

His golden eyes shot up, narrowing into two golden crescents. I grinned at him, daring him to punish me. He responded by whipping his tie from around his neck and walking around behind me where I couldn’t see him. I felt his hands bring my wrists together, and with his golden tie, he bound them together behind my back so I couldn’t get free. I struggled, trying to see how much give I had to work with. None.


Andromeda is the most frustrating creature Granby has ever encountered. When their insults turn to flirtation and the heated discussions between them lead to passionate kisses, will Andromeda succumb to their mutual attraction? Fans of steamy historical and enemies to lovers romances will devour The Design of Dukes by Kathleen Ayers, the next book in her Beautiful Barringtons Series.
Praise for Kathleen Ayers
“I loved this story. Kathleen rarely disappoints…” – Nazim, Goodreads Reviewer “Great read… she writes books that keep you reading through the night.” – Barbara, Goodreads Reviewer “Chemise. Stockings. Piano. What a fantastic line from this book. What a passionate scene when it does happen. All the angst and tension leading up to that moment was worth waiting for.” – Theresa, Goodreads Reviewer, The Theory of Earls
Excerpt
Copyright 2021 @Kathleen Ayers
“Very well. I already know what you will ask for.” “You do?” That surprised him. He was so close to her that if Andromeda took a deep breath, the tips of her breasts would brush his chest. A pained look came over her lovely features. “And I completely understand, Your Grace.” “You do?” he murmured. “You wish me and Theo to leave the house party. It is unfortunate you and I have formed such a dislike for each other.” “Is that what you are calling it?” “I’ll make an excuse that I’m ill or I’m concerned for my mother so that we may return to London with all haste.” She turned away from him and bent at the waist, giving him another lovely view of her backside, glaringly apparent through the folds of petticoats she was encased in. Her hands flew over the papers spread out across the grass to gather them up. Andromeda assumed, incorrectly, he wanted her to leave The Barrow. The very thought gave him a hollow sensation in the middle of his stomach. “No. I would never suggest such a thing.” His voice sounded chilly even to his own ears. “You don’t need to, Your Grace. I take your meaning.” Andromeda hadn’t the slightest idea how badly David wanted her. He looked over her shoulder as her hands began to stack the papers neatly together. Not drawings of the stream and woods as he’d thought. What most young ladies with a mediocre talent for sketching would draw. But gowns. Dresses. One with a motif of butterflies across the skirt. There was even a sketch of a riding habit. I have an acquaintance who owns a dress shop. Andromeda, already fascinating, became more so. “I don’t wish you to leave the house party,” he said to the trim line of her back. “My presence clearly annoys you, Your Grace.” Indeed, it did, in so many ways David had stopped counting. “A correct assessment.” “Then Theo and I will leave in the morning.” “No,” his said roughly. “You will not.” Andromeda’s hands stilled on her drawings, stiffening with anger at his commanding tone. David stared at the line of buttons running down her spine. Could he bite them off with his teeth? The dress would fall away from her shoulders, exposing all her glorious skin. She turned back to face him, angrily tying a piece of leather around the portfolio to keep it closed. “What else could you possibly want, Your Grace? An apology for the insult about your coat? How petty, it was well over a year ago.” His head fell forward, nose gliding up the slope of her neck, inhaling the soft lavender scent lingering on her skin. A soft gasp of surprise left her, but she didn’t move away. The portfolio fell from her hands. “I want this,” he whispered. David nuzzled the bit of skin just beneath her ear before catching her lips with his.About Kathleen Ayers
Kathleen Ayers has been a hopeful romantic since the tender age of fourteen when she first purchased a copy of Sweet Savage Love at a garage sale while her mother was looking at antique animal planters. Since then she’s read hundreds of historical romances and fallen in love dozens of times. In particular, she adores handsome, slightly damaged men with a wicked sense of humor. On paper, of course. Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college-aged son and two very spoiled dogs. Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Reader Group | Goodreads | BookBub | Website | Newsletter | AmazonThis promotional event is brought to you by Indie Pen PR

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From Past To Present by KL Myers is LIVE!
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Start the Vicci Crime Family Series with book 1, From Son To Soldier for FREE for a limited time. (April 5-7 only!) – https://amzn.to/3i9zRwd
The Vicci Crime Family Series is made up of Interconnected Standalones. While each book follows a different couple, books need to be read in order. Book 1, which is Jefferson & Giovanna’s story, kicks off the general storyline that continues in Gabriel’s book.

