USA Today Bestselling Author Elisabeth Grace's BUILT TO LAST is available now! We're so thrilled for readers to get their hands on Scarlett and Luke's story! If you love second chance romances and small town contemporaries, you definitely need to get your hands on this one!About BUILT TO LASTAt seventeen, the small town of Saltwater Springs had been everything to Scarlett Devereaux—as had her boyfriend Luke. Never had she imagined she’d have to leave them both behind—until the night that changed everything. A decade after skipping town Scarlett returns to start over in the only place that ever really felt like home. But when nothing goes as planned, she’s forced to turn to Luke for help. With a drunk for a dad and a mom making pocket change at the local diner, no one ever thought Luke Garrity would amount to anything. After building a successful contracting business he’s proven everyone wrong professionally, but things in his personal life are upside down. Making it the exact wrong time for Scarlett to return to Saltwater Springs. With a history of devastation and heartbreak between them can Scarlett and Luke make amends, or will secrets from the past threaten the foundation of Scarlett’s new life? Were Luke and Scarlett really built to last?BUILT TO LAST is available now – add it to your Goodreads list here! Read BUILT TO LAST for free on Kindle Unlimited: Read an excerpt from BUILT TO LAST“Place your left hand on the piece of wood away from where you’re cutting, but close enough that it’s comfortable.” She did as he instructed. “Good, just like that. Now you’re ready to cut.” Luke moved to stand beside her. Scarlett was nervously biting her lip. “I don’t know if I can do this.” She glanced up to him, her eyes almost pleading with him not to force her. He couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to the spitfire of a woman she’d been blossoming into before she left town. Not only had she lost some of her Southern accent during her time away, but apparently she’d also lost some of her “hear me roar” attitude. What had shaken her confidence so much that she questioned her abilities? His stomach twisted at all the different scenarios running through his mind that could have made that possible. “I’ll help you with the first cut.” Luke positioned himself behind Scarlett and leaned over her bent frame, placing his hand over hers. Her soft hand twitched underneath his for a second and then settled. “All right, the key is to keep an eye on the saw base as you cut and to push with enough force that the saw keeps moving through the wood, but not so fast that the saw seems to slow down. Sound good?” She nodded, the movement of her body shifting her hips ever so slightly—enough that he became painfully aware of his crotch’s proximity to the juncture of her thighs. He shifted his weight, trying to get comfortable in pants that were becoming more uncomfortable by the second. Scarlett’s whole body tensed underneath him. With a deep breath, Luke decided the best course of action was to ignore her response to being so physically close to him, even though her rigidity further twisted the knife she’d dug into him a decade earlier, leaving him wanting to question why he was never good enough. Scarlett cleared her throat. “Let’s get this over with.” Her words dug the knife in deeper. “Once I have the first one under my belt, I’m sure it will get easier.” Maybe that’s all he’d ever been to her—a notch in the proverbial belt for experience sake. He’d never thought he was just a good time to her, but she’d left him questioning everything. “Turn the saw on then, and I’ll help you guide it,” he said in a brusque tone. The sound of the blade whirling against the side of the wood cut through the silence in the storefront and Scarlett jerked a bit, startled, bumping into him. Not at all helping the situation below his belt. Luke lightly squeezed her hand below his, indicating that she should push the saw forward. As she did, bits of wood and sawdust bounced up and into the air. Five seconds later, the small piece they’d cut fell to the ground and the saw’s rotation started to slow. The noise died down, and Luke was about to congratulate Scarlett on making her first cut when a shrill voice rang out from behind them. “Well, well. Isn’t this cozy? Still trying to sleep your way into high society, are you, Luke?”4 Star Review by Ashley
I've been on a kick of highly emotional reads lately and Built to last is the change of pace that I've been needing. Elisabeth Grace perfectly captured the charm of a small town in this romance. It was loaded with humor and heart. And some good ol' southern sayings that took me back to the summers I spent there as a child.
