Twisted Marriage by Alessandra Torre Cover Designer: Sommer Stein / Perfect Pear Creative Covers SynopsisWe thought we could branch outside of the norm. Explore my sexual fantasies. Dip our toes in a kinky pond just to see how it felt. But you can't have sex with your husband's best friend in front of him without consequences. Ripples in the pond. A subtle shifting of events and feelings and triggers that will eventually affect every core molecule of your marriage. Your friendships. Your life. Once I knelt down between the two of them, everything changed. And now, I'm faced with wading in deeper or drying off my pink manicured toes and trying to pretend it never happened. They say that three is a crowd, but what about four? What about more? This is the truth of what I started when I confessed my desires and he gave them to me. *Twisted Marriage is the sequel to Filthy Vows.Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2lYN3LBPreorder Link: https://smarturl.it/TwistedMarriageAvailable NowFilthy Vows (Book 1) Amazon: https://smarturl.it/FilthyVows About the AuthorAlessandra Torre is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of fourteen novels. Her books focus on romance and suspense. Torre has been featured in such publications as Elle and Elle UK, as well as guest blogged for the Huffington Post and RT Book Reviews. She is also the Bedroom Blogger for Cosmopolitan.com. Connect with AlessandraFacebook: http://bit.ly/2rkHs46 Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2s4U9NI Twitter: http://bit.ly/2sm94G5 Instagram: http://bit.ly/2s4HCtF Amazon: http://amzn.to/2rpz0M7 Newsletter: http://www.nextnovel.com/ Website: http://bit.ly/2tf6opZ
0 Comments
Title: The Scene Stealer
Author: Renee Harless
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: September 26, 2019
Blurb
Scene Stealer (noun) (scene-stealâ¢er | \ ËsÄn-ËstÄ-lÉr): an actor who attracts attention when another is intended to be the center of attention.
The glow of fame only casts shadows. The name Devyn Dane was once lit up amongst the stars. Everyone worshiped me. But now, Iâm on the edge of darkness. No one warned me about the fall. My crash was lethal. These days Iâm nothing more than a forgotten child-star with a tainted reputation. Redemption is what I need. When a chance is handed to me, I vow not to blow itâI canât. This could launch me back to stardom. But nothing is given freely in Hollywood. Everything comes with a price. This time, mine is a bombshell waitress battling insecurities deep enough to rival even my own. The resilient Larsen is a mystery I canât wait to unravel. Her brokenness makes me feel not so alone. But together, we are a complete mess that should never work. I know it, Hollywood knows it, and someone is Hell-bent on making sure we donât beat the odds. I truly believed she was my ally. An added boost on my rise back to fame. But the shine of Hollywood masks many things. She broke my focus, pulling me away from the most important goal. Thatâs the thing with a scene stealer â you never see them coming.
Renee Harless, her husband, and children live in Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She studied Communication, specifically Public Relations, at Radford University.
Growing up, Renee always found a way to pursue her creativity. It began by watching endless runs of White Christmas- yes even in the summer â and learning every word and dance from the movie. She could still sing Sister Sister if requested. In high school she joined the show choir and a community theatre group, The Troubadours. After marrying the man of her dreams and moving from her hometown she sought out a different artistic outlet â writing.
To say that Renee is a romance addict would be an understatement. When she isnât chasing her toddler around the house, working her day job, or writing, she delves head first into a romance novel.
Author Links
I play to win, and I won’t let anything—or anyone—get in the way of what I want.
