Release Day Blitz & Review ~ When She’s Mine ~ by ~ Dani Wyatt

 

 

 

 

 

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Allister Marshall is no stranger to saving the down on their luck staff at the club he runs. But the day he walks into a locked basement dungeon and his eyes rest on the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, this white knight is nearly brought to his knees. He’s a man’s man, but he’s kept his v-card waiting for ‘the one’, and now that he’s found her nothing will ever come between them.

Leah Morgan grew up cloaked in riches. Only she and her sister were kept locked away until a turn of events thrusts Leah out into the world where she’s a lamb primed for lions to pounce. When Allister saves her from the clutches of those sworn to care for her, she finds herself swept away by this monster of a man who is obsessed with making sure the rest of her life is filled with happiness and a few million orgasms.

Can this brute of a virgin man manage to overcome sweet Leah’s distrust of nearly everyone? When Leah once again disappears, Allister comes to grips with just how far he will go to bring home what is his. Only, will the forces at work to tear Leah from her first glimpse of true happiness be more than Allister can overcome?

Authors Note: The Forever Collection is all virgins, love-at-first-sight, indulgent fantasy. Each book a standalone. It’s fall hard, fall fast and get right to the sticky bits. If you want to lose yourself for a while with a happily ever after, no cheating and all wrapped up with an obsessed, alpha hero who will stop at nothing to make babies with his woman, then step inside, it’s steamy.

 

 

“I’m dying here,” I groan.  She’s killing me and she knows it.

“You are not dying.”  Her voice is playfully irritated, like she’s explaining to a five-year-old why he can’t open his presents before Christmas.  “I came twice for you this morning.  My fingers did that new thing you told me last night.  It makes me cum in like three seconds.  Thinking of you doing it to me is the best.”

Holy mother of God.  If I don’t get my cock inside my girl soon I do think I might actually die.  I’ve never ached like this before.  Never.  I got up this morning covered in cum from my dreams about her.  The damn hotel in Indianapolis must think I’ve got a fucking badge from the Spunk Delivery Overachievers Club.  The damn sheets practically crack in half from the amount of my sleep jizz that covers them.  The first time I cum inside her, it may just drip out the corners of her mouth, she’s going to be so full.

“No, I’m dying.  Actually dying.  Trust me.  I’m a fucking virgin who’s found his one and only and I can’t touch her?  Only listen to her touch herself?  That’s the most exquisite kind of torture. Listening to you do all the filthy, amazing things I want to do to you is the sweetest form of execution.  Just be ready when I get home, that’s all I’m saying, because I’m going to be a man on the edge.”

She giggles.  “I’m ready.”

“Okay, let’s change the subject before I jizz in my pants.  The disaster contractors are supposed to be here in a minute, so I might not have much time.  What are you doing today?”

 

TBRreview
You don’t have to read Where She Belongs first but you should because you will understand what you’re reading into plus it’s a quick, hot read also!

Allister saves Leah on what could be the worst day of her life. Allister wants to be Leah’s knight in shining armor, if she’d let him. As soon as Allister saw Leah, he knew she was it for him. Beginning, middle and end. And he’s prepared to convince Leah of that also.

Another quick, virgin, hot, instalove that I’ve come to expect from Dani Wyatt!

5 Stars!

 

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Dani Wyatt loves her alpha men; make them military, cowboys, MMA — any uber alpha with a wicked possessive streak and an insatiable libido. Receive a free exclusive unpublished title when you join Dani’s private readers group for updates, free chapters and discounts.

 

She’s a 40 something regular lady who just happens to love badass alpha males who pull your hair and love their women with a lethal passion.

 

When she’s not writing (which is not often) she is probably laughing about some irony (like A-1 Steak Sauce is vegan), riding her horse, wondering why The Walking Dead can’t have a new episode every night, or looking cross-eyed at some piece of technology sent to ruin her day.
Author Links
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New Releases ~ Lovesick & Hot Mess

Title: Lovesick
Author: T.L. Smith
Genre: Contemporary Romance
I couldn’t do broken. 
Broken is what he was. 

Broken is what I will always be.
To his eyes, that held so much despair, I couldn’t look for long. 
To his fist, that clenched so tightly, like he was locking away the sorrow. 