I was hooked from the beginning and found myself rooting for Scarlett to succeed. This woman is equal parts brave, strong, sultry and sensitive. She has returned home after a decade away and is trying to make her once dream a reality. With her hopes dwindling as fast as her funds, she stakes her last prayer on the contractor she finds on a whim. What she wasn't expecting was for her biggest regret to walk into her unfinished bakery, Luke Garrity. Oh, that Luke- insert swoon. The years have been good to him. He is running a successful business and has everything he ever wanted; except Scarlett. I think he was just as shocked as she was to come face to face. Years of hurt, anger, wondering and lost memories seem to fall away as they spend time working together on the bakery. Luke is determined to have his Lettie back and will do anything to make that happen. I loved seeing this big guy show off his even bigger heart. Seeing him with his mom and niece just melted my heart. And his patience and understanding where Scarlett was concerned was just what she needed to lower her walls. When Luke surprises the socks out of Scarlett she lets it all out. Her reasons for leaving all those years ago...My heart absolutely broke for Scarlett. For what she had endured and found a way to move past (for the most part, you don't ever get over something like that). For having to relive it all again. For shattering Luke's dreams of their future. I wasn't quite expecting Luke to react the way he did but I got it, truly I did. And when Scarlett finds herself in quite the sticky situation my heart was pounding. WOW! I didn't see that coming at all and I'm down a thumbnail to prove it. Overall, Built to Last was a fast paced story that was jammed packed with all the feels. Elisabeth Grace balanced the drama, hurt, steaminess, fear and hope very well. There was also a hearty dost of humor at the hands of the secondary characters. Those one liners had me in stitches. But most of all, I felt the love between Luke and Scarlett. Beyond the hurt and heartache, there was the unrelenting, unconditional love. And that ending, left me with a happy, satisfied smile. Want to win a Kindle Fire? Stop by Elisabeth Grace's website for more information on how to win! NewsletterBe sure to sign up for Elisabeth Grace's newsletter!Gabbing with GraceHave you joined Elisabeth Grace's reader group on Facebook? Make sure you do so - you'll be able to chat with other readers and Elisabeth, get exclusive sneak peeks, and more!Connect with Elisabeth GraceWebsite | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Google+ | Instagram
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Series: Playing For Keeps Author: Cathryn Fox Genre: Contemporary Romance Tour Host: DRC Promotions The SeriesSweet Ride, #3 He'll unlock her wildest fantasies... Private investigator Curtis Jagger has always had a thing for Alix Harris. She was the darling of their high school—gorgeous, popular, class president...and, he suspects, just as naughty as she is nice. Now Jag has the opportunity to show her what she's missing. To show her that sometimes being bad can be sexy as hell... Alix has always done what she's supposed to, and it's gotten her exactly nowhere. Determined to please herself—in every way possible—she accepts Jag's mysterious invitation to his ranch. In front of Jag's camera lens, Alix finds freedom far beyond her expectations. A freedom where she takes the reins and rides out every wicked desire. But in one week, Alix will have to return to her real world where politics reign. A world that can’t include Jagger, or she’ll lose everything.Buy Sweet Ride - Amazon US | BN | iBooks | Kobo | Amazon UK| Amazon CA
Wild Ride, #2 Good girl, meet bad cowboy... Marketing Tycoon Tyler Mackenzie, a.k.a. Wildman Mac, has a knack for knowing what people want and, more importantly, what they need…so when he decides to show sweet and sexy yoga instructor Jess Gray that she's the one for him, he puts a seductive campaign into motion. When Mac defines the terms for the week and insists she do everything he says, Jess can't help but be intrigued. Since this good girl wants to break free and do something naughty, she agrees to his terms and soon finds herself embarking on a sexual journey that knows no limits. For Jess this is one week of living out her fantasies, but Mac is determined to make this wild ride last forever.Buy Wild Ride - Amazon US | BN | iBooks | Kobo | Amazon UK| Amazon CA Slow Ride, #1 He's looking for love. She's looking for trouble... As a successful doctor and weekend cowboy, Chase Cooper enjoys a full life with plenty of female company. But lately, something hasn't felt right. He's been distracted. Antsy. Damn it, he's been lonely. With an eye on settling down with a nice girl, Coop invites his high school best friend down to his ranch to see if maybe she's the one for him... Instead, her twin sister shows up. The one who loathes him. Julia Blair is already halfway to Coop's ranch when she learns the invitation wasn't for her, but her vivacious twin sister. She has two choices: slink back home, or see just how far this farce will go. One glance at hotter-than-sin Coop, and she knows she's playing a dangerously hot game. Because what this cowboy wants, this cowboy gets...Buy Slow Ride - Amazon US | BN | iBooks | Kobo | Amazon UK| Amazon CA GiveawayAbout The AuthorNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Cathryn is a wife, mom, sister, daughter, and friend. She loves dogs, sunny weather, anything chocolate (she never says no to a brownie) pizza and red wine. She has two teenagers who keep her busy with their never ending activities, and a husband who is convinced he can turn her into a mixed martial arts fan. Cathryn can never find balance in her life, is always trying to find time to go to the gym, can never keep up with emails, Facebook or Twitter and tries to write page-turning books that her readers will love.Connect with CathrynWebsite - Newsletter - Twitter - Facebook - Blog - Goodreads - Pinterest Hosted By
Happy Book Birthday to the Woodland Creek Series!