REVEAL, the raw, sexy, and jaw-dropping finale to the Wicked Ways series by New York Times bestselling author K. Bromberg, is available now!The first time I met Vaughn Sanders, I knew I wanted her. Confident, intelligent, and downright sexy. I thought I knew how to play her game. I was ready and willing for the challenge. Little did I know she was full of secrets and surprises. But so am I. Charming a woman into my bed has never been my problem. It’s the relationship part that is. They want it. I don’t. But can you blame me? Broken marriages are how I make a living. Hell, no self-respecting man would let a woman own his thoughts, invade his dreams, and steal his heart. So how in the world has Vaughn done that to me? I’ve fallen in love with her. There. I said it. But that acknowledgment comes with a heavy price. Everything and everyone seem to be working against us, leaving us both to question whether what we have is worth the cost. I’ll be damned if I go down without a fight. Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited! Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2LMF8fR Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/RevealKB Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2LK8Ou2 Amazon Audio: https://amzn.to/2Yr09P8 Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2YqS9St Start the series today with RESIST Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited! Amazon US:https://amzn.to/2Wqx8XD Amazon Worldwide:http://mybook.to/ResistKB Amazon Paperback:https://amzn.to/2MwNqtD Amazon Audio:https://amzn.to/2ImicA7 Add to GoodReads:http://bit.ly/2WnVul6 Text Kbromberg to 77948 to stay up to date on all things, Driven movies and new releases! Excerpt “Ryker . . . please . . . just let me go.” But this time when she speaks there is something in her voice that catches my ear. The same thing that has me looking a little bit closer, regardless of how much my chest constricts in doing so, and I notice the tears welling in her eyes and the tremble of her bottom lip.A chink in her damn armor. She doesn’t want to tell me we’re over any more than I want to believe her. “What the fuck is going on here? You’re hiding something from me.” “No. I’m not. This just can’t be.” She starts to skirt around me, and it takes everything I have not to reach out and keep her there. “Don’t walk away from me when I’m talking to you!” “And don’t you think for a second you can tell me what to do,” she counters, hair flying over her shoulder, jaw clenched. “I’m not in the mood for your games.” “My games?” she screeches and throws me off guard when I shouldn’t be. “My games? You’re the one who did this to me. All of it. And you tell me I’m playing games?” “What the—?” I stop and try to figure out what she’s talking about. My hands are on her shoulders, and I’m all but shaking her to force her to look me in the eyes. “Did what to you, Vaughn? What the hell have I done to you besides fuck myself over by falling in love with you?” Words that should be said with kindness come out in a frustrated rage. Truths I don’t want to voice, and now I can’t take them back. And she just stands there with her head shaking to reject my words, eyes wide with a hint of fear, and fuck if I don’t hate myself right now for everything I feel: rage, desperation, love, desire. How can you swear you’re not cut out for a relationship and love in one breath, then with the next fight so goddamn hard to keep it? What is this woman doing to me? I scrub my hands over my face and take a deep breath to calm the fuck down. To force myself to cool my temper so I can keep her here instead of pushing her farther away. “What is it, baby?” I all but plead with a voice as soft as I can make it. “Tell me why you’re walking away when you don’t want to.” She averts her eyes, confirming there’s something more. “I can’t help you unless you tell me what happened. I can’t understand why the other night meant nothing to you until you do.” Come on. Talk to me. “Carter paid me a visit after I left your place.” Her voice is soft, but her defiance is mounting. That’s definitely not what I expected to come out of her mouth. “What do you mean, Carter paid you a visit?” “Just what I said.” “Why? For what? That fucking asshole better not have touched you.” “Does it matter if he did?” Her voice rises. “You invited him into my personal life. You gave him everything he needs to destroy me.”
About K. Bromberg New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love. A mom of three, she plots her novels in between school runs and soccer practices, more often than not with her laptop in tow. Since publishing her first book in 2013, Kristy has sold over one million copies of her books across sixteen different countries and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over twenty-five times. Her Driven trilogy (Driven, Fueled, and Crashed) is currently being adapted for film by Passionflix with the first movie slated to release in the summer of 2018. She is currently working on her Everyday Heroes trilogy. This series consists of three complete standalone novels—Cuffed, Combust, and Cockpit (late spring 2018)—and is about three brothers who are emergency responders, the jobs that call to them, and the women who challenge them. She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media or sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on all her latest releases and sales:http://bit.ly/254MWtI
Connect with K. Bromberg Website: http://www.kbromberg.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKBromberg Twitter: https://twitter.com/KBrombergDriven Instagram: http://smarturl.it/KBrombergIG Amazon Author: http://amzn.to/204Qnfz GoodReads: http://bit.ly/1koZIkL Join her Reader Group:http://bit.ly/1PMUoG3 Stay up to date with K. Bromberg by joining her mailing list:http://bit.ly/254MWtI
Chaos was never so hot! Mating Chaos by USA Today bestselling author Lia Davis arrives October 8th!!! PREORDER NOW: US → https://amzn.to/2O6DM08 UK → https://amzn.to/2kEuQCS CA → https://amzn.to/2lQWOLL AU → https://amzn.to/2kFz3WX BLURB: As pack Beta, Dane Raines has seen far too much pain and death. But with war on the horizon yet again, thanks to the new Alpha of Onyx, Dane will have to work twice as hard with the other Ashwood Falls leaders to ensure the safety of his pack. The last thing he needs at a time like this is a complication like Jasmine. Jasmine Russel’s life is chaos. Between her first full-time job running the family bar, and her second full-time job caring for her trouble-making twin brothers, she never slows down and she’s always on edge. The prospect of another war only adds to her life of turmoil. She’s determined to keep what’s left of her family safe no matter what the future holds, and that means keeping Dane as far away as possible. Yet the unavoidable truth for all wolves is that once a mate is found, the bond cannot be denied. Dane is tired of waiting, standing on the sidelines with nothing more than Jasmine’s excuses to keep them apart. With everything on the line, he’s prepared to claim his rightful mate once and for all, even if that means mating chaos.ABOUT LIA Lia Davis is the USA Today bestselling author of more than forty books, including her fan favorite Ashwood Falls Series. A lifelong fan of magic, mystery, romance and adventure, Lia's novels novels feature compassionate alpha heroes and strong leading ladies, plenty of heat, and happily-ever-afters. Lia makes her home in Northeast Florida where she battles hurricanes and humidity like one of her heroines. When she's not writing, she loves to spend time with her family, travel, read, enjoy nature, and spoil her kitties. She also loves to hear from her readers. Send her a note at lia@authorliadavis.com!FOLLOW LIA ONLINE Amazon → https://amzn.to/2LY50TH BookBub → http://bit.ly/2N3X2dS Facebook → http://bit.ly/2H7mhbL Goodreads → http://bit.ly/2mdNlOG Instagram → http://bit.ly/2kNWtsY Pinterest → http://bit.ly/2mmN9gj Tumblr → http://bit.ly/2kQyzgt Twitter → http://bit.ly/2mkVIbs Website → https://authorliadavis.com ?? COVER REVEAL ??