To his lips, that never uttered a word, from the years of heartbreak. 

And despite it all, I couldn’t stay away from him. 

It was like he was drowning in an ocean, and I wanted to grab his face, and whisper to his lips, “Don’t forget to breathe.”
This was how I fell for a man. A man who was so lovesick, I was afraid he would drown me in that same ocean he was lost in.

“Lovesick isn’t your typical romance. Nor is it for the light of heart. Prepare yourself for all the feels, and learn to live again through these broken, yet incredibly strong characters.” ~Molly McLain, USA Today Bestselling Author

“Slow burn. Those two words explain my emotions while reading this raw love story. T.L. Smith left me lovesick. A refreshing read full of dark feelings that will leave your world spinning. Perfection amongst shattered hearts.” ~HJ Bellus, USA Today Best Selling Author


T.L Smith Lover of chocolate, books, but mostly words. 

T.L Smith loves to travel, loves to shop for books, sometimes shoes 😉

Don’t be shy about contacting T.L Smith, she doesn’t bite, hard!
Title: Hot Mess
Series: Love is Messy Duet: Book One
Author: Emily Goodwin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
My life is a hot mess.

Single, working, and raising two daughters, it’s a miracle I get us up, dressed, and fed every morning. Forget about dating—nobody’s got time for that. Even if love hadn’t left me jaded, I’m not settling for anything less than perfect this time around. 

Lucky for me, the perfect man just happens to work in my office. But there’s just one small problem: he’s my boss, and is totally off limits. But hey, if it’s meant to be, it’ll find a way, right?
Then a night out with friends turns into a night in with the walking-talking bad boy cliche of a bartender. It’s just one night. No harm, no foul, right?
Except when the hot bartender turns out to be my boss’s trouble-making brother, who wants more than just one night with me. The more I resist the spark between us, the more I find myself wanting him too. Which puts me in the middle of what could be the biggest sibling rivalry of the century.
Life is messy. 
And love? 

Well, love is even messier.

“5 Hot Sexy Stars!!! I read this fantastic book straight through, I could not put it down.” ~Goodreads Review by Rhonda

“This book sucked me right in and left me with such a hangover that it took me days to get over it.” ~Read. Review. Repeat.

Emily Goodwin is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of over a dozen of romantic titles. Emily writes the kind of books she likes to read, and is a sucker for a swoon-worthy bad boy and happily ever afters. 


She lives in the midwest with her husband and two daughters. When she’s not writing, you can find her riding her horses, hiking, reading, or drinking wine with friends.

Emily is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency.

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Release Tour ~ How To Date A Douchebag: The Failing Hours ~ by ~ Sara Ney

Title: How To Date A Douchebag: The Failing Hours
Author: Sara Ney
Genre: New Adult, Sports Romance, College Romance
Release Date: January 31, 2017


Zeke Daniels isn’t just a douchebag; he’s an asshole. 

A total and complete jerk, Zeke keeps people at a distance. He has no interest in relationships—most assholes don’t. 

Dating? Being part of a couple? Nope. Not for him.
He’s never given any thought to what he wants in a girlfriend, because he’s never had any intention of having one. 

Shit, he barely has a relationship with his family, and they’re related; his own friends don’t even like him. 
So why does he keep thinking about Violet DeLuca? 
Sweet, quiet Violet—his opposite in every sense of the word.

The light to his dark, even her damn name sounds like rays of sunshine and happiness and shit.

And that pisses him off, too.

Best Read of 2017! A one click must for any lover of hot, sexy romance done RIGHT ! [This] story is the quintessential slow burn effect…Zeke will come to own your body and soul–I am OBSESSED with this series and The Failing Hours has just shot to my ‘Best of All Time’ list. Be prepared to fall in love with a douche bag and the woman who sets him straight. ” – Books and Boys Book Blog
“That was EVERYTHING I expected, wanted, dreamed of. . . this is a MUST FREAKING READ. UNFORGETTABLE goodness. NA romance at it’s best.”  – Angie’s Dreamy Reads
“Sara Ney has delivered a sexy, jerkwad douchebag with soul-deep feelings and the sweet, kind, unassuming girl to reach his hidden heart in one of the best NA romantic comedies I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Ney’s impeccable writing, fresh characters, and feel-good story will stick with you forever.” – Bestselling Author Staci Hart
“I took so much pleasure in Zeke’s looming destruction (insert evil laugh)….” – The Reading Belles

The clock on the wall counts the seconds, steady as the rhythm of my beating heart, which thumps wildly within my chest until the glass door to the library opens, propelled by a gust of wind.