Woodland Creek Series.
30 Authors. 30 Shifter Stories.
One Epic Release Day.
The Woodland Creek Series is an innovative and collaborative collection of Shifter stories set in one town, each with a guaranteed Happily Ever After. Sibilance by Aria Kane -- This sexy trickster won't let Sophia Samson slither out of his life so easily. Amazon | Goodreads Crow's Caw at Nightmoon Creek by Calinda B -- All she can think about is his naked body in the woods last night...and how he murdered her best friend. Amazon | Goodreads Running Free by K Webster -- Can Frankie prove her innocence with a sexy detective hot on her trail? Amazon | Goodreads Broken Wings by Mindy Larson – Love, secrets and lies make for a thrilling ride in Broken Wings. Amazon | Goodreads Mina’s Revenge by J.M. Witt -- Her powers are changing and they're more than the bloodline inheritance from her mother. Amazon Gargoyle by Scarlett Dawn -- Being stone-hard has never been this sexy and wicked before. Amazon | Goodreads Zenko by J. Rose Alexander -- Blaze Riordan must find Melody Hastings before Halloween--and only a little red fox can help him do it. Amazon The Scarlett Legacy by K.N. Lee -- All Evie wanted was to escape her family's secret...and then Avalon walked into town. Amazon The Beast Within by Rachel M. Raithby -- Passion ignites, and pasts collide, when the Beast comes out to play. Amazon | Goodreads Sinful Instincts by J.D. Hollyfield -- She was his temptation, and he was her ultimate Sin. Amazon Moonlit Feathers by Sarah Makela -- After faced with crippling loss, a heartbroken raven must find her wings again…. Amazon | Goodreads Hounded by Tasha Black -- This dog is about to have his day... Amazon Dearborn by Jenni Moen -- I craved normalcy, to fall in love with someone untouched by the magic of Woodland Creek, but not as much as I craved him. Amazon | Goodreads The Good Girl’s Guide to Being a Demon by April Aasheim -- What's a good girl to do when she starts developing horns, and a hunger? Amazon Blind Trust by Raci Ames -- When Pia goes blind she must learn to trust what her heart can see, even if it means falling in love with two different shifters. Amazon | Goodreads Dragon's Web by Lia Davis -- One sexy dragon, two strong-willed females, a family scandal, murder, and a love that requires plenty of ice. Amazon | Goodreads Wicked Jackal by Cherie Marks -- The freedom to choose her fate is all she wants, but can she resist the draw of one wicked jackal? Amazon | Goodreads One Insatiable by Tia Louise -- One wounded panther, one restless lynx, one insatiable hunger. Amazon | Goodreads Dream Catcher by M.C. Cerny -- Happenstance brought Kerri Harper to Woodland Creek, but will she stay for the wolf intent on mending her broken heart? Amazon The Viking’s Curse by Xandra James -- He was supposed to keep me alive after I was marked for death, but hiring the meanest Viking shifter in town might just kill me. Amazon | Goodreads Giveaway There are three amazing prizes for this blog tour!
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Title: Crashing: The Wedding (Crashing #0.5)
Author: Kristen Hope Mazzola
Release Date: Nov 2, 2015
Find on Goodreads
**This Book is a Standalone** It is a companion novella to The Crashing Series and takes place before Crashing Back Down (book 1 in the series).
Well this is freaking great…
Right when my best friend’s wedding was in full swing, the flowers were paid for, the dresses were being tailored and the bachelorette party was planned and nonrefundable, the bomb gets dropped right on my doorstep at four in the morning.
“The Wedding is OFF!” Mags yelled right as I opened the door to my apartment.