Check out the HOT cover for PRACTICE TO DECEIVE by Olivia Evans! Coming on October 24th!
Cover designed by: Jada D'Lee Designs I wasn’t always a bad guy, but betrayal has a way of finding your darkest inner demons. Great friends and family weren’t enough to save me. I wanted revenge. When the opportunity presented itself, I felt justified. That’s karma, right? Turns out, karma has a way of circling back. If only I hadn’t been so stupid. If only I’d known what my deceit would cost me. It will take a lot of work to unravel the damage I’ve done, but I’ll do it. I’ll do anything to keep from losing her. Goodreads: http://bit.ly/PtD_OliviaEvans Olivia Evans is a writing obsessed, world traveling, thrill seeking, music junkie. A true Gemini, she follows her heart blindly and lives life to the fullest. Wife. Mother. Oscar Wilde lover. ~To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. Website- http://www.oliviaevansauthor.com/ FB Author Page- https://www.facebook.com/oliviaevansauthor/ FB Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/BooksByOliviaEvans/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/olivia_evans_author/ Twitter- https://twitter.com/OliviaDEvans Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9866530.Olivia_Evans Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/Olivia-Evans/e/B00J8EUQ1C%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
Title: The Puppetmaster
Author: Linnea May
Genre: Dark Billionaire Romance
Release Date: September 25, 2019
Blurb
I don't just train. I don't just own. I make them dance.
My name makes their hearts beat with desire and their skin tickle with sweet fearâa name spoken in hushed voices, hot craving lacing every syllable.
They call me The Puppetmaster.
And when Iâm on the hunt, they come runningâwilling to serve at my feet.
But Iâm a cruel Master, and highly selective.
Not just anyone can become my puppet.
I know she can. Iâve known for a long time.
Yet, my heart almost stops when I see her name on the list.
Because this is not how it was supposed to happen.
Not now. Not like this.
Alena Preyâyour name may imply otherwise, but youâre no easy take. Even for me.
You wreak havoc with a plan Iâve had for years, but it wonât stop me from reaching my goalâa goal that youâre destined to be a part of.
Donât even try to cut the strings, my puppet.
For youâll be the last to dance for me.
Purchase Links
Free in Kindle Unlimited
Author Bio
Linnea May loves to read and write about strong alpha men with loaded bank accounts and skeletons in their closets. Her heroes are as sexy and beautiful as they are broken - only to be fixed by the smart & captivating heroines who cross their paths. Originally from Europe, Linnea currently tries to befriend the lively squirrels in Rhode Island. â¤
Author Links
Release Date: September 25, 2019 Cover Design: Sara Eirew Models: Lucas Bloms & Jacqui Pogue
SynopsisI have two weeks left to live.
Two weeks to come up with one hundred thousand dollars.
Two weeks to convince the woman I love she loves me too.
When The Bowman passed away — my dead father’s best friend and bookie — the payoff arrangement he made with my loan shark died with him.
Now, I have two weeks to cough up the money or else.
The only silver lining? The Bowman’s death brought Liv, his daughter, back into my life.
Ten years ago, all she wanted was my love. What she got was a broken heart instead.
But time apart and grief do strange things to people, bringing them together in unexpected ways. Like drunk and horny and naked in your bed.
Now I’m in a race against time, fighting for the woman I want back, all while trying to figure out exactly how to stay alive.
Life, I tell ya. It can sure deal one hell of a mutherfkn’ hand.
Goodreads
Purchase Links
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2M6gLJE Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2Ml73mX Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2y6eTbE Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/32Hf23c Amazon Universal: https://geni.us/aFys
Available Now
Snowfall: A Slashes in the Snow Prequel Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2U79oCF Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2Swyols Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2TgXJV0 Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2T61QUi Amazon Universal: https://geni.us/ARyv4ac
Slashes in the Snow
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2XGsrpF Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2HcpSGh Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2ENXAQD Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2EPgVBe Amazon Universal: https://geni.us/MNSlashSnow
Giveaway$25 Amazon Gift Card
Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b1257f8d525/?
