TBR Book Blog

New Release ~ Trust Me ~ by ~ K E Osborn

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Trusting him could be my undoing… Aiden O’Connell— billionaire, vice president, general charmer and playboy. I want to resist him. I can’t. My past is fraught with one disappointment after the other—but the pull to him is magnetic. To love is easy. Trust comes harder. An overbearing father, mysterious incidents and embezzlement, all tell me to run. Staying by Aiden’s side could destroy me, but leaving him could be the end of us both… From International Bestselling Author K E Osborn comes, Trust Me Book One in the Trust Me Series (previously published in 2013). This series has been re-edited with new content and a new cover.

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“What the hell’s going on?” Aiden demands.

Rachelle and Matthew walk into his office. “What did you do?” Matthew sneers.

I can’t think straight as Aiden’s roughly led out of his office by one of the policemen. “I didn’t do this, Father! How can you think that I’d do this to you and our company? You know me. Jeni, I didn’t do this,” Aiden states categorically.

My eyes fill with tears, and they spill over onto my cheek as my hand shoots to my mouth in shock at Aiden’s sheer desperation. He struggles against the policemen trying to break free.

“Jeni, I didn’t do this. I swear.” He panics.

The policemen grip him harder as hot, salty tears run down my cheeks and onto my top. I peer over at Matthew as Aiden’s forcefully escorted to the elevator.

My heart is breaking, shattering inside my chest. I have no idea what the hell is going on other than Aiden has been arrested for a serious crime. A sudden wash of anger floods my veins—anger over what, I’m not quite sure.

Rachelle walks over to me. “Are you okay?”

A loud sob expels from my mouth, followed by another and another. I can’t control them as I look up to see Matthew smirking. The asshole’s actually taking pleasure in all this chaos. So, I point at him. “That’s right, you fucking jerk. It couldn’t work out better for you, could it? Aiden’s arrested for embezzlement leaving you to fill the vice president’s chair,” I scream at Matthew, who looks at me, huffs, then exits Aiden’s office like the weasel he is.

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Read the First Chapter HERE!

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Enter the Release Giveaway HERE! (pinned post)

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With a flair for all things creative, International Bestselling Author K E Osborn, is drawn to the written word. Exciting worlds and characters flow through her veins, coming to life on the page as she laughs, cries, and becomes enveloped in the storyline right along with you. She’s entirely at home when writing sassy heroines and alpha males that rise from the ashes of their pasts. K E Osborn comforts herself with tea and Netflix, after all, who doesn’t love a good binge?

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New Release ~ Takeover ~ by ~ Evelyn Sola

I’ve known powerful, arrogant men my entire life. Men like Ethan always have to win, no matter the cost, or so I thought. A chance encounter with Ethan and his son has me questioning everything I thought I knew. Readers who enjoy diverse contemporary romances will devour Takeover by Evelyn Sola, an enemies to lovers, single dad, billionaire romance.

Blurb TARA I was supposed to be in charge. That was always my intention. Until that slick corporate raider, Ethan Bradford, clicked his fancy pen and poof! Just like that, I was under him, instead of on top. Rich and powerful men–especially arrogant, handsome ones–are all the same. I know exactly how to handle him, but when my father pulls rank and orders me to play nice, my plans of putting him in his place vanish. I know his type. I’ve been around men like him my entire life, but one chance meeting with him and his son, makes me question everything I thought I knew. ETHAN When it comes to business, I always come out on top. Not even being a single dad can slow me down. I never let a good investment get away, and that includes Taylor Toys. After all, business is business, right? How was I supposed to know a friendly meeting would set me on fire? Tara Taylor is a spoiled princess, used to getting everything she wants. Sure, her good looks and smart mouth turn me on like nothing else. Despite her hostile stares, she triggered feelings I thought were long dead. She dares to judge me while she stands there in her designer shoes, looking more beautiful than any marketing exec I’ve ever met. Instead of being grateful that I saved her family’s legacy, she blames me for their failure. What was meant to be a formality turns into a game of wills. I never lose. Except this time, I find myself wanting her more than I want to win. I find myself wanting her to take over. Add to Goodreads Here! Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Excerpt