Oh hell no! We’re not canceling these plans. I will make this work. I will get her and Randy on track to walking down that freaking isle. I am getting to go on a bachelorette weekend vacation to party with my best friend! This is happening whether Mags and Randy like it or not.
That’s what a best friend is for, right?!
***18+ for sexual situations, cursing, and adult content.***
“May I have this dance?” Mitch extended his hand to me after throwing his napkin on his plate, and of course it was a twostep that came on.
I shoved out of my chair. “Why the heck not?”
The drinks had already started to go to my head as Mitch led me out onto the dance floor. The tent that had been set up in the yard was magnificent. There were twinkling lights strung up everywhere with a few chandeliers hanging about. The DJ had put beautiful lighting around the space to give it a nice purple hue.
“Try not to step on the shoes, they’re rented,” Mitch teased as he started to push me around.
I didn’t know if it was the alcohol or the wedding bliss that was swimming around, but as I looked up at Mitch as he twirled me around, I saw him in a completely different light. His dark hair, smoldering stare, chiseled jawline, beautiful tattoos, and smile that could last for days—it was all stunning to me.
Before my mind could overanalyze what my heart was doing, I was grabbing Mitch’s shirt and pulling his lips down to mine. Slowly, our lips connected. Smooth and soft at first, the sweet kiss then turned into hunger and lust. My tongue explored his mouth and his hand slid down my back to grip my ass.
Trying to catch his breath, Mitch pulled away from me. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”
Once his words registered, I took a step back. “Probably not.”
Mitch hugged me to his side. “If we are ever going to hook up, I don’t want either of us to be drunk when it happens.” He kissed my forehead and handed me off to Mags as she swished over to me. “Want a drink?” Mitch looked at both of us as we nodded.
Crashing Back Down (#1)
Mags McManus has just become a war widow in her mid-twenties. Her late husband, Randy, left for the Army right after their wedding. Instead of celebrating his homecoming and living in marital bliss with her soulmate, Mags finds herself living in constant agony. Dealing with the guilt of still living without Randy, are Randy's best friends and parents.
Rising from the ashes of this tragedy, Mags starts to learn how to love and trust again, finally being able to find happiness. But sometimes things really are too good to be true and again Mags learns how cruel the world can be as she crashes back down.
Falling Back Together (#2)
“I don't know if it’s fate, coincidence, or my curse, but I'm still breathing, and my breaths are for you.”
Mags McManus is far from a normal woman in her mid twenties. Being a war widow, a business professional, and a brokenhearted train wreck only skims the surface of the layers of who Margret McManus truly is. Waking up in a hospital bed, alone and confused, Mags once again has to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart. With her best friends by her side, Mags slowly starts to learn the answers she so desperately longs for. But is everything going to continue to spiral out of control? Or is there a light at the end of this dark, twisting tunnel where all the broken pieces can finally fall back together?
You want to know more about me? Well, let's see...
I am just an average twenty-something following my dreams. I have a full time "day job" and by night I am an author. I guess you could say that writing is like my super power (I always wanted one of those). I am the lover of wine, sushi, football and the ocean; that is when I am not wrapped up in the literary world. Please feel free to contact me to chat about my writing, books you think I'd like or just to shoot the, well you know. A portion of all my profits are donated to The Marcie Mazzola Foundation.
Read.Write.Win. is OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!
How to enter:
Read Crashing: The Wedding
Review it on Amazon
Fill out the form found here!
What's up for grabs:
3 winners will win $20 Amazon gift cards!
All reviews must be posted and have their links submitted by 12/20/2015. Winners will be contacted through email and will have 24 hours to claim their prize.
Title: Catching to Win
Series: Over the Fence #3
Author: Carrie Aarons
Genre: New Adult/Sports Romance
Cover Design: Carrie Aarons
Release Date: December 1, 2015
Blurb
Kelsey O'Brien is the definition of a free spirit. She goes where she wants, when she wants, and takes to bed who she wants. And when she arrives back at Grover University after eight months on an African animal preserve, it’s her best friend, who recently sprouted abs and a panty-dropping beard, that has caught her eye. As their friendship turns physical, Kelsey begins to form feelings she swore she'd never have for anyone. But when the past she's not ready to face finds her, she must make a decision whether to stop running, or confront the truth. The first time Clint Bellows laid eyes on Kelsey, he fell hard. Too bad she looked right through him. A year and countless hours in the gym later, she's back and hardly recognizes him and his new body. After a drunken encounter takes them over the line of friendship, Clint agrees to Kelsey's proposal of a benefits-added relationship. Only he's playing for keeps, and is willing to round all of the bases trying to score the self-proclaimed gypsy. She's running from her demons. He's committed to winning her over. Can he catch her in time, or will she be out of his grasp before he can blink?