About the AuthorM. Never resides in New York City. When she's not researching ways to tie up her characters in compromising positions, you can usually find her at the gym kicking the crap out of a punching bag, or eating at some trendy new restaurant. She has a dependence on sushi, a fetish for boots, and is stalked by a clingy pit bull named Apache. She is surrounded by family and friends she wouldn't trade for the world and is a little in love with her readers. The more the merrier. So make sure to say hi!
Connect with M. Never
Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/2HaWbW2 Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2sTlbdq Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2rOfcqV Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2sQHKAf Goodreads Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2snbu60 Twitter: http://bit.ly/2sT69oa Instagram: http://bit.ly/ Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2tKXh0N BookBub Author Page: http://bit.ly/2wGdgjg COVER REVEAL
Check out the HOT cover for DOWNFALL, book 1 in the Kingdoms of Sin series by Willow Aster! Downfall is coming on October 17th!
Cover designed by: Hang Le Photographer: Wander Aguiar Photography Model: Alex Clagett
I was naïve to think my marriage to Luka Catano might work.
I was infatuated with him from afar…
Until I met him.
He loved the challenge of his next conquest, anyone would do...
Except me.
A wife was never something he wanted. Torturous was not a strong enough word to describe how I felt when I was in a room with Luka. Besides hating nearly every word that came out of his mouth, I also drowned with lust every time I looked at him. At times I thought he might feel the same. But nothing prepared me for what his family would make me become. Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/47482027-downfall Willow Aster is a USA Today Bestselling author and host of Living in the Pages podcast. She lives in St. Paul, MN with her husband, kids, and rescue dog. Website: www.willowaster.com Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/willowasterauthor/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WillowAster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowaster1/ Listen to her Living in the Pages podcast: iTunes: https://bit.ly/2DzM9ZU Android: http://bit.ly/2Uj5JkZ Google Play: http://bit.ly/2SJE7bI Today we have the blog tour of FASCINATION by Ainsley St. Claire! Check it out and be sure to grab your copy today!
Title: FascinationAuthor: Ainsley St. ClaireGenre: Contemporary RomanceAbout Fascination:It started when my boyfriend was caught in public with a girls lips on his you know what. People think my life is easy - they couldn't be more wrong. A girl can never be too thin, too rich, or too famous. From experience I know that's crap. Well, maybe not the thin part. Men don’t see me – they see my name and my bank balance. Dating is near impossible with the paparazzi following my everywhere. Any sane man would run from that. When a competitor steals my company's entire fall line, down to names and packaging, I daydream of tropical islands far away from the mess of my life. He brings me back. There was one man who saw the real me. A man who wasn't swayed by the money and was strong enough to deal with the craziness that surrounded me. But we'd been friends to long to move beyond that. But can I control myself? I have feelings for him but our timing has always been off. **Fascination is is a standalone romance with a happy ending. It’s the ninth and final book in the Billionaire Venture Capitalist series. You can read it on its own, everything you need to know is explained, but once you get a taste you'll want to binge the rest ;}**
Order on Amazon Now!
Baywater Café is not the typical see-and-be-seen restaurant. It’s high end and more for the discreet luncher. The traffic is tight, but I make it on time and am the first to arrive.
“Miss Arnault, may I show you to the room where you’ll be joining Mr. Clifton?” “Thank you.” I follow him to the back room. It’s a little-known secret that this room exists. Rumor has it, it was originally designed for a man and his mistress to meet discreetly, but it’s since become the place for private business meals. It overlooks the Bay Bridge and the water. I bet they get plenty of activity on baseball game days since the Giants play really close. I stand at the window and watch the traffic on the bridge. So many people going in so many different directions, each with their own challenges. Maybe running away to a deserted island in the Pacific would be perfect. A cute cabana boy to entertain me—although I’m sure Mason has wrecked me for all men. We haven’t been “together” long, but I sure do miss him in my bed when he isn’t there. My trip to New York proved that, and he’s said it was the same for him. I feel the door open, releasing the pressure in the room. Walker strides over with his arms wide. “Caroline!” I walk into his arms and give him a nice gentle hug, making sure it’s more professional than personal. “Walker, thank you for inviting me to lunch.” “Sit down.” He waves to the table set for two beside him. At least it’s not a romantic setting, more business related. As soon as we take our seats, a waiter appears. “Would you like some wine with your lunch?” “No, thank you. Just unsweetened iced tea for me, please.” “I’ll have the same,” Walker tells the waiter, and he leaves as quietly as he appeared. “You look positively radiant today, Caroline,” Walker says. “No one would think you were dealing with what you’re going through. You’re certainly cool under pressure.” “Don’t be fooled, it’s definitely an act.” He chuckles. “I’d never guess. So, tell me how things are going right now. Give me a real understanding of what’s going on and bring me up to date. I got the overview from the FBI team on Friday, but somehow I have a feeling that, given our meeting last night, they may have left a few things out.” “Sure. That’s not a problem.” I walk him through everything following the last lunch we had. “Holy shit! That’s huge. So not only did someone steal your line, but now they’re plastering the internet with fake photos of animal testing? Why does anybody test on animals anymore? Knowing you’ve spent close to a quarter of a million dollars fighting this with a crisis