Some new fallen leaves flutter in, the heavy doors slamming from the draft.


Along with them? Zeke Daniels.


He shuffles in, dark gray sweatpants hanging low on his hips, black Iowa Wrestling hoodie pulled up over his head, the university’s bright yellow mascot screen-printed across the chest. Backpack slung over one shoulder, black athletic flip-flops, and a pair of black sunglasses perched on the bridge of his strong nose complete the overall ensemble.

He is utterly…ridiculous. 


Unapproachable. 


Daunting.


His arrogance knows no bounds; I can see it in his loose gait, the exaggerated swagger, and the too-casual way he’s dragging his flip-flops across the cold, marble tile floor. It’s noisy, irritating, and completely uncalled for. 


In the moment, my mind drifts to his personal life, and I theorize that he listens to heavy metal music to sooth his foul temperament, drinks his coffee black—as black as his soul—and his liquor straight up. I imagine once he’s had sex with someone, they’re never invited back. I go one step further and theorize that they’re never invited to spend the night at his place, either.


Zeke Daniels makes his way to a table at the far end of the room, near the periodicals, one out of the way with plenty of privacy.


Sets his bag down in one of the four wooden chairs. Flicks on the small study lamp. Plugs his laptop cord into the base and stands. 


Turns.


Our eyes would have met then were it not for those ludicrous sunglasses. I choose the exact moment he lifts his gaze to look down at the ground. Busy myself with shuffling papers on the counter. Count to ten instead of chanting, Please don’t come over, please don’t come over, please don’t come over…


But luck isn’t on my side because he most decidedly does. 


Makes his way over like a predator at a pace so deliberate, I’m convinced he’s doing it on purpose. As if he suspects I’m watching from under my long lashes, dreading his imminent arrival.


He basks in my discomfort.


The distance between us closes, his strides purposeful.


Twenty feet.


Fifteen.


Ten.


Eight.


Three.


His large hand reaches up, pushing down the hood of his sweatshirt, his fingertips pinching the earpiece of his sunglasses and pulling them off his face. My eyes follow the movements as he folds them closed, hanging them on the neckline of his hoodie. 


His gaze lingers—those clear gray eyes famous around campus—and finds the shiny silver bellhop bell perched on the counter with the sign next to it that reads, Ring for help.


Ding. 


The tip of his forefinger presses down on the small bell.


Ding.


He hits it again, despite me standing not three feet in front of him.


What an ass.
Purveyor of all things witty & romantic, I love: iced latte’s, traveling, and bright, bold colors. On any given day, you can find me in my office, lovingly gazing at my bookshelf or shuffling my Bic felt-tip pen collection. I love hand writing letters, and sarcasm. 


I live in the midwest, but “Will Write for Travel,” and believe everyone should follow their dreams, no matter how big or small. My favorite authors include Cindy Miles, S Walden, Suzanne Enoch, Tessa Dare (to name a few). I am a glutton for Historical, RomCom, Sports and MC romance.


One husband. Two daughters. Plenty of chaos.

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Release Blitz ~ Defy ~ by ~ L.J. Shen

Title: Defy
Series: Sinners of Saints #0.5
Author: L.J Shen
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 3, 2017

 

My name is Melody Greene, and I have a confession to make.

 

I slept with my student, a senior in high school.

 

Multiple times.

 

I had multiple orgasms.
In multiple positions.
I slept with my student and I enjoyed it.
I slept with my student and I’d do it all over again if I could turn back time.
My name is Melody Greene, and I got kicked out of my position as a teacher and did my walk of shame a la Cersei Lannister from the principal’s office, minutes after said principal threatened to call the cops on me.
My name is Melody Greene, and I did something bad because it made me feel good.
Here is why it was totally worth it. 

Defy is a smutty, insta-love, insta-lust short novella. Defy is a prequel to Vicious (Sinners of Saint #1). It is recommended, but unnecessary, to read Defy before reading Vicious.