My hands have been covered in blood since I was old enough to drive. I’ve been a soldier for the Vicci Crime Family alongside my best friend, Angelo Rizzuto. Nothing has ever distracted me from my duties as a soldier and underboss.
Until now.
Angelo’s first order of business as head of the family is to end the lives of the firstborn children to capos in the Mancini Crime Family. A task I accept without hesitation. After all, taking a life isn’t anything new to me. One, two—quick, easy kills. But number three stops me dead in my tracks and has me questioning if I can go through with it.
For the first time ever, it looks as if I will fail the family…
This kill should be just as easy as the others, but nothing is ever simple when it comes to Victoria Devecchio, the one girl I’ve given my heart to as a kid. Even though I moved on and married another woman, who blessed me with a daughter, nothing in the world could’ve prepared me for this.
One thing is certain…
When your past crashes headfirst into your present, nothing is off the table.
One-Click: Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3lrulqI Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3eLEahJ Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/3rR42wt Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2OWJJ1Q
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/FPTPgoodreads
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MEET THE AUTHOR:
K.L. Myers was born in West Berlin, Germany, the daughter of a military father. She then spent her childhood moving from continent to continent, finally landing permanently in Colorado when her father retired.Eventually, she moved to “hell,” aka Arizona, where she resides with her husband & their fur babies. She has two daughters & four grandchildren, and she believes in living every day to the fullest.
K.L. has a passion for reading and writing hot romance when she is not juggling family & a full-time job. Her novels show a pension for a bad boy with a heart of gold and strong, independent women who don’t need rescuing, and just a taste of naughty redemption! Her characters will pull you in & leave you satiated, yet panting for more, More, MORE!
Her motto will always be – “If my books can give readers a brief reprieve from their everyday life for even just a moment, I have achieved my dreams and lived a full life.”
FACEBOOK | READER GROUP | TWITTER | BOOK BUB AMAZON | GOODREADS | WEBSITE
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From Past To Present by KL Myers is LIVE!
One-Click Today! Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3lrulqI Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3eLEahJ Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/3rR42wt Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2OWJJ1Q
Be sure to add it to your #TBR on Goodreads! http://bit.ly/FPTPgoodreads
Save it to your wish list on BookBub: http://bit.ly/FPTPBookBub
Start the Vicci Crime Family Series with book 1, From Son To Soldier for FREE for a limited time. (April 5-7 only!) – https://amzn.to/3i9zRwd
The Vicci Crime Family Series is made up of Interconnected Standalones. While each book follows a different couple, books need to be read in order. Book 1, which is Jefferson & Giovanna’s story, kicks off the general storyline that continues in Gabriel’s book.

My hands have been covered in blood since I was old enough to drive. I’ve been a soldier for the Vicci Crime Family alongside my best friend, Angelo Rizzuto. Nothing has ever distracted me from my duties as a soldier and underboss.
Until now.
Angelo’s first order of business as head of the family is to end the lives of the firstborn children to capos in the Mancini Crime Family. A task I accept without hesitation. After all, taking a life isn’t anything new to me. One, two—quick, easy kills. But number three stops me dead in my tracks and has me questioning if I can go through with it.
For the first time ever, it looks as if I will fail the family…
This kill should be just as easy as the others, but nothing is ever simple when it comes to Victoria Devecchio, the one girl I’ve given my heart to as a kid. Even though I moved on and married another woman, who blessed me with a daughter, nothing in the world could’ve prepared me for this.
One thing is certain…
When your past crashes headfirst into your present, nothing is off the table.
One-Click: Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3lrulqI Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3eLEahJ Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/3rR42wt Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2OWJJ1Q
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/FPTPgoodreads
BookBub: http://bit.ly/FPTPBookBub


MEET THE AUTHOR:
K.L. Myers was born in West Berlin, Germany, the daughter of a military father. She then spent her childhood moving from continent to continent, finally landing permanently in Colorado when her father retired.Eventually, she moved to “hell,” aka Arizona, where she resides with her husband & their fur babies. She has two daughters & four grandchildren, and she believes in living every day to the fullest.
K.L. has a passion for reading and writing hot romance when she is not juggling family & a full-time job. Her novels show a pension for a bad boy with a heart of gold and strong, independent women who don’t need rescuing, and just a taste of naughty redemption! Her characters will pull you in & leave you satiated, yet panting for more, More, MORE!
Her motto will always be – “If my books can give readers a brief reprieve from their everyday life for even just a moment, I have achieved my dreams and lived a full life.”
FACEBOOK | READER GROUP | TWITTER | BOOK BUB AMAZON | GOODREADS | WEBSITE
HOSTED BY:


From Past To Present by KL Myers is LIVE!
One-Click Today! Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3lrulqI Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3eLEahJ Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/3rR42wt Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2OWJJ1Q
Be sure to add it to your #TBR on Goodreads! http://bit.ly/FPTPgoodreads
Save it to your wish list on BookBub: http://bit.ly/FPTPBookBub
Start the Vicci Crime Family Series with book 1, From Son To Soldier for FREE for a limited time. (April 5-7 only!) – https://amzn.to/3i9zRwd
The Vicci Crime Family Series is made up of Interconnected Standalones. While each book follows a different couple, books need to be read in order. Book 1, which is Jefferson & Giovanna’s story, kicks off the general storyline that continues in Gabriel’s book.

My hands have been covered in blood since I was old enough to drive. I’ve been a soldier for the Vicci Crime Family alongside my best friend, Angelo Rizzuto. Nothing has ever distracted me from my duties as a soldier and underboss.
Until now.
Angelo’s first order of business as head of the family is to end the lives of the firstborn children to capos in the Mancini Crime Family. A task I accept without hesitation. After all, taking a life isn’t anything new to me. One, two—quick, easy kills. But number three stops me dead in my tracks and has me questioning if I can go through with it.
For the first time ever, it looks as if I will fail the family…
This kill should be just as easy as the others, but nothing is ever simple when it comes to Victoria Devecchio, the one girl I’ve given my heart to as a kid. Even though I moved on and married another woman, who blessed me with a daughter, nothing in the world could’ve prepared me for this.
One thing is certain…
When your past crashes headfirst into your present, nothing is off the table.
One-Click: Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3lrulqI Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3eLEahJ Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/3rR42wt Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2OWJJ1Q
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/FPTPgoodreads
BookBub: http://bit.ly/FPTPBookBub


MEET THE AUTHOR:
K.L. Myers was born in West Berlin, Germany, the daughter of a military father. She then spent her childhood moving from continent to continent, finally landing permanently in Colorado when her father retired.Eventually, she moved to “hell,” aka Arizona, where she resides with her husband & their fur babies. She has two daughters & four grandchildren, and she believes in living every day to the fullest.
K.L. has a passion for reading and writing hot romance when she is not juggling family & a full-time job. Her novels show a pension for a bad boy with a heart of gold and strong, independent women who don’t need rescuing, and just a taste of naughty redemption! Her characters will pull you in & leave you satiated, yet panting for more, More, MORE!
Her motto will always be – “If my books can give readers a brief reprieve from their everyday life for even just a moment, I have achieved my dreams and lived a full life.”
FACEBOOK | READER GROUP | TWITTER | BOOK BUB AMAZON | GOODREADS | WEBSITE
HOSTED BY:


From Past To Present by KL Myers is LIVE!
One-Click Today! Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3lrulqI Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3eLEahJ Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/3rR42wt Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2OWJJ1Q
Be sure to add it to your #TBR on Goodreads! http://bit.ly/FPTPgoodreads
Save it to your wish list on BookBub: http://bit.ly/FPTPBookBub
Start the Vicci Crime Family Series with book 1, From Son To Soldier for FREE for a limited time. (April 5-7 only!) – https://amzn.to/3i9zRwd
The Vicci Crime Family Series is made up of Interconnected Standalones. While each book follows a different couple, books need to be read in order. Book 1, which is Jefferson & Giovanna’s story, kicks off the general storyline that continues in Gabriel’s book.

My hands have been covered in blood since I was old enough to drive. I’ve been a soldier for the Vicci Crime Family alongside my best friend, Angelo Rizzuto. Nothing has ever distracted me from my duties as a soldier and underboss.
Until now.
Angelo’s first order of business as head of the family is to end the lives of the firstborn children to capos in the Mancini Crime Family. A task I accept without hesitation. After all, taking a life isn’t anything new to me. One, two—quick, easy kills. But number three stops me dead in my tracks and has me questioning if I can go through with it.
For the first time ever, it looks as if I will fail the family…
This kill should be just as easy as the others, but nothing is ever simple when it comes to Victoria Devecchio, the one girl I’ve given my heart to as a kid. Even though I moved on and married another woman, who blessed me with a daughter, nothing in the world could’ve prepared me for this.
One thing is certain…
When your past crashes headfirst into your present, nothing is off the table.
One-Click: Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3lrulqI Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3eLEahJ Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/3rR42wt Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2OWJJ1Q
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/FPTPgoodreads
BookBub: http://bit.ly/FPTPBookBub