Excerpt
When we got inside, the blaring hip hop music was only coming from one corner of the house. Kelsey's corner.
I waved the guys off, signaling that I would take care of the problem. As I got closer, I could make out the lyrics, "Drunk in loveee. We be all night! Loveee. Loveee. We be all night!" Chuckling to myself on her choice of song, I knocked on the door. Waited a few seconds, nothing. This time I banged my entire fist in an effort to rattle the wood on its hinges. Still nothing. "Roo..." I opened her door, letting myself in, and stopped dead at the sight in front of me. Kelsey was in the middle of the room, her hair piled on the top of her head like some fiery tornado, a glass filled to the brim with red wine in her hand. And she was dancing like a mad woman. She donned a white tank top that exposed the sides of her breasts and entirely-too-large grey sweatpants that pooled over her feet, making her look like a dwarf. She was utterly adorable and fucking mouthwateringly sexy. At the creek of the door she turned, her naturally red lips splitting in a megawatt smile. “Hi!” I could tell from her dancing and the slight blush of her cheeks that she was tipsy. It made her even cuter. “Hi yourself. What’re you doing there?” I couldn’t help her infectious smile from spreading across my face too. She shook her hips wildly as the song changed to something faster. Pitbull maybe. But I was never good with music. “I had a long, hard day. Kickass, but fucking hard! So I’m dancing.” Kelsey makes this more evident by raising the wine glass to her lips, taking a huge swig, and then raising it above her head and twirling in circles. I drop my baseball bag on her floor and toe my sneakers off. Then I join her in the middle of the floor, and begin to move. She gives a happy shout and moves closer to me, joining her free hand with mine and swinging both of our arms. “I had my fingers up a zebra’s ass today. Well technically, it was a whole fist!” She announces this like it's the most normal thing in the world while I pull quickly out of her grasp. Kelsey giggles at my repulsion. “Oh my god, bro! Don’t worry I had gloves on. But I did have to juggle her placenta in there...” “Kels, stop. I am going to throw up.” She did that sexy little giggle again and raised the glass to her lips. As she took it away and swallowed, she then raised it to mine. I let her pour some into my mouth, watching her cinnamon eyes over the brim. I knew the instant desire sparked in them, and I could feel myself harden in the mesh shorts I wore.
Reaching up, I held the delicate stem in my fingers and pried it out of her hand. Setting it down on the desk, I began to stalk toward her like she was the meal and I was ravenous.
Available Now
Author Bio
They say those who can't do, teach. Well, Carrie has no hand-eye coordination, and her idea of romance is a Netflix marathon complete with Thai food. So, she writes sports romance novels instead. Beginning her writing career as a journalist, Carrie wrote about real-life crime and scandal before turning to the fantasy world of fiction. She lives with her husband in an apartment they are constantly outgrowing.
Author Links
When a tall, dark, and handsome stranger literally runs into Felicity Hills at a coffee shop and spills her iced mocha down the front of her shirt, she doesn’t think the embarrassing encounter will lead to anything more, let alone be the single event that causes her life to spiral out of control.
And now she can’t get him out of her head, and he’s making her question everything just when she thought she got a handle on this thing called life. Because Ben has it all. Good looks. A job as killer as his abs. Great hair and great skills in bed. There is no way someone as irresistible as him can be into someone like Felicity.
Right?
**Outside the Lines is a sexy, standalone rom-com, and book one in the Rebel Hearts Series, releasing November 15th!**
AMAZON * AMAZON UK
Emily Goodwin is the author of the twice banned dark romance, STAY, as well as over a dozen other titles. Emily writes all types of romance, from love stories set in the zombie apocalypse to contemporary romances taking place on a western horse ranch. Emily lives in Indiana with her husband, children, and many pets, including a German Shepherd named Vader. When she isn't writing, Emily can be found riding her horses, designing and making costumes, and sitting outside with a good book.