L.J. Shen resides in sunny California with her husband, son, chubby cat and wild, wild dreams.

Her passion is to write badass stories, sushi, UFC and her awesome family and friends (not in this order, though. Obviously, sushi comes before writing. Oh, and also the family part.)


She spend the first half of her twenties traveling the world and is now paying all the fun with extra shifts in front of her MacBook. Feel free to contact her on her Facebook page. She loves to hear from her readers.



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Release Blitz ~ A Touch of Lust ~ by ~ Michelle Horst

Title: A Touch of Lust
Author: Michelle Horst
Genre: Adult Romance
Release Date: February 2, 2017 

 

MILA

 


The way of the commune is the only way I know. Born into sin, I have to repent daily. 

If we follow the laws of the Brothers, our sins will be forgiven, and they will take us with them to The Promised Land. All I have been taught is that I’m bad, shameful and a whore. 

But, in the deepest part of my heart I can’t help but wonder about life. Is the way of The Order really the only way? 
I listen to the teachings. I watch my sisters as they dutifully do what they’re told.
With every passing day I can feel my faith slipping away. How can I believe in something that feels so wrong? I feel like an outsider. 

I feel like I don’t belong anywhere until I meet Liam. The first man to show me what love is turns out to be just like the rest of them. 

I’m done putting my faith in men. I’ll save myself.

LIAM

Cults – I have this intense hunger for revenge against them. 
Because of them, my sister took her own life. 

Instead of getting my revenge, I get Mila. She changes things. But when I begin to unravel the secrets of her past that revenge comes back. I can’t forgive her for belonging to a cult. I blame her.

There’s only one problem, somehow that love I felt for her is coming back and my hate is turning to lust. 

In the end I’m the one who needs saving.

“Can I just go into hiding and read the rest of this authors books? I really haven’t read enough and reading this book just confirms that.” – Philomena 5 Star Review

“A TOUCH OF LUST: kicks starts us off in ‘Prologue’ and sets us up for a nail biting sit on the edge of your seat kind of read…..” – Kitty Kats Crazy About Books 5 Star Review

 

“Had the pleasure of beta-reading this wild baby. Highly recommended.” – Author L.J. Shen 5 Star Review

 

 

International bestselling author of Predator, The Monster Series and many others. She loves writing anything from Young Adult to Suspense Romance.

 


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Release Blitz ~ Rough & Ruthless ~ by ~ Hayley Faiman

Title: Rough & Ruthless
Series: Notorious Devils MC #4
Author: Hayley Faiman
Genre: MC Romance
Release Date: February 3, 2017
Cover Designed by: Cassy at Pink Ink Designs
Mary-Ann Lukin has never had it easy. Having survived the torments of abuse for far too long, it’s a miracle that life somehow managed to leave her with a little bit of hope—hope of a future filled with happiness. 
Max “MadDog” Duhart has lived more than one lifetime, earning the respect he’s due as the president of the Original Charter of Notorious Devils. Nevertheless, with life still yet to live, he wants more than the regret that’s tarnished his past. 
Their connection is instant, though they know they shouldn’t act on it—not with more than thirty years between them. Not with their families tied together by the club’s brotherhood. 
Yet, there’s something about the sweet, broken woman that whispers of a fresh start for an old man. And while he may be rough and ruthless, she cannot deny the way she feels when she looks into his haunted blue eyes.
One phone call. One cry for help. One motorcycle ride, and life as they know it is never the same.


    

32 years young… born and raised in California, did a stint in Oregon only to return to the Golden State. Lived that life a while until the Lone Star State called to us, Hill Country, Texas is where we call home, where our boots rest and loving that country life. Living the life with one bearded power pole climbing husband, two little boys that are full of energy and drive us crazy plus a chocolate lab named Optimus Prime.


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Release Blitz ~ The Royal Pain ~ by ~ Erin Hayes

The Royal Pain: A Billionaire Price Romance
Author: Erin Hayes
Genre: Billionaire Romance
Release Date: January 31, 2017

As the crown prince of Dubreva, Phillip lived a life without regrets. Until now.

Disgraced and humiliated by his very public break-up with his ex- fiancée, Phillip just wants to move on with his life as quietly as a billionaire prince can.