MEET THE AUTHOR:
K.L. Myers was born in West Berlin, Germany, the daughter of a military father. She then spent her childhood moving from continent to continent, finally landing permanently in Colorado when her father retired.Eventually, she moved to “hell,” aka Arizona, where she resides with her husband & their fur babies. She has two daughters & four grandchildren, and she believes in living every day to the fullest.
K.L. has a passion for reading and writing hot romance when she is not juggling family & a full-time job. Her novels show a pension for a bad boy with a heart of gold and strong, independent women who don’t need rescuing, and just a taste of naughty redemption! Her characters will pull you in & leave you satiated, yet panting for more, More, MORE!
Her motto will always be – “If my books can give readers a brief reprieve from their everyday life for even just a moment, I have achieved my dreams and lived a full life.”
FACEBOOK | READER GROUP | TWITTER | BOOK BUB AMAZON | GOODREADS | WEBSITE
HOSTED BY:


From Past To Present by KL Myers is LIVE!
One-Click Today! Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3lrulqI Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3eLEahJ Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/3rR42wt Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2OWJJ1Q
Be sure to add it to your #TBR on Goodreads! http://bit.ly/FPTPgoodreads
Save it to your wish list on BookBub: http://bit.ly/FPTPBookBub
Start the Vicci Crime Family Series with book 1, From Son To Soldier for FREE for a limited time. (April 5-7 only!) – https://amzn.to/3i9zRwd
The Vicci Crime Family Series is made up of Interconnected Standalones. While each book follows a different couple, books need to be read in order. Book 1, which is Jefferson & Giovanna’s story, kicks off the general storyline that continues in Gabriel’s book.

My hands have been covered in blood since I was old enough to drive. I’ve been a soldier for the Vicci Crime Family alongside my best friend, Angelo Rizzuto. Nothing has ever distracted me from my duties as a soldier and underboss.
Until now.
Angelo’s first order of business as head of the family is to end the lives of the firstborn children to capos in the Mancini Crime Family. A task I accept without hesitation. After all, taking a life isn’t anything new to me. One, two—quick, easy kills. But number three stops me dead in my tracks and has me questioning if I can go through with it.
For the first time ever, it looks as if I will fail the family…
This kill should be just as easy as the others, but nothing is ever simple when it comes to Victoria Devecchio, the one girl I’ve given my heart to as a kid. Even though I moved on and married another woman, who blessed me with a daughter, nothing in the world could’ve prepared me for this.
One thing is certain…
When your past crashes headfirst into your present, nothing is off the table.
One-Click: Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3lrulqI Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3eLEahJ Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/3rR42wt Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2OWJJ1Q
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/FPTPgoodreads
BookBub: http://bit.ly/FPTPBookBub


MEET THE AUTHOR:
K.L. Myers was born in West Berlin, Germany, the daughter of a military father. She then spent her childhood moving from continent to continent, finally landing permanently in Colorado when her father retired.Eventually, she moved to “hell,” aka Arizona, where she resides with her husband & their fur babies. She has two daughters & four grandchildren, and she believes in living every day to the fullest.
K.L. has a passion for reading and writing hot romance when she is not juggling family & a full-time job. Her novels show a pension for a bad boy with a heart of gold and strong, independent women who don’t need rescuing, and just a taste of naughty redemption! Her characters will pull you in & leave you satiated, yet panting for more, More, MORE!
Her motto will always be – “If my books can give readers a brief reprieve from their everyday life for even just a moment, I have achieved my dreams and lived a full life.”
FACEBOOK | READER GROUP | TWITTER | BOOK BUB AMAZON | GOODREADS | WEBSITE
HOSTED BY:


From Past To Present by KL Myers is LIVE!
One-Click Today! Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3lrulqI Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3eLEahJ Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/3rR42wt Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2OWJJ1Q
Be sure to add it to your #TBR on Goodreads! http://bit.ly/FPTPgoodreads
Save it to your wish list on BookBub: http://bit.ly/FPTPBookBub
Start the Vicci Crime Family Series with book 1, From Son To Soldier for FREE for a limited time. (April 5-7 only!) – https://amzn.to/3i9zRwd
The Vicci Crime Family Series is made up of Interconnected Standalones. While each book follows a different couple, books need to be read in order. Book 1, which is Jefferson & Giovanna’s story, kicks off the general storyline that continues in Gabriel’s book.