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Paradise Fought: Abel by L.B. Dunbar The fight is on...January 25, 2016. #Fight4Love
Pre-Order available here: Add Paradise Fought to your TBR: Goodreads EXCERPT: “Whoa, sister,” he said, slightly out of breath. “You almost got away from me again.” “What?” I questioned. I had no idea what he meant: again. “Never mind,” he muttered, his hand still on me. I looked down at it and he immediately released me. My eyes pinched as I realized I didn’t mind his hand on me. There was something nonthreatening about him. He seemed rather innocent, studious, actually. His shirt was buttoned almost to the top and tucked into his pants. The sleeves secure at the cuffs. His jeans were snug and hugged him well. He wore dark rimmed glasses that screamed smart. He wore boots that looked too new. It was like he had the right parts but the wrong combination. His blue eyes were soft and easy to look into. They practically spoke to me, but I had no idea what he was saying. His dark hair was disheveled, a bit shaggy, but cool looking. He kind-of looked like a pop star which was a little too sugar sweet for me. His form was questionable. It was hard to tell what kind of body he had under the clothes. He looked rather preppy, like half the guys at this university. I didn’t want to think about it. I’d just sold my soul for another semester. “So when do you want to do this?” I asked. His blank stare told me he had no idea what I meant. "Us,” I said, pointing between him and me. “I…” His voice trailed off as he gawked at me. His expression changed from confusion to shock. “I didn’t buy you to sleep with you,” he said, a touch of disbelief in his voice. His face turned crimson then fell. “Why, have you done that before?” It was my turn to be surprised and offended. I turned on my heels and began stomping away from him. He was too quick and he caught me again. His hand on my arm halted me. This time he didn’t release me when I peered down at his fingers wrapped around me. “Look. I need help,” he blurted. His face pinked a little, and it was sweet. “I don’t need help with sex. I need help with before.” His tone dropped, and he looked side to side to see if anyone would hear him. I took his meaning. “You don’t know how to do foreplay?” Follow L.B. Dunbar
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lbdunbarauthor Twitter: www.twitter.com/lbdunbarwrites Website: www.lbdunbar.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/lbdunbarwrites ★*★¸`*•.¸☆ Cover Reveal ☆¸.•*´¸★*★ Title: Never Say Goodbye Author: Hilary Storm Series: The Rebel Walking Series #6 Release Date: 1/5/2016 Cover Design: Designs by Dana Photographer: Furious Fotog Cover Model: Jacob Wilson Pre-Order Links: UK: http://tinyurl.com/owzulq2 CA: http://tinyurl.com/namm5ng Luke Jacobs is finally beginning to get his life back. The heartache from losing Lilly will always be there, but he's learning to cope each day with Kimber by his side. Kimber Reynolds has moved across the country to start over and have a new beginning with Luke. She's separating herself from her entire past life to take this chance at true love in hopes of getting that happily ever after she's always dreamed of. Everything was going perfectly until Luke sees the letter. Their worlds begin to crash around them as they both try to search for answers. Will Luke be able to handle the news? Will Kimber be there for him when he needs her most? Will the past become the present as they try to make sense of what's happening? Find out in the conclusion to Luke's story! Hilary Storm Website: www.hilarystormwrites.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hilary-Storm-Author/492152230844841 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7123141.Hilary_Storm?from_search=true Twitter: @hilary_storm Instagram: http://instagram.com/hilstorm Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/hilarystorm Snapchat: hilary_storm Spotify: Hilary Storm ★ A Problematic Love Synopsis
Eight years after her fiancé was murdered, attorney Megan Kole has fully reconciled two areas of her life: her intelligent and precocious son who never knew his father and the thriving law practice that is her late father's legacy. The remainder of Megan's world stalled in a paralyzing grief that she effectively compartmentalized until a transfer to Seattle brings a handsome but deeply mysterious billionaire into her life.
Daemon Ros has been an outcast since the day he was born. His parent's cold indifference and their lavish but emotionally vacant lifestyle prompted him to assert his financial independence from a young age. Adoration for his ailing brother is the only connection he allows to penetrate the vault he has built around his heart, until a devoted mom and her enchanting son introduce him the true meaning of family bonds.
But a chance legal encounter where Megan acts as mediator in a Ros family business dispute leads to far more than either expected. When a shocking truth leads to a love affair between Megan and Daemon that is forbidden in every conceivable way, the barely-restrained chemistry that scorches between them threatens an injunction on everything and everyone they hold dear. As pasts cross, memories threaten and lies surface in a trial far more deadly than anything inside a courtroom, an arbitration of the heart could prove the only way for them both to make it out alive.