He can’t avoid his duties to his people–but he never expected to be thrown into the path of a beautiful CEO who’s even more famous than he is. And richer. Not to mention, the media empire she built from the ground up is watching his every move.

Lucky for him, she’s not at all interested in helping him find redemption. Then again, Phillip may be falling for her. If only she would stop being such a royal pain.

 

“…..raw and hit you on a different emotional level.” – 5 Star Reader Review

 

 

 

 

“Well rounded characters and an intriguing plot has me secretly hoping they’ll be more in this world.” – 5 Star Reader Review

“That’s why you’re here,” he confirms.
I nod. “Even though I thought you were the scum of the universe.”
“And now?” he asks.
I blink, considering my words before I speak. “And now?” I echo, wondering exactly what I think. As a journalist, my own words fail me, and I find that I can’t vocalize it, what I think of him now. The silence stretches between us, and I see his pained expression at it.
No, that’s not what I want. Not at all.
In desperation, I lean forward and press my mouth to his.
We’re both unprepared at the passion that flares up between our lips, and I nearly gasp at the heat that warms me up from the inside out. His tongue sweeps my mouth, and I moan against him, not caring what others think when they see me kiss him. His fingers run through my hair as his other hand encircles my waist, holding me to him.
Our breaths entwine, and for one marvelous moment, I wish we were alone so I could see where this takes us. But I know that as soon as it ends, we will both return to reality and embarrassment.
And too soon, he takes a breath, breaking the kiss. I want to cry in disappointment that it was so short-lived. He presses his forehead to mine. Is he breathing harder?
“Should we take this back up to your room?” he asks, his voice rough.
A shiver runs through me as our eyes meet. “Yes.”

Sci-fi junkie, video game nerd, and wannabe manga artist Erin Hayes writes a lot of things. Sometimes she writes books.

 

She works as an advertising copywriter by day, and she’s an award-winning New York Times Bestselling Author by night. She has lived in New Zealand, Hawaii, Texas, Alabama, and now San Francisco with her husband, cat, and a growing collection of geek paraphernalia.

 

 


 

You can reach her at erinhayesbooks@gmail.com and she’ll be happy to chat. Especially if you want to debate Star Wars.

 

 

 

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Release Blitz ~ Always You ~ by ~ Belle Brooks

Title: Always You
Author: Belle Brooks
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 2, 2017


“I will breathe for you.” Some people’s bodies are built to run marathons. Others to lift and labour. And some are made so graceful their footsteps are barely heard.

My body was built to be a vessel. It was Always You.

Maybelline Connors knows stars are not always as faultless as they appear. She knows life is not permanently concreted into its foundations and love can last a lifetime…even when a lifetime is shorter than one hoped.

Willard Connors knows that life will rob you. That dreams are just that—dreams. And no matter how hard one prays, a star riddled with faults will always be riddled with faults.

What Will is yet to learn, is that he is stronger and braver than he ever imagined he could be. And that gifts from the heart leave a lasting imprint—an imprint unable to be erased.

With life there is love… with love there will always life.


“The storyline is heartbreakingly beautiful, it is raw and real. I absolutely love reading Belle Brooks novels and look forward to more from her.” – United Indie Book Blog

“I am seriously blown away. I received this book as a “mystery book”. No idea of the cover, author, or title until I finished. I’m SO glad I took the risk and went in blind because this book cut me deep!” – Reader Review

“A read that will stay with me always.
I will never forget May and Will.
Their story will be forever ingrained in my heart.” – Bloggers From Down Under

 

YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO THE AUTHORS FACEBOOK PAGE TO ENTER

 

 

Born in Australia, Belle Brooks has always had a passion for books and creative writing. She loves exploring the different ways stories can be told through the use of text and in-depth characters. Since she was a child her strong talent and interest in creative writing was evident, explaining that her favourite class in school was English. Despite her love for all things books, she decided the world of advertising and marketing was where she could put her talents to use in the business realm, well that is until now. Belle enjoys creative writing and creating fictional stories that leave a valued message inside the pages.

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Release Blitz ~ Hot Mess ~ by ~ Emily Goodwin

Title: Hot Mess
Series: Love Is Messy Duet #1
Author: Emily Goodwin
Release Date: Feb 1, 2017
Add to TBR

My life is a hot mess.