My hands have been covered in blood since I was old enough to drive. I’ve been a soldier for the Vicci Crime Family alongside my best friend, Angelo Rizzuto. Nothing has ever distracted me from my duties as a soldier and underboss.
Until now.
Angelo’s first order of business as head of the family is to end the lives of the firstborn children to capos in the Mancini Crime Family. A task I accept without hesitation. After all, taking a life isn’t anything new to me. One, two—quick, easy kills. But number three stops me dead in my tracks and has me questioning if I can go through with it.
For the first time ever, it looks as if I will fail the family…
This kill should be just as easy as the others, but nothing is ever simple when it comes to Victoria Devecchio, the one girl I’ve given my heart to as a kid. Even though I moved on and married another woman, who blessed me with a daughter, nothing in the world could’ve prepared me for this.
One thing is certain…
When your past crashes headfirst into your present, nothing is off the table.
One-Click: Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3lrulqI Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3eLEahJ Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/3rR42wt Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2OWJJ1Q
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/FPTPgoodreads
BookBub: http://bit.ly/FPTPBookBub


MEET THE AUTHOR:
K.L. Myers was born in West Berlin, Germany, the daughter of a military father. She then spent her childhood moving from continent to continent, finally landing permanently in Colorado when her father retired.Eventually, she moved to “hell,” aka Arizona, where she resides with her husband & their fur babies. She has two daughters & four grandchildren, and she believes in living every day to the fullest.
K.L. has a passion for reading and writing hot romance when she is not juggling family & a full-time job. Her novels show a pension for a bad boy with a heart of gold and strong, independent women who don’t need rescuing, and just a taste of naughty redemption! Her characters will pull you in & leave you satiated, yet panting for more, More, MORE!
Her motto will always be – “If my books can give readers a brief reprieve from their everyday life for even just a moment, I have achieved my dreams and lived a full life.”
FACEBOOK | READER GROUP | TWITTER | BOOK BUB AMAZON | GOODREADS | WEBSITE
HOSTED BY:


From Past To Present by KL Myers is LIVE!
One-Click Today! Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3lrulqI Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3eLEahJ Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/3rR42wt Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2OWJJ1Q
Be sure to add it to your #TBR on Goodreads! http://bit.ly/FPTPgoodreads
Save it to your wish list on BookBub: http://bit.ly/FPTPBookBub
Start the Vicci Crime Family Series with book 1, From Son To Soldier for FREE for a limited time. (April 5-7 only!) – https://amzn.to/3i9zRwd
The Vicci Crime Family Series is made up of Interconnected Standalones. While each book follows a different couple, books need to be read in order. Book 1, which is Jefferson & Giovanna’s story, kicks off the general storyline that continues in Gabriel’s book.

My hands have been covered in blood since I was old enough to drive. I’ve been a soldier for the Vicci Crime Family alongside my best friend, Angelo Rizzuto. Nothing has ever distracted me from my duties as a soldier and underboss.
Until now.
Angelo’s first order of business as head of the family is to end the lives of the firstborn children to capos in the Mancini Crime Family. A task I accept without hesitation. After all, taking a life isn’t anything new to me. One, two—quick, easy kills. But number three stops me dead in my tracks and has me questioning if I can go through with it.
For the first time ever, it looks as if I will fail the family…
This kill should be just as easy as the others, but nothing is ever simple when it comes to Victoria Devecchio, the one girl I’ve given my heart to as a kid. Even though I moved on and married another woman, who blessed me with a daughter, nothing in the world could’ve prepared me for this.
One thing is certain…
When your past crashes headfirst into your present, nothing is off the table.
One-Click: Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3lrulqI Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3eLEahJ Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/3rR42wt Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2OWJJ1Q
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/FPTPgoodreads
BookBub: http://bit.ly/FPTPBookBub