★ A Problematic Love Excerpt - Their first encounter…
Late the next evening, the setting sun fills my office with a warm glow. I might appreciate the Puget Sound views from my twenty-sixth floor office if I wasn’t in a verbal sparring match on the phone with Daemon Ros’s assistant.
“Mr. Kang, this is unacceptable. Your legal department won’t respond to my calls, and now you’re telling me that Mr. Ros has specifically directed you and his staff not to speak to me?” I wait for an answer but he says nothing. “I would have expected more from a man with such stature. Does Mr. Ros always hide behind his employees this way?”
“Ms. Kole, I… I apologize, but he’s my boss. I have to respect his wishes. I wanted to acknowledge that we received your calls and emails and messages and let you know where things stand.”
I sense I’ve made this man very uncomfortable. Good. Uncomfortable leads to results. “Please do me a favor and deliver this message to your elusive boss.”
“Okay.”
“Verbatim. Tell him he needs to start growing some testicular fortitude and stop shadowing you and the rest of his employees. At the very least, he could have some class and dignify my client’s request with a personal response.”
He gasps then another male voice comes across. “Ms. Kole, this is Daemon Ros.”
My heart skips a beat at his announcement. His voice is smoky, pleasant on the ears; his tone is firm and strong. He has an indistinct accent, maybe European. Makes me wonder about the man behind the voice.
I’m surprised to hear him at the end of the line. If I had known insulting his manhood would get a prompt response, I would have done it long ago.
“Vulgarity won’t get you what you want,” he continues tersely.
“I’ve respectfully tried to reach you through the appropriate lines of communication with no response. I called and sent you repeated emails, left messages at all your contact numbers, and reached out to your legal department—all to no avail. I had to take it to the next level.”
“Are you always this persistent?”
“I’m paid to be relentless not to sit on my ass and expect things to happen. I make things happen.”
“It’s obvious that you are completely oblivious to the kind of man my father really is,” he says, his voice completely void of emotion. “Sure you want to be making things happen for him?”
“Your father prefers to settle this matter out of court.”
“Is that what he told you?” he chuckles, his words stained with more than a hint of sarcasm.
“Well, I hate to be the one to tell you this Ms. Kole, but that’s the only way he will get me to turn over any shares of this company to him. Looks like you’ll be busy. Start the paperwork.”
“You don’t mince words, Mr. Ros.”
“And I didn’t mince words with my father’s legal department the last time I spoke to them,” he replies coolly. “He wanted his shares back, and I said I wouldn’t sell.”
“Your father was adamant about settling this amicably.” I lie. “Can we meet and discuss this, with your father and your legal counsel present? Perhaps over lunch? My treat.” I aim for charming. I hope I don’t sound like I’m begging.
“Ms. K—”
“Mr. Ros. Anywhere. Name the place and time, and we’ll be there. It would be so much better if we could all sit and talk and come to some sort of agreement about this. Think of all the time and money saved if we avoid court.”
“He can take me to court if he wants,” he says vehemently. “He has no legal grounds. I obtained those shares legally.”
“Mr. Ros, you’ve never shown any interest in running this company with your father, yet you now have controlling interest. I sense there is more to this. Why are you doing this? What exactly is it that you want?”
Silence fills the line. I’m not sure if it’s because I touched a nerve or because he’s thinking. I lower my voice. “Please. Let’s talk. I know your time is valuable, and you’d prefer to spend your days running your business and enjoying your family instead of rounding up witnesses, meeting lawyers and all the other complications and delays that happens with the courts. Reaching an agreement is less stressful on all parties involved.”
“Let me think about it. In a few days, someone will contact you with my decision.”
Yes! I hope that decision is to meet, because if it’s not, I have no idea how I can legally get my client those shares back. Might this be the first case I lose?
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Slave to Love By Julie A Richman
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About the Author
USA Today Bestseller Julie A. Richman is the author of the highly acclaimed NEEDING MOORE SERIES trilogy (SEARCHING FOR MOORE, MOORE TO LOSE & MOORE THAN FOREVER), BAD SON RISING & HENRY'S END. Saddled with the affliction of serious wanderlust, Julie can often be found behind a camera lens in locales from Paris to Alaska.
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