Single, working, and raising two daughters, it’s a miracle I get us up, dressed, and fed every morning. Forget about dating—nobody’s got time for that. Even if love hadn’t left me jaded, I’m not settling for anything less than perfect this time around.

Lucky for me, the perfect man just happens to work in my office. But there’s just one small problem: he’s my boss, and is totally off limits. But hey, if it’s meant to be, it’ll find a way, right?

Then a night out with friends turns into a night in with the walking-talking bad boy cliche of a bartender. It’s just one night. No harm, no foul, right?

Except when the hot bartender turns out to be my boss’s trouble-making brother, who wants more than just one night with me. The more I resist the spark between us, the more I find myself wanting him too. Which puts me in the middle of what could be the biggest sibling rivalry of the century.

Life is messy.

And love?

Well, love is even messier.

 

Emily Goodwin is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of over a dozen of romantic titles. Emily writes the kind of books she likes to read, and is a sucker for a swoon-worthy bad boy and happily ever afters.

She lives in the midwest with her husband and two daughters. When she’s not writing, you can find her riding her horses, hiking, reading, or drinking wine with friends.

Emily is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency. 

  

Release Blitz ~ Lost in Scotland ~ by ~ Hilaria Alexander

Title: Lost in Scotland
Author: Hilaria Alexander
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 1, 2017
Just when you think you’re lost, you might end up falling in love. 

Sam Farouk is having a bad year. Things went down the drain ever since she found her boyfriend cheating on her at the Golden Globes. An unfortunate turn of events forces her to trade sunny Los Angeles with the rainy, chilly highlands of Scotland. She has the chance to work as one of the makeup artists on a new TV series based on a fantasy saga everyone is bananas about, but she can’t help feeling lost and a little bit homesick. Until she starts falling for Hugh MacLeod, the actor set to impersonate the titular role of Abarath, dragon slayer and part-time Casanova.
Hugh MacLeod is ready for his big break. After more than a decade taking every possible acting job just to stay afloat, he can finally show his range in a series to be proud of. Hugh’s commitment to his career comes before anything else, and that’s part of the reason why he hasn’t had a serious relationship in a while. But the more he’s around Sam, the more he knows he’s in deep, deep trouble. How is he supposed not to fall for the sexy, mysterious brunette who works all over him every single day? Every touch, every look is torture.
Getting lost in each other might be wrong, but it could end up being just what they need.

Sam

August

“It’s so beautiful, Mom.” I pointed the camera of my phone to the scenery in front of me. 
“I can see that. It’s just as stunning as you see on TV. So green.”
“It’s almost too much to take in all at once.”
Scotland was intimidating in a mysterious kind of way. California was what I had known all my life, and I’d barely even spent any time around the United States. Save a few times in London with my father and my siblings to visit my grandparents, I hadn’t been anywhere else in the world. Scotland was as foreign and new as it could get, but now, it was going to be my home for the next eight months. I switched the camera back to me.
“Have you met any of your coworkers?”
“Not yet, just one of Mira’s friends, Lainey. She picked me up at the airport and took me to my place. I have a roommate, but I haven’t met her yet. Some of the crew was out bonding last night. I missed it.”
“Oh, well. You’ll have time to get to know them. You’re lucky you got this gig at the last minute.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Samhain, everything will be fine. You’re a talented makeup artist. You know you got this job because of your extensive resume and not just because of a phone call.”
If you say so, I wanted to tell her, but I just nodded. I hoped my mother couldn’t tell how scared I was. I knew I was overreacting—I was twenty-nine-years-old, for crying out loud. I was acting like a kid leaving for college, but this actually was my first time away from home, away from my family, my friends…my sister, my brother. I was going to miss them so much.
“Maybe I’ll come visit you,” my mother said. “I heard the male lead on this production is quite the hunk,” she joked. I saw her wink through the screen, and just like that, she brought the smile back to my face and washed away my fears. I laughed and rolled my eyes. 
“Mom!”
“What? I might be old, but I’m not dead. I can appreciate a handsome man when I see one.” She shrugged. “Who knows, maybe you’ll meet someone cute.”
“I don’t think so. My goal is to lay low for a while. Love only leads to drama.” I knew that all too well.
“Oh, honey…I’m not talking about love
Oh, Jesus.
“Mom, come on.”
“No, Sam, let me say what I have to say. Sweetheart, you’re still young. Have your fun while you can. You know that’s why I never liked the fact that you and Eric got so hot and heavy when you were just twenty-two. You spent your best years with a man who didn’t deserve you.”
I nodded and pressed my lips into a tight smile. She was right, of course—as was everyone else with their I-told-you-so’s. I was the fool who had loved him blindly for too long, getting nothing in return. I had gotten my revenge on the cheating bastard, but it had kind of backfired in a way I hadn’t expected. Now, for the next eight months, I would have to call Scotland my home.
I heard footsteps coming from behind me, and I turned around.
The hill I had attempted to climb was deserted. I was alone. In that moment, it dawned on me that maybe this hadn’t been the smartest decision. I shouldn’t have ventured out by myself; I was in a foreign country, and I didn’t know anyone.
But the scenery had been so inviting. 
I barely detected my mother saying, “What is it, honey?” I was too focused on the noise. A moment later, a tall guy in a baseball cap and athletic gear reached the small, flat spot where I had been chatting with my mom. He was wearing a windbreaker and shorts.
Shorts! I was huddled in a knee-length puffer jacket, and just the sight of him in shorts made me shiver. He lifted his head and the sight of his ice-blue eyes made me shiver again. He looked at me for just a second, nodding his head in my direction.
“Hello,” he said in a deep, uber-manly voice, one of those that could make you swoon even saying the most boring and generic stuff. He had me at hello.
“Hi,” I replied, frozen.
His eyes shifted to the phone in my hand. My mother kept calling my name from her office in Los Angeles. The stranger stared at me for another second, and then he gave an imperceptible shake of his head. The corner of his lips curled into a smile.
Ugh. Fucking embarrassing. I had been caught FaceTiming with my mom. This would be a really good time to lose reception, but noooo. My mother kept calling out to me, but I was sort of frozen on the spot, staring at the handsome stranger.
Yes, handsome. I stared at him all of five seconds, but that was enough to see his face—and what a face it was. He had the most perfect features: straight nose, strong jaw, high cheekbones. His eyes were sharp blue and gorgeous, and with just one look, they were melting my insides.
“Samhain! Are you okay, honey? What’s wrong?”
“Mom, hang on a sec,” I said, completely distracted by the vision in front of me.
He quickly walked past me and kept climbing up the steep slope, making it look so effortless.
“What is it, honey?” my mother asked again.
“Nothing, Mom. Just some mountain climber,” I said in a lower tone, raising my eyebrows, hoping the stranger wouldn’t hear me. He kept moving just as steadily as he had a moment before. He had to be a pro—he moved way too quickly to be a regular person. I was a fan of hikes, but my expertise was limited to canyons in the valley. This California girl was no match for real mountains like the peaks of Scotland. I had been out of breath in minutes. It must have been the altitude or perhaps the fact that my body was not made for strenuous exercise, no matter how hard I tried. I might not have had a lot of time to look at the stranger, but since I got to stare at his back for a little bit, I knew the rest of his body was as good-looking as his face. He had broad shoulders and muscular, lean legs—no wonder he made it look so damn easy, effortless even. His thin shorts revealed the curve of his ass and that alone was…spectacular.
I sighed. It had been too long, what felt like forever since I’d lusted after a guy. I guess I wasn’t broken after all. Good to know. If I had more stamina and no shame, I would have followed him up the mountain. I would have committed to following that ass anywhere.
“Mom, I have to go. I need to get back to the townhouses. Maybe I can catch my roommate before my orientation.”
“All right, honey. Text me, okay?”
Hilaria Alexander was born and raised in the south of Italy, where her family still lives. She was bit by the travel bug early on and lived in Tokyo and Orlando for a while before settling down in Oklahoma City with her husband and kids. 

She loves books – obviously – as well as movies and TV, and is addicted to award shows. She can’t play an instrument to save her life, but she loves music, which is one of her biggest inspirations when plotting new stories. If you have questions about her or her books, ask her on Facebook and Twitter, or email her at hilaria_alexander@outlook.com.
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