He offers me his hand, and when I don’t take it right away, my father elbows me in the ribs. I take his proffered hand, not at all prepared for the goosebumps that cover my skin, or the jolt of electricity that surges through my body. I look down at our hands, his paler skin wrapped around my brown one. And then I go and make a huge mistake. I look into his eyes. I don’t know what I expected, but ocean blue eyes weren’t it. I pull my hand from his, absentmindedly rubbing it against my wool pants. He watches me the entire time. I search his face, trying to find a hint of the arrogance I saw in his pictures, but I don’t find it. He tilts his head a fraction, his eyes not leaving mine for a second. He offers me a smile that is almost my undoing. Perfect white teeth, captivating blue eyes, wrapped up in an expensive suit covered in cologne. “Tara,” he says as if he’s trying out my name. “I’m Ethan Bradford.” No nice to meet you, Tara. Just letting me know who he is. There it is. Arrogant son of a bitch. “Yes,” I say, not bothering to offer him so much as a fake smile. “I’ve heard,” I practically sneer. Luckily, my father, who’s now talking to another person, doesn’t hear my tone. Ethan Bradford doesn’t miss it though. His brows furrow and the smile he previously offered slips. I don’t give him a chance to offer me a snarky comeback. Without another look, I walk away and take my seat at the table.

Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

About Evelyn Sola A Boston native, wife, mother, and wine enthusiast. If she’s not writing, thinking about writing, you will find Evelyn with a book in her hands. While a new publisher, she’s been writing for years, and she will continue to write for many years to come. Evelyn is obsessed with assertive and confident men who will stop at nothing to get their woman. Her stories are filled with love, passion and humor. She currently lives in Chicago, IL with her husband and two daughters.

Cover Reveal ~ Falling for the President’s Daughter ~ by ~ L. Wilder

Title: Falling for the President’s Daughter

Series: Satan’s Fury MC

Author: L. Wilder

Genre: MC Romance (can be read as standalone)

Release Date: May 27, 2021

Cover Design: Mayhem Cover Creations

I’d spent half my life being her friend. Now, it was time for something more.

Flynn~

Satan’s Fury MC was a legend in our town.

There was always some rumor going around about them.

As their neighbor, I knew some of them were true.

But I didn’t give a shit. I was only interested in her.

I was just a kid when she moved in next door.

Her name was Lauren.

She wasn’t only beautiful, she was strong and determined—and unapologetically so.

Cotton’s newly adopted daughter quickly stole my heart.

I would’ve done anything to have her—even if it meant putting my life on the line.

Cotton~

In our world, a man never truly knows what will come first.

The bullet that brings his life to an end or his chance to find vindication.

It’s that sense of unknowing that can break a man or it can give him the strength to push even harder.

For me, it has always been the latter, but now, knowing it’s my daughter’s life that’s on the line, it might just fucking break me.

Leslie Wilder grew up in a small town in West Tennessee. A country girl at heart, she’s always thought that life is too short, but she had no idea how short it really was until her brother passed away in 2014. She’s always been an avid reader, loving the escape only a great book can give, and wondered if she had what it took to write one of the wild romances she’d come to adore. With the support of her family and friends, she published Inferno: A Devil Chaser’s MC, one year after her brother’s death. With him in mind, she fulfilled her lifetime dream of writing. Since then, she’s completed the Devil Chaser’s Series and continued on with the Satan’s Fury MC Series. She has so many stories in her head, and can’t wait to share each and every one.

Leslie has been blown away by the support of her readers, appreciating every message, review, and encouraging word she’s received over the past year. She looks forward to continuing this journey with them for years to come.

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New Releases ~ KB Worlds Everyday Heroes

The latest set of books in the Everyday Heroes World are live!

Inspired by K. Bromberg’s Everyday Heroes standalones, each author wrote their own story to fit in the world. We hope you’ll fall in love with their new stories and characters while revisiting the Malone brothers from mine.

All the books releasing today are FREE in Kindle Unlimited:

Call Out by Autumn Archer https://geni.us/CallOut

Faint by R.L. Kenderson https://geni.us/Faint

Check out the books that inspired the authors! K. Bromberg’s Everyday Heroes series are FREE in Kindle Unlimited right now:

Cuffed: https://geni.us/CfdAmz

Combust: https://geni.us/CmbstAmz

Cockpit: https://geni.us/CkptAmz

More KB Worlds books are coming your way every month. Stay up to date on all the releases here:

✶ Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Vy4v9d

✶ Website: http://www.kbworlds.com

✶ Newsletter: https://smarturl.it/KBWNewsletter

New Release ~ Disaster Girl ~ by ~ Michelle Dayton

The only thing Tess knows better than walking into a disaster is digging herself out of one. But when she becomes the victim of a revenge porn site, she needs help — from brilliant and sexy hacker, Max. Falling for him could lead to another epic disaster… Readers who love Christian Lauren and Jasmine Guillory will love this spicy, humorous contemporary romance. “… a deeply satisfying romance with real stakes and a realistic look at caregiver burnout. Readers won’t want to put this down.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review

Blurb Tess Greene knows disaster—dating disasters, computer disasters, family disasters, you name it. But just when her life is finally almost perfect, she’s targeted by an internet celebrity who runs a revenge porn site admired by douchebags across the country. She has one month before the entire world will have an up-close-and-personal view of her sexual history. Tess has always handled everything on her own, but for this disaster, she needs backup. Max Hampshire, a brilliant hacker, is exactly the lifeline Tess needs. What she doesn’t need is Max himself. She does not need his quick wit, sexy black-framed glasses, or all-around sweetness. The last guy who helped Tess left with his life crushed and his heart broken, so she knows that staying far away from Max would be safer for everyone. But safety isn’t really an option when dealing with sleazy predators—or love… Add to Goodreads Here!

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iBooks→ https://apple.co/3jKXTOV

Google Play→ http://bit.ly/378Ahik

Kobo→ https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/disaster-girl

Bookbub→ https://www.bookbub.com/books/disaster-girl-by-michelle-dayton

Excerpt

Sometimes when out at a restaurant or the park, I’d see a couple smiling at one another. Not speaking or laughing, but just solely connected to one another from the eyes and lips. They didn’t feel you watching because they were seeing only each other. These smiles were private moments happening in public, and you almost felt like a voyeur watching it. On the few occasions I’d witnessed that kind of smile, I’d felt odd, physically. A pain my chest, a shortness of breath, a sting in the eye. At this moment, smiling at Max, I knew what those physical symptoms represented: jealousy. Because I’d never experienced one of those shared smiles that spoke of pure enjoyment and appreciation and connection and all that sappy bullshit. Until now.

Buy Now!

Amazon→ https://amzn.to/3b0AN2X

Barnes & Noble → https://bit.ly/3d70eCF

iBooks→ https://apple.co/3jKXTOV

Google Play→ http://bit.ly/378Ahik

Kobo→ https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/disaster-girl

Bookbub→ https://www.bookbub.com/books/disaster-girl-by-michelle-dayton

About Michelle Dayton

There are only three things Michelle Dayton loves more than sexy and suspenseful novels: her family, the city of Chicago, and Mr. Darcy. Michelle dreams of a year of world travel – as long as the trip would include weeks and weeks of beach time. As a bourbon lover and unabashed wine snob, Michelle thinks heaven is discussing a good book over an adult beverage.

New Release ~ Perfect Night ~ by ~ Terri E. Laine

Perfect Night, Mason Creek Book Four (Standalone), a Friends To Lovers, Small Town Romance by Terri E. Laine is LIVE!

One-Click today: https://mybook.to/PerfectNightBuy Add it to your TBR on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/PerfectNightTBR

Emma Hawkins is sure her life is set. She’s finally leaving Mason Creek behind, the small town she’s lived in her entire life.

That is until her former high school crush, Aiden Faulkner, strides back into town. The hot new Deputy Sheriff still gives her butterflies and is in a perfect position to help as she deals with the mystery surrounding tragedy that has struck her life.

When she asks for his help, she knows it’s a lot for him to keep her request a secret. Only, the time they spend together doesn’t go unnoticed. Rumors threaten everything, including their growing connection.

Undeniable attraction has never been their problem.

Timing is.

With her not so perfect fiancé in the rearview mirror, it becomes impossible for Aiden and her to remain just friends.

They say love is patient.

And Aiden’s been patiently waiting to give Emma that one perfect night.

One-Click: https://mybook.to/PerfectNightBuy Goodreads: http://bit.ly/PerfectNightTBR

MASON CREEK SERIES 12 Books by 12 Bestselling Authors, all tied together by one fictional small town. All available on Kindle Unlimited.

Welcome to Mason Creek, Montana.

Read the new releases and pre-order the upcoming titles: http://mybook.to/MasonCreekSeriesBuy Add them to your TBR on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/MasonCreekSeriesTBR

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New Release ~ Blitz ~ by ~ A.M. Williams

In a blink of an eye, I turned her whole world upside down. I messed up and will do anything to make things right. Is there any chance of a happily ever after for a football star and librarian? Fans of the Boston Terriers Series by Jacob Chance will devour Blitz by A.M. Williams, a light and humorous, enemies to lovers romance.

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One sexy football player. One sassy small town librarian. Is there any hope for happily ever after? Charlie HEA? No way. Jasper Sutton is the reason I watched my dream go up in smoke. I don’t care that he’s ridiculously hot and the night we met was one of the best of my life. The fact that he’s also funny and easy to talk to means next to nothing. He tore all my hopes to shreds when he bought the old library to turn it into a gym. I can’t forgive him. Jasper Charlotte “Charlie” Drake is something else. And I don’t mean that as a compliment. She might be gorgeous and sexy, but she’s also headstrong and stubborn. I get it–I messed up. I didn’t have all the facts and took things too far. But I’m crazy about her. She’s the only woman who looked past my name and reputation to see the real me. I want to prove to her that I’m serious, I’m sorry, and we could be good together. What does it take to get over the ultimate fumble and still win the game?

Add to Goodreads!

Excerpt

“Not gonna lie,” I said after a few minutes of silence. “I wasn’t expecting you to drive a truck.” “Why’s that?” he asked. I shrugged even though he wasn’t looking at me. “I think it’s because you’re a pro athlete, so I just assumed you’d want some type of sports car.” He said nothing for a moment and I glanced at him. I watched as he clenched and unclenched his jaw. He finally asked, “How’d you find out I was an athlete?” I shrugged again. “Someone said something.” “Someone had to tell you?” Was he offended? I looked at him and caught the surprise on his face. “Yeah?” I knew it came out sounding like a question, but he sounded way too offended for the situation. “I have a milkshake named after me.” I blinked at him, not sure where he was going with this. All I could hear was Kelis singing about milkshakes in my head as I asked, “So?” “And a burger. My number’s retired at the high school.” Ah, that explained the framed football jersey in the foyer of the high school then. I’d been wondering about that and hadn’t asked. “That just screams famous or something,” he continued. Who was he trying to convince? Me or himself? “Dude, it’s just a milkshake. Having something named after you doesn’t mean shit. For all I knew, you’d won a contest.” “At every place in town?” Okay, he had me there. There were a lot of things named after him. I might have looked that up earlier in the week. Still didn’t mean much. “Maybe you like eating contests. I don’t know!” And now I was the one grasping at straws. I needed to shut up. He grumbled something under his breath, but I didn’t bother trying to figure out what he said. I really couldn’t get over the fact that he was this butt hurt over me not knowing that he was this famous guy and that he had stuff named after him because of it. It didn’t seem like that big of a deal to me.

About A.M. Williams

A.M. Williams is just a simple girl from the south that found herself living abroad. When she’s not annoying her cat or reading, she’s spending time with her husband and traveling as much as possible. She has a serious case of wanderlust and wants to go as many places as possible while she can. She loves Cheerwine, sweet tea, and North Carolina (eastern style) BBQ as well as those crystal clear waters on the North Carolina coast.

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New Release ~ Cure Bound ~ by ~ M.L. Philpitt

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Harlow Magic-less and descended from the Sinclair coven, I’m nothing but the cure to vampirism. Vampires have hunted my family for centuries and I’m no exception. My dark captor claims to not want my blood…for himself. He’s the devil incarnate, but I can’t bring myself to completely despise him. Not when he tempts me so. Alec I vowed to wipe out the entire Sinclair coven after one of theirs took what mattered most to me. She’s all that’s left. Driven by centuries of hate and a long-standing vow, I strike the deal: sell her blood in exchange for her life. It should be simple, until fate intervenes. But then, fate no longer matters…not when my growing feelings toward her outweigh my vow.

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To Enter The Release Day Giveaway Click HERE!

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Stunned speechless for the first time…ever. While Cora was obscenely beautiful, I’ve always found the words to compliment her. But Harlow’s appearance dumbfounds me into silence, and I can’t bring myself to speak. When I picked out the dress, I knew what I was doing, but I didn’t imagine my own reaction to it—to her. The dress parts, showing off her creamy legs. Legs that I visualize wrapped around my waist as I—I force the thought to end before it gets too far. The bodice drips low, her breasts resting high. My fangs ache with the need to sink into her soft skin, to drink from her chest as my fingers roll her pert nipples. Something is wrong with me. I shake my head, still unable to tear my gaze away. She’s put me under a spell, I’m sure of it. She has magic, even if she doesn’t know it. Half her red hair rolls down in waves over her shoulders, while some remains pinned up. It was a style Cora herself often enjoyed and I should kill the maid for daring to give Harlow the same one…but I find myself not minding it too much. Not when Harlow’s bright green eyes meet mine from under fluttering dark lashes. She’s exquisite.

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Read The First Chapter HERE!

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M.L. Philpitt is Canadian-born and raised, and enjoys representing Canada within her novels. As a Ravenclaw, she loves education, having undergraduate degrees in English Literature and Sociology, a certificate in Autism and Behavioral Sciences, and a MA in Counselling Psychology. She writes in various romance new adult genres including but not limited to paranormal, fantasy, dark romance, and contemporary. She has lots of crazy trapped in her head for readers to enjoy. When M.L. Philpitt isn’t making up stories, she’s enjoying those imagined by other authors. Her love of reading began when she was a young child and only grew with age. She likes many genres, as reflected in her writing preferences. Despite being an author, she’s an active ARC reader, book buyer, and moderator for The New Adult Book Club on Goodreads.

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New Release ~ Nice Guys Don’t Win ~ by ~ Micalea Smeltzer

Title: Nice Guys Don’t Win

Series: The Boys #2

Author: Micalea Smeltzer

Genre: New Adult College Romance

Release Date: May 19, 2021

BLURB

When I agreed to be his roommate, I had no way of knowing that Cole Anderson was one of my father’s star players.

Having transferred to Aldridge University for my junior year, I wasn’t familiar with anyone on campus.

If there’s one rule I’ve always been supposed to follow it’s don’t date a basketball player.

Cole is different, though, and I don’t want to stay away.

But when he finds out I’m the coach’s daughter I might not have any say in the matter.

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PURCHASE LINKS

$2.99 for today only!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

EXCERPT

I finish my beer and add it to the growing empty pile beside the cooler. Fluffing my hair, I shake out my arms and smile at my roommate. “I’m going to dance. Alone.”

His eyes follow me as I walk over to the actual fire where some people sit on the ground but quite a few are dancing. Sail by AWOLNATION plays, the beat vibrating along with the pulse of my blood flowing through my veins.

I danced from the time I was four through high school. Even though I love math and the sciences, and consider myself on the more studious side, dance has been my creative outlet, a passion. I know I’m good at it, and as I move my body, eyes closed, I know people are watching. When I dance I don’t care why they’re looking at me or what they’re thinking. I do it for me. Because it feels good to move my body, to exist in a moment. Dance is freeing, it’s the language of our bodies.

When I finally open my eyes, they connect immediately with caramel brown ones. He’s moved closer to the bonfire, beer bottle in hand while his jaw works angrily at the piece of gum he’s chewing.

I know I shouldn’t do it.

I’ve sworn off men.

He’s my roommate.

He’s hot as hell.

But I do it anyway.

I crook my finger. It’s a challenge, a silent dare. The ball’s in his court.

He shoves the bottle into the hand of one of his friends, slinking toward me like a panther. When he gets to me he wraps one big hand around my waist, the heat of his palm a brand against my skin. He begins to move to the song as well, and despite our massive height difference it works—we work, but I don’t let my brain linger on that thought too long.

I don’t know if he has any formal dance training, but he moves like someone who has at least some knowledge or basic understanding of rhythm. The fire crackles nearby, and I faintly taste ash on my tongue. His brows are drawn low as he watches me, our movements evenly matched as we anticipate each other’s movements. People still watch, but this time they’re not just watching me. It’s us. Normally I would be scared to put on a show like this, I’m not this bold, but after everything with Todd some spontaneity won’t kill me. In fact, I think it’ll be good for me. It also helps that on this campus no one knows who I am. I like the anonymity of it. I can be anyone.

He knows you, my conscience whispers to me.

But not really, sure he knows who I am, but Cole doesn’t know much of my past, of my hurts, the scars I bear. And tonight, I just want to be, to exist in this moment.

With both hands on my waist, he dips me backwards and my hair falls with me, the ends touching the grass. When he pulls me back up, we’re closer than before. Chest to chest. Heartbeat to heartbeat—well, maybe not quite since he’s such a giant. I crane my neck back as we sway, our hips moving in a sensual rhythm, and our eyes meet.

Lust.

Desire.

Sex.

It’s there. In his gaze. Mine too. We can’t go there, not just because we’re living together, but because I need time. To heal. To stand on my own two feet. To grow.

I pull out of his arms. “No. I can’t. I’m sorry.” I bite my lip, truly remorseful. “I’m sorry,” I repeat, taking a step back.

Another.

One more.

Until I’m disappearing into the shadows.

ALSO AVAILABLE

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

AUTHOR BIO

Hi. I’m Micalea. Ma-call-e-uh. Weird name, I know. My mom must’ve known I was going to be odd even in the womb. I’ve written a lot of books. Like a lot. Don’t ask me how many, I don’t remember at this point. I have an unhealthy addiction to Diet Coke but I can’t seem to break the habit. I listen to way too much music and hedgehogs have taken over my life. Crazy is the word that best sums up my life, but it’s the good kind of crazy and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

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Cover Reveal ~ You’re Still the One ~ by ~ Erika Kelly

Title: You’re Still the One

Series: A Calamity Falls Small Town Romance

Author: Erika Kelly

Genre: Steamy, Small Town, Contemporary Romance (stand alone)

Release Date: July 8, 2021

Cover Design: Serendipity Formatting

✔️ Hot, inked, motorcycle-riding hero
✔️ Sexy wedding planner with a whole lot of explaining to do
✔️Steamy, small town romance
✔️Second chance romance
✔️And lots and lots of make-up sex

When Stella Cavanaugh gets the chance to come home after a seven-year, self-imposed exile, she takes it. She was born to be a wedding planner, and she hopes creating her sister’s wedding might just earn her redemption with her family.

The only thing holding her back is the fear of running into Griffin James, the love of her life. Because she not only hurt her family, she destroyed their relationship. Burned it right to the ground. And she just doesn’t know if she can bear to find out he’s moved on. She sure hasn’t.

Griffin James has a roommate. The fourteen-year-old’s staying with him while his dad’s on deployment. Sounds simple, but the boy’s grandparents are looking for any excuse to pull him out of the clutches of the big, tattooed owner of a bike shop. If Griffin can just stay under their radar, everything should be fine.

But that’s just not possible when Stella bursts into their lives. Her sparkly spirit, her big, splashy ideas, and her impulsiveness always lead to disaster. He knew that…but he couldn’t resist her.

And now she’s on the run again, because…

The very things they love about each other are also what tear them apart.

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Movement in the carriage house caught his attention, and when Stella came to the window and looked up at him, his pulse quickened. She pressed her hand to the glass, and he could feel the ghost of that touch on his chest.

Wanted it there.

Wanted her.

All of her.

He grabbed his phone off the nightstand and hit her number.

She stepped away, and the gauzy curtain swung shut “Hey. How’d it go tonight?”

“He doesn’t open up to me he way he does with you.” He wanted to see her again, willed her to come back to the window.

She didn’t make him wait long. “Did you tell him he doesn’t have to spend Thanksgiving with his grandparents?”

“I did, but he said he’d go. He didn’t come out and say it, but I’m sure it’s easier to go along with them than try and fight. He’s told me before the judge ignores him when he defies him or speaks up for himself.”

“Defies them. Can you imagine? Not going along with everything they ask of him is viewed as defiance. I would love to give them a piece of my mind.”

He wanted her here, with him. The distance physically hurt. “You eat dinner?”

“Well, I had a really nice salad I found in my mini fridge. I seem to have a secret chef who loads it up every now and then. Wonder who it could be?”

He couldn’t deny how good it made him feel to know she had something to eat when she was buried under all that paperwork.

“I can see that, you know. That sexy little man-grin you try so hard not to show.”

He broke into a full grin. “I’m not hiding anything. Hey, speaking of shows. Thank you for not doing naked yoga in your living room. There’s only so much a man can take.”

“I try to save those kinds of activities for when there isn’t a fourteen-year-old boy in the house.”

“I could send him to boarding school.”

She laughed. And when emotion took up too much space inside him, he went quiet.

She went quiet, too, and it made him wonder…why did he only notice his beating heart when she was around?

Because she is my heart.

She just is.

“Stella?”

“Yes?” Her voice was all breathy, a little eager, a little scared.

“You want me to make you some tea?”

“Yes. Very much.”

The urgency pounded like a drum in his throat. “What kind?”

“Anything. I’ll take anything you have to give.”

Damn, this woman. “Get over here.”

Award-winning author Erika Kelly writes sexy and emotional small town romance. Married to the love of her life and raising four children, she lives in the southwest, drinks a lot of tea, and is always waiting for her cats to get off her keyboard. Please note that 10% of the net income of all Erika Kelly books goes to the Semper Fi Fund (semperfifund.org)

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