management team is astounding.” “It’s been a rough couple of weeks. The money just sits in bank accounts. I’m just grateful I have it to spend.” “What are your next steps?” Walker asks. “We’ve determined that we’re going to lose out on our fall season, and I’ve already lost my three contracts for Fashion Week. I have one remaining, but it’s most likely to be lost.” “Who’s it with?” “Art Peck over at Gap.” “I know Art pretty well. I’m happy to reach out to him if you think that would help.” “Right now we’re just waiting, but I reserve the right to take you up on that.” “Whatever you need. This all sounds pretty devastating,” Walker sympathizes. I nod in agreement. I don’t want to tell him too much, because chances are it’ll make it to the newspaper and local gossip sites, but I’m okay with sharing how much this has affected us and my determination to not let it sink me. “When I look at my P&L statements, I can assure you it is beyond devastating.” I know we’re alone, but for dramatic effect, I say in a very low breath, “Walker, the negative numbers on the P&L over this are astounding. Most people would shut their doors over this, but I’m not most people. I am personally going to pull out of my personal accounts to make sure every one of my employees keeps their jobs, can pay their bills, and keep their commitments. I won’t lay people off, and I’m determined not to let this monster win.” He sits back hard in his chair. “Wow! That’s pretty impressive. You’re right, most people would just shut down, throw their hands up, and walk away.” “Yes, most people would, but I’m not most people, and they’ve pissed me off.” “Good. Now let’s talk about our plan to catch them. I’ve spoken with the heads of Cybercrimes and White-Collar, and we have an idea for you to consider.” “Okay. Lay it on me.” I sit back and drink my iced tea, prepared to listen carefully to their idea. “We think that if you make movements as if you’re going to launch the line you worked on, we might be able to ferret out the person behind this.” “I only worry that it’ll bring the animal rights activists out.” “It would only bring them out if you really were going to do this. If your team is as innocent as they say, then this will go nowhere.” I raise a brow. “Fair point. How are you suggesting I move forward?” “We think the first step is to meet with each person individually and tell each one something slightly different. With one, you’re launching the line as is with new slightly different colors. With another, you’re changing the names of your colors. With another, you’re going to launch with different packaging and the same names. With another, it’s different packaging and different names. And with the last, you’re just launching as is, believing your fans will disregard the fakes.” “A lot of these things tend to be decided by a group of people—different groups of people for each step.” “We understand that, but after what you’ve told me, if you position it as though you need to make sure you’re saving your company and the impending losses, and you’re making an executive decision, then it should work.” I sit and think about it. It’s a little out of character for me to make a unilateral decision, but I can see how it could possibly work. “Do you think that’s enough for you to figure it out?” “Possibly. We’d also put tracking software on each person’s cell phone, plus their home and personal computers. When I talked to Jim, he said based on their sweep of the office computers, no one had done it from a computer in-house.” “That’s another reason I’m convinced that it’s not coming from in-house.” I sit back, and the thought occurs to me. “You know, Tim Carpenter at Cosmetics, Inc., has been making noise to buy Metro for some years. I’ve always resisted the big conglomerate, figuring we’re more agile to buck trends and therefore create them, but also, I don’t want to work for anyone. I like being in control of my own destiny.” “We’ll add him to our list and check him out. I can’t imagine that if someone wanted to buy you that they’d sabotage your business.” “I know. But it is a way to get a bargain.” “It’s something we should at least rule out.” “Thank you. Back to my team. What would be the next step?” “Cybercrimes has the ability to create emails that look like they’re going to others when they aren’t. We’ll work through a series of emails that the team will be cc’d on, then watch where they get forwarded and how, which will give us more information. If we don’t find anything, you can tell everyone that you’ve changed your mind without telling them what you’re doing.” “That might work.” I don’t want to commit to anything quite yet. The waiter comes up and places a small salad in front of us. “I didn’t want to interrupt, but today the chef is serving a light Caesar salad, the main course is our cioppino, and dessert is a simple lemon meringue cookie.” I’m shocked since we didn’t order and look up at Walker. He shrugs. “When you reserve the single dining room, you get the chef’s special. Is it okay?” “It’s perfect. I love everything they’re serving, and I particularly love cioppino.” I laugh. “I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t have much breakfast.” We go back and forth over the proposed idea, discussing the possibility of my doing this. Walker is definitely a politician, and he eventually sells me on it. He’s still convinced that it’s a member of my team, but I don’t think so. The fire oozes up in my belly, and I want to prove to him and the rest of the team that not one of the five is guilty. I trust them all completely, and none of them would betray me. “Caroline, I know you think we’re wrong. I want to be proven wrong. Tim Carpenter at the cosmetics company is an option, but if nothing else, we’re ruling them out.” “Thanks, Walker. I’ll do it.” When lunch is over, I’ve decided I like Walker. He may be a consummate politician, but he really does want the city I love to prosper and do well. He gives me a warm embrace. “I’ll have someone contact you on your cell about how you’re going to get started.” I nod. “We’ll talk soon.” As I drive home, I think about what lying to my team to prove they aren’t involved is going to do to the culture of my company. In the end, I feel like this is my best chance of figuring out what’s happened so I can keep my company alive.
