Blog Tour & Review ~ One Wrong Choice ~ by ~ Terri E. Laine & A.M. Hargrove

One Wrong Choice by A.M. Hargrove & Terri E. Laine
Release Date: March 1st
Genre: Contemporary Romance

You are cordially invited to witness the union of Jenna and Kenneth…

Isn’t it every woman’s dream to marry the perfect guy?

Mr. Tall, Dark, Rich, and Handsome, the one who waits for me at the altar, is that man.

It’s what my family wants.

For a long time, it was what I thought I wanted, too.

Then I met Brandon, a ruggedly handsome guy with inked up sleeves, who turns my dreams into flames of heat.

What kind of person am I—an engaged woman constantly fantasizing and lusting over her best friend?

When Kenneth is away, Brandon fills all my dangerous desires, even though we haven’t so much as kissed.

I’m torn between doing the right thing, and following my heart.

If I make one wrong choice, I risk losing it all.

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As I was reading this book, it reminded me of a soap opera. There was always one thing after another that came up to keep Brandon and Jenna apart. First, Jenna was involved then years later she was engaged. Then she wasn’t but Brandon was seeing someone – sort of. Then they weren’t.

This book was a funny read though. There were definitely some snort-laughing moments along with “Are you kidding me?!” drama and then forehead smacking “UGH!”. I haven’t read the other books in the series by these authors but I might just have to if all the stories are this involved.

Great if you want a read that has a lot of things happening!

5 stars!

Meet A.M. Hargrove:

One day on her way home from work as a sales manager, USA Today bestselling author, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast-forward. If she didn’t do something soon, it would be too late to write that novel she had dreamt of her whole life. She slammed on the brakes, made a crazy decision, and quit her job. Then she reinvented herself as a Naughty and Nice Romance Author.

She fancies herself all of the following: Reader, Writer, Dark Chocolate Lover, Ice Cream Worshipper, Coffee Drinker, Grey Goose Aficionado, and #WalterThePuppy Lover. If you’re around her for more than five minutes, you’ll soon notice she has a tendency to talk you ear off.

Meet Terri E. Laine:

Terri E. Laine, USA Today bestselling author, left a lucrative career as a CPA to pursue her love for writing. Outside of her roles as a wife and mother of three, she’s always been a dreamer and as such became an avid reader at a young age.

In her early years, she and her best friend would tell each other stories over the phone when they were bored. They called them their “soap operas” and generally revolved around whatever boy they liked at the time.

Many years later, she got a crazy idea to write a novel and set out to try to publish it. With over a dozen titles published under various pen names, the rest is history. Her journey has been a blessing, and a dream realized. She looks forward to many more memories to come.

Connect with A.M. Hargrove:

Website: http://www.amhargrove.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMHargroveAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Amhargrove1

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/amhargroveauthor

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/A.M.-Hargrove/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5338829.A_M_Hargrove

Connect with Terri:

Website: www.terrielaine.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TerriELaineBooks

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/TerriELaineAuthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TerriLaineBooks

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TerriELaineAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14299771.Terri_E_Laine

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Terri-E.-Laine/

Blog Tour & Review ~ If You Were Mine ~ by ~ Melanie Harlow

If You Were Mine, an all-new sexy and emotional standalone from USA Today Bestselling author Melanie Harlow is now available!

If You Were Mine

by Melanie Harlow

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Theo MacLeod wasn’t supposed to be the one.

Tall, dark and handsome suits me just fine, but the cocky grin, know-it-all attitude, and mammoth ego? No thanks. I only hired him so I wouldn’t have to sit at the singles table again. It was just pretend.

He wasn’t supposed to kiss me.

My heart wasn’t supposed to pound.

We weren’t supposed to spend the night together—the hottest night of my life.

One night turns into a snowed-in weekend away, and even the blizzard of the century can’t cool the fire between us. I can’t get enough—of his smile, of his body, of the way he makes me feel.

We’re nothing alike. He’s a daredevil, and I’m a nervous Nellie. He’s a drifter, and I want to put down roots. He’s an opportunist with a checkered past, and I’m a Girl Scout volunteer.

But none of it matters when I’m in his arms.

I know he’s made mistakes. I know his wounds are deep, and he doesn’t trust easily. I know he doesn’t believe he could ever be enough to make me happy, but he could.

All he has to do is stay.

Excerpt:

A guy in a black leather jacket set a coffee cup down on the table and sat opposite me.

I looked over at him, feeling slightly awkward since I’d have to tell him he couldn’t sit there. He was handsome, with warm brown eyes and short dark hair, but he wasn’t Fred. “I’m sorry, I’m waiting for someone,” I said. “But I can move.”

To my surprise, he smiled confidently. “Claire, right? I’m Fred.”

I screwed up my face. “You can’t be. Fred has blond hair and blue eyes. I saw his picture.”

He laughed, almost condescendingly. “I don’t use my real picture, Claire. People are crazy.”

What? This made no sense. “I don’t understand. How can you advertise yourself with someone else’s photo? Don’t women get mad when you show up?”

He shrugged, his grin turning a little cocky. “Haven’t had any complaints so far.”

Actually, he was more attractive than the photo he’d used online—more rugged and masculine, with his scruffy jaw, big shoulders, and brawny chest. Meeting the real Fred was kind of like ordering the chicken piccata and being brought the Porterhouse, which hadn’t even been on the menu.

But that wasn’t the point.

(And I’d described someone completely different to Elyse.)

“So, what, you use a fake photo to lure potential clients and then you set up the coffee meeting to check them out first?” I asked indignantly.

“Wouldn’t you?” He shrugged out of his jacket. “It’s a scary world out there.”

I crossed my arms, sitting up tall. “No! That’s a scam. I don’t like scammers.”

“No, it isn’t. I don’t take any money from them. I don’t even talk to them, I just leave.”

Frowning, I said, “That doesn’t seem right to me. These people are willing to pay you to hang out with them and probably feel bad enough about themselves already, and you just walk out without even giving them a chance?”

He shrugged. “Look, if it makes you feel any better, I’ve only walked off a job once, and that was because I thought I recognized the woman. I prefer to keep my personal and professional identities separate. That’s fair, isn’t it?”

Professional identity? He was a rent-a-date! I shook my head in disbelief. “Is your name even Fred?”

“Does it matter?”

“Yes,” I snapped. “How am I supposed to know what to call you?”

He grinned as he leaned toward me and lowered his voice. “Call me anything you want. You’re the boss.”

Was he flirting with me or making fun of me? I cleared my throat and pressed my knees tighter together. “I’d like to call you by your actual name, please. Bad enough I have to pay someone to play my fake boyfriend. I’d like something to be real, at least.”

He held his eyes steady on mine for a moment. I felt like he was sizing me up, trying to decide if he could trust me, so I stared right back without blinking. If anyone at this table was trustworthy, it was me.

“Theo,” he said quietly, his eyes dropping to my lips for the merest fraction of a second. “My name is Theo.”

There. Was that so hard? I smiled at him before picking up my latte.“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Theo.”

“What, you’re just going to believe me? You’re much too trusting, Claire. I bet people take advantage of you.”

I set the cup back down on the saucer with an angry clank. “Is your name Theo or not?”

“Shhh, it is, it is,” he said, laughing. Then he glanced over his shoulder like he was in the fucking CIA. “But I don’t give that out to just anyone. You should feel special.”

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Add to Goodreads: https://goo.gl/zqceTQ

This reminds me of The Wedding Date. which if you have seen, do it because Dermot Mulroney is just so dreamy! ❤ But I digress. Claire needs a date to her coworker’s wedding. She does NOT want to be relegated to the dreaded “Singles’ Table” yet again.

Claire hires “Fred” who is actually Theo and can’t be more pleased. Theo is hot but he’s driving her nuts. He sees into her and her fears and it’s a little unnerving for her.

Theo just wants to be Theo and not the “hot date” he’s hired to be. He has more than enough going on in his personal life and he feels the need to share that with Claire. Or at least try to.

Another great story from Melanie Harlow! And a great book in the series of friends finding love.

5 stars!

About the Author:

Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she’s not writing or reading, she gets her kicks from TV series like VEEP, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, and Homeland. She occasionally runs three miles, but only so she can have more gin and steak.

Melanie is the author of the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, the FRENCHED series, and the sexy historical SPEAK EASY duet, set in the 1920s. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.

Connect with Melanie:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieHarlow/?fref=ts

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NPkYKs

Twitter: @MelanieHarlow2

Website: http://www.melanieharlow.com

Blog Tour & Review ~ Jordan Reclaimed ~ by ~ Scarlett Cole

JORDAN RECLAIMED

Author: Scarlett Cole

E-Original published by Swerve

Publication Date: February 28, 2017

ISBN: 9781250132406

Blurb:

Jordan Steele’s life began when he was ten. When he was taken from his parents and a house that was never a home. When he met his brothers, the other lost and abandoned boys in his group home. When he learned what friendship and family and love looked like.

Now he’s made good, touring the world with the band he and his brothers formed in that crowded group home. No one but his found family really knows the man under the fame and fortune, the scars he hides behind the rockstar lifestyle. Until he sees her through the windows of the National Ballet, dancing, and suddenly the world doesn’t seem so dark.

Aleksandra Artemov ticks all the ballet boxes. Father a legendary Kirov dancer. Check. Prepping since birth for classical ballet. Check. Compulsive control over the food she eats. Check. Principal dancer at The National Ballet of Canada. Check. But what she craves is freedom.

She craves Jordan.

Everything about him should terrify her. His size, his tattoos, his edge. But he doesn’t. He stirs her very soul. Jordan has nothing but himself to offer her, and he’s never been good enough for anyone. Can he figure out how to face his own demons before he loses his light for good?

Another amazing series! Scarlett Cole just writes some AMAZING characters, that are raw, real but still fictional enough that they could be your next book boyfriend or real enough that it’s someone you know. Jordan is SO much that. He’s wonderfully flawed. Yes he’s hot but he has a deeper side to him and Lexi touches that. Lexi is absolutely the light to his dark but she’s also the one who saves him from himself.

Jordan and Lexi both have their issues and battles to overcome but with each other, they’re stronger and able to do that.

I can’t wait for more of the Preload boys. I love their relationship and want to know more of each!!

5 Stars!

SCARLETT COLE is a writer of contemporary romance and a two-time RITA finalist. Her debut, The Strongest Steel, was a Best Debut Goodreads Author Finalist 2015. Born in England, Scarlett traveled the world, living in Japan and the United States before settling in Canada where she met her own personal hero – all six and a half feet of him. She now lives with her husband and children in Manchester, England.

Author Links

Website: http://www.scarlettcole.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsscarlettcole/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItsScarlettCole

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31688253-jordan-reclaimed

Blog Tour & Review ~ Hometown Cowboy ~ by ~ Sara Richardson

Today we are part of the blog tour for HOMETOWN COWBOY by Sara Richardson. This is the first book in her brand new series, Rocky Mountain Riders. You can buy it now and pre-order the next book in the series, Comeback Cowboy!

About HOMETOWN COWBOY:

NEVER FALL IN LOVE WITH A COWBOY

Jessa Mae Love is done with relationships. No matter how tempting he might be, she cannot–will not–fall for a man like Lance Cortez. The outrageously handsome cowboy is practically a living legend in Colorado, as famous for riding bulls as he is for breaking hearts. What would a big-time rodeo star like him see in a small-town veterinarian who wears glasses, rescues animals, and cries when watching rom-coms? Turns out, plenty.

Raising bulls, riding the circuit, and looking after his ailing father–Lance never stands still for long. Yet Jessa catches his attention, and the more she tries to resist him, the more he wants her. When she agrees to move to the ranch to keep an eye on Lance’s dad, Jessa tells him they have to keep it professional: no flirting, no sweet talk, and definitely no kissing. But with Jessa now living under his roof, that’s easier said than done . . .

Add HOMETOWN COWBOY to Goodreads

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What reviewers are saying about Sara Richardson’s novels…

“Charming, witty, and fun. There’s no better read. I enjoyed every word!”―Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author on No Better Man

“Richardson’s debut packs a powerful emotional punch. [Her] deft characterization creates a hero and heroine who will elicit laughs in some places and tears in others.”―***Publishers Weekly* on *No Better Man***

“4 stars! Hot! Richardson brings us a modern read set in beautiful Aspen. Her brisk storytelling and the charming, endearing characters set within a solid, engaging plot make this sweet romance shine. A strong and vulnerable Bryce, coupled with a determined, lighthearted Avery, will appeal to readers, especially with their sizzling chemistry. This is a truly delightful read.”―***RT Book Reviews* on *No Better Man***

“Fresh, fun, well-written, a dazzling debut.”―Lori Wilde, New York Times bestselling author on No Better Man

“The perfect balance of humor, heart and heat. I couldn’t put it down! Sara Richardson will sweep you away.”―Christie Craig, New York Times bestselling author on No Better Man

“An enjoyable read. Richardson’s spunky, baseball-lovin’ heroine is delightful!”―Katie Lane, USA Today bestselling author on No Better Man

———————————————–

PRE-ORDER THE NEXT BOOK IN THIS SERIES

Comeback Cowboy – Coming June 27th, 2017!

Amazon | B&N | iBooks

Put any sort of animal rescue or veterinarian in a story and I’m going to read it. And Jessa just has a huge heart and it’s obvious to see. And after her latest boyfriend breaks up with her, she’s over love, men and relationships.

Lance is a rough n tumble cowboy who isn’t good enough for Jessa. But Lance’s father Luis is Jessa’s best friend and the perfect person to take care of his father and keep him from getting lost when he goes hiking, etc. Plus Luis helps Jessa out at the rescue. And it doesn’t hurt that they find each other attractive although Jessa’s friend warns Lance off Jessa. She’s too sweet for him. But that might be just what he needs.

I can’t wait for more of this series. I’m curious if it will be one of the brothers’ stories next or Jessa’s friends, or both??

5 stars!

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

BIO:

Sara Richardson grew up chasing adventure in Colorado’s rugged mountains. She’s climbed to the top of a 14,000-foot peak at midnight, swam through Class IV rapids, completed her wilderness first-aid certification, and spent seven days at a time tromping through the wilderness with a thirty-pound backpack strapped to her shoulders.

Eventually, Sara did the responsible thing and got an education in writing and journalism. After five years in the corporate writing world, she stopped ignoring the voices in her head and started writing fiction. Now, she uses her experience as a mountain adventure guide to write stories that incorporate adventure with romance. Still indulging her adventurous spirit, Sara lives and plays in Colorado with her saint of a husband and two young sons. Her first contemporary romance, No Better Man, was released by Grand Central forever 2015.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Blog Tour ~ Blackwell ~ by ~ Alexandrea Weis with Lucas Astor

Title: Blackwell

Author: Alexandrea Weis with Lucas Astor

Genre: Gothic Romance

Published: January 17, 2017

Hell has a new master

In the late 1800s, handsome, wealthy New Englander, Magnus Blackwell, is the envy of all.

When Magnus meets Jacob O’Conner—a Harvard student from the working class—an unlikely friendship is forged. But their close bond is soon challenged by a captivating woman; a woman Magnus wants, but Jacob gets.

Devastated, Magnus seeks solace in a trip to New Orleans. After a chance meeting with Oscar Wilde, he becomes immersed in a world of depravity and brutality, inevitably becoming the inspiration for Dorian Gray. Armed with the forbidden magic of voodoo, he sets his sights on winning back the woman Jacob stole from him.

Amid the trappings of Victorian society, two men, bent on revenge, will lay the foundation for a curse that will forever alter their destinies.

“5 Revenge is a dish best served…..with a side of Voodoo stars!” – The Book Sirens

“This book was cleverly written. Set in Boston and New Orleans, I was spellbound by the narrative.” – Reader Review

“Alexandrea Weis pulls the reader into a dark and fated tale of catastrophic jealousy;” – The Reading Cafe

Leaving the firelight, he headed toward the water, eager to learn more about the woman. Beyond the glare of the bonfire, his eyes were better able to take in her figure. Her nightdress was torn in places and had dark splotches on it in others. She stood at the water’s edge, her feet hidden below the surface of the bayou. As he drew closer, Magnus got a better view of her exquisite face. Her pale, snowy skin glowed in the darkness, and her features were perfect except for a scar above her right lip. He ached to help her, to guide her from the water and back to the warmth of the fire.

“Are you all right?”

She titled her head to the side as she examined him. Then without saying anything, she held out her hand to him.

Magnus could hear a woman’s voice saying, Magnus, come with me, in his head, but her lips never moved. He was entranced, drawn to her, and just as he was raising his hand to take hers, another hand clamped down on his wrist.

“Magnus, no, don’t touch her,” Madam Simone called out.

The spell was broken, and the woman in the water faded away.

Magnus gawked at the water. “What?”

“I told you to stay close to the fire,” she admonished.

He pointed to the water. “You saw her? Who was that?”

Madam Simone let go of his arm. “You mean what was that, don’t you?”

“I don’t understand.”

She waved her long stick out over the water. “That was a spirit called by the ceremony. She often appears when we perform our rituals on the bayou.”

“You know her?” The shock was evident in his voice.

“She’s the spirit of one who sacrificed herself for love many years ago. She was the quadroon mistress of a wealthy white man who spurned her and her unborn child.”

Magnus removed his hat and wiped his hand over his brow, feeling shaky. “So you are telling me I just saw a ghost?”

Madam Simone chuckled at his reaction. “The world is not everything you see, Magnus. Ghosts are as real as you or I. They are the impression left behind by a life ended in misery, pain, or confusion. The spirits trapped or bound to earth are the ones who haunt. The ones who have found peace are the ones who leave.”

“Where do they go?”

She gave him a sad smile. “That all depends on what you believe. Heaven, hell, paradise—take your pick. We have more names for the world that comes after than we do for the one we currently inhabit. I think that speaks volumes about our capacity for hope.”

Magnus took an unsteady breath as his eyes returned to the water. “What about her? The girl in the water? Will she ever find peace and move on?”

“No.” Madam Simone shook her head and, gathering up her skirt, took a step away from the shore. “She has chosen to remain here.”

“Chosen?” he shouted. “Are you telling me she had a choice?”

“We all choose in life and in death, Magnus.” She glanced back at him. “That is why we have souls—to make that choice.”

Magnus could still hear the voice of the spirit calling to him in his head. “I think she spoke to me. She knew my name.”

“Spirits often bring messages from the dead. Do you know anyone who has recently died?”

He shook his head. “No, no one.”

Madam Simone motioned ahead to the bonfire. “Let’s get back to the fire.”

Returning his hat to his head, Magnus followed her up the bank. “I’m not sure what I witnessed, Madam Simone, but I no longer think I’m a skeptic.”

She grinned as they walked along. “Good. Then the ceremony served its purpose.”

“What purpose?”

Madam Simone kept her eyes focused on the firelight. “To prepare your soul for what is to come.”

From New Orleans, Alexandrea Weis was raised in the motion picture industry and began writing stories at the age of eight. In college she studied nursing and went on to teach at a local university. After several years in the medical field, she decided to pick up the pen once again and began her first novel, To My Senses. Since that time she has published many novels. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her award-winning books, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story memorable. Her work has been critically acclaimed and has been continually growing in popularity.

Alexandrea Weis is also a certified/permitted wildlife rehaber with the La. Wildlife and Fisheries. When she is not writing, she rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She is married; they live in New Orleans.

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Blog Tour & Review ~ Going Down Hard ~ by ~ Carly Phillips

Going Down Hard, a sexy new standalone from Carly Phillips is available now!!!

Going Down Hard
by Carly Phillips
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Billionaire Bad Boys: Rich, Powerful and sexy as hell.

Derek West rose from poverty to take the tech world by storm. He’s sexy, confident and gets any woman he wants. And who he wants is Cassie Storm, the rich girl he’s never been good enough for.

She’s desperate to save her family’s company and there’s only one man who can help. But Derek isn’t interested in helping. He wants to possess both the company and the woman he’s never been able to forget.

His plan? To seduce her out of his head. Except once he’s had a taste of Cassie, he doesn’t want to let her go. Her family remembers where he came from, and they won’t allow it. When the truth about their pasts comes to light, though, it may be Cassie who’s going down hard.

*All Billionaire Bad Boys Novels can be read as standalones.*

Read Today!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2kL1JMH

Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/xgpKYO

Nook: https://goo.gl/CXvwfN

iTunes: https://goo.gl/HZyF3x

Kobo: https://goo.gl/OEbWH0

Google Play: https://goo.gl/ynpok8

Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/PKB0IZ

Review Coming Soon!

Meet Carly Phillips:

Carly Phillips is the N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of over 50 sexy contemporary romance novels, including the Indie published, Dare to Love Series. She is happily married to her college sweetheart, the mother of two nearly adult daughters and three crazy dogs. Carly loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers.

Connect with Carly:

Sign up for Carly’s Newsletter at: http://www.carlyphillips.com/newsletter-sign-up/
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Website: http://www.carlyphillips.com

Spotlight Tour ~ Start Over ~ by ~ J. Saman

Title: Start Over: A Novel

Series: A Start Again Novel

Author: J. Saman

Genre: Contemporary Romance Stand Alone

$0.99 – KINDLE UNLIMITED

“Wonderfully written, thoroughly engaging and completely romantic, sometimes love rocks you when you least expect it!” ★★★★★ Tome Tender

“This is just a wonderful story. Ms Saman puts you in the story, she tells the story from both main characters point of view so you know what’s going on in both characters minds and I really like that. The first chapter sparks your interest and she holds you tight right to the last page. She leaves you wanting more.” ★★★★★ Debbie, Goodreads Reviewer

“From the opening chapter, this book had me hooked. I thought it was hilarious and I seriously wanted to befriend some of these people. The twists and turns kept me guessing and the lead is amazing. Great read for any occasion.” ★★★★★ G.M. Whit, Goodreads Reviewer

I like to play by the rules. But when I get coaxed into crashing a party, I run into the last man I ever thought I’d see again, my one and only one-night stand, Luke Walker. It’s been ten years since we’ve seen each other, but our chemistry is just as palpable as it was that night so long ago. Only problem is, I’m leaving in one month for a pediatric fellowship across the country.

I like to keep everything close to my chest. But when I see Ivy Green again, the woman I was never able to get out of my mind, I want her. It doesn’t matter that my dark past and dangerous present mean I can’t keep her. That my secrets would destroy any shot at a real future. After all, she’s leaving in a month. What’s the worst that could happen?

I was half joking last night at the idea of no-strings sex. I know it’s not possible.

She’s an all or nothing girl. I knew that the moment she spoke to me that first time, which is why I chose nothing all those years back. I had to. My life was too uncertain and I was not about to drag her into that with me.

And now the game maybe different, but I’m still a key player in it.

Yet, I’m so oddly drawn to this breathtaking creature that my thoughts are consumed by her. I’ve never wanted to be connected to another human the way I find myself wanting to be connected to her.

“I was hurt when I woke up and you were gone.” Her quiet words jolt me out of my thoughts and her admission stuns me into silence. “But I figured that’s what happens after a one-night stand and I should just get over it and remember it for what it was. So I dated other blokes and I went on to medical school and all was great—until Jason of course. I did think about you from time to time.” I squeeze her hand and she squeezes back. I can’t stop myself from smiling at her, but I don’t offer anything more because I can tell she’s not done. “I placed as a resident in the hospital here, followed by my fellowship, and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.”

Ivy turns to look at me and that one simple expression says she gave everything we discussed last night a tremendous amount of thought.

“I’ve worked unbelievably hard, Luke. Four years of medical school. Three years of residency, two of my regular fellowship and now a certificate fellowship that I’ve been dreaming about for these nine years—for most of my life. It’s my goal. The end game of my education that will lead me to the position I want. That’s how it works and I can’t let anything get in the way of that.”

She pauses, sitting there holding my hand and watching me intently.

I angle my body to face hers, abandoning her hand in favor of her face, which I hold like it’s the most precious thing in the world.

“I’d never mess with that. Never in a million years. I think you know that, otherwise you wouldn’t be sitting here with me now. I realize I’m screwed up. That I send mixed messages and do everything with you backwards. But I want to change that. I do. I tried to tell you last night. I just want to spend some time with you. That’s all. Nothing more.”

Ivy nods her head and I release her face, taking her hand again, but whether she understands me or not is something else entirely.

“So, friends?”

“Yup. Friends.”

We fall silent again, sitting out here in the freezing cold, watching our breath vaporize into the morning air.

“I’m sorry I left you that morning. It was a chicken-shit thing to do and even though I think we both know why I did it, it doesn’t excuse my actions.”

She shrugs a shoulder. “It is what it is and it’s fine. Thank you for the apology and it is accepted.”

“Awesome. Can we go inside now? I’m freezing my balls off.”

“Wouldn’t want that, would we?”

She moves to stand up, but before she can get very far, I jerk her back down.

I lower my lips to hers because they’re right there and I’ve wanted to kiss her since I heard that melodic voice in the dark two days ago.

Fuck friends. I’ve dreamt of this girl for a decade.

I kiss her lightly at first, rediscovering her flavor. The cinnamon and vanilla sweetness is still as intoxicating as it was the first time I pressed my lips to hers. Our soft languid kiss quickly morphs into something fueled by years of pent-up frustration.

That and I’m desperate and terrified that she’s going to push me away any second, so I’m kissing her like it counts. Like I’m fighting the damn clock, because in a way, I am.

But she doesn’t push me away, so I take her lower lip into my mouth, sucking it just a little to get a deeper taste. My memory of her mouth has not done it justice. It’s infinitely better. Warm and soft, and so goddamn sweet.

Parting her lips, my tongue sweeps against hers, a groan escaping from the back of my throat. Her mouth conforms to mine, allowing me to lead us. We’re at the precipice here. One small shove and we’ll be tumbling into an inescapable abyss.

Amazing what one kiss can lead to.

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Author J. Saman lives in New England with her husband and three daughters. When she’s not writing romance and looking after her busy family, she works as a nurse practitioner. J. is a lover of picking at old wounds and second chance romances. She likes strong female leads and sexy alpha men with a sweet side.

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Blog Tour ~ Jared’s Family ~ by ~ V.S. Morgan

Title: Jared’s Family

Series: Sequel to The Gift and Sam’s Temptation (can be read as a standalone)

Author: V.S. Morgan

Genre: m/m, Interracial, Contemporary, Western

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Cover Designer: Tibbs Design

Available Now

“I would definitely read more from this author and recommend it to anyone who likes M/M with kids. Super sweet, lovable D will win your heart as much as the lead men will.” – HappilyEverChapter

“Jared’s Family is a really cute sweet book. I loved the characters, even the supporting characters brought light to the book.” – Goodreads Review

“I liked this book, like really liked it. It is a sweet sweet m/m romance novel with a wonderful HEA.
Thank you V.S. Morgan!! 5 Stars because: ” Love conquers all.” – Goodreads Review

After witnessing his mother’s death, a once outgoing preschooler is now a quiet shadow of himself. The little boy suffers nightmares and rarely speaks, choosing to use the basic sign language he learned in daycare. Desperate to help his little nephew, Virge Stevens takes a leave of absence from the LAPD to bring Donovan, known as D to Montana for the therapy he needs.

A chance meeting at the library changes Virge and his nephew’s lives forever.

Jared Malone is one of five brothers, right smack damn in the middle. He is the peacemaker and the one who gets shit done. When his younger brother gets sick, Jared fills in reading to small children at the library. There he encounters a tall, dark, and handsome stranger and his cute little boy. Jared is immediately drawn to Virge but is still dealing with the betrayal of an abusive ex.

As the Malone family welcomes them to the ranch and into their lives, Virge’s instant attraction for Jared grows, but the cowboy is fifteen years younger than him. Will he be rejected?

Both men have secrets. Secrets that could destroy the connection between them. Can they overcome the odds and find happiness together?

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Another blond cowboy stood in the middle, working with a horse. He had a long rope around its neck, guiding it around the ring at a quick clip. The shirtless cowboy spoke in a firm yet quiet tone. Virge nearly choked on his tongue, eyeing the golden skin and muscles on display. This was their cowboy.

The man whistled, and the horse stopped. He rubbed its shoulder, his back to them, as they reached the ring’s split-rail fence.

“Daddy!” D shrieked, and the horse whinnied and shied, bumping into the man as it swung around.

“Whoa, easy, Spike,” the cowboy soothed.

Virge struggled to prevent his nephew from launching out of his arms while the cowboy calmed the large, skittish animal. He’d never been near a horse and was struck by its size and power, which the other man skillfully controlled. As the cowboy turned, Virge saw a tattoo on his chest. A redwing blackbird with a rainbow-hued ribbon dangling from its beak. His heart beat a little faster seeing the colorful ink. Could he be gay? The cowboy handed the rope to a dark-haired man before pulling on a T-shirt that stretched tight over those muscles. He suppressed a disappointed sigh.

Nate chuckled. “You’ve got some explaining to do, bro.”

“Hi, I’m Jared. I remember you from the library.” He approached with a rolling gait Virge found extremely sexy and offered his hand after wiping it against his denim-clad thigh. Damn, he was built all over and tall, just an inch or two shorter than his own height.

Virge shook his hand, hyperaware of the firm grasp of warm, work-hardened skin. “I’m Virge, and this is Donovan. He goes by D.”

“Glad you could make it out—”

“Why did he call Jared daddy?” Nate interrupted.

“He calls all men daddy and women mommy. If he especially likes someone, he adds their first names. D doesn’t talk much, so he must like Jared.” What about this cowboy had inspired his nephew to talk?

V.S. Morgan has lived all over the US but calls Minnesota her home now. Her family includes her hubby, teen son, and a menagerie of pets.

She’s been writing stories since she could hold a pencil and dreams of happily-ever-afters – even for two hot men – because love knows no boundaries. V.S. writes IRMC contemporary, paranormal, and suspense m/m and m/f with heart.

V.S. is a GLBT ally and a lifetime contributor of The Trevor Project.

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Blog Tour ~ Dare To Dream ~ by ~ C.A Harms

DARE TO DREAM by CA Harms

SERIES: A Carolina Beach Novel
GENRE: Contemporary Romance

AVAILABLE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
RELEASE DATE: February 14th 2017

After the sudden death of his wife two years ago, Darren Griffin has finally found peace. He has a good life, good job, two daughters he’d do anything for, and a beautiful home on the beach.

Greer Monroe is grieving the loss of her father. It’s the final rung on the broken ladder that’s become her life—crappy job, no friends, and a cheating ex-boyfriend. At the insistence of her aunt, Greer decides to spend some time at her family’s beach house.

When the glee-filled sound of children’s laughter dances through the breeze, Greer finds herself smiling again. The neighbor girls are carefree, depicting a life Greer has only dreamed about. Husband, children, happiness—a family. And their father, Darren, he’s everything a woman could ever want.

But it is, of course, only a dream.

She can’t stay at Carolina Beach, no matter how much she adores Darren and his daughters. She has responsibilities at home, a mother who needs her. Where there’s love, there’s heartbreak, and she can’t go through that again. And she sure as hell won’t do that to those little girls.

But Darren isn’t letting her go that easily. It’s been so long since he’s felt this way for anyone. Greer is his missing piece, a piece he never thought he’d find.

Saying goodbye is hard, but sometimes starting over is even harder.

Only when they dare to dream again, will they ever dare to love.

Darren’s POV

“Are they both asleep?” Greer asked as I stepped out onto the deck and handed her a glass of wine.

“Yes,” I said. “They both slowly gave in after they talked about you for at least ten minutes.”

She smiled as she lifted the glass to her mouth. I couldn’t help but watch closely as it came in contact with her plump, full lips, distracting me from my thoughts. The way she tipped the glass and the way her throat bobbed when she swallowed was so sexy.

“I had a great time; they’re both amazing,” she assured me as she lowered her glass and brought it to rest on the deck railing.

I was lost for a moment watching her profile as she looked out toward the water in the distance. She appeared so at peace, so settled. It was a feeling I wasn’t familiar with. Instead I found myself wanting to do whatever it took to keep her.

I stepped closer and my movements caused her to look up. Without any further delay, fearing if I didn’t do it now, I wouldn’t make the move, I lifted my hand and skimmed my palm over her cheek as I slid it farther into her hair.

“I don’t think I told you that you’re amazing,” I whispered as I moved my body even closer to hers, feeling her chest pressed firmly to mine.

“You did, but I sort of like hearing it,” she confessed as her eyes shifted from mine to my mouth, then back again to meet my gaze.

There was a silent pause just before I moved in, finally closing that last amount of distance between us. Her lips pressed to mine, and I hooked my arm around her waist and held her as close as I possibly could. A gentle brush of my tongue caused her lips to part, and I moved in, taking full advantage. That was the kind of guy I was, demanding, greedy. I just hadn’t been him for so long. But Greer ignited a need inside me that had been hidden someplace down deep.

It felt extraordinary to be a man with needs and wants and to act on them again. It was freeing and natural, and I knew in that moment that had I allowed my desires to go as far as my mind was screaming for them to go, I would have had her backed up against the house and panting my name in seconds.

But I had to move slowly, not only for her but for me. Because Greer, I could already tell, could be very addicting.

I pulled back from the kiss and rested my forehead against hers, and for a moment we both just remained connected, breathing as evenly as possible. My pulse raced and my body hummed from just one kiss. My lips tingled, begging for more.

She slid her hand beneath the back of my shirt, and the connection ignited my need again as I took her mouth once more. This time, I devoured her lips. The desire to stop was now long gone, replaced by deep hunger.

“Darren,” she panted against my mouth as she dug her fingers into my back.

“I know,” I said, though I wasn’t sure why. Maybe I was telling her I felt it too, or maybe I was agreeing that this was just too much.

I was torn between stopping this before it went further and taking what I needed.

“Daddy.”

My daughter’s voice broke us apart, and I backed away from Greer as if an ice-cold glass of water had been dumped over me.

Greer fumbled to right herself and knocked her wineglass onto the floor in the process. The look on her face gave me all the confirmation I needed that the moment we’d shared was now over.

A little about me. Let’s see where to start.

I love HEA stories, as long as they come packing a little heat. I need some excitement, some angst, and moments that make me fan my face are always good too. I am an Illinois girl, born and raised. Simple and true, it honestly doesn’t take much to make me happy. I love the little things; they truly mean the most. I may have a slight addiction to my new Keurig—oh my, that thing is a godsend. And so fast too. I have two children who truly are my very best friends, and their faces never fail to put a smile on my face. I have been married to my husband for sixteen years, and even though at times I want to beat him with a stick, I would never change the years we have had. We have learned and fallen, only to pick each other up, dust off the ache, and help each other make it right.

I am one of those authors that adore my fans. I love to hear from you. After all, it is because of each one of you that I continue to write. I look forward to your feedback.

Be sure to follow me to stay up-to-date on all my upcoming releases.

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Blog Tour ~ Your Tempting Love ~ by ~ Layla Hagen

Today we’re celebrating the release of YOUR TEMPTING LOVE by Layla Hagen! Check it out and grab your copy today!!

About YOUR TEMPTING LOVE

Christopher Bennett is a persuasive man. With his magnetic charm and undeniable wit, he plays a key role in the international success of his family’s company.

Christopher adores his family, even if they can be too meddling sometimes… like when they recommend him to employ Victoria Hensley’s decorating services for his new apartment in an attempt to set him up with her. Christopher isn’t looking to settle down, but meeting Victoria turns his world upside down. Her laughter is contagious, and her beautiful lips and curves are too tempting.

Victoria Hensley is determined not to fall under Christopher’s spell, even though the man is hotter than sin, and his flirty banter makes her toes curl. But Christopher is her client, and she knows better than to get involved with clients. Besides, Victoria isn’t looking for love. After her parents’ death, Victoria is raising her much younger siblings, and she can’t afford any mistakes.

But Victoria and Christopher’s chemistry is not just the sparks-flying kind, but the downright explosive kind. Before she knows it, Christopher is training her brother Lucas for soccer tryouts and reading bedtime stories to her sister Chloe.

Victoria wants to resist him, but Christopher is determined, stubborn, and oh-so-persuasive.

When their attraction and connection both spiral out of control, will they be able to risk it all for a love that is far too tempting?

YOUR TEMPTING LOVE releases February 17^th!

Excerpt

“Victoria? No offense, but that all sounds like pig latin to me. If there’s anything you know will make this place look like a home, go ahead. I’m giving you carte blanche.” Evidently, I was so immersed in my proposal, I didn’t take notice of him advancing toward me, or me backing into the wall opposite the kitchen. One of his hands is propped against the wall near my ear, and with the other one, he twirls a strand of my hair in his fingers.

“Really? I don’t want you to think I’m trying to upsell you things. I want you to love your new home.” The words tumble out of my mouth at an alarming speed, but Christopher’s proximity is setting me on edge. Drawing in a deep breath, I attempt to calm myself, but my heart rate ratchets up. Feeling his fingers move from my hair to my temple and then descend to my jaw isn’t helping.

“I was hoping it was just an excuse to spend more time with me,” he says gently. The space between us seems to become increasingly smaller, even though neither of us moves. “You smell like eggnog.” Something in his voice has changed. I can’t pinpoint what; maybe his timbre is lower, but it sounds more intimate than it did seconds ago. It sends desire coursing through me, and I become aware of the fact that my breasts are squished against his chest. His hot breath lands on my cheek, like a forbidden whisper.

“I am going to kiss you, Victoria.” His words unleash a hunger inside me, so deep and so powerful that I have no hope of resisting it. I nod slightly, and then his mouth covers mine. I part my lips invitingly, and when he coaxes my tongue with his, I’m on fire.

Oh, this man knows how to kiss. He is demanding and in control, and I love every second of it. Before long, we’re a tangle of limbs because I need to feel so much more, and I’m not alone in my desperation. One of his hands finds the hem of my sweater, and I shudder. Pressing his knee between my legs, he opens my thighs. Driven by a will of their own, my hips roll forward, and I find myself pressing my center against his thigh. A rough groan reverberates from his chest, and his hand slides up, stopping where the fabric of my bra meets my skin. All movement stops for a few interminable seconds, and I realize he’s seeking permission.

I nod almost imperceptibly, and our control snaps. Christopher cups my breast over the fabric of the bra, and my nipples turn hard within seconds. His mouth descends to my neck.

“I am going to make you come, Victoria,” he whispers against my skin.