The woman I once scorned years ago is now the woman I can’t live without. I need what I didn’t think I’d ever need again. I want and want and want. Torture. She’s the epicenter of the war I’ve triggered, of the battle in my rusted heart. I may be as reckless as I ever was, but I’m determined as fuck. To hell with it. I want it all.GoodreadsGiveaway$20 Amazon Gift Card & Signed paperback of Blood & Rust Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0cba4250259/? About the AuthorCat Porter was born and raised in New York City, but also spent a few years in Europe, Texas and the suburbs along the way. As an introverted, only child, she had very big, but very secret dreams for herself. She graduated from Vassar College, was a struggling actress, an art gallery girl, special events planner, freelance writer, and had all sorts of other crazy jobs all hours of the day and night to help make those dreams come true. She has two children's books traditionally published under her maiden name. She now lives in Greece with her husband and three children, and freaks out regularly and still daydreams way too much. She is addicted to old movies, the History Channel, her iPad, her husband's homemade red wine, really dark chocolate, and her Nespresso coffee machine. Writing keeps her somewhat sane, extremely happy, and a productive member of society.Connect with CatWebsite: http://www.catporter.eu/wordpress/ Email: catporter103@gmail.com Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/biiKNT Facebook Author Page: http://on.fb.me/1PlCeYp Facebook Group: http://on.fb.me/1PAL7i7 Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/1TiJEwA Goodreads Group: http://bit.ly/1ZP3Z1d Instagram: https://instagram.com/catporter103/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/catporter103 Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1OMsLq8 Raw Redemptionby Tessa Bailey Crossing the Line #4 Publication Date: June 13, 2016 Genres: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Entangled: Select SuspensePurchase: Amazon | Paperback | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | B&N| Kobo | iBooksSynopsis: Loving her might cost him everything… Disgraced cop Henrik Vance is having a shit year. Banished to a derelict undercover squad, he’s been tasked with hunting down the daughter of Chicago’s most dangerous criminal. His obsession with saving the beautiful girl destroyed his career. And this time, it might cost his life. Ailish O’Kelly doesn’t need a hero. She’ll save herself from her father’s violent criminal dynasty, thank you very much. Unfortunately, the sexy as sin cop who crashes her hideout isn’t hearing reason—especially not after the kiss that becomes much more. His boss wants her as an informant. Ailish wants Henrik to keep whispering filthy things against her skin. But she knows too well the evil they’re up against, and when it comes down to protecting the man who owns her body and soul, she only has one choice…
Excerpt:
Henrik’s sigh blew her hair back like a stiff gust of wind. “While I’m with you, Ailish, I’m working. There are lines I can’t cross.” Even knowing it was a little evil, nothing could suppress the pop of excitement in her belly. She was alone with a man—a gorgeous man—who wanted her. But had to keep his hands off. It was a tease’s paradise, and they were both screwed. Or not screwed, depending on your point of view. “We can’t sleep together.” “No.” He dropped his needful gaze to her breasts again. “We can’t.” She executed her best nonchalant shoulder shrug. “Oh.” “You’re smiling again.” Ailish couldn’t stifle her chuckle. Man oh man, she really liked this big ol’ man, and they’d only just met. He deserved a fair warning about what he was getting himself into. “Henrik, you should probably put as much distance between you and me as possible. I really like that you want me. And I probably won’t be able to help trying to keep it that way.” She drew a lazy circle on his abdomen with her index finger, watching in awe as the ridged muscle shuddered under her touch. “For instance, I’d love to tell you I’m wearing cheap white panties and you can see clear through them in the right light.” His body did this kind of heave, right at Ailish, flattening her backside against the sink. Their mouths were suddenly so close, she could feel his hot puffs of breath on her lips, feel his chest lifting and falling where it met her breasts. “I don’t like hearing that you’ve talked to other men that way.” “I haven’t,” she whispered. “I don’t. I usually just—” “I do not want to know.” Henrik made a subtle move, just a downward roll of his hips that dragged his erection over the crotch of her leggings. But it wasn’t really subtle at all because he stopped right over her clit and nudged forward. She nearly jumped out of her skin, it was so unexpected, her body’s deluge of need so extreme. “H’oh boy.” His mouth sifted through the hair covering her ear. “Tease me as much as you want. Just don’t try to send me packing again. Are we clear?” “I told you I don’t like being ordered around.” He rasped the stubble of his jaw against her neck. “You’d love the way I do it.” DON'T MISS THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SIZZLING CROSSING THE LINE SERIES....RISKIER BUSINESS (Crossing the Line, #0.5)Amazon: amzn.to/20lcMqZ Amazon UK: amzn.to/1SEkprm Amazon CA: amzn.to/1QlggoO B&N: bit.ly/1KwPaGI Kobo: bit.ly/1ng87bm iBooks: apple.co/1VgV6td RISKING IT ALL (Crossing the Line, #1)Amazon: amzn.to/1OFzp4j Amazon UK: amzn.to/1Qlgso5 Amazon CA: amzn.to/1ng89zZ B&N: bit.ly/1PLsjck Kobo: bit.ly/1ZZ7G3F iBooks: apple.co/1H3i6ZU UP IN SMOKE (Crossing the Line, #2)Amazon: amzn.to/1OOxsQN Amazon UK: amzn.to/1ng9QO0 Amazon CA: amzn.to/1PLtqsl B&N: bit.ly/1Uje0iX Kobo: bit.ly/1H0Ai3m iBooks: apple.co/1PqvcFd BOILING POINT (Crossing the Line, #3)Amazon: amzn.to/1TgKgF1 Amazon UK: amzn.to/1S1T02S Amazon CA: amzn.to/1PuCMs2 B&N: bit.ly/1OMqfRe Kobo: bit.ly/1K2DkaJ iBooks: apple.co/23kSSPs ABOUT TESSA BAILEYTessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days. Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention. She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband of eight years and four-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Newsletter GIVEAWAY |