Catch Up on the Series:
Forbidden Love (Venture Capitalist Book 1)
Promise (Venture Capitalist Book 2)
Desire (Venture Capitalist Book 3)
Temptation (Venture Capitalist Book 4)
Obsession (Venture Capitalist Book 5)
Flawless (Venture Capitalist Book 6)
Longing (Venture Capitalist Book 7)
Enchanted (Venture Capitalist Book 8)
About Ainsley St. Claire:Ainsley St Claire is a Romantic Suspense Author and Adventurer on a lifelong mission to craft sultry storylines and steamy love scenes that captivate her readers. To date, she is best known for her series Venture Capitalists. An avid reader since the age of four, Ainsley’s love of books knew no genre. After reading, came her love of writing, fully immersing herself in the colorful, impassioned world of contemporary romance. Ainsley’s passion immediately shifted to a vocation when during a night of terrible insomnia, her first book came to her. Ultimately, this is what inspired her to take that next big step. The moment she wrote her first story, the rest was history. Currently, Ainsley is in the midst of writing a nine-book series called “Venture Capitalist.” When she isn’t being a bookworm or typing away her next story on her computer, Ainsley enjoys spending quality family time with her loved ones. She is happily married to her amazing soulmate and is a proud mother of two rambunctious boys. She is also a scotch aficionada and lover of good food (especially melt-in-your-mouth, velvety chocolate). Outside of books, family, and food, Ainsley is a professional sports spectator and an equally as terrible golfer and tennis player.
Connect with Ainsley:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Instagram| Author Amazon
Enter Ainsley’s Giveaway:
Title: Decidedly with Love
Series: By the Bay #3
Author: Stina Lindenblatt
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release Date: January 15, 2018
Blurb
From the author of sexy romantic comedies comes the story of a meddling grandmother searching for lifelong love. For her hockey player grandsonâ¦
Fake Boyfriend Rule #1: never fall for your fake girlfriend.
Oops.
I run Aphroditeâs Boutique, a store that specializes in all things love-related. A store that I adore with all my heart, and which is at risk of being shut down and replaced with a condo development.
To save it, all I have to do is pretend to be Travis Hamiltonâs girlfriend.
Sounds simple enough. Right?
Except he and I have a history together...but he doesnât seem to remember me.
****
My feisty, well-meaning grandmother raised me after my parents died, but now sheâs determined to help me find The One. But when most women I meet tend to be puck bunnies or women only interested in my hockey-player salaryâand letâs not forget the nutcase of an ex-girlfriendâwhy bother?
Only a fake girlfriend will deter my grandmotherâs matchmaking scheme.
Too bad the one woman who can help me is the sexy redhead who wants to assist me as much as she wants her eyeballs dunked in hot sauce and barbecued.
To convince her, I promise to help her with her own dilemma. But sometimes fire and ice really do mix. Now I have to decide if love is in the airâand if together Emma and I make something hotter. Something stronger. Something real.
Purchase Links
99c for a limited time!!
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
Excerpt
Emma
Sitting on the fountainâs ledge, I pulled on my rubber boots. Why the boots?
You didnât expect me to climb into the fountain in my heels or go barefooted, did you?
âWow, that looks like so much fun,â Hannah said, laughing. âIf I didnât have to go to work in a few minutes, I wouldâve volunteered to help you. But alasâ¦â She snickered. âWhy are you doing this when there are no birds in the store to crap on the statue?â
âJust because there are no birds doesnât mean Aphrodite doesnât get dusty.â I had no idea if the woman in the toga really was supposed to be the Greek goddess of love, but she looked similar enough. âPlus I need to remove the coins, and itâs a lot easier to do that by climbing in the water to retrieve them.â
âIf you say so.â The laughter in her voice was still there.
The bell above the door jingled and I glanced up to see if I was about to be busyâor if Lisa could handle things. Several people already were milling around, checking out the merchandise or trying on the lingerie in the fitting room.