MEET THE AUTHOR:
K.L. Myers was born in West Berlin, Germany, the daughter of a military father. She then spent her childhood moving from continent to continent, finally landing permanently in Colorado when her father retired.Eventually, she moved to “hell,” aka Arizona, where she resides with her husband & their fur babies. She has two daughters & four grandchildren, and she believes in living every day to the fullest.
K.L. has a passion for reading and writing hot romance when she is not juggling family & a full-time job. Her novels show a pension for a bad boy with a heart of gold and strong, independent women who don’t need rescuing, and just a taste of naughty redemption! Her characters will pull you in & leave you satiated, yet panting for more, More, MORE!
Her motto will always be – “If my books can give readers a brief reprieve from their everyday life for even just a moment, I have achieved my dreams and lived a full life.”
FACEBOOK | READER GROUP | TWITTER | BOOK BUB AMAZON | GOODREADS | WEBSITE
HOSTED BY:






I glanced at the clock. It was five-thirty in the morning. I was too hungry to worry about niceties. I grabbed my keys and walked across the hall, knocking on his door. Rosie at my heels.
I tapped my foot, irritated with the wait. He finally opened it, hair in disarray, sprouting in all directions from his head, eyes bleary.
“Aidy. Are you okay?”
“I’m not in labor. I’m hungry.” I bypassed him and beelined to his kitchen, which was the same clean granite-and-white appliances as mine.
Once again, Rosie followed. I gasped in delight as I grabbed a loaf of bread. I pulled out a slice and shoved it in my mouth, chewing furiously.
“Want an omelet?” he asked.
I glanced back to see him kneeling on the floor, his large hand stroking my puppy’s shiny fur. My heart melted and my vagina tried to take notice. But I refused to acknowledge all his bare skin and sleek muscle next to puppy preciousness. I was on a mission.
“You know, some protein to go with those carbs?” he asked.
“Make it quick,” I said. “Or I might eat your arm instead.”
He chuckled even as he stood. “Give me a sec.”
Oh, my. My cheeks flamed as I took in the broad expanse of his nude back. Ryder’s broad shoulders tapered to narrow hips, and all the way down, my gaze caught on interesting ridges and swells that slid into the valley of his spine. He worked out. Often. No other way he’d have that body. I stood by my original assessment that he looked like the Men’s Health model. Only even more defined and sexier.
My gaze dropped further.
“Um, I didn’t interrupt anything, did I?” I asked, my eyes still on his fabulous ass encased in the thin cotton barrier of his boxer briefs. Oh, hell, they were Calvin Kleins. I would forever have a deep-seated love for the brand thanks to their perfect framing of Ryder Mackay’s ass.
“Yes.”
Oh my…he’d brought her here.
My stomach tried to turn itself inside out, but then it grumbled. Fuck it. If he were getting action, I definitely deserved this loaf of bread and a good ogling for my fantasies.
He started to turn toward me, and I barely managed to drag my eyes up before he caught me ogling.
“I’m sorry,” I said. I shoved part of the slice of bread in my mouth and snagged a banana and an apple from his counter, which I piled atop the loaf of bread. I headed toward the door, saying, “Apologies for interrupting…ah…yeah, well. Bye.”
He cocked his head to the side, clearly unable to understand me through my slice of bread and my mumbled shame. Rosie whined. I glared at her.
No, traitor, we could not stay for more petting.
“I was sleeping.”
USA TODAY Bestseller
Alexa Padgett’s books have garnered accolades from Kirkus Reviews, National Indie Excellence Awards, The Romance Reviews, and Readers’ Favorites. Her last few novels have been added to several Goodreads Best lists.
Alexa spent a good part of her youth traveling. From Budapest to Belize, Calgary to Coober Pedy, she soaked in the myriad smells, sounds, and feels of these gorgeous places, wishing she could live in them all–at least for a while. And she does in her books.
She lives in New Mexico with her husband, children, and Great Pyrenees pup, Ash. When not writing, schlepping, or volunteering, she can be found in her tiny kitchen, channeling her inner Barefoot Contessa.



‘Palm trees, a sexy bodyguard, flying bullets, and an adorable dog! This book has it all covered. Perfect way to forget about real life. Ava and Jackson are an opposites attract bodyguard romance couple I won’t soon forget. Five stars for this fun and steamy romantic suspense set in the ritzy town of Palm Beach, Florida.’ — Goodreads Review
‘This was another fabulous romantic suspense novel! … I look forward to reading the next book in this exciting and endearing series.’ –Floraljoy on BookSprout


“Zombies or bullseyes?” Jackson asked while poking the flags into the barrels of the two weapons on the table.
“I don’t understand?”
He held up two paper targets. One was a typical bullseye with rings and crosshairs. The other was a picture of a killer zombie with targets over its head and chest.
Laughing, Ava pointed at the zombie, of course. If she was doing this, she might as well get ready for the apocalypse. The high pitch of her laughter made her realize how tense she was. The strange environment had her so far outside her comfort zone she couldn’t even see it anymore. She wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans and let out a big exhale.
“Most important,” Jackson said. “One, never put your finger on the trigger unless you’re ready to shoot. And two, never point the gun anywhere but downrange. Got it?”
Whatever else he told her today might get jumbled in her head, but she would never forget those two rules.
He looked the smaller gun over and offered it to her. He held it down and away from them, handling it as if it were loaded. “It’s empty. This is a .22-caliber revolver. Smaller gun, easy to handle, good place to start.”
Again, she dried her palms on her jeans before she wrapped her right hand around the grip on the revolver, mimicking Jackson’s careful handling. When he let go, she almost dropped the gun. It was heavy, really heavy. She was careful to keep it pointed downrange as she got accustomed to the feel of it in her hand. Her heart was beating faster, and she had to bite her lips to contain a nervous giggle.
Jackson had strung up one of the ridiculous zombie paper targets and sent it downrange about ten yards.
Next thing she knew, he’d stepped up behind her. His chest grazed her back. “Lift your arms. Two hands on the gun.” He cupped her hands in his, tightening her grip on the gun. His warm breath tickled the hairs on the back of her neck. An image from last night’s fantasy popped unbidden into her mind: his hands spreading her thighs.
One of his hands skimmed down her arm to turn her hips square to the target. “Feet just less than shoulders width apart.”
Her nipples hardened against the smooth satin of her bra. She took a calming breath, and her lungs filled with Jackson’s unique smell. The scent of a day spent on the ocean. Tangy salt air, sunscreen, and cool breezes. The scent matched his golden tan and sun-streaked hair.
His hand stayed on her hip, searing through the lightweight sweater she wore.
“Good,” he said. His freshly shaven cheek brushed against her temple. She had the overwhelming urge to lean back and rub against the gorgeous chest she’d admired all morning in the gym.
She’d lost her mind. This wasn’t the time to think sexy thoughts about her hunky bodyguard.
“Now curve your index finger around the trigger. You’re going to try a dry fire to get a feel for the trigger.” His other hand fell to her hip.
She refocused on the gun, trying to keep it steady. And she pulled the surprisingly stiff trigger back. A click sounded, and she removed her finger from the trigger. “Like that?”
“Yep, try it a few more times.”
She focused on the trigger and tried to ignore the feeling of Jackson leaning closer. She shifted her hips, frustrated there was no way to rub her thighs together while standing in proper firing position. Her ass grazed his crotch, and he inhaled sharply.
Behind her, he cleared his throat and stepped back. “Ah, put it on the table, and I’ll show you how to load it next.” His voice was deep and extra husky. She wasn’t the only one feeling something. She set the gun down and reminded herself again this was a working relationship—not a first date.
Loading was pretty simple. She got comfortable with that quickly, and Jackson reminded her of the rules and etiquette for the range while he had her load and unload the gun a few times. Now that it was time to shoot, he told her to remove the little flag from the end of the barrel.
“Ready for the real thing?” He waved her to the front of their station and pulled on his earmuffs.
The silly zombie waved in the breeze, ten yards in front of her. No problem. Eyes stay open, look at the target, squeeze trigger. She pulled down her earmuffs, adjusted her eye protection, and got in firing position.
Bang!
“Holy shit!” She’d done it.
That was a lot more everything. Louder, more kick, and way more exhilarating than she’d have ever guessed. Her fast breathing and racing pulse echoed in her head thanks to the earmuffs.
Jackson’s hand curved around her shoulder, and he lifted one side of her earmuffs. “Nice shooting.”
She scanned the target; her bullet had nipped the zombie’s left hand. Hmm, she wasn’t going to survive the apocalypse if that was the best she could do. Five shots later she finally managed to tag the ghoul mid-chest. Unfortunately, she’d been aiming for his brain.
“Okay, reload, and let’s try again.”
Jackson ran through pointers on aiming and breathing. He was as excited to teach her as she was to learn. That zombie was going down!
She took up her stance and waited for the range officer to announce the range was hot again. The first shot went wide, but number two, bullseye! Dead center in her zombie’s gooey green brain. Empowered? Hell yeah, she felt empowered. Her dad was a genius.
Jackson’s whoop of triumph was loud enough for her to hear through the earmuffs. Smiling, she squeezed off the rest of her rounds. Her hands shook a little when she set the gun down. She’d done it. Ava 1 – Zombies 0.
Jackson pulled in the target and unclipped it from the cardboard backer. “Souvenir?”
She eagerly took the tattered paper target and carefully folded it before sliding it into her back pocket.
A few more rounds and a few more dead zombies and her trembling arms were ready to let Jackson take a turn firing his larger 9mm semi-automatic. She stood back, admiring the scene. And what a scene it was. He handled the weapon with confidence. Sexy man doing sexy things. And the visual of his hands wrapped around the cold black steel… She shook her head to clear out the inappropriate thoughts.
Afterward, Jackson put away their equipment while she swept up their spent shell casings.
“You did good,” he said.
“Yeah, I did. When are we coming back?”
Laughing, Jackson directed her to head for the Bronco. “Come on, Lady Rambo, let’s go find some lunch.”


Michelle introduced herself to romance novels by stealing them off her mother’s bookshelf. She got caught red-handed when she destroyed a new book by dropping in the bathtub before her mom could read it. From stolen paperbacks to an overloaded iPad, Michelle’s passion for reading grew into her debut contemporary romance novel: Savannah Run.




E.H. Lyon hates folding laundry and decided one day to avoid it by writing witty and a little steamy stories. Her stories take you on a light and bantering ride until the very end, when your couple finds their happily ever after. Along the way, there may be the occasional emotional twist thrown in and the essential appearance of a bottle of whiskey. E.H. has a thing for witty women, determined well-dressed men who fall in love, and the steamy scenes that bring them together.
An American from the Midwest, she now lives in Northern Europe with her small pack of humans. She believes the essence of balance is sitting on a yoga mat listening to music whilst eating a donut. And she absolutely loves finding a new book boyfriend to swoon-over, hearing from other authors, and connecting with people who read her books.

From the bestselling author of The Social Affair and HER comes a mind-bending thriller that’s soaked with raw sensuality, as an investigator’s search takes a wicked turn when he meets a beautiful and provocative woman.



Hello. I’m Britney.
I live in Austin, Texas with my husband, children, a dog named Gatsby, one ridiculous cat, and a partridge in a pear tree.
When I’m not wrangling the things mentioned above, I write psychological, domestic, and romantic thrillers set in suburbia.
Currently, I’m writing three series and several standalone novels.
The Bedrock Series features an unlikely heroine who should have known better. Turns out, she didn’t. Thus she finds herself tangled in a messy, dangerous, forbidden love story and face-to-face with a madman hell-bent on revenge. The series has been compared to Fatal Attraction, Single White Female, and Basic Instinct.
The Water Series follows the shady love story of an unconventional married couple—he’s an assassin—she kills for fun. It has been compared to a crazier book version of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Also, Dexter.
Around The Bend is a heart-pounding standalone, which traces the journey of a well-to-do suburban housewife, and her life as it unravels, thanks to the secrets she keeps. If she were the only one with things she wanted to keep hidden, then maybe it wouldn’t have turned out so bad. But she wasn’t.
The With You Series at its core is a deep love story about unlikely friends who travel the world; trying to find themselves, together and apart. Packed with drama and adventure along with a heavy dose of suspense, it has been compared to The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Love, Rosie.
The Social Affair is an intense standalone about a timeless couple who find themselves with a secret admirer they hadn’t bargained for. For fans of the anti-heroine and stories told in unorthodox ways, the novel explores what can happen when privacy is traded for convenience.
It is reminiscent of films such as One Hour Photo and Play Misty For Me. Classics. Without a doubt, connecting with readers is the best part of this gig. If you’d like to connect, shoot me an email. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram, and occasionally on Twitter.



I’m happiest when wandering through the uncharted territory of my imagination. You’ll find me curled up with my laptop, browsing the books at the local library, or enjoying the smell of a new book, taking great delight in cracking the spine and writing in the margins!
Eva is a native Scot but lives in Texas with her husband, two kids, and a whizzy little fur baby with the most ridiculous ears. She first fell in love with British literature while majoring in Linguistics, 17th Century Poetry, and Shakespeare at University. She is an avid reader and lifelong notebook hoarder. In 2014, she finally put her extensive collection to good use and started writing her first novel. Now writing in three sub-genres of romance, Eva is currently working on some exciting new projects for 2021.