Oh, God. Not him again.
Travis entered the store and his gaze settled on me.
âOh, this should be good,â Hannah said. âToo bad I have to leave now if I want to make it to work on time.â
I turned my head to look at her. âWhat should be good?â
âThe guy you were scowling at the other day is obviously here for a repeat. And this time heâs minus the senior citizen squad. On that note, Iâm off now. Iâll call you later for the scoop.â She started backing away. âAnd have fun with your goddess.â
Before I could respond, she was out the door, pausing only long enough to give Travis a quick once-over and wave good-bye to me.
He wasnât the only one to be given a once-over. Except in my case, his gaze slowly traveled up my body as if he were undressing meâremoving my ever-so-sexy rubber boots; my whimsical blue floral sundress that brushed against my knees; my white lacy bra and underwear, which he couldnât see but I was sure he was imagining on me. That, or he was imagining I was in a thong.
Once his gaze was on my face, his mouth slid up to one side. âThe boots are definitely a nice touch. But I must admit Iâm more a fan of stilettos.â He leaned in closer, his breath brushing against my earâ¦and my body decided to go rogue and ignore my brain telling it to take a step back.
âEspecially when the legs theyâre attached to are wrapped around my waist,â he added. Noâthe girlie part between my legs did not release a longing sigh. Not. At. All.
Note to self: add dirty talk to list of requirements for next boyfriend.
I stepped away from him, the back of my calves hitting the low fountain wall. âWhat are you doing here? I thought we werenât checking out any more retail spaces until next weekend.â
âI came to talk to you.â
âI figured that, but nowâs not a good time.â
âWhyâs that?â
I indicated the fountain. âI have to clean it and remove the money. So unless whatever you need to tell me can be done while Iâm working, youâll have to come back later.â Or preferably never.
âI can wait.â
Of course he could.
âDonât you have to be at work or something?â I had no idea what he did for a living, but it probably didnât involve hanging around my store.
He opened his mouth to answer but didnât get that far.
âOhmigod, arenât you, like, Travis Hamilton?â A tall teenage girl asked him. She was pretty, with an athletic body and long dark hair spilling down her back.
She didnât wait for him to reply. âI also play defense. Youâre like my idol.â
I felt my eyebrows climb north. Idol? Why would she idolize him?
And how did she even know him?
Maybe I should have Googled himâ¦like I had with some of my past dates.
Not that I was going out with him.
He offered her a friendly smileânot like the smiles that threw me off kilter. âNice to meet you.â
Her friend was looking at Travis as though she also had no idea why the girl was excited seeing him here.
âThis is Travis Hamilton,â the dark-haired girl explained. âHe plays defense for the San Francisco Rock. The NHL team.â
He does?
She kept chatting to him, mostly about hockey. Since I still had work to do, I grabbed the cloth on the ledge and climbed in. Iâd already turned the water off before putting my boots on.
Have you ever tried walking through a fountain while wearing rubber boots? Itâs not easy. And I donât care how graceful you normally are, this sucks all the gracefulness from you in one easy swoop.
But I figured the sacrifice was worth it. For Aphroditeâs sakeâ¦which could only help benefit the store.
Now if only Aphrodite could help me with my lease problem.
Splosh. Splosh. Splosh.
âReady for a little spa treatment?â I asked the statue in almost a whisper. No need for the customers to believe I was crazy.
I dipped the cloth in the water and began cleaning her.
âWhat are you doing?â Travis asked.
âWhat does it look like?â I spared him a glance over my shoulder. The girls he had been talking to were no longer with him.
âIt looks like youâre giving her a sponge bath. Very kinky, by the way.â
I rolled my eyes. âIâm cleaning her and then I have to remove the money.â
âWhat do you do with the money?â
âIt goes to charity,â I said, my attention on my task.
âWhat charity?â
âA youth center for underprivileged kids where I volunteer.â
âWhy a local youth center for underprivileged kids?â
I shifted around and glanced at him from over Aphroditeâs shoulder. âWhy not there?â
The corner of his mouth twitched up to one side. âI asked you first.â At my silence, he continued, âThe Rock encourages its players to be active in the community. Some players donate large amounts of money to a charity of their choice. Some participate in various events at the childrenâs hospital, which are always popular with the kids. For some players, they do it simply because publicity recommended they give back to those less fortunateâbecause it makes the player look good. Others do it because their charity has special meaning to them. So which is it for you?â
âWhich type of player are you?â I replied. Or maybe he donated neither time nor money.
âI donate money to a charity that provides sports equipment to kids. Because of the cost, they might not otherwise be able to play hockey. And I participate in the annual wheelchair hockey game at the kidsâ hospital.â
Did I have âselflessâ on my list of requirements for potential boyfriends? Noâbut it was a given. Iâd written off a few individuals in the past because they didnât believe in donating either time or money to a worthy cause.
So, yes, my heart had warmed up a little bit more toward Travis. Not that it mattered. He wasnât looking for a girlfriend, and I wasnât looking to be a fake one.
âHow come that charity and event?â I asked.
The smirk was back on his face. âUh, uh. You first. Why the youth center?â
The coins in the water shimmered under the bright store light overhead, almost as if encouraging me to tell him.
âBecause I understand what it feels like to be underprivileged. I grew up in foster care.â
Which he would know if he remembered me from school.
But he didnâtâso what was a girl to do?
Apparently Aphrodite had an answer for that. The pump that I had turned off before climbing into the fountain suddenly turned on. Water burst up from the jets, hitting me full onâand I shrieked. Ugh!
Then the fountain turned off as quickly as it had turned on, leaving me standing there with water dripping from my hair and down my body. My now-wet dress clung to me, leaving not much to the imagination, including my white lacy bra and underwear.
âSorry,â Lisa called out, returning from the back. âI accidentally hit the switch to the fountain.â Her gaze landed on me, soaked and still standing in the water, and her hand flew to her mouth. Not from shock. She was attempting to hold back a giggle.
Nice.
I stepped over the fountainâs low wall. Squish. Squish.
âIâm so sorry,â she said, her hand still covering her mouth. The corners of her eyes crinkled with barely held back laughter.
Travis wasnât doing much better.
I tried to yank off a rubber bootâwhich wasnât easy when your foot was wet and you were standing. Swaying on one foot, I grabbed the closest thing available to hold on to: Travisâs arm.
And wow, the man worked out.
Donât think about his muscular body. Donât think about his hot, muscular body.â¦
I wouldâve removed my hand from his arm, but it was either touch him or risk falling over.
The boot eventually slipped free of my foot. I tilted it, pouring the water back into the fountain. Once it was empty, I placed the boot on the ledge and proceeded to do the same with the other one while still holding on to Travis.
With what dignity I had leftâwhich was pretty much zeroâI walked toward the back where my office was located. With my body shivering, thanks to the air conditioning, I tossed an âIâll be back in a momentâ over my shoulder to Lisa.
In my office, I scanned the area for something to dry off with.
The door clicked shut behind me. I startled and spun around. Travis was standing in front of the closed door, his eyes dark and focused on my breasts. Or more specifically, my perky nipples pressing against the wet fabric of my thin bra and dress.
I crossed my arms in front of me, doing my best to hide the view. Doing my best to warm my girls up.
âIs this a good time to ask you again about being my fake girlfriend?â In his hand was a soft wool throw from the store. Red on one side and white on the other, it was covered in hearts of the opposite color.
âSo whatâs the deal? Youâll give me the throw if I agree to be your fake girlfriend?â There might have been some teeth chattering when I said it. âAnd just so you know, thatâs not going to work. For one, I canât sell the blanket if itâs dirty.â
âAnd whatâs the second?â
âIt will take a lot more than a blanket for me to agree to be your fake girlfriend.â A deliciously warm blanket.
âSo does that mean youâre considering it?â
I shook my head. âThereâs nothing you can offer me that will make me change my mind.â
âHow about you not being forced to relocate? Would that cause you to change your mind?â
I snorted a laugh. âHow exactly do you expect to do that? The owner doesnât want my store in the building anymore because it wonât fit with the new image.â
âI might be able to change his mind.â
âRight. Might. So what youâre really saying is I help you and at the end of the day Iâm still screwed?â
âNo. Thatâs not it at all.â He stepped closer. âThe blanketâs now mine. And I donât care if it gets dirty.â When I didnât say anything, he wrapped it around my shoulders. His finger accidentally brushed against my bare arm. And this time when I shivered, it was for an entirely different reason.
âThank you.â
âYouâre welcome. Now back to you being my fake girlfriend.â
I shook my head again. âNot happening.â
âHow about if I canât get the owner to change his mind about your store by October first, Iâll help you find another location that fits your needs.â
âThatâs not enough. If Iâm pretending to be your girlfriend, I wonât be able to date a real man.â
âThe last I looked, I am a real man.â He gestured at his shortsâ¦and the noticeable bulge there. A bulge that wasnât so noticeable earlier.
A laugh burst free. âSorry. I wasnât laughing at your manhood,â I quickly said, doing my best to not start giggling.
He raised an eyebrow and my attempt to curtail my giggle failed.
Also Available
#1 Decidedly Off Limits is
FREE on all platforms!
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
Author Bio
Born in Brighton England, Stina Lindenblatt has lived in a number of countries, including England, the US, Finland, and Canada. This would explain her mixed up accent. She has a kinesiology degree and a MSc in sports biological sciences. In addition to writing fiction, she loves photography, especially the close-up variety, and currently lives in Calgary, Canada, with her husband and three kids.
